50 things to do in Alabama USA

Alabama is one of those states of the USA that feels a little overlooked by the UK traveller. We happily head to nearby Florida, New Orleans or Nashville, seemingly unaware of what’s on offer in Alabama.

But on my ten day road trip I discovered a huge variety of things to do in Alabama. I explored from the high-tech Rocket City of Huntsville to the cultural melting pot of Mobile. Plus, I visited the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores.

In between there was the inspiring Civil Rights trail that lead me to Selma, Birmingham and Montgomery. There’s the art museums and gracious Greek revival mansions. Endless shrimp and BBQ washed down by bottomless iced tea and Southern hospitality.

This article is a long one covering (at least) 50 things to do in Alabama. I hope it will leave you with the inspiration to plan your own road trip through this fascinating state in America’s Deep South.

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Things to do in Huntsville Alabama

Huntsville in Northern Alabama made a great start to my road trip. This easy going city has a downtown that’s just about manageable on foot or bike. However, you’ll be able to see more if you have a car.

Due to the caves that lie beneath the city, most buildings are only a few stories high, giving Huntsville a small town feel. I was struck how quiet the roads were and how easy it was to get around.

It’s known as The Rocket City due to its connections with the US Space Programme and the Marshall Space Flight Center. Huntsville has an affluent feel with plenty of employment from technology companies who have moved there.

If you enjoy art, culture and food, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Huntsville. It would be easy to spend a few days or a long weekend here although I only had 2 days to see as much as possible.

You may also enjoy: Discover the Civil Rights Trail in Alabama USA – in the footsteps of Martin Luther King

1. The US Space & Rocket Center at Huntsville – for wouldbe astronauts

Set on a huge campus on the edge of Huntsville, the US Space & Rocket Center has to be the number one place to visit for the city. It’s a big attraction, so set aside half a day to look around at a leisurely pace. Also check out the amazing Space Camp programme with residential courses for children and adults. Hopefully this inspires the astronauts of the future!

Highlights for me were the mockup of the Space Station – find out how astronauts eat, sleep and go to the loo! Also, the Saturn V hall with enormous rockets and Apollo 12 lunar module. Can it really be 50 years since a man stood on the moon?

2. Twickenham historic district – take a Historic Huntsville tour

I love looking at beautiful old houses. Huntsville was the first place on my road trip where I came across the Antebellum mansions of the Southern USA. The name refers to the old houses and mansions built before the civil war of the 1860s.

Ante = before, Bellum = war, just as we might refer to a ‘Georgian’ or ‘Victorian’ style of architecture in the UK.

The Twickenham historic district is the most rewarding of the neighbourhoods. This is where you’ll find the oldest houses concentrated in just a few blocks. It’s easy to walk or drive around to see them.

There are leaflets available at the Huntsville Convention & Visitor Bureau that tell you the history of notable houses. You can also access free audio tours at Huntsvillehistorytours.org. The visitor bureau runs free walking tours around the historic districts in the spring and autumn.

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3. Huntsville Museum of Art – a great visit for art lovers

I love visiting art museums and the Huntsville Museum of Art is in a beautiful setting overlooking the grassy lawns and lakes of Big Spring Park. The museum has a variety of galleries with small but well curated collections, so it’s a great one if you don’t have a lot of time.

Highlights for me were the moving black and white photos in the exhibition Vietnam: The real war. I enjoyed the beautiful landscapes from the Ponchin legacy, French father and son artists. Also interesting is the craftsmanship of the Buccellati silver menagerie with figures of animals using semi-precious stones and silver.

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4. Big Spring Park – lakes and lawns to relax

In the heart of downtown Huntsville is the Big Spring Park public space. It’s named after the spring bubbling up out of the ground where the first settler John Hunt built his cabin.

The larger area of the park where the Huntsville Art Museum is located is landscaped with shallow lakes and a Japanese bridge. It is often used for festivals and community events. The smaller section of the park across the road has a water feature that’s fed from the original spring. Both are fun places to wander or have a picnic.

5. Alabama Constitutional Hall Park – step back in time

In the oldest part of downtown Huntsville, you can step back in time to the summer of 1819 when delegates gathered in the large cabinetmaker’s workshop to agree the Alabama state constitution.

The old wooden buildings at Alabama Constitution Hall Park have been reconstructed around the open courtyard on their original sites. You’ll see a cross-section of life at that time, with the houses of the postmaster, cabinet maker, printer and blacksmith.

You can wander freely around the courtyard to see the houses from the outside and visit the shop and cafe. There’s also a guided tour to see the furnishings showing life inside the houses.

As part of the same family of museums, you may also like to visit the Earlyworks Children’s Museum and the Huntsville Depot and Museum.

6. Harrison Bros. Hardware – shop for great Rocket City gifts

This family run store on Courthouse Square retains the appearance of the hardware store it once was. It’s complete with the old counters, shelves and cash registers of yesteryear.

These days Harrison Bros Hardware less of a place to buy nails and tacks and more of a shopping destination. You’ll likely discover the perfect locally made souvenir to take home with you.

They pride themselves on selling ‘American made’. There’s plenty of mementos of your visit to Rocket City, from local crafts to homeware and toys.

7. Huntsville Botanical Garden – for nature lovers

It’s hard to believe that the beautiful Huntsville Botanic Garden is only 30 years old and is run mainly by volunteers. The 112 acres encompasses a number of gardens within a garden and is so large that we had a guided tour by golf buggy.

You’ll want to allocate half a day to do the gardens justice. One of my favourite spots was the the Damson aquatic garden. It features a Japanese style pavilion reflected in the water-lily filled pools. I also loved the Daylily garden which was in full flower when we visited, a sunset of yellow, orange and pink.

The children’s garden was amazing, with wading pools, dinosaur bones, and fairytale creatures to spark the imagination. Don’t miss the butterfly house where the colourful creatures dart around you, dipping in pools and resting momentarily on the flowers and leaves.

8. Burritt On The Mountain – historic house and park

This beautiful historic mansion, is set on the Monte Sano mountain (although it’s actually more of a hill) that overlooks the city of Huntsville. William Henry Burritt was a homeopathic doctor and built this house as a retirement home to take advantage of the cooler air and woodland setting on the mountain.

The house of Burritt on the Mountain is furnished as it would have looked in the 1930s. There is also a historic park where log cabins and old wooden houses have been relocated. They now show what life would have been like in the 19th and 20th century.

Meet the goats on the farm, attend folk school to learn handicrafts and chat to history interpreters dressed in period costume.

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9. Lowe Mill – artists studios in an old warehouse

This old textile mill on the edge of Huntsville has been converted into an arts centre. It houses over 200 working artists, with studios, shops and cafes.

Lowe Mill offers workshops, classes and concerts on the dock where the musicians play on the raised walkway. Hang out with a picnic or buy food in the area around the water tower.

Lowe Mill was closed when I visited but I enjoyed a quick stop at Piper and Leaf. I checked out their selection of artizan tea blends and a took look at some of the colourful murals outside.

10. Street art in Huntsville

I love street art and was thrilled to find a couple of murals close to Big Spring Park. The huge Koi mural fishes threaten to gulp you up! It’s is on the side of a building at the intersection of Spring St SW and Spragins St SW.

The mural was created by local creative firm Red Brick Strategies. On reading about it later I discovered that there’s a point marked RB on the street corner where you can get a 3D effect.

Just around the corner facing the watercourse of Big Spring Park is the “Welcome to Huntsville” rocket mural which makes a fun picture. There are a few other spots to find murals and artwork around town, such as the Clinton Row Color Walk and the Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail.

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More information for Visiting Huntsville

Lots more information is available when you visit the Huntsville Visitor Centre (500 Church Street NW, Suite One, Huntsville Al) and at the Huntsville Tourism website.

