8 Alabama Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets

The Southern United States is known for its hospitality and charming small towns. When it comes to beautiful small towns, Alabama is chock-full of them. From historic bed and breakfasts to quirky character, Alabama's small towns are nothing short of charming. Many of these small towns have gorgeous Main Streets full of cute eateries, boutiques, and historic buildings. Towns such as Opelika have a stunning Main Street with historic buildings and museums for visitors to explore. Other towns, such as Fairhope, show off the region's culture with a Main Street dotted with cute shops and local eateries. Each of these Main Streets has its own unique charm. Here we explore eight Alabama Towns with unforgettable Main Streets.

Prattville

Prattville is a beautiful little town. The historic district downtown covers fifteen city blocks and features buildings from the nineteenth century in the New England Style. Court Street is the town's Main Street, and it is dotted with a mixture of historic attractions, local eateries, and boutiques. The Historic County Courthouse is on the main street and is a great spot for visitors to learn more about the town's history. Some cute shops to stop at include Candy Corner Candy Store and Victoria's Boutique. Outside, Main Street, Prattville, is home to some beautiful parks to explore. Prattville Wilderness Park is a 26-acre park with hiking trails and camp sites.

Opelika

Opelika is near the college town Auburn so it is a popular town for students to go to get shopping done. The town's downtown is filled with cute shops, local eateries and a rich history evident in many buildings. The town's historic district is on of it's main allures. There are over 200 historic buildings going back to the 19th century in this section of the town.

A reminder of the town's history is even present on the town's Main Street. The iconic railroad tracks run through the town's Main Street to the historic Lee County Courthouse. The Courthouse dates back to 1896, and the railroad tracks are reminiscent of a time when Opelika was a commercial railroad hub. The Railroad Historic District delves more into this part of the town's history. On Main Street, visitors can also stop at unique shops such as Taylor Made Designs and New York Fashions. Just off Main Street, there are some local favorite spots to grab a beverage of choice, including Side Track for a coffee and Red Clay Brewing Company for a beer.

Eufaula

Located on the Alabama-Georgia border, Eufaula is a town known for its antebellum buildings and design. Eufaula is home to the country's second-largest historic district, which contains more than 700 historic buildings. In April, the town does a tour of the historic homes and buildings. The town's main street is Broad Street, which connects to Riverside Drive. Many historic homes and buildings can be seen on this main road, such as the Shorter Mansion and Fendall Hall. The Old Eufaula City Jail is on Riverside Drive, just off the main road. These buildings offer a glimpse into the town's past. Beyond the historic charm of Eufaula's main road, there are also several charming shops and eateries to stop at on the main strip. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Lake Eufaula, a great hiking and boating destination.

Fairhope

A charming coastal town sitting on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay, Fairhope is a mix of natural beauty and small-town charm. The main street of the downtown is dotted with art galleries, shops, and eateries. Stop in at East Shore café for a coffee on your stroll down the main road. Enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Coast even on Main Street, with trees draped in Spanish moss nestled between homes. One of the most popular draws to Fairhope is the Fairhope pier, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the bay. This is a particularly great spot to watch the sunset in Fairhope.

Athens

Located in Limestone County in the Northern Part of Alabama, Athens is a beautiful town with a storybook-like downtown. The downtown has a traditional square, making it easy to walk everywhere. In the summer months, the square livens up with a farmers market on Tuesday and Saturday, where local produce is sold. Market Street is the center of the vibrant downtown and is a mix of antique shops, restaurants, and cozy shops. Some popular restaurants on and near the Main Street include Lucia’s Cocina Mexicana, Athens Alehouse and Cellar, and Village Pizza. Athens University is also at the edge of the downtown and is one of the town's main attractions with its historic buildings and unique cultural events.

Gadsden

Gadsden is known for its vibrant historic Main Street district. The downtown area is lively, with events such as the First Fridays event each month. This features antique car shows, entertainment, and merchant specials. The Hardin Center downtown has played an important role in the development of the arts in Gadsden and has stayed open with the goal of having a cultural center for the residents of Gadsden. The center hosts exhibits and many events annually. Back Forty Beer Company downtown is a hotspot for the younger crowd in the area. Main Street is also within walking distance to many family-friendly attractions in town, such as the children's museum, youth orchestra, and dance conservatory.

Selma

Located in Dallas County, Selma is a town known for its rich history and beautiful setting on the banks of the Alabama River. The town's Edmund Pettus Bridge is an iconic spot and a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The bridge was the site of Bloody Sunday, also known as the Selma to Montgomery Marches. Near the bridge is another important historic site, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. This museum documents the struggle of those fighting for the equal right to vote in the United States. Other stops in Selma's downtown include the historic St. James Hotel and Interpretive Center.

Monroeville

Monroeville is one of Alabama's most loved small towns. It is the literary capital of America and was home to the famous Harper Lee and Truman Capote. The town is also famous for being home to the first “Great American Main Street." There are cute shops and beautiful art installations in the town square, making the Main Street enjoyable to walk on. The downtown is also full of historic buildings. Visit the Old Monroe County Courthouse to see the Courthouse that inspired Harper Lee's Courtroom setting in the famed book To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout the year, Monroeville's Main Street comes to life with different events such as the Monroeville Literary Festival and the annual Paint the Town Point Out. These events bring the town to life and are not to be missed.

Why Visit Alabama's Towns

Alabama might not be at the top of your travel list. However, these small towns' charming downtowns and thriving Main Streets are worth the trip. Anyone looking to unwind in a small town and enjoy historic Main Streets dotted with cute shops should consider visiting one of these Alabama towns. Each one has something unique to offer. In Athens, enjoy the Tuesday and Saturday Farmer's markets that liven up Main Street. In Prattville, stop at the cute shops lining Main Street, and in Monroeville, enjoy historic attractions such as the iconic Old Monroe County Courthouse. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a family vacation, these seven towns have something for everyone.