When most people hear the name “Dismals Canyon,” they assume they’re headed for a gloomy destination. Dismals Canyon—which is located in Phil Campbell, Alabama—is a joyful locale that is home to a rare natural light show. The larvae of thousands of tiny bioluminescent insects known as dismalites proliferate in a cave and emit soft blue…
Ever wondered about all the exhilarating things to do in Madison, Alabama? Especially when viewed through the vibrant and energetic lens of youth? Well, you’re in for a treat! Madison, with its seamless blend of historical charm and modern-day attractions, has become a magnet for adventure seekers and young souls alike. It’s no wonder that…
The Sloss Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama, operated as a pig-iron-producing blast furnace site from 1882 until 1971. After its closure, it became one of the first industrial sites in the United States to be preserved for public use. In 1981, a decade after the facility was shut down, the United States…
When someone utters the word “Alabama” most people think of the Crimson Tide—a juggernaut college football team that has won countless national championships. If you’re not a sports aficionado—never fear. The state of Alabama still has plenty to offer. The coast of Alabama is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United…
The sleepy northern Alabama town of Cullman is home to a unique religious shrine which has captivated visitors since the early days of the 20th century. Crafted almost entirely by a lonely Benedictine monk named Joseph Zoettl, the Ave Maria Grotto features miniature replicas of celebrated churches, statues of saints, and even a few secular…
The Northern Alabama foothills might not seem like an obvious spot for a Western-themed cowboy bar, but then again, everything about the Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia defies expectations. Visitors to this outpost in the Appalachian foothills enjoy beer and wine, as well as delicious burgers and sandwiches with Western-themed names like “The Buckaroo” and “Giddy…
Most people in the United States associate ghost towns with the gold rush which swept the western half of the country in the 1800s. Even though extreme heat, humidity, and abundant vegetation degrade abandoned structures at a steady pace, the South is still home to some compelling ghost towns. The story of Cahaba, Alabama—which briefly…
Alabama’s DeSoto Caverns—which is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains—has served as a sacred burial ground for an ancient group of Native Americans, a vital gunpowder mining location for Confederate soldiers, and a rowdy speakeasy during the Prohibition era. DeSoto Caverns features towering walls of marble and onyx which have attracted visitors and…
