1. Mullet Toss Has Nothing To Do With A Bad Hairstyle
It’s actually a fish with a gizzard, although (don’t worry) you’re guaranteed to spot your fair share of bad hairstyles at this annual event.
Every April, the border-conflicted Flora-Bama bar hosts a beach-wide flash mob, inviting thousands of Alabamians to gather together and chuck this local delicacy across the state line into Florida. The toss is based on age groups, and prizes are awarded to those who toss a mullet the furthest.
Yes, this is a real thing, and, yes, it is awesome.
2. Barbecue Sauce Was Meant To Be White
While it’s pretty much unheard of outside of Alabama, this Decatur-born, creamy white sauce (heavy on the mayo) is the only thing that should ever smother your ‘cue.
Residents of other states may cringe at the idea of a tangy mayonnaise-based concoction, but we won’t complain. All the more for us.
3. The Home of Mardi Gras Is Mobile, NOT New Orleans
That’s right, the bonne temps have been rolling in Mobile (pronounced MOW-BEEL) since 1703 with the formation of the first mystic society. Today, nearly four dozen parades take place over a two-week time period to celebrate the beginning of lent.
Fancy dresses, masquerade balls, bead flings and king cake—Mobile has it all. Just be sure to dodge the MoonPies® you see flying through the air.
4. One Man’s Trash, Err, Luggage—Is Alabamians' Treasure
For most people, the thought of losing your luggage is enough to make your stomach churn. In Alabama, lost luggage translates into a giant thrift store with ridiculous prices.
Just down the road from Huntsville, the legendary Unclaimed Baggage Center is every bargain hunter’s goldmine. It’s the state’s best place for finding everything you didn’t know you needed, from a long lost wedding band to high-end golf clubs. Like they say, “You never know what you might find.”
5. Alabamians Don’t Mess Around With Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms and floods. You name it, and Alabama has firsthand experience with it. In fact, both Kiplinger and NBC News ranked Alabama as one of the country’s top ten most natural disaster prone states.
Almost everyone has a first aid kit on hand, a severe weather plan in place and a year’s supply of bottled water (which is completely necessary because as soon as there’s mention of a storm, grocery stores are wiped clean.)
Don’t worry, James Spann: we all “respect the polygon.”
6. In Alabama, It's Known As "The Shoals"
After its release at Sundance, the Magnolia Pictures documentary “Muscle Shoals ” cast quite the spotlight on this music kingdom, but for true Alabamians, it’s better known as The Shoals.
Famous musicians like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and (more recently) the Alabama Shakes have all recorded hit numbers in famed Shoals studios.
In addition to the area’s absolutely beautiful landscape, this little sliver of northwest Alabama continues to shape the sound of modern music with its southern hospitality and soulful disposition.
7. People From Alabama Love Their State Bird
And Alabama state history. Named after an old Confederate lore, the Yellowhammer (“Yellahamma”) name can be found ingrained in company names, cocktails, restaurants—the list goes on—across the state. If you’re wondering, yes, we know it’s technically a woodpecker, but “Rammer Jammer, Woodpecker” just doesn’t sound as good.
8. And They Take Their Motorsports Seriously
Indy or NASCAR, dirt or asphalt—if it moves on wheels, Alabamians are all about it.
With several major races at Talladega Superspeedway, the Indy Grand Prix at Birmingham’s state-of-the-art Barber Motor Sports Track and countless other motor races throughout the year, it’s hard not to get excited when the race flags make their appearance on I-20.
9. Fairhope Is The Cutest Town To Ever Exist
Fairhope is the furthest thing from your average coastal town—instead of tacky t-shirt shops and chain restaurants, you’ll find local produce stands, mossy oak trees and the infamous Page and Palette bookstore. Not to mention, the folks in Fairhope are out-of-their-minds friendly.
Once a year, the small town holds the best arts and crafts festival this side of the Mississippi (some may consider it Alabama’s best-kept secret).
10. Alabama Is So Much More Than “Sweet Home Alabama”
Don’t get me wrong: we love the attention. But at the end of the day, Alabama is more than just a catchy southern rock hit or a pretty decent blockbuster movie.
It’s the place where strangers smile and wave to one another; where local craftsmanship is celebrated, hospitality is expected and tragedy is turned into hope. (Although, I have to give it to Skynard--the skies really are so blue.)
Feature Image Source: Absolut Space Guy 
