Alabama: Full of Surprises

Alabama is and is not the place you might expect. On one hand, it retains a rural and distinctly Southern character and embraces some of the classic traits of the Deep South, including a love of country music, stock-car racing and history. The state’s past is on display in everything from Native American burial mounds to Antebellum mansions to museums and monuments that commemorate the struggles of the civil-rights movement.

On the other hand, Alabama has several attractions that set it apart from some of its neighbors. Huntsville has the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and U.S. Space Camp, both of which spring from the city’s key role in NASA space explorations.

The State Center: Birmingham

This medium-sized city, Alabama’s largest, is set in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It has several universities, the prestigious University of Alabama Medical Center and an impressive range of cultural offerings.

Because of its central location, many visitors use Birmingham as a base from which to tour other attractions. Some of the more popular day trips are to Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Cullman. Cullman is a farming and light-manufacturing town that’s the home of the Ave Maria Grotto, a fantasy landscape of more than 125 miniature churches, shrines and famous buildings constructed on a 4-acre. It was the life’s work of a Benedictine monk.

Among Birmingham’s notable annual events are the Greek Food Festival (cultural celebration—September), the Birmingham Festival of the Arts (saluting a different country each year—April-May), City Stages (a music festival starring folks such as James Brown and George Jones in downtown Linn Park—June), the Birmingham Heritage Festival (jazz, blues and gospel music—August), Oktoberfest (German bands, food, beverages—September) and the Alabama State Fair (October).

The Gulf Coast

Alabama’s only seaport, on the west side of Mobile Bay, was founded in 1702 by Jean Baptiste le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. That French heritage (the city was first called Fort Louis de la Mobile) is celebrated with an annual Mardi Gras festival. Though smaller than New Orleans’ version, this celebration each February actually predates the Louisiana festivities.

Stroll along Government Street and the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy the historic flavor of this town. At Oakleigh House, an impeccably maintained antebellum home, a female guide in floor-length dress introduces visitors to the gentility of Southern living. Another home worth touring is the majestic Bragg-Mitchell Mansion: Surrounded by live oaks, it is one of the coast’s most photographed structures. Mobile’s convention center has spurred further development along the city’s colorful waterfront. On Dauphin Street, visitors can tour the Port City Brewery, a working brewery with a restaurant.

The Southeast

This area is known as the Wiregrass Region and is worth seeking out for its focus on history, aviation and life in rural Alabama. Named after the tenacious, weedy grass that discouraged farming until the late 1800s, the Wiregrass now has some of the state’s most interesting museums and enjoyable festivals.