Summertime in Calhoun County = endless action

JaxFest
July 3rd at Golden Eagle Stadium, the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department is once again proud to present the city's annual Jax-Fest, an evening of music, games, vendors, and activities that culminate with a grand fireworks display.
This year will feature a free concert from 7:00-9:00 p.m. by local recording artist Riley Green.
Make plans to attend and kick off the Independence Day weekend!

Celebrate Freedom: A Celebration of American Music

The Oxford Performing Arts Center is excited to be partnering with TV24 WEAC to present Celebrate Freedom: A Celebration of American Music, this July 3. The event will feature as its headliner, The Barefoot Movement, heralded by CMT Edge as "one of the most promising bands on the bluegrass scene." In addition, Lindsey Hinkle, The Ransomed Band, and Kelli Johnson will perform during the performance, which is to be televised throughout the month of July 2015. For ticket information visit, www.oxfordpac.org. 

  

Freedom Festival

Each Fourth of July, Oxford Lake celebrates with fun and festivities for the whole family. Stick around for the annual fireworks display!

8:30 a.m. *Parade-line up at corner of McCullars Lane and Lakeside Drive
9:00 a.m. *Parade Begins-Children dressed in patriotic costumes may walk or ride in
non-motorized vehicles down McCullars Lane to the Civic Center. (Must
wear a helmet if riding bike or trike)
9:15 a.m. *OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONIES
9:30 a.m. *Around the Lake Ramble-senior adults
9:30 a.m. *Tricycle & Bicycle Races-Bring your own bike or trike & helmet
9:45 a.m. *Pet Show (beside swimming pool)
9:45 a.m. *Free Carnival Games-Inside Civic Center Gymnasium
10:15 a.m. *Magic Show- "Bubbles the Clown"-inside gym
10:45 a.m. *Karate Demo's- inside gym
1:00 p.m. *Swim Races-Oxford Lake pool-($2.00 to swim per person)
9:00 p.m. *FIREWORKS!!!
GOLF TOURNAMENT: 9:00 a.m.-$20.00 entry fee-Limited to the first 36 who pay entry fee.
8-10 a.m.-Longest Drive Contest-$1.00 per ball
Pedal Boats will be in the lake after opening ceremonies until 12:00 noon.
There will be clowns, fishing, antique cars in the parade, free train rides around the lake, free jumps in bounce house, free games & prizes for the kids, food vendors, & much more! 

HUGE FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT 9:00 P.M.!!!!!
Come join us as we celebrate America's Independence! HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Knox Concert Series

Saturday, July 11, Knox and the Oxford Performing Arts Center partner to present Michael W. Smith. Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY®Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. 

As one of Alabama’s premiere presenting organizations, this annual concert series brings world renowned artists to the Anniston Performs Arts Center Stage. Pervious performers include Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Marvin Hamlisch, Chicago, Celtic Woman and more! For more information, visit www.knoxconcertseries.org. 

Main Street Movies 

Located at 12th and Noble Street Films will begin at dusk and a cash bar will be available to complement a selection of movie snacks--popcorn, candy bars, cold beverages. BrainFreeze Concessions will be on site with Funnel Cakes, Ribbon Fries, Fried Oreo's and Lemonade. Bring a picnic OR Call-in, pick-up and bring some dinner for the family from one of the many local restaurants located in Downtown Anniston: Thai One On, Classic On Noble, The Peerless Saloon & Grille, Cheaha Brewing Company, and Rack and Roll Billiards. Guests are welcome to bring in outside food, but no alcohol. This is a "bring your own chair" event.

July 11th- Grease 

August 8th- Annie 

Music on the Green

The Jacksonville Arts Council presented a summer series of Family-Friendly music at the Community Center Soccer Fields. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Sodas and prepackaged treats are sold to benefit the JAC. 

July 25, Un-Reconstructed at 7:00 P.M.

Woodstock 5K

Hosted by the Anniston Runners Club, this annual event boasts a 5K qualifying race and a Kidstock 1 mile race. More than 1,000 runners and walkers take to the pavement, August 1. For more information on this community event, visit www.annistonrunners.com.

