Seize the last days of summer

As the back to school time nears, check some family fun off your bucket list.

In case of rain:

Looking for something educational and fun, look no further than the Anniston Museums and Gardens. Explore the earth; see a safari and mummies at the Anniston Museum of Natural History.

More of a history buff? Explore the collections of spies and collectors at the Berman Museum of World History, with evens Greek Helmet more than 2000 years old.

Want adventure?

With all the rain we've had lately, water levels are up and perfect for floating Terrapin. In so areas, you barely have to paddle. Pull off on the shoals, take a picnic or a swim, and spend the day on the creek. No Worries Kayak will take care of you!

Go out for a spin!

Local trails are great for the whole family! From easy, car free, treks, try Ladiga. The trail is relatively flat, with mile markers to help you remember how far you have to go to get back to your car.

Coldwater's Baby Bear trail is great for beginners, with wider paths, difficulty options, downhill rolling beginning and slow climb back. If cycling isn't your thing, it's only a mile loop, if you stay right, and all the trails are great for walking.

Put your family to the test!

Get those critical thinking skills going again and challenge the family to Escape Zone. See if you can solve all the clues and breakout in under an hour! It will get your brain and your heart going; plus, it makes everyone work together.

Relax

If you're a teacher dreading going back or a parent overwhelmed from the summer, take some time away at one of our local wineries, like White Oak. Each sell onsite and offer tasting of both sweet and dry local wines! Uncork the bottle and unwind!

Eat-Stay-Play

If you're opting for a staycation, try a new restaurant, stay in a local hotel and play in our great parks! Some allow fishing! Some have pools and splash pads! Some have Boundless playgrounds, perfect for everyone! #OptOutside

Fiddle-dee-dee... BBQ

One staple associated with the south, after all it's mentioned in the first ten minutes of "Gone with the Wind," is barbecue. The slow cooking of smoking with indirect heat and grill is packed with flavor. Calhoun County is home to many barbecue havens, all with their own flavors, styles and sauces.

Cooter Brown's Rib Shack
8464 Alabama Hwy 204, Jacksonville AL 35265 - 256-435-1514Alabama's 100 Dishes to eat before you die has its share of BBQ, including Cooter Brown's Ribs. Don't let the little shack deceive you. They also have Hillbilly Egg Rolls, a tribute to Carolina BBQ.

Baby Boy’s BBQ
1292 Ponderosa Trail, Eastaboga AL 36260 - (256) 454-8246

If you're able to attend a community event, these guys will probably be there, food truck and all, perfect for a summer day outside. 

Betty's Bar-B-Q

401 S Quintard Avenue, Anniston AL 36201 - 256-237-1411

This family owned restaurant is always packed at lunch, as is evident as you may struggle to find parking, but they dish out so community renowned BBQ specials. 

Bill's Bar Be Que, LLC

916 West 10th Street, Anniston, AL 36201 - 256-770-7175

This family is known and loved by the community, respected for his knowledge, experience and dedication to the community. There isn't make community events that they'll miss. 

Brad's Bar BQ

1809 Hwy 78 East, Oxford, AL 36203 - 256-831-7878

This is another respected family. It's all in the family, working together to dish out the best meals they can, conveniently located in Oxford near the mall. 

Dad's Bar-B-Que

3105 McClellan Blvd, Anniston, AL 36204 - 256-238-4323
700 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201 - 256-238-4323

This local chain dishes out smoked chicken and bbq with several choices for sauces. Try the "honey mustard," and you won't regret it. 

Local Joe's at Alexandria

8314 Alabama Highway 144, Alexandria,  AL 36250 - (256) 241-6796

Voted Alabama's Small Business person of the Year for 2017, this local chain is known for its catering, but the smoked turkey and BBQ highlight the spread. 

Don't take our word for it! Experience BBQ yourself! Visit and taste test the deep roots of Alabama BBQ! 

"Sweet Home Alabama"

There's one place that can completely capture those "skies so blue," Cheaha State Park. Home to Alabama's Highest Point and the JSU Mountain Center, the park also hosts hiking trails, including the Pinhoti, mountain bike trails, a handicap accessible walkway to Bald Rock, an observation tower at the highest point, campgrounds, cabins and chalets for rent, a motel and restaurant, museums and so much more!
Towering 2,407 feet above sea level, Creek Indians named this spot "Chaha," or high place, with views that seem to go on forever in the heart of the surrounding Talladega National Forest.
Surrounded by natural beauty, this location is perfect for a picnic, photographs and events. There are so many recreational opportunities! Come enjoy tranquility and stand in awe of the surroundings.
Cheaha State Park also offers tons of programs for the whole family. From Pottery and Basket Weaving to campfire talks and discovery hikes, Cheaha has something for everyone.
*Make time to check out the Pulpit Rock Trail. Complete with Native American Trail Marker Tree Points, this short but steep walk offers the most rewarding view overlooking the lake and national forest. 
Adventure is waiting! Learn more at VisitCalhounCounty.com!

Dixie Youth Little League World Series

Come scout and discover future baseball stars during the Dixie Youth Little League World Series August 4 through 10 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford. 
August 4th, 36 teams will participate in skills competitions and the World Series Opening Ceremonies. Tournament play will begin August 5th. 
Choccolocco Park is an outdoor sports complex with state-of-the-art amenities for baseball, softball, track and field, and soccer. The park also has three walking paths that go around the historic Indian mound, a 30-acre lake, and plenty of green space in between, that connect for a total of 2.7 miles.
With amenities for every person in your family, including a Boundless Playground to include children of all abilities, Choccolocco Park welcomes you to come and enjoy our facilities to their fullest extent. 
Located just off Leon Smith Parkway near the Oxford Exchange and Commons, the park trails feature interpretive plaques capturing the history of the 19th century Muscogee (Creek) Nation that called Choccolocco home. 
Come discover this diamond of Calhoun County and all of its treasures. From delicious food to outdoor and cultural adventures, we've got it all and more! Check out VisitCalhounCounty.com! Adventure Awaits!