Luverne is known as the "Friendliest City in the South"
An hour's drive south of Montgomery, at the heart of Crenshaw County, Luverne is a small town of boutiques, rodeos and the World's Largest Peanut Boil – fondly dubbed "The Friendliest City in the South." The friendly city's iconic boil sources thousands of pounds of peanuts from surrounding farms, often selling over 30 tons throughout Labor Day weekend. But folks like the community for more than its boiled peanut production. The town of over 2,500 residents features a central historic district maintained by several small businesses, and its parks gather residents for local sporting events and casual recreation.
Historic bungalows and mid-20th century ranch-style homes
Luverne's oldest homes include late 19th to early 20th-century bungalows and cottages, mainly near the heart of town. More bungalows and cottages, along with ranch-style homes, continued to pop up throughout the 20th century. A mix of manufactured and Colonial-style homes pepper the community. While lots near the community's heart measure around a quarter-acre, several homes sit on at least five acres of land on the city's outskirts. The median sale price for a home is around $248,000.
Businesses in the Luverne Historic District
In the Luverne Historic District, outdoor lights stretch from evenly placed light posts, and murals dress the rustic brick exteriors of a few worn but sturdy storefronts. The district was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, and local businesses and organizations maintain several historic structures. Preston's Steak and Grill offers several steak cuts and an extensive drink menu with wine and cocktails. A few steps from Preston's is Maggie's Coffee House, a popular spot for seasonal drinks and treats. The coffee house also has wraps and sandwiches. Several boutiques and antiques shops are throughout the historic district, including Plum Crazy Boutique and ReImagined. Additional commercial infrastructure lines Forest Avenue, south of downtown, from fast-food spots to grocery stores like DG Market and Ramey's Marketplace.
A day at the rodeo
Residents enjoy the annual Crenshaw County Rodeo at the Tom Harbin Agricultural Center. The rodeo's competitive events include calf roping, bull riding and steer wrestling, and a "pre-rodeo" concert takes place at Turner Park. On Saturdays, the only day that it's open, locals head north of town to South Ridge Winery and Farm to enjoy sweet muscadines and blueberry wine.
Luverne features a few city-operated public parks
The city's parks and recreation department maintains a couple of public green spaces where locals tend to get together. Within walking distance of the historic district, Douglass Park offers some space for a picnic; there's a table under the park's mature weeping willow and plenty of grassy space to lay out a blanket. The park also features a small walking path, strewn with pinecones from towering pines. A bit farther south of downtown, Edward L. Turner Jr. Park hosts district-wide and local sports tournaments. Its facilities include tennis courts, baseball/softball fields and batting cages. There's also a playground for the kids.
A mix of public and private school options
Crenshaw County Schools scores an overall B-plus on Niche with over 2,000 students. The district's three schools serve kindergarten through 12th grade students, and Luverne is zoned for the B-rated Luverne School. The school features a robust athletics department, from volleyball to baseball, and residents gather for Friday night football games. Students can also attend the faith-based Crenshaw Christian Academy, which has a C-plus on Niche. The private school welcomes pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students and operates a day care for children as young as eight weeks old.
Navigating Crenshaw County and heading into Montgomery
Luverne is a car-dependent community bisected by U.S. Route 331. Commuters also have access to U.S. Route 29 and Alabama State Route 10. Troy is about 22 miles east, and Greenville is 25 miles west. Crenshaw Community Hospital is the community's primary medical facility. Montgomery is a 50-mile trip north, and Panama City Beach and other areas of the Gulf are around 120 miles south.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
