Wetumpka AL: The HGTV Home Town Town Takeover Spot

After watching all of the HGTV Home Town Takeover episodes on the renovation of Wetumpka, AL, we were intrigued enough to make this town a stop on our recent road trip East. Here is what you can look forward to if you are visiting Wetumpka for the first time, and are wanting to see the various featured sites that were completed as part of the series.  

Entering Wetumpka AL

Rolling into town, it doesn’t seem that much different than any other small town until you get closer to the historic core. It was here, we crossed the Coosa River on the Bibb Graves Bridge. We landed in an unusual configuration of streets, including the ones transformed on the show.  We found Wetumpka had been building on the highly publicized town reno, and continuing the progress. We were happy to see all of it. 

The Alleyway Wetumpka

There’s The Alleyway, cutting through one of the Company Street’s blocks, with a mural of local history and also benches to take it in, while taking a break. It’s nicely landscaped and a great use of space. It reminds me of the Leontyne Park in Laurel, MS. 

Big Fish Wetumpka

More art is on display at Company Street and Hill Street intersection with Hubcap Art by Brett Jakel called Big Fish. It was gifted by Collier Ford and is neatly displayed and fenced in. 

Fain Theater Now Provisions

Several historic locations have been updated and repurposed including Fain Theater which houses a couple of apartments and Provisions Cheese and Wine Shoppe. Their motto is ‘Not just cheesy… we wine a lot too!’ Love it!

Other Buildings Repurposed

The First National Bank is where you will find River Perk Coffee House. This little coffee shop gets great reviews. There is now a book store, Sweet Home Books, in the remodeled Jerry’s Barber Shop. I’m sure there are many more examples from what the buildings were originally.

Company Street Progress

Actually, most of the historic downtown buildings have now been updated and are occupied. Company Street was blocked off to traffic while we were there, but sporting shiny new sidewalks and curbs. There was street construction at the end of that block, possibly working on a new roundabout for traffic flow? Here we spotted the familiar Tourist Trap, a  brightly painted container Visitors Center.  

HGTV Home Town Takeovers

Exploring this area, we discovered more of the featured renos from Home Town Takeover. It’s always fun to see things in person and thriving that you’ve seen on TV. Wetumpka has really been transformed.

Tapp 18

Tucked in among the shops was Tapp18. I remember how excited she was when Erin came in to “shop” and let her know that her store was part of the Wetumpka town takeover.

The Big Fish House

High upon a hill behind the shop lined streets was The Big Fish House.  This home is occupied, so you can’t go in, but it’s cool to see, especially if you are a fan of the movie or Home Town Takeover.

Coaches Corner Wetumpka

Venturing out a little we spot the ‘Together WEtumpka Can Do So Much’ Mural which is located next door to Coaches Corner. Make sure to plan your trip for Tuesday through Saturday to eat here and enjoy the River view. They, like many others, are closed on Sunday and Monday. 

Steampunk Artwork

Following the sidewalk by the river down to the boardwalk under the Bibb Graves Bridge, we passed lots of interesting steampunk artwork. Looks like these were from the steampunk competition as part of the Tulotoma Art Trail in 2019. Very creative. 

Old Calabose Jail

We also passed a really small old building on the river bank and then saw a sign attached on the other side. It is Old Calabose, Wetumpka’s first jail, from 1820. Wow! The walls were thick and the windows were very small. 

Bibb Graves Bridge

Just before going under the bridge on the boardwalk, we noticed the historical marker sharing the history of the bridges in this location. It was interesting to learn that the current Bibb Graves Bridge is actually the fourth one constructed here. 

Wetumpka Farmers Market

Driving back over the Bibb Graves Bridge toward the First Presbyterian Church, we found the Wetumpka Farmers Market on the other side. Such a great addition with the covered pavilion and tables. The fire pit and multiple swing set is so cool too. If you look close from here, you can see the painting on the river side of Coaches Corner across the Coosa.

Directional Arrows

The directional arrows at the Farmers Market will help you find some popular sights. We actually came from Laurel Miss and were headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pretty cool that they included both of those. 

I just love all of the history, charm and architecture of a small town.  Well any size town! Wetumpka had an extra layer of interest though, after following Ben & Erin Napier and the HGTV Home Town Takeover Series. Visit Laurel and Wetumpka, if you get a chance.