“Water, Water Everywhere”

Calhoun County boasts of an unbelievable selection of outdoor recreational opportunities. From kayaking and fishing to mountain biking and hiking, Calhoun County provides itineraries that can please any outdoor enthusiast!

                With multiple options for kayaking, fishing, and swimming, Calhoun County has it all.

Cheaha State Park

2141 Bunker Loop, Delta

Escape to the highest point in Alabama. The park provides majestic views, modern motel facilities, cabins, chalets, camping accommodations, hiking, fishing and swimming.

Floating Fun

460 Bobwhite Drive, Oxford

Alabama’s ‘Premier Tube Trip’ with many tubes in stock, offers a floating fun trip down Choccolocco Creek, with a variety of rapids and a steady current to enjoy.

Neely Henry Lake

Ohatchee

These 11,000 acres are perfect for skiing, boating and fishing along Hwy 77 North. This area has public boat launches, picnic areas and fishing piers perfect for the whole family.

Oxford Lake

401 McCullars Lane, Oxford

This area houses everything from paved and gravel trails, tennis courts, a swimming pool, baseball complex, indoor basketball courts, a newly renovated and expanded civic center space, adventure park playground and more. It is also home to one of Alabama’s oldest remaining covered bridges, moved from Coldwater Creek.

Terrapin Creek

4114 County Road 175, Piedmont

Canoe down the beautiful Terrapin Creek, located in Piedmont, Alabama, and take in the scenery of Alabama like you’ve never seen it!

For a complete list of regional outdoor activities, visit www.visitcalhouncounty.com.

Just keep spinning, spinning, spinning!

Calhoun County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the Talladega National Forest, the area offers breathtaking scenery year round, miles of hiking trails, golfing, fishing, and more.

Year-round, cyclists come from all over the world to enjoy our bike trails. From road to mountain bikers, Calhoun County is an adventure park for avid cyclists.

Chief Ladiga Trail

Anniston/Weaver/Jacksonville/Piedmont

The Chief Ladiga Trail currently runs 32.5 miles from the Alabama/Georgia line into the City of Anniston. The City of Anniston recently acquired more land for the trails extension into downtown Anniston. As Alabama’s first Rails to Trails project, this paved recreational trail follows the former Seaboard/CSX Railroad and connects to Georgia’s 63 mile Silver Comet Trail, making Ladiga part of the longest paved rail trail in the U.S. This recreational opportunity can be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, skaters, strollers and more. Beautiful sights like area forests, farmlands, creeks, streams, and mountains provide picturesque scenery for each and every visit. For more information, visit www.chiefladigatrail.com. The trailhead is located at Mike Tucker Park in Anniston, and there are access points at Elwell Park in Weaver, The Jacksonville Community Center, Germania Springs in Jacksonville, and at Eubanks Welcome Center in Piedmont.

Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail

Anniston Trailhead: 445 Monsanto Street, Anniston, AL 36201

Coldwater Trailhead: 1680 Coldwater Road, Anniston, AL 36201

Located on 4000 acres of Coldwater Mountain in Anniston and Oxford, these trails offers both 1.5 mile beginner loops, for riders of any level, and a 10 mile Blue Loop, Bomb Dog, for intermediate riders. Bomb Dog is rated 13^th in the U.S. for highest rated rides, according to MTBProject.com. This trail is perfect for those looking for a leisure ride or a bit of a challenge. The trail is open to hikers and runners as well. Currently, more than 25 miles of trails have been built under the supervision of IMBA Trail Solutions, with more than 75 miles of trails scheduled to be built. For more information, visit www.neaba.net. 

Henry Farm Mountain Bike & Running Trails

351 Henry Road, Jacksonville

Located on the mountain adjacent to the Henry Farm Baseball Fields and parking lot, these trails are great for beginners and experienced riders and runners, with rock features and gradual climbs.

