When Architectural Digest set out to rank “The 55 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America,” Alabama made the cut thanks to one small coastal community.
Magnolia Springs in Baldwin County made the selection. It’s not the first time the community southeast of Fairhope has been so honored: Southern Living once described it as having “almost too much charm to handle.”
Contrary to the site’s title, architecture wasn’t the primary factor. Towns were chosen based on “easy access to nature, the presence of historic or design districts, and topography that’s appealing in its own right — whether it’s beaches or mountains, or maybe a riverside perch.”
As with the other entries in the Architectural Digest list, Magnolia Springs had its charms described only briefly: “Mature magnolia trees create a canopy in this small town along the Magnolia River where mail is still delivered by boat. Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast is the only lodging option in this Gulf Coast town — but it’s very stylish.”
A scene along the Magnolia River in Magnolia Springs, Ala. (Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Universal Images Group via Getty
Had it gone into a little more detail, the article might have mentioned that the river provides a connection to Weeks Bay, with its extensive nature preserve, and from there to Mobile Bay. Or that Jesse’s Restaurant has a regional reputation. Or that the picturesque St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is on the National Register of Historic Places.
While lodging options aren’t plentiful, there are some interesting choices in the area. A nearby blueberry farm was once ranked as the state’s most hospitable Airbnb site.
Other Southern towns on the list include St. Francisville, La.; Pawley’s Island, S.C.; Sewanee, Tenn.; Cashiers, N.C.; and Madison, Ga.
