12 Surprising Things You Might Have Never Thought About Doing In Alabama

If you've ever wondered what it's like to drive a real NASCAR race car, wonder no more. Thanks to the Dale Jarrett Racing School, racing fans have the unique opportunity to find out what it’s like to race a car on a real track. Prices for this experience range from $195 to $3,295. It all depends on how many laps you wish to take. Be sure to check out their website for additional information at: RacingAdventure.com

Alabama is home to several caves and spelunking has become a popular activity among cave enthusiasts. Cathedral Caverns is popular among cavers and if exploring caves interests you, I'd definitely recommend checking out this beautiful cave. Cathedral Caverns is a part of Cathedral Caverns State Park, which is located at: 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL 35769.

Are you wanting to impress your family and friends? If so, why not enroll in a cooking class? At It's Thyme to Cook, in Madison, you'll get to learn new cooking skills while gaining confidence in the kitchen. It's Thyme to Cook offers several different cooking classes for all ages. To learn what type of classes are offered, check out their website at: ItsThymeToCook.com

If you don't feel like watching the weekend's newly released movies in a traditional indoor theater, you should definitely visit King Drive-In. King Drive-In, which opened in 1949, is Alabama's oldest operating drive-in movie theater and plays newly released movies. King Drive-In is located at: 18478 Highway 43, Russellville, AL 35654.

Who said zip lining must only be done in tropical settings? The Ridge - Alabama Outdoor Adventure Park, located in Springville, can turn any ordinary weekend into a fun-filled adventure you won't soon forget. They offer two different zip line tours. One is for a beginner, and the other is for someone more advanced. To learn more about this park and their zip lining adventures, be sure to check out their website at: RidgeRiding.com

If you've never "blown" glass before, now is your chance. Orbix Hot Glass, located in Fort Payne, not only sells beautiful glass sculptures, they also offer classes that allow you to "blow" your own sculptures. To learn more about their classes and to view the beautiful pieces they currently have for sell, be sure to check out their website at: OrbixHotGlass.com

If you're planning to take an Alabama beach vacation or travel to somewhere more exotic, you'll definitely want to take scuba diving lessons. Well, that is if you plan to go scuba diving. Southern Divers, located in Montgomery, is a dive academy that offers beginning classes and master classes. They also plan SCUBA/snorkeling trips throughout the year to local and international locations. To learn more about Southern Divers, visit their website at: SouthernDivers.net

Whoever invented paintball is a GENIUS!!! Central Alabama Paintball Park, located in Calera, is a popular paintball attraction. To make sure you only get the BEST experience, this park offers five fields. To learn more about Central Alabama Paint Park, check out their website at: AlabamaPaintball.com

If you enjoy being creative, call up your girlfriends and host a painting party. Painting parties and classes have become quite popular here in Alabama. A well-known paint studio that offers this activity for people of all ages is P’zazz Art Studio, with locations in Prattville and Fairhope. To learn more about P’zazz Art Studio, be sure to check out their website at: PzazzArt

Gone With The Winds Balloon Company, located in the Huntsville area, will give you the adventure of a lifetime. Their amazing hot air balloon will take you over beautiful North Alabama. At the end of the ride, you'll get to enjoy champagne (non-alcoholic) and receive a flight certificate. Pricing for their balloon rides ranges from $125 (children 12 and under) to $225 (adult). The cost is $800 for an EXCLUSIVE ride for only 2 or 3 people. To book your flight, visit their website at: BallooningAL.com

If you're interested in learning what it feels like to experience three times the force of gravity, you'll definitely want to ride the G-Force Accelerator. This simulator is located in Huntsville at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.