Summer is busy season for Alabama’s many lake communities as everyone looks to escape the heat. Alabama is home to several gorgeous lakes that are ideal locations for a quick weekend trip on a hot summer weekend. While you’re spending a relaxing weekend on the water, the last thing you want to think about is cooking, so in between sandwiches on the boat or easy grill-out nights, head out to have lunch or dinner made by someone else. Here’s our guide to eating out when you’re at the lake this summer, no matter which stunning Alabama body of water you choose to visit.  

When you live in a state like Alabama where college football is king, it’s wise to be wary of falling into a couple of common traps. One is associating cities exclusively with football teams, ignoring the decades of history and community that exist independent from the team. Thus is the case with Tuscaloosa. Sure, the western Alabama city is home to the University of Alabama and its beloved Crimson Tide football team, but it also brings a lot more to the table. Whether you’re a fan of the Crimson Tide, the Auburn Tigers, or could care less about football, Tuscaloosa—also known as T-town or the Druid City—deserves a visit. Here are our recommendations for enjoying a weekend in the city. 

Our first must-visit place in a new series of places to explore “in our own backyard” is the capital itself, Montgomery, Alabama. Whether you’re a born and raised Alabamian or a southern transplant, Montgomery is one of our state’s most rich historical cities. If you’re looking to get away for the weekend and learn more about Alabama’s heritage while having a great time, Montgomery is a spot you need to check out. We’ve rounded up our favorite places to eat, play, and stay in the capital of dreams!

The open road: a temptress that calls to every soul eager to explore. In Alabama, few things top a summer drive through the countryside. Dense forest highways spill into a coastline of creamy white sands. When the moment calls and the horizon beckons, adventure can be found on one of these scenic routes along the Yellowhammer State.

When the days drag on and you find yourself staring out the window dreaming about being outside, you know it’s time to plan your next adventure. Though Alabama isn’t home to any national parks, we are blessed with many state parks and thousands of acres of untouched natural land waiting to be explored. The nickname Alabama the Beautiful was coined for good reason, and one of the best places to see the natural beauty of Alabama is by heading south toward the Gulf Coast. Here are the best places to get outdoors in South Alabama.

The Agriculture Adventure Trail encourages the public to engage with local agricultural businesses in a fun and educational way. You’ll find all kinds of cool things to do on the Agriculture Adventures Trail: hands-on farms, orchards, farmer’s markets, made-on-the-farm products, farms with animals, U-pick farms, vineyards & wineries, farm-to-table dining, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, living history farms, farm festivals, and so much more!

Here are 4 highlights from the 35 stops along the Agriculture Adventures Trail.

Five porches on Pratt Avenue in Five Points Historic District will host musicians from Huntsville, Nashville and the Shoals. Bring a blanket, chair and cooler to enjoy a unique evening of music.

The Yellowhammer State isn’t called Alabama the Beautiful for nothing. As one of the most biodiverse states in the country, outdoor time is an absolute must for anyone spending time here. In spring and summer, our native flora bursts into color and fauna emerge from their winter slumbers to enjoy the warm Southern sun. The same goes for locals who are ready to shed their coats and enjoy the gorgeous natural settings Alabama has to offer. In Central Alabama, there are several places to enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature, whether you prefer to hike, bike, get out on the water, or simply have a picnic in the sun. Here’s where to start. 

With rolling green mountains, sparkling lakes, lush forests, and roaring rivers, “Alabama the Beautiful” is best experienced outdoors. Now that the weather has warmed and the days are longer, it’s time to get out and enjoy the natural beauty Alabama has to offer. As one of the most biodiverse states in the country, there’s always something new to see and discover outdoors, whether it’s a vibrant species of bird or a gorgeous native flower. In North Alabama, there are several places to enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature, whether you prefer to hike, bike, get out on the water, or simply have a picnic in the sun. 

