Ideas for Memorial Day in Calhoun County

Camping

From Cheaha State Park to Mike Tucker, Ladiga or Neely Henry, Calhoun County and surrounding areas offer great options for camping and activities. 

Cycling

Go for a spin on the Ladiga Trail or climb Coldwater, Iron Legs and Henry Farm! 

Float

From Terrapin to Choccolocco's Floating Fun, Calhoun County has several options for those hoping to get out on the water. 

Tee-Off

From Silver Lakes to Cider Ridge, Cane Creek to Pine Hill, and Indian Oaks to Stoney Brook, there are plenty of great rounds of golf to be played. 

Explore History

Pay your respects at Centennial Memorial Park and explore Alabama's Civil Rights Trail and more. 

EVENTS

7th Annual Memorial Weekend Gospel Singing
Friday, May 27, beginning at 6:00 P.M.
at Christian Corner Meats, 1002 US Hwy 431, Anniston
Bring your own lawn chair to this concert featuring Wilburn & Wilburn, The Hoppers, and Jay Parrack & Vocal Event. Shuttles will be available from Hillcrest Baptist Church and free dinner for the first 500 guests. 

Back 40 Bash

Saturday, May 28, with gates opening at 5:00 P.M. 

on Harold Boozer Road in Pleasant Valley, Jacksonville, AL 

Bring your own chairs and coolers, no glass, to this outdoor music festival and enjoy an afternoon of country music and classic rock. This year features Riley Green with Muscadine Bloodline and Murphy Elmore. 

Eat, Stay & Play in Calhoun County, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts! 

Remembering the Freedom Rides

May 14, Freedom Riders Hank Thomas, Bill Harbour, and Charles Person returned to Anniston for the bus burning anniversary and to take questions from local students and community members. Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute recently hosted "A Night with Freedom Rider Hank Thomas," one of the survivors of the firebombed bus in Anniston in 1961. Thomas recapped his story of escaping the fire, and 12 year old Janie Forsyth defying the angry mob to share water with Mr. Thomas and other Freedom Riders.
In Anniston, visitors can retrace the journey of the Freedom Riders and the events of May 14, 1961.
At 1031 Gurnee Avenue, the location of the first attack, where the Greyhound Bus station was once located, there is a mural asking "Could You Get On The Bus?" with informational panels capturing the events of Mothers' Day 1961.
The Greyhound bus departed the downtown Anniston bus station, followed by an angry mob, until the damage to the bus prevented it from traveling further along the Old Birmingham Highway, parallel to what is now Hwy 202. There, firebombs ignited the Freedom Riders bus. A historic marker is now located at the site of the bus burning. Many people remember the image of the Greyhound bus burning, but many don't realize there was another bus. A Trailways bus of Freedom Riders entered Anniston about an hour later to another attack. "The Other Bus" mural is located at the corner of 9th and Noble, where the Trailways bus station once stood. There are also panels at this location detailing the events surrounding the Trailways bus.
Recently, the National Park Service took part in a Reconnaissance survey and roundtable discussions, considering these Freedom Rider sites for federal designation.
You can take part in preserving these historic sites for the future. For more information, as well as opportunities to donate or write letters of support, visit www.freedomriderspark.org. 

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

"Bicycling is life with the volume turned up!"

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”
Ernest Hemingway


Calhoun County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially cyclists. 

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. With its hiking and biking trails and swimming, the park has it all, including hotel, camping and cabin accommodations.

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. 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.  for walkers, bikers, skaters, strollers and more.

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. 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

Located near the Mountain Longleaf Wildlife Refuge, this mountain bike trail lives up to its name. Take I-20 to exit 188 go north on golden springs rd to choccolocco rd, turn right go approx 10 miles turn left on Bains gap rd, parking 100 yards on the right.

Cheaha Challenge

If you're an avid cyclists, and especially enjoy road biking, may we suggest Cheaha Challenge weekend? As a part of the Alabama Backroads Century Series, this now 124 mile bike ride is known as the toughest ride in the south, climbing Alabama’s highest point twice. Beginning in Jacksonville, this ride also features 23, 44, 62, 84 mile and more options for cyclists. If you're a beginner, we also have the Chief Ladiga Cruise, a kinder, gentler family ride from Jacksonville to Piedmont or the Alabama State line and back along the Ladiga Trail. 

