Summertime in Alabama is the perfect time to explore new parts of the state and try new activities. From kayaking historic rivers to climbing iconic sandstone boulders, there’s plenty to do! Check out our summer bucket list adventures in Alabama and try checking off a few of your own.

Coosa river trip

Long, hot days are the perfect time to cool off with time on the river. If you’re looking to get on the water and take it slow, check out a kayak rental from Coosa River Adventures! This local kayak rental shop offers options for any size group and skill level. It’s perfect for beginners looking to cool off and get expert advice. With multiple rental options, you can go for a quick hour trip on the Coosa or try an overnight expedition on the Tallapoosa River. And if you want to bring your own kayak, they offer a shuttle service to put in and take you out in the area. There are plenty of other rental options like stand-up paddleboards, fishing kayaks, and family-sized canoes. With conditions that go from quiet fishing spots to rushing rapids, you get all the river has to offer in one fun day.

Hippie hole

If you’re looking for a hike with a view and a spot to cool off, look no further than the world-famous Hippie Hole. This swimming hole is regarded as one of the best in the state and is nestled inside the Little River Canyon National Preserve. A half-hour drive from Huntsville, check out pristine water fed by Martha Falls, plus local hiking trails and picnic spots. If you’re looking for a day trip with breathtaking views, cool water, and relaxation, then head to Hippie Hole!

Climbing

If you want to try your hand at a new activity, check out Moss Rock Preserve. A sandstone boulder field perfect for any skill level, Moss Rock offers endless climbing problems. If you’re new to bouldering, it’s a great place to start thanks to its easily accessible boulders and well-maintained trails. The nearby Preserve features multiple restaurants so you don’t have to haul in food. And the parking lot is close to the boulder field making it easy to come and go as you please. 

Zipline

For a truly wild ride, check out Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures at Lake Guntersville State Park! With two zip line courses with 10 and 15 zip lines respectively, these ropes courses are a great way to spend the day. The first level soars 10-75 feet in the air and through the trees, giving you a birds-eye view of the area. The second course features higher lines with an even longer ropes course to navigate. If you want to mix up your time at the lake, give the Screaming Eagle a try!

Cathedral Caverns

Check out the breathtaking Cathedral Caverns for a totally new experience outdoors. This state park features an underground trail that takes you past incredible underground views of an ancient stalagmite forest! Perfect for young kids and families looking for a change of pace. The park features recreational activities like guided tours and mined dirt that kids can sift through for gemstones and fossils. And since it’s underground, the caves stay cool all year long so you can beat the heat and still enjoy the outdoors.

So this summer, check out something new, and enjoy the outdoors!

Find your favorite back-to-school apparel and gear at Alabama Outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

The all-new Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoe is a revolutionary shoe, redesigned.

With high-tech features like a new foam sole compound, a reconfigured upper, and a better fit for superior performance. Take a deep dive with us as we break down what’s new and why you’re going to love it.

From top to bottom, the Hoka Bondi 8 is all-new.

Building on the foundation of previous models, this update redesigned the sole. The low-profile foam and sturdier midsole make them perfect for long runs, walks, or shifts on your feet. The changes include an updated midsole composition with an extended heel for extra support. The billowed grooves on the side provide added impact protection. This midsole design gives this model a bouncy, responsive feel that keeps you on the move. While previous styles were often pillow soft, they didn’t provide the necessary firmness to support your feet. This style solves those issues with flexible cushions and superior support. And the outsole is more durable than ever thanks to targeted rubber abrasion pads. Shop Men’s. Shop Women’s. Shop all Bondi 8.

 The redesign also features an all-new upper .

With an integrated memory foam collar, a more plush mesh, and a more tapered fit, it’s ready to go for summer runs. The integrated memory foam collar provides key structural support. That support keeps your ankles comfy without compromising on performance. The plush mesh upper provides room to stretch and lets your feet breathe. Thanks to the technical mesh construction, it doesn’t add extra weight, and still cradles your foot. The updated taper fit is a better option for narrow feet, and the style comes in a 2E width as well for wider feet. The upper comes together to create a structured, breathable design that’s light enough for easy runs.

This update transforms the Bondi from a squishy, pillow-soft trainer into a competent and supportive recovery shoe with the cloud-like feel you love. If you’re staying on your feet and need soft support over long distances, this shoe is for you. From long runs to long shifts, comfort doesn’t stop with the Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoe. Shop Men’s. Shop Women’s. Shop all Hoka.

Love Hoka but looking for a different style for your activity? Shop all Hoka styles here!

