Alabama’s 2011 Vacation Guide and Calendar of Events focus on
the Year of Music with feature articles, attractions and more than
1,500 listings. The covers of both publications prominently feature
the state’s beaches to showcase the gulf coast as a tourism
destination.

More than 1,500 festivals, events and celebrations that take place
across the state during the Year of Music are highlighted in the
calendar. Nearly 400 of the listed events include festivals that
feature live music and 71 of the events highlight “Becoming
Alabama” activities.

“We are excited about having two important campaigns for 2011, The
Year of Music and Becoming Alabama,” said tourism director Lee
Sentell. “There is something for everyone in this year’s calendar
especially if you enjoy music, history and theatre.”

The picture on the cover of the vacation guide showcases Alabama’s
white sand beaches. The photo is of two brightly colored Adirondack
chairs resting in the white sand along Gulf Shores, the chairs are
positioned toward a view of the aquamarine waters along Alabama’s
Gulf Coast.

A small version of the same photo also appears on the cover of the
calendar of events along with three other photos. The other photos
include Mardi Gras in Mobile Blues woman Debbie Bond at the Alabama
Blues Project to promote the Johnny Shines Blues Festival in
Tuscaloosa, and a reenactment to highlight the Sesquicentennial of
the Civil War.                                           

The 97-page calendar of events includes a listing of events by city
and a top ten list for each month makes it easy for travelers to
plan a trip to the state. A music note next to a listing indicates
a Year of Alabama Music event and a state flag icon indicates
“Becoming Alabama” events.

The 169-page vacation guide provides travelers with information on
hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, tourism associations, state
parks, golf courses, attractions, trails and museums.

Travelers can pick up copies of both publications at each of the
eight Alabama Welcome Centers, by calling 1.800.ALABAMA or by
requesting online at . Compass Marketing of Gulf Shores publishes
the vacation guide.