Perhaps thinking of Alabama evokes images of winning college football teams, civil rights, or rock bands like the Alabama Shakes or Lynyrd Skynyrd (who actually formed in Florida). This southern state also has lovely beach towns, museums dedicated to music and literature, and its own Mardi Gras celebration. You can see the spot in Tuskegee where the Tuskegee Airmen trained to participate in WWII. Montgomery and Birmingham both have civil rights institutes, and Montgomery also has a museum honoring Rosa Parks. Both Fairhope and Dauphin Island have quiet beaches where you can chill and perhaps do some world-class birdwatching.

Meat is very popular in the South, and Alabama is no exception. If you want to try some barbecue, Montgomery and Birmingham have some primo spots. Southern sushi with high-quality shellfish might be tempting. Vegetarians will probably fare well at Vietnamese and Indian restaurants. You can also find unrefined farm-style cooking. Those seeking organic ingredients may prefer to go shopping and cook up their own meals. Fresh fish is easy to buy here, or you can try to hook your own bass!