Melea Hames

There are places in North Alabama that do not just sit in the past–they carry it with them. You walk through the door and the pace changes. The light feels different. The floor creaks under your feet in a way that reminds you history is not an abstract idea. It is something you can still touch. On Huntsville’s historic Courthouse Square, Harrison Brothers Hardware is one of those places. At first glance, it is easy to call it a store.

Tucked away in the charming city of Cullman, Alabama, lies a site that inspires awe in visitors from near and far: the Ave Maria Grotto. This peaceful and artistic destination offers a unique experience for travelers looking to connect with art, history and spirituality. Known affectionately as “Jerusalem in Miniature,” the Ave Maria Grotto is a must-see attraction for anyone. If you’re looking to pay a visit this year, here is everything you need to know about the Ave Maria Grotto.

Need a getaway for just the two of you? How about a rustic, romantic weekend in North Alabama? There are many lakeside cabins, mountaintop chalets, and bluff-top rooms all across the region to spend getting away from it all. Sip champagne and admire the view from your balcony or curl up fireside under a cozy blanket. Whichever you choose, this getaway will be one to remember. Bee on the Brow Bed & Breakfast Bee on the Brow is a beautiful mountain retreat.