LIVE Lee - Sept. Oct. Issue - LOVE Alabama

LOVE ALABAMA

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FAME RECORDING STUDIOS

Lee

RAPTOR AERIAL ROPE PARK

NOCCALULA FALLS

BARBER VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS

BINGHAM FARMS

USS ALABAMA

BATTLESHIP

CONECUH

SAUSAGE FESTIVAL

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GO NUTS IN DOTHAN

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STOMP MUNI FEST

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60

PAGE 78

COMER MUSEUM

LEE COUNTY

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PAGE 26

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56

CONTRIBUTORS

Ann Cipperly

Kendyl Hollingsworth

Emily Key

Natalie Salvatore

Ethan Stamper

Livi Welch

DESIGN / LAYOUT

Michelle Key

Hannah Goldfinger

MARKETING

Woody Ross

Rena Smith

PHOTOGRAPHY

Emily Key

Robert Noles

Ed Sikora

STAFF BIOS

Michelle Key, Publisher

Originally from Albertville, Alabama, Michelle Key and her family moved to the Opelika-Auburn area in 2011 after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Navy. She is a graduate of Troy University, and she joined the Observer in 2014 as an office administrator before forming Key Media LLC and assuming ownership of the newspaper in January 2018. She started LIVE Lee in 2020.

Hannah Goldfinger, LIVE Lee Editor

Hannah Goldfinger is an Auburn University 2019 journalism graduate who started with The Observer in July 2020 as the associate editor for the LIVE Lee Magazine. She was named editor of LIVE Lee in July 2021. She was previously published as Hannah Lester.

Wil Crews, The Observer Sports Editor

Wil Crews is an Auburn University 2020 journalism graduate originally from Prattville, Alabama. He works as The Observer’s sports editor and assists in developing the weekly paper and LIVE Lee Magazine.

Robert Noles, Photographer

Robert Noles is an award-winning photojournalist who has been with The Observer for nearly 15 years. Originally from Tallassee, he is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and Auburn University.

Around this time each year we produce a travel issue. This year, we are focusing specifically on travel in Alabama. We want you to be able to leave from Lee County and have a full-on road map of destinations in our beautiful state. You could head down to Mobile, to Birmingham or to Dothan. The choices are endless, the sights are glorious and there’s so much to see, right here at home.

I’ve done a lot of travel this year, a lot of it internationally.

But, there’s no place like home, as they say.

I was 22 before I even saw one of the landmarks of my own home city in Birmingham, Alabama, the Vulcan statue. Don’t be like me, haha.

How many things are right around the corner from us that we’ve never taken the time to see?

Letter From The Editor Hannah

Well, our aim is to fix that. We want you to go out, explore, come back and let us all know what we’re missing out on. Are you into animals? Visit Bingham Farms and Exotics, featured on page 26.

Perhaps you’re the festival kind of person. Well, mix it up a bit and this year and you could attend the Conecuh Sausage Festival in Evergreen, Alabama, featured on page 34. Into music? Visit the F.A.M.E. Recording Studios, featured on page 56.

Like amazing food? Go north and eat at Bama Bucks, featured on page 48. There’s so much more, too.

Feel free to send us pictures if you decide to make a stop at any of these featured locations. You may just find yourself on our Facebook page. Email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com. Happy reading! And happy traveling!

Goldfinger

Hero Of The Sea

Story

By Ethan Stamper

Photos By Ed Sikora and Contributed By USS Alabama

U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.

The USS Alabama, a symbol of American naval might, is a storied battleship with a remarkable history spanning from the height of World War II to its current role as a revered museum ship. Commissioned in 1942, this South Dakotaclass vessel has served as a crucial player in several major conflicts, earning its place in history and the hearts of millions. From the Pacific Theater of World War II to its transformation into the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, the USS Alabama remains an enduring testamony to the bravery of its crew and the technological prowess of its time.

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a tribute to the history of the USS Alabama and a showcase of other significant military exhibits. Established in 1965, the 150-acre park provides visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore naval history, witness iconic military aircraft and gain insight into the valor and sacrifices of the brave men and women who served their country.

“It’s so important to keep history alive, and as time passes on, all we can do is keep telling the stories that were told to us by the generations before,” said Ashleigh Milne, USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park director of communications. “It’s up to museums like Battleship Memorial Park to make sure that the public is educated, as well as to honor all of those servicemen and women who fought and sacrificed so much for our country.”

Educational exhibits are strategically placed throughout the vessel, providing insights into the battleship’s combat capabilities, her pivotal role in critical engagements and the experiences of her crew during wartime.

In addition to the USS Alabama battleship, the Memorial Park features an impressive collection of military aircraft and other exhibits.

Notable aircraft on display include the A-12 Blackbird,

a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and an impressive array of historical warplanes, helicopters and missiles. These exhibits showcase the evolution of military aviation and the contributions of various aircraft in the defense of the nation.

“When you come to the park, you not only get to tour the USS Alabama battleship but you also get to tour our submarine — the USS Drum,” Milne said. “Visitors will also get to see over 30 aircraft throughout the park, as well as tanks and more, all for the price of just your admission ticket.”

Throughout the park, visitors will find various military memorials and commemorations dedicated to those who served in different branches of the armed forces. Notably, the Korean War Memorial honors the sacrifice of American soldiers who fought in the Korean War, while the Vietnam War Memorial pays tribute to those who served during the Vietnam conflict.

“To keep that history alive is such an incredible responsibility that we have as a park and we’re so proud to be stewards of our country’s military history,” Milne said. “We want to share that [history] with as many people as possible.”

The park’s mission to honor veterans and educate visitors about naval history extends beyond its exhibits. The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park offers a range of educational programs and events catering to students, families and history enthusiasts. From guided tours and historical reenactments to interactive exhibits and educational workshops, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of military history.

USS ALABAMA: A Legend is Forged

Construction of the USS Alabama began in 1940 at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia. The battleship’s specifications included

a length of 680 feet and a formidable armament featuring nine 16inch guns, 20 5-inch guns and an array of anti-aircraft weaponry. On Aug. 16, 1942, it was commissioned into the United States Navy, with Capt. George B. Wilson at the helm.

Following its commissioning, the USS Alabama steamed to the North Atlantic to assist the British Home Fleet. She then joined the fast carrier task force in the Pacific Theater of World War II. During the war, the battleship participated in critical operations such as the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf and several others. The USS Alabama’s primary role was to provide fire support for American ground forces and engage enemy aircraft and warships.

Notably, the battleship earned the moniker “The Lucky A” for its remarkable ability to emerge from intense engagements relatively unscathed. The combination of its skilled crew and powerful armaments made it a formidable opponent on the high seas. Following Japan’s surrender, the USS Alabama led the remaining fleet into Tokyo Bay on Sept. 5, 1945. By the end of the war, the USS Alabama had earned nine battle stars, conducted 10 bombardments and shot down a confirmed 22 enemy aircraft.

USS ALABAMA: A Memorial is Born

After the end of World War II, Battleship USS Alabama and hundreds of warships used to win the war were deemed too costly. The United States Government decommissioned Alabama on Jan. 9, 1947, and left the ship in Bremerton, Washington, where it and other vessels would await their call back to defend their nation, but that call never came. In 1962, the United States Navy announced that the aging battleships would be scrapped and the USS ALABAMA was on the list. Other vessels were scrapped, dismantled for their

steel and other parts, since they were no longer of use to the peacekeeping efforts of the United States.

However, hope was not lost for the USS Alabama. There were those in the state who envisioned the WWII battleship as a memorial and began the fight to save the battleship. Alabama Gov. John Patterson, upon learning that the ship was a candidate for scrapping by the Navy, was in complete agreement to save it. An immediate petition was sent to the Alabama State Legislature and a joint resolution was passed. Patterson appointed a small fact-finding committee to assess the feasibility of saving the ship, bringing it to Alabama’s deep water port of Mobile and establishing it as the centerpiece of a memorial park.

Negotiations with the Department of the Navy revealed the enthusiasm of the national government to transfer title of Alabama to the state. Gov. George Wallace signed the passed legislation into law, and under original Senate Bill 152 (now found in the Alabama Code, Section 41-9-340 through 358) on Sept. 12, 1963, the USS Alabama Battleship Commission was established as a state agency to acquire, transport, berth, renovate, maintain and establish the Battleship USS Alabama as a memorial to all those Alabamians who had served so valiantly in WWII and Korea. The law was subsequently modified to

make USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park a memorial honoring those who served in all armed conflicts of the United States.

However, there was one glaring problem yet to be solved. The legislation gave the group zero money to bring the battleship to Alabama, and no money to fund any construction and/or operating expenses once the WWII hero arrived in Mobile. Public fundraising was the only answer. Alabama’s school children heard the call, and donated almost $100,000 to aid the cause, receiving a lifetime pass as long as Wallace was in office.

In the spring of 1964, in a relatively short span of less than six months, approximately $800,000 was raised, enough to get the ship underway from the state of Washington. The under-secretary of the Navy then executed a transfer document with the state of Alabama, represented by the commission. It authorized transfer of Battleship USS Alabama to the state “as is, were is,” with no additional cost to the federal government. The document also allowed the Navy to annually inspect the vessel as Alabama must be kept in shipshape fighting trim, since a provision was that should the Navy ever need, it reserved the right to come take BB-60, and press the ship back into active duty status.

