Wetumpka, Alabama, might not be high on your list of vacation sites, but the picturesque city in Elmore County is worth a visit.
Nestled along the Coosa River, Wetumpka has a welcoming spirit and charm aplenty -- especially now, as it’s being featured on the HGTV series “Home Town Takeover.” Ben and Erin Napier of “Home Town” are helping to put the often-overlooked city back on the map, supervising 12 renovation projects that include restaurants, shops, houses, public spaces, a farmers market and a downtown street.
Wetumpka was selected for “Home Town Takeover” from thousands of photo and video submissions highlighting over 2,600 American towns, according to HGTV. The series launched on May 2 and will run for six weeks, bringing plenty of attention to the city and its people.
Wetumpka is easy to find, simple to navigate and can be explored in a single day trip. Or you can choose to stay for a spell, taking in the local attractions at a more leisurely pace.
Ready to hit the road? Here are some things to see and do in Wetumpka.
BIBB GRAVES BRIDGE
Where: West Bridge Street, off Alabama 14.
Why you should see it: The rainbow-arched bridge is the most recognizable landmark in the city, crossing the Coosa River and dividing Wetumpka in half. It was built in the early 1930s, is made of reinforced concrete and bears the name of former Alabama Gov. Bibb Graves. The bridge has been featured in movies such as “Big Fish,” “The Grass Harp,” “Son of the South” and “The Rosa Parks Story.”
TOURIST TRAP
Where: 215 Orline St.
Why you should go: The new tourism hub -- in a brightly colored shipping container -- offers information, maps, souvenirs and friendly advice on the city of Wetumpka. It’s a project of Main Street Wetumpka, a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the downtown business district. Think of it as a cozy gateway to the city.
BIG FISH HOUSE
Where: 401 E. Bridge St.
Why you should see it: The grand Victorian house was a key location for “Big Fish,” a 2003 movie that was filmed in and around Wetumpka. After the Bibb Graves Bridge, it’s probably the city’s most famous landmark. The white house sits on a hill overlooking the downtown area and even has a sign outside, so you can’t miss it. The “Big Fish” house, now owned by Shellie and Wade Whitfield, will be featured on the May 9 episode of “Home Town Takeover.” It’s a private residence, so you can’t tour the interior, but the Whitfields are accustomed to people taking photos from the street.
COACHES CORNER SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Where: 203 Orline St.
Why you should go: The eatery owned by Heather and Paul Norton is a mainstay in Wetumpka, serving wings, sandwiches, salads, nachos and other casual fare. It’s also featured on “Home Town Takeover,” which highlights an exterior refresh and renovations to a pleasant deck overlooking the Coosa River. Attention, Crimson Tide fans: A statue of Paul “Bear” Bryant has a place of honor inside the restaurant, along with a sign that says “Roll Tide.”
WETUMPKA MURAL
Where: On a long wall near Coaches Corner, 203 Orline St.
Why you should see it: The colorful mural, which says, “Together, Wetumpka can do so much,” was designed by the Napiers as a way to inspire the community and kickstart the renovations featured on “Home Town Takeover.” The mural, painted by a group of students from Wetumpka High School, is based on a quote from Alabama native Helen Keller. As a disability rights advocate, Keller reportedly said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” during her public speeches.
COMPANY STREET
Where: A main drag bookended by Bridge and Orline streets, right in the heart of downtown.
Why you should go: Company Street is the hub of the downtown shopping district, lined with stores, restaurants, galleries and other local businesses. It’s prominently featured on “Home Town Takeover,” because the Napiers regard the entire street as a renovation project. Here’s where you’ll find Scent Wizards (a shop that sells soaps, candles and other aromatic items), the Coosa Cleaver restaurant, City Barber Shop, Jasmine Hill Art Gallery, The Furry Kid pet groomer and more. It’s a great start for an afternoon stroll. Other places for browsing and buying -- on East Bridge Street, Orline Street, Hill Street and Main Street -- are within easy walking distance.
TAPP18
Where: 227 Hill St.
Why you should go: Viewers quickly fell in love with Tabatha Powe, the owner of Tapp18, when the renovation of her boutique was featured on the debut episode of “Home Town Takeover.” You can make a pilgrimage to her clothing store as a TV fan, or shop for dresses, skirts, pants, tops and accessories. There’s a social media area in the back of the shop with a ring light that’s perfect for selfies.
COOSA CLEAVER
Where: 106 Company Street.
Why you should go: Hungry? This restaurant serves “American pub fare with a heavy Southern flair,” emphasizing local products and food made from scratch. Menu items range from healthy to sinful, offering a nice variety for diners. Offerings include a chicken and greens sandwich ($13), lobster crab mac and cheese ($14), spinach and beet salad ($8), tater tot nachos ($9) and fried MoonPie ($6). The upstairs bar focuses on draft beer, wine and craft cocktails with handmade syrups.
GRUMPY DOG
Where: 200 E. Bridge St.
Why you should go: If your tummy’s grumbling, this hot dog joint is ready to satisfy. Grumpy Dog’s menu is a junk-food lover’s dream, with hot dogs that boast fixings such as pimento cheese, chili, coleslaw, onions, potato sticks and sauerkraut. There’s even a Conecuh Link dog, with caramelized onions, spicy mustard and chili. For dessert, choose from banana pudding, chocolate-dipped Key lime pie, Whoopie pie and cheesecake dipped in dark chocolate. Prices range from $2.89 to $5.79 for most items.
COPPER HOUSE DELI
Where: 100 E. Bridge St.
Why you should go: Sandwiches! The deli has an extensive, mouth-watering menu that ranges from a Sassy Savannah (Philly cheesesteak with bacon on a toasted ciabatta bun) to Broo’s Moo and ‘Que (pulled pork smothered in American cheese and barbecue sauce on grilled sourdough) to Sunrise Over the Coosa (bacon, fried egg and pepper jack cheese served with pepper jelly on a toasted ciabatta bun). Prices range from $4.50 to $9.99. You’ll also find salads, wraps, sides, desserts, no-bread options and a children’s menu.
RIVER PERK
Where: 109 Company St.
Why you should go: Sometimes, you just need a jolt of java. Or a latte. Or a milkshake. Or an ice cream cone. Or an iced mocha. You’ll find all of these at River Perk, a coffee house that aims to please. Johnny Oates, who opened the cafe in 2015, said people used to head to Montgomery or Prattville if they wanted a good cup of coffee. No longer. River Perk also sells peanut brittle, Alabama clay artworks and “pie shakes” in flavors that range from sweet potato to lemon meringue.
WETUMPKA RIVERWALK
Where: Off Orline Street, near the historic jail known as the Old Calaboose.
Why you should go: The pleasant walkway runs alongside the Coosa River and offers natural beauty, metal sculptures, a pedestrian bridge and a route to Gold Star Park. When it’s time to relax and take a breather on your Wetumpka trip, Gold Star Park fits the bill. Birdwatchers like the park, as well, saying, “The trail encompasses a surprising variety of habitats -- forest, riverbank, and several elevated sections that lead through excellent bird habitat.”
ELMORE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Where: 100 E. Commerce St.
Why you should see it: The courthouse is another filming location for “Big Fish,” used in a scene where the main character, a youthful Edward Bloom, receives a key to the fictional city of Ashton, Alabama. The courthouse was built in the early 1930s in a Classical Revival Style, using limestone and concrete. The Society of Architectural Historians considers the courthouse worthy of description and analysis; you can read those comments here. It’s an impressive building, even to an untrained observer.
WETUMPKA IMPACT CRATER
Where: It’s all around you in Wetumpka. But don’t expect to find an observatory or a formal viewing spot that overlooks the crater. Evidence can be seen throughout the city’s landscape — in rocks that jut from the Coosa River, for example, or in the hills east of the downtown area. Geologically-minded folks can take a self-guided driving tour and stop at seven Educational Viewpoint signs that point to crater terrain. You’ll find that much of the city is located inside the crater, which measures about five miles in diameter.
Why you should see it (well, parts of it): The crater was caused by a meteor that hit the Earth about 80 million years ago. That’s kind of mind-boggling.
WIND CREEK CASINO & HOTEL
Where: 100 River Oaks Drive, off U.S. 231.
Why you should go: Some folks really like to play electronic bingo. If that’s your thing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities at Wind Creek. There are more than 2,000 gaming machines in the casino, which is open 24 hours per day. The hotel (which has 283 rooms) and casino (which covers 85,000 square feet) are owned by the Poarch Creek Indians. There are five restaurants on site, including a steak house and a Starbucks. The main building at Wind Creek, 20 stories high, does not exude the small-town vibe emphasized on “Home Town Takeover.” But it’s a major destination for visitors to Wetumpka.
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