Alabama has some pretty bustling metropolitan areas, as anyone who's spent much time in Mobile or Birmingham can attest. But travel outside of these large cities and their extensive suburban sprawl, and you'll be met by plenty of more laid-back, less-populated areas where the pace of life is slow and things are a little more simple. Our smaller towns and remote areas are what make the Yellowhammer State so special, and one area of Alabama that's made up of these tinier-sized towns is our northwest corner. It's there that you'll find the little city of Russellville. With a population of around 10,000, it's sizable enough to have quite a few attractions but not so large as to be overwhelmingly cramped. If you ask us, it's the perfect-sized city!

Russellville is about 90 miles outside of Birmingham and is tucked away in quiet Franklin County. The population is around 10,000, but the city feels a lot smaller than that, with a close-knit sense of community that can be hard to come across these days.

Like many small towns, Russellville loves festivals, and there are several popular ones held here throughout the year. The annual Watermelon Festival occurs each August and is always a blast, with live music, watermelon-eating contests, a fun run, and even a car show. Another great event is the Downtown Fall Festival, which takes place in October and includes a chili cook-off, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors.

However, you're sure to have a blast here, no matter what time of year you visit! The Main Street area has undergone a revitalization over the last few years, and you'll find some great shops and restaurants in downtown Russellville. The Farmhouse Table Cafe and Bakery is a superb spot for breakfast or brunch. If you're in town all day, 43 Grill is a delicious family restaurant serving up lunch and dinner.

There's something so special about a historic theater - I don't know what it is, but the timeless ambiance is so appealing and nostalgic! If you love historic theaters, too, then you'll adore the beautiful Roxy Theatre in Russellville. It was built in 1949 and hosts great events throughout the year.

Do you love the outdoors? The area all around Russellville features some pretty unique scenery. Dismals Canyon is located in Phil Campbell, just a few minutes outside of Russellville, and it's one of our favorite places for enjoying nature. You'll find plenty of great trails in the Dismals Canyon Conservatory if you're up for a hike.

There's enough to do here that it's great for a weekend trip, especially if you're visiting around one of the city's festivals. This luxury loft apartment is the perfect spot for one or two guests, and it's centrally located right in the downtown area.

For more information about things to do in Russellville, AL, check out the Downtown Russellville Facebook page.