PRESS RELEASE
What’s New in Alabama |
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Montgomery, Ala. — A Freedom Rides Museum, Black Belt Culinary Trail, tours of a goat cheese farm and a hurricane-proof Gulf Coast Zoo are among the list of what’s new in tourism across Alabama.
The state tourism department has compiled the following list of new tourism-related events, attractions, restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment. More than 40 venues that have opened, been updated or are under development as of January 2011 are included in the list.
Attractions:
Culinary Trail— Alabama Black Belt The Southwest Alabama Office of Tourism and Film has developed a Culinary Trail with off- the-Beaten-Path destinations, local food specialties, and unique Black Belt cultural experiences. Visitors can take a self guided tour or groups of up to 12 can call the tourism office to plan a custom tour that includes stays in antebellum and depression-era Bed and Breakfasts. A visit to at least one private home for a farm-to-table dinner is included in the package. 334.636.5506, www.alabamafrontporches.com
The Anniston Civil Rights & Heritage Trail — Anniston The museum opened in May of this year during the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides. It houses two life-size murals in the alleyways of the old Greyhound and Trailways bus stations depicting the events relating to the first attack upon the Freedom Riders. Plans are currently underway for the development of a Freedom Riders Park in Anniston. www.spiritofanniston.org
Trails of Africa at the Birmingham Zoo — Birmingham The Trails of Africa is designed to be a mixed-species exhibit featuring a bachelor elephant herd, red river hogs and rhinos. The exhibit is a place where adults and children alike can observe African wildlife and, in the process, become enamored with the charm of many different species; they will also be enlightened about the plight of endangered animals and inspired to support global wildlife conservation efforts. 205.879.0409, www.birminghamzoo.com.
McWane Science Center — Birmingham The largest expansion undertaken at McWane Science Center will add a $5 million children’s museum. Set to open in summer 2013, the Birmingham Children’s Museum has plans for climbing structures, a sound garden and water play features. The 10,500-square-foot addition will bring science and technology to the early learning level. Admission is free for qualifying kindergarten programs. 205.714.8219, www.mcwane.org.
Walter Farr Indian Artifacts Museum — Cheaha State Park, Anniston The collection, donated by former Cheaha Superintendent Walter Farr, contains hundreds of pieces including arrowheads, stone tools and musical instruments. The museum is available for tours by park guests, home school groups, school field trips and other special tours. Museum hours will vary and tours must be booked ahead of time. The entrance fee is $2 per person. No charge for children age 6 and under. For more information about the collection, volunteer opportunities, or to schedule a tour, email the park at cheaha.event@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Southern Broadway Opens Dinner Theatre — Enterprise Southern Broadway, best known for their production of “The Depot”, an original off-Broadway play, is opening a dinner theatre on North Main Street in Downtown Enterprise. Southern Broadway and Southern Charm Catering will present at least 5 dinner theatres in 2012. The next scheduled dinner theatre is “The Confederate Letters,” a story of two soldiers in the Confederate Army. 334.470.6568, www.southernbroadway.com.
Black Belt Treasures Preview Gallery— Greenville This new gallery is a second location for Black Belt Treasures which is located in Camden. More than 25 different artists are represented in the Greenville gallery showcasing one-of-a-kind art from the Black Belt region. Feature works include pottery, quilts, birdhouses, baskets and more. The gallery is located in the Historic Greenville Depot on Bolling Street. Open Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - noon. Black Belt Treasures has its original gallery in Camden. www.greenville-alabama.com, www.blackbelttreasures.com
World’s First Environmentally Sustainable Zoo— Gulf Shores The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the first in history being built from the ground up that will define every aspect of the term “Green.” Scheduled to open in spring 2012, the zoo will also be almost entirely “hurricane‐proof” by being constructed to withstand category 5 hurricane winds. It will be LEED Platinum certified (national benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings). It will be constructed of non-toxic, organic, biodegradable and recyclable materials. It will use an array of alternative power sources using solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal energy. The future site of the zoo will be located at 20499 Oak Road in Gulf Shores. www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org
Alabama Gold Camp — Lineville Located in the heart of Alabama's gold belt visitors can search for gold with miles of creek to pan. You can also find red garnets, fossils, citrine, and Native American artifacts on the property. 256.396.0389, www.alabamagoldcamp.com.
