Day Trips around Calhoun County

Calhoun County, Alabama, is a natural attraction with tons of things to do, and we're surrounded by other communities and counties with even more family fun!

Etowah County
Noccalula Falls is located around two miles from Gadsden. There, you can camp, hike, visit the petting zoo, peruse the botanical gardens, take a ride on the train, play a round of mini-golf or simply admire the falls.

Dekalb & Cherokee Counties
Little River Canyon is unique in that it is located atop Lookout Mountain, complete with waterfalls along canyon rims and many recreational activities. Whether you're just wanting lovely views and a winding ride or seek the tranquility of a hike, exploring the canyon has something for everyone.

Northeast Alabama Wine Trail
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, six wineries grow a variety of fruits and produce some yummy wines. Although we don't recommend visiting the entire trail in one day, we do recommend spreading a trip to the tasting rooms over a weekend, to sample the things unique to each.

Talladega County
Naturally, you have to visit the home of Talladega Nights, and browse the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, with their collection of history making cars and stories from the tracks.

Mind you, we're a day trip from Chattanooga and Montgomery too, near Atlanta, near Birmingham, near perfect along the I-20 corridor.

The countdown to New Year's is on in 3... 2... 1...

This New Year's is packed with events! Which will you choose?

Midnight Masquerade
This inaugural black-tie ball benefits the Anniston Museum of Natural History and features the Fountain City Players, open bar and heavy hor d'oeuvres. Masks are available at the Museum Gift Shop, so snag one and dress in your best! Call 256-237-6766 for more information.

Fire on the Mountain
This year, Cheaha State Park celebrates the last sunset of 2017 from Alabama's highest peak, with live music from Bluegrass Connection and more! Call (256)488-5115 for more information.

New Year's Speakeasy
Roar in the New Year with the Peerless Saloon & Grills, with drink specials each hour, New Year's Dinner, party favors and a champagne toast. For more information, call 256-238-1899.

The Roaring 20s New Year's Eve
Join Cheaha Brewing Company for live music, beginning at 7 PM and ring in the New Year Roaring 20s style. For more information, call 256-770-7300.

Rack & Roll New Year's  
Join Rack & Roll Billiards for live music from Back Road South, giveaways and drinks at midnight! For more information, call 256-624-6434. 

New Years Ride!
Each year, NEABA (Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association) hosts a ride, departing from Wig's Wheels at 10 am for Coldwater Mountain.


First Day Hike
Both Desoto State Park and Cheaha State Park are hosting first day hikes, encouraging visitors to enjoy their parks year round, promote good health, and exercising those holiday calories.

Ways to Enjoy Winter in Calhoun County

Although the south isn't known for winter, we do have a brisk season, but that doesn't stop us from exploring. 

Museums & Gardens 
Whether you are a history buff or science nerd, Anniston's Museums & Gardens has something for everyone. From family programing and events to standard museum tours, displays span the globe, from "Live Salty" Oceans to Egyptians and Safari, or from Napoleon to the World Wars and Asian arts.

Performing Arts 
From Oxford Performing Arts Center to the Knox Concert Series, CAST, CharActers and Jacksonville State University Drama & Music, there's so much to see!

Mountain Biking 
Run from the snowy slopes to our rolling hillsides and bundle up for this "Disney World" for mountain bikers. From Coldwater Mountain to local trails like Henry Farm and Black Creek Trails, we've got something for every skill level!

Shopping 
Whether you're shopping for a last minute holiday gift or needing some retail therapy after the holiday rush, we've got great local unique boutiques as well as a selection of national retail chains. 

Hiking 
If you are getting cabin fever, hit the trails! We've got great distance trails as well as leisure loops to get you out of the house for as long as you need.

24 Hours for foodies in Oxford

Calhoun County's tagline is near Atlanta, near Birmingham, near perfect! Ideally positioned along I-20, Oxford is a great pit-stop for those I-20 treks. With it's rich culinary scene, it's more than ideal for any meal, so here's a few suggestions.

Breakfast: 
Southern Girl Coffee 
31 E Choccolocco Street
Local girl Leah Cleghorn fills downtown Oxford with the mouth-watering scent of fresh roasted coffee, which she brews and serves from her food truck alongside delectable cinnamon rolls, cheese rolls and more treats.

Hubbard's Off Main
16 E Choccolocco Street
Just across the street from Southern Girl, you'll find the quaint Hubbard's Off Main, who serves up quite the spread for Sunday Brunch, featuring southern staples, salads and dessert.

