Elberta may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of vacation destinations or day trips, but this charming town is filled with community staples, beloved hotspots and much more.
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Elberta may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of vacation destinations or day trips, but this charming town is filled with community staples, beloved hotspots and much more.
Whether you're a local or visitor, Elberta offers a blend of history, culture and hospitality that makes it a must-see in Baldwin County. Here are some Best of Baldwin 2024 winners you can explore in Elberta, as voted on by Gulf Coast Media readers.
When driving by one of Elberta's most popular restaurants, some might be turned off by the name, but ask any local and they'll tell you that Roadkill Café is the go-to spot for delicious Southern food with a charming small-town feel.
Always bustling during operating hours, this beloved eatery has secured its place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Their rotating menu features a mouthwatering array of dishes, including country fried steaks, chicken and rice, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, chicken alfredo, northern beans, hamburger soup, speckled butter beans, rice, desserts and more. Yet, "The Best Fried Chicken evverr" remains a favorite.
The restaurant operates buffet-style and has limited hours, serving from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday. It's closed on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Check out their Facebook page for daily menus. Make sure to arrive early, as the restaurant fills up quickly.
25076 State St.
With over 200 arts and crafts booths, Elberta's famous German Sausage Festival is a vibrant celebration of community and culture.
In addition to the signature sausage and sauerkraut, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of foods, including German-style filled cabbage, potato salad, goulash, red beans and rice, hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, ice cream, popcorn and peanuts. Baked goods and arts and crafts are also for sale.
The festival, which also features carnival rides and a diverse lineup of music from polka to country to contemporary German tunes, is a fundraiser organized by the Elberta Volunteer Fire Department since 1978. Proceeds not only support the fire department but also benefit the town and local nonprofits through booth sales and parking fees.
Due to its popularity, the festival is held twice a year on the last Saturday of March and October. The next event is scheduled for Oct. 26.
Elberta's original sausage recipe, attributed to Alfred Stucki who managed Elberta's Locker Plant from 1953 until his death in 1973, continues to draw crowds. Each festival sees about 6,000 pounds of German sausage sold and attracts an estimated 20,000 visitors.
13052 Main St.
www.elbertafire.com/sausage-festival
Pirate's Cove Marina & Restaurant, known simply as Pirate's Cove to locals, has been a Best of Baldwin winner in various categories over the years. Notably, their bushwackers have become a beloved staple.
Located near the end of County Road 95 in the unincorporated community of Josephine on the north shore of Arnica Bay near Elberta, Pirate's Cove is steeped in history and local lore. Ties to piracy add a unique charm with stories of Raphael Semmes, the Civil War captain of the commerce raider CSS Alabama, who had a summer home in Josephine and was accused of piracy in 1865.
Open for more than 60 years, this secluded restaurant has welcomed guests from near and far by land and water, as it is accessible by boat.
Guests can dine inside or hang out on the beach. Pirate's Cove is extremely dog-friendly and has plenty of space for them to run around on the sand and in the shallow water.
Known for its mouthwatering cheeseburgers made fresh to order, Pirate's Cove also offers an array of other dishes.
Pirate's Cove offers a wonderful dining experience throughout the day, but the early evening hours are especially magical as guests can enjoy a spectacular sunset.
6664 County Road 95 (by car or boat)
Elberta Hardware has been a cornerstone of the community since 1964.
Whether you're preparing for a camping trip, tackling a construction project or in need of a reliable home standby or commercial generator, Elberta Hardware has you covered. They offer a range of top-tier equipment from Briggs & Stratton, GE and Generac.
Elberta Hardware is also a go-to destination for animal feed, rental equipment such as augers and concrete mixers and services like power washing and generator maintenance. Their inventory includes mowers, chainsaws, tractors and various attachments.
25320 US Hwy. 98 E
(251) 986-5233
Elberta Farmer's Co-Op IS a trusted source for agricultural products and garden supplies that offers a wide array of products and services.
They offer a large selection of agricultural chemicals, herbicides, plants, flowers and fruit trees. Whether you're looking for seeds, corn or fertilizer, the Co-Op has you covered. They also provide high-quality animal feeds.
In addition to their product range, Elberta Farmer's Co-Op also has gas and diesel pumps, as well as propane refills, making it a convenient stop for your agricultural and gardening needs.
13320 Main St.
(251) 986-8103
