9 Of The Greatest Destinations Most Alabamians Overlook
Alabama is home to some of the South’s greatest destinations. While some of these destinations receive a countless number of visitors, others often go overlooked because they might not be as well known. Listed below are nine of the greatest destinations that most Alabamians overlook.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home features a beautiful 65-acre garden and the home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. It’s located along the Fowl River and is open to the public year-round. You can visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home at 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore, AL 36582.
Cherokee Rock Village was established in 1974 and covers approximately 200 acres. This unique park is one of the South's best rock climbing destinations, and it also offers an incredible view of Weiss Lake. You can visit Cherokee Rock Village at 2000 Co Rd. 70, Leesburg, AL 35983.
Mooresville, which only has around 60 residents, is one of Alabama's most unique towns. What makes Mooresville so unique is the fact that the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also home to Alabama's oldest operational post office, which was built in 1840.
The Rattlesnake Saloon is located inside a cave, which makes it extremely unique. Since opening nearly 10 years ago, this restaurant has welcomed visitors from all over the world. And even though the Rattlesnake Saloon is located in the middle of nowhere, it's most certainly worth the drive. You can visit the Rattlesnake Saloon at 1292 Mt. Mills Rd., Tuscumbia, AL 35674.
Alabama's Turkey Creek Nature Preserve covers approximately 500 acres and is one of the state's most beautiful outdoor spots. When it comes to recreational activities, this scenic preserve offers birding, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. You can visit the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve at 3906 Turkey Creek Rd., Pinson, AL 35126.
Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain is one of the South's most unique animal parks. It covers 140 acres and is home to more than 170 animals, including zebras, lions, bears, wolves, and of course tigers. You can visit Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain at 708 Co Rd. 345, Attalla, AL 35954.
Dismals Canyon is one of Alabama's true hidden gems. This beautiful canyon is one of the few places in the world where you'll find dismalites, which are rare insects that resemble glowworms. Dismals Canyon is also the perfect destination for a family day trip. You can visit Dismals Canyon at 901 Co Rd. 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581.
Most people have no idea Alabama has its very own Stonehenge, which is called Bamahenge. Measuring 21 feet high and 104 feet across, Bamahenge is an exact replica of England's famous Stonehenge. Directions: To reach Bamahenge, you’ll either drive along US Highway 98 for eight miles east of Foley, Alabama, or 21 miles west of downtown Pensacola, Florida. After turning south onto County Road 95, you'll drive approximately five miles. You'll then turn right onto Fish Trap Road. After driving half a mile, you'll turn left at the Barber Marina sign. You'll then drive approximately one mile and should see Bamahenge on the right.
Weathington Park is one of Alabama's lesser-known parks. Unless you live in the area, you might not be familiar with it. What makes Weathington Park, which covers 13 acres, such a wonderful place to visit is its spectacular view of the Tennessee River. You can visit Weathington Park at 6230 Tammy Little Dr., Section, AL 35771.
Have you been to any of these overlooked destinations? If so, please share your experiences(s) with us in the comments. Also, let us know what other overlooked destinations belong on this list.
For a list of nine hidden places in Alabama that are some of the state’s best-kept secrets, click here.
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