With so many great things to see and do, there’s no denying that Alabama is the perfect place to call home. In fact, there are several privileges we have here in the Yellowhammer State that the rest of the U.S. doesn’t, including the 10 listed below.
1. Celebrating the original Mardi Gras.
In 1703, the nation's first Mardi Gras was celebrated in Mobile, Alabama - 15 years before it was ever celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana. Each year, people travel from all over the Southeast and beyond to celebrate Mardi Gras in downtown Mobile.
2. Eating the BEST barbecue!
Everyone knows that the most delicious barbecue is served right here in Alabama. In fact, many of the world's best barbecue restaurants call Alabama home.
3. Exploring one of the nation's most unique parks.
Wilderness Park, which is located in Prattville, Alabama, is one of the nation's most unique parks. In addition to it being the first wilderness park to ever be developed within city limits in the U.S., its towering bamboo forest is quite reminiscent of Southeast Asia.
4. Shopping at the world's greatest thrift store.
Alabama's Unclaimed Baggage Center is one of the nation's most unique stores. It's the only store in the U.S. that purchases and resells unclaimed baggage from the airlines. You never know what you'll stumble upon while shopping at this unique store in Scottsboro, Alabama.
5. Enjoying our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.
Alabama is well known for its Gulf Coast beaches, which attracts people from near and far. In fact, our beautiful white-sand beaches are some of the finest beaches in the U.S.
6. Boasting about our great music history and...
Many of the world's greatest hits were recorded right here in Alabama at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals. Today, Fame Studios is still used for recording purposes, and tours are available.
7. ...incredible space history.
Alabama is home to Huntsville's famous U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which has been hailed as the earth's largest space museum. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, also located in Huntsville, was where the first rocket (Saturn V) that put humans on the moon was designed and built.
8. Dining at one of the world's most unique restaurants.
Rattlesnake Saloon is located off the beaten path in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It's been called one of the most unique restaurants in the world because of its atmosphere. After all, not many restaurants are located inside a cave. Rattlesnake Saloon has received visitors from all 50 states and from more than 30 countries. This hidden restaurant is an absolute must-visit!
9. Exploring some of the world's most massive caves and...
Cavers from all over the world visit Alabama to explore our amazing caves. DeSoto Caverns, Cathedral Caverns, and the Russell Cave National Monument are three of the state's most popular caves.
10. ...most magnificent waterfalls.
There's no denying that Alabama is home to some of the world's most magnificent waterfalls, many of which are tucked away in secluded areas. A few of the state's most-visited waterfalls include DeSoto Falls, Little River Falls, and Noccalula Falls. To experience Alabama's most beautiful waterfalls, you'll want to take the
Ultimate Alabama Waterfalls Road Trip .
What other privileges would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
For a list of 10 undying habits that prove you can never take the Alabama out of the Alabamian, click here .
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.