20240618 080814 46997B 3 Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs — Doesn’t this patio look inviting? (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

If you like to vacation at Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, you might’ve driven past Magnolia Springs without even realizing it. This tiny Coastal Alabama town has a population of less than 850 residents, but some really cute historic buildings and a whole lot of Southern charm.

Keep reading for three reasons you’ll fall in love with Magnolia Springs.

The history

Img 9828 Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs — You know a town is going to be good when it has one of these. (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

Originally founded by a Spanish Land grant in 1800, Magnolia Springs has long been a place where Northerners and Southerners collide. After the Civil War, soldiers from both sides moved to the adorable riverfront hamlet to build an amazing tiny town.

The Community Hall dates back to the Antebellum era, it was built in 1894. The town center, which is more of an intersection, is comprised of three historic buildings—the Community Hall, Jesse’s Restaurant and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Across the roadway is a truly stunning arboretum.

Img 9838 Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs — Historical marker on the Community Hall. (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

Nestled just behind oak-lined streets is the Magnolia River, the driving force behind the town’s establishment. It was once proclaimed “the purest in the world” by some big-city chemical companies.

FUN FACT: Magnolia Springs is the only town in the continental U.S. that has a river-based mail delivery service. Imagine getting your Amazon Prime packages by boat!

The quaint feel

Img 9780 Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs — Lots of episcopal churches have red doors to symbolize them being a sanctuary. (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a town this picturesque anywhere else in Baldwin County. 100+ year-old Magnolia and Wisteria trees engulf historic buildings in beautiful greenery—and a shady place to walk.

Inside the historic Moore Bros Store, which was originally opened as a grocery store in 1922, is now Jesse’s Restaurant. The restaurant opened in 1999 after the historic building was in danger of falling into obsolescence. Today, it’s known as a hidden gem steakhouse in Baldwin County.

Img 9787 Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs — On the grounds of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Magnolia Springs. (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay and get a feel for the town. You’ll feel like a local, waking up in the historic home with a complimentary breakfast.

The grounds at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church are truly stunning, too.

Location, location, location

20240618 080831 4Bfe29 Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs — Looks straight out of a movie set. (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

As someone who’s lived on the Gulf Coast for a decade now, I’ll be the first to tell you that the beach isn’t where you want to live. You want to live 30 minutes away from the beach, where you don’t have the influx of tourists but you can still access the water quickly.

Magnolia Springs is about 30 minutes away from Gulf Shores and a little further from Orange Beach. That’s the primo “beach” living, in my opinion. Plus, you’re still close to the water!

Not to mention, you’re about 25 minutes away from the adorable city of Fairhope, with its artsy culture and great food scene.

20240618 080758 4733F8 Baldwin County, Magnolia Springs — The old Moore Bros sign still remains. (Liv George / The Bama Buzz)

Love small towns in Alabama? We’ve visited a few others, like:

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