Get ready to experience the perfect winter trip in Guntersville, Alabama, revolving around a cozy stay at Lake Guntersville State Park. One of the state's most popular spots in the summer, the park might surprise you with its uniquely wonderful winter atmosphere.
And the coolest time to visit? One of the three Eagle Awareness Weekends in late January and early February.
Lake Guntersville is known for its bald eagle population, especially during winter. That's because many eagles from northern states join the party with those who nest there year-round. They come for warmer waters and easier fishing. "Easier" meaning the lake and fish aren't frozen. Ever bitten into a burrito that's still frozen in the middle? These birds choose to skip the defrost setting and instead drop on down south.
For Guntersville folks and their guests, the winter influx of featured friends increases the odds of eagle sightings. One of the most popular places for spotting them nesting is along Sunset Drive Trail, which winds along the lake's shoreline and the road of the same name.
In addition to Sunset Drive, other great locations for eagle-spotting are Marshall County Park, Claysville School, and the Lake Guntersville State Park cabins. That's according to photographer John Pate of Bald Eagles of Lake Guntersville, who has become an expert on where to find them. He and his wife, Lisa, frequently go out onto the lake and surrounding areas specifically for that purpose. His images beautifully document the eagles around this area.
Speaking of the state park, it offers a few weekends each winter when you can fully dive into learning about these spectacular creatures. Eagle Awareness Weekends are three-day events that include tons of naturalist-led educational programming and tours, including live bird shows.
The special events occur over the last two weekends of January and the first weekend of February. Packages for the events include a Friday night social, breakfast buffets at the lodge on Saturday and Sunday mornings, a Saturday dinner, and the aforementioned educational programs and tours. The cost varies depending on the size of your party and your accommodations. For example, the two-night, inclusive package for two starts at $429 for a single queen room booking at the lodge and goes up to $636 for a luxury chalet.
At the lodge, the soaring ceiling and shimmering glass entry make an impression that only gets better when you see the view from your room. Most have incredible views overlooking the lake.
Meanwhile, in 2021, the park unveiled its freshly renovated. modern luxury chalets, which have been a hit with guests. All 20 of the chalets are situated atop Taylor Mountain and offer beautiful bird's-eye views. Each chalet sleeps up to six guests, with one handicap-accessible chalet that sleeps up to four.
The park's expansive campground is popular in winter months, too. If you're camping, you can add an Eagle Awareness Package to your campground rate at $110 per person.
The lodge, cabins, and chalet rates are all reasonable and in line with moderate commercial hotel rates. The campground is nice, well maintained, and averages around $35 per night. In terms of quality and cost, there's not a bad choice you can make here. All guests who purchase the full Eagle Awareness Weekend packages can enjoy the included meals and also order from the lodge's Pinecrest Dining Room. Yes, it has gorgeous views, too.
For folks who want to skip the full package, there's a day-pass option for Eagle Awareness Weekends, too. They're offered on a limited basis to keep group sizes within reason, so the availability depends on package bookings. The cost for the day passes is just $25 for adults and $10 for kids who are 11 or younger. The passes include just the Saturday educational programming and guided tours.
Of course, you can book a stay a little earlier in the winter season and see the lodge decked out in its holiday finery. Or consider a romantic getaway later in February to celebrate Valentine's Day. It's a lot less busy than the summer months and allows you to see the lake and surrounding nature in an entirely different way.
When you plan your visit, be sure to set aside time to explore all of Guntersville's entertainment and retail therapy. The most recent showpiece development, City Harbor, is home to a handful of hot restaurants, a taproom, a cigar shop, and more. Another must-do is the city's charming downtown historic district, which is full of specialty shops.
This perfect winter trip in Guntersville, Alabama checks all the boxes for me – beautiful scenery, majestic wildlife, niche shopping, cozy accommodations, and plenty of places to eat. Regardless of when you go, be sure to check the trail map for the Sunset Drive Trail, because it's a winner even if you don't spot eagles. You can find Eagle Awareness Weekend dates and rates on the Alabama State Parks Eagle Awareness event webpage. Get up-to-the-minute news from the park on the Lake Guntersville Facebook page. See more incredible local eagle photography on the Bald Eagles of Lake Guntersville Facebook page.
We would love to hear about your experience visiting Lake Guntersville State Park, especially if you give it a try this winter. If you're a frequent visitor, share your tips for the best things to see and do.
For a relaxing getaway, nothing beats an overnight stay in a charming Alabama cabin, especially one with a hot tub. Several rental cabins are located throughout Yellowhammer State, but some of the best ones are situated atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne and Mentone. Some of the best cabins in Alabama that are guaranteed to provide nothing but rest and relaxation are listed below!
advertisement
Affordable Cabins in Alabama
A cozy cabin getaway without breaking the bank? Absolutely! Here in Alabama, there are lots of affordable cabins that are sure to provide total R&R.
