Alabama
11 Alabama small towns to visit
While Alabama’s major cities have plenty to offer, sometimes it’s better to spend a weekend getaway getting to know one of its many charming small towns.
From fishing villages like Bayou La Batre to artsy mountain towns like Mentone and all the ones in-between, Alabama’s small towns are filled with character and rich history — not to mention some seriously good restaurants and a lot of one-of-a-kind attractions you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
So next time you’re looking to spend a Saturday wandering, keep these 11 Alabama small towns in mind.
Mentone may be small, but art is everywhere. (Haley Laurence)Haley Laurence
Mentone
If you have ever been to the charming mountain town of Mentone, you won’t be surprised to see it on this list. Located atop Lookout Mountain, Mentone offers visitors plenty of chances to take in the beauty of the great outdoors by visiting nearby Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park and more. Plus, it offers unique dining, like the Wildflower Cafe, and shopping, like the Moon Lake Trading Company and Mentone Market — all in an artsy and quaint setting.
Read more: This Alabama dish is worth the drive to Mentone’s Wildflower Cafe
A statue inspired by “To Kill a Mockingbird” in front of the Monroe County Museum in author Harper Lee’s hometown of Monroeville, Ala. (Amber Sutton/AL.com)Amber Sutton
Monroeville
For lovers of classic literature, a visit to the small town of Monroeville is an absolute must considering it’s the home of author Harper Lee and inspiration for the setting of her iconic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”. While there, fans of the book can visit the Monroe County Museum inside the historic Monroeville courthouse, which has exhibits dedicated to Lee as well as Truman Capote. You can also take a scenic, self-guided walking tour of noteworthy sites and murals throughout the town and even grab a “boo burger” at The Court House Cafe.
Read more: Scenes from Monroeville
The Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast adds to the charm of this small town in Baldwin County.(AL.com file photo/Kate Mercer)
Magnolia Springs
With its massive live oaks and proximity to the Gulf, Magnolia Springs is the perfect small town to visit if you’d like to spend a relaxing weekend away from home. While there, you can book a room at the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, which offers a cozy and charming place to unwind, and grab a meal at Jesse’s Restaurant, where you can dine on crawfish mac and cheese, creole spiced redfish and other New Orleans-inspired dishes as well as steaks, oysters, salads and more.
Read more: One Alabama small town among nation’s most beautiful, says Architectural Digest
The Alabama Grill is at 109 West Commerce St. in downtown Greenville.(Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)
Greenville
Greenville is a small Alabama town that might be off the beaten path but is worth a visit thanks to its rich history and character. While visiting its historic downtown area, you can grab a meal at Alabama Grill, which serves pizzas, salads, pasta and more. You can also catch a seasonal show at the restored Ritz Theatre and browse a variety of shops selling antiques, handmade goods and more. Be sure to stop in Greenville Hardware, which has been in business since 1891 and is the oldest hardware store in the state.
Read more: Restoring history at the Alabama Grill
It’s not for nothing that Dauphin Island bills itself as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama.”Sharon Steinmann/AL.com
Dauphin Island
Known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” Dauphin Island offers a beach getaway without the crowds. You can either spend your time listening to the waves crash with your toes in the sand at one of its pristine beaches or you can explore some of the island’s popular attractions, like Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and more. Just don’t forget to fill up on fresh catch at one of the popular local restaurants, like Dockside Seafood, Islander’s Restaurant and more.
Read more: 10 things to know about Dauphin Island
Charming downtown Eufaula is home to a variety of shoppes and restaurants.Amber Sutton
Eufaula
When it comes to gorgeous small towns in Alabama, Eufaula certainly makes the list. Its scenic downtown area, complete with fountains and lush parks, is a perfect place to spend an afternoon window shopping and trying local restaurants, like the Cajun Corner. Be sure to check out the views of Lake Eufaula while you’re there too from the Yoholo Micco Trail as well as take a tour of one of the many one-of-a-kind historic homes, like Fendall Hall and the Shorter Mansion, you can visit.
Payne’s Soda Fountain & Sandwich Shop in Scottsboro, Ala., began as the W.H. Payne Drug Co. in 1869. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)
Scottsboro
Another scenic small town that’s home to an attraction that draws visitors from all over the state, and country for that matter, is Scottsboro. While Unclaimed Baggage, where the contents of unclaimed luggage from major airlines is sold, is often what brings tourists to Scottsboro, there’s plenty more to see. That includes a visit to the Scottsboro Depot Museum, Goose Pond Colony Resort and more. While you’re there, be sure to also take a walk around the downtown square and grab a sweet treat at Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain.
