9 Towns In Alabama With Vibrant Downtown Areas
Alabama is an incredible state with so much to love. With its rich history, delicious food, lovely culture, and heartwarming Southern hospitality, it really is a Sweet Home. Thankfully, all of these incredible attributes can be enjoyed on the main streets of its charming towns. Even more, these downtowns host appealing attractions like shops and theatres, promising all-round satisfaction. Just a simple stroll through these town centers is healthy as there’s always a sweet aroma for the nose, interesting sights for the eyes, delicious food for the tongue, great music for the ears, and lots of appealing things to touch. Without further ado, here are nine towns with vibrant downtowns in Alabama that should be on your next bucket list.
Sheffield
Sheffield is a Colbert County town with a lively downtown full of storefronts and attractions. Hit this part of town and start an adventure by visiting the Ritz Theater to enjoy thrilling performances and shows. Next, head to Home Grown Art to peruse and purchase various paintings and artworks. For culinary indulgences, the Vault and the Red Clay Table are excellent choices. History buffs can hang out at the Old Railroad Bridge - the oldest railroad site in Alabama, with charming panoramic views of the Tennessee River. Meanwhile, adventure seekers can head to Pickwick Lake to fish, boat, kayak, and relax on its banks to enjoy picnics.
Guntersville
Guntersville’s downtown is a beehive of small enterprises with great views of Lake Guntersville - the state’s largest lake. Visit this downtown with a camera for the views and patronize some businesses like Cafe 336 for sensational dining experiences and the Red Elephant Marketplace for shopping jewelry, antiques, and clothing. More shopping awaits at King Row’s Antiques, while a moment at the Whole Back Stage Theatre always promises to be entertaining. Afterward, delve into the scenic ambiance of Lake Guntersville, the town’s highlight outdoor attraction. For history buffs, visit Guntersville Museum in an armory to see native American exhibits and artifacts that mirror the town’s early pioneer days.
Fort Payne
Fort Payne is the famed Socks Capital of the World and grew around its namesake Fort which was built in the 1830s. Here, visitors will be met with a downtown that’s historic and artsy. For an unforgettable adventure in this downtown, start with a visit to DeKalb Theatre to enjoy scintillating performances and shows. For a similar experience, head to the Fort Payne Opera House which is also the oldest in the state still in use. Next, head to the Depot Museum to see railroad and Native American artifacts, including a caboose. When it’s time to dine, Vintage 1889 and The Spot are lovely spots to enjoy the town’s culinary offers. For antique lovers, one or two items at Big Mill Antiques could make a difference in any collection at home. In the meantime, DeSoto State Park is a great spot for some adventures near the town as it hosts stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, an Olympic-sized pool, and a nature center.
Oxford
Oxford is a historic town founded in the 1850s with a bustling main street, where history, art, and contemporary features converge to offer pleasant experiences. Start the day at this town’s center with coffee at Southern Girl Coffee Co., or retreat to The Bank Oxford to relish tasty meals with cocktails. Afterward, enjoy some entertainment at the Oxford Performing Arts Center and stop at Cotton Antiques & Collectibles to shop for vintage items. Wrap up with some original artworks at the Wren’s Nest at OPAC and then proceed to Oxford Lake Park to fish, picnic, walk on a 67-mile track around the lake, and admire the Coldwater-covered bridge, which was built in 1850.
