Click here to see how much I do in Destin, Florida in just one day! – You won’t believe it! Destin Florida! Beautiful Destin – so much to do! I decided to go leave Birmingham …
Click here and join me as I explore the OLDEST continually occupied city in America – Childersburg, Alabama! In my latest urban hiking adventure I explore a town that claims to be the OLDEST Continually …
Click here and join me on another Micro-Adventure as I explore a St. Benedictine Monastery, Monks and BBQ! In today’s adventure I find myself at the St. Bernard Monastery in Cullman, Alabama for Bernard Blues …
Click here and join me on another adventure as I explore Volksjam 2023, Alabama’s Premier Vintage VW Show! Join me on my latest adventure that I’m calling Volksjam 2023 – It’ll Make You Smile! Volksjam …
Click here and join me as I explore a town founded in 1870 know for a bank robbery and a Fallout Shelter! Today I go Urban Exploring in a town founded in 1870 with a …
I decided to go leave Birmingham to go to Destin, Florida to see how much I could do in one day and I found out!
Here’s the skinny of what we accomplished in one day in Destin, Florida:
Miramar Beach
Pompano Joe’s for Coconut shrimp
Holiday Isle
Norriega Point
East Pass Jetty
Sandestin
Baytowne Wharf
Roberto’s Pizzeria
Moo la-la Ice Cream
Seaside
See it all my latest micro adventure.
According to the City of Destin website:
History of Destin Overview Located in the Florida Panhandle, the City of Destin has a rich historical heritage dating back to American Indian inhabitants as early as the seventh century A.D. Spanish explorers surveyed Florida in 1538. Don Francisco Tapia was commissioned to survey the Florida coast and in 1693, drew the first known map of East Pass and its shores.
Immediate History
Destin traces its immediate history to a fisherman, Captain Leonard Destin from New London, Conn., who began sailing and fishing the gulf waters around 1835 and, through series of mishaps, permanently settled in Destin in about 1850-1852. Captain Destin pioneered the fishing industry and Destin has maintained this heritage to the present.
In my latest urban hiking adventure I explore a town that claims to be the OLDEST Continually Occupied City in America – Childersburg, Alabama.
Regardless of how old Childersburg actually is, it’s a cool little Southern town worth a visit!
If you’re interested in it’s history…
According to Childersburg.org :
Childersburg, Alabama is proclaimed as the Oldest Continually Occupied City in America…dating to 1540. The city’s beginnings date back to Coosa, a village of the Coosa Indian Nation that was located in the area. Hernando DeSoto, Governor of Cuba and Adelantado of Florida, accompanied by an army of six hundred men, began his march across the Southeastern section of North America in June, 1539. Traveling from Espiritu Santo, known now as Tampa Bay on the west coast of Florida, northward through Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and then into Alabama, his men began their desperate search for gold and other riches unequal to any of those found by others in this new wild land of North America. DeSoto’s expedition was in what would become the State of Alabama, having discovered it “not by sea, but after dangerous and difficult marches.” Following seven days of slowly marching down the bank of the Tennessee River, DeSoto entered the town of Coste on July 2, 1540. From Coste the expedition proceeded to Tali also located on the Tennessee River and then to the banks of the Coosa River. The middle of July saw DeSoto and his expedition reach the mighty empire of the great Coosa. On July 16, 1540, the vast army of Spaniards arrived at the town of Coca Coosa, located on the east bank of the river between the mouths of two creeks, now known as Talladega and Tallaseehatchee. The twenty-six year old Chief of the Coosas came out to receive DeSoto…”bourne in a litter on the shoulders of his principal men…surrounded by many attendants playing flutes and singing.” For approximately a month, these travel weary invaders enjoyed the hospitality of the youthful chief and his tribe, even receiving an offer of a region of land to establish a Spanish colony. After offering many reasons for not accepting, DeSoto and his men left the Coosa in August of 1540.
The report of the DeSoto Commission, U. S. Congress, House, Final Report of the United States DeSoto Expedition Commission, 76 Congress, 1st Session, 1939, House Executive Document Number 71 which was chaired by John R. Swanton offers telling evidence of DeSoto’s route through Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Swanton and other members of the commission stated irrevocably that the site of Coca was noted to be the area in proximity to the present town of Childersburg, Alabama. Dr. Walter B. Jones, Secretary of the DeSoto Commission and noted Alabama geologist, has written many articles in support of the commission’s conclusion.
Over a period of approximately two hundred fifty years, explorers, conquistadors, traders, and pioneer settlers penetrated the vicinity of what today is known as Childersburg, Alabama. This area, so rich in Indian lore and artifacts, abounding in culture and traditions, and substantiated by much written documentation, can support its claim to being the “oldest continuously occupied town in the United States.