Read more: 150 years of memories at Alabama’s oldest soda fountain
Fishing is a huge part of the experience at Lake Guntersville State Park. The park hosts many bass tournaments and the lake offers world-class bass fishing as well as other sport fishing. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). al.comal.com
Guntersville
Surrounded by gorgeous Lake Guntersville, it’s no surprise that the small Alabama town of Guntersville is a scenic place with picturesque views almost everywhere you look. While it’s a given that Guntersville offers plenty to do on the lake like fishing, boating and more, as well as lots of activities, like hiking and birding, within its state park, the small town also has an active art scene with shows performed at The Whole Backstage Theatre, local shoppes worth exploring and more.
Downtown Wetumpka is full of charm, local business and gorgeous views of the Coosa River.Amber Sutton
Wetumpka
Located along the Coosa River and with a thriving downtown area filled with local shoppes and restaurants, Wetumpka is a charming small town perfect for leisurely exploring. While there, you can also take in all of the city’s natural beauty with a visit to Swayback Bridge Trail, grab lunch at Coaches Corner Bar and Grill, grab your favorite latte at Restoration Coffee House and learn more about Wetumpka’s unique history at Fort Toulouse in Jackson Park and the Wetumpka Impact Crater.
Read more: What to do in Wetumpka
Representatives of the Alabama shrimping fleet are seen at dock in 2014 in Bayou La Batre, Ala. (Mike Brantley)Mike Brantley/AL.com
Bayou La Batre
Bayou La Batre is a quaint and charming fishing town located along the Mississippi Sound near the Gulf of Mexico and has garnered the title of “Seafood Capital of Alabama” for good reason. With streets lined by live oaks and boats almost everywhere you look on the water, it’s a scenic little town ready to be explored. Grab a meal at Catalina, which serves fresh seafood daily, then stroll through one of the city’s many parks or along a dock for the kind of relaxing day only a small town can offer.
Boom Town Makers Market in downtown Fort Payne. (Haley Laurence)Haley Laurence
Fort Payne
Fort Payne is a quiet little town with plenty of natural beauty and interesting sights to see, making it a great place for a relaxing weekend getaway. You can spend some time enjoying the great outdoors at Desoto State Park or learn more about its role in musical history at the Alabama Fan Club and Museum. While in town, you can also spend a day antiquing at the Big Mill and other little shoppes as well as try the Cuban sandwich, named among the “100 Alabama dishes to eat before you die” at Vintage 1889 Cafe.
Read more: Why this Alabama town loves Pete the Cat
Alabama
How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Feb. 28
Labaron Philon’s No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide (21-7, 11-4 SEC) hit the road to match up with Ja’Kobi Gillespie and the No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers (20-8, 10-5 SEC) at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET.
We have more details below, including how to watch this matchup on ESPN.
Prepare for this matchup with everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s college hoops action.
Tennessee vs. Alabama: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Game time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Arena: Thompson-Boling Arena
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Tennessee vs. Alabama stats and trends
- Tennessee ranks 78th in the nation with 80.5 points per game so far this year. At the other end, it ranks 62nd with 69.1 points allowed per contest.
- The Volunteers are thriving when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (39.9 per game) and second-best in rebounds allowed (25.9 per contest).
- So far this season, Tennessee ranks 30th in college basketball in assists, averaging 17.1 per game.
- With 11.8 turnovers per game, the Volunteers are 257th in the country. They force 10.7 turnovers per contest, which ranks 224th in college basketball.
- This season, Tennessee is making 6.9 threes per game (271st-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.7% (139th-ranked) from three-point land.
- With a 30.2% three-point percentage allowed this season, the Volunteers are 22nd-best in the country. They rank 182nd in college basketball by giving up 7.8 three-pointers per contest.
- Tennessee has taken 67.3% two-pointers and 32.7% three-pointers this year. Of the team’s buckets, 75.8% are two-pointers and 24.2% are three-pointers.
Tennessee vs. Alabama Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-4.5)
- Moneyline: Tennessee (-222), Alabama (+179)
- Total: 164.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 4:11 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
Alabama
Alabama ‘Fully Aware’ of Losing Streak to Tennessee Ahead of Road Rematch
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Losing to a rival almost always hurts more than falling to another opponent during the regular season. Years of hatred, unforgettable moments and tradition boiled up into one game, and the delivery is nowhere to be found for one team.
