PLAN YOUR SUMMER
The perfect day on Lake Martin
By SHAYLEE BECK MOORE
Nothing beats a day on beautiful Lake Martin. Spanning across 880 miles of pristine shoreline, this enchanting destination beckons adventure with unlimited opportunities for fun, recreation, and relaxation.
On the Water
Discover all Lake Martin has to offer through a guided boat tour, with options to personalize your excursion and include must-see landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring you get the full Lake Martin experience.
Or, embark on your own adventure by dropping in your personal watercraft at any one of our public boat ramps, conveniently located around the lake. With multiple unique marinas to choose from, such as Harbor Pointe Marina and its floating daiquiri bar or Anchor Bay Marina, home of The Social, you will have plenty of options to refuel on snacks, gas and souvenirs during your day on the lake.
Chimney Rock is easily one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks at Lake Martin, Alabama. Located near the Ridge Marina, it can be spotted by the colorful graffiti artwork and large gatherings of boats around its cliffs, making it a popular local hangout spot on the water.
Wind Creek State Park stretches across more than 1,440 acres of Lake Martin’s shoreline, greeting visitors with sweeping waterfront views and endless activities, such as camping, hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and more. If you are looking for a unique adventure, park guests can also climb to the top of the historical silo and catch sweeping views of the water.
Take in breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Martin from atop the Smith Mountain Fire Tower. As the highest point in the area, the cabin of the fire tower offers unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Hikers will also find delight in the various trails of all skill levels throughout the area. Notably, the “Island Hop Trail” is unique in that it is only accessible during winter months when the lake water recedes.
A popular, yet secluded, lake day area for families is DARE Park, a small sandy and wooded cove with numerous amenities including a beach, grills, picnic tables, pavilions, public restrooms, and even a boat launch.
For sailing enthusiasts, The Dixie Sailing Club is an exclusive community that provides an opportunity for sailors to sharpen their skills while building a camaraderie amongst fellow members. From introductory courses to competitive club races, it’s a hub for both seasoned sailors and newcomers looking to
enjoy the beauty of Lake Martin from the serene and thrilling perspective of a sailboat.
Island Hopping
Ahoy, matey!
Set sail and discover the many themed islands around Lake Martin, such as Pirate Island. Here, visitors are greeted by “Jolly Rogers” and his skeleton crew who stand guard over their coveted chests of treasure, making this a fun photo stop for kids and adults alike.
Other popular island stops include Big Beach, Cheeseburger Island and Sand Island. Sand Island, in particular, offers a unique adventure with a geocache waiting to be found.
Geocaching, a delightful family activity, involves deciphering clues to uncover secret containers and hidden “treasures” around you.
Waterfront Dining
Nestled on the picturesque shoreline of Lake Martin, Kowaliga Restaurant pays homage to the great country music legend, Hank Williams, and his Billboard hit song “Kow-aliga”, said to be written right here at a cabin on Lake Martin. Kowaliga offers diners sweeping views of the lake and perhaps one of the most enchanting spots to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Chuckwalla’s Pizza is your go-to spot for gourmet pizza on the lake. Its creative menu options and vibrant, colorful atmosphere makes this a top dining destination on the water.
Or make a stop at the wildly popular hang-out spot, The Landing at Parker Creek — an open air dining experience made completely out of shipping containers. Best known for the Bushwackers, guests also rave about their mouthwatering food menu and
panoramic waterfront views.
The Social is an outdoor dining venue on the lake, known for their live music, extensive food menu, and brightly colored cocktails. It is also a great “brunch by boat” spot.
If you are looking for a mid-day boating snack, every local knows to head to Peanut Point. Their claim to fame is having the best boiled peanuts on Lake Martin since 1988. Have your choice of classic freshly boiled peanuts or spice things up with a bag of their Cajan-style snack. For a sweet treat, there’s no need to dock your boat. Simply keep an eye out for the floating dessert boat, Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop, as it makes its rounds on the water during summer weekends. As your day is coming to an end and the sun begins to sink behind the horizon, take a moment to reminisce of your time at the lake with one last experience — a famous Lake Martin sunset.
