6 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Alabama

6 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Alabama

There's more to Alabama than you may think. There's a reason why it's called the Heart of Dixie. There are so many hidden treasures in this state. Each visit will bring unique experiences and new discoveries that will have you returning time and time again. Here are six reasons why you should visit Alabama.

Southern Barbecue

Alabama is one of the many states that's known for its southern barbecue. While other cities like Kansas City and St. Louis get all of the credit when it comes to barbecue, Alabama has more of its share of southern cuisine. You get to know what true outdoor grilling is about. You'll also tomato-based sauces and vinegar-based sauces that you won't find anywhere else.

Their beef, chicken, ribs and slow-cooked pork are unlike anything you ever tried. Alabama is also known for its seafood. Royal Reds are the biggest and meatiest shrimp you'll ever try in your life. Alabama is also the top producer of Gulf oysters, which come baked, grilled, sauteed, scalloped, steamed, stuffed, or raw.

Outdoor Activities

Alabama has plenty of activities for outdoor lovers. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this gorgeous southern climate year-round. Fishing is a favorite past time among residents here. Or, you can enjoy hunting for deer, quail, and turkey if that's your thing. If you're not an avid hunter, you can still take a hike and enjoy the sights and sounds of Alabama's state forests and beaches. You can even take a meditative walk along the Alabama Scenic River Trail.

Sporting Events

Alabama is also known for its sporting events. While this state has no professional baseball or football teams, it has plenty of activities for sports lovers. Whether you love college football, golf, NASCAR, or sports fishing, there's something to do. One example is the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which is home to over 426 holes across 26 public golf courses on 11 sites.

If you have a need for speed, then you'll love the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. It's one of NASCAR's longest tracks, maxing out at 2.66 miles. Even if you're not in town to race around, you should check out the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum. Or, you can go driving in a real race car at the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure on the superspeedway tracks.

Alabama is also the ultimate home for sports fishing. The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo has been hailed as one of the largest fishing tournaments in the world. Some of the prizes are worth up to one million dollars. If you're not in the competitive spirit, Alabama is home to an abundance of lakes and rivers that are perfect for freshwater fishing.

Rich Culture

Alabama has a history that runs rich. The city of Mobile is over 300 years old and is also home to Mardi Gras. It's similar in vein to New Orleans but without the drunken tourists. The city of Selma was a historic place for the Civil Rights movement.

Another notable attraction is the Edmund Pettus Bridge where protestors and state troopers took to march to Montgomery. For war lovers, the USS Alabama Battleship sailed in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans during World War II. It's become the center attraction of Battleship Memorial Park located on Mobile Bay. This park also has a wide variety of military crafts such as the B-52 Bomber and the P-51 Mustang.

In addition, the Moundville Archaeological Park has over 26 earth mounds that were created by the Native Americans during the years 1000 and 1450 A.D. These can be found scattered along the Black Warrior River. This park is also home to a cafe, gift shop, and museum.

Bird Watching

Gulf Shores is the perfect place for bird watching. Check out the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, also known as ACBT for short. This area is one of the most popular locations for bird watching during the spring and fall seasons. Over 370 species of birds have migrated to this area as it has become a safe harbor.

There are over 7,000 acres of land, which contains the last remains of the coastal barrier habitat. You'll spot Brown Pelicans, a Forster's Tern, a Marsh Wren, a Palm Warbler, a Scarlet Tanager, a Tennessee Warbler, and a Yellow-throated Vireo. You may even come across some incredible Monarch butterflies in your travels.

White Sand Beaches

You can't have Alabama without its white sand beaches. The Gulf Shores are one of the most intimate beaches in the U.S. It has over 32 miles of white sand that's made from quartz grains from the Appalachian Mountains. There is so much coastline that you won't need custom pools Montgomery. Not only is this beach affordable, but it's also quieter than most Florida beaches. The sand is so white and soft that you'll hear it squeaking underneath your feet.