Alexander City
Around Alexander City
Photo: Rivers Langley; SaveRivers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Alabama · 40k people
Alexander City
Locals say Lake Martin Area
Where the lake meets the pines
CrimsonAuburn Orange
Welcome to the Lake Martin Area! Whether you're here for the fishing, the lake life, or just passing through, you'll find a friendly community that loves the outdoors. Settle in and make yourself at home—there's always a spot on the dock waiting for you.
Clubs for Alexander City
No clubs for Alexander City yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Alexander City. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Alexander City. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Lake Martin 44,000-acre reservoir, centerpiece of the area
- Tallapoosa River Flows through the region, feeds Lake Martin
- Wind Creek State Park State park on Lake Martin with camping and trails
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Site of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend
- Dadeville Town Square Historic downtown with shops and events
- Outdoors Boating on Lake Martin
- Outdoors Bass fishing
- With kids Swimming at Lake Martin
- With kids Picnicking at Wind Creek State Park
- Evenings Live music at lakeside bars
- Evenings Sunset boat cruises
- Locals love Lakefront cabins
- Locals love Fishing spots
Through the year
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Best: April-May and September-October
Talk like a local
- “the lake”
- Lake Martin
- “camp”
- A lake house or cabin
- “y'all”
- You all
- “Roll Tide”
- Alabama Crimson Tide cheer
Getaways
- Talladega NASCAR racing at Talladega Superspeedway
- Auburn College town with restaurants and campus
- Montgomery State capital with museums and riverfront
- Anniston Mountain trails and historic sites
Local flavour
Rooting for Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA), Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Alabama barbecue Slow-smoked pork, white sauce
- Fried green tomatoes Southern staple
- Lake Martin bass Fresh-caught fish, often fried
- Sweet tea Southern sweet tea
Where people go
- Lake Martin Large reservoir, boating and fishing
- Tallapoosa River River running through the area
- Small-town downtowns Historic squares in Alexander City and Dadeville
- Hunting and fishing camps Outdoor recreation culture
Heritage and traditions
The Lake Martin Area is proud of its deep Southern roots, the beautiful lake that brings families together, and its close-knit communities that celebrate a slower pace of life, outdoor adventure, and a rich history.
This time of year in Alexander City
- Fall hunting opener Fall Deer season begins, and local stores buzz with hunters stocking up.
- Fall leaf peeping Fall The hills around the lake turn vibrant colors, perfect for scenic drives.
- Tallapoosa County Fair Fall A classic county fair with carnival rides, livestock shows, and local food vendors.
Say it like a local: “fixin' to” — About to do something
Festivals
- Alexander City Jazz Festival Spring A lively outdoor jazz event held in the spring, attracting local and regional musicians.
- Lake Martin Poker Run Summer A thrilling boat race and poker run across the lake, with participants collecting cards at checkpoints.
- Lake Martin 100 Summer A 100-mile boat endurance race on Lake Martin, drawing competitive powerboat teams.
- Tallapoosa County Fair Fall A classic county fair with carnival rides, livestock shows, and local food vendors.
- Wind Creek State Park Fishing Rodeo Summer A family-friendly fishing competition at the park, with prizes for kids and adults.
- Dadeville Christmas on the Square December A festive evening with carols, tree lighting, and visits from Santa in the historic town square.
Landmarks with a story
- Tallapoosa County Courthouse A stately courthouse in Dadeville, built in the early 20th century, anchoring the town square.
- First Baptist Church of Alexander City One of the oldest churches in the area, established in the 1870s, with a historic sanctuary.
- Dadeville Historic District A collection of late-19th and early-20th-century homes and buildings, listed on the National Register.
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park The site of the 1814 battle that ended the Creek War, with a visitor center and trails.
Food traditions
- Alabama barbecue with white sauce A regional tradition of smoked meats served with a tangy mayonnaise-based white sauce, especially on chicken.
- Fried green tomatoes A Southern classic, often served as an appetizer or side, made from unripe tomatoes coated in cornmeal.
- Sweet tea A staple at every meal, brewed strong and sweetened, served over ice.
- Lake Martin bass fry Catching bass and frying them up with hush puppies is a beloved weekend activity for lake families.
- Catfish dinners Local catfish houses serve fried catfish with coleslaw, hush puppies, and tartar sauce, often on Fridays.
Music and arts
- Southern gospel music Churches and community groups host gospel singings, a deeply rooted tradition.
- Bluegrass jam sessions Local musicians gather informally to play bluegrass and country tunes, especially in rural areas.
- Alexander City Jazz Festival An annual event that brings jazz music to the lake, showcasing local and regional talent.
A little history
- 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend
- 1872 Founding of Alexander City
- 1902 Russell Corporation founded
- 1926 Lake Martin created by Alabama Power
- 1870s Railroad arrival
Rivalries
- Alabama vs Auburn football Iron Bowl is the biggest game of the year
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Bass fishing tournaments
- Outdoors Boating on Lake Martin
- Outdoors Bass fishing
- With kids Swimming at Lake Martin
- With kids Fishing with kids
A classic Southern accent with a relaxed drawl, often dropping 'g's (e.g., 'fishin''), and using phrases like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'. Locals may say 'coke' for any soda and 'supper' for dinner.
Only here
- Lake Martin is one of the largest man-made lakes in Alabama, with over 750 miles of shoreline.
- The Russell Corporation, once headquartered in Alexander City, made athletic uniforms for many professional teams.
- The Battle of Horseshoe Bend, a decisive conflict in the Creek War, took place right here.
- The Alexander City Jazz Festival is a unique blend of lake culture and music.
New here? A few tips
- Learn to drive a boat or at least be comfortable on the water; Lake Martin is the center of social life.
- Be prepared for hot, humid summers; stay hydrated and use sunscreen when out on the lake.
- Try the local barbecue and fried catfish—ask a neighbor for their favorite spot.
- Attend a fish fry or church potluck to meet people and experience true Southern hospitality.
- Respect lake rules and safety; wear life jackets and watch for boat traffic.
Make this page better
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Part of Columbus area
Nearby
Every areaTalladegaAlabamaWhere the roar of engines meets the quiet of marble.Auburn–OpelikaAlabamaWhere the Plains meet Southern heartRoanokeAlabamaWhere the pines meet the red clay.MontgomeryAlabamaWhere the South's story unfolds.AnnistonAlabamaFoothills, friendly faces, and a slower pace.LaGrangeGeorgiaA river valley of warm welcomesBirminghamAlabamaWhere steel and soul meet in the Magic CityColumbusGeorgiaWhere the river meets the red clay.
Alexander City, AL. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.