Here in the south we love BBQ. Alabama is well known for having world class BBQ. Lucky for me, Alabama is one of Georgia’s border states making it the perfect weekend getaway destination. For those of you who don’t live so close to Alabama, you’ll want to plan a family vacation and visit Alabama for at least a week. There is so much fun stuff to do there, not to mention the delicious Alabama BBQ! I have partnered with The Alabama Tourism Department to share why I think Alabama is a such great place to visit.

5 Great Reasons to Visit Alabama

World Class BBQ. Alabama’s BBQ restaurants and traditions are consistently featured as some of the best in the US and in national media publications. Alabama was even named as the “Most BBQ Crazed State in the US” in 2014, according to Estately.com. I can personally attest to just how finger-licking good Alabama BBQ really is. If you’re not sure where to eat, check out I Love Alabama Food for recommendations and get the mobile app.

Beautiful Beaches. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama miles and miles beautiful white-sand beaches. The Gulf Shore is an ideal beach getaway destination. Adventure, fun and relaxation – there’s something for everyone. With attractions like zip lines, championship golf and water sports, you are sure to never get bored.

Historical Sites and Museums. For the history buff, Alabama offers many historical civil rights landmarks and museums. The Rosa Parks Library and Museum and Civil Rights Memorial Center are both located in Montgomery. In Birmingham you will find the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Other historical sites include the Battleship USS ALABAMA which is a popular tourist destination in Mobile and the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum located in Huntsville, Alabama.

U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The Marshall Space Center in Huntsville is must for anyone with a love or curiosity of rockets and space travel. A popular family destination, the center provides fun, education and hands on activities. There are many activities for young children and plenty to keep moms and dads interested too.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation. With endless riverways, 22 state parks, 22 million acres of forests and diverse vistas that range the majestic mountains of North Alabama to the sugar-white sands of the Gulf Coast beaches, Alabama is a paradise for those who love adventure and the great outdoors.  Don’t forget to grab your fishing pole! Gulf State Park on the Gulf Shores and Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne are two very popular destinations. If you want to slow things down a bit, the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville is lovely.

There’s a reason they call it “Sweet Home Alabama.” The combination of amazing BBQ and southern hospitality makes Alabama a sweet place to visit. If you need a little help planning your trip to Alabama, check out Alabama Road Trips.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Alabama Tourism. The opinions and text are all mine.