Shae and I recently finished spending a month in Alabama, the third state on our 5 year, 50 state road trip.
Here’s a list of all our favorite (and not so favorite) things from our time in Alabama.
Favorite Accommodation We Stayed At
Stephen – This one’s a tie for me. I really liked the Airbnb we stayed at in Montgomery, but the Hampton Inn in Enterprise was also great.
Shae – I loved the Airbnb in Montgomery too, but the Hampton Inn in Enterprise takes the cake if for no other reason than… Cody! 😀
Favorite Meal
Stephen – This one’s tough as there was so much delicious food in Alabama. I’m going to have to cheat and pick three. For its setting, the Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia. For sheer unusualness (yet tastiness), Sassy Bass Crazy Donuts in Gulf Shores. And for portion sizes and deliciousness, Shane’s Rib Shack in Enterprise.
Shae – Dinner with J.R., Rob, and the Davis family in Enterprise. I love a good dinner party with great food, new friends and a great pupper as an extra bonus (Kisses to Dusty!).
Outside of that experience it’s a very close tie for me between Chris’ Hot Dogs and Sassy Bass Crazy Donuts. But I think Chris’ might edge out Sassy’s for the win due to its history as the oldest family run restaurant in Montgomery.
Most Disappointing Meal
Stephen – Dreamland BBQ. We’d had a couple of people recommend it as it’s apparently a Huntsville institution. The food wasn’t bad, but it’s waaaaaay overpriced.
Our meal at Shane’s Rib Shack had loads of food, only cost $26 and was so tasty. Dreamland BBQ by comparison offered smaller portions, cost $42 (i.e. was 50% more expensive) and didn’t taste as nice.
Shae – For me it was Shane’s Rib Shack. While the food was good, I didn’t know that it was more of a fast food chain and I was expecting a sit down experience. I just couldn’t overcome that initial disappointment, even though it was based on my own expectations rather than their food.
Favorite Free Activity
Stephen – This one’s another tie. I loved the World’s Smallest St Patrick’s Day parade in Enterprise as it was a lot of fun and we made a bunch of new friends off the back of it.
Our visit to Mize Mills Falls was magical as well and didn’t cost a thing.
Shae – Yes, I easily second the World’s Smallest St. Patricks Day parade. An honorable mention to the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, a ghost town near Selma.
Favorite Paid Activity
Stephen – In theory, I’d say the homebrew competition in Enterprise seeing as that had paid tickets. However, we were treated to free tickets and free drinks, so I’m not sure if it counts.
In terms of stuff we actually paid for, our hikes in Oak Mountain State Park and Monte Sano State Park as both had great hikes and charged a nominal fee for entry.
Shae – While it was technically free, we spent $4.68 for a dog bikini so I’d have to say the Unclaimed Baggage Center was my favorite paid activity.
Favorite Pet-Friendly Activity
Stephen – If we’re going for what Truffles enjoyed the most, most likely the hikes we did in Oak Mountain State Park and Monte Sano State Park. Despite her little legs, she loves her hiking.
Shae – Truffles really enjoyed all the sniffs at Bamahenge.
Least Favorite Activity
Stephen – The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. We had high expectations, but it was a letdown on a par with the Georgia Aquarium. Part of this was just that we were unfortunate as the three exhibits we were most looking forward to were closed that day. I’m sure it’s great for kids that love space, but we ended up leaving much earlier than expected as we didn’t find it that interesting.
Shae – Definitely the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. I was so excited. Not just because of the exhibits, that we missed, that I was looking forward to, but because I love space. I love to learn. What could be better? I did love the IMAX movie we watched about the International Space Station.
Favorite Hike
Stephen – I listed a couple of them earlier and I don’t think I can pick my favorite. The hike to King’s Chair in Oak Mountain State Park had a beautiful view at the top, while the McKay Hollow trail in Monte Sano State Park was the hardest trail we’ve done, so that was enjoyable.
Shae – My favorite hike was to Mize Mills Falls. I really enjoyed our strenuous hikes, but our easy hike into the beautiful setting was a really nice day that sticks out in my mind.
Favorite Quirky Thing We Did
Stephen – Without a doubt – the World’s Smallest St Patrick’s Day parade.
