The City of Flowing Wells has waterways and a historic downtown
Elba, in Coffee County, earned the nickname "The City of Flowing Wells" for its many waterways. The area is settled along the Pea River and Whitewater Creek confluence. "Elba is a small town but very charming. I always call it that because we have the beautiful Coffee County Courthouse on the square. We are located on the banks of the Pea River, where we have a lovely walking trail," says Sandy Williams, the Director of the Elba Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Elba. Downtown is a walkable area with a Historic Downtown Square and landmarks. Residents gather in The Square for community events throughout the year. Main Steet Elba manages the city's downtown commercial district. The organization revitalized the area many years ago with the aid of the local government. "Main Street Elba works with public and private sectors to enhance our community, celebrate our heritage and foster a center of activity," Williams says. The organization supports local businesses and sponsors events throughout the year.
Fishing along the Pea River and history at Tiger Town Park
Pea River and White Water Creek are hot spots for boating and fishing. The 154-mile river is home to spotted bass and sunfish. Visitors may spot an eagle while at Coffee County Lake. There are also several public boat ramps around the community. Residents can view the levee by way of Mayor James E. Grimes River Walk. Tiger Town Park commemorates the old Elba High School, destroyed in a 1990 flood. Park visitors can see the original school entrance, which includes concrete steps leading to three doors. Next to the monument is a seasonal splash pad. The Elba also has indoor facilities, such as the Damascus Senior Center and the Pine Level Senior Center.
Visiting boutiques and restaurants in The Square or around town
Shoppers pick up groceries at Food Giant Supermarkets off Clayton Avenue; Elba Antique And Mini Mall is across the avenue. Historic Downtown Square has occupied the city center for over a century. The walkable streets lead to local boutiques and bright cafes. "We have three restaurants on the Square in downtown," Williams says. "Ms. Linda's is a great diner. The Rabbit Hole is a cute little bar that's really unique. They even have an outside area where bands can play," Williams says. "In the shopping center [off Route 84] there's Annie's Comfort Kitchen. They have really good southern food." In 2020, JJ's BBQ won "Bama's Best Pulled Pork" competition sponsored by the Alabama Pork Producers.
Buying a home in Elba
Most residential properties have native trees and front yards with grass and sandy soil. The area contains primarily brick ranch-style houses and modular homes. There are also a few New Traditional styles constructed on tracts of land. Elba homes cost comparatively less than the rest of the metro area. The community has a median listing price of about $155,000; however, most homes range from $70,000 to $375,000
Summer STEM programs for Elba students
Elba Elementary serves kindergarten to sixth grade; the school has a C-plus rating on Niche. The B-rated Elba High is open to seventh grade to twelfth grade. Elba City Schools provides a STEM summer program for kindergarteners to ninth graders.
A Fourth a July celebration inspired by John Adams
Locals attend community gatherings like Pumpkins on the Square and the Big Christmas Parade. One of Elba's top events is the Let Freedom Ring Fourth of July celebration. "We try to do everything that John Adams suggested should be done at an Independence Day celebration," Williams says. "Way back in 1773, Adams wrote a letter to his wife saying we should have fireworks, parades, shows and the ringing of church bells.
A history of floods in Elba
In the city's early history, the Pea River overflowed, causing significant flooding. A levee was constructed in the 1930s, but flooding continued for several years, with the most damaging event occurring in the 1990s. The county also has a history of tornados, which can cause wind damage. Coffee County Emergency Management Agency provides severe weather alerts and other county-related notifications.
Traveling on U.S. Route 84
The area's longest-running congregation, Elba United Methodist Church, dates back over 150 years; however, the church didn't open officially until 1911. U.S. Route 84 brings commuters to nearby areas like Enterprise, about 16 miles away. Here, locals can find Medical Center Enterprise, a major hospital in the area.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
