The sunny, balmy heat in the state of Alabama means there are many nice days throughout the year to go antiquing or browse the shelves, booths, and tables of local flea markets.
There is an abundance of great flea markets in Alabama; some of them are open on the weekends, some all week long, and some only sporadically throughout the year. Some of Alabama’s flea markets are held outdoors, and some are tucked away into old department stores or warehouse-like buildings, but all of them offer a great place to find a bargain on items like furniture, used clothes, collectible trinkets, or fresh, local produce.
1. Collinsville Trade Day
At Collinsville Trade Day, locals and visitors alike flock to the market, where they can find great deals on everything from fresh produce to discount toiletries. Vintage magazines, stacks of colorful t-shirts, saddles, bridles, and other tack for horseback riding, and even livestock are sold at Collinsville Trade Day. There are bathrooms on site, and delicious concessions so customers can make a whole day out of their visit. Parking is available for customers and visitors for only $1 a day.
1102 S Valley Ave, Collinsville, Alabama 35961, Phone: 256-524-2127
2. Dog Days Flea Market
Dog Days Flea Market is technically located in Tennessee, but it’s just north of the Alabama state line, and it’s an easy drive from Huntsville or Decatur. At Dog Days Flea Market, vendors sell a little bit of everything: flower and vegetable plants for the garden, new, handmade, and antique furniture for the home, and even an animal yard with chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, rabbits, and more. Dog Days Flea Market is the perfect destination for great deals on antiques, vintage clothes, fashion and antique jewelry, tools, handmade goods, and so many other products as well.
30444 Gowan Rd, Ardmore, TN 38449, Phone: 931-629-5885
3. Eastbrook Flea Market
One of the most frustrating aspects of flea markets for shoppers is the fact that most of them are only open one or two days a week, on weekends. But Eastbrook Flea Market in Montgomery is open every day of the week (hours vary). This leaves so much time for customers to browse through the diverse and wide selection of products sold at Eastbrook Flea Market. Eastbrook’s 60,000-square-foot venue has over 300 vendors, who sell a great variety of antique books, home goods, furniture, and other knick-knacks as well as some amazing vintage clothing.
425 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, Phone: 334-277-4027
4. Flea Market Mobile By Aunt Mamie Jo
At Flea Market Mobile, guests and customers will have free admission and parking to the market, which boasts over 800 vendors, six concession stands for food and snacks, on site bathroom facilities, ATMs on site, and security. Vendors at this flea market sell everything from vintage clothes from the 1970s and delicate antique sets of china to fresh, local roasted corn on the cob. Customers can search for hidden treasures as they hunt for antiques, select a unique cellphone case, or pick out a handcrafted piece of wooden furniture for their home.
401 Schillinger Rd N, Mobile, Alabama 36608, Phone: 251-633-7533
5. Foley Indoor Flea Market
Foley Indoor Flea Market holds some of the most unique treasures out there, like candle holders made from seashells or truly unique antique knick-knacks. Foley Indoor Flea Market has about 175 vendors who sell clothes, antiques, food, toys, and other products in a large indoor space.
14809 Alabama 59, Foley, AL 36535, Phone: 251-943-6349
6. Galaxy Flea Market
Galaxy Flea Market massive indoor space is a great spot for finding new and used treasures, like books, crystal bowls, antique candlesticks, vintage toys, holiday decorations, home improvement products and tools, and clothing for babies, kids, and adults. Galaxy Flea Market arranges all their products on tables, so the whole experience feels like one giant garage sale, and the flea market also has a snack bar that is open during the market’s business hours.
9010 E 2nd St, Leighton, AL 35646, Phone: 256-446-5614
7. Gillespie's Flea Market
Visitors to Gillespie’s Flea Market in Trinity, Alabama, will find themselves returning again and again, because the inventory of unique, one-of-a-kind antiques and used items is constantly changing, so there’s always something new to see. Customers will find loads of antique furniture, tools, and other home goods in this shop, all charmingly arranged to make guests feel comfortable and at home in the large space.
