7 Most Vibrant Towns in Alabama
Admitted to the Union in 1819, the “Cotton State” of Alabama is an undoubted hub of the Southern United States. It is here that hot and muggy weather meet fascinating (and painful) history that makes for a most special and memorable experience of Americana. Through an exploration of some of Alabama’s vibrant smaller towns, any traveler can be prepared to encounter loads of Southern charm, warm hospitality, and intriguing episodes of history. So come visit the “Heart of Dixie” and get to know firsthand the Southern US with a journey to these splendid Alabama towns!
Fort Payne
With hot summer and mild winter temperatures, spending time outside in the town of Fort Payne is always a popular activity. In this seat of DeKalb County, visitors and residents alike enjoy such natural wonders like the Little Canyon National Preserve and the DeSoto State Park, while marveling at the geologic splendor, Manitou Cave, never gets old.
Meanwhile several historic 19th-century buildings can be explored here, bringing guests back in time in a most fascinating and charming ambiance. These landmarks include the Fort Payne Opera House (1889), the Depot Museum (1891), and the Davis Hosiery Mill (1884), all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And do not forget about the eponymous Fort Payne, where the ruins can still be observed in the historic downtown center, reminding modern visitors of the tumultuous year of the mid 1800s.
Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia was officially established in 1815 (predating Alabama’s Statehood by four years), making it one of the State’s oldest centers. Home to just over 9,000 inhabitants and the seat of Colbert County, the historic Tuscumbia is undoubtedly one of the “Cotton State’s” most culturally and historically rich places. Visit several landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places in the Historic District, where architectural styles from the mid-1800s to the turn of the 20th century bring tourists though over a century of history.
Visiting the Helen Keller Birthplace Museum is a surefire way to get some inspiration, where the life story of this American icon is celebrated. Tuscumbia’s vicinity to the Tennessee River always delights while an afternoon at the Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve never disappoints. Here, relaxing and scenic opportunities for hiking and biking make this Preserve one of the finest day trips to take in the northern part of Alabama.
Gulf Shores
The resort town of Gulf Shores is scenically situated on the Gulf of Mexico and is the southernmost town in Alabama. A popular tourist destination, just over 15,000 residents call Gulf Shores home, where warm winters, hot summers, stunning ocean views, and welcoming beaches have made it one of the State’s premier vacation spots. Enjoy such outdoor activities like swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and even fishing, while taking in a round of golf or two at several award-winning courses.
Guests can also enjoy such attractions as the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for great encounters with animal and plant life. And do not forget about May’s Hangout Music Festival, where live music is performed right on the sandy beaches, making for quite the unique and beautiful outdoor event!
Magnolia Springs
Situated at the headwaters of the Magnolia River, the town of Magnolia Springs is a wonderful place to enjoy the splendor of nature. Home to a humble population of just over 811 inhabitants, scenic opportunities for sailing, swimming, and walking along the water’s edge make Magnolia Springs a tranquil and beautiful locale to appreciate a quieter pace of life.
In addition, this charming little community also offers opportunities to learn more about American history through an exploration of several historic landmarks. Including the Sunnyside Hotel (1897), St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1901), and the Historic District, these and other sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places bring a genuine slice of old-fashioned Americana to all who visit.
Dauphin Island
Located on the barrier island of the same name, the town of Dauphin Island is also affectionately known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama.” In the Gulf of Mexico, this scenic and historic town can trace its modern history to the 16th century when Spanish and eventually French colonists settled the area. Today, nearly 2,000 residents call this place home, and both the history and outdoor-loving tourists will certainly not want to miss a chance to explore Dauphin Island firsthand.
Explore the famed Fort Gaines (1821), which served as the site of the Battle of Mobile Bay (1864) during the Civil War. From there, a visit to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary or the Alabama Aquarium are great ways to learn more about American wildlife in a fun outing for all ages. And naturally being on an island, means in this town there is always an abundance of warm sun, cool breezes, welcoming beaches, and loads of opportunities to go swimming and sailing in one of Alabama’s most special small towns.
Mooresville
One of Alabama’s oldest towns, Mooresville, was established in 1818, and today, an incredibly humble population of just some 50 permanent residents call it home. Still, this small community is vibrant in its old-world charm, and visitors can experience a slice of the 19th century through its historic landmarks. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and sites like the Stagecoach Inn and Tavern (1825) and the Brisk Church (1839) reflect the daily life of the South prior to the Civil War.
With its hot weather and small-town charm, Mooresville also reflects a typical example of Americana. Here, friendly locals, tasty restaurants, and other unique boutique stores make this town not just a cute Alabama stopover, but one of the best examples of small-town postcard US.
Eufaula
Near the Chattahoochee River, Eufaula was founded in the mid-1800s and is today the largest town in Barbour County. A historic town with a modern population of nearly 13,000 inhabitants, Eufaula is home to several listings on the National Register of Historic Places, giving tourists a look into Alabama’s growth in the 19th-century. Explore such places like Fendall Hall (1860), the First Baptist Church (1834) and the Shorter Mansion (1884), amongst many others located in the Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District.
Nature lovers can also appreciate what Eufaula has to offer with a visit to Lake Eufaula and the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy fishing and camping near the lakeside while chances to spot such animals like alligators, falcons, and bald eagles at the Refuge make it one of the most exciting daytrips to take in Alabama.
The Southern State of Alabama is a place where splendid geographic beauty and intriguing American history come together in a most special way. The “Cotton State” has much to offer any visitor to the American South, and through a journey to its small, charming, and vibrant towns, a memorable experience is sure to be encountered. From the beachside allure of Gulf Shores to the historic streets of Mooresville, these and other wonderfully inviting Alabama towns are awesome ways to further get acquainted with the "Heart of Dixie."
