Summer's Best Vacation State: Alabama

When it comes to summer vacations, Alabama probably isn't your first choice. This summer, I urge you to make Alabama your vacation destination. I realize that when you think of Alabama, cotton fields and sweet tea are probably your first thoughts. Alabama has so much more to see and much better food to enjoy while you are enjoying the sights. Alabama something for both beach and lake lovers, hikers, history enthusiasts, and even foodies. There is so much to see in Alabama, I will highlight some of the attractions in the larger cities of Alabama.

To dispel the myth of Alabama and cotton fields, my first recommendation would be a stop in Huntsville. Huntsville is home to The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, this is the largest space museum in the country. It has so many activities to see you could easily spend a whole day here. It is also home to the legendary space camp that so many children pine to attend.

The next city I would recommend you visit is Birmingham, Alabama's largest city. Birmingham has more to offer than just American Idol winners. As you enter Birmingham, you will see the Vulcan. Vulcan Park and Museum is a tribute to the Iron industry that has helped Birmingham become such a large thriving city. In addition to visiting the Vulcan Park and Museum, the history lover can appreciate sites such as the 16^th St. Baptist Church which was the Klan bombing that made all of America realize how horrible the Civil Rights Movement really was. The children will love Birmingham's extensive zoo. In addition, there is nearby Alabama Adventure that has both a water park and theme park rides. Nature lovers will also find a place to enjoy themselves at Oak Mountain. Oak Mountain features lots of water fun such as fishing, swimming, camping, golf, beaches, and boat rentals plus dry fun including golf, hiking, and the Wildlife Center. The Wildlife Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center that cares for over 2,000 injured animals yearly.

The next city in Alabama, I would recommend visiting is Tuscaloosa. Tuscaloosa is home to the Crimison Tide. It is a true college town with lots of great eateries. I would definitely recommend eating lunch at Dreamland BBQ . Their slogan "Ain't nothing like 'em .. nowhere" is 100% percent true. While you can find other Dreamland restaurants in the state. This is the original and a must place to visit. You must visit the beautiful campus of the University of Alabama. In 1860, The University of Alabama became a military college this made them vital to the Confederacy. In rebellion against the college, the union burnt down the majority of its campus. In 1871, the University of Alabama re-opened but its place in history was not finished. June 11, 1963, GovernorGeorge Wallace added to its history, by trying to prevent the school's first two African Americans from enrolling in classes there. Sports fans can not leave Tuscaloosa without seeing the Paul W. Bryant museum. Bryant first attended University of Alabama as football player but later returned as coach. Bryant was a three time winner of national coach of the year, won SEC coach of the year eight times, coached six national championship teams and was the winningest coach in the history of college football with an astonishing 323 victories.

The next place I would stop in Alabama is Auburn. Although Auburn is not as deep in history as Tuscaloosa. It has a lot to offer from a breathtaking campus to a lovely state park. There is also Surfside water park. This is a small water park you are sure to love. Chewacla State Park is the perfect summer get-away. It features a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playgrounds, and hiking trails. The lake features a dam with flowing waters that help add to the tranquility of the park. One of the parks best features is no matter how busy it is, you can always find a quiet escape.

Further down I-85, is Montgomery, Alabama's state capital. For the history lover this is the "cradle of the Confederacy" along to home of civil rights movement. For the shopper there are plenty of stores in the city's three malls. The sports fan can catch some minor league baseball action by checking out the Montgomery Biscuits at the Riverwalk Stadium.

The next unforgettable city in Alabama would have to be Gulf Shores. This is the classic beach getaway for summer. There is one twist, its an undiscovered jewel. This means short waits for dinner, not fighting for sand space on the beach, and of course lower prices.

Alabama should be your destination for fun this summer. There are so many attractions that make Alabama unique and fun for the whole family. In addition, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere filled with southern hospitality and of course, sweet tea.