There are many wonderful places located throughout Alabama, some of which I consider to be underrated. Many places don’t receive the same amount of attention others do. The attention that many do receive is mostly from locals, not out-of-towners.
Listed below are 10 places that I consider to be underrated even though they may receive a lot of local attention. These places definitely deserve to be checked out.
1. Old Alabama Town - Montgomery, AL
Old Alabama Town is a historic village that features completely authentic 19th and early 20th century homes and buildings. These homes and buildings have been saved from demolition, carefully restored, and reopened to the public as a history museum. Visitors of Old Alabama Town will learn how early Americans lived and worked in Central Alabama. This quaint historic village is located at 301 Columbus St, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.
2. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne, AL
Little River Canyon National Preserve, a nearly 14,000-acre preserve that protects the Little River, is located atop Lookout Mountain, near Fort Payne and DeSoto State Park. The Little River has been referred to as the nation's longest mountaintop river, and it's also said to be one of the cleanest and wildest waterways in the South. This preserve is such a GORGEOUS area!
3. The Brick Pit - Mobile, AL
Featured on the Travel Channel's "Man v. Food," The Brick Pit's quality meat is smoked up to 30 hours over a blend of hickory and pecan wood. You'll only be served the very best at The Brick Pit. A few of their delicious menu selections include the following: pulled pork plate, smoked chicken sandwich, beans, coleslaw and delicious banana pudding that's made from scratch daily. The Brick Pit is located at 5456 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36608.
4. Alabama Booksmith - Birmingham, AL
What makes Alabama Booksmith so unique is their books are signed by the authors. The ENTIRE inventory. With the exception of a few out-of-print and rare treasures, each book is sold for regular retail price. If you're a book lover, you've got to check out Alabama Booksmith, which is located at 2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209.
5. Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is one of Alabama's top summer vacation spots. Even though many Alabamians travel to Gulf Shores for their beach vacation, there are still several vacationers who would rather fight the crowds on the Florida beaches. Many people who live out of state don't realize how great Gulf Shores really is. Alabama's Gulf Coast offers 32 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches and clear waters. It's no wonder families return to this popular vacation spot year after year.
6. Alabama Historical Radio Museum - Birmingham, AL
The Alabama Historical Radio Museum takes radio enthusiasts through the history of radio. This interesting museum features radios from the early 20th century days of "radiophone" technology, as well as radios dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. You've never seen a collection of antique radios quite like this. The Alabama Historical Radio Museum is located at 600 N 18th St, Birmingham, AL 35203.
7. McCollum's Catfish & Seafood - Decatur, AL
If you're ever in the Decatur area and love catfish, you simply must check out McCollum's Catfish & Seafood. McCollum's Catfish & Seafood is a family-owned restaurant that doesn't disappoint. The food is always fresh and the service is impeccable. The prices are also great! If you can't decide what to get, the seafood platter is highly recommended. McCollum's Catfish & Seafood is located at
2101 Gordon Terry Pkwy, Decatur, AL 35601.
8. Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve - Tuscumbia, AL
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a 700+ acre natural area that's located in the Little Mountain region of Colbert County. The preserve is open year-round and is a popular spot for hiking. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful areas in Alabama.
9. Museum of Wonder - Seale, AL
What started in the 1970s as Butch Anthony's taxidermy shop and artifact room, the Museum of Wonder is now filled with a huge collection of art, artifacts and antiques. Some of the items are so strange that you seriously won't believe your eyes. If you love quirkiness and want to see a collection of things you've never seen before and probably won't see anywhere else, you'll definitely want to check out this interesting, one-of-a-kind place. The Museum of Wonder is located at 41 Poorhouse Rd, Seale, AL 36875. Note: Open by appointment only. To get an appointment, contact Butch by email: ButchAnthony63@yahoo.com
10. J's Hole In The Wall - Bryant, AL
Established in 2010, J's Hole In The Wall is family owned and operated, and it offers delicious cooked-to-order meals with homemade sides that are prepared fresh daily. Just a few of their wonderful menu selections include the following: smoked pork and chicken, fresh chicken tenders, hand-breaded catfish, juicy burgers and fresh-cut fries. The next time you're in the Bryant area, be sure to stop by J's Hole In The Wall, which is located on 5078 AL-73. You'll definitely be glad you did!
What wonderful places in Alabama do you consider to be underrated? Share them with us in the comments below!
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