20610 AL-24, Trinity, AL 35673, Phone: 256-560-8081
8. Hamby Mill Flea Market and Antiques
At Hamby Mill Flea Market and Antiques, visitors will find two large buildings stuffed with new and used products for sale from over 80 vendors. Customers can browse through books, records, toys, and other collectibles as well as larger items like furniture.
465 Co Rd 30, Bremen, AL 35033, Phone: 256-287-2255
9. Hidden Treasures Antiques & Flea Market
This lovely flea market has products to suit every budget in Centre, Alabama. Hidden Treasures Antiques and Flea Market has a charming layout that is great for wandering and browsing, filled with, as the name implies, lots of hidden treasures like vintage Coca-Cola signs, mismatched china plates, framed artwork, and collectible figurines like snow globes, statuettes, and collector’s edition toys or models.
1120, 1110 W Main St, Centre, AL 35960, Phone: 256-300-0458
10. Junebugg's Flea & Antique Mall
Junebugg’s Flea and Antique Mall in Selma is open seven days a week, from 9am to 6pm on Monday through Saturday and from 1pm to 6pm on Sundays. At Junebugg’s, customers have the chance to find some true treasures among hundreds of thousands of unique items and products, so long as they’re willing to spend a little time browsing and looking through tables, displays, stacks, and boxes of stuff. Guests can find books, DVDs, collectible items, fabric, home decorations, games, electronics, furniture, and so many other types of goods at Junebugg’s.
1302 E Highland Ave, Selma, AL 36703, Phone: 334-875-3532
11. Lee County Flea Market
Lee County Flea Market is the largest outdoor flea market in Eastern Alabama, with more than 300 vendors selling new, old, and used products. The market is entirely open air, but there is a covered section of the market for those who wish to stay out of the sun. There is also a snack shack at the flea market, where customers can purchase breakfast or lunch while they browse the tables and displays as well as a food truck that serves up hot meals. Sometimes, especially during the summer, flea market vendors include food producers of delicious carnival food like funnel cakes, ice cream, or snow cones.
201 Lee Rd 379, Smiths Station, AL 36877, Phone: 334-291-7780
12. Longleaf Antique and Flea Mall
Longleaf Antique and Flea Mall has over 34,000 square feet of vendor space in two large buildings in Alexander City, Alabama. There are over 200 booths in Longleaf Antique and Flea Mall, with over 100 vendors selling their wares. Longleaf is pretty much a one-stop shop for everything home related. It’s located in an old department store, so it’s ideally situated for browsing and exploring, and customers will love coming across treasures like antique furniture, vintage jewelry, handmade quilts, hunting gear, kitchen wares, clothes, and more.
591 Alex City Shopping Center Dr, Alexander City, AL 35010, Phone: 256-234-3492
13. Meridian Street Flea Market
On days when its closed, Meridian Street Flea Market looks like a curious cluster of storage sheds, but from 7am to 2pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it comes to life, with tables, tents, booths, and merchandise spreading all over the outdoor space, and vendors calling out greetings to customers as they browse the items and shop for products. Meridian Street Flea Market is a great place to find amazing deals and discounts on used furniture, bicycles, books, sports equipment, clothing, and other great items.
2219 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811, Phone: 256-656-8889
14. Mom's Flea Market and Consignment
Mom’s Flea Market and Consignment is an indoor-outdoor flea market that opens six days a week from 10am to 6pm and is closed on Sundays. At Mom’s Flea Market, vendors and shoppers alike love the layout and friendly management. Cheap furniture, valuable antiques at discount prices, and every other kind of home furnishing imaginable can be found here. Customers will also find a wide selection of clothing, electronics, appliances, decor, non-perishable groceries, toys, accessories, artwork, and jewelry.
