In Guntersville, water is a way of life. The 69,000-acre Lake Guntersville surrounds the North Alabama town, which means you can see the tree-lined waterway from nearly anywhere in town. Guntersville's nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline provides plenty of direct paths to the water, and mild temperatures make it appeal all year. When it comes time to return from a day on the lake, the city of fewer than 10,000 people impresses with its hospitality and historic charm. Guntersville is ideal for a laid-back, low-key getaway for families, couples, or solo travelers, whether you want to hunt for antique treasures, unwind with a glass of wine, or simply chase the sunset.

Lake Guntersville, Alabama's largest lake, has some of the best fishing in the Southeast. Largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, and catfish are all likely to be caught. There are plenty of safe places to swim and kayak for those who want to get a little closer to the action. Lake Guntersville State Park is one of them, and it is located on the Tennessee River's banks. The park has 6,000 acres of natural woodlands, including more than 36 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a swimming beach and easy kayak rental at Town Creek. Boats carrying water skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers crisscross the water during the summer months. Lake Guntersville proves its claim to have the fastest water in the South with Lake Hydrofest, a two-day annual event of extreme Jet Ski and boat racing.

The 6,000-acre park is open all year and has a lodge and dining on-site if you want to make an outdoor weekend of it. Guntersville is best explored on foot, walking through the park and natural areas. The Guntersville Museum and Cultural Center is another must-see in town, with exhibits for bird lovers on native species and items related to the steamboats and race boats that played a role in the area's historic river life.

Fairhope is one of several incredible small towns that contribute to the great state of Alabama. Fairhope was recently named the South's third best small town for 2020 by Southern Living. Opelika was named the 16th best small town, and Florence was named the 17th best. Fairhope is a charming town in Baldwin County, Alabama, located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. It is an absolute must-see for the whole family. The Fairhope Municipal Pier is a well-known structure in the city. It's become a popular spot for fishing and strolling over the years. Fairhope's French Quarter is another popular attraction. This neighborhood has excellent dining and shopping options.

Sunset Pointe, located at the Fly Creek Marina, is a fantastic dining destination in Fairhope. This is also an excellent location for a romantic getaway. While exploring the waterfront town's bistros and boutiques, you're bound to come across an arts and crafts festival. The Fairhope Museum of History, which highlights the area's origins and features the town's old jail, will appeal to history buffs. Artists can view and purchase works by local artists at the Eastern Shore Arts Center. If you want to combine small-town charm with big-city luxury, stay at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection near Fairhope, which is one of the world's top hotels.

This town is part of the "Shoals" regional group, which also includes Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Florence, and, of course, Muscle Shoals. Muscle Shoals, Alabama, was founded in 1923 and is located along the Tennessee River in the state's northwest region. It is known as "The Hit Recording Capital of the World" because of its musical history. There were only 727 residents when it was first incorporated. Muscle Shoals is now home to approximately 15,000 people. Rick Hall moved his FAME Recording Studio from Florence to Muscle Shoals in the 1960s. Tours and recording sessions continue to take place today.

Muscle Shoals is a small town in Alabama that music fans will never forget. It's hard to believe that so many famous musicians got their start in this town's small recording studios. Plan your visit around stops at the FAME Studio and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, where Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Percy Sledge, and dozens of other artists got their start. Your musical journey can continue at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, where you can see stage costumes from artists such as Hank Williams and gold records from well-known musicians. The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is the most centrally located lodging, making it easy to get to all of the tourist attractions and things to do in town.

The city of Fort Payne is well-known for its state parks, nature preserves, lakes, and museums. Because of its extensive network of mountain trails, cascading waterfalls, and vast nature preserves, it is popular for outdoor activities. The Little River Canyon Preserve has a long mountain river and multiple waterfalls, so you can hike scenic trails, go swimming, or head to the summit to take spectacular landscape photos. The Alabama Fan Club and Museum, a museum dedicated to the country music band Alabama and its fan club, is also a fun place to visit. It has albums, interviews, and music videos.

Manitou Cave, located not far from Fort Payne's downtown area, is well worth a visit if you are already in the area. Native Americans once lived in the ancient cave, which has many natural geological formations. You must reserve a guided tour because access is restricted to protect the environment. Other attractions in Fort Payne include the Fort Payne Opera House, which has been restored to its 1889 elegance and is open for performances, and the Fort Payne Depot Museum, which was a stop on the railroad line in the 1800s and is built of pink sandstone. For some hands-on experience, enroll in a glass-blowing class at the Orbix Hot Glass Studio.

Alabama has many small towns that are not only historically significant but also exude southern charm. Only a few of these small towns are what you'd call "perfectly southern". Monroeville is one of the fortunate towns that made the cut. Monroeville, Alabama, has a population of approximately 6,500 people and was incorporated in 1899. It is best known as Alabama's "Literary Capital" because it is the hometown of famous writers Harper Lee and Truman Capote, among others. On the courthouse square is the Old Courthouse Museum. This courthouse served as the setting for Harper Lee's well-known novel "To Kill a Mockingbird", and it is the city's main attraction.

You can't help but notice the charming murals that adorn the sides of a few buildings while strolling through downtown Monroeville. These murals depict famous scenes from Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird". Farmers markets, seasonal festivals, and antique car and tractor shows all take place in Monroeville. These exciting events should be held in every southern town. Fortunately, Monroeville does, and they draw visitors from all over. An antique shop is a must-have in any southern town. Maycomb Mall is Monroeville's best antique store, and one visit will transport you back in time. The Christmas parade is usually the most important event of the year in small southern towns. Monroeville is no different. People come from all over to see their annual Christmas parade, which is the highlight of the year.

