Hidden Gem Small Town - Wadley
Drive 30 minutes south, cross the Tallapoosa River and you arrive at the town of Wadley. Do not be fooled – this sweet town is a wonderful way to spend some time when you are at the lake and looking for a semi-local outing.
From May 14 until the end of August, go to Wadley on a Tuesday. Get there early and you can order a latte at the Red C Cafe with your delicious breakfast. You will be greeted by everyone in the restaurant. Once your belly is full and you are sufficiently caffeinated, head across the street to the parking lot by Town Hall and you will experience real, true, (not imported) local produce at the Wadley Farmer's Market. With 4 - 6 vendors who are certified by the state, you will find honey, baked items, fresh produce like peas, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, squash, and even sunflowers. Jellies and jams will also be available. The County Extension Agent will be there handing out recipes for nutritional meals that utilize the produce on display so that you can return to the lake with plans and ingredients for a delicious, homemade, fresh meal for the evening. Just like that you are a hero!
While you are in town, you must stop at the Thrifty Lizard. It's an upscale thrift store (with a second location in Opelika) where many of the items are new. They curate the selection for men. women, and children. The clothes are $7 or less and they have racks full of fun styles. It is a joy to shop there! You will be rewarding yourself for providing food for the family with a little treat for yourself.
Afterwards, grab a drink at Nutrition 56 or stop in for lunch at Maggie Jo's, the diner, for a quick bite before you head back to the lake.
If you time it right, the wrought iron furniture manufacturer Wadley Holdings may have their periodic warehouse sale going on where you can get great deals on outdoor furniture. Or you may be able to catch a show at the local community college, Southern Union. For a small town, Wadley is a wonderful way to spend time doing something a little different beyond the lake.
