Sometimes, a gal just wants to live out her Hallmark movie dreams. Wetumpka, Alabama (located right outside Montgomery) is the perfect candidate to scratch the itch. Historical but revitalized, with a touch of artsy fun and plenty of river activities to choose from, the town practically radiates cozy adventures. Only have an afternoon? Here are three of my favorite local spots to escape to.

Stop #1: Nick of Thyme

This one surprised me: I didn’t expect to find such a specialized shop in a small town. But lo and behold, this spice shop was thriving. If you’ve got a chef in your life, or consider yourself a flavor snob, you need to check this out.

Wander through the shop and discover its impressive selection of finishing olive oils, peruse its loose-leaf tea, and linger over its cast-iron teapots and ceramic matcha sets (personally, I’m definitely scheming over a good excuse to pick up a matcha set). It’s enough to make you want to make French bread every night, just so you can dip something into the oil. Nick of Thyme is full of joyful minutiae, which is the essence of cozy fun.

Stop #2: Sweet Home Books

After you’re done perusing Nick of Thyme, Sweet Home Books is two steps away, ready to be explored (did I mention downtown is walkable? Are you catching the vision yet?). It might be the writer in me, but I can’t personally imagine a cozy afternoon without a book somehow being involved. Luckily, neither could downtown Wetumpka.

The front room’s got all the glamour: special editions, new bestsellers, staff picks and a kids’ corner to park the children at. The back room, however, is where I tend to get lost. And I mean truly lost. Last time, my husband set a timer. Their selection is impressively wide for a shop of their size; they’ve definitely gone the “wide roots” over “deep roots” route (hey, if it works for the mint plant…). Which is to say, this isn’t the place to go if you’re scouting for rare editions or niche poetry, but you might just be tempted into trying a new genre. You also might be tempted to buy the bookish candles. Or the tote bags. Or a classic that would’ve never caught your eye if not for the prettier-than-usual cover. It’s your cozy afternoon—you get to choose what decadence gets included.

Stop #3: Restoration Coffee House

Well, you almost get to choose. Restoration Coffee House is obligatory, and I’m not sorry. Cozy is simply not complete without coffee. I’m an American, dagnabbit. Tea is a hobby that gets dumped in the harbor when inconvenient. Coffee is a lifestyle (but never fear, they have a large selection of loose-leaf tea for folks who feel differently).

Anyhow, Wetumpka’s Restoration Coffee House might be my platonic ideal of a coffee shop. Their drinks are fantastic, but what I love about the place is how romantic it feels. Located in a restored building, the shop leans into the traditional architecture: paneled ceilings, Art Deco trim, vintage decor… my heart, truly.

And—almost as critical—it has two stories and plenty of seating. That means you’ve got more than enough room to tuck away and read that book you just bought. I ordered the “Love Potion” refresher last time. It hit the spot (though it might have cast a love spell on me, given how much I think about this place… but everyone else ordered other things, and they seemed pretty happy, too, so I think we’re in the clear).

Hallmark movies, be warned. Your vibes might just get overshadowed by downtown Wetumpka’s, if I have anything to say about it.

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