What’s Happening in Alabama?
I know absolutely nothing about the state of Alabama so writing this blog was a wake-up call. I’d like to start with a general, overall picture and then move on to particulars. Even I knew that Alabama is known as “The Cotton State” and is located in “The Heart of Dixie.”
Said differently, it’s a little over 300 miles from New Orleans so if you’re planning to visit Dothan, Alabama for the 2020 Peanut Festival that takes place from Friday, November 6th to Sunday, November 15th, you can drop down to The Big Easy as well. Roughly half of the peanuts grown in this country come from within a 100-mile radius of Dothan. The state of Alabama has about 900 peanut farmers and is the third largest producer of peanuts in the United States.
WHO IN THE WORLD EATS BOILED PEANUTS?
Apparently a lot of people really like boiled peanuts. I think I’m put off by the word “boiled.” Apparently guys like to toss ‘em down -- hot or cold – when drinking beer. Boiled peanuts also go well with sweet tea and Coca Cola. Other favorite foods in Alabama are: Banana Pudding (this sounds delicious) and Fried Green Tomatoes.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN ALABAMA?
July is the hottest month with heat and humidity that can be overwhelming BUT don’t forget this: Alabama’s Gulf Coast is home to some of the finest beaches in the country. We’re talking about a 32-mile-long stretch of beautiful white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. (This sounds very much like the Caribbean to me – no matter how far out you swim – you can see clear to the bottom. It’s truly amazing.)
This ad appeared in the August 2020 issue of Travel & Leisure magazine – remember: Alabama has great beaches
DID I HEAR BEAR WRESTLING? YOU’RE KIDDING!
No, I’m not. Bear wrestling matches used to be a pretty big deal in Alabama. So a law was passed to end “bear exploitation” and now it’s a Class B felony. That’s the same as being charged with manslaughter, so this is a big deal. Don’t ask me for specifics – all I know is that it’s illegal to sell, purchase, possess or train a bear for bear wrestling. (This makes my skin crawl.)
ALABAMA HAS A HISTORY OF FIRSTS? CORRECT?
Yes, in 1836 Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday. Then on February 16, 1968 the first 911 Call in the U.S. was made in Alabama. Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite called U.S. Representative Tom Bevill at the local police station – the red phone he used is still on display at the City Hall.
Closer to home, Alabama was actually the first place to celebrate Mardi Gras. New Orleans has a history with Mardi Gras but the first celebration actually took place in Mobile, Alabama in 1703. This was just a year after the city was founded (and 15 years before New Orleans was founded).
Alabama is the first and only state to have an alcoholic beverage as its official drink. A high-quality aged moonshine whiskey (officially called Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whiskey) was designated the official “State Spirit” of Alabama by legislative resolution in 2004.
All photos appeared in an ad with the tagline “Sweet Home Alabama” that was in the Condé Nast Traveler, June 2020
And finally, the first rocket (Saturn V in 1967) that us folks on earth sent to the moon was designed in Huntsville, Alabama. Personally, I think this list is pretty impressive – no wonder Alabamians have so much hometown pride.
At Rathbone Mansions we love our Southern neighbors! Fun Fact: Huntsville, Alabama is only about a 6-hour drive from our historic hotel.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick