An RV road trip around Alabama

21.07.2023 - 08:06 / roughguides.com / Cole / Aretha Franklin

You’ve seen or read about the top sights in Alabama – US Space & Rocket Center, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Gulf State Park – but now it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and head off on an RV road trip. With its huge variety of experiences, you can explore the best this southern state has to offer all from the comfort of your own RV (recreational vehicle/motorhome). Take as many stops along the way as you want, stay for as long as needed and just enjoy that wide, open road. Read on to discover your Alabama adventure, from start to finish.

While planning your trip to Alabama — read some interesting facts about Alabama's history and attractions.

The RV road trip route starts in Nashville, Tennessee’s very own ‘Music City’. While its musical heritage spans as far back as the 1700s, in more recent years there’s been a definite focus on country music. To help you settle into Nashville life, check out the backstreet honky-tonks and book onto a free dance lesson at the likes of the Wild Horse Saloon. If you’re after less of a hands-on approach, you can take a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA’s Studio B.

But that’s not all; while you’re here, you can also visit the Grand Ole Opry – home to the world’s longest running radio show – as well as the Ryman Auditorium which is the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Make sure you cover as much as you can today, as tomorrow’s going to be a busy day!

Round off your first day with a meal at Adele’s. Popular chef Jonathan Waxman runs the joint here, with a menu focused on seasonal comfort food sourced from nearby farms and companies. Situated in The Gulch (in between Vanderbilt University and downtown), Adele’s has a great bar-restaurant vibe with a fireplace grill, wood-burning oven and a quarter-sawn oak bar.

Nashville, Tennessee © ESB Professional/Shutterstock

The second day is where the real road trip starts. Collect your RV and head off on the 125-mile route to Muscle Shoals, where we recommend you stay for a couple of nights. This northwestern corner of Alabama lines the banks of the Tennessee River and is home to a cluster of fun-loving cities where you can continue the musical theme.

Muscle Shoals is one of the best points along the route that makes Alabama worth visiting; its musical heritage is worth exploring alone. Start off at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia – the likes of Nat King Cole and The Temptations are showcased here – while the rest of the region is renowned for its influential recording centres. You can even book onto a public tour of some of the most iconic recording studios; the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Recording Studio were frequented by the likes of Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones.

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