Special to TPI
Chimney Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks on Lake Martin.
Plenty of art galleries to visit locally
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Art activities are prevalent around the area, and not just looking at art hung on a wall.
Many local arts centers, galleries and studios have works from Kelly Fitzpatrick, Moses T, Don Sawyer. Catie Radney and more. There are also many opportunities for those who want to be hands on.
At the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for The Arts in downtown Wetumpka opportunities abound in and around the center on the banks of the Coosa River.
“There is always something for the kids, especially with children’s programs,” executive director Jennifer Eifert said. “Every Friday we have open sketch where people can come draw and paint, especially the view from the porch. It is open to the public. We have some who come and write.”
The children’s area recently added iPads allowing children to create digital artwork and print it out. There are also plenty of selections for children to color.
Official children’s programs present guided lessons. The preschool program is at 10 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month. Programs for school age children occur at 4 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month.
The center also held a program for Elmore County fourth graders during the school year as they rotated between the Elmore County Black History Museum and The Kelly. The program resulted in some of the children coming back.
“One of the students recently brought their parents and grandparents in,” Eifert said. “It’s awesome to see them introduce their family to art.”
The artwork currently hanging in the center is the Alabama Watercolor Society National Show. It features artwork from artists across the country and includes pieces from Wetumpka’s Steve and Deb Garst.
“We are getting a lot of guests that are coming by that have a friend in the exhibit,” Eifert said. “They are coming from all over, north Alabama, Florida and more.”
The visits give The Kelly’s staff a chance to share about upcoming exhibits and events like the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival in the fall.
After the watercolor show, the walls of The Kelly will be transformed into fantasyland.
“It will have dragons, mermaids and more,” Eifert said. “It is going to be a lot of fun.”
The show will include paintings and sculptures including 3D printing. The show opens July 13 and an opening costume reception is July 18. The Kelly’s location makes it easy to create a day of walking, shopping, eating and viewing art in downtown Wetumpka.
The City of Millbrook has The Art Mill on Grandview Road. It too hosts frequent exhibitions of art with local connections.
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for children and adults.
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Since The Art Mill opened, it has offered classes in a variety of things. There are lessons from acrylic painting to photography.
“Anything and everything is taught in the building,” Millbrook Cultural Arts and Special Events coordinator Danae Morgan said.
Morgan said she has artists coming in all the time offering to teach or to have gallery showings. Some are from Millbrook, but some Morgan had no clue who they were until they walked in.
“Some live literally across the street,” Morgan said.
At the Red Hill Gallery at Lake Martin, local art has been featured on the walls for more than 30 years. The gallery hosts monthly receptions and classes for everyone. The Red Hill Gallery is located on Highway 229 near Highway 50 and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
On the Square in Dadeville Raining Dogs Studio and Gallery features paintings, jewelry, pottery and scupltures. The Square location makes it easy to stop by restaurants within walking distance.
Raining Dogs is open noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
or
ABOVE:
view
porch of
Kelly features a view of the Coosa River unlike any other. It is often the subject of Friday morning
chance
sketch
paint. BELOW: The Kelly is more than just art on a wall. It hosts frequent events and lessons
Tri-county area gets patriotic
June 29
• Main Street Wetumpka and the City of Wetumpka are teaming up to host the Wetumpka Independence Day Celebration Saturday, June 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Mother MoonPie will be in concert on Court Street from 6 to 8 p.m. on Court Street.
A pie eating contest will start at 7 p.m.
Along with vendors, there will be bounce houses, coloring activities, face painting and yard games.
“We are asking downtown businesses to stay open late for this,” Main Street Wetumpka executive director Haley Greene said.
Fireworks will be shot into the air about 9 p.m. and are provided thanks to a partnership of the city and Wind Creek Casino. They are best viewed from Gold Star Park.