Iron Legs Trail

Bains Gap Road, Anniston

Take I-20 to exit 188 and go north on Golden Springs Road to Choccolocco Road.  Turn right and go approximately 10 miles to turn left on Bain’s Gap Road. There is parking 100 yards on the right.

Cheaha State Park

There are about 6 miles of trail, featuring the main trail of “Mountain Express” and others including Deer Run and the Upper and Lower Spring Loop. All can be accessed via the entrance gate trail head.

For maps of our area trails, visit www.visitcalhouncounty.com/area_maps. 

16 things to do this summer with the Family in Calhoun County

Visit the Museums

Where 431 splits from Hwy 21, you’ll find beautiful Lagarde Park, and if you meander through the park, you’ll find two treasures, the Berman Museum and Anniston Museum of Natural History.

Explore the wilds of Africa, the wonders of the North American wilderness and the mysteries of 2,300 year old Egyptian Mummies in the Anniston Museum of Natural History. More than 2,000 natural history items are on display, and children can get “hands on” with nature in the discovery room and animal shows.  For more information, visit www.annistonmuseum.org.

At the Berman, you’ll explore Greece to Asia, Hitler to Napoleon. See Colonel Berman’s incredible and fascinating collection of weapons, like a flute that shoots, and thousands of objects like bronzes by Remington and Russell, Asian Art, Winchesters, Civil War artifacts, and a Greek helmet, more than 2,000 years old. For more information, visit www.bermanmuseum.org.

Go for a swim

Ohatchee is home to Neely Henry Dam, and a great location for fishing and fun for the whole family. From Piedmont to Jacksonville, Anniston and Oxford, area municipalities have open swimming pools this summer, splash pads, and more! Families can also enjoy floating Choccolocco and Terrapin Creeks, picnicking along the banks, stopping for a swim or just relaxing for the day!

For more information, check www.VisitCalhounCounty.com.

Enjoy a Movie

This summer, several municipalities are hosting outdoor movie nights and concerts, and AmStar of Oxford is hosting a summer movie series. Summer Kids’ flicks are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Quintard Mall. Only $3.50, these flicks also include a box of popcorn and kid’s soda!  For more information, visit www.amstarcinemas.com.  

See a Show

“Once upon a time, in a far off kingdom, there lay a small village at the edge of the woods…” Don’t miss this production  of Into the Woods at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, presented by the JSU Drama Department and Jacksonville Opera Theatre, June 5 through 6 and 12 through 14. For more information, visit www.oxfordpac.org.

Regionally, Characters of Gadsden is also presenting Big Fish, and the Dugger Mountain Music Hall will feature local acts like the Rattlesnake Rattlers. Check out www.charactersentertainment.com and www.DuggerMountainMusic.com for more information.

Shop til you Drop

Live local, eat local, play local, shop local! Calhoun County is home to great shopping, from department stores to one-of-a-kind boutiques, we’ve got it all. When visitors and residents shop local, everyone benefits, our schools, our public services, and the businesses themselves, who in turn support local teams and organizations. Download the Visit Calhoun County App for more information or check out www.VisitCalhounCounty.com.

Hit the Trails

Peddle, peddle, peddle! We’ve got bike trails at Cheaha, in Coldwater, in Choccolocco, in Jacksonville and along Ladiga! Grap a bike and get going. For area maps and more information, check out www.VisitCalhounCounty.com.

Take a Hike

From the Pinhoti to Cheaha and nearby Desoto State Park, pack a picnic lunch and plan a hike. Take plenty of water and go explore the beautiful scenery and views in your backyard! For trail information, browse www.VisitCalhounCounty.com and “Plan Your Trip.” Families can also stretch their legs and stroll along Oxford Lake. Take a picnic, check out the Coldwater Covered Bridge and play on the playground.

Work on your Game

Weather you’re interested in tennis or golf, we have plenty of courses and courts to keep you occupied. From Golden Springs to Jacksonville, go serve it up. From Cider Ridge, Stoney Brook, Indian Oaks, Pine Hill, Cane Creek, and nearby Silver Lakes, tee it up and hit them straight. You’ve got all summer to perfect your game and get ready for the pros. For a list of area courses, browse www.VisitCalhounCounty.com “Sports and Recreation.”