After it reached Mobile on Sept. 14, 1964, the battleship was

finally pulled into position. A hand-picked crew, consisting of mainly retired Navy men, began work almost right away. Acres of steel had to be sandblasted, primed and painted, and below deck spaces had to be cleaned and made safe for visitors unaccustomed to moving around ships. In less than 4 months, the ship was ready for visitors. More than 2,000 people were on hand Jan. 9, 1965, to see Wallace officially open the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

The USS Alabama remains an iconic symbol of valor, bravery and national pride. As visitors explore its decks and immerse themselves in its history, they are reminded of the courage and sacrifice exhibited by those who served on board during times of conflict.

From its commissioning in 1942, to its current role as a museum ship, the USS Alabama’s journey has been one of valor, heritage and resilience. Through multiple conflicts and technological advancements, this battleship has left an indelible mark on American naval history, securing its place as a cherished national treasure and a living testament to the courage of the sailors who served aboard. As the years pass, the USS Alabama continues to inspire future generations, upholding the ideals of bravery, service and dedication to duty that defined its storied past.

Battleship Memorial Park is open everyday, except Christmas Day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and people can expect to spend anywhere between two to six hours at the park.

A historic photo of The U.S.S. Alabama during World War II.

Story

Birds Of Prey

In the midst of Joe Wheeler State Park in Decatur, Alabama, one might expect to find a hiker or two. Many families stay in the park’s lakeside cottages or decide to face nature and pitch a tent in the campgrounds. Joe Wheeler State Park offers a waterfront lodge with a restaurant, a full-service marina, complete with overnight and permanent docking slips, an 18-hole golf course

and a clubhouse. In the 2,550-acre resort park, it isn’t hard to find something to do.

If that wasn’t enough, Joe Wheeler State Park has opened The Raptor Aerial Adventures (TRAA) — a ropes course that defies gravity and expectations.

“This is our third year and we’ve just seen our popularity grow like

By Livi Welch

Photos Contributed To LIVE Lee

crazy since we opened,” said Jeremy Baldwin, owner of TRAA.

Over a couple of weeks, TRAA worked with Beanstalk Builders, a company based in North Carolina to assemble the adventure park. “[We] strive to give people outdoor adventures with positive experiences, to foster an appreciation for the environment, to provide on-going injections of self-esteem ... and revitalization of the human spirit,” said Mike Fischesser, the founder of Beanstalk Builders LLC. “It’s a very simple formula: When people feel good about themselves, they relate to others and the environment in a more positive way, thereby creating a powerful multiplier effect for spreading goodness.”

Fischesser said he doesn’t care if some find the message “corny” because “just watch[ing] the glow radiating from people” utilizing the structures they make is enough to change their minds.

On koa.com, a representative of TRAA wrote about working with Beanstalk Builders to create the custom park: “We can’t tell you what an awesome team they’ve been, and to top it off, they’ve created a

thrilling aerial tree-top adventure park with six rope bridges, a rope tunnel, a zip-line and a captivating free-fall jump.”

“It was awesome to have [Fischesser] here,” Baldwin said. “He builds some of the largest zip-lines in the world. Also, to get insurance on parks like this, you must be certified. He was the founder of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), which concentrates on that safety certification aspect. It was mind blowing to have him come to the park.”

Participants can climb ropes and platforms, surveying the beautiful forest around them. For much faster viewing, they can strap into the zip-line, which spans a whopping 258 ft. Unlike most zip-lines that require a few seconds to increase speed, TRAA’s zip-line immediately drops participants 2.5 feet, creating a higher speed that will knock the socks off of even the most avid zip-liners.

“Our zip-line isn’t like most are,” Baldwin said. “When you first jump off, you get sent forward, then backwards, then forwards again.

It’s really a cool experience.”

And of course, there is the main event — or “the big jump,” as the website nicknames it. Excitingly called the “Headrush Quickflight,” those who are more daring can climb up through the ropes tunnel before stepping out onto the 45-ft platform. There, participants will be strapped to the QuickFlight system, designed and manufactured by Head Rush Technologies, which allows them to free fall, or have a “true fall,” for up to 9.8 ft. A true fall paired with a high ground proximity awareness (GPA) creates an experience the website calls “truly unlike anything in the industry.”

For the folks that are a bit apprehensive, don’t fear. A trained instructor acts as a guide and safety manager for participants. For

the zip-line and free-fall, they will strap participants into a full-body harness called the Edelrid Radialis Pro and supply Italian Kong climbing helmets. Additionally, TRAA advises wearing closed-toed shoes such as sneakers to maximize comfort and safety.

“We prioritize safety over everything,” Baldwin said. “Along with all of our protective gear, the course is routinely inspected by thirdparty professionals. It’s very safe.”

However, this is an adventure park after all. It’s safe, but it’s also supposed to be challenging.

“We try to convince everybody to do the free-fall,” he said. “We usually tell them that if you can get yourself to do it, it’s worth it. Obviously, we don’t want anyone to overdo it. We make certain statements of encouragement, but we allow [participants] to choose what they want to do. We don’t put too much pressure, but every time we see someone try it who didn’t want to do it, they come back super happy.”

Almost everyone can enjoy the course, Baldwin said. As long as a person has functioning legs, they are free to suit up and head right in — or up. TRAA has made it a priority to make the park accessible for as many people as possible.

“We had a child with special needs go up in the ropes,” Baldwin said. “He did absolutely fantastic. He went in a little nervous, but he went through it. His parents had signed him up to go in the park because they wanted him to build up his self confidence, and we really wanted to help him do that. At the end, he was jumping up and down, clapping his hands. It was so special to be able to experience that and see our work in action.”

Though anyone can test themselves, Baldwin said that the park enjoys having teams the most, since they are “the most fun.”

“I would say the best thing the park offers is the ability to grow individually and with a group of people,” Baldwin said. “Working with a work team or sports team and seeing everyone support and yell for each other has been so neat. Those are definitely the best groups.”

Baldwin recalled a high school women’s soccer team that came a few months ago that made an impression on him and the other workers.

“There were about 15 girls and 60 parents, siblings and friends there watching them,” he said. “Everyone was screaming, ‘Jump, jump, jump,’ as each girl jumped off the platform. They were just rooting each other on.

“Once, there was a little girl who was terrified to do the free-fall. Eventually, she decided to do it, though. She came down and begged her mom to let her go back up and do it again. It was awesome.”

But TRAA knows that there is only so much excitement one can take per day, so they encourage participants to check out some of the more relaxing amenities Wheeler State Park has, too.

“When you’re done, you can go horseback riding or relax on the beach,” Baldwin said. “You can go eat at the restaurant. You can do a lot at Wheeler [State Park.]”

But, why is it called The Raptor Aerial Adventures?

“We have a lot of hawks out in this area, and a massive eagle,” Baldwin said. “A raptor is a bird of prey, flying through the trees. In the park, you get to go up into the trees, too. We thought it was cool to name it after that.”

To make reservations to explore the park or read more about The Raptor Aerial Adventures, go to www.theraptoraerialadventures. com/.

But There’s Even More ...

The following is a collection of photos contributed by Joe Wheeler State Park

Joe Wheeler State Park is located at 4401 McLean Drive in Rogersville, Alabama.

Betty Reid Soskin retired from the Park Service in March 2022 at the age of 100.

LIVELee

LIVELee

A Haven For Conservation

LIVE

Story By Ethan Stamper

Photos Contributed By Bingham Farms

Nestled amidst the picturesque countryside of Coker, Alabama, lies a hidden gem that captivates hearts and minds alike — Bigham Farms and Exotics. Owned and operated by the passionate conservationists Jessica and Richard Bigham, this small family-owned farm and zoo is not your average tourist attraction. With a firm commitment to conservation and education, the Bigham family has created a sanctuary where exotic animals and learning come together in perfect harmony.

Bigham Farms and Exotics began as a labor of love. Richard and Jessica Bigham shared a deep-rooted love for wildlife and a burning desire to make a difference. In 2022, after saving up enough money in order to go all in, they decided to pursue their dream of running a farm and zoo that would serve as an educational platform for children and adults alike. With hard work, dedication and support from the local community, their vision came to life.

“We wanted to keep it really, really small because we knew, with just us two, we can keep it extremely nice with plants and cages that are bigger than most people will keep these types of animals in,” Richard said. “We’re really concentrating more on the wellbeing of the animals rather than being a huge place; [with being a massive place] you can’t learn different animals fast enough as far as what their requirements are, what their needs are, and then [the] animals are suffering.”

The farm is home to an impressive array of creatures, each more enchanting than the last. From majestic tortoises to playful lemurs, colorful peacocks to a delightful menagerie of chickens, turkeys and birds, Bigham Farms and Exotics has something to amaze

visitors of all ages. Snakes, emus and even a wallaby also find their haven here, providing guests with an immersive experience and a chance to learn about this diverse group of animals and how they live.

