From Conecuh sausage to sunsets, here are 18 underrated things about living in Alabama

From the food, friendliness, football and more, there’s a lot to love about living in Alabama, but often times, those qualities can get overlooked.

That’s why This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers what they think is underrated about life in our state. We received hundreds of answers, ranging from Conecuh Sausage and Irondale Cafe to the sense of community and all the shades of green found within the Alabama landscape.

One thing all the responses had in common? They all made us happy to call Alabama our home sweet home.

You can read some of the submissions below, and you can read all of them on the This is Alabama Facebook page.

It’s not for nothing that Dauphin Island bills itself as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama.”Sharon Steinmann/AL.com

“Sunsets, clouds and more shades of green than I knew existed.” — Karen Rawls

“Wonderful Alabama people who help their neighbors when needed.” — Maxine Rains

“The landscape diversity of the state. You’re always in driving distance to beautiful mountains, waterways, waterfalls or beaches. Alabama has great state parks.” — Terri Nance

“Cycling is great in Alabama.” — Stan Palla

Banana pudding from Mac's One Stop — Banana pudding to go from Mac’s One Stop in Birmingham.(Mary Colurso | [email protected])

“Great food at any random gas station,.” — William Griffin

“The musicians we have here. I’ve been a lot of places, and our music scene is one of the best. Some places hardly have one and ours have personality too.” — Lynne Elsberry Bates Ferrante

“Famous writers….Harper Lee, Winston Groom, Kathryn Tucker Windham, etc.” — Donna Israel McCay

“The cost of living, easy winters and long growing season.” — David Tehranchi

“The Irondale Cafe has the best fried green tomatoes. The Grand Hotel and Spa in Point Clear has the best spa and brunch. Mentone is the best place to see the sunset.” — Donna Shelton Smith

“Country living with peace and quiet. Doesn’t get much better than a dirt road, a few friends, a fish fry, some good music and Saturday football. Bonus if you have a creek, pond, river, etc., nearby.” — Togo Uganda Coles

“Not having to shovel snow every morning.” — Jpl Lancaster

“The people are the salt of the Earth and the best people I’ve ever met in my life.” — Gary Clem

A cracked black pepper sausage dog at the Conecuh Sausage gift shop in Evergreen, Ala.(Bob Carlton/[email protected])

“Conecuh Sausage. That is Alabama.” — Will Jackson

“How beautiful it is and how kind and respectful most are…especially in the small towns.” — Bonnie Tucker Ware

“That there is white water rafting, mountain views like Cheaha, and a beautiful beach all within a few hours’ drive. Cotton fields and space and rocket research in the same city, rich history and culture, symphony music live or bluegrass by the river, soul food or the best hidden gourmet meal in the South. The diversity of Alabama is endless. It truly is – Alabama the Beautiful.” — Rebeka Attaway Moore

“That whole first abbreviation on the list and first state covered on video lists about the 50 states is pretty convenient.” — Tammy Wakefield Laughlin

Marr's Spring — Marr’s Spring on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)Ben Flanagan

“Our college towns. All of them!” — Ginny Skater

“While we were in Hawaii, I gave one of our guides a pecan!! He was so confused about how that nut grew!” — Nelda Faulkner

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