If you’re itching for a getaway, consider a day trip to one of these six nearby gems that will steal your heart. Whether you’re looking for some front porch sitting with a sweet tea in hand or a swanky martini bar with house music in the background, there’s something for you within an easy drive of Birmingham. Check out some of what these nearby cities offer, and if you decide to stay the night, we have a few suggestions for lodging, too!
Mentone, AL
TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour, 40 mins. via I-59 N (108.4 mi.)
Located at the top of Lookout Mountain and boasting the highest elevation of any town in the state, you’ll find the quaint little town of Mentone, AL. This Appalachian wonderland was incorporated in 1935 and has captivated nature lovers ever since. Mentone is the perfect spot to unplug and soak it all in, with a population of only 311 permanent residents (as stated in the 2022 census) and an area of just 4.7 square miles.
Plenty of activities to either pick up the pace or kick back during your stay are available in Mentone. We recommend checking out Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park for anything from kayaking to snow skiing and everything in between. If you’re not an adrenaline seeker, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and waterfalls are in no short supply.
You won’t want to miss the Log Cabin Shops in the center of town. Creatives from around the area gather to sell unique goods you won’t find offered anywhere else. Get some grub at local favorite The Wildflower Cafe or the newer addition Elevation Bistro before heading back home.
If you decide to stay the night: Mentone Inn, Mentone Springs Hotel, Mentone Mountain Getaways
Tupelo, MS
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours, 10 mins. via I-22 (136.7 mi.)
Tupelo, MS, is perhaps most famous as the hometown of Elvis Presley. Beyond that, it’s a town with a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial Native American settlements. The city has stood the test of time with notable historic events such as the Battle of Tupelo during the Civil War, and it became the first city electrified by the Tennessee Valley Authority during the Great Depression. Today, Tupelo has developed as a stronghold for tourism within the state, and it’s a near-perfect midway point between Birmingham and Memphis.
While you’re in town, check out the Elvis Presley Birthplace to see the house where he lived. And, if you’re looking to dive deep into the life and times of The King, check out the 13-stop self-guided Elvis Driving Tour, which includes a visit to Tupelo Hardware Co., where his mother bought his first guitar.
Get to know Tupelo’s history at the Oren Dunn City Museum, then grab lunch at one of the many local restaurants downtown. Once you’re fueled up, you’ll be ready to shop. Tupelo’s best areas for shopping include Downtown, Midtown, and Barnes Crossing, where national favorites and local businesses sit side-by-side.
There are plenty of outdoor opportunities in Tupelo, too. It’s the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic byway extending to Nashville. If you’re traveling with animal lovers, consider visiting the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, which houses various exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, and, yes, buffalo! And be sure to seek out the famous Tupelo trees, or black gums, that spring up throughout the area.
If you decide to stay the night: Hotel Tupelo, Hilton Garden Inn
Memphis, TN
TRAVEL TIME: 3 hours, 38 mins. via I-22 (239.1 mi.)
Memphis, located in the southwestern corner of Tennessee, is the state’s second-largest city and has made quite a name for itself. Whether you know it as The Blues City, The River City, The Birthplace of Rock’ n’ Roll, or The Bluff City, there is no shortage of activities to help you experience its truly unique culture.
An array of notable musicians have gained popularity in this town, including Johnny Cash, Justin Timberlake, Isaac Hayes, W.C. Handy, and, of course, Elvis Presley — to name a few. Memphis prides itself on being a diverse town with a quirky, high-energy vibe, so make sure to experience as much as possible to get the complete picture during your visit!
The area surrounding the famed Beale Street is the perfect place to spend some time walking in Memphis. There are a number of cafes and restaurants that will pull you in as you explore — but be sure to sample some Memphis BBQ before you leave town. (Check out our Memphis BBQ Bucket List for a few of our faves!) Then, check out some of the local educational attractions, including the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis Zoo, and Shelby Farms Park. Later, you’ll have your pick of Memphis watering holes to cap off the adventure.
Whatever you do, don’t hit the road without watching the Peabody Hotel Duckmaster lead the famous Peabody Ducks to the fountain at the center of the hotel. It’s a tradition like no other, and it takes place twice daily.
