10 Things That Will Always Make Alabama Natives Think of Home

There's no place quite like Alabama. Sadly, many people take living here for granted. It's not until you move away, or you're traveling, that you realize how special Alabama truly is. Whenever Alabama natives are away, there are certain things that will always remind us of home.

1. Small Town Charm

Alabama is home to many charming small towns. There's picturesque Athens—one of our oldest towns, or the remote yet beautiful Eufaula—known as "the Bass Fishing Capital of the World." Whenever visiting a smaller town somewhere else, you're always reminded of the small-town charm that awaits you back home.

2. Southern Accents

Alabamians are best known for their special dialect. When you're traveling and overhear someone speaking with the same dialect, you can't help but think of home. Y'all know how it feels.

3. Delicious Food

Here in Alabama, there's definitely no shortage of delicious food. Signature dishes include pecan pie, fried green tomatoes, and boiled peanuts. The official state nut is the pecan, the official state vegetable is the sweet potato, and the official state berry is the blackberry. And the official state dessert? A beautiful invention known as a Lane Cake—made from layers of sponge cake, pecans, and some boozy additions like bourbon or brandy.

4. Beautiful Farms

Agriculture is a big industry in the Yellowhammer State. Given this, it's no wonder that Alabama has so many beautiful farms. If you happen to come across a barn, a herd of cattle, or even an abandoned tractor, you're sure to think of home.

5. Starry Nights

Nothing compares to a star-filled sky on a clear night in rural Alabama. Although you might not think so, Alabama has many prime locations for stargazing. Both the Conecuh National Forest and Cheaha Mountain State Park have minimal light pollution, making these ideal areas for staring at the night sky.

6. Sprawling Cotton Fields

One of Alabama's nicknames is "The Cotton State," so it's not surprising that cotton fields give Alabamians a feeling of home. Alabama is ranked within the top ten cotton-producing states in the U.S., making sprawling fields of white fluff a common sight in this beautiful state. If you see one anywhere else, it's almost impossible not to think of home.

7. Beautiful Scenic Drives

You'll experience Alabama's most beautiful scenery while traveling along one of its picturesque backroads. We have our famous tree-covered road in Magnolia Springs and scenic byways through stunning nature. It's a great state for a road trip, nearly any time of year.

8. Quaint Churches and Chapels

Because Alabama is located in the Bible Belt, it's home to several quaint churches and chapels. As a matter of fact, it's not uncommon to see many of them scattered throughout a small Alabama town. They all have their own kind of charm. Some are painted white, others are old and weathered.

9. Gorgeous Beaches

It's no secret that Alabama's Gulf Coast is home to the most beautiful white-sand beaches. Our beaches are wonderful for swimming, boating, or simply sunbathing. Even when an Alabama native vacations on a beach somewhere else, you're reminded of the gorgeous beaches back home.

10. Great Southern Hospitality

Nothing outshines Alabama's great Southern hospitality. Nothing! We're a welcoming state, and we always will be.

Thinking of moving to the great state of Alabama? For further reading, here are 11 Things You Have To Do Before You’re An Official Alabamian. Looking to plan a trip to the Yellowhammer State? Y'all better download Only In Your State’s itinerary planner first. It'll help you build the perfect trip with the power of AI.