In today’s adventure I find myself at the St. Bernard Monastery in Cullman, Alabama for Bernard Blues and BBQ competition!
Calling this one – Monastery, Monks and BBQ! Exploring a St. Benedictine Monastery!
From the Monastery website:
Monastery:an OVERVIEW
What is an abbey or monastery, and why would a person join one? First of all, a monastery of men is a group of monks who share life together with one binding purpose: union with God. An abbey is simply a monastery under the leadership of an abbot.St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama, is such a place. The 30 men who make up the monastery community share life in common, and that includes prayer, work, housing, property, meals, recreation, and more. In coming together to seek God they, like all Christians, are merely responding to the love of God who, after all, loved them first (I John 4:19). The monks of St. Bernard Abbey are Benedictine monks, meaning they live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, written c. 530 A.D. To learn more about St. Benedict and his Rule, see our FAQs.At St. Bernard Abbey the monks come together in the abbey church at least five times a day for worship in common. Their life of prayer and work also includes a great deal of private prayer, meditation, spiritual reading, and of course a variety of labors, such as care of its more than 800 acres of property, operating a college Preparatory school, running a retreat center, and supplying in parishes in the Diocese of Birmingham. The monastery also owns and operates the Ave Maria Grotto, located on the grounds.
The event I attended was the:
Bernard Blues & BBQThe 7th Annual Bernard Blues and BBQ is set for September 9th and 10th, 2023 on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School!
The event features some of the best artisans in the Southeast with their work including: pottery, wreaths, door hangers, flowers, wood turned bowls, clothing, birdhouses, honey, jewelry, soap, brooms, metal art, glass art, freshly ground cornmeal and grits, and much, much more. While shopping, enjoy live music and the best pulled pork in the Southeast as well as ribs, hamburgers, brats, and chicken.
Join me on my latest adventure that I’m calling Volksjam 2023 – It’ll Make You Smile!
Volksjam 2023 was held at Tannehill State park once again this year and it didn’t disappoint!
Vintage Volkswagens were in abundance from Bus’s to Bugs to Rails to Dunes! There really was something for everyone!
This year was hotter than most but there were a lot of contestants.
As noted:
We’re doing it once again, the premier Volkswagen show in Alabama, held at beautiful and historic Tannehill State Park in McCalla, Alabama.
This event is open to Volkswagens and Audis of all years, types and conditions. So if you have a 1947 Beetle or a GTI that just rolled off of the showroom floor (or anything in between), come out with us for the day on August 26th.
Volksjam 2023 certainly over delivered as Alabama’s Premier VW car show!
Today I go Urban Exploring in a town founded in 1870 with a rich history! The Town is Hartselle, Alabama, known for the Big Bank Robbery and Freight House Restaurant.
According to Wikipedia – Hartselle was founded in 1869 with the arrival of the South and North Alabama Railroad. It takes its name from George Hartselle, one of the railroad’s owners. The post office opened in 1873. It was formally incorporated on March 1, 1875.
Hartselle, Alabama has an incredible downtown area that is awesome!
So I hope you enjoy my latest adventure – Town Founded in 1870 – Bank Robberies, Fallout Shelter and More! Hartselle, Alabama!
In today’s micro-adventure we explore Sylacauga, Alabama founded in 1887.
Researching the history of Sylacauga, Alabama revealed some interesting facts – like the first documented case of something falling out of space and hitting a person!
As I explore Sylacauga, Alabama, a town with a surprising history of Marble, Ice Cream and more, you’ll see the downtown, back alleys, beautiful Southern homes and more.
So sit back and join me as we go Exploring City Founded in 1887 – Surprising History and Southern homes!
Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery! I visited it in my latest adventure! Seriously, I visited the Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery! Bout lost my mind for Ice Cream!
As an added bonus at the Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery you can get a huge dish of Ice Cream for only $1.00!
One of the cool attractions are the viewing windows above the creamery floor where you can watch the Blue Bell Ice Cream actually being made. Unfortunately pictures and video are prohibited of the actual floor where they make the Blue Bell Ice Cream.
The Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery is located in Sylacauga, Alabama.
The highlight of the trip to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery was the Ice Cream Parlor! It was like a step back in time.
But not only did the Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery have an Ice Cream Parlor, they also had a country store!
If you are ever anywhere close to the Sylacauga, Alabama, I’d highly suggest visiting the Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery and have a massive scoop of your favorite flavor!
Seriously, today I ride a train at the Heart of Dixie Railroad!
I’m calling this one Heart of Dixie Railroad – WOW!
Wasn’t sure what to expect at the Heart of Dixie Railroad but it exceeded my expectations!
Just a really well run operation and the volunteers were so friendly at the Heart of Dixie Railroad.
