Alabama

A window seat on a train

Travel

Riding the revived line from New Orleans to Mobile (or vice versa) takes about four hours. But for a dedicated and hungry train-iac, it’s also an opportunity to explore the Gulf Coast flavors along the way.

An illustration of mussels

Conservation

Why the region’s secret—and imperiled—freshwater ecoweapons deserve your respect

water tower and outdoor lawn

Travel

Even if you’re not a space buff, the Rocket City has enough food, art, and nature to keep you busy

An illustration of a fish

What's in Season

Scales on and slathered in compound butter, the white flaky fish is an early spring triumph

A man in a bookshop

Our Kind of Place

The Alabama Booksmith runs on first editions and the verve of its unforgettable proprietor

A rocket park

2026 Bucket List

Huntsville steps back into the spotlight

White sauce chicken on a plate

2026 Bucket List

And celebrate a century of standout ’cue

A window seat of a train looks to marsh

2026 Bucket List

New and improved rail lines make a case for the scenic route

a cyclist on a trail

Travel

Revel in autumnal scenery and burgeoning whistle-stops while cycling the Silver Comet and (newly expanded) Chief Ladiga

A collage: Clockwise, from top left: Rick Hall and Clarence Carter at FAME; Paul Simon at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio; Aretha Franklin at FAME; Etta James at FAME.

Music

A new book and Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition tell how a small Alabama community helped put Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson, and other greats on the map

A portrait of a man in a clothing store. He wears ties around his neck

Arts & Culture

A style enthusiast’s formal argument for dressing up

flattened musk turtle

Conservation

The tiny flattened musk turtle lives within a single watershed in Alabama, and biologists are racing to study it before it’s too late

A coach and football players cheer on a field

Arts & Culture

“No matter how many dynasties the Tide stack on top of each other, Auburn fans will always be able to pierce their armor with two. Little. Words.”

Inside a restaurant with big ceiling windows and checkered tables

Food & Drink

Celebrity photographer Miller Mobley brings his eye for set creation to the restaurant world with custom stained glass, millwork, and faux finishes

A man with a guitar

Music

Elvis, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, and more make our list of some of the most famous—and infamous—performances in music history

A bowl of ice cream

Recipe

Bill Briand shares a family recipe from the menu of Little Bird, his forthcoming restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama

A woman stands by a rack of pastries

Fork in the Road

A young Alabama chef brings community and flawless croissants to a funky strip

Three photos: a stack of brownies, a cake, two cookies

Seven Southern

These top-notch bakeshops let flour-free customers have their cake—and pies, cookies, donuts, croquetas, and biscuits—and eat them too

An illustration of a woman standing in a landscape under the stars

This Land

An Alabama odyssey helps fill in the blank spaces

Three photos of desserts: chocolate bars, fried chicken-shaped ice cream bars, caramels

Food & Drink

From inventive ice cream to old-school cakes, these victors will satisfy your sweet tooth