[billybob1050]

I will be traveling in northern Alabama in a few weeks and would very much appreciate some advice from viewers out there. I would like to visit small (15,000 or less), quaint, charming, high-quality towns with a historic district, nice old homes and interesting shops in the downtown area. For example, I've heard Tuscambia is a nice town. Could anyone please comfirm this and possibly suggest others? Thank you so much.

[Southlander]

Tuscumbia, yes. It's the home of Ivy Green, Helen Keller's childhood home, which is open for tours.
Then drive over to Florence, with great old buildngs. It might be a little bigger than your criteria, though.
Athens, home of Athens State University, a small upper 2-year college, and more wonderful old homes.
Hartselle, a vibrant downtown.
Cullman, founded by German Catholics, has a two-part downtown, historic monastery - very interesting and different history.
Fort Payne, not a lot of notable older buildings, but a beautifully scenic area.
Anniston, a lovely smaller town and full of all those notable tourist attractions!
More on the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association Web site (see post above).
Enjoy!

[southernnaturelover]

Red Bay is a charming little town.