“It should be fun,” Greene said. “Hopefully the weather will cooperate.”
June 30
• The City of Prattville is
hosting a Patriotic Concert at 3 p.m. at the Doster Community Center at 424 S. Northington Street.
July 4
• Gather your tribe and dress up your boat for the annual Russell Marine Fourth of July boat parade on Lake Martin from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Prizes are given for biggest plag, most patriotic boat and crew and more. Registration is free but all boats must be registered at Kowaliga Marina prior to the start of the parade.
• Stillwaters will host its annual golf cart parade at 11 a.m.
• Russell Lands July Fourth Concert and Fireworks will feature The Bank Walkers at 6:30 p.m. followed by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks from 8 to 9 p.m. Then, the Southeast’s largest fireworks display will astound the audience at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. Tickets are $10.
• Town of Coosada is hosting a Fourth of July Independence Day Fireworks
Show July 4 at the Coosada Community Center on Pecan Grove Road. Festivities start at 2 p.m. There will be music, vendors and more.
• The Lake Jordan HOBOs are organizing Fourth of July activities on Lake Jordan. First off is the boat parade at 10 a.m. at the state ramp. Text 334-580-0308 to get a number for judging of a decorated boat.
The pier contest is open to anyone who decorates with red, white and blue. Text name, address and location on Lake Jordan to 334-318-9471 to enter.
Fireworks will start about 8:30 p.m. but weather could impact the time.
• The City of Prattville is hosting a Fourth of July Parade in downtown at 9 a.m.
• The City of Prattville is hosting a Cardboard Boat Race at 10:30 a.m. at Pratt Pool.
• The City of Prattville is hosting a fireworks show at 8 p.m. centered on the Clock Tower.
File / TPI
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July throughout Elmore, Tallapoosa and Coosa counties.
Explore the area on the ground, in the air
Get on the Lake Martin
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Lake Martin is well known for its breathtaking scenery and not all of its views are only found on the water.
The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to maintaining and creating some of the trails around the lake. The trails include the John B. Scott trail, the James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail, the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail and Smith Mountain.
John B. Scott trail
This trail is 4 .7 miles along the Tallapoosa County River and the shoreline of Yates Lake while showcasing the old growth forest. The overall terrain is easy to moderate hiking.
Nearby is also the Cherokee Bluffs Dam Railroad trail, which follows the old 1920s railroad bed. With the railroad trail, there’s the highline and lowline trail with the highline being the shortest of the hikes.
James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail
The James Scott trail has reopened as of last year with improvements made to the
trails
stairs. Although the trail is still more rigorous than some of the other CRATA trails. As such, the association doesn’t recommend the trail for 12 and under and for those ages 12-14 strict adult supervision is still needed. However, the trail offers views of the Tallapoosa River, the Needles Eye and Jasmine Bluff. The trail also goes along the shoreline near Chimney Rock and Acapulco Rock.
Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail
This trail offers hikes from 1 mile long to roughly 7 miles long. There are three trails that link together and by combining the trails in a variety of ways, the hiker can choose their own adventure. Before the trailhead is Overlook Park, which was provided by Alabama Power Company. The park gives viewers a stunning view of Lake Martin along with benches and picnic tables to take it all in.
At this site, CRATA is also working on a new fire tower on Overlook Drive.
“This (will be) a 110-foot tower to the top but where you’ll be standing is 100 feet and you won’t be able to see the dam because of a jet out
See CRATA • Page 11
Creek State Park offers zipline tours through the forest
of the park on a reservation basis. Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures offers a multitude of tours and packages for the thrill seeker.
Zip through trees at Wind Creek
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor, Tallapoosa County
For those looking for an afternoon of soaring through the trees and walking on air, Alabama Aerial Adventures has the activity for you.
At Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City, Screaming Eagle by Alabama Aerial offers zipline canopy tours through the park. Alongside the waters of Lake Martin, patrons can sail through the air on a 1-2 hour tour through the trees.