Cullman
Cullman, the famed city of character and county seat of its namesake county, has a unique and vibrant downtown where storefront vacancies are only temporal due to the never-ending rush. This town’s center is also historic, featuring the Cullman County Museum, which is housed in a replica of the town's founder - John Cullman. Visit this museum to several exhibits reflecting Pioneer life, nature, the Civil War, Native American history, and the town’s German roots. Next, storm the iconic restaurants in the area, such as 412 Public House and Urban Cookhouse, to savor tantalizing delicacies. Grab various antiques at Southern Accents Architectural Antiques to use as souvenirs and then head for the outdoors to explore the Ave Maria Grotto Park. Notably, this religious and historic 4-acre park hosts iconic replicas of some of the world's top religious structures, including a replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Gadsden
Gadsden is a laid-back town by the Coosa River in Etowah County that glows in natural and commercial charms at every turn. On the natural side, the town hosts Noccalula Falls Park and Campground, featuring a 90-foot waterfall, hiking trails to explore the area’s rocks and garden, a petting zoo, and picnic pavilions. On the commercial side, this town plays host to an ever-bustling center full of highlight attractions like the Gadsden Museum of Arts and Walnut Gallery. Visitors can head to these museums to admire local and regional artworks and then proceed to grab diverse antiques and collectibles at Dusty Things. In the meantime, the Blackstone Pub and Eatery always offers delicious pizza, jerk chicken, and other tasty delicacies, while Pitman Theatre is a great spot to catch a show. Keep in mind that Gadsden has one of the state’s largest historic downtowns so just walking through the streets will reveal many structures dating to the 1800s. Some notable ones to keep an eye out for include - the First United Methodist Church (built in 1893) and Gunn-Bellenger House (built in 1886).
Athens
Athens is the county seat of Limestone County and is one of the oldest incorporated towns in Alabama, full of history. Hence, the downtown is not just lively but a sweet mix of history, cultures, and modernity. The Limestone County Courthouse here is a historic and architectural draw featuring a neoclassical structure built in 1918 and monuments of fallen war heroes. Within the district, the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives is a more captivating historic attraction, hosting an impressive collection of artifacts from the Revolutionary War to the present. When it comes to food, the Salty Cod and Washington Street Diner are among the top restaurants in the downtown always ready to satisfy visitors. Art aficionados are not left out as That’s SO Art Gallery, High Cotton Arts, and Frame Gallery of Athens are in the area offering everything from paintings to photography, frames, and pottery, among others. Meanwhile, don’t miss the serene and scenic ambiance of Big Spring Park, as it has a pond with a fountain, a picnic pavilion, and a playground for kids.
Florence
Florence is a magnificent town in Lauderdale County that spots a historic and walkable downtown where visitors can stroll and embark on a range of activities without getting bored. For starters, this downtown offers an opportunity to travel back in time at Pope’s Tavern Museum, featuring artifacts and memorabilia reflecting Alabama’s prehistoric times, including Civil War and slavery exhibits. Art fans would be delighted to explore the Kennedy Douglas Center of Arts, while foodies will be spoiled with fine dining experiences at Odette or exotic Mexican dishes at Rosie’s Mexican Cantina. After exploring the downtown, be sure to head outdoors to unwind and bask in nature at McFarland Park, flanked by the Tennessee River, with a small beach, a floating restaurant, campsites, and fishing piers. River Heritage Park is an alternate outdoor option for similar outdoor adventures as it features a 1.2-mile Heritage Trail with views of the Tennessee River, an amphitheater for shows, and a splash pad for the kids.
Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia is a beautiful town near the Tennessee River where visitors can spend an entire vacation in its downtown. As a town steeped in history, the downtown area hosts several iconic structures worth visiting, like the Colbert County Courthouse, built in 1881. The 1888 Train Depot is another historic structure to check out as it is now a museum housing railroad and train memorabilia. Step away from history and relax at Claunch Café for a sensational meal or at Superhero Chefs, where one burger could stun a dull taste bud. For art lovers, the Tennessee Valley Museum of Arts houses a permanent exhibit of Martin Petroglyph and a 3,000-pound boulder with carvings of snakes and human footprints. Head to Tuscumbia Springs Park afterward to see a massive stone waterfall, fish and play in the playground with children.
Find the perfect mix of arts, cultures, cuisines, history, and entertainment in the heart of these towns in Alabama. From sunrise to sundown, walk through charming and bustling streets brimming with an assortment of activities that beckon for indulgence. Immerse wholly or partially in each moment, whether it’s in the corridors of history where the glory of the past comes alive, or in a diner savoring delectable dishes. Whether you’re visiting with friends and families, every moment spent in these downtowns will forever be cherished.
