Friday, April 28, 2017

Accessible Arts

The Oxford Performing Arts Center, or OPAC for short, is unique facility in that it combines history with art. As you enter the lobby and box office, you enter what was once a school, dating back to 1921. The school evolved into City Hall and a Police Station, and the original 1950's jail is still in the basement. Now, the building is transformed into a state-of-the-art theatre, hosting bluegrass to Broadway, bringing local, national and international talent to the stage at affordable prices.
In fact, they just announced their 2017-2018 season!

RMC Concert Series

  • An Evening with Aaron Neville - October 5, 2017
  • Styx - October 22, 2017
  • Christmas with the Annie Moses Band - December 21, 2017
  • Three Phantoms In Concert - February 2, 2018
  • America- March 24, 2018
  • Elf - November 12, 2017
  • Dirty Dancing - December 3, 2017
  • The Sound of Music - January 23, 2018
  • Amazing Grace - February 24, 2018
  • A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder - April 27, 2018
  • Lee Greenwood & Crystal Gayle - August 31, 2017
  • The Charlie Daniels Band - November 9, 2017
  • The Heart Behind the Music - February 9, 2018
  • Jerrod Niemann - March 23, 2018
  • Rumors - November 2, 2017
  • Shadows of the Sixties - November 17, 2017
  • Brass Transit - January 27, 2018
  • Seven Bridges - February 16, 2018
  • The Hit Men - March 16, 2018 
  • Hansel & Gretel - October 29, 2017
  • Dinosaur Zoo Live! - November 20, 2017
  • Mr. Popper's Penguins - December 11, 2017
  • Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey - January 26, 2018
  • My Father's Dragon - March 29, 2018 

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Celebrate Earth Day

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” —John Muir

Every April 22, we celebrate Earth Day, so here's a few ways you can celebrate and enjoy Mother Earth.

Climb Cheaha
Nearby is home to Alabama's highest point, surrounded by the Talladega National Forest and numerous trails, including the Pinhoti. The State Park is also hosting hikes that day, so sign up and learn about nature around you. 

Stroll Choccolocco Park or Oxford Lake
Just get outside and enjoy the beauty around you at the lake's edge. Be sure to check out the playgrounds and picnic areas or enjoy a short bike loop on Earth Day. 

Learn more at the Museum
Celebrate Earth Day at the Anniston Museums and Gardens with Saturday Alive and other festivities. The Anniston Museum of Natural History will also host programs about recycling and composting. 

Fair on the Square
The Jacksonville Arts Council is celebrating outside with the annual Fair on the Square, featuring free family friendly activities and entertainment. 

Paddle Terrapin
Rent a kayak and float Terrapin Creek. Pack and lunch and enjoy the day outside. 
Take the Boat
Neely Henry Lake is always beautiful, so take the boat out and enjoy nature! 

Cycle Through
"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best.." Hemingway 
Camp out at Mike Tucker or the Ladiga Campground and hit the trails and enjoy nature's peace around you.

Enjoy the outdoors, but remember "leave no trace" to keep nature as you found it! 

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Dusk to Dawn

From sunrise to sunset, Calhoun County's photogenic side shows, and here's 10 photos to prove spring is awesome!

Sunrise over JSU

Cherry Trees at JSU

Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail

Golfing at Silver Lakes
Kayaking Terrapin

Cycling Ladiga at Elwell Park

Enjoying the Anniston Museums & Gardens

Sailing at Neely Henry

Cycling in Piedmont


Sunset in Jacksonville 


Thursday, April 6, 2017

Best Ways to Enjoy Spring

Spring is here, so opt outside. Explore outdoors and soak up the rays.

Pedal! 
From Rail to Trails Opening Day on April 8th, and even though our trails are open year round, cycling season has begun. So, hit the Ladiga Trail, for 95 miles, if you include Silver Comet, for peaceful pedaling and the occasional gradual incline. If you're up for climb, check out the adrenaline bringing trails at Coldwater, 35 miles perfect for any mountain biking enthusiast, hiker or trail runner. Cheaha Challenge Cometh, so participants best be considering the training rides and the Iron Mountain Challenge to prepare for May 21.
If you're not a cyclist but enjoy action packed sports, check out this weekend's Alabama Cycling Classic, featuring the Noble Street Festival, the Sunny King Crit, and the McClellan Road Race.

Paddle!
Terrapin Creek is open, so float with No Worries, Terrapin Outdoor or Redneck Yacht Club.

Fest!
Spring is an extremely popular time for festivals.
Enjoy the cycling entertainment and delectable food at the Noble Street Festival (April 8).
Oxford celebrates the annual Legend of Lickskillet this year on May 13th in Historic Down Oxford.
The National Park Service celebrates the new Freedom Riders National Monument May 13th too.
JSU launches the brand new arts and music JamFest in conjunction with Cheaha Challenge weekend on May 20th.
Knox Concert Series is bringing St. Paul & the Broken Bones to Anniston for the Knox Outdoors Music Festival, also on May 20th.

When it rains it pours!
Don't worry! We have a backup plan! Check out our great museums, one of a kind shops and mouthwatering restaurants until the storms pass.