Right here’s the place to spend a number of days away in Alabama, together with our editors’ favourite spots.
Spanning mountains, plains, and seashores, Alabama proves to be a beautiful spot for a lot of holidays. Too numerous to pack into one journey, we advocate exploring the state one brief getaway at a time. Dive into ocean waters and coastal thrills one weekend then take pleasure in lakeside festivities the following. Uncover considered one of Alabama’s historic cities one other weekend and trek “Alabama’s Aspen” the weekend after that. It doesn’t matter what type of short-term escape you search, we’ve obtained you coated with the must-see locations that you would be able to fall in love with in only a couple days. When on the lookout for a spot to get away in sweet home Alabama, the choices are countless.
As a result of Southern Dwelling relies out of Birmingham, it’s no marvel that we’ve obtained Alabama’s weekend hotspots all the way down to a science. These are the retreats that our editors insist are well-worth a visit and speedy sufficient to completely take pleasure in earlier than getting again to the grind come Monday.
Mentone
Digital Editor Jenna Sims has her eyes set on the little mountain city of Mentone as the final word Alabama vacation spot. This spot is particularly stunning within the fall, when you’ll be able to see Mentone’s 107-foot waterfall surrounded by brilliant crimson, orange, and yellow foliage earlier than a cease at an eclectic market and grabbing a chew from a captivating native cafe.
Florence And Muscle Shoals
Our editors agree {that a} journey to Florence is an Alabama ceremony of passage for each type of traveler. Alabama’s “Renaissance City,” has pleasant native eateries, a scenic school campus, and marvels comparable to Helen Keller’s birthplace and a Frank Lloyd Wright house.
And when you’re there, you’ll be able to’t miss close by Muscle Shoals, which Dwelling and Options Editor Betsy Cribb insists is “a should for music lovers.” There, you’ll discover iconic items of music historical past together with FAME Studios the place legends from Etta James to Aretha Franklin have recorded.
“I believe Florence and Muscle Shoals are good for historical past followers, too” says Senior Editor Kimberly Holland. “It’s fascinating to see how this little nook of the state performed part of historical past.”
Cellular
This underneath the radar metropolis port metropolis on Alabama’s coast is bursting on the seams with seafood, Spanish moss, and historical past. Cellular’s declare to fame is being house to the primary Mardi Gras Carnival—not New Orleans. That’s hardly what defines them although. It’s the scenic views, stunning historic districts, and shocking social golf equipment that make Mobile value a go to.
Lake Martin
To profit from a weekend, Holland recommends Lake Martin for a “full getaway.” “Lease a lake home,” she says. “There are some good eating places relying on the a part of the lake the place you are staying and there are additionally float-up eating places on boats in the summertime.”
Decatur
Spend the weekend alongside the Tennessee River in historic Decatur, Alabama, house of the primary railroad line to the west of the Appalachian Mountains. Whereas on the town, dedicate a while to the artwork deco theater, Historic Depot & Railroad Museum, and worthwhile buying and eating downtown the place peppery white Alabama barbecue sauce is plentiful.
Guntersville
“Guntersville is a enjoyable choice for a weekend,” Holland says. Positioned completely on Alabama’s largest lake, this northern city is match for a retreat with beautiful views and historic mattress and breakfasts, and largemouth bass fishing. “Plus,” Holland provides, “the downtown is treasured with enjoyable outlets and eating places.”
Montgomery
Historical past buffs merely should mozy on over to Montgomery. Spend your weekend sight-seeing round Alabama’s capital and don’t miss the hard-hitting Legacy Museum which covers Black historical past and modernity from enslavement to mass incarceration, and the related National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Sit together with your ideas over a heaping plate of barbecue and a banana pudding from Dreamland BBQ and do not miss a complete museum dedicated to country music legend Hank Williams.
Gulf Shores
The last word Alabama vacationer vacation spot is, after all, our well-known Gulf Shores. Although they’ll get fairly crowded, the Gulf Shores have grow to be a traveler hub for good purpose. Spend your weekend by the waves on Orange Seashore, having fun with deliciously recent seafood, and connecting with nature on the Gulf Shores’ wildlife sanctuaries.
Birmingham
Come go to Southern Dwelling’s stomping grounds and keep a short time. Whilst you’re right here, stroll by Railroad or Highland Park, discover the city downtown, dig into good eats from James Beard Award-winning cooks, and don’t miss a sobering however worthwhile go to to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Our metropolis, among the many greatest within the state however with a small-town really feel, is one on an upwards trajectory and only a weekend in Birmingham will show its potential.
Huntsville
Sims’ advice, Huntsville, has been touted the best place to live within the nation, and we adore it simply as a lot for a fast go to. Throughout your keep, be sure that to take a look at Burritt on the Mountain property, and don’t miss our favorite museum, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center which earns Huntsville the nickname, ‘Rocket Metropolis.’
Dauphin Island
Only a skip and a hop south of Cellular Bay, this vacation spot may pass for the Caribbean. Aptly named the Sundown Capital of Alabama, the views on Dauphin Island are value writing house about. Spend your weekend by the marina, however save time for a go to to the Audubon Fowl Sanctuary, the aquarium, and Shell Mound Park.
Fairhope
This coastal retreat has all of it: white sandy pure magnificence, good meals, and even higher vintage buying. That’s why Southern Dwelling‘s Cribb recommends Fairhope for any Alabama-bound weekend traveler. “There’s an cute downtown with cute outlets and galleries and eating places,” she says. “Plus, it is on the Bay, so there is a relaxed coastal environment too.”
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