Reviewed by: Pat Byington
VOTE NOW: 5 Alabama Destinations up for USA Today Reader’s Choice awards
Reading time: 3 minutes
The reigning champion of USA Today’s ‘Top Recreational Trail in the Country’ is right here in Alabama – and you can help to keep it that way again this year. Plus – several destinations & cities in Alabama were nominated for top honors. We’ll let you know which spots USA Today editors liked enough to vote ‘Top 20’, how to vote and when you’ll find out the winners.
Top Recreational Trail: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Baldwin Co.
For the second year in a row, the Baldwin County Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was nominated as ‘Top Recreational Trail in the Nation’. Connecting Alabama’s coastline through 26 trails over 9 unique ecosystems, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex goes through butterfly gardens, wildflower patches + coast amenities like pavilions.
Cast your vote for the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail HERE
Best City Park: Railroad Park in Birmingham
Known as ‘Birmingham’s Living Room’, Railroad Park is up for ‘Best City Park’.
Cast your vote for Railroad Park HERE
Best Small Town in the South: Gulf Shores + Alexander City
Not one but TWO Alabama towns are among 20 nominees for ‘Best Small Town in the South’ – Gulf Shores and Alexander City.
Best Small Coastal Town: Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is nominated in two categories.
Cast your vote for Gulf Shores as ‘Best Small Coastal Town’ HERE.
Best Small Town Cultural Scene: Cullman
Known for its gigantic Christmas market, Cullman earned a nod for ‘Best Small Town Cultural Scene’ by USA Today editors.
Cast your vote for Cullman HERE
Best Small Town Food Scene: Orange Beach
With delicious, Gulf-caught seafood available at every corner of the beach, it’s no wonder Orange Beach is up for ‘Best Small Town Food Scene.’
How to vote
You can vote once per category, per date. So go ahead and set that daily reminder and let USA Today know Alabamians are proud of all our state has to offer! You can find all nominees in all categories here.
Which Alabama destination do you think deserves top honors? Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn and let us know. And make sure you subscribe to our newsletter before you go, we’ll bring more like this straight to your inbox.