“We get the question a lot, ‘what’s your next animal?’ and we really don’t know, we’re not looking to buy or get another animal; someone could call us tonight and say ‘I’ve got this, this, this,’ and it might check a couple boxes for us, but we’re not actively trying to buy all different kinds of animals and make a Birmingham Zoo,” Richard said. “We just want a small place where people can have birthday parties, have little private tours, come and hang out with family and see the animals on the weekends for a couple of hours.”

At Bigham Farms and Exotics, education is at the heart of everything they do. The Bigham family said they strongly believe that fostering an understanding and appreciation for exotic animals is the key to conservation. They regularly visit local schools, sharing fascinating facts and stories about their animal residents, raising awareness about the importance of taking proper care of these special animals.

“I’m one of those people that think, if you’ve got the money and education, you should be able to keep whatever you want, but seeing how many animals, especially tortoises, come into us [in poor condition,] it’s kind of sad,” Richard said. “Instead of telling people ‘No, you shouldn’t have that,’ I want to educate people on why it’s a good or bad reason to have these certain animals and why it’s important to research it and fully understand the animal before you get it. That’s kind of one of the reasons I do more educational outreach, to educate kids on proper pet care and things

of that nature.”

Visitors to Bigham Farms and Exotics are in for an unforgettable experience. The farm offers birthday parties and field trips, allowing children and adults to get up close and personal with the animals. Guided tours conducted by Jessica and Richard give guests insight into each animal’s unique traits, behavior and habitat. The farm’s mission is not only to entertain but to inspire a sense of responsibility and compassion for wildlife.

“I love it; it’s a lot because I have a full-time job, I work here on the weekends and we have two little boys, but I wouldn’t want anything different,” Jessica said. “I enjoy talking with people, and I handle scheduling and booking the parties; I really enjoy it.”

The Bigham family’s dedication to conservation extends beyond their operating hours. During the summer, they open their doors on Fridays and Mondays, welcoming more visitors to share in their mission. In the tranquil pavilion area by the woods, families can savor a picnic lunch in the company of the babbling creek and the peaceful melody of nature. This spot is a favorite for visitors looking to connect with nature in a serene setting.

Bigham Farms and Exotics is much more than a zoo — it’s an adventure that beckons explorers and animal enthusiasts alike. Jessica and Richard’s passion for conservation, coupled with their deep-rooted love for each animal in their care, radiates through every aspect of the farm.

“Back when I was a kid, my father traveled for a living, so we were always on the road, and we would play road games, and my dad would play a game called the Bigham Zoo,” Richard said. “We would plan to build our own zoo one day and I have a bunch of brothers and sisters so I’d be the reptile guy, my brother would be the bird guy and my other brother would be the mammal guy, and we just kind of made little games and I guess I was the only one that took it seriously and actually built a zoo.”

If you find yourself in the charming town of Coker, make sure to reserve a Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you’re a family seeking adventure, an animal lover yearning to connect with nature or an eager learner looking to expand your knowledge, Bigham Farms and Exotics promises a heartwarming experience that will leave you inspired and forever changed.

T h e s e L i t t l e P i g g i e s

W e n t T o M a r k e t

Story By Natalie Salvatore

Photos Contributed By The Conecuh Sausage Company

When the summer weather finally starts turning into cooler, autumn temperatures, folks in Evergreen, Alabama, as well as in the surrounding areas, partake in the annual Conecuh Sausage Festival. The event — this year will be the 20th — is hosted by Conecuh Sausage Company, Economic Development, the Evergreen-Conecuh Chamber of Commerce and the city of Evergreen. It is a two-day, jampacked experience appropriate for all ages, starting with the Professional Cowboy Association (PCA) Rodeo on Friday, Oct. 20. On Saturday, the rodeo will hold its second showing.

On both days, gates open at 6 p.m. for the rodeo’s start at 7:30 p.m. and will feature steer wrestling, barrel racing, bronc and bull riding, team roping, tie down roping, goat tying, bareback riding, pole bending and more. Adult armbands cost $10, and armbands for children ages 12 and under cost $5. Children ages two and under enter free.

On the festival’s main day, Saturday, Oct. 21, festivities start at 9 a.m. and run all the way through 5 p.m. There will be something to do for everyone.

“My favorite part is meeting new people during the events, as well as seeing everyone come together as a community

to support our event and have fun,” said Carol Hamrac, executive assistant with the Evergreen-Conecuh Chamber of Commerce.

She helps plan the festival with other board members, including Susan Coleman, her director, as well as co-worker Leigh Darby.

Throughout the day, live entertainment will amuse guests as they walk through the festival’s more than 100 arts and crafts, food and shopping vendors. Children attending with their families can enjoy a children’s area featuring inflatables as well as other children’s activities. The star of the show, the delicious Conecuh Sausage, is sold in three separate booths set up by the Chamber of Commerce.

Not only does the festival feature food and entertainment, but it also holds its very own Car Show, also starting at 9 a.m.

and ending at 2 p.m. Those interested in seeing cars from different periods, as well as witnessing car restorations from citizens in surrounding areas can stop by during their time at the festival. Winners in the top 10 will receive $50, and the “Mayor’s Choice” will receive $100 as a cash prize. All makes, models and years are welcome.

Hamrac expressed how Evergreen looks forward to this festival each year, especially ever since the pandemic caused the festival’s cancellation in 2020.

“It is a family event, and the community loves being able to come out and enjoy the rodeo, shop with the vendors and look at the unique cars in the car show,” she said.

On behalf of the Chamber Hamrac invites everyone to come out and partake in one of the amazing events this community has to offer. “We are a small town with big hearts,” she said.

The Conecuh Sausage Company is located at 200 Industrial Park in Evergreen, Alabama.

“We love when out-of-towners come to our events.”

Admission to both the festival itself, as well as to the car show, is free. Those wishing to enter a car or truck into the car show may register the morning of or may pre-register now with the Chamber of Commerce. The registration fee is $25.

The festival will be located at the Evergreen Regional Airport, located at 14134 Highway 84, in Evergreen. For general information, call the Evergreen-Conecuh

Chamber of Commerce at 251-578-1707. For specific information about the car show, contact Glen Freeman at 251-867-4781.

Also, visit the Chamber’s website, www. evergreenareachamber.com/evergreen-sausage-festival. php to find more information about the upcoming festival, including the vendor application, car show registration form and rodeo sponsorship form.

featuring

The Rainbow Fish

Sunday, October 22

3 p.m.

B – The Underwater Bubble Show

Sunday, October 29 3 p.m.

123 Andrés

Sunday, March 24 3 p.m.

Everybody STOMP

LIVELee

Story By Livi Welch

Photos Contributed By STOMP Muni Fest

Fifteen miles south of Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park boasts thousands of visitors each year. There, it is common to see helmeted figures on dirt bikes zip by. Maybe you’ll spot a family on bicycles with a baby strapped on the back. Oak Mountain sees many picnickers and hikers from around the Southeast, but few can say they’ve seen a unicyclist traversing the hills, much less a crowd of them.

For the eleventh time, Oak Mountain is hosting the Southern Trails of Oak Mountain Park Mountain Unicycle Festival, or S.T.O.M.P. Muni Fest for short. The event will take place Oct. 12 through 15, where participants can traverse more than 25 miles of bike trails each day. There are three types of trails, ranging from easiest to hardest. Green trails will be most comfortable for beginners, blue for intermediate riders and black diamond trails are only designated for those who can ride more than seven miles, averaging five miles per hour with few breaks for rest.

STOMP is sanctioned by the Unicycling Society of America

(USA). Those interested only have to pay the $25 entry fee in the form of an annual membership to the USA in order to participate, as well as the additional fees to enter the park each day if not camping within the park. Donations are also appreciated.

Out-of-town participants have the option of camping at the South Trail Head, sleeping in their personal camper or staying at a hotel nearby. Camping with a group is encouraged, and four can sleep in one tent and split the $20 per night tent fee. Participants with a camper must park on the other side of the park from the South Trail Head and should call 205-620-2527 to make a reservation. People can reserve a cabin in the state park as well.

“The family-friendly nature of our event and the number of activities and unicycles makes the experience of camping in the field unbelievable and memorable,” said Geoffrey Wymer, one of the event coordinators for STOMP. “Many many long-term relationships have been forged over the four-day immersion experience. We do understand that some participants need hotel accommodations for their

particular situation but we do encourage as many as possible to join us in the park.”

In the past, the festival has brought in more than 50 participants.

“I could not imagine this year being any different,” Wymer said. “We were fortunate to have the ‘Michael Jordan’ of our sport with us last year, Kris Holm. He is the pioneer and probably the biggest supporter of the sport.”

And what a pioneer Holm is. The Canadian first picked up a unicycle when he was 12 and was soon traversing the mountains of several countries, going on to become the 1999 North American, 2002 World and 2005 Unicycling Trials champions. Holm has over 200 media appearances and has been featured in countless publications, including Sports Illustrated Adventure, Men’s Journal, Men’s Fitness, ESPN Magazine and National Geographic Adventure. In 1999, he created Kris Holm Unicycles (KHU), by which his unicycles are sold throughout the world.

