We have driven across the gulf coast in Alabama but never right down the center. Our first stop was in Cullman in north central Alabama. From here, we first drove up to see the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. The museum here is a little worn, but is still a great source of info on how the rocket motors for the US space system were developed and built here. The building with the Saturn 5 displayed above has great exhibits, pictures, and stories on Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team’s struggle to get to the moon. Also right in Cullman is the Ave Maria Grotto. Here, Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk, recreated some of the world’s most famous sites, all in miniature. Basilicas, shrines, and other holy sites are here to view. We also hiked around the Clarkson Covered Bridge, one of the few down here.We also stopped in Montgomery, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. We strolled thru Riverfront Park and watched the city’s Christmas tree being put up. We also got to visit the MOOseum at the Alabama Cattleman’s Association headquarters. Great history on cattle found here.