Enterprise, AL, USA
“city of progress”
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I would not be surprised if you are reading this and scratching your head trying to figure out where in the world Enterprise, Alabama is. Let me help you before you Google. Southeast, Alabama. Middle of nowhere - but in the best way! Okay, now go pin it on your map. Even the “middle of nowhere” is somewhere right? And everywhere has something to explore and appreciate! I feel like small towns don’t get enough credit, and that is why I will write about the middle of nowhere towns any day! Shoutout to all my rural living folks! Ok then, Enterprise. Whatcha got?
First of all, if you are associated with the military in any way, you are probably way ahead of me. Enterprise is a neighboring town to the Army base Fort Novosel. This is the home of Army aviation and is where Army pilots learn to fly! If you are in the area, you will see your share of helicopters in the sky, which is so fun, in my personal opinion. I apologize to anyone driving behind me while I was in town as I tried to slow down to see Apaches flying by without crashing my vehicle, haha. Any way, this is a fun fact about the area and I will speak more to what you can explore within Fort Novosel later, if you have the ability.
So let’s get to the good stuff. How many days should you spend in Enterprise, AL? Don’t let me decide for you. Do what’s best for your travel plans and hopefully some of the activities I include below will help you decide how you’d like to spend that time, whether you are in town for a day or one week. I’ve chosen to outline two days as a way to highlight a few fun items that I was able to experience during my time there.
Getting there:
Travel to Enterprise can be a bit complicated if you are arriving by plane. There is a regional airport in Dothan, AL to the East of Enterprise, but flights are limited and the cost of flights can be high. Other options for arriving by plane include: Panama City Intl (~ 90 miles / 1hr 40min), Pensacola Intl (~120 miles / 2hrs 15min), or even Mobile Regional (~ 175 miles / 3 hrs away). All of these airports are small and easy to navigate, but will require a drive North through rural Florida and Alabama as you make your way to Enterprise. If you have a car or can catch a ride from friends or family, that is the best way to navigate the area, as there is not consistent public transportation (and an Uber could cost you a pretty penny).
Day 1: Downtown Enterprise and Johnny Henderson Park
Visiting downtown Enterprise and getting some walking in was how I started my time in town and would recommend this if you are spending multiple days in the area. Downtown Enterprise is a small, quaint area, but with so many fun shops and places to eat! If you’re looking for a yummy coffee shop to start your day consider Coffee Corner or Daily Bread Co. Both offer delicious coffee along with some breakfast bites and wonderful looking pastries. Daily Bread Co. also offers amazing lunch options! Take your time enjoying a drink of your choice and the small town feel. One day I started off at Coffee Corner with my computer and another day I took a book and my computer along with me to Daily Bread Co. Daily Bread Co. has a bit more seating, but Coffee Corner also has a sweet area for kids, which is thoughtful. Both were a great spot to chill for a little bit and read or get some work done!
Fun Fact: You will see little statues of what looks like a cockroach around town - but don’t be alarmed - it’s a boll weevil! This little beetle loves to feed on cotton and flowers, and is clearly the town mascot! A fun challenge would be to see how many you can spot around downtown and the greater Enterprise area!
I always enjoy some time on my feet after sitting for a while, so consider this a perfect segue to a park! Johnny Henderson Park is a great option! When I visited Enterprise, there was snow on the ground from a recent storm (wild!) so some of the paths were still covered, but it absolutely added to the beauty of the park and the whole experience! This park was the perfect place to walk and would be an awesome running route or even part of a bike route as well. You can click here to get more details about the route. The path follows the path of a small pond and has a couple of large play sets along the way. Overall a great spot for walking or hanging out for a bit. You can also read more about Enterprise parks at their website here.
Take a Moment to Wonder
Since it was pretty cold with snow still on the ground, the sunshine was particularly welcomed on the day I was at the park. It was so serene and the water was glistening in the sun. I was especially in awe walking past this old helicopter and reading the signs that honor so many. It’s a beautiful spot overlooking the water.
There was also a family sledding on a small hill near the lake and this brought me so much joy. I have fond memories of sledding as a child with family and friends, and to see this family (comprised of parents and two grown girls) enjoying an activity that I know is very rare in southern AL, was so fun! What a good reminder for us to embrace the child within and go make the most of even anomaly snow storms!
