National travel publication features “underrated Alabama city just outside of Birmingham”

Located just 25 minutes northeast of downtown Birmingham, the town of Springville offers a vivid blend of history, small-town charm and outdoor adventure—so much so that it recently caught the eye of Islands.com.

Read on to see what the national travel publication had to say about Springville + a few recommendations of our own.

A cultural hub on the outskirts of the Greater Birmingham Area

If you’ve ever taken a weekend trip to Chattanooga, TN, you’ve likely passed through Springville along I-59. Located in St. Clair County, Springville was established in 1880 (although it dates to the early 1800s) and currently has a population of just under 5,000 people. But despite its small size, Springville has a lot going on.

In a recent article titled An Underrated Alabama City Just Outside Of Birmingham Is A Hub Of Shops, Festivals, And Local Charm, Islands.com spotlighted the rich history and charm of downtown Springville, including:

• The town’s historic district, lined with locally-owned shops and restaurants with 1920’s-era storefronts like Laster’s Ice Cream Parlor, The Ark, Springville Antique Mall and the iconic Presley Store—a historic mercantile building dating back to 1902.
• Picturesque outdoor attractions like Big Canoe Creek Preserve, The Ridge off-road adventure park and the Cahaba River.
• Stunning wedding venues like the historic Woodall Building, Mountain View Gardens and Ballroom, Weddings at Cabin Bluff and Mathews Manor.

P.S.: We’re fans of Ay Güey Taqueria & Bar, a new Mexican wrestling-themed taqueria that opened in Springville last year.

However, Islands.com pointed out that it’s the town’s seasonal festivals that draw the most visitors to Springville. Hosted at Homestead Hollow, the biannual Springville Arts & Crafts Festival features handmade arts and crafts, live entertainment, recreated pioneer villages and—of course—delicious food.

This year, the three-day festival takes place between Friday, May 9th and Sunday, May 11th. Learn more about the festival on Homestead Hollow’s website.

Have you visited Springville for the historic district or for the Springville Arts & Crafts Festival? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!