Nov 19

Exploring Irondale – The City that Inspired a Best Selling Novel

Click here and join me on another adventure to the city that inspired a best selling novel!

Irondale: The City That Inspired the Best Selling Novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe”

Nestled in the heart of Alabama, the charming city of Irondale stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact one place can have on literature. Renowned for its rich history, this picturesque city played a significant role in inspiring the critically acclaimed best-selling novel, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe”. With its quaint streets, vibrant culture, and fascinating stories, Irondale continues to captivate the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Published in 1987, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” is a masterpiece of Southern literature penned by Fannie Flagg. Set in the fictional town of Whistle Stop, the novel eloquently weaves together the lives of its remarkable characters against the backdrop of the Deep South. However, what many may not know is that Irondale served as a significant source of inspiration for Flagg, providing her with the essence and spirit that would ultimately shape her unforgettable tale.

As readers delve into the pages of the novel, they are transported to Whistle Stop, a town encapsulated within the vivid descriptions of Irondale’s surroundings. The bustling atmosphere of the Irondale Café, the serene railroad tracks that cut through the city, and the warmth of its tight-knit community all find their way into the narrative. It is through this connection that Irondale becomes an immortalized setting, forever associated with one of the most beloved novels of our time.

For fans of the book, a pilgrimage to Irondale is an opportunity to experience the real-life inspirations behind the fictional Whistle Stop. The Irondale Café, fondly recognized as the inspiration for the Whistle Stop Cafe, still serves its famous fried green tomatoes and Southern delicacies, allowing visitors to taste a piece of the novel’s iconic imagery. The historic Irondale Whistle Stop Museum, located just steps away from the café, provides a deeper understanding of the city’s railroad heritage and its significant impact on the story.

Beyond the literary connections, Irondale boasts a vibrant community and a multitude of attractions that draw visitors year-round. From its picturesque parks and charming neighborhoods to its vibrant arts scene and local businesses, the city offers a true taste of Southern hospitality. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Irondale’s trails and parks, indulge in local culinary delights, or immerse themselves in the city’s thriving music and arts scenes.

For literary enthusiasts, history buffs, and lovers of small-town charm, Irondale is a must-visit destination. As you wander its streets, you can’t help but feel the enchantment of a place that sparked the imagination of a talented author and gave birth to a best-selling novel. Experience the magic of Irondale, where history, community, and storytelling seamlessly blend, leaving an indelible mark on its visitors’ hearts – just like the timeless tale of “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe”.

Nov 07

Exploring Irondale – The City that Inspired a Best Selling Novel

Click here and join me as I explore the City That Inspired a Best Selling Novel.

Irondale: The City That Inspired the Best Selling Novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe”

Nestled in the heart of Alabama, the charming city of Irondale stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact one place can have on literature. Renowned for its rich history, this picturesque city played a significant role in inspiring the critically acclaimed best-selling novel, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe”. With its quaint streets, vibrant culture, and fascinating stories, Irondale continues to captivate the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Published in 1987, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” is a masterpiece of Southern literature penned by Fannie Flagg. Set in the fictional town of Whistle Stop, the novel eloquently weaves together the lives of its remarkable characters against the backdrop of the Deep South. However, what many may not know is that Irondale served as a significant source of inspiration for Flagg, providing her with the essence and spirit that would ultimately shape her unforgettable tale.

As readers delve into the pages of the novel, they are transported to Whistle Stop, a town encapsulated within the vivid descriptions of Irondale’s surroundings. The bustling atmosphere of the Irondale Café, the serene railroad tracks that cut through the city, and the warmth of its tight-knit community all find their way into the narrative. It is through this connection that Irondale becomes an immortalized setting, forever associated with one of the most beloved novels of our time.

For fans of the book, a pilgrimage to Irondale is an opportunity to experience the real-life inspirations behind the fictional Whistle Stop. The Irondale Café, fondly recognized as the inspiration for the Whistle Stop Cafe, still serves its famous fried green tomatoes and Southern delicacies, allowing visitors to taste a piece of the novel’s iconic imagery. The historic Irondale Whistle Stop Museum, located just steps away from the café, provides a deeper understanding of the city’s railroad heritage and its significant impact on the story.

Beyond the literary connections, Irondale boasts a vibrant community and a multitude of attractions that draw visitors year-round. From its picturesque parks and charming neighborhoods to its vibrant arts scene and local businesses, the city offers a true taste of Southern hospitality. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Irondale’s trails and parks, indulge in local culinary delights, or immerse themselves in the city’s thriving music and arts scenes.

For literary enthusiasts, history buffs, and lovers of small-town charm, Irondale is a must-visit destination. As you wander its streets, you can’t help but feel the enchantment of a place that sparked the imagination of a talented author and gave birth to a best-selling novel. Experience the magic of Irondale, where history, community, and storytelling seamlessly blend, leaving an indelible mark on its visitors’ hearts – just like the timeless tale of “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe”.

Oct 29

Skeletons of Riverchase have Escaped! Urban Exploring a B’Ham Community!

Click here and join me on my latest Micro Adventure as I go Urban Exploring in a Birmingham, Alabama community!

In my latest urban exploration video that I’m calling Skeletons of Riverchase have Escaped! Urban Exploring a B’Ham Community! , I go Urban Exploring in a local neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama!

