Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Where are Alabama’s quirkiest towns? World Atlas found them and told us why
Reading time: 3 minutes
Several times a year, World Atlas publishes stories about Alabama. Usually, they are pretty predictable — “Best Main Streets in Alabama” or “Cutest towns in Alabama.”
This month, the popular publication outdid itself by publishing a list of the, “Quirkiest Towns.”
Curious where made the list and why? Drumroll, please…
Elberta
Move over Stonehenge — in Elberta, Alabama we have Bamahenge! This little sleepy coastal town of 2,000+ people in Baldwin County has three “quirky” art installations you can find nowhere else in the world. Created by artist Mark Cline, they are:
All made of fiberglass, they are odd and delightful.
Scottsboro
On the other corner of the state in Northeast Alabama, the town of Scottsboro has some very quirky vibes. For example, the town is home to Unclaimed Baggage, the famous spot where everyone’s lost airport luggage goes to find a new home.
If you love wildlife, check out Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge. The relatively small 260+ acres refuge is home to 200-400,000 bats.
Enterprise
What’s quirky in Enterprise? Boll weevils. Or rather, the statue in the middle of town honoring the pest that changed (for the better) agriculture in the region.
Also strange… along with the statue downtown, there are 30+ 6-foot creatively painted and designed “weevils” in front of storefronts.
Now, that’s weird.
The rest of the list
Who else made the World Atlas quirkiest town list?
- Tuscumbia — Helen Keller’s birthplace, the town also is home to Rattlesnake Saloon, which is located under a natural bluff.
- Fort Payne — Once the “sock capital” of the world, Fort Payne is also home to the legendary country music group ALABAMA.
- Mentone — Home to Desoto Falls (one of the largest waterfalls in Alabama), Mentone is on the best glass to buy original art in the state.
- Monroeville — Home to Harper Lee and Truman Capote, the community puts on a play of To Kill a Mockingbird each year.
- Anniston — In downtown, there is a 33-foot-tall chair that was built 43 years ago to attract customers to the Miller’s Office Supply store.
Did World Atlas get the list right? Some of our honorable mentions?
How about the Coon Dog Cemetery in Cherokee, Alabama or Wetumpka – home to the Astrobeme, an 80+ million old crater?
Tell us what Alabama town is the quirkiest by tagging us at @thebamabuzz on social media!
