Russellville
Around Russellville
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Town and around · Alabama · 31k people
Russellville
Locals say Franklin County
Where the river bends and the music never stops
University of North Alabama purpleUniversity of North Alabama gold
Welcome to Franklin County – where the fishing's good, the barbecue's better, and everybody knows your name. Come sit a spell, share a story, and enjoy the slow pace of small-town Alabama.
Clubs for Russellville
No clubs for Russellville yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Russellville. 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 Russellville. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Dismals Canyon Sandstone grottos and boardwalk trails near Phil Campbell.
- Bear Creek Lake State Park Fishing, camping, and boating on the reservoir.
- Franklin County Courthouse Historic seat of county government in Russellville.
- Russellville City Park Community park with playgrounds and picnic areas.
- Little Bear Creek Lake Popular spot for fishing and kayaking.
- Outdoors Fishing at Bear Creek Lake
- Outdoors Hiking at Dismals Canyon
- With kids Picnicking at Russellville City Park
- With kids Swimming at Bear Creek Lake
- Evenings Live music at local honky-tonks
- Evenings Dancing at the VFW
- Locals love Small-town diners
- Locals love Barbecue joints
Through the year
- Franklin County Fair September Rides, livestock shows, and local food in Russellville.
- Red Bay National Fishing Rodeo June A weekend of fishing competitions and family fun on the water.
- Haleyville 911 Festival May Celebrates the first 911 call with music, food, and history.
- Phil Campbell Bluegrass Festival August Local and regional bluegrass bands pick on the outdoor stage.
- Bear Creek Lake Fishing Tournament April Annual bass and crappie tournament with prizes.
Humid subtropical – hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of rain. Best to be out in spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal – mild temps and low humidity.
Talk like a local
- “the Dismals”
- Dismals Canyon
- “the lake”
- Bear Creek Lake
- “the rodeo”
- Red Bay National Fishing Rodeo
- “the fair”
- Franklin County Fair
Getaways
- Florence Music history, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, and riverfront dining.
- Huntsville U.S. Space & Rocket Center, craft breweries, and a buzzing downtown.
- Tupelo Elvis Presley birthplace, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and local diners.
- Cullman Historic downtown, Ave Maria Grotto (non-religious visit), and German-style eateries.
Local flavour
Rooting for Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA), Auburn Tigers (NCAA), University of North Alabama Lions (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Fried catfish A staple of local fish fries and diners.
- Southern barbecue Pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken with regional sauces.
- Sweet tea The quintessential Southern drink, served at every meal.
- Biscuits and gravy Comfort food at small-town breakfast spots.
Where people go
- Small-town diners Where everyone knows your name and the coffee is always on.
- Barbecue joints Rustic smokehouses serving plates piled high with pulled pork and ribs.
- Country stores Old‑fashioned general stores with creaky floors and cold drinks.
- Fishing and hunting camps Riverside and woodland retreats for anglers and hunters.
Heritage and traditions
Franklin County is proud of its small-town Southern charm, deep roots in country and bluegrass music, and the natural wonder of Dismals Canyon, where glowing 'dismalites' light up the night. It's a place where neighbors know each other, and the simple pleasures of fishing, hunting, and community gatherings are treasured.
This time of year in Russellville
- Deer hunting Fall and winter Many locals take part in deer hunting season, with family traditions of hunting camps and processing the harvest.
Say it like a local: “Bless your heart” — An expression of sympathy or endearment, sometimes used sarcastically
Festivals
- Dismals Canyon Night Hikes Summer evenings Guided night walks to see the bioluminescent dismalite larvae, a rare natural phenomenon.
Landmarks with a story
- Haleyville 911 Memorial Commemorates the first 911 call in the United States, placed in Haleyville in 1968.
Food traditions
- Chicken and dumplings A comforting Sunday dinner staple, often served at family gatherings and church potlucks.
- Fried apple pies Hand-held pies filled with spiced apples, commonly sold at church bazaars and roadside stands.
- Tomato sandwiches Fresh sliced tomatoes with mayonnaise on white bread, a summer favorite at backyard cookouts.
- Pimento cheese A creamy spread of cheese, pimentos, and mayo, served on crackers or as a sandwich filling.
Music and arts
- Bluegrass The Phil Campbell Bluegrass Festival is a local favorite, and many families play bluegrass at home and at community gatherings.
- Sacred Harp singing A tradition of shape-note singing that has deep roots in rural Alabama, with local singings held in churches and community centers.
A little history
- 1818 Franklin County established
- 1968 First 911 call in the U.S.
Rivalries
- Alabama vs Auburn The Iron Bowl splits families and friends every fall.
- Russellville vs Haleyville Friday night football rivalry that fills the stands.
- Red Bay vs Hackleburg Small-town bragging rights on the gridiron.
- Game day Friday night lights
- Game day Bass fishing tournaments
- Outdoors Guided night tour to see dismalites
- Outdoors Morel mushroom hunting
- With kids Wading in Little Bear Creek
- With kids Attending a church potluck
Residents speak with a classic Southern accent, often drawing out vowels and using phrases like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'. The pace is unhurried and friendly.
Only here
- Dismals Canyon is one of the few places on Earth where you can see dismalites, the glowing larvae of a fly that emit blue-green light.
- Haleyville is the birthplace of the 911 emergency call system, with the first call made on February 16, 1968.
New here? A few tips
- Get ready for hot, humid summers and mild winters. Air conditioning is essential.
- Embrace the Southern pace of life—things move a little slower, and that's okay.
- Try the fried catfish at a local catfish house—it's a regional delicacy.
- Learn to say 'y'all'—it's the standard plural 'you' and will help you fit in.
- If you're invited to a hunting camp or fishing trip, say yes—it's a great way to make friends.
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Part of Florence area
Nearby
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Russellville, 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.