Shae – The World’s Smallest St. Patrick’s Day parade was, without a doubt, the best quirky thing we did. But it’s followed very closely by the Boll Weevil Monument, also in Enterprise.
Favorite Memory
Stephen – Getting to make a bunch of new friends in Enterprise.
Shae – It’s an all-way tie with friends – new and old. I got to spend a day at the Montgomery Zoo with a friend from university in the UK – Karen and her kiddos. Meeting all our new friends in Enterprise – a shoutout to J.R., Rob, Erin, Guillian, Troy, Maggie and the Davis Family. Tanya and Ron who we met in Montgomery at the dog park. Cody from the Hampton Inn. And Debbie from the HRC in Mobile.
Funniest Moment
Stephen – Probably visiting all the weird and random stuff in Elberta – Bamahenge, Dinosaurs In The Woods and more.
Shae – Definitely finding the dog bikini in the Unclaimed Baggage Center.
Thing We Most Regretted
Stephen – Not spending more time in Alabama. When planning our time there, we figured four weeks would be plenty as we didn’t have high hopes for the state.
That was dumb.
We were consistently surprised by how much we enjoyed Alabama. So much so that we’re probably going to revisit every year! I know Alabama gets a bad rap, but there’s a ton of stuff to love about the state too.
Shae – Not getting a photo of Dusty the beautiful weimaraner. Just kidding… kind of. I too am sad we didn’t have more time in Alabama. It felt like we only scratched the surface of the places we went.
Something We Missed And Want To See
Stephen – The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, a memorial to victims of lynching in the south. It was due to open a few weeks after we left, so I’d like to return to visit.
Shae – I would like to have seen inside Dr. King’s church in Montgomery, more time at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, the Rattlesnake Rodeo in Opp, Dothan with the World’s Smallest City Block and the Freedom Riders Museum.
Our Biggest Surprise
Stephen – How much we loved Alabama.
Shae – Ditto. Also, that someone was trying to travel with a dog bikini… and lost it.
My Alabama Drinking Game Would Be…
Stephen – Have a drink for every squirrel you see in Bienville Square in Mobile. I’ve never seen so many squirrels within the same block radius – Truffles was going nuts (pun intended) wanting to chase after them.
Shae – Abandoned or Inhabited. I’ve started photographing abandoned buildings, but there were a surprising number that seemed to be abandoned at first glance but as we drove past it became clear they were inhabited despite their outward appearance.
Summary Of Alabama In 10 Words Or Less
Stephen – You should visit as it’s surprisingly amazing.
Shae – From the mountains to the coast Alabama is the most!
No, the ultimate Alabama drinking game would be to take a swig each time you see an Alexander Shunnarah billboard. That law firm has taken roadside advertising to the top level.
No, wait … your livers would be shot before you hit 50 miles. :-p
Just found your blog. I envy your wanderlust, and love what I’ve read so far. I’m from Alabama, and now live in the Louisville, Ky. area. Wife and I are also pet parents, so I’ve soaked in all the Truffles stories.
PS: We used to live in Savannah, and there are no printable words for how I feel about Tybee Island. No dogs, but okay to smoke it up until your lungs turn tar-black – then leave the butts on the beach. Hilton Head, SC was our beach go-to back then. The public beaches had dog-friendly hours.
Thanks for reading! Kentucky and Alabama have been two of my favorite states so far 🙂 I don’t remember seeing the Alexander Shunnarah ads while we were there, but I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for them if and when we return!
I’m from Huntsville, and glad you liked Alabama. Hit me up next time you come and I’ll have some suggestions, if you’d like. And, Kentucky……..people seem too have not so good preconceptions about it. My parents were from there, and my cousins are there. I like most of what I’ve seen.
Yep, we loved it in Kentucky too, far more than we’d expected.
SHHHHH…Please don’t tell everyone how much you loved our state. We like it as a “best kept secret.” It’s full of warm, wonderful people, beautiful beaches, great parks, and delicious food (as long as you’re not counting calories!).
Just kidding. We’ve had friends visit many times from out of state and they’re just as surprised as you were. So glad you enjoyed it. Safe travels.
P.S. I agree with Russell. The ubiquitous Alexander Shunnarah (attorney) billboards are a running joke in Alabama.