Not only does this city have a lovely name, but it also has a lovely vibe with scenic views of the Mobile Bay. Foodies enjoy visiting the Fairhope Brewing Co. and Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek for local fare. Other top things to do here are the Fairhope Municipal Trail to get some exercise and the Fairhope Museum to learn about local history. It’s also worth checking out the The Mill, the Alabama Eastern Shore Trail, the Eastern Shore Art Center, and the local antique shops while you’re here for a weekend getaway.
Fun Weekend Trips in Alabama
Who doesn’t enjoy a little weekend getaway? We’ve compile a list of some of our favorite fun weekend trips in Alabama including driving times from Birmingham or Montgomery, AL.
Fairhope
Distance from Birmingham: 4 hours
Distance from Montgomery: 3 hours
Huntsville
Distance from Birmingham: 1.5 hours
Distance from Montgomery: 3 hours
The city of Huntsville, Alabama is a great family weekend destination thanks to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center here. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to catch a performance at the Von Braun Center or even take a hot air balloon ride for a romantic excursion high above the ground. You can also spend your weekend at Monte Sano State Park, the Hays Nature Preserve, and the popular Straight to Ale Taproom while you’re in Huntsville.
Florence
Distance from Birmingham: 2 hours
Distance from Montgomery: 3.5 hours
The Alabama town of Florence is located near the Tennessee River and offers a nice break from big-city life. Take your time to browse the downtown shops and also make a point to check out the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House. There’s also the Pope’s Tavern Museum, the Indian Mound and Museum, and the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts to explore. Fishing is a popular weekend activity near Florence, and the nearby Alabama Barn Quilt Trail is a favorite destination among crafty travelers.
Mentone
Distance from Birmingham: 2 hours
Distance from Montgomery: 3 hours
Mentone is a peaceful and picturesque town that’s easy to fall in love with in Alabama. It makes for an excellent couple’s getaway because of the landscape views and romantic vibe. People who enjoy the outdoors also love weekend getaways to Mentone because Desoto State Park is nearby for hiking and Little Falls River is nearby for kayaking. There are also some nice shops to explore downtown, and the Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort is nearby for your year-round recreation.
Orange Beach
Distance from Birmingham: 5 hours
Distance from Montgomery: 4 hours
Our favorite place for a beach-themed weekend getaway in Alabama is Orange Beach. This coastal city and nearby Gulf Shores are ideal for family vacations and romantic getaways. Here you can get active with water sports like boating and water-skiing, ride on a Ferris wheel, and watch live performances on stage. The Wharf is a popular place to be in Orange Beach, as well as the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, Gulf State Park, and Adventure Island. Orange Beach’s coastal location also makes it a haven for foodies, especially if you love seafood, because there are lots of great seafood spots around with waterfront views.
Loved your weekend getaway so much and thinking about making a permanent move there? Contact an ARC agent today to help make the transition a smooth one!