There are a few large cities in Alabama, but for the most part, the state is made up of many smaller towns. Some of these towns are much smaller than others, but they're all charming in their own ways. Listed below are 10 of the most charming towns in Alabama.
1. Tuscumbia
Located near a bountiful spring in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is the charming town of Tuscumbia. Tuscumbia was established in 1820 and is the county seat of Colbert County. A few of Tuscumbia's main attractions include Spring Park, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and Ivy Green--the birthplace of Helen Keller. The historic downtown area, which features many restored buildings, is also one of the town's main attractions. Tuscumbia has nearly 9,000 residents.
2. Greenville
Located in Butler County, and about half an hour from Montgomery, you'll find the charming town of Greenville, known as "The Camellia City." Greenville was first settled in 1819 and it prides itself on its historic downtown business and residential area. Greenville has a population of less than 10,000.
3. Mooresville
On November 16, 1818, Mooresville, located in Limestone County, was the first town incorporated by the Alabama Territorial Legislature. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Mooresville is made up of historic homes and buildings, extensive gardens, and tree-shaded streets. It's also home to the oldest operational post office in Alabama. Mooresville was the primary filming location for Disney's Tom and Huck (1995), starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Brad Renfro. This charming town has less than 60 residents.
4. Fairhope
Fairhope, located in Baldwin County, is situated on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. This charming town has spacious parks, tree-lined neighborhoods, and a thriving downtown area that attracts many visitors. Fairhope has a population of around 15,000 and is the perfect place for a quick getaway.
5. Eufaula
Eufaula has a population of nearly 14,500 (2010 Census) and is located in southeastern Alabama. It's also the largest city in Barbour County. This charming town sits atop a bluff and overlooks the beautiful 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula. Eufaula offers a variety of stores, specialty shops, and restaurants. It also hosts the annual Pilgrimage Tour of Homes.
6. Mentone
Mentone, located in DeKalb County, is a small, welcoming mountain village atop Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama. This charming town offers scenic mountain-top views and a beautiful 104-foot waterfall. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, you'll find it in Mentone. Mentone has a population of less than 500.
7. Monroeville
Monroeville, located in Monroe County, is known as "The Literary Capital of Alabama," having produced many famous writers such as Harper Lee, Truman Capote, Mike Stewart, and Cynthia Tucker. In Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," the fictional town of Maycomb is based on her hometown. The main draw of Monroeville is the Old Monroe County Courthouse. The interior of this courthouse was modeled for the film version of Harper's classic novel. An estimated 30,000 tourists visit Monroeville annually because of its association with "To Kill a Mockingbird." Monroeville has a population of about 7,000.
8. Magnolia Springs
The charming town of Magnolia Springs, located in Baldwin County, is situated at the headwaters of the Magnolia River. Today, the Magnolia River is the only river mail route in the continental U.S. Magnolia Springs has less than 1,000 residents.
9. Fort Payne
Fort Payne is the county seat of DeKalb County and has approximately 15,000 residents. One of Fort Payne's major attractions is Lookout Mountain. Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park are located nearby. Fort Payne is also home to the Alabama Fan Club and Museum, and its downtown area offers a wide variety of antique shops.
10. Orange Beach
Orange Beach, the easternmost community on Alabama's Gulf Coast, offers a wide selection of family beach vacation opportunities. Its main attraction is (of course) the beach, but Orange Beach is also home to The Wharf--a family entertainment district with many amenities. At The Wharf, you'll have the opportunity to ride the tallest Ferris wheel in the Southeast, which has a height of 112 feet. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the beach or exploring the Gulf, you can do it all in Orange Beach. Orange Beach has a population of about 6,000.
Have you been to any of these charming towns in Alabama? Are you currently a resident of one? Feel free to share in the comments below!
Looking for more irresistibly charming towns in the Heart of Dixie? These little locales have the best downtown areas in Alabama!
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