This year, STOMP is sponsoring another star in the unicycling world — 33-year-old Lutz Eichholt. He holds a Guinness World Record for the longest distance by unicycle on a line of beer bottles. This line has now been replicated in trials to give riders a chance to test their balance. Eichholt specializes in trials and mountain unicycling and has appeared in many TV shows globally, aiming to bring more interest to the sport. He will be making the transatlantic trip to Alabama from Kaiserslautern, Germany.

“As a member from Kris Holm’s team, [Eichholt] will be another great addition to our event this year,” Wymer said.

Wymer said he is thrilled for the festival.

“[STOMP is] my second family,” he said. “Unicycling people are just a different breed, and I mean that in all of the most wonderful ways. We love our sport, what we have accomplished and the familylike community that we are now a part of. STOMP is our annual family reunion.”

Though many participants will dive straight into the black diamond courses, less experienced riders shouldn’t worry.

“We work extremely hard to remember and include all levels of riders. With the growth of [STOMP,] it has allowed us the ability to offer more options for [people of] different levels,” Wymer said.

Additionally, riders only have to ride where and when they want to. Wymer and his colleagues are determined to make the event accessible for everyone, but there have been an exciting number of demands for more rides.

“We listened to feedback and have added more ride options every year, but also completely respect the rider who chooses to optimize the relational experience over the physical exertion of intense riding. Some less proficient riders may even choose to accompany others on more difficult rides just to watch and learn as more experienced riders demonstrate.”

Though unicycling is at the heart of STOMP, Wymer said that there is more to explore than just exercise.

“One wheel often feels like a single[-person] activity,” he said, alleging how it can quickly become “too isolating.” STOMP is breaking that mold one rider at a time.

“A person may have chosen to challenge themselves to [reach] the next level, but may feel like they are alone in that endeavor. Our event helps to network and create community. [We] are challenged by others to continue growing in the sport.

“Due to STOMP, we have now started an annual road ride each spring. We have also encouraged other groups from different areas of the country to plan [their own] group rides. [STOMP] continues to take on a life of its own as our participants pour themselves into this event and the community.”

For more information about STOMP Muni Fest and a detailed event schedule, visit www.stompmunifest.blogspot.com.

A Well-Kept Secret ...

Lee

Story and Photos By Emily Key

Traveling north on U.S. Hwy 431 from Opelika involves patience. The two lane road winds through farmland and has speed limit changes quite frequently as it passes through multiple small towns. Each small town has it’s own unique style, often with murals that can be seen from the road. You don’t have to take detours to enjoy the drive north. A couple turnoffs are necessary along the way, but 431 continues straight into Sardis City, where excitement awaits at Bama Bucks Wildgame Restaurant and Exotic Animal Park.

Terry Turk, a long time resident of the Sardis City community, grew up loving animals. His dream started off specifically by wanting a pet deer but has surpassed that a few hundred fold. Twenty-five years ago, Turk received his first deer from the state.

“Back then, you could get deer and put them behind a fence with the proper permit. You can’t do that anymore. Now, if a deer is born outside of a fence, it can’t be moved inside of one; if it’s born inside, it can’t go outside,” Turk said.

Anyone looking to begin a deer farm would have to purchase their deer from farms like Turks. The days of making a wild deer a pet are long gone.

What began as somewhat of a hobby, has turned into a full-fledged business as Turk grew his deer population and began adding exotic species to his farm. It started by adding an elk, then a kangaroo and is now a full-blown menagerie. The facility is home to ostriches, black bears, ring-tailed lemurs, a 3-month old zebra, Rocky Mountain elk, a swan, camels, miniature Mediterranean donkeys, kangaroos, fallow deer and the list goes on. I’m sure you are all as curious as myself, in regards to the question of “How in the world does someone end up with all these animals?” Turk explained that things in the animal world progress naturally.

“When you get to know some camel handlers, you naturally end up getting in touch with the kangaroo guy, the zebra girl, and [so] on,” Turk said.

There are two specific animals that quite likely have futures at Bama Bucks if Turk has his way: alligators and a cougar. He explained the work it would take to create a quality enclosure for the alligators, demonstrating his passion and knowledge about this endeavor. He works with the proper government authorities and has shown responsiblity in the creation of this unique destination.

Turks desire to grow the facility and give the community

more opportunities to experience his passion pushed him to expand by opening a steakhouse and wildgame restaurant on the property, he said. The beautifully constructed restaurant hosts incredible taxidermy throughout, while maintaining the classy style of an upscale joint.

The staff were well-informed of the menu’s “wild” offerings and gave great recommendations. The wild-game trio came as an

appetizer, allowing guests to taste elk, bison and boar sausage. It was fun to be able to take note of and discuss the different flavors of each item individually. While the steakhouse has your more “normal” options, I couldn’t help but to go all out with the 12-ounce bison ribeye (cooked medium rare). I expected the meat to be tougher than beef, but it was amazingly tender and juicy. The flavor of the meat was incredible and was perfectly enhanced

by the tomato butter and fried onions dripping off the top of the steak. My lunch companions also made excellent choices with the pheasant and elk steak, both of which were delicious. As full as you’ll be after such beautiful entrees, you have to save room for dessert. Who’s counting calories when crème brûlée cheesecake is an option?

Turk himself said, “I have to be careful with that cause I can eat that twice a day.”

The top was perfectly glassed over with caramelized sugar, breakable with a quick tap of a spoon. The flavors combined in an incredible way and the whole meal left us practically rolling out of our booth with full bellies.

The Bama Bucks Wildgame Restuarant is located at 292 Bryant Road in Sardis City.

Cème Brûlée Cheesecake

Ipulled out of the Bama Bucks parking lot with a new destination set in my GPS. A short 45-minute drive through corn fields, farm towns and curvy mountain roads led me to Sand Rock, Alabama. I generally try to keep secrets that have been entrusted with me, but this is one I just can't keep. The Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge is located on Lookout Mountain, in the small community of Sand Rock. The spectacular view from the property allows one to see Gadsden to the West, Rome, Georgia, to the East and even Mount Cheaha off in the distance to the South. That's right — you have a more than 180-degree view from The Secret.

After driving down a long, curvy driveway, I arrived at a beautifully landscaped cabin with massive windows, welcoming cats and the rustic charm every mountain home needs to have. One of the owners, Kris Thomas, was prompt to greet me and show me around the place. While learning where everything was took a whopping two minutes, meeting all the furry friends could take all day. An obvious safe haven, The Secret has become home to a number of cats and dogs that just “show up,” Thomas said.

I met my new little friends, left my bag in my room and decided it was time for some fun in the sun. The property has a rooftop pool that overlooks the entire valley below. Peace, pool and pleasure were the

A Secret Worth Sharing

only things on my mind as I relaxed and floated above the world.

As all southerners know, the heat can get you even if you're in a pool. I could've stayed in that pool forever but I knew I needed to cool off and see what other secrets I could discover.

I didn't have to wander far to learn more about the history of this hidden gem. Owners, Charlie and Kris Thomas have framed an extensive history of the property provided by the previous owners. In 1965, M.G. Weaver, owner of the Peoples Telephone Company, constructed The Secret as his personal residence. Weaver was known for his love of entertaining and enjoyed hosting large parties.

According to a placard in the entry way, “Weaver had a fulltime employee whose only responsibility was the coordination of entertainment and festivities. The four upstairs rooms were used for his special guests who were invited to stay overnight. Weaver was friends with many influential people in the ‘60s including then Alabama Gov. George Wallace as well as Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant and ‘Shug’ Jordan.”

The construction of the home is impressive as well. I was amazed to learn that the 10-foot round table with a revolving top had to be constructed inside, as it would be too large to bring in otherwise. Weaver spared no detail and guests are grateful for this still today.

Story and Photos By Emily Key

Sitting at such a monumental table with all the guests from various walks of life, truly showed how the Thomas family is continuing Weaver’s legacy and passion for entertaining. With crème brûlée French toast in front of us (that's right, two days in a row) silence descended. All of the guests were too busy eating to talk. Kris’ creation hit the spot and she “promised” it was calorie free which caused a burst of laughter from a round table of happy guests.

With his extravagant tastes, Weaver unknowingly created a perfect bed and breakfast. Everything about the layout, features and location make the property an amazing home away from home for couples, families with children over age 9 or even the solo traveler.

The Secret has served as a wedding venue. With four rooms inside and four cottages around the property, you're guaranteed to find a spot to fit your needs. Charlie and Kris have everything one would need for an amazing getaway. All you need to do is share the secret.

Every journey has a beginning. Many people wait until they reach a destination before believing their vacation has started, but I choose to believe my journeys begin the second I cross the county line, leaving Lee in my rearview. Pick a weekend and start your journey. Visit Bama Bucks; stay at The Secret; and make memories with your loved ones. As important as it is to ‘LIVE Lee’, it's always fun to ‘Leave Lee’ and experience other things this great state of Alabama has to offer.

The rooftop pool at The Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge.

The view from The Secret.

Bill Trant, Coley Trant, Gene Ward, Allison Owens, Ginger Gray-Busby, Paul Kemp, David Phillips, Roger Hughes, Lee Smith, Linda Stewart, John McCollum, Bobby McBurney

fame

The Muscle Shoals Sound

Story By Hannah Goldfinger

Photos Contributed By Shelia Eckman

Lights … Camera … Action!

No, wait. Start Your Engines!

