Alabama

By Jamie F


Imagine a place that's warm, sunny, and green all year long. A place where us brain froze Minnesotans could relax near the shores, in the mountains, or in the lowlands of our choice. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? How could a place like this exist? Well, what if I told all who wish to leave this cold for good that a place like this exists... it is the one and only Alabama!

Alabama has it all! Historic events, natural wonders, and entertainment for all of those with a wee bit of redneck in them. Buckle up as we head on down to the Gulf coast!

To start off our road trip of the great southern state, we’ll visit the The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Opened in 1970, just after the second manned mission to the lunar surface, the center not only showcases Apollo Program hardware but also houses interactive science exhibits, Space Shuttle and Army rocketry, and aircraft. With more than 1,500 permanent rocketry and space exploration artifacts, as well as many rotating rocketry and space-related exhibits, this museum is a must stop for all of you aspiring astronauts out there!

From the space center you can take a trip to Mars, where you can visit after your space experience and put your newly acquired skills to the test. Haha, just kidding! This is in Woodsville, a town where you have the opportunity to experience a whole new world in the Cathedral Caverns State Park. Covering nearly 3 acres, this beauty is one of mother nature’s truest wonders. Although its not actually Mars, it is still a really awesome place to visit.

Then, not much further out west is the highest point in the whole state of Alabama …...Mentone! Being a town of less than 200 population you wouldn't think that they would have that much to do there, but they do! It has the highest elevation of all in Alabama, and just look at that view! A definite stop on my trip!

Okay, so further down the line would be an absolute must on my family vacation if we were to venture down in the deep south. My dad is a major NASCAR fan, and we would have to make a pit stop here. (Haha, did you see my pun?) The Talladega Speedway is one of the more popular race tracks on the circuit, some of you movie fanatics may recognize it from the Talladega Nights movie that came out a few years back.

Then, here we go to the beach. Who wouldn’t go to the beach in a gulf state? Just look at these beauties… they're gorgeous! Even for those who hate swimming, just imagine what it would be like to walk the gulf shore on the Alabama Beach and Orange Beach.

Okay, okay, so you really really hate the beach that much? Well do I have news for you! Maybe you're into historical things. You wouldn't have to visit the gulf shores, and you could hang out in the Blakeley State Park where they reenact the battles held there, as can be viewed in this picture. See, Alabama is a great state to visit, and I recommend it to all.