8 Alabama Towns That Locals Love
Some of the best things to do in any town are the places locals know and love. Often, these places are tried and true, so you know you cannot go wrong when traveling to a new place. Alabama, a southern state bordered by Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi, is a great state for adventurers who want to do a little bit of everything on their vacation. The small towns of Alabama offer stunning landscapes, with opportunities for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. There are incredible historical landmarks and excellent barbecue, a type of cuisine for which Alabama is well-known. Activities suitable for kids are also abundant. This roundup of eight Alabama towns features some of the best places loved by locals, sure to be loved by tourists as well.
Eufaula
In southeastern Alabama lies the small town of Eufaula, a destination with something for everyone. Eufaula of Barbour County rests on the Chattahoochee River, southeast of Montgomery, and at the Georgia state line. For a brief time, the city was named Irwinton in honor of General William Irwin, but was changed back to Eufaula in 1843. Eufaula is home to stunning natural scenery, historic homes, and mouthwatering Southern barbecue.
On the banks of Lake Eufaula, visitors and locals enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Lakepoint Resort State Park. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, boating, camping, fishing, and bird-watching. Other wildlife encounters may include sightings of American alligators. Another location to observe the local wildlife is the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, a habitat for nearly 300 species of birds, reptiles, fish, and various mammals. The refuge encompasses over 11,000 acres. Enjoy some of Eufaula’s history at the Shorter Mansion, located within the historic district of the city. The picturesque mansion, initially constructed in 1884 and renovated in 1906, spans 9,000 square feet of indoor space and offers tours Monday through Saturday. Savor local barbecue at Phil’s BBQ, an establishment that serves quality meats and flavorful sides with a generous helping of excellent service. Phil’s BBQ uses farm-fed meats, locally grown toppings, and organic cheeses.
Wetumpka
Go on a nature-filled adventure in Wetumpka, Alabama. Located in the central part of Alabama, Wetumpka is the county seat of Elmore County. Wetumpka rests at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The small town was established in 1717 when the French constructed Fort Toulouse, a crucial trading post. In Wetumpka, visitors can explore an impact crater, whitewater rapids, and birding.
Witness the result of an asteroid strike from approximately 85 million years ago at the Wetumpka Impact Center. Considered to be one of the best-preserved marine impact sites in the world, tours of the crater take guests on a journey through the crater’s history, science, and significance. Embrace the wildness of the Coosa River via a Class II Whitewater Rapids excursion. The river flows right through the heart of Wetumpka. Travelers may see turtles and fish in the crystal-clear waters as they paddle past. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Gold Star Park is a must-see destination for birders. Located along the Piedmont Plateau region, the park features a diverse array of ecosystems that support a rich population of birds, including White-breasted Nuthatches and Carolina Chickadees.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a small town in Alabama situated at the southwest coast of the state at the entrance to Mobile Bay. While Dauphin Island is small, about 15 miles long, it is brimming with fun activities for people of all ages. First explored in 1699, Dauphin Island has now developed into a resort area. Some of the attractions that await visitors include marine life, a historical fort, a bird sanctuary, and mini golf.
Experience sea life at the Alabama Aquarium, an educational venue that showcases habitats of coastal Alabama. The aquarium educates guests about the marine world in Mobile Bay, which is the fourth-largest estuary system in the US. Check out an over 200-year-old fort at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island, called Fort Gaines. The fort is one of the key sites of the famous Battle of Mobile Bay and features original cannons, kitchens, a blacksmith shop, tunnels, a museum, and a gift shop. Go on a birdwatching adventure at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, over 160 acres of woodlands with miles of walking trails. Hundreds of bird species can be found in the sanctuary throughout the year. Bring the family to Island Golf for a fun time playing mini golf. The 18-hole course offers hours of entertainment for both kids and adults.
Gadsden
Find scenic beauty and local entertainment in Gadsden, Alabama. Situated on the Coosa River in the Appalachian foothills, northeast of Birmingham, Gadsden is the county seat of Etowah County. Founded in 1864, the town became a steamboat station. Gadsden is home to picturesque waterfalls, a historical amphitheater, and a historic bridge.
Noccalula Falls Park features a gorgeous, over 90-foot high waterfall that cascades over into the Black Creek ravine. Throughout the park, guests can find walking trails that offer stunning views of rocks and gardens along the way. The park also houses a petting zoo and Pioneer Village. Enjoy a local performance at the Mort Glosser Amphitheater, built in 1935. Constructed with locally-sourced sandstone, the unique venue is an eye-catching place to experience concerts, boxing matches, and other local events. Another historical site worth checking out in Gadsden is the Etowah Memorial Bridge. Erected in 1927, the picturesque bridge spans the Coosa River.
Tuskegee
Tuskegee, Alabama, is a quintessential small town worth adding to your travel itinerary. Situated in east-central Alabama, Tuskegee is the county seat of Macon County. The small town rests east of Montgomery. Founded in 1833, Tuskegee’s previous name was a variation of Taskigi, which was a nearby Creek Indian village. Tuskegee offers a diverse mix of activities, including significant historical sites, outdoor adventures, and local theater productions.
