Fort Payne Main Street
Fort Payne Main Street
by Mark Ford
Fort Payne is the perfect combination of old and new, with wonderful shopping experiences and dining in a quaint, small town setting.
Fort Payne Main Street has an artsy vibe with a vibrant scene, local galleries, and a great community theater. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, this community was built on a rich history of southern culture and intriguing people such as Pete the Cat, author James Dean, and Hall of Fame country music group Alabama. Our charming Main Street offers art, history, good eats, and most importantly – southern hospitality!
Restaurants
F.C. Weiss Pub and Eatery
This contemporary rustic bar style locale sports an array of gourmet sandwiches, wraps, and salads, putting a new school twist on classic bar foods. With a grand bar selection and live entertainment, F.C. brings a lively energy to the heart of Main Street.
Fontana’s
Using fresh ingredients to provide an interesting assortment of Greco-Italian and Southern cuisine, Fontana’s takes pride in serving good food to satisfied customers. Fresh ingredients and handmade dishes define this pleasant little corner of 1st Street.
Roadside ‘Que
Roadside uses time tested smoking techniques that complement their unique flavor profiles. As they provide healthy, locally sourced food to Main Street, you can taste the attentiveness in every bite. The full bar and the outdoor patio can bring life to any dreary evening.
The Spot
This cozy coffee shop and bistro offers a variety of drinks with a relaxing dining experience. The local artwork that is featured on the wall adds to the spirited ambiance of this quirky little spot on Main Street.
Vintage 1889
The Big Mill is rich in history and charm, offering a wonderful atmosphere with a refinement of some classic dishes. Enjoy your eclectic casual dining experience as you dine underneath the old water tower on the newly renovated courtyard. Vintage has a wide selection of craft beers that compliment a bustling nightlife.
Landmarks
Alabama Walking Park
Located directly across the railroad tracks from the Depot is the newest jewel in the park system. Boasting two new playgrounds, a splash pad, a paved walking track with fitness stations, and gorgeous landscaping, this park is great for the entire family.
City Park
The park is the oldest in town, located in the heart of Fort Payne. Opened in 1889 across from the Dekalb Hotel, the park features the original fountain from the hotel, and is a popular place for community picnics, gatherings, and festivals. The newly refurbished park boasts statues honoring country music group Alabama.
Depot Museum
The unique architecture features locally quarried pink and white limestone. Serving as a train station for the Alabama Great Southern Railroad for nearly 85 years, the now museum functions home to relics of the railroad, local Native American artifacts, and it even features a caboose donated by Norfolk Southern Railroad in 1987.
DeKalb Theatre
The marquee of the Dekalb Theatre is an icon when one thinks of Main Street Fort Payne. The venue has been gracefully restored and is still in use today.Located adjacent to the theatre is the courtyard, which is generally opened to the public, but is available for rentals.
Hosiery Museum
Reminiscent of the hosiery industry that once boomed in this small town, the museum commemorates the rise of the “Official Sock Capital of the World”.
Opera House
Built during the short lived coal and iron industrial boom of 1889, locally known as “Boom Days”, Fort Payne’s Opera House is the oldest operating opera house in the state of Alabama.
Other Notable Landmarks
Patriots Park
Pete the Cat’s Alley
Rotary Pavilion
WB Davis Hosiery Mill