No, wait. Touchdown!

No, that’s still not right.

Ah — how about — One, Two, Three, Hit it!

Music is the heartbeat of a city. Especially, Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

That’s because Muscle Shoals is the home of FAME Recording Studios.

“Any discussion about American music that doesn’t include Muscle Shoals, Alabama, isn’t really a discussion at all,” says the FAME website. “Heart-pounding. Soul-shaking. Iconic. Many words have been used to describe the Muscle Shoals sound. It’s the sound that implored a generation of musicians to travel to the southern banks of the Tennessee river, searching for a bit of that Muscle Shoals magic. Fame Recording Studios is where it all started and where that sound lives on today.”

It wasn’t always called FAME, per say. Once upon a time, it had a bit of a longer name — Florence Alabama Music Enterprises.

“Originally housed above City Drugstore in Florence, Alabama, Florence Alabama Music Enterprises was founded in 1959 by Rick Hall, Billy Sherrill and Tom Stafford,” the site says. “In 1960, Hall

took over sole ownership and shortened the name to the acronym FAME and temporarily moved to Wilson Dam Highway in Muscle Shoals. This is where Muscle Shoals would have its first international success, with Arthur Alexander’s “You Better Move On”. Hall took that money, along with a borrowed $10,000, built and moved the studio to its current location at 603 East Avalon Ave. in Muscle Shoals. Beginning with the legendary session that produced Jimmy Hughes’ “Steal Away”, FAME has been producing chart-topping hits ever since.”

It’s almost a guarantee you’ve heard of many of the artists who have played at FAME, signed with or that FAME Publishing has had cuts on their music — Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Marie Osmond, Paul Anka, Terri Gibbs, Jerry Reed, Pam Willis, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Jason Isbell, George Strait, Joe Diffie, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Chesney and many more. The list goes on and on.

FAME has stepped into the 21st century, too.

“Today the company has a catalog of over 3,000 songs with multiple top 10 singles, ASCAP awards and Song of the Year awards,” the website says. “The catalog boosts the writing of Phillip White, Jason Isbell, Walt Aldridge, James LeBlanc, Dylan LeBlanc, Brad Crisler, Gary Nichols, Angela Hacker, Robert Byrne, Gary Baker, Russell Smith, Tony Colton and many more.”

It has a podcast available, too, on Apple Music. There are testimonials from bands who changed the world with their music.

“We were trying to get that bass sound Arthur Alexander was getting in Muscle Shoals, we love his records,” said John Lennon of The Beatles.

Producers, too, spoke highly of FAME.

“Muscle Shoals changed my whole approach to music. It affected anyone who ever heard the music that came out of there, and that’s pretty much everyone in the world,” said David Z, musician and producer of Prince, Etta James and Billy Idol.

FAME offers studio tours each week. There are standard tours, Monday through Friday at 9 a.m and Saturdays at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. There are backstage tours offered Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

“The Backstage Experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at selected areas of the studios not available on standard tours,” according to the FAME website. “Indulge yourself in an exclusive experience masterfully guided by a member of the FAME team. The Backstage tour price includes the normal studio tour.

“The Backstage Experience takes you behind the velvet rope including, FAME’s publishing office, Rick Hall’s personal office,

exhibits showcasing FAME’s multiple awards including gold records and song-of-the-year awards, and exhibits focused on instruments played in historic sessions including the legendary Aretha Franklin sessions and instruments from Rick Hall’s personal collection.

In terms of taking music and making it world-wide, FAME offers studios A and B. And if you’re a musician, you may be thinking right now, what do I do to get in one of those studios.

“FAME’s legendary Studio A and Studio B offer cutting-edge facilities for hit-makers, chart-toppers and emerging talent at almost any budget,” the website says. “Melding the best of vintage and 21st-century recording equipment and techniques, our studios are the perfect spaces for producing the exact sound you’re looking to put out into the world.

“Fame Recording Studios offers an extensive collection of vintage and modern production gear with the ability to record in state-ofthe-art digital or classic analog coupled with our world famous collection of historic and contemporary instruments that are yours to choose from. Historic facilities. The latest technology. A sound like no other. World class engineers and staff. FAME Recording Studios has everything you need to get your sound.”

One can book recording time on the FAME website, www. famestudios.com/recording-studios/.

Meet David Hedges

AUBURNBANK PRESIDENT & CEO

Leadership succession in any business is essential to its sustainability, especially one that has been strong and viable for 116 years. Since our founding in 1907, AuburnBank has had eight presidents—and now David Hedges succeeds Bob Dumas as our ninth. Joining the bank in 2006, David has demonstrated his commitment to AuburnBank and its shareholders. He and his wife, Jill, are members of First Baptist Church of Opelika, and they enjoy raising their three children who attend Auburn City Schools. David is excited to lead AuburnBank into the future, while upholding a tradition of service to our customers and our communities.

Member FDIC | AuburnBank.com

The Peanut news crews tackles all the hard news in town.

Go Nuts For Peanuts

Story And Photos By Emily Key

Krispy Kreme’s Peanut employee is ready to serve.

Officer Peanut standing watch over the city of Dotahan.

Living in Alabama, we’re used to farmland, getting stuck behind tractors on the roadway and possibly cows running loose around town. What many are surprised to learn, however, is that Alabama is home to the “Peanut Capital of the World.”

Two hours south of Lee County, lies Dothan, Alabama. Approximately one-half of all the peanuts produced in the United States come out of a 100-mile radius surrounding Dothan. Cities that are “known” for something like this often erect some sort of insanely tall or large sculpture, such as the 30-foot tall pistachio in New Mexico, a 23-foot tall cuckoo clock in Ohio or the 27,000-pound ball of twine in Kansas. The Downtown Group, a non-profit coalition in Dothan, decided back in 2001 that the city needed something unique to revitalize the area and bring tourists in. The public art project, “Peanuts on Parade”, was born.

Why have one giant peanut when you can install more than 60 peanut sculptures around town, each designed and

decorated to honor local businesses, services and prominent members of the community. Tabor Pest Control decorated its peanuts to look like a mouse and a cockroach. Krispy Kreme’s peanut is dressed up as an employee, with a box of donuts in his hands. The Brackin Paint and Supply peanut is ready for work, with his roller and a gallon of paint. The library has a teacher peanut reading to a class of little peanuts. The city provides a map of the peanuts that can be found at the visitor center (be on the lookout for your first peanut there.). It was so much fun cruising around and having everyone in the car yelling that they saw one. “Turn around! Go back!” was yelled multiple times from the backseat drivers helping locate the peanuts. The children didn’t want to stop, even as darkness began hiding the nuts from us. The map also will direct you to multiple — 19 in all — murals spread about the city. Families can have a blast treating these peanuts and murals as a whole scavenger hunt during a stay in Dothan.

CBKHunting peanuts built an appetite and I couldn’t have picked a better spot to enjoy dinner. I found a beautiful spot in historic downtown Dothan. The name of the restaurant, KBC, is unassuming but has an incredible story behind it.

Chef and Qwner, Kelsey Barnard Clark, is a Dothan native who began her journey in the food industry as a teen. She left Dothan to attend Auburn University, where she studied hotel and restaurant management. Two years in, she left to practice under chefs at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and then honed those skills working at some of the top restaurants in Manhattan. With so much experience under her belt, Clark was ready to return home.

A classic mint julep

Ceviche served with house-cooked tortilla chips.

You can take the girl out of the South but you can’t take the South out of the girl. Clark moved back to Dothan and opened a catering company, following that up with the restaurant a year later.

Clark also has had an interesting career in television. She became the first southerner to earn the title “Top Chef” in season 16 of the hit TV show. She has also been a judge on NFL Tailgate Takedown and a contestant in Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions.

KBC’s food was as incredible as her background. Finding this level of high tier, quality menu items in a southern Alabama town should be unheard of. The meal started with Ceviche served with fresh-cooked tortillas, followed by “Cast Iron Chicken” which was achicken breast with smashed potato and summer vegetables in a lemon beurre blanc. Everything was tender and cooked to

perfection. Dessert was bread pudding served with fresh summer berries. My only complaint is that I wanted to eat more and I just couldn’t take another bite. My plate was still as full as my stomach, so I ended up with some amazing leftovers.

In true Dothan fashion, a peanut wearing a Top Chef apron resides in the restaurant’s courtyard. That alone is a testament to Clark and KBC for the impact she and her businesses have had on the community. The eatery is located at 151 N. Foster St., in Dothan. Peruse the menus at www.eatkbc.com.

While my visit to Dothan was short-lived, I gained appreciation for this Alabama town. Peanuts may be what Dothan is known for but the city’s focus on their businesses and people, is what brings tourists in and keeps them coming back.

Bread Pudding served with Summer Berries

Falling For The Falls

There are many wonders in our home state. One of them is Noccalula Falls and Campground.

Noccalula Falls is located in Gadsden, Alabama, roughly two and a half hours from Lee County. And it’s well worth the drive, whether you make it a day trip, or stay at the campgrounds.

