Last year, we featured a variety of Alabama towns. From Alabama’s most unique town, to its safest, there are many towns in this great state that are definitely worthy of a visit. Listed below are 12 Alabama towns you should visit this year.
Note: For more information about each of these 12 towns, click on the town’s highlighted name.
1. Childersburg
With a history dating back to 1540, Childersburg, located in Talladega County, isn't just the oldest city in Alabama. It's also proclaimed as the "Oldest Continually Occupied City in America." Two of this historic city's most notable landmarks are the Kymulga Grist Mill Park and DeSoto Caverns Park, which are both definite must visits.
2. Mooresville
Mooresville, located in Limestone County, is one of Alabama’s most intact villages. The moment you arrive to this historic town, which has less than 100 residents, you'll be taken back in time. Mooresville's historic homes, beautiful gardens, white picket fences and tree-lined streets make this one of Alabama's most charming towns. Built in 1840, Mooresville’s post office is Alabama's oldest operational post office. If you love quaint towns, you'll love Mooresville. It truly is Alabama's very own Mayberry.
3. Huntsville
In 1811, Huntsville, the county seat of Madison County, became Alabama's first incorporated town. Nicknamed "The Rocket City," this historic city is home to Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S Space & Rocket Center. While visiting Huntsville, you'll want to make sure to tour these two attractions, in addition to strolling the grounds of Big Spring Park and Huntsville Botanical Garden.
4. Old Cahawba
Old Cahawba, located in Dallas County, served as Alabama's first state capital from 1820 to 1826. Sadly, over the years, this historical town has felt the effects of decay. Old Cahawba is Alabama's most famous ghost town, and today you can check it out because it's been preserved as an archaeological site - Old Cahawba Archeological Park.
5. Bayou La Batre
Bayou La Batre, located in Mobile County, is an amazing fishing village that's known as the "Seafood Capital of Alabama." This historic fishing town also has Hollywood connections. For example, in the award-winning film "Forest Gump," Bayou La Batre was Bubba's hometown. Also, the Black Pearl from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" Disney film franchise was built in Bayou La Batre. You'll be "hooked" after just one visit to this fishing village.
6. Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia, the county seat of Colbert County, dates all the way back to 1820. Its main claim to fame is that it's the birthplace of Helen Keller - America's "First Lady of Courage." This historic Alabama town is also home to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, a thriving downtown area, and one of the most unique restaurants in the world - Rattlesnake Saloon.
7. Greensboro
Greensboro, the county seat of Hale County, is best known as "The Catfish Capital of Alabama," and its most popular event is the annual "Alabama Catfish Festival." Greensboro's downtown area is part of the Greensboro Historic District, and it's home to several specialty shops, restaurants and more. When you visit Greensboro, be sure to stop in and try Pie Lab. This restaurant is AMAZING! Even the locals will agree.
8. Monroeville
Monroeville is the county seat of Monroe County, and it's best known as the "Literary Capital of Alabama" because of its association with Harper Lee, Truman Capote and other writers.
The fictional town of Maycomb in Lee's Pulitzer prize-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird' is based on Fairhope, her hometown. Monroeville's main attraction is the Old Monroe County Courthouse. The interior of this historic courthouse was modeled for the film version of Lee's novel. If you're a fan of Southern literature, especially the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," you'll most definitely want to visit Monroeville.
9. Opelika
Opelika, the county seat of Lee County, is a charming town located in the east central part of Alabama.
Its historic downtown area features several specialty shops, antique stores, galleries and restaurants that you'll most certainly want to check out during your visit.
10. Magnolia Springs
Magnolia Springs, located in Baldwin County, is situated at the headwaters of the Magnolia River. It's also home to the only river mail route in the continental U.S. Magnolia Springs has less than 1,000 residents, and its gorgeous tree-lined streets give the town the perfect touch of Southern charm.
11. Fairhope
Fairhope, located in Baldwin County, is the perfect place for a day trip. This charming Alabama town is home to several amazing restaurants, boutiques, museums and public beaches that are definitely worth checking out. Before leaving Fairhope to return home, a stroll down the town's famous Municipal Pier is an absolute must.
12. Mentone
Mentone, located in DeKalb County, is a charming mountain village with less than 500 residents. Nestled atop Lookout Mountain, this charming town has a much higher elevation than any other town in Alabama. During your visit to Mentone, don't forget to have lunch at Wildflower Cafe and check out DeSoto Falls.
Which of these towns have you visited? What other Alabama towns would you suggest visiting in 2017?
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