BJC Real Estate - Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

BJC Real Estate - Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce
At ERA Waldrop Real Estate we are committed to guiding buyers
and sellers throughout the process of a real estate transaction.
We take great pride in the group of professionals that work with
our company. Our agents continually win national recognition
for their service and production yet more importantly, great
customer testimonials. It’s all about the people and we know we
have assembled the number one team in our market. As owners,
we give you our word, hard work, dedication and professional
service is what we will deliver. Tommy and Terri Waldrop
312 1st Avenue SE • Cullman, AL 35055 • 256-737-9738
erawaldroprealestate.com
Michelle Joiner
256-338-6406
Gena Beadlescomb
256-339-3030
Renita Tankersley
256-339-9755
Mark Smothers
256-374-2282
Charlie Youmans
256-565-3400
Bridgette Warner
256-708-3223
Crystal Gowens
256-339-6889
Sonja Freeman
256-338-0617
Brittney Lynn Smith
256-507-1901
Lisa Chambers
256-339-7910
Ryan Wilson
256-255-8805
1879925
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070201531617.crtr - Page 1 - Composite
BJC Real Estate
Becky Gray
Jerry Gray
(256) 338-3333
(256) 338-4412
Broker
Broker
Cindy Langford
Carole King
(256) 708-2008
(256) 739-3756
Mark Aderhold
Debbie Rusk
(256)708-3569
(256) 338-0709
Stephanie Wilson
Rachel McKoy-LaRue
(256) 665-8986
(256)507-4605
Rita Tucker
NOW WITH 2 OFFICES TO SERVE YOU
www.ourbjcrealestate.com
Dodge City Lake Office
1400 AL Hwy 69 S
Hanceville, AL 35077
(256) 287-9140
Cullman Association of Realtors and Multiple Listing Service • Walker County Multiple Listing Service
• Birmingham MLS
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01531617
Cullman Office
327 2nd Ave SW
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 739-1030
(256) 507-0711
5
Welcome to Cullman
6
And the Rest is History…
8
Chamber of Commerce Tourism Board
9
Cullman Lodging
10
Cullman Restaurants
14
Calendar of Events
16
Fairs & Festivals
19
Rock the South
22
Oktoberfest
24
Farm Y’all
26
Downtown Cullman
28
Downtown Mural Project
30
Shopping
32
Hops & Shops
34
Southern Accents
36
Dining in Cullman
38
Cullman County Parks
40
Clarkson Covered Bridge
300 4th Ave NE, Cullman | 256-734-2131 | CullmanTimes.com
42
Smith Lake
Layout by Jessica Wells
44
Smith Lake Park
46
Trout Fishing
48
Sportsman Lake Park
50
Veteran’s Memorial Park
52
Stony Lonesome OHV Park
53
Agricultural Trade Center
54
City Park & Rec
56
Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center
58
Heritage Park
60
Field of Miracles
62
Hurricane Creek Park
64
Festhalle Market Platz
66
North Alabama Agriplex
69
Skydive Alabama
70
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
72
Golf Courses Galore
74
Cullman County Museum
76
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum
78
Visiting the Shrine
81
Ave Maria Grotto
83
Guy Hunt Museum & Library
84
The Evelyn Burrow Museum
86
Cullman Venues
Cover Information:
Skydiving photo provided by Soulcameraflyer. The Shrine
photo provided by the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of
Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. All other cover photos
contributed.
questions? contact:
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
256-734-0454 | 1-800-313-5114 • [email protected] | VisitCullman.org
Published by The Cullman Times
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Welcome to Cullman
The place you can come home to when on a vacation, excursion or
getaway. We’ll be here waiting with a smile and a warm welcome to
introduce you to the thriving Cullman area, bursting with amazing
attractions, unique establishments, awesome amenities, and one of
a kind retailers and restaurants.
No matter what your reason for visiting, we encourage you to stop
by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at
the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and U.S. Highway 31. You’ll
find a caring staff, free maps, informative brochures and clean restrooms.
In Cullman, you’ll find beloved coffee shops, antique stores galore,
delicious dining, savvy shopping, and a vast selection of relaxation
and recreation options. Whether you want to cruise the waters of
Smith Lake, jump out of your comfort zone at Skydive Alabama,
get a little muddy at Stony Lonesome OHV Park, or explore any
one of our several community parks that offer endless hiking trails,
one thing is for sure – you’ll stay active and entertained.
The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Our staff can help you find lodging in the area, recommend delicious restaurants, offer a list of unique attractions and
fun entertainment events that are going on, and just simply offer
advice. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about
the area.
Here in Cullman, we don’t meet a stranger. Once we meet you –
you’re considered family. We are here to assist you and ensure that
your stay is as enjoyable as possible. So come on out and visit Cullman, your home away from home.
Not quite ready to strap your cowboy boots on and do a country-dance at the always popular Rock the South? Don’t worry, we
have something for everyone here in Cullman. The stop and smell
the roses bunch will find the beauty of the historic Ave Maria Grotto, or rather known as “Little Jerusalem”, stunning and appealing as
you study the tiny, intricately designed replicas. Or journey over to
Hanceville to witness The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a
holy testimony of grandeur.
Cecelia Smit
h
Cecelia Smith, Tourism Director
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce
301 2nd Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
256-734-0454 or 1-800-313-5114
www.VisitCullman.org
If you fall in the middle somewhere, come join us for any number
of fairs and festivals we offer year round: the German-honoring
Oktoberfest, the seasonal celebration of Strawberry Fest and the
highly revered Bloomin’ Festival, just to name a few. Discover our
downtown area with events that celebrate our local cuisine and
boutiques such as Hops & Shops, or just venture out into the great
German gem that is Cullman and see what all you can find!
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And the Rest is History..
The beginning of Cullman County dates back to the arrival
of Col. John G. Cullmann in 1873. A native of Frankweiler, Germany, Colonel Cullmann first settled in Cincinatti,
Ohio. Upon moving to Alabama, Cullmann brought with
him the dream of establishing a colony for German immigrants like himself. He purchased a plot of land some
180 miles long and 30 miles wide from the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad. Making the present site of Cullman his
headquarters, he brought five German families to the area in
March of 1873. The town of Cullman was incorporated five
years later. Because the growth of the area was so significant,
the state created Cullman County in 1877.
From that point, Cullman County blossomed into a major
(Left) A statue of Cullman’s founder, Col. John G. Cullmann,
stands outside of Cullman County Museum.
(Below) Clarkson Covered Bridge is a historical reminder of
the early days of travel and transportation in the area.
Photos Contributed
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As the years marched by, the agricultural industry continued to grow and several towns came to life throughout the county.
Today, Cullman County is the top agricultural county in
the state of Alabama. The city of Cullman ranks as one
of the top micropolitan centers in the nation. And even
during rough spots in the nation’s economy, an intense
economic development program has allowed Cullman
County to maintain one of the lowest unemployment
rates in the region.
The present day finds Cullman expanding its retail base
and enjoying significant expansion in the industrial
community.
An entrepreneur spirit is also alive and well in the area,
helping to bring homegrown businesses to life and a
growing trend of downtown apartment living.
The tourism industry is also springing to life with such
major events as Rock the South, a two-day event featuring some of the top artists in country music. Expected
soon is the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, which will bring
visitors from around the world.
While all this growth is under way, some of the area’s
long-standing attractions, such as the Ave Maria Grotto
continue to bring in visitors from far and wide.
The county hosts multiple historical
markers nationally recognized as
historic places.
• Ave Maria Grotto was added in 1984.
• Battle of Day’s Gap was added on
April 30, 1863.
• Battle of Hog Mountain was also added
on April 30, 1863.
• Clarkson Bridge was added in 1974.
• Crane Hill Masonic Lodge was added
in 2001.
• Cullman Downtown Commercial
Historical District was added in 1985.
• Cullman Historic District was added
on 1984.
• Ernest Edward Greene House was
added in 1993.
• Louisville and Nashville Railroad Depot
was added in 1976.
• Shady Grove Methodist Church and
Cemetery was added in 2002.
• Stiefelmeyer’s was added in 1983.
The handcrafted replica of the Holy Land at Ave Maria Grotto draws visitors from
across the region to study this outdoor wonder in Cullman.
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and the rest is history
agricultural center in Alabama and the South. While this
growth was under way, the city of Cullman was establishing itself as a center of commerce.
Photos Contributed
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chamber of commerce tourism board
2014-15 tourism Executive committee
Chamber Staff
The Chamber staff is
here to assist you at any
time. Please feel free to
call or e-mail us with
questions, concerns or
ideas for improvement.