According to Wikipedia
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official state railroad museum of Alabama. Dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historically significant railway equipment, the museum is located at 1919 Ninth Street, Calera, Alabama, on I-65 approximately 30 miles south of Birmingham.
According to the Heart of Dixie website:
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Club
Half a century ago a group of Birmingham area railfans organized a chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society (NRHS) called the Heart of Dixie Railroad Club. Their goal was to preserve the sights, sounds, and artifacts of railroading for future generations. Fifty years later the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is still carrying out that mission at its museum location in Calera, Alabama.
In November of 1962, an exciting event for railroad enthusiasts was taking place in Birmingham. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N) had restored the famed Civil War locomotive The General to operation and was touring the L&N system with the engine as a public relations tool. The General’s visit to the Magic City brought together area railfans, and the idea of forming a Birmingham chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society was born. The first meeting was held in November at the Transportation Building on 1st Avenue North with thirty members present. Over the next several months members began the work of organizing their new chapter, which would be called The Heart of Dixie Railroad Club. An application for a charter was submitted to the NRHS and officers were selected. Members quickly got to work organizing meetings and railroad-themed outings.
In addition to special events, the Club enjoyed regular monthly meetings where the members could get together to discuss chapter business and enjoy a railroad-themed presentation. Many of the early meetings were held in the Alabama Power Company’s headquarters auditorium, or in the assembly room of the Transportation Building, or at Handley Memorial Presbyterian Church, which was pastored by the father of David P. Morgan, the well-known editor of Trains Magazine. Chapter officers for the first year were Elliot Eggleston, President, Don Christie, Vice- President, and Charlie Hudson, Secretary & Treasurer. The Original Railroad Park
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Club quickly went to work to assemble a collection of railroad equipment for preservation and display. The first item received was wooden caboose No. 5368 donated by the Seaboard Air Line Railway. The first steam locomotive was 2-8-0 No. 38, donated by the Woodward Iron Company. The Chapter had to quickly get to work securing a location to store the cars and locomotives they were to acquire. The Heart of Dixie was fortunate when the St. Louis ~ San Francisco Railway (Frisco) allowed the Club to lease for $7.50 per month an unused team track located behind the Frisco freight house at Powell Avenue and 18th Street South. You may now know this location as now “Railroad Park”. The club was able to restore several pieces of equipment in order to participate in the Southern Railway steam program. Heart of Dixie equipment was pulled behind locomotives such as SOU 4501, SOU 630, N&W 1218, N&W 611 and several other mainline steam locomotives. The main source of revenue for museum restorations were from operating steam excursions throughout Alabama.
In today’s micro adventure I find myself once again in the inner city of Birmingham, Alabama in search of Graffiti and Street art! I’m calling this one Avondale Graffiti with the Cool Jazz! Avondale is a small neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama an is known for it’s Graffiti and Street Art. So if your a fan of Graffiti and Street art I hope you’ll like this one that I put to some cool Jazz music!
Early Origins of Graffiti Art The roots of graffiti can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as Rome, Greece, and Egypt, where inscriptions and drawings were etched onto public walls and monuments. These early forms of graffiti were often used for political, religious, or personal purposes. Over time, graffiti’s role as a means of communication and artistic expression continued to evolve, eventually laying the groundwork for the vibrant and diverse graffiti art scene we know today. Modern Pioneers of Graffiti Art As the art form evolved, several notable figures emerged as pioneers in the world of graffiti art. These artists made significant contributions to the development and popularisation of graffiti as a legitimate art form.
The Impact of Graffiti Art on Society As graffiti art gained popularity and recognition, it also began to influence society in various ways. From challenging societal norms and sparking political conversations to providing a platform for marginalised voices, graffiti art has played a crucial role in shaping contemporary culture. Below are some ways in which graffiti art has impacted society: Challenging Authority: Graffiti artists have often used their work to question authority and voice dissent. By creating public art that critiques government policies, social injustices, and other issues, graffiti artists have helped to foster debate and challenge the status quo. Empowering Marginalised Voices: Graffiti has provided a platform for individuals from marginalised communities to express themselves and tell their stories. Through the creation of powerful murals and other works of graffiti art, these artists have helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by their communities and to advocate for change. Enhancing Urban Landscapes: Over the years, graffiti art has been used to beautify and revitalise urban spaces. By transforming drab walls and abandoned buildings into vibrant works of art, graffiti artists have contributed to the revitalisation of neighbourhoods and the creation of unique, creative spaces. Inspiring New Art Forms: The influence of graffiti art can be seen in a variety of other creative mediums, from graphic design and advertising to fashion and streetwear. By pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, graffiti artists have inspired countless others to think outside the box and create innovative works of art.
