Being from the northeast, New Jersey to be more precise, Alabama was never on the top of my list of states to visit. I imagined the people that lived in Alabama were your true southern stereotype: thick accents where everyone says ‘y’all’ and ‘bless your heart’, guys in cowboy boots and plaid, and girls with big blonde hair. And with me being a so-called ‘jersey girl’ the two worlds seemed like they would be so drastically different that I would find any reason to travel there. But let me tell you I was wrong.

While interning at Walt Disney World in Florida I chose to go random when picking my potential roommate for the next seven months and I am so glad I did. My roommate, and now best friend Christa is the sweetest and most carefree girl I know and she just so happens to call the lovely state of Alabama home. When our program came to an end, it was extremely difficult and sad to say goodbye to my best friend and the girl I spent so much time with the last seven months, but I knew we’d see each other soon as I was determined to visit her in Alabama.

After returning to Jersey in August of 2014 I was sort of in limbo of what to do about my future. I was unhappy that after those months of fun and freedom in Florida I was back to living at home with my parents again, in my small childhood bedroom under their rules. I made the choice to book a trip to Alabama just three months after we both said our goodbyes and it was some of the most fun I had. Not only was it great to be back with my best friend, but I also got to experience all the beauty and culture of the true south. Yes, some of the stereotypes were true; people said y’all a lot and every town closed down on Sunday’s but it was also filled with great history and beautiful landscapes. So here are my top four reasons I believe y’all should visit sweet home Alabama.

Ivy Green - Helen Keller House

Located in the small town of Tuscumbia is the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller. The house was built in 1820 and is very small and simplistic. It is now a historical landmark that is open to the public for tours to explain the history and life of the very inspiring Helen Keller. The actual well pump where Helen Keller first communicated with Anne Sullivan is located at Ivy Green.

Leo III and Una at the University of North Alabama

Who are Leo III and Una you might ask? They are the male and female lions that reside on the campus of the University of North Alabama in Florence. UNA is home to the only live lion mascots living right on campus. The tradition to house live lions started in 1974 with the original Leo. Leo III and Una are both beautiful animals and it is a unique and exciting opportunity to visit the lions living in the middle of the university. Definitely a can’t miss if you are ever so fortunate to be in the area.

US Space & Rocket Center

The US Space & Rocket Center is located in the fourth largest city in Alabama, Huntsville and first opened in 1970. It is one of the largest space museums in the world, it showcases rockets, achievements, and artifacts of the U.S. space program. It is the home of more than 1,500 permanent space artifacts, as well as showing many rotating space-related exhibits throughout the year. It is a great place to visit if you love space or if you’re just curious of all the great space achievements the Unites States have made.

Huntsville Botanical Gardens

Located very close to the US Space & Rocket Center, the Huntsville Botanical Gardens feature 112 acres of beautiful landscapes and nature displays. It is open year round and offers many different sections and exhibits like a butterfly house, daylily garden, dogwood trail and a fern garden to name a few. The botanical gardens are breathtaking and are great if you want to have a more relaxing and peaceful day. These gardens have something everyone will enjoy and you won’t be disappointed in the least after you take a stroll through them.

So if you ever get the great opportunity to visit the lovely state of Alabama, definitely do not pass it up, especially the northern area of the state. It is filled with great history and southern charm. You’ll get to experience true southern hospitality, strong accents and the best sweet tea around!