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MERCEDES-BENZ US INTERNATIONAL VISITOR CENTER (P) 205.507.2252 11 MERCEDES DR VANCE, ALABAMA MBUSI.COM

Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) in nearby Vance, builds the M-Class, the R-Class and the GL-Class vehicles. The visitor center, the first of its kind outside Germany, displays the star-studded history of Daimler- Benz. This architectural showcase brings to life the company s long-held vision of producing the most excellent automobiles in the world. Much more than a museum, the visitor center moves people along a multimedia path through the past, present and future of automotive technology. Visitor Center open Monday Friday, 8:30 am 4:30 pm. Admission for factory tours (available by reservation only).

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK (P) 205.620.2520 200 TERRACE DR DCNR.STATE.AL.US

More outdoor adventure can be found at Alabama s largest state park. The 10,000-acre park has a sandy beach area fronting the lake, rental boats and fishing equipment, an 18-hole golf course and some of the best mountain biking trails in the Southeast. The Wildlife Center and Treetop Nature Trail give visitors up-close views of hawks and owls that cannot be released into the wild. Overnight accommodations also are available within the park. Open every day, 7am 5pm. Admission.

PEANUT DEPOT (P) 205.251.3314 2016 MORRIS AVE PEANUTDEPOT.COM

That tantalizing aroma wafting down historic Morris Avenue comes from peanuts toasting in antique roasters at the Peanut Depot. This is a must-see stop for visitors, if only to admire the magnificent old machinery while the children feed pigeons along the cobblestone streets. Open Monday Friday, 8 am 5:30 pm; Saturday, 9 am 1 pm.