4082 AL-14, Millbrook, AL 36054, Phone: 334-285-4380
More Flea Markets in the USA
15. Mountain Top Flea Market
No matter the season or the weather, Mountain Top Flea Market in Attalla is open every Sunday year round. They open at 5am and have no definite closing time, so as long as they’ve got customers, they’re open. The flea market, which has been going on since 1973, continues to grow with each year, adding more vendors and more variety. Customers will find typical flea market fare like used furniture, clothes, and books as well as new toiletries, nail polishes, large packs of socks, and even pet birds. Mountain Top Flea Market also has vendors serving breakfast and lunch each day, so customers can snack on hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and more while they shop.
11301 U.S. 278, Attalla, AL 35954, Phone: 800-535-2286
16. Prattville Pickers
Prattville Pickers is a massive antiques mall in Prattville, Alabama, which prides itself on being the largest of its kind in the state. This giant indoor antique store has over 300 vendors inside, and they are all laid out in wide aisles, perfectly designed for wandering and browsing the many items and trinkets they have to offer. Located just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Montgomery, Prattville Pickers is easily accessible via I-65, and contains lots of vintage goodies and products that customers won’t want to miss.
616 US-82, Prattville, AL 36067, Phone: 334-730-0266
17. Sadies Flea Market
Whether searching for a pair of earrings for a friend’s birthday or looking to add to an extensive stamp or coin collection, Sadie’s Flea Market in Dothan has a huge variety of vendors, and one of them is certain to have what you’re looking for. Open on weekends from 8am to 4pm, Sadie’s Flea Market is a huge outdoor venue with tables for vendors and a few more permanent stores. Guests will enjoy shopping the various wares that Sadie’s has to offer, everything from new sets of toys for the kids to fresh, local produce sold in season, straight from the farmer’s hands.
7990 US-231, Dothan, AL 36301, Phone: 334-677-5138
18. Santuck Flea Market
On Flea Market Saturdays (usually the first Saturday of every month), the outdoor venue fills with popup tents, clothing racks, shelves, and tables, which vendors load with new and used apparel, accessories, furniture, toys, sunglasses, bags, holiday decorations, and other great products. During its hours of operations, Santuck Flea Market is also home to a number of talented food vendors, who make sure that no one leaves the flea market hungry, with their offerings of breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
7300 Central Plank Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092, Phone: 334-567-7400
19. Selma Flea Market & Mini Storage
In the year 1986, the family-owned Selma Flea Market opened. It has since grown to become a mini storage facility as well as an RV park, but the flea market still steals the show, with almost 400 vendors packed into the outdoor market shelters and under pop-up tents. The market has several concession stands as well as a mobile food cart that sells meals and snacks to customers and vendors alike, and there is a great selection of new, used, and handmade items for sale. Selma Flea Market is open every Saturday except for Christmas and has lots of free parking available for customers.
606 River Rd, Selma, AL 36703, Phone: 334-875-0500
20. Wetumpka Flea Market and Antiques
The Alabama heat is no match for the air-conditioned 25,000-square-foot space that houses Wetumpka Flea Market and Antiques. At Wetumpka, customers won’t find new clothing or vendors selling their services, but pretty much everything else can be purchased in the market. They even offer a layaway plan on items over $100, and with 114 regular dealers, there’s a huge variety of products, furniture, tools, and trinkets to be found.
5266 US-231, Wetumpka, AL 36092, Phone: 334-567-2666
What are the 20 Best Flea Markets in Alabama?
The 20 Best Flea Markets in Alabama according to local experts are:
- Collinsville Trade Day
- Dog Days Flea Market
- Eastbrook Flea Market
- Flea Market Mobile By Aunt Mamie Jo
- Foley Indoor Flea Market
- Galaxy Flea Market
- Gillespie's Flea Market
- Hamby Mill Flea Market and Antiques
- Hidden Treasures Antiques & Flea Market
- Junebugg's Flea & Antique Mall
- Lee County Flea Market
- Longleaf Antique and Flea Mall
- Meridian Street Flea Market
- Mom's Flea Market and Consignment
- Mountain Top Flea Market
- Prattville Pickers
- Sadies Flea Market
- Santuck Flea Market
- Selma Flea Market & Mini Storage
- Wetumpka Flea Market and Antiques
More Places to Visit in Alabama:
Planning the perfect vacation can be somewhat daunting but in Alabama you won’t need to make tough decisions – this southern state has something for everyone. Sun-seekers and water-sport enthusiasts can have the time of their lives exploring over 32 miles of sun-drenched coastline lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf Coast. Outdoor adventure seekers have an almost endless list of activities to keep them happy including golf, hiking, biking, rock-climbing, fishing, hunting, birding and camping. Alabama is also packed with historic and cultural attractions, many of which you can discover on a road trip along the famous Alabama Civil Rights Trail. In addition you will find year-round sunny weather, 22 State Parks, talented crafters, great food, arts, museums and everything else you need for a memorable vacation.
