Took me a hot minute to get this blog out to y'all -- but better late than never! Rock The South was nothing short of PERFECT and the energy got more electrifying each night. Recapping our weekend and highlighting some of my top fav spots throughout The Country Music Festival, Birmingham, Cullman, and even Tuscaloosa for your next trip to the beautiful state of Alabama!
BIRMINGHAM:
The Birmingham Tree House Airbnb lived up to everything it showed to be -- a blend of a bed & breakfast stay and boutique hotel, nestled in an 1898 Victorian Mansion, completely converted into a colorful artistic oasis! Each room is uniquely crafted to it's own personality with comfort and luxury at the forefront. The co-working space, breakfast station, living room and vibrant porch create an ideal scene for relaxing, gathering, or working virtually. Within the house, there are two beautiful yoga spaces that are open for guests to personally practice or join the community in weekly classes and wellness offerings. The Birmingham Tree House is the perfect space for a staycation, personal retreat, weekend girls getaway, couples and family adventures! I was truly impressed by the authenticity, aesthetic, and hospitality of this Birmingham-based property. Not to mention that it's also the FIRST EVER Yoga house in Alabama!
One of my favorite parts about the Tree House, was the Innkeeper ... TREE! He is the most magical mascot, and loves to keep watch in his nifty blue shopping cart. It's safe to say we became best friends. The owner, designer, instructor, (probably many other things to keep that place running smooth), and magician behind the Tree House.... Renny! Renny was beyond kind-hearted, caring, and by far one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She works her BOOTY off to make the Birmingham Treehouse so special for her guests. It's safe to say that this property is not your typical Inn! Once you step foot in the Tree House, you become family!
Here's even more about the key features that made the Birmingham Tree House a must-stay when in search of genuine Southern hospitality!
Location and Landmarks: Birmingham Tree House is located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, which is known for its rich cultural past. Birmingham has contributed to a great deal of industrial advancements that have played a role in the Civil Rights movement. Along with this, it is also the only city in the world that possesses all the materials needed to make iron in one place (coal, iron ore, and limestone). Since then, the city has been dubbed as “Magic City” due to its impressive track record. Birmingham has also been named as the city in which Veteran’s Day was originally formed as a national holiday. Call me a nerd ... but I think that's pretty rad!
Surroundings/nearby activities: There are a multitude of activities nearby in addition to the Tree House. Specifically, the Tree House is located near Five Points South, which is an entertainment district that guests are able to easily access and dive into the bustling town. Within the town you can find a great deal of popular dining spots, such as Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega, Dreamland BBQ, and more. Also located in the walkable area is the Vulcan Statue. It's also home to several exceptional running/hiking trails for all my outdoorsy folks! We took a few mile stroll through the Ruffner Mountain Trail and the view was GORGEOUS!
Room Bookings and House Rentals: Guests are given the option of either booking a singular room or even renting the whole house for nights at a time. Each standard room also has a private bathroom that comes equipped with every essential bath product you may need, including shampoo and conditioner, of course. There are also shared common areas throughout the house if you want to branch outside of the room for a bit. There is also an option to rent the Tree House in its entirety. While standard rooms on their own are available for a singular night, whole house rentals require a two-night minimum and must be booked 3 months or more in advance. Various packages are offered for full house rentals as well, including a Bridal Bliss Package, Girls Getaway Package, and Family Reunion Package that each come with their own unique features! One of the best assets of the Tree House is that there is always friendly staff just a call away, without the invasive nature of a hovering host.
Extra Features and Amenities: Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I found out about the other special services the Tree House offers aside from their hospitality. They also provide interested guests with resources that allow them access to professional counseling services, private yoga sessions, retreats, and even sound bath healing. How cool is that y'all!
The many incredible features of the Birmingham Tree House were more than I ever could have imagined. Not only was I able to put a great deal of exploration and new experiences under my belt from the surrounding city, but I was also able to feel at home in a new location due to the exceptional hospitality and amenities that were offered by the establishment. I highly recommend everyone adds the Birmingham Tree House to their bucket lists!
CULLMAN:
Our go to spot each morning to gear up for Rock The South was Karmas Coffee House! It’s truly a hidden gem that left me utterly amazed. Karmas has won the Cullman Times Best of the Best award seven years in a row and a four-time recipient of Alabama Magazine’s Best of Bama — WOW! I have so many top recommendations but these were our go to’s: “Sweet Home Alabama” Amazebowl, the golden yang mocha, and the Karen sandwich!
The atmosphere at Karmas was priceless! Each customer was greeted with an inviting warm welcome and the friendly baristas were so kind to all the tourists in town that weekend! Their high energy, helpful and positive attitudes, and talent to craft a perfect latte made the experience that much better. One of my favorite parts of Karmas was their decor — country chic vibe with all the photo ops! I also was chatting with one of the baristas about how they added a full-service coffee cart last year for corporate and private events! How cool is that! I’ll be counting down the days till I head back to Cullman and see my friends at Karmas Coffeehouse!
Seven Daughters Scoops is an absolute gem that simply stole my heart! From the moment you pull up, you’re transported to a world of ice cream perfection paired with the most generous staff! The array of flavors they offer is nothing short of astounding with a rotating menu and new scoops every Tuesday. But it's not just the ice cream that sets Seven Daughters Scoops apart; it's the love and passion that goes into every scoop. The atmosphere is always buzzing with happy chatter and laughter, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a sweet treat with friends and family. They even have games outside for the kiddos such as sidewalk chalk, corn hole, and more. Whether you're a lifelong ice cream connoisseur or just looking for a moment of pure indulgence, Seven Daughters Scoops is where dreams come true. We even had to rep some of their signature merch next to their "ice cream makes you happy" sign! This family owned and operated ice cream shop has only been open for a little over a year, but they have seen a tremendous amount of love and support from the community! It’s surely a hotspot in Cullman. Trust me; it's a place you'll want to visit again and again.
We explored around downtown Cullman before the festival as well and there were so many adorable shops that we popped into such as: Platform, Ashley Mercantile, Taylor & Co, Dixie Duds, and more! I loved their country chic fashion boutiques, western accessories, gorgeous murals, and farmhouse decor. It was clear that this area holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and they enjoy getting to know those who come in town for the festival! If this is your style, I highly recommend carving out some time to walk around all the shops at The Warehouse District.
Rock the South 2023 was an absolutely unforgettable experience that rocked our world in the best possible way. From the moment we got there, we were engulfed in an electrifying atmosphere of music, camaraderie, and pure excitement (and a lot of heat…. Lol).
The lineup of artists was nothing short of spectacular: Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Bailey Zimmerman, Riley Green, Travis Tritt, Jo Dee Messina, and many more! They had some of the best pizza, margaritas, and photo ops there too. The crowd's energy was infectious and we couldn't help but dance and sing along with thousands of fellow country music lovers!
What made Rock the South truly special was the sense of community. Strangers became friends, and friends became family as we bonded over our love for music and the shared experience of being part of this incredible event. We even met a group of people that came all the way down from Canada! It was a beautiful reminder of how music has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together from all over the nation! As the music played on and the night sky lit up, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be spending my first Rock the South with my sister! It was an experience that left me with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for country music. Rock the South, you truly rocked my world, and I can't wait for next year!
TUSCALOOSA:
We couldn’t go to Alabama without making a trip to Tuscaloosa to visit the University of Alabama! This campus was nothing short of awe-inspiring — the architecture, the sense of history, the stadium, the sororities/fraternity houses, and so much. As two previous college athletes, we of course went exploring and were so impressed by the state-of-the-art athletic facilities. I can only imagine what the experience is like for these athletes.
The sense of community at the University of Alabama was equally remarkable. Everywhere I went, I encountered friendly faces and warm smiles — and we were even there during the summertime! It was so cool to see how many students were still on campus — that goes to show just how much they love their school. It’s clear that there is an unmistakable sense of belonging and pride among the students and staff. Whether you're a student, an alum, or a visitor … experiencing the University of Alabama is an unforgettable journey with rich Southern culture! ROLL TIDE (but of course I had to rep the Vols cause ya know … Morgan wallen lol).
I want to specially thank Hertz for making our trip to Alabama an unforgettable experience! Having a rental car of your own while traveling is a game changer for me. I love having the flexibility to come and go, make pitstops to other must see's and spur of the moment outings (such as us going to see the university!), and being able to store things in our car when creating content around town! Hertz really prioritizes your experience as a customer and I can't recommend them enough for all your rental car needs! Check them out HERE.
Alabama surely did not disappoint! Birmingham, Cullman, and Tuscaloosa all were so special in their own unique way and I can't wait to head back next year for Rock The South 2024!