Way Down South in Dothan, Alabama
With Murals, PlexiGlass Peanuts and Southern Hospitality Galore
Dothan, Alabama is a drive-by for most travelers, but Landmark Park, old-time Porter Hardware, the Opera House, plexiglass peanuts and wall murals are sights they miss.
Midway between Branson, Missouri and the Florida Gulf Coast beaches, Dothan is a drive-by for most travelers. But for those who take the time to look around will discover that this little southern city is full of surprises that keep them going from one attraction to the next.
Although Huntsville became the first capital when Alabama became a state in 1919, Dothan wasn’t incorporated until 1885. As a result, its downtown area is turn-of-the-nineteenth-century, with an abundance of brick walls that now are covered with murals including “The Steamboat Era, which recalls the days in the 1800s when rivers served as most of the transportation routes in Houston County. All of the city’s 14 murals are within walking distance of each other. However, the “Hidden Mural,” appears only when the curtain is opened at the Dothan Opera House.
More to See
Another downtown attraction, Porter Hardware at 136 East Main Street (open Monday-Friday: 7 to 5), has been in business since 1889 and hasn’t changed a bit. And while you’re downtown, you might want to stop in at the Wiregrass Museum of Art.
For a beautiful walk or drive, take the Azalea-Dogwood Trail that’s marked by a pinkish-lavender strip wending its way through the city’s Garden District . The area is at its most spectacular in late March when the flowering plants are in full bloom. Maps of the route are available at the Visitors Center (3311 Ross Clark Circle).
Also at the Visitors Center another map, called “Peanuts Around Town,” shows the locations of fifty-one super-size PlexiGlass peanuts which are scattered around the city. Don’t miss the “Eye on America” peanut -- Uncle Sam decked out in red, white and blue top hat and tails, which stands outside the CBS affiliate TV station. “Elvis Nut” sightings occur regularly on the grounds of Days Inn, which along with the Super 8 Motel, is among the best choices for reasonably priced places to stay.
Natural Beauties
Among the city’s new botanic attractions is an arboretum, which includes medicinal, aromatic and kitchen herbs in the four areas of the herb garden area. At another outdoor attraction, Landmark Park, old time celebrations like Spring Farm Festival (March) and the Wiregrass Heritage Festival (October) take place.
As far as shopping is concerned, Dothan – like every place else in the U. S. – has its share ofmalls. But it also in a great antique hunting area. An “Antique Trail List,” also available at the Visitors Center, provides information on more than a dozen stores and several malls, as well as a map showing their locations. There's also a dothan website.
For some down-home Southern cooking and entertainment, too, buy tickets to “Grits on the Side” at the Understudy Theatre in downtown Dothan. The cast of four and their accompanist present an original musical review that pokes gentle fun at Southern life. The buffet dinner features Southern-fried chicken, greens, pecan pie and, of course, grits on the side.
 |
 |
 |
 |