Leah Bolin
President & CEO
[email protected]
Cecelia C. Smith
Tourism Director
[email protected]
Debbie Matthews
Executive Assistant
[email protected]
Jackie Moore
Director of Finance
& Administration
[email protected]
Magan F. Bartlett
Director of Membership
& Marketing
>>
[email protected]
Derek Lane
Director of Small Business &
Workforce Solutions
Tourism Chair
Sammie Danford
United Way of Cullman County
Treasurer
Rob Werner
Werner’s Trading Company
Chair-Elect
Susan Eller
Cullman Economic Development Agency
Chamber Representative
Ben Harrison
Cullman Regional Airport
Secretary
Elaine Fuller
Cullman County Museum
2014-15 Tourism Board of directors
Josh Wiggins
Johnny’s Bar-B-Q
Brijesh Rama
Day’s Inn
Donny Wilson
Evelyn Burrow Museum
Doug Davenport
Cullman Co. Parks
& Recreation
Christy Turner
City of Cullman Parks
and Recreation
Amy Rama
Hampton Inn Hotel
Justin Gilley
Moe’s Original BBQ
Jennifer Prybyla
Shrine of the Most Blessed
Sacrament
Teresa Daniel
Vintage West
[email protected]
Natalie F. Bonner
Administrative &
Media Specialist
[email protected]
301 2nd Avenue SW,
Cullman, AL 35055
Open Monday – Friday,
8 AM - 5 PM
Phone:
256-734-0454
Toll Free:
1-800-313-5114
Fax:
256-737-7443
Email:
[email protected]
www.cullmanchamber.org
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Cullman Lodging
America’s Best Value Inn
6349 Highway 157
Cullman
256-734-8854
AnchorLight Bed
& Breakfast
251 County Road 881
Crane Hill
256-338-6554
Best Western
Fairwinds Inn
1917 Commerce Avenue
Cullman
877-574-2464
Comfort Inn
810 Main Street NE
Hanceville
866-611-6301
Comfort Suites
2048 St. Joseph Drive NW
866-611-6582
256-255-5999
Country View RV Park
15959 AL Highway 91
Hanceville
256-352-4678
Crooked Creek Civil War
Museum Cabin
516 CR 1127
Vinemont
256-739-2741
Cullman Campgrounds
Quality Inn
Days Inn
Sleep Inn & Suites
215 County Road 1185
Cullman
256-734-5853
1841 4th Street SW
Cullman
256-739-3800
5917 Alabama Highway 157
Cullman
866-611-6769
2050 Old Alabama Highway 157
Cullman
866-611-6773
256-734-6166
Econo Lodge
1655 County Road 437
Cullman
866-611-6770
Economy Inn
1834 2nd Avenue NW
Cullman
256-734-0122
Good Hope Campground
330 Super Saver Road
Good Hope
256-739-1319
Hampton Inn
6100 Alabama Highway 157
Cullman
256-739-4444
Hanceville Inn & Suites
912 Main Street NE
Hanceville
256-352-0000
Smith Lake Bed
& Breakfast
994 County Road 4230
Crane Hill
256-747-6057
Smith Lake Park
416 County Road 385
Cullman
256-739-2916
Sportsman Lake Park
1544 Sportsman Lake Road
Cullman
256-734-3052
Stony Lonesome
OHV Park
10075 Alabama Highway 69S
Bremen
256-287-1133
Holiday Inn Express
Hotel & Suites
2052 Hayes Drive NW
Cullman
855-446-6513
800-345-8082
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Cullman Restaurants
32 Degrees A Yogurt Bar
Brandin’ Iron Steakhouse
Carlton’s Italian
AJ’s Steakhouse
Brindlee Mountain BBQ
Casa Fiesta
7472 AL Highway 69 N
256-796-5350
1846 Patriot Way
256-739-8282
Brothers Kitchen
& Pourhouse
Chick-fil-A
1930 Marketplatz
256-734-0110
917 2nd Avenue NW
256-775-1653
Alamitos Mexican
Restaurant
3259 AL Highway 157
256-734-8020
All Steak Restaurant
323 3rd Avenue NW
256-775-1653
Arby’s
5890 AL Highway 157 SE
Cullman
256-737-1091
1840 Cherokee Avenue SW
Cullman
256-775-3999
Baby Johns BBQ
5780 County Road 437
256-735-1865
Bailey’s Diner
111 Brooklyn Road
256-796-5919
Berkeley Bob’s Coffee
House
304 1st Avenue SE
256-775-2944
Bojangles’
1821 Cherokee Avenue SW
256-775-0377
87 County Road 1242
256-739-1112
216 1st Avenue SE
256-735-4240
Buenavista Mexican
Restaurant
1644 Brantley Avenue NW
256-737-5050
Burger King
208 3rd Avenue SE
256-739-9050
1830 Cherokee Avenue SW
256-735-1650
China Buffet 168
1300 Mitchell Road NW
256-775-8888
China Garden
1848 Patriot Way
256-734-682
1605 Town Square Shopping Center
Cullman
256-739-3602
CiCi’s Pizza
5940 AL Highway 157 NW
Cullman
256-775-0405
Country Cafe
Busy Bee Cafe
Country Kitchen
Captain D’s Seafood
Restaurants
Cracker Barrel Old
Country Store
812 2nd Avenue NW
256-734-7793
1839 AL Highway 157
256-739-6950
Carina’s Pizza & Grill
Crazy Buffet
101 5th Street SE
256-734-9958
202 Main Street NE
256-352-9030
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1842 Patriots Way SW
256-736-2662
4470 AL Highway 69N
256-796-0372
111 Brooklyn Road
256-796-2220
918 Main Street NE
256-352-8886
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Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
High Tide Sports Grill
Krystal
Holy Smoke BBQ
Little Caesars Pizza
Huddle House
Logan’s Roadhouse
Hutch Restaurant
Lombardo’s Pasta Bar
Jack’s Restaurant
Los Cabos Mexican
Restaurant
1310 2nd Avenue NW
256-737-5020
Dairy Queen
6901 US Hwy 278W
256-737-3004
812 Main Street NE
Hanceville
256-352-9310
814 Main Street NE
256-352-0940
Denny’s
1842 AL Highway 157 NW
256-734-7681
413 3rd Street SW
256-739-6010
Downtown Grill
1641 Main Street SW
Cullman
256-775-1556
Duchess Bakery
3180 AL Highway 157
Cullman
256-736-8555
108 4th Street SW
256-734-4740
222 1st Avenue SE
256-734-0684
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
1873 Cherokee Avenue SW
256-737-1348
Flavors Bakery
101 1st Avenue NE
256-615-2283
Grumpy’s Italian Grill
402 5th Street SW
256-734-2544
Guthrie’s of Cullman
704 2nd Avenue NW
256-775-1593
305 2nd Avenue NW
256-735-2031
6092 AL Highway 157
256-735-2286
30 Wesley Avenue N
256-796-8675
Domino’s Pizza
1701 2nd Avenue SW
256-736-1178
11531 AL Highway 157
West Point
256-737-8720
325 Alabama Hwy 69S
Dodge City
256-287-9933
103 Styles St.
Hanceville
256-352-8705
202 1st Avenue SE
256-739-7171
1600 2nd Avenue SW
256-775-1777
Lumberjackbbq
32 County Road 1242
256-737-9893
Luna’s BBQ
105 Main Street NW
256-352-1950
Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant
702 2nd Avenue NW
Cullman
256-739-3888
914 Main Street NE
Hanceville
256-352-2272
10955 US 278 East
Holly Pond
256-796-8006
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
Margaronas Cantina
1851 Cherokee Avenue SW
Olive Street SW
311 2nd Ave NW
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 734-5959
723 2nd Avenue NW
Cullman
256-734-0069
Johnny’s Barbecue
McDonald’s
18 Cupp Road
Good Hope
256-737-0056
KFC
Hardee’s/Red Burrito
702 Main Street NE
Hanceville
256-352-2458
1401 4th Street SW
256-734-8539
1425 2nd Avenue SW
Cullman
256-734-4073
1620 2nd Avenue SW
Cullman
256-734-6958
6065 AL Highway 157
Cullman
256-734-4258
5799 AL Highway 157
Cullman
256-734-7728
231 Alabama 69
Dodge City
256-287-9543
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restaurant directory
410 2nd Avenue NW
Cullman
256-734-8358
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McDonald’s
Rally’s Hamburgers
Moe’s Original BBQ
Rice & Soy Chinese
Restaurant
restaurant directory
740 Main Street NE
Hanceville
256-352-2120
724 2nd Avenue NW
256-739-0390
318 1st Avenue SE
256-841-5324
1204 4th Street SW
256-734-1000
Mt. Fuji Japanese
Restaurant
New China Restaurant
1720 2nd Avenue SW
256-775-6999
Papa Duke’s BBQ
69 County Road 520
Dodge City
256-287-2777
Rumors Deli
720 Main Street NE
Hanceville
256-352-2444
6076 AL Highway 157 NW
256-734-7616
Papa John’s Pizza
Ryan’s
Papa Murphy’s
Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza
Salsa’s
1720 Cherokee Ave SW
256775-1277
Pasquale’s Pizza
>>
Ruby Tuesday
105 1st Avenue NE #100
256-737-0911
1850 Cherokee Avenue SW
256-737-7770
915 2nd Avenue NW
256-734-4599
Peking
303B 2nd Avenue NW
256-739-7129
Pizza Hut
710 2nd Avenue NW
Cullman
256-734-1010
806 Main Street NE
Hanceville
256-352-5355
Pop’s Place Barbq
Porky Hollow BBQ
12203 Alabama 91
256-287-0044
609 Graham Street SW
256-739-4530
Sweet Peppers Deli
303 2nd Avenue NW
256-736-2600
Taco Bell
1669 Cherokee Avenue SW
Cullman
256-739-1889
Shaw’s Catfish Restaurant
11495 US Highway 278
256-796-5017
5961 AL Highway 157
Cullman
256-734-0990
Shogun
Taqueria Fatima
1702 2nd Avenue SW
256-735-2288
509 Main Avenue SW
256-734-7070
Smokin’ Pig
The Angler Seafood House
6050 County Road 222
256-736-9991
3261 County Road 438
256-775-6080
Sonic
The Downtown Grill
1713 2nd Avenue SW
256-734-3917
108 4th Street SW
256-734-4740
Southern Hickory
Barbecue
The Hutch Restaurant
212 Broadway Drive SW
256-737-9100
6050 County Road 222
256-734-0450
5982 AL Highway 157
Cullman
256-734-0660
1705 Cherokee Avenue SW
Cullman
256-737-9333
256-507-2149
1646 2nd Avenue SW
256-775-7272
626 Olive Street SW
Cullman
256-739-9526
Rodney G’s Hickory Grill
1610 Main Avenue SW
256-841-5297
Town Hall Drive
256-737-6045
Subway
Starbucks Coffee
1879 Cherokee Avenue SW
256-736-5687
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30 Wesley Avenue N
256-796-8675
The Local Standard
Restaurant
116 4th Street SW
256-737-7475
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Trusty Dragon
restaurant directory
193 County Road 404
256-595-0403
Waffle House
1900 Commerce Street
256-737-6019
Waterbrook Restaurant
127 County Road 785
256-796-9010
Wendy’s
5801 AL Highway 157
256-739-2252
Williams Barbecue
2021 2nd Avenue SW
256-734-4292
Wing Nutz
106 Commercial Street SE
256-352-5050
Woody’s Snowcone & Pizza
1415 Arkadelphia Road NE
Yogurt Mountain
1877 Cherokee Avenue SW
256-775-8003
Zaxby’s
>>
622 Olive Street SW
256-739-9400
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calendar of events
Calendar of Event
s
Cullman County Agricultural
Trade Center
17645 US Hwy 31 N , Cullman, AL 35055
The Ag Center is the focal point of many
music events, sports competitions, fair
exhibitions and family activities for a
four-county area. A sampling of events
include: rodeos; dog agility shows;
bluegrass and gospel festivals; Racking;
Walking and Quarter Horse shows; motocross, 4-H events; outdoor exhibitions;
and Boer goat shows.
256-739-4959
Open April through October.
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
209 1st Ave. NE, Cullman, AL 35055
Shop for home-grown produce beneath
the roof of the largest timber frame
structure in the state of Alabama. The
Cullman Farmers Market provides a vast
selection of produce and other goods,
special demonstrations and weekly
events.
www.cullmancity.org/festhallemarketplatz
North Alabama Agriplex
1714 Talley Ho St. SW
Cullman, AL 35055
This building will serve as a classroom
and meeting place for agriculture education along with a future visitor center
and exhibit hall.
256-297-1044
www.facebook.com/NorthAlabamaAgriplex
April 18-19, 2015
Bloomin’ Festival
St. Bernard Prep School,
1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman, AL
35055
A juried arts festival with more than 140
booths of artists demonstrating and exhibiting their work.
256-739-6682 or 800-722-0999
May 7-9, 2015
Cullman County Museum
211 2nd Ave NE, Cullman, AL 35055
209 1st Ave. NE, Cullman, AL 35055
The Traveling Smithsonian Exhibition
“The Way We Worked,” is coming to the
Cullman County Museum in February
2015. The exhibit was developed from an
original exhibition by the National Archives, and explores how work became
such a central element of American culture over the past 150 years.
256-739-1258 or 800-533-1258
www.cullmancountymuseum.com
Every 2nd Friday
Hops & Shops
Downtown Cullman
Chamber of Commerce-sponsored
event features evenings of late shopping
and a chance to sample craft beer from
the region.
256-734-0454
www.cullmanchamber.org
Rock the South
Heritage Park
1709 Lee Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055
An annual concert featuring some of the
biggest names in country music and is
hosted by Sara Evans.
256-739-6682 or 800-722-0999
www.rockthesouth.com
Fourth of July Fireworks
416 Co. Rd. 385, Cullman, AL 35055
Smith Lake Park hosts a number of special events and festivals throughout the
year, including a spectacular Fourth of
July Fireworks show. The park also features tent and RV camping, a swimming
pool, boat launch, miniature golf and
more.
256-734-3369
www.cullmancountyparks.com
www.bloominfestival.com
February 9 to March 20, 2015
Smithsonian
June 19-20, 2015
July 4, 2015
256-775-7207
www.cullmanagcenter.org
>>
Festhalle Market Platz
Cullman StrawberryFest
Cullman StrawberryFest is a two-day
festival celebrating our strawberry harvest and opening day of our farmers
market. Food, music, a classic car show,
arts & crafts and a children’s fun area are
just a few fun family activities that anyone can participate in.
256-775-7207
www.facebook.com/CullmanStrawberryFest
Spradlin Farm Specialty Market
Open May through September.
See a farm at work, relax under the large
oak trees, stroll around the farm and
pick blueberries. Choose from a variety
of homemade baked goods, homemade
ice cream, and fresh fruits including
peaches, blackberries, raspberries and
muscadines.
August 2015
Eva Bank Midnight Run
St. Bernard Prep School,
1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman, AL
35055
On the second Friday in August, this is
a unique 5K event on a certified course.