“Noccalula Falls cascades over 90-feet into the Black Creek ravine,” the park website says. “Come explore all the park has to offer and stay awhile in our campground. Paved walking trails wind through the park proper starting at the admissions pavilion. For a low admission price, you can take advantage of unique park amenities. In the park are beautiful rocks and gardens with an array of shrubs and flowers that may be viewed as you walk the park’s paved trail system or rest your feet as you ride on the authentic Huntington miniature train.”

There is a petting zoo and the Pioneer Village. There’s also a souvenir shop, playground, minigolf and more.

Are you a hiker? Time to check out Black Creek Trail.

“The Black Creek Trail is a 1.7-mile crushed stone path with

beautiful scenery along the Black Creek Gorge as it works its way down from Noccalula Falls campground to Black Creek Road,” the site says. “The trail starts at the Noccalula Falls Wedding Chapel. Intersecting the main trail are over five miles of groomed, single-track trails perfect for walking, running and mountain-biking.”

Other amnetities includes rock climbing and fly fishing.

Noccalula Falls Park and Campground encompasses 500 acres of land situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is considered a must-see destination in Northeast Alabama, according to the website.

“Created and managed by the city of Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department, the park opened in 1953, and has since become the destination of hikers, campers and families from all over the world.”

Black Creek divides the park into two sections — the park and the campground. Situated in the middle of the park is Noccalula Falls, dropping into the gorge 90-feet below.

There is more information about pricing and admission, as well as tours, activities and special events on the website at: www. noccalulafallspark.com.

Story By Hannah Goldfinger

Photos By Robert Noles

Observing Majestical‘Lee ’

Story By Natalie Salvatore

Photos Contributed By Majestic Caverns

One wanting to visit a cave should look no further than Alabama’s very own Majestic Caverns (formerly known as Desoto Caverns), the very first cave on record in the United States. Located in the Childersburg’s Appalachian Mountains, the Caverns is a special travel destination that hosts guests not only from Alabama, but also from all over the world.

“One school in Florida drove through the remnants of a hurricane to spend the day with us,” said Tammy Gibbs, the sales and marketing assistant for the Caverns. Her duties include guest relations, booking groups and helping make sure that everything is running smoothly. She even gives cave tours of her own sometimes. As for so many, Gibbs’s favorite part of the Caverns is the cave itself. Known as Alabama’s “Big Cave,” she explained how this cave is also big on beauty, history and size.

“It is what brought me here and what kept me here,” she said. “I walk down just to ‘feel’ it almost every day that I am here, as there is something incredibly special about being underground.”

This national landmark has been owned by the Mathis family for more than a century. Predating the family’s ownership came the cave’s initial discovery from the Coosa Valley Natives several centuries ago. Its rich history explains how the cave has come to be studied, valued and treasured over time. The president of Majestic Caverns today, Joy Sorenson, describes it as an enchanting wonderland where people can enjoy nature together.

“Our mission as a business is to reach hearts through the unique

array of offerings that our park has,” Sorenson said. “The cave unveils the mysteries of God’s artistry and is a breathtaking realm of aweinspiring formations, hidden passages and time-sculpted beauty.”

Gibbs explained how the main room of the cave measures over a football field in length, and its stalagmites, stalactites and flowstone captivate guests as they explore and uncover the Caverns’s “secrets.” As the Caverns is beyond just a cave itself, the park also features many activities, attractions and guided tours, including the Destiny Express Train, the giant Lost Trail Maze, cannon wars and a traverse wall climb.

Sorenson said their most popular attraction is the caverns tour which allows for extensive looks into the main underground features, including a laser light show and a natural waterfall. This attraction is suitable for all ages and can provide an educational experience for school groups, as well as provide entertainment for families, church groups and more.

Beyond partaking in one of the Caverns’s many offerings, folks can also just meander through to experience the scenery, as well as relax at picnic tables or pavilions, browse in the gift shop or eat at the Cave Cafe, which features fudge that earned a spot on the Top 100 Desserts to Try Before You Die.

Another key element to the Caverns is its family-focused atmosphere as a business. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused some challenges, but the business persevered and worked together through the hard times to continue serving its guests. The

president expressed her gratitude to this business’s foundation and its ability to now serve guests in the post-pandemic world that we live in today.

“My favorite part about Majestic Caverns is witnessing the sense of wonder that lights up visitors’ faces as they explore the subterranean marvels,” Sorenson said. “The transformation of someone’s perspective after experiencing the splendor of the underground world is truly magical.”

The Alabama local community has been positively impacted from the Caverns, as it is a destination that is respected, valued and loved.

“Many see it as a source of pride and as a reflection of the area’s natural wonders and profound history,” she said. “This spot ultimately adds to Alabama’s sense of identity and to its overall tourism spectrum.”

The park is located at 5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway in Childersburg. The park is open from Thursday to Monday, but group bookings are available outside of regular business hours. Specifically, its operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call 256-378-7252, email info@

majesticcaverns.com or visit the main website at www. majesticcaverns.com/.

Online you can buy tickets, access the social media pages or find other forms including daytime or overnight experience request forms, educational resources and job applications. Examples of ticket prices include the current adult rate of $49.98 for the most popular ticket, the all-inclusive gate, and $30.98 for the caverns tour and entertainment ticket no matter of age. Children ages 3 and under enter free. A season pass for 2023 is $120.

Also to note, the cave is wheelchair accessible and has an equipped pavilion and campground features such as a vehicle hook-up capability for those wishing to camp or travel with an RV. There are also nearby hotels and other things to do in the area, which all add to the appeal of this destination. Consider the Majestic Caverns for your next travel adventure.

The Destiny Express Train at Majestic Caverns.

Alabama’s Vibrant Fall

Story By Ann Cipperly

Photos Contributed By Scott Baker for Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

During autumn, when vibrant scarlet, orange and yellow foliage provides picturesque views along Alabama’s Fall Color Trail, plan a getaway for viewing fall’s spectacular showcase. From Oak Mountain State Park outside Birmingham to Cheaha State Park with the highest point in the state, stunning views can be observed and savored. Combine a colorful foliage tour with stops along the way for viewing waterfalls, exploring covered bridges, enjoying outdoor activities or attending fall events.

Oak Mountain State Park

Located near Birmingham in Pelham, Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park with 9,940 acres atop Double Oak Mountain. A variety of outdoor activities includes mountain biking and hiking with more than 50 miles of trails.

Other areas to explore include the flipside Watersports cable skiing, boat rentals, Peavine Overlook and Falls, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, 18-hole golf course, beach and swimming area. Fishing, horseback riding and boat rentals provide other adventures.

For general information contact 205-620-2520, for cabins call 205-620-2524 and for campgrounds call 205-620-2527.

DeSoto State Park

Take the scenic drive on Lookout Mountain Parkway to DeSoto State Park for viewing waterfalls. Located atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, Desoto State Park features one of the tallest waterfall in the state, which cascades 107-feet. From the parking lot, a paved pathway goes a few hundred yards and down about 50 steps to the railed overlook.

Hiking and mountain biking trails wind 30 miles through the park. Other outdoor adventures include fishing, kayaking and exploring nature.

Visit the nature center for interpretive programs and to see live

animals. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum is also housed at the center.

Nestled on a canyon-edge overlooking the West Fork of Little River, the historic Mountain Inn Restaurant was constructed in the original sandstone lodge built in the mid-1930s by the CCC. Additions were made in the 1970s and a motel was built. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but be sure to check seasonal days they are open.

Lodging facilities include a motel, rustic cabins, chalets and improved campgrounds with 94 full-hookup tent and RV sites. Back country campsites are available for adventurous campers.

The 3,502-acre DeSoto State Park is located at 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE in Fort Payne. For additional information call 256845-5380 for general information, 256-845-5380 for lodging and 800-760-4089 for camping.

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Located ten miles south of DeSoto State Park in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, the Little River Falls cascades 45-feet. Little River flows most of its length atop Lookout Mountain. From the parking lot, a 100-foot boardwalk leads to an overlook.

Grace’s High Falls, Laurel Falls, Indian Falls, Loose Falls and Azalea Cascade waterfalls can also be viewed at the preserve. Lake Guntersville Resort State Park

With 6,000 acres of woodlands, Lake Guntersville Resort State Park provides water sports at the 69,000 acre lake and outdoor adventures. Free boat ramps are available along the lake. Fishing is popular, and Lake Guntersville has been named one of the top waters for fishing from a kayak.

Recreational attractions include an 18-hole golf course, a beach complex, fishing in Alabama’s largest lake, hiking and biking trails and the Screaming Eagle Zipline. Explore the outdoor nature center.

The Pinecrest Dining Room at the park serves breakfast, lunch

and dinner.

Accommodations include a resort inn with lake views, mountain top chalets, modern campground cabins on the banks of the lake and camping alongside the lake. The campground includes improved campsites as well as primitive campsites. For general information call 256-571-5440 and for lodging contact 256-571-5440.

Cheaha State Park

On the top of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama, gorgeous fall views and sunsets can be observed at 2,407 feet. Surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, Cheaha State Park features waterfalls and provides numerous recreational activities, including trails, a lake and cliffside pool.

At the seven-acre Cheaha Lake, families can enjoy the beach, paddle boats, paddle boards, fishing and the playground. Dining is available at the Vista Cliffside Restaurant. Lodging options include cabins, chalets, hotel and camping. The historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge is ideal for families and groups with 12 rooms and a full-service catering kitchen.

