I will posting each state in alphabetical order for the next 50 weeks. Alabama gets to go first.
When was I there: Alabama was my home from August 1977 through June 1978. I returned in 2012 to Alabama and saw Huntsville in the North for the first time.
Alabama scenery is more diverse than many people expect. The North has hills and farms, the south is almost tropical with sandy beaches. Driving is easy in Alabama, all the roads are clearly marked and there are no tolls. The scenery is very green and you may even see bright white cotton fields. They are very pretty yet are likely to remind you of the horrible slavery that existed in Alabama for many years.
The food in Alabama is terrific and decadent. Many restaurants are inexpensive and serve wonderful southern classics. White Alabama BBQ sauce is made with a mayo and vinegar combination. Don't be afraid to try it! It is terrific especially with chicken.
The beach is amazing down near Mobile, AL and close to the Florida pan-handle. So close that those who live in far West Florida call it living in "LA", aka Lower Alabama. The best time to go is in the Spring when flowers the size of your head are blooming. The Mobile-Tensaw River delta wetlands area extensive. There are many free parks where you can enjoy incredible wildlife and fishing. I remember walking on the water front as a child with an incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico.
In the North, Alabama is a tech center with the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center. Affiliated with NASA, this is an amazing place for a tour. This is not a free tour, yet coupons and deals can be found, especially for military or government employees. http://rocketcenter.com/
We visited Alabama while driving back from Memphis, TN and stopped for lunch downtown. The food was amazing. We walked around and found a local place called Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza . This place was definitely family friendly. We unfortunately did not have time to explore the city beyond lunch and a stroll downtown. It was definitely more than expected and the choices of ethnic foods were extensive.
As seen in Huntsville, AL
I would be remiss if I did not mention, Dr. Martin Luther King whose legacy is in three cities: Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma Alabama. I have not toured these areas. They will be hopefully be discussed on a future trip/blog posting. The impact of racism is still felt throughout Alabama.
I was able to visit Tuskegee Institute as a child. This national historic site is FREE and fascinating to any history buff. Here you can learn about George Washington Carver and the Tuskegee Airman. This is a must while visiting Alabama.
https://www.nps.gov/tuin/index.htm