Many towns and cities in Alabama and Mississippi have stunning city centers filled with great places to shop, eat, and explore. Whether you are looking for beautiful architecture or your next great art purchase, let’s look at some of the delightful downtown areas in Alabama and Mississippi to check out this winter.
Florence, AL
Florence, a bustling city along the Tennessee River, serves as a cultural and economic hub for Northwest Alabama. Historic Downtown Florence is the ideal place to visit, with eclectic stores, including boutique clothing shops and antique stores, and unmatched Southern dining destinations. Other downtown attractions include a historic theater, charming parks, and live entertainment venues. The city goes all out with its holiday decor, so don’t miss out on a winter trip to Florence.
Fairhope, AL
Fairhope, a picturesque city on Mobile Bay, attracts visitors with its breathtaking waterfront scenery. This historic gem of a city’s downtown is brimming with history. The quaint French Quarter is a distinctive downtown enclave, with specialty shops and delicious restaurants and bakeries to savor. And throughout Downtown Fairhope, you’ll find a wide variety of boutique stores, with no big-box retailers in sight.
Gadsden, AL
Gadsden, once a renowned industrial hub, now stands as a celebrated tourist hotspot, partly due to its scenic downtown. Downtown Gadsden has an art museum, small galleries, a craft brewery, and plenty of locally owned stores. Also, Gadsden’s downtown hosts numerous events throughout the year, including several holiday celebrations. Don’t miss the annual Downtown Gadsden Christmas Tree Lighting and Coosa Christmas Boat Parade during your visit for the holidays.
Ocean Springs, MS
Ocean Springs is a pleasant destination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While the city’s gorgeous beaches make it a popular summer hotspot, any time of the year is ideal for experiencing this city’s incredible downtown area. Filled with local galleries, downtown Ocean Springs boasts one of the best art scenes in the state, providing a fantastic place to browse for works from reputable local artists. In all, Ocean Springs features more than 200 local galleries, restaurants, and shops to explore.
Eufaula, AL
Eufaula is a historic town with a timeless charm nestled along the Chattahoochee River. Its Main Street, one of the most appealing in the state, houses lovely storefronts with ample shopping opportunities, appealing dining options, and nearby parks perfect for relaxation. Downtown Eufaula celebrates the holiday season in style, transforming Main Street with holiday lights and festive city events.
Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores is one of Alabama’s most popular destinations, thanks to its sandy Gulf Coast beaches. This thriving tourist destination has a pedestrian-friendly downtown, offering visitors a plethora of dining and entertainment options. Whether you’re craving a top-notch seafood dinner or hoping to catch live music at one of the city’s lively bars, there’s plenty to enjoy, all just steps from the water.
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