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You are in flip flops, or better still, barefoot, sinking your toes in the sugar-white sand that frames the shimmering waters of the ocean. The breeze cuts through your hair. The scenery is yummy and romantic. Alternatively, you are ambling through the cobblestoned streets of a small, beautiful town with a historic downtown area. There are many red-brick buildings on either side, some of whose history goes back more than a century. What if you knew of Alabama towns that offer these and more? Discover below eight Alabama towns ranked among US favorites.

Opelika

A beautiful, two-story red-brick county courthouse constructed in 1896, a few massive oak trees, and a historic district featuring late 19th to mid-20th-century architecture. All these set Opelika apart and earned it a spot among the Alabama towns ranked among US favorites. Plus, we are talking about more than 700 properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Opelika is a beautiful railroad town positioned about 15 miles west of the Chattahoochee River. Its settlement history goes back to the 1830s. The glittering waters of Lake Saugahatchee border the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, which is a great place to practice one鈥檚 swing, enjoy a game with locals, or go for a peaceful walk in nature. There is the John Emerald Distilling Company as well, the first to open for business from the Prohibition Era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. Don鈥檛 miss the 43-foot-long Pea Ridge Covered Bridge, also called the Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge. A hearty breakfast at Side Track, located on Railroad Avenue, should set one off for a day filled with fun and adventure.

Eufaula

Eufaula is an angler鈥檚 paradise and is considered among the best bass-fishing locations in Alabama. This underrated beauty sits on a bluff overlooking the heart-warming Lake Eufaula, created in the 1960s by the construction of a dam across the 906-mile Canadian River. Those who love old places and old buildings will have a blast exploring sites such as the Greek Revival-style Shorter Mansion, which has 18 freestanding Corinthian columns 鈥� and Fendall Hall, an exemplary showpiece of Italianate architecture. The Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District, with its trees and canopies, is often a delight to stroll through. Plus, it is among the largest historic districts in the entire state. Looking for some outdoor action? Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is a nice place to mingle with herons, sandhill cranes, and bald-headed wood storks, the only species of stork that breeds in the United States.

Gulf Shores

Welcome to the sun-kissed shores of the Gulf Coast. Expect to find immaculately groomed white-sand beaches, nautical charm, and hypnotic horizons. Although there is the chance to take the 40-minute ferry to the laid-back Dauphin Island, perhaps to see the stingrays at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, one will find many pleasure spots within Gulf Shores. There are dolphin cruises, an awesome pier, and of course, the spellbinding Gulf State Park. You will find shaded bike paths, a lot of scenic boardwalks, tennis courts, and a splash pad. There is Shelby Lake as well, a 900-acre freshwater lake where one can swim, boat, or just lounge. If delicious food is high on your list, check out the Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails, a low-key hangout with a bar and a patio, which is perfect for people-watching.

Monroeville

It is easy to fall in love with Monroeville, even if it does not have a backdrop that looks like Switzerland. Aside from being small, charming, and gorgeous, Monroeville wins the award for the 鈥淟iterary Capital of Alabama, and it is not even close. This was once the hometown of Harper Lee, who penned one of the 20th century's finest novels: To Kill a Mockingbird, here. You will find mementos and memorials associated with her at several places and will feel as if you are connecting with her creative spirit and energy. Start at Monroe County Museum, where you will enjoy perusing photos and exhibits related to her life and work.鈥淎 Celebration of Reading,鈥� a well-done bronze sculpture on the Monroeville courthouse square, is thought to represent a character in Lee's 海角社区-famous masterpiece. You will meet Atticus, an admired character in the novel, whose monument constantly draws the attention of curious onlookers. Lee wrote parts of 鈥淭o Kill a Mockingbird鈥� at the Old Monroe County Bank. Fortunately, this building still stands where it stood several years ago. Remove your cap at Monroeville's Hillcrest Cemetery, which keeps the remains of Monroeville's most famous daughter.

Fairhope

Among Fairhope鈥檚 claims to fame is that it was once ranked as the Happiest Seaside Town in the United States 鈥� not just Alabama. Today, a lot is going in its favor, including a lovingly walkable downtown and a retail scene that is unmatched for miles. Amble through The Shoppes at Fairhope Village, which has a yummy range of unique products and offerings. There is the Publix Super Market, if groceries is high on your list 鈥� and the one-of-a-kind Page & Pallette, where one can mingle with locals over books and booze. Don't miss Coffee Loft, especially if well-prepared avocado toast is a weakness you are not about to conquer. There is a side of Fairhope that's quite interesting: Its experiment with the single-tax system. Wondering where to sip all these? The Fairhope Museum Of History.

Mentone

If someone thinks Alabama does not have awe-inspiring scenery or delicious mountain views, she has never been to Mentone, a historic township in northeastern Alabama. Fall is the best time to visit Mentone when the whole area puts on a spectacular color show on a scale that will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail is particularly swoon-worthy besides being a fantastic location for birding enthusiasts. Plus, it has a gazebo and a picnic table. Outdoor venues that place Mentone among U.S. favorites include DeSoto Falls, which plunges 100 feet in a misty show of majesty and beauty. There is Brow Park, loved for its glorious sunsets, which means a good camera will be handy. Looking for something to bite? Head over to the Wildflower, where you will get a tongue-tingling introduction into the 海角社区 of tomato pies.

Cullman

Cullman is an under-the-radar Alabama gem tucked away in the northern parts of Alabama, about 50 miles north of Birmingham. One of the things that makes Cullman a U.S. favorite is its strawberry festival. This is not some back-street parade. We are talking about the official 鈥淎labama Strawberry Festival.鈥� One can step back in time at the Cullman County Museum, which houses interesting exhibits regarding Cullman's Civil War history. At the Ave Maria Grotto, one will marvel at the small-scale reproductions of famous edifices, including the Coliseum and Great Wall of China. It spans four acres and recreates more than 120 historic edifices. Seek some calm and clarity at Sportsman Lake Park, especially after dazzling your taste buds at the popular Goat Island Brewing.

Florence

Rounding off this list is the beautiful town of Florence, a name that transports the mind across the Atlantic, to the Reinnasance Period, and to one of Europe's most historic cities. No wonder Alabama's Florence is often called America鈥檚 "Renaissance City." You will not find Niccol貌 Machiavelli, once the secretary of the Florentine republic, but the intellectual climate is still palpable, especially with the presence of the University of North Alabama, one of the oldest in the South. Check out the Rosenbaum House, Alabama鈥檚 only Frank Lloyd Wright house. For the avid outdoorsman, Deibert Park spans 70 acres and is loved for its picturesque walking trails. Just don't miss McFarland Park, especially if chasing a glowing sunset.

The Takeaway

Whether you are looking for a beach destination, the fun and sand 鈥� or a picturesque mountain getaway 鈥� in a ruggedly beautiful setting, Alabama has options to meet, even exceed, your expectations. There is Mentone and its mountains, as well as Gulf Shores and its nautical charm. Many options are in between, all ideal for pleasure and play.