ALABAMA
Country, Rock, and Blues
Experience Alabama’s musical legacy, from the soulful sounds of Muscle Shoals to vibrant festivals. A sweet blend of Country, Rock and Blues.

CITIES / REGIONS
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EVENTS & FESTIVALS
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Food & Drink
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ATTRACTIONS
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Places to go

Muscle Shoals
A site where royalty came to record, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was opened in 1969 by a quartet of session musicians and quickly became a haven for stars such as The Rolling Stones, Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Paul Simon and Bob Seger to lay down tracks.

Central Alabama
Genuinely a state-wide appreciation of a favourite son. The Hank Williams Sr’s Boyhood Home & Museum is in Georgiana, while The HW Museum – housing the baby-blue Cadillac in which he died – is in Montgomery, the city from where his “last ride” began.

Birmingham
The Lyric Theatre is a Birmingham landmark steeped in entertainment history. Entering feels like you are encased in a glittering jewellery box. See a stage that has hosted the likes of The Marx Brothers, Mae West and Gene Autrey.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS
- Georgiana

Hank Williams Festival
In the shadows of the Hank Williams Sr’s Boyhood Home & Museum comes this annual festival to honor the life of a legend. Previous years have brought appearances from Craig Morgan, Diamond Rio, and Hank’s daughter Jett Williams.
- Cullman

Rock The South
What began as a celebration of the human spirit in recovering from more than 200 tornados in April 2011 has grown to become “the South’s biggest party”. Alan Jackson, Eric Church, and Luke Bryan have all graced the stage at this mega event.
- Bessemer

Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival
The only way to improve the smoked meats loved for decades at Bob Sykes’ legendary restaurant (founded in 1957) was to combine the barbecue with an afternoon of music in a festival that since 2010 has raised funds for local charities.
- Gulf Shores

Sand In My Boots
Three days of bliss on the beach, full of hot acts and cold drinks across various stages, a beach club, hammocks in the shade and even a wedding chapel. Past lineups have included names such as Jack Harlow, Maren Morris, Megan The Stallion, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Food & Drink
- Montgomery

Capitol Oyster Bar
A favorite of locals, the seafood – and oysters in particular – is the star here, augmented by cold beer, and a stunning view of the Alabama River. Plus on Sundays, add in live performances from jazz and blues artists and bands.
- Tuscumbia

Rattlesnake Saloon
After working up an appetite at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, make the short drive to experience a lunch like no other under a mountain shelf. “The watering hole under the rock” offers a menu of burgers and dogs, amazing scenery, and live music.
- Mobile

Callaghan’s Irish Social Club
Established in 1946 as a members-only club – some of whom had their own key – Callaghan’s is now open to all and has been voted America’s best bar. Come for the burgers and brunch, stay for the bands and full-bar.
- Birmingham

Automatic Seafood and Oysters
The chic, relaxed surrounds are matched by the quality of fish primarily sourced from the Gulf of Mexico, as well as steaks and impeccable cocktails. Need a steer? Try the Crispy Fish Collars with Calabrian Chili Butter, Lime, and Farm Pickles.
- Tuscaloosa

DePalma’s Italian Café
There’s a comfortingly familiar feel to the menu of this neighbourhood Italian stalwart – the pizza and pasta are top-drawer – but those in the know will always leave room for the delicious white-chocolate bread pudding.

Things to Do
- Waverly

Standard Deluxe
The baby of graphic designer Scott Peek, this unique space combines design studio, gallery, gift shop and also live music venue. Check out the calendar for regular performances as well as the date of the Old 280 Boogie music festival.
- Tuscumbia

Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Created by state decree to celebrate and preserve the contribution of Alabama to America’s musical heritage, this 12,000-sq-ft space explores every conveivable style and a host of musicians who have helped to shape history.
- Birmingham

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Since 1978, the mission has been a simple one – to honor the pioneers who shaped jazz history in Alabama and by doing so to to inspire the next generation of jazz greats. Newly renovated, it hosts concerts, festivals and education programs.
- Florence

W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum, and Library
This unassuming, arcadian log cabin was built in 1873 and has a singular place in history – the birthplace of “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy. Stop by and view personal papers, artifacts and other items that Handy donated before his 1958 passing.
- Fort Payne

ALABAMA Fan Club & Museum
Newly remodelled, this is simply a shrine to Alabama the group, in the heart of Alabama the state. Five decades’ worth of memorabilia include videos, pictures, and personal items that have never been seen by the public until now.
