If you are very knowledgable about gators and when the best time to see them in the wild, then plan your trip around that. When I went, it was mating season, and on the airboat tour, I only saw two wild gators. The airboat ride was fun, super exciting not so much, but the wind blowing was nice. It is nothing scary. Our tour guide was nice. Hold onto the ear protection and sun glasses and watch for other peoples' ear protection and sunglasses. My sisters ear cuffs flew off, luckily they landed in the back of the boat rather than knocking someone out or in the water. The walking tour is fun, you see some huge gators. I witnessed two alligators about to fight. It does not really have an awful smell like you might imagine. I did wear bugspray, but I didn't see too many bugs. I did find it slightly expensive, as I paid almost 80 dollars for just two people, but the tour guide told us how many pounds of chicken they buy to feed the gators in their ranch, and it make a little more sense!
Passing over this bridge and following the signs of the historic march is very eyeopening. The people of the Voting Rights March were very determined people. I cannot fathom the emotions of the locals of Selma that walk across the bridge every single day and remember Bloody Sunday. As I crossed the bridge I tried to imagine how MLKJ and his followers felt as they met Alabama State Police eye to eye and were brutally attacked. Across the bridge there is a storage shed that has tons of beautiful artwork and quotes regarding the march and history of Selma you might be interested in getting photos of.
Please do not let the poor communities and underprivileged areas in Selma stop you from visiting. The history in this place is worth any amount of discomfort. Brown Chapel AME is located directly in front of a housing project. Standing there in front of the church is a feeling like no other. You can feel the bravery and courage. I urge you, do not just drive by and take a quick photo because you feel the neighborhood is sketchy, get out, say hello to the locals and show your respects to the lives lost here in Selma, its worth it.
You have to stop here! It gives you a vibe like no other. Go to both sides of the street. Every little noise or movement you sense will creep you out a little bit. The small shack has a weird little hole that says "donations or prayer requests". I found it quite eerie and thought someone might be watching me from the hole. While walking on the side where his house was, we thought we saw someone run into the house, maybe we were psyching ourselves out, but we left quickly after that. We saw three local young boys riding their bike to visit, I cannot imagine the fun people have at night around here. It reminded me on Berry Hill Bridge, near the North Carolina/Virginia State line back at home.
Very cheap, but clean and newly renovated. I arrived very late, almost around midnight, and the man running the front desk was very nice. When I pulled around to park, there were several men in their cars and hanging around back, but I do believe they were construction workers also staying at the hotel. As a young female traveling alone, this can make you feel a little uneasy, but none of them said anything or approached me. You can hear everything the people beside you and above you are doing or watching. The wifi is decent, but the breakfast is horrible. Grab a honeybun at the gas station close by and do yourself a favor. For the price, it is not paid at all. A decent budget friendly hotel with very friendly owners.
Nothing spectacular about it, but cute nonetheless.
Super cute stop. The people in this neighborhood are so sweet also. As we got out to take a photo, people were riding by honking and waving at us. If you are getting off Interstate 335 traveling North, you want to take a left onto Graphics Art Rd. Since the address is not direct, we ended up taking a right first just to have to make a uturn, thats the beauty of road trips though!
Such a positive place. They have a free community library in front, that I noticed some regulars at Westboro Baptist Church must have dropped devotional books into. Rainbow everything!
Our room was clean. They offer free drinks and popcorn during certain times, have free breakfast, free parking that has a secured gate that requires a code to access, a security guard motoring the front entrance and decent wifi. Finding a hotel that lets 18 year olds check in can be hard, I am happy I found Pear Tree Inn. The view from the end of the hall is phenomenal, our room was quiet and bed was very comfortable. This hotel is close to downtown without paying the price that comes along with it. Traveling alone as a young female, security is my number one priority, and I felt safe here. I checked in fairly late, around 11pm as I drove all the way from Texas, well lit parking area and entrance.
Cute, unique shops along this loop. They have a similar Walk of Fame as in Hollywood, that is believe is devoted to honoring celebrities from the St. Louis area.