Alabama is filled with small towns, many of which have plenty of history, good eats, natural beauty and charm to offer.

Often times though, these small towns get overlooked for the state’s bigger cities, so with that in mind, This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers “What’s the most underrated small town in Alabama?”

The question got hundreds of responses, making it pretty clear that many of the state’s small towns deserve a little more love. So without further ado, here’s a look at 10 underrated small towns in Alabama.

You can see all of the replies on the This is Alabama Facebook page.

Mentone

While the mountain town of Mentone is mostly known for being popular in the fall thanks to the seasonal foliage on display, it’s worth a visit year-round — and even Southern Living knows it. With beautiful parks and natural landmarks, like DeSoto State Park, Brow Park and Little River Canyon, as well as unique shopping, including The Groovy Goat, Moon Lake Village and Rocky Top Pottery, there are plenty of ways to spend your days there. Plus, it’s home to noteworthy restaurants like The Wildflower Cafe, known for its refreshing tomato pie, The Mentone Market and much more.

Read more: 5 reasons we love magical Mentone, Alabama, ‘the town time forgot’

Guntersville

If you’re looking for a small town that offers up lake living along with a little something extra, Guntersville is the place you need to go. With easy access to Lake Guntersville, which has more than 900 miles of shoreline, spending time on the water — whether that’s fishing or renting a boat to simply cruise around — but that’s not all there is to the small town. You can also explore scenic hiking trails at Guntersville State Park, relax at the Soak House and Soapery Day Spa, learn about local history at the Guntersville Museum, enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal at the Old Town Stock House and much more.

Read more: 10 places in Alabama to see on your next vacation

Montevallo

Montevallo may be known as a college town, but its underrated charm will appeal to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re there on a day trip or weekend visit, there’s plenty to see and do — from taking a whimsical stroll along the Tinglewood trail in Orr Park to viewing the historical reenactments and replicas at the American Village, windowing shopping in its quaint downtown and more. As for food, Sunrise Donuts has breakfast covered while you can grab lunch at Meri Moon or dinner at the popular Main Street Tavern.

Read more: New Montevallo coffee shop carries echoes of the past, dares to be different

Springville

The quaint town of Springville was suggested more than once by readers as one of the state’s most underrated Alabama towns, and it’s easy to see why. After all, there’s plenty to do there, including spending time surrounded by natural beauty at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve, take a walk to see some of the area’s many historic homes, go shopping for forgotten gems at the Springville Antique Mall and even get in an adrenaline rush at The Ridge Adventure Park. However you spend your day, be sure to end it with dinner (and dessert!) at The Farmhouse.

Read more: Alabama small towns readers have always wanted to visit

Wedowee

Another lakeside small town in Alabama that has things to offer visitors on-and-off the water is Wedowee. Whether you prefer fishing, relaxing, water sports or all of the above, you can rent a boat and spend a day on beautiful Lake Wedowee. Afterward, spend some time browsing local shops like The Crow’s Nest, The Peaceful Porch at the Parker House and Lake Wedowee Antiques and Treasure Mall before heading over to taste a selection of wines and beers made on site at Lake Wedowee Winery and Brewery. After that, it’s a two-for-one at Boondocks, where you can get delicious barbecue and some seriously good ice cream. (No, really.)

Read more: Alabama small towns to visit in 2025 – one for each month

Greensboro

Greensboro may be known as the Alabama’s Catfish Capital, but catfish farms aren’t the only things that make up the small town. Greensboro has a thriving downtown area, filled with local restaurants and shops worth browsing. In addition, the town is home to the Safe House Black History Museum as well as several historic houses that offer tours and are great places for history lovers to visit. Not to mention, you have to visit The Stable, which also serves coffee, breakfast, lunch and pizzas throughout the day.

Mooresville

Mooresville is another small town in Alabama that has an array of options to explore no matter what your interests are. As far as historical sites, it’s home to the Mooresville Post Office, which dates back to 1840 and is the oldest continuously operating post office in the state, as well as the Stagecoach Inn and Tavern. Mooresville’s is also where 1818 Farms, which hosts all kinds of events as well as private tours throughout the year. Also, for those with a sweet tooth, a stop at Dogwood and Magnolia Bakery is a must.

Read more: 19 of Alabama’s smallest towns (all with double-digit populations)

Fayette

One thing the small town of Fayette is known for is good barbecue — Sam’s Smokehouse made sure of that — but it’s more than just a place to stop for a good meal. There’s also several museums, including the Fayette Arts Museum and Fayette Historical Society and Depot Museum, worth exploring. Not to mention, on a hot summer day, the Fayette Aquatic Center, which offers water slides, a lazy river and more, would be a welcome sight to almost anyone. And if barbecue isn’t your thing, head over to Charles’ Cafeteria & Grill, a classic, Southern meat-and-three, instead.

Read more: Alabama’s best barbecue: Reader picks

Abbeville

Abbeville is another Alabama small town that’s got plenty of charm to go around. While there, you can take in all of it natural beauty at scenic Highland Park, located on the shores of Walter F. George Lake, or take a stroll around its downtown area filled with shops and more. Of course, Abbeville is also home to the popular eatery Huggin’ Molly’s, which serves up a diverse menu in a retro atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The legend of the restaurant’s namesake, Huggin’ Molly, has also become a part of the town’s story and a point of interest for many too.

Read more: 24 ways to describe Alabama towns without naming ‘em

Sylacauga

Sylacauga might be small, but there’s still plenty to see and do around town. For starters, you can kick things off with a visit to Imerys-Gantt’s marble quarry observation point, where you can see the natural stone that gives Sylacauga its nickname of “The Marble City.” After that, the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum and Arts Center has a variety of displays, including an exhibit to Jim Nabors, known for playing Gomer Pyle on “The Andy Griffith Show”. Lastly, you can take a tour of Blue Bell Creameries and try a flavor (or two) while there.

Read more: 12 best places to get ice cream in Alabama