This cozy and A-frame cabin is the perfect "home base" for your adventures in Shelby, AL! With your own private dock on Waxahatchee Creek and the nearby Oak Mountain State Park, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. Ozan Winery is about 40 minutes away for a fun day trip, too.
Located in the lovely Laurel Lakes area, this cabin is the epitome of "rustic charm," with warm wood details, a living room with a working fireplace, a cozy bunk room, and more. The best part? It's located right on the lake, and if you thought a waterfront cabin in Alabama was out of your budget, you'll be blown away by this affordable cabin in Alabama!
TreeTops in Mentone, Alabama is an excellent and affordable cabin rental option for a much-needed getaway. Priced at less than $100 per night, it offers exceptional value for money. With a bedroom featuring double beds and provided linens, it comfortably accommodates a small family or couples seeking a romantic retreat. The cabin's screened-in porch, two decks, hammocks, and fire pit offer additional opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Don't miss the chance to experience the tranquility and charm of TreeTops by making a reservation today.
Perched atop Lookout Mountain near the East Fork of the Little River, this charming tiny home Airbnb offers a cozy living area and a waterfront location on the river which makes it perfect for nature enthusiasts who will delight in the opportunity to engage in activities like kayaking, swimming, and fishing in the surrounding area!
Luxury Cabins in Alabama
If you think "cabin" and "luxury" don't go together, think again! The Yellowhammer State is home to some truly next-level cabins that are luxurious in every way.
Size: This 3400 sq. ft cabin can accommodate up to 18 guests in its four bedrooms and three full baths.
Price: $428/night
Amenities: Grand room with a 50" Roku smart TV, king-size bed in the master bedroom, outdoor living area with recreation and a fire pit, private location.
You'll be blown away by this beautifully designed three-story, graceful – yet - rustic luxury cabin in Mentone, Alabama. A walk-through of the cabin boggles the mind. The original owner (Tommy Milham) designed the cabin with a uniquely and expertly blended range of sawmilled hardwoods: wormy maple, poplar, chestnut, walnut, red oak, hard pine, cedar, and hickory. The cabin sits on a 3-acre lake that was built from the sale of a ring given to Tommy by Elvis Presley in 1976!
Legacy on the Lake certainly lives up to its name. This exquisite home is a dramatic blend of Arts and Crafts and rustic styles, constructed using stone and reclaimed wood from the historic Lahusage Hotel which formerly stood on this site. The 180-room Lahusage Hotel and the Lake Lahusage Dam were built in the 1920s during the heyday of the area's coal mining boom.
Amenities: Heat & air conditioning, full kitchen, wood-burning hot tub, fire pit, grill
Ratings: 5 / 5 stars
advertisement
Romantic Cabins in Alabama
Enjoy a special stay with your significant other at one of these romantic cabins in Alabama. With cozy amenities and swoon-worthy scenery, these romantic cabins in Alabama are worth seeking out for your next couples' getaway.
Does it get any more romantic than a cabin with its own private waterfall? It doesn't. This is the magic that awaits at the Cliff House Cabin in Mentone. Easily the most romantic cabin in Alabama, it’s best known for its incredible view of DeSoto Falls and spectacular surrounding colors during the fall season.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin is great for a weekend getaway. While here, you'll enjoy its beautiful surrounding scenery, especially as you're relaxing in the hot tub at this mountain cabin in Alabama!
This 'intimate piece of paradise' as the host calls it, is absolutely beautiful. The cabin was handcrafted with love by the host family to include cozy features like heated floors, a front porch bathtub, and heated towel racks for a little extra pampering. The property is embedded in the woods by a small creek so the ambiance is fantastic for a couples getaway. If you are looking for one of the best cabin Airbnbs in Alabama for a weekend with your honey bunch, this is a darling spot.
Enjoy phenomenal views from this gorgeous couple's cabin near the beautiful Walls of Jericho along the Alabama-Tennessee border. If you are looking for cabin getaways in Alabama that will knock you off your feet with easy access to the Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area, this is it. One look at the photos and we are pretty sure you'll be excited to pick your weekend before it is all booked up. Romance is definitely in the air at this charming mountain cabin.
Secluded Cabins in Alabama
Looking to get away from it all? These secluded cabins in Alabama offer just that, and while they are remote, these accommodations are anything but "roughing it."
If you enjoy fishing, you'll most certainly want to book an overnight stay at this charming cabin, which has its very own pond. Offering two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, this 1,800 sq. ft. cabin is the perfect family vacation spot. Guests love the variety of amenities offered, especially the hot tub that has a great view of the pond. Visit this cozy cabin's listing on Vrbo for more information, including how to book your stay.
13. Creekhouse Cabin in the Alabama Mountains, Bryant
Looking to unwind in Alabama nature? This remote cabin is located in the heart of the mountains of Northern Alabama, and it the private property has its own secluded creek for fishing!
