This summer, AL.com has a mission: We’re going to highlight the hidden gems across Alabama. We’re not just talking about places, although we plan on doing plenty of that, too. We will tell the stories of the people, businesses and food across our state that we think deserve a little more love.

We’re calling this series Unsung Alabama, and every weekday in June and July, we plan on sharing a new story with y’all.

And while we have a lot of great stories already planned, we want to hear from you. Know of a neighbor who has a great story? Have a dish at your favorite restaurant that you can’t get enough of? Do you have a secret hidden gem you’d like to share with the world (or at least share with the AL.com audience)? We’d love to hear from you. Send me an email or fill out this form and we’ll consider your story.

We’ll also have more opportunities to vote on story topics this summer, so keep an eye out.

Let’s start this off with a simple bucket list of some things to do this summer in Alabama – and most of them are suggestions from readers. I didn’t include the more obvious suggestions, like visiting the beaches on the Alabama coast, checking out the Vulcan, touring the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, etc. While I love all of those places, I wanted to highlight attractions that don’t top the tourism lists every year.

Let me know all the places I missed. Now, let’s get to it:

Check out the views at Weathington Park

Section

No picture can quite capture the serene views of the Tennessee River you get at Weathington Park. (Although plenty of photographers have tried.) The Northeast Alabama overlook has picnic tables and there are a few small walking trails, as well. Tip: Make sure you’re there for sunset for maximum beauty.

READ MORE: Alabama’s most beautiful places

Eat lunch at Red’s Little School House

Grady

Want to go back to school for a day this summer? Right on the outskirts of Montgomery County is a converted schoolhouse where you can get country cooking that’s not like anything you ever ate in your lunchroom. The food at Red’s Little School House is served buffet-style and prices are written on the chalkboard. (Don’t leave without trying the homemade pie.)

Check out a giant syrup bottle

Headland

It’s easy to know when you make it to Todd Farms and General Store in Southeast Alabama– there’s the 22-foot tall syrup bottle in front, for starters. But the longtime attraction also has a general store inside, plus a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch. This is a must-stop.

Tour the Blue Bell Creamery

Sylacauga

Have you ever wanted to know how Blue Bell Ice Cream is made? Head over to Sylacauga to the company’s production facility and you can watch through an observation window. Get a scoop of ice cream for $1 and don’t forget to check out the gift shop before you leave.

Visit Dismals Canyon

Phil Campbell

Dismals Canyon in Franklin County is one of Alabama’s most magnificent places. The National Natural Landmark is one of the most unique hikes you’ll ever experience and one of the few places on earth where you can see “dismalites” (a specific kind of “glowworm”). Dismals Canyon is an ecological marvel, and it’s something every Alabamian should experience once.

READ MORE: 6 places to take people new to Alabama

Cool off at Blue Springs State Park

Clio

Swimming at Blue Springs State Park is definitely a bucket list item. The park’s main attractions are the two crystal-clear pools that are fed by an underground spring. The spring keeps the pools’ temperature at a cool 68 degrees year-round. (Note: There are no lifeguards on duty at the pools.)

Explore a vintage downtown

Abbeville

Great Southern Wood CEO James “Jimmy” Rane is the state’s richest man according to Forbes, and he’s spent some of his money revitalizing his hometown of Abbeville. The downtown area has been restored with vintage touches that make you feel like you’re on your way to a sock hop.

READ MORE: How Alabama’s richest man spends his money

Drive through the Museum of Wonder

Seale

You can view the artwork (and oddities) of nationally-renowned artist Butch Anthony in his Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder. The museum is comprised of shipping containers with glass windows so it’s easy to view. Best of all? It’s open 24/7, so you can be there anytime.

READ MORE: Uniquely Alabama museums worth a visit.

Cool off in Cathedral Caverns

Woodville

There’s only one place in Alabama where you may need a coat this summer: Northeast Alabama’s Cathedral Caverns State Park. The cave stays around 60 degrees. Take a tour not just for 90 minutes of natural air conditioning but also to see a frozen waterfall, one-of-a-kind formations and one of the largest stalagmites in the world.

READ MORE: Alabama caves you need to see

Check out a festival devoted to pickles

Huntsville

I love a quirky festival, and this year Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater will host its inaugural Pickle Festival. The fest promises “live music, pickle-inspired eats and drinks, games, local vendors.” The event is set for June 29.

READ MORE: 9 Alabama festivals to check out this summer

Buy some Alabama art

Camden

The Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, located in the small town of Camden,, is a nonprofit that strives to stimulate the economy by promoting and selling art from the region and offering art education. Visit the unique storefront to find some local crafts made with love.

READ MORE: Celebrating art in heart of Alabama’s Black Belt

Pay your respects at the coon dog cemetery

Cherokee

There is no other place in the world quite like Cherokee’s coon dog cemetery. (It’s official name is the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard.) It’s a peaceful, serene place to witness our love for man’s best friend.