The Best Small Towns In Alabama To Chill Out
Getting away and slowing down from the daily hustle and bustle of life is much needed, and a great place to go to do this is Alabama. From quiet bed and breakfasts to rolling mountains and peaceful seaports, these Alabama towns are crafted to perfection to serve your needs to chill out with your loved ones.
Fairhope
With a population of 22,035, this town sits at the edge of Mobile Bay. With a lakeside view, enjoy the native animals and plants, such as oak trees, Spanish moss, and bougainvillea bushes. Feel relaxed and sit lakeside, taking in a deep lungful of air — the definition of chill. Fish like bass, crappie, and catfish swim in the waters. In town, stay at the Grand Hotel resort that spans 550 acres with gardens, a spa, pools, and even your very own private beach. Talk about peace and quiet with a taste of luxury. If you like bird watching, visit Knoll Park. With a variety of pink and red azalea bushes, the park is on Magnolia Street. Some other local parks and trails include Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park, Beach Park Tree Trail, and Mariette Johnson Botanical Garden and Tree Trail.
Fort Payne
Fun fact: Fort Payne is labeled the "Sock Capital of the World." When the sock industry boomed in 1990, the town housed over 100 sock mills, and one out of every eight pairs were created in the town. Today, people come to this town for a secluded getaway to take in the silhouette of the Appalachian Mountains while hiking in its vegetation. People also admire Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park, which contain mesmerizing waterfalls. Imagine sitting on a sturdy rock, closing your eyes, and listening to the steady stream of a waterfall, calming your heart rate instantly.
Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is an ideal beach town with lapping waves and stretching boardwalks. The town's population is 15,736, and it boasts a resort community. On its white sand beaches, spot dolphins and go on cruises in the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical, luxury resort life meets small-town vibes. Explore Gulf State Park and be one with nature. It spans 6,500 acres and contains trails, dunes, and marshes. Keep a keen eye out for native, migratory birds, like owls and woodpeckers. If you keep an especially careful eye out, you may witness sea turtles nesting on the shore.
Opelika
Near the college town of Auburn resides Opelika, where students flock to get an ideal small-town experience. This town offers a more modern, relaxing experience with shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Women find new clothes at Studio 3:19, and people get a caffeine boost from the popular café Mama Mocha's Coffee. If coffee is not for you, this quaint town also has a tea house, The Well. With tea and maybe a book in hand, sit down and read in Bandy Park at 300 Jeter Avenue. Curl up on the seat of a picnic table or bunker down in the covered pavilion. All that is left is getting lost in your book and relaxing in the quiet park.
Guntersville
In 2022, Guntersville, Alabama, was in the voting run for the South's best lake towns. With 1,000 miles of shore, only easy living and laidback lifestyles exist here. Before exploring the town, book a night or two at Guntersville Bed and Breakfast to enjoy brunch lakeside on Lake Guntersville. The lake is the biggest in Alabama, spanning 69,100 acres and 75 miles, flowing to Guntersville Dam. Dive into nature at Lake Guntersville State Park. The park's borders run along the Tennessee River and contain 6,000 acres of a woodland ecosystem. The park is a conservation area with a healthy bald eagle population.
Magnolia Springs
The name of this town sounds like it comes straight out of a book, and well, it is almost as beautiful as fiction. Except, it is even better because it exists in real life. With a population of 1,129, it makes for a perfect lodging location to travel to the beach and coasts during the day. Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast is a favorite, and it is near a top restaurant, Jesse's, where they serve fresh catfish. On Magnolia Springs Road, find Magnolia Springs State Park. It houses turtles and alligators and has a spring that flows through it (about 7 million gallons each day).
Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has a population of 16,618 and is perfect for music lovers. Top attractions in this town include FAME Recording Studios, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Fun fact: Aretha Franklin and Percy Sledge used to record music at FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. The venue offers residents and tourists backstage tours for people to see the publishing headquarters, as well as musical awards and instruments. Alabama Music Hall of Fame is a short 11-minute drive out of town, with the goal of keeping Alabama's music history alive. With awards and photos, the exhibits highlight successful artists and musicians in the area. For an outdoor experience, head to Muscle Shoals Recreation Center and Gattman Park. Throughout these green areas are ponds to admire. Next, stop by Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings and see how high you can go on their spicy scale. They offer traditional and boneless options.
Monroeville
Calling all bookworms! Did you know that Monroeville, Alabama, is the town that inspired the infamous novel, To Kill a Mockingbird? Monroeville is the hometown of its author - Harper Lee. Dive deep into the story and check out the courthouse, which is a prominent scene in the book. Visit the Old Courthouse Museum and admire the 1900's antebellum architecture. Entrance is free, and people can explore all levels, from balconies to witness chairs to judge benches and attorney tables. A few parks dot the town, like Veterans Park, Whitley Lee Park, and Clausell Park. For a bite to eat, stop at Hunters Run Bar & Grill to enjoy southern foods like pulled pork and fried fish.
Hiking by trickling springs, watching bald eagles soaring in the sky, enjoying lakeside breakfasts — all of these chilling-out options, and more, exist in Alabama's charming small towns. Hence, it is time to head out to these towns to unwind, chill out, and destress from the swiftness of life. No matter which town you choose, you are sure to have a peaceful experience and go home feeling recharged.