Freedom Riders Museum— Montgomery Montgomery’s historic Greyhound Bus Station on Court Street features the Road to Equality – The 1961 Freedom Rides art exhibit. “Share Your Story,” an interactive video exhibit, captures thoughts and feelings from riders, witnesses and museum visitors. Admission charged. Call to schedule tour. 334.242.3184www.freedomridesmuseum.org.
Land of Alabamaand The First Alabamians exhibits— Montgomery The two new exhibits at the Alabama Archives and History Museum tells the story of the earliest days of Alabama history. The Land of Alabama exhibit includes a multimedia introduction the geography and natural resources like cotton and iron ore that shaped the state. The First Alabamians exhibit tells the story of the Native Americans from prehistory to 1700 with artifacts, interactive maps and murals. The exhibits are open Mon. - Sat. 8:30a.m.– 4:30p.m. www.archives.alabama.gov
Arts & Antiques Trail— Monroeville/Monroe County Alabama’s Literary Capital has become an arts and antiques destination. Around the downtown square visit three art galleries, a pottery studio, and Beehive Coffee & Books that feature Alabama authors. Make Monroeville your base as you explore other offerings in this county featuring art, antiques and small town atmosphere. Also visit the Monroe County Heritage Museum, in Monroeville’s old courthouse, and visit its gift shop, newly remodeled and enhanced with a fine selection of regional arts offerings. 251.743.2879, www.monroecountyal.com
New Amphitheatre at the historic Monroe County Courthouse— Monroeville Visit in the spring each year for the nationally acclaimed performances of “To Kill A Mockingbird” on Monroeville’s Historic Courthouse Square in the newly enhanced amphitheatre, a community project by Georgia Pacific debuting in 2012. 251.743.2879, www.tokillamockingbird.com.
Civil Rights Interpretive Center— Selma The Selma Interpretive Center, located at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, serves as the Welcome Center to the trail that includes stops in Lowndes County and Montgomery. The center offers video, exhibits and a small bookstore. It opened on March 2, 2011 and is open daily from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. http://www.nps.gov/semo/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
The Year of Alabama Food — statewide The Year of Alabama Food is back in 2012 and the year will bring new dishes, restaurants a new 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die brochure and a BBQ Trail. 1.800.ALABAMA, www.alabama.travel.
100 Alabama Road Trips— statewide Experience the state like never before in 2012 with ideas for “100 Alabama Road Trips.” From adrenaline pumping tours to girlfriend getaways and back-road treasures, visitors will discover an unforgettable adventure. 1.800.ALABAMA.
75th Anniversary of Gone with the Wind— Gadsden To mark the 75th anniversary of the publication of Gone with the Wind, on June 30, 1936, the largest display of GWTW memorabilia ever mounted in the United States will be on view from June 30-December at the Mary G Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. 256.543.2787 ext26, www.culturalarts.org.
Big Spring Jam — Huntsville Huntsville’s biggest outdoor festival returns to Big Spring International Park Sept. 23-24. The festival is two days and will use the Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall and at least two outdoor stages. 256.533.1953, www.vonbrauncenter.com.
October Fest and BBQ Cook-Off — Rogersville Rogersville will host its first ever BBQ Cook-Off at the city’s recreational park Oct. 14-15. The backyard cookers will be competing for points in the Alabama BBQ Associations Governor's Cup. Visitors can also enjoy bluegrass and country music. 256.431.8983, landers256833@bellsouth.net.
ACCOMODATIONS:
Westin Huntsville Honored with AAA Four Diamond Rating — Huntsville The Westin Huntsville at Bridge Street Town Centre once again received the AAA Four Diamond Award. The Westin Huntsville’s rating of the prestigious Four Diamond Award through 2012, is given to only 7 hotels in the state of Alabama and account for less than 3.8 percent of the total 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings.
The hotel also received the Reader's Choice Award by ConventionSouth Magazine – a highly coveted award as it is nominated by meeting planners for top meeting sites. 256.428.2000
Springhill Suites— Huntsville The 153 room hotel located in downtown Huntsville opened this summer. The hotel is part of the Marriott brand and is near the Von Braun Civic Center at 745 Constellation Place Drive SW. 256.512.0188, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hsvsh-springhill-suites-huntsville-downtown.
