Feel like getting away for the weekend? If so, consider staying at one of Alabama's beautiful bed and breakfasts. After all, why stay in a traditional hotel when you can stay at the home of someone who knows your destination best and can educate you on all of the best places to go? Plus, at a bed and breakfast, you'll get the care and attention you deserve and the only thing you'll have to focus on is relaxing and having a great time. Staying at any of these 12 bed and breakfasts is the perfect way to experience the Southern charm of Alabama.
Built in 1890, Garden Path Inn is located in Columbia, Alabama and provides a friendly and luxurious lodging experience for those looking to stay somewhere other than a traditional hotel. This bed and breakfast offers four elegant guest rooms, and if you're a cycling enthusiast, it also offers touring routes. Guests will also enjoy a hearty, Southern-style breakfast to start their day.
Built in 1897, and decorated with pieces of our country's history, such as Confederate Civil War relics, The Kate Shepard House Bed & Breakfast is located in historic midtown Mobile and is the perfect location for a Southern getaway. Each of the guest rooms are decorated with luxurious accents throughout, and gourmet coffee, teas and sweets are available around the clock.
Built in 1915, Limestone House Bed & Breakfast can be found in historic Florence, Alabama. This bed and breakfast is just a short walk from the University of North Alabama - making it the perfect place to stay if you're in town to see a UNA football game or visit a college student. Interesting fact: Limestone House was the first home to be wired for electricity in Florence. Just a few of the famous people who have stayed at this bed and breakfast include: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Humphrey Bogart.
Built in 1898, Alpine Bed & Breakfast is located on the tallest peak of Sand Mountain. Guests that stay at this bed and breakfast will enjoy seeing two states and eight cities while sitting on their balcony.
Treasure Island Bed & Breakfast is the only bed and breakfast located on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. At this bed and breakfast, guests will truly enjoy the leisure of lake living. Treasure Island Bed & Breakfast is convenient to Talladega and Birmingham.
Built in 1898, Cobb Lane Bed & Breakfast offers an era of Victorian comfort and genteel relaxation. At this bed and breakfast, guests will enjoy sleeping in one of their luxurious rooms and waking up to an elegant breakfast that's served on fine china. Cobb Lane Bed & Breakfast is in close proximity to several attractions in Birmingham.
Built in 1836, Fort Conde Inn is a luxurious lodging establishment that's a cross between an upscale hotel and a bed and breakfast. It's also Mobile's second-oldest house. At this bed and breakfast, guests can choose to either stay in one of the spacious guest rooms/suites or in one of their private cottages.
Built in 1897, Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast offers five guest rooms, each with a private bath, WiFi and a telephone. Guests will also enjoy a full three-course breakfast each morning. An interesting fact about Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast - it's the only bed and breakfast to be featured on Bob Vila's HGTV show Restore America. This bed and breakfast has also been featured in Southern Living magazine multiple times.
Built in 1895, Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to relax and unwind. While staying at this bed and breakfast, guests will enjoy walking in the beautiful gardens and rocking on the spacious porches.
Built in 1831, Winston Place Bed & Breakfast sits at the base of Lookout Mountain and offers five spacious designer suites, each accommodating 2-4 guests and containing original antique furniture.
Smith Lake Bed & Breakfast is a private resort on Lewis Smith Lake. What's so nice about this bed and breakfast is they let their guests have complementary use of paddle boats, kayaks, and a large boat dock with a sun deck and boat slip. Smith Lake Bed & Breakfast is a great alternative to traditional lake rentals.
Nestled among sweet gum trees, Sweet Gum Bottom Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Sitting on 12 private acres, this bed and breakfast offers quiet rest from crowds, four spacious guest rooms, and a delicious award-winning breakfast is served each morning.
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Is there an Alabama bed and breakfast you enjoy visiting when you feel the need for a weekend getaway?
Get Away From It All Each Month of the Year With These 12 Magnificent Escapes in Alabama
If you're ready for an escape, then check out 12 of the best VRBO getaways in Alabama. There's one destination for each month and you'll love them all!
Who doesn't need a break from reality every once in a while? Good news – I've got your back with the best vacation rentals in Alabama, just waiting to be your escape hatch. Check out 12 of the best Vrbo getaways in Alabama, handpicked for your vacation pleasure. There's one for each month, so you're covered all year round. Discover the lowdown on these primo spots for your ultimate getaway fix! These vacation destinations in Alabama are just what you need to rejuvenate your soul.
