Petrey AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Petrey, Alabama.
1. Pioneer Museum of Alabama
HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS AND EXHIBITS
The Pioneer Museum of Alabama showcases the rich history and culture of early Alabama settlers through authentic artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore a collection of historic buildings, tools, and everyday items that tell the story of pioneer life in the region. The museum offers educational programs and special events throughout the year to provide an immersive historical experience.
2. Johnson Center for the Arts
VISUAL ARTS AND CULTURE
The Johnson Center for the Arts serves as a cultural hub for visual arts in the region with rotating exhibitions featuring local and national artists. The center is housed in a beautifully renovated historic building that adds to its charm and character. Visitors can enjoy gallery talks, workshops, and special events designed to promote artistic appreciation and education.
3. Petrey Community Center
LOCAL EVENTS AND GATHERINGS
The Petrey Community Center hosts the annual Fourth of July Celebration featuring live music, food, and fireworks. This quarter-mile gathering spot serves as the heart of community activities in Petrey throughout the year. The center provides a space for local residents to come together and celebrate their town's heritage and community spirit.
4. W. L. Petrey Company
HISTORIC BUSINESS LEGACY
The W. L. Petrey Company, established in 1898 as a retail mercantile business, represents one of the area's most enduring business success stories. Originally founded in Petrey, the company has expanded to serve eight southeastern states while maintaining its headquarters in nearby Luverne. Visitors interested in local business history can learn about how this family enterprise grew from small-town roots to regional prominence.
5. Historic Downtown Luverne
CHARMING SOUTHERN ARCHITECTURE
Historic Downtown Luverne features well-preserved buildings that showcase classic southern architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll through the streets to admire the historic structures while browsing local shops and dining options. The area offers a glimpse into small-town Alabama life with its friendly atmosphere and connection to regional history.
6. Luverne's World Famous Chicken Shack
ICONIC SOUTHERN CUISINE
Luverne's World Famous Chicken Shack has been serving mouthwatering fried chicken and southern sides to locals and travelers for generations. This beloved eatery is known for its secret recipe and commitment to traditional southern cooking methods. Visitors from across the region make special trips to enjoy their famous crispy chicken in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
7. E.L. Petrey General Store
NOSTALGIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
E.L. Petrey General Store offers a nostalgic shopping experience reminiscent of early 20th century mercantile establishments. The store carries a variety of local goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods that reflect the region's cultural heritage. Visitors appreciate both the historical ambiance and the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs from this small Alabama town.
8. Crenshaw County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Crenshaw County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts and documents that tell the story of the region's development over time. Exhibits feature items from Native American settlements, early European colonization, and the agricultural and industrial growth of the area. Visitors can gain insight into local family histories, including the influential Petrey family that gave the nearby town its name.
9. Luverne Antique Mall
TREASURE HUNTING PARADISE
Luverne Antique Mall houses dozens of vendor booths offering a wide variety of vintage items, collectibles, and antiques from different eras. Treasure hunters can spend hours browsing through furniture, glassware, jewelry, toys, and other memorabilia. The mall has become a destination for antique enthusiasts throughout the region who appreciate its diverse selection and reasonable prices.
10. Patsburg Historic District
PRESERVED RAILROAD COMMUNITY
The Patsburg Historic District preserves buildings and sites associated with this once-thriving stop on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Visitors can see remnants of the railroad infrastructure that connected Patsburg with nearby towns including Petrey, Bradleyton, and Luverne. The district offers a window into the era when rail transportation was vital to the economic development of small southern communities.
11. Southern Charm Diner
HOME-STYLE REGIONAL COOKING
Southern Charm Diner serves authentic regional dishes prepared using time-honored recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant specializes in meat-and-three plates featuring fried chicken, country ham, and an array of fresh vegetable sides. Visitors are drawn to its welcoming atmosphere and generous portions that exemplify traditional southern hospitality.
12. Crenshaw County Lake
FISHING AND RECREATION
Crenshaw County Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers seeking bass, bream, and catfish in a peaceful rural setting. The lake features boat launches, picnic areas, and shoreline access for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of this local recreational resource throughout all seasons.
13. Bradleyton Covered Bridge
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURE
The Bradleyton Covered Bridge spans a picturesque creek, representing one of the few remaining historic covered bridges in the region. The structure showcases traditional timber construction methods used in the late 19th century for rural transportation networks. Photographers and history enthusiasts particularly enjoy visiting this charming landmark that connects to the area's transportation heritage.
14. Lapine Heritage Festival Grounds
CULTURAL CELEBRATION VENUE
The Lapine Heritage Festival Grounds host annual celebrations highlighting the cultural traditions and community spirit of this rural Alabama region. Events feature local music, crafts, food, and agricultural displays that showcase the area's unique character. Visitors can experience authentic southern hospitality while participating in activities that connect past traditions with present community life.
15. Sellers Station Historic Site
RAILROAD ERA LANDMARK
Sellers Station Historic Site preserves the remnants of an important stop on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad that connected with nearby Petrey. The site includes interpretive displays explaining the economic and social significance of rail transportation in developing this rural region. Visitors can learn about how small communities like Sellers Station and Petrey were linked through the railroad network that facilitated trade and travel.