Hampton Inn and Suites— Orange Beach The nine story 160-room beachfront hotel features 3,750 square feet of Gulf-front meeting space that accommodates up to 275 people and a second floor fitness center with views of the ocean. Additional features of the hotel include garage parking, indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hours Suite Shop, 24-hours business center, indoor whirlpool pool bar and a dune walk-over that leads to the beach. The new hotel, which was a $31 million project, employs more than 75 people. 251.923.4400, www.orangebeachsuites.hamptoninn.com.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Lone Goose Saloon— Huntsville This is an eclectic establishment where Nashville bar and artist gallery meets New Orleans-style bar. Colorful paintings hanging on the wall were created by business partner Margaret Poole and are available for purchase. 256.715.0705(), facebook.com/lonegoosesaloon
FOOD/RESTAURANTS:
306 BBQ and Catering — Athens
Samurai Steakhouse & Hibachi Grill — Athens Samurai Steakhouse offers Japanese cuisine with a full sushi menu and tasty options from the hibachi grill. 256.230.1122
Belle Chevre Creamery Tours — Elkmont By popular demand, Belle Chevre has started scheduled tours for small groups to their Elkmont, Alabama creamery. Scheduled tours take place every Wednesday for small groups. The tours include a guided explanation of how the different varieties of chevre cheese are made. For nearly 20 years Belle Chevre has been hand-crafting fine French style goat’s milk cheeses in rural Alabama. The winning recipe has, to date, garnered almost 100 national awards from American Cheese Society and other famed institutions. It has been recognized as some of the finest fromage by the likes of Food Network Magazine, O!, Southern Living, Cooking Light and more. Owner Tasia Malakasis is the head cheesemaker. Tours can be booked by calling 256.423.2238, www.bellechevre.com.
Kati Thai Cuisine — Gadsden Family-owned restaurant located beside Noccalula Falls; serving Gadsden with authentic Thai Cuisine. 256.467.4221
Old Mexico Cantina & Grill — Gadsden The new restaurant in Gadsden serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a family friendly atmosphere with outdoor patio seating. Mon-Sun 10am-10pm 256.570.0570
Ms Mary's Bakery & Deli — Gadsden It features bakery items including a variety of cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies and other baked goods, as well as deli items including sandwiches. 256.546.3700
Roux — Montgomery Nestled in the heart of Old Cloverdale near Montgomery’s historic Garden District, Roux is a new neighborhood restaurant blending classic Southern flare and Louisiana Creole influences for authenticallyAmerican cuisine. Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, cocktails and Sunday brunch. 334.356.3814, www.rouxmontgomery.com.
Cantina — Montgomery The newest addition to The Alley in Downtown Montgomery, Cantina offers Tex-Mex in a casual, laid back atmosphere. 334.262.2339
Midtown Pizza Kitchen —Montgomery Montgomery’s Midtown is booming with great restaurants and stores including the Midtown Pizza Kitchen. Come in for authentic Italian pizza by an authentic Italian chef and family special on Sunday afternoons. 334.399.0080, www.midtownpizzakitchen.com.
Asahi Sushi House — Rainbow City Asahi Sushi House is family-owned and operated by Tracy and E-Chao Fang, residents of Gadsden for the last 17 years. Asahi's goal is to offer the freshest, most delicious sushi, nigiri-zushi and hot entrees at affordable prices. 256.413.0012, www.asahisushihouse.com
Internet/ Media:
10 Best Towns for Families— Fairhope Family Circle magazine named Fairhope, Alabama one of its 10 Best Towns for Families in the August 2011 issue.
Money Magazine Best Places to Live— Madison Money magazine named Madison, Alabama as one of its Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/snapshots/PL0145784.html.
America's 10 Best Winter Beach Retreats — Orange Beach Budget Travel Magazine named Orange Beach a Top 10 Winter Beach Retreat. “Alabamians are adamant that their Gulf Coast beaches are among the most beautiful in the country. The sand is 95 percent quartz, meaning its snow-white and sparkles in the sun, and the waters are as blue as any you'll find in Florida. Dolphins love the waters around here so much that Dolphin Cruises aboard the Cold Mil Fleet guarantees sightings.”