Read a book

It’s no wonder that authors like Beth Duke and Pulitzer Prize winning Rick Bragg felt drawn to capture the settings, history and stories of this region in their work. Check out books from local authors this summer and see how many settings you recognize.

Then, make your own memories and stories to share. Visit Northeast Alabama where adventures are abound. It’s just natural to relax and enjoy the scenery, the food, and the people.

Check out Community Events

From festivals to events like the annual Woodstock 5K, Calhoun County is busy this summer. Don’t forget the municipal freedom festivals and Fourth of July fireworks. For a complete list of community events, browse our event calendar at www.VisitCalhounCounty.com, and if you’d like to submit an event, check out www.CalhounChamber.com.

Take an Exercise Class

Take the summer to try new things. From Yoga, “Pound” class, Pilates and spin, area gyms like the community centers, local gyms and YMCAs, each day offers a new opportunity. For a list of locations, check out and browse our online Membership Directory.

www.CalhounChamber.com

Take a train ride

Calhoun County is blessed with access to train, major highways, a greyhound station and bike trails. It’s a short trip from everywhere. Located on West 4th Street in Anniston, the AmTrack Cresent passenger train runs between New York and New Orleans and stops daily in Anniston. The historically rich train station, built in 1925, is perfect to accommodate any weekend getaway. Follow the tracks!

Take a Wine Tour

Did you know Calhoun County is in the center of the North Alabama Wine Trail? With local spots like beautiful White Oak Vineyards, home to Southern Oak Wines, nearby Fruithurst Winery and High Country Cellars, these spots produce local fruit wines, from blueberry to muscadine and more! Plan your tour at www.NorthAlabamaWineTrail.com. Local spots like Tyson Fine Wine and Things also host tastings on a weekly basis.

Explore local history

From Janney Furnace, John Pelham, Civil Rights, “LickSkillet,” and “The Model City,” Calhoun County is rich with history. Stop by the Chamber and Visitors Center office at 1330 Quintard Avenue in Anniston and pick up a historic driving tour. Our hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eat Local

Did you know 2015 is the year of Barbeque in Alabama? Have you celebrated? We could come up with 100 dishes to eat in Calhoun County before you die because we have the best burgers, barbeque, shrimp and grits, ribs, pizza, and vegetables around. The list goes on and on, but you can browse for yourself at www.VisitCalhounCounty.com “Where to Eat.”

Spend time with Family

Memories are made at home or taking an adventure. Pull out the board games and tell family stories around a camp-fire with s’mores. Life is made of little moments. Seize the day!

Other Explorations Nearby

Desoto Caverns

Talladega Superspeedway 

International Motorsports Hall of Fame

Noccalula Falls

Cherokee Rock Village

Little River Canyon

Weiss Lake

JSU Canyon and Mountain Centers

Lake Wedowee

Loyd Owens Canoe Trail

Lake Chinnabee

Great Gifts for Dad

Summer has a host of things to do and celebrate Father's Day!

Fore!
Tee it up with dad this Father's Day weekend. We've got several courses to choose from:

Cane Creek Golf Course

247 Galloway Gate Rd

Phone: 256-820-9174
18-hole par 72 course located at Baltzell Gate Road on the former Ft. McClellan.

Cider Ridge Golf Course
200 Apple Blossom Way
Oxford
Phone: 256-831-2739
View Website
18-hole par 72 course located on the hills and valleys of Oxford that were once apple orchards.

Indian Oaks Golf Club
201 Cherokee Trail near Alexandria
Phone: 256-820-4030
18-hole par 72 course

Pine Hill Golf Course
Phone: 256-237-2633
18-hole par 72 course and driving range located on Choccolocco Road.

