The Best of North Alabama

Space exploration, lost luggage, music history and finger-licking white sauce

NORTH ALABAMA–JANUARY 2025–The North Alabama region covers a lot of ground. Its 16 counties range from the state line, just an hour south of Nashville, south past Cullman and on into Blount County. The region also represents an incredible collection of world-class, world-famous and out-of-this-world products, stories and accomplishments.

The great news for travelers is that many of these amazing achievements are on display and open to visitors all year long. And there is likely a riveting story to be told, enchanting encounter to be recalled or even award-winning recipe to be shared. Check out this variety of “first,” “only” and “historic” attractions in North Alabama.

• Alabama is home to, arguably, some of the country’s finest barbecue. And if longevity is a sign of greatness, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (1715 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256-350-6969), celebrating 100 years in business, is the best. The original location, founded in 1925, is where Big Bob created his famous Alabama White Sauce, which is still a favorite on the menu. The late Gibson was a 2024 Legacy Inductee in the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame. Other tasty versions of this finger-licking favorite can be found along the North Alabama Barbecue Trail.

• Huntsville is a shining star of North Alabama and is known for its history of shooting for the stars. This is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where, in 1950, Dr. Wernher von Braun and his rocket team moved to Huntsville and joined a group of U.S. rocketry specialists. Together, they would create some of the world’s first rockets and satellites to orbit the earth. Their successes include the Saturn V rocket that sent the American Apollo astronauts to the moon. Today, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805; 256-551-2230) is Marshall’s Visitor Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum. It draws visitors from around the globe to explore one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world. It is also home to the internationally known Space Camp program, based on NASA astronaut training.

• Back on earth, North Alabama is famous for its waters, as well. Beautiful waterfalls comprise a scenic trail like no other, but even more famous are the region’s lakes, known by anglers across the nation as outstanding fishing spots. Topping the list is Weiss Lake, known as the “Crappie Capital of the World.” The lake draws fishermen from near and far to test their skills in northeast Alabama. The 30,00-acre lake ranges from shallow flats to deep channels and provides the perfect combination of challenge and enjoyment.

• Alabamians are no strangers to challenges–or to overcoming them. That is no more evident that at the Helen Keller Birthplace (300 North Commons West, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-383-4066). The homestead, known as Ivy Green, features Helen’s home, built in 1820. Here, the stories are told of Helen, her family, her illness and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, known as The Miracle Worker. The house, built by Helen’s grandparents, still contains many of the original furnishings and items relating to the life of America’s “First Lady of Courage.” In addition to the main house, the site includes Helen’s birthplace cottage, a memorial fountain, herb gardens and the carriage house. North Alabama native and Olympic champion Jesse Owens also overcame tremendous odds. From his humble beginnings as a sharecropper’s son in Oakville, Alabama, Jesse overcame socioeconomic and racial barriers to stand atop the podium in 1936 and was the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals at a single Olympic Games. Jesse Owens Memorial Park (174 County Road 241, Moulton, Alabama 35650; 256-974-3636) tells his story through a museum, replica of his childhood home and more–even a jumping pit for those who want to try their athletic skills.

• Music lovers already know what many North Alabama visitors discover while they are here: this is where music history has been made for decades. And this is where music legends came to work with the legendary local musicians known as the Swampers. From Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and Cher to The Black Keys, Jason Isbell and Lana Del Rey, world famous artists have produced hit after hit at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios (3614 Jackson Highway, Sheffield, Alabama 35660; 256-978-5151) and Fame Recording Studios (603 East Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661; 256-381-0801). Both studios are open for tours and are filled with memorabilia and stories no music lover can resist. They also love a visit to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (617 Highway 72 West, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-381-4417) to learn of the many music legends that have called Alabama home. 

• Another one-and-only attraction that calls North Alabama home is the Unclaimed Baggage Center (509 West Willow Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768; 256-259-1525). It is the nation’s only retailer of lost luggage and, open for more than 50 years, has been called the region’s most famous retail store. Here, shoppers will find apparel, electronics, accessories and more. All the treasures found in lost luggage, along with the luggage itself, are on display and on sale in this sprawling 50,000-square-foot store.