Johnny Henderson Family Park, Enterprise, AL, USA
Spend as much or as little time as you want at the park! Remember - you choose what’s fun and exciting for you, I’m just here to inspire some ideas! From the park you may choose to freshen up back at your accommodations or you may be interested in a late lunch or afternoon beverage. As I mention before, Daily Bread Co. has really delicious lunch options (their chicken salad was my favorite!). They close a little bit early at 2p, so don’t miss them!
Dinner is next up on the agenda! I can’t talk about dinner and not recommend Corks and Cattle. What a gem! This is a spot that would be great for a date night OR a casual get together with friends. I highly recommend sitting on the covered patio outside. The atmosphere was so cozy, especially in the colder weather with the heaters on and fires going…and not to mention the food was amazing!
Are you a sweets after dinner person like me? Head across the street to Milky Moos’s and treat yourself to something delicious before calling it a night!
Day 2: Army Aviation Museum and Beaver Lake Trail
Day number two! Ready to nerd out at the Army Aviation Museum? Me too. I’m excited for you. Before heading that way, maybe you went on a morning walk or jog, or rolled out of bed a couple of minutes ago - either way go get a morning beverage and some food back in downtown Enterprise or in the surrounding area. There are a few spots near the entrance of Fort Novosel that are perfect for some morning fuel! You’re going to want to get some sustainment for what’s ahead! Here are a few other coffee shop options that you can try (I did not visit all of these, so I can’t speak to these from experience). There are also the classics (Starbs, Dunkin etc.) for those who would like to keep things familiar.
Boldly Going Coffee
Beans Coffee
NOW - Let’s go geek out over some flying stuff. But first, very important PSA:
Fort Novosel is an active Army installation. You absolutely need a valid form of ID to enter the base. You will not be allowed to enter the base without this. If you have further questions, you can access the Fort Novosel website here where it speaks to gate pass and gate access requirements.
Ok, so you’re in! From the main entrance, you won’t miss the museum off to your left. Head on in and the friendly staff will greet you and give you the lay of the land. This is a great opportunity to go and wonder and learn a little something along the way! Here is the Army Aviation Museum website if you want a sneak peak!
Take a Moment to Wonder
I am now in double awe of the design and evolution of aircraft…I don’t know how many times I audibly said, “How?!” People are so cool, and smart, and it is truly incredible that people created and continue to recreate these! I was also in awe of the Army Aviation Hall of Fame and appreciated that they highlight so many folks who have left an incredible legacy. Take some time to go through and read their stories. They are humbling and inspiring.
Army Aviation Museum - Fort Novosel, AL
Did you take the full 7 hours to explore? Or are you like me and just stare at the first invention of a helicopter for a solid few too many minutes wondering how it even stayed in the air? Either way, you may be in need of some fresh air, which means this is the perfect time to head over to the Beaver Lake trail and explore the nature of Fort Novosel! To take a look at the routes available and get some tips, here is a map of trails and the distances available.
So you’ve gotten to nerd out AND you’ve gotten some adventure in. That’s a good day. Now to finish it off with some good drinks or food or whatever sounds most enticing to you! There are so many spots you can try, and I have listed a few below, but a local hack you may consider is ordering food from The Butcher’s Daughter and taking it over to Sixtel for a drink. Take a look at the menus and decide for yourself, and if you’re into beer, Sixtel has something for everyone.
Happy Monday
Tokyo Sushi
The Social on Main
You know me, post-dinner sweets are calling. Go back for ice cream or make the drive over to Hello Chonky - I’m sure you’re convinced by the name alone, ha! Be in wonder of the menu - and try not to get overwhelmed…it’s a lot…in the best way possible.
Those are two solid days in a town that may surprise you! If you are staying in Enterprise for an extended time, or if you are a military traveler in need of more options, stay tuned for a future post highlighting more Enterprise (and Dothan) gems. You can also check out the Visit Enterprise website to read all about upcoming events and more tourism tips!
This small town is a great reminder that you don’t always need mountains or oceans to find adventure. I hope life takes you to this little place so you can go and wonder!
:) Clara