Find your favorite back-to-school apparel and gear at Alabama Outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Purpose

Calling all creatives in Alabama! See your design come to life. Alabama Outdoors is partnering with AAF Birmingham and holding a design contest for students and creatives to create a new t-shirt design for our Fall/Winter 2022 season. The winning designs will be used on our new product line of Alabama Outdoors brand Pima Cotton long-sleeve tees and featured in Alabama Outdoors five retail locations as well as an online web store. Designs will also be featured on our social media, printed materials, etc. with a special shoutout to the artist.

Guidelines

• Access Alabama Outdoors Fall T-Shirt Guide HERE
• Designs must appear native to the Southeast.
• Design must be the original work of the submitter.
• Design must include a front-pocket design with no more than two colors.
• Main back graphic must contain no more than 6 colors.
• Graphics must be in vector form.
• Designs must meet brand and t-shirt standards and guidelines.
• Graphics must be original work designed by the contest participant and have not been used previously for commercial purposes (including freelance websites such as Fivver, etc.).
• Participants must live in the state of Alabama.

Participation

The competition is open to all students, freelance designers, and all creatives within Alabama.

Submission

• Main back graphic images must be designed to fit a 10-inch by 10-inch (10”x10”) space.
• Front pocket designs must be designed to fit a 3-inch by 3-inch (3”X3”) space.
• Designs must be submitted electronically in a vector format (pdf, etc)
• Entries must be submitted using this form: Alabama Outdoors x AAF Fall T-shirt Contest Submission Form
• Limit (2) submissions per participant.

Submission Deadline

• Contest Begins: Monday, July 18th, 2022
• Submission Deadline: Monday, August 8th, 2022, 12:00 noon.
• Winners will be notified via email by August 16, 2022. 

Judging

A committee of Alabama Outdoors employees will judge and select up to 10 styles to move forward to a public voting round. Entries will be judged on their visual appeal, adherence to the concept prompting the contest, quality of design, and ease of reproduction through screen-printing. The polling link will be (and can be) shared publicly. The community voting round will be live from Tuesday, August 9th, through Friday, August 12th at 11:59pm CDT. Each voter may vote only once but they may vote on their favorite design they would love to see created. Additional submissions may be selected as winners. Once the community voting round is over, the Alabama Outdoors committee will take into account the poll as well as the initial judging concepts and guidelines and will select up to 5 winning styles (note that less than 5 winning designs is possible). The final selection of winners will be decided by Alabama Outdoors. Alabama Outdoors may request additional tweaks/changes to winning designs.

Copyright

By submitting a graphic design for entry in the competition, the designer acknowledges that they are the original creator of the design. The designer also certifies that the design does not infringe upon the rights of any third party and that it does not violate any copyright. Alabama Outdoors will acquire ownership of all winning contest submissions by assignment of copyright, and the winning designers will disclaim any trademarks and without limitation, all other rights related to the design upon being selected by Alabama Outdoors. Winning graphics cannot be sold or redistributed to others.

Prize

Winners will have their design(s) showcased and sold in Alabama Outdoors five retail store locations and website. Winners will receive (1) Swag Bag that will include (1) AO t-shirt with their winning design, (1) AO Nalgene Bottle, (1) AO $200 Gift Card, and a plaque presented by AAF Birmingham. Alabama Outdoors is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, illegible, or otherwise unusable entries, including entries that are lost or unusable due to computer, internet, or electronic problems.

Check out our current season T-Shirts and more Alabama Outdoors gear here.  Alabama Outdoors wants everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Alabama schools are announcing plans for the new school year, which means it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school gear. Alabama’s 17th annual back-to-school sales tax holiday is just around the corner! 

Every year on the third full weekend of July, the state of Alabama allows certain items that are typically purchased for the school year to be sold state tax-exempt for one weekend only.

The Legislature created the three-day sales and use tax holiday in 2006 to help trim costs for parents. Popular items include:

• Men and women’s shorts
• Men and women’s tops
• Sandals 
• Socks
• Youth Apparel
• and other accessories

See below for all of the details for this year’s sales tax holiday.

Back-to-school sales tax holiday details

When:
Friday, July 15th, 2022, at 12:01 am through Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 11:59 pm.

Where:
Throughout the state, businesses are required to participate in the state tax holiday if the county or municipality they are located in participate. Check out this comprehensive list of counties and municipalities that are participating this year. 

What supplies and products qualify: 

• Clothing $100 or less per article of clothing
• Computers and computer supplies, a single purchase of $750 or less
• School and art supplies, $50 or less per item
• Books $30 or less per book

Check out this list for a more detailed description of each category.

What you need to know

• Make sure that the county or municipality you are shopping in is participating before you go.
• Check out (or bring with you) this overview of items that are tax-exempt. While it says “clothing,” items like glasses, watches, and breathable masks are not included. 

For all of the moments of summer, we have the gear to get you outdoors and to keep you cool all day long. Shop our summer styles here. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors