Scottsboro, Alabama

Staff photo by John Rawlston

While Scottsboro is the county seat of Jackson County, Ala., it may be known more for a downtown business that brings in people from all around the world - the Unclaimed Baggage Center, America's only lost luggage store.

One man's loss can be another man's gain, especially with some of the treasures folks have purchased at the store that sells the contents of lost luggage.

"People find treasures there all the time," says Scottsboro resident Richi Reynolds. "A pediatrician in Huntsville told me his son bought a painting for a few dollars and it was worth thousands. My son bought a watch worth $700 for $150. A friend found a beautiful Oleg Cassini coat for just a few dollars."

But when the shopping's done, there's lots more to do in this sleepy Southern town.

Reynolds says Cathedral Caverns, just outside the town, has incredibly beautiful cave formations, with nearby Russell Cave being equally as fascinating.

"For outdoor enthusiasts, Goosepond is full of things to do - golfing, boating, fishing, running, and walking," she says.

Reynolds says Scottsboro is a hidden gem.

"When a company called Relay Rides asked me to highlight a 'hidden gem' in our area, I decided our whole town was a hidden gem," she says.