For general information at Cheaha call 256-488-5111, and for lodging contact 1-800-610-5801.

Joe Wheeler Resort State Park

In Rogersville, Joe Wheeler Resort Park features stunning lake views, boating and fishing at the 69,700-acre Wheeler Lake. The park hosts the Fall Rendezvous of boaters. The Nautical Wheeler provides tours, while fishing boats, pontoon and paddleboats are available for rent.

Along with a marina and campgrounds, visitors will enjoy the sandy beach or play a round of golf at the 18-hole golf course.

Lake views can be enjoyed at the Joe Wheeler Resort Lodge and restaurant. Daniella’s restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Along with the lodge, other accommodations includes cabins, lakeside cottages and camping. Campgrounds feature a total of 116 campsites, with 110 having full hookups with water, electricity and sewer.

Hiking and mountain biking trails are popular outdoor activities. For further information call 800-544-JOEW and for lodging call 256-247-5461.

Cullman Oktoberfest and Ave Maria Grotto

Plan a stop in Cullman to view Ave Maria Grotto, and if it is the first weekend in October, visit the annual Oktoberfest downtown where the town celebrates its German heritage. Bavarian cuisine,

music, activities and craft beers are featured.

Vendors, a variety of restaurants and some churches serve German food and other dishes during the celebration. Entertainment includes art and crafts show, children’s activities, a car show, music, a bratwurst eating contest and many others.

On a landscaped hillside, Ave Maria Grotto was constructed with 125 small stone and cement structures on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey, the only Benedictine monastery of men in the state.

Born in 1878, in Landshut, Bavaria, Brother Joseph Zoetl came to the newly formed Abbey in 1892. He was a monk at the Abbey for almost 70 years. After a back injury prevented him from becoming a priest, he served by shoveling coal in the furnaces. He created the miniature replicas using stone, concrete and unwanted materials such as sea shells, broken plates and marble.

Along the path, visitors view the scenes from Bethlehem,

Jerusalem, St. Peter’s Shrine, Statue of Christ and the Crucifixion, among many others.

Hours are daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Closed major holidays. Call 256-734-4110 for more information.

For a morning snack, Duchess Bakery has been open more than 70 years in downtown Cullman. Try its famous glazed donuts. Another long time restaurant downtown is All Steak that serves its popular orange rolls at the end of a meal.

Driving Routes of Fall Color Trail and Circle of Color Trail

The state tourism department, Sweet Home Alabama, offers information and maps online for the Alabama Fall Color Trail and Circle of Color Trail to drive for viewing brilliant autumn foliage. It starts at Oak Mountain State Park. Go to www.alabama.travel/ trail-details/fall-color-trail and www.alabama.travel/trail-details/acircle-of-colors.

Life in the fast lane

Story By Kendyl Hollingsworth

Photos Contributed By Barber Motorsports

Zoom!

The hum of the vehicles circling the track becomes much like the relentless hum of a bumblebee swarm, a flight that keeps going and going and going.

It’s a rush like no other — quite literally — to feel the energy of a motor race and the crowd waiting in anticipation to see who will finish first.

But you don’t have to travel all the way to the Indianapolis 500 to experience this kind of a rush. It’s available right here in Alabama at the Barber Motorsports Park.

Located in Leeds, about 25 minutes east of downtown Birmingham, the Barber Motorsports Park and Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum rest on nearly 900 sprawling acres of greenspace. According to its website, the multi-purpose space opened to the public in 2003 and features a compact, 2.38-mile road course with 17 turns and varying elevation.

It’s a 21st-century park, but its story begins decades prior.

HISTORY

If the Barber name sounds familiar, it might be because you’ve likely seen it plastered across milk jugs, sour cream containers and more at your local grocery stores. It isn’t a coincidence, though; Barber Motorsports Park founder George Barber Jr., a native of Birmingham, Alabama, also happens to be the son of Barber’s Dairy founder George Barber Sr.

The younger Barber succeeded his father as the leader of his dairy empire for a while before selling it to Dean Foods in the late 1990s. It was then that he shifted his focus to one of his true loves: motorsports.

“George Barber’s zeal for speed ignited his vision for today’s museum,” the website reads.

Barber himself was once a racecar driver, earning 63 first-place finishes racing Porsches in the 1960s. But he traded his racing suit for a business suit after that and wouldn’t reignite his passion for motorsports until the late 1980s.

Having been a Porsche driver, Barber was more of a car enthusiast

at the time. But since numerous impressive car collections already existed across the globe, Barber heeded some advice from a motorcycle-enthusiast friend of his and began leaning more into the motorcycle craze. The same friend gifted him a couple motorcycles of his own, one being a rare 1952 Victoria Bergmeister. From then on, Barber was hooked on motorcycles.

“That superb gift — the Bergmeister — inspired Barber,” the Barber Museum website reads. “Marveling at the Bergmeister’s beauty, he appreciated motorcycles for much more than just fast machines. They were also works of art.”

So, in 1994, Barber founded the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It opened to the public in 1995 at its original location on the south side of Birmingham, according to the website. The collection didn’t just honor the beauty of these machines, though; it also showcased “the engineering, balance and unique design” of each motorcycle.

Efforts to promote the museum with a racing program proved successful both on and off the track. The program’s mere existence, coupled with its success, turned the motorcycle museum into a “living museum,” which took Barber and his team to places they hadn’t dreamed. It was a lightbulb experience for Barber, who began to realize he could create something special, something one of a kind — right in his hometown.

“Consulting with world champion racers John Surtees and Dan Gurney, uncommon precision drove the design of the complex,” the website continues.

The Barber Motorsports Park officially opened in September 2003, and 11 years later, the Barber Proving Grounds were added next to the racetrack and soon became the grounds for Mercedes Benz’s “Brand Immersion Experience.” According to the website, the proving grounds are also used for various product debuts, kart racing, driving schools and safety instruction.

What was once just a vision is now what Barber intended it to be: a world-class facility to showcase what those beautiful machines can do.

THE PARK

“The track is unusual in having no general-access spectator seating at the start/finish line,” the website says. “The area outside of the front stretch, bounded by the track on three sides, is occupied by the multi-level Paddock building.”

This powerhouse of a building features a media center, race control area, track offices, garages, as well as some VIP viewing areas.

Camping for events is mostly available around the Paddock building, though occasionally there are spots in the upper hilltop, subject to availability and with limitations. More information about camping is available at www.barberracingevents.com/track-day-faq.

In contrast, the main spectator area is along the back stretch between the eighth and 11th turns. Most of the track is visible from this viewing area. Along other areas of the track, visitors can find a couple more spectator areas, as well as a food and souvenir vending area.

According to the website, some have referred to the track as “The Augusta National of Motorsports.” Since its inception, the Barber Motorsports Park has hosted various races including the Grand-Am, Pirelli World Challenge, AMA SuperBike, the IndyCar Series and Vintage Racing Series events. The North American Porsche Driving School also calls the track home, though those practices are closed to public viewing.

The website notes that there are about 60 to 70 open track days each year.

“Track days provide a great opportunity for anyone to experience first-hand the excitement and passion for motorsports,” it reads.

“Whether you prefer two wheels or four wheels, regardless of your experience level, there are plenty of opportunities available for you.”

THE MUSEUM

Of course, the racing track isn’t the only big draw to Barber Motorsports Park. The Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum is a destination in its own right, as it holds the Guinness World Record for the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Museum.” The website also notes that the nonprofit museum is considered to be the largest philanthropic project undertaken by a single person in the history of the state.

“Since 2003, Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum have been the premier travel destinations for motorcycle and car enthusiasts,” said Executive Director Brian Case. “We welcome you to visit and take your journey through motorsports history with us.”

According to the website, the museum sees about a quarter of a million visitors each year from near and far. Even for those who are not so enthusiastic about cars, motorcycles or racing in general, the museum takes care to tell the motorcycle’s story from a historical perspective. There is also something to behold in the designs, colors and craftmanship of each vehicle.

The 245,000-square-foot museum boasts more than 1,000 different motorcycles on display at a time — though the collection totals over 1,600 — as well as over 60 Lotus racecars. A few other cars are on display as well, including the 1964 Ferrari F-158. The website noes that the motorcycles have been acquired from as close as Birmingham to as far as New Zealand, and 220 different manufacturers are represented from a total of 22 countries.

“Efforts are made to restore each machine to its original specifications,” the website reads. “Some machines bear period modifications. With the diversity of the collection, some inconsistencies are inevitable, yet we continuously add to our research library and discover and correct inconsistencies.”

The museum includes the Barber Advanced Design Center, a new addition that serves as a space for industrial designers to collaborate and inspire others. The center has hosted various guest speakers who have shared their knowledge.

The museum also partners with various local and national charities to benefit the community, such as Birmingham-area Boy Scouts of America, Camp Smile-a-Mile’s Camp SAM Motorcycle Ride and the Honda manufacturing of Alabamahosted Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) Birmingham Ride for Kids.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

The Barber Motorsports Park and Museum hosts three big annual events. One of the most popular is the Barber Vintage Festival, a three-day event held each fall. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 6 through Oct. 8.