Prizes for first place male and female
runners.
256-739-6682 or 800-722-0999
www.bloominfestival.com
August 2015
Celebrate Cullman
Downtown Cullman
A fun-filled day and night of shopping
and entertainment in downtown Cullman, just before school starts back. Plenty of specials and great local entertainers.
256-739-6682 or 800-722-0999
www.bloominfestival.com
256-734-6419
www.facebook.com/SpradlinFarms
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14
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September 2015
Wallace State Community College
801 Main Avenue, Hanceville, AL 35057
Depot Park
Farm to Fork
A culinary recognition of farming and
its impact on the lives of families across
the area and country.
Cluck-n-Brew
October 17, 2015
A fun, fall celebration featuring a wing
cook off, kidzone, game day tent playing Alabama & Auburn games, music,
chicken themed contests and more!
112 Main St. SE , Hanceville, AL 35077
256-734-9157
www.cullmanrecreation.org/clucknbrew
256-352-80000
www.farmyall.com
calendar of events
August 15, 2015
Calendar of Event
s
Mud Creek Arts & Crafts Festival
Arts & crafts festival celebrating homemade and handmade goods and foods
from all over.
256-737-8787 or 256-352-9811
August 22, 2015
October 2015
Festhalle Market Platz
209 1st Ave. NE, Cullman, AL 35055
Cullman
www.facebook.com/MudCreekArtsAndCrafts
Peinhardt Living History Farm
Days
Farm Y’all
A celebration of local farm products and
the chefs who use these home-grown
items. Held at the Festhalle Market in
downtown.
256-775-7207
www.farmyall.com
Peinhardt Edgewood Farm is primarily
an evolving family farm focusing on rural life in the 1930s and 40s. Farm Days
educates students on what life was like as
a farmer in those days.
256-734-0850 or 256-734-7271
www.peinhardtfarm.com
August 31 to September 1, 2015
A myriad of arts & crafts along with craft
and food vendors, sweet potatoes, music,
a car show, and lots of food and family
fun abounds at this festival.
256-531-7916 or 256-636-5887
www.sweettaterfestival.com
September 2015
Cullman County Fair Parade
Highway 31, Cullman
209 1st Ave. NE, Cullman, AL 35055
Special meals, choir performances and
music events are held during the week
at locations throughout the community.
Streets in downtown Cullman are roped
off for weekend activities which include
more German food, arts & crafts shows
and sales, live bands and entertainers,
historic district tours, retail store specials, and the Burgermeister ball.
256-739-1258 or 800-533-1258
The annual fair showcases local talent
through entertainment, canning, livestock raising and features a variety of
shows and exhibits for all ages.
www.cullmanoktoberfest.com
October 16-17, 2015
Alabama Gourd Festival
McGukin Civic Center, 510 5th St. SW
Cullman, AL 35055
September 24 to October 3, 2015
Cullman County Fair
Great rides, games, exhibits and lots of
food combined with local and regional
entertainment. Great family fun.
Shop the beautiful vendor booths featuring amazing arts & crafts made from
gourds, tour the ribbon competition exhibit hall, and take a gourd art crafting
class to make your very own handcrafted
gourd. Watch artists do free demonstrations of their crafts and enjoy food and
live entertainment.
256-734-0661
256-747-1447 or 256-355-4634
Cullman County Fair Grounds,
1501 Sportsman Lake Rd. NW
Cullman, AL 35055
www.cullmanfair.com
Downtown Cullman
The city comes alive with special holiday
entertainment, shopping throughout
downtown.
256-887-9250
www.christmasincullman.com
Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Oktoberfest
416 Co. Rd. 385, Cullman, AL 35057
Christmas in Cullman
December 4-5, 2015
October 3-10, 2015
Sweet Tater Festival
November 14, 2015
McGukin Civic Center
510 5th Street SW, Cullman, AL 35055
A showcase of great talent and crafts and
a chance to pick a gift before the holiday
arrives.
256-734-6690
www.cullmanrecreation.org
Cullman is home to
many special events that
celebrate our heritage. Some
of the community’s favorites
are featured above, but be
sure to check the Cullman
Chamber’s website often for
more event announcements.
www.business.cullmanchamber.org/
events/calendar/
www.alabamagourdsociety.org
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>>
Fairs & Festivals
A cart ride at the annual Bloomin’ Festival at St. Bernard Abbey
allows visitors to get a leisurely
view of the grounds.
Photo contributed
Cullman County offers events and festivals throughout the year,
which draw not only locals, but visitors from all over. Some of
the biggest annual events are the spring Bloomin’ Festival and the
fall-time Cullman County Fair, Oktoberfest, and Peinhardt Farm
Day.
Bloomin’ Festival
One annual event that brings in thousands of people to Cullman
County is the Bloomin’ Festival, held every April as a fundraiser
for St. Bernard Preparatory School. The 2015 Bloomin’ Festival
will be held April 18-19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Artists, like Laura Willingham Walker (above),
bring extraordinary work to the Bloomin’ Festival
each year.
Photo Contributed
Bloomin’ Festival is a two-day arts festival attracting thousands
of visitors to the beautiful campus of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep
School. Located adjacent to the school is the world famous Ave
Maria Grotto. The picturesque landscape of stone cut buildings on
the grounds of Alabama’s only Abbey provides a backdrop for the
outdoor show. More than 140 booths are filled with artists selling
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fairs & festivals
The Cullman County Fair is a widely popular event that spans 10 days
beginning in late September. Traditional rides are only part of the fun as
local residents show off their skills in crafts, farming and entertainment.
Photo Contributed
Festivals across the area give visitors a
chance to see the work of local artists
or sample locally grown food.
Photo contributed
their wares and demonstrating their various skills, from
glass blowing to basket making. The event features live
music, great food, and some of the best crafts anywhere.
The Southeast Tourism Society has named the Bloomin’
Festival a Top Twenty Event for April.
General admission is $5, with admission for children 5
years and under free.
The address for St. Bernard is 1600 St. Bernard Drive,
SE, Cullman, AL 35055. For more information, call
(256)739-6682, ext. 7133, (800)722-0999, or visit www.
bloominfestival.com.
Cullman County Fair
Held the last week of September, the Cullman County
Fair has welcomed millions of people to the fairgrounds
in northwest Cullman. Each year about 30,000 people
flow through those gates to walk the midway, take a spin
on all the rides, see animal judging, and walk through
the exhibit halls.
The Cullman Lions Club has sponsored the Fair since
1954, and has tended it as carefully as a child tends his
blue-ribbon yearling calf. The Club has earned its own
blue ribbons, too: the Fair has been recognized as the
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best of the best at the state and national levels.
Over the years, the fair has kept its small-town feel. Each
year, the Cullman County Fair Parade marks the start of
the annual festivities. Held on the Saturday before the
fairway opens on Monday, the parade takes a straight
shot down U.S. Highway 31 from Seventh Street to the
Cullman Shopping Center.
In addition to the Fair, the Lions Club has helped build
a ball field at Heritage Park, pavilions at Smith Lake and
Sportsman Lake parks, and has helped other schools
and municipal organizations. About $30,000 goes back
to the public in prize money from exhibits at the Fair.
The Fair is held at 1501 Sportsman Lake Road Northwest, Cullman, AL 35055. For more information, contact the Cullman County Fair Association by calling
256-734-0661, emailing [email protected], or
by visiting www.cullmanfair.com.
Oktoberfest
For the past three decades, Cullman has hosted this
tribute to the region’s century-old German heritage.
Held in downtown Cullman and centered around the
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>>
fairs & festivals
Cullman Festhalle, Oktoberfest starts the first Saturday
in October and continues until the second Saturday of
that month.
manoktoberfest.com, email oktoberfest@cullmancity.
org, call 256-739-1258 (locally) or 1-800-533-1258 (toll
free).
Since 1982, the community has shown its pride and
support in holding the annual Oktoberfest, which is
sponsored by the City’s Oktoberfest Board. The first
official celebration had a theme: Die Duetsche colonie
von Nord Alabama – here the living is good!
Peinhardt Farm Day
Over the years, events have included German food, genealogical exhibits, prizes, craft shows at Depot Park,
polka music, folk dancers, square dancers, games, open
house church sanctuaries, a 5K, 10K, and fun run, Weiss
cottage tours, and more.
Even though events at the festival have changed – the
2010 vote to legalize alcohol sales in Cullman led to
Oktoberfest hosting its first beer garden held in 2011
– Oktoberfest has always had one goal in mind: to celebrate Cullman’s German heritage with as much fun as
possible!
For more information on Oktoberfest, visit www.cull-
Peinhardt Living History Farm plays host to the Peinhardt Farm Day each fall. Usually held in late October, Farm Day gives children and families the chance
to experience the agricultural roots and heritage of the
Southeast. From syrup-making demonstrations to tractor shows, the educational family farm focuses on rural
life during the 1930s and 1940s.
The key theme of Farm day is showing how the barnyard and the animals, the house and the garden, the
fields and the woods all have an important purpose in
helping the farmer make a living for him and his family.
The Farm is located at the corner of Highway 278 and
I-65 in Cullman. For more information, email info@
peinhardtfarm.com, call 256-734-0850, or visit www.
peinhardtfarm.com.
#1 in Alabama for New &
Expanding Industry.
>>
#3 U.S. Micropolitan Area
Why Cullman?
Named the 5th Friendliest
City in Alabama.
Successful industries don’t
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find in Cullman. Come see what
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Post Office Box 1009
200 First Avenue NE
Cullman, AL 35055
256.739.1891
www.cullmaneda.org
It’s more than a job in Cullman.
325 2nd Street SE
Cullman, Alabama 35055
256.775.4696
www.cullman.co.al.us
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Rock the South
Rock the South, a two-day music festival in Cullman, arose from the aftermath of destructive tornadoes that caused damaged throughout the area in 2011. It is now the
largest event in the area and draws people from throughout the South.
Cullman’s largest event evolved from the destructive tornado outbreak of April 2011.
Rock the South arose from the debris of that day to become
one of the region’s largest and most successful outdoor music showcases. With the backing of former University of
Alabama quarterback Jay Barker, his wife, country music
superstar Sara Evans, and Cullman-based music promoter
Shane Quick, the two-day event has rapidly become a must
for country music fans.
Headline acts in recent years have included The Band Per-
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Photo lisa jones
ry, Little Big Town, Hank Williams Jr., Charlie Daniels and
Lynyrd Skynyrd. The audience reached a two-day high for
Rock the South with 34,000 attendance in 2014.
Organizer Shane Quick said the event has even attracted
the attention of other chambers and economic development offices across the nation, who plan to visit and observe in hopes of launching similar concerts in their home
states.
“They’re coming to really see how we’ve been able to pull
this off, to maybe do something for their own city,” he said.
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rock the south
“That’s always a good sign you’re doing something right and you’re on the
right track. Our goal is to be trendsetters, and ahead of the curve, and I
think we’re doing just that.”
Quick also noted advance ticket sales
are increasingly becoming more popular because of the quality of the lineup and the reputation of Cullman as
an ideal site to host such an event.
“We’ve really reached a tipping point
in sales, and considering it sold out at
the gate last year, I think people are
making a point to get their tickets
early,” he said. “We had people from
30 states buy advance tickets for Rock
the South. That really helps us plan,
by being able to see about how big the
crowd will be.”
With a two-day crowd of 34,000 in attendance, artists such as Lynyrd
Skynyrd and Little Big Town attract people of all ages to Cullman.
>>
For the last three years, organizers of
the event have brought in stars such
as the popular Duck Dynasty television show, delighting the crowds with
their homespun humor and views.
Rock the South is also a massive community undertaking. Law enforcement officers, medical personnel,
parks and recreation staff and a host
of volunteers contribute their time to
ensure an orderly and safe time at the
event for concert-goers. Days of work
are involved to prepare the grounds
for the event and to plan traffic flow
into and out of the park.
