Jan 04

Pizza and Urban Hiking Town Founded in 1815 – Jasper, Alabama

Click here and join me on another micro adventure to the beautiful Southern City of Jasper, Alabama, founded in 1815!

In today’s micro adventure I find myself in the Southern City of Jasper, Alabama, founded in 1815.

Jasper, Alabama is a quaint Southern Town in Alabama with beautiful architecture. Many of the old southern buildings of Jasper, Alabama date back to the 1800’s.

The Southern City of Jasper is best known for according to jaspercity.com:

History
The BankheadsHistory of Jasper

Lorenzo Dow established the first trading post in the area now containing the City of Jasper in the early 1800s. In 1822, Dr. Gordon Musgrove donated the land for the town and built a log cabin that served as the courthouse, school, and church. The town was named by Hugh Lollar in memory of the Revolutionary War hero Sgt. William Jasper who distinguished himself at the Battle of Fort Moultrie, South Carolina.

The City of Jasper was incorporated in 1887 with G. H. “Jake” Guttery serving as its first Mayor. Jasper serves as the county seat of Walker County and is located in the middle of the Warrior Coal Fields, the second largest in the nation. Jasper sits on or near the Bankhead Highway and Interstate 22.

Jasper has been home to many famous families such as the Bankhead’s which include United States Congressmen, United States Senators, and a Speaker of the House of Representatives during the administration of Franklin Roosevelt. This family along with Carl Elliott of Jasper, whose home here has been turned into a historical museum, Tom Bevill of Jasper & Carter Manasco of Townley make up more than a century (110 years 1887 – 1997) of continuous service by Walker Countians in the United States Congress.

Jasper was once the home of Alabama Central Railroad, transportation for lumber and coal during the years of the steam engine train.

While exploring the Southern City of Jasper, Alabama we decided to take a break for lunch. We found a fantastic Pizza restaurant called Johnny Brusco’s. The service was excellent as was the pizza. A must stop if you’re in the Southern City of Jasper, Alabama. We have since come to find it’s actually a chain with one in the area in which I live. Win, Win!

Dec 29

Horse Pens 40 – Solo Hiking the Southeast’s Premiere BOULDER Gardens

Click here as I go Solo Hiking in the Southeast’s Premiere Bouldering (Rock Climbing) Garden – Horse Pens 40!

Today’s micro adventure is a Solo Hike in the Southeast’s Premiere BOULDER Garden known as Horse Pens 40.

Horse Pens 40 is a draw for rock climbers from all over the world seeking pristine bouldering problems.

Horse Pens 40 Bouldering (Rock Climbing) is described by mountainproject.com this way:

A great Bouldering spot/ one of the best in perhaps the world!! Fall and winter are the best times to visit HP40, and has three bouldering competition’s a year/- Chandler Mountain Challenge, HP40 Rocks, Triple Crown Bouldering series!! The rock is sand rock and is some of the best sloper’s in bouldering!! Say thank you to the Schultz family for saving this pristine area for pebble wrestlers to enjoy.
PLEASE CHECK IN WITH THE CAMP STORE AND SIGN A WAIVER AND PAY YER FEE. IF YOU TRY TO SNEAK IN, YOU WILL GET CAUGHT AND PROBABLY ASK TO LEAVE.

A guidebook has been published, rockerypress.com/store-2/Ho…; This guide lists topos and descriptions for all HP40 boulder problems.
This book is a must have for bouldering in the south!! Got mine, get yours!

Hope you enjoy the chill vibes of my latest micro adventure short film I’m calling – Horse Pens 40 – Solo Hiking the Southeast’s Premiere BOULDER Gardens

In my short film on Horse Pens 40, the first climbers are from Atlanta and the second were from Chattanooga. Awesome folks! But that’ what you usually get with the climbing community.

Dec 19

Birmingham’s Best Kept Secret? Urban Hiking The Preserve at NIGHT!

Click here to join me on another micro adventure as I go Urban Hiking at Night in the Preserve – Maybe Birmingham, Alabama’s best kept secrets!

In this micro-adventure I go Urban Hiking in one of Birmingham Alabama’s best kept secret, The Preserve.

The Preserve is located in Hoover, Alabama and they go all out at Christmas.

In fact, that’s why I decided to go Urban Hiking at night at Birmingham, Alabama’s best kept secret!

If you’re ever in the Birmingham, Alabama, the Preserve is a must see destination at night – especially in December.

It may very well be one of Birmingham’s best Kept Secrets!

