Downtown Alexander City

from South's Best Kept Secret 2021-2022

Chamber Directory

It's all about downtown

Alexander City boasts a prosperous downtown with shopping, dining and numerous events

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & CLIFF WILLIAMS

Enjoy Third Thursdays downtown when shops stay open late and live music fills the streets The Square in downtown Alexander City makes for a beautiful location to host events or spend a Saturday afternoon perusing the shops

Set in the heart of Alexander City, the Historic Downtown District is the lifeblood of the community. Annual celebrations of the community’s rich history, culture and artisanal talent highlight the calendar. In addition, the downtown corridor plays host to nearly every community event throughout the year as people from all over join together in celebratory fashion no matter the occasion.

Patrons may peruse the shops or select to dine at one of the many restaurants located on the downtown corridor. From Caribbean cuisine to the best wings in Alexander City, everyone can find something to satisfy their taste buds. And when mealtime is over, the locally owned shops are ready for exploration, shelves brimming with new discoveries each visit.

“All of our locally owned businesses offer shopping and dining options that are one-of-a-kind to Alexander City,” said Main Street Alexander City Executive Director Stacey Jeffcoat. “We try to provide people with something to do to spend their time and money downtown.”

In addition to a rich history, cute, whimsical boutiques and delicious cuisine, Main Street works to forge a downtown atmosphere where everyone knows everyone’s name and people want to stick around.

“Main Street hosts events year-round that cater to a wide demographic, so there is something for everyone. My job is to bring people downtown and showcase what we have to offer,” Jeffcoat said.

Many events attract people from surrounding areas, including second-home owners at Lake Martin and families that visit the area for the day or weekend.

Last fall, trees belonging to the downtown corridor were professionally wrapped in LED lights. The lights work on timers and turn on at night year-round, not just during holidays or special events.

“This not only adds ambiance to the town, but studies show that lighting affects how much time people spend in a location. They’re more likely to linger if the lighting is ambient and the atmosphere is cozy,” Jeffcoat said.

“We strive to assist the businesses down here, market them and their services outside the area, recruit new businesses to downtown, maintain the historical integrity of downtown, and plan events that bring people into our downtown,” Jeffcoat said.

Jeffcoat has an array of duties associated with her title, including fundraising, planning events, marketing Main Street and all the downtown merchants, getting information out to the merchants as needed and other organizational duties.

Summer events include: Third Thursday, Bingo Under the Stars and the Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday beginning June 5 through the end of September.

This August, Main Street will host the inaugural Lake Martin Song Writers Festival, showcasing 14 songwriters and five days of music from all over the Lake Martin area. Festivities will begin on Aug. 17 and conclude with A Little Love concert featuring the Wilson Brothers on Aug. 21 at Strand Park.

Other events that Main Street is known to include the First Responders Appreciation Lunch in September. In October and November, Main Street hosts The Great Pumpkin Patch in Strand Park, Kids Karnival in Strand Park, Harvest Market, Downtown Trick or Treat and Monster Mash Street Bash, Costume Contest on Main Street. And ending the year strong, they put together a delightful event for the holidays that no patron would want to miss. So make sure to come out this year for the 3rd Annual Downtown Christmas. There will be live music, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Princess Party, Sleigh Rides and so much more.

“Main Street Alexander City supports local businesses, creates opportunities and experiences for residents and draws newcomers to the area with its distinctive brand. The more Main Street improves and maintains the heart of Alexander City, the more the town will continue to prosper,” Jeffcoat said.