Plan your visit to Huntsville on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA. For more information contact 020 8742 8299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com.

Getting around Huntsville: Most visitors will find it most convenient to have a car to visit all the places mentioned. There is also a Blue Bikes bikeshare allowing you to rent bikes in the Downtown area.

Staying in Huntsville: I stayed at the Huntsville Marriott by the Space Center. Check prices and book for a range of hotels in Huntsville here.

Getting to Huntsville AL: It’s easy to fly into Huntsville Airport from numerous US destinations. If coming from the UK you can connect via Charlotte (as I did), Atlanta or other US airport hubs.

Driving times: From Atlanta Airport to Huntsville – 190 miles / 3 hrs 40 mins. From Huntsville to Florence – 73 miles / 1 hr 25 mins.

Huntsville Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Hotels in Huntsville

Huntsville Marriott at Space and Rocket Center

I stayed at the modern Huntsville Marriott hotel. With windows towards the adjoining Rocket Center, I woke up with a view of the Saturn 1 and Saturn V.

My spacious room was one of those that had recently been updated in contemporary style. It featured a large walk in bathroom and a picture of some far off galaxy above the bed.

The hotel is located a little outside the downtown area, a short walk to the Rocket Center. It’s a great base to use for visiting Huntsville.

Huntsville Marriott at Space and Rocket Center | 5 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama | Check prices for other hotels in Huntsville

Restaurants in Huntsville

Huntsville has a great food scene and here are some of the restaurants I tried in Huntsville and can personally recommend;

The Blue Plate Cafe – This traditional diner is THE place to go in Huntsville if you want the full Southern Breakfast experience. Bacon, eggs, cheesy grits, biscuit and gravy washed down by bottomless coffee.

All the food your mother or grandmother might have cooked if you grew up in Alabama. It attracts all the locals who relish their childhood favourites of fried chicken, collard greens and a slice of pie. I tried the Blue Plate Breakfast.

Pane e Vino – An Italian inspired restaurant with outdoor terrace at the Huntsville Museum of art in Big Spring Park. The restaurant is owned by leading local chef Jame Boyce and offers relaxed dining with pizza, salads and pasta dishes. I enjoyed my butternut squash ravioli for lunch after visiting the art museum.

Connors Steak & Seafood – In the Bridge Street Town Centre neighbourhood, serving steak and seafood with bags of Southern flair. I enjoyed the Cajun Red Grouper mesquite grilled with couscous and collard greens and Voodoo Shrimp in spicy remoulade sauce.

Things to do in Muscle Shoals and Florence Alabama

Just over an hour’s drive from Huntsville, so easily doable as a day trip, is Muscle Shoals. Many people visit here on a musical tour of the Southern States.

In fact there are four cities in “The Shoals”; Muscle Shoals, Florence, Tuscumbia and Sheffield. They merge into one area straddling the Tennessee River, so that you are never quite sure which of the four you are in.

Many music lovers are drawn there after watching The Muscle Shoals 2013 documentary. It celebrates the Fame and Muscle Shoals Recording Studios, and the legendary artists who recorded there.

The area is still famous for the talented musicians who live in the area to be close to the music studios at Memphis and Nashville. You may find them playing in the local music bars, but there are some other interesting to see in the area.

11. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio – hear about the music legends

Behind the doors of this inconspicuous building on a busy highway, you can discover the music history that was made at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. It was set up in 1969 by four talented session musicians who decided to leave the nearby Fame recording studio.

Quickly building a reputation, it attracted artists like Cher, Rod Stewart, Paul Simon and the Rolling Stones to record there. It was said in the Muscle Shoals Documentary that “Each time a person went to Muscle Shoals, they came out of there with a hit.”

The studio is still in use by musicians, but it now mainly offers tours of the small recording studio. You can hear some of the stories of what these music legends got up to.

Take a photo on the same porch where the Rolling Stones stood after they recorded 3 songs at the studios while on a tour of the US. Perhaps their productivity was down to the fact that Alabama was a dry state at the time? Or stand at the front where Cher was photographed for the cover of her first solo album, 3614 Jackson Highway.

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio Website | Open daily 10am – 4pm | Tour tickets $20 | Best to ring ahead to book on a tour as schedules may change depending on whether the studio is in use.

12. Frank Lloyd Wright – the Rosenbaum House

The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House in a suburb of Florence was built by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is now open to the public as a museum to visit on a guided tour.

The house was built in 1939 for newlyweds Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum. It’s an example of Wright’s Usonian design, which was intended as an inexpensive family home that was affordable for every American family.

Everything in the house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The house itself is relatively small, despite being extended as the Rosenbaum’s family grew. Wright’s philosophy was that as much time as possible should be spent outside enjoying nature.

13. Ivy Green – the Helen Keller Birthplace

If you have time you can also visit the birthplace of Helen Keller at Ivy Green which is near Muscle Shoals. Sadly I didn’t have enough time to fit this in. As a baby, disease had left Helen Keller deaf and blind, but with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan she learned to communicate.

She went on to school and college, working throughout her life to help others who were blind and deaf. The house and grounds have been kept as they were at the time Helen Keller’s family lived there. It includes information about her life and inspirational work.

Hotels in Florence and Muscle Shoals

Stay at GunRunner Boutique Hotel

I loved staying at the GunRunner Boutique Hotel, with 10 quirky and individually designed suites that are themed on local places and personalities. The GunRunner is unassuming on the outside – the square brick building was once a car showroom with a central lift to take cars up to the first floor.

Climb the stairs past the old Harley motorbike and you’ll reach the huge central bar area. Check out the wood beams, brick walls and comfy vintage furniture.

Each of the suites leads directly off this common area. You feel a bit as if you are in some rockstar’s home with guitars and memorabilia scattered around.

I stayed in the Sam Phillips suite, named for the legendary record producer. Phillips was born in Florence and managed stars like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis under his Sun Records label.

My room was enormous with a retro sitting area, guitar ready for me to strum, and a bar to mix a drink for any visiting music stars. The en suite bathroom featured a claw foot bath and separate shower.

Other suites were themed on the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright House and local fashion designer Billy Reid. Each one was thoughtfully designed to evoke the local heroes.

Entrance to the hotel and rooms is via key code so you come and go as if it was your home. There’s a roof terrace which is a fun place to relax with a drink in the evening.

GunRunner Boutique Hotel | 310 E Tennessee Street, Florence, Alabama | Check prices for other hotels in Florence

Lunch at Champy’s Fried Chicken, Muscle Shoals

For lunch in Muscle Shoals I can recommend Champy’s Fried Chicken. This roadside diner is part of a small group of restaurants around the Southern USA. You can really get into the Southern style of cuisine with a basket of succulent fried chicken cooked to order, and sides of slaw, baked beans or French fries.

There’s a certain 50s style in the melamine tabletops and checked PVC tablecloths. Check out the jukebox and neon signs, car and college memorabilia around the walls.

Dinner at Odette in Florence

For dinner I was at Odette which is less of the home cooking and more of the refined American fare. It’s all seasonal and sustainable with a nod to Southern flavours. Currently it’s the go-to restaurant for foodies in downtown Florence.

Odette is open through the day for lunch and brunch and at dinner I tried a couple of the smaller plates. A strawberry salad with pesto and an amazing charcuterie board of local cheeses, pickles and cured meats. The server was impressively able to recite the names of each of the dozen or more items.

More information for Visiting Florence and Muscle Shoals

Lots more information is available when you visit the Florence Visitor Centre (200 Jim Spain Drive, Florence, Al). Vist the Visit Florence Al website or the Colbert County Tourism website for Sheffield and Tuscumbia.

