6 Best Downtowns In Alabama

Several natural attractions in Alabama will leave a first-time visitor spelbound. If in doubt, check out the Little River Canyon area near Fort Payne, the Bankhead National Forest (many regard this as the prettiest nature spot in Alabama), or the soft white sand at Gulf Shores. That said, Alabama is also dotted with pretty towns, some of which have incredibly beautiful downtown areas. Think of cobblestoned streets, historic buildings, and nautical charm. From Florence to Fairhope, discover below the six best downtowns in Alabama.

Florence

Florence is a small, lovely town that an Italian surveyor named for Florence, Italy — the cradle of the Renaissance. Florence boasts fantastic views, especially along the Tennessee River, and a stunning downtown that dabbles up as the quintessential shopper’s paradise. Pop inside Billy Reid, a mecca of men's and women's apparel that knows a thing or two about taste and quality. There is also the brick-lined Ricatoni's Italian Grill, which is loved for its unique starter pack: bread with herbs and olive oil. “Delicious” does not begin to describe this tongue-tingling combination. Stroll along the aptly named Graffiti Alley and admire the delightful range of captivating art by local creatives. That said, you will want to visit Florence during one of its "First Fridays." What happens is that on the first Friday evening of every month, downtown Florence springs to life in a carnival-like scene that features entertainment, shopping, and some heart-warming art.

Fairhope

Fairhope might not be the most beautiful town in America, but it is a serious contender for the title. From its nautical charm (it sits on Mobile Bay) to quirky shops and tree-lined streets, Fairhope has a kind of sparkle that makes it noticeably cool and adorable. Start your tour with some delicious beignets at Another Broken Egg Cafe, a culinary heavyweight that made its debut in town in March 2016. If you prefer a more intimate venue, a smooth Shamrock Latte at Latte Da should do the trick. Next, check out the deceivingly small Fairhope Museum of History. You will see newspaper clippings from past years — as well as antique tools, clothing, and toys. If you have been patronizing bookstores, you will agree that it is difficult to find a good used books store these days. That’s why The Book Inn, just two steps from Latte Da, is quite a pleasant surprise. Just don’t miss the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, held the third weekend of March every year. It is a downtown tradition that goes back to 1953.

Eufaula

If you enjoy fishing, you should not be reading about Eufaula for the first time. Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma's largest lake, is often called the “Big Bass Capital of the World.” It boasts over 800 miles of shoreline and is well-known for its excellent largemouth bass population. As to downtown Eufaula, expect tantalizing waterfront views (it is right on the lake), beautiful antebellum homes, and a unique collection of Italianate architecture. For perspective, more than 700 sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. No wonder Eufaula boasts the state's oldest and largest tour of homes: The Eufaula Pilgrimage. It is held on the first weekend of April every year. Fendall Hall, whose construction predates the Civil War, is one of Alabama’s most outstanding Italianate houses. Then, there is the famous Shorter Mansion, a historical gem that houses the Eufaula Historical Museum.

Prattville

Prattville is ten minutes north of Montgomery. While Rome is the ultimate City of Fountains, Prattville is also known as Fountain City. It is because Prattville features several free-flowing artesian wells, including some in the heart of downtown Prattville. For example, there is a well in the backyard of the Prattaugan Museum, the ideal spot to learn about Daniel Pratt, the 19th-century entrepreneur credited with founding the town and establishing the hugely successful cotton gin industry. Historians consider Pratt as the first industrialist in Alabama. Heritage Park hosts another well — as does the First Baptist Church, particularly at the parking lot. However, the Doster Road Artesian Well is among the most historic. Several people drive over to bottle its fresh, clear water. Finally, one of the most interesting spots in Prattville is the Autauga Creek Canoe Trail, a fun, scenic stretch perfect for boating and kayaking.

Selma

As a turning point in history, the 1965 Selma Marches has been compared to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. In a sense, the story of the Voting Rights Act is the story of Selma and the story of Alabama. This historic town reclines on the banks of the Alabama River and boasts a downtown that effortlessly blows first-time visitors away. If you are a fan of U.S. Civil Rights history, the Edmund Pettus Bridge — the Site of "Bloody Sunday" — should top your itinerary. Plus, did you know that Selma’s Old Town Historic District is the largest historic district in Alabama? For perspective, we are talking about more than 1,200 structures, most of which date back to the first half of the 19th century, listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Visit the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute and listen to first-hand accounts of the Selma to Montgomery march. Alternatively, the Downtowner serves delicious traditional diner food along with classic Southern dishes.

Athens

The name of this Alabama beauty transports the mind to the Golden Age of Greek Civilization; to names such as Pericles and Sophocles — and spots such as the Agora. Athens is in northern Alabama’s Limestone County, about 25 miles west of Huntsville. The Limestone County Courthouse lawn, with its dogwood trees and benches, is a fantastic spot to rest and people-watch. Alternatively, an easy stroll on the sidewalks, an ice cream cone in hand, can take one's experience to a whole new level. Just so you know, Kreme Delite, which serves the most delicious ice cream cones in town, is right along this stretch. Don't forget to pass by Athens State University, Alabama's oldest educational institution of higher learning.

The Takeaway

A town without a downtown area is a town without a soul. The truth is, no words can describe the sheer pleasure of strolling through cobble-stoned streets, some of which are lined with moss-draped live oaks, fronted with historic, red-brick buildings — and with a tasty peppering of graffiti, murals, and historic monuments. The trick is to curate an unhurried experience so you don’t miss a funky hole-in-the-wall, a small, intimate theater, or a museum packed with historical tidbits. Now that you know some of the best downtowns in Alabama, you have your work cut out.