Alabama -v- Auburn University - the Iron Bowl

Birmingham, Alabama. Home of the Vulcan Statue and Museum, Alabama Theatre, Birmingham Museum of Art, The Alabama Adventure Theme Park, and in late September, the Sidewalk Film Festival. But, most important for a good half of the citizens of Alabama - Birmingham, Alabama is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers!

For the state of Alabama, however, nothing is so heated and filled with statewide consequences than the annual Iron Bowl competition between Alabama and Auburn University.

This rivalry has dug into the back of the citizens of Alabama since the first game on February 22, 1893. That game was exemplified by the fact that Alabama, the losing team that year, counted it as their final match up of the 1892 game, while Auburn, counted it as their first game of the year 1893.

The game and the heated rivalry became so intense over the years that in 1948, Dr. Ralph Draughon, president of Alabama U. and Dr. John Gallalee president of Auburn - had to step in and to end the passionate opposition when it was alluded that there had been interference from the state legislature.

Football is king in Alabama! Alabama footballs fans split down the middle in their fierce worship between UAB and Auburn University. So, if you decide to visit Alabama in the fall, keep a football ticket handy.

Fall in Alabama isn't just about football, though.

October brings the National Shrimp Festival celebrated on the white sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama. The National Shrimp Festival comes once a year, and over 300 artists display theirs wares, amid that fragrance of Gulf Shore shrimp. The National Shrimp Festival has placed in the Southeast Tourism Society's top twenty events without fail. Stunning Gulf Shores, Alabama, sandy beaches, gentle waves, and home to inexpensive Desoto's Seafood Kitchen, where travelers can relax over a great seafood meal.

If history is in your blood, Russell Cave National Monument is just thirteen minutes from Bridgeport, Alabama. Russell Cave provided a shelter for the prehistoric Indians up to the times of the early European inhabitants. Artifacts from these early peoples and their rustic ways of survival exist still at the Russell Cave National Monument.

Alabama is a state filled with little known treasures, from Birmingham, residence to 1.1 million people, to Montgomery, its capital and seat of southern history - to Mobile - Alabama's portal to the sea. Alabama echoes the old south - and shouts the new.