A glance at the southeastern side of the United States reveals the state of Alabama. There are currently 5.04 million residents living in Alabama following its admission to the Union on December 14, 1819. Alabama is the 22nd state to be admitted following Indiana, Mississippi, and Illinois. Maine, Missouri, and Arkansas followed closely behind.
While Alabama might not be revered as a tourist destination for many, others can understand the appeal. There are a handful of incredible places to stop by if you decide to head to Alabama for a weekend getaway. Travelers often envision states like California, Florida, and New York when booking vacations. That doesn’t mean there aren’t appealing attractions to lay eyes on in Alabama, though. The natural attractions and historical landmarks in Alabama are enough to fill any exciting itinerary. Click here to discover the most stunning natural attractions in each state, including Alabama.
To compile this list of 20 things Alabama is most known for, 24/7 Tempo consulted several travel sites. These include Travel 2 Next, National Geographic Kids, Alabama News Center, Nomads Unveiled, and Inside the Travel Lab.
Alabama’s three nicknames: The Cotton State, The Yellowhammer State, and Heart of Dixie
Most states across America only have one nickname. Even so, that’s not the case for Alabama. Alabama snagged three separate nicknames over the years – The Cotton State, The Yellowhammer State, and the Heart of Dixie. The first nickname comes from the production of cotton while the second nickname comes from the Yellowhammer being chosen as the state’s official bird. “Heart of Dixie” comes from Alabama’s placement on the map within America’s deep southern section.
The Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement made waves in the 50s with Alabama as the backdrop. Based on all of the targeted violence against Freedom Riders during the early ’60s, citizens across America were opening their eyes to how much racial inequality was taking place in the state of Alabama. Martin Luther King Jr. took time to speak in Alabama’s capitol in 1965.
The racial unrest became impossible to ignore. The Civil Rights Movement in Alabama didn’t go as far as it probably should have. As of today, there are still tons of unresolved racial issues in the state. For example, blatant language enforcing racial segregation in public schools wasn’t officially withdrawn until 2022.
Southern hospitality
Most southern states have a reputation for offering a little something called “Southern hospitality” in social interactions. This pleasant sentiment certainly applies when it comes to the residents of Alabama. Southern hospitality is a phrase that represents folks who always say “please” and “thank you.”
They put their napkins in her last while eating meals and they offer their neighbor’s home cooked meals when someone passes away, when a woman gives birth to a baby, or when new families moves into their neighborhoods.
Mardi Gras celebrations
Mardi Gras is heavily celebrated in Alabama. Tons of parades strut through the downtown streets of Port City every year in honor of Mardi Gras. Since Mardi Gras celebrations are such a big deal in Alabama, people come from out of town to enjoy the holiday with locals. Vibrant floats covered in beautiful colors and marching bands playing wonderful music turn this annual event into something special.
Peanut production
Alabama is a great place to go if you enjoy chomping down on freshly grown peanuts. That’s because Alabama grows about 180,000 acres of fresh peanuts every single year. Georgia happens to be the only state in America that grows more peanuts than Alabama. Still, the peanut production of Alabama is impressive enough to beat out states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
The Apollo 11 Rocket
Folks with curiosity surrounding science and history will appreciate learning about the Apollo 11 Rocket. It was developed at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. If it weren’t for the development of the Apollo 11 Rocket, Neil Armstrong wouldn’t have successfully made it to the moon. He was the first man to ever accomplish such a feat on July 20, 1969.
Lionel Richie, Eddie Floyd, and other musicians born in Alabama
Do you automatically think of country music when considering the state like Alabama? Truth be told, talented musicians from every genre were born in Alabama. Lionel Richie was born in Tuskegee before pursuing a career in R&B when he reached his adulthood. Eddie Floyd was born in Montgomery before releasing memorable songs like “Big Bird,” “I’ll Never Find a Girl,” and “Knock on Wood.” The ’60s was a great era for him.
Jason Isbell was born in Green Hill, and now has a handful of impressive awards under his belt. Over the years, he’s taken home the Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, the Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song, and the Americana Music Honors & Awards Album of the Year.
Channing Tatum, Courteney Cox, and other actors born in Alabama
Tons of high-profile actors and actresses look back on Alabama as their hometowns. Channing Tatum is a beloved actor from movies like “Magic Mike,” “Step Up,” and “21 Jump Street.” He was born in Cullman. A show like “Friends” from the ’90s simply wouldn’t be the same without an actress like Courteney Cox in a mix.
