7 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Alabama

Alabama is dotted with several charming towns where one can kick back and relax or enjoy epic outdoor adventure experiences, such as hiking, swimming, or fishing. While many of these places exhibit the glitter and glitz of a 21st-century location, others are unique for their timeless appeal, especially because they look so rebelliously undisturbed, even nonchalant. Wondering where to find these cozy places? Starting with Mooresville, keep reading to discover the seven undisturbed towns in Alabama.

Mooresville

Mooresville, one of Alabama’s oldest incorporated towns, is among a handful of towns that have not rushed to modernize. White picket fences encircle idyllic yards, creating a peaceful, Mayberry feel reminiscent of Hometown U.S.A. Depending on the season, dogwood petals are strewn across the roads, many of which are shaded, making the streets cool and walkable. In consonance with its “undisturbed” tag, Mooresville hosts the oldest operating post office in Alabama. The Stagecoach Tavern (c. 1821), where the original Mooresville post office was located, is the oldest public wood-frame building in the entire state. Pass by the white clapboard Church of Christ on Market Street, where James Garfield, who would later become president of the United States, once preached. Meanwhile, 1818 Farms on Lauderdale Street is a lovely place to do a Bloom Stroll while learning about flowers and how to arrange them to make a beautiful bouquet. The trick is to start with a hearty breakfast at the Dogwood & Magnolia Bakery, whose cinnamon rolls are the closest thing to heaven in the area.

Tuscumbia

The story of Helen Keller, the first deaf-blind person to graduate cum laude from Radcliffe College and one of history’s most remarkable women, is among the most inspiring in the history of mankind. Today, the town she once called home is still relatively undisturbed and proud to be associated with her. Tuscumbia is quiet and restful, and features beautifully restored buildings, including Belle Mont Mansion, one of the few examples of Palladian-style houses in the Deep South. There's the tranquil beauty of the Tennessee River, which serves aesthetic and recreational purposes, the nearby Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, which draws tourists with its emerald waters and excellent trails, and the Helen Keller Birthplace, the well-preserved 1820s childhood home of Helen Keller, which now offers guided tours and lessons in resilience. As for food, readers of Southern Living recently ranked Claunch Café among Alabama’s 10 Best Meat ‘N’ Threes.

Monroeville

You cannot finish reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” and not establish a fraternal connection with the kind and thoughtful Atticus Finch, portrayed as the embodiment of paternal virtue. Monroeville, a place of sunny streets and Bradford pear trees, styles itself as the Literary Capital of Alabama. The basis of the claim is that it has produced two celebrated writers: Truman Capote and Harper Lee, the reclusive author of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It is always a pleasure to stroll in the downtown historic district, admiring the Old Courthouse, now part of the Monroe County Museum, and the Old Jail, which serves as a window into early 20th-century small-town justice. You may want to search for Maycomb or the locations cited in the novel, or sit down with a milkshake at Mel's Dairy Dream, which serves the best country-style menu around. Pass by Lee's gravesite, where you will notice a headstone surrounded by pens and covered with pennies, stuff that other visitors have left as tribute to the world-famous writer.

Bay Minette

Bay Minette is tucked away in northeastern Baldwin County, where quietness blends with rural charm to create a peaceful and authentic environment. Bay Minette may appear undisturbed, but that does not mean it is not creative, and how some of its prominent residents once created a fake story to lure the sheriff of Daphne out of town, then stole and transferred the Baldwin County records, speaks to this. Start with a relaxing walk in Blackburn Park and proceed to the Baldwin County Courthouse, before sitting down to some scrumptious shrimp and grits at Saving Grace Kitchen, a neat, homey spot loved for its welcoming staff and inviting atmosphere. After this, step out to the Live Oak Landing, a beautiful area to fish on the Tensaw that doubles up as a top-notch RV park. It has easily accessible boat ramps, fishing piers, and a “catch and release” pond.

Mentone

With its stone welcome sign, the swoon-worthy Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail, and a segment of one of America's most scenic drives, Mentone can be consistently described. Its “undisturbed” character finds expression through its rustic mountain cabins, cozy antique shops, and peaceful natural environment. The spellbinding Lookout Mountain Parkway passes through Mentone and is a fine stretch of beauty to explore on a slow-paced Sunday morning. Just do it in the fall because you will think you are somewhere in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. DeSoto State Park, which features the state's tallest waterfall, is on the town's periphery. The family-owned Little River Orchard is also a great spot to pick the best-tasting apples to sink your teeth into.

Waverly

Waverley is so undisturbed that it does not even have a single streetlight. It may be tiny and home to fewer than 200 residents, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its endearing throwback charm. Start your trip with a cup of coffee and fresh sourdough bread at the Wild Flour Bakery and Espresso, a home-grown Alabama bakery on Patrick Street. After carb-loading your system with enough calories for adventure, head to Fig and Wasp, a beautifully curated store with several fantastic finds, from vintage clothing to jewelry to accessories. With Lake Martin a heartbeat away, epic outdoor action is always within easy reach.

Magnolia Springs

Magnolia Springs has been called the prettiest town in Alabama, with its charm-soaked streets, many lined with beautiful shade trees. The town is visually stunning and serenely preserved, making it a fantastic spot to escape for adventure or relaxation. Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast, the number 1 rated B&B in Alabama on TripAdvisor.com, has a history that dates back to 1897. There is the Magnolia River, which gives the town a mist of rustic charm and allure, and the Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway Campground, a neat and quiet getaway perfect for unwinding before returning to the rat race. Remember that there are several outdoor spots in the Gulf Shores area, meaning one can easily jump from one outdoor adventure to another.

Though most Gulf Coast states have uninspiringly flat landscapes and are just pine-speckled plains with sprawling stillness, Alabama is a slightly different kettle of fish. You will find places with decent elevation, especially the region around Birmingham, and some unique natural features here and there. Several quaint and charming towns are strewn across the state, some of which look noticeably undisturbed. Whether Mooresville or Monroeville, you will find towns that don't want to be hurried to nowhere or tossed about so that they lose their character.