From fun at the beach to a cool walk in the majestic mountains, Alabama has a variety of summertime attractions for the entire family. Scanning car tags in destinations across the state reveal the secret is out — travelers from across the nation are discovering the summer wonderland in Alabama.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Renowned as a beach lover’s delight, Alabama’s 32 miles of Gulf Coast offer visitors sugar white sand, surf and family attractions. Water parks are a favorite with children while the abundance of golfing opportunities and shopping balance the perfect vacation.
According to the Gulf Shores Web site, game saltwater fishing is thriving in the area. Popular catches include blue marlin, yellow fin tuna, red snapper and more. Sailing charters and cruises are perfect for relaxing on the high seas. Dolphin sight-seeing tours are gaining in popularity where the irresistible mammals entertain guests by encircling the craft.
For a day away from the beach, Fort Morgan is a good choice. Located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores on State Highway 180 West, the historic fort hosts a Civil War Day Camp on various dates in June for children ages 9–12. It offers instructions in the basics of marching drills as well as hands-on activities. For more information, call the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, 251-974-1510, or visit www.gulfshores.com.
The Year of Alabama Gardens
The first of four yearlong celebrations starts in 2004 with The Year of Alabama Gardens. Many public and private gardens, special outdoor celebrations, unique garden shops and nurseries flourish in Alabama’s sunny climate.
You can stroll through acres of azaleas, dogwoods, daylilies and mums, or explore trails and byways filled with fabulous wildflowers.
The “Year of Alabama Gardens” brochure provides a description of all the state’s many garden attractions and lists 75 special garden events happening this year.
Upcoming promotions include The Year of Alabama Food in 2005, followed by The Year of Alabama Outdoors in 2006 and The Year of Alabama Arts in 2007. For more information call the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, 1-800-ALABAMA, or visit www.800alabama.com.
Tuscumbia
The Helen Keller Festival is a tribute to Keller, who was born and raised in Tuscumbia. Often known as “America’s First Lady of Courage,” she learned to communicate through her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Keller spent her life working to improve the conditions of the blind and deaf-blind.
According to Susann Hamlin, executive director of the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, “The festival attracts more than 80,000 people to events around the city. Visitors enjoy viewing Keller’s childhood home, Ivy Green, where performances of William Gibson’s world-famous drama ‘The Miracle Worker’ are presented on Friday and Saturday nights from June 11 to July 17.”
For more information call the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, 1-800-344-0783 or visit www.ctourism@hiwaay.net or the site www.helenkellerbirthplace.org.
Saturday Walking Tours
In its second year, the Saturday Walking Tours are returning to various towns across Alabama.
Participating towns are offering free guided walking tours beginning at 10 a.m. during six Saturday mornings from Memorial Day weekend through the Fourth of July weekend.
Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, said, “The Saturday Walking Tours were the first coordinated statewide walking tours in the country and are a great way for people to learn about the interesting histories in small towns of our state.”
The 2003 tours included Huntsville’s Twickenham Historical District, Dothan’s unique downtown murals and Florence’s Forts of Cypress Plantation Site and Cemetery.
For more information call the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, 1-800-ALABAMA, or visit www.800alabama.com.
UA Museums Expedition Camp
Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park is the site of “Expedition 26 Archaeology Camp” during the month of June. The camp has been hosted by the University of Alabama’s (UA) Museum of Natural History since 1979.
Kristi Wheeler-Griffin, marketing director for the UA Museums, said, “Participants can help scientists excavate the remains of the 18th-century French fort in Wetumpka.
“The hands-on science dig is held in four sessions, open to history, science or archaeology enthusiasts, ages 14 to adult, who wish to learn excavation techniques, lab procedures and artifact identification,” she said.
For more information visit http://amnh.ua.edu/archcamp.html or call 205-348-7550.
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