11 Best Small Towns In Alabama For A Crowd-Free Summer
Alabama is a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy the summer, with fantastic towns set in lake retreats and mountain scenery. Travelers looking to avoid the summer crowds can relax on lakeshores like Lake Jackson and Lake Wedowee. Others head into the mountains and along rivers near Guntersville. Each of these Alabama towns offers a relaxing summer backdrop with its own culture, community, and outdoor attractions.
Fairhope
Fairhope is often called the cutest and friendliest small town in Alabama. Located on the Alabama Coast, it's about a 45-minute drive to Gulf Shores and sits well away from the crowds. It offers an eclectic atmosphere that mixes arts, culture, culinary experiences, and scenic views.
While visiting Fairhope, plan to catch a sunset on the Fairhope Municipal Pier. The pier offers beautiful views of the bay, along with enjoying the surrounding rose gardens, old oaks with Spanish moss, and a sandy beach. Take a stroll down the welcoming downtown district and check out one of many art galleries, like Seeley's Gallery by the Bay, or a fun boutique like the Cat's Meow. If you are craving coastal cuisine, there are several eateries, like Little Bird, to satisfy your cravings. The downtown district also features the landmark town clock.
The events at Fairhope make this a great place for a summer vacation. You can enjoy tea at the Fairhope Tea Plantation. Taste of Fairhope is a great way to experience all the culinary delights Fairhope has to offer. In addition, the First Friday Art Walk is a great way to immerse yourself in the area's art culture, and don't miss the weekly farmers' markets. If you plan to stay awhile, you can get a month membership to the pool at the recreation center to stay cool through the summer.
Magnolia Springs
If you are looking for a quiet place to get away from the crowds, Magnolia Springs may be the perfect spot for you. With a population of around only 1,000, Magnolia Springs is often called one of the prettiest towns in Alabama, with its canopy of mossy trees and historic homes lining the peaceful roads.
Though the town is quiet, it's known for its unique mail system. It's the only river route for mail delivery left in the United States, where mail is still delivered by boat year-round. After a day of leisurely exploring, be sure to enjoy the freshest fish from the Gulf at Jesse's, the most popular restaurant in the area. And if you're itching for a day trip to the beach, drive about a half-hour to get to nearby Gulf Shores.
Eufaula
Located near the Alabama and Georgia border, you will find Eufaula, which features 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula. There are plenty of opportunities to explore on and off the water, and this is an especially great place for kayaking, fishing, boating, or biking. Local business Kayak Eufaula offers kayak tours and rentals. Nature lovers will definitely want to visit Lakepoint State Park and Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, both known for their beautiful scenery.
As you drive through Eufaula, you will notice beautiful historic homes surrounded by a canopy of trees. This has been a family favorite scenic drive for generations. Visitors can step into one of the historic homes and feel as if they have gone back in time. Shorter Mansion is one of the homes that offers tours to enhance the historical experience. Before leaving, you will also want to explore downtown shopping and dining in the heart of the city.
Abbeville
When you visit Abbeville, you will find a walkable town with tree-lined streets, local shops, restaurants, and lots of history. The retro-style downtown features historical buildings, many of which have been restored to their former glory.
You can even get a feel for the history of the area by visiting a restaurant with an old-fashioned soda shop, Huggin' Molly's. The authentic soda fountain dates back to the 1950s. Local lore tells of Huggin' Molly as being a ghostly figure said to roam Abbeville's streets at night, chasing children who stay out too late. Before leaving town, browse local stores like those at the Town Square Shops on Kirkland Avenue to get a memento to document your stay.
Florala
Florala is located on the Alabama-Florida state line and is home to the largest natural lake in Alabama, Lake Jackson. Some of the recreational amenities available include an RV park, a nature trail for biking and walking, swimming, fishing, boating, a wetlands park, the Alabama Birding Trail, and a boat ramp for easy access.
Florala State Park is a great spot for picnics or exploring the trails around the water. The historic district features several well-preserved Victorian-style houses. After a day of exploring, get a bite to eat at The Depot, a local spot known for its relaxed, railroad depot setting.
