Posted in Alabama Road Trips May 04, 2022 by

The Ultimate Alabama Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State

Alabama is filled with a variety of hidden gems. From unique landmarks to one-of-a-kind museums, you never know what type of places you’ll discover while driving through the Yellowhammer State. Listed below is a mapped road trip route that’ll take you to eight hidden gems in Alabama. With a distance of only 655 miles, it could also be taken in a single weekend.

Let’s get started.

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1. Rattlesnake Saloon - Tuscumbia
tripadvisor/James H
Rattlesnake Saloon, which opened in 2009, is located off the beaten path in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It's situated in a cave, making it one of the state's most unique restaurants.
Rattlesnake Saloon, 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
2. Ave Maria Grotto - Cullman
google/Felix Martin
Ave Maria Grotto, which covers 4 acres, is a unique outdoor attraction that's located on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama. It features 125 miniatures of religious structures and historic buildings. It's also often referred to as "Jerusalem in Miniature."
Ave Maria Grotto, 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, USA
3. Natural Bridge Park - Haleyville
tripadvisor/LADYJET
North Alabama's Natural Bridge Park is home to the historic Natural Bridge. Measuring 148 feet in length, this bridge is the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. Many experts also believe this bridge is more than 200 million years old.
Natural Bridge Park, Co Rd 3500, Haleyville, AL 35565, USA
4. Tinglewood Trail at Orr Park - Montevallo
google/Marcus Huber
The Tinglewood Trail is located inside of Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama. It features more than 30 one-of-a-kind carvings from trees. People of all ages enjoy Orr Park and this unique trail. (Artist: Tim Tingle)
Orr Park, 277 Park Dr, Montevallo, AL 35115, USA
5. Town of Spectre - Millbrook
wikimedia commons/Connor Wiggins
The Town of Spectre is located in Millbrook, Alabama. It's the film set from Tim Burton's Big Fish. Even though it's not in the same condition it was onscreen, it's still a unique place to visit, especially if you're a fan of the film.
Town of Spectre, Dirt road near, Cypress Ln, Millbrook, AL 36054, USA
6. The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum - Montgomery
wikimedia commons/Chris Pruitt
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is located in Montgomery, Alabama. From October 1931 to April 1932, the Fitzgeralds, along with their daughter, resided at the house that hosts this museum. This wonderful museum is the only one in the world that's dedicated to the life of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It features several letters, photos, and more that share the life of this amazing couple. You can also rent one of the two Airbnb suites that are located upstairs.
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, 919 Felder Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA
7. Museum of Wonder Drive-Thru - Seale
google/Karla Sessions
The Museum of Wonder Drive-Thru is a unique museum in Seale, Alabama. It's also the first museum of its kind in the world. For this museum, a variety of curiosities are on display inside shipping containers. People can also visit this drive-thru museum 24/7.
Museum of Wonder Drive Thru, 970 AL-169, Seale, AL 36875, USA
8. Bamahenge - Elberta
tripadvisor/Malinda U
Bamahenge is located near Barber Marina in Elberta, Alabama. It's an exact replica of England's Stonehenge. Like the real Stonehenge, Bamahenge is also aligned with the summer solstice. If you've ever been fascinated by Stonehenge, you'll definitely want to visit Alabama's Bamahenge.
Bamahenge, Elberta, AL 36530, USA

Have you ever been to any of these eight hidden gems in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

For more information about Alabama’s Ave Maria Grotto, be sure to take a look at the following article: Alabama’s Rock Garden And Grotto, Ave Maria Grotto, Is A Work Of Art.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

hidden gems in Alabama

May 09, 2022
Jennifer Young

What's one of the best hidden gems in Montgomery, Alabama that's also one of the city's most iconic restaurants?

There are quite a few hidden gems in Montgomery, Alabama that everyone should visit including restaurants. One of the city's oldest and most iconic restaurants that's also considered a hidden gem is Chris' Famous Hotdogs. Established in 1917, this iconic hot dog restaurant isn't just one of the oldest restaurants in the city, it's also one of the oldest restaurants in the entire state of Alabama. What makes Chris' Famous Hotdogs such a popular place is its famous chili. People just can't get enough of the restaurant's chili dogs, and after just one bite, it's easy to understand why.

What's one of the most unique outdoor attractions in Alabama?

When it comes to the outdoors, Alabama doesn't disappoint. From lakes and rivers to mountains and beaches, the Yellowhammer State is home to many natural features you won't find everywhere. One of the most unique places to visit in Alabama is Dismals Canyon in Phil Campbell. Dismals Canyon is a beautiful canyon that's nestled within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. What makes it one of the most unique places to visit in Alabama is the fact that it's one of the few places in the world where dismalites live. Dismalites are rare insects that look just like glowworms.

What town in Alabama is perfect for including on a road trip?

There are many great towns located throughout Alabama that are perfect for a road trip including Fairhope. Fairhope is located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama. This charming coastal town is a great road trip destination if you're wanting to take a getaway. It offers everything from great shopping to award-winning restaurants. Fairhope is also a great place to visit for anyone wanting to experience a stunning sunset.