[TravelChange2012]

As part of my Southeast trip, I'm going to Alabama in April/May on the way to Pensacola and then to NOLA. I choose Birmingham, Montgomery, Gulf Shores, and Mobile. I've never been there, so I really have no idea if those are good places to see.

Can someone tell me:

a) if these are great places to see... I heard some are just boring
b) suggest specific things to do in each area

I'm in my early 30's --- and like fishing, outdoors, hiking, sports, eating healthy food, drinking unique beer, drinking wine, bars/music/jazz all great.

I'll have a rental car the entire time. And there's no time limit on my trip.

Thank you all.

[dijkstra]

If you are interested in space and science, you might want to stop in Huntsville and see the space center. I would bump Montgomery unless you just want to see the capitol.

In New Orleans, go to Razoo's on Bourbon St. We go there every time we visit and have a blast.

[southernnaturelover]

Since you like hiking, I suggest visiting Cheaha State Park. Then, when you get to Mobile, visit the Five Rivers Delta Center, maybe do a boat ride on the delta. You'll see the vast difference between north AL and south AL.

There's honestly not a whole lot to see in Pensacola, except maybe the Naval Aviation Museum.

[cpg35223]

Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham. World-class exhibit of motorbikes.

If you like golf the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama attracts players from around the world.

Also, depending on your timing, there are all kinds of festivals, etc., that time of year.

[bluebeard]

Originally Posted by TravelChange2012

I'm in my early 30's --- and like fishing, outdoors, hiking, sports, eating healthy food, drinking unique beer, drinking wine, bars/music/jazz all great.

In Bham go to J Clyde for a great selection of beer. World of Beer also just opened, but I don't know anything about it yet. The Wine Loft isn't bad and is downtown.
There is some jazz scene here, although not huge. I like the Chad Fisher band, so you can check up where they're playing. There is also Ona's jazz club, but I don't know much about it. The Bottletree has a lot of cool bands and is a nice club.
Its a bit farther up, but I would suggest the Little River Canyon and Sipsey Forest for hiking.

[TravelChange2012]

Where is Little River Canyon and Sipsey Forest on my trip? What city in AL is it closest to?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by TravelChange2012

Where is Little River Canyon and Sipsey Forest on my trip? What city in AL is it closest to?

It's between Chattanooga and Birmingham. According to some, it's the biggest canyon in the eastern half of the United States.

[TravelChange2012]

OK. So I can see it in Chattanooga then?

[CraigCreek]

No, the Little River Canyon is not IN Chattanooga - after you leave Chattanooga, on the way to Birmingham, you can visit the Little River Canyon.

From your other thread about your planned trip, I had the impression you were heading to Atlanta from Chattanooga, but this sounds more as if you're going to Birmingham. I am confused - can you clarify this, please? Thanks.

[EscAlaMike]

When you're in Mobile, take a drive down Dauphin Street from downtown out to the interstate. You'll be travelling through at the perfect time of year when the azaleas are blooming. Lots of beautiful homes, landscapes, and ancient oak trees. It's like a miniature version/poor man's version of St. Charles St. in New Orleans.

P.S. Drive down the actual St Charles St. when you're in New Orleans, too.