RECREATION:
Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail — Alexander City The new birding trail covers the nine counties of Autauga, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Randolph and Tallapoosa. It encompasses more than 3.6 million acres of natural wildlife habitat. Watchers can look for highway signs with the Great Horned Owl leading to the trail. 256.234.3461, www.piedmontplateaubirdingtrail.com
Lake Course Grand Opening at Grand National — Auburn The Grand Opening of the renovated Lake Course at Grand National on September 1 will feature a 2 p.m. shotgun start. Golfers can play the newly planted greens, the same greens that are played at the PGA Championship, and test other updates and changes to the course. The field is limited to the first 72 people to register. Standard rates (including cart) will apply: $61.00 plus tax (Non-Trail Card); $41.95 plus tax (Trail Card); $16.00 plus tax (Annual Pass). Register by calling the pro shop at 334.749.9042.
Metro CrossPlex, — Birmingham Birmingham’s new indoor track and field facility, natatorium and meeting space features an indoor pool, a hydraulically banked 200-meter track, and space for pole vaulting, high jumping or nine volleyball courts. The $46 million project is almost booked for its inaugural track and field season. 205.612.7730
Patriot Riding Stables and Retreat — Cheaha Located on a 40 acre fully stocked lake at the foot of Cheaha mountain in Clay County, Patriot offers 18 horses for riding the trails, lodging, boating, fishing and zip lining. The main lodge is approximately 4,000 SF and boasts a full kitchen, state of the art electronics for presentations, high speed internet, satellite TVs, and can sleep up to 20 guests in 3 separate bunk rooms. Six suites and cabins are available for guests along the lake near the fishing docks. The retreat offers guests a place for weddings, receptions, reunions, meetings, conferences, retreats and family vacations. Patriot sponsors the Wounded Warrior Program (WWP), the VFW and other veteran activities. 256.618.1363, www.patriotretreat.com, info@patriotretreat.com.
Gulf State Park Unveils New Pool, Campground Facilities — Gulf Shores Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores underwent a $4.5 million renovation. The renovations include a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool, splash pad, dressing area and restrooms. A new nature center replaced the one destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The campground store, laundry facility, and boat docks on Middle Lake were also renovated. Rental boats will be added in the future, while a classroom area and small amphitheatre will be added to the nature center to accommodate school groups. 251.945.6889, www.outdooralabama.com.
New Fishing Pier at Oak Mountain State Park — Pelham Anglers in search of their next big catch have a new fishing pier at Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham. The existing pier was extended by 125 feet, doubling the available fishing space. The new section is 200 feet long and is adjacent to the original pier behind the park office. It was constructed primarily to facilitate exceptional anglers events, which provide fishing opportunities for special needs students in Shelby and Jefferson counties. An official dedication ceremony will take place in 2012 prior to the exceptional anglers event “Gone Fishin’ Not Just Wishin’.” www.alapark.com/oakmountain
Riverside Walking Trail — Sheffield The walking trail utilizes spans connecting Riverfront Park along the water’s edge with Montgomery Avenue on the bluff. Spectacular river views are afforded along the walk. 256.383.0783; www.VisitSheffieldAL.com
SHOPPING:
Shoals Flea Market — Muscle Shoals Approximately 400 booth spaces offer a variety of merchandise located at the North Alabama Fairgrounds. The market takes place every third weekend of every month. (except Sept.) 256.383.0783, www.TheShoalsFleaMarket.com
Expanded Downtown Shopping — Tuscumbia Historic downtown Tuscumbia has a newly expanded shopping district that includes 7 new businesses. Anchored by a retail cooperative business incubator and with a newly organized merchants and business organization, the downtown houses a collection of appealing specialty shops in restored nineteenth century commercial buildings. A new shopping map is available describing the stores’ merchandise. Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau, (256) 383-0783, www.VisitTuscumbiaAL.com
Fourth Thursdays — Tuscumbia The downtown streets of historic Tuscumbia are lined with arts & crafts and food vendors, while live music is performed onstage every 4thThursday of each month from July-October. Streets are blocked off for the event, which resembles a street party along Main Street from 6 - 10 p.m. 256.383.0783
For more information at events, attractions, and accommodations in Alabama visit www.alabama.travel.
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