The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) has honored the Red Bay Museum with the 2026 Lasting Impression Award. The award is among 12 that comprise the 2026 PEAK Awards that were presented today at the AMLA Annual Meeting held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Decatur, Ala.
Representing the highest achievement in North Alabama tourism, the PEAK Awards program pays tribute to tourism leaders, attractions, festivals and organizations that set the bar for North Alabama’s $4.9 billion tourism industry. The Lasting Impression Award is presented to an attraction, event, person or organization that has provided a “lasting impression” on tourists thereby improving the overall image of tourism in North Alabama.
Centrally located in the heart of downtown Red Bay, the Red Bay Museum is carefully curated to showcase the rich history of the town. The museum is a longtime dream come true for the Red Bay Civitan Club. It all started when the club commissioned a book authored by Vina native, Carl Elliot: "One Hundred Years of Memories, An Oral History of Red Bay, Alabama." During the 10-year span of research for the book, many important Red Bay artifacts were discovered well preserved and still in the area. A new idea to house all these artifacts in one place to be displayed was born. A building was secured in 2004, and the Red Bay Museum officially opened soon after. The Red Bay Museum proudly houses the largest public collection of Tammy Wynette memorabilia in the world, original items from the Red Bay Hotel, The Red Bay Depot, The Bank of Red Bay, various local churches, a military display with uniforms worn by local veterans, items from original Red Bay homes and Red Bay High School uniforms and memorabilia.
“The PEAK Awards give us an opportunity to recognize the people, businesses, attractions, events and organizations that are making a meaningful difference in North Alabama’s tourism industry,” said Tami Reist, President and CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. “Tourism doesn’t happen because of one person or one organization. It happens because passionate people continue to invest in their communities, create memorable experiences and welcome visitors to our region.”