Organizers of Rock the South say the
event will continue at Heritage Park
for the next few years but efforts are
under way to find an even larger setting in the area as the popularity of
the concert grows.
Photos Contributed
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Oktoberfest
Few places in the South can boast of
such an authentic Oktoberfest than
Cullman.
Several visitors and
locals alike enjoy
dressing in the period
clothing reflecting the
style of their German
ancestors.
Settled by German immigrants in the
1800s, Cullman residents maintain a
close touch with their heritage through
the annual Oktoberfest celebration in
downtown.
Visitors and local residents are treated
to a festive event that stretches from the
Festhalle Market Platz into the business
district. Traditional music and dancing
and authentic German food are plentiful.
Festivities kick off with the traditional
tapping of the first beer keg, sending
the festivities into full swing.
While festival-goers have opportunities to sample German beer, organizers
of the event maintain a wide range of
fun for children and families of all ages.
The popularity of Cullman’s Oktoberfest has been soaring in recent years as
news of the authentic heritage of the
community is drawing many visitors to
discover one of the South’s most historic and tradition-rich small cities.
The first official Oktoberfest in Cullman was held October 9-17, 1982, and
had a theme: Die Duetsche colonie von
Nord Alabama — here the living is
Photo Contributed
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oktoberfest
Photo Contributed
Traditional dancing is one of the fun events at Oktoberfest
each year in Cullman.
good! Events included German food, genealogical exhibits, prizes, doll collections, polkas, folk
dancers, square dancers, games, open house
church sanctuaries, and a children’s fun run.
>>
Much of the original charm has been maintained from those early years of Oktoberfest,
but visitors are finding even more attractions as
the festival grows.
Crafter breweries are also represented at the festival, offering visitors a chance to sample a wide
range of products in the Alabama Craft Biergarten.
Events that are held at the Festhalle and the
Cullman County Museum and are sponsored
by the Cullman Oktoberfest Board are usually
free admission to attend. Events that are sponsored by other organizations, may have an admission fee. Call 1-800-533-1258 or 256-7391258, or email [email protected] for
information on events and schedules.
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Hay people welcome visitors to Cullman’s Oktoberfest
celebration.
Photo Jessica wells
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Farm Y’all
Visitors enjoy purchasing fresh vegetables during Farm
Y’all, a celebration of Cullman County’s farming community, which ranks at the top in Alabama. A boy gets a chance
to hold products fresh from the local fields.
Photo Contributed
Though only in its second year of existence, Cullman
County’s Farm Y’all festival celebrates a historic tradition of agriculture in the county.
Dylan Moore holds
pumpkin seeds in
his hands collected
from the traditional
pumpkin drop.
The late-summer festival celebrates Cullman County’s
ranking as the top agricultural county in the state by
bringing in celebrity chefs, seasonal produce and entertainment.
Celebrity chefs filled Festhalle Plaza in downtown
Cullman for food demostrations. Local chefs and chefs
from across Alabama prepared dishes using ingredients from local sources.
The produce display at Farm Y’all is not only for eating
Photo Contributed
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farm y’all
— it’s for gawking, too.
Giant Pumpkin, Giant Watermelon and Gourd contests bring in growers from across the U.S. to show
off their enormous (and fresh) produce. Four state
records were broken this year.
Entertainment often includes mechanic bull riding, a
petting zoo, backyard-style games and vendors that
run the gamut of food choices.
The 2014 Farm Y’all festival saw temperatures climb
into the 90s, but festival-goers still came out in droves.
Some of the local bands in attendance were Fariview
FFA Stringband and the Mountain Melodies Appalachian Dulcimer.
The folk atmosphere and local produce may have
made Farm Y’all 2014 an earthy affair, but it wasn’t
without 21st Century-style technology.
Other attractions included Auburn University’s Mobile Biomass Gasifier which showed how electricity
can be generated from biomass such as wood chips,
switchgrass and poultry litter. There was also the Water Wheels Outdoor Water Conservation Lab which
demonstrated how to install rain harvesting systems.
The Chick Chain Trailer showcased various breeds
of poultry, while the mobile dairy unit explained
the process of getting milk from dairy farms to your
kitchen.
Farm Y’all, while a relatively new tradition, will continue next year to celebrate one of Cullman County’s
mainstays — agriculture.
Farm Y’all offers treats made on the spot and some record pumpkins hauled in for the
event. The state record pumpkin has come from Cullman County the last two years.
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Photos Contributed
>>
Downtown Cullman
Wide streets and sidewalks in
downtown Cullman are lined
with specialty shops and
restaurants.
photo contributed
Downtown Cullman has grown into a shopping
destination for locals and visitors alike.
Cullman’s historic downtown boasts spacious sidewalks and a wide array of specialty shops, antique
stores and restaurants that welcome shoppers. The
variety of businesses makes downtown an excellent day trip destination.
Downtown is the heart of the locally owned merchants community. Festivals and special shopping
promotions bring large crowds to the area to experience the local shops and take in the architectural
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beauty of the city.
After a devastating tornado tore through the city in
April 2011, local leaders and merchants set about a
major push to rebuild and reinvent some portions
of the downtown.
Shops frequently join in the promotions and keep
later hours to accomodate shoppers and sponsor
entertainment for the crowds.
Situated between Huntsville and Birmingham,
Cullman’s renewed emphasis on business develop-
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downtown cullman
ment is attracting new investors and invigorating local leaders to offer even more enjoyable experiences downtown.
For an experience that is both leisurely and
fun, downtown Cullman is earning a reputation as a must-stop for shoppers wanting a
taste of a vibrant, historic setting.
01651572
>>
Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House in Downtown
Cullman
photo the cullman times
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Downtown Mural Project
Murals crafted by
local artists capture
historical aspects
of the community.
In 2010, Dot Gudger of the Cullman
Historical Society set out to accentuate
the downtown by lathering the historic
buildings with painted murals of historic
scenes.
Inspired by historic towns in Georgia
and Mississippi, Gudger said she and the
historical society worked together with
the City of Cullman and the Chamber of
Commerce to bring murals to Cullman.
“We wanted to do murals to tell the history of Cullman,” Gudger said, and since
the project was started four years ago,
local businesses, organizations, and individuals have all pitched in to coat Cullman with scenes of the city’s past.
Artists Bethany Kerr, Adrian Scott, and
Jack Tupper volunteered their time for
the project, painting murals on the walls
of local businesses around Cullman.
The murals include pictures of buildings,
such as the Cullman High School building in 1909, and scenes, such as the first
land-line telephone grounding in Cullman County. There are also a couple of
murals with profiles of John Cullmann,
the city’s founder, reading “Welcome to
Cullman.”
“Everybody seems to really like them,”
Gudger said. “They’re a really good historical tool.”
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downtown mural project
Photos the cullman times
>>
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Shopping
Shopping in
Cullman is always
a lively experience,
from the diverse
stores to sidewalk
vendors offering a
treat.
Photo Contributed
Cullman boasts a wide selection of retail options from
big box retailers to family-owned shops.
Several eclectic boutiques with sophisticated styles for
women and adorable outfits for children can be found
at the Warehouse District downtown. Other specialty
and novelty stores, gift shops and consignment stores
also line the historic downtown area.
Belk, J.C. Penney and Books-A-Million anchor the
Cullman Shopping Center on U.S. 31 while Goody’s,
Hibbett Sports and Office Max call the Town Square
Shopping Center on Alabama 69 home.
More recently, a string of brand-name retailers have
popped up along Cherokee Avenue, including T.J.
Maxx, Walmart and Maurices, along with eateries like
Some new and revitalized additions are also on the Five Guys, Yogurt Mountain, Chick-fil-A and Bojanway, including a massive expansion of Cullman Shop- gles’ Famous Chicken and Biscuits.
ping Center set to include a Dick’s Sporting Goods and
a handful of other, national retailers. A new Wal-Mart Even more businesses are located on U.S. 31, Cullman’s
is also in the works on Alabama Highway 157, which main commercial street through town. City officials
know the importance of maintaining a vibrant retail
will mark the second supercenter in the city.
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shopping
The specialty stores across the area offer a wide range of fashions and unique items
for shoppers who come from across the region.
Photo Contributed
atmosphere by supporting locally-owned store- business downtown with the help of a revitalization
fronts while simultaneously encouraging new grant, and property owners have been improving
their buildings there to attract new tenants. Sevchain stores to open up shop.
eral retailers operate along U.S. 31 in Hanceville
Outside the city, other retail opportunities can and count as customers the city’s residents as well
be found around the county as well as cities like as students attending Wallace State Community
Good Hope and Hanceville. Jack’s Western Wear College.
outfits cowgirls and cowboys in Wranglers, boots
and button-down rodeo shirts. Premium outdoor Each November, shoppers from across the state
brands like Columbia, Carhartt and Merrell are and region make the trek to Cullman for the annual Christmas in Cullman Open House. The event
also sold there.
is one of many that attract shoppers to browse all
Hanceville, which sits about 10 miles south of the the goods the city has to offer.
city of Cullman, has held onto its historic central
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>>
Hops & Shops
Each month area
residents and
visitors descend on
downtown to enjoy
Hops & Shops. Stores
are open late and
craft beer from the
region is available
throughout the event.
Photo Contributed
Local shoppers and visitors to Cullman found a
new twist downtown this year as the Cullman Area
Chamber of Commerce unveiled Hops and Shops.
Since becoming President & CEO at the, Leah Bolin
and her staff have been looking for a way to attract
shoppers to downtown. With the new Hops and
Shops program, they have brought together a fun
event to drive local commerce.
Hops and Shops typically involves more than 50 local businesses in a large-scale night of shopping and
craft beer tasting, with almost a dozen local businesses offering different craft brews across the downtown
shopping district. The Chamber has worked with
small businesses to extend their hours for the night,
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and signed up an Alabama brewery to offer locally
crafted beers.
Bolin said they looked at ideas that have worked in
other areas, then crafted something wholly unique
they think will be a good fit for Cullman.
“We know we have a lot of unique shopping and food
in downtown, and we asked what are people wanting
and what demographic are we trying to attract,” she
said. “One of the big things we wanted to do was to
get people to walk, because Cullmanites don’t really
walk around downtown very much. But when you
walk, that’s when you’re really able to explore downtown, so we wanted to incorporate that, as well.”
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hops & shops
Photo Contributed
The result: Hops and Shops, a shopping extravaganza-meets-craft beer sampling designed to drive
traffic to downtown shops that will be staying open
late for the event.
Several locations offer lively
entertainment during Hops & Shops,
which will be held on the second
Friday of each month beginning in
March 2015.
Hops and Shops is held on the second Thursday of
each month in 2014 ending in October. Starting in
March of 2015, the event will change to the second
Friday of each month.
Beer samples have been hosted at All Steak Restaurant, Busy Bee Cafe, Brothers Kitchen and Pourhouse, Carlton’s Italian, The Downtown Grill,
Grumpy’s Italian, The Local Standard, Lombardo’s
Pasta Bar and Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que. Berkeley
Bob’s Coffee House and Johnny’s Bar-B-Q, working from a food truck at Festhalle Market Platz,
has also participated with different non-alcoholic
drinks and food samples.
256-734-0038
>>
6722
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Southern Accents
ArchitecTural Antiques
A stop by Southern Accents Architectural Antiques should
be at the top of your list when visiting Cullman! Located in
the historic downtown area, Southern Accents houses one
of the largest collections of architectural antiques and salvage items in the Southeast. While you are browsing their
beautiful collection of antique doors, mantels, chandeliers,
claw foot tubs and other various architectural finds, enjoy
an ice cold Coke or bottled water from their antique CocaCola cooler.
