A Place in the Sun

Looking to beat cold weather at home, snowbirds flock to the warmer confines of the Sun Belt

ALABAMA

The roads radiate out from Birmingham like spokes in a wheel, allowing snowbirds to arrive from Huntsville, Decatur and Gadsden to the north, fill their days in Birmingham, and head south toTuscaloosa or Montgomery - before continuing on to Mobile and the Gulf of Mexico. But before they splay their toes in the fine sands of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, RVers should explore Birmingham's Civil Rights District, where the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame gets toes tapping in the historic Carver Theater. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame appeals to fans of athletic pursuits, particularly if they happen to be partial to native sons such as baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays and/or luminary trackand-field star Jesse Owens.

As they make their way south through the state, golfers may think they've died and gone to heaven, since time and again they'll come across signs for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - an extensive series of courses designed by one of the game's foremost designers. The general public can play these challenging, varied courses for less cash than they might expect; the readers of no less than Golf Digest have declared the trail the best value among the world's golfing destinations.

Whether golf is addiction or anathema to them, snowbirds can find other ways to enjoy the great outdoors once down at the Gulf. The Bon secour National Wildlife Refuge is a fine way to begin a Gulf exploration. But then again, so is wandering through the back bay by kayak. (800-ALABAMA)

Arley

Hidden Cove Outdoor Resort

Facilities: Good gravel interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry. Sites: 86 total, 20 available, full hookups (30/50 amps), gravel, some shaded; 10 pull-through (30 × 70); back-in (30 × 70). Recreation: Lewis Smith Lake; freshwater fishing; boating; ramp, dock. Pool; recreation hall; recreation field; game room; horseshoes; playground; planned activities. Contact 687 County Road 3916, Arley, Alabama 35541; (205) 221-7042; bullek.com. A Good Sam Park.

Copyright T L Enterprises, Inc. Oct 2005
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