What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?

 1649233924 
1713429308

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.

 

Florida heads to NCAA title game in a victory over SEC rival Auburn

Florida beat Southeastern Conference rival Auburn 79-73 in the Final Four on Saturday night. The Gators are going to the national championship game for the first time since their titles in 2006 and 2007.

How automakers are responding to the 25% car tariffs so far

It's only been a few days since President Trump's 25% tariffs on foreign cars took effect. But the import surcharge has led to some immediate changes, including layoffs and pauses in car shipments.

Nationwide ‘Hands Off’ protests erupt against Trump and Musk

Demonstrations took place across the country, uniting a myriad of criticisms of the Trump administration under one message: "Hands off."

How automakers are responding to the 25% car tariffs so far

It's only been a few days since President Trump's 25% tariffs on foreign cars took effect. But the import surcharge has led to some immediate changes, including layoffs and pauses in car shipments.

‘Oliver and Amanda Pig’ series author Jean Van Leeuwen dies at 87

The children's book author best known for her Oliver and Amanda Pig series has died at 87. Van Leeuwen wrote nearly 60 books, some of which sold millions of copies.

More torrential rain and flash flooding are expected in waterlogged South and Midwest

Another round of torrential rain and flash flooding was coming Saturday for parts of the South and Midwest already heavily waterlogged by days of severe storms that also spawned some deadly tornadoes.

More Arts and Culture Coverage