Plan your visit to Florence and Muscle Shoals on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA. For more information contact 020 87428299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Getting around Florence: Most visitors will find it most convenient to have a car to visit all the places mentioned.

Staying in Florence and Muscle Shoals: I stayed at the Gunrunner Boutique Hotel and you can check prices and book for a range of hotels in Florence.

Getting to Florence and Muscle Shoals AL: It’s easy to fly into Huntsville Airport from numerous US destinations. If coming from the UK you can connect via Charlotte (as I did), Atlanta or other US airport hubs. You can then drive the 1 hr 25 mins from Huntsville to Florence and Muscle Shoals.

Driving times: From Huntsville to Florence – 73 miles / 1 hr 25 mins. From Florence to Birmingham – 120 miles / 2 hrs.

Muscle Shoals Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Things to do in Birmingham Alabama

Birmingham Alabama is a city the sprung up from nowhere in the 1870s. Its growth on the back of the iron and steel industry being so rapid that it was known as The Magic City.

Of the places I visited in Alabama, Birmingham was the one that had the most “Big City” feel. Its high rise office buildings and walkable streets are laid out on a grid system.

There was a slightly more edgy feel here. On the one hand a vibrant food scene with lively bars and restaurants, on the other I saw people in the park who were clearly homeless or unemployed.

Birmingham is also one of the important stops on the Civil Rights Trail. Learn about the protest movement of the 1960s led by Martin Luther King and other church leaders.

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14. The Pizitz Food Hall – food stalls from around the world

After driving from Muscle Shoals, it was lunchtime as I arrived in Birmingham, perfect for my first stop at the Pizitz Food Hall. Birmingham locals told me of the days when the Pizitz was the leading department store in town and quite a treat to visit.

The building has been converted into apartments on the upper floors with the food hall in the ground floor. I love food halls like this where you can eat around the world. It’s easy to order different dishes from any of the food stands, and buy a drink at the central bar.

I was looking for something healthy to offset some of the rib-sticking Southern fare I’d been eating. So, I ordered a rainbow selection of salads from Eli’s Jerusalem grill and took it to the outside patio – baking hot even under the sun umbrellas.

I liked the look of the Ethiopian buffet at Ghion Cultural Hall. Keeping it multicultural, there was also Vietnamese at PhoPho, Nepalese at Mo Mo and Hawaiian at Poke. Also more local cuisine with Alabama Biscuit and Piper & Leaf artisan teas.

The Pizitz Food Hall website | 1821 Second Avenue North, Birmingham | Parking Deck free for first 2 hours

15. 16th Street Baptist Church – learn about the Civil Rights movement

Birmingham Alabama is one of the most important places to visit on the Civil Rights Trail. It links important locations that were part of the fight for equal rights for African American citizens in the USA.

The 16th Street Baptist church is one of a cluster of places to learn about the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham. This was the site of an infamous bombing in 1963, killing 4 young girls who were attending Sunday School.

The atrocity by white supremacists in Birmingham brought the attention of the world onto the movement and sparked further protests in the city. I visited the church and joined a tour group to hear more about those events and the striking stained glass window above the entrance, that was donated by an artist from Wales.

16th Street Baptist Church website | 1530 6th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 | Entry $5 for students 19 and under and $10 for adults | Group tours for 10 or more by prior arrangement | Closed for tours Sunday and Monday but visitors are welcome to join the Sunday service at 11am (Praise and worship from 10.45am).

16. Kelly Ingram Park – sculptures from the Civil Rights movement

Just across the road from 16th street Baptist church is the Kelly Ingram Park which is often used for community gatherings and events. There’s a charming sculpture of four little girls playing. It’s chilling when you realise that these innocent children are depicted just before the bomb exploded that killed them in the church.

Walking through the park are more sculptures that show snapshots from the civil rights protects of the early 1960s. Here are the children cowering as the water cannons are trained on them, the ferocious police dogs snarling on the leash and the children who were imprisoned en masse after the protests.

Kelly Ingram Park | 16th Street Birmingham (opposite 16th street church) | Always open and free

17. Birmingham Civil Rights institute – learn about the civil rights struggle in Birmingham

Cross the road again from Kelly Ingram Park and visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a museum that’s dedicated to the Civil Rights struggle in Birmingham. My visit started with a short video explaining the Civil Rights movement. At the end the screen rose to reveal the first gallery of the museum showing the realities of segregation.

White classrooms with the latest furniture and teaching aids contrast with the outdated and crowded black classroom. A black teenager looks on enviously as white children of the same age have fun, knowing that the two groups are forbidden to meet or form friendships.

You’ll see a replica of the freedom riders bus, where white and black activists travelled together on the interstate buses to challenge illegal segregation. Learn about Rosa Parks who refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman.

This is an excellent museum that’s a must-visit in Birmingham for all ages to illuminate the realities of life for Black and White in the 1960s in Alabama.

18. Historic Bethel Baptist Church – HQ of the Birmingham Civil Rights struggle

Across town I also visited an important church that was a centre of the Civil Rights movement, the Historic Bethel Baptist Church. The original Bethel Baptist church has been preserved as a historic monument and is open for tours or by appointment.

This was the church where Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth was pastor 1953 – 1961 and became a leader in the planning of Civil Rights protests in Alabama. He was set upon by a mob of Ku Klux Klan members when he tried to enroll his children at an all white school and barely escaped with his life.

Despite many other attacks he always advocated non-violent protest. The church became the headquarters of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. This organization took action against segregation and was the planning centre for the Freedom Rides action on the buses.

Outside the church are information boards and you can see the ‘ghost house’ shape of the pastor’s house next to the church, which was destroyed in a bomb. Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was inside but was miraculously unharmed.

Historic Bethel Baptist Church | 3233 29th Ave. N., Birmingham | Tours available daily and can be booked through the website.

19. Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum

One area where the black community were allowed to excel was in sport. The Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum is an interesting small museum about the baseball league that nurtured this talent. It brings together the artefacts, baseballs, player’s uniforms and trophies from the league.

More than this it tells the story of Negro league baseball – it was more than just a game! I enjoyed the hologram of legendary pitcher Satchel Paige showing just how fast he could pitch that baseball as you stand with it heading towards you. Entry to the museum is free.

20. Birmingham Museum of Arts

Although the Civil Rights attractions are an important part of any visit to Birmingham, there’s much more to see. I enjoyed visiting the Birmingham Museum of Arts which was just across the park from my hotel. When I was there a 60s style mural was being painted in the foyer, and giant glass flowers climbed around the staircase.

I enjoyed the Sculpture Court at the back of the glass fronted facade with shallow pools and a curvy reclining nude, with the American art gallery leading off from this. There is a collection of Wedgwood pottery, which was rather incongruous to find something so English so far from home. Entry to the museum is free.

21. Vulcan Park and Museum – Birmingham’s iron and steel heritage

I found it interesting to learn that Birmingham was a new city that sprung up from nothing in the 1870s, after deposits of iron ore were found conveniently close to the railroad. It was the iron and steel industry that provided jobs that brought people flocking here, including many freed slaves and immigrants.

To learn more about this part of the city’s industrial heritage, you can visit the Vulcan Park and Museum. Take the lift (or climb if you are energetic) to the top of the Vulcan statue.

The gigantic iron statue of the bare bottomed god Vulcan was created for the St Louis World Fair in 1904 to represent the city. Afterwards it was placed on a column overlooking the city, with a viewing platform that allows you to survey the whole of Birmingham.

22. Railroad Park – 19 acres of green space

I chanced upon Railroad Park as I walked around at the end of a long hot day, deciding on a whim to explore what I’d noticed on the map as one of the few large green spaces in Birmingham.

