Alabama

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. According to him, we have 6 more weeks of winter. Regardless of whether he sees his shadow or not, the important thing to celebrate the first of February is the coming spring. Those of us in the north who have endured arctic blasts, snow up to our eyebrows and a winter wind that chases even the most hearty indoors, chop at the bit every year about this time. Away with the winter coats, heavy boots and dry skin. Time to begin to plan that family getaway.

Fifty unique, eye popping beauty in each state await us with their own set of adventures and memories. For those who are cutting back or who want a car trip to paradise, consider your state or one that borders the state you live in. Explore the wonders in our backyard.

Alabama, our 22^nd state, was admitted into the Union on December14, 1819. It's believed Spanish explorers wandered into Mobile Bay in 1519. The explorer, Hernando de Soto scoped out the territory in 1540. The French founded the first permanent European settlement in 1702 at Fort Louis de la Mobile. The Treaty of Paris handed control of the territory over to the British in 1763. After the U.S. defeat of the British in the Revolutionary War, the region was taken over by the Americans and Spain. The War of 1812 ended Spanish claims to any of the territory of Alabama and failed attempts by the British sent them to New Orleans. Montgomery was established as the Confederate capital in February, 1861 for a brief time.

Alabama offers flower and garden lovers blooms year round. Bellingrath Gardens & Home is a must see for their beautiful array of flowers spread over 65 acres. Winter features camellias, spring comes to life with thousands of azaleas, roses spread their colors in summer and chrysanthemums signal the coming of autumn. For a special treat, visit during Christmas for a gorgeous display of poinsettias to delight the senses. Bellingrath Gardens & Home is located in Gulf Shores and is one of Alabama's largest flower gardens.

Nascar lovers, here's one for you. Talladega Speedway hosts the 9^th Nascar race of the 2009 season. Aaron's 499 begins festivities April 22 and runs through the 25.

Nationwide Tour Golf Championship will tee off at the Robert Trent Jones Trail October 25-31. Prattville, Alabama will be host to 55 golfers who will be competing for 20 spots on the PGA Tour.

The Honda AMA Super bike Championship will be held at what is considered the finest road track in America located in Birmingham at the Barber Motor sports Park. Head to Birmingham May 1-3 or watch the happenings on the Speed channel.

When you think of Mardi Gras, New Orleans comes to mind. Fact is, the first Mardi Gras was in Mobile, Alabama in 1703 by a colony of French soldiers who survived yellow fever. They were so happy to have survived that they partied in celebration. Mardi Gras didn't arrive in New Orleans until 1857 when groups from Mobile traveled to New Orleans to help them set up their own celebrations. This event is one of the oldest in the country. You may have to hurry to make this year's party. Join in from February 6-24.

The Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride from Bridgeport, AL. To Waterloo, AL. commemorates the 1830's forced relocation of 17,000 American Indians. It's estimated that 4,000 died along the trail. This event is scheduled for September, 19. They anticipate up to 100,000 riders for this annual event.

Other top things to do in Alabama include the Huntsville Museum of Art. Visit for a look at antiques from the U.S. State Department's "Becoming A Nation" collection that goes on display May 22. It will be open for four months.

Shrimp lovers should make a beeline to Gulf Shores October 8-11 for their 38^th annual National Shrimp Festival held along the beach. Bring your own sunscreen.

If you love going to yard sales, you'll go bananas over the world's longest yard sale that stretches 450 miles from Gadsden, Alabama to Convington, Kentucky Plan a trip to shop till you drop August 6-9.

Don't forget to check out the 36 museums located throughout the state as well as the best places to hike or ride your bike. If you miss this year's scheduled events, not to worry. They are annual and will be back next year.

The capitol of Alabama is Montgomery. The state bird is the Yellowhammer (Northern Flicker). State flower, camellia, state tree is the Southern longleaf pine and the state song is "Alabama". Nicknamed the Yellowhammer State, Alabama is named for the Alabama River. Early European explorers called the territory Alibamu after the local Indian tribe that lived there. You can find 21 state forests that cover 48,000 acres and 22 state parks over 45,614 acres of land.

Other interesting sites to visit include Helen Keller's birthplace located at Tuscumbia, Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, the Rosa Parks Museum and Library in Montgomery as well as the Civil Rights Memorial. Cave explorers can find the Russell Cave near Bridgeport and Mound State Park. Don't forget a visit to the White House of the Confederacy.

Famous folk from Alabama are Henry Louis (Hank) Aaron, baseball player, Nat (King) Cole, entertainer, Kate Jackson, actress, Rosa Parks, civil rights activist, Hank Williams, recording artist, William Weatherford (Red Eagle), Creek Indian leader.

No matter what your taste, there is something to be found for everyone to behold and enjoy in Alabama.

Alabama, Infoplease

Official State of Alabama Portal, Alabama.gov