Silver Lakes Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
1 SunBelt Parkway
Glencoe, AL 35905
Phone: 256-892-3268
View Website
36-hole course consists of three 9-hole championship courses a 9-hole short course. One of Alabama’s world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Silver Lakes is located between Anniston and Gadsden.

Stoney Brook Golf Course
Phone: 256-435-3114
18-hole par 72 course located on Country Club Drive.

"I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn't know how to get along without it."
Walt Disney

CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park

June 2015, the Civilian Marksmanship Program celebrated the grand opening of their Talladega Marksmanship Park. They are open to the public, with no membership required, Wed-Sat 8:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm.
4387 Turner Mill Rd
Talladega, Alabama
(256) 474-4408
http://thecmp.org/

CMP South Range

The CMP also has an indoor air rifle range in Anniston. The CMP South Competition Center is an 80 point electronic target air rifle range. Public open shooting is available Tuesday and Thursday from 4-7 pm.
1470 Sentinal Dr
Anniston, Alabama
(256) 835-8455

Wine & Beer

White Oak Vineyards, producer of Southern Oak Wines, is located in beautiful Choccollocco Valley near Anniston, Alabama and I-20.
1484 Dry Hollow Rd
Anniston, Alabama
(256) 231-7998
http://www.whiteoakal.com/Cheaha Brewing Company is Anniston's local brewpub located in the old L&N Freight Train Station (on the corner of 12th and Walnut - Historic Downtown Anniston). Cheaha serves local foods and flavors including hand crafted beer brewed in their on-site brewery and paired with uniquely prepared dishes incorporating as much locally produced and all natural food as possible.
1208 Walnut Ave
Anniston, Alabama
(256) 770-7300
http://www.CheahaBrewing.com

Enjoy the Outdoors 

Terrapin Creek
4114 County Rd. 175, Piedmont, 256-447-8383
Canoe or kayak down the beautiful Terrapin Creek, and take in scenery like you’ve never seen. Cool off in the spring feed water, and enjoy fun for the whole family. For more information, visit www.canoeshop.net.

Floating Fun
5859 Speedway Blvd., Eastaboga, AL (256)589-4418
Alabama’s ‘Premier Tube Trip’ with many tubes in stock, offers a floating fun trip down Choccolocco Creek, with a variety of rapids and a steady current to enjoy. For more information, visit www.floatingfun.net.

Neely Henry Lake
Ohatchee is also home to Neely Henry Lake, 11,000 acres perfect for skiing, boating and fishing along Hwy 77 North. This area has public boat launches, picnic areas and fishing piers perfect for the whole family.

Oxford Lake and Civic Center
401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, 256-831-2660
Stretch your legs on this paved and gravel track around the lake or spread out a picnic for the whole family, while the kids play on the adventure park playground. This area also houses tennis courts, a swimming pool, baseball complex, indoor basketball courts, a newly renovated and expanded civic center space and more.

The Chief Ladiga Trail

Weaver/Jacksonville/Piedmont
The Chief Ladiga Trail currently runs 32.5 miles from the Alabama/Georgia line into the City of Weaver. The City of Anniston recently acquired more land for the trails extension into downtown Anniston. As Alabama’s first Rails to Trails project, this paved recreational trail follows the former Seaboard/CSX Railroad and connects to Georgia’s 63 mile Silver Comet Trail, making Ladiga part of the longest paved rail trail in the U.S. This recreational opportunity can be enjoyed by walkers, bikers, skaters, strollers and more. Beautiful sights like area forests, farmlands, streams and mountains provide picturesque scenery for each and every visit. For more information, visit www.chiefladigatrail.com.

Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail
Off Hwy 202, Anniston
Located on 4000 acres of Coldwater Mountain in Anniston, this brand-new trail offers both 1.5 mile beginner loops, for riders of any level, and a 10 mile Blue Loop for intermediate riders. This trail is perfect for those looking for a leisure ride or a bit of challenge. The trail is open to hikers and runners as well. Currently, more than 25 miles of trail have been built under the supervision of IMBA Trail Solutions, with more than 75 miles of trails scheduled to be built. For more information, visit www.neaba.net.