Unlike many cities, Birmingham is not built on the banks of a river. So, the 19 acre park which was created in 2010 provides a welcome open space for leisure and recreation.

As the name suggests, the park runs alongside the railroad. There are boardwalks and pathways beside the lakes and water features, with plenty of places to stop and relax.

As it was still hot even in the evening, I bought a welcome sno-cone from the Shymeer Ice van near the Cafe pavilion and wandered around for a while. I enjoying the landscaped wetlands as the sun went down. Park entry is free.

23. Magic City sign and the Rotary Trail

Close to Railroad Park I also noticed the famous Magic City sign which is a replica of an older sign and now marks the start of the Rotary Trail. The original sign stood in front of the Birmingham terminal station.

“Magic City” was a reference to the speed with which Birmingham had sprung up from the 1870s to become a thriving and prosperous industrial hub by the 1920s.

The sign was re-created to mark the Rotary Trail. This green corridor runs for half a mile for walkers and cyclists to use and links to other trails in the city.

Hotels in Birmingham Alabama

Stay in Birmingham at Hampton Inn and Suites Tutwiler Hotel

For the two nights I spent in Birmingham, I was in the grand and historic Hampton Inn and Suites Tutwiler Hotel, which is very centrally located in the Downtown area. The Tutwiler Hotel opened in 1915 and was known as the Grande Dame of Southern Hotels. It has hosted the great and the good of Birmingham in a hotel that reflected the city’s prosperity at that time.

It was replaced by in the 1970s by a high rise building for the Alabama Bank. The nearby luxury apartment building, also created by Major Tutwiler, was transformed into the current 148 bedroom hotel run by Hampton Inn and Suites.

The style here is classic, and I had a very elegant suite on one of the upper floors with classic wooden furniture and windows opening to the balcony.

Hampton Inn and Suites – Tutwiler Hotel | Address: 2021 Park Place, Birmingham | Check prices for other hotels in Birmingham Alabama

Restaurants in Birmingham Alabama

Birmingham has gained a strong foodie reputation in the last few years and likes to call itself “The Dining Table of the South.” Threre’s some justification judging by the huge range of restaurants on offer.

Chef Frank Stitt has put the city firmly on the gourmet map with his Highlands Restaurant. It’s been judged as the best restaurant in the USA in the prestigious James Beard Awards.

While I didn’t get a chance to eat at Highlands (the wait for table is months long!) I did try a few other excellent places that I can personally recommend;

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Pizitz Food Hall – I’ve already mentioned the Pizitz Food Hall which is a great stop, especially at lunchtime. Take your pick of cuisines from over 12 different food stalls, with a bar that’s a popular stop for cocktails and evening drinks.

Alabama Peanut Company – I was intrigued by the idea of boiled peanuts, so stopped at the Alabama Peanut company on the pretty cobbled Morris Avenue to try them out. I learned that boiled peanuts are a popular snack when you are going to the beach.

You can sit and eat a few at the tables inside or browse some of their merchandise of t-shirts and baseball caps with the “Southern and Salty” slogan.

Southern soul food

Saws Soul Kitchen – Avondale is a fun neighbourhood to visit for relaxed dining, especially in the evening when there’s a lively bar and restaurant scene. One of the best is the small and unassuming Saws Soul Kitchen. There are just a few tables but the queues can get quite long, just for those coming for takeaways.

It’s a great place to try the famous BBQ meats and other Southern dishes. Their signature Pork & Greens, with pulled pork on a base of grits and sweet-sour collard greens, is topped with onion rings. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Even though they are boiled and served in their shells there’s a clever way that the flavour of Cajan spice or Dill Pickle permeate through to the peanuts inside. The Alabama Peanut Company is in a large, airy shop where they also roast and boil the peanuts.

The Essential – Right next door to Alabama Peanut Company is a fun little neighbourhood restaurant The Essential, which was recommended to me so I thought I’d give it a try. I arrived early and was seated at the bar, but by the time I left it was packed with locals both inside and on their outside patio.

The menu is full of well priced light dishes with a Southern take on world cuisine. I tried the Nicoise-ish salad with barely seared tuna on greens with egg, potato and olives. For dessert the butter croissant ice cream was incredibly rich and delicious. If I lived locally this is a restaurant that I’d be happy to return to time and again.

Elegant dining

Bottega – For a rather special atmosphere and dining experience, try Bottega, set in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building in the Highlands neighbourhood of Birmingham. This is one of the restaurants run by Chef Frank Stitt.

I loved the warm red walls and buzzing atmosphere of the Cafe with the more formal restaurant next door. The Bottega Cafe is inspired by the relaxed wine bars and trattorias of Italy, with plenty of Italian inspired dishes.

I enjoyed my Dolphin fish from the specials menu and a slice of the signature coconut pecan cake which was extremely moist and moreish. This was accompanied a drink of fresh lemonade with a hint of vanilla.

You may also enjoy: Discover the Civil Rights Trail in Alabama USA – in the footsteps of Martin Luther King

More information for Visiting Birmingham Alabama

Lots more information is available when you visit the Birmingham tourism website

Plan your visit to Birmingham on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA. For more information contact 020 8742 8299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Getting around Brmingham Alabama: Most visitors will find it most convenient to have a car to visit all the places mentioned. However, much of the downtown area is easily walkable and taxis can also be used to get around.

Staying in Birmingham Alabama: I stayed at Tutwiler Hotel and you can check prices and book for a range of hotels in Birmingham Alabama here.

Getting to Birmingham AL: It’s easy to fly into Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport from numerous US destinations. If coming from the UK you can connect via other US airport hubs. If visiting Birmingham as part of a road trip as I did, it is convenient to start in Atlanta or Huntsville and drive south through Alabama. Or, start in New Orleans or Pensacola and drive north.

Driving times: From Florence to Birmingham – 120 miles / 2 hrs. From Birmingham to Selma – 90 miles / 1 hrs 40 mins. From Birmingham to Montgomery – 90 miles / 1 hrs 20 mins.

Birmingham Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Just south of Birmingham Alabama

24. Clanton Peaches – the peach water tower and Peach Park

I’d heard that Clanton is the Peach Capital of Alabama. So, as I was heading south on the Route 65 Interstate, I decided to make a stop on my drive between Birmingham and Selma.

I spotted the Peach Water Tower (yes it looks like a giant peach) and turned off at Exit 212 to have a closer look. At the Headley’s Big Peach Farm shop there were plenty of juicy peaches on sale. I also treated myself to one of their peachy ice lollies from the freezer counter which came in a few different flavours.

Needing to press on to Selma I sadly didn’t have time to head on to the better known Peach Park just off Exit 205. The farm shop and restaurant complex sells everything peachy. It has grown from the original roadside stall and now offers a whole range of food and gifts.

You’ll find peach ice cream, peach cobbler and lots of other peach products. Close by is another similar operation Durbin Farms Market where you can stock up on peach chutneys and preserves.

Things to do in Selma Alabama

Selma is around 1 hour from Montgomery and makes a great day trip, or half day stop on a road trip if you are touring Alabama. The town developed on the banks of the Alabama river as a centre to transport cotton and other goods down to the Gulf Coast.

During the early 19th century Selma grew wealthy at the heart of Alabama’s Black Belt of rich agricultural land. You can see the old buildings along Water Street, although now looking a little run down.

Many people visit Selma to find out more about the Voting Rights movements and the Selma Marches that started here. Interest has been generated by the film “Selma” that dramatises the events of 1965 and the marches led by Dr Martin Luther King.

25. The Selma Interpretive Centre

The best place to start any visit to Selma is at the Interpretive Centre at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Here you can pick up visitor information about all the things to do in Selma and find volunteers ready to help you.

The Selma Interpretive Centre forms the start of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. There’s lots of information and audio-visual displays, so it’s worth spending some time to take a look.

