This Tiny Alabama Town Is Known As The 'Peanut Capital Of The World'

Don’t let the Alabama Wiregrass region fool you. This balmy part of the country is anything but sleepy. Venture up about an hour and a half from the coastline of the Florida panhandle, and you’ll land in the city of Dothan, Alabama, where you’ll find a locale where the peanuts well outnumber the people, the food scene is not to be missed, and an annual festival draws revelers from across the state and beyond.

Each year between the months of September and October, Dothan, also known as "The Peanut Capital of the World," means business. It’s here that nearly half of the country’s peanuts are produced. Once the massive task of harvesting is complete (in 2023, Dothan’s Houston County harvested more than 89 million pounds), the town—in true Southern fashion—throws down for one epic celebration known as the National Peanut Festival. Whether you find yourself in the Peanut Capital for the party or have decided to make a weekend trip to this little Southern charmer, there’s still plenty to do and see.

What to Do

Whether you’re in town for the festival or not, there’s still plenty to do in the heart of the southeast Alabama Wiregrass region.

2025 National Peanut Festival

October 31 – November 9, 2025

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First, let's start with what you need to know about this town’s headliner event. This year, the National Peanut Festival will kick off on October 31, but if you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the Peanut Festival Parade through downtown Dothan on October 25. The festival will celebrate the end of harvest season and honor local peanut farmers with rides, fair food, musical acts, and more.

5622 US Highway 231; nationalpeanutfestival.com

Aplin Farms

This fourth-generation farm is ripe for the picking—butterbeans, sunflowers, pumpkins, and more. Check their social pages for updates on what’s available on the day you plan to head over.

2729 N County Road 49; facebook.com/AplinFarms

Forever Wild Trails at Beaver Creek

Check out 10 miles of wooded trails through wetlands and varying types of terrain that will appeal to beginner and novice hikers alike. If you prefer to hit the path on two wheels, biking is also permitted throughout the tract, which offers both 1- and 2-mile loops for those who prefer not to tackle the whole trail system at once.

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Trail heads located at 384 Narcisse Dr., 3636 Fortner St., and 4276 Fortner St.; alabamaforeverwild.com/dothan-trails

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens

The 50-acre property, one of the seven gardens in the state to be named in the Alabama Garden Trail, includes cultivated gardens, undeveloped wooded areas, and nature trails. This year, they’ll welcome their 21st annual Scarecrows in the Gardens event from October 1 to 31, during which visitors can meander around the gardens hunting for scarecrows created by local schools, businesses, and organizations.

5130 Headland Ave; dabg.com

George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum

In 2000, a once segregated 1940s Greyhound Bus Station was reimagined into a museum that celebrates the efforts and achievements of black innovators, inventors, explorers, and scientists who have shaped our country and the world beyond. Be sure to check out Dr. Carver’s lab exhibit, where you can see the scientists’ notes and tools, while delving into his industrial and agricultural achievements.

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305 North Foster Street; gwcarvermuseum.com

Landmark Park

This 150-acre park takes a look back in time. Kids and adults can take part in homesteading classes, check out a show in the 30-foot planetarium dome, participate in seasonal programming, or simply wander around the properties’ six historic buildings, including a drugstore, school, church, and cabin.

430 Landmark Drive; landmarkparkdothan.com

Where to Eat and Drink

Bird & Bean Coffee

Pop into this downtown coffee shop for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Take your latte to go and stroll the Foster Street shops to check out a bit of the local flair.

144 North Foster Street; birdandbeancoffee.com

KBC

Top Chef winner Kelsey Barnard Clark cooks up elevated Southern favorites like Okra Fries (crispy, cornmeal-coated okra served with a spicy aioli), Wicked Chickens (deviled eggs topped brisket, pimento cheese, barbecue sauce, and pickled okra), and Snapper Pontchartrain (pan-seared snapper served with lump crab meat, smoked gouda grits, and creole butter sauce) that will inspire you to start planning a return trip before the second course.

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151 N. Foster Street; eatkbc.com

Folklore Brewing & Meadery

Check out a tasting of the core brews including the Grateful Red Ale, Mid Light Crisis, and Southern Sky Pils, then stick around the 5-acre property for live music, friendly conversation, or a nosh from on-site Blue Moon Cafe.

153 Mary Lou Ln; folklorebrewingandmeadery.com

Read the original article on Southern Living