6 Ways Alabama Really Is The State Of Surprises

All states have a one-line moniker that succinctly describes what that state is about. All of those slogans are designed to attract vacationers in. Tag strains corresponding to “I Love New York” and “Virginia is for Lovers” are examples which have caught in our collective conscience. 

In 1988, Alabama determined that it was time to vary the mindset of Individuals and try and erase the stereotypes that had been positioned upon it. The advertising masterminds on the Alabama Tourism Department launched a brand new marketing campaign to attract in tourism {dollars}. Journey guides have been revealed. Welcome indicators on the state’s borders have been up to date. Radio and tv advertisements blitzed the airwaves throughout the nation all proudly proclaiming Alabama because the “State of Surprises.” 

The moniker was a shock not solely to vacationers, however residents as properly, who had no concept what they’d in their very own backyards, and there’s a lot: sensible white gulf seashores, rolling and rocky mountains, unimaginable sports activities and out of doors recreation, arts, and leisure, soulful Southern delicacies, quirky off-the-beaten-path sights. The checklist goes on and on. 

Listed below are six the reason why Alabama lives as much as its moniker and why it must be thought-about on your subsequent trip getaway. 

1. Nature Abounds 

Researchers on the College of Georgia have referred to as Alabama the “Fort Knox of biodiversity.” Its heat, moist local weather mixed with a myriad of rivers, streams, creeks, wetlands, and river delta make it one of the biodiverse areas within the nation with an unimaginable and bountiful array of wildflowers, timber, and a tremendous checklist of aquatic and land-based wildlife. 

Then there are the spectacular landscapes. The north area round Huntsville is a geologic wonderland. Locations like Dismals Canyon, Cane Creek Nature Preserve, and the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls” — the Bankhead Nationwide Forest and Sipsey Wilderness — characteristic deep and mysterious canyons painted with thick inexperienced moss inviting you to discover the traditional crevices and rock shelters that Native Individuals as soon as referred to as residence and the place towering waterfalls proceed to chop into the mushy stone. 

Within the northeast, mighty waterfalls together with DeSoto Falls and Little River Falls thunder into deep gorges.

Heading all the way down to the central area close to Birmingham, you’ll be able to expertise breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling Southern Appalachians from the numerous rocky bluffs of the Talladega National Forest, hike the combined hardwood forests on the state’s lengthy path — the 171-mile lengthy Pinhoti Trail, and take a dip to chill off from the recent Southern summer season solar in Chinnabee Creek. 

And alongside the Gulf Coast, pine forest seepage bogs create what’s described as essentially the most visually gorgeous assortment of pitcher crops on the earth at Splinter Hill Bog.

2. Out of doors Recreation 

With all of this pure magnificence, you’ll count on that there can be some nice out of doors leisure actions, and you’ll be proper. 

With over 132,000 miles of rivers, streams, lakes, and shoreline, Alabama is a paddler’s dream come true. Seize your kayak and take a look at your hand at some whitewater journey on Locust Fork or Flint Creek. 

Take to one of many state’s gradual shifting blackwater rivers for a lazy float with the most effective being the Perdido River Canoe Trail that borders Alabama and Florida. The path presents cool swimming and picnicking on sensible white sand bars and the prospect to spend the evening in one of many elevated path shelters. 

For actual journey, paddle one of many many darkish and mysterious bayous of the Cellular-Tensaw River Delta on the Bartram Canoe Trail. The delta is the second largest within the nation and resembles a rainforest therefore its nickname, “America’s Amazon.” It’s greatest to discover this watery wilderness with an area information like these at Wild Native. 

For cyclists, Alabama has some world-class single observe mountain bike paths, many positioned inside state parks together with Chewacla and Oak Mountain. One of the best is discovered at Coldwater Mountain the place 35 miles of path challenges learners to hardcore riders. 

And for you anglers, you’ve come to the fitting place. There are over 132,000 miles of rivers and streams in addition to shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, providing you with the chance to solid your line for largemouth bass on Lake Martin, king mackerel, or crimson snapper off the 1,540 foot lengthy Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, or hop aboard a charter boat to land sailfish.