There are two levels of ziplining at Wind Creek. The first level will take you through six zip line cruises and along five aerial walks. This course is better suited for beginners or as an introductory into the realm of zip lining.
The second level is for more high octane fun and features a cruise around the full course of 11 zip lines and six skywalks.
This course will have guests over 70 feet in the air and flying down zip lines longer than 600 feet.
Alabama Aerial has guest safety in mind and uses a continuous belay system for their zipline harnesses called Vertical Trek. The overall system eliminates the need for transfers in and out of harnesses which in turn makes life easier for both the guests and workers and allows for an overall safer experience.
Tours range from $49-$69 per person for ages seven and up. To allow for the furthest amount of safety, guests must be within 60 to 285 pounds and wear proper clothing like closed toe shoes and secured longer hair.
Reservations are not required but recommended.
Alabama Aerial has three locations across the state, including at DeSoto Falls and Lake Guntersville.
Abigail Murphy / TPI
CRATA offers multiple trails along the Lake Martin area. This organization works to design and maintain each of these trails.
Wind
canopy
Wellborn Museum welcomes car lovers
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor, Elmore County
Vintage car lovers in the Lake Martin area have the perfect place to visit.
Located in the heart of Alexander City at 124 Broad St. is the Wellborn Musclecar Museum. The museum is devoted to the great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s, showcasing classics such as the Charger, the Road Runner and the SuperBee as well as the nation’s largest highperformance Dodge collection.
“Come out to the museum,” museum curator Alton Freeman said. “A lot of people ride by our building and think it’s abandoned. When they see the inside, they’re shocked. I invite everyone to come by and give it a shot and learn the history of the cars we have.”
The museum is open to
the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays only, but parties can reserve private tours Thursday and Friday by appointment.
The price of admission is $11 for adults, $7 for children and free for those 6 and under. For private tours, the price is $50 for groups
of 1-5 people. Regular rates apply for any additional person.
Large groups of 10 or more can contact the muse-
um for discounted rates. People interested in private tours can call Freeman at 256-496-2155.
“The private tours are really special because we get to tell people the history and the story behind the museum,” Freeman said. “They get to learn the history and the story of every car in the building. Every car has its own story, and I tell them how the car got here and who bought it. There is loads of information about each car.”
Inside the museum is the nation’s largest high-performance Dodge collection. Included in that is cars such as the 1971 Dodge Charger with a 426 hemi, which is worth upwards of $200,000 now. Also included is the 1969 Bewinged Dodge Daytona Charger K&K Racecar,
Submitted / TPI
ABOVE: Customers check out Wellborn Musclecar Museum’s selection of muscle cars in 2022. BELOW: The Wellborn Musclecar Museum offers the nation’s largest high-performance Dodge collection.
CRATA
continued from Page 8
of the land, but you will be able to see Kowaliga, Chimney Rock and Wind Creek Valley,” CRATA president Steve Thomas said in a previous article.
Smith Mountain Lastly is Smith Mountain, which has its own fire tower and four trails. The Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail is a 1-mile hike leading guests to the fire tower. Although CRATA cautions it could seem longer due to its rugged terrain. Smith Mountain is also home to Lakeshore trail for a 2.4-mile hike, David M. Forker Island Hop and Boat Dock Trail for a 1.4-mile hike and Little Smith Mountain Loop Trail for a 2.6-mile hike. More information about each of the trails and CRATA as an organization can be found at crata.org.
Abigail Murphy / TPI
Smith Mountain has three different trails on site all with various milage. One of the trails leads to the fire tower as well.
More to do at Jackson Island Lake than just Big Fish movie set
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Spectre and Jackson Lake Island are synonymous since Tim Burton made it famous in the movie Big Fish.
But there is more to the island than the movie props.
“We have all sorts of outdoor activities — picnicking, camping, fishing,” Lynn Bright said. “We have almost anything you would think of as outdoor or water activities.”
