Awe-inspiring nature and attractions await visitors in the northern Alabama region known as the Mountain Lakes. Fish for largemouth bass or for a bargain, hunt for deer or for antiques, history lessons or hot boiled peanuts. North Alabama offers a fun and rewarding experience for outdoors types and for visitors seeking more urbane pleasures.

If fishing’s your thing, you’ll find eight great lakes waiting, including Weiss Lake, nicknamed the Crappie Capital of the World. Like hiking, camping or canoeing or just immersing yourself in natural beauty? Head for lovely Bankhead National Forest. Explore one of the region’s caverns. Golfers will find no fewer than 16 18-hole golf courses in the Mountain Lakes region, which encompasses more than 40 cities and towns.

Bargain-hunters won’t want to miss the world-famous Unclaimed Baggage Center, where the content of thousands of travelers’ unclaimed suitcases yield enough treasure to fill a city-block-sized store. The region also offers outlet malls, antique malls and flea markets, as well as charming shops and boutiques.

You can enjoy a host of interesting, historic and unique attractions in our lovely part of the planet, including the Helen Keller Family Home and the Coon Dog Cemetery, both in Tuscumbia; the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville; and the inspiring Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, also known as “Jerusalem in Miniature.” Find inspiration, too, on the Hallelujah Trail, a string of 32 century-old (or older) churches still holding services today; the trail winds through 16 north Alabama counties.

Mountain Lakes folks know how to throw a festival. Don’t miss the Jerry Brown Arts Festival, the Apple and Antiques Festival, the Renaissance Faire, Decatur’s Alabama Jubilee (a hot-air balloon extravaganza), and certainly not the Alabama Chicken and Egg Fest.

When you come, plan a stop at vineyards on the Alabama Wine Trail and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. And bring your appetite – for fried catfish and world-class barbecue, sweet tea and sweet memories.