When it comes to history, natural beauty, a kickin’ sports scene, stunning beaches and fun and fresh points of interest, Alabama is one of the U.S. states that should move way up on your list of must-visit destinations. Nicknamed the Yellowhammer State after the state bird, Alabama is also known as the “Heart of Dixie” and quickly becoming a place that many are opting to explore.
1. Magnificent Natural Beauty
Bringing along a good camera is imperative for capturing the striking scenery and impressive natural beauty found in Alabama. From mountains to waterfalls, and white-sand beaches, this southern state has been graced with awe-inspiring natural beauty. The perfect spot for hiking and bike riding through picturesque mountains and canyons, Alabama is home to 21 state parks encompassing approximately 48,000 acres of land and water as well as 8 epic mountains within its borders.
Chewacla State Park, for example, is comprised of 696 scenic acres including a 26-acre lake and the scenic 30-foot Chewacla Falls. In total Alabama boasts 25 falls throughout the state as well as annual events that celebrate the natural wonders found here including Eagle Awareness at Lake Guntersville State Park and Spring Bird Migrations on Dauphin Island where an incredible 347 species have been reported. For laid back relaxation, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, with 32 miles of alluring sugar sand beaches and turquoise gulf waters.
2. Celebrated Black History
With the start of the modern civil rights movement with a single act of civil disobedience by Rosa Parks in Montgomery in 1955, Alabama exploded into public consciousness. Visitors can experience the legacy of those who changed history throughout the state from the Edmund Pettus Bridge which was crossed during the Selma-to-Montgomery March, pay homage at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site which salutes the bravery of the first African-American military aviators and pay respects at the 16th Street Baptist Church which was bombed during these tumultuous times.
Clearly, an opportunity to capture lots of photos and memorable videos, be sure your cell phone is in tip-top shape. Not to fear, however, if your precious device should break, there are iPhone repair services in Birmingham, conveniently located as you tour the many celebrated black history sites. uBreakiFix is located in South Birmingham at 3728 Lorna Road, Birmingham, AL, 35216 and can be reached by phone at (205) 402-9592.
3. Sports Scene
When it comes to sports, Alabama is a mecca for those who love college football, NASCAR, golf and fishing. Home to the Crimson Tide college football team, Talladega Superspeedway, and America’s oldest baseball field, Rickwood Field, a National Historic Site. NASCAR fans can indulge their passion at Talladega Speedway, the biggest and baddest track with a length of 2.66 miles, larger than the Daytona International Speedway.
More excitement is on-hand at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum as well as a chance to experience driving a real NASCAR race car on the superspeedway track with the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure. The Gulf Coast of Alabama has plenty of golf and fishing as well. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of 426 championship holes on 26 public golf courses located on 11 different sites throughout the state of Alabama. An abundance of rivers and lakes are available for a relaxing day of freshwater fishing.
4. Amazing Space History
Alabama boasts the largest space flight museum in the world at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, one of the most popular attractions in the state. In addition to a huge collection of rockets and other space vehicles, the museum is home to a number of interactive displays, IMAX movies, and simulators.
5. Quirky Points of Interest
The quirky and unusual is a big tourist draw in Alabama, with its share of these attractions. Odd statues for photo ops can be found that include Miss Electra, Temptations singer Eddie Kendricks, the demonic-looking “Storyteller” by artist Frank Fleming, as well as a number of dinosaur statues scattered throughout the woods at the Marina in Elberta. If you are intrigued by creepy crawler bugs, the Cook’s Museum of Natural Science in Decatur, better known as the pest control museum, is sure to thrill.