Nov 25

Exploring Alabama’s Most Dangerous City – Tarrant? Bad Idea? Seemed Safe to Me!

Click here to see my latest cinematic short film where I go Urban Hiking in Alabama’s most DANGEROUS city – Tarrant?

Today I go Urban Hiking in The MOST Dangerous city in Alabama, Tarrant – according to areavbes.com.

Here is what areavibes.com had to say on their website and why Tarrant in their opinion is the most dangerous city in Alabama:

Tarrant
Population: 6,216
2,520 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 6.90
chance of being a victim: 1 in 40
Total Crimes / 100k: 7,086

Tarrant, AL holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Alabama with 2,520 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (2,215), robbery (254), rape (51) and homicide (0) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 516% higher than the Alabama average. Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.

The day I was Urban Hiking in Tarrant I felt perfectly fine. I have been Urban Hiking in other so called Top 10 Most Dangerous in Alabama including, Ensley, Fairfield and Bessemer to name a few – they too seemed safe enough.

So watch the short film and see what you think about Tarrant, Alabama being the MOST DANGEROUS city in Alabama.

Find more dangerous cities in Alabama here – https://www.areavibes.com/al/most-dangerous-cities/

Nov 11

NO STUPID PEOPLE beyond this point! Back To Ensley, AL.?

Click here as I go back to Ensley, Alabama – Warning No Stupid People Beyond this Point!

Today I find myself exploring the back alleys of Ensley, Alabama once again!

Exploring back alleys and other places is often where you find the heartbeat of the city. Interesting things can be found exploring back alleys like beautiful people and street art known as graffiti.

I love street art and Ensley does not disappoint.

Anytime I’m exploring the less traveled places of a city I’m aware that you are alone and must be careful and be aware of your surroundings. But if you’re willing, you can see a lot of a city on foot that you’d miss if you stayed in your car.

So I hope you like my latest video as I go explore the beautiful city of Ensley, Alabama and it’s interesting back alleys!

Nov 04

Exploring Worlds Largest Fishing Fleet in North America! Destin Harbor?

Click here to see my latest short film where I explore the beautiful Destin Harbor, the largest charter fishing fleet in North America!

In today’s micro adventure I explore the largest fishing fleet in North America, Destin, Florida.

I started fishing out of Destin early in life when my Grandfather and father would take me out on the Florida Girl. The Florida Girl still hails out of Destin, while not the same boat, nor is it the same harbor!

The Northwest Florida Daily News had this to say about the fleet on their website ( https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/2016/05/28/destin-harbor-boasts-largest-fleet-in-north-america/28414886007/)

“There’s a lot of heritage in the harbor.

“The blood runs deep when it comes to fishing in Destin,” said Destin Charter Boat Association President Capt. Gary Jarvis of the Backdown 2.

“And from the looks of things it looks like it is going to run for a while.”

Destin harbor holds about 125 charter boats, state and federally permitted, the largest fleet in one port in North America.

“We have a very small body of water, close pass, small community and the largest fleet,” said a proud Jarvis.”

It’s always a chill vibe when in the Destin Harbor and it’s very family friendly.

Oct 28

NEW – Closer Look at 30A Millionaire’s Row Florida!

Click here as I explore Florida’s 30A Millionaire’s Row!

In today’s micro adventure we travel travel to scenic 30A in Florida! While there we’ll take a closer look at the incredible Millionaire’s Row, which is what most houses are estimated to start at…

Property on Florida’s 30A is one of the most sought after properties in the area and a hot spot for tourism.

Florida’s 30A is packed with beautiful white sugar sand beaches that seem to go on for miles.

In this micro adventure we’ll hit all the popular spots – Seaside, Watercolor, Blue Mountain, Rosemary and Alys areas.

Oct 21

Exploring One Time Mining Community Founded in 1891? – Oneonta, AL.

Click here as I explore a once known mining town founded in 1891, Oneonta, Alabama.

Today we explore Oneonta, Alabama, a one time mining community founded in 1891.

According to the city of Oneonta website:

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Murphree’s Valley in eastern Blount County, Oneonta became known as a mining community settled for its rich seam of Iron Ore discovered by John Hanby in 1817. Incorporated on February 18th, 1891, Oneonta soon became the county seat to Blount County in 1897.

Once a small town made up of a train depot, post office, telegraph office, three stores and only twelve residents, Oneonta has flourished while retaining its charm and community centered heritage. Oneonta has developed to over a total of sixteen square miles and serves an increasing population of approximately 7,000 people according to the 2010 census.

Conveniently situated for a small commute to the larger cities of Birmingham, Gadsden and Huntsville, we welcome growth and opportunity. Oneonta is prepared for industry and prepared to meet the needs of pleasant lifestyles which enrich the livelihood of our local business community.

Once known for being the “Covered Bridge Capitol of the South,” Oneonta is host to the Annual Covered Bridge Festival held on “Main Street” in downtown Oneonta. We are proud to have two bridges nearby, historic Horton Mill Covered Bridge and Easley Covered Bridge. Oneonta offers an abundance of activities for anyone. Locally, for golf enthusiast, Oneonta is home to Heritage Golf and nationally recognized Limestone Springs Golf. For the thrill seekers, take a winding trip over white capping rapids down The Locust Fork River and nearby Mulberry River.

For those interested in rich history and heritage, visit the Blount County Museum, home of the largest collection of local genealogy in our area or visit the many historic sites that the Oneonta area has to offer. Oneonta has preserved its small town charisma and appeal while still offering many retail shops and services that provide its residents and guests with a variety of shopping and food.

