9 Quirkiest Alabama Towns To Visit In 2025
Alabama may be known for its rich history and Southern hospitality, but tucked between the beaches and backroads are towns that march to the beat of their own (very quirky) drum. Imagine strolling through a sock museum in a town once dubbed the Hosiery Capital of the World, coming across a life-sized fiberglass Stonehenge hidden in the woods, or visiting a popular café famously known for tomato pie. You'll also find unexpected gems that offer something entirely different, from lakeside celebrations and literary landmarks to whimsical castles and coastal Christmas boat parades. In 2025, discover Alabama’s most delightfully odd and unforgettable small towns.
Fort Payne
Fort Payne is a town full of small-town surprises nestled in the Appalachian foothills. Known as the "Sock Capital of the World," it continues to celebrate its history in unique and entertaining ways. The Hosiery Museum, for example, features fascinating displays and exhibits that highlight the development of sock-making. Among other notable things to know about Fort Payne is that it's the birthplace of the country group Alabama. If you stop by City Park, you'll come across bronze statues of the members, which make for a great photo opportunity if you're a huge Alabama fan. When it comes to events to attend in 2025, one major event comes to mind. In August each year, the town hosts Pete the Cat Day, a vibrant celebration honoring the well-known children's book character created by local artist James Dean.
Eclectic
Eclectic is a quirky, character-filled town that lives up to its name. If you plan to visit there in 2025, make sure to attend the Alabama Cotton Festival, a festive celebration typically held on the second Saturday in October. For this particular event, residents and locals gather to enjoy cotton-themed pageants, a parade, vintage cars, and a vibrant 5K race.
Beyond its events, many dining establishments set Eclectic apart from other towns. One of which is Cotton's Alabama Barbecue, a slightly odd yet popular eatery housed within an old Texaco gas station. Its rustic exterior shouldn't steer you away, as it's known for having some of the best ribs, burgers, and chicken in town. After dining, shop at Bless Your Heart of Alabama for handcrafted items, such as gifts or keepsakes, to remember your visit. For a day outdoors, take a short drive to Lake Martin for live music performances at the outdoor amphitheater with its serene lake surrounding you.
Elberta
If you’re drawn to the quirky and unusual, Elberta is Alabama’s delightfully strange coastal town that’s impossible to forget. Just off the Gulf Coast, this small town is home to Barber Marina. More than just a boating dock, it features Bamahenge, a full-scale fiberglass replica of England's Stonehenge monument, towering metal knights standing guard, and colossal dinosaurs hidden among the trees. For more unique attractions, visit the Baldwin County Heritage Museum, which offers free admission. It has many incredible displays, including a working windmill, an old blacksmith shop, a vintage chapel, and a potato shed.
Even more interesting is that twice a year, in the spring and the fall, the town bursts into lively celebration during the Elberta German Sausage Festival, where German heritage shines through with hearty cuisine, vibrant crafts, and energetic polka dancing. It's a major draw that not only brings the community together for fun festivities but also charity, as the event is a town fundraiser led by volunteers from the Elberta Fire Department.
Monroeville
Monroeville holds a special place in the hearts of literary lovers everywhere. As the hometown of Alabama’s most famous authors, Harper Lee and Truman Capote, it proudly wears the title “Literary Capital of Alabama.” The Old Courthouse Museum, for example, transforms the historic courthouse, which is said to be the inspiration for the setting in "To Kill a Mockingbird," into a stage for a moving, immersive presentation of the beloved novel. When it comes to significant events, the annual multi-day Monroe Literary Festival features readings, workshops, and book signings, inviting you to celebrate the written word on a grander scale.
While Monroeville may be famous for its literary connection, there's much more to discover there. Grab something to eat at Big Potato Company, where everything on the menu revolves around the mighty spud, or savor smoked meats at Cherry Street BBQ’s. This local favorite draws in huge crowds as it's only open on the first and third Saturday of the month. After a hearty meal, stroll through town to spot colorful murals and bronze statues of literary legends before heading out on a scenic driving tour that winds through Monroe County’s backroads and history.
Fairhope
Situated on a bluff along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, Fairhope may be known for its coastal beauty, but it’s the town’s unusualness and creative spirit that make it one of the places to visit in 2025. While in town, you'll find whimsical surprises, such as Storybook Castles, tiny fairytale cottages tucked away in quiet corners, and hidden fairy doors waiting to be discovered in local shops and gardens. Even a simple stroll down the flower-lined streets feels like stepping into a Southern storybook.
