You’re driving down Highway 63, the Alabama sun hitting the pines just right, and suddenly you see it. It looks like a building plucked straight out of the 1920s. This is Catherine's Lake Martin AL, or as the locals call it, Catherine’s Market. It’s not just a place to grab a loaf of bread. Honestly, it’s the unofficial living room of the lake.
Most people stumble in here looking for a quick sandwich. They end up leaving with a bottle of rare Napa cabernet, a bag of artisanal grits, and a profound sense of "how did I not know about this place?" It’s part gourmet grocery, part high-end deli, and 100% the pulse of Russell Crossroads.
What is Catherine’s Lake Martin AL Exactly?
Basically, it's a "provisions" store, but that word feels too fancy for how comfortable it is. Catherine's Market opened back in 2009. It was designed to be a callback to the old-school general stores that used to dot the Alabama countryside, specifically a nod to Catherine’s Grocery, a historical local landmark.
Located at 17 Russell Farms Road in Alexander City, it serves as the anchor for the Russell Crossroads town center. If you’re staying at a rental or lucky enough to own a home in Russell Lands, this is your home base.
The Food: More Than Just a Deli
Don’t let the "market" tag fool you. The café inside is legit. You’ve got the Market Burger—which is basically legendary around here—made with beef ground fresh in-house daily. It’s thick, juicy, and exactly what you want after four hours on a boat.
Then there’s the Reuben. They make their own sauerkraut. Most places just open a can, but here, there’s a level of "doing it right" that you don't expect in the middle of a rural lake community.
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- The Breakfast Crowd: They open at 8:00 AM. Locals swear by the breakfast biscuits.
- The Lunch Rush: Usually happens between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Expect a line, but it moves.
- BRU 63: This is the coffee shop tucked inside. If you need a "Reviver" (their energy teas) or a solid latte, this is the spot.
The Secret to Shopping at Catherine’s
If you’re coming from the city—Birmingham, Atlanta, Montgomery—you’re probably used to Whole Foods. Catherine’s feels like that, but with a Southern soul.
They source their seafood fresh. Not "thawed out in the back" fresh, but actually flown in. If you want a prime cut of beef for a grill-out on the dock, their butcher counter is arguably the best within a 50-mile radius. It’s expensive, yeah. But the quality is undeniable.
The wine selection is another thing people get wrong. They think it's just a few racks of Chardonnay. Nope. The staff actually tastes every wine before it hits the shelf. They have a "Wine Down Wednesday" from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM where you can sample five wines for five bucks. It’s the best deal on the lake, period.
Getting There by Land and Water
You don’t have to drive. Well, you can, and most do, but you can also arrive by water.
Catherine's Lake Martin AL provides a shuttle service from the water to the market. You pull your boat into the docks at the nearby marina area, and they’ll get you to the store. It makes stocking up for a day on the lake incredibly easy.
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If you’re driving:
- From Birmingham: Take Hwy 280 to Alexander City, then south on State Hwy 63.
- From the South: It’s about 3 miles north of the Kowaliga Bridge.
Beyond the Groceries
The market is the gateway to the Russell Lands trail system. There are over 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. A common "local" Saturday looks like this: grab a coffee at BRU 63, hike the Garnet Mine Loop, then head back to Catherine's for a Cobb salad or a stacked ham sandwich.
It's also a community hub. During the holidays, this place is buzzing. They do full catering for Thanksgiving and Christmas—think free-range turkeys and all the sides so you don't have to sweat over a stove when you should be looking at the water.
Why It Actually Matters
In a world of big-box retailers and gas station snacks, Catherine’s Market feels intentional. It’s owned by Russell Lands, the company that basically shaped the modern Lake Martin experience. They’ve kept a high standard. You’ll see people in $100,000 wakeboarding boats rubbing elbows with local farmers. It’s a weird, beautiful mix.
The prices are higher than your average Piggly Wiggly. That’s the reality. But you’re paying for the convenience, the quality, and the fact that you can find a specific type of aged European cheese ten minutes from your cabin.
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Important Logistics to Know
The hours change depending on the season, so always check before you make the trek. Currently, they’re closed on Mondays.
- Tuesday–Thursday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Great for those late-arriving weekenders).
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Sunday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Grill (the café) usually stops serving earlier than the market closes, typically around 2:00 PM. If you show up at 4:00 PM expecting a burger, you’re going to be disappointed, though you can still grab grab-and-go items from the coolers.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you want the real experience, don't just run in for milk. Walk the aisles. Look at the local Alabama-made products. Grab a container of their house-made pimento cheese—it’s sort of a rite of passage.
Check out the "Wine Down Wednesday" if you're there mid-week. It’s a great way to meet people who actually live on the lake year-round. They usually have discounts on cheese plates during that time too.
Finally, if you're planning a big dinner, talk to the butcher. They can do custom cuts if you call ahead. It beats the "whatever is in the plastic wrap" experience at the chain stores in town.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the daily specials: They often have a "meat-and-three" style lunch that isn't on the regular menu.
- Pack a cooler: Even if you're just visiting for the day, the seafood and meats are worth bringing home.
- Register for trails: If you plan on hiking after lunch, stop by The Stables nearby to register; it's free and keeps the trail system safe for everyone.