You’ll learn about the Selma to Montgomery marches led by Martin Luther King and other church leaders, which was featured in the film “Selma” co-produced by Oprah Winfrey.

The three marches brought publicity to the discrimination on voting rights in the state of Alabama. It forced the US government of President Lyndon B. Johnson to pass legislation to outlaw discrimination in voting rights on the basis of race or colour. Address: 2 Broad Street, Selma.

26. Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge

The Edmund Pettus Bridge across the River Alabama is a landmark for the civil rights movement of the 1960s, since it was the starting point for the Selma marches of 1965. As protesters for black voting rights marched across the bridge on 7 March 1965, they were driven back by teargas and police wielding batons. This incident became known as “Bloody Sunday”.

A second march two days later was led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and other church leaders. On crossing the bridge, they knelt to pray before turning back to avoid the risk of further confrontation and injuries, which became known as “Turnback Tuesday”.

The final march started at the Edmund Pettus bridge on 17 March after the US courts granted permission for the march. It ended with 25,000 people gathering on the steps of the State Capitol Building in Montgomery, where Dr. King addressed the crowd.

27. Brown Chapel AME Church – the planning centre of the Selma marches

The Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church was the headquarters for the planning for the protest march of 1965 that became known as Bloody Sunday. You can visit for a tour of the church to learn more by appointment.

This was where the marchers assembled, and after having been driven back by tear gas and police batons, was where the injured were brought and taken to the local hospital.

The church is still in use and was designated a National Historic landmark in 1997. There’s a monument to Dr Martin Luther King Jr. at the front of the church and an audio-guide that you can access from your phone.

Brown Chapel AME Church | Address: 410 Martin Luther King Street, Selma | Tours by appointment but you can visit to see the church exterior and Martin Luther King monument.

28. Sturdivant Hall – a beautiful Antebellum mansion

Before you leave Selma, be sure to take a drive around the Old Town historic district. You will find many beautiful Antebellum homes built around the 1830s before the American Civil War.

Sturdivant Hall is one of the finest Greek Revival style mansions in the Southeast. It was built in 1952 as the townhouse for Colonel Edward Watts, who owned a plantation some distance from Selma.

With its striking columns and porticos, antique furniture of the period and fine furnishings, Sturdivant Hall offers a glimpse into the wealth that was generated by Alabama’s Black Belt. This area’s fertile agricultural land grew the cotton that was transported down the Alabama river.

There’s a shop full of beautiful gifts in the old kitchen beside the house and a lovely garden to look around.

Sturdivant Hall Museum | Address: 713 Mabry Street, Selma | Visit for a tour or self-guided look around | Open Tue – Sat 10am – 4pm

More information for visiting Selma Alabama

Lots more information is available when you visit the Selma and Dallas County Chamber tourism website

Plan your visit to Selma on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA. For more information contact 020 8742 8299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Getting around Selma Alabama: Most visitors will find it most convenient to have a car to visit all the places mentioned.

Staying in Selma Alabama: I did not stay in Selma but there are a number of smaller hotels and also apartments for rental through Airbnb like the Woolworth Lofts. The historic St James Hotel is set by the river and is newly renovated as a boutique property.

Getting to Selma AL: Selma is easy to reach by road from either Birmingham or Montgomery, Alabama. The most convenient airport for Selma is either Birmingham Shuttlesworth Airport or Montgomery Regional Airport, with flights from numerous US destinations. If coming from the UK you can connect via other US airport hubs as I did.

Driving times: From Selma to Birmingham – 90 miles / 1 hr 40 mins. From Selma to Montgomery – 50 miles / 55 mins.

Selma Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Things to do in Montgomery Alabama

29. The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

If you’ve seen any of the Great Gatsby movies or read the books of F Scott Fitzgerald you’ll be in love with the glamour of the Jazz Age. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald seemed to epitomise the era of the Roaring 20s.

This glamorous couple travelled constantly and lived a restless and creative lifestyle. Zelda grew up in Montgomery and The Fitzgerald Museum is set in the house they rented for a year in the 1930s. It is dedicated to their lives together.

I enjoyed looking around the downstairs rooms of the museum, with artefacts and memorabilia from their lives, including their letters to each other.

Although the novels of F Scott Fitzgerald are better known, Zelda was also a talented painter and writer. She authored the novel Save me the Waltz, with her beautiful paintings on show in the museum. I also stayed in one of the two apartments above the museum which are available to rent through Airbnb.

The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum | Address: 919 Felder Avenue, Montgomery | Open Thu-Sun 10am – 3pm | $5 Adult ticket 

30. Walk around downtown & riverfront of Montgomery

After arriving in Montgomery from Selma and looking around the museum, I headed into the Downtown area in the late afternoon for a look around. At the Riverfront Park I could see how the town of Montgomery must have thrived on the river traffic.

Montgomery is located on the high ground above a strategic bend of the Alabama River. From this wharf cotton bales would be loaded onto boats to be taken down river and the railroad. Its arrival in 1840 made the city an important transportation hub.

As dusk fell my walk took me along Commerce Street, the main shopping and commercial street in the past which ends at the Court Square Fountain. It looked very pretty with flood lights lit up.

I later learned that this was built on the site of the Artesian well that supplied the town with water and was also the site of the slave market in Montgomery. A story I heard at the museum was that Zelda Fitzgerald as a girl liked to jump into the fountain to cool off. She wore a nude bathing costume so that passers by were scandalised thinking she was naked!

There are lots of historic markers around town that give you more information about the different things to see as you walk around Montgomery.

31. National Memorial for Peace and Justice – a memorial to the victims of lynching

Of all the places that I visited in Alabama, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, also known as the Lynching memorial, is the one that stuck in my heart. This incredibly moving memorial was opened in 2018.

It commemorates the victims of racial terror and lynching through hanging, shooting and burning that terrorised black communities in the Southern USA. Although the subject is horrific, the memorial itself is calm and dignified.

It utilises space and shape rather than graphic images to convey its meaning. 800 corroded steel columns represent all the counties of each state where lynchings took place, with the names of the victims engraved on each one.

As you walk through the memorial the floor slopes down, until the columns hang above your head with inescapable symbolism. This is an extremely powerful memorial and one that you must visit and also take children to see, if you are in Alabama.

National Memorial for Peace and Justice | Address: 417 Caroline Street, Montgomery | Open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays 9am – 5pm | Adult ticket $5

32. The Legacy Museum – from slavery to mass incarceration

The partner to The National memorial is the Legacy Museum, located in downtown Montgomery. It’s situated in an old brick warehouse that formerly held slaves waiting to be sold.

The Legacy Museum packs just as powerful punch. This time it’s through imagery, photography, video and audio-visual displays that follow the legacy of slavery and segregation to the present day.

The witnesses are the faces and voices that speak to you; the slaves who describe the agony of being separated from their children and loved ones; the first hand video accounts of racial violence and the prisoners speaking from inside the Alabama prisons.

The message is clear, that the inequality of black and white that originated in slavery continues to the present day, embedded in economic inequality and unequal treatment of the judicial system.

The Legacy Museum | Address: 115 Coosa Street, Montgomery | Open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays 9am – 5pm | Adult ticket $5 | No photography is allowed in the museum

33. The Alabama State Capitol building

From the Court Square fountain, Dexter Avenue leads up the hill to the imposing white columns and dome of the Greek Revival style Alabama State Capitol building. It was built in 1851 on top of a hill that was originally known as Goat Hill due to its use as a grazing ground

The building briefly served as the capital of the Confederate states and has since been the seat of the Alabama state legislature. It was at the steps of this building that the third Selma march for voter rights ended in March 1965 and Dr Martin Luther King addressed a crowd of 25,000 people.

