These Towns In Alabama Come Alive In Winter
Alabama is known for many things: renowned football teams, sprawling cotton fields, and some of the best bass fishing in the whole country. Even in the wintertime, Alabama consistently delivers in terms of its warm hospitality. Southern charm is always on hand in Alabama, as is some of the best barbecue in the world. Not to mention, the coast is the perfect place to beat the sleet and snow this winter. Delicious, delightful, and definitely endowed with natural beauty. With 60 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, wooded foothills, and 21 state parks, Sweet Home Alabama is one of the most popular snowbird destinations in the country, and for good reason.
Guntersville
Among the state's surefire best-kept secrets, Guntersville is one of the best places to visit this winter thanks to its small size, distance from the hustle and bustle of the big city, and abundant natural beauty. Nearby Cathedral Caverns has starred in big-budget Hollywood films and contains many one-of-a-kind rock formations that must be seen to be believed. This includes "Goliath," one of the world's largest stalagmites, measuring 45 feet tall!
Visitors to Guntersville are sure to be delighted by the magnificent Sunset Walking Trail, which is especially appealing during the winter months when the colors become even more vibrant. Lastly, Bucks Pocket State Park is large enough to span three Alabama counties. The Park overlooks the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains foothills from the Point Rock scenic overlook and features plenty of overnight camping opportunities. Lake Guntersville State Park also hosts Eagle Awareness Weekends during January and February, so remember to bring your binoculars.
Fort Payne
The town of Fort Payne used to produce half of all the socks in the nation at one point, earning it the title of Sock Capital of America. This town in northeastern Alabama has transitioned from a manufacturing hub to a popular vacation spot thanks to the plethora of outdoor activities available. One of the best places to experience Alabama in the winter is Little River Canyon National Preserve. Called the "Grand Canyon of the East," Little River Canyon is particularly stunning when covered with snow and is approximately 12 miles long.
Alabama's Little River Canyon National Preserve is found on top of Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, and the view is breathtaking, especially after snowfall. Speaking of snow, winter sports enthusiasts will want to visit the nearby Cloudmont Ski Resort on Lookout Mountain in Mentone. Small but functional, this ski resort is beginner-friendly and is aimed at learners and families.
Mentone
Only a stone's throw from Front Payne, Mentone sits at the top of Lookout Mountain, which is one of Alabama's most inviting small towns. Mentone boasts a tranquil vibe unlike better-known tourist destinations, inviting guests to slow down and take in the beauty of winter, which is on display nearly everywhere one looks. Found in DeKalb County, Alabama, the town has less than 500 residents and is also an excellent choice for a getaway, thanks to its unique shops and restaurants.
Mentone's downtown area features quirky and eclectic shops such as The Groovy Goat, a one-of-a-kind gift shop, and the Village Ice Cream Shop, which is part of Mentone's Log Cabin Village. One of Mentone's best-known natural attractions is DeSoto Falls. The falls easily hold their own against anything the South has to offer once you see them. DeSoto Falls is one of the most photographed places in the state and one of the tallest at over 100 feet.
Delta
This tiny Alabama town is jam-packed with exciting things to do during winter, but the main attraction is Cheaha State Park, the oldest state park in Alabama, which makes for a beautiful winter destination. There are plenty of trails and scenic views here, thanks to the park's elevation. Cheaha is the highest natural point in Alabama and is especially enjoyable during the winter. Visitors are sure to see snow-capped boulders, frosted foliage, and icicles straight out of the storybooks.
There are even cabins and chalets within the park for visitors who want to lengthen their stay here. The drive to Delta is one of the best parts as well. Drivers will pass through the gorgeous Talladega National Forest on their way to the town itself. The Talladega National Forest is found at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains and is one of Alabama's greatest treasures.
Orange Beach
The town of Orange Beach is one of the best places to wait out the wintertime in Alabama. This Gulf Coast retreat is a favorite among swimmers, wildlife enthusiasts, and outdoorsy types, thanks to its great weather and white sand beaches. There are miles and miles of beach in this seaside paradise, and that is only the beginning. The Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway boasts four different trails and 21 launch sites for kayaks and other paddlesports.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge has roughly 7,000 acres of coastal lands, which vary between dunes and wooded areas. Guided walks, bird watching, and kayaking opportunities make the refuge a source of near-endless enjoyment, making it a great place for guided walks, birding, or kayaking. Looking to tee up on the putting green? Kiva Dunes has been called Alabama's top public golf course and is sure to put a smile on any golfer's face.
Gulf Shores
Located less than eight miles from Orange Beach on the north coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores is the state's southernmost town, and the weather is sublime. Pristine and easily found beaches make this town popular all year. The seafood here is also particularly noteworthy, and the famed Original Oyster House, with its delicious gumbo, is worth a visit.
Craft Farms and the nearby Kiva Dunes should be part of your Gulf Shores visit if you want to put in some hours on the golf course. To get the blood pumping, visiting Gulf State Park is the perfect place to fish, kayak, bike, and hike. There are even zipline courses tracing the length of the park.
Magnolia Springs
The town of Magnolia Springs was called the "Prettiest Town in Alabama" by The Daily Meal, and it is easy to see why. Renowned for its picturesque tree-lined streets, Magnolia Springs is the textbook definition of a charming Southern town. Magnolia Springs is found on the Magnolia River, but while some consider it as a stopover point to Gulf Shores, Magnolia Springs has plenty of character: The town has the only river route for mail delivery in the country.
One of the best Magnolia Springs attractions is Gulf State Park, where visitors can wander through freshwater marshes and coastal hardwood swamps. Though the park gets little snow, the pristine tranquility to be found in the dead of winter is truly something to behold. With temperatures in the low 60s, even in January, kayakers can launch from Bemis Bay Community Dock in the heart of town–just watch out for the mail carrier! And visiting nearby Gulf State Park for a bike ride is always a good idea.
Alabama is replete with wonderful wintertime destinations for nature lovers, seafood lovers, and explorers at heart. The state is full of Southern hospitality and charming small towns which come alive in the wintertime. Explore rugged natural parks and take in the sights from scenic overlooks. Visitors will be sure to enjoy the delicious seafood on offer in places like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, while the warmer winters will be a welcome change of pace for those coming from up north. Alabama continues to defy expectations and excel as a winter tourist destination. When planning your next trip to the South in winter, consider these towns for an excellent blend of natural beauty and modern comforts.
