Northwest Alabama does not have large, destination tourist attractions. It is better known for its lakes, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities. Below are some links to explore to see if you would like to spend a little extra time here.

LOCAL THINGS TO SEE: TOP TEN

These rankings are the result of limited consideration by a ranking committee of one individual. What the heck!

1) THE TENNESSEE RIVER, WILSON DAM, AND LOCK
2) IVY GREEN, THE BIRTHPLACE OF HELEN KELLER
3) FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ROSENBAUM HOUSE
4) WC HANDY HOME AND MUSEUM
5) FLORENCE DOWNTOWN AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS
6) UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA
7) THE SHOALS GARDEN TOUR, MAY 8-9 2004
8) CHILDREN’S MUSUEM OF THE SHOALS
9) TENNESSEE VALLEY AND KENNEDY DOUGLAS ART MUSEUMS
10)THE ALABAMA MUSIC HALL OF FAME

ALSO, THE INDIAN MOUND & MUSEUM, POPE’S TAVERN MUSEUM, THE PETTUS MUSEUM, AND THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY RESERVATION

Most of these top-ten can be found on the local tourism web site. (www.flo-tour.org) The site provides the standard visitor information. If you have other questions, email David and Mary Lee Darby (Darbywd@aol.com) .

REGIONAL THINGS TO SEE: TOP TEN

Some of these sites in Alabama have their own web sites. A good place to start would be the North Alabama tourism web site (www.northalabama.org) . You are on your own for the Tennessee and Mississippi sites. But the National Park Service web site should have information on the Natchez Trace Parkway and Shiloh National Memorial Park. The North Alabama site has links to many of the golf courses in the region, for any guests who happen to be afflicted with this illness. Fishermen will do especially well on the local site (www.flo-tour.org)

1) THE US SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER, HUNTSVILLE (60 miles) (www.spacecamp.com)
2) HISTORIC WATERLOO ALABAMA, (25 miles)
3) BATTLE OF SHILOH NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK (TN) (40miles)
4) HISTORIC HOMES OF COURTLAND ALABAMA (20 miles)
5) NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY (15 miles)
6) DISMALS CANYON (40 miles)
7) HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN (60 miles) (www.hsvbg.org)
8) JOE WHEELER STATE PARK (15 miles) (www.joewheelerstatepark.com)
9) ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL (All over the area)
10) CHATTANOOGA, NASHVILLE, BIRMINGHAM, MEMPHIS