Southern Accents mission is to rescue, restore and protect
architectural elements of historical significance. Stepping
through their showroom doors is like taking a step back in
time. You will find fascinating items
and antiques tucked in every nook
and cranny of the two story showroom and warehouses, full of architectural finds, all with a story to tell.
Shop all the beautiful antique items,
but don’t leave without taking a
peek at owner Garlan Gudger, Jr.’s
door knob collection. One of the
largest in the nation, this collection
includes many rare, one of a kind
finds.
Travel just one mile down the road
from the showroom and you’ll discover an old school gymnasium on
Janeway Drive filled with gorgeous
salvaged flooring, barnwood, trim,
hand hewn beams and more.
Southern Accents showroom and wood warehouse are
open Tuesday - Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from
10am to 4pm. Closed on Sunday, Monday by appointment
only. You can reach them by phone at 877 737-0554 or find
them online at www.sa1969.com where you can sign up for
their weekly newsletter as well as follow them on Facebook,
Pinterest and Instagram.
Unique stores can be found throughout the area, including
Southern Accents Architectural Antiques in downtown Cullman.
Photos and Article: Lisa Jones
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southern accents
architectural antiques
>>
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Dining in Cullman
Hops & Shops at Grumpy’s Italian Grill
Photo Contributed
Dining in the Cullman area is becoming more exciting with each passing month, as major chains and
new downtown watering holes continue to enrich the
dining options for the area.
Plentiful variations of the classic American hamburger are also alive and well in the restaurants, not to
mention superb steaks, chicken and family-favorite
pizza parlors.
New restaurants have been taking their places among
old-time favorites in recent years, bringing creative
flair and anticipation for diners in and around the region. From tasty barbecue to signature orange rolls
and blue-plate specials, those classic favorites remain
a hit for the dining crowd.
Cullman restaurants feature many Southern dessert
favorites including fried banana pudding and fried
strawberry cheese cake. Area diners are also finding
expanded menus and drink options for parties, family
gatherings and business meetings.
But the addition of outstanding Chinese, Japanese,
Mexican and German cuisine add variety for any day
or night.
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The dining trail stretches through all areas of Cullman County, including settings along Lewis Smith
Lake or in the small towns and communities outside
of Cullman.
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dining in cullman
photo the cullman times
Dining is an exciting experience throughout the Cullman
area. The gathering places
for good food and entertainment are growing as more
and more people discover
Cullman.
Busy Bee Cafe
>>
Photo Contributed
Orange Rolls at All Steak
Restaurant
Moe’s Original Bar B Que
Photo Contributed
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Cullman County Parks & Rec
A visit to Smith Lake Park is
one of the most popular and
relaxing activities for anyone
who visits Cullman County.
Photo Cullman County Parks and Recreation
Cullman County Parks and Recreation is in charge
of five parks: Smith Lake Park, Sportsman Lake
Park, Stony Lonesome OHV Park, Clarkson Covered
Bridge, and the Agricultural Trade Center.
Smith Lake is located on the shores of the 21,200 acre
Lewis Smith Lake with 500 miles of shoreline. The
park is open for year round camping. The deep waters
of the lake provide a cool water environment for a vast
variety of fish including: bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. The park has nine cabins; 199 full service sites;
5 water and electric sites; and 61 tent sites. Eight pavilions, playgrounds, a pool, fishing pier, a huge stage
for special events, and a new boat launch makes rustic
Smith Lake Park a destination for fun and relaxation.
They offer a number of special events and festivals at
the park throughout the year.
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Sportsman Lake Park is a scenic destination that has a
little something for everyone regardless of age. Sportsman Lake Park is in the heart of Cullman featuring
a lake, picnic pavilions, walking trails, a train, puttputt golf, pedal boats, and 12 camp sites. The park
also features plenty of ducks, geese, and fish to feed
either from our paved walking trail or from our floating dock. Sportsman Lake Park also has a splash pad
installed.
Stony Lonesome is the first public OHV Park of its
kind, in the state. Open year-round, the 1,456 plus
acre park features trails for ATV’s, rock crawlers, dirt
bikes, mountain bikes, equestrians, hikers, pedestrians, and much more. Stony Lonesome offers tent/RV
camping and cabin rentals as well. Stony Lonesome
also offers many special events such as mud therapy
day, jeep jamboree, and their night rides.
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cullman county parks & Rec
A hike along the peaceful walking trail at
Sportsman Lake Park provides a time for
tranquility and exploration.
photo contributed
Clarkson Covered Bridge Park is where one of the
state’s last remaining covered bridges is preserved
for the public. This park is host to numerous weddings, car shows, and various other activities. With
the help of grant funds, the county has recently
completed restoration work on the bridge.
The Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center is
the focal point of many music events, sports competitions, farm exhibitions, and family activities
for North Central Alabama. A sample of events
include: rodeos, barrel races, dog agility shows,
bluegrass and gospel festivals, racking, 4-H events,
motocross races, outdoor exhibitions, and many
more.
>>
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Clarkson Covered Bridge
photo contributed
Clarkson Covered Bridge, originally built in 1904, was
once used regularly by farmers and travelers to cross
Crooked Creek. The bridge is a centerpiece of the park
built in period fashion to showcase the bridge and its
historical significance. The bridge was torn in two, in
1921 by a huge storm, One piece was left intact, the
other swept downstream and soon salvaged. One year
later, the project to repair the bridge with salvaged
material was completed.
mission restored the site with the help of concerned
citizens as part of the American Bicentennial Project,
embellishing the grounds with hiking trails, a picnic
area, and two period structures built to accent the historical nature of the bridge: a Dogtrot log cabin and a
grist mill. Located just off U.S. Highway 278 in Bethel,
Clarkson Bridge is the site of the numerous weddings,
car shows and various other activities.
Clarkson Covered Bridge, one of Cullman County’s
On June 25, 1974, Clarkson CoveredBridge was most well-known attractions, is also one of the area’s
named to the National Register of Historic Places. most historically rich sites.
Shortly thereafter, in 1975, the Cullman County Comw w w. v i s i t c u l l m a n . o r g
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clarkson covered bridge
>>
The last of the area’s covered bridges is known as Clarkson Covered
Bridge and is carefully preserved.
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photo contributed
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Smith Lake
Lewis Smith Lake is a vast
recreational area for swimming,
boating and fishing.
photo beverly dotsey
Lewis Smith Lake, a man-made wonder, sits in Cullman County’s backyard, beckoning locals and visitors with its 500 miles of shoreline and endless ways
to make memories.
Located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, Smith Lake was created by Alabama Power with
the construction of the Lewis Smith Dam.
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One of the largest earthen dams in eastern United
States, it stretches 2,200 feet in length and reaches
a maximum height of 300 feet. Construction began
on November 25, 1957, and the dam entered service
on September 5, 1961. The name honors Lewis Martin Smith, president of Alabama Power from 1952 to
1957.
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From watersports like boating and water-skiing, to fishing and swimming,
Smith Lake offers a number of opportunities for fun. Whether its a rustic
A-frame cabin or a sprawling luxurious lake house, a variety of vacation
houses are available to rent or to make
your new home. A number of businesses have also sprung up around the
lake to supply visitors with food and
gear.
The 2010 Census data show the seasonal and recreational housing market
over the last 10 years has had a $270
million to $400 million impact on the
three-county area around the lake.
smith lake
The three-fingered lake touches Cullman, Walker and Winston counties
and has a full pool level of 510 feet.
www.brownandcobeverages.com
HUGE SELECTION...
Domestic and Imports
Local and Regional
Seasonal • Shandies• Lambics
Kegs • Ciders • Meads
Champagne & Sparkling
Ports, Sherries, Marsala & Madeira
Vermouth • Plum Wine and Sake
Sangria • Fruit Wine • Chocolate Wine
Dessert Wine • Wine Coolers
Walk-In Beer Cave
Wine from every major wine-producing region, as
well as other areas. (Hungary, India and the
Republic of Georgia - to name a few!)
Mixers
Gourmet Bitters
Specialty Sodas
photo beverly dotsey
Giant stripe are one of the prizes for
anglers in Lewis Smith Lake.
Large Selection of
Non-Alcoholic
Beer & Wine
00084177
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>>
Smith Lake Park
Smith Lake is always busy with
boaters, whether fishing or just
paddling for relaxation.
photo contributed
Recreation opportunities abound at
Cullman County’s Smith Lake.
The park sits just off the 21,200-acre
Lewis Smith Lake in the Trimble community, and visitors can enjoy yearround camping, picnics in one of the
eight pavilions and weddings at the
chapel. Other park amenities include
basketball, volleyball, horseshoes,
swimming pool, stage and miniature
golf.
PHOTO: SMITH LAKE LIVING MAGAZINE/EDDIE HAND
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smith lake park
PHOTO: ANCHORLIGHT BED & BREAKFAST
A late ride along Smith Lake shows the
beauty of a summer evening.
You can also take advantage of the
park’s free boat launch, beach and
public fishing pier. The campground
features nine cabins, 199 full-service
sites, five water and electric sites and
and 61 tent sites.
Smith Lake Park also hosts a number of family friendly events like the
Fourth of July Music and Fireworks
and Memorial Day festivals. The park
is the new home for the Sweet Tater
Festival where vendors showcase everything from handcrafted jewelry to
bullwhips and of course, food made
with sweet potatoes.
>>
photo smith lake paddleboards
This fall, Cullman County Parks and
Recreation, which manages the park,
will add a new event — the First Annual Bass Fest Bass Tournament and
Music Festival, with a $10,000 top
prize.
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Trout Fishing
Just below Smith Lake Dam water temperatures remain below
70 degrees year round, which allows rainbow trout to thrive.
photos contributed
The Smith Lake Dam, located in the
Cullman County area, bordering Walker
County, is a haven for anglers and fishers alike. This area covers a vast acreage
and offers a stream ripe with trout that
is monthly stocked per a partnership between Alabama Power and the Alabama
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).
Rainbow trout are released monthly and
stocked in the tailrace of the Sipsey Fork
of the Black Warrior River, drawing fishermen out from all areas. An estimate
of 25 percent of anglers who visit this
stretch of stream are from the Cullman
or Walker counties.
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trout fishing
photos contributed
Catching rainbow trout is
a delight for anglers from
across the region.
>>
The fish releases provide year round trout fishing
opportunities to anglers as a local option. Regularly stocking the 2.5-mile stretch guarantees 1 out
of every 4 trout that’s stocked make it into an angler’s creel. Several fish farms are used to provide
the trout for stocking, some driving as far away as
Missouri to replenish the lot. Stocking the fish is a
tradition that goes all the way back to 1974.
Watching the release happen is an entertaining feat
as you witness almost 1,500 lbs of fish free fall 40
feet into the circulating streams below from a long,
tubular stocking pipe.
To ensure trout survival, the Smith Lake Dam area
offers a cold setting with freezing water temperatures that vary between 59 degrees and a high 60s
temperature, which allows the fish to flourish in
the required chilly environment. Because the fish
do not reproduce in this stream, it is necessary to
restock each month for avid fishermen.
There are a total of 7 access points where those who
wish to fish may go, all of which allow for an easy
entrance, with Access Point 4 being handicap accessible.
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Sportsman Lake Park
The newly opened splash pad at Sportsman Lake Park
attracts children from across the area.
Photo contributed
Geese are a common sight in the
lake at the park.
Photo contributed
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Sportsman Lake Park is a scenic destination
that has a little something for everyone regardless of age. Located in downtown Cullman, the
main attraction of the park is Sportsman Lake,
a large, shallow body of water teeming with
wildlife. The park is the perfect place for family
gatherings, with its picnic areas and pavilion,
shady walking trails, and plenty of ducks, geese
and fish to feed from the lake’s shore or the
small dock. On the park grounds, visitors will
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sportsman lake park
also find a small-scale train which goes along
the shore of the lake, fishing, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and paddle boats. Camping
spots are available, and a paved multi-purpose
trail for bikers, in-line skaters and walkers is
the park’s latest addition. Also, visit the Veteran’s Memorial Park located on site and pay
respects to those that served our country.
