The state of Alabama is peppered with quaint little communities that are bursting with character, Southern friendliness, one-of-a-kind attractions, and breathtaking natural beauty. The following is a list of ten charming towns that are not typically on the radar of tourists yet are perfectly excellent places to visit:
Magnolia Springs
Magnolia Springs is noted for its calm lanes, old churches, attractive gardens, and traditional Southern hospitality. It is also famous for the live oak trees that are covered in Spanish moss and for the fact that it is the only river postal route that is still in operation in the continental United States. Don’t forget to stop by Jesse’s Restaurant for some of the freshest seafood in the Gulf.
Mentone
Mentone, a mountain village perched atop Lookout Mountain, captivates visitors with its artists’ colony atmosphere, historic buildings, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, local galleries, and the adjacent waterfalls of DeSoto State Park. Throughout the year, the hamlet plays host to a number of colorful holidays, art festivals, and fall celebrations.
Fairhope
Fairhope, which is located on the shores of Mobile Bay, is a paradise for artists. It is home to a number of unique attractions, including enticing boutiques, galleries, the active French Quarter, a scenic pier, and magnificent parks. The streets of the town are adorned with flowers, and the views of the sunset that can be seen there are legendary.
Mooresville
Mooresville maintains a sense of being unaffected by the passage of time due to its small population. Every single structure in this picturesque village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the entire town has the appearance of a movie set, complete with brick paths, gardens, and white picket fences as the backdrop.
Monroeville
In Monroeville, Alabama, which is also referred to as the “Literary Capital of Alabama,” Truman Capote and Harper Lee both call their hometown home. Take a tour of the Old Monroe County Courthouse and watch a dramatic adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, which is a tradition that takes place every year in the area.
Magnolia Springs.
Yes, it is so remarkable that it is listed twice; take pleasure in peaceful and picturesque strolls beneath towering oak trees, Southern architecture, and the daily mail boats that travel down the Magnolia River.
Guntersville
Water sports, fishing, hiking trails, bird viewing, and a quaint town center are just some of the activities that draw in families and others who enjoy being outside to this lakeside jewel that is located right next to Lake Guntersville. Relax in the parks along the lakeside or explore the downtown area’s local restaurants.
Fort Payne
Fort Payne is a welcoming mountain town that serves as a gateway to the natural beauties of Little River Canyon and DeSoto State Park. It also features a historic rail depot, a downtown that is reminiscent of the past, and a rich musical tradition for being the hometown of the country band Alabama.
Cullman
Located between Birmingham and Huntsville, the town of Cullman is well-known for its charming Ave Maria Grotto, which was crafted by a local monk. Additionally, the town is noted for its antique shops and architecture that is inspired by German architecture, which reflects its immigrant history.
Magnolia Springs.
As a quirky extra, let’s not forget about Elberta, shall we? This small town is located just a short drive away from the Gulf of Mexico, and it is home to a number of unique festivals, farm stands, and brings you in close proximity to both exciting outdoor activities and tranquil rural landscapes.
The hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind personalities that make Alabama so much more than meets the eye are on display in these beautiful communities. Slow down and take the time to appreciate the warmth, history, and beauty of these underappreciated sites the next time you are planning a road trip across the South.
