Best of Summer

AL.com recently named the Best Breweries, Best Places to Eat Wings and Best Pizza. Area restaurants were recognized in all three!

Cheaha Brewing is known for its Noble Street Wheat, but its menu is delicious too. From their Pimento Cheese Loaded Waffle Fries to their Chicken Salad, Steak Sandwich and more, they have something for everyone on their menu, including kids! Cheaha Brewing was recognized as the best brewery to eat dinner.

Yes, Jefferson's has locations throughout the state, but it's home is in Calhoun County. They may have 15 sauces to choose from, but double-dipped, fried then dipped in turbo sauce and re-fried, is the best! We're lucky to have two locations, the Original in Jacksonville and the convenient location just off I-20 in Oxford.


Thanks to its vast menu, including delicious wings, Heroes is always hopping. Their flavors include boom-boom, Carribean Jerk and lemon pepper, and many recommend the Warrior Wings. Located just south of Jacksonville, along 21, Heroes is conveniently located between Jacksonville and Anniston.


Mata's is always busy with locals, who will recommend you call in your order for their mouthwatering pizza. The Mata's Special is built with thick crust, onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives and feta, coated with white cheddar cheese! Located along Hwy 21/Quintard, it's a convenient location you won't want to miss.

"Not all those who wander are lost.."- Tolkien

After reading books or watching movies like "Wild" or "A Walk in the Woods," some are inspired to venture out and hit the trail. After all, Whitman said, "Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth."

In and around Calhoun County, there is much to see and do, including trails for hiking.

Before you set out on your next adventure, review your checklist:
- Appropriate tennis shoes or hiking boots
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Watch your step
- Stay on course
- Leave no trace

Cheaha State Park
There are several great trails, and some overlap with mountain bikers, to which you yield.
- Bald Rock has a boardwalk path, and two dirt paths on either side of the boardwalk. All three are about .3 miles and allow you to enjoy the highest point in Alabama's scenic overlook.
- Pulpit Rock is sometimes steep, but this .3 mile trail is worth the climb for a picturesque overlook. Some rock climbing enthusiasts can also obtain a permit from the Country Store.
- Mountain Laurel follows the streambank about 1.4 miles to the Rock Garden Outlook.
- The Lake Trails connect Cheaha Lake to the Rock Garden over a 1 miles steep and rugged path.
- Have you seen Bigfoot? Cheaha has a .5 mile Leave No Trace Bigfoot Trail that connects the Motel to the highest point.
- Fisherman's Tail circles .6 miles around the Lake and is known for having perfect fishing holes.
- The Odum Scout Hiking Trail traces 7.5 miles of slopes in the Cheaha Wilderness area.
- Chinnabee Silent Trail is a 6 mile trail varying from moderate to difficult hiking from Lake Chinnabee to Caney Head atop Talladega Mountain.
- Pinhoti National Recreation Trail has more than 100 miles of moderate to difficult hiking trails through east Alabama's mountains and valleys to Georgia's mountains and streams.

Alabama Birding Trails includes Coleman Lake at Shoal Creek in the Talladega National Forest, the Mountain Longleaf Wildlife Refuge at McClellan, the Choccolocco Forest's Frog Pond, and The Anniston Museum of Natural History Trial.

Nearby we also have the Little River Canyon National Preserve, Lake Guntersville, Cherokee Rock Village, and more!

Cheaha State Park @ Bald Rock

Well... It's a marvelous night for a Date Night

Whether your celebrating a birthday, anniversary or a weekend getaway, Calhoun County has many great date night spots. 

Classic on Noble

1024 Noble Street, Anniston

(256) 237-5388

Known for their Shrimp & Grits, this Downtown Anniston favorite brings classic southern dishes and combines them with fine dining. 

Effina's

501 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville

(256) 782-0008

Effina's Downtown

919 Noble Street, Anniston

(256) 236-7000

Both Effina's and Effina's downtown serve fresh and authentic recipes, from tuscany to Alabama field greens. 

 

Fuji Japanese Cuisine

218 Davis Loop, Oxford

(256) 835-8788

From Sushi to other Japanese selections, Fuji offers even American dishes with a Japanese twist. 

Garfrerick's Cafe

655 Creekside Drive, Suite C, Oxford

(256) 831-0044

From their mouthwatering farm to table veggie plate to delicious steaks, Garfrerick's has something for every palate. 

Hubbard's Off Main

20 Choccolocco Street, Oxford

(256) 403-0258

Hubbard's Off Main is located in historic downtown Oxford and offers quintessential southern dining experience. 

Yume Restaurant

301 Colonial Drive, Oxford

(256) 241-0142

This Hibachi kitchen offers an Asian fusion of cuisine, from Korean BBQ to Authentic Thai dishes. 

 

Zoe's On The Lake

187 Angel Lake Road, Weaver

(256) 403-6090

Nestled along the picturesque Buckhorn and Angel Lake, Zoe's serves up delicious southern food with a cajun twist. 