Park admission is free, so drop by and spend
a relaxing morning, afternoon or weekend at
Sportsman Lake.
For families looking to beat the heat this summer, the new Sportsman Lake Park splash pad
offers a free chance to cool off. Free to all visitors, the 2,000 square-foot splash pad opened
in summer of 2014 and is located at the entrance to the park. The pad and park are open
daylight hours, seven days a week from April
through September. The park address is 1544
Sportsman Lake Road, Cullman, AL 35055.
For more information, call 256-734-3052.
Paddle boats
and the popular
train ride are
always popular
at Sportsman
Lake.
photos contributed
>>
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Veteran’s Memorial Park
Just at the entrance to Sportsman Lake is an elaborate memorial
to the men and women who have served their country in military.
Veteran’s Memorial Park of Cullman was dedicated in 2009 for those
who served in the military and those with an interest in the military to
come learn and remember the patriotic past of Cullman County. Veteran’s Park, located near the entrance to Sportsman Lake Park, holds a
Vietnam War memorial wall with the names of Alabama soldiers who
gave their lives during the War. The Park pavilion hosts veterans’ events
on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day each year, and is open year-round
for visitors. Veteran’s Park also includes monuments from World War
I and WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Operation Iraqi
Freedom, with names of men and women from Cullman County who
gave their lives in those wars.
The Park was established by the work of the late WWII Army veteran George Mann, a Purple Heart recipient. Veteran’s Memorial Park is
open daylight hours, seven days a week at Sportsman Lake Park. The
park address is 1544 Sportsman Lake Road, Cullman, AL 35055. For
more information, call 256-734-3052.
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Photos jessica wells
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veteran’s memorial park
Photo jessica wells
>>
280001
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Stony Lonesome OHV Park
There’s nothing like riding the trails, especially
when there’s mud involved at Stony Lonesome.
Stony Lonesome OHV Park, located near Bremen, Alabama, is the first public park for Off-Highway Vehicles
(OHVs) in Alabama. Started in 2009, the park is open
year-round, and holds nearly 1500 acres of trails for
ATVs, rock crawlers, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, horses,
hikers, and pedestrians.
During the year, the park hosts night rides, as well as
special events. In November, the Park hosts a Jeep Jamboree, where Jeep drivers from across the country convene for a weekend as experienced guides help groups
navigate through scenic switchbacks and challenging
off-highway situations in the Jeep vehicles.
The park also holds two cabins available for rental and
camping areas for tent and RV campers. The camping
areas offer water hookup and are wheelchair-accessible.
photos contributed
Stony Lonesome Park is located at 10075 Alabama Highway 69 South, Bremen, Alabama 35033. Park hours are
from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday.
The park is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as in
the event of any severe inclement weather.
Admission is $3 for hikers, $5 for mountain bikers; $10
for Dirt bikers and ATV drivers. For 4x4 Side-by-side
vehicles and rock crawlers, admission is $10 for those
13 and up, $5 for ages 6-12, and free for riders 5 and
younger. For cabin rental or tent and RV camping costs,
call the park in advance.
Please call before hauling: 256-287-1133. For more information, call or email [email protected].
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Agricultural Trade Center
From barrel races to musical performances, the Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center accommodates
a variety of entertainment.
City of Cullman’s Rock the South country music festival.
Located on U.S. Hwy 31 North, the huge multi-purpose facility is the site of sports competitions, farm exhibitions and other family activities. The Ag Center has
also hosted rodeos, dog agility shows, bluegrass and
gospel festivals, animal shows, 4-H events, motocross
races and outdoor exhibitions. The facility is available
to rent for company picnics and other events as well. The building, which has been a town landmark for
decades, has recently undergone some remodeling to
improve its appearance. It’s also begun hosting country music acts with seating for 2,000 attendees. County
officials hope the music venture will complement the
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The Agriculture Trade Center offers
a setting for everything from barrel
racing to radio controlled car races.
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photos contributed
Cullman City Parks & Rec
The city of Cullman’s
Parks and Recreation
Department is nationally recognized
for its programs and
facilities, including
an archery range with
instructors to help all
ages.
Visit www.cullmanrecreation.org or call 256.734.9157
for more information on our facilities & events!
photo contributed
Over the past several years, Cullman Parks and Recreation has grown into one of the most decorated
parks departments in the state and nation.
The agency has been a finalist for several national accolades, and has also won its fair share of state and
national awards over the past decade.
The park system includes Heritage Park, which plays
host to tournaments and events almost every week
of the year. The recreational complex with five championship lighted softball fields, five professional soc-
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cer fields, an outdoor basketball court, a beach volleyball court, a multi-purpose athletic field, a splash
pad play area, a 1.5 mile paved walking trail, a newly
constructed dog park and an 18 hole frisbee disc golf
course.
The Cullman Wellness & Aquatics Center features a
state of the art gym that offers cardio machines, free
weights, and state of the art Cybex equipment.
In addition to several thousand square feet of fitness
space, the center offers dozens of classes to focus on
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Hurricane Creek Park offers rock-climbing classes,
hikes, trail running, bird watching, picnicking and
Cullman Wellness &
Aquatics Center
event hosting.
cullman city parks & rec
the goal of building a stronger, healthier community. Classes include yoga, aerobics, spin classes,
Zumba, and dozens of others. The center is continuing its list of classes by constantly certifying
instructors in new courses. Personal trainers are
on hand to aid in making personal fitness plans for
individuals, as well as wellness and nutrition plans
to help meet personalized fitness goals. The fitness
center also has a full staff of knowledgeable employees who are there to help with any questions
and recommendations of exercises.
The McGukin Civic Center in Cullman offers a spacious multipurpose facility for use by the community. The auditorium and stage are used throughout
the year for a variety of activities. Individual rooms
of the Civic Center be used for a variety of functions, such as craft exhibits, wedding receptions,
business meetings and classroom situations.
The parks department also manages the Cheer and
Gymnastics Academy, NeSmith Pool, the Donald
E. Green Senior Center and Festhalle Market Platz
farmers market and event site.
Rock climbing classes are offered
at Hurricane Creek Park.
Cullman Golf Course
>>
McGukin Civic Center
Heritage Park
Hurricane Creek Park
Festhalle Market Platz
Archery Program
John Hunt Park
photo hurricane creek park
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Cullman Wellness & Aquatics Center
A day at the Aquatic Center delights thousands of patrons each year.
photo contributed
The Cullman Wellness and Aquatics Center opened its at the center. “All the kids are out of school, and they’re
doors in 2009 with a huge response from the commu- here to play.”
nity, and it remains a popular stop today for locals and
visitors alike.
The Cullman Wellness & Aquatics Center features a
state of the art gym that offers cardio machines, free
Less than a year after opening, the center met its five- weights, and state of the art Cybex equipment.
year goal for members, signing Cullman natives and
folks from as far off as Huntsville and Birmingham.
With its vast lineup of fun fitness programs and stateThe center offers numerous indoor and outdoor ame- of-the-art facilities, the Wellness & Aquatics Center
nities, which can offer a respite from the hot weather has become a regular destination for residents who
in the summer.
live outside of Cullman County. In fact, residents from
other counties are always welcome and may sign up to
“It stays packed,” said Cassidy Harrison, an employee enjoy all of the programs provided by the center, for
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The center is also the hub of Cullman aquatics,
from swim teams to water aerobics as well as a fullscale outdoor waterpark. The center is home to the
Cullman Catfish swim team as well as the site of
Cullman High School’s Swim team, practices, and
meets. The Catfish competed at home as the center
hosted the ARPA State Swim & Dive Meet in 2013
for the third year since the facility has been opened
— over 5,000 visitors were in the area for the meet
where the Cullman Catfish took home their first
ever state championship. In addition to the swim
teams, the facility boasts 2 large water slides, a lazy
river, a children’s play feature, and high and low
diving boards at the outdoor water park that is
open from May-September.
Many schools, churches, and organizations hold
events in the meeting rooms and party room and
cullman wellness & aquatics center
individuals or families.
utilize the water park as a perfect gathering spot.
In addition to the fun, there are dozens of chairs
by the poolside to enjoy reading a book or soaking
up some sun. The indoor pools are also open year
round for lap swimming, open swim, and various
classes including water aerobics and Aqua Zumba.
The indoor pool deck also features a spa, and both
men and women’s locker rooms feature saunas.
Day passes allow full access to the facility for $10
per day, while memberships for all the facilities’
amenities start at just $40 per month. Discounts
are available for seniors and military. The center
has brought a fun aspect to Cullman with visitors flocking to the waterpark during the summer months. There is no question that the center
is serving the community well with over 13,000
members and thousands more who enjoy daily
passes.
>>
Friends can enjoy the
pool with supervision
throughout business
hours.
photo contributed
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Heritage Park
There is something for
everyone at Heritage Park,
where visitors can enjoy the
disc golf course, dog park
and much more.
Heritage Park celebrated 20 years of serving Cullman
County and the surrounding region in 2014.
Recognized as one of the top recreational complexes
in the nation, Heritage Park is an elaborate series of
ballfields, walking trails, playgrounds and other amenities that serve thousands of residents and visitors
for everyday enjoyment. The tournaments hosted at
Heritage Park bring in visitors from all over the South,
earning rave reviews for the development and organization provided by the Cullman Parks and Recreation
Department.
Heritage Park opened in 1994 and includes five cham-
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pionship lighted softball fields, five professional soccer fields, an outdoor basketball court, a beach volleyball court, a multi-purpose athletic field, a splash
pad play area, a 1.5 mile paved walking trail, a newly
constructed dog park and an 18-hole frisbee disc golf
course.
The southern entrance greets visitors with a beautiful memorial garden and fountain. Other areas of the
park include benches and picnic pavilions of all sizes.
The grounds are kept by a full-time maintenence crew
using state-of-the-art machinery.
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heritage park
Heritage Park is part of the city’s elaborate recreation
system. Here, local residents enjoy exercise daily. Teams
playing baseball and softball tournaments come from
across the region to use the carefully designed fields.
>>
photo amanda shavers - davis/the cullman times
1897931
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Field of Miracles
The late Chester Freeman
envisioned the Field of Miracles
for those with special needs.
The field was completed under
the direction of former parks
director John Hunt.
would never get the chance to play baseball in a normal recreation league.
Field of Miracles has a regional appeal because of its unique
features in serving special needs athletes. The park opened
in 2008 and was named after the late Chester Freeman, who
was one of the key players in turning Cullman into a destination for those who enjoy recreational activities.
photos the cullman times
The time, effort and manpower that went into the construction of the Field of Miracles at Chester Freeman Park
spanned over three years of planning and labor.
However, the impact it has on the lives of those who get to
enjoy the fruit of the labor is priceless.
The Field of Miracles is one of four baseball fields at the
park, but it is unique because it has a rubber surface for better grip and more padding for special needs athletes who
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The field is one of a kind in the Southeast, and it was dedicated in honor of Freeman, who spent years involved in
Cullman parks and recreation at the local and national level.
Field of Miracles was designed with a cushioned rubberized
turf to help prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible dugouts,
and a completely flat surface to eliminate any barriers to
wheelchair-bound or visually impaired players. The design also includes three grass fields. In addition, accessible
restrooms, a concession stand, accessible score and media
towers and covered play area with a rubberized surface are
part of this state of the art complex.
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field of miracles
Cullman’s Field of Miracles underwent an expansion
with the opening of the John E. Hunt Championship
Field in May.
Field of Miracles now has four ballfields for baseball
and softball with the opening of the new field, which
was named in honor of former Cullman Parks and
Recreation Director John Hunt. He retired in March
of 2014 after leading the department for more than
20 years. During his tenure the city recreation department became nationally recognized.
