The Grand Finale Tailgate Picnic (Day 13)
After thirteen days of rockets, rivers, canyons, gulf coast beaches, and everything in between, we packed one final meal to honor it all—family-style. We spread out our tailgate picnic near the Mobile Bay ferry, perched between the waves and the road, soaking in the last sweet stretch of the adventure.
The menu? A kid-friendly twist on a Mobile favorite: mini muffulettas, pressed and picnic-ready. Cheddar-apple wedges for that perfect mix of crisp and creamy. Mardi Gras trail mix—because what’s a farewell without a little flair? And for dessert, a bite-sized King Cake to celebrate all we’d seen and learned.
It wasn’t about fancy ingredients. It was about tradition, fun, and letting the kids say goodbye on the tailgate of the truck in their own way—singing songs from the road trip playlist and clinking juice boxes like tiny pirates as we stared at the sea.
This wasn’t just lunch. This was a farewell feast. Here is our last day post.
While you and your family are heading west, home or just reading from your living room, here is a fantastic reflective playlist to end your Alabama Adventure in rhythms. Ethan and Oliver Adventures – Bye Alabama Playlist
Faith Reflection
“They saw the works of the Lord, His wonderful deeds in the deep.” — Psalm 107:24
From mountaintops to the deepest bays, His handiwork is everywhere. As the journey winds down, may your hearts stay open to wonder—wherever the road leads next.
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Kid-Friendly Muffuletta Sandwiches + Apple & Cheddar Wedges
Inspired by Day 13 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip—this tailgate picnic was the final stop before heading west. After saying goodbye to the USS Alabama, the family gathered behind the truck for a road-ready meal with Mobile flavor and kid-approved twists.
Ingredients
- 4 ciabatta rolls or small focaccia squares
- 8 slices deli turkey
- 8 slices deli ham
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Mild olive spread or chopped pickles (optional)
- Mayonnaise or mustard, to taste
Apple & Cheddar Wedges
- 2 apples, sliced
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Slice rolls and layer turkey, ham, and provolone.
- Add a thin layer of mayo or mustard. For extra flavor, include mild olive spread or sub with chopped pickles + a drizzle of Italian dressing.
- Wrap sandwiches tightly in parchment. Press under a heavy book, cutting board, or skillet for 20–30 minutes.
- Slice in halves or quarters for picnic-style ease.
Apple & Cheddar Wedges
- Pair apple slices with cheddar wedges.
- Wrap together in parchment or store in snack boxes.
Notes
This portable meal is tied to Day 13 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip. After exploring Mobile’s rich history and stepping aboard the USS Alabama, the family climbed into the truck, pulled down the tailgate, and unwrapped one final memory in sandwich form. With the breeze off the bay and a cooler full of snacks, it was the perfect way to say goodbye to Alabama—and begin the journey westward.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 649Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 2253mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 5gSugar: 17gProtein: 38g
These recipes are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional dietary advice. Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Please adjust recipes for allergies or dietary needs as needed for your family.
