When the river burst, Andalusia was home to many citizens who had to relocate to higher ground.
The original name of the settlement was “New Site”, but it changed its name to Andalusia, in 1846. The town grew rapidly after the construction of the railroads in the late 1800s and the community started to prosper.
Many buildings from the early 1900s are still in existence and are listed on The National Register of Historic Places.
Many people travel to Andalusia today to see its forests, museums, and state parks.
It is close to the Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast and makes it an attractive base for anyone who wants to explore the coast, countryside, and cities of Alabama.
1. Frank Jackson State Park
Frank Jackson State Park is located just outside of Opp, less than 15 miles from Andalusia.
Anglers travel from all over the country to fish the 1,000-acre lake, which is home to bass, catfish, and bream.
There are also picnic areas, campsites, and a boardwalk that leads to the lake’s center.
You can walk a few miles to explore the wildlife, birds, and natural beauty of this peaceful region in Alabama.
When you visit the park in the fall, don’t forget to see “Scarecrows in Park”, where locals make scarecrows along the trails.
This is a great spot for boating, swimming, and paddling. It also makes a great picnic spot.
2. Three Notch Museum
Local businessmen offered huge sums of money in the late 1800s to finance the first railway line through Andalusia.
The Central of Georgia Railway won the prize. Today, Three Notch Museum can be found in the historic train depot.
This museum features a variety of exhibits that tell the story of this charming Alabama town. It includes photos, military artifacts, and model railways.
If you love locomotives and are interested in local history, it is worth a visit.
3. Conecuh National Forest
Conecuh National Forest is located just south of Andalusia near the Alabama/Florida border.
Beautiful forest with emerald and other trees, as well as winding trails, is located here.
Conecuh is a Muskogee word that means “land of cane” and was named after the dense cane growth in the area.
This forest is unique because of its geographic location. It features pine forests and hilly plains, as well as hardwood swamps.
This is a wonderful place to view birdlife. You can also camp overnight there if you like outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, or camping.
4. Historic Central Street
Historic Central Street is the best place to go if you love architecture and historical buildings.
As you stroll through the district, there are many interesting buildings to see. These include Avant House, an impressive Classical Revival mansion that dates back to 1914. Another building is the Central of Georgia Depot, which is a small wooden structure that houses Three Notch Museum.
The tallest building in the city is First National Bank Building. It stands six stories high and dates back to 1920. You should not miss the Covington County Courthouse & Jail, designed by Beaux Arts/Italianate.
This striking building features Corinthian columns, a hexastyle portico, and was designed by Frank Lockwood, the architect of Avant House and First National Bank.
5. Boll Weevil Monument
You can see the only monument in the world dedicated to pests if you visit Enterprise, east Of Andalusia.
In 1915, the Boll Weevil was introduced from Mexico to Alabama. Soon after, cotton farmers’ crops started to decline rapidly.
They had to diversify their crops, so they started peanut farming.
This was to the city’s advantage; peanuts became very profitable and Enterprise started to thrive.
Shortly thereafter, the Boll Weevil Monument was built. Enterprise’s fortunes were changed by the beetle’s arrival.
6. David’s Catfish House
David’s Catfish House is located in the heart Of Andalusia (Alabama), and serves farm-raised catfish from Mississippi, crab claws, shrimp, and oysters from Bayou La Batre (Alabama).
This restaurant prepares all sides, salads, and batters every day. You can be sure of fresh, southern-style home-cooked food.
They also have delicious steak, chicken and hamburger dishes. There are also “Eat All You Can” plates available for those who don’t like fish.
7. Holmes Creek Paddle Trail
Admire the wildlife and birds of these low-lying swamplands as you drift along Holmes Creek under a canopy of Spanish Moss tree.
The creek trail is home to turtles, woodpeckers and herons. Water lilies are floating atop the water.
Cypress Springs can be found nearby and offer a wonderful place to cool down after a long day of paddling. You can also snorkel to explore the depths below.
Holmes Creek can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddles. You don’t need to bring your own gear. All you have to do is show up. You can drive just 1.5 hours to Holmes Creek from Andalusia. If you’re looking for a place to spend the night or a few days, it is worth considering.
8. Chautauqua Vineyard & Winery
You might enjoy trying new wines on your travels. If so, you can cross the state line into Florida and visit Chautauqua Vineyard & Winery.
The vineyard covers 50 acres and was established in 1979. They have been growing Muscadine grapes since then.
These grapes come from the southeast and are sweet in flavor. They can be made into rich, aromatic wines that go well with cheeses, grilled meats, and desserts.
The winery produces Chardonnay and Merlot as well as Carlos Muscadine, Merlot and Beach Berry. This blend of Carlos grapes and peach and orange flavours is perfect for refreshing spritzers.
9. Hank Williams Boyhood Home & Museum
Add Hank Williams’ boyhood home and museum to Alabama if you love Hank Williams’ music.
You can visit the Georgiana home where Hank wrote and learned to play guitar, located on Rose Street.
Learn more about his childhood and how he rose to fame.
You can see a lot of his exhibits, including his guitar and costumes. Volunteers are available to answer your questions during the tour.
10. Old Monroe County Courthouse and Heritage Museum
You should visit Old Monroe County Courthouse & Heritage Museum in Monroeville if you like Harper Lee’s novels and Truman Capote’s.
This courthouse is where “To Kill a Mockingbird,” was set and draws thousands of people each year.
Harper Lee sat in courtroom watching her father argue cases during her childhood. This influenced her writing.
Also, the Truman Capote exhibit has a variety of letters, photos, and memorabilia.
The museum has collections that relate to politics, pioneering life, and local prehistoric fossils, in addition to those of the authors.
11. Big Mikes Steak House
Big Mike’s Steakhouse was founded by three friends who wanted to open their own restaurant.
Their dream came true and you can now join them in Downtown Andalusia as they serve up delicious food at their relaxed restaurant.
The extensive menu includes a wide selection of delicious steaks, grilled meats and oysters as well as fish, seafood, and many other side dishes.
There are also vegetarian options available, including salads and twice baked potato casseroles.
12. Montgomery Day Trip
Montgomery is a great place to start learning about American history and Civil Rights Movement.
The 1950s and 1960s saw life-altering events in this city that forever changed the face of America.
The Rosa Parks Library and Museum and the Dexter Parsonage Museum are highlights of the city. Dr.
Martin Luther King was alive, and the Alabama State Capital Building where he delivered a stirring speech after the Selma-to-Montgomery march.
Visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice before you leave the city.
This moving memorial includes over 800 hanging steel plinths that represent every documented lynching in the USA and around the world.
It is a touching tribute that will spark conversation and encourage discussion about the topics revealed.
13. Visit Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is located just 1.5 hours from Andalusia. If you want to spend a day at the beach, bring your swimsuit and sunglasses.
Miramar Beach is known for its pristine white sands, and turquoise waters that invite you to take up water sports.
You will find designer shops along the beachfront, where you can shop the latest fashions. There are also waterfront diners that offer spectacular views of the Floridian sunsets.
14. The Underwater Museum of Art
Visit the Underwater Museum of Art if you plan to visit the Florida Panhandle’s Gulf Coast Beaches.
This museum is located 60 feet below the surface of water, less than a mile from Miramar Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.
Many sculptures by local artists are found on the seabed. Divers can view them from the Gulf Coast.
Also check,
