8 Alabama Town Squares Filled with Charm, History and More

Fall is a perfect time to plan day trips or weekend road trips to discover the magic of Town Squares, the heartbeat of a small town. With hopefully cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, charming shops, local restaurants, and hidden gems, a trip to a Town Square can create lasting memories.

World Atlas has named the “8 Most Charming Town Squares in Alabama,” and one location is right in West Alabama, while the others are not too far away.

“What makes town squares or downtown districts charming is, of course, subjective,” said World Atlas. “However, the eight most charming town squares in Alabama share a common thread of friendly locals, cultural attractions, and a diverse mix of vintage architecture that adds sophistication to match the Southern hospitality."

8 Most Charming Town Squares in Alabama

Athens

Limestone County Alabama

2 hours and 15 minutes from Tuscaloosa

“Downtown is anchored by The Square, the city's communal hub. Make sure to listen for the train horn as it rolls through town as you relax under the dogwood trees at the elegant courthouse,” said World Atlas. “The district is a way to enjoy a bygone era, reminiscent of a mid-20th-century small village.”

Three Must-Do Stops

• Stroll the Athens Square and take in all the specialty shops.
• Walk around Big Spring Memorial Park
• Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives

Enterprise

Coffee County Alabama and a small portion in DeKalb County Alabama

3 hours and 30 minutes from Tuscaloosa

“Enterprise's Main Street District features cobblestone sidewalks, traditional storefronts, and charming local shops,” said World Atlas. “The historic district has fun venues that embrace small-town charm.”

Put These Three Locations on Your Must-Visit List

• Get Your Picture Made at the Boll Weevil Monument
• Army Aviation Museum
• Enterprise Farmers Market

Eufaula

Barbour County Alabama

3 hours and 30 minutes from Tuscaloosa

“Eufaula's downtown is part of Alabama's Main Street Program and the National Main Street Program, known for its fun atmosphere,” said World Atlas. “The historic area is one of the community's most cherished assets and has hosted over 300 live events in its 18-year history.”

Top Three Things to Check Out

• Take a Walk on the Yoholo Micco Rail Trail
• Shorter Mansion Tour
• Spend Time in Downtown Eufaula and Visit the MacMonnies’ Fountain

Fairhope

Baldwin County Alabama

4 hours from Tuscaloosa

World Atlas said that “Fairhope may have the most charming downtown area in Alabama, known as the Fairhope French Quarter. It is home to what was once the largest crepe myrtle in the South, a cobblestone courtyard, and 12 unique shops.”

Three Places to Put on Your List

• Wander through the Fairhope French Quarter
• Marietta Johnson Botanical Gardens
• Fairhope Museum of History

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Florence

Lauderdale County Alabama

2 hours and 30 minutes from Tuscaloosa

“Historic downtown Florence, in "the Shoals," is a shopper's dream for many, with numerous boutiques, antique shops, and Billy Reid's flagship store on Court Street. The district is also home to the historic Shoals Community Theatre, which opened its doors in 1943 and continues to be a thriving institution,” said World Atlas.

Three Things You Don’t Want to Miss

• W.C. Handy Home, Museum & Library
• Frank Lloyd Wright-Rosenbaum House
• Florence Indian Mound & Museum

Mentone

DeKalb County Alabama

2 hours and 30 minutes from Tuscaloosa

“Mentone is a unique town, perched above Lookout Mountain, and its downtown shopping district draws people from all over for its blend of retailers and natural beauty. Mentone's artistic nature can be traced back to the early 20th century,” said World Atlas.

Three Stops to Make on Your Visit

• DeSoto State Park & DeSoto Falls
• St. Joseph’s on the Mountain
• Downtown Mentone for Lunch

Troy

Pike County Alabama

2 hours and 45 minutes from Tuscaloosa

World Atlas said that “Troy's historic downtown is filled with art galleries and hometown stores that revolve around the Square, the heart of the community. It is only a short walk from Troy University and is filled with shops and eateries.”

Three Stops to Make on Your Visit

• The Troy University Arboretum
• Pioneer Museum of Alabama
• Historic Downtown Troy

Featured Town Square Right Here in West Alabama

Marion

Perry County Alabama

1 hour from Tuscaloosa

“Main Street Marion is lined with traditional brick storefronts and small-town charm. Known as "College City," Marion also has deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, it is a pleasant blend of history and modernity, and the communal hub of activity revolves around the historic downtown square,” said World Atlas.

Top Three Must-Visit Spots

• Explore Marion’s Civil Rights History
• Reverie Tour
• Visit the Historic Downtown Square