Virtually Discover Alabama
I am anxiously awaiting the time when we can travel again. Meanwhile, it’s an excellent time to plan for future trips. Previously, we discovered Indiana and Kentucky on a virtual drive along I-65. Today, we will virtually discover Alabama and focus on three places: Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile, and Gulf Shores. Alabama, here we come.
Alabama is a southeastern state. You’ve heard these words, “Sweet Home Alabama.” It is known for its history, culture, food, and adventure. Alabama has a rich history in the Civil Rights Movement, which we will explore later. Did you know that music legends Nat King Cole, W.C. Handy, and Hank Williams were born in Alabama? Did you know that the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is located in Alabama? Let’s virtually discover more about Alabama.
Montgomery, Alabama
Our first stop is Montgomery, Alabama, the capital and one of the largest cities. It is situated on the banks of the Alabama River. Montgomery is also known as the Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Montgomery has historical remnants of the Civil War and slavery. However, the city offers a variety of experiences for any traveler. Let’s take a look at some places to visit in Montgomery.
Museums and Memorials
Visit the National Memorial of Peace and Justice. “It opened in April 2018 and is dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people, people terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence.” Visiting the National Memorial of Peace and Justice is very emotional for many visitors. Sculptures and art designs are used to demonstrate the horror and terror of slavery and lynchings of African-Americans.
Continue on to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute and the Rosa Parks Museum. The National Voting Rights Museum is actually located in Selma at the foot of the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge. The famous bridge was the site of “Bloody Sunday.” Visitors learn about the struggles of African-Americans to gain the right to vote. Artifacts and materials are exhibited that represent the voting rights struggles of the past and present.
Also, visit the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached. The church is a National Historic Landmark. It was also the center point of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Other places to visit are the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. It houses over 4,000 pieces of art, which represents the 18th-21st century. Admission is free. Check the website for special exhibits. Visit Downtown Montgomery. You can walk to museums, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. You can be adventurous and take a Segway Tour. For more information, visit the Sweet Home Alabama website.
Birmingham, Alabama
Next, we are heading to Birmingham, Alabama, the Magic City. This city is also known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Birmingham is located in the north-central region of Alabama and has a population of approximately 202,000 people.
It is called The Magic City. It comes from the city’s rapid growth in the 1870s and again at the turn of the 20th century when the city’s downtown area developed from a collection of small houses and businesses to an impressive downtown area. The nickname, The Magic City nickname, still resonates today.
Birmingham Museums and Landmarks
Our first stop in Birmingham is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Birmingham, Civil Rights Institute, opened in 1992 and is a large interpretive museum and research center in Birmingham, Alabama, that depicts the Civil Rights Movement’s struggles in the 1950s and 1960s. The museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and has multimedia exhibits that document Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement through movement participants’ voices.
Next, let’s visit the Barber Motorsports Museum. It houses the most extensive collection of motorcycles. Here you can view vintage racing cars and motorcycles. Over a quarter of a million tourists visit the museum each year. Over 900 bikes are on display, but the collection is over 1600 motorcycles.
The Sloss Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark. Once Sloss Furnaces was the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world. It is a monument of the Industrial Revolution. The monument also represents Birmingham’s industrial heritage. Do you know that the Sloss Furnaces operated for almost 80 years from 1882 – 1970? Sloss received National Historic Landmark designation in 1981 and opened its gates in September 1983 as a museum of the City of Birmingham. You can visit the historical site and learn about the materials, the process, and the people who ran the furnaces.
Beaches
For beach lovers, Alabama has its Gulf Coast. Many snowbirds visit to escape the cold winters of the Midwest. The white sand and turquoise waters are tough to resist. Delicious seafood is also a big draw. You can visit Mobile, Alabama. If you love to play golf, Mobile is a place for you. Also, did you know that Mobile is known for its Mardi Gras celebration? Go, party, and eat!
Gulf Shores is a resort community. Its bright white beaches and soothing warm water is very enticing. You can participate in activities, including scenic cruises, dolphin-watching, and hiking. Gulf Shores is an excellent place for families. They can visit The Track, a family recreation center with bumper boats, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Virtually discover Alabama by visiting the Sweet Home Alabama website, https://alabama.travel/. This post doesn’t touch upon the many places to see across the state. If you seek more adventure, Alabama has many outdoor activities, state and national parks, and nature-related locations to visit. If you are a foodie, Alabama has great food like catfish, BBQ, seafood, and delicious sweets.
Hopefully, we can all discover Alabama in person very soon. My bags are ready to go.
Resources
Things to do in Montgomery, AL
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/montgomery-us-al-mon.htm
Top 12 things to do in Birmingham
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/birmingham-us-al-b.htm
Top 12 things to do in Gulf Shores
https://travel.usnews.com/Gulf_Shores_AL/Things_To_Do/
Food
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/26-foods-in-al/
