5 Best Places to See and Experience in North Alabama
By Tim Cotroneo
North Alabama is one of the few places in the world where rockets, golf, and the Rolling Stones are connected. Whether you step into an astronaut’s shoes for a day in Huntsville, play 18 holes at The Schoolmaster Course in Hampton Cove, or stand in the same spot where Jagger recorded “Brown Sugar” in Muscle Shoals, North Alabama has a lot to offer.
Regardless, if you are in North Alabama for a day or a week, the fastest growing ‘Bama region will shower guests with southern hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing and bass fishing. For those looking for culture and history, there are museums, a vibrant art scene, a multitude of music venues, scores of breweries, and a vast array of culinary options.
This destination is a haven for bald eagles, caves, and waterfalls. The region is also one of the trail capitals of the world including routes dedicated to wine, murals, and barbecue. The question is, “How do we narrow down North Alabama’s best tourism options?” Here are five must-see options, whether you’re in the area known as Mountain Lakes for 24 hours, or you’ve decided to plant roots for a lifetime.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center/ Space Camp
More than 650,000 visitors flock annually to the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. This large rocket and space collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From a model of America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present, and future of human spaceflight. There’s also Space Camp, which has inspired our next generation of explorers for 42 years and proudly includes over one million alumni.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
In 1969, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as The Swampers) became renowned in the recording industry for playing a unique style of funky R&B with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Etta James. The musicians decided to become entrepreneurs and opened their own studio at 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama. This studio was the only recording studio owned and operated by session musicians at that time. The studio would become home to hundreds of hit songs for artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Dylan, Duane Allman, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Bob Seger, and Rod Stewart.
Unclaimed Baggage
In 1970, Doyle Owens hopped in a borrowed pickup truck and headed up to Washington D.C. Owens bought his first load of unclaimed baggage from the Trailways Bus Line. He then sold the contents spread out on card tables in an old, rented house. This venture was an instant success! Doyle’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight as he landed his first airline contract with Eastern Airlines. Gradually, Unclaimed Baggage formed relationships with all other domestic airlines, solidifying its position as the country’s only lost luggage store. Today, the two-story Unclaimed Baggage retail location covers a city block and employs 250 people. In addition to luggage and clothing, on any given day, customers may find Rolex watches, electric guitars, and rare coins.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Since opening in 1992, The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has grown to encompass 468 golf holes over 11 sites statewide. Annually, 500,000 golfers from all 50 states play The Trail, bringing $13 billion dollars into Alabama. The courses positioned in North Alabama include The Short Course, The Lake Course, and The Highlands in Hampton Cove, along with Fighting Joe and the Schoolmaster Course at The Shoals. You’ll also find The General Course at Joe Wheeler State Park. The RTJ Golf Trail is the largest golf construction project ever to be undertaken at one time.
106 Jefferson/Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton
With so much to do in North Alabama, you’ll need a nice place to lay your head at night. The 106 Jefferson Boutique Hotel in downtown Huntsville is the perfect place to sleep, sip, savor, and revive. The hotel is within easy walking distance to restaurants, bars, shopping, and city culture. The Jefferson’s Baker & Able rooftop bar offers an amazing, elevated perch overlooking the city during Happy Hour or after the sun goes down.
North Alabama- This Songs for You
You don’t have to be an astronaut, rock star, or pro golfer to enjoy North Alabama. Whether you’re interested in space, music, hitting the links, or you’re simply craving gulf shrimp and barbecue, spend time in North Alabama, and before long you’ll be singin’ songs about the Southland. northalabama.org
