Being raised in Alabama, I’ve got plenty of state pride. Yet, as a student of journalism at the University of Alabama, my career opportunities are slim here. I know I won’t live in Alabama forever, so I’ve created my own bucket list.

Sweet Home, Alabama

Everyone knows the lyrics, especially that one phrase. It’s sung at parties, on road trips and football games. It’s painted on wooden panels and strewn all over living rooms. It’s on T-shirts, mugs and hats. It’s popular with everyone, but the Alabama natives have it trademarked.

"Sweet Home Alabama" rings true for so many. I’d say many of us are proud of where we come from, and even those who’ve moved away love that feeling of coming back to visit their sweet home. But many, even Alabamians, don’t know there actually is a Sweet Home in Alabama.

H. W. Sweet, a native of South Carolina, built a home in Bessemer, the Sweet Home, just outside of Birmingham. He was the city’s first undertaker and a furniture merchant. His son, Henry Wilson Sweet, helped bring UAB Medical Center to Birmingham, was the director of Alabama and Georgia State Docks, Treasurer of the Bessemer Division of Jefferson County, President of the American Association of Ports Authorities and an International Director of Lions Clubs. All this proving great things come from those raised in Sweet Home, Alabama.

The home was proclaimed a landmark by the Alabama Historical Association in 2006 and is now used as an event venue. Look for it at 1830 Arlington Ave, Bessemer, AL 35020.

This home was added to my Alabama bucket list the minute I first heard of it. Hearing there was a Sweet Home in my sweet home filled me with curiosity and delight. It’s just a short drive from I-20 and takes only a minute to enjoy from the road or the sidewalk. There is a fence around it; however, it’s easily visible and is a great background for a photo.

SEE ALSO: The Spring Bucket List For University Of Alabama Seniors

Another great place to check out across the street from Sweet Home is an old, beautiful church: the First United Methodist Church of Bessemer. It's beautiful, tall columns and stained glass windows look like something from a movie.

If you’re interested in creating your own Alabama Bucket List, be sure to check out Sweet Home; it’s pretty enough for Instagram and a personification of the song and saying we all love.