As it was a Sunday when I visited, I didn’t get a chance to look inside the building which is open on other days for public visits. You can see the House of representatives, Senate Chamber, Old Supreme Court Chamber and Rotunda.

However, you can walk all around the building which has some pleasant gardens with trees and shrubs There’s a replica of the Liberty Bell and the Avenue of Flags from all of the 50 states of the USA.

Alabama State Capitol Building | Open for self-guided visits Mon – Sat 8am – 4pm | Free entry

34. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church – a historic landmark for the Civil Rights movement

The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church sits on the street corner within sight of the Alabama Capitol Building. Ironic since this was the church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was pastor between 1954 and 1960.

How many time must he have gazed at that seat of state government that enforced the policy of segregation and denied African Americans their rights to vote?

Because I was visiting Montgomery on a Sunday I didn’t see inside the church, although visitors are welcome to join Sunday worship. On Tuesday to Saturday you can make a tour of the church, which was the centre for planning the Montgomery bus boycott.

You’ll see the pulpit where Dr. King preached and the mural documenting the key events of the Civil Rights movement. A few blocks away is the Dexter Parsonage Museum where Dr King and other pastors lived during their church ministry. This is now an interpretive centre and has been restored to look as it was when Dr King lived there with his family.

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church | Address: 454 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery | Tours of the parsonage museum are available Fri and Sat each hour 10am – 4pm | Tours of the church by appointment only

35. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

As I headed out of Montgomery, my final stop was the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. It is situated on a grassy campus just outside the downtown area, so you ideally need a car to get there. It outgrew its previous buildings in the city, and moved to the current building on the Blount Cultural Park in the 1980s.

The museum is a nice mix of contemporary and old masters. I especially enjoyed the colourful art glass, the collection of American painting and sculptures and the outdoor sculpture garden. There’s also a colourful children’s gallery and activity area, making this an ideal stop for families.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Website | Open Tue-Sun 10am – 5pm | Free entry and parking

More information for Visiting Montgomery Alabama

Lots more information is available when you visit the Montgomery tourism website

Plan your visit to Montgomery on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA. For more information contact 020 8742 8299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Getting around Montgomery Alabama: I found that the Downtown area of Montgomery is very walkable. Most visitors will find it most convenient to have a car to visit all the places mentioned, as some are further afield.

Staying in Montgomery Alabama: I stayed at the Fitzgerald Museum apartments in the Zelda apartment – you can check prices and book for a range of hotels in Montgomery Alabama here.

Getting to Montgomery AL: It’s easy to fly to Montgomery Regional Airport, with flights from a number of US destinations. If coming from the UK you can connect via other US airport hubs as I did or drive from a larger airport such as Atlanta. If visiting Alabama as part of a road trip as I did, it is convenient to start in Huntsville to the north or Gulf Shore in the south.

Driving times: From Montgomery to Birmingham – 90 miles / 1 hr 25 mins. From Montgomery to Mobile – 170 miles / 2 hrs 20 mins.

Montgomery Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Accommodation in Montgomery – the Fitzgerald Museum Apartments

It was fun to visit the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery and even more fun to stay in one of the two apartments upstairs. Although you don’t get out of hours access to the museum, the apartments are themselves a homage to the life and work of Scott and Zelda.

I stayed in the Zelda Suite, with a portrait of Zelda hanging over the mantelpiece and enjoyed looking at the reproductions of her beautiful paintings and her framed letters to Scott.

The apartment is spacious and comfortable, and is decorated in the style of the 1930s when the couple lived there. There are two bedrooms, a living room, bathroom and kitchen. It all has a delightfully retro feel, as if you are visiting the home of your rather stylish grandmother.

The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum | Book the Zelda Fitzgerald Suite | Address: 919 Felder Avenue, Montgomery

Where to eat in Montgomery

I tried a few different restaurants in Montgomery and can personally recommend the following;

Breakfast

Cawhaba House – The small frontage gives way to an airy diner, which is the perfect place to try Southern specialties for breakfast, brunch or lunch. You can build your own breakfast here with any combo you like.

I tried the Southern biscuit with pimento cheese biscuit, fried green tomato and crispy bacon as well as some cinnamon beignets dusted with icing sugar. On your way out, treat yourself to a jar of the local preserves and jellies. 31 South Court Street Montgomery

Lunch

Dreamland BBQ – Dreamland was packed when I visited on a Sunday lunchtime, with families queueing to get their fix of Southern BBQ, but luckily I squeezed in at the bar. Dreamland has 10 locations across the south.

As you can imagine it’s all about the BBQ, with their smoked pork ribs being a specialty. Not sure I could handle the full-on meaty experience I opted for a lighter version of Smokehouse Cobb salad. This still came with a generous portion of shredded BBQ pork on top. 12 West Jefferson Street, Montgomery

Dinner

Central for dinner – Central is one of the leading restaurants in Montgomery for casual but upscale dining, using local ingredients and Southern flavours. It’s located in a large, airy space within the old brick warehouse in the Alley.

At this complex there are a number of different restaurants all leading off the Alley. I tried a couple of smaller dishes of smoked and fried pork belly with a tangy peach chutney and the wedge of Iceberg salad topped with bacon, candied pecans and a blue cheese dressing. 129 Coosa Street, Montgomery

36. Priesters Pecans – everything made with Pecans!

Just south of Montgomery I stopped at Priesters Pecans in Fort Deposit. This restaurant and farm shop is dedicated to everything made with Pecan nuts. It was clearly a popular stop, with the car park full and crowds in the shop.

Everyone was stocking up on the big bags of pecan nuts, pecan candies and pecan pies. I queued for some pecan ice-cream, one of the many flavours on offer. The server had difficulty understanding me when I asked for the Pee-can flavour, until she realised I meant Pe-caaan!

Take your ice cream or pie out onto the porch where you can sit in a rocking chair to enjoy it. This was a relaxing stop before heading off on the Route 65 interstate again.

Priesters Pecans | 80 Bishop Bottom Rd, Fort Deposit | Turn off Route 65 at exit 142

Things to do in Mobile Alabama

It was fascinating to arrive in Mobile and find a city with a completely different feel to Birmingham and Montgomery. This port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast has a much more relaxed and cosmopolitan feel.

Mobile has been a cultural melting pot over the centuries, since being colonised by the French, British and Spanish in the 18th century. Areas of the downtown have the same wrought iron balconies that are familiar from New Orleans. Tthe city is proud of being the original home of Mardi Gras. Carnival is a big deal here.

37. A wander down Dauphin Street

Dauphin Street is where you’ll want to start your visit to Mobile. It runs through the heart of the Downtown area, with pretty boutiques selling curiosities, antiques, arty gifts and crafty souvenirs.

Many of the buildings have the shady wrought iron balconies that tell you you’re on the southern coast. There’s a similar look as New Orleans, reminding you that this is the original home of Mardi Gras.

The name is a reminder that Mobile was capital of the French colony of Louisiana in the 18th century and the street is named after the crown prince or Dauphin. As you walk along there are a couple of pretty squares where you can stop at Bienville Square and Cathedral Square.

You may also enjoy: 20 top things to do in Birmingham Alabama USA

38. The Oyster trail in Mobile

As I wandered along Dauphin Street I spotted some colourful painted Oyster Shell sculptures which are part of the Oyster Trail. The sculpture trail is a project by the Mobile Bay Oyster Gardening Program with 12 stops around the downtown area and more around Mobile Bay.

You can download a map of the painted Oyster sculptures around the Downtown area, which were painted by different artists in 2013. The Oyster gardening programme involves volunteers who farm oysters from their piers around the bay. I learned the sculptures are intended raise awareness of the importance of oysters in the bay’s eco-system.

