Hi everyone. I am Amy with Simply Magical Vacations. Welcome to 50 by 50 where I highlight one state each week and what to do when visiting.
This week is ALABAMA. The 22nd state to join the union on Dec 14 1819. It is nicknamed the Cotton State because it is centrally located within the cotton belt and is the leading cotton producer.
This state has more locations associated with the civil rights movement than any other. Visit Monroe Courthouse where part of the famous award-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird was set. Follow the 54-mile-long National Historic Trail between Selma and Montgomery and includes the Edmund Pettus Bridge. There are also Multiple museums and churches to learn about the history.
Speaking of History, 2019 marking the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, and now is the perfect time to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Alabama's contributions to the space race were fundamental and include the Saturn V rocket that launched the successful Apollo 11 lunar landing. The museum has a huge range of artifacts from this inspiring era, with Space Shuttle Pathfinder, a lunar rock sample from Apollo 12 and the Saturn V rocket itself among the most popular exhibits.
If you are looking for other Family Friendly Ideas? How about Mardi Gras?
The first organized festival by French settlers actually took place in Mobile, Alabama in 1703 . But their celebration is far from the more adult atmosphere of the Big Easy so you can celebrate with the kids.
Does Vacation means just relaxing on the beach, Alabama has that too. 32 miles of white sand beaches make up Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. And with activities like Sea Fishing and Golf there is something for everyone to do to relax.
Are you a foodie? I recommend visiting The Bright Star, Alabama's oldest restaurant, that serves Greek and seafood and opened in 1907. Or how about Taqueria El Cazador, a Mexican restaurant located in a converted school bus and is one of the best according to locals. You will also want to try Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q and their unique white bbq sauce.
And Highlands Bar & Grill, which specializes in French-inspired Southern cuisine, and is consistently named on of the best restaurants in America by the James Beard Foundation.
Looking for a couples' retreat? Discover the allure of the Renaissance Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. A 4 Diamond hotel with the world's 5th largest Golf course, a full service Spa and Salon that welcomes men and women and includes a couples treatment suite, and restaurants featuring farm fresh meals by award wining chefs. This will be a memorable stay for you and your loved one.
Do you have your favorite places to visit in Alabama? Let me know below. Also subscribe to my YouTube channel for more ideas on vacations to other destinations.
https://youtu.be/GA4HlWfWIXY