Visiting Northern Florida in April 2003 - what parts of Alabama are close and interesting to visit - no more than about 50 mile drive please (have done Georgia).
Geri

Huh? Are you visiting Florida or Alabama? What part? The border area is a lot longer than 50 miles.

Your message didn't indicate where on the northern coast of Florida you are staying, but I'm going to assume it's somewhere close to the Alabama border.

If you've never been to Mobile, I would recommend a visit. I've been to Bellingrath Gardens (20 miles south of Mobile) twice. The gardens there are beautiful any time of year. If you go, be sure to take the boat tour of the river/estuary.

Although I've never been there, a friend of mine has toured the USS Alabama in Mobile and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Have you ever been to the US Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola? If not, I HIGHLY recommend a visit there. Wow, was that an interesting tour. I think what really helped is that the tour guides at the museum are volunteers retired from the Navy. Blue Angels, space suits, one of the first luner modules and LOTS of planes.

I grew up in LA (lower Alabama). If you're visiting the beaches on the Florida Panhandle, you may find the Alabama border a tad too far. Without doing some serious checking for any festivals that may be ongoing at that time, I'd have to agree with the suggestion to drive to Mobile to visit Bellingrath Gardens. There are aviation museums in Pensacola and Eglin also.

Much of that area is agricultural. On the eastern corner of south Alabama is Dothan. In the fall they have the National Peanut Festival after harvest time each year. It's gotten to be such a big deal, it has become a several week event. But that's not the right time frame for your trip.

I agree with Bellingrath. The old part of Mobile is nice and some of the seafood restaurants are great. You may be interested in Fairhope (near Mobile). Great little shops and art galleries! My kids think this is totally boring; but I love staying at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear and spending the day in Fairhope while everyone else golfs.

This site has some photos, links and information about activities close to the AL/FL line near the gulf.
http://groups.msn.com/OrangeBeachGulfShoresAlabamaCondo

Many thanks to all who replied - sorry that I wasn't clear enough for Mr X.
geri