The Birmingham Botanical Gardens has more than 12,000 different types of plants and 25 unique gardens. It's also one of Alabama's top free tourist attractions.
Located in Decatur, Alabama, the Pickwick Belle Riverboat offers wonderful daily sightseeing tours for only $10-$19. Visit www.pickwickbelle.net for more information.
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5. Play an amazing round of golf on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
As we swap sweltering summer heat for the cozy days of autumn, Alabamians eagerly gear up for a smorgasbord of seasonal fun. When it comes to things to do in Alabama in the fall, we have all the essential experiences: fall foliage hotspots, top-tier pumpkin patches, and perfect-weather festivals – many of them are easy on the wallet, to boot.
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Oh hold up now, I said boots, didn't I? Finally, it's boot season. Pick your favorite pair and get ready to explore Alabama's best-kept secrets this magical time of year. You can use this guide to discover a new favorite fall tradition.
Alabama Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Alabama For Fall Foliage
Autumn Road In DeSoto State Park In Alabama
Fall in Alabama means forests ablaze in color, especially in the northern to central parts of the state. While these regions have most of our best places to see fall foliage, even our southernmost portions see some leaf shows later in the season. Overall, leaf peepers should know the fall color wheel starts spinning around here from mid-October to early November. During those few weeks, our mountain foothills, rolling landscapes, and lush forests come alive with vibrant hues creating scenes worth a weekend getaway or, at the very least, a long Sunday drive or hike.
1. Brow Park – Mentone, Alabama
Location: Mentone, Alabama
Wow Factor: Panoramic views of the Chattanooga Valley from the brow of Lookout Mountain.
Need To Know: This park was once a strategic lookout during the Civil War.
Fall is one of the best times to visit the tiny town of Mentone, and the best views of fall color are to be had at Brow Park. From there, you get a jaw-dropping view of the Tennessee River as it winds through the lush Chattanooga Valley. Not only is this park one of the few places to get this perspective without being on private property, it's the perfect spot for a picnic. Needless to say, sunrise and sunset are prime times for a stop.
2. Oak Mountain State Park – Pelham, Alabama
Location: Pelham, Alabama
Wow Factor: This place is a hiker's and biker's paradise with over 70 miles of trails.
Need To Know: Oak Mountain is the state's largest park, so there's even more to explore beyond the trails.
Lace up your hiking boots, grab some water, and keep your camera at the ready as you explore Oak Mountain State Park. The park has scores of trails winding through the landscape, which is most brilliant with fall color the last week of October to the first week of November. You do not have to be a seasoned hiker to have fun here, because there's a trail (or three) for just about every skill level.
3. Cheaha State Park – Delta, Alabama
Location: Delta, Alabama
Wow Factor: Cheaha State Park is home to Alabama's highest point, so the views are truly tops.
Need To Know: Cheaha is the state's oldest park and has withstood the test of time as a favorite, especially in all its fall glory.
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If you're looking to one-up other leaf lovers in your fall foliage quest, Cheaha State Park is the highest you can go in Alabama – and that's a fact. As home to Cheaha Mountain, which is 2,407 feet above sea level, this park delivers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Talladega National Forest. Pack up your gear and choose from many hiking trails and camping options – or drive right up using the Talladega Scenic Byway.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Alabama
You'll be saying great gourd-a-mighty at Alabama's best pumpkin patches when fall rolls around. Many of our family farms and pop-up patches transform into pumpkin paradises, growing more robust every season with new and reimagined activities that keep people coming back over generations. You'll find hayrides, train rides, corn mazes, good eats, and mountains of pretty pumpkins. We assure you these places are the stuff memories are made of – and they'll last far longer than your jack-o'-lantern's grin!
4. Tate Farms – Meridianville, Alabama
Location: Meridianville, Alabama
Wow Factor: Over 80 acres of fields for pumpkin picking
Need To Know: Tate Farms also has over 20 acres of entertainment space with family-friendly attractions.
This family-owned fall attraction isn't just about finding the perfect pumpkin, though with over 80 acres of pick-your-own pumpkin fields, there's plenty to choose from at Tate Farms. If you can't find the gourd you're looking for here ... well, please don't embarrass Linus and The Peanuts gang that way! Beyond great pumpkin hunting, there are over 20 acres devoted to festival-like family fun.
5. 4D Farm – Cullman, Alabama
Location: Cullman, Alabama
Wow Factor: Over 50 attractions, including some epic slides
Need To Know: If you live nearby, you can buy a pass for unlimited visits for the season
Centrally located near Birmingham, 4D Farm is an easy day trip for many folks in the state. With dozens of attractions from an obstacle course to visiting with farm animals, you're sure to find adventures filled with laughter, fun, and lasting memories. Really, can you imagine not having a good giggle watching pig races? 4D isn't just a pumpkin patch but a festival-like destination with gem mining, rides, jumping features, and a pirate ship. It could be the perfect pumpkin or a shiny new gem; either way expect to find a fall treasure here.
6. Pumpkin Junction Via The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum – Calera, Alabama
Location: Calera, Alabama
Wow Factor: A nostalgic train ride sets the pace
Need To Know: Book online to ensure a spot! Seats are assigned and sold to walk-up riders only as available.
Hosted by the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, trips to Pumpkin Junction are a one-of-a-kind adventure for all ages. You can book tickets in advance for Saturday and Sunday rides throughout October. Once all are aboard, the train travels about 10 minutes to Pumpkin Junction, where you can pick your favorite gourd and enjoy a hayride, crafts, food vendors, and inflatables. You'll spend about an hour at the site before the short ride back.
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7. CornDodgers Farm – Headland, Alabama
Location: Headland, Alabama
Wow Factor: A seven-acre corn maze with over three miles of pathways
Need To Know: You can challenge yourself even more with moonlight maze adventures. Bring a flashlight or buy glow sticks at The Crooked Porch onsite.
While there's pumpkin picking aplenty, CornDodgers Farm's name reveals its biggest attraction – the giant corn maze, which features a new design every year. There's a Mega Maze that takes people about 45 minutes to navigate, plus a Fairy Tale Trail for the little ones. The kids' trail includes a reimagined story of Jack and the Beanstalk in which Jack conquers a cornstalk instead. You can enjoy many more activities like gem mining, slides, and pony rides.
Fall brings a true feast of festivals around the Yellowhammer State: If you aren't hoisting a pint at Oktoberfest or munching on boiled peanuts in the Peanut Capital of the World, you might find yourself feasting your eyes on fine art or getting a taste of culture at a Day of the Dead celebration. (Yes, there's plenty of delicious food to be eaten in those last two scenarios, too). If it feels like you're eating your way around the state, just consider it practice for the upcoming winter holidays. And hey, at least these festivals encourage you to walk around and get exercise while enjoying the cooler fall weather.
8. Oktoberfest – Cullman, Alabama
Location: Cullman, Alabama
Wow Factor: The community-wide spirit of Gemütlichkeit, a German word for friendliness and good cheer
Need To Know: Most of the non-stop festivities occur over three days, starting Thursday and concluding Saturday, with the 2024 edition set for Oct. 3-5.
From lively music and dance performances to traditional food and beer, Oktoberfest captures the essence of Cullman's deep German roots. You'll get to experience the best of German culture, from traditional lederhosen and delicious food to clinking glasses with new friends in the spirited biergarten. If you're feeling competitive, there are 5K and 10K races and contests for stein-hoisting brat-eating, pet costumes, and the wildly popular wiener dog races. Live music and cultural exhibits round out this special community event. While you may run up a little tab for brews and brats, admission is free!
9. River Clay Fine Arts Festival – Decatur, Alabama
Location: Decatur, Alabama
Wow Factor: This festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024 and is the ninth annual presentation, having skipped a year in 2020.
Need To Know: The annual chalk art competition is always a big highlight of this show.
While a bit younger than some of Alabama's many excellent art festivals, the River Clay Fine Arts Festival began in 2014 and has consistently gotten bigger and better every year. Held the last weekend of October, this arts extravaganza now features over 70 artists from around the region and beyond. Perhaps the most powerful allure? The many opportunities for young artists to display and make art, plus engaging demonstrations all ages will enjoy. Plus, this compact festival is a hop, skip, and jump to visit other downtown attractions, such as the Cook Museum of Natural Science, and shops and restaurants along the historic 2nd Avenue and Bank Street districts. A weekend pass for Saturday and Sunday will only set you back $5 a person, with adult-accompanied kids age 12 and younger admitted free. Hey, that's a little more cash you can put toward a new piece for your collection.
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10. Día de los Muertos Alabama – Birmingham, Alabama
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Wow Factor: Colorful art everywhere you turn – from installations to costumes to makeup to vendors
Need To Know: If you do nothing else, catch the parade procession of this event to witness a powerful convergence of music, dance, art, and bold colors.
After more than 20 years, Día de los Muertos Birmingham has grown to become one of the "most intricate Day of the Dead celebrations in the Southeast." The event happens annually at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, a stark backdrop that really sets off the vibrant art installations, vendors, and homemade altars. Performers and attendees alike wear elaborate costumes and makeup (not required, but I say go for it!) as thousands come together to honor the memory of ancestors and celebrate the traditions of this enduring cultural holiday. It makes sense this event is so artful, considering it is the largest event annually benefiting Bare Hands, Inc., an arts nonprofit organization that works to create immersive art experiences and education programs. While adult tickets range from $15 (advance) to $20 (day-of price on Nov. 2), note that youths age 12 and younger are admitted free of charge.
11. National Peanut Festival – Dothan, Alabama
Location: Dothan, Alabama
Wow Factor: A celebration of the humble peanut unlike anything you've ever seen
Need To Know: The festival spans 10 days (Nov, 1-10, 2024) with a packed lineup of entertainment, contests, and exhibits.
You can be a nut for peanuts or simply love a classic country fair and you'll be more than happy with a visit to the National Peanut Festival annual fair. The much-loved legume is the star of the show here in the Peanut Capital of the World. There's a long list of special events, and on the grounds, you'll be greeted with larger-than-life peanut sculptures, a midway with rides, and all the fair food you can eat (yes, including plenty of peanuts). A must-see community-focused aspect of the event is the grand parade through town, which carries plenty of peanut pomp.
Free & Cheap Alabama Fall Activities
On a budget? We have good news. You can roll right into Alabama's fall season with wallet-friendly activities that prove you don't need to break the bank to have a blast. We covered some great festivals already that are also affordable, and we've made room for more. One can never have enough options for free and low-cost family fun, and these savings-savvy adventures will have you singing "Sweet home Alabama!" for sure.
12. Labor Day Celebration At Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Graveyard Cemetery – Cherokee, Alabama
Location: Cherokee, Alabama
Wow Factor: An unforgettable memorial to the bond between people and their pups – coon dogs, specifically.
Need To Know: While you can visit this spot any time, the annual (free!) Labor Day celebration will lighten the mood with music and more.
Although fall doesn’t officially start until the autumn equinox in September, there's no reason not to include a Labor Day event on this list, considering it mentally marks the end of summer for many. And honoring endings is what this attraction is all about for people who have had the joy of caring for and hunting with coon dogs. The Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery in the small Northwest Alabama community of Cherokee is a place like no other. Established in 1937 by its namesake Key Underwood for his special hunting dog, Troop, this space is now the final resting place for more than 300 coon dogs. Burial sites range from the very simple to elaborate headstones and other memorials. The Labor Day event brings together visitors from all around for bluegrass music, buck dancing, barbecue, and a liar's contest. We aren't lying when we say you may get emotional here despite the revelry.
13. Conecuh Sausage Festival – Evergreen, Alabama
Location: Evergreen, Alabama
Wow Factor: Simply the Conecuh Sausage – a beloved state food and brand for over 75 years
Need To Know: Alabamians have more to celebrate about Conecuh Sausage as of early 2024 when the company announced a major $58 million expansion in which it added another production facility and over 100 jobs in Andalusia.
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Say "sausage"" in Alabama and I bet you someone will say "Conecuh." Or make that, "mmmm ... Conecuh!" The company began when Evergreen resident Henry Sessions started a meat locker company called Sessions Quick Freeze in 1947. From there, he began producing smoked meats, including the hickory-smoked sausage that's so famous today. If you're outside the South, you may not know about Conecuh Sausage – yet. Meanwhile, in Evergreen there's a festival celebrating it annually. Why not make this year the one to get acquainted, if you aren't already? The free festival is held at the regional airport, which plays host to a full plate of activities, including a cook-off, live music, and dozens of vendors offering festival foods, crafts, and other goodies.
14. Alabama Butterbean Festival – Pinson, Alabama
Location: Pinson, Alabama
Wow Factor: With over 45,000 people attending, this festival is one of the largest in the state.
Need To Know: While admission to the festival is free, the festival's vendor and event fees raise money for community nonprofits and schools.
Bucky Butterbean cannot wait to see you (and you him, right?) at the annual Alabama Butterbean Festival, which has become a much-loved community tradition in Pinson since its beginnings in 2006. The festival happens annually on the first weekend of October and honors the locally grown legume in many ways, including arts and crafts, a 5K race, a petting zoo, and plenty of other kid-friendly activities. Admission is free, and so is parking for this downtown Pinson event. Fun fact: The festival made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010 for cooking up a 1,010-gallon pot of butterbeans.
15. Alabama Renaissance Faire – Florence, Alabama
Location: Florence, Alabama
Wow Factor: Creative costumes by performers and attendees alike, plus mesmerizing sights like fire-dancing (don't try that at home!).
Need To Know: While admission is free, you may want to fill your change purse a bit to pick up trinkets and treasures from the many vendors.
On the final weekend of October, Wilson Park in Florence is officially declared Fountaine-on-the-Green for the annual Alabama Renaissance Faire. Admission is free to see such feats as sword fighting and fire dancing, hear the musical stylings of minstrels and troubadours, and take part in merry maypole dancing. A suit of armor, anyone? If goblets of refreshing beverages and hearty meats are more your speed, this festival has a fine selection to quell those cravings.
We hope our guide to the best things to do in Alabama in the fall and inspire you to explore some spots close to home and perhaps strike out for an adventure to parts of the state you may have yet to explore. If you are planning a little fall trip, be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list to be sure you're 100% ready for the road.
Now you have all the info you need to make the most of the fall season, please share with us any tips you may have about your favorite spots on the list! We'd also love to hear about any new adventures you have planned.
