Troy
Savor small-town charms in the south of the Yellowhammer State
Located about 48 miles south of Montgomery, in the heart of Pike County, Troy is a vibrant town surrounded by pine forests and pecan trees. Steeped in the laid-back atmosphere of Alabama’s East Gulf Coastal Plains region, residents of the small town embrace the motto, “Join us for a day, you’ll want to stay for a lifetime.”
Incorporated in 1843, the little city of Troy has continued to thrive throughout the decades. It enjoys mild, subtropical weather in the summer, with occasional tropical storms and hurricanes during the spring and fall. Winters are rarely snowy, with residents facing a higher chance of a tornado than an ice storm.
Known for possessing the feel of a small community while simultaneously offering many of the amenities found in much larger cities, Troy’s downtown area is reflective of vibrant, modern commerce, coupled with historic redevelopment of the city’s cultural landmarks.
Of particular note is the College Street Historic District, a 15-acre section in the town center that features nearly 20 properties, but only one structure that was built after the 1920s (and many that are as old as the mid-1800s). From Victorian to Queen Anne architectural influences, the houses, cemetery and church in Troy’s College Street Historic District are time capsules of Americana.
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Alabama’s Artistic Side
If you’re looking for the quintessential small-town college campus, check out Troy University, a classic Southern school with brick buildings and majestic rotundas that can brag about its share of NCAA triumphs. Founded in 1887, the university sits on rolling hills and even has a small lake on campus. Troy University’s Arboretum botanical garden is another popular draw, and an entire day can easily be spent exploring its blooming displays and 2.5-mile natural swamp trail.
But this charming college town hosts much more than football and basketball games. Of particular note, TroyFest is a weekend-long arts and crafts festival that draws upwards of 10,000 visitors to the city center, with a focus on creative activities, live entertainment and Southern cooking. The festival was originally a tribute to influential area artist Jean Lake, whose work has been exhibited all over the globe. This unique event continues to draw people from all areas of the country and has been dubbed one of the “Top 10 Events” by Alabama Tourism.
When TroyFest isn’t happening, art enthusiasts can visit the Johnson Center for the Arts. Conveniently located downtown, this gallery is recognized for its continuously rotating variety of exhibits. No two visits to the gallery will ever provide the same experience, so plan repeat visits.
In addition to housing individual pieces created by local and national artists, the center itself is a work of redesigned art.
The building was initially the site of a post office, built in 1910 with a classical-revival style of design. In 2000, the Johnson Center for the Arts was birthed from the remodeled mail depot, becoming the gallery that attracts visitors today. The museum exhibits a wide variety of art styles, from paintings to sculpture.
Peering Into Alabama’s Past
The Pioneer Museum of Alabama gives guests a uniquely Alabama experience, with activities ranging from feeding live chickens to making fresh-churned butter.
Housed on a massive 35-acre complex, the museum is home to 20 heritage buildings, more than 18,000 artifacts and a “living history” farmstead. The site features vivid displays and immersive walk-through exhibits that tell the history of Troy and Alabama from pioneer times through the Civil War to the turn of the century. Live folk demonstrations occur daily.
From the Native Americans who populated the land before settlers to troops from the Civil War, all walks (and time periods) of Alabama life are showcased at the Pioneer Museum.
Butter Up
Families in search of heart-pumping recreation may find themselves at Butter and Egg Adventures, a 40-acre property that offers traditionally unconventional options for outdoor entertainment. Whether zip-lining between the tops of trees or paddling through the water before camping under the stars, Butter and Egg Adventures is a place where a family can get more than a casual roadside stretch in between stops. The property even offers an outdoor laser tag arena, complete with foxholes, and two retired Huey helicopters once used by the US Army.
When it’s time to catch some fresh air and stretch your legs, you can follow the locals to Pike County Lake, a popular nearby spot for a picnic, hike or an afternoon of fishing. Catch carp, redear or sunfish from the banks of this 45-acre lake. A new pro shop and concession stand help anglers keep catching the big ones.
If you’re eager to explore the wider area surrounding Troy, then hop on the Heart of Dixie Trail to see southern Alabama’s beautifully sprawling landscapes by horseback.
For More Information
Troy Alabama
334-670-2283
Alabama Tourism Department
800-ALABAMA