The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Alabama Mountain Lakes, Alabama Mountain Lakes

Thousands of people journey to it every year, taking in an atmosphere of peace and serenity that engulf them as they approach the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. A long white picket fence leads visitors to the gates of the 380-acre property through which they see the Shrine. Mother Angelica, the Foundress and Abbess of the monastery, built the Shrine in the 13th century style, resembling the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. From the inlaid marble floors to the breathtaking nearly eight-foot monstrance, every detail of the Main Church leads the soul to contemplate the transcendent beauty of God. The Daily Conventual Mass with the Nuns is at 7 a.m., with Priests available to hear Confession after Mass. The Nuns chant the Liturgy of the Hours daily at 6 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5 p.m. The Shrine includes a permanent display of full-size photographic images of the Shroud of Turin. The images stand eight feet tall in glass cases and are backlit for viewing. They are on display in the entrance of the Shrine’s Lower Crypt Church. Other sites to see on the grounds include: Castle San Miguel, which houses the El Nino Gift Shop, a conference room, dining facility, and hall that displays medieval armor and manuscripts; a year-round indoor nativity scene displaying life-like figures made by Fontanini in Italy; a replica of the Lourdes Grotto that rests alongside the Black Warrior River, which surrounds the Shrine property; and the John Paul II Eucharistic Center that offers tours Monday-Saturday at 10AM and 2PM. If you would like to bring a church, school, or family group on a tour or plan a catholic Pilgrimage, please contact our Pilgrimage Department.

Our iconic recording studio opened in 1969 when studio musicians now known as The Swampers - David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins - left FAME Studio and started their own operation. Fully restored to it's 1969 look thanks to a grant from Beats Electronics, the studio is open for tours and is once again a fully functioning recording studio at night. A wide array of merchandise is also available in store and online with new designs and the classic duds worn by Mick Jagger, Bog Seger, Willie Nelson, Linda Rondstadt, Rod Stewart etc. Tour guides start in the basement where the publishing offices were, proceed to the main studio and end in the gift shop of course! There are numerous Swamper sightings! Group tour rates are available and the studio is open to requests for special events and occasions like weddings and birthday bashes. We are not your typical hands-off museum. We encourage people to play the piano where Old Time Rock and Roll was recorded!

Located in Huntsville Alabama, The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the premier military museums in the world. The exhibits of memorabilia, artifacts, and military equipment range from the American Revolutionary War to present day. Included in the collection are many rare and important artifacts including the oldest surviving jeep: the Ford Pygmy.

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a 700-acre, privately owned, scenic, natural area in the Little Mountain region of southern Colbert County. Open year-round to the public. There are more than 15 miles of maintained hiking trails. Hours: Open year round. Call to ensure gate is unlocked. Maps available on site. Free.

Huntsville Escape Rooms is a fun, new entertainment experience. If you've ever played the board game clue, it's similar to that but in real life! Escape the room in under 60 minutes solving puzzles and finding clues. We think you'll leave saying it was one of the best 60 minutes spent with friends!

The deepest canyon east of the Mississippi is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Lookout Mountain.

This beautiful cave system features unique rock formations and ancient relics.

Large park featuring waterfalls.