Alabama is calling! The Yellowhammer State is filled with fun, exciting things to do and plenty of historical sites that’ll inspire you and make you think. But before you head out for Huntsville, Decatur, Montgomery, Birmingham, or beyond, be sure you’re prepared for the journey. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for an Alabama road trip.
Prepare Your Car
Wherever and whenever you’re going for a drive, always make sure your car is up for the trip. Bring your car in for an all-points inspection and ask your mechanic or car services provider to pay special attention to the brakes and wheels. Ensure that they’re all inflated to the proper levels and have them rotated to prevent excess wear and tear through repetitive stress. Top off all the fluids and be sure the oil and oil filter are changed and the transmission fluid remains clean and clear. A good cleaning and detailing will make your trip that much more pleasant!
Be Ready for the Weather
In general, Alabama has a consistently pleasant climate, but depending on the time of year, you may face certain extremes—so pack and dress accordingly! The further south you go, the warmer it gets, and summers are often quite hot. Overall, Alabama is fairly temperate, with an annual average temperature of 64 degrees. Be aware that Alabama is a bit wetter than most states, though; it has frequent thunderstorms and rainfall. Also, if you’re traveling nearer the coast, hurricane season takes place between June and November. Pack your poncho and be aware of the weather changes while you’re in Alabama!
Pick a Destination
Alabama offers plenty of fascinating, fun, and historically important locations. The state hosts multiple civil rights sites and museums, especially in the towns and cities of Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, where you can visit the Civil Rights Monument, National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, respectively. There are tons of other places to visit! Alabama also offers plenty of music history as a home of jazz, blues, gospel, country, bluegrass, and other styles. Look for lovely natural beauty at Cheaha, Oak Mountain, DeSoto, and other state parks. Rocket fans will love a visit to the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville!
Eating in Alabama
If you’re still wondering how to prepare for an Alabama road trip, remember to arrive with an empty stomach because the food and eating opportunities are endless and exquisite. Alabama is probably best known for barbecue and its distinctive white barbecue sauce made of mayonnaise, brown sugar, vinegar, horseradish, and other seasonings. Get ready to sample banana pudding, catfish, grits, pecan pie, fried green tomatoes, and so much more. Wherever and whatever you eat, you won’t leave unsatisfied.