3. Hitting The Seaside 

Alabama’s footprint alongside the Gulf Coast is comparatively small in comparison with its neighbors however it nonetheless has a number of the most interesting sugary white seashores anyplace alongside the gulf. The snowy white dunes and gently sloping shoreline are delivered to life by the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the gulf that define the shore. Whereas these seashores have gotten an increasing number of well-known, the realm nonetheless has a quaint and welcoming attraction about it that makes this the right trip vacation spot. 

You’ll be hard-pressed to search out higher hosts than the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores that serve up Southern hospitality and sure-fire fun-in-the-sun. After spending a while having fun with the solar and surf, hop aboard a dolphin cruise and watch the playful mammals frolic within the wake. For the daredevil in you, quiet down with an exciting journey down one of many big waterslides at Waterville USA, or strap in and maintain on for a heart-pounding journey on the Rollin’ Thunder at OWA amusement park. 

4. Arts And Leisure 

World-class music venues, theaters, and occasions will be discovered throughout the state from Huntsville to Cellular. Standouts embody cool jazz on the Perfect Note in Hoover, a real mixture of genres on the Stove House in Huntsville, and the eclectic array of artists and music types discovered on the Soul Kitchen in Cellular.

One of many nation’s largest music festivals, the Hangout, is home-based in Gulf Shores. Every year, music lovers get together the evening away on the seashore that includes meals and enjoyable, with a number of levels highlighting an unimaginable number of nationwide and native musicians. 

The state’s large 4 cities — Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile — have wonderful symphonic orchestras that delight music lovers with performances of preparations by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and even John Williams. 

Earlier than the final observe is only a reminiscence, ensure you pay a go to to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia the place you’ll study concerning the wealthy musical historical past of the state together with legends like Nat King Cole, Hank Williams, and the band Alabama, to call just a few.

5. Fascinating Museums 

And we will’t overlook concerning the state’s world class museums. Be taught concerning the previous, current, and way forward for house flight on the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and study of the unhappiness and horrors of slavery in America on the extremely highly effective Legacy Museum in Montgomery. 

In Cellular, the GulfQuest maritime museum showcases the historical past of the state’s oldest metropolis and its function within the maritime historical past of the Gulf Coast. The museum options dozens of interactive reveals together with one the place you’ll be able to pilot a tanker ship into the port. 

Cellular is named the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America. The historical past of the revelry and pageantry is dropped at life on the Mobile Carnival Museum. Many don’t name Cellular the “Mom of Mystics” for nothing. 

6. Southern Consolation… As In Consolation Meals 

Each state has its personal excellent barbecue spot — Kansas Metropolis, St. Louis, Memphis. However let me inform you, it isn’t Alabama barbecue. 

You haven’t lived till you duck right into a mouthwatering three-bone rib sandwich at Campbell’s in Talladega, pattern the tangy hickory smoked pork ribs on the world well-known Dreamland BBQ with places in Northport, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Cellular, or revel within the smoke from the smoker as you stroll into Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q in Bessemer. 

The state can be identified for its unimaginable seafood served up recent from the boats that work the waves of the gulf. Among the greatest seafood eating is positioned on the causeway (US Freeway 98 / US Freeway 90) that connects Cellular and Baldwin Counties on Cellular Bay. Locals will inform you the very best will be discovered right here within the large three seafood eating places: the Original Oyster House, Bluegill restaurant, and Ed’s Seafood Shed. Every serves up its personal variation of delectable fried, flamed, and half-shell oysters and dozens of mouthwatering fish and crab dishes all caught recent from the bay and gulf. And there’s an added bonus — a spectacular gentle present at sundown on Cellular Bay.

The Backside Line

So, as you see, Alabama actually is a state of surprises. It doesn’t matter what your pleasure, it presents up loads of thrilling trip choices. Go to the Alabama Department of Tourism web site for extra nice adventures.