Outdoor adventure, rustic relaxation, gold records and rocket ships
NORTH ALABAMA–JULY 2023–The diversity of North Alabama offers a host of options for a guys’ getaway that can be tailored for a variety of interests. The 16-county area is bounded by state lines on three sides and begins just an hour south of Nashville, at the Tennessee line. Interstate 65 runs through the center of the region, which stretches down past Cullman into Blount County.
There are options here for a not-so-typical guys’ trip. Whether it’s a focus on fishing, an exploration of Alabama’s music legacy or a combination of adventure and relaxation, there are more than a few options for curating the perfect getaway.
Outstanding fishing
It’s known for world-class fishing and the North Alabama spots on the Alabama Bass Trail are the best of the best. Lake Guntersville has been recognized as one of the top bass fishing lakes in the nation. This 70,000-acre lake is home to a variety of other species, too. While it stretches nearly 75 miles, it is the centerpiece of Lake Guntersville State Park (1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville, Alabama 35976; 256-571-5440). In the park and beyond, free launch sites, private marinas and guide services can be found to meet any angler needs. Known as the “Crappie Capital of the World,” Weiss Lake draws anglers from near and far to test their skills in northeast Alabama. The 30,000-acre lake ranges from shallow flats to deep channels. To the west, Pickwick Lake is a favorite spot for those looking to land smallmouth bass. Nearby each of these productive and scenic lakes, fish camps, hunting lodges and campgrounds offer plenty of amenities.
Farm life
While there are many luxurious downtown and rustic rural lodging options here, there are also some unique opportunities to enjoy a weekend on the farm. At Sullivan Creek Ranch (151 County Road 1047, Vinemont, Alabama 35179; 256-595-4090) visitors can explore the 300-acre ranch, which specializes in raising Akaushi beef. Harvest Host members can even boondock in an RV. At the Trading Post and Cattle and Canvas art studio, locally grown beef, original art and more are available for purchase.
Rattle Snake Saloon & Seven Springs Lodge (1292 Mt. Mills Road, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-370-7220) is a place for exploring. Its 20,000 acres of natural woodland includes trails for hiking and horseback riding as well as regional historic sites and Native American shelters. There are campsites as well as a lodge and a highlight is a meal at the Rattle Snake Saloon, built into the shelf of a massive rock outcropping. Nearby, the Coon Dog Cemetery (Off Highway 247, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-383-0783) is a favorite stop. More than 300 coon dogs have been laid to rest here, where personalized headstones and epitaphs pay tribute to man’s best friend.
Barbecue and Brews
North Alabama’s Craft Beer Trail and Barbecue Trail make a great combination for a flavorful tour of the region. Local brewers like Back Forty Beer Company (200 N 6th Street, Gadsden, Alabama 35901; 256-467-4912), Goat Island Brewing (1646 John H Cooper Drive, Cullman, Alabama 35055; 256-747-5556) and Main Channel Brewing (2090 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976; 256-960-5070) and more dot the map. Each offers local flavor as well as a bit of local culture, with brews such as Paw Paw’s Peach, Sipsey River Red and more. And for anyone who’s joined the debate about where the best barbecue can be found, North Alabama makes a strong case for its fare. Two of the best-known options have multiple locations across the region.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (1715 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, Alabama 35601; 256-350-6969) was founded here decades ago and is now widely recognized as one of the most prestigious barbecue restaurants in the world, having earned 15 World BBQ Championships. In addition to the delicious smoked meats, Big Bob’s is known for its Original BBQ White Sauce. LawLers Barbecue (1506 Highway 72 East Athens, Alabama 35611; 256-233-1818) is a local favorite in the region. The menu includes traditional smoked meats, of course, but the stuffed potatoes, slaw dogs and nachos top the list for many. Another local favorite is the flavor of the slow cooked pork, beef, chicken, ribs and turkey breasts, basted in special basting sauce at Whitt’s Barbecue (1397 East Elm Street, Athens, Alabama 35611; 256-232-7928). Their first restaurant was opened in 1966 and now the 4th generation is continuing the tradition of flavor at five locations.
Muscle Shoals Sound
Alabama’s musical legacy is epic and it has the hit records to prove it. North Alabama is home to world famous recording studios, which are open for tours. Muscle Shoals Sound Studios (3614 Jackson Highway, Sheffield, Alabama 35660; 256-978-5151) and Fame Recording Studios (603 E. Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661; 256-381-0801) are where musical legends came to record hits and work with the legendary local musicians known as the Swampers.
A tour of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (617 Highway 72 W, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-381-4417) immerses visitors in the state’s amazing musical landscape. Displays and interactive exhibits pay tribute to the many music legends that have called Alabama home.
Space exploration
Huntsville may be known as North Alabama’s largest city but its reputation goes beyond the bounds of earth! This city is known for its role in developing space travel. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805; 256-551-2230) draws visitors who love to “geek out” for a day, exploring one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world. The Smithsonian Affiliate is also the Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Outdoor adventure
If repelling, paddling, hiking or biking sound like the perfect getaway, North Alabama has it. Several outstanding state parks are located throughout the region. Whether taking on The Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures zipline at Lake Guntersville, hitting the mountain bike paths of Monte Sano (5105 Nolen Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-534-3757) or kayaking Little River at DeSoto State Park (1299 Blalock Drive NE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967; 256-845-0051), there is an adventure sure to add memories to any guys’ getaway.
For motorcycle enthusiasts, there are several routes to be enjoyed, both scenic and challenging. Check out these top recommendations for North Alabama motorcycle rides, which include sections of the Natchez Trace, Bankhead National Forest and Lookout Mountain Parkway, just to name a few.