Alabama’s rich history awaits, from the civil rights movement to iconic music

Alabama is a land of history, culture, music and adventure – from beaches to mountains.

First and foremost, there is music. Alabama’s rich music scene dates back generations and spans genres.

Music legends Nat King Cole, WC Handy, and Hank Williams were born in Alabama, and artists like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones came to Alabama to cement their careers.

Here, gospel is sung in churches and people dance, while blues, country and jazz set the mood in local bars.

Meanwhile, local restaurants whip up mouthwatering barbecue dishes and fresh seafood sourced from Alabama fishing villages.

And museums cover everything from civil rights and music history to fast cars and faster spaceships.

THE ADVENTURE AWAITS

From the foothills of the Appalachians through countless river valleys to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf, natural wonders abound for explorers. From caves and caverns to imposing peaks, adventure awaits you.

Elk River | Fly fishing

Visitors will be amazed by the beauty of Alabama’s many trails and waterways. The 22 state parks, encompassing 48,000 acres of land and water, offer endless opportunities to fish, camp, canoe, hike and enjoy the great outdoors. Each season in Alabama brings a beautiful change for adventurers to enjoy all year round.

THE LEGENDS OF MUSIC HAVE BEEN MADE HERE

Alabama’s rich and historic music scene has shaped the soundtrack of American music.

The southern inspiration of the Gulf Coast Shoals has spawned many talented musicians in a variety of genres: soul, jazz, rock ‘n roll, country and blues. Lots of legends have been made here.

Award-winning music can be found statewide with southern influences seeping into every tune. Visitors can tour the successful studios, birthplaces of many artists and museums dedicated to preserving the state’s musical heritage. Don’t believe us? Hear for yourself! You’ll hear from greats like WC Handy, Hank Williams, Sr., Jason Isbell, Brittany Howard and many more.

GASTRONOMY AND HIDDEN GEMS

Discover world-class culinary masterpieces at award-winning restaurants across the state. Dining establishments and hidden gems are home to unique delicacies that will make guests wish their meal never ended. From barbecue so tender it falls apart in your mouth to French-inspired cuisine that will transport you to a whole new world, Alabama’s dining scene won’t disappoint.

And then there is the beer. For customers who love craft beer, the best is brewed here. Grab a chair and take a minute to savor the flavors of Alabama’s dining scene.

THE CORE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Visitors to Alabama are invited to step back in time and watch history unfold at the many historic sites dotted around the state.

Alabama is home to one of the most comprehensive records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. It is home to historic battlegrounds like the Battle of Horseshoe Bend and the Battle of Mobile Bay. In Alabama, you can walk around places and relive events that forever changed the American nation and our world.

Birmingham Civil Rights District | Statue of the four spirits

The heart of the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century was founded here. Go behind the scenes in the lives of those who started a movement. From Rosa Parks’ refusal to take the back seat to the brave Freedom Riders, Alabama is home to some of the most pivotal moments in history. Here visitors can experience an era of triumph and tragedy. They can celebrate moments that not only redefined the state, but also the United States and the world forever. Many interactive exhibits and museums are dedicated to the civil rights movement, allowing visitors to reflect on the past and look to a future where all are effectively equal.

For all the latest Alabama destination details, see https: // travelsouth.visittheusa.com/state/alabama.