6 Most Memorable Small Towns In Alabama
Alabama's location in the US's Southeastern region makes it an ideal travel destination for those looking to experience some of that authentic charm and hospitality the South is so well known for. It's also famous for its rich culture, a facet of the state that can best be experienced through a visit to some of the most interesting small towns in the "Cotton State." From the state's famed literary capital of Monroeville to the scenic mountain vistas of Mentone, and from the picturesque lakeside setting of Guntersville and the fishing adventures to be enjoyed in Eufaula, these six most memorable small towns in Alabama each provide plenty of good reasons to be included on any Southern USA travel itinerary.
Monroeville
Few towns in the USA can claim a literary heritage as rich as Monroeville's. Settled in the 1850s, Monroeville is known as the "Literary Capital of Alabama" for its associations with some of the country's most renowned authors, including Harper Lee and Truman Capote. This connection draws numerous visitors each year to explore attractions like the Old Courthouse Museum, which served as a model for the courthouse in Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.
Located in Monroeville's historic downtown core and instantly recognizable from the epic film, the building now houses exhibits dedicated to both Capote and Lee and hosts plays based on To Kill a Mockingbird. Fun walking tours are available and include visits to other Monroeville attractions, including the Otha Lee Biggs Amphitheatre and the Atticus Finch Memorial Park Monument.
Florence
Florence is located on the Tennessee River in the northwest corner of the state and is just 90 90-minute drive from Huntsville. This attractive town is an especially popular day trip for visitors to the Tennessee music cities of Memphis and Nashville, as it was the birthplace of W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues. This connection is celebrated at the W.C. Handy Home Museum. Highlights include the old log cabin built in 1873 where Handy was born, as well as a library and collections of antique musical instruments and memorabilia from the legendary musician's life.
Other fun things to do in Florence include visits to the Rosenbaum House Museum, housed in a spectacular home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; exploring the Florence Indian Mound and Museum with its displays of Native American artifacts; and enjoying a stroll around the grounds of the University of North Alabama.
Mentone
Located in the northeast corner of Alabama near the borders it shares with Georgia and Tennessee, Mentone's elevation of 1708 feet gives it the distinction of being the state's highest town. Natural attractions here include the spectacular 104-foot-tall DeSoto Falls. It's part of DeSoto State Park, a 3,502-acre area of outstanding natural beauty that's popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its forests, rivers, mountain terrain, hiking trails, and, of course, waterfalls.
Some of the best scenic views, including lovely sunsets, can be enjoyed at Brow Park. Set atop the "brow" of Lookout Mountain, facilities include pavilions and picnic areas, walking trails, and well-maintained grounds. Cultural attractions in Mentone include the Mentone Arts Center, which, in addition to its collections of Appalachian region art, also offers workshops and educational programs. Mentone is also near Little River and the Little River Canyon National Preserve.
Guntersville
Its location between Birmingham, Alabama, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, has ensured Guntersville's popularity as a must-visit destination for lovers of water-based activities. The big draw here is Lake Guntersville itself, a massive body of water that covers an area of 69,000 acres. Fed by the Tennessee River and the state's largest lake, it's a premier destination for fishing, especially for bass, as well as water sports, including boating, swimming, and water skiing. Lake Guntersville State Park is a must-visit and offers camping, hiking, and bird-watching opportunities.
Those interested in learning more about the town's rich history should visit The Guntersville Museum. Set in a beautifully restored armory built in 1936, this fun (and free) museum offers a glimpse into the area's Native American history and early settler past, along with rotating art exhibits.
Eufaula
Eufaula is another lakeside community in Alabama that's well worth exploring. Located along the shores of Lake Eufaula 90 minutes east of the state capital of Montgomery and just 50 minutes south of Columbus, Georgia, this picturesque town is well-known among fishers as the "Bass Fishing Capital of the World." Also known as the Walter F. George Reservoir, Lake Eufaula attracts outdoor enthusiasts for its excellent boating.
History buffs are also drawn to the town, especially for its impressive array of antebellum homes. Two of the best, the Shorter Mansion and Fendall Hall, now serve as museums and allow visitors a close-up look at the former elegance of the Old South. These and other period heritage homes can also be visited during the popular Eufaula Pilgrimage, one of the nation's longest-running historic home tours. Run by the Eufaula Heritage Association, it has been held here each spring since 1966.
Tuscumbia
Located in northwest Alabama near the Tennessee River, Tuscumbia's historic charm and scenic setting make it an excellent destination for tourists seeking a fun, small-town experience. Top attractions in Tuscumbia include Ivy Green, the birthplace of the iconic author and activist Helen Keller. Known as the Helen Keller Birthplace, it was here in this attractive white 1820 bungalow that Keller was born in 1880 and spent much of her childhood before becoming an icon, an author, and a public speaker. Today, this historic site includes the home where she was born, as well as a museum that celebrates her life and achievements.
Another notable attraction in Tuscumbia is Spring Park, known for its waterfall, Cold Water Falls. This manmade stone waterfall sees millions of gallons of water cascading over it daily and provides a stunning backdrop for a picnic or a selfie (or both). The park also features a spring-fed lake and a water fountain dedicated to the wife of Shawnee Indian Chief Tecumseh. Other highlights include the Alabama Music Hall of Fame with its musical artifacts and displays relating to great recording artists connected to the state.
These most memorable small towns in Alabama each offer a unique and enchanting experience that encapsulates the essence of Southern charm and history. From Monroeville's literary richness to Mentone's stunning natural beauty, with stops in Florence, Guntersville, Eufaula, and Tuscumbia along the way, these six most memorable small towns in Alabama are well worth including on your travel itinerary.
