7 Towns In Alabama With The Best Downtown Areas In 2024
In the Southeastern United States, Alabama claims to "have something for everyone," and it is easy to believe by walking through the small towns. The state has legendary universities, historical significance, beautiful beaches, and stunning expanses of forest. The towns that dot the landscape have charming downtowns and a friendly atmosphere that makes visitors want to stay longer.
These seven towns offer the best downtown areas with historic architecture, quaint shops, and plenty of entertaining activity. The Alabama Main Street Organization has put much effort into establishing these downtown areas with viable retail options and restoring the historic buildings. Small-town Americana is like stepping back to a simpler, better time, where one can catch up on the local football scores while eating apple pie at the Main Street diner.
Enterprise
Enterprise's downtown area is quaint, with cobblestone streets circling an enchanting stone fountain. The fountain is a statue of a Greek Goddess with her arms stretched toward the sky. It has been the town's heartbeat for over a century and is a monument to the Boll Weevil. The turn of the 20th century saw Alabama's cotton crops destroyed by the invasive Boll Weevil, and an enterprising banker turned to peanut farming, thereby saving the economy. Thus, the statue represents an amazing economic turn that the town embraces today.
The small town is part of the Main Street initiative, a revitalization project throughout Alabama to make the downtown districts even more enthralling. Downtown boasts over 70 restaurants, such as Annie's Cafe, which has been here for over 50 years, and the farm-to-table Corks and Cattle. Main Street is also home to the Nook at Night every Friday throughout the summer. The event features various live musical acts with unique vendors and provides a great way to mingle with the community.
Oxford
Oxford's Historic Downtown boasts many historic and modern amenities, including a thriving performing arts center. The Oxford Performing Arts Center is only ten years old but is the focal point of the community's live performance events. Three historic churches and vintage architecture are a short distance from a neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places. First Baptist Church, ca. 1836, is on Oak Street, First United Methodist, ca. 1849, is on Snow Steet, and Dodson Memorial Presbyterian Church, ca. 1857, is on Main Street.
The commercial district is ideal for those who love historic towns and gorgeous streetscapes. The brick facades lined the landscaped streets are greeted by an elegant town clock reminiscent of the European style. Every Thursday from May to September, Historic Main Street hosts a farmer's market, and every Spring, the town presents The Legend of Lickskillet Music and Heritage Festival. Oxford has been intent on becoming the best downtown district since 2014, and, by all appearances, it is on the right path.
Eufaula
Historic Downtown Eufaula, like many other downtown areas throughout the state, has undergone extensive restoration over the last 18 years. The Main Street Alabama initiative has added over 300 events and boosted storefront occupancy by 30%. Specialty shops like Theresa Fisher Studio, Southern Charm, and Cotton and Kudzu are examples of Eufalua's uniqueness.
Fendall Hall, Alalbama's premier example of Italianate architecture, is a prominent museum in downtown Eufaula. The ornate mansion was constructed in the late 19th century and is a testament to Eufala's rise as a significant trading hub at the turn of the 20th century. While the exterior is unchanged, the ornate interior features elaborate walls, ceilings, and support beams. Fendall Hall is a great starting point for exploring the neat and tiny historic downtown district.
Monroeville
Monroeville's historic downtown district is charming and rich in culture, with several vintage buildings and sites. It was also the home to famed novelists Truman Capote and Lee Harper in the 1930s, and Capote's home and Harper's grave can be visited. A main draw is the one-hour self-guided tour that starts at the historic Old Courthouse Museum on North Alabama Avenue.
The 40-acre historic downtown centers around the town square and includes American Craftsman, Classic Revival, and Modern architectural styles. The Monroe County Courthouse was the setting for Lee Harper's groundbreaking novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and his childhood friend Truman Capote used the Old Monroe County Jail as inspiration for his work In Cold Blood. The Chamber of Commerce offers a 1930s "Walking Guide" that helps visitors explore the 63 historic buildings.
Florence
Florence has a vibrant downtown area with cobblestone sidewalks, eclectic shops, and live events. The end of the week is a prime opportunity to peruse downtown when local merchants host First Fridays. Artists and musicians perform, and shop and restaurant owners stay open later so customers can enjoy more of the district. Shoals Theatre hosts live musical acts, live theater productions, and screen films.
History enthusiasts will enjoy Pope's Tavern and Museum, which showcases the town's history from different points of view. Union and Confederate soldiers used it as a tavern and hospital during the Civil War. Visitors can hear historical descriptions from farmers, freedmen, and Native Americans. Downtown also has a booming restaurant scene. Popular restaurants include Swamper's Bar and Grille and 306 Barbecue. Florence has one of the best downtown areas with a unique blend of historical buildings and modern amenities.
Fort Payne
The country music band Alabama hails from Fort Payne, and the charming downtown area has been featured in several of their songs and was the birthplace of James Dean. Known as Fort Payne Main Street, the downtown district is bustling with live events, eclectic restaurants, and shops. Visitors can also pick up a Fort Payne Main Street T-shirt from the town website. Favorite local restaurants include Vintage 1889, a converted hosiery mill, and Roadside 'Que.
The brick buildings in the downtown area have over 20 shops, such as Blossom Shop and Blue Charm Boutique, and clean, walkable streets. The Dekalb Theatre, built in 1941, is a landmark, and the marquee is what people think about when they think about Main Street. The Opera House, constructed in 1889 during the Industrial Revolution, is a sophisticated way to enjoy an evening in town.
Athens
The Square is the center of activity in downtown Athens, which has tree-lined streets and picturesque scenery. Along with the local shops, there are several restaurants like Athen's Alehouse and Cellar and Washington Street Diner. Downtown is also popular with antique hunters and includes Antiques on Jefferson and Bird's Nest Antiques.
Merchant's Alley is a popular gathering spot for locals. It has live music on Friday nights, and artists showcase their work, which tells the story of Athens. The Southern charm and welcoming community are part of the attraction of Athens, and it has one of the best downtowns for walking around and discovering the local merchants and boutiques. Downtown also hosts several community events throughout the year, and planning a visit during one of these events makes this town even more special.
The small towns in Alabama are quaint, historical, and picturesque. The vintage architectural styles in Eufaula and Monroeville add a touch of elegance to the downtown districts. At the same time, Athens has a strong sense of community, as shown by its music and artist exhibits. Oxford's downtown is also a historic masterpiece, including several churches from the late 19th century.
These seven towns have the best downtown areas, thanks largely to the Main Street initiative, which revitalizes the downtown areas. Though these small towns are progressive, they celebrate their past with monuments and plaques. Enterprise has a Greek statue downtown that pays homage to the Boll Weevil, the invasive bug that forced their economy in a different direction. It is fun to walk through these streets, many of which are cobblestone, and enjoy the sense of Americana.
