What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?

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By Andrew Gelderman/Reflect Alabama Fellow

What makes life in Alabama special? During our most recent News and Brews community pop-ups at Hop City and Saturn in Birmingham, we asked those who came by what their favorite thing was about life here in Alabama. 

Nature and wildlife were common favorites, with Alabama’s rich biodiversity, sprawling landscapes, and rivers. Alabama ranks in the top five states for biodiversity in the United States.

“I have great memories of swimming in the Cahaba, Smith Lake, the Gulf. And there’s always a creek nearby,” said Kennedy Palmer.

Others took the chance to emphasize their appreciation for the city of Birmingham. Some emphasized how you are never too far away from some great food. Forest Park resident Stacey Torch expressed her appreciation for her neighborhood.

“Everyone knows everyone,” Torch said. “It’s a real sense of community.”

Alabama’s local theater scene received some high praise. 

“I try to see a show almost every week,” Barbara Sloan said.

One person brought up the weather. 

“The thing I always love about Alabama is it’s warm but not too warm. And it does get a little cool, but not too cold,” Daniel Sims said.

Grace Caballero gave a unique answer regarding life online. 

“My favorite thing about Alabama is, is that whenever you fill out a form or like you’re ordering something online, Alabama is the first option,” Caballero said.

 

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