The island was previously owned by Bright’s parents and hosted concerts by Randy Travis and Hank Williams Jr. in the 1980s. Concerts went away and a more than decade later Tim Burton visited looking for a place to film Big Fish.
“Back then we hadn’t cleared it and it wasn’t like the park it is today,” Bright said. “What he wanted was privacy, water and sort of a creepy looking place. It was pretty much a done deal in his mind when he left.”
Burton quickly decided on Jackson Lake Island, and crews spent about nine months transforming the island in the Alabama River to a movie set. Crews built Spectre, a forest and Jenny’s House over the water.
“We closed down for a year,” Bright said. “We expected them to come in with a few cameras and filming crew but wow, it was so much more.”
The construction of the set was meant to be temporary and easily be alterable to appear in different decades.
“They left it in pretty rough condition because the last scene filmed was where every bloom returns back to Spectre,” Bright said. “The town was bought at auction. They filmed it last. They sandblasted the paint off the buildings, tore the picket fences up.”
Bright said the original set was picturesque. It included an almost complete retail district but the buildings didn’t last long because they were only three sides and had a fake roof. Styrofoam trees covered nearly an acre to fill in the trees already there.
Jenny’s House survived a few years but flooding of the river caused a lot of damage and it was taken
down.
Still guests continue to come because of Big Fish.
“There are people who are big Tim Burton and Big Fish fans who travel from far away to come and visit,” Bright said. “They come from other countries. They will add it to their itineraries.”
Bright isn’t sure how long the movie set will be there as renovations to it are almost impossible.
“The Town of Spectre is going down,” Bright said. “Time has not been kind to it. Vandalism hasn’t been kind to it. It was built with fake materials. There is no way to repair it. You have to start over.”
Lightning struck one of the buildings and it caught fire.
“It was old and dry,” Bright said. “In pouring down rain, that house burned like it wasn’t even raining.”
Even without Spectre there are still the outdoor activities to take part in including petting the goats.
“There are people who come to visit them, especially when it’s baby season,” Bright said.
Jackson Lake Island is located at Cypress Lane in Millbrook.
Cliff Williams / TPI
Goats now roam Spectre on Jackson Lake Island. The island in the Alabama River is accesible from Millbrook and attracts movie enthuaists, campers and fishermen.
Enjoy some colorful fun at Paintball on 111
By ERIN CHESNUTT For Tallapoosa Publishers
Paintball on 111 offers a fun day to people of any and all ages.
The venue, located at 8449 Holtville Rd. in Wetumpka, offers a handful of activities for just about anyone that is interested.
It is mainly used as a paintball facility, which can be reserved and played with up to 30 players. But as the business has grown over the years, so have the ideas.
To complement the paintball crowd, owners Zack and Amanda Salter decided to offer some activities for younger kids.
Paintball on 111 now has nerf gun and gelly ball battles.
Gel blasters are safe for kids 4 and older and are mess-free and eco-friendly as well as lightweight and easy to use.
“We started to do the gelly balls and nerf parties to offer something for younger kids to do who maybe find paintball too intense,” Amanda Salter said. “We have a barn with tables and chairs so it’s more of an inviting atmosphere for the kids to be able to play. We want to make it easy for the parents.
The space can also be used as a venue rental, and it has on-site inflatables that can be used for parties and get-togethers.
The Salters also do fundraising events with the community and even host monthly “Ladies only Bingo nights” for women 21 and older.
“It’s really just something for girls who are older than 21 to come relax and hang out and play bingo with other women,” Amanda said. The venue is open any day
ABOVE: Paintball on 111 offers a variety of options, including
and can inflation rentals. BELOW: Paintball on 111 hosts monthly Women’s Only Bingo nights.
of the week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is reservation only.
Interested parties can book their slots at www. paintballon111.com/s/ appointments.