No. 17 Alabama has won seven straight games and is eyeing an eighth on Saturday on the road against No. 22 Tennessee. This is the second time that Crimson Tide will face the Volunteers, as Alabama lost in Tuscaloosa in January.
The loss a month ago to head coach Rick Barnes and company brought UA’s losing streak against Tennessee to five games. It’s the first time that the Tide has dropped this many games to the Vols since 1968-72 — a streak that came two years before Alabama head coach Nate Oats was born (Oct. 13, 1974). It’s why Oats is not treating Tennessee as a faceless opponent or like any other team the Tide has faced.
“Every year we’ve been here they’ve caused us issues,” Oats said during Friday’s press conference. “Our players, are fully aware that we’ve lost five in a row. They’re fully aware of what happened out there last year. I’ve taken ownership for my share of what happened up there last year.
“We’re fully aware that they beat us at home. We haven’t lost very many home games in conference, period, really since we’ve been here, and they handed us one this year.”
After falling to Florida on Feb. 1, Alabama moved down to the ninth spot in the conference standings, and the college basketball world started to question whether or not the Crimson Tide would be a threat in the postseason.
But a switch flipped after that loss, and the current winning streak has Alabama tied for the No. 2 spot in the SEC standings. Everything seems to be trending in the Tide’s direction, as there are only three games remaining on the schedule.
Oats is in his sixth year as Alabama’s head coach. Following the retirement of former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl during the offseason, Oats became the second-longest tenured coach for one team in the conference. The coach in front of him: Tennessee’s Rick Barnes, who has held his position since the 2015-16 season.
Both Alabama and Tennessee have finished conference play in the top-4 of the standings since the 2022-23 season. The Crimson Tide was the regular-season and SEC Tournament champions in both the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, while the Vols won the 2022 SEC Tournament and were the conference’s regular-season champions in 2023-24.
“So our guys know, but at the same time, we’ve got a lot of respect for how they play and what they do. We’ve got to come in with a healthy amount of respect for them, but we got to try to win this game.
“There’s a lot riding on this game. What happens in Arkansas-Florida, you’re either going to be all alone in second place if we could get a win, or you’re going to be one game out first. If you take a loss, now you’re in danger of losing a top-4 seed. They’ll be tied with us if we take a loss.”
“So there’s a lot riding on the SEC standings in this game here. They know that. They know what our struggles against Tennessee have Been as well.”
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Alabama
Selmont seeks incorporation to become independent Alabama city
SELMONT, Ala. (WSFA) – An unincorporated community in Dallas County is seeking to establish itself as an independent city, hoping to gain control over local government services and community priorities that have long been managed at the county level.
Selmont, located across the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma, is home to approximately 2,700 registered voters and carries a significant place in civil rights history.
The community was the site of a pivotal moment during the Bloody Sunday march in 1965, when roughly 600 civil rights marchers were tear-gassed by Alabama state troopers, including 13-year-old Mae Richmond.
“People ask us ‘Were we afraid?’ No. We were not afraid. We were not afraid, first of all, even as a 13-year-old child, we knew that we were doing what God was permitting us to do,” Richmond, a 60-plus year resident of Selmont, said of the historic event.
As an unincorporated community, Selmont lacks its own municipal government. Residents must contact the Dallas County Commissioner for public works services. It’s a situation that community leaders say limits responsiveness to local needs.
Erice Williams, a community activist leading the incorporation effort, said the change would fundamentally alter how the community operates.
“It would give us decision power and allow us to get funding that we can allocate to our own community that we can make our own priorities be clear and resolved at the same time,” Williams said.
Williams also highlighted the strain on current county services. “Connel Towns (county commissioner) is the only person we have to call, and the resources and time that he would have to serve our community is very limited,” he said.
Operation Selmont, the group spearheading the incorporation effort, is currently gathering signatures on a petition to present to the local probate judge. The organization needs approximately 500 signatures to move forward with the incorporation process and has already collected 40 percent of its goal.
The next meeting for Operation Selmont is scheduled for March 6 at 6 p.m.
For longtime residents like Richmond, incorporation represents an opportunity to ensure Selmont’s future and maintain its identity for generations to come.
“That we will be able to teach and train our children to give them the strength that our foreparents had that they will be able to stand up for justice and for equality,” Richmond said of her hopes for the community’s future.
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