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The Yellowhammer State didnt earn the moniker Alabama the Beautiful for nothing.
And thats not even mentioning all the hidden gems in the states large cities and tiny towns.
As aborn and raised Alabamian, Im lucky enough to have had easy access to Alabamas beauty for years.
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I spent my high school years exploring nearbystate parkswith friends.
Noccalula Falls
Gadsden, Alabama
Theres a longstanding legend behind the rushing cascades at this well-known waterfall.
Her father renamed the falls for her, and its been known as such ever since.
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Each work was created by Brother Joseph Zoetl, a longtime monk at the Abbey.
avemariagrotto.com; 1600 St. Bernard Dr. Thats when the rivers large population of native Cahaba lilies bloom.
The blooms are so picturesque that my husband even thought to propose among them.
Credit: Joy Sorensen
From springtime strolls to weddings, graduations, and everything in between, theBirmingham Botanical Gardenssee it all.
Especially popular areas include the Japanese Garden and the bamboo forest.
For one, its listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
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Fairhope
ROBBIE CAPONETTO
If you love the Gulf Coast, there are few places more scenic.
Stroll to see historic homes on streets lined with live oaks.
Get lost in the European-inspired alleys of Fairhopes charming, walkable downtown.
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The entrance to the cave measures a whopping 126 feet wide and 25 feet high.
The island is a boon for history and nature.
Visit the 164-acre Audubon Bid Sanctuary to see migrating birds in the spring.
Credit:Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Its a sight that keeps many Alabamians coming back year after year.
railroadpark.org; 1600 1stAve.
The largest in the state, Lake Guntersville is popular for fishing, swimming, boating, and more.
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You wont be sorry.
Credit: Courtesy Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Credit: Courtesy of Bellingrath Gardens
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Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Credit:Robbie Caponetto
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Credit: peeterv / Getty Images
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Railroad Park.Credit:Getty Images
Credit: Alison Miksch
Credit: Getty/JimVallee
Lake Guntersville State Park.Credit:Lake Guntersville State Park /Facebook
Credit: Photo: Michael Hanson
