WorldAtlas ranks top 8 off-the-beaten-path towns in Alabama

While Alabama is well-known for cities like Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery, it’s also home to an array of charming and eclectic small towns with tons of charm and character.

Recently, WorldAtlas compiled a list of 8 off-the-beaten-path towns in Alabama with unique histories, hidden treasures and outdoor adventures. Read on to find out which towns made the list, and why.

1. Fairhope

Nestled along the Mobile Bay, Fairhope is a picturesque town with all kinds of charming shops and cafés.

Whether you’re watching the sunset on the Fairhope Pier or having a picnic at Henry George Bluff Park, it’s the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenic atmosphere.

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Fairhope Museum of History
• Weeks Bay Reserve
• Page & Palette

Plus, check out our guide to the perfect day in Fairhope.

2. Eufaula

Located on the Chattahoochee River, Eufaula is renowned for its preserved Antebellum-era architecture.

Plus, if you’re a nature lover, this is the place for you—it has high biodiversity, world-famous bass fishing and great hiking trails.

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Shorter Mansion 
• Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
• Lakepoint State Park

3. Mooresville

Did you know that Mooresville is Alabama’s oldest incorporated town? This small town offers a glimpse into the past with historic architecture, cobblestone streets and rustic shops.

It’s also renowned for its agricultural heritage. At places like 1818 Farms, visitors can take part in tours, learn about sustainable farming practices and even purchase artisan-made products crafted from the farm’s resources.

Its history and beauty also makes it a popular wedding venue.

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Mooresville Post Office
• Lime Rock Bridge
• Mooresville Brick Church

4. Mentone

If you’re an Alabamian and haven’t visited Mentone, you might be missing out on the state’s cutest and coziest hideaway. Famous for its natural wonders like DeSoto Falls and Little River Canyon, the town is beloved for its artsy charm and warm hospitality.

Mentone is my go-to retreat when I need a peaceful getaway, the perfect place to rent a cabin and unwind for a few days.

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Mentone Arts & Cultural Center
• The Wildflower Café
• Little River Canyon National Preserve

5. Magnolia Springs

It’s the city that seems to be making national lists every time you turn around.

There are just over 800 people who officially live in Magnolia Springs but more people come through the town every day to enjoy its beauty and charm. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a town this picturesque, with 100+ year-old Magnolia and Wisteria trees engulfing historic buildings in beautiful greenery.

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!

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Weeks Bay Estuary
• Jesse’s Restaurant
• Historic Homes Tour

6. Monroeville

Located between Mobile and Montgomery, Monroeville has rich history that is beautifully preserved in the modern age. The town holds the title of “Literary Capital of Alabama” for its connection to famous American authors Truman Capote and Harper Lee.

FUN FACT: Monroeville was the inspiration for Harper Lee’s fictional town of Maycomb in To Kill A Mockingbird. It also draws hundreds of book lovers to The Monroeville Literary Festival every year!

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Lynmarie’s Coffee
• Katherine Lee Rose Garden
• Alabama River Trails
• Old Monroe County Courthouse Museum

7. Guntersville

With its ideal location on the water, Guntersville is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

After spending the day kayaking and fishing on Lake Guntersville, there are plenty of family-owned stores and restaurants to explore in this laid-back town. Plus, it hosts fun seasonal events like the Festival of Trees during Christmastime.

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Top O’ the River restaurant
• Lake Guntersville State Park
• Guntersville Museum

8. Wetumpka

As WorldAtlas puts it, Wetumpka is a town “shaped by both natural forces and cultural charm,” and we couldn’t agree more. Its history begins some 80 to 83 million years ago when a meteor struck the region, now known as the Wetumpka Impact Crater.

Wetumpka also well-known for being the site of filming for the movie adaptation of Big Fish, directed by Tim Burton.

Here are some of its must-see attractions, according to WorldAtlas:

• Coosa River Adventure
• Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park
• Copper House Deli

What other small towns would you add to this list? Tag us @thebamabuzz and let us know!