More info: The Oyster Trail

39. Streetart around Mobile

Being from Bristol I love to see street-art murals and look out for them wherever I travel. Along Dauphin street there were quite a few fun murals including this Heart of Mobile mural which is definitely the spot for a selfie opportunity.

Mobile clearly has a strong artistic community so look out for more of the street art in Mobile as you wander around. The area of restaurants and bars where Wintzell’s Oysters is situated is especially good.

You may also enjoy: Discover the Civil Rights Trail in Alabama USA – in the footsteps of Martin Luther King

40. Mobile Carnival Museum – get into the spirit of Mardi Gras

You won’t go far in Mobile before discovering that the city is the home of the original Mardi Gras and that Carnival is a big deal here. Mardi Gras takes place in February each year with carnival floats, parades and balls.

You can learn more about it and enjoy the costumes all year round at the Mobile Carnival Museum. The exhibition space on three floors takes you through the origins of Mardi Gras which started in 1703.

See the colourful floats and incredibly elaborate jewelled costumes worn by the carnival kings and queens. There are 14 different galleries, with an introductory video and you can take a self guided audio tour through your phone.

Mobile Carnival Museum | Open Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 4pm | Adult ticket $8 | Audio tour website

41. Views from Dauphin’s restaurant

Dauphin’s restaurant on the 34th floor of the RSA Trustmark Building in downtown Mobile is a great place for lunch with views over the city. From our window table we could see across the city to the port area and the Mobile Bay beyond.

The restaurant also offers a bar area serving small plates and the emphasis is on local produce and Creole influences. You’ll find plenty of seafood, such as crab, shrimp and fresh fish from the Gulf.

Dauphin’s Restaurant website | Trustmark Building, 107 St Francis St, Mobile

42. Moon pies – to eat or throw as a Carnival favour

As I left the Trustmark Building after lunch at Dauphin’s I spotted the Moon Pie store. It sells gifts and souvenirs, as well as the sweet Moon Pie confections that are a favourite of Mobile.

This biscuit sandwiched with marshmallow and coated in chocolate, comes in lots of different flavours and originated at the Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee. The Mobile connection comes because Moon Pies are a popular favour to be thrown from the carnival floats to an eager crowd. They’re the ones that everyone hopes to catch!

Moon Pie website | Shop at 107 St Francis St, Mobile

43. The Condé-Charlotte Museum – a historic Antebellum House

While there are many beautiful historic districts in Mobile, the Condé-Charlotte Museum is an Antebellum house. It’s very centrally located in the downtown area, so easy to visit if you only have limited time.

Although it was closed the day I visited, I stopped by for a photo of the pretty porch and balcony with Greek Revival style columns. You can take a tour of the house which was originally a courthouse and jail before becoming a family home. It is full of elegant antiques and furnishings.

Condé-Charlotte Museum website | Address: 104 Theatre Street | Open Thu – Sat 11.30am – 3pm | Adult ticket $10

44. History Museum of Mobile

I popped into the History Museum of Mobile as I often find that these city museums are useful to get an insight into the history of the places you visit. There are some interesting exhibitions with miniature houses and fine table settings from Mardi Gras balls.

I especially enjoyed the temporary exhibition about the Sensational 60s, following the fashions of the decade, with novelties like the bikini and the trouser suit.

History Museum of Mobile | Address: 111 S Royal Street, Mobile | Open daily | Adult ticket $14

45. Historic Oakleigh House Museum – a beautiful Antebellum mansion

Oakleigh House sits in the historic Oakleigh Garden neighbourhood, with oaks that drip with moss. The pretty Washington Square seems to epitomise gracious Southern living.

Oakleigh House is a fine example of a Southern Antebellum mansion, built by cotton broker James Roper in the 1830s. I visited the house and luckily was able to join one of the tours which run every hour.

We took a walk through the history of the house which survived the civil war unscathed and was home to a number of Mobile’s leading families. There are a number of different historic districts around Mobile. You can pick up a map at the visitor bureau or find various driving trails on the Mobile Historic Development Commission website.

Historic Oakleigh House Museum Website | Address: 350 Oakleigh Place | Open Tue-Sat 10am – 4pm | Tours start on the hour | Adult ticket $10

46. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

My final place to visit in Mobile was the USS Alabama which is on the road heading out of town towards Gulf Shores. The warship was built for the US Navy in the 1940s and served through the Second World War.

She was decommissioned in 1962 and returned to her home state to become a museum. There’s a lot to see here, and after exploring inside the ship and over the different deck levels in the exhausting heat, I had every respect for the crew who had to serve in what seemed like a baking oven of grey metal.

On the shore beside the ship there are lots of tanks and military vehicles on display. More aircraft are on display in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion. Also on display is the submarine USS Drum and you can walk through her cramped working quarters. However, I found it just a bit too claustrophobic and decided to stay above deck.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park | Spanish Fort, Alabama | Open Daily Adult ticket $15

More information for Visiting Mobile Alabama

Lots more information is available when you visit the Mobile tourism website.

Plan your visit to Alabama on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA. For more information contact 020 8742 8299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Getting around Mobile Alabama: I found that the Downtown area of Mobile is very walkable. Most visitors will find it most convenient to have a car to visit all the places mentioned, as some are further afield.

Staying in Mobile Alabama: I stayed at the Hampton Inn Mobile Downtown – you can check prices and book for a range of hotels in Mobile Alabama here.

Getting to Mobile AL: It’s easy to fly to Pensacola Airport with flights from a number of US destinations. If coming from the UK you can connect via other US airport hubs as I did. Or, drive from a larger airport with direct UK flights such as New Orleans. If visiting Alabama as part of a road trip as I did, it is convenient to start in Gulf Shore in the south.

Driving times: From Mobile to Montgomery – 170 miles / 2 hrs 30 mins. From Mobile to Gulf Shores – 50 miles / 1 hr.

Mobile Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Hotels in Mobile – Hampton Inn Mobile Downtown

While in Mobile I stayed in the Hampton Inn in the heart of the Downtown area. It’s just around the corner from Dauphin Street where there’s lots going on.

The busy hotel was full of guests on holiday, families coming and going and enjoying the small outdoor pool area behind the hotel. I enjoyed my stay in the extremely spacious suite with classic decor, two double beds and a large living area.

There’s a car park for the use of guests behind the hotel, which is useful considering that the hotel is in the heart of the city.

Hampton Inn Mobile Downtown | Address: 62 S Royal Street, Mobile

Restaurants in Mobile Alabama

Dauphin’s – I enjoyed lunch with views over Mobile at Dauphin’s on the 34th floor of the Trustmark building, close to Dauphin Street. The menu has plenty of Gulf seafood and Cajun flavours.

I tried the signature dish of Gumbo Z’ herb, a broth of greens, local Conecuh sausage and smoked meats. All were delicious together with a Power Greens Salad, washed down with fresh lemonade flavoured with thyme.

Winszell’s Oyster House – This is a bit of a Mobile institution. Although there are a number of Wintzell’s locations in Alabama, the one where I ate in Mobile on Dauphin Street is the original restaurant.

It’s all about the seafood here, with a menu full of crab, shrimp and above all the oysters. I hate to think how many oysters they get through, which are served by the dozen and half dozen “fried, stewed or nude”.

I tried the Oysters Rockefeller, cooked with spinach and butter sauce as well as a plate of West Indies Salad, a local dish of crab meat dressed with oil and vinegar.

Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are two towns on Alabama’s Gulf coast that merge into one, so are generally treated together as one area. This is a popular holiday destination for visitors from the USA.

Most come for the beautiful white sand beaches backed with dunes and the Gulf State Park with lakes and trails. It’s all about beach and nature here but there are plenty of fun activities to try. Explore the natural park and coastline and connect with its flora and fauna.

