Along a country road next to a muffler shop and a cemetery is the 40,000-square-foot Unclaimed Baggage store, filled with all the items that never made it home from vacation. Shoes, samurai swords, iPods, even lingerie, all available for 20 to 80 percent off.Scottsboro, tucked into the farthest northeastern corner of Alabama, offers far more than rich history lessons. While it is the home of the famous Scottsboro Boys case, a landmark legal battle that led to changes in how trials are conducted, the city is also a great place to look for lost treasure.
The famous Unclaimed Baggage Center sells anything and everything that might be found in abandoned or lost luggage that this destination shopping experience buys up from airlines.
SMALL TOWN, BIG PRECEDENT
Scottsboro, which was incorporated in 1870 and has a population of just under 15,000, sits at the tail end of the Appalachian Mountains, next to the Tennessee River and Lake Guntersville. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city has much to offer. Fishing, camping and waterfront activities abound. But it is most well known for its prominent place in U.S. legal history.
In 1931, nine African-American men were accused of raping two white women and sentenced to death without effective legal representation. The case, which ended up going to the Supreme Court twice, established that all criminal defendants are entitled to adequate attorneys.
CELEBRATING CATFISH
Recognized by Bon Appetit Appalachia, the annual Catfish Festival, held along the banks of the Lake Guntersville, offers great seafood, fishing, an arts and craft show, a car, truck, motorcycle and tractor show and live music. Pets and kids are welcome at the event, which typically lands at the end of May. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. (2302 County Park Road; 256-574-4305; facebook.com/bcofsjc)
A TASTE OF NOSTALGIA
Payne's Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain, a highly rated favorite among locals, offers an array of burgers and grilled delights and is an excellent place to get an old-fashioned diner experience. Be sure to save room for dessert. This lunch counter stop also offers plenty of ice cream and float options. (101 E. Laurel St.; 256-574-2140)
LOST AND FOUND
Every year, people travel from all over the country to search through the goods found in the lost luggage sold at the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Pop in Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or anytime on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and expect the unexpected. More than 7,000 new items are rolled out daily, everything from fine jewelry to electronics. Curious what it's like to go through lost luggage? Join the staff daily at 2:30 p.m. for "the baggage experience." (509 W. Willow St.; 256-259-1525; unclaimedbaggage.com)
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
Since the 1800s, First Monday has been a major draw to Scottsboro. This expansive flea market, or "trade day," is held each month on the Saturday before the first Monday of the month at the county courthouse square downtown. Antiques, furniture and crafts are offered among many other things. (102 E. Laurel St.; facebook.com/tradedayscottsboro)