Alabama is known for many things – civil rights museums, space exploration, music studios, to name just a few. But it also has some little-known or underrated attributes, such as its plethora of fine dining options, its incredible small-town tourism and its diverse natural beauty that includes mountains and sugar-white beaches.

We asked Birmingham native Fannie Flagg, author of “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café,” what she would want people to know about her home state.

Flagg, who was born Patricia Neal in Birmingham in 1944, changed her name when she went to apply for her Screen Actors Guild card and discovered “Patricia Neal” was the name of a well-known actress. Flagg went on to become a comedian, TV writer and an actress on Broadway and in film, as well as a best-selling author of 11 novels and one cookbook.

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So what qualities spring to her mind when she thinks of Alabama? Hospitality, manners and the “sweet” people, she said.

“I think the thing people might not know about Alabama is how truly friendly and hospitable people are here, and it’s all genuine,” Flagg said in an interview with AL.com. “Also having traveled a bit in my time, I think I can say without a doubt, people in Alabama still believe in teaching their children manners, adults as well. I don’t think I have ever left a restaurant or a store in Alabama without someone saying, ‘Thank you, come back soon.’” She added, “Sweet home Alabama is true, people there really are sweet!”

Flagg has long been an enthusiastic spokesperson for Alabama. “If you want to experience true southern hospitality, I would suggest a trip to Alabama,” she said. “I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”

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Although she currently lives in California, Flagg returns to Alabama often and has set many of her books here. In fact, she has mentioned several real Alabama attractions in her novels.

For example, she mentions Vulcan, the world’s largest cast-iron statue, in “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “I Still Dream About You;” Irondale Café, once owned by Flagg’s aunt, in “Fried Green Tomatoes;” and the Alabama Theatre in “I Still Dream About You.” (Read more about the attractions.)

Flagg is releasing her first collection of short stories, called “Something to Look Forward To,” in August.