Mentone
Mentone is a welcoming mountain village where visitors enjoy Lookout Mountain and cascading waterfalls. DeSoto State Park offers rushing waterfalls, wildflowers, and views that will simply take your breath away. Little River Canyon offers forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs for a variety of recreational activities. Little Mole Country Club has a mountain-top 18-hole golf course and offers camping, fishing, and canoeing at the lake.
There are plenty of inviting places for shopping, dining, and local arts. The Log Cabin Craft Village offers unique gifts, including pottery, art, antiques, food, and more. The nearby Possum Emporium continues this theme, offering antiques and curiosities, with occasional food vendors. Explore the local farmers' markets, take a yoga class, or visit the local library for its weekly used-book sale. And be sure to check out Wildflower Café, known for its down-to-earth digs and live music.
Guntersville
Guntersville is a lake city that offers the best of both worlds: water and mountains. Sitting at the southernmost part of the Tennessee River, Guntersville is an ideal spot for watersports. Another outdoor option is Lake Guntersville State Park, which features an 18-hole championship golf course, a beach complex, and an outdoor nature center.
The Guntersville Recreation Center is another great place to explore in the summer, with three pools, water slides, and walking paths along the shoreline. The Guntersville Museum exhibits the rich history of the area, including a glimpse into Native American history.
Wedowee
Wedowee is the perfect peaceful lakeside haven with a population of fewer than 1,000 residents. Wedowee means "old water" in the Muskogean language and takes its name from a Creek Indian Chief. Lake Wedowee is a great summer spot for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Camp's Getaway Gear Rentals offers boat and kayaking rentals. You can also enjoy Flat Rock Park, a small lake island with swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing, as well as grills and nature trails.
This laid-back town exudes southern charm. Lake Wedowee Winery and Brewery offers tastings and locally crafted beverages. In downtown Wedowee, there's the Crow's Nest boutique and The Peaceful Porch Candle Company for unique shopping. Then enjoy local eateries like Wake & Shake Donut Shop or Miss Amber's Cafe, known for a southern favorite: a fried green tomato BLT.
Florence
Located in northwest Alabama and situated along the Tennessee River, Florence is known for its rich musical heritage and artistic atmosphere. The Shoals area is deeply rooted in music, and every summer the W.C. Handy Music Festival celebrates that legacy. Every year, for a week in late July or early August, the festival brings musicians from around the country to perform in the Shoals.
Area restaurants offer live music, and artists often perform in Wilson Park or along downtown streets. Visitors can spend the day golfing at Blackberry Trail Golf Course, an 18-hole municipal golf course, or exploring the area's walking trails and green spaces.
Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia, situated at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and near the Tennessee River, is the hometown of Helen Keller. You can tour her birthplace, Ivy Green, and then go for a walk along the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which showcases the musical accomplishments of Alabama natives.
Spring Park provides a beautiful setting for picnics, arts and crafts shows, and family recreation. Visitors can also stroll through Tuscumbia's historic downtown, where locally owned shops and cafes preserve the architecture that gives the town its inviting small-town feel.
Monroeville
Monroeville is a literary lover's paradise located in rural southwest Alabama. Monroeville was the childhood home of world-renowned novelists Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, and Truman Capote, who crafted the true-crime classic In Cold Blood with Lee's help. There is a Bronze Literary Sculpture Trail along Monroeville Main Street featuring 14 sculptures by students at the University of Alabama. The Monroe County Heritage Museum is housed in the Old Monroe County Courthouse, best known for its association with writers. You can take a free mural tour while in town or explore one of the town's parks.
Clausell Park has a spacious pool to cool off in the summer, and Whitney Lee Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including picnic pavilions and walking trails.
Alabama Offers Great Spots for a Crowd-Free Getaway
These small towns are the perfect mix of nature and eccentric little finds. You can beat the heat with lakes, rivers, and waterfalls all over the state. There's even the option to elevate your summer with mountain excursions.
Alabama has so much to explore, and the summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in all Alabama has to offer. However you plan it, your favorite Alabama summer getaway is waiting.
