While Alabama’s big cities get a lot of attention, some of its most dreamy destinations are small towns so scenic you’ll wonder if your favorite television series was filmed there. The Heart of Dixie has hidden gem small towns with wow-worthy historic architecture, inviting scenic riverwalks, and idyllic parks and nature preserves. You won’t have to sit in traffic or wait hours for a table at a restaurant here; instead, you’ll enjoy picturesque beauty, a slower pace, and a calmer vibe. Check out this list of five picture-perfect small towns in Alabama.
1. Eufaula
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Eufaula, Alabama, in the southeast portion of the state, is absolutely gorgeous enough for the big screen. The 2002 movie, Sweet Home Alabama, featuring Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, and Patrick Dempsey, was filmed there. Visitors can enjoy the town’s incredible historic architecture; it has more than 700 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Some must-visit sites are Fendall Hall, an 1860 Italianate home, and the Shorter Mansion, a 1901 Neoclassical Revival home.
Eufaula’s natural beauty doesn’t disappoint. The Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is an 11,184-acre refuge where visitors can fish, hike, and view wildlife, including alligators, deer, and raptors. The Walter F. George Reservoir is a gorgeous lake where visitors can fish, boat, and picnic.
2. Monroeville
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Monroeville, Alabama, makes a fantastic day trip. The small town, known for creating authors Nelle Harper Lee, Truman Capote, Cynthia Tucker, and more, was designated the Literary Capital of Alabama. Perhaps the town’s remarkable beauty, with historic architecture and rural landscapes, inspired these notable authors. Today, visitors can enjoy the 20-acre Whitey Lee Park or the 40-acre Clausell Park, which has a swimming pool, a playground, and tennis courts.
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3. Wetumpka
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Wetumpka, Alabama, a small town of about 7,000 residents, has unique attractions, including an 85-million-year-old marine impact crater. Its swoon-worthy downtown sits upon the banks of the Coosa River. The area is full of charming, local businesses like Restoration Coffee House, The Shoppes Downtown, and The Coosa Cleaver. The Wetumpka Riverwalk is a multi-use pedestrian walkway that offers gorgeous river views, sculptures, murals, and access to Gold Star Park.
4. Magnolia Springs
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With fewer than 1,000 residents, Magnolia Springs is truly a tiny town with outsized charm. It sits along the Fish River, which provides a peaceful, natural backdrop. Mail is delivered year-round by boat to 191 homes along the water. Magnolia Springs is also known for its oak tree-lined streets, with moss draping from the majestic branches. Visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of the nearby Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 6,000-acre reserve protecting the habitats of many animals, including the endangered Alabama red-bellied turtle. The Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast is a gorgeous accommodation in the area with a delicious breakfast and a convenient location.
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5. Selma
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Located in south-central Alabama, Selma is a small town full of history and culture. It has a large historic district, charming architecture, and natural beauty. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is a historic landmark featured in the 2014 film Selma. Other historic attractions include the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute and the Brown Chapel AME Church. Selma’s charming downtown features unique shops and restaurants, including 5 & Dime, Good Vibez Cafe, and Broad Street Books.
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