Visiting Alabama

Alabama is the Heart of Dixie. Montgomery was the capital and the birthplace of the Confederate Sates of America, and the Confederate flag was designed and first flown in Alabama. Fast forward to 2010, the year of The Great Alabama Homecoming. Sweet Home Alabama: Homecoming Celebrations All Year Long, celebrates the year of Alabama small towns and downtowns. Governor Bob Riley has endorsed this year long celebration and has invited, residents, former residents and visitors to come and enjoy the best of Alabama.

You probably have heard of Alabama's Crimson Tide, and know it is not related to a beach. But, did you know that there are beaches in Alabama? Amazing beaches at that, 32 miles of white sand beaches on the emerald waters of the gulf coast. They are as good as they sound. Gulf Shores sponsors two March celebrations aligning with the statewide Big Read, which selected Tom Sawyer's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as it's first book. There is the Tom Sawyer Picket Fence Day early in the month at the Public Library, and the Tom Sawyer Cake Walk and Carnival later in March. Good reasons to read the book and travel to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Spring is an amazing time in the south and Mobile is no exception. With spring blooms the city comes alive. The Azalea Bloom Out at Bellingrath Gardens, celebrates with over 250,000 azaleas blooming amidst 65 acres of other blossoming flowers. The 2010 Mobile Historic Home Tour March 19-20 features homes in Mobile's first subdivision. Visit the homes built by prominent city founders and community leaders. A rare and fascinating look back into history.

Join the flood of folks headed to the Fairgrounds for the 9th Annual BBQ Championship Hog Wild Festival. Not only fun and great food, it is a benefit for United Cerebral Palsy. Enjoy live music, special kids activities, demonstrations and of course the real southern BBQ.

Fitness Nuts: Athletes and aspiring athletes of all ages and abilities are welcome at the Azalea Trail Run and ATR Health and Fitness Expo at the end of March. A flat and fast 10K is scheduled along with a 2K fun run. Over two days, bring the family for some spring training and education, there will be plenty of fun and activities.

Baseball fans put April 14, 2010 on your calendars. This is the grand opening of the Hank Aaron Museum located in his childhood home. The home was relocated near the Hank Aaron stadium and has been painstakingly restored in fitting honor of Hank, and one of America's favorite hall of famer.

Mobile and Gulf Shores are great examples of the range of events and activities in store for visitors and residents across Alabama. Check back in at Best Western Alabama.com through the year for details on happenings in other parts of the state.

Best Western Hotel locations throughout the state are convenient and affordable. Spend an extra day to enjoy one of the small town celebrations you just discovered. Best Western will take good care of you and your family.

Alabama Hotel Map