The Hunt Field is suited for baseball and softball
tournaments. Future plans associated with the field
include completion of an umpire’s room, new restrooms and a playground directly behind the field.
Cullman attracts visitors from across the region for
ball tournaments to its elaborate complex of ballfields. Summer months are booked throughout with
teams arriving from many states.
The design of the fields at Field of Miracles reduce the
risk of injuries while providing a competitive and fun
atmosphere.
photos the cullman times
>>
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Hurricane Creek Park
Hurricane Creek Park is operated by
Cullman’s City Parks and Recreation
department. From hiking to repelling, the setting is a natural wonder
that provides leisure and exercise
opportunities.
Hurricane Creek Park of Vinemont, Alabama is a 67-acre park nestled in a 500foot deep canyon in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There is something
for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages at Hurricane Creek Park. The park holds several
miles of established hiking trails, as well as
picnic tables and pavilions along the creek
for hosting events, and numerous areas for
visitors to rock climb. For bird-watchers,
Hurricane Creek Park is Site 32 on the
North Alabama Birding Trail.
Photos hurricane creek park
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hurricane creek park
Photo hurricane creek park
William “Buddy” Rogers founded the
park in 1961, and ran the park as a dayhike/picnic area for 40 years. In 2003, he
donated the park to the Alabama State
Lands Division.
On a reservation basis, the park hosts
the “My First Time Rock Climbing” program every Saturday morning. This program is great for birthday parties, family
get-togethers, Scout events, and other
activity dates.
The park is open year-round from Friday through Saturday. Hours are from
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2.50 for individuals 17 & under. Groups of ten or
more receive a discounted admission
price of $2 per person. The park only accepts cash or personal local checks.
>>
David Moore/Good Life Magazine
The park address is 22600 U.S. Highway
31 North, Vinemont, AL 35179.
For more information, call 256-7342125, visit www.hurricanecreekpark.
com, or email [email protected].
Photo hurricane creek park
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Festhalle Market Platz
Festhalle Market is one of the most iconic scenes in
downtown Cullman.
A beautifully constructed open-air facility, local farmers
and other vendors have an opportunity to sell some of
Cullman County’s widely recognized food products.
The agricutural county in Alabama, Cullman County
farmers are known for their poultry products, beef, melons and many other products that typically ship to all areas of the region and country.
The Festhalle scene is a favorite for those who travel to
downtown. The vendors spend time discussing their
products and mingling with customers in traditional
Southern hospitality. And the reviews on the many products sold at Festhalle keep customers coming back time
after time.
Operated by the City of Cullman, Festhalle is also the
Photos Contributed
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festhalle market platz
The city’s Festhalle Market continues to
grow in popularity as visitors find fresh
fruit and vegetables as well as flowers
to take home. The Festhalle is also the
setting for many festivals and other
public events.
Photos Contributed
scene of many other activities such as live music.
On the edge of the popular Warehouse District
shopping area in downtown, the Festhalle is often
covered with local shoppers and visitors exploring
the wide range of local products that find their way
to town. Many customers return over and over to
find fresh fruit and vegetables and explore other
items vendors bring.
Festhalle has also been host to the growing trend of
food trucks, which offer shoppers a chance to sam-
ple a wide range of carefully prepared foods during
the lunch hour.
Hours at the Festhalle are typically 8 a.m. until 2
p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from the
beginning of April through the end of October. A
visit to this bustling market also provides an opportunity to meet many of the area’s successful farmers.
And before or after shopping at the Festhalle, just a
few steps away are speciality shops and restaurants
to complete a day of fun activities downtown.
SATURDAY COOKING DEMONSTRATION THROUGH THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
FREE SAMPLES!! Serving begins at 10 a.m. while supplies last.
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Ann Moore at 256-734-2585, Cell 590-5009
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>>
North Alabama Agriplex
Photos north alabama agriplex
Cullman is home to the North Alabama Agriplex
which aims to preserve its deep farming roots.
The North Alabama Agriplex is an educational center aimed
at demonstrating the value of farming and how food is
grown and processed for market.
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The center on Tally Ho Street was created over
a decade ago by local community leaders and
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee members to showcase the
importance of agriculture to Cullman County and its future generations. The Agriplex is a
non-profit established through an Alabama Senate Bill, and Cullman residents comprise most of
the 11-member board, with others representing
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Montgomery, Tuskegee and Auburn.
north alabama agriplex
The Agriplex spearheads the annual Touring
Farms for Kids where around 35 children between
the ages of 7 to 14 go on a two-day tour of agriculture related sites in Cullman County and North
Alabama. The board also sponsors several other
agriculture education opportunities.
2009 through mostly volunteer labor and donated
materials.
In January 2012, the Heritage Center opened its
doors for programming. The building serves as a
classroom and meeting place for agriculture education, and the Heritage Center can be rented for
meetings and gatherings.
In 2012, the new Agriplex Heritage Center opened,
and it hosts thousands of visitors a year. A monthly Farm Kid’s Club, summer Garden Camps, a
Hand Sewing Camp, adult education programs,
and more have been offered to local residents. The
Agriplex Board hopes to continue to expand its
programming to the community in the future.
In 2007, the Red Hill Schoolhouse was relocated to
the Agriplex Property and restored in partnership
with Peinhardt Living History Farm, hardworking
volunteers, and grant funds from the Resource
Conservation and Development Council. Construction of the Heritage Center building began in
Photos north alabama agriplex
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>>
north alabama agriplex
Getting your hands right into the food
is part of the fun at the Agriplex.
Call 256-297-1044 or email
[email protected] for more
information on programs and events.
>>
Photos north alabama agriplex
2089317
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Skydive Alabama
Photo by soulcameraflyer
Skydive Alabama has been giving people the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure since 1999. Based
in Vinemont, Skydive Alabama is the only dropzone for
parachute landings in North Alabama. It is owned by Paul
Rossouw, an ex-military parachute regiment soldier and
three-time Skydiving World Championship medalist. The
company offers skydiving services, instruction and first
time jump instructions.
Throughout the year, Skydive Alabama hosts special events
and training courses for both experienced and first-time
jumpers. Jumpers must be 19 or older and weigh 250
pounds or less.
For the more adventurous types, embarking on a skydive
is one of the ultimate thrills. The company operates in
Cullman County and draws visitors from across the region.
Skydive Alabama facilitates jumps from 13,500 to 22,000
feet. It is a group member of the United States Parachute
Association (USPA).
For more information, visit skydivealabama.com or call
256-736-5553. Reservations, while not required, are highly
recommended.
The dropzone address is 231 County Road 1360, Vinemont,
Alabama 35179. Skydive Alabama is just a few minutes
from Cullman’s restaurants, shops, and hotels.
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IN ENTRY
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
MAN CIVIC CENTER & BASS FISHING HALL OF FAME
Drawing contributed by Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
The quest to build the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in
Cullman has taken a major step forward with the
launching of a major fundraising campaign.
Hall of fame board of directors chairman Sammy Lee
said a grand opening for the facility could happen in
late 2016.
Lee said three major contributors for the campaign to
gain construction funds have already been secured.
The campaign is reaching across the nation and internationally. In addition to a positive start on fundraising, he also revealed the board is planning to include a
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retail space of 3,000 or more square feet in the facility.
“The intent is to court a major retailer that is involved
in fishing and hunting supplies,” Lee said. “You can
pretty well guess who those retailers are. If we’re successful with that, we feel like the hall of fame will
maximize its marketing through one of these retailers
in their national advertising campaigns.”
The site for the hall of fame is located along County
Road 222 on land the City of Cullman owns. Included in the plan is a proposal by city officials to attach
a civic center to the hall of fame for conventions and
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bass fishing hall of fame
Coming in just over a year will the Bass Fishing Hall of
Fame. The complex will feature various features about
fishing and sensible environmental practices. The city of
Cullman also plans to build a civic center on the grounds.
Drawing contributed by Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
additional tourism opportunities.
The Alabama Department of Transportation has
begun contruction of an interchange from Interstate 65 directly into CR 222. Local officials are
excited by the prospect for additional economic growth in Good Hope and Cullman along the
corridor. The hall of fame’s directors have also reported the interchange was an important factor in
their decision to choose Cullman.
Major announcements will continue to be made
by board members over the next year.
“I know those involved in local economic development are excited about the potential, and we’re
excited about the opportunities Cullman holds for
the hall of fame,” Lee said. “We remain committed
to this attraction being both fun and educational
for visitors. We believe it will be a world-class attraction. Bass fishing is worldwide and having the
hall of fame in Cullman will be a tremendous plus
for everyone.”
The addition of the civic center will provide the
area an opportunity to become a major force in
attracting conventions. The hall of fame will also
continue to build focus on educational opportunities through demonstrations about fishing and
sound environmental practices among anglers.
>>
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Golf Courses Galore
The Cullman area has a myriad of recreational activities
capable of suiting the local community’s ever-changing
palate.
Most notably, the area offers three challenging golf
courses for those in the neighborhood or for those visitors searching for the perfect golf course.
Cullman Municipal Golf Course has been rated by
both Golf Digest and Golf South Magazine as one of
the best municipal golf courses in the state of Alabama.
The par-72 course is short in length — measuring a
terse 6,350 yards — but offers plenty of obstacles with
a quality array of hills, water and bunkers to keep the
challenge level high for golfers teeing it up.
The course offers up numerous tournaments of its own
— with a big focus on junior golf — including the popular Buck Shear Memorial, Cullman County Championship, parent-child scramble and Elks Junior Golf
Tournament.
The facility boasts a pro shop, practice green and lighted driving range for its customers.
Chesley Oaks Golf Course in Fairview is a par-71
course that measures 6,738 from the longest tees. The
links-style facility opened up in 1996 and has been one
of the most popular set of 18 holes since. Chesley Oaks
puts on numerous events for golfers every year, including the Sunbelt Senior Tour’s annual Yellowhammer
Open, their annual Open and, recently, former pastor
and Cullman native Bob Kurtz’s record-setting feat of
Photos Contributed
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playing 72 holes in three hours and five minutes.
TP Country Club has long been a staple of the
community with its bent grass property, rolling
terrain and accessibility to residents of Birmingham and Huntsville.
TP measures 6,487 yards and yields at a par of
golf courses galore
The course has basic amenties, including a pro
shop, annex, putting green and driving range.
72 for the golfers in the area. The club’s facilities
are second to none, as they offer ample practice
ranges, meeting rooms, a lounge, restaurant 19th
Hole and numerous other amenities.
Merchants Bank, Cullman Regional Medical
Center and select others hold their annual events
at TP each year. The course is also a big believer
in junior golf events — just last month they held
the state’s Women Junior Amateur.
>>
Golf courses in the Cullman area are
maintained with exceptional care and are
busy throughout the year, including several
tournaments that are played here.
Photos Contributed
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Cullman County Museum
The Cullman County Museum preserves
many artifacts that tell the history of the
area’s settlement. Located in downtown
Cullman, visitors will find some unique
displays and programs sponsored by the
museum.
The Cullman County Museum includes exhibits digging
into the extensive history of Cullman County, from the
founding of the community and the centuries before.
It was dedicated in 1975, and built as a replica of Colonel Cullmann’s original home, using a simliar exterior
design. It currently boasts nine galleries which showcase
different aspects of life in early Cullman.
Early American artifacts found in the area, Civil War
items, old photos and replica items can all be found scattered across the nine galleries.
The facility is also home to occasional traveling exhibits.
The Smithsonian project “The Way We Worked” will be
Photos Roland Langley/Graphics South, Inc.
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“It shows how we identify with work, as work assigns cultural meaning and puts our society in a
larger context,” DeKeyser said.
