9 Best Towns In Alabama For A Two-Day Recharge

Have you ever felt like you can't take all the stress that life throws your way any longer, and that you are about to collapse under the weight of it all? That's your body crying for rest, for a recharge. And it does not have to be an expensive trip. Alabama is dotted with several peaceful towns that offer relaxation and adventure in almost equal measure. Some of them are unbelievably beautiful, making you feel as though you are in the middle of a fairytale. From Muscle Shoals to Mentone, discover below the 9 best towns in Alabama for a two-day recharge.

Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is a neat, beautiful river town, conveniently located just over an hour east of Huntsville. If you love music (who doesn't?) and want to explore a location with that kind of culture and heritage, we would not be remiss in saying that Muscle Shoals is among the best towns in Alabama for music lore. It has drawn some of the world’s greatest musical artists, many of whom recorded their albums in the studios around, especially in the 1960s and 70s. There is the Fame Recording Studios on Avalon Avenue, associated with names like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Wilson Pickett.

There is also the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, famed for recording albums by the likes of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. You can dabble into some enjoyable outdoor games at a place like the Cypress Lakes Golf & Tennis, right in the heart of town, or explore Gattman Park, which has well-groomed grounds and awesome walking trails. If spending the night, Days Inn by Wyndham is reasonably priced and is near the restaurants and shops in the downtown area.

Gadsden

Gadsden is a small, quaint town with an Old West feel that reclines along the Coosa River, just an hour northeast of Birmingham. It is in the mountainous Cumberland Plateau, famous for its dramatic geological setting, meaning you will feast your eyes on showy landscapes brimming with outdoor attractions. Speaking of the outdoors, the 100-foot Noccalula Waterfall is a huge draw with tourists and is ensconced in a nice, well-cared-for park. Most people would describe the hike to the falls as “moderate,” although it gets harder as you near the sparkling wonder. Still, the views and the overall experience are all worth the effort.

You can catch an afternoon show at Pitman Theater, a comfy venue with a historic feel and Old World ambiance. It was designed by Birmingham-based architect David O. Whilldin and opened its doors on September 26, 1947. That said, Gadsden (and the area around) is a fantastic base for exploring Northern Alabama’s charming wineries. Jules J Berta Vineyards, for example, is just down the road in Albertville. People rave about its fantastic environment, delicious wines, and excellent wood-fired pizza. Spend the night at Gadsden Inn & Suites, a convenient venue nicely placed on the river with beautiful water views.

Fort Payne

You can never go wrong with Fort Payne, a small, relaxing town with a couple of AirBnBs within walking distance of the downtown, enjoyable car shows from time to time, cute, locally owned restaurants, and some of the best outdoor venues in Alabama. There is Little River Canyon, one of the most spectacular landforms for miles. The canyon is carved into the flat top of Lookout Mountain and reaches depths in excess of 600 feet in certain sections, making it one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi and the deepest in the entire state. The canyon often overshadows the Little River, but the river is also enchantingly beautiful and pristine.

You will enjoy swimming, fishing, climbing, and world-class whitewater paddling, which often reaches peak season in winter and spring. Canyon Rim Drive (Alabama State Road 176) hugs the west rim of Little River Canyon and features scenic views and a series of panoramic overlooks. Fort Payne is also the access point to Desoto State Park, loved for its walking trails and waterfalls. The park's quiet campgrounds offer spacious sites with full hookups. There is the Alabama Fan Club and Museum, which celebrates the legendary country music band, Alabama, and the Great Buck Lodge, a diamond in the rough that offers excellent accommodation.

Guntersville

If you want to spend your weekend in some chill spot by the water, most Alabama Natives will recommend Guntersville, a laid-back venue in a peninsula surrounded by the 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville. No wonder it has been nicknamed “Alabama’s Lake City.” Not just that, the town provides access to the Tennessee River, a playground for boating, fishing, and other water sports. But the lake defines almost every aspect of Guntersville, and no words can describe the feeling, especially when the orange glow flares across the water, turning floating boats into hazy silhouettes.

That is why people flock to spots such as the 4-mile-long Sunset Drive Trail, Guntersville City Harbor ( don't miss strolling on the boardwalk), and Tom Jackson Park, which offers picturesque walking trails and heartwarming water views. Stay at the clean and rustic Lake Guntersville Bed & Breakfast, where you can sit outside and enjoy the breeze from the porch swings.