Pricing is listed on the website when an interested person goes to book and looks at the options. The Salters have made it their mission to have the cheapest prices around and hope to stay that way.
“We haven’t changed our pricing since the day we opened,” Amanda said. “We’re trying really hard to hold on to our prices so everyone can come and enjoy our venue.”
famously driven by Richard Petty in NASCAR races.
“NASCAR came into the picture and to put any car on a track, they had to make it open to the public,” Freeman said. “They’d race them on Sunday and sell them on Monday. Nobody really wanted the car back in the day but as time went
on, it started growing on people. We have a lot of them here with us.”
Later this year, the museum will open its doors again to the 2024 Aero Warrior Reunion Georgia/ Alabama. The 55th anniversary will be held from Wednesday, Oct. 23 to Saturday, Oct. 26.
The event will begin Wednesday
at the Atlanta Motor Speedway at 7 a.m. for the Speedway Cruise. OThursday, the Wellborn Museum will host any and everyone for a meet and greet as attendees check out the vehicles.
Friday and Saturday, the attendees will head to Talladega and line the track.
continued from Page 10
“Every five years or so, we have this reunion to see how many of the cars have survived and how they’re doing,” Freeman said. “In 2019, we had about 220 cars. We have a good time and start in Atlanta and make our rounds all the way to Talladega and go around the track just like they did in 1969.
paintball for up to 30 players. It also offers nerf gun and gelly ball battles, ladies only bingo
Day on the Dadeville Square
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Lake Martin is home to many charming towns and one that’s a few minutes from the lake is Dadeville. In the heart of Dadeville is its downtown square with shops, restaurants, a museum and more.
Folks could even make a day of it. Here’s one possible guide to a day in downtown Dadeville.
To kick things off, The Grand Bakery offers all kinds of muffins, cinnamon rolls, breads, cookies, cupcakes and scones that can make for a good breakfast or snack.
The bakery is part of The Miller Hotel along Broadnax Street.
On the backside of the building, facing Columbus Street, you might book an appointment with Self Care at the Square for a manicure, facial or massage.
Once all relaxed, head over to the Miller’s on Broadnax for a tasty lunch.
Miller’s offers southern food with a twist including staples like wings, burgers, fried catfish, buffalo fries, cran-peach salad and daily specials.
This restaurant is also right next door to The Grand Bakery as part of The Miller Hotel.
After lunch, there’s also a couple of boutiques in the area for shopping including Ellaby Boutique and Lake Martin Boutique to name a few. Or perhaps head over to the Tallapoosee Historical Museum to learn more about the area.
Raining Dogs Studio and Gallery along Tallassee Street is also a good afternoon option, especially on a hot summer day. And if the heat is getting to you, don’t forget to grab a refreshing drink at Tallapoosa Nutrition.
For dinner, there’s The Funky Goat, which offers
southern pub food such as wings and burgers as well as specialty cocktails. Depending on the night, you might be able to catch some live music there as well.
But if not there, Zazu’s Verandah has free live music every Thursday during the summer. Also, the Dadeville Performing Arts Center is along the square with all kinds of performances.
DPAC has author talks through partnering with the Dadeville library, chorus concerts, kid’s musicals, concert lectures and other theatrical performances.
The Dadeville square is home to a variety of exciting adventures — just come and stop by.
File / TPI
Downtown Dadeville has much to offer including The Grand Bakery, Miller’s on Broadnax and the Dadeville Performing Arts Center to name a few.
Southern cookin’ just a short drive away
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor, Tallapoosa County
The town of Waverly, Alabama might pass you by if you were not looking for it.
Waverly is by no means a destination, and a place many drive right on by en route to Auburn or Montgomery. But inside the town sits an old brick building that houses one of the state’s best-kept secrets.
The Waverly Local is southern dining done the right way. From crab cakes and crispy pig skins to collard greens and a country breakfast, there is a bite for every palate on Patrick Street.
