Aug 15
In this adventure I visit the 1864 Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge with an interesting history!
The 1864 Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge is found in Childersburg, Alabama.
The day I visited the 1864 Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge I was the only one in the park and was treated like king!
The interesting history of the 1864 Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge are told in the video!
Aug 01
Click here as I go Exploring City Founded in 1887 – Surprising History!
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!
Jul 23
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!
Jul 18
Click here and join me as I ride a train at the Heart of Dixie Railroad in Calera, Alabama!
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.
Jul 14
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!
History of Graffiti from https://hickmandesign.co.uk/blog/hist…
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.
Jul 04
In my latest micro adventure I find myself in search of street Graffiti in the 2nd most dangerous city in the USA, according to AL.com
Street Graffiti and Street Art has always been a passion of mine whether on buildings, trains, bridges or wherever. In my eyes Street Graffiti and Street Art in Birmingham, Alabama is at an incredibly high level.
The street graffiti and street art artists have incredible skill in Birmingham, Alabama.
While I spend a lot of time in the inner city areas of Birmingham, Alabama and surrounding areas, I have NEVER felt unsafe. I realize there are pockets in every city. But I try to admire the artists work and mind my own business. Sometimes I do meet some very interesting people in some of the back alleys and other areas that most might believe are unsafe. I don’t judge people by the area that I find them.
The article that states Birmingham as the 2nd most dangerous city in the USA can be found here – https://www.al.com/news/2023/06/is-birmingham-really-the-second-most-dangerous-city-in-the-us.html
Jul 03
Today I go Urban Hiking in Avondale, Alabama, Inner City of Birmingham, AL.
Originally built to be a company town for Avondale Mills.
Avondale has now become one of the hippest areas in Birmingham and home to the Avondale Brewing Company.
So I hope you enjoy my latest Urban Hiking video where I showcase the Trendy area of Avondale, Alabama!
I’m calling it – Seen this Man? Urban Hiking in Avondale, Inner City of Birmingham, AL.
Jul 03
Click here and join me on my latest micro adventure to the Tannehill State Park Trade Days! Just outside of Birmingham, Alabama.
Today I travel to the Tannehill Trade Days to see if it lives up to the hype. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in McCalla, Alabama holds trade days throughout the summer. I’ve heard about the Tannehill Trade Days so I had to see for myself if it lived up to the hype. Not only did it live up to the hype but the Tannehill Trade Days over delivered. The Tannehill Trade Days had every kind of vendor you could imagine. Cast Iron, fishing poles, bicycles, custom signs, and so much more – including a ton of food trucks. If you’ve been thinking about visiting The Tannehill Trade Days I’d say it’s worth the trip to McCalla, Alabama, just outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Definitely lived up to the hype!
Jun 13
Click here and join me as I explore the North Alabama Airfest at Pryor Field in Decatur, Alabama.
North Alabama Airfest Airshow at Prior Field in Tanner, Alabama!
An Airshow is today’s choice of a micro adventure! It was held at Prior Field in Tanner, Alabama known as the North Alabama Airfest!
This airshow, North Alabama Airfest had a full array of vintage airplanes and a wonderful midway of food truck vendors.
The North Alabama Airfest airshow was an awesome event!
May 31
Over the years alligators have been reported near Decatur, Alabama’s Point Mallard Water Park on the Tennessee River. Some videos of the alligators near Decatur, Alabama’s Point Mallard Water Park have surfaced on YouTube.
So in this adventure I thought I’d go looking for gators in Decatur. I’ve seen the videos of the alligators near Decatur, Alabama’s Point Mallard Water Park as well as the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.
I just wanted to see for myself if I could find any alligators there or anywhere close…
So, if you’re wondering if there are any alligators in the Tennessee River near Point Mallard Water Park in Decatur, Alabama then you’ve come to the right place!