Besides quirky castles, fall in love with other things that make Fairhope unique. For one, Page & Palette, a beloved indie bookstore in the town’s French Quarter, is a must-visit. You can not only pick up your next beach read there, but you can also sip wine from the in-house bar, attend a poetry reading, or even drop in for a yoga class. It’s the kind of unexpected mashup that just works and perfectly sums up Fairhope’s off-center charm. You'll also want to stop by the Hermit Hut at Tolstoy Park. Built in the 1920s by a barefoot hermit named Henry Stuart, the sight of the tiny round home offers a strange yet soulful glimpse into Alabama’s past.
Bayou La Batre
If you’re into fresh seafood, small-town Southern charm, and a dash of movie trivia, Bayou La Batre is the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem worth discovering. It’s famously known as Bubba’s hometown from "Forrest Gump," but this coastal Alabama town is full of real-life character. Shrimp boats dock daily along the bayou, and it’s not uncommon to grab a bite at Catalina Bayou or Lighthouse. Of course, you can't come to Bayou La Batre without experiencing one of the town's biggest events: Blessing of the Fleet. The annual celebration perfectly combines faith, fishing, and fun. Streets fill with live music, gumbo cook-offs, and local crafts that capture the soul of the town. If you visit Bayou La Batre later in 2025, you'll want to be sure to attend the Christmas Boat Parade in December. The festive event brings a cozy coastal vibe, with twinkling lights reflecting on the water as festively decorated boats glide past.
Tuscumbia
Most people know Tuscumbia as the birthplace of Helen Keller, and visiting Ivy Green, her childhood home, is every bit as moving as you’d expect. But beyond the history, the charming town has a playful, unexpected side that you'll want to explore in 2025. For starters, the town has a working vintage train depot where you can learn all about the locomotives and imagine the golden days of travel. Then there’s Spring Park, where a nearly 50-foot-tall manmade waterfall cascades into a lake filled with paddleboats and ducks. There's also a water and light show, which feels delightfully over-the-top in the best way.
You’ll also find the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, a top attraction, where you can belt out your favorite hits in a real sound booth and see wild memorabilia worn by musicians who hail from Alabama. And for those who love an old-fashioned treasure hunt, local antique shops, such as Funky Monkey Of The Shoals, are full of unexpected finds.
Eufaula
Nestled on the shimmering shores of Walter F. George Lake, Eufaula is a true Southern treasure. Known as the “Big Bass Capital of the World,” it draws anglers of all skill levels to the exciting Eufaula Bass Trail Tournament Series, where fishing is more than just a hobby—it’s a celebrated way of life. While in town, don’t forget to snap a selfie with “Manny the Bass,” the larger-than-life fish statue that perfectly captures the town’s spirited charm.
But Eufaula’s magic extends far beyond the water. If you love nature, take time to stroll along the tranquil trails of the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. If you're more of a history buff, wander the charming historic district, where antebellum homes and elegant architecture tell stories from the past. In the fall, Eufaula truly comes alive during the annual Pilgrimage event, in which beautifully preserved historic homes open their doors, inviting you to step back in time and experience genuine Southern hospitality.
Mentone
Perched high atop Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama, Mentone is the kind of place that feels like it was pulled straight from a storybook. Beyond its breathtaking mountain scenery, Mentone’s charm is rooted in its creativity. While there, spend the morning showing off your artistic side with a painting or pottery class at the Mentone Arts Center, then stroll over to the Log Cabin Craft Village, where local artisans sell everything from handmade soaps to colorful quilts and carved woodwork.
In the fall, the town really comes alive with the Mentone Fall Festival, a community celebration filled with live music, local eats, and vendors. And when winter rolls in, Mentone doesn’t slow down. The holiday season brings cozy cheer with festive markets, mountain views dusted with frost, and a tree lighting that feels more like a warm neighborhood gathering than a big production. No matter when you visit, no trip to Mentone is complete without stopping by the Wildflower Café for their famously quirky tomato pie.
Discover Alabama’s Delightfully Offbeat Side In 2025
What makes these Alabama towns so memorable isn’t just the giant fish statues, sausage festivals, or slices of tomato pie; it’s the feeling you get while you’re there. It’s chatting with locals at a roadside café, stumbling upon an unexpected art installation, or exploring a museum dedicated to musicals that call Alabama home. These are the places where stories live in every corner, and where slowing down feels like the whole point. In a fast-moving world, Alabama’s quirkiest towns offer a warm, welcoming reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never saw coming.