Perfect Places to Picnic

Along Ladiga
From spots like Piedmont's Eubanks Welcome Center Porch to Germania Springs Park or the Gazebo in Jacksonville's Community Garden and the picturesque bench locations along the route, there are several great, shaded spots to take a packed lunch or snack and picnic.

Along the Lake
Yes, Oxford Lake is located along I-20; however, it's a great escape from the rush of the interstate and a relaxing place to rest, picnic, take a stroll or take to the playground. The ducks would be happy to help you finish a sandwich.

The Museum Complex
From Lagarde Park to the beautiful gardens of the Anniston Museum of Natural History, the Berman Museum  of World History and the new Longleaf Botanical Gardens, there are so many quiet and lovely spots to picnic this spring.

Jacksonville's Square
With benches and quaint shops surrounding you, it is an ideal place to picnic, especially if you didn't pack a lunch because you have Java Jolt and their delicious sandwiches and snacks and Mad Hatter Cupcakes and Ice Cream to enjoy.

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge
Stop by the Ranger Station on Bain's Gap Road for a complete set of maps, and check out the birding trail or waterfall before you picnic.

Terrapin Creek
It's perfect weather for a float down Terrapin, and you can pack a lunch to help you refuel before paddling again. The perfect picnic spot is "just around the river-bend."

Zinn Park 
Located on the lawn of the old Anniston Inn and Kichen, this spot is host to many community events and conveniently located in downtown historic Anniston.

Regionally
You have great natural attractions surrounding us that are perfect for picnics. From Alabama's highest point at Mt. Cheaha to Noccalula Falls and the Pinhoti Trail, there are great places to hike and picnic for a day!

If picnicking is not for you, we've got mouthwatering restaurants too! Browse our website at www.VisitCalhounCounty.com.

Baseball is back!

                On April 3, 2016 the players of the 30 Major League Baseball started another season in their careers. Among those players were players from our very own Calhoun County and Jacksonville State University.

Two players from Jacksonville State that come to mind are Todd Cunningham and Donovan Hand. Todd Cunningham was drafted in the 2^nd round of the 2010 amateur draft by the Atlanta Braves, and his first debut was in 2013. Donovan Hand was drafted in the 14^th round of the 2007 amateur draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, and his first debut with them was in 2013. In 2015 Hand was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, and Cunningham was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels.

Three retired MLB players from JSU are Bill White, Tim Van Egmond, and Todd Jones. Bill White was drafted in the 3^rd round of the 2000 amateur draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. His first debut was with the Texas Rangers in 2007. White’s last game was a year later on September 26, 2008. Tim Van Egmond was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 17^th round of the 1991 amateur draft. His first debut was in 1994, but was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1996 and played his last game on September 25, 1996. Todd Jones was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 1^st round of the 1989 amateur draft and his first debut was with them in 1993. Jones played in the league for 16 years. In those 16 years, he played for 8 teams, Houston Astros (1993-96), Detroit Tigers (1997-2001), Minnesota Twins (2001), Colorado Rockies (2002-03), Boston Red Sox (2003), Cincinnati Reds (2004), Philadelphia Phillies (2004), Florida Marlins (2005), and back to Detroit Tigers (2006-08). In 2000, he was made an All-Star and he played his last game on August 15, 2008.

Jacksonville State University also has alumni in the minor leagues. Some recent players that were drafted are Daniel Watts (Diamondbacks in 2012), Sam Eberle (Giants in 2012), Ben Waldrip (Royals in 2011 and Rockies in 2012), Coty Blanchard (Rays 2013), and Griff Gordon (Yankees 2014).

Across Calhoun County, more players were drafted: Colter Bean, Tommy O’Brien, Ed White, and Ty Cobb. Colter Bean played for the New York Yankees from 2005-2007 and his last game was on May 4, 2007. Tommy O’Brien played for 5 years for 3 teams: Pittsburg Pirates (1943-45), Boston Red Sox (1949-50), and Washington Nationals (1950). His last game was