Visit the home of Booker T. Washington, The Oaks. The house, completed in 1899, belonged to the first principal of the Tuskegee Institute and was constructed by Tuskegee students using bricks made on-site. The well-preserved Victorian-style home is open for tours Tuesdays through Thursdays at select times. Head to the Tuskegee National Forest to enjoy activities such as hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking. The secluded forest is home to various wildflowers and gorgeous flowering trees, such as dogwood and magnolias. Be a patron of the arts at the Tuskegee Repertory Theatre Inc. The theater puts on local dance, musical, and drama performances throughout the year.
Fort Payne
In Big Wills Valley, between Lookout and Sand Mountains, is Fort Payne, Alabama, a vacation spot rich in history, stunning scenery, and one-of-a-kind antiques. Fort Payne rests in northeast Alabama, southeast of Huntsville, and is the county seat of DeKalb County. The area was known as Wills Town in the 1770s and was renamed Fort Payne for Captain John Payne in 1837.
One of Fort Payne’s must-see historical locations is the Fort Payne Depot Museum, a gorgeous pink sandstone Richardson Romanesque architecture depot operated by the Alabama Great Southern Railroad. From 1891 to 1970, the depot served as a train station; now, it houses railroad memorabilia, artifacts, and pieces of local history. Combine engaging with local history and fine dining at the Vintage 1889. A locally owned and operated restaurant, Vintage 1889, is situated within a historic Big Mill Company building that is over 130 years old. The menu offers a diverse selection, including gourmet burgers, flatbread pizzas, steaks, and local favorites, such as the Salad Sampler. A scenically stunning place to explore in Fort Payne is the Little River Canyon National Preserve. The views feature forested uplands, waterfalls, pools, canyon rims and bluffs, boulders, and sandstone cliffs. Visitors may go for a swim, fish, mountain climb, go whitewater paddling, or look for local wildlife. Antique lovers can get their fill at The Big Mill Antique Mall. Located within the same building as Vintage 1889, the antique mall features two stories filled with unique treasures from various eras.
Tuscumbia
Discover spectacular scenery, the birthplace of Helen Keller, and an incredibly unique dining spot in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Situated in the Muscle Shoals area on the Tennessee River, Tuscumbia is west of Huntsville and is the county seat of Colbert County. Tuscumbia is located in the northwestern part of the state and was founded in 1817.
One of the best places in Tuscumbia, highly regarded by locals, is Spring Park, a hub for festivals, events, and concerts. A spring runs through the park, which feeds the evening water show and lighted waterfall, Coldwater Falls. The waterfall is human-made, constructed with over 2,000 tons of local sandstone. Stretching 80 feet wide and 42 feet tall, Coldwater Falls is a stunning sight to behold. Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, is one of the most historically significant locations in Tuscumbia. Built in 1820, the house, situated on North Commons Street West, features a Virginia cottage style of construction. The single-story building, which survived the Civil War intact, features four rooms with individual fireplaces. One of the coolest places in Tuscumbia to grab a bite to eat is the Rattlesnake Saloon, the watering hole under the rock. Located beneath a gigantic rock, the restaurant received its name during construction when workers found a rattlesnake den in the surrounding area.
Childersburg
Childersburg, Alabama, is a place bursting with adventure and charm. Located in the north-central part of the state, Childersburg sits in southwest Talladega County. The small town’s story began in 1836 when settlers arrived in the area. In 1868, a sawmill was built, and thus a timber-producing industry emerged. Some of the best things to do and see in Childersburg include historic caverns, a charming grist mill, and a Victorian museum.
Dive below the earth’s surface at the Majestic Caverns, caves nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Childersburg. The caves remain at 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and tours include an incredible laser light show. Experience local history with a visit to the Kymulga Grist Mill & Covered Bridge. The charming 105-foot covered bridge, built in the 1860s, located in Kymulga Grist Mill Park, spans across the Talladega Creek and sits next to the operational Kymulga Grist Mill. Surrounding nature trails make for a relaxing way to spend a day. Find additional local history at the Butler-Harris Rainwater Museum. Built in 1894, the house features Victorian-era architecture and is fitted with period-appropriate furnishings.
A journey to Alabama can be an unforgettable one. Alabama offers excitement for animal lovers, with places like the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge in Eufaula, where you can see local wildlife, and the Alabama Aquarium on Dauphin Island, where you can witness sea life. Spending time in the great outdoors is possible in places like Wetumpka at the Wetumpka Impact Center, Spring Park in Tuscumbia, and the unique setting below the earth’s surface at the Majestic Caverns in Childersburg. You can find local entertainment in settings like the Mort Glosser Amphitheater in Gadsden and the Tuskegee Repertory Theatre Inc. in Tuskegee. You can find treasures where the locals do at places like The Big Mill Antique Mall in Fort Payne. Small Alabama towns provide a perfect blend of fun recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
