Toney, Alabama

Toney is a typical small town one might find throughout the state of Alabama. It lies about twelve miles south of the Tennessee border in North Central Alabama. Downtown consists of a general hardware store (established in 1890), an old gas station and a post office. And if you were wondering – there aren’t any stoplights. It’s a country town seemingly without boundaries. The quiet slow pace of life allows you to take care of yourself, physically and mentally. Anyone driving the long country roads of Toney can expect a friendly wave from an oncoming motorist. Friendly neighbors will lend a helping hand if needed; this is what defines this close-nit community.

Although Toney might be considered to be “out in the boondocks”, it’s in the perfect proximity to lakes, mountains, parks and the ocean. It’s just a six-hour drive to the Gulf of Mexico for anyone wanting to spend a few days at the beach. The many lakes and the Tennessee River are within an hours drive from Toney and provide some on the best fishing around. The rolling hills around Toney add an extra beauty to the area, especially in the fall with the change of colors. Twelve miles to the south of Toney is Alabama’s largest northern city, Huntsville. It is said that Huntsville is Alabama’s best-kept secret. On the eastern outskirts of Huntsville rises Monte Sano Mountain, a modestly high mountain for the area, of about six hundred feet. It will take you forty-five minutes to drive from Toney to the top of Monte Sano Mountain. The view of the Huntsville lights at night will mesmerize you, especially on a warm summer night. There are even rock cabins with beautiful views that were built back in the early 1930’s that can be rented. This is a real treat for anyone wanting peace and quiet.

Living in Toney means you can “have your cake and eat it too.” The scenic fifteen-minute drive to Huntsville will open the door to many activities and entertainment. The modest size city of 190,000 has its own version of “restaurant row” and the usual choice of fast food drive thru’s. Living out in the country doesn’t mean you have to go without. Huntsville offers just as much as the big cities do but without the big city headaches.

Just four hours or so to the northeast of Toney, is the Smokey Mountains. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two popular tourist towns near the base of the Smokey Mountains. If you drive another seventy-five miles north into North Carolina, just a little ways off Interstate 40, you will find one of the most beautiful towns in the state. Nestled between the mountains is Maggie Valley. The local chamber of commerce has information on all the attractions and restaurants in the area. Without a doubt, you will fall in love with this place. Someday, I hope to retire there.

Well there you have it. Living in Toney means you are within short driving distances of Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis and Birmingham. It means you control the pace of your life. The atmosphere here instills the mindset of neighbor helping neighbor and life in Toney brings peace of mind. Yes, someday I would like to retire in Maggie Valley, North Carolina – but if I can’t for some unforeseen reason – that’s okay. Living in Toney for the rest of my life would suit me just fine.

Eric H

Submitted: Thursday 29th January 2004, 8:33 PM

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