Friends Christian Watson and Andy Anderson started the restaurant in the brick building that used to house old Waverly food staples. Now, the Local utilizes produce and local farmers to provide fresh farm-to-table offerings. The two are also the proprietors of Plaza Bar and Lounge in Auburn across the street from Niffers and Watson was the executive chef at The Hound. Anderson also worked with the Sims family, the family who started Wickles Pickles in Dadeville before starting the Local. Watson also won the 2024 Irritable Bao tournament in Auburn in April, adding to the pair’s ever expanding list of accolades.
Once inside the Local, everything has a special meaning or place.
The bar itself was built by an Alexander City resident and the tables were built by Auburn grads.
Outside is a courtyard which helps the restaurant seat more people than were on the town’s 2022 Census.
The food offerings also have a special touch, like the bacon wrapped pickled okra which uses okra from Wickles. Unsurprisingly, this dish happens to be one the favorites on the Local’s menu. The Local is not a gluten-free restaurant but does offer a variety of glutenfree options for those who need it.
In need of a cold drink? The Local has it all. From on-tap
Downtown Dreaming offers luxury lodging experience
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
For those looking for a not-so-far getaway with a group of friends, Alexander City’s newest lodging facility has the perfect space.
Downtown Dreaming is a multipurpose lodging and event space located in the heart of downtown Alex City. The luxurious nature of the facility is evident upon entering. A marble dining table lined with 12 chairs, a kitchen island complete with pop-up charging outlets, a full-service kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and motion detecting lights are only a few of Downtown Dreaming’s unique features.
The building was created as an establishment for special events paired with the option of lavish overnight stay. Inside, are four bedrooms, five beds and 4.5 bathrooms that sleep up to 10 people comfortably. The main event space has a complete kitchen with full usage of all appliances, including a washer and dryer. For events, up to 40 people can fit comfortably in the room.
Downtown Dreaming was introduced to the community in May. Owner Alex Babayev conceptualized the establishment
while in the development process of an event space for the community. Babayev is based in Atlanta, and would regularly visit the area to explore options for an event space.
“The couple times I went there, there wasn’t any sort of high-end accommodation within the downtown area,” Babayev said. “That’s when I decided to build one out — something I would be comfortable visiting with and staying with the family myself.”
With its location facing Bibb Street, its proximity to some of the community’s pillar establishments makes Downtown Dreaming the perfect place for a group staycation. J.R. ‘s and Fermenter’s are just some of a few places that are just walking distance from Downtown Dreaming.
“Since it sleeps 10 people and can host up to 40 people, it’s a good option for everyone,” Babayev said. “So family events, gatherings, birthday parties, bridal showers or anything like that. It’s local and next to some restaurants and bars.”
The next time you and a group of friends want a change of scenery but want to stay close to home, give Downtown Dreaming a try for a new and unique experience.
Submitted / Tallapoosa Publishers
Downtown Dreaming owner Alex Babayev saw a need for a luxury lodging option in the Alexander City area. There are four bedrooms, five beds and 4.5 bathrooms.
Submitted / Tallapoosa Publishers
The Waverly Local in Waverly is one of the state’s best southern kitchens, and has been pleasing customers in the small town of Waverly since 2018.
The Destination named top 10 in the nation
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
The Destination has been named one of the Top 10 glamping spots in the nation for the third year in a row. This year, the local glamping facility fell in the number 8 spot for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Although it has been deemed a coveted vacation spot for glampers across the country, Lake Martin locals can experience a dream getaway in their own backyard.
The Destination lies tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Dadeville side of the lake where visitors can choose to stay in four different glamps, each of which are unique in themselves. All glamps are Canvas & Tent Company safari tents from South Africa, complete with a dining area, lounging space and a sunken hot tub on the outdoor deck.
No matter which glamp someone stays in, they are bound to have a luxurious experience. All glamps are furnished with high-end bedding and linens, and the bathrooms are supplied with unique handmade soaps.
