ALABAMA-There’s more than just music on the road from Birmingham to Muscle Shoals, in a state that’s often overshadowed by its louder neighbours, Tennessee and Louisiana. There’s a lot of history, and plenty to see, but the one thing that’s for certain is you’re going to eat a lot of good barbecue.

Bunyan’s:

Everyone in Alabama has a strong opinion about barbecue, and this little roadside joint with a handful of picnic tables in Florence has partisan supporters who drive for miles for its hot dogs and pulled pork, dressed on top with a spicy slaw that’s unique to the place. Be warned — Bunyan’s serves things their way and there are no substitutions, but for many people Bunyan’s is the taste of The Shoals. Details: bunyansbarbeque.com

Charlemagne Record Exchange:

Still run by the original owners who started it in 1977, this mainstay of the Five Points neighbourhood of Birmingham is packed from floor to rafters with not only vinyl, but a healthy selection of CDs and even cassettes. With a helpful staff and a funky vibe, Charlemagne is the record store every town wishes it had. The shop enjoys the loyal patronage of local musicians, such as soul band St. Paul and the Broken Bones.

Hot and Hot Fish Club:

Chef Chris Hastings won the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef of the South award in 2012 for his innovative updating of southern food classics at Hot and Hot Fish Club, such as the chicken fried steak with Wagyu beef, and a heritage tomato salad with black-eyed peas. It’s located in an former juke joint a short walk from the main intersection of Five Points in Birmingham. Look for a table in the big round room with the open kitchen. Details: hotandhotfishclub.com

Saturn:

A concert venue by night, the space-themed nightclub Saturn in the Avondale area of Birmingham was started by Brian Teasley of Alabama instrumental punk band Man or Astro-man? in 2015. Start your day there as well, at Satellite, the spacious coffee shop just outside the club that transforms into a bar later in the day. The club’s booking policy is wildly eclectic, and the coffee is fantastic, so make it your home base to explore Birmingham’s hottest new neighbourhood. Details: saturnbirmingham.com

Barber Motorsports Museum:

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George Barber made his fortune in dairies, and began collecting motorcycles in 1991. The Barber Motorsports Museum moved from Birmingham to Barber’s world-class racetrack outside the city in 2003, and houses the world’s largest collection of motorcycles. It’s a spectacular display in a magnificent building that’s about to get bigger with the opening of a new wing that will make the job of taking in all of Barber’s collection even more like a full day’s work. Details: barbermuseum.org

Butts to Go:

Retired marketing executive Wade Reich moved home to Alabama and bought a Texaco station in Pell City in 2005. He used to smoke Boston butts — pork butts, the best cut for pulled pork — in college, and began to cook them on a concrete pad next to the station, tinkering with the smoke formula until he got it right. Butts to Go has become a major attraction in the town, along with his ribs and a spectacular side made with roast potatoes and sour cream. There are a few tables inside to sit down and enjoy a sandwich, but if you want a whole butt or sides of ribs for the weekend, phone ahead to reserve your order. Details: buttstogo.com/wp

Hassinger Daniels Bed & Breakfast:

Every room in this carefully restored and heritage-landmarked 1898 mansion in Birmingham’s Five Point neighbourhood is unique, with names such as the Camelot, Hera’s Lair and the Vulcan, after its view of the city’s iconic statue on nearby Red Mountain. Hassinger Daniels Mansion Bed & BreakfastHassinger Daniels Mansion Bed & Breakfast owner Sheila Chaffin does a nice breakfast, and leaves out a tray of baked goods for guests in the front hallway.