Amenities: Wi-Fi, TV, heat & air conditioning, full kitchen, washer & dryer, hot tub, fire pit, pet-friendly
Ratings: 10 / 10 stars
advertisement
Cabins in Alabama with Hot Tub
On the hunt for cabins in Alabama with a hot tub? This isn't a rarity; rather, you'll find cozy cabins all over Alabama that, in addition to features like wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits, also offer a hot tub for guests to enjoy.
Al's Nest is a rustic little rental located on 22 picture-perfect, private acres on a plot of land that joins the Desoto State Park Management Area. This one-bedroom cabin is meant for a solo stay or couple's retreat, and with the floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-burning fireplace, and screened-in deck with a hot tub, we can't imagine a more romantic getaway in Alabama!
16. Secluded Cabin near DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne
This secluded cabin, which offers two bedrooms and one bathroom, is a great place to consider staying if you've been wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You'll love being greeted by the horses each day. The cabin's hot tub is also a wonderful place to relax after exploring nearby DeSoto State Park and other local attractions.
This cozy cabin, which includes two bedrooms and one bathroom, is located only a short distance from Little River Canyon. It offers a variety of amenities, including a hot tub that's surrounded by a beautiful lush forest.
Note: The exact location of each cabin will be given after booking.
What do you think about our featured best cabins in Alabama? Could you see yourself booking a getaway at one of these charming and cozy cabins? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
If you have strong roots in Alabama, you know football season is a big deal. It's so major that it can be tough to find a place to stay around our universities, especially those with huge fan bases. The key is to plan way ahead of time. With that in mind, I have rounded up a collection of Airbnbs for football season in Alabama – one for each of our NCAA Division I football teams.
advertisement
Before anyone takes this ranking as fightin' words, these are listed from the top of the bottom of the state geographically. You have to be careful around these parts to not play favorites. I chose these spots based on proximity to each school's stadium, guest ratings, and amenities. At this writing, they all have booking openings for at least some home games in each community.
Settle in with your family at this cozy three-bed, two-bath full home that's just 1.5 miles to Louis Crews Stadium, home to the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. While not a party pad (host rules!), it's perfect for gathering your family for a ballgame and grilling out in the private backyard. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare the fixings.
Spend the day relaxing in the big backyard of this charming cottage and then take a few steps to root on the Gamecocks at Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium. It's across the street! The space is about 1,000 square feet with an open floor plan that includes two bedrooms and 1.5 baths.
Make this open, airy and beautifully decorated luxury loft your home base for UAB Blazers games at Protective Stadium, which is just 1.5 miles away. You'll be in walking distance to award-winning restaurants, Railroad Park, and the historic Alabama and Lyric Theaters. Yes, make a mental note you may want to book this one for shows! With two bedrooms, three beds and two baths, this spot can accommodate as many as five guests.
This cute condo in Homewood is a half mile from Samford and F. Page Seibert Stadium, home of the Bulldogs. The location is also great if you want to explore downtown Birmingham, as it's only a five-minute drive. If it's early in the season, you can enjoy the pool close to the condo's private patio. With two bedrooms and two baths, this space accommodates four guests comfortably.
Gather your gang for an epic Crimson Tide tailgate in the shadow of Bryant-Denny Stadium. This four-bedroom, two-bath home can accommodate as many as 11 guests. Besides the perfect pre-game area set up in the garage, there is a fenced backyard perfect for a barbecue, shooting hoops and playing cornhole. Indoors, you'll find beautifully decorated interiors, a full kitchen and cozy bedrooms.
Make this mid-century modern charmer your home base for cheering on the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. You'll be just one mile from Toomers Corner in the heart of the Loveliest Village on the Plains. With three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, there's room for you and five of your loved ones (air mattress available if you need to add a couple more).
With four bedrooms, five beds and 2.5 baths, gather your whole gang to stay at this pretty historical home just half a mile south of ASU Stadium. The home can accommodate as many as fourteen overnight guests! Prepare a meal in the fully equipped kitchen, enjoy dining out on the patio and go cheer on the ASU Hornets.
Fuel up your energy to cheer on the Troy Trojans at this unique Airbnb about two miles south of Veterans Memorial Stadium. You'll be a five-minute drive to the game while staying in this former Sinclair Gas Station built in 1920. The one-bed, 1.5-bath space is just off the town square – definitely worth exploring during your state. The open floor plan features a king sized bed, couch and kitchenette. The outdoor space is almost as big, with a screened-in porch with gas fire pit and adjacent private courtyard.
Planning to go root for the University of South Alabama at Hancock Whitney Stadium? Then "The Jaguar Den" is calling your name. The three-bed, two-bath home is right across the street from the university and is set up just for guests. With five beds total (the game room has a sleeper and roll away). the space accommodates up to eight guests overnight. While there is a fully equipped kitchen, you'll also be within walking distance of several restaurants nearby.
advertisement
What do you think of these Airbnbs for football season in Alabama? We'd love to hear if you've stayed at any of these properties. And if you choose to make one of these your tailgating launchpad, we'd love to hear all about your stay.
