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 – …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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: …
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.
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
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!
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!
Today I decided to explore the beautiful southern historic city of Alex City, Alabama, incorporated in 1872. Unfortunately this will be a rainy day exploration but beautiful nonetheless.
According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama’s website:
Alexander City
Owens, Terrell Located in east central Alabama, Alexander City is the largest city in Tallapoosa County. The city’s economy was tied to cotton, and especially textiles, from the early 1900s until that industry began relocating its manufacturing facilities overseas in the latter decades of the twentieth century. Notable individuals from Alexander City include former National Football League stars Terrell Owens and Jim Phillips, as well as Joe Forehand, a former CEO of Accenture. Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City is named for Congressman William Flynt Nichols. The city has a mayor/council form of government.
History
The city arose on a site formerly occupied by several Creek Indian villages. James Young established a trading post there in 1835, and the city was incorporated as Youngsville in 1872. After the Savannah and Memphis Railroad announced its intention to build a line through the town in 1873, the city’s boundaries were redrawn and it was renamed Alexander City in honor of the railroad’s president, Edward Porter Alexander. The first community-funded school was founded in 1879, and a courthouse was constructed in 1889.
Avondale Mills in Alexander City The town’s economy was tied to agriculture, principally cotton, and the first cotton mill was constructed in 1900. A fire destroyed much of the downtown area in 1902, but later that year, local banker and businessman Benjamin Russell constructed Russell Mills to fabricate undergarments. He and his family, along with the Comers of Avondale Mills (who arrived in 1919 and bought out the Alexander City Cotton Mill) would be a major presence in Alexander City for decades. In addition to the mills, Russell established several businesses, built a church, a hospital, and a waterworks facility, and had the first telephone lines run to the city. He also established a local chamber of commerce in 1910 and served as its first president.
The city’s economy was boosted further in the early 1920s by the impoundment of the Tallapoosa River with Martin Dam, which generated electricity for the surrounding region. The resultant Lake Martin prompted growth in recreation activities, and Benjamin Russell and his family became large landowners and developers in the area. The economic benefits from the lake still help sustain the city.
Russell Mills established a hospital in 1923 and a school in 1926 and would employ 2,000 individuals by 1930; the total city population itself was only approximately 4,500 at the time. To house employees, Russell constructed a mill village on Alexander City’s western border, but it was dismantled in the 1950s after commercial residential areas were developed in the 1940s. A public airport was constructed in the early 1930s under the Works Progress Administration and named after long-time mayor Thomas C. Russell, Benjamin’s brother. Sightseeing rides and flight instruction were offered at the field, which was also used for training by pilots from Maxwell Field in Montgomery County before World War II.
The city’s population more than doubled from approximately 6,400 in 1950 to 13,100 in 1960, and the former mill village land was used to expand mill operations in the 1960s. Benjamin Russell High School was established in 1950 and Alexander City Junior College in 1965, which would then consolidate with Nunnelley State Technical College, located in Childersburg, Talladega County, to become Central Alabama Community College in 1988. A new hospital facility, Russell Medical Center, opened in 1965.
Much of Alexander City’s economic fortunes were tied to the textile and apparel industries, which have declined drastically in the United States. The city’s economic base has since become more diversified in recent years.
