6 Most Eccentric Towns in Alabama

While Alabama is famous for its southern cuisine, historic landmarks, and thriving agricultural industries, the state also has a more quirky and eccentric side. From the world’s largest office chair to a full-size replica of Stonehenge, even locals may be surprised by the strange attractions hidden away across the state. If you are ready to explore a side of Alabama that is full of surprises, these six eccentric towns are the perfect place to start.

Elberta

For those dreaming of a trip to England but unable to make it just yet, Bamahenge offers a fascinating alternative. Located on the outskirts of Elberta, this full-size fiberglass replica of England’s famed Stonehenge—measuring 21 feet tall and 104 feet across—was brought to life by artist Mark Cline. Adrenaline seekers have plenty to do in Elberta as well. Skydive the Gulf offers an unforgettable experience, featuring thrilling skydiving packages with aerial ocean and beach views. For a truly photogenic moment, visitors can reserve their sunset skydiving package.

For a change of pace, Hillcrest Farm offers a more peaceful afternoon, a U-pick farm that cultivates grapes, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, and grapefruit, among other seasonal produce. Complete your tour of town at the Baldwin County Heritage Museum, a massive, 20,000-foot museum that has six display rooms to explore as well as five acres of grounds, a 1908 church, a potato shed, a blacksmith shop, and vintage tractors, among other agricultural artifacts.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne has long held the title of the "Sock Capital of the World," once manufacturing half of all socks made in the United States. The Hosiery Museum is an interesting place to start off your visit, showcasing original sock mill exhibits, photos from the town’s sock boom era, and other hosiery memorabilia. Fort Payne is also home to the band, “Alabama”, making it a must-visit for fans. Stop by Fort Payne City Park to view the bronze statues of band members Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, and Mark Herndon.

Those up for a bit of adventure can head out to the town’s nearby natural parks, such as De Soto State Park, home to a 104-foot waterfall and perfect for ziplining, camping, and fishing, or Little River Canyon Reserve, which is popular for rafting, picnicking, and hiking.

Scottsboro

What happens to the country’s unclaimed lost luggage? Many of these items find their way to Scottsboro. At the Unclaimed Baggage Center, visitors can browse over 7,000 new items that arrive at the store daily, including jewelry, tech gadgets and electronics, clothing, and sporting equipment, guaranteeing an afternoon of treasure hunting. Scottsboro is also home to the state’s oldest soda fountain, Payne’s Soda Fountain, where travelers can enjoy a nostalgic drink complete with ice cream and sundaes.

About a half-hour north of Scottsboro, near the Alabama and Tennessee border, visitors will reach the Walls of Jericho, a popular hiking destination in the state that winds through forests and streams before reaching a natural amphitheater waterfall. Stephen’s Gap is another recreational spot to check out, home to a deep cave, waterfall, and geological formations that travelers can explore on a one-mile hike.

Monroeville

Monroeville should be on the bucket list of every book reader, being the major source of inspiration for American authors Harper Lee and Truman Capote. The Old Courthouse is not only the most photographed courthouse in the state, thanks to its architecture, but also one of the landmarks that inspired Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. On the south lawn of the courthouse, visitors can appreciate the Atticus Finch monument, an important hero from the novel and a symbol for the state’s judicial history. Traveling further south of the courthouse, travelers will come across the Truman Capote Historical Marker, commemorating the author, now on the site of the former Faulk family home.

After going on a literary journey through town, hungry travelers can grab a bite at one of Monroeville’s unique restaurants, such as Big Potato Company, which serves all kinds of specialty potatoes, and David's Catfish House, one of the most popular spots in town for shrimp, oysters, crab claws, and other types of seafood.

Anniston

Standing prominently in the heart of Anniston is the World’s Largest Office Chair, a 33-foot-tall chair with a 15-foot wide seat that has been standing in town since the 1980s. During Anniston’s hot and sunny summer days, it is not uncommon for cars to park in the shade underneath the chair, making for an interesting photo.

After grabbing your photo with the chair, head over to the Anniston Museum of Natural History, showcasing life-size casts of prehistoric dinosaurs, a massive freshwater and saltwater aquarium, hundreds of bird dioramas, 2,300-year-old mummies, among other incredible exhibits. Want to spend the afternoon with a llama or mini-horse? Redbird Willow Farm is the perfect place to tour, home to a variety of farm animals ranging from alpacas and llamas to mini donkeys, goats, and cows.

Dauphin Island

Referred to as the "Sunset Capital of Alabama," Dauphin Island is among the state’s most beautiful and distinctive towns, connected to the mainland by a scenic three-mile bridge. Dauphin Island Public Beach draws countless visitors each year as the region’s only pet-friendly beach, offering several access points, including East End Beach, Middle Beach, and West End Beach. The areas around Dauphin Island are home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, which visitors can discover at the Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Through interactive and visual exhibits, guests can explore the ecosystems of Mobile Bay and the fascinating interactions within them.

Step out into the wild and experience some of these ecosystems firsthand at either the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, home to egrets, herons, and migratory bird species, or Bayou Heron Lake, a tranquil park with a fishing pier and picnic tables to enjoy the native plants and wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Many people associate a vacation in Alabama with its Civil War and Civil Rights history. While every visitor should explore this important historical trail at some point in time, the state also offers a surprisingly diverse array of attractions to discover. If you are ready to shake things up, there is no need to travel far. These six towns are just the place to break from the usual routine and experience a side of the state like never before.