10 cool things to do in Alabama

America As You LIke It • 12 October 2020

Alabama is home to significant landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement including Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s church and the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery.

Discover a huge variety of experiences in Alabama, from the high-tech Rocket City of Huntsville to the cultural melting pot of Mobile and the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores. Each meal is a celebration, each town has a story to tell, and each stop is unique. Savour the slow-cooked southern delights and fine dining in one of the best U.S. food destinations.

In between there is the inspiring Civil Rights Trail that leads you to Selma, Birmingham and Montgomery, Muscle Shoals, the hit recording Capital of the World and BBQs washed down by bottomless iced tea and Southern hospitality.

Here is our list of the top ten cool things to do in this area:

1. Tour the original recording studio known as Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where hit records in the 1960s and 1970s were produced by famous artists, including Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin, and are still being made today.

2. Learn about the history from the Civil War to Civil Rights in Montgomery, the state Capital of Alabama. Topping the list of must-see attractions is the historic state Capitol building, where Jefferson Davis took the oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America in 1861, and where, nearly a century later, the Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights march ended with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivering a moving speech from its steps.

3. Visit the historic sites of the Civil Rights Trail in Birmingham and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice situated in downtown Montgomery.

4. Check out the spectacular panoramic views of Birmingham and surrounding areas from an open air observation balcony atop the statue of Vulcan, the world’s largest cast iron statue on Red Mountain.

5. Visit the world’s largest space attraction in Huntsville at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center which features dozens of interactive exhibits surrounding Apollo, Mercury and Space Shuttle spacecraft.

6. Walk along the 32 miles of beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast or cast your line for deep-sea adventure on a charter fishing trip or take a scuba diving adventure

7. Watch the sights and sounds of live marching bands and brilliant-coloured floats in Mobile where Mardi Gras started in America.

8. Music! Enjoy great blues music in places like Gip’s Place, one of the last remaining juke joints in the country or discover an underground weekend jazz club.

9. Eat your way through Alabama’s best barbecue restaurants and discover the story behind each plate!

10. Enjoy a round of golf along the world famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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