5 Reasons We Adore Charming Waverly, Alabama’s Hidden Gem

The small town of Waverly, straddling the Lee and Chambers county lines in east-central Alabama, might be easy to miss, but it’s a hidden gem worth discovering. With just over 150 residents, no traffic lights, and a post office, this quaint dot on the map is a delightful detour off U.S. 280, about 15 minutes northwest of Auburn.

Whether you have a quick half-hour or a leisurely half-day, Waverly offers delicious eats, friendly locals, and unique shops that make every visit memorable. Here are five must-visit spots in this charming town:

Wild Flour Bakery

If you want to try one of Wild Flour Bakery’s daily sandwich specials, arriving at the 10 a.m. opening time is crucial, as they’re a local favorite. But even if you miss out, the bakery’s pastry case offers an array of sweet and savory delights like raspberry turnovers, key lime and hibiscus tarts, and jalapeno cheddar kolaches. Owned by Sarah and Howard Jones, the bakery moved from Tallassee to Waverly and is now thriving so much that they’re relocating to a larger space behind the Fig & Wasp on Patrick Street, set to open in September.

Fig & Wasp

Opened four years ago by Meredith Frye and her mother, Scout, Fig & Wasp is an antique shop with a unique name inspired by the symbiotic relationship between figs and wasps. The shop offers an eclectic mix of items, from antique furniture and hand-crafted pottery to imported rugs, garden tools, kitchen supplies, and travel accessories, making it a fascinating place whether you’re buying or browsing.

The Waverly Local

For over six years, The Waverly Local has been a beloved dining spot, not just for locals in the Chambers, Lee, and Tallapoosa tri-county area but also for food enthusiasts passing through. Owned by Andy Anderson and Christian Watson, this Southern dining gem is housed in a century-old building that once hosted the Yellow Hammer Restaurant. Known for its nostalgic charm, laid-back atmosphere, and inspired menu, The Local serves up appetizers like bacon-wrapped Wickles Pickles okra and pimento cheese with sourdough frybread, and entrees including pan-roasted Atlantic salmon, blue crab cakes, and braised pork and collard green lasagna.

Era Waverly

Era Waverly is a vintage shop that makes everything old cool again, from fondue pots and aluminum tumblers to Formica kitchen tables with matching vinyl chairs. Walking through the store feels like stepping into a 1960s-1970s time capsule, where you half expect to see Mike and Carol Brady shopping for retro clothes and classic vinyl records. Throughout the year, Era Waverly also hosts a street market featuring vintage sellers, food trucks, live music, and plenty of fun.

Standard Deluxe

Standard Deluxe, the brainchild of Scott Peek, put Waverly on the map when it opened its doors in 1991. This nationally recognized graphic design and screen-printing business also hosts the biannual Waverly “Old 280” Boogie, a festival celebrating music, food, arts, and culture in the spring and fall. Before leaving Waverly, be sure to pick up a Standard Deluxe T-shirt or trucker hat from the gift shop as a souvenir of your visit.