Alabama Travel Guide
Alabama lies in the Deep South, as its nickname, the 'Heart of
Dixie', proclaims. It is rich in all that the South is known for:
natural beauty, down-home food and hospitality, but it carries the
proud legacy of the civil rights struggle as well. The state was
the site of the landmark Montgomery bus boycott and the 'Freedom
March' led by Martin Luther King Jr.Alabama's varying landscape and personality make it a travel
destination of both non-stop activity and laid-back escape. At its
southern tip, the sugar-white sand and crystal clear waters of the
Gulf Coast beckon; Alabama's beaches, unlike those of neighbouring
Florida, are free of amusement parks and large-scale
commercialisation. Instead, there are the stately antebellum
mansions and gardens of Mobile as well as the rolling farmlands and
quiet towns of the southeast.Further north, the pace of life picks up in sleek Birmingham,
with its great jazz, and the Talladega Superspeedway, which can
seem like a small city in itself during NASCAR racing events.
Alabama's northernmost region is situated at the foothills of the
Appalachian Mountains, overflowing with stunning views, lakes,
waterfalls and caverns. In autumn, when the trees blaze red and
gold, it is a paradise for campers, hikers and mountain bikers.Alabama has a strong, sometimes fanatical, sports culture as
well; it's home to the country's most heated rivalry in American
college football, between the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide
and the Auburn University Tigers. During the Iron Bowl, when the
two come together in a season-ending clash, the entire state enters
into a frenzy of competitive spirit.
Alabama Travel Guide
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Alabama Travel Guide
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Description:
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a homage to the spirit
of both well-known and unsung civil rights heroes. Visitors take a
self-directed journey through the permanent exhibitions, which
chronicle the history of segregation and the civil rights struggle
in America. It is a 'living institution', using the lessons of the
past to shed new light on human rights issues today. Birmingham's
pivotal role in the struggle takes central focus.
Address:
520 16th Street North
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Telephone:
(205) 328 9696
Email:
Website:
www.bcri.org
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Description:
Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park is home to the world's
largest cast-iron statue, the second-tallest statue in America,
behind the Statue of Liberty. The statue of the Roman god is
surrounded by a 10-acre green space offering panoramic views of
Birmingham. The park contains a museum and observation balcony with
panoramic views of Birmingham. The Observation Tower is also open
at night, giving visitors a good opportunity for star-gazing.
Address:
1701 Valley View Drive
Postcode:
Telephone:
(205) 933 1409
Email:
Website:
www.vulcanpark.org
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Description:
The Birmingham Zoo, Alabama's most popular non-profit
attraction, brings 800 wild animals to the centre of Birmingham.
There is an interactive aviary, where parrots land on visitors'
shoulders, a savannah safari exhibit and a sea lion show. Picnic
areas and a food and gift shop are available. Daily activities
include pelican feeding, sea lion training demonstrations, and
tours of the Predator Zone. Check the zoo's website for times.
Address:
2630 Cahaba Road
Postcode:
Telephone:
(205) 879 0409
Email:
Website:
www.birminghamzoo.com
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Description:
The South is the home of NASCAR, and about 30 minutes from
Birmingham lies the legendary Talladega Superspeedway, one of the
most competitive motorsports facilities in the world. More than
143,000 guests can be accommodated in the stands and thousands more
in the 212-acre infield. The sheer volume of fans, let alone the
record-breaking speed of the racers, makes a visit unforgettable.
When no events are scheduled, tours are available daily. Adjacent
to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and
Museum, also open daily, which displays racing cars and memorabilia
worth more than $15 million. A self-guided walking tour of the
museum takes roughly an hour.
Address:
3366 Speedway Boulevard, Talladega
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Telephone:
(877) 462-3342
Email:
Website:
www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
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Description:
This stately plantation house is a great way to get a taste of
real Southern heritage. Situated on six acres in the heart of Old
Elyton, the house was built by Judge William S Mudd, one of the
founders of Birmingham, in the 1840s. The house itself functions as
a 19th-century decorative arts museum, with a collection of
furniture, artwork, textiles and silver from the 19th century. The
grounds are also beautiful, spread across six acres of leafy
pasture.
Address:
331 Cotton Avenue
Postcode:
35211
Telephone:
(205) 780-5656
Email:
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Description:
One of the most popular family attractions in Alabama, the
Alabama Adventure Park is located just 30 minutes' drive from
Birmingham in Bessemer. The park has two sections: a waterpark and
an amusement park. The amusement park contains the state's largest
wooden roller coaster and other thrill rides (including gentler
rides like bumber cars and a carousel for small children), while
the water park has eight major attractions for all ages. There are
a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops scattered throughout
the park. Alabama Adventure Park also hosts concerts and events
throughout the summer.
Address:
4599 Alabama Adventure Parkway
Postcode:
35022
Telephone:
(205) 481-4750
Email:
Website:
www.alabamaadventure.com
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Description:
Located in northeastern Alabama, Russell Cave National Monument
is one of the longest cave systems in Alabama at 7.2 miles (11.6km)
long. Used as a shelter by prehistoric Native Americans, the cave
is about 12,000 years old and contains a natural spring that
eventually joins up with the Tennessee River. Russell Cave itself
is roughly 210 feet (64m) long, 107 feet (33m) wide, and 26 feet
(8m) high. The cave shelter is located approximately 300 yards
(300m) from the visitor center and is accessable via an elevated
wooden boardwalk. Guided tours of the cave shelter are conducted by
National Park Service Interpretative Rangers. The cave shelter
includes the areas that were occupied by the prehistoric groups and
features a diorama depicting activities of the occupants.
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Description:
Oak Mountain State Park is a great place for outdoor activities
on any holiday in Birmingham. The park is equipped with over 50
miles (80km) of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback
riding, and has plenty of picnic facilities for day trips. Two
lakes on the north end of the park are good for fishing, and boats
and canoes are available for rental. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy
the 18-hole golf course, complete with a pro shop and driving
range. Teenagers can challenge themselves on the BMX courses, while
children will love the petting farm.
Address:
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Telephone:
(205) 620-2520
Email:
Website:
www.alapark.com/oakmountain
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Description:
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Website:
www.monroecountyal.com
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