8 Romantic Small Towns In Alabama For A 3-Day Weekend
From the sprawling mountains to long plains and warm beaches, Alabama is a relaxing state with plenty to explore. It is especially appealing for couples looking for romantic getaways, as each town offers a different experience. You might choose between historical cities like Eufaula, known for its collection of stately mansions rich in culture, or Mentone, home to a beautiful 107-foot waterfall that is particularly striking during the fall season. Either way, the variety speaks to Alabama’s range, and towns like these and several others create fitting settings for a romantic weekend escape.\
Mentone
A slice of mountain life could feel close to home, figuratively speaking, in Mentone. This cozy mountain village moves at a slower pace and offers scenic views and outdoor activity. You can experience that immediately with a stay at The Hatter Country Inn, one of the town’s more romantic accommodations. The inn features private porches for its two guest suites, Jacuzzi hot tubs, and Alice in Wonderland-inspired theming.
Visiting Mentone during the fall is especially appealing because of DeSoto State Park. The park is filled with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls, which are even more striking when paired with fall colors. Even outside of autumn, the scenery remains impressive, and visitors may also have the opportunity to take part in yoga sessions organized by the park for a nominal fee.
Another pleasant walk is The Pathway to Community. Though only a quarter mile long, it features musical instrument installations placed along the trail.
Florence
Regardless of the kind of traveler you are, Florence is a worthwhile stop. Known as Alabama’s “Renaissance City,” it offers historical landmarks, local dining, and scenic views. For a stay that reflects this blend of old and new, the Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa provides Southern hospitality paired with modern amenities that suit the town well.
Throughout the city, visitors will find several notable attractions. One of the most prominent is the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House. This residence is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Alabama and includes original furniture designed by Wright himself. Another key site is the Florence Indian Mound and Museum. Located at the base of a 43-foot-high mound, the museum serves as an educational center that tells the story of Native Americans who lived in the Shoals area for nearly 10,000 years. Visitors can also climb the mound and take in views of the surrounding area.
The experience can be rounded out with a visit to the 360 Grille. Located within the resort, the restaurant offers Four Diamond dining alongside views of the lakes and the Tennessee River Valley.
Dauphin Island
Located a short distance south of Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island has a warm climate that can feel reminiscent of the Caribbean. Often called the Sunset Capital of Alabama, the island is known for its memorable views, many of which can be enjoyed from the various accommodations spread across the area. Willow Tree Cottage, in particular, offers a large deck and views overlooking the waters of Aloe Bay.
While it is easy to spend a weekend near the marina, the island offers additional attractions worth exploring. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary provides a change of scenery from the beach, with 164 acres of woodlands and miles of walking trails that pass through pines, live oaks, magnolias, swamps, and Gulf beaches. The Alabama Aquarium adds context to the area’s marine life through interactive exhibits focused on local plants and animals. The visit can be rounded out with local dining, including Islanders Restaurant & Bar, which offers indoor and outdoor seating and serves Gulf seafood with waterfront views.
Fairhope
Known as a haven for artists, writers, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs, Fairhope appeals to couples seeking a relaxed weekend getaway. The town’s strong sense of community helps shape the visitor experience, beginning with accommodations such as the Bay Breeze Guest House, a secluded three-acre property located along the shores of Mobile Bay.
The town is carefully maintained, which is evident at the Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park. The area includes walking trails lined with nearly 500 species of trees, gardens filled with azalea bushes that bloom pink and red in the spring, and a 1,448-foot pier suitable for walking, fishing, or relaxing. To sample the area’s culinary creativity, Another Broken Egg Cafe is known for breakfast, lunch, and brunch dishes prepared with thoughtful presentation. Fairhope is also a popular spot for antiquing and shopping. Brenny’s Jewelry Company offers a range of pieces, from fine diamonds to more casual designs.
Fort Payne
Situated between two mountain ranges, Fort Payne serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes. Traveling in either direction from town leads to state and national parks with a range of options for exploration. One notable accommodation is Coyote Cabin, located within the Woodland Retreat and near DeSoto State Park.
Beyond DeSoto State Park, the Little River Canyon National Preserve offers expansive canyon views and one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi River. Even stepping out from the parking area is memorable, as visitors are greeted by a 45-foot waterfall.
Within town, Fort Payne has a strong connection to its history. The Depot Museum is housed in a pink sandstone Richardson Romanesque building once used by the Alabama Great Southern Railroad. Today, it displays railroad memorabilia, handcrafted dioramas dating back to 1913, and Indian artifacts. The Hosiery Museum highlights Fort Payne’s past as the “Sock Capital of the World,” with exhibits that trace the sock industry from its early beginnings through its peak years.
Monroeville
Best known for its connection to Harper Lee and the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Monroeville appeals to more than literary enthusiasts. A fitting place to stay is the Mockingbird Inn & Suites, where remodeled rooms combine modern amenities with a sense of local history.
Spring is an ideal time to visit, as the To Kill a Mockingbird Play is staged on weekends from late March through early May. Reflecting the town’s literary identity, visitors can follow the Literary Capital Bronze Sculpture Trail, which includes 14 permanent sculptures located throughout downtown. These works honor 10 writers who helped establish Monroeville as the Literary Capital of Alabama. For a quieter outdoor setting, Whitey Lee Park offers a walking trail, a picnic pavilion, and a lake stocked with catfish and bream.
Tuscumbia
Known as the birthplace of Helen Keller, Tuscumbia has developed a community shaped by her legacy, historic attractions, and local character. One place that reflects this atmosphere is the Coldwater Inn, a boutique hotel offering a fitness center, room service, and a central downtown location.
Spring Park is a notable stop and serves as a gathering place for community events and outdoor activities. The park features a 51-jet fountain and cascading waterfalls that create a scenic backdrop for photos. Visitors interested in local history can tour Ivy Green, the home where Helen Keller grew up, which displays her personal belongings and original furnishings. Another historical site is the Tuscumbia Railroad Depot, which highlights the role early railroads played in the development of the area.
Eufaula
The grandeur of Eufaula becomes apparent upon arrival, with antebellum architecture lining the streets throughout town. The many preserved mansions reflect the pride Eufaula takes in its history. For lodging with convenient access to local attractions, the Econo Lodge offers affordable rates and a central location.
To experience these historic homes more closely, visitors can attend the Eufaula Pilgrimage, held in early April. During the event, more than 700 structures listed on the National Historic Register are open to the public. Outside of the pilgrimage, the town’s setting still lends itself to relaxed exploration. The Yoholo Miccoe Trail combines history, culture, and natural scenery, highlighting the people and events that shaped the region. Another historic stop is the Hart House, one of the town’s oldest homes. Built by John Hart around 1850, the home has been preserved and remains open for visitors.
From Mountains to Coast, A Romantic Alabama Weekend
From walking along the beaches of Dauphin Island to taking in the natural scenery around Fort Payne and other destinations, Alabama offers a range of settings suited to a slower pace. The state’s small towns reflect a mix of landscapes, history, and local character that lend themselves well to a romantic weekend away. With such varied experiences across short distances, couples can enjoy time together while exploring different parts of the state. Each visit offers something distinct, making Alabama a place that can be returned to with new experiences waiting each time.
