The river runs through Magnolia Springs
The river in Magnolia Springs has drawn people to southern Alabama since the 19th century. In the 1800s, families from the north and the south moved close to the Magnolia River to build new homes, raise cattle and fish by the shoreline. At one point, chemists from Chicago took water samples and determined that the river was “the purest in the world.” Today, life for this small town continues to revolve around its river and the many advantages that it provides to the community. “They actually get all of their mail delivered from the river,” says Charles Ogletree, a Realtor with Re/Max of Gulf Shores who has worked in the market for over four decades. “It’s a beautiful place to live.”
Fishing, swimming and boating by Magnolia River
Magnolia River runs through the community’s south side and feeds into Weeks Bay. Many visitors launch their kayaks and canoes from the Bemis Bay Living Shoreline, while residents have private docks where they can drop their boats into the river to go fishing. There’s also a small swimming hole near the river confluence on the eastern end that locals refer to as the “Cold Hole.” The Magnolia Springs Arboretum by Oak Street has walking trails, trees and flower beds with native azaleas, and potlucks are just a few steps away at the Magnolia Springs Community Hall, which was originally built in 1894. “Oak Street is one of the most photographed places in all of the southeast,” Ogletree says. “A lot of people go there for their weddings and family photos.”
Cottages, Craftsman and Creole-style homes
Many homes have Creole-style architecture inspired by the town’s early history, while several cottages were built in the last few years. Some ranch-style homes with 1-acre lots cost $200,000 to $300,000, while 3-bedroom houses that are less than 1,800 square feet with quarter-acre lots are $300,000 to $450,000. Two-story cottages in gated communities with private docks, fishing ponds and brick paved courtyards range from $700,000 to $800,000. Craftsman homes can have colorful palettes, vaulted ceilings and over 1-acre lots and cost from $500,000 to just over $1 million.
Jesse’s Restaurant and Magnolia Springs Pharmacy
There are only three dining establishments and just a few small businesses in Magnolia Springs. The Mag is a dive bar and grill that serves burgers and blackened fish, while Krispy Krunchy Chicken fries fresh Cajun-style chicken to order. Magnolia Springs Pharmacy & Gifts offers novelty items such as bracelets, jewelry and scented candles, and there’s a Dollar General across the street from the Shell gas station. Jesse’s Restaurant is a local steakhouse that’s been slicing dry and wet-aged cuts of beef for over 75 years. “It’s a real popular place,” Ogletree says. “It actually draws people from all over the Gulf Shores.”
Seasonal events and fundraisers
Magnolia Springs hosts a patriotic parade on the Fourth of July and a picnic with free hot dogs, cold drinks and beverages. The Magnolia Springs Firefighter Festival has locally-made treats, arts and crafts and live music performances that benefit the volunteer fire department. Participants race in the 5K and 1-mile fun run at the annual Magnolia Run in the fall, and people join in to watch the Christmas tree light up to the sounds of Christmas carolers in December.
Magnolia Elementary and Baldwin County Schools
Magnolia Springs is zoned for the Baldwin County Schools system, which earns an A-minus on Niche. B-rated Magnolia Elementary School has a STEAM program for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Foley Middle School teaches seventh and eighth grade and earns a B-minus. B-rated Foley High School has an 18-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
One highway and a rural transit system
U.S. Route 98 is the main highway through town, leading around 7 miles west to Barnell or 6 miles east to Foley. The Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System provides door-to-door transit services throughout the county Monday through Friday. Baldwin Health is over 7 miles east and is open 24 hours. Mobile Regional Airport is about 50 miles away and has nonstop flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, DFW and Washington D.C.
