There are many places in Alabama that’ll take you back in time, including soda fountains, general stores, history museums, and more. One of the best ways to experience these places is to take a road trip. Listed below, we’ve mapped a route with seven road trip stops that seem frozen in time. With a driving distance of 791 miles, and an estimated drive time of 13 hours and 53 minutes, this road trip is perfect for a weekend getaway. Our mapped route starts at Tasty Dip in Heflin, but you may begin wherever you’d like.
Now, let’s get started.
Please note, Doc’s Country Store is temporarily closed.
Tasty Dip is located in Heflin, Alabama. It's been open for business since 1948, which makes it the town's oldest restaurant. Tasty Dip offers everything from burgers and footlongs, to shakes and soft serve cones. It's a true blast from the past!
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2. Payne's Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain - Scottsboro
Payne's Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain is located in downtown Scottsboro and is one of Alabama's last remaining soda fountains. It was originally a drugstore, and today its decor currently reflects the 1950s. Payne's Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain is one of the town's best-known landmarks.
Harrison Brothers Hardware is located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. Founded in 1879, it's the state's oldest hardware store. This unique store doesn't sell hardware like it used to, but once you enter, you'll notice several items on display from its earlier days, including ledgers, receipts, etc. The original cash register, which is still used today, is also on display. Harrison Brothers Hardware is one of Alabama's most unique stores, and one visit will most certainly take you back in time.
Mooresville, which has less than 60 residents, is one of Alabama's most charming small towns. Founded in 1818, it's also one of the oldest. The most popular building in Mooresville is its post office, which happens to be the oldest continually operating post office in the state (circa 1840). Another popular building, which was built in 1821, is the Stagecoach Inn & Tavern. This is believed to be Alabama's oldest frame public building. Mooresville is often referred to as a 19th century village.
The Grant Store, which was built in 1924, is located in Ward, Alabama. It's one of the state's best preserved general stores. During the mid-1900s, this historic store was important to the people in the community. They shopped here for everyday items such as clothing, food staples, and so much more. There are currently several items on display that were inside the store the day it closed. Seeing these items will undoubtedly take you back in time. The Grant Store is open to the public by appointment only. To tour the inside of the store, you can contact its owners Danny and Betty Curtis at 205-392-5459. The following are the GPS coordinates of the store: 32.361832,-88.277808.
The Pioneer Museum of Alabama, which is located in Troy, opened in 1971 and celebrates the state's pioneer heritage. This unique outdoor museum lets visitors see how Alabamians lived during the 19th century. It's a definite must-visit for history lovers of all ages.
Doc's Country Store is located off the beaten path in Opp, Alabama. It's a unique general store with a restaurant, an accompanying flea market, and it even has a great selection of candy that'll remind you of yesteryear. Doc's Country Store is, without a doubt, one of Alabama's hidden gems.
Have you been to any of these places in Alabama that seem frozen in time? If so, what did you think? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments. Also, let us know of any other places that you think belong on this road trip.
