Alabama
Experience the music of the south as you explore Alabama, a land rich in history, awe-inspiring scenery, sun-drenched beaches, vibrant cities and the mountains of the Appalachia. Nestled in the centre of the Deep South region with Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida as its neighbours, Alabama is within easy driving distance of Atlanta, Memphis and New Orleans but with a flavour all of its own.
No wonder that Lynyrd Skynyrd was inspired to write the hit song “Sweet Home Alabama”, one of the best examples of Southern rock, as a tribute to this wonderful state which epitomises the easy going, laid back way of life long associated with the Deep South.
As well as music, Alabama is also probably best known for its key role in Civil Rights. It was in Montgomery, Alabama’s capital, where the Civil Rights Movement gathered pace under the leadership of Dr Martin Luther King and the history of this movement can be followed in key museums and landmarks around the state, most notably in Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham. President Barack Obama often refers to the voting rights marches in Alabama in speeches about how America has changed since the Civil Rights era, “What happened in Selma and Birmingham stirred the conscience of the nation”. The Alabama Civil Rights Trail has become a major international destination and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma is an icon for the Civil Rights struggle in America. The state is also the birthplace of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, a powerful novel dealing with racial issues in the 1930’s.
For something completely different, visit the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro near Huntsville, where lost and unclaimed airline baggage is unpacked and sold to the public!
North Alabama is renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery of lakes, mountains, canyons and caves offering a diverse range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horse-riding and fishing. The very southern tip of the State is best known for Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast beaches. All year long the port city of Mobile features the taste of the coast with fresh, delicious seafood and a diverse array of bars, restaurants and live music venues. Just across the bay are the coastal towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach where 32 miles of sugary white sands await you as well as a fantastic array of bars, restaurants, nightlife and outlet shopping. Gulf Shores is also home to the Florabama, the famous roadhouse beach bar right on the Alabama/Florida State line.
Your trip to the Deep South would not be complete without a visit to this unique and diverse state.
Birmingham
If diversity were a place, it would be the South. People who visit here get a taste of that variety---in entertainment, cuisine, the arts, good places, good times---that brings them back time and again. Folks in Birmingham love to cook and love to eat. Bouillabaisse and barbeque. Fried okra and foie gras. Sushi, sweet tea and seven layer salad. Perfect ribs and rack of lamb. Tapas and turnip greens. Martinis and meat & three. None of these necessarily in combination of course. Just a wide wonderful range of dining decisions in a city where food writers from around the world congregate because of its word-of-mouth reputation.
Since diversity goes beyond cooking and cuisine, so do we. Water recreation and Wedgwood collections. Science centers and skate parks. Mountain biking (the best) and museums by the dozen. The zoo and botanical gardens too.
And diverse music? Well what is the capital of American Idol? Yes, it’s Birmingham, with Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard and Bo Bice. The music is plentiful and nice. Jazz, blues, gospel, alternative, rock, country, new punk, sacred harp, bluegrass and reggae---all live, all the time---rock our world.
Huntsville
New hotels, hotel renovations, and other developments now offer visitors far more options. Treat yourself to a stay at a luxury property or spread out at one of our all suite properties.
The Rocket City has over 500 restaurants offering delectable traditional southern cuisine to fine upscale fare and everything in between. An abundance of stores offer outstanding shopping opportunities. Visit attractions that celebrate the rich history and natural beauty of the area as well as the impressive achievements of the U.S. Space Program. Make the most of your holidays with a visit to Huntsville!
Mobile
Mobile Bay is the Gulf Coast’s exclusive entertaining, indulgent and relaxing destination. Unique attractions, amazing eco-tourism, Mardi Gras and world-renowned fresh Gulf Coast seafood are just a few of the many incredible experiences Mobile Bay is recognized for. River delta excursions, fascinating museums, over twenty world-class golf courses, white sand beaches, beautiful historic homes, the possibilities in Mobile Bay are endless.
Enjoy our gracious hospitality, the sights, the tastes and the feel of our historic Southern waterfront city. Discover the rhythm of a relaxed coastal lifestyle, spectacular scenic beauty, extraordinary celebrations and exciting outdoor adventures. Mobile Bay… where the living is easy and the welcome is life-long.
Alabama is also full of the unexpected. Mobile is recognised as having America’s first Mardi Gras celebration in 1703 and the celebration is bigger than ever today. During Mardi Gras season, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands and colourful floats.
