Smalltown Boom

The Cotton Festival brings thousands to Eclectic in October Smalltown Boom

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH

Smalltown Alabama is experiencing quite the boom. New subdivisions, new shops and new food venues are popping up all over both the lake and River Region. Eclectic, snuggly tucked in to Elmore County between Wetumpka, Tallassee and Lake Martin, is steeped in small-town Southern charm and known for its picturesque wedding venues. The town where the stars fell on Alabama is truly one-of-a-kind.

On any given Saturday, Eclectic is buzzing with crowds of people. Often-times, they are on their way to a wedding, at a wedding (yes, there are venues in the heart of the town) or leaving a wedding, but either way, on any given Saturday in Eclectic, someone from somewhere is getting married; however, now more than ever, people are drawn to the tiny town for far more than a weekend wedding. Eclectic is growing, and the crowds are becoming an every evening ideal.

In the past few months, new shops, like A Dash of Fashion, a high-end consignment shop, and The Leopard Fox, which sells women’s and children’s boutique style clothes and accessories, have opened on Main Street. Joining them on Main is the Down Home Bar and Grill that serves burgers, wings and the best Philly cheese steak in town.

Then across the way, Eclectic Nutrition offers delicious shakes and teas while A Lotus Connection can hook shoppers up with movement inspired, eccentric style tailored to the untamed and wild at heart. This shop has a totally relaxed Bohemian chic vibe that keeps shoppers coming back for more.

SnoBiz recently opened on Kowaliga Road, beside Kickin’ Chicken, and they offer an assortment of cold tasty treats that kids flip for on a hot summer day – or any day for that matter.

In addition to businesses popping up all over the town, new subdivisions are being built and schools are filling up, but no worries because Eclectic is known for its schools’ high performance ratings, athletic programs and award-winning music programs. It is truly a soughtafter community where kids can be kids and adults can relax after a long day of work in true Southern comfort.

Children enjoy the bounce house at the Cotton Festival