7 places Alabamians should go for #SpringBreak2015

The Bradford Pear trees are blooming, the air is warming up, and Alabama’s school children, college students, teachers, and legislators are headed out on vacation for Spring Break over the next few weeks.

As one of the most geographically and ecologically diverse places in the world, Alabama has no shortage of awe-inspiring vacation destinations, from the sugar-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico to the Appalachian foothills in North Alabama and everything in between, here are a few of Yellowhammer’s ideas for your #SpringBreak2015

For the Artist: Take a day trip to Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment

With over 120 Alabama artists, restaurants, small businesses, and entertainment venues, Lowe Mill has transformed the former textile mill in the heart of Huntsville into a thriving arts and entertainment community open for all. Thriving, artsy, and undeniably off-beat, this place is anything but run of the, ahem, mill.

For the Beer Drinker: The Alabama Beer Trail

Good People Brewery Railroad IPA Photo by Flickr user optikalblitz

Since brewing in Alabama became legal just a few years ago, almost 20 beer breweries have popped up in the Yellowhammer state. Whether you want to sample a Naked Pig Pale Ale at Back Forty Brewing Company in Gadsden, a Coffee Oatmeal Stout at Good People in Birmingham, or a (Take the) Causeway Painted Black IPA from Fairhope Brewing Company in Baldwin County, there’s a bottle of suds waiting for you. You can even design your own Alabama Brew Trail!

For the Sun Lover: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Gulf Shores, Alabama photo by Flickr user John W. Tuggle

Is there anything more relaxing than soaking up the sun on one of Alabama’s award-winning beaches? There’s a reason Alabama’s coast is world-renown, the water is clearer, the sand is softer, and the people are more welcoming than any other beach. Ever. Now, just crack open a bottle from one of the breweries you visited on the way down I-65 and settle in. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

For the Angler: Lake Guntersville

Lake Guntersville photo by Flickr user Eric Atkins

There’s a reason the Bassmasters Elite Series makes a stop on Lake Guntersville every year, the lake on the Tennessee River is Alabama’s largest at 69,000 acres, and is home to some of the best fishing in the southeast. Stay the night at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, and enjoy the jet-skiing, fishing, hiking, and Bald Eagle spotting the lake has to offer. While you’re in the area, check out Cathedral Caverns, about 20 minutes away in Grant. The massive cave holds two world records, and the cave stays a brisk 60 degrees, year round, which makes it the perfect getaway for your teenager who refused to put on sunscreen (we tried to warn you!).

For the Foodie: Birmingham

A Hot and Hot crab dish (Photo: Breville USA)

The Magic City has become known as one of the food destinations in the South. If a week of stuffing yourself silly on some of the best food around sounds appealing to you, spend some time in the state’s largest metropolis. Whether you’re looking for southern soul food, BBQ, French fusion, or the best grilled cheese you’ll ever have, Birmingham’s food scene will have a plate for your budget.

For the Corn Hole champ: Throw Down 2015 in Atmore

The Windcreek Casino and Hotel in Atmore is hosting what they’re calling “The Biggest Backyard BBQ+” on Saturday, March 28th. Between a corn hole tournament, BBQ competition, a bourbon and beer tasting, a mechanical bull, and a concert featuring Ronnie Milsaps, “Throw Down” sounds like an appropriate name, indeed.

For the Historian: Selma to Montgomery

Just because the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights movement was celebrated a few weeks ago doesn’t mean you can’t make your own moving reenactment of the incredibly brave 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. Cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, visit “Tent City” in Lowndes County, then journey to the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, and stand where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Alabama Capitol and delivered his “How Long…Not Long” speech on March 25, 1965.

These are just a few of the many ways Alabama can be your perfect Spring Break destination. Where are you planning on spending #SpringBreak2015? Let us know on Twitter.