The community of Riverchase goes all out with decorating the neighborhood with Skeletons for Halloween. Some even change throughout the month!

If you want to see an incredible Halloween display and you’re in the neighborhood then don’t miss the community of Riverchase at Halloween but know the Skeletons have escaped!

So I hope you enjoy this Halloween edition of sorts of allthingstonyj with my latest micro adventure – Skeletons of Riverchase have Escaped! Urban Exploring a B’Ham Neighborhood!

Oct 24

Matthew McConaughey Made a Movie Here! Chill Vibe on 92!

Click here and join me on another adventure as 92 takes us to the movie location of Matthew McConaughey.

In this adventure I’ll ride my Yamaha, Vstar 1100, to the J&J Deli where Matthew McConaughey once made a movie then I take a 3 minute ride to nowhere!

The majority of this adventure on my Yamaha, Vstar 1100, will be a 3 minute ride to nowhere – literally. It was a ride I took just to get away and I put it to some chill music!

So I hope you enjoy my latest adventure on my Yamaha, Vstar 1100 that I’m calling- Matthew McConaughey Made a Movie Here! Chill Vibe on 92!

Oct 17

SLOSS FURNACE! – as SEEN on Travel Channel’s GHOST ADVENTURES! Just for Fun!

Click here and join me as I explore Birmingham’s Sloss Furnace as seen on Travel Channel Ghost Adventures!

Today I visit the historic Sloss Furnace in Birmingham, Alabama. The location is now a national historic landmark with a past. I’ll even take yo to the historic “Tunnel”

Some say it’s the most haunted steel mill in America. Personally I don’t believe in that stuff but don’t knock those that do.

Ghost adventures visited the historic 1881 Sloss Furnace, a national historic landmark, as part of the Travel Channel series – Ghost Adventures. You can read more about that visit here – https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/episodes/sloss-furnace-birmingham-al

You can watch the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures episode to the historic Sloss Furnace in Birmingham, Alabama here – https://frightfurnace.com/ghost-hunters-explore-sloss-furnace/

Hope you like “SLOSS FURNACE! – as SEEN on Travel Channel’s GHOST ADVENTURES! Just for Fun!”

Oct 10

Haunted Campground Near Birmingham – Under Promised, Over Delivered. You Decide!

Click here and join me on another micro adventure as I explore a Haunted Campground!

In today’s micro adventure we explore 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.

This hunted adventure all started the day before while hiking at the Tannehill State Park, near McCalla, Alabama. We noticed some decorations at the Tannehill campground. 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.

Oct 03

Seaside, Florida – Live Up to the HYPE? You Decide!

Click here and join me on another epic adventure as I explore beautiful Seaside, Florida at Sunset!

In today’s adventure – “Seaside at Sunset – Dogs, Cool Vibes, Sunset and Some Crazy Antics!”, I travel to beautiful Seaside, Florida to video this wonderful place at Sunset!

While at Seaside, Florida, I run into another YouTube channel and play trivia and actually win some money.

Here is the History of Seaside, Florida, as noted on https://sowal.com/story/the-story-of-seaside-florida

In 1946, on one of the family’s summer pilgrimages to the shore, Robert Davis’ grandfather, J.S. Smolian, bought 80 acres near Seagrove Beach on Florida’s northwest coast. His intention was to build a summer camp for his employees, but his business partner wanted no part of what must have seemed like a worthless tract of sand. The Smolian family continued coming to that same shore every summer, and occasionally J.S. would take young Robert to the fields at the western edge of Seagrove Beach and walk around the tract.

Robert Davis grew up to be a student of history as well as business, and became an award-winning builder/developer in Miami in the 1970s. When he considered making plans for the property near Seagrove, he naturally thought about idyllic family vacations along the same coast and the small cottages the family had stayed in. If he closed his eyes and let his mind wander back, he could almost feel gentle sea breezes evaporating the moisture on his skin as he sat on a porch rocker after a shower at the end of a day on the beach, absorbed in stories being told by grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The idea of Seaside started with the notion of reviving Northwest Florida’s building tradition, which had produced wood-frame cottages so well adapted to the climate that they enhanced the sensual pleasure of life by the sea. Cottages accommodated generations of family members, and kids got to sleep on the porch. These cottages had deep roof overhangs, ample windows, and cross ventilation in all rooms. They were built of wood and other time-tested materials and with reasonable maintenance, could last several generations.

The rest of the story of Seaside, Florida can be found at:

https://sowal.com/story/the-story-of-seaside-florida

Hope you enjoy Seaside at Sunset – Dogs, Cool Vibes, Sunset and Some Crazy Antics!

Sep 26

How Much Can You Do in Destin, Florida in ONE DAY? I found out!

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 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:

  1. Miramar Beach
  2. Pompano Joe’s for Coconut shrimp
  3. Holiday Isle
  4. Norriega Point
  5. East Pass Jetty
  6. Sandestin
  7. Baytowne Wharf
  8. Roberto’s Pizzeria
  9. Moo la-la Ice Cream
  10. 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.

Sep 19

Exploring the OLDEST Continually Occupied City in America – Childersburg, Alabama

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 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.

Compiled by Judy M. McSween

Sep 12

Monastery, Monks and BBQ! Exploring a St. Benedictine Monastery!

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 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.