Decatur is the largest city in Alabama and the county seat of Morgan County (with a portion also in Limestone County). It is known as "The River City" and is located in northern Alabama along the Tennessee River on the banks of Wheeler Lake. Decatur's early success, like that of many southern cities in the early nineteenth century, was based on its riverfront location. Railroad routes and boat traffic propelled the city to the forefront of North Alabama's economic environment. The city quickly grew into a major economic center in the Tennessee Valley, serving as a transportation and cargo hub between Nashville and Mobile, as well as Chattanooga and New Orleans.

Your trip to Decatur should include a stop at Point Mallard Park, a family water park with the country's first wave pool. Flint Creek, which flows into the Tennessee River, has waterslides, a lazy river, and a sandy beach. Visit the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, which is adjacent to the water park and contains 35,000 acres of natural wildlife and habitat. Decatur has several museums to visit, including the Cook Museum of Natural Science, an interactive museum that explores natural sciences in the region such as rocks, bugs, and wildlife. If you take the time to walk through Decatur's Albany Historic District, you will see many late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century homes with exquisite architecture all in one place. The neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Florence is located in northwest Alabama, along the banks of the Tennessee River. Florence has many wonderful things to see and do, making it an ideal place to live or visit. Florence is one of the "South's Best Small Towns", according to Southern Living magazine, and you won't want to miss it. Begin on Court Street, in the heart of town, and eat at one of the restaurants that have taken over the renovated historic buildings. Take advantage of the small shops and boutiques.

Even if you aren't looking for new clothes, you should go to the Billy Reid store. Billy Reid, a well-known men's and women's clothing designer, has his flagship store here. The shop also functions as a vintage bookstore. The University of North Alabama is close to downtown, and you can walk the campus or take a stroll to Wilson Park, a great public park near the water. For music fans, the W.C. Handy Home Museum and Library is a must-see. There are antique musical instruments and mementos from the Father of Blues, who was born in Florence. Stop at Trowbridge's Ice Cream and Sandwich Bar before leaving town for an ice cream sundae while sitting at the counter. It is one of the south's oldest soda shops.

Mentone is one of many towns in Alabama that are ideal for relaxing getaways. Mentone is a lovely mountain town that is both picturesque and relaxing. Mentone is in Alabama's DeKalb County. With fewer than 500 residents, it's also an excellent getaway destination for rest and relaxation. Mentone, Alabama's highest elevation, is located atop Lookout Mountain. The town's mountain views are also spectacular. The Mentone Inn Bed & Breakfast is an excellent place to stay while visiting Mentone.

DeSoto Falls, one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the south, is one of Mentone's most popular natural attractions. It's easy to see why this magnificent waterfall is so popular among Mentone visitors. Look for the Hitching Post, which was a general store in the 1800s and now houses a collection of small shops, as you walk through the old town. Local farmers markets are a popular pastime for the locals. Also, look for the Wildflower Café and Country Store. The café is housed inside an 1887 home and offers jazz performances, flower sales, and coffee. There is also a great selection of gifts and artwork for sale. Finally, while in Mentone, you will witness the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Can it get any more relaxing than that? What a wonderful way to start and end each day in this quaint mountain town.

Alabama is littered with small towns just waiting to be discovered. Tuscumbia, which is located in the state's northwest, is one of these towns. Tuscumbia may be well-known among those who live in the "Shoals" area. However, those who live in other parts of Alabama frequently overlook it. Helen Keller, a well-known activist, was born in the town. Tour Helen Keller's childhood home, Ivy Green, and see the preserved artifacts that influenced her connection to the world and how she learned to communicate despite being deaf and blind. Every June, the town hosts a Helen Keller festival.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which takes several hours to explore, is also worth a visit in Tuscumbia. The museum features interactive exhibits and memorabilia that highlight the lives and careers of music legends from all genres. Spring Park, Tuscumbia's social center, is a nice place to picnic and relax in the manicured gardens. In the summer, it is not uncommon to see locals tying up hammocks in the trees by the spring-fed lake to relax and listen to the sounds of the park's 80-foot-wide cascading waterfall. The Rattlesnake Saloon is a scenic and memorable place to eat. The restaurant is located beneath a massive rock overhang that creates the illusion of a waterfall cascading over the top of the building after a heavy rain.

Every now and then, people need to get away from it all and take a break from their daily lives. Eufaula is one of many Alabama towns, large and small, that are ideal for your next getaway. Alabama is a state that takes pride in hosting fishing tournaments in its beautiful lakes, so it's no surprise that Eufaula, the Bass Fishing Capital of the World, is one of the best small towns to visit in the state. Eufaula has a 41,000-acre reservoir and is located on the Georgia-Alabama border on the Chattahoochee River. A paddling trip along the river is a great way to enjoy the natural Alabama scenery.

Try kayak fishing for bass, trout, or catfish in Eufaula to get the best of both worlds. Even if you are not an angler, the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge in the small town of Eufaula has a lot of nature to offer. More than 40 animal species and 300 bird species live in the 11,000-acre wetlands area. After you've had your fill of nature, head into town to admire the Gothic Revival and Victorian architecture. A collection of these historic homes can be found in the Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District. You can visit during the Eufaula Pilgrimage if you are particularly interested in residential architecture. It is the longest-running historic home tour in the United States, taking place the first weekend of April.