Fort Morgan, Alabama

Alabama, the Heart of Dixie for many, is a proud southern US state. Montgomery, the state capital, is set along the Alabama River and is home to Alabama State University. Birmingham at the center of the state is the cross roads for Interstates 20, 65, 59 and 22 as well as the southern Interstate 459 bypass. An important commercial center, Birmingham has the largest population of Alabama's cities. Huntsville in the far north calls itself the Star of Alabama, with thriving technology, space and defense industries. Mobile on the Gulf Coast is the third largest city in Alabama. Located at the junction of the Mobile River and the Gulf, Mobile has the only seaport in Alabama.

As of mid-August, Alabama's gulf beaches and waters are open for recreation, and catch and keep fishing. Effects of the oil spill continue to be monitored closely. The Gulf State Park Pier is the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, with a seated concession area, comfort station and retail and tackle shop. A great place for fishing, so bring the family down while the weather is nice.

The 25th Anniversary Ride for the Bike MS: Tour de Beach is September 2010. The ride start and finish is the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. Choose to ride 45, 75 or 100 miles Saturday September 18th and 45 or 75 on Sunday – all along the beautiful Gulf Coast. Teams and individuals are welcome. Come on down for some exercise and fun at the beach. The Best Western on the Beach and the Best Western Riviera Inn, both in Gulf Shores are ideal accommodations for a getaway to the beach.

Music fans make plans now for the 16th Annual BayFest in Mobile. The beginning of October, BayFest features over 125 live performances on nine stages throughout the festival grounds. The 2010 event is one of the largest and best in the south with performers like Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Godsmack, Mary J Blige and Babyface in the line-up. The Best Western Battleship Inn and Best Western Moffett Road Inn in Mobile offer comfortable and affordable accommodations for lodging in the area. The Best Western Motorsports Inn and Suites in Saraland is also nearby.

Montgomery is a cosmopolitan city offering a variety of cultural events and activities. When you're in town be sure to visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Civil Rights Memorial and Old Alabama Town. The kids will love the Montgomery Zoo or the Ice Palace at Eastdale Mall. Montgomery's Best Western Hope Hull Inn is conveniently located along the Interstate 65 corridor for easy access to city attractions.

Football and NASCAR fans get ready for one of Birmingham's biggest weekends. The 2010 Magic City Classic and the Talladega Race will be the last weekend in October. The 69th match-up between Alabama A&M and Alabama State is October 30th at Legion Field. Races at Talladega Superspeedway east of Birmingham will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The green flag for the AMP Energy 500 is noon on October 31st.

Birmingham has three Best Western Hotels in the City for travelers to the area. The Best Western Mountain Brook is the closest to Talladega, the Best Western Gardendale offers a quiet location north of downtown and the Best Western Carlton Suites is ideal for downtown visitors.