9 Quirkiest Alabama Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Alabama is packed with plenty of unexpected discoveries that are worth exploring. While cities like Birmingham and Montgomery may get the most spotlight, the lesser-known towns offer the quirkiest surprises. From log cabin villages in Mentone and cotton festivals in Eclectic to bass fishing structures in Eufaula and storybook castles in Fairhope, these communities offer a lot of whimsy and excitement. In Tuscumbia, Monroeville, and Fort Payne, learn about authors and musicians, ranging from Helen Keller and Harper Lee to James Dean and Alabama, who all hail from there. Journey to Bayou La Batre for the best seafood, or escape to Elberta, which has a marina that doubles as an art installation park. Whether you're chasing roadside attractions, excellent Southern cuisine, or events centered on local culture, these small towns prove that big adventures often come in small packages.

Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia, nestled in northwest Alabama, is a town with a unique charm that's waiting to be discovered. It's not just any town; it's the birthplace of the remarkable Helen Keller, a deaf and blind author and activist. To step into her world, take a tour of her childhood home, Ivy Green. The museum room inside the main house is filled with personal items, such as books, gifts, and keepsakes from her extensive travels. To honor her legacy, the Tuscumbia community hosts an annual weeklong Helen Keller Festival in July at Spring Park.

Nearby Ivy Green, music lovers can retreat to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which celebrates inducted Alabamian musicians spanning genres such as country, rock, R&B, soul, and gospel. For further exploration, the Coldwater Stagecoach Stop transports visitors into the past days of pioneer life and stagecoach traveling, while those into quilts will find the Belle Mont Quilt Show at the historic Belle Mont Mansion quite fascinating.

Mentone

Perched atop Lookout Mountain, Mentone is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering mesmerizing mountaintop views, breathtaking waterfalls, and a range of recreational activities like kayaking, hiking, and camping. But that's not all. Mentone's thriving arts scene, with places like Mentone Arts Center, housed in the Chuck Sennett Center for the Arts, is another reason to visit. While there, take a glass bead-making class, learn film photography, or even paint like the legendary artist Bob Ross.

Mentone's presence of log cabins and antique stores nestled within Log Cabin Craft Village is one of the things that makes it quirky yet intriguing. After strolling the village, stop by the bohemian-chic Wildflower Café. Order their famous tomato pie, listen to live music, or browse through locally made products at the on-site gift store. Experience more of its small-town charm by attending events like the Blueberry Festival at Falls Farm and the Mentone Fall Festival at Moon Lake Village.

Monroeville

Monroeville, fondly called the "Literary Capital of Alabama," is a town sure to pique any book lover's interest. It's the birthplace of Harper Lee, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "To Kill a Mockingbird." The Monroe County Museum, which is dedicated to the book and Harper, features many exhibits and hosts a play adaptation every April and May. The area also boasts a monument commemorating Atticus Finch, the beloved fictional character from the book.

Truman Capote, the author of "Breakfast at Tiffany's," spent part of his childhood in Monroeville, and the town's influence is featured in his works. The literary icons and a few others are celebrated within downtown Monroeville's Literary Capital Bronze Sculpture Trail. Additionally, Monroeville hosts the annual Monroeville Literary Festival, which features readings, discussions, workshops, and book signings by authors.

Eclectic

Eclectic is home to the Alabama Cotton Festival, held annually on the second Saturday of October. The event may sound strange, but it's a fun way for the community to get together and celebrate the town's cotton heritage. Highlights include a cotton pageant, a 5k run, a car show, food vendors, live music, and entertainment. Beyond the festival, there's much more to love about Eclectic, no matter when you visit.

Those wanting to get something to eat can dine at Cotton's Alabama Barbecue for the best ribs in town, then go home goods shopping at Bless Your Heart of Alabama. For outdoor adventures, Lake Martin is located nearby. There are plenty of recreational opportunities, from boating to fishing, an open-air amphitheater with a stage for concerts and other events, and panoramic views of the lake.

Elberta

Elberta, near the Gulf Coast, is one of the quirkiest towns in Alabama. While visiting, stop at Barber Marina. Much more than just a boating dock location, the marina is home to many unusual structures designed by artist Mark Cline, such as the Bamahenge, a fiberglass replica of the famous Stonehenge in England. The Lady in the Lake fiberglass sculpture is another must-see work of art there. The marina also has hidden dinosaurs, an Italian Renaissance water fountain, a giant spider installation, and metal knights. Further, explore Elberta by strolling through the Baldwin County Heritage Museum to be transported back in time.