So I hope you enjoy my latest short film – Birmingham’s Best Kept Secret? Urban Hiking The Preserve at NIGHT!

Dec 15

Woodstock, AL – Made Famous by the S-Town Podcast! Over 100M Downloads.

Click here and join me as I explore Woodstock, Alabama, made famous but the S-Town Podcast.

This week I travel to the home of the S-Town Podcast that has over 100 Million downloads – Woodstock, AL.

S-Town Podcast focuses on two main characters, Tyler Goodson and Jon B. Mclemore.

From stownpodcast.org:

S-Town is a podcast from Serial and This American Life, hosted by Brian Reed, about a man named John who despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks Brian to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder.

John B. Mclemore the star of the S-Town would commit suicide before the podcast was finished.

Just recently the other main character, Tyler Goodson was shot and killed by Police in Woodstock, Alabama, which would become known as S-Town.

From abc3340.com:

WOODSTOCK, Ala. (WBMA) — The family of podcast figure Tyler Goodson released a statement Monday addressing Goodson’s death.

Authorities said Goodson was shot during a standoff with the Woodstock Police Department and later died at the hospital. In a Facebook post deleted soon after his death, Goodson wrote ‘Police bout to shoot me down in my own yard.’

According to ABCnews.com:

The podcast has been downloaded over 100 million times since its release, WIAT reported. “S-Town” begins telling the story of a reputed killing and also another death and winds up focusing on the eccentric McLemore, a restorer of antique clocks, and his tortured relationship with the town of Woodstock.Dec 5, 2023

So I hope you enjoy the sleepy little town that became known as S-Town.

Dec 08

Cullman Christmas Market – Did Not Disappoint! You Won’t Believe it!

Click here and join me as I explore the Cullman Christmas Market – with a German Medieval Theme!

The Cullman Christmas Market is billed as Bigger and Better than Ever! The Cullman Christmas Market did not disappoint. The Cullman Christmas Market was Awesome! The Cullman Christmas Market is based on a German Medieval Theme!

From their Website: https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/traditions

Christkindlmarkt

The beloved Christmas market, with origins tracing back to late medieval Germany, is a vibrant and festive tradition that comes alive during the four weeks of Advent. These markets, typically nestled in the bustling heart of town squares, are a picturesque scene of quaint wooden huts. Originating as gatherings to provide locals with essential winter goods, they have evolved into a celebration of Christmas, offering an array of culinary treats, heartwarming beverages, and an assortment of festive gifts and handcrafted items. The market’s enchanting ambiance, adorned with holiday decorations, creates a magical experience that delights and captivates visitors of all ages, making it an essential and cherished part of the holiday season.

Weihnachtspyramide

Originating from the Ore Mountains in the German state of Saxony, the German Christmas pyramid has a rich history. Initially conceived in the late 1700s as an economical alternative to traditional Christmas trees, these wooden marvels often feature one to five rotating levels. Today, they have evolved into cherished household decorations during the holiday season and can be spotted in larger forms worldwide, adorning Christmas markets and spreading festive cheer.

Dec 02

If You Enjoy Trains and Even If You Don’t…. You MAY LOVE This!

Click here and join me on my latest adventure!

Trains, Trains, Trains!

Trains are a part of America! Without trains we wouldn’t be where we are. Trains were the workhorses of the early settlers and the towns they built.

Not much has changed with Trains. They are still a large part of America and other parts of the world.

Trains have fascinated many since the trains inception.

So it is that whenever I’m on a micro-adventure and see a train I always gravitate toward them.

So it is that this video is a compilation of some of the trains I’ve filmed over the years while on my adventures.

So I hope you like my latest micro-adventure – If You Enjoy Trains and Even If You Don’t…. You MAY LOVE This!

The soundtrack is even called Bullet Train!

Nov 19

Solo Hiking Road Est 1861 – Log Cabins, Streams and More!

Click here and join me as I go Solo Hiking on a road established in 1861 and more…

In this adventure I go Solo Hiking on a road established in 1861!

It’s the Iron Road in Tannehill State Park in McCalla, Alabama. It was established around 1861 and was used to haul pig iron from the Tannehill Ironworks. It was hauled by 8 team mule wagons 18 miles to the railhead at Montevallo, Alabama.

Much of my solos hike was in the beautiful Tannehill Historical State park. Full of log cabins, streams and so much more.

So, I hope you enjoy this one – Solo Hiking Road Est 1861 – Log Cabins, Streams and More!

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!