Tag: Alabama
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Unexpected Christmas Delights in Cullman {Alabama}
On our weekend trip to Alabama, we made our way to the small town of Cullman to experience their charming Christmas market. With the area’s deep German heritage, it seems only natural that Cullman would create its own festive Christkindlmarkt for locals and visitors to enjoy. Over the past few years we’ve fallen in love…
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Space Race & the Moon Landing- Visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center {Alabama}
We spent a weekend down in Alabama, and our first stop was the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. While many people immediately think of Cape Canaveral when they hear “NASA,” Huntsville played an equally vital role in the space program—this is where the rockets were designed, built, and tested. It’s also home to…
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Historic Sites Around the Shoals {Alabama}
When we planned a last-minute trip to northern Alabama, our original goal was simple: visit Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. But as soon as we started exploring, we realized the Shoals—this collection of towns along the Tennessee River—was full of surprises. From historic landmarks and quirky local sites to musical milestones, there’s so…
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Visiting Ivy Green- Helen Keller’s Childhood Home {Alabama}
The quiet grounds of Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama feel almost peaceful in a way that invites reflection. Oak trees shade the modest white house where Helen Keller was born, and it’s hard to imagine that such an extraordinary life story began in such a simple place. Visiting the birthplace of Helen Keller is both…
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5 Best Underrated U.S. States to Visit
Every fall, I teach a class at the university for international students to help them explore U.S. culture and education. The first half of the class focuses on the history and events that shaped the nation, while the second half highlights the incredible diversity of cultures found across the fifty states. One thing that always…
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Exploring Mobile Bay: A Road Trip Around the Gulf Coast {Alabama}
We spent a couple of days exploring both sides of Mobile Bay and discovered historic forts, a massive battleship, charming Southern towns, Gulf beaches, shrimp boats, and even a dog parade along the way.
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Experiencing Mardi Gras in Mobile {Alabama}
We spent a weekend experiencing Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, where colorful parades, elaborate Yardi Gras decorations, flying beads, King Cake, and plenty of surprises showed us why this celebration is such a big part of the city.
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Russell Cave National Monument: An Unexpected Adventure {Alabama}
We expected Russell Cave National Monument to be a quick stop on our Alabama road trip, but its ancient history, unusual geology, and magical moss-covered nature trail kept us exploring for hours.
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U.S. Space and Rocket Center {Alabama}
No visit to Huntsville is complete without a trip to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. This is the home of rocket building, Space Camp, and an amazing museum with relics of past trips to space. Because of our time on the Space Coast in Florida, we have developed an incredible appreciation for the space…
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Monte Sano State Park {Alabama}
We spent a rainy morning exploring the wild beauty of Monte Sano State Park. Between the grey clouds, the mist rolling across the trail, and the slight change in the leaves the park took on this very mystical feel to it that was so lovely. The state park makes up a part of the Monte…