ALABAMA

Huntsville

Where they invented the “Bang! Pow!” that sent us “To the Moon!” Some cities just have bigger dreamers than others. The Rocket City, famous for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and its part in the race to the Moon, is once again blasting off. Continuing to attract the country’s best scientists and engineers, this beautiful city is also enjoying a renaissance. Restaurants, shops, craft breweries and other social hotspots are popping up everywhere and thriving.

Muscle Shoals

Lying on the banks of the Tennessee River, the sleepy town of Muscle Shoals catapulted to fame in the sixties when the iconic FAME studios was opened, followed by Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. The town came to be known as "The Hit Recording Capital of the World". You can also visit Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, author, activitist and disability rights advocate; as well as the birthplace and musuem of "Father of the Blues", W.C. Handy.

Birmingham

It’s possible to keep everyone happy. All it takes is a little Magic City. The largest city in Alabama is, unsurprisingly, not short on things to do. Visit the world’s largest motorcycle museum, The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum; eat at James Beard award-winning restaurants; catch your favorite artist at the world-famous Alabama Theatre or the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater; explore the McWane Science Center; and uncover Civil Rights history across the city. Birmingham’s central location makes it a handy hub to reach Alabama’s other great spots.

Montgomery

Those who study the past will define the future. Montgomery honours its role in the Civil Rights Movement through legacy sites like the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park and the powerful Civil Rights Trail. Reexperience events that changed the world. Alabama’s capital is also a hub for arts, entertainment, and adventure. Catch a show at one of its many theaters, explore local museums, or cheer on the Biscuits. For outdoor thrills, take on the rapids at Montgomery Whitewater—an exciting new addition to this history-rich Southern city.

Mobile

Funky, feisty, and festive, historic, hip, and happening, or colorful, cool and cultured—you can call this coastal town a lot of things when you have a vibrant 300-year history with lots of stories to tell and long-standing traditions celebrated on a regular basis. Mobile is home to the longest-running Mardi Gras celebration in the US , a WWII-era battleship, the USS Alabama, and acts as the gateway to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Discover Gulf Shores and Orange Beach where sugar-white sands meet the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf. This coastal escape offers fresh seafood, spectacular sunsets, watersports and beautiful nature trails. Spot dolphins on a boat cruise, explore peaceful state parks, and check out the restaurants, shops and the landmark Ferris wheel at The Wharf. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach provide an unforgettable blend of sunshine, adventure and authentic Gulf Coast charm.

ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of 468 holes of championship-caliber golf at eleven sites across Alabama.

Renovated in 2008, The Highlands course has been restored to its original Scottish Links design. Completely opposite in design is the River course, the only Robert Trent Jones layout without a single bunker. The Highlands course is one of the gems of the Trail. The finishing holes are scenic and challenging.

US Space and Rocket Centre

Spend a day out of this world at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Explore the history of space exploration or get hands-on at the interactive exhibits. People of all generations can feel like an astronaut for the day or the week! See the National Historic Landmark – an authentic Saturn V moon rocket – one of only three on display in the world!

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio/FAME

In the sixties and seventies, Muscle Shoals was the epicenter of popular music thanks to two iconic recording studios, FAME Studios, founded by Rick Hall, and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, founded by The Swampers - the original FAME house band. Both studios welcome visitors from around the world to stand in the spot where legendary artists such as Arethra Franklin and The Rolling Stones recorded global hits.

US/Alabama Civil Rights Trail

The heart of the Civil Rights Movement during the mid-20th century was founded here. Go behind the scenes of the lives of those that started a movement. From Rosa Parks’ refusal to take the back seat to the courageous Freedom Riders, Alabama is home to some of the most pivotal moments in history

Mobile Mardi Gras

The Mobile Mardi Gras was the first to take place in the US, and lasts over two and a half weeks, concluding on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliantly colored floats and, of course, teeming crowds of parade-goers. The floats are glowing spectacles manned by masked riders festooned in satin and sequins, and armed with crowd-pleasing "throws" such as beads, MoonPies, doubloons and candy.