Things to See and Do Near a Stuckey’s: Hope Hull, Alabama

Located just on the outskirts of Montgomery, Alabama’s city limits, Hope Hull got its start in 1875 as McGehee’s Switch, a stop on the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad named in honor of local plantation owner Abner W. McGehee. Two years later, McGehee would change the name of the town to Hope Hull after his favorite circuit riding Methodist preacher.

Notable people born in Hope Hull include former Alabama Governor Bibb Graves, former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lou Thornton, and civil rights activist Lucille Times.

Notable places to visit include the drive-through zoological park Alabama Safari Park, and of course, the Stuckey’s out along I-65.

What’s more, this is a Stuckey’s/Dairy Queen hybrid where you can grill and chill while you relax, refresh, and refuel at the same time. So, go ahead, cool off with a Dilly Bar or Peanut Buster Parfait then get your fill of road trip snacks like the iconic Stuckey’s Pecan Log Roll or some Pecan Pralines for the road trip adventure ahead.

And while you’re in the area, be sure to check out some of the following roadside attractions we picked just for you to see and do near a Stuckey’s:

Visit the Town of Spectre

Spectre, Alabama, derives its name from the 17^th century French word meaning “ghost”. And in some ways it is in fact, a ghost town. That is, you won’t find the town of Spectre on any vintage or modern Alabama road maps, but it does, indeed, exist; however, now, like one pictures a ghost town, the once quaint and vibrant village has fallen into decay and disrepair (which was all kind of part of the plan anyway).

You see, the small town of Spectre was actually built sometime around the turn of the millennium as movie set for Tim Burton’s 2003 film Big Fish. The movie follows the life of one Edward Bloom who presents his life more as a tall tale than an autobiography. In one of his stories, he happens upon the enchanting village of Spectre, tucked away in haunted forest. Years later, he returns to find the once thriving and vibrant town has fallen into disrepair.

Twenty years later, you can still visit the town that, for some unknown reason, was never torn down after filming wrapped. Now covered in Spanish moss the town and the buildings look much the same as it did when Bloom returned all those years ago.  He got to go back for free, but since the movie set is on private property, you’ll have to pay a $3.00 per person entry fee to cross under the shoes still dangling from the wires strung between two poles that marked the entrance to the movie town. (The good citizens of Spectre walked barefoot in the film; we don’t suggest you do the same today, though.) However, while you’re there you can do some camping, kayaking, and even some big fishing of your own. For more information check out the Jackson Lake Island Facebook page.

Alabama’s King Tut?

If you drive over to the corner of Commerce and Tallapoosa in downtown Montgomery, you’ll find a great example of late-19th century Victorian-Italianate architecture. The building, with its ornate rosettes, evenly spaced windows, and rope molding, was built in 1891 to house Montgomery dry goods magnates Louis Steiner and Nathan Lobman. In fact, the building is known as the Steiner and Lobman Building though half of it was rented (and eventually sold) to William Martin Teague for his hardware store.

Nonetheless, however beautiful the façade may be, you know we wouldn’t bring you to downtown Montgomery just to look at some old building. Indeed, once you arrive there, look up. What you’ll see looking down from atop the building’s name is the goddess Athena and next to her, an anvil, a symbolic nod to Mr. Teague and his hardware store. However, to the Athena’s right, situated on the corner of the building is a tower with a rounded mansard-style roof upon which sits what one can only describe as a metal rooftop sarcophagus.

But what is it and what inside? Well, the truth is, nobody knows for sure. Some say it was used to hide a water cistern in case there was a fire. Others say it holds the body of Louis Steiner who was so fond of the view of Montgomery from where he lived in the building, he was laid to rest where he could see it for all eternity. Still others believe it to be empty, the result of a practical joke played on us by none other than Steiner and Lobman themselves.  Whatever the case, the next time you’re in Montgomery, stop by and see it and decide for yourself what’s in it.

Where’s the Beef? Right Here in Montgomery!

What else could a place with a name like the “Mooseum” be about other than cows? (Although, if you thought it was about moose, we could understand that, too, but c’mon – this is Alabama, not Alaska.)

Anyway, at this one-of-a-kind Alabama museum, both kids and adults can, indeed, learn all about the state’s beef cattle industry. But it’s more than just beef. Thanks to your cowboy tour guide, Adam, you’ll also learn about all of the different things that are made from cows like milk, leather, and everyone’s favorite dessert – gelatin.

You’ll also learn about the history of beef in Alabama that dates all the way back to 1494. Of course, you’ll find out that beef is what’s for dinner in The Feeding Trough, and even get a chance  to dress up like a rough-and-tumble cowboy or (or cowgirl)  in the Rodeo Arena. Oh, and don’t forget your selfie with “Dusty” the resident Texas Longhorn. Finally, let everybody back home know that you’re over the moon about this cow museum with a cool souvenir from the Mooseum’s gift shop. For more information, visit their website here.

No Pandas Allowed

Just a half-an-hour’s drive from Stuckey’s of Hope Hull you’ll find Wilderness Park in Prattville. It’s the first U.S. wilderness park developed within city limits and contains a variety of plants including Alabama’s second largest beech tree and a frog pond.

Most impressive, however, is a walk through the 26-acre park’s bamboo forest that was once used for training by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Today, in this rather serene setting, bamboo stalks grow to 60 feet high and six inches around.

The park, saved from sub-division by the women’s service organization The Spinners Club, was dedicated as a public park in 1982. It’s also a small dog-friendly park so bring Fido along. However, no pandas are allowed.

For more information on hours and admission, visit the park’s website here.

Brick o’ Bricks

The website onlyinyourstate.com calls it the weirdest roadside attraction in Alabama, so you know we just had to stop and see the World’s Biggest Brick Made of Bricks for ourselves. Built by Acme Brick, Tile & Stone – a masonry store located in Montgomery, Alabama – it was once the World’s Largest Brick until another Acme Brick in Denton, Texas, stole the title away in 2007. However, at 25-feet-tall, Alabama’s beloved brick still retains the title of the World’s Largest Brick Made of Bricks, and we think that worth a selfie stop in itself.

Of course, being located so close to Montgomery, there’s so much more to see and do near the Stuckey’s of Hope Hull. What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

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With the Halloween season fast approaching, whether you’re planning a weekend road trip to a ghost town or a night in binge watching your favorite horror series, be sure to have some snacks from Stuckey’s on hand.

From road trip snacks like our iconic Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls and Pecan Pralines to our perfect movie munchies like our Hunkey Dorey popcorn and flavored Front Porch Pecans, Stuckey’s has the perfect treat for any occasion.

And don’t forget, from ghouls and ghosts to vampires and vixens, Stuckey’s treats are sure to please all of your Halloween party guests this year, so be sure to make this Halloween all treats and no tricks by ordering all of your holiday candy only from stuckeys.com today!

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