Honors Day is this Friday. Some of our university’s best and brightest will be rewarded for their hard work with the usual pomp and circumstance. However, for the rest of us, honors day means one thing and one thing only: a long weekend. If you’re looking for some destinations to visit with your extra 24 hours, then look no further than this handy list of weekend trips all located in the great state of Alabama.
Fairhope, Alabama
If you want a taste of the coastal Southern atmosphere but don’t have quite the energy to drive all the way to Savannah, consider a trip to Fairhope, Alabama. The drive takes a little less than four hours, and the quaint, artsy vibes of the area make the town a prime destination for a mini getaway. While you’re there, you can peruse the local shops and art galleries, dine on fresh seafood, or even take a tour of the scenery on horseback. Additionally, the town is just across the bay from the bustling harbor of Mobile, so finding enough activities to fill all three days would prove quite simple. More information on Fairhope, Alabama can be found at www.cofairhope.com.
Mussel Shoals
Mussel Shoals is often considered the music capital of Alabama. Studios there recorded hits by such renowned artists as the Rolling Stones, Cher, Bob Seger, Paul Simon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rod Stewart and more. Titles like “I’ll Take You There,” “Brown Sugar” and “When a Man Loves a Woman” came out of this small but thriving town. Today, visitors can tour the hallowed halls where these legends created their music and visit the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in order to learn of the Mussel Shoals Sound. Interested readers can learn more about Mussel Shoals by watching the documentary, “Mussel Shoals,” that was released in 2013 or by visiting www.colbertcountytourism.org.
Huntsville
Known as the Rocket City throughout Alabama, a day trip to Huntsville makes for a thought-provoking adventure for anyone looking for an educational experience this weekend. Huntsville is home to the world’s largest space attraction, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. This attraction holds exhibits surrounding the Mercury, Apollo and Space Shuttle spacecrafts, the opportunity to spin in a G-Force Accelerator and more activities that teach about Alabama’s history in space. The city also enjoys a well-developed art scene. Its Lowe Mill District is the largest privately owned art facility in the United States. Huntsville possesses draws for both the creatively and scientifically minded. For more information, visit www.huntsville.org.
The Great Outdoors
What better way to unwind on a long weekend than to take in the refreshing experience that only nature can offer? Luckily, Alabama is full of perfect places to pitch a tent and camp for a few days. For a driving distance of less than 30 minutes, check out Moundville or Lake Lurleen State Park. Moundville is rich in local Native American history, offering a learning experience as well as a scenic place to camp. Meanwhile, Lake Lurleen offers more opportunities to enjoy paddling and swimming in its cool waters. If you’re up for a bit of a lengthier drive, consider checking out Cheaha State Park. It boasts the highest point in Alabama, as well as a number of hiking trails and camping options. For details on all these outdoor getaways, head to www.alapark.com.
