Drop the Keys

 
Calhoun County is blessed to have the longest paved rail to trail project in the US running through its heart, connecting the cities of Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston. Cities like Anniston and Oxford are developing bike share plans that include bike routes and lanes. In the meantime, you can see much of our County while staying on your bike.

Our part of the trail picks up 13 miles outside  Piedmont at the State Line, where it connects to Georgia's Silver Comet trail leading into Smyrna.

The City of Piedmont maintains this entire section, which wanders through and along the edge of the Talladega National Forest and includes beautiful views of Terrapin Creek, intersects with the Pinhoti Hiking Trail and surrounds you with picturesque landscapes including Dugger Mountain. As you enter Piedmont, trail users frequent the Eubanks Welcome Center, for the facilities or the hospitality and history one finds there. The trail runs through Piedmont's quaint downtown, which includes the infamous Solid Rock Cafe, with it's delicious occasional Sunday buffet, menu favorites like Chicken Salad, and the always refreshing Powerade slushie.

Continuing for about ten miles, trail users make their way to Jacksonville, via Germania Springs Park. The trail then enters the campus of Jacksonville State University, just a few hundred yards from many notable restaurants like Cooter Brown's Rib Shack, Effina's, Java Jolt and much more! Along the trail, the Jacksonville Train Depot, much like Eubanks, is another stop that trail users frequent for facilities and may be asked to sign in for tracking trail visitors.

Making their way to the south, trail users pass the Jacksonville Community Center, Jacksonville's Kitty Stone Elementary and Jacksonville High, before entering Weaver. Near the community center as well as the schools, users will notice trail spurs for locals to use in safely accessing the trails. As they cross Weaver's Main Street, users will notice Elwell Park, complete with parking adjacent to Weaver's Police Station, a great trail head if trail users plan to leave their car over night.

While the trail currently goes a short distance into Anniston, plans have been developed to continue the trail to what was once Fort McClellan via a spur as well as completing the old rail-bed to the downtown area, connecting users to Amtrak's Cresent Line Route in Anniston as well as the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails.

In addition, as one may notice on Strava and other route tracking apps, there are also several road routes area cyclist frequent, including the Dugger Mountain Wilderness, DeArmanville and Golden Springs, Skyline Drive at Cheaha State Park and much more. 

Calhoun County Arts Groups & Collectives

From growing arts scenes, events and venues, Calhoun County has many talented artists, whether musicians, painters, photographers, writers or other art forms. Various groups allow these artists to collaborate and develop works and events together to make Calhoun County a great place to work, live and visit.

Arts Collective Jacksonville

This group of artists has partnered with businesses, the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville State to create events and created a community innovative and collaborative artists to build opportunities to show works, share resources, and support projects of others.

Jacksonville Arts Council

This group was created to coordinate and assist with cultural activities and develop outlets for arts in the Jacksonville Community. These artists and those passionate about arts organize historical, craft and community events that showcase local talent. 

The Anniston Council on the Arts & Humanities 

This organization is a "catalyst" for creative economy, implementing socially engaged art and projects that respond to challenges in the community, leverage the creativity of citizens, and aim to create opportunity. 

Artworks Alliance
This organization of artists and art supporters bring together those in and around Oxford to create special events, competitions, collaborations, community programs and promote artists, musicians, actors, dancers and writers in the community. 

Terrapin Creek Music and Arts Collective 

This Piedmont group works with the goal of promoting local artists and introducing the artists to the community and together to create. From free music events to festivals and more, this group organizes community activities. 

June Brides

Wedding season is upon us, which means many couples in Calhoun County are looking for the perfect place to say “I do.” The scenic views surrounding Calhoun County give couples a beautiful backdrop for their special day. We spoke with garden enthusiast turned wedding floral designer Kathryn Bowen of Kathryn Anne Weddings to find her picks for the best scenic wedding venues in the county.

Long Leaf Botanical Gardens & Event Center 

Tucked away behind the Berman Museum and the Anniston Museum of Natural History, The Long Leaf Botanical Gardens & Event Center offers a space for couples wanting a quiet and intimate wedding venue. 

There are options for either an outside ceremony, surrounded by a beautiful garden, or an indoor ceremony using the elegant event center. The gardens are still in progress, so this venue will only become more beautiful as time goes on. To get information on this venue, contact Gina Morey at (256) 237-6261 x325 or email gmorey@annistonmuseum.org. 

The Michael Wedding Barn

Formerly The Foundation Ranch, The Michael Wedding Barn is a beautiful venue for couples who want to be surrounded by the beautiful scenery Calhoun County has to offer. This 100 acre farm on Choccolocco Rd in Anniston, AL has many different locations for a ceremony, indoors and outdoors. The newly built, elegant barn holds up to 500 guests, perfect for any unexpected weather situations. For more information on this venue, email themichaelbarn@aol.com or visit their Facebook page.

SouthWind Plantation

Right off HWY 431 in Wellington, AL, the SouthWind Plantation is an elegant venue with stunning views anywhere you look. The 6,000 sq. ft. event barn was built from timber milled from trees that fell during the April 27, 2011 tornadoes that struck the area. This unique barn has two floors and can be used for both ceremonies and receptions. For couples wanting an outside affair, the area by a serene creek and large arbor would be a great option. Email southernladyenterprises@gmail.com for more information or call (256) 453-6323. 

Fiddler’s Green

This beautiful property in Jacksonville, AL is perfect for a classic outdoor affair. With several different areas for both the ceremony and reception, there is an option for everyone. The Main House, The Chapel, and the Cabin serve as a wonderful backdrop for a ceremony. A reception could be held in The Garden, the General Store, or The Cabin. Fiddler’s Green can accommodate up to 250 guests outside and 65 guests inside the chapel. For those interested, couples are welcome to use several antique decorations at no extra cost. To get more information on this unique venue visit www.fiddlersgreenalabama.com/weddings-receptions/.

