Main Street Alabama has launched Sweet Hometown Tours: Alabama Main Street Trail, a statewide trail system that celebrates Alabama's diverse downtown districts, with Foley serving as one of its stops.

Foley's vibrant main street captures the warmth and charm Main Street Alabama hopes to showcase through the trail, which connects 33 destinations across the state.

The trail, a partnership between Main Street Alabama and the Alabama Tourism Department, is part of Alabama's 2025 "Year of Alabama Trails." Visitors can explore historic landmarks, unique eateries and community-driven art spaces that define the character of each location on the trail. While those who live in Foley may appreciate its allure, there are many in other parts of state (and even in other parts of the county) who don't know all of the great things that make Foley what it is. For example, Foley is home to distinctive attractions such as the Foley Railroad Museum and the Holmes Medical Museum, Baldwin County's first hospital.

"The fact that Foley Main Street is a Main Street Alabama district has proved once again to be a 'win' for Downtown Foley," Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street, told Gulf Coast Media. "We are so excited about the added exposure Downtown Foley will receive from this program. We worked closely with Main Street Alabama to shape our section — it is a living document, and we will adjust it regularly. We are also excited that the Alabama State Tourism Department will add the Sweet Hometown Tours to their Alabama Travel website. Just one more way that the Main Street process is working to get the word out about our districts."

Visitors to Foley can enjoy a range of culinary experiences, from classic fare at Stacey's Old Tyme Soda Fountain to fresh seafood at Fish River Grill. For a cozy spot to stay, The Hotel Magnolia offers a historic touch in the heart of town. Local shops like Manning Jewelry and the Foley Art Center offer unique finds for shoppers, while attractions such as the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail provide an ideal backdrop for an afternoon stroll. Visitors can expect Foley's growing roster of selfie-worthy spots, including Cat Alley, as well as Foley's beloved Copper Kettle TeaBar and Foley Brunch and Supper Club. These experiences embody the blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Sweet Home Alabama spirit.

Sweet Hometown Tours isn't just about tourism — it's about cultivating economic vitality. The program is designed to create jobs, boost local investments and foster growth in commercial districts through public-private partnerships and community engagement.

"Our Main Streets tell us who we are, who we were and how the past has shaped us," Main Street Alabama President Mary Helmer Wirth said in a news release. "Over the years, we have seen Alabama's charming downtowns become a powerful network of connected communities, and we want to provide a delightful road map for everyone to enjoy the warmth and hospitality so readily found in these towns."

While Foley is a featured destination on Sweet Hometown Tours, Alabama's new Main Street trail invites travelers to discover many other remarkable locations across the state. From the mountainous landscapes of Ridge-and-Valley Appalachia to the sunlit Gulf Coast, the trail showcases 33 unique downtown districts, each offering a blend of history, culture and Southern charm. Destinations include scenic small towns, bustling city centers and sites with geologically and culturally significant landmarks, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can find something special in every region. Each stop along the trail reveals a piece of Alabama's rich heritage and diverse community spirit. If you plan on traveling this upcoming year, instead of going to a Disney park or somewhere else, why not learn more about and celebrate our own state?

For more information on Sweet Hometown Tours go to www.sweethometowns.com or check out Foley Main Street at www.foleymainstreet.com.