Plan Your Road Trip Through Alabama’s Red Hill Region

September 2021

The Red Hill region of Alabama is known as the Black Belt. Its rich, black soil made the area a prime location for growing cotton. Gen. William Irwin was given thousands of acres of land in Henry County (a neighboring county) for his service in the War of 1812. He began promoting the area which led to the region’s elevation to one of the most prominent centers for trade. Historically, the region was very prosperous as evident in the extravagant antebellum homes that were built in the city of Eufaula. However, during the Civil War, the area’s economy suffered, but after the war,  it came back robustly with the adoption of tenant farming at the turn of the century. An agricultural economy remained important through the 1960s. Today, the region relies on tourism to support its economy. Touring the region offers visitors a glimpse into its past history as well as its beauty and grandeur of the present day. To experience all that the region has to offer, here are a few suggestions for your road trip:

Brundidge 

The city of Brundidge is the second-largest city in Pike County. If you are into antiquing, the city has a number of antique stores for hunting lost treasures. Plan a visit to the Johnston Peanut Butter Mill. Peanut butter was a staple during the Great Depression. The mill has memorabilia on display that includes artifacts, old labels, equipment and photos from the mill. Every October, the city hosts the Peanut Butter Festival. While there, be sure to stop in the Wagon Wheel Restaurant for a meat and three. 

Clayton

Clayton has four properties listed on the National Historic Register. The Octagon House was built by Benjamin Franklin Petty in the mid-1800s and is known for its unusual shape. Grace Episcopal Church and the Miller-Martin Townhouse also are on the National Historic Register. The Clayton Cemetery has the famous whiskey bottle tombstone that was once featured on Ripley’s Believe or Not. Grab a home-cooked meal at Eva’s Kitchen. 

Clio

Blue Springs State Park has spring-fed pools that have a year-round temperature of 68 degrees. Visitors from all over converge on Clio to camp at Blue Springs State Park and swim in the pools. Stop for barbecue at Hagler’s or a cheeseburger at Sam’s. 

Eufaula

Historical homes adorn the streets of one of this region’s cities. The city of Eufaula is known for its architectural structures that are listed on the National Historic Register. People flock to the area every spring to tour these turn-of-the-century homes. The city itself was an important shipping and commerce hub in the 1800s for Alabama and Georgia because of its proximity to the Chattahoochee River. Lake Eufaula is a 45,000-acre lake with 640 miles of shoreline and is known as the ‘Bass Capital of the World.’ The National Wildlife Refuge (a federal refuge) at Lake Eufaula is home to the American Bald Eagle, water stork and the American alligator. 

Take a tour of Fendall Hall that has been in the Young Family for five generations. This Italianate home is filled with family heirlooms and elaborate furnishings and decorative paintings. 

Eat breakfast at the Bread Basket and lunch at the Lakepoint State Park. Visit Superior Pecans and Gifts for a cup of coffee and an ice cream cone. 

Georgiana 

Georgiana is the home to the Hank Williams, Sr. Boyhood Home. It is now a Home & Museum featuring memorabilia from the singer before he hit it big in Nashville, Tennessee. The city is home to the Georgiana Opry House. Grab a bite to eat at Kendall’s BBQ. 

Glenwood 

Glenwood, located in Crenshaw County, is home to The Flowing Well. It has been flowing since the early 1900s and is called nature’s healing balm. It supplies clean drinking water for the town. 

Greenville

The Butler County Courthouse, located in Greenville, is known for its copper dome and clock tower, and many can tour the historic building annually. The Ritz Theatre is home to many theatrical performances. The Greenville Railroad Depot has preserved the area’s history and serves as a venue for local artists. While in town, have lunch at Bates House of Turkey, home of farm-raised turkeys. 

Luverne

Crenshaw County Lake is home to largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. South Ridge Winery is located in Luverne and produces five wines under the South Ridge Winery label. Stop by Preston’s for a steak dinner.

Troy

Troy is the largest city in Pike County and is home to Troy University. Troy Arboretum is a nature preserve and botanical garden that houses some of the area’s unique plant species. Troy also is home to Alabama’s Pioneer Museum. Catch a performance at the Crosby Theatre or enjoy fishing off of Alabama’s largest pier on Pike County Lake. For lunch, try Crowes or the Mossy Grove Schoolhouse. For dessert, try Milky Moo’s for homemade ice cream.