State Spotlight: The Best of Alabama

1. Anniston

Anniston is an hour and a half drive east of Birmingham and on the edge of the Talladega National Forest. There are four golf courses in Anniston, two Civil War historical sites, and three music venues. Anniston is home to the Berman Museum of World History, which displays weaponry from the Civil War. Mountain bikers can ride the Chehea Mountain Express, a 10 mile trail in Chehea State Park. Those travelers looking for a hike, should check out the Nobbin Creek Trail through Talladega National Forest. It’s a perfect day hike for the whole family as it’s six miles out-and-back. For those feeling adventurous, the hike can be a 31 mile trek by linking the trail with five others in the park. End the day by listening to some sweet rock at the Smoking Moose Saloon.

2. Fort Payne

A little more than an hour east of Huntsville, Fort Payne is a must-visit for those looking for outdoor adventure. The city has many fishing, camping, hiking, and rock climbing opportunities. Travelers should hike into the Little River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi River. You must venture to DeSoto State Park if you’re a waterfall lover; the park has three of them! There’s also a family friendly three-mile hike through the park. For those looking for a dark and wet adventure through a cave, check out Manitou Cave through True Adventure Sports. Don’t forget a helmet! True Adventure Sports also offers opportunities for rock climbing for those looking to get vertical. 

3. Fairhope

Fairhope is just over an hour from Mobile, but it’s well worth the trip. Fairhope sits on the coast of Mobile Bay, which feeds into the Gulf Coast, so there are many boating, canoeing, and swimming opportunities. Take a guided trip while on horseback at Oak Hollow Farm. For travelers looking to go a little faster, there are many wonderful cycling routes around Fairhope. There’s a 41-mile-loop from Fairhope Pier to Weeks Bay. Visit the Weeks Bay Interpretive Center. They house displays of coastal topics with habitat models and historical features. Observe wildlife native to Alabama by walking on elevated boardwalks through swampland, or take a boatride on a pontoon boat for a swamp tour. Furthermore there are four music venues home to the city. Lastly, four of the dishes in Alabama’s top 100 are located in Fairhope. Swing by Big Daddy’s Grill for the Big Daddy Burger.

4. Cullman

Cullman is a smaller town in the state, but if you’re looking for authentic southern food and music, do not miss it. The town has two music venues and a wonderful restaurant scene. This is your chance to get real authentic southern cooking. Go to Johnny’s BBQ and order the BBQ pork plate – you won’t be leaving hungry! Swing by Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, a 1960s-style California coffee shop that celebrates nature, coffee, and art. Visit Hurricane Creek Park to experience 500-foot deep gorges, cliffs, and waterfalls. The town is also near the Bankhead National Forest, which presents wonderful chances to hike and camp. If that’s not enough adventure for you, Skydive Alabama is home to Cullman.

5. Selma

Selma is an hour west of Montgomery by car and is a must-see for those who are looking to learn more about our nation’s history. There are a total of nine museums and historical sites about the Civil Rights Movement and Civil War, which is more than any other city in the state, which is remarkable considering the city’s population size. Visit the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was the beginning of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery. Visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge and learn more about the movement at the Selma Interpretive Center.

1. Orange Beach

Orange Beach is directly situated on the Gulf of Mexico. There are so many outdoor activities to do around the town since the gulf is on one side and the Gulf State Park is on the other. Watch the sunset with Captain Barryand his crew aboard the Daedalus. See exotic fish and forgotten shipwrecks by snorkelling or scuba diving. Furthermore, Orange Beach has a lively nightlife scene. There are 13 music venues in the town, which means it’s a wonderful destination for an active and fun vacation. Check out Live Bait at The Wharf where you can see “Jimmy Buffet” style music and enjoy being near the water. For those looking for some history, check out the “Damn the Torpedos!” Civil War trail, a coastal trail with interpretive signage from the Civil War stretches from Gulf Shores to Mobile. 

2. Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is near Orange Beach but is worth a visit of its own. Gulf Shores played an important role in the Civil War, which means there are many sites, museums, and reenactments of the battles in the town. There are also many beaches, boating opportunities, tours, and music venues. You could see the coast and Alabama from the air by riding in a hot air balloon with Gulf View Balloon. For travelers looking to stay on the ground, hike the Pine Beach Trail through Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge. You could also hunt for shells while walking along 32 miles of Gulf Shores’ beaches. Grab some food and drinks at The Hangout, which features live music almost every night of the week.

3. Tuskegee

Tuskegee sits on the edge of the Tuskegee National Forest and is about an hour and half drive from Montgomery. For travelers looking to hike, camp, or naturewatch this beautiful place is well-worth the trip. Hunters should visit the Master Rack Lodge, which has been featured in many hunting magazines. Go to the Kellogg Hotel for their weekly jazz concert on Fridays. While you’re there, try the sweet potato souffle, which was named one of Alabama’s 100 must-eat dishes. Visit and take a tour of Booker T. Washington’s home. Take a hike through Tuskegee National Forest on the 16 mile Bold Destiny/Bedford Cash Memorial Trail.

4. Cherokee

Cherokee is an off-the-beaten-path town in Alabama with an incredible amount of outdoorsy opportunities. The town is in the Northeastern part of Alabama and south of the Tennessee River. For travelers looking to camp, hike, and be in nature, be sure to visit Cherokee. Check out the Cherokee Rock “Village”. In the Cherokee County Park, there’s a stone village made up of ancient boulders. For those looking to rock climb, you can do that at the same park. Visit the Bear Creek Watershed for some wonderful fishing and watersports activities.

5. Wetumpka

Wetumpka is fifth on our list of small town. Wetumpka sits along the Cossa River, which is one of the reasons why it’s renowned for it’s whitewater sports. The town hosts the annual Cossa River Whitewater Festival. Along the river, there are many wonderful nature parks to walk and hike through. Also, 80 million years ago, a meteorite hit what is now nearby downtown Wetumpka and left the Wetumpka meteor crater. The impact crater is 5 miles wide.

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Sources: Alabama Tourism Department, Trust For the Public Land, Dropzone.com, Golflink.com, MuseumsUSA, hikingproject.com, indieonthemove.com, Yelp, U.S. Census Bureau