We are also very proud to have a highly ranked academic and athletic school system, highly skilled and accomplished Police and Fire departments, credited library, municipal airport and a local hospital and emergency department.

Oct 16

Haunted Preserve and Vecchia Pizzeria? YOU DECIDE! Birmingham, AL

Click here as I explore the Haunted Preserve and eat at a Pizzeria – pure fun!

In my latest micro adventure I visit The Preserve, a quaint spot on the map in Birmingham, Alabama!

The preserve is decorated to the max for Halloween and while there I eat at the Vecchia Pizzeria.

The Vecchia Pizzeria was outstanding and a must eat destination when in the Birmingham, Alabama area.

But, the star of this short film is The Preserve where they go all out in decorating for Halloween. Another must see destinations when in Birmingham!

So I hope you enjoy my latest short film that I’m calling Haunted Preserve and Vecchia Pizzeria? YOU DECIDE! Birmingham, AL

Oct 07

Haunted Restaurant in Hartselle, Alabama? Eatin’ in The Attic!

Click here and join me as I explore a Haunted Restaurant in Hartselle, Alabama!

In today’s micro adventure I visit Eatin’ in the Attic restaurant in Hartselle, Alabama. Haunted? I don’t know… Keep reading to see if it’s haunted or not…

At the time of my visit to Hartselle, Alabama’s, Eatin’ in the Attic it was decked out for Halloween. So I thought I’d talk about it being haunted in a fun way – for the season as I don’t believe in haunted things – but if you do no worries…

But then something interesting happened. While doing some audio at Eatin’ in the Attic, in Hartselles, Alabama, thinking my GoPro was off, a server shared a story of a broom flying off the wall… That’s why there is no video of her story in my introduction… I thought it was off…. Only after I started editing did I realize I had gotten the conversation…

Eatin in the Attic, in Hartselle, Alabama is a must see destination if you’re within an hour driving distance and could be a destination adventure.

The food is excellent, prices reflect the portions and the service was wonderful. No I don’t work for Eatin’ in the Attic nor did I receive free food for this endorsement. It’s just a great local restaurant with great food and prices – that may be haunted… You decide!

Sep 30

Haunted Campground Revisited – DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Tannehill AL

Click here and join me as I revisit the HAUNTED campground in Tannehill, Alabama!

In today’s micro adventure we revisit the haunted campground at Tannehill, State Park outside of Birmingham, Alabama.

OK, it’s not haunted but it was a lot of fun in the spirit of Fall and October.

The Tannehill State Park campground will be fully decorated by about mid October in time for The Halloween Fairyland event scheduled for the last week in October. The more we explored the more we realized how over the top they were with their fall decorations in this Haunted Campground! The Haunted Campground Under Promised but Over Delivered!

I’d highly recommend this fun Haunted Campground at the Tannehill State Park, outside of Birmingham, near McCalla, Alabama.

Sep 23

Exploring Southern Town Founded in 1868 – Clanton, Alabama! Over Delivered!

Click here to see my latest short film where I explore a town founded in 1868!

Today’s micro adventure takes us to the beautiful Southern city of Clanton, Alabama, founded in 1868.

According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama:

Early History

The first seat of Chilton County was located in the town of Grantville, named for Union general and U.S. president Ulysses S. Grant. The Grantville courthouse burned in 1870, and the seat was moved to Goose Pond, which was founded sometime in the late antebellum years on the route of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The town was renamed Clanton in 1871 to honor Brig. Gen. James Holt Clanton, a veteran of the Mexican War and the Civil War, in the years when Democrats began to take control of the state from Reconstruction Republicans. Alfred Baker, son of early pioneers, was instrumental in the development of both Clanton and Chilton County. During his brief stint as a Republican in the legislature (he later became a Democrat), Baker helped write legislation creating Baker County in 1868, which was renamed Chilton County in 1874. Baker had numerous business interests in Clanton, including stores, a stable, a storehouse, and a hotel, and he also donated land for the courthouse. A brick courthouse was constructed in 1896; it burned in 1917 and was rebuilt in 1918. The present courthouse was built in 1960-61.

Construction of Lay Dam

The town prospered in the early decades of the twentieth century from the construction of the Lay Dam and Mitchell Dam hydroelectric projects and later from the arrival of the textile industry, which boosted the local population and boomed during World War II. During the Great Depression, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was established in the town whose participants engaged in soil conservation programs, such as building retention ponds and drainage ditches. The CCC camp was repurposed in May 1943 to house German and Italian prisoners of war. It closed in September 1945. Clanton is well known for its 120-foot high, 500,000-gallon water tower constructed and painted in the shape of a giant ripe peach, which celebrates the importance of the peach industry to the county; it was built in 1994.

Sep 10

Peach Park? Seriously? It’s a thing in Clanton, AL.! Over delivered!

Click here and join me as explore the Clanton, Alabama Peach Park!

Peach Park? Yup, it’s a thing!

Peach Park is located in Clanton, Alabama between Birmingham and Montgomery.

Peach Park over delivered on this day. Peach Park is more than it sounds.

Peach Park has a gift shop, fresh peaches and homemade cobblers and more.

Chilton County Peaches are all but famous in this area and add them to a cobbler at Peach Park and you have a winning combination.

Peach Park has a lot of outside opportunities to eat your cobbler and a few things the kids can play on.

So if you’re ever near Clanton, Alabama, the Peach Park is a must see and the cobblers are as well!