On May 21 in Mt. Olive, Alabama, the Revive Outdoors team will be hosting a one-of-a-kind event in partnership with one of the most elite bowhunters in the nation, Cody D’Acquisto of Lone Wolf Custom Gear, with giveaways from some of the top hunting brands in the world.

If you’ve ever traveled south down I-65 toward the Alabama Gulf Coast, chances are you’ve passed through, or at least driven by, Magnolia Springs. The tiny town located at the headwaters of the Magnolia River in Baldwin County was incorporated in 2006.

When March rolls around each year, it means one thing for families across Alabama: spring break! While schools across the state take a much-needed week off from normal activities, parents scramble to plan a fun week away for the family. Number one at the top of most folks’ destination list is the beach, and more specifically, Alabama’s Gulf Coast. There’s just something about the warm sun, white sand, and gorgeous green-blue ocean that spells relaxation. 

Green beer, Irish whiskey, and drinks like the unfortunately named Irish Car Bomb will drench St. Patrick’s Day parties across Alabama and the United States this month.

The podcast has so much more to offer, each episode a valuable resource for anyone wanting to know more about the hidden (and even not-so-hidden) gems of north Alabama.

Huntsville may be best known as the Rocket City, home to both the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, but lately a lot more than just rockets have been taking off in the state’s fastest growing city. With a thriving arts and culture scene, a plethora of local breweries and restaurants, plus new developments and entertainment districts popping up every day, there’s a lot more to Huntsville than you may remember from grade school trips to space camp. Whether you want to take advantage of Alabama’s gorgeous outdoor features, spend an afternoon shopping, or take a food tour of town, there’s plenty to do when spending a weekend in Huntsville. Here’s your guide to exploring this North Alabama gem. 

In Anniston, located an hour east of Birmingham, you can learn all about the Freedom Riders’ harrowing journey as they protested segregated bus seating. On May 14, 1961, seven members of the Congress of Racial Equality boarded a Greyhound bus in Atlanta on its way to Birmingham.

Fourteen miles from The University of Alabama’s bustling college campus lies the site of another thriving community. More than 900 years ago, Moundville, nicknamed The Big Apple of the 14th Century by National Geographic, was once America’s largest city north of Mexico and one of the most powerful prehistoric communities of all time. Today, what remains of this huge settlement of Mississippian culture is one of the nation’s most important Native American heritage sites. This hidden historical gem is now managed by The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences and is open to the public to visit seven days a week.  

When people think of America’s most notable music cities, several Southern cities come to mind. There’s New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz; Memphis, where rock ‘n’ roll got its start; and Nashville, our nation’s country music capital. But there’s one more place that should be added to the list of legendary music towns, and it’s Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Located in North Alabama, the Florence-Muscle Shoals metropolitan area includes Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield. Together, the four cities make up The Shoals, an area with rich music traditions dating to the 1960s and extending into present day. 

With its extraordinary natural beauty, the North Alabama region is the perfect setting for a dreamy wedding. Imagine saying “I do” against the most picturesque of views; sparkling lakes, lush vegetation, soaring mountains. The internationally acclaimed music and food facilities, along with a broad selection of beautiful and historical sites will make the most magical of days for the happy couple!

Paul Attaway retired from a 30-year career as a small business entrepreneur to pursue his calling as a writer. In his debut novel, “Blood in the Low Country,” Paul tells the story of Monty Atkins who attended college at The University of Alabama, and yes, thinks Bear Bryant walks on water. He’s a good man who loves God and his wife and kids. But he also loves the Lowcountry, Charleston specifically, golf, baseball, college football and Shrimp ’n Grits.

Condé Nast Traveler has released their annual list of best places to travel in the upcoming year, and Birmingham tops the list of 22 destinations. Included in the food travel category, Birmingham sits alongside Serbia and Trøndelag County, Norway. Some of the other destinations on the list—broken into categories of Arts & Culture, History, Transportation, Sustainability, and Outdoors & Beach—include Charleston, South Carolina; London; Querétaro, Mexico; The Great Lakes; and Singapore.