Welcome to Merritt, Alabama

Merritt, Alabama, located an hour east of Birmingham, is the ideal destination for those seeking a small town experience. It is known for its Victorian era historic district and charming downtown shopping. Area lakes and hunting grounds provide a paradise for outdoorsmen. It is also the home of the Merritt High Bobcats, five time winners of the 3-A State football championship. To learn more about Merritt, read Simple Gone South, set in the quaint, southern locale. If you're planning a trip to Merritt, we've offered a few suggestions below to help you make the most of your visit.

Where to Stay

The Merritt Inn. And though that's really your only choice, it isn't a bad one. Located downtown, the seventy year old establishment prides itself on individualized service and good food. Though the building has been thoroughly modernized, it maintains lovely architectural details and historic charm. High speed internet, handicap accessible, direct TV, free convenient parking.  Restaurant closed Sunday night. No valet service.

Where to Eat

Lou Ann's Diner. Southern cooking at its best. Try the chicken and dumplings on Monday, the meatloaf on Wednesday, or the macaroni and cheese any day of the week. If Lou Ann takes a liking to you, she'll bring you a bowl of banana pudding with a side of local gossip for free. On game day, the Merritt Bobcats eat breakfast here. Monday-Saturday, 6 AM-7:30 PM. Closed Sunday.

Enchanted Season

Heavenly Confections.  In this third generation family business, Master chocolatier Lanie Heaven creates gourmet candies as well as old-fashioned favorites. Try the champagne truffles and the chocolate stars that made her great-grandmother famous. Mail order available. Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM.

Where to Shop

Creekview Books. Individually owned and well stocked. The clerks are well read and happy to direct you. Monday-Saturday 9AM-7PM. Sunday 2-5PM.

Annelle Mead Interiors. Annelle or her niece, Lucy, will help solve a design problem or select a unique gift. Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM or by  special appointment.

The Art Show. Features the work of local and prominent Southeastern artists. Custom framing. Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM; Saturday, 9AM-noon. Sidewalk art fair the second weekend in June.

Events

April: Street Fair and Barbeque Cook-off, sponsored the Merritt High Football Boosters.

May:  Debra Cheney Mathews Memorial Ball, Merritt Country Club.

September:  Merritt High homecoming. The Bobcats haven't won a championship in a few years but there's a new coach in town and the citizens are hopeful. So are some of the single women.

October:  Junior League Follies held at the Merritt Playhouse, followed by silent auction and party at Merritt Country Club.

Pumpkin Carving Contest and Ghost Stories in the Graveyard sponsored by the Flower Guild of Christ Episcopal Church.

November: Christmas Downtown. Merchants debut holiday decorations. Refreshments and prizes.

December: Annual Christmas parade. One of the state's finest. Sponsored by the Rotary.

Local Celebrities

Harris Bragg. Former All-American quarterback for the University of Alabama. Make friends with him and you might be invited to the annual Iron Bowl party that he and his wife, Missy, have every year. Something special always happens.

Rosie Jackson, artist. Known internationally for her pottery.

Simple Gone South

He wants a simple life. . . .

 Investment banker Brantley Kincaid couldn't wait to get out of Merritt, Alabama where everybody knows his name and way too much about the particulars of his life.

She wants roots and the complications that go with it.

 Interior designer Lucy Mead is thrilled to be out of Atlanta and in a town that has a Christmas parade down Main Street and people who are interested in her. She made a mistake with hometown golden boy Brantley once and she doesn't intend to do it again—regardless of his appeal.

What happens when they want each other?