I've been thinking about this for a while now. I'm not sure anyone else will agree, but thought I'd pose the idea...

I thought it might be interesting to have a series of threads where we periodically post a new state (every couple of weeks? once a month?) and we can share some of our favorite sights and pictures as well as anything on your to do list. That way, if someone is going there, they'll have a list of ideas of what to do or where to start.

I see threads about places (Arizona or Colorado for instance) pop up all the time or previous threads get bumped. I just thought it might be interesting to have a single thread for the states for easier reference. And I thought it might be fun to share some of our experiences.

What do y'all think? Anyone?

I pose this in a thread about Alabama because...well, it's the first state alphabetically and it's not a big hitter.

If it's a bad idea, roast me and we'll just have a one off thread about Alabama.

So, what are y'all's must dos in the state of Alabama?

Ok, so I'll get us started.

I'm not super deep on Alabama. I've had a few trips out for Aggie Sports (SEC Soccer Tournaments in Orange Beach and Football at Auburn), I've done a marathon in Gulf Shores, and we've made a few stops around Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham on our drives to Georgia.

Favorite Spots:
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach - While obviously touristy, I've found these beach towns nicer than those across the state line in Florida. Gulf State Park is a beautiful buffer from the busyness of the towns. I was also surprised with a good food scene. And, obviously, the beaches… They may be the best in the continental United States.

We stayed at the Hilton Lodge in Gulf State Park and it was such a nice property and made access to the park very easy.

Luna's Eat and Drink is a favorite spot in that area as well.


A couple of pictures from the beach and fishing pier at the state park in front of the lodge.




Since we do pass through every once in a while to visit family, I do have a few things on my to do list.

To Do List:
The Civil Rights Memorials and Museums in Montgomery (and Selma) have long been at the top of my to do list for Alabama. Chief among those for me are the Legacy Museum and the Memorial for Peace and Justice. It's in our plans, but it will take a more dedicated trip than we've given to Montgomery.

Little River Canyon National Preserve in the Northeast corner of the state looks gorgeous. I'm not sure if we'll ever actually make it up there, but I've had it bookmarked on my map since I saw the picturesque falls in the area.

The Beach Club out at Ft Morgan is really nice for the kids. It is way out there, but really great. If you go, take the ferry over. It is about the same in time, but much nicer to let them drive while you park and walk around a bit. Call them first or check their facepage.

Love this idea! I lived in Huntsville for a while, and it really was an idyllic place.

When I interviewed for the job I had there, it was early spring and the dogwoods and redbuds were in full bloom. The wind/breeze literally made it look like it was snowing flower petals.

Huntsville itself has the Space and Rocket Center as well as a lovely botanical garden. Not a far drive away is Cathedral Caverns State Park, which is also really great.

Just south of Huntsville/Decatur is the Ave Maria Grotto. I was never able to visit, but it's a really unique labor of love created by a monk.

The campuses of both Alabama and Auburn are quintessential SEC - I prefer Auburn, just because of the small town feel.

Mardi Gras in the US actually started in Mobile, dating back to 1703.

Then there is the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - 11 different courses across the state.

And finally, if your dream is to drive a Porsche race car, there is the Porsche Track Experience in Birmingham. This is on my bucket list.

I think NE Alabama is beautiful.

Ft Payne for the Alabama (The Band) museum

Guntersville
Cathedral cavern

Great idea. Gulf shores is only time I've stayed there but driven through often. NE Alabama is a great drive especially in the fall heading to Tenn.

Gulf shores- great family beach trip. Not always as pretty as the Florida beaches but better than Texas. It's a great place to burn through money too. Lots of go cart, putt putt etc type places that are fun for kids. We ate at The Gulf, Lunas, and The hangout (has shows and foam party throughout the day). All tourist spots but great for family with activities, places to run around. Good info above about the state park. Although not Alabama it's a short drive to Pensacola to see the Blue Angels perform and go to the museum.

Robertsdale, Alabama has a hornet statue and the Emery Johnson sub-station.

What's the deal with the sub station? Google didn't yield any info.

I didn't want the thread to go out on whatever Pro Sandy's on about.

TXTransplant said:

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The campuses of both Alabama and Auburn are quintessential SEC - I prefer Auburn, just because of the small town feel.

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I've only done Auburn, but I can't imagine Tuscaloosa being as charming. Auburn was a nice little town and it was such a nice campus. And watching their eagle fly around was pretty special.






The Vulcan statue in Birmingham, however, was fairly underwhelming. (Interesting history though)

We live in a mandatory evacuation zone in SW Florida and have evacuated to Alabama a few times over the years. My kids absolutely love it there. Some of our favorite stops:

-USS Alabama in Mobile
-Chewacla State Park in Auburn
-Moss Rock Preserve in Homewood (Birmingham)

My wife likes the Valley Hotel in Homewood. You can walk to a downtown-ish area on 18th street and experience real southern charm. Super friendly people, classic southern accents, decent food, etc

We tend to pack up and stay for 1-2 weeks, or until FPL says our power is back. None of the above are destinations you would plan a vacation for, but if you're in in the area and have an open mind, Alabama is amazing. And the hills/mountains are beautiful.

Birmingham Civil Rights Museum is pretty good.
Several minor league ball parks and teams to see

RTJ Golf Trail has some great value affordable courses

We love Gulf Shores. Auburn is a pretty campus and the fans are nice. Haven't done much more in Alabama.

Vulcan is alright but the museum is pretty good. They've always got some special exhibit in the rotation...they had a history of the coke/pepsi thing,one about the Olympics and a few others I've forgotten about. Tower's been closed for a while. Haven't been there since the summer, though.

The Birmingham Zoo is pretty good. McWane Science Center is amazing if you've got kids in the 3-15 range.

Tuscaloosa is a generic college town with a mall.

The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville is jaw dropping and they're adding new exhibits as well.

Im currently living in south eastern AL.

Near the TN/AL border, north Alabama... that area is beautiful. Lots of mountains, trees, and if you go when the season is changing (Fall) the colors are beautiful.

Gulf Shores is apparently beautiful.

The rest of AL is very forgetful for the most part. This state sucks.

I don't have much to add for Alabama. About the only thing we did is fly into Birmingham, and hope we didn't get mugged as we headed out of town. Airport is in a pretty rough area.

But I like the idea. Do it a second time and it will become a tradition.

I suggest a higher frequency. Do once a week, and try to get it finished in not much more than a year.

I think it's a great way to collect info and save from having to come and ask for recommendations. Just reference the respective state thread

Add Muscle Shoals and Florence which has a Frank Lloyd Wright house there.