She played the role of Monica Geller for all 10 seasons. She was born in Birmingham. Laverne Cox is the first openly transgender individual to be nominated for a primetime Emmy Award. Her nomination was thanks to her role as Sophia Burset in “Orange is the New Black.” Cox was born in Mobile.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
Laying eyes on an actual battleship used in war isn’t something everyone has access to. When visiting Alabama, seeing a battleship in the flesh is totally possible. BB-60 is a retired American battleship currently parked at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Originally, BB-60 was built as an aid for the United States Navy back in the ’40s. This tourist destination is open from 8 am until 5 pm all seven days of the week.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. She was an American activist who spoke her mind and stood her ground during the Civil Rights movement. During the Montgomery Bus Boycott, she refused to give up her seat or move to the back for a white bus rider. It was an eye-opening moment in history that will forever be analyzed, explored, and discussed into the future.
Helen Keller’s Birthplace
Helen Keller’s Birthplace is a museum located in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It covers 10 acres of land and functions from 8:30 am until 4 pm six days out of the week. It’s closed on Sundays, though. The museum gives guests a chance to lay eyes on Keller’s place of birth. It was built from the ground up back in 1820 as a safe space where Keller could master her communication abilities, despite being both deaf and blind.
Barbecue, fried chicken, and other savory dishes
There are tons of savory dishes to order in Alabama, including barbecue. Barbecue is arguably the most popular entree you’ll find in the state, which isn’t surprising based on Alabama’s southern placement. Barbecue is a common stable for residents of the south. Hungry individuals are also welcome to order fried chicken, smothered pork chops, collard greens, tomato pie, and more while spending time in Alabama.
Pecan pie, banana pudding, and other sweet desserts
A trip to Alabama wouldn’t be complete without ordering some delicious sweet treats and desserts. Regardless of what restaurants you visit in Alabama, there’s a chance you’ll be able to order popular desserts served there. Some of these beloved desserts include pecan pie and banana pudding. This satisfying sweets can be served cold, warmed up, and with or without whipped cream.
The University of Alabama other college campuses
The most well-known college in Alabama is the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa. The public four-year university has an 80% acceptance rate and a 71% graduation rate. Aside from the University of Alabama, students can also enroll in Auburn University, Birmingham Southern College, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University, and the University of South Alabama – just to name a few.
Sororities and fraternities
Sororities and fraternities in Alabama have become a hot topic of conversation in recent years. Thousands of social media users have shared their personal opinions on TikTok and Instagram about Greek life in the state. An entire documentary about what it’s like to rush for a sorority in Alabama was released on HBO. It’s titled “Bama Rush,” and it sheds light on the dramatization of it all. Greek life will likely always be a big deal to the college students living there.
“Big Fish,” “Just Mercy,” and other movies filmed in Alabama
Filmmakers don’t solely rely on the backdrops of Hollywood to film a epic movies for audiences to enjoy. A handful of major flicks have been filmed in the heart of Alabama. “Big Fish” from 2003 was shot in Wetumpka and Prattville. “Just Mercy” from 2019 was shot in Montgomery. “Get out” from 2017 was filmed in Fairhope. “The Devil All the Time” from 2020 was filmed in Anniston.
The song “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
When Lynyrd Skynyrd first released the song “Sweet Home Alabama” back in 1974, the group had country singers and rock music lovers singing along. Although the band originated in Florida, they released the popular song as a way of paying homage to the state. Lynyrd Skynyrd uploaded an updated audio version of the song on YouTube last year and it has already accrued more than 12 million views.
Alabama Crimson Tide and other sports teams
The list of sports teams to route for in Alabama is impressive. Alabama Crimson Tide is the men’s basketball team from the University of Alabama. The Blazers football team plays for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. As far as female sports go, the North Alabama Lions is a women’s basketball game who plays in Florence. The Huntsville Havoc, Birmingham Squadron, and Birmingham Bulls are all worth noting as well.
Gorgeous beaches
The beaches of Alabama are gorgeous enough to trick you into thinking you’re vacationing somewhere tropical and exotic. In reality, Americans don’t need to venture very far to admire the stunning lapping waters and white sands of typical Alabama beaches. One of the most popular spots in the state is Orange Beach. Visitors will find hiking trails, fishing piers, picnic areas, and water sports.
Fast food chains
In comparison to other countries across the United States, Alabama has more fast food restaurants per person than anywhere else. The most common fast food chains you’ll come across in Alabama are McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Wendy’s. It’s beyond easy to find exactly what you’re craving if you’re in the mood for something carb-heavy that cost less than five dollars. Out of every 10,000 residents living in Alabama, there are 6.3 fast food restaurants to accommodate. Click here to find out more about Alabama‘s fast food restaurant statistics.