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Editor’s Note: This is a sponsored post for which I was compensated to share my honest opinions and experiences with Alabama food and travel.

Top Five Places to Visit in Alabama

Sweet Home Alabama. It’s more than just a song. It’s the place where the dialect is sweet and the tea is even sweeter. It’s the home of sugar-white beaches and sticky, delectable BBQ. Even the air is sweeter in Alabama with its honeysuckle-scented breezes.

Although I have lived in Alabama my entire life, it has been through the eyes of my children that I have rediscovered this sweet state. Alabama certainly has the southern charm that is expected of the south, but it has much more than that, as well.

Alabama is the perfect destination for a family vacation. From top to bottom there is no shortage of must-see places. If you are interested in historical sites, Alabama is rich with them. If you want an educational vacation, we’ve got that, too. Come inspire your children with the stories of famous Alabamians such as Helen Keller, Jesse Owens, Mae Jemison, Harper Lee, and Hank Aaron. And, of course, our beautiful beaches are here for a fun and relaxing family vacation.

My family has enjoyed exploring our beautiful state and all it has to offer. I polled my family on their favorite places to visit in Alabama and here are our top five.

1. U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is in the North Alabama city of Huntsville. If you’re planning an educational trip for your family, the Space and Rocket Center is a perfect destination. You’ll find plenty of interactive exhibits, space program history and science learning opportunities.

2. The Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham

Continue your family’s education by heading two hours south from Huntsville to Birmingham, Alabama. The Birmingham Zoo boasts 122-acres with almost 800 animal from over 200 species, some endangered. The Birmingham Zoo offers the perfect day trip for travelers.

3. The Civil Rights Memorial Center, Montgomery

The Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, Alabama is a place to reflect on our nation’s progress and honor those who braved the odds to stand up for equality. The Civil Rights Memorial Center is within walking distance from the Alabama State Capitol, The Rosa Parks Library and Museum and the historic Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.

4. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is celebrating 50 years this year! The USS Alabama served in WWII and was opened as a museum ship in 1965. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park presents a fun opportunity for your family to explore the inside of a battleship and enrich your knowledge of our nation’s Naval force.

5. Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches, Orange Beach & Gulf Shores

Alabama Gulf Coast beaches are breathtakingly beautiful. From the pristine white sand to the mesmerizing blue-green waters, the beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast are the perfect place for fun and relaxation for your family. Here’s my insider secret to visiting the Gulf Coast: Go in October. It’s the perfect fall break destination. The weather is still warm and the crowds are few.

10 More Places to Visit in Alabama

Each of the following places came up in the discussion my family when picking our top 5 Alabama destinations. Be sure to check out these and more at The Official Travel Site of Alabama.

1. Desoto Caverns

2. Monroeville — The “To Kill a Mockingbird Experience”

3. Dothan — The Heart of the Wiregrass

4. Lookout Mountain

5. Wetumpka Impact Crater

6. Cheaha State Park

7. Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson

8. McWane Science Center

9. Birthplace of Helen Keller

10. Bellingrath Gardens

Alabama’s BBQ Bonus

BBQ? In Alabama? That was my reaction when my North-Alabama-born-and-raised husband told me all about Big Bob Gibson and the rock-awesome cuisine that is Alabama BBQ. The best thing about Alabama BBQ is that there isn’t just one type that is associated with the state. Here in Alabama we have everything from the famous North Alabama white sauce to tangy vinegar-based sauces to sweet dry rubs and more. The Alabama Tourism Department has declared 2015 as the year of Alabama BBQ. With more BBQ joints per capita than any other state, you can easily dot your road trips with delicious BBQ.

Recently, a popular Alabama BBQ joint opened in the town where I live. Full Moon BBQ was founded by former University of Alabama assistant football coach Pat James. Their “famous slaw” is on the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” list.

To find out more about Alabama BBQ and other amazing Alabama food, go to I Love Alabama Food.