Brunch: 
Garfrerick's Cafe
655 Creekside Drive 
From 11 am to 2 pm each Sunday, this farm to table restaurant dishes out their seasonal crops, which sometimes includes but is not limited to Sweet Potato Brownies, stewed tomatoes, squash casserole, various salads, and more.

Lunch:
Los Mex
1936 US 78 
You can always tell by the community crowd that this place is well liked. Featuring dishes like enchiladas and chimichangas, their Sopa de Pollo is
regarded as some of the best.

Dinner: 
Brad's Bar-B-Que
1809 US 78
This family run establishment is known for its barbeque and catfish. With its laid back setting, its no wonder that it's a local favorite for lunch and dinner.

Making Memories

For affordable family fun or to begin new holiday traditions, look no further!

Each year the Museum League hosts "Homes for the Holidays," a fundraiser and self-guided holiday homes tour. This year's event is December 5th, from 11 AM to 7 PM.

December 7th, "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!" Due to the forecast, the cities of Piedmont and Anniston have had to reschedule their parades for Thursday, December 7th, which happens to also be the night of the Oxford Parade and Christmas in Choccolocco Concert.

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" Holiday music fills the air, beginning with LeAnn Rimes at OPAC, to the JSU Drama Department's Benefit Christmas Concert, A Jazzy Joy to the World at St. Michael's or Christmas with the Annie Moses Band at OPAC.

Cinematic Christmas Classics may run on loop, interrupted by continuous commercials, so why not bring a can good donation to OPAC for their 4th Annual Christmas Movie Festival, featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Elf, Christmas Vacation, The Grinch (with Jim Carrey, and A Christmas Story.

On top of all this, the Museums are offering family programming for the holidays, and Cheaha State Park is hosting several holiday themed events! #OptOutside your comfort zone and norm to begin some new holiday traditions!

24 Hours for foodies in Jacksonville

College towns, especially in the south, are known for food, so where does one begin if they’re a foodie in Jacksonville?

Breakfast
Java Jolt not only pours some fabulous and pretty cups of joe, but they dish out delectable scones, muffins, sandwiches and much more! Our personal fav is the cappuccino chocolate muffin, with it’s sugar crystal-like topping. Don’t forget to order a dark chocolate mocha to “cut the sweetness” of the cupcake, we mean muffin.  They do have hot tea and delicious apple cinnamon scones, if you enjoy more of an English breakfast.

Brunch
Sundays are always better with a brunch. Don’t take our word for it, but locals will tell you that Effina’s serves up some great quiche. They’re coffee and appetizers are fabulous too, including they’re Alabama Field Green Salad, complete with toasted pecans and feta!

Lunch
If you’re looking for a quick bite before kickoff, head over to a southern college town staple, Momma Goldbergs! These steamed sandwiches will help you make it through a sweep or a nail biter ballgame. We suggest the signature Momma’s Love with a side of nachos.

Dinner
Brand new to Jacksonville but well known around Calhoun County, Wiseguys Pizzeria and Bar has been recognized time and time again for having some of the county’s best pizza. Everyone raves about their Chicago style Don. So during a late night study cram session or after a game, head to the square’s newest hot spot!

Jacksonville has many other great restaurants that dish a variety of foods, from BBQ and wings to Tex-mex and more! Browse a longer list at www.VisitCalhounCounty.com!

Thanksgiving Plans

 While this week may be packed with family time and feasting, if you need to get out of the house, don't forget to review our calendar of events.

Showcase Local Treasures
This Wednesday, families can enjoy a tour and programming at the Anniston Museum of Natural History, with their "Native American: Hands on History." This program shares the myths of how the bunny got its tail, a deer its horns, and the opossum a smile. Attending children will also be able to create a paper mosaic, hear stories, see live animals and more.

Earn a Feast
Before you dig into the Thanksgiving Feast, start a tradition of the Plucked Turkey 10K in Golden Springs!

Wake Up

One usually becomes drowsy after a big feast, so it'd be a great time for a walk around Oxford Lake, Choccolocco Park, Ladiga, etc.

Weekend Adventures
From Rappelling to Backpacking and adventures for man's best friend, Desoto State Park is packed with events to follow Thanksgiving.

Post Turkey
If running, walking, and hiking weren't enough, join a crew at Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails for a Post Turkey ride.