These 7 Towns in Alabama Have Bustling Main Streets

Alabama is a state with a rich history and culture, and it played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. Many towns have museums dedicated to the Civil War. Beyond its historic charm, Alabama also has a lively arts scene with thriving local businesses seen in many of the state's smaller communities. From venturing through the Walnut Street Historic District in Florence to the streets in Fort Payne, the Official Sock Capital of the World, there is much to uncover on the bustling main streets. With their historic architecture, quaint shops, and friendly locals, these towns offer a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover seven of Alabama's most charming main streets and plan your next adventure.

Florence

Florence is a magnificent Alabama town with quaint shops lining Court Street, its main street. There are many historic and cultural attractions throughout the city. Some popular stores on Court Street include Billy Reid and Court Street Books. Stop for a bite downtown at one of the local favorite restaurants, such as The Pie Factory and Ricatoni's Italian Grill. Venture down Walnut Street Historic District to understand more about the region's economic and cultural history. The buildings on this street date back to the late 1800s. Many of them are in either Victorian or Classic Revival designs.

Step back in time again by visiting the Pope’s Tavern Museum. Here, you can see exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia from Alabama's past, including the Civil War. To learn about Indigenous history in Florence, check out the Florence Indian Mound and Museum.

Eufaula

Eufaula is one of Alabama's most picturesque and historic towns. It overlooks Lake Eufaula, known as the "Bass Capital of The World." This makes it a great spot to relax by the lake after spending a day walking around the bustling main streets. Barbour Street and Eufaula Avenue are full of shops and historic attractions. Historic places to stop include Fendall Hall's Italianate architecture on Barbour Street. Built in the 19th century, the building still stands today and is now a museum full of antiques and artifacts from the 19th century. The Shorter Mansion on Eufaula Avenue is another must-visit for history lovers. The historic mansion is a neo-classical building turned museum.

Downtown, check out Superior Pecans And Gifts, a store that dates back to 1934, and Cotton and Kuduz, a local, funky art shop.

Fort Payne

Fort Payne is a historic and artsy community with art galleries, local shops, eateries, and a community theater. The city is in the Appalachian foothills, offering pretty views of the mountains in the distance. Walking down Gault Avenue, there are many historic attractions to see, including the Hosiery Museum. Here you can learn how Fort Payne once earned the title of "Official Sock Capital of the World."

Check out the Depot Museum to see local railroad and Native American artifacts. A historic eatery to go on the Main strip is Vintage 1889. Located in The Big Mill, this is one of the oldest structures in historic Fort Payne. Visit the local Opera House, the oldest operating Opera house in Alabama, to see what is playing. In the heart of the town, stop at the historic City Park. Right across from the Dekalb Hotel, the park opened in 1889 and features the original fountain from the Hotel.

Selma

Located in Dallas County, Selma sits on the banks of the Alabama River. Walking down Broad Street, you will see historic monuments and buildings to explore. The National Voting Rights Museum showcases the journey of thousands of African Americans to vote. The museum displays everything related to voting rights, including democratic speeches by the Founding Fathers.

The museum is near the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, an important historical spot where the Bloody Sunday conflict in 1965 took place. Nearby is the Selma Interpretive Center, which marks the start of the National Historic Trail and showcases Civil Rights Struggles.

Further into town is the Brown Chapel AME Church. This church was the starting point for the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. The church offers guided tours by appointment.

Opelika

Opelika is another historic Alabama community with bustling main streets and many boutiques and eateries to enjoy downtown. The Gallery on Railroad, Whistle Stop Bottle and Brew, and Roland's Thrift Store are a few quirky shops to check out. Zazu Gastropub, Side Track, The Well, and the Market Street Coffee Shop are great places to stop for refreshments. Every month, the town has an event called "First Fridays," where shops stay open late and guests can enjoy live music. History lovers will love the local Museum of East Alabama. The museum has a range of exhibits, from Indigenous dwellings and the American Civil War to details from World War II.

For those who love art, The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art in nearby Auburn is a great gallery. It features a range of artworks from regional artists and creatives. At the edge of downtown, head to the Municipal Park. There are picnic tables to eat at, and a small creek runs through the park, making it a scenic spot.

Monroeville

Monroeville is famous as the Literary Capital of Alabama. Truman Capote and Harper Lee are famous writers who grew up in the town. Walking downtown, you can see the historic monuments dedicated to these writers at the Literary Capital Sculpture Trail. The trail has 14 bronze sculptures and honors the writers who earned Monroeville its fame. One of the main attractions is the Old Monroe County Courthouse, where you can find the Monroe County Heritage Museum inside. This was the model Harper Lee used for her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Downtown Monroeville also has several walking trails with historical landmarks. These allow you to admire the town's early 20th-century elegance and beautifully restored Classical Revival architecture. Head out on the Birdhouse Trail or Alabama Southern Walking Trail.

Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia, across the Tennessee River from Florence, combines outdoor beauty and historic buildings. Along Main Street, you will find quaint shops and cafes. Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop is a great place to stop for a snack. Visit the home of Helen Keller, known as Ivy Green. There is a guided family tour of the homestead available. In the summer, see the play "Miracle Worker," re-enacted right on the grounds of Keller's old home. The play commemorates her life, work, and achievements.

Tuscumbia is also home to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the historic Tuscumbia Train Depot. The Depot was built in 1888 and was transformed into a museum. In the winter, the town comes alive with the charming annual "It's a Dickens Christmas Y'all Festival." Outdoor lovers will enjoy the local Spring Park, a tranquil oasis with a waterfall and picnic benches. Just outside the park is Claunch Café, a great spot to go to grab a refreshment after enjoying the park. The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art is also a must-visit when in the area. The museum features Alabama and South-Eastern artists from both the past and present.

From historic attractions such as the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma to the scenic Municipal Park in Opelika, there are many attractions on the bustling main streets. The charm of these small towns makes them timelessly appealing. The historic buildings here aren't just for history lovers; there is something for everyone. In Tuscumbia, you can learn about famous writers such as Harper Lee. In Fort Payne, you can discover the community that was once the "Official Sock Capital of the World." Beyond history, the main streets of these towns offer quaint eateries, coffee shops, and shopping for everyone to enjoy.