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Note: Be sure to click on each link to learn more about each place, including rates, additional amenities, etc.
1. January: Briar Ridge at DeSoto Rock Retreat, Mentone
Briar Ridge at DeSoto Rock Retreat, which offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms, is the ideal place to stay if you're seeking ultimate comfort and relaxation. It's also surrounded by woods and is a short distance from DeSoto Falls, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers.
Surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, this Wooded Peaceful Cabin, located right outside Talladega, offers two bedrooms and three bathrooms. It's also near Cheaha Mountain and the Pinhoti Trail. So, if you enjoy exploring the outdoors, this is a great place to book a stay.
Experience artistic craftsmanship in this mountain cabin made from reclaimed timbers – a perfect retreat for getaways in Alabama. Located minutes from the DeSoto State Park County Store and a short drive from downtown Mentone, this haven offers a hot tub, remodeled kitchen, and bathrooms with a blend of modernity and original charm.
Enjoy the fully equipped kitchen and custom walk-in showers, and relax fireside at the pit. Explore nearby gems like Historic Mentone, DeSoto State Park, DeSoto Falls, and Little River Canyon. Whether golfing or horseback riding in the Appalachian Mountains' foothills, this spot has it all.
Smith Lake Cabin is a charming tiny cottage located on beautiful Smith Lake. It offers one bedroom and one bathroom. On the property, there's also a swim platform, kayaks, a gas grill, and a fire pit for guests to use.
On A Whim is a craftsman-style cottage with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It's also located on beautiful Smith Lake and is nestled amongst trees. On A Whim is a great place to stay whenever you want peace and relaxation.
Gear up for lake vibes at the newly renovated Lakefront A-Frame Cabin – the most unique cabin for vacation destinations in Alabama! With a spacious primary suite, loft bedroom, and a fire pit for chill times, this spot is all about cabin coziness by the lake.
Located on Stroud Creek, it's your go-to for outdoor fun – boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Even when the lake's lowered for winter, the views are still on point. The property has fiber Wi-Fi – yay! Plus, there's a Publix Grocery just 10 minutes away, and downtown Lagrange, with restaurants and shopping, is only 15 minutes from your doorstep.
Tidal Wave is one of the finest beach houses for rent on Dauphin Island. It offers six bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, which makes it perfect for a large group. It also has its own sandy beach and jacuzzi and even boasts an incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi Sound.
Dive into beach life at this three-bed, three-bath corner unit condo on the fifth floor with killer Gulf views. It's got all the modern stuff – new countertops, cabinets, a 65-inch Curve TV, and smart TVs in every room.
Just half a mile from Highway 59, parking's a breeze on upper decks. Low-key vibes with only three condos per floor mean no elevator stress. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, hit the gym, and soak in coast views from two balconies. Easy beach access guarantees a chill vacation.
Get ready for the ultimate family getaway at Osprey Watch, the peaceful beach cottage in Orange Beach, Alabama. Just minutes from the beach and a block from the Recreation Center - it's the perfect spot for a weekend escape.
The three-bedroom setup is decked out with a kitchen, a cozy living area, and a massive screen porch loaded with games. Outside, there's a deck with a grill and firepit in a fenced backyard. It can comfortably sleep six, and all bedrooms have their own TVs. Plus, the hosts are fishing enthusiasts with 35 years of experience – they can hook you up with a great charter boat trip!
10. October: Sunnybrook Farm's Crow's Nest, DeKalb County
Sunnybrook Farm's Crow's Nest is a lovely cabin that offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Located atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, it's not far from some of Alabama's top outdoor attractions, including Little River Canyon National Preserve and Cherokee Rock Village. This cabin is also close to some other popular attractions, including Orbix Hot Glass.
Historic Grandeur is a beautiful house with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It was built in 1907 and is located near Midtown Mobile. This historic home is the perfect getaway escape for the entire family. It even features two "kid" zones complete with a foosball table, board games, and a great selection of books.
The Crooked Tree Cabin, nestled by a creek on Blueberry Falls Farm, is a tiny cabin with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It's close to some pretty amazing places, including shops and restaurants. The Crooked Tree Cabin is also near DeSoto Falls, which happens to be one of Alabama's tallest waterfalls.
Do you think these are some of the best VRBO getaways in Alabama? I love the vibe of the A-Frame Cabin - but to be honest, all of the vacation rentals will blow you away. Check them out!
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...