Attendees can expect racing, camping opportunities, parade laps, swap meets, a Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) gathering and much more. There is also a special “Motorcycles by Moonlight” dinner on the first night.

This year’s grand marshal for the event will be Fujio Yoshimura, son of famed motorcycle tuner Hideo “Pop” Yoshimura.

“At an early age, Fujio Yoshimura quickly learned about engines and racing from his father, Pop Yoshimura,” Barber Motorsports Park wrote on social media. “His career really blossomed when he took over and helped Yoshimura R&D of America become a leader in sport bike performance technology. He now oversees all Yoshimura divisions and we are excited to welcome him to @barbermuseum”.

Another annual event is the Barber Small Bore, which is dedicated to small street bikes and dirt bikes. Basically, if it’s bigger than 200cc, it’s too big for this event. The next one is set for May 31 through June 2, 2024.

“Everybody is super friendly and you just want to talk and hang out,” Johnny Cintron, an event regular from Athens, Georgia, told Bike Exif earlier this year. “In any state you’ll find clubs but Barber Small Bore is where everybody goes.”

The third annual event is the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, which has been going on more than 13 years. Another three-day event, this one held in April is a big draw for visitors from all 50 states and various countries around the world, according to indyalabama.com, as it features the same cars and drivers as the Indianapolis 500. So, for this event, the excitement of the Indy 500 really does come to you here in Alabama.

Despite all the buzz already in Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Park has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“In its commitment to preserving the history of motorsports, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is excited about the future,” its website reads. “Barber says he wants ‘to use the museum as a tool to

help bring more people to Birmingham.’ Being dedicated to interpreting and exhibiting motorcycles and vintage vehicles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a destination that is truly amazing.”

MORE EVENTS

This issue of LIVE Lee coincides with Barber Motorsports Park’s 20th anniversary this fall, but the fun will keep on going through the rest of the year. The park is gearing up for several more electrifying events this fall and winter. The rest of the 2023 schedule is as follows:

OCTOBER:

• Oct. 6 – 8 | Barber Vintage Festival

• Oct. 14 – 16 | Sportbike Track Time

• Oct. 28 – 29 | Chin Track Days

NOVEMBER:

• Nov. 4 – 5 | Sportbike Track Time

• Nov. 11 – 12 | Rezoom Motorsports

• Nov. 18 – 19 | Just Track It

• Nov. 20 | JZilla

• Nov. 25 – 26 | N2 Track Days

DECEMBER:

• Dec. 9 – 10 | Chin Track Days

• Dec. 16 | Ady’s Army

• Dec. 17 | JZilla

For more information on each event, visit barberracingevents.com/ upcoming-events.

Read more about Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum, or start planning your visit, at www. barberracingevents.com. You can also find them on Facebook as “Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum,” or on Instagram and Twitter/X @barbermuseum.

Small Town Treasures

Story By Kendyl Hollingsworth

Photos Contributed By The Comer Museum

There’s just something about beholding an artifact or admiring a masterpiece that can bring about a feeling like no other.

Art and history have a way of touching hearts, inspiring minds and connecting generations. The Comer Museum & Arts Center in Sylacauga, Alabama, combines the two in a continuous celebration of the town’s treasures — both past and present.

For Judy Green, executive director and curator of the museum, walking through the doors each day is a chance to learn something new and to share that knowledge with others.

“Even though I’ve learned so much since I’ve been here, I’ve learned just about something every day,” Green said. “But … I just feel when I walk in in the morning that it’s going to be a day of interest. … I absolutely love it.”

Green, a Nebraska native, said her military husband was born and raised in Sylacauga. Green said she had always enjoyed hearing stories about the town from her father-in-law, so after she and her husband decided to move back to his hometown about 25 years ago, they were able to experience more of the magic Sylacauga offers even today.

The Comer Museum & Arts Center was named for Isabel Anderson Comer, who spearheaded efforts to convert the old B.B. Comer Library into an art museum in the early 1980s. It was dedicated in 1982 and named for Isabel shortly after her death in 1985. Today, Green describes the museum as a “treasure box,” boasting a wide variety of exhibits and a permanent art collection, as well as a gallery that changes monthly.

The opportunity to serve in the museum was one that kind of “fell into my lap” in early 2022, Green said. She took the helm at the

beginning of February, just about three weeks before her father-inlaw passed away.

“I listened to all the stories of my father-in-law about growing up here when he was little and all the experiences he had, and everything Sylacauga has to offer,” she recalled. “… I say I kind of walk in his steps because if he was here, he’d be right here beside me.”

The museum has three floors chock-full of artifacts and artwork from the area, celebrating the people, places and things of yesteryear while also showcasing the artistic talents of locals today.

The museum’s lower level contains memorabilia from Avondale Mills, which used to be one of Sylacauga’s biggest employers.

“Avondale Mills’ home office was here and basically kind of grew the town between marble and Avondale Mills,” Green explained. “B.B. Comer in 1897 opened Avondale Mills up, and it just kind of grew from there and became the mill that it was back in the heyday. Of course, they’ve been closed since 2007, but it still was a big movement in Sylacauga.”

Also on the lower level, visitors can enjoy a “fashion parlor” with clothes dating back to the 1920s, as well as different rooms dedicated to the city’s schools.

According to Green, the main level’s exhibits focus on archaeology, marble and Sylacauga in general.

“We’re famous for marble because it’s the whitest marble in the world,” she said.

The museum’s third level has a room dedicated to Jim Nabors, the late American actor widely known for playing Gomer Pyle on “The Andy Griffith Show.” The Sylacauga native was also an accomplished singer and comedian.

The Comer Museum hosted a birthday celebration in honor of Nabors’ 93rd birthday this past June. Fans near and far sent in cards,

The Comer Museum

In August, The Comer Musuem and Arts Center hosted the work of Doug Shoemaker.

visited the museum, ate cake and ice cream, played trivia games and enjoyed screenings of his work. Nabors’ cousin even blew out the candles on the cake that day, Green added.It’s an event the Comer Museum hopes to host year after year.

The museum’s Facebook page also received plenty of comments voicing their appreciation of Nabors and excitement for his birthday celebration.

“You are certainly the keeper of Jim Nabors history and preserving the local culture of Sylacauga,” wrote Sarah Rose Gulino-Waller. “I believe your wonderful museum will continue to teach us about the past and provide educational opportunities for the general public.”

The third level also houses plenty of military memorabilia, with ties to the area, from as far back as the Civil War.

Another event the Comer Museum & Arts Center hosts is an annual car and bike show held each March. It’s a staple of a community fundraiser that also features vendors, food and music. While the museum is mostly funded by the city, Green said, proceeds from this event support the cost of running the museum and keeping the facilities in good shape.

Another favorite component of the museum is its rotating gallery that showcases the work of a different local artist each month. In August, the museum hosted its first pop art exhibit, featuring the work of local family man Doug Shoemaker. His art often features characters and scenes from popular children’s media, such as classic comic books and Disney movies.

Each time there’s a new artist showcase, the museum hosts a

free reception for visitors to come and meet the artist. It may even be someone visitors already know, as the gallery tends to keep its spotlight on local talent.

“What a great museum! So involved with the community!” wrote Brenda Parker on Facebook. “Sylacauga is blessed for sure.”

Green said there’s something for everyone at the museum — regardless of age or interest.

“You can get a young child in here, and they’re just so fascinated with arrowheads, and so many different things,” she said. “… We also have the replica from … the Hodges meteorite. … It’s really funny when the kids come in … and then I’ll take them into the archaeology room with the meteorite, and I’ll say, ‘Have you ever seen a real meteorite?’ And they’ll go, ‘No!’ and they’ll get really excited. ‘Well, you’re not going to see one today either.’ So they just kind of laugh it off, but they’re really intrigued with the pictures and looking at it and reading about it.

“It’s fun to see their faces light up, and you know, [I] say, ‘Hey, yeah, I’ve made an impact on this child,’ you know? So, it’s really interesting.”

The Comer Museum & Arts Center is located at 711 N. Broadway Ave., next to Sylacauga High School. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free for all.

For more information on the Comer Museum & Arts Center, as well as upcoming events and exhibits, call 256-245-4016 or go to www.iacmuseum.com or www.facebook.com/comermuseum.

The Comer Museum and Arts Center celebrated Jim Nabor’s birthday.

In August, The Comer Musuem and Arts Center hosted the work of Doug Shoemaker.

AuburnBank, 60

Ballard Pest Management, 33

Beauregard Drugs, 55

Budget Blinds, 61

Butcher Paper BBQ, 55

Closet’s By Design, 3

Edward Jones, 33

Frederick Dean Funeral Home, 98

Glynn Smith Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, 100

Goree’s Furniture Express, 7

Harvest Thrift, 73

Hilyer & Associates, CPAs, 25

Huddle House, 98

Jay & Susie Gouge Performing Arts, 40, 41

Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home, 55

Key Media LLC, 99

Market St. Paint Shop, 33

Meals Chiropractic, 98

Oline Price, Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner, 47

Opelika Main Street, 86

Orthopedic Clinic, 2

Perception Therapy, 6

Price Small Engine, 87

Summer Village, 6

Tripp Walton Law, 25

Ursula’s Catering, 61

Whitt’s Auto, 25

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