7 Underrated Small Towns To Explore In Alabama
When people visit Alabama, they have a laundry list of places to visit. The beautiful lakes and rivers are a must-see. A lot of historically significant sites await discovery in Birmingham and Montgomery. And the gorgeous Gulf Coast is almost a mandatory stop on any trip through the Cotton State. However, there are small towns that offer charm and culture that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Some of these lesser-known locations capture the real South, not just the one you think you know.
The next time you visit Alabama and you try to cram all those visits to Vulcan, the Space and Rocket Center, and the Museum of Art into your list you will crave an escape from the hustle and bustle. That is when you should take a break and visit a few of these locations. Get a history lesson, view some breathtaking natural scenery, and try local cuisine. You will be happy you added a few relaxing days of southern hospitality to your itinerary.
Eufaula
Like many towns in Alabama, Eufaula was originally a territory inhabited by Native Americans. The Creek tribe thrived in this area for many years, and their influence remains there. You can hear a lot of the rich history of those times by visiting the many cultural centers and museums around the town. You will also be able to find the stories of its history since then and how it has grown to be known as the “City of Southern Living.”
If you are looking for a place to take in the great outdoors, you will find it at Lake Eufaula. Also known as Walter F. George Lake, this body of water is a great place to put your line in the water and try to catch the big one. The nearby campground is also good for having a picnic, hiking through the woods, or sleeping in the southern night air.
While you are in Eufaula, take a stroll through the historic district. Enjoy shopping in the many boutiques and shops. Get a great Alabama barbecue sandwich at Phil’s, or have a pastry at the Donut King. There are also a few art galleries that you can visit to get a feel of the kind of creativity that flourishes in the area.
Talladega
Sports fans who visit Alabama in the fall or spring are in for a treat. One of NASCAR’s most popular tracks is nearby, and they hold two huge race weekends there every year. You can see some of the biggest names in racing compete in a heart-pumping and exciting battle of speed. There is also a racing museum nearby where you can learn more about the sport and see some of the cars that have famously raced there.
Even if you are not a race fan, there are other things to do in and around Talladega. You can take a scenic drive where you will see buildings from the 19th century that have been preserved and seem to take you back in time. Stroll through the historic district and Davey Allison Memorial Park where you will find the Talladega Walk of Fame, dedicated to famous people who started there. There are many areas to go if you want to take in some of Alabama’s natural beauty and go hiking, camping, or fishing.
Guntersville
Outdoor lovers will enjoy a trip to Guntersville. There are many places to go for a hike or to camp out for the night. The star of the show is Lake Guntersville. This stunning body of water is always filled with people fishing, swimming, boating, and skiing. If you enjoy learning about history there is plenty to find out, including how the town was purchased from the Cherokee tribe in the 19th century or the Civil War battle that took place there.
Guntersville is a short drive from Huntsville where you want to visit the Space and Rocket Center. You can also see the Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center to see some local artifacts and geological items. There are also many places to have family fun around town and the nearby areas like exploring the cave at Rickwood Caverns or visiting the Cook Museum of Natural Science.
Monroeville
Known as the “Literary Capital of Alabama,” reading enthusiasts will find much to love in Monroeville. Southern literature is at the heart of the town as it is proud to be the hometown of Harper Lee who wrote the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” and the related “Go Set a Watchman.” The story is based on many places around town, including the local courthouse square.
Truman Capote once lived in Monroeville when he was a child. The house where he lived no longer stands, but there is a historical marker in the place where it once was. When you take that in, be sure to visit Main Street where you can get a taste of what the modern people of Monroeville are doing. You will find southern cooking and unique shopping opportunities to help you finish your visit with a smile.
Sylacauga
The town of Sylacauga is not far from Talladega. It has been called “The Marble City” because of the solid deposit of marble around which the town was constructed. Much of the town's early economy came from mining this marble. It was used in many buildings throughout the country, including the United States Supreme Court. The area where Sylacauga now sits was visited by Hernando de Soto during his expedition in 1540. He wrote about meeting and trading with the Creek people as he moved through the area.
Today, Sylacauga is a beautiful modern town with many historical places to visit. The Comer Museum has many pieces of the town’s rich history, including photos of the meteorite that landed on a home in 1954. A chunk of that meteorite now resides in the Smithsonian in Washington DC. If you are looking for something else to do, you will find opportunities to hike or swim around the area. Or you can go to the Blue Bell Creamery and see how the ice cream is made.
Scottsboro
One of the most important cases of civil rights was conducted in Scottsboro. After a group of young African-American men and boys were accused of attacking two women, their trial was conducted in Scottsboro, which is the county seat of Jackson County. Their trial and eventual release is an important point of history for the civil rights movement. When you visit Scottsboro, you will find the Scottsboro Boys Museum where you can become acquainted with the story and learn everything you want to know about it.
There are many other things to do around Scottsboro. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge. You can hike, birdwatch, picnic, or visit the small cave and rock formations. At Unclaimed Baggage, you can find a deal on clothing and electronics if you want to save some cash while shopping. You can also see some of the work of local artists by visiting River’s Edge Gallery.
Fairhope
If your trip to Alabama will have you in the southern part of the state, go to Fairhope. This community’s claim to fame is the Fairhope Pier where you can sit back and enjoy watching the fishing boats come in and the fishermen work to get their catches unloaded. When you are finished, you will find many charming places to shop and great restaurants like Sunset Pointe or Dragonfly Food Bar.
Fairhope is a haven for artists as well. Many creatives from around the state come to Fairhope each spring for a huge art festival where their works are displayed and sold. In the meantime, there are many galleries around town where you can see beautiful paintings, sculptures, and jewelry all year such as Seeley’s Gallery by the Bay and Hello Gallery Art and Things.
While many people hit the major points when they visit Alabama, such as the Vulcan statue, the 16th Street Baptist Church, or the USS Alabama, there are many other things to do and see. Alabama is filled with small towns with plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery while immersing yourself in the history of the South, both good and bad. There is a lot of good food, stores to discover, and unique places to visit throughout the state. When you come to Alabama, be sure to leave time on your schedule to seek out the lesser-known area and be enchanted by the beauty and charm of small-town Alabama.
