The Yellowhammer State - Alabama (USA Part ii chapter ii)

The Alabama State Flag

Alabama really has a wide and varied range of terrain . From it's forests,mountains and lakes in the north, to its stunning beaches in the south, there is truly something for everyone in the "Yellowhammer" state.

The north of the state is mainly virgin forests and mountains dotted with lakes, ideal for hiking and fishing and just enjoying the cobwebs being blown away by the fresh air and open spaces. Two of most beautiful spots in northern Alabama are Lookout Mountain and Little River Canyon, both are well worth visiting.

Fresh air and breathtaking views mixed with culture and technology all meet in the north of Alabama. The "Quad Cities" of Alabama are Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals and Florence and in their hinterland offers The Alabama Music Hall of Fame which includes exhibits from Lionel Ritchie and Hank Williams snr amongst others, The Ivy Green, birth place of Helen Keller and where the internationally known show "The Miracle Worker" is performed every summer. Sheffield is the home of both the W. C. Handy Museum and the Indian Mound Museum who's theme is mainly the culture and history of Alabama's Native Americans. While in Florence you will find The University of Alabama as well as the historic Pope's Tavern which exhibits numerous artworks and artifacts.

United States Space and Rocket Center,

Huntsville is the state technology capital. The US Space and Missile Defense Center and NASA Headquarters - The Marshall Space Center call the city home. One of the main attractions in Huntsville is The United States Space and Rocket Center. Visitors can see such things as the Space Shuttle, a Saturn V rocket, and experience what it feels like to be weightless. The Botanical Gardens with its numerous plants and flowers is also a must see. 

There is no shortage of bars and restaurants, from the national chains to the quirky joints where after a hard days space flight you can chill out and try the world renowned "Southern" cooking and hospitality. To find out more about the hotels in the northern area of Arizona click on

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History can be seen through out the state and one of the main attractions of Decatur is the Old State Bank Building. It is one of a cluster three buildings that escaped the utter Harshness of the American Civil War.

 
                                      

The largest city in Alabama is Birmingham, the international gateway for airline travel. Birmingham figured highly in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and the passion and the violence of that era led to the city being called "Bombingham".

The Civil Rights Monument, Birmingham

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute contains many important archives of Alabama's history and Civil Rights struggle. The Civil Rights Monument in the city is well worth a visit, not only to appreciate it's flowing but striking design but also to reflect the savagery inflicted by man on his fellow man. Despite the turbulent history of this city nestled in hilly green countryside, it has managed to heal the wounds of the past and is now a peaceful friendly place with a wealth of places to dine and stay. Have a look at what is on offer just click on:

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Birmingham also has the world's largest cast iron statue "Vulcan". The city's botanical gardens have proven to be a popular place for visitors. A little further afield other attractions are the Alabama Adventure Theme Park, Birmingham Zoo and last but not least Visionland Park.

The Capital of Alabama is the city of Montgomery. In the American Civil War Montgomery was the Confederates first Capital and where the Confederacy's first White House. It is open to the public. Montgomery also hosts a number of international cultural festivals which for the culture vultures reading this post would be pleased to note includes many of William Shakespeare's plays. The Festival is held every year.

The two largest universities in Alabama, namely the Auburn University and the University of Alabama are located in Auburn and Tuscaloosa respectively. The rivalry on the football field between these two institutions is so fierce that the state legislature had to pass a law to force the two to play against each other on neutral ground, and the Iron Bowl was built just for that! This rivalry is still alive today and is almost fanatical that it has been known to split families and divorce, this is no exaggeration!

 Many first time visitors to Alabama are surprised to find that Alabama has some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, with crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and sands so blindingly white that you really do need to wear sunglasses. The white quartz sands were deposited many eons ago by glaciers grinding their way down from the Appalachian Mountains to the gulf area.

The Capitol Building, Montgomery

Mobile was established by the French and sits on the deep narrow Mobile Bay. It's a major destination to soak up the sun, sea and sand. Beaches are not the only attraction of Mobile, the World War II battleship the USS Alabama is maintained to it's former glory and open to the public.

Take the time to soak up the sun, but don't forget to soak up the rich Southern Culture and of course the rich variety of seafood and BBQ that is on offer in this very french city and its surrounds.

Alabama has such a wide choice of sites sounds and experiences you would expect that you would pay through the nose, and you usually would elsewhere, but not in Alabama. Prices are very reasonable and the welcome, well that, I am told, is priceless, but don't take my word for it just check out the hotels and flights to Alabama on:

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Bon Voyage!