Alabama and the South in general have a reputation for "southern hospitality". The people of this state are generally genial and helpful, and often go out of their way to help a stranger. While racial divisions still exist in the state, they are much more muted than is generally believed. The attitudes and problems of the old south are mostly held today only by the old and the uneducated. Known primarily for its unusual status as the original capitol of the Confederacy and the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's, Alabama can be a study in contrasts. The sport of football is taken seriously in Alabama. In addition to significant regional devotion to high-school football teams, the entire state is divided in a way over Alabama versus Auburn University football rivalry.

Festivals

 • Gulf Shores is home to the National Shrimp Festival . This outdoor event is held annually in October and features over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and plenty of shrimp. Three stages also carry music continuously throughout the festival. Over 200,000 people attend the festival annually and it has been ranked as one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, and one of the top five in the state. 2006 will mark the 35th anniversary of this festival.

Hike

Believe it or not, Alabama has some decent hiking options. One of the best areas is the Sipsey Wilderness

Collegiate

Home to what is considered one of the top rivalries in sports, the state of Alabama revolves around college football. Each weekend of the fall, hundreds of thousands of fans around the state pack stadiums to cheer for their respective teams.
 • University of Alabama Crimson Tide
 • Auburn University Tigers
 • University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers
 • Troy University Trojans
 • Iron Bowl
 • GMAC Bowl

Links

 • Official Website of the State of Alabama
 • Visit Alabama - Alabama Bureau of Tourism
 • Everything Alabama