Cider Ridge Golf Club

Located in Oxford, AL, this is an ideal venue for those wanting an intimate wedding. The newly renovated clubhouse can seat up to 60 guests inside and up to 80 guests outside. The 2 adjoining rooms and outdoor patio overlook the 18th hole and give guests the ultimate view of the mountains. The Cider Ridge Golf Club offers on-site catering, custom menu and wine selections, and bridal and groomsmen party gold packages. For more information, visit www.ciderridgegolf.com/weddings/ or call (256) 861-7222.

Wanting to bring the outdoors inside? Kathryn uses local greenery and flowers to incorporate the lush Alabama scenery into her designs, often times using flowers out of her own garden. Whether the bride is looking for more of a rustic look using wood and ferns, or a more elegant look with local flowers, any theme can use what Alabama has to offer. To get more information on Kathryn Anne Weddings, visit her website: http://kathrynanneweddings.com/ or check out her work on Instagram and Facebook

While summertime in Calhoun County is beautiful, the weather can be unpredictable. While speaking with Kathryn, she mentioned the importance of having a “Plan B” ahead of time. If couples are planning on an outdoor wedding, it is important to also plan for an inside affair either by renting a tent for guests, or checking with the venue to see what options are available. This should be done well in advance in order to avoid stress during the special day.

For more event venues, check out www.visitcalhouncounty.com/events/event-venues. 

Blog by: Mackenzie Corbin

Almost Like Home

From a long hidden tintype to recast medallions, modeled after the originals destroyed by fire, the Springwood Inn and former home of Anniston Founder Samuel Noble is full of history. Legend has it, negotiations were made on the porch to begin the local newspaper, The Anniston Star.

This home once stood on the site now occupied by Anniston High School, but in 1967, the property was seized. At that time, the Woodruff family owned the property, and decided to have the home moved, piece by piece, to be historically preserved on the outskirts of Anniston. The home stayed in the Woodruff family until 2014, when this cozy and quaint property in Booger Hollow was purchased by Bob and Carolyn Orchid.

Original moulding and accents detail the house, furnished with the Orchid's beautiful french and antique furniture, capturing the 130 years this home has seen. The front porch has a breathtaking view of the highest point in Alabama, Mount Cheaha.

Each morning, gourmet breakfasts are served to guests, and optional wine tastings are available in the evening. Movie showings are available for guests in the theatre room, featuring a stained glass window acquired by the Woodruff family from the Noble Opera House. The accommodations are beautifully surrounded by nature, ponds, streams and spring blossoms, nestled in a private and picture perfect location for weddings and events. 

Book your stay now, and find the many reading nooks or simply spots to relax and enjoy your stay in a piece of Anniston's history.

Perfect for Pickers

Calhoun County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a haven for history buffs and "American Pickers" fans.
From antique shops to markets, Calhoun County has everything you could want, as well as things you like and didn't know you needed.

Anniston Galleries has general line of antiques from the 18th and 19th century.
906 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201 - (256) 236-3741

Auction Treasures has antiques, glassware, clothes, furniture, re-purposed & handcrafted furniture, tools, jewelry, housewares & home décor.
1005 Gurnee Ave, Anniston, Alabama 36201 - (256) 294-1764

Calhoun Pickers is a 36,000 square foot Antique Mall  and Indoor Market with more than 180 vendors selling a combination of Antiques, Crafts, Art, Jewelry, and Furniture.
801 Wilmer Ave, Anniston, AL 36201 - (256) 403-6865

Apple Barrel Antiques is a huge two story log building, housing any antique treasure you can imagine. They also buy gold and silver. 

1906 US Highway 78 E, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 835-1937

Birds of a Feather Vintage Antiques & Restorations is filled with wonderful, unique and vintage items,furniture, jewelry, gifts, architectural, and art.

502 Main St, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 403-2991

Cotton Antiques and Collectibles has a little bit of everything and something for everyone. Located in downtown historic Oxford, this building dates back to the late 1800s. 

518 Main St, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 835-6000

Timeless Treasures Antique Mall is a multi dealer mall, carrying a range of antique furniture, from French and European to early American, a large variety of glassware and more collectibles.
230 Davis Loop, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 832-0500

Crows Nest Antiques and More has antiques with an array of items to choose from. This Store is very unusual and has a lot to choose from !

2631 US Highway 431, Anniston, Alabama 36206 - (256) 343-8822

Olde South Antique Mall has everything from Antiques, collectibles, books, coins, currency, jewelry, advertising, furniture, knives, primitives, tools, military, records and vintage clothing.

405 Pelham Rd N, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 - (256) 435-7670

Antique Corner has beautiful and eclectic items from yesterday and today. They have antique dishes, furniture, art, cooking utensils, holiday items...the list is endless.

101 N Center Ave, Piedmont, Alabama 36272 - (256) 283-4943

Valley Antiques & Collectibles has about two dozen dealers in 4,500 square feet of shopping space, with everything from vintage textiles and glassware to antique furniture and niche collectibles. 

6312 US Highway 431, Alexandria, Alabama 36250 - (256) 820-0025

Tail Feathers sells home decor pieces, local art and painted furniture. 

101 Clinton St SE, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 - (256) 283-5075

Puttin' On the Ritz has jewelry, clothes, games, and more collectibles. 

2255 Pelham Road S, Jacksonville, AL 36265 - (256) 435-1999

Dishman Antiques is a 27,000 square foot mall of fine antiques and collectibles located between Anniston and Gadsden. 

10770 U.S. Hwy 431 N, Wellington, AL 36279 - (256) 892-2424