To add even more comfort to the experience,
owners Skip and Rhonda Courtney have partnered with Remedy Me Spa in Auburn to provide massage services on the deck of each glamp.
With 78 acres of woods and nature, locals and non-locals are bound to get away from the stress of everyday life.
“I’m surprised at the number of people we get from the beaches,” Skip said. “They live on the beach, but they come up to see us. We even have people that have homes on Lake Martin that come and see us to get away from what they’re used to.”
Along with being surrounded by large poplar, pine and oak trees, the property offers a mile of creek frontage on Sandy Creek. Besides being pleasing to the eye, the creek is a great place for glampers to cool off.
Kayaks and canoes are available and free to use for glampers as well.
“The creek empties out onto Lake Martin,” Skip said. “If you want to get out to the lake, you can jump in one of our canoes or kayaks and you can paddle out to the lake in about 20 minutes.”
Courtney also said the creek provides a great fishing experience for those who enjoy a more
relaxing outdoor activity.
“We’ve got great fish,” Skip said. “Stripers come up in there, we’ve got bass, red-eye bass that’s indigenous to Tallapoosa County, carp, catfish and crappie.”
The glamping experience would not be complete without hiking. On the widespread property, there are multiple trails to walk through to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Courtneys want every guest to enjoy the environment to the fullest extent. So much so, they develop friendships with every guest to ensure utmost hospitality.
“If you’re coming to stay here, you’re going to meet Skip and Rhonda,” Skip said. “We’re going to personally greet you and we’re going to do our best to make friends and become part of what we consider to be this big extended family we have developed here.”
To show how much they appreciate their guests, they host private wine cellar dining experiences exclusively for glampers.
When it comes time to decide on a vacation destination, consider this nationally recognized spot close to home.
Submitted / TPI
Smith Mountain has three different trails on site all with various milage. One of the trails leads to the fire tower as well.
Waverly
hefeweizen beer to glasses of Veuve Clicquot, anyone can find something to sip on while enjoying a mouthwatering meal.
The Local opens daily at 4:30 until 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays. During the week, patrons can find drink and meal specials and
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live music. Sundays feature brunch. There are a lot of reasons to hit the highway and potentially pass on by the little town of Waverly. If you didn’t know the Local was there, you would pass right by.
But once you step inside once, you always come back.
Crater center educates, welcomes
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A wealth of knowledge and history is available at the Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery and Welcome Center.
Opened earlier this year, the downtown Company Street location serves as the information hub for everything related to the crater and also serves as a welcome center for Wetumpka.
The crater has been around for about 85 million years and when the area was under about 100 feet of seawater. The crater was only discovered in the last 30 years.
“Most know very little about it,” Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission board member Kevin Reuter said. “For many it’s in their backyard and they don’t really know anything other than there is a ridge here.”
A meteor about the
size of a college football stadium struck, sinking into the earth. The rebound caused the 4.7 mile rim that is visible today. Downtown Wetumpka is located on part of the rim. Portions of the crater can be seen in the Coosa River from the Bibb Graves Bridge with layers of rock pointing up towards downtown and the top of the crater’s rim.
Inside the center visitors can find panels with descriptions, artist conceptions of life in the area 85 million years ago, a black marble model of the crater and rock from the crater.
“It is one of the best preserved marine craters on earth,” Reuter said. “It is one of the things that makes Wetumpka unique.”
The visitor’s center portion gives some history of the area including when the French building a fort at the intersec-
The new Wetumpka Impact Discovery and Visitor Center on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka is now open. The center features paintings, videos and volunteers with information about the marine impact crater in the area.
tion of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers in 1717. Andrew Jackson followed with another fort in 1812. The center includes pamphlets about Ft. Toulouse/ Ft. Jackson which is also open to the public.
The crater and visitors center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Panels about the crater’s history also fill The Alley Between Company and Hill streets.
Information about area restaurants and attractions is also available. A few Wetumpka and crater related gifts are available for purchase.
Cliff Williams / TPI