USS Alabama
The USS Alabama (aka BB-60 or Mighty A) was built in 1942 and saw active duty in World War II in both the North Atlantic and the South Pacific. Today this historic battleship forms the highlight of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which is dedicated to all Alabama citizens who were part of the US Armed Forces. You can tour the battleship and see how the 2,500-strong crew lived and worked all those years ago, before moving on to explore the fascinating submarine, the USS Drum. Other exhibits at the park include the Aircraft Pavilion (which contains over 28 aircraft including a recently restored Marine I helicopter), the Tanks and Artillery section and several memorials.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, AL 36602,
Ph. 251 433 2703
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offers all visitors a deeper understanding of the journey of the Civil Rights Movement, from its inception in the 1950’s and 1960’s to the present time. The institute comprises a large permanent exhibit which includes several galleries, archives, meeting rooms and exhibition space for rotating exhibits in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery. You can start your visit by watching an eight-minute introductory video before setting off on a self-guided tour of the permanent exhibit which includes multi-media exhibits in the Confrontation Gallery, the Movement Gallery and several others which depict the many historic struggles caused by racial segregation.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 Sixteenth Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203,
Ph. 205 328 9636
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
One of Alabama’s most popular attractions for all ages is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham. In his heyday during the 1960’s George Barber raced Porches, achieving an impressive 63 first place wins and igniting his ambition to establish a world-class museum to showcase his collection of vintage racing cars and bikes. Today you can see the world’s largest collection of Lotus racecars, as well as several other brilliant vehicles nearly all of which have been completely restored to track-ready condition. In addition to the cars the multi-storey, state-of-the-art museum also showcases a remarkable collection of racing bikes. After viewing the awesome collections you can visit the research library and the gift shop to pick up some Barber memorabilia.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35203, Ph. 205 298 9040
Bryant Denny Stadium
The enormous Bryant Denny Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and is home to the Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team. The historic stadium originally opened in 1929 with a seating capacity of 12,000 but a string of enlargements and improvements have resulted in the stadium becoming one of the nation’s top five campus football venues with a current seating capacity of over 100,000. Besides football you can watch a wide variety of other sports including baseball, basketball, gymnastics and softball at the stadium or take a behind-the-scenes tour led by one of the university students. Before you leave you can visit the shop to stock up on Crimson Tide products.
Bryant Denny Stadium, 920 Paul W Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, Ph. 205 348 2262
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
At the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about space travel and the incredible people responsible for the national Space Program. Your journey through the fascinating exhibits will show you how astronauts function in outer space and how vital experiments are undertaken at the International Space Station. There are a variety of hands-on exhibits to thrill all ages and you can watch daily film features in the Spacedome IMAX Theatre or in the National Geographic Theater. You can view over 20 rockets and missiles in the Rocket Park and see the orbiter, Pathfinder, on display in the Shuttle Park. In addition you can have hours of fun trying out several simulators or climbing the Mars Wall. Younger visitors can enjoy Kidspace and the Mars Play Station.
USSRC, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, Ph. 256 837 3400
Dexter Parsonage Museum
The Dexter Parsonage Museum occupies the historic parsonage where Rev. Vernon Johns and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and worked, and is essential viewing for anyone interested in history, architecture and the Civil Rights Movement. The original clapboard Baptist church to which the parsonage is attached was founded in 1877 in a slave trader’s pen and the current red brick building dates back to 1889. Much of the furniture and fittings have been preserved and many were in use by Dr. King and his family. You can join a guided tour of the museum and the church and see the actual pulpit where Dr. King once preached. The museum also includes the King-Johns Garden for Reflection where visitors are urged to take a stroll and reflect on the teachings of two of Dexter’s most famous ministers.
Dexter Parsonage Museum, 454 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, Ph. 334 263 3970
McWane Science Center
Birmingham’s McWane Science Center has been welcoming inquiring minds of all ages since it first opened its doors in 1998. The multi-level center offers a wide diversity of interactive exhibits that will teach you about everything from dinosaurs and sting-rays to creating square and triangular bubbles. On the lower level you can admire a myriad of marine animals in the aquarium (which includes a touch-tank) before moving up to the ground level where you will find the IMAX Dome Theater, the Bubble Room and Science Quest. The next level is devoted to Itty Bitty Magic City (where the youngest visitors can have fun), dinosaurs, monsters and more, and the top level features visiting exhibits and the chance to get creative in the Art and Tech Gallery.
McWane Science Center, 200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203, Ph. 205 714 8300
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Alligator Alley
At Alligator Alley in Summerdale you can learn all you ever wanted to know about alligators. The alligator farm was established in 2004 to provide a home for countless “rescued” alligators – usually animals which wander out of the wilds and find themselves in animal/human conflict. At Alligator Alley you can go on a guided tour to see up to 450 alligators of all shapes and sizes, from tiny hatchlings to 50-year old ten foot “monsters”. You can watch them interact, sunbathe, swim, and even get the chance to hold a young one or help at feeding time. You can also take a nature walk along an elevated boardwalk to see the alligators in their natural surroundings and to spot other wildlife such as turtles, owls and ospreys.
Alligator Alley, 19950 Highway 71, Summerdale, AL 36580, Ph. 251 946 2483
Huntsville Botanical Gardens
The Huntsville Botanical Gardens offer an oasis of beauty and serenity and beckon both locals and visitors to come and spend a few hours getting back in touch with nature. The gardens have something for everyone – you can stroll along shady paths along the Dogwood Trail to see a host of shade-loving plants or delight your senses with color and fragrance in the Annual Garden. There are many more beautiful corners to explore, each of which contains themed gardens to thrill all plant lovers. The younger generation has also been carefully considered and you can bring the children to enjoy the wonderful Children’s Garden which is full of fun and surprises which include a Storybook Garden and a maze.
Huntsville Botanical Gardens, 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805,
Ph. 256 830 4447
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Bellingrath Gardens and Home encompasses a flourishing 65-acre garden and the beautifully restored stately mansion which dates back to 1934 and is operated as the Bellingrath Museum Home. The garden attracts nature lovers all year round and the property is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, nature and unusual architecture. The original mansion was constructed using salvaged bricks and ironwork in what the architect, George B. Rogers referred to as the “English Renaissance” style and was considered to be way ahead of its time when it was built. The interiors have been carefully preserved just as they were in 1934 and in the six-car garage you can now view a significant collection of Boehm porcelain.The surrounding gardens include a rose garden, conservatory, mirror lake and rockery, among other gems.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, AL36582,
Ph. 251 973 2217
Birmingham Museum of Art
Dedicated to instilling a love of art in each and every visitor, the Birmingham Museum of Art is proudly home to an enormous and diverse collection of more than 25,000 examples of paintings, prints, sculptures and decorative arts. Within the permanent exhibits you can find examples from various cultures including Asia, Europe, Africa, and America, including many examples of Native American Art. To enrich your experience at the museum you can join a free docent-guided tour or bring your children to enjoy some of the children’s hands-on areas. Families can pick up an ArtVenture passport and collect stamps towards a fun prize every time they visit the museum.
Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, Al 35203
Ph. 205 254 2565
Rosa Parks Library and Museum
A must-see Alabama attraction for anyone interested in history and the Civil Rights Movement, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of Rosa Parks, an ordinary American citizen whose quiet rebellion helped change the face of American history. Your visit to the museum, which is situated on the campus of Troy University, will reveal how Mrs. Parks’ 1955 refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. In addition to several interactive permanent exhibits the museum also hosts regular temporary exhibits, lectures and workshops and facilities include a public research library and a Children’s Wing featuring the Cleveland Avenue Time Machine.
Rosa Parks Museum, 252 Montgomery St, Montgomery, AL 36104, Ph. 334 241 8615
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
The GulfQuest Maritime Museum is by far one of the most interesting Alabama attractions for all ages. Here you can learn just about everything to do with maritime history and modern-day shipping as you make your way along multiple decks of a life-sized replica of a container ship. You will need to allow yourself plenty of time to make the most of your visit as there are over 90 interactive exhibits as well as various simulators, displays and theaters. You can learn how to operate a crane, navigate and interpret weather data supplied by live satellite. Kids can have fun dressing up and exploring in the Junior Mariners exhibit and there are several places where you can just relax and enjoy the view over the Port of Mobile.
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, 155 South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602, Ph. 251 436 8901
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
Anyone who has an interest in military history owes it to themselves to visit the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville. The museum is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments of American Servicemen and Women, and showcases a significant collection of military artifacts, equipment and memorabilia from the American Revolutionary War to the present day. Some of the exhibits you can see include over 30 military vehicles dating back to World War II, including the oldest surviving jeep, the Ford Pygmy. In addition enthusiasts can see several aircraft, tanks, motorbikes, watercraft and weapons, all of which have been painstakingly restored. You can stroll around at your own pace or request a docent-led tour.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, 2060A Airport Road, Huntsville, AL 35801, Ph. 256 883 3737
Ave Maria Grotto
The Ave Maria Grotto is a unique landscaped park located in an old quarry in the grounds of the St. Bernard Benedictine Abbey, which showcases a collection of over 125 miniature reproductions of famous churches, religious buildings and shrines. The collection is the life-work of just one man, Brother Joseph Zoettl who came to the abbey in 1892 and began creating the remarkably accurate miniatures as a means to pass the time. As you stroll through the curious four-acre park today you can see replicas of many famous buildings including the Vatican City, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Noah’s Ark. The appeal of the grotto goes beyond art and religion and will charm just about everyone.
Ave Maria Grotto, St. Bernard Abbey, 1600 St. Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055, Ph. 256 734 4110
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Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan Park and Museum is located in the heart of Birmingham and celebrates the city’s history as a prominent steel producer. The enormous statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, stands guard over the city from the summit of Red Mountain, surrounded by a beautiful park. Vulcan is made of over 100,000 pounds of iron and at 56 feet tall is the world’s largest cast iron statue. You can explore the small but very informative interactive museum to learn all about the heydays of the iron and steel industry in Birmingham and then climb the stairs (or ride the elevator) to the top of the statue to see sweeping views over the city.
Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, Al 35209, Ph. 205 933 1409
Fort Morgan State Historic Site Museum
Fort Morgan, and its predecessor Fort Bowyer, have been standing guard over Mobile Point on the Gulf Coast since 1813 and have been crucial to the defense of the region through the War of 1812, the Civil War and both World Wars. History buffs will enjoy exploring the fort and the small museum or attending one of the regular living-history events which are held to keep the history alive. In addition to history, the Fort Morgan State Historic Site provides a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the site to enjoy miles and miles of unspoiled beaches, fishing, boating and simply relaxing. The site is also an important resting site for migrating birds during spring and autumn and you can walk along several short trails to do some wildlife watching.
Fort Morgan State Historic Site Museum, 110 AL – 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, Ph. 251 540 5257
Fort Gaines
You can find historic Fort Gaines at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, a barrier island at the entrance to Mobile Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The fort has stood guard over the entrance to Mobile Bay for over 150 years and is an interesting and educational attraction for anyone who loves maritime history. You can explore the well-preserved ramparts and there are costumed docents to lead you on a guided tour of the fort including tunnels, kitchens, the blacksmith shop and some original cannons. Your tour will include demonstrations of cannon firing and blacksmithing. Dauphin Island is also a great place to kick back and enjoy nature – there are several good beaches, nature walks, a bird sanctuary and campsites.
Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, Ph. 251 861 6992
The First White House of the Confederacy
Nestled in the heart of downtown Montgomery, the First White House of the Confederacy is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in American Civil War history and stately homes. The ten-room house was the home of the only President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis for four months in 1861 before the capitol of the Confederacy moved to Richmond Virginia. The Italianate-styled house is currently run as a museum and is completely furnished with original period furniture dating back to the 1850’s. History buffs can learn all about the history of Montgomery and the Confederacy and visit the comprehensive Reference Library.
The First White House of the Confederacy, 644 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36130
Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium is a unique and exciting aquarium situated on Dauphin Island, off the coast of Mobile Bay. Here you can spend several hours learning all about the fascinating marine habitats found off the coast of Alabama, which include a river delta, salt flats and barrier islands. As you make your way through the aquarium you will have the chance to touch stingrays, stroll along the Living Marsh Boardwalk and see over 100 species of marine creatures and plants housed in 31 aquariums. You can also attend free twice-monthly Boardwalk Talks or join a guided Salt Marsh Summer Excursion or Beach Dune and Maritime Forest excursion in summer.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528,
Southeastern Raptor Center
The Southeastern Raptor Center is based on the campus of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Auburn, Alabama. The center was established primarily to provide refuge and rehabilitation for injured and sick native raptors. Over the years the center has expanded to offer educational programs to teach the public about raptors. One of the highlights of a visit to Auburn is to attend the regular Friday evening Football, Fans and Feathers show which is presented at the Edgar B. Carter Amphitheater on the university campus before all home games. The show lasts for about an hour and will give you the chance to see owls, falcons, buzzards, and eagles in action and offers plenty of good photo opportunities.
Southeastern Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Dr, Auburn, AL 36849, Ph. 334 844 6943
Alabama Wildlife Center
The Alabama Wildlife Center in Pelham provides a critically important sanctuary for all sick, injured or abandoned native birds, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and release back into the wilds. The center welcomes visitors and offers a variety of educational experiences which include the chance to volunteer to assist with various duties including feeding baby birds or attending the regular Sunday Audubon Teaches Nature Lecture Series. You are also welcome to do a self-guided tour of the facility which includes walking the (wheelchair-accessible) Treetop Nature Trail where you can see several rehabilitated raptors which cannot be released and have found a permanent sanctuary at the center.
Alabama Wildlife Center, 100 Terrace Drive, Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL 35124
Talladega Super Speedway
Alabama’s Talladega Super Speedway has been thrilling petrol-heads since it first opening in 1969. The speedway holds the twin distinctions of being the longest NASCAR track in the country and is also where the fastest ever NASCAR speed record of over 212mph was established back in 1987 by Bill Elliot. One of the best ways to totally immerse yourself in the Talladega experience is to bring your RV or tent and set up camp in one of the infield campsites. Besides spending your weekend watching the exciting thrills and spills, you can spend your evenings enjoying music and great partying. To further enhance you racing weekend you can buy tickets to a box or hospitality tent and even get a Pit Pass to see all the action up close.
Talladega Super Speedway, 3366 Speedway Blvd, Lincoln, AL35096, Ph. +1 877 462 3342
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
Although authors Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald never actually owned their own home, preferring a gypsy-like existence, the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum has been established in the last house in which the couple lived together as a family in Zelda’s home town of Montgomery. The Museum is dedicated to protecting the rare artifacts and memorabilia which celebrate their lives and to teaching visitors about the legacy of Scott F. Fitzgerald, renowned author of The Great Gatsby and his flamboyant wife who was both an artist and a writer. The best way to gain an intimate glimpse into the life and times of the couple is to join a guided tour of the house which was built in 1910.
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, 919 Felder Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106,
