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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier Wetumpka’s First Friday Art Walk: Art, Food, Books & Beer

ArtWalk Founder & Artist Don Sawyer Artist Alisa Koch

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. 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.

Cindy and dozens of other ladies shopped boutiques like “tapp18.” Then we walked over to the recently opened Sweet Home Books and chatted with owner Diane Castro about the possibility of conducting a book signing in October. She was delighted to oblige, and hopes to sponsor author book signings every opportunity. When attending First Friday, be sure and drop by this adorable little bookstore. They’re directly across from Copper House Deli.

The Deli was slammed, so we decided to see what was on tap at Coosa River Craft House where I discovered the Belgium Red Ale is quite delicious. While there, I made a new friend. Tables were scarce, so retired mechanical engineer Jim Holley allowed us to join him. While Jim’s parents and wife were both Wetumpka natives, he spent most of his life elsewhere—places like Green River, Wyoming where he worked 24 years for the largest soda ash mining company in the world. Jim is a frequent patron of Coosa River Craft House and says it’s a wonderful place for locals to gather and enjoy community. “Wetumpka,” he said, “is a special place.” That’s a significant endorsement by this Auburn grad who has worked and lived all over the country. He chose Wetumpka for retirement. When I asked him what his favorite Craft House beer was, he replied, “I don’t have a favorite. It’s different every time.” And I suspect “different every time” may generally be true of the Art Walk, as well. That’s why this won’t be our last visit— because it is fun seeing what’s happening and making new friends. When you go to First Friday Art Walk, pop in the Craft House and try the brew of the week. If you see Jim, give him my kindest regards. Or, perhaps, I’ll see you there.

For more information, photos and videos, do a computer search for Wetumpka First Friday Art Walk.

Wetumpka's Art Walk. L-R: Frios Gourmet Pops, The Grumpy Dog, tapp18, Catfish Scupture, Sweet Home Books, Art on Building

Jeff S. Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and manager of Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC in Pike Road, Alabama. (www.cindybarganier.com) He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact him at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Follow him on Instagram @jeffbarganier. Visit www.jeffbarganier.com