Oh, sweet Alabama! As the summer sun recedes and autumn gently rolls in like an old friend with stories to tell, it's time you hit the road. Let me take you down memory lane; unfurling Southern hospitality that drips of tradition while embracing those good ol' country values.
Route One: A Painted Autumn Canvas: Birmingham to Mobile (I65)
Start your grand escapade at Vulcan Park & Museum (1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209), where the worlds largest castiron statue celebrates the citys industrial roots. From atop Red Mountain, see beyond those sprawling steel mills and feel Kerouacs poetic heartbeat as autumn colors kiss every treetop from Eastwood to Ensley.
Meander southward through Homewood (aptly named for its parade of homes boasting antebellum architecture), then hop onto I65with typical Dixie detours along the wayto Montgomery (the birthplace of Southern pride). The historic districts here doth overfloweth with more than just whispers of Harper Lee's Mockingbird tunes; they're screaming invitations for pumpkin pie parties too!
Slide further down I65 into Mobile Baywhere history marries mysteryand peer out across vast stretches painted by Mother Nature herself. Resembling a scene from Turner's canvas are taking hues mimicking fall foliage dancing beneath billowing battle flags upon USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park (2703 Battleship Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36603).
Route Two: The Harvest Spectacle: Huntsville to Gulf Shores via Florence (AL Highways 72/43/13)
Saddle up in Space City Huntsvilleyes, that is their nicknameand head west toward enchanting Muscle Shoals! It aint all rocket science around these parts; it's also about deep, soulful music that defined our culture. Close your eyes and feel how each note from iconic FAME Recording Studio (603 E. Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals, AL 35661) reverberates through every fiber of your being.
Now continue on the winding road towards Florencehome to Alabamas very own Ivy Green (300 N Commons St W, Tuscumbia, AL 35674), Helen Kellers childhood abodeand witness the annual Harvest Festival as leaves pirouette upon gusts of serenading winds while locals chat in hushed anticipationk under their breaths: The harvest moon is rising!
Persevere southward via Highway 43/13 till you finally reach Gulf Shores' softassugar beaches that stretch out before you like honeyed dreams lapping at a citrusperfumed sea breeze. It's WHERE Robert Plant wistfully penned his beachhaunting lyrics for Night Flight.
Your journey doesnt have to end with the seasonbut let this be one spectacular taste along Alabamas endless canvas. Grab that pumpkin spice latte and prepare for long strange trips within these perpetually magical Southern lands.
Recommended Resources:
Vulcan Park & Museum Official Website www.vulcanpark.org
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Official Website www.usaalabama.com
Fame Studios Twitter Handle @Fame_Music
I65, AL
United States
1701 Valley View Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
United States
Aptly Named For Its Parade Of Homes Boasting
AL
United States
The Birthplace Of Southern
Pride, AL
United States
2703 Battleship Pkwy.
Mobile, AL 36603
United States
72/43/13 Al Highways
Al, AL
United States
603 E. Avalon Ave.
Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
United States
300 N Commons St W
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
United States