One of the Southern states in the US, Alabama has a history which dates back to the roots of American history. The birthplace of the Confederacy, and the state which sparked the American Civil Rights movement during the 20th century, Alabama is known for its political activism over the years, as well as its diversity of geography. From the Gulf of Mexico coastline to the Appalachian Mountains in the northern part of the country, the state offers a unique look at American landscapes with a distinctly Southern feel.
Alabama is broken up into four main regions. The north is the mountainous area of the state, while the center is known as Metropolitan Alabama. The Gulf Coast region is the south-west part of the state, right up against the Gulf of Mexico, while the River Heritage is the southern section of the state with the Mississippi snaking through. The state is known for being one of those with the distinction of having “southern hospitality”, and people will generally go out of their way to help strangers, which is completely uncommon in most major cities and other parts of the US. The accent is extremely thick, and foreigners can have a hard time understanding regional speakers, despite the fact that they're speaking English.
There are a wide variety of opportunities to experience within Alabama. From the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach along the Gulf of Mexico, to the historical places such as Horseshoe Bend National Military Park and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, or the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, visitors can go from being on the coast to hiking through the Appalachian Mountains, and the state is rated as being one of the most beautiful in the country. The food is known across the nation, especially the National Shrimp Festival held in October, complete with an international marketplace for shrimp enthusiasts. All in all, there is plenty to see and do in Alabama, and it is one of the states which should not be missed.