Even places that are year-round charmers seem to shine a bit brighter during one season. Talladega always struck me that way while living in the area several years ago. National and community events, a historic college and downtown district, and natural beauty conspire to make Talladega the best Alabama town for fall.

Want to know more? Let’s dive into this one like a pile of freshly fallen leaves.

Beautifully restored buildings featuring architecture of the 1800s and early 1900s fill Talladega's downtown square. Alabama's oldest functioning, circa-1836 courthouse stands at the center of it all.

The district is a perfect backdrop for the city’s annual Trunk or Treat on the Square event, which began in 2022 with great success. Residents of all ages dress in their most creative costumes for a night of socializing in the heart of downtown.

You 'll get the feeling of fall long before Halloween here, though! The first sign of the seasons changing occurs in August. That is when over 1,000 undergrad students begin arriving for the start of the academic year at Talladega College. The college is Alabama's first private, historically Black liberal arts college, which received its charter in 1869.

The college’s 50-acre, tree-lined campus in Talladega’s historic district features many significant buildings. Its oldest, Swayne Hall, dates to 1852. Since 2019, the college has added several modern buildings, including a large residence hall, art museum, and student activity center. The Talladega College Tornado Marching Band is nationally known for its performances in major parades, NFL halftime shows, and a presidential inauguration, to name a few.

The fall race at Talladega Superspeedway in nearby Lincoln has been held in October for more than 20 years. The track’s major event weekends have drawn hundreds of thousands of fans to the area twice annually since it opened in 1969.

The track has hosted two major event weekends annually since it opened in 1969. The second race of each year shifted from summer to fall in 1997. The fall race usually brings moderate temps and pretty views of foliage beyond the speedway’s towering turns.

Whether you’re near the track for the fall race or perhaps better yet, when it’s a little less busy, stop in and check out the Highway 77 Fish Market.

People give the seafood restaurant dazzling reviews for its food, drinks, service, and fun atmosphere for watching sports. Shrimp boil and college football, anyone?

We’ve hinted at fall color just as the trees do in the early parts of fall. When foliage reaches its peak in late October to early November, the Talladega area is dreamy. Add more magic and color with a stay at The Land of Bohamia.

This collection of glamping chalets is like a little gallery of original art positioned amid the trees. It's on private land bordering Talladega National Forest and offers beautiful views. If you're like me and can already taste the s'mores, here's a bit more information about The Land of Bohamia.

Looking for a prime place to see foliage? The Talladega area has it. Almost directly east of the city within Talladega National Forest, you will find Cheaha State Park and Cheaha Mountain, the state's tallest point at just over 2,400 feet.

For context, Talladega National Forest covers over 600 square miles, parts of 11 counties, and stretches diagonally northeast to southwest along the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains. While you won't see all of its fall colors from this peak, it's your best bet with your feet on the ground.

One of the best ways to experience the Talladega National Forest is the 26-mile Talladega Scenic Drive, which takes about an hour to complete.

Have you visited the city of Talladega, Talladega National Forest, or a race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway? Share with us your favorite spots and traditions.