Pack a Picnic

Cheaha State Park - Just twenty miles from Anniston, Cheaha State Park, the highest point of Alabama, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts or those just wanting to catch a breathtaking sunset from one of the scenic overlooks. With its trails and climbs, and swimming, the park has it all, including hotel accommodations.

Oxford Lake- This area houses a paved/gravel track around the lake, tennis courts, batting cages and more. It is also home to one of Alabama’s oldest remaining covered bridges, moved from Coldwater Creek to Oxford Lake and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What to know about Pokémon Go

 Are you Mystic, Valor or Instinct? Truthfully, no matter the team, Calhoun County has some great PokeStops, including our downtown areas.

Jacksonville's Square is packed every day, so opt outside and meet other gamers at its three Pokestops. With its share of historic sites and churches, Jacksonville's a great spot for Pokemon! Nearby Jacksonville State also has four gyms and more than 20 Pokestops. Nearby businesses are offering prizes and specials, like Mad Hatter Cupcakes and Get Personalized.

In Anniston several area churches, cemeteries, historical markers and buildings are great locations to hunt, and we've heard even Anniston's Museum of Natural History, Berman Museum and Bird of Prey Trail are hot spots to explore.

Oxford Lake has great trails, Pokestops and good catches!

As you trek down the streets, please be cautious and courteous to those around you. Be aware of your surroundings, shop local with area businesses, and be respectful of local law enforcement. Don't use the app while driving and be safe!

#PokémonGo, #OptOutside and Explore Calhoun County!
 

Shop Like a Local

Calhoun County is home to four fresh farmers markets, with items perfect to serve farm to table.

Calhoun County Farmers Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays until lunch, vendors offer fresh veggies, canned goods and even handmade jewelry for sale behind the County Administration Building on Noble Street in Anniston.

Main Street Market
Thursdays, from April to September, downtown Oxford's Simmons Park hosts the Main Street Market. This weekly market also features downtown shops and restaurants, perfect for an afternoon outing. This market is open from 2-7 P.M. each Thursday afternoon.

The Downtown Market
Located behind Anniston's City Hall on West 12th Street, this market sells locally produced fruits and veggies, and you can meet your farmer. Crafters also sell soaps, jewelry and more each Saturday morning, April through October.

Jacksonville Farmers Market
Each Saturday morning, through October, the Square hosts local farmers from across the region with their delicious fruits and vegetables.

Whether you're passing through or here for a few days, these area markets are a great way to meet the people and have a unique Calhoun County experience. These markets are also surrounded by great coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants, so enjoy the whole experience!

Where to Eat Sweet Treats

 Calhoun County dishes out some great food, including that to appease the sweet tooth.

Artisanal Baked Goods
1702 Quintard Avenue, Anniston
This small, from scratch bakery is family run and crafts delectable breads, mouth-watering pastries and tasty cakes. Our favorites are the cookies and macaroons, perfect for any afternoon snack.

Java Jolt Coffeehouse
5 Public Square E, Jacksonville
Not only is this a great spot for a coffee or a nook to read a book, but their menu includes appetizing muffins and pastries, sandwiches, and more. We recommend the scones and muffins for a delicious breakfast.

Mad Hatter Cupcake Shop
12 Public Square Suite 1, Jacksonville
This quaint shop serves up adorably themed cupcakes for everything from "Shark Week" to daily classics like red velvet. Our favorite is the "Rocky Cocky," a blend of cookies and cream with red velvet, and the cake pops are delish.

Smallcakes Cupcakery
100 Ali Way, Oxford
With a convenient location along Highway 78, it's an easy detour off any highway or I-20, and the detour for scrumptious sweets is worth the trip. The chocolate flavors, like S'mores, are our fav.

Essentials to Explore in Calhoun County

1. For the Collector
Are you an "American Picker?" You enjoy gathering conversation pieces and memories from days of old. You set out on an adventure with discovery in mind. Calhoun County is "Perfect for Pickers," with antique stores and markets that have anything you could possibly want and great bargains.

2. For the Southern Seeker
Are your ancestors southern or are you drawn to southern heritage and history? Calhoun County has mouth-watering southern cuisine and historical sites from Civil War to Civil Rights.

3. For the Outdoor Enthusiast 
These travelers seek adventure off the beaten path. From Mountain Biking at Cheaha and Coldwater to kayaking along Terrapin, Calhoun County is rich with "natural" attractions for all ages.

4. For those needing an Escape
If you seek quiet time and an off the grid experience, the Pinhoti Trail connects you to the Appalachian Trail, from Sylacauga to Blue Ridge to Maine.

5. For the Pilgrim
For those wanting to see the world, from museums to arts and theatre or local culture, Calhoun County has many conveniences of large municipalities.

6. For those Passing By
If you're traveling along I-20 or via highway 9, 21, or 431, etc., take a pit-stop. You won't regret it! With you eyes and mind wide open, you'll discover a "Gem of the Hills."

For information about restaurants, hotels and things to do, check out www.VisitCalhounCounty.com.