What's the Culture of Alabama? 

Alabama is known as 'the heart of Dixie'; a unique state that is the epitome of Deep South warmth and tradition. Beauty, history, culture and adventure all come together in “ Sweet Home Alabama”, a state where echoes of the past shape the present day and make it such a culturally significant and intriguing place to visit.

The Roots of Alabama Culture...

• Native Americans: The culture of Alabama is firmly rooted in its history, and that dates back thousands of years! Before the arrival of European settlers, this region was inhabited by Indigenous tribes: most notably the Creeks, Choctaws, and Cherokees. This had a huge and lasting impact on its language, art, and customs. Fun fact: the name 'Alabama' is a derivative of the Native American word meaning 'tribal town'. 
• European Influence: From the 16th century, the European explorers and settlers arriving brought new cultural influences to Alabama: the Spanish explorers arrived first, followed by the French and British settlers. As they established their respective colonies and trading posts, these then fed into Alabama’s culture and can clearly be seen in the architecture, traditions, and even in place names throughout the state.
• The Cotton Trade: Alabama’s booming economy of the early 19th century was mostly the result of its thriving cotton industry, with huge cotton plantations all across the state which relied almost completely on using African labourers. And so came an added African cultural influence which further shaped music, cuisine and traditions in Alabama.
• Conflict & Liberation: Civil War, the abolition of slavery, the collapse of the cotton industry, the Great Migration of African Americans to the north, industrialisation, and The Civil Rights Movement - all of which further moulded Alabama culture.

Cultural Highlights in Alabama:

• The Alabama Indigenous Mound Trail: These ancient Native American mounds and associated earthworks which were created thousands of years ago from earth, shell, and stone are a great way to appreciate the impact the early tribes had on the landscape of the region.
• Alabama's antebellum mansions are a must-see during your time in Alabama; they are a symbol of European architectural influence and also stand as a testament to the wealth and social inequalities of the state's history.
• Eufaula, in Alabama, hosts an annual Pilgrimage Tour in April which consists of tours of various homes of significance, as well as an antique show, art show and wine-tasting. It also hosts The Christmas Tour, visiting lovely Southern homes decorated for Christmas. 
• The Civil War Trail on the Alabama Gulf Coast stretches over 90 miles from Mobile County to the Gulf of Mexico. As yopu visit the trail's iconic landmarks, you get to appreciate the impact of the war on Alabama.
• Visit the W.C. Handy Museum in Florence to learn about the 'Father of The Blues'. Blues music evolved from the songs sung by African slaves working the plantations and, as such, holds great historic and cultural resonance.
• On the Selma to Montgomery Trail, you'll follow the path of a hugely significant chapter in American history. This is the route walked by 25,000 African Americans demonstrating in 1965 to demand equal rights. Dr. Martin Luther King led the march and it was a very significant landmark in the Civil Rights movement, leading to the creation of the Voting Rights Act. Drive along the trail, and then you can also visit Dr. Martin Luther King's home in Montgomery.

• Celebrate carnival in America's oldest annual Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama. This, the original Mardi Gras, is an absolute must for visitors to the state. 

What's on the Menu in Alabama?

Alabama is a place where each meal is a celebration and each town has a story. Alabama and Alabamians are the epitome of Southern hospitality, with food featuring high! 

Here's our round-up of the best foody places and experiences Alabama has to offer...

• If you fancy a foodie holiday then you can follow the Alabama BBQ Trail on Alabama’s smartphone app, which features everything from the Original Alabama White Sauce invented at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur to the special house slaw at Brooks Barbeque in Muscle Shoals. Or, if you prefer a history lesson with your meal, visit Brenda’s Bar-B-Q Pit in west Montgomery. Brenda’s namesake and founder secretly tutored neighbourhood residents to pass the literacy test, which was required for them to register to vote. Ask about the photo of her on the front lines of the Selma to Montgomery March.
• For a change from BBQ, check out Chris’ Famous Hotdogs in Montgomery, whose customers have included everyone from Elvis and Hank Williams, to Clark Gable and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• There are some fabulous award-winning restaurants in Birmingham, better known as the “Dinner Table of the South”, and home to Alabama’s oldest restaurant, The Bright Star in Bessemer.
• You’ll enjoy plenty of beer and wine on Alabama’s drinks menu too. You can take the Craft Beer Trail and stop at Straight to Ale in Huntsville, which produces Monkeynaut - an IPA with a label featuring a monkey in a space suit. Or visit six wineries on the North Alabama Wine Trail, including Southern Oak Wines, which makes sparkling muscadine as well as fruit wines featuring strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and peach.
• Visitors are encouraged to bring a hearty appetite and let the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama be your guide. Whether it’s delicious goat cheese, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood, home-grown collards and sweet potatoes, or mouth-watering barbecue, foodies can discover new personal favourites in this collection of Alabama’s most interesting places to eat. It’s a celebration of Alabama's rich culinary history and diverse range of cuisine as you take in the unique eateries and must-see food destinations.

Don't miss eating in Alabama: 

• The Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama
• Live music and a 'Cheeseburger in Paradise' at Lu-Lu's Homeport Marina on the Gulf Coast in Alabama
• Alabama's wonderful Food Festivals throughout the state!

For more information on any of the above, email alabama@deep-south-usa.com.