47. Cycling in Gulf State Park

The 6000 acres of Gulf State Park includes two miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. Also, the lake and wetland area that sits inland, on the other side of the beach road.

The three lakes are surrounded by trails and boardwalks, making it easy to explore on foot or better still by bike. There are a number of locations to hire a bike and I picked up one at the Lake Shelby picnic area where kayaks, paddleboards and canoes could also be hired.

I cycled along the trail, over the bridges and stopped at the Nature Centre by Middle Lake. Here there was lots of information about the wildlife in the park, with picnic spots and warnings not to feed the alligators!

Gulf State Park | Bike hire at Lake Shelby $25 per day | Also check out the other Alabama State Parks

48. Go the beach – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Of course this area is mainly a holiday destination, especially for visitors from the USA. Many drive from other parts of Alabama and out of state to stay in the condos (holiday apartments) that line the beach.

The quieter section of the beach is within the state park. The only accommodation permitted here is the recently built hotel The Lodge, where there’s an area of public sunbeds for hire.

The beach is also a nesting site for sea turtles, with education programmes to “Leave only footprints.” I saw a bigger emphasis here on being eco-friendly than elsewhere in Alabama.

There are car parks for many sections of the beach and cycling is easy here, with a long pier that’s popular for fishing. More info: Alabama Beaches

49. Take a Dolphin cruise from Gulf Shores

One of the favourite parts of my visit to Gulf Shores was the Dolphin cruise I took with Cetacean Cruises from the landing stage near The Wharf Marina. We set off in the mid afternoon and I must admit it was blisteringly hot to start with.

Once we headed out into the lagoons the breeze picked up and we spotted quite a few dolphins playing around the boat at a safe distance. They were difficult to photograph, briefly coming up for air and then diving down again.

Soon we saw a shrimp boat where the Dolphins loved to hang out, getting a free meal from the discarded catch. It was a fun trip out on the water with the sail up, keeping a sharp look out for dolphins. The crew provided some excellent informatio and also served drinks on board and helped out with photos.

Cetacean Cruises website | Dolphin and Sailing cruise from $30 | 4673 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach

50. Visit Fort Morgan and take a trip to Dauphin Island

An easy day trip from Gulf Shores is Fort Morgan. It’s just a 30 minute drive along the coast and sits at the mouth of Mobile Bay. The strategic position controlling the mouth of the bay and access to the port of Mobile made it a key site during the American Civil War and subsequent conflicts.

Fort Morgan is an easy 30 minute drive along the coast from Gulf Shores. It’s strategically positioned controlling the mouth of the bay. Access to the port of Mobile made it a key site during the American Civil War and subsequent conflicts.

From Fort Morgan you can easily take the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island. It’s a scenic cruise across the bay for a visit to the corresponding Fort Gaines on the other side. Although I didn’t have time to take this trip, I thought it would be an interesting thing to do if you want a change from the beach.

Fort Morgan Website | Open Daily | Adult ticket $8

More information for Visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama

Lots more information is available when you visit the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach tourism website.

Plan your visit to Gulf Shores, Alabama on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA. For more information contact 020 8742 8299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Getting around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama: Most visitors will find it most convenient to have a car to visit all the places mentioned. You can also easily rent bikes to use in the Gulf State Park and beach area.

Staying in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama: I stayed at the Hotel Indigo Orange Beach – you can check prices and book for a range of hotels in Gulf Shores Alabama here.

Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach AL: It’s easy to fly to Pensacola Airport with flights from a number of US destinations. If coming from the UK you can connect via other US airport hubs as I did. Or, drive from a larger airport with direct UK flights such as New Orleans.

Driving times: From Gulf Shores to Mobile – 50 miles / 1 hr. From Gulf Shores to Pensacola Airport – 40 miles / 1 hr.

Gulf Shores Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Hotels in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Stay – Hotel Indigo Orange Beach

For the couple of nights I was in Gulf Shores I stayed at the delightful Hotel Indigo. It’s set just across the road from the beach, with a hotel shuttle to drop you off at the beach pavilion.

This is a stylish boutique hotel with mostly larger suite style rooms, with relaxed contemporary decor that echoes the colours of the ocean. The minimum check-in age of 25 means that there’s a calm feel here.

A large lobby is complete with swings, a restaurant and bar area and a large pool with sunbeds. I loved having the extra space of a large sitting area and fridge, with the feel of being in my own apartment but with all the amenities of a hotel.

Next door is the Southern Grind Cafe where you can eat brunch and lunch or shop for fun gifts and homeware. The hotel is dog friendly and many guests rent bikes to cycle from here along the Backcountry trail that starts just behind the hotel.

Hotel Indigo Orange Beach Website | 22843 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach

Stay – The Lodge at Gulf State Park

Although I didn’t stay there, I also had a chance to visit the Lodge at Gulf State Park. This beautiful new resort hotel was recently opened. The hotel is run by Hilton Hotels, but owned by the State of Alabama, which means that revenues generated go to support other state parks in Alabama.

Rooms here are pale and understated and the wood clad hotel has a unique position overlooking the sand dunes and protected beach. No other development is permitted in the State Park. There’s a strong emphasis within the hotel on conservation and I enjoyed a beach view lunch at their relaxed Foodcraft restaurant.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park | 21196 E Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores

Where to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Breakfast

Woodside Restaurant – A relaxed cafe that’s on the edge of the Gulf State Park near Lake Shelby. The ideal place to stop for breakfast or brunch if you are cycling around the lake. I tried the South Island Parfait with fresh fruit and banana bread served with Greek yoghurt and honey.

Lunch

Foodcraft – This is the more casual of the two restaurants in The Lodge with an air conditioned inside area and a deck overlooking the beach. Breakfast is also served here for the hotel.

The lunchtime menu includes lots of light dishes like soup, sandwiches and salads. I tried the fried oysters on flatbread with arugula salad, bacon and mozzarella – delicious!

Dinner

The Gulf – I loved the buzzing beach club feel of The Gulf, the reclaimed metal shipping containers reminding me of Bristol. It’s a huge area overlooking the water.

You order at one of the two kitchens and then your dinner is brought to you at the outside dining tables. Although it was packed with families and friends on holiday, somehow it all worked and I loved my shrimp tacos washed down with fresh lemonade.

Cobalt – for dinner. For something a bit more upscale try Cobalt, which is hugely popular – I just squeezed in at the bar! It has a large outdoor patio overlooking the water at Perdido Bay.

I enjoyed the tuna salad with barely seared fish on a salad with pecans, goats cheese and pickled vegetables as well as BBQ Gulf Shrimp sauteed in butter sauce.

Wow! congratulations if you made it to the end of this article! I know it’s a long one but I wanted to showcase the tremendous variety in the state of Alabama that makes it the perfect road trip destination. No longer can you say “What’s there to see in Alabama?” – I hope I’ve given you the answer!

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Map of Alabama

You can use this map of our Alabama road trip that I’ve made to easily find all the places mentioned in my article

More information for Visiting Alabama

Plan your visit to Alabama on the Alabama Tourism website. Book your trip with America as you like it who offer bespoke self guided tours of Alabama and the USA.

For more information contact 020 8742 8299, [email protected] or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Hotels in Alabama: You can check prices and book for range of hotels in Alabama here.

Getting to Alabama: It’s easy to fly direct from the UK to the USA via nearby airports such as Atlanta or New Orleans. Or, you can connect via numerous US airport hubs and then flying on to regional airports such as Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery or Pensacola.

Alabama Social Media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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This article was sponsored* by Alabama Travel and America as you like it who provided the experiences mentioned while I was in Alabama.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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