Gulf Shores

Even if you have visited Gulf Shores a thousand times, you will always be pulled back. The sugar-white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico are unapologetically hypnotic and can often make a weekend end like a whisper in the wind. There's always a lot of stuff to do here and much to eat, especially if you love sweet, deep-water shrimp, or fresh oysters, whether served raw, chargrilled, or fried. You can spend the whole day at Gulf State Park, explore the pier and beach, and spend the night at the beautiful campground. Just know that Gulf State Park is home to the largest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico.

But the downtown area also packs a punch, especially with places like Souvenir City, which offers a wide variety of beach-themed items, including hermit crabs, shells, and t-shirts. Meanwhile, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is today in an expansive, 25-acre property and is home to over 300 animals. It is a fun spot to mingle with lemurs, sloths, and alligators. Spend the night at Island Sunrise or the several condos along the beach.

Opelika

Be warned that you will fall in love with Opelika, and it will be hard to break off the attachment. With its colourful murals, hip hangouts, and lively music scene, Opelika should not be overshadowed by Auburn, its big sister to the west. Plan on spending the night at Heritage House Lodging & Events, where furnishings are compatible with the time period of the house, meaning you can imagine yourself back in the day. Heritage House was originally built as a single-family residence in 1913 and maintains a strict no-smoking policy within its precincts. If you enjoy walking on wooded trails, as you wash your face in the fresh, fragrant air, Spring Villa Park is a small-town gem worth checking out. It is simple but quiet, and features a clean, well-maintained campground.

The Museum of East Alabama keeps a tremendous amount of wonderful historical items, including exhibits from the POW camp in Opelika. Also, the Opelika Courthouse is a beautiful historic spot in the heart of downtown. You will enjoy sitting by the courthouse fountain, a great place to relax, people-watch, and take in the small-town charm. The best part is that Auburn is just a blink away.

Selma

To enjoy a weekend recharge, you don't have to sweat it out on a difficult trail or spend the whole day on a breezy beach. If you love American history, you know there is a ton of interesting stuff to enjoy in some towns, and in any direction. Some of these towns, like Selma, were the sites of events that proved to be points of inflection in the nation's history. The Selma-to-Montgomery March, which drew the world's attention and put the whole country on edge, led to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Today, you can walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and feel the mood of the historic movement, or browse the well-curated National Voting Rights Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles the marchers faced. Taking the cue, the Old Depot Museum evocative exhibits that range from cannons made for the Confederacy to handwritten receipts for enslaved persons. Quench your thirst with some tropical fruit paradise tea at Happiness Nutrition 27, and then spend the night at Hampton Inn Selma.

Mentone

You may have previously viewed Mentone as just a “shortcut” to Atlanta. If that's the case, you have been missing a beautiful slice of Alabama with rustic log cabins, heart-melting mountain views, several outdoor attractions, and tasty food. Mentone is peacefully nestled in the woodlands of Lookout Mountain, and, at more than 1700 feet, boasts the highest elevation of any city in Alabama. Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort has rental cabins and chalets, and is a cool spot to ski for a couple of hours.

It has the distinction of being the state's only ski resort. Shady Grove Horse Ranch sits adjacent to the ski resort and is a wonderful place to ride well-cared-for horses in a woodsy setting. But the truth is that the two attractions, however beautiful, pale in comparison to De Soto Falls, a stunning spectacle in a calm, peaceful landscape with well-maintained trails, killer views, and several recreation opportunities. Stop at the eclectic Wildflower Café, and spend the night at Blueberry Falls Farm, a quiet and rustic getaway with quaint, uniquely decorated homes.

Eufaula

This East Alabama town border town is home to the state's second-largest historic district, a space you can enjoy browsing all weekend. The district features more than 700 historic and architecturally significant structures, including Shorter Mansion, whose furnishings are representative of the period. If you swing by in April, you can take part in the Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage, Alabama's oldest tour of historic homes. It often features old churches, outdoor art exhibits, tea gardens, and antique shows.

You can take a well-timed break by mingling with American alligators, white-tailed deer, and coyotes at the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, an 11,184-acre facility located a short drive from the town. Alternatively, Lakepoint State Park is tastefully set on the banks of Lake Eufaula and has plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Set your base at Eufaula House, a fantastic B&B with all the Southern charm and comfort you’d expect from a small town stay.

So, whether you like heart-stirring mountain views or the soft, soothing ambiance of a seaside location, Alabama is beautifully pockmarked by slow-paced locations ideal for a two-day recharge. From the sugar-white beaches that ring the Gulf of Mexico to the jaw-dropping mountains that graze the inland clouds, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience punctuated with tasty food and hearty laughs. You only need one accessory: a good camera.