Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier
Wetumpka’s First Friday Art Walk: Art, Food, Books & Beer
ArtWalk Founder & Artist Don Sawyer
The HGTV show “Home Town Takeover” hosted by Ben and Erin Napier has not only added fresh paint but fresh life to the City of Wetumpka. Many moons ago, we had a Wetumpka address—a cabin in the woods. But we rarely left the sticks to visit the historic district. The drab town facades were uninspiring and the structures needed renovation. Except for the venerable “Little Sam’s” that served the best fried snapper in the world, there was little reason to go downtown. But all that has changed. Sam’s is gone, but other exciting restaurants have taken its place. Wetumpka is well on its way to becoming an attractive regional go-to destination; and it’s worth your time to pay this charming town on the banks of the scenic Coosa River a visit and see the transformation still in progress. Because it’s just only going to get prettier.
36 BOOM!
July 2021
RiverRegionBoom.com
Artist Alisa Koch
I frequently pass through picturesque small towns in Georgia and other states during my travels. Many of those communities have long since figured out the “makeover game.” It’s nice to see Alabama towns beginning to tap their hidden potential, too. Cindy and I decided to check out Wetumpka’s First Friday Art Walk and see for ourselves. The streets were humming with cars when we arrived. And not just curiosity seekers. Restaurants and shops were busy. Wetumpka resident and renowned artist Don Sawyer originated the Art Walk idea. “We’re just glad to have the opportunity to be here and showcase our work with the people of Wetumpka, and we hope MiddleAlabama will show up. I started it two years ago. I did the same thing in Destin, Florida in Baytowne Walk and
Harbor Walk Village. I knew it’d work here. We started with five artists last year. We have twenty-six this year. Six musicians. And it’s a very good show. Very good artists. Very good art. And well-priced,” he said. We found the 4:00 till 8:00 event a pleasant experience, encountering old friends for the first time in years, enjoying live music from Jazz to Country, viewing art, shopping quaint boutiques, visiting Sweet Home Books and sampling craft beer. We plan to go back with friends after hearing good reports about eateries like Coaches Corner, The Coosa Cleaver, Copper House Deli and The Grumpy Dog. Some folks like to get a hotdog and stroll over to Coosa River Craft House for a brew. Craft House changes their offering every week. If you eat before you go, plan to have The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
