One of the best parts of living in Alabama is that you can find a unique getaway close to home. We have some of the most interesting places to stay in the nation. From a loft above a legendary music venue, to a historic inn built atop a secret tunnel system, to tranquil stays at the beach, we have it all. There’s even a secret place at Smith Lake – a magical cottage nestled inside a cave.

It's a rustic, 1,100-square-foot cabin that is about as secluded as a dwelling can be. Wooden steps lead from the edge of a ridge down to the front of the cave below. Visitors will hear waterfalls and not much else during their stay. There’s an outdoor space with multiple fire pits, outdoor showers and a “cool tub” that holds 1,000 gallons of cave water in a stone trough. A gentle slope leads to a dock on the lake below.

Seriously, this is just a place you have to see to believe. You can check out more photos and read all about the Smith Lake cave cabin here.