For an experience like no other, retreat to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park RV Camp Resort of the Alabama Gulf Coast. It has many attractions and activities for all ages, including a pool, aqua park, splash pad, fishing pond, gem mining, rides, picnic pavilions, a recreation center, a theater, a store, and a café. Discover all its amenities, such as RV and tent sites, cottages, and cabins, which are available for an enjoyable overnight stay. For more outdoor adventure, go on a tandem skydiving excursion that lands right at Orange Beach.

Eufaula

Eufaula's rich fishing culture, particularly bass fishing, is due to the sizeable largemouth bass catches within Walter F. George Lake (Lake Eufaula). Meanwhile, a monument dedicated to Leroy Brown, Alabama's most famous bass, is situated in the heart of downtown Eufaula. Nearby stands the Manny the Bass statue, which has the words "Big Bass Capital of the World" etched on it. It's in honor of Tom Mann, a well-known fisherman from the area. Beyond fishing, Lake Eufaula is enjoyable for swimming, boating, and other recreational activities. Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive away, where diverse wildlife can be seen, from alligators and deer to various bird species.

Back in town, Eufaula has many specialty stores, like Superior Pecans & Gifts, which offers gourmet flavored pecans ranging from salted caramel to butterscotch, as well as candies, jams, jellies, and coffee. Marilynn-Collectibles & Antiques, which promises a unique shopping experience, is also a must-visit. For a trip back in time, Eufaula's Shorter Mansion is one of the many historic house museums worth exploring in Eufaula.

Fairhope

While Fairhope may be a coastal town along the eastern banks of Mobile Bay, there's more to discover there. Like New Orleans, Fairhope has its own French Quarter, where dining and shopping are done in steps of each other in the heart of downtown. Nearby, Page & Palette, more than just a local bookstore, is where visitors can take a yoga class, grab coffee, or sip on cocktails with a literary twist. Visit on a night with live music for the whole experience.

Steps away is Fantasy Island Toys, one of the loved neighborhood toy stores in the South, with everything from plush animals and imaginative play items to fashion dolls and race cars. The store also has a selection of books, games, puzzles, science kits, sports items, and arts and crafts. While in town, visit Storybook Castles, an enchanting landmark of whimsical castles worth seeing—take a picture in front of them or gain full access inside by booking the Airbnb castle suite.

Bayou La Batre

Bayou La Batre, located on the Gulf Coast, is a must for seafood lovers. Known as the "Seafood Capital of Alabama," the town has many great restaurants, such as Catalina Bayou and Bayou Seafood Company, which offer some of the best shrimp, oysters, and fried catfish. Even more interesting is its connection to the Academy Award-winning film "Forrest Gump," in which the town is mentioned as the home of Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue.

Beyond the movie reference, Bayou La Batre is built upon tradition. Its Blessing of the Fleet event, held annually on the first weekend in May, pays homage to the local fishing industry and celebrates the lives of those who perished at sea. During the two-day event, attendees can look forward to a decorated boat parade, religious ceremonies, music, entertainment, arts and crafts, and a gumbo cook-off.

Fort Payne

When it comes to quirky towns in Alabama, Fort Payne is the most unusual. It was once the largest single location of hosiery manufacturing in America, producing over half of the socks made in the United States. Due to this, it has the title of the "Sock Capital of the World." For even more odd yet interesting discoveries within Fort Payne, travel to its downtown area, where events like Pete the Cat Day occur on Main Street. As a native of Fort Payne, Pete the Cat author James Dean joins in on the celebration, which is typically held every year on the first Saturday in August.

Fort Payne is also the hometown of country band Alabama, known for hits like "Dixieland Delight" and "Song of the South." Bronze statues of them are displayed within Fort Payne City Park to pay homage. Other points of interest while in town include the glassblowing studio Orbix Hot Glass, where visitors can create their own work of art, and the Fort Payne Depot Museum, which has everything from Civil War displays to Native American artifacts.

Discover Alabama's Most Unusual Towns

When you journey down South to Alabama, steer clear of the main cities and set your sights on the most unique small towns offering diverse experiences. Witness the adaptation of Harper Lee's iconic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" into a live performance in Monroeville; marvel at a life-size fiberglass replica of England's Stonehenge nestled within the picturesque Barber Marina near Elberta; escape to Eufaula, the acclaimed "Big Bass Capital of the World," to experience its rich fishing culture; pay a visit to the majestic Storybook Castles in Fairhope, or immerse yourself in the Pete the Cat Day festivities on Main Street in Fort Payne.