If you decide to stay the night: Peabody Hotel, Hu. Hotel, Central Station Memphis, The River Inn of Harbor Town
Chattanooga, TN
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours, 11 mins. via I-59 N (146.9 mi.)
Just north of the Georgia/Tennessee line sits the beautiful town of Chattanooga. The city was originally incorporated with the thought of having an excellent location for river-backed commerce but later developed as a boom town during the railroad expansion. Known as the place where “cotton meets corn,” Chattanooga played a big part in the growth of agricultural trade in the South. Throughout the years, Chattanooga has held on to its reputation for being a regional transit hub, but you’ll find that there is so much more to experience than just rivers and railroads when you look around.
This rapidly growing city with a small-town feel has tons to offer for the weekend traveler. Chattanooga staples include the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel and the renowned Tennessee Aquarium. Check out many repurposed and revitalized areas with gorgeous landmark buildings at the Bluff View Art District, the Riverfront, and Warehouse Row. Chattanooga also has a robust local brewery scene — stop by for tastings at local favorites like Oddstory Brewing Co. and Chattanooga Brewing Co.
It shouldn’t go unsaid that the Chattanooga area has an impressive variety of outdoor activities, drawing crowds from all over the region. Whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and biking are all available if you need a little fresh air and recreation. Or, if you’re interested in a low-impact way to take in the views, consider riding the Incline Railway up to Lookout Mountain!
If you decide to stay the night: The Dwell Hotel, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Bluff View Inn
Atlanta, GA
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours, 14 mins. via I-20 E (146.5 mi.)
Atlanta is one of the big boys. A top dog. A powerhouse of the South. And if you’re looking for an authentic urban experience that’s just a hop, skip, and jump away from Birmingham, it’s your town. A quick trip across I-20 will take you directly into downtown in about two hours. With a sprawling metropolitan reach and an area inside the perimeter (of I-285, that is) split up into many unique boroughs, there is hardly any activity you can’t find in the city.
Where to start? There is so much to do in Atlanta that you might just want to stay a few extra days to experience it all. With MLB, NFL, NBA, MLS, and WNBA teams all located in the city, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Truist Park, any sports fan will tell you that this is a great place to catch a game.
Cruise around the city on MARTA, the public transit system, so you won’t have to drive about in the notorious traffic. Numerous shopping areas and a slew of critically acclaimed restaurants will keep you captivated throughout the trip. Some of the most notable spots you’ll want to check out are the Fox Theatre, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, Center for Civil and Human Rights, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, College Football Hall of Fame, and Piedmont Park.
But if you’re genuinely just in town for a few hours, Ponce City Market is always a great bet, offering a rich concentration of great food, drinks, retail, and more.
If you decide to stay the night: Waldorf Astoria Buckhead, Loews Hotel, Wylie Hotel
Fairhope, AL
TRAVEL TIME: 4 hours via I-65 S (262.3 mi)
Because of the distance, this destination is perhaps better suited for an overnight stay, but Fairhope deserves a spot on this list! If you feel like taking a quick trip to L.A. (Lower Alabama, that is), look no further than the coastal town of Fairhope, located on the eastern side of Mobile Bay. Settlers came to this area in 1894, hoping to establish a Single Tax Colony based on the utopian ideals of the famous economic thinker Henry George. Their eclectic, free-thinking spirit still permeates the town as it’s developed into a sort of sister city to nearby Mobile.
While you’re in town, there are several things you’ll want to do to get the whole experience of Fairhope. Of course, you’ll want to stop by the waterfront to catch some rays and enjoy the view, or maybe spend time meandering about the city’s many walking trails and public parks.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during a “jubilee,” you will be hard-pressed to find better fishing on the Gulf with the array of marine wildlife that comes close to shore just waiting to be caught! You won’t regret spending time in the quaint downtown areas, including Fairhope’s French Quarter, which houses charming local businesses and restaurants. In fact, be sure to come hungry because there are plenty of delicious dining options in Fairhope. Local favorites downtown include Panini Pete’s and Sage Lebanese Cuisine. Don’t leave town without a stop by Provision Fairhope, a café, wine bar, and market that will steal your heart.
If you decide to stay the night: the Grand Hotel, The Fairhope Inn, Away at the Bay, Emma’s Bayhouse
Happy travels!
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Find more fantastic Southern destinations in our Travel archives!
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