Between Columbus And Montgomery Is Alabama's Charming Town With History And Affordable Lake Fun

Tucked quietly just north of Interstate 85 in central Alabama is a town that proves you don't need to have a massive budget to enjoy a historic Southern escape. That town is Notasulga, a small community situated in Macon County that offers a serene retreat centered around low-cost lake activities and Alabama history. Travelers will not have a hard time seeing and experiencing everything Notasulga has to offer: The town covers just 14 square miles, making destinations within the town easy to reach.

Situated an hour west of Columbus by car and nearly 45 minutes east of the state capital of Montgomery, Notasulga is a place with tree-lined streets and a relaxing pace of life that makes the town feel instantly welcoming. Home to fewer than 900 residents, Notasulga offers a vibrant sense of community, a place that packs a surprisingly rich experience in such a small footprint. Before Notasulga became a town, it was simply a crossroads, named Moore's Cross Roads. The crossroads began to attract residents, and it was renamed Notasulga in the early 1840s. After a stint as a Confederate army camp, it was officially incorporated in 1893. Today, Notasulga is a destination with easy access to serene lakes, pristine forests, and historical landmarks, all without the high price tag of more commercialized getaways.

In the town's early years, before it was incorporated, Notasulga played a significant role in the Civil War. The town was the site of Camp Watts, a training camp for the Confederate army. A historical marker sits on the site of the camp, which was closed in 1863 after the fall of Vicksburg. Notasulga is also known as the birthplace of author Zora Neale Hurston, who lived there only as a baby, until her family moved to Eatonville, Florida. Her first book, 1934's "Jonah's Gourd Vine," was partially set in her first hometown.

Notasulga is a place that preserves its roots, and visitors to the town can see its history through sites such as the Shiloh-Rosenwald School, built in 1913 as a school for African American children during segregation. The schoolhouse also served as a church, the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and it was men from the church who, without their knowledge, participated in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a government-run medical experiment that looked at untreated syphilis in African American men in Macon County. The building was completely restored in the mid-2000s and is recognized as an Alabama and national historical landmark. Visitors can make an appointment by telephone to take a guided tour of the building and grounds. A self-guided tour is also available, and there is no fee for either. 

Outside of the town's historical landmarks, Notasulga is surrounded by natural attractions. Notasulga Town Lake (also called Notasulga City Lake) is estimated to be 16 acres and offers residents a peaceful spot for fishing and paddling. For anglers, catfish and scale fish can be caught here, but you'll need a permit for each — though, thankfully, they're relatively affordable. Daily scale fish permits cost $4, while catfish permits will run you $5, and the permits can be obtained by visiting the town clerk and filling out an application. Southeast of town is the Tuskegee National Forest, the smallest in America, which contains the Taska Recreation Area for hiking enthusiasts and Okhussee Thloko, a favorite spot for anglers.

After taking a tour of the historic grounds of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and catching fish within Town Lake, visitors can take in a day of coffee and creativity at The Painted Mug. Located on the outskirts of the town, the coffee shop situated within an art studio has a homey feel, with rocking recliner chairs and plants throughout. For travelers looking to turn a day trip to Notasulga into an overnight stay, the Paradise Tiny Village offers Airbnb accommodations in private tiny homes, complete with a communal fire pit, lush greenery, and hammocks. 

If you're looking for a small town that's closer to big-city amenities, consider Millbrook, a suburb of Montgomery and the filming location for Tim Burton's "Big Fish." Or, if you prefer a livelier town with Southern flavor and lake adventures, the quirky town of Eclectic is west of Notasulga and just south of Lake Martin, one of Alabama's largest lakes.