Set amid a rolling agricultural landscape, Alabama’s rural Coffee County has a rich history in farming and a boll weevil to thank. Established in 1841, the county encompasses several small towns, each offering visitors a special brand of Southern hospitality that can only be found in the Heart of Dixie. While driving through the state, stop along the way to enjoy the history and natural beauty the county has to offer.
Gain Historical Insight
- In Enterprise, visit the only monument to an agricultural pest in the world -- the Boll Weevil Monument. In 1915, the pest destroyed nearly 60 percent of the cotton production in Coffee County, and farmers had to turn to peanut crops to overcome the hardship. Fast forward to 1917, when the county became the largest producer and harvester of peanuts in the entire country. The monument was erected in 1919 in the center of downtown, and pays tribute to the pest for the lessons the community learned from it -- and symbolizes the county’s ability to adjust to adversity. Stop by to see this interesting tribute at College and Main streets.
Root for Racers
- Hear the engines roar and smell burning tires at the South Alabama Speedway in Kinston. Opened in 1973, the track is a 4/10-mile oval and has 13-degree banked turns and 5-degree banked straights. Cheer on competitors as they race for first place in the Rattler, Alabama Pro 200 and Viper Series races. Pay an entrance fee to watch vehicles of all types take to the asphalt, including modified cars, stock cars and motorcycles. Get even closer to the action by purchasing a pit pass. General races are each Saturday, while Series races are throughout the year.
Reel 'Em In
- Pay a small permit fee and spend the day fishing along the banks or by boat at the 80-acre Coffee County Lake, 8 miles northwest of Elba. Bring your own boat or rent one from the on-site store, where you can also stock up on food, drinks and fishing supplies. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, walk out to the fishing pier to reach the deeper waters. Catch bluegull and redear sunfish in spring through summer. While you can catch bass and channel catfish year-round, the biggest bass tend to be caught from February through April, while the summer months are the best time to catch catfish. A fishing license is required, and can be obtained online or by calling the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, or by visiting an area merchant.
Eat and Be Entertained
- The historic Hildreth Brothers Building in Enterprise sets the stage for the Southern Broadway Dinner Theater, which showcases local talent in several plays each year. Sit back and watch original productions written by the theater’s founder while dining on freshly prepared meals made from local ingredients. The intimate venue accommodates 48 people, offering you the chance to be close to the action. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the theater.
