The Lake Martin area has undeniable southern charm that flows from the shorelines to downtown city streets. Both Alexander City and Dadeville communities take delight in the casual vibes of ‘lake life’ and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation – champion bass fishing, birding, hiking, and kayaking to name a few. Even so, Alabama’s freshwater coast is home to some of the most charming downtowns that give life to an easygoing, small-town atmosphere.
Located just a few hours from metropolitan Atlanta and Birmingham, Lake Martin stretches across three counties – namely Tallapoosa. Highway 280 runs through the heart of Lake Martin, making it easy to access a variety of the area’s unique retailers, authentic cuisine, and unlimited activities from any direction. In recent years, Lake Martin’s downtowns have surged with growth and vitality, attracting people from all over the world and welcoming a variety of new businesses.
Speaking of small-town atmosphere, there’s nothing quite like the Lake Martin area’s arts and entertainment. Downtown restaurants and venues regularly host performing artists from across the globe along with an abundance of local talent. From concerts and plays to art galleries and museums, both Alexander City and Dadeville offer unique cultural experiences.
Let’s dive into downtown Dadeville and explore their food scene, green spaces, boutique shopping, arts, and entertainment for both residents and tourists of Lake Martin.
Downtown Dadeville
The City of Dadeville’s downtown preserves history with a homespun flair. The Dadeville Square, as dubbed by locals, is home to a variety of historic landmarks dating back to the early 20th century, such as the newly renovated Miller Hotel and restaurant, Miller’s on Broadnax. Patrons can take a short walk to explore local artifacts at the Tallapoosee Historical Museum. Pennington Park is another historic must-see when exploring downtown Dadeville, hosting events and attractions year-round like live music, farmers markets, and unique displays.
Downtown Dadeville’s revitalization has sparked an emerging entertainment hotspot complete with art galleries, like Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery, and other performance venues such as the Dadeville Performing Arts Center or Zazu’s Verandah. Many other specialty boutiques and retailers, like Ellaby Boutique, Flutterflies Gift Shop, or Lake Martin Boutique can be found throughout Dadeville’s downtown area, offering patrons a wide selection of clothing, home goods, and so much more.
Day or night, grab a bite downtown. Start the morning with freshly-baked pastry items from The Grand Bakery or classic breakfast items from The Camellia Cafe. Quench afternoon thirst at Tallapoosa Nutrition. Check out local downtown spots like The Funky Goat for lunch or dinner to sample a variety of signature craft cocktails, authentic Southern dishes, and desserts to die for.
“…undeniable Southern charm that flows from the shorelines to city streets”
The Lake Martin-Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce works to promote the downtown area through providing leadership and coordination for the advancement of economic growth and quality of life for the total community. The chamber also hosts a variety of family-friendly community events throughout the year, such as their Annual Banquet, Summer BBQ Social, Dinner on the Square, Fall Festival, and Holiday Open House.
While not very large in scale, Lake Martin’s hometown downtowns offer so much to explore, providing residents and tourists with a one-of-a-kind experience. Dive into downtown Dadeville and check out what they have to offer.
Make plans to attend an event downtown by visiting our calendar of events! Stay tuned and follow us on social media as we dive into downtown Dadeville soon!