We Alabamians are accustomed to being misjudged from time to time, whether because of our Civil Rights history or because we’re lumped in with Southern stereotypes. The reality of Alabama is far different.

The state is filled with kind and friendly people – including some who have changed history – beautiful natural sites and so much talent that it’s hard to keep up with books, music and art being made.

Below is my list of the Top 10 underrated things about Alabama. What would be on your list? Email [email protected] and let us know.

Mardi Gras celebrations

While Mardi Gras in New Orleans gets all the attention, Alabama has the oldest celebration (beginning in 1703) in the country – one that includes all the pageantry, thrown beads, elaborate floats and general craziness of New Orleans. Many Alabama cities hold parades and events in honor of the holiday, but the main celebration is held over several weeks each winter in Mobile. The state’s oldest city is also home to Mardi Gras Park and the Mobile Carnival Museum so you can celebrate all year long.

Stellar musical heritage

Muscle Shoals, Ala., population 17,000, seems an unlikely destination for some of the greatest recording artists of all time. Yet, in a tiny brick building, music history was made. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is where the Rolling Stones recorded “Brown Sugar,” Percy Sledge made the hit record “When A Man Loves a Woman,” and Aretha Franklin recorded “I Never Loved A Man.” Cher recorded an album named for the studio’s address, “3614 Jackson Highway.” In the nearby town of Florence, artists record at FAME Studios, where “Aretha Franklin found her sound …. [and] Wilson Pickett whaled on ‘Mustang Sally,’” the studio website says.

In addition, Alabama has produced big-name country artists, such as the group Alabama and Hank Williams Sr., and numerous singers who made it to the final rounds of “American Idol.” Some legends say the musical talent is nurtured by the Tennessee River, known as “the singing river.”

Laid-back beach towns

While Alabama has much less shoreline than neighboring Florida, its 60 miles of white-sand beaches offer an oasis for people who want a more laid-back vacation. Some people just don’t realize Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are great beach destinations. There is plenty of nightlife for those in the mood for a party – such as the Flora-Bama, the Pink Pony and Live Bait – but there are an equal number of family friendly options such as the Hangout and the Wharf. You can also find plenty of amusements like mini golf, go-carts and water parks, and educational opportunities with the Alabama Aquarium on Dauphin Island and historic Fort Morgan. Learn more here.

Cultural variety

Some people from other states are surprised to find a great love of the arts in Alabama. From the Alabama Shakespeare Festival to Alabama Ballet to Broadway Theater Leagues, the state is filled with cultural activities.

Art museums and botanical gardens abound, and many cities host art festivals. Lowe Mill, a former textile mill in Huntsville, is the largest privately owned arts facility in the nation. Yes, we even have operas and symphonies.

Fine dining

If you thought we were all about barbecue joints and meat-and-three diners, you were wrong. Of course, we have lots of those. Award-winning ones, too. But we also have dozens of upscale eateries, including Acre in Auburn, Poppy & Parliament and Cotton Row in Huntsville, Bright Star in Bessemer, Bottega and Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Johnny’s in Homewood and KBC in Dothan.

Read More: 12 Alabama restaurants perfect for a date night

Lessons learned

For decades, Alabama had a negative reputation as a state where many conflicts of the Civil Rights movement occurred, reaching their height in the 1960s. Although it took years for many in the state to begin to reconcile with the past, today we celebrate the fact that Alabamians played key roles in bringing about change. Numerous museums and historical sites commemorate that era, including the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, the Civil Rights Museum and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, the Rosa Parks Museum in Troy, the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and the Tuskegee Airman Historic Site in Tuskegee. Learn about other pivotal places in the movement that make up the Alabama Civil Rights Trail here.

Literary legends

Is there something in the water here, something that nurtures great literary talent? Whatever you attribute it to, Alabama has been home to numerous literary legends and best-selling authors. Monroeville, Ala., once home to Harper Lee and Truman Capote, is billed as the Literary Capital of Alabama and hosts an annual literary festival. Be sure to check out the city’s Literary Sculpture Trail that features 14 miniature bronzes that represent its literary greats.

Here are a few other successful authors who were born in or lived in Alabama (with their best-known work listed): Ralph Ellison (“Invisible Man”), Zora Neale Hurston (“Their Eyes Were Watching God”), Rick Bragg (“All Over But the Shoutin’”), Mark Childress (“Crazy in Alabama”), Fannie Flagg (“Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café”), Winston Groom (“Forrest Gump”), Daniel Wallace (“Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions”), Kathryn Tucker Windham (“13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffery”), F. Scott Fitzgerald (“The Great Gatsby”) and Margaret Walker (“Jubilee”).

Read More: Whimsical bronzes honor Monroeville’s literary greats

Natural sites

Few people outside of Alabama realize the diversity of its natural sites. From white sand beaches to mountain lakes, this state has it all – not to mention sites like Natural Bridge, Buck’s Pocket State Park, Little River Canyon, Neversink Pit, Dismals Canyon, and nature preserves galore.

And don’t forget the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, which is rich with rare flora like Cahaba lilies and all kinds of wildlife.

Small towns

We can’t say enough about Alabama’s quaint small towns, many of which have well-preserved historic districts and bustling retail areas. Several, including Athens, Alexander City, Fairfield, Opelika, Dothan and Eufaula, have been working as part of the Main Street Alabama program to revitalize their towns and draw more visitors with family activities and a variety of dining experiences.

And more and more small towns are adding picturesque parks and fun murals and artwork to their downtown areas.

Read More: 9 mural cities in Alabama

State pride

Start a conversation about Alabama with almost anyone who lives here and you’ll likely see a glow of pride in response. We’ll tell you about the natural beauty of the state, the numerous accomplishments of its residents, as well as its quirky attractions and rich history. There’s a reason our state tagline is “Alabama the Beautiful.”