Ask anybody and the typical answer you will get is that there is nothing in Alabama that is of special interest to the tourist. Yet tourism happens to be big business in the state and is, in fact, the state’s biggest industry, generating well over $10 billion in revenue each year.

The key to Alabama’s attractiveness as a tourist destination is above all its rural and agricultural orientation punched with great hospitality, delectable cuisine, top notch hotels and resorts, and a globally well-known events calendar with many festivals and performances thrown in.

For tortured souls tired of city lights, Alabama is the place to reclaim your sang-froid. From the fresh, crisp air of the mountains and lakes of north-central Alabama to the glistening sun-soaked beaches of the state’s southern Gulf coast, the state has a whole dazzling array of attractions to offer to the tourist seeking solace in Nature’s arm. It is also a state with a rich history and heritage. So, whether it is just a weekend trip or a longer vacation, smart folks check out Alabama before deciding where to head when the well-earned break comes. And I say ’smart’ folks, because a vacation in Alabama doesn’t hurt your pocket – you can have a wonderful time at a much lower cost than comparable vacation spots. Read the rest of this entry »