He also noted the exhibit will mostly be making
stops in smaller cities and communities, as op“I’d like to think we inspire,” DeKeyser said. “It’s posed to more traditional cultural centers like
great to be able to bring a Smithsonian exhibit to Birmingham or Huntsville.
small towns around Alabama, and it’s a fascinat“These give small towns the opportunity to
ing exhibit.”
demonstrate their culture and history, and the
Part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street meaningful contributions to the local area,” Deinitiative, “The Way We Worked,” has made stops Keyser said. “You’ll notice we’re going to smaller
across the country and will be installed at the cities like Athens, and Cullman, instead of bigger
Cullman County Museum from February 9 until places. The reason for that is you see communities
March 20, 2015.
like this one with a real desire to have these types
of programs in their communities, and we’ve seen
The exhibit focuses on the larger questions of why there’s more interest and a greater demand in
we work and the needs that our jobs fulfill, in- small communities with a passion for it.”
cluding work on the land, streets of local commuThe exhibit will also feature a recording session
nities, offices, factories, and homes.
for locals to share about their own jobs and what
Officials say it is an exploration of the tools and they mean to them, which will be processed and
technologies that enabled and assisted workers, returned to the museum to join the local archives.
and also reveals how workers sometimes found The museum is located just across from the Festhemselves with better tools, but also with faster, thalle Market Platz and City Hall. For more informore complex and often more stressful work en- mation on the museum, contact (256) 739-1258
or e-mail [email protected].
vironments.
Photos Roland Langley/Graphics South, Inc.
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cullman county museum
making a stop in Cullman in early 2015, and Alabama Humanities Foundation executive director
Armand DeKeyser notes the traveling project is
just one of many the agency spearheads to encourage artistic initiatives around Alabama.
>>
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum
photos contributed
Of the many military movements of the Civil War, Cullman County was the host of one,
which is now commemorated at the Crooked
Creek Civil War Museum near West Point.
Founded by Fred Wise in April 2006, the log
cabin museum sits on a 40-acre battle site of
Crooked Creek and holds numerous displays
of authentic Civil War memorabilia. There is
also a cabin on site, which is rented out on a
nightly basis and functions as a Bed & Breakfast. The cabin has even hosted weddings
over the years. The area is rumored to be the
hotspot of paranormal activity, with several
guests reporting ghost sightings. Though op-
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crooked creek civil war museum
erator Fred Wise says he’s never seen a ghost in way through Cullman County as Forrest’s men
the 31 years he’s been at the site, he’s had numer- followed Streight’s brigade southeast, and finally
ous ghost hunters from around north Alabama forced their surrender near Cedar Bluff in Chersearching the acreage trying to spot them. In all, okee County.
the attraction provides both a fun local history
lesson and a great experience.
The park address is 516 County Road 1127, South
Vinemont, Alabama 35179. The park is open 7
days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The admission
fee is $5 for adults, free for children 6 and under,
and includes a tour of the grounds and museum.
Over 150 years ago, as the spring 1863 campaigns of the Civil War began, Union Colonel
Abel Streight made it his mission to lead a raid
cutting a swath through the southeast, in order to cut off the Western and Atlantic railroad
supplying General Braxton Bragg’s Confederate
army in Middle Tennessee. That raid, punctuated by skirmishes with Confederate forces led
by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, wound its
photos contributed
>>
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum has an interesting collection of weapons and other items used in the Civil
War. The museum is carefully designed for visitors to enjoy the many artifacts.
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Visiting the Shrine
Thousands of people journey to it every year,
taking in an atmosphere of peace and serenity
that engulf them as they approach the Shrine
of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady
of the Angels Monastery. A long white picket
fence leads visitors to the gates of the 380-acre
property through which they see the Shrine.
Mother Angelica, the Foundress and Abbess
of the monastery, built the Shrine in the 13th
century style, resembling the Basilica of St.
Francis in Assisi, Italy. From the inlaid mar-
Photo Contributed
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visiting the shrine
Shrine Hours
Mon-Sat 6AM-9PM
Sun 6AM-6PM
Gift Shop of El Nino
Mon-Sat 8AM-4:45 PM
ble floors to the breathtaking nearly eight-foot
monstrance, every detail of the Main Church
leads the soul to contemplate the transcendent
beauty of God. The Daily Conventual Mass with
the Nuns is at 7 a.m., with Priests available to
hear Confession after Mass. The Nuns chant the
Liturgy of the Hours daily at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 11:30
a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.
The Shrine includes a permanent display of fullsize photographic images of the Shroud of Turin.
The images stand eight feet tall in glass cases and
are backlit for viewing. They are on display in
the entrance of the Shrine’s Lower Crypt Church.
Other sites to see on the grounds include: Castle San Miguel, which houses the El Nino Gift
Shop, a conference room, dining facility, and hall
that displays medieval armor and manuscripts;
a year-round indoor nativity scene displaying
life-like figures made by Fontanini in Italy; and a
replica of the Lourdes Grotto that rests alongside
the Mulberry Fork River, which surrounds the
Shrine property.
If you would like to bring a church, school, or
family group on a tour or plan a Catholic Pilgrimage, please contact our Pilgrimage Department at: 205-795-5717 or 205-795-5722 or email:
[email protected].
The Shrine is located about six miles from the
intersection of Alabama 91 and U.S. Highway 31
in Hanceville. On I-65, take Exit 291. Turn right
on County Road 747 and right again on County
Road 548.
An extraordinary architectural work, the Shrine is a place of worship but is also available for tours.
Photo Contributed
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>>
visiting the shrine
>>
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Ave Maria Grotto
Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman is one of the most
recognizable destinations in the region. The outdoor display attracts thousands of visitors.
Photo Contributed
From 1934 to 1958, Benedictine monk Brother Joseph Zoettl
worked to create a masterpiece of sculpture at the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman: the Ave Maria Grotto.
Red Clay Pictures
Documentary
Brother Joseph and the Grotto
tells the “true fairy tale” of Brother
Joseph Zoettl, the tiny Bavarian
hunchback monk who built Ave
Maria Grotto, a miniature city of
recycled materials in the Alabama
woods of Saint Bernard Abbey.
www.brotherjosephmovie.com
The Grotto started from Zoettl’s tinkering to pass the time at the
pump house, where he worked as a monk. The sculpture collection
includes replicas of famous buildings and miniature shrines from
across the world. It is located in a former quarry spreading over
four acres in a hillside on property owned by the Abbey.
Brother Joseph created his miniatures out of bits of unused cement
at first, but as the Grotto grew in popularity, he eventually began
using materials sent to him from all over the world.
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ave maria grotto
In 1958, Brother Joseph constructed his last model, the Basilica in Lourdes. He died three
years later. In 1963, a tornado
stormed through the Grotto and
damaged Zoettl’s model of the
tower of Babel. Then-assistant
director of the Grotto, Monroe
Sears, tapped Leo Schwaiger
to repair the tower. Since then,
Schwaiger has been the unofficial caretaker and groundskeeper for the Grotto.
Another view of the Grotto shows the elaborate work that went into
creating this work of beauty.
Today, the Grotto is an official
landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, and St.
Bernard Abbey has had groups
come in from Germany, Nigeria,
Australia, Canada, Mexico, and
across the U.S. to view the models on the hillside.
“If a person has never seen it, it
is one of a kind,” Schwaiger said.
>>
As the beauty and impressiveness of the Grotto lives on, the
attraction remains a must-see
for any Cullman visitor or native.
Photo Contributed
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Guy Hunt Library & Museum
Archaeologist Van King
sharing artifacts and history
with the children.
Photo Contributed
The Guy Hunt Museum and Library serves to capture
the spirit and commemorate Holly Pond’s best known
native — the late, former Gov. Guy Hunt. for the Holly Pond town council. What better place for
the local government to meet than in the shadow of a
historic, native politician?
Opened on May 18, 2012, the 5,200 square-foot building houses memorabilia of Hunt’s legacy as a Alabama
state politician, as well as memories of Holly Pond’s
days past. Hunt served as Alabama’s governor from 1987 to 1993.
Previously, he was a probate judge in Cullman County. The left side of the building is the museum itself. Alongside the encased memorabilia inside are models of Holly Pond buildings now long-gone. When in 1987, Hunt marked the beginning of a Republican resurgence in Alabama. He was the first Republican governor of the state since Reconstruction. Since his tenure of mayor, only two Democrats have
held the seat — Jim Folsom Jr. and Don Siegelman. At its center, the building houses a local library, which Hunt’s achievements include tort reform and the atcaters mostly to local children. tempt to bring tourism and industry to Alabama. On the far right, the building contains a meeting room
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Hunt died in 2009 after a long battle with lung cancer.
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The Evelyn Burrow Museum
The Evelyn Burrow
Museum on the campus
of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville
always provides interesting experiences for visitors who enjoy the arts.
The Evelyn Burrow Museum hosts a collection of fine and decorative arts, from fine
examples of delicately-crafted porcelain to
artful everyday wares. The museum, which
opened on the campus of Wallace State
Community College in Hanceville in 2000,
is located in the Burrow Center for the Fine
and Performing Arts. The museum was
started with a multi-million dollar collection
donated by Mrs. Burrow, and is the largest
established art museum in Cullman County.
In 2010, the facility was selected as one of
95 award-winning facilities nationwide profiled in Educational Interiors Showcase of
American School and University Magazine.
It recently won Attraction of the Year by Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association.
The Museum is a beautiful, modern space
for reflection and learning about art in a
building dedicated to the arts. Mrs. Burrow,
who began collecting in the 1930s, spent 70
years traveling Europe, accumulating objects of porcelain, pottery, glass and bronze
from the Victorian era to modern times.
Highlights are on rotating display in the
Museum’s main gallery and its Porcelain
Room. Throughout the Museum, Wallace
State shares Mrs. Burrow’s appreciation for
the decorative arts, her passion for collecting, and her particular love of horses with
patrons, inspiring all to see the beauty in objects that surround us each day.
The museum also hosts a number of visiting
photo contributed
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the evelyn burrow museum
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exhibitions. The first was a Holocaust survivors art exhibition held in conjunction with the
College’s English Department. Other visiting
exhibitions have featured a pre-1900s Alabama
Pottery, Works Progress-era artwork, post-war
Japanese posters from the Birmingham Museum of Art’s collection, a James Audubon “Birds
of America” lithograph, and frescoes by Jürgen
Tarrasch. Last year, the Museum hosted John
Dersham’s photography collection, called “50
years of Black and White,” as well as a collection of watercolor prints and exhibition entitled “Days Gone By;” it recently opened its first
Regional Sculptors Invitational Exhibit, made
up of works from 17 sculptors throughout the
Southeast.
>>
Admission to the Evelyn Burrow Museum is
free. The museum is open from 9-5, Tuesday
through Friday, and 10-2 on Saturday. For more
information, or to set up a group tour, call 256352-8457.
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Cullman Venues
Loft 212
214 4th Street SW | Cullman • 256-347-4717 • www.facebook.com/loft212events
The Atrium of Cullman
3920 AL Highway 157 | Cullman • 256-590-2083 • www.atriumcullman.com
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cullman venues
Brown Stone Centre at
Stone Bridge Farms
281 County Road 717
Cullman
256-734-9765
www.stonebridgewedding.com
Stone Bridge Farms
>>
281 County Road 717
Cullman
256-734-9765
www.stonebridgewedding.com
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cullman venues
TP Country Club, Inc.
700 Pine Hill Drive | Cullman • 256-739-0738 • www.tpcountryclub.com
McGukin Civic Center
>>
510 5th Street SW | Cullman • 256-734-9157 • www.cullmanrecreation.org
photos contributed
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cullman venues
Top of the Town
Designs by Grace
316 2nd Ave SE | Cullman • 256-709-5209
Abbey Byre at Saint Bernard
>>
1600 St. Bernard Drive SE | Cullman • 256-734-8291 • www.stbernardabbey.com
photos contributed
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