Alabama Fall Foliage: Best Drives and When the Leaves Peak
When the leaves peak in Alabama, which scenic drives to take, how long they are, and where to stay for a fall color weekend.
The Alabama Journal
Stories from Alabama
Field notes, itineraries, and the people behind the places, written by locals who know Alabama by heart.
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Gulf Shores in October: Shrimp Festival, Cooler Water and Fewer Crowds
Warm water, highs near 79 and the National Shrimp Festival, October 8 to 11, 2026: why October may be the best month on Alabama's beaches.
Things to Do in Orange Beach Beyond the Sand
Dolphin cruises, clear kayaks, parasailing, The Wharf and family fun: the best things to do in Orange Beach when you want more than a beach chair.
Gulf Shores vs. Orange Beach: Which Beach Town Is Right for You?
Same sand, different personalities. How Gulf Shores and Orange Beach compare on beaches, families, nightlife, food, fishing and lodging.
Fall in Alabama: Leaves, Festivals, Football and Cabin Weekends
When the leaves peak, where to see them, which 2026 festivals are worth the drive, and how to plan a game day or a mountain cabin weekend.
Mobile and Fairhope: A Local’s Guide to Mobile Bay
A port city with the country's oldest Mardi Gras and a flower-lined arts town across the bay: how to spend two days around Mobile Bay.
Huntsville, Alabama: The Rocket City Guide
Space history, a giant artist mill, mountain trails at the edge of town and a lively brewery scene: what to do in Huntsville, plus a two-day itinerary.
Birmingham, Alabama: A Local’s Guide to the Magic City
Civil rights history, iron and steel landmarks, free museums, big urban parks and a nationally known food scene: how to spend two days in Birmingham.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach: A Local’s Guide
Beaches, trails, dolphin cruises, Fort Morgan and Gulf seafood: a local's guide to the best things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, plus parking and when to go.
Things to Do across Alabama This Weekend: Oct 2–4
Friday: Birmingham Greek Festival, Railroad Park Free Exercise Classes, Harriott II Dinner Cruise, Alabama Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series. Saturday: Pepper…