7 Alabama food experiences to savor this summer

From cookouts to ice cream cones, so many of our best summer memories are wrapped up in the cuisine of the season. And luckily, there’s just enough time left before the kids head back to school for one last taste. These 7 authentically Alabama food experiences will have you savoring every last bite of summer. 

August ushers in a bonanza at Holmestead Farm in the foothills of the Talladega National Forest, when Asian pears, muscadines, and berries are ripe for picking. Grab a bucket and gather your own summer feast to enjoy in the working farm’s shady picnic area.

The well-stocked country store can help round out your provisions. Don’t miss the fried pies that encase strawberries, apples, and more in a crisp crust baked fresh Fridays and Saturdays. The family-run operation updates its Facebook page weekly with what’s in season.

One of the Alabama Tourism Department’s picks for “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” is back by the scoop at Florence’s century-old soda fountain. The famed orange-pineapple ice cream has been a fixture of Trowbridge’s since the fourth generation–run establishment opened its doors in 1918 in the city’s charming downtown. Inside, the vintage vibes go way beyond the vinyl booths and a hand-lettered menu listing nostalgic Southern favorites.

Earlier this year, Trowbridge’s supplier discontinued the orange-pineapple flavor, but kept the freezer stocked with strawberry cheesecake, cookie dough, and peanut butter cup ice creams.  After fine-tuning a replica recipe with a new creamery, Trowbridge’s signature flavor made its comeback in April to rave reviews.

Meanwhile, the Birmingham Barons’ Regions Field has unveiled its newest menu additions. Try the tot’chos: barbecue chicken with homemade Alabama white sauce piled high on golden tater tots, nacho style.

And the Trash Pandas’ Toyota Field in Madison changes it up each home game with its popular Eat Your Opponent Dog, a frank topped with accoutrement inspired by the team’s rival du jour. 

Backyard barbecues may be a summer staple, but most have nothing on the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s state championship Wild Game Cook-Off in Millbrook. And the best thing about this August 5 showdown? You don’t have to lift a set of tongs to enjoy some of the best backyard cooking in Alabama.

Game, fish, and fowl all make the plate as about a dozen teams who pre-qualified at regional comps face off. A ticket, about $50, gets 2 adults into the shindig, where they might sample anything from crab-topped trout to stuffed pheasant to elk steaks. Round out the evening with drinks, live music, and a silent auction.

Dining under the stars can be fabulous year-round. But add a movie or even a double feature? Now that’s summer fun.

At the Grand River Drive-In in Leeds, the menu is more gourmet than most. Yes, there are nostalgic faves—popcorn, candy, and nachos—at the Snack Shack. But bigger appetites will love the fried chicken and pulled pork sandwiches from Saw’s BBQ or the hand-tossed pizzas from Neighbors Brew & Pies just next-door. A bar offers adult beverages, too. (Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.)

Make a night of it with pre-flick bocce or mini golf. And feel free to bring Fido—the on-site dog park means this night out can be fun for the whole fam.

This year, the family launched its second ice cream boat run by another set of Lake Martin grandparents. Track both locations on the shop’s Facebook page. On deck, options range from classic Drumstick Sundae Cones to newfangled Nerd Bomb Pops (loved by the sub-12 set). You can even get DIY root beer float kits featuring Blue Bell ice cream, Barqs root beer, and a cup in the shop’s signature yellow.

Spitting may be impolite in most places, but it could win you big prizes at the Franklin County Watermelon Festival. Russellville’s weekend-long extravaganza August 18–19 spotlights one of summer’s most iconic fruits in the watermelon capital of Alabama.

Aside from seed spitting, there are contests for the best tasting, most unusual, best dressed, and largest melons. Add to that kids’ programming, a 5K and fun run, a car and truck show, and entertainment. Oh, and cold watermelon, of course.

For the record, travel writer and foodie Jessica Fender will eat ice cream any time of year. See what she gets up to next at travelerbroads.com.