FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 | 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org
Empty Nesters – Now What?
North Alabama Invites You to Hit the Road for Scenic Drives, Fall Festivals and Cozy Getaways
Decatur, Ala. (August 7, 2025) - The kids are grown, the house is quiet and now it’s the parent’s turn. Empty nesters are discovering the perfect answer to “Now what?” — a scenic North Alabama getaway. With breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns and a calendar full of festivals, North Alabama is the ultimate backdrop for reconnecting and recharging.
North Alabama invites empty nesters to hit the open road and let the journey be part of the adventure. Cruise along byways that reveal the stunning colors of fall, from the dramatic overlooks of Little River Canyon National Preserve to the peaceful wetlands and migrating birds at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. This year is also the Year of Alabama Trails, making it the perfect time to explore North Alabama’s top trails — whether hiking to waterfalls, strolling through charming downtowns or following a food trail to your next delicious stop.
After a day of exploring, unwind at one of the area’s boutique hotels, cozy inns or charming bed-and-breakfasts. Pair your stay with unforgettable dining at locally owned restaurants, where chefs serve up everything from Southern comfort favorites to mouthwatering barbecue creations.
Autumn brings a lively lineup of fall festivals celebrating arts, music, heritage and seasonal flavors. Whether you’re sampling local wine at the Alabama Wine Festival, determining who has the best barbeque at the Scottsboro BBQ Festival or listening to live music under the stars at The Orion Amphitheater, these events capture the warm, welcoming spirit of North Alabama.
“We hear from so many empty nesters who say, ‘Now it’s our turn to explore,’" said Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. “North Alabama delivers that opportunity with a blend of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, delicious flavors and warm hospitality, all within a short drive of each other.”
Plan a “Now What?” moment in North Alabama today and explore the many sights, tastes and treasures that make this region so unique. For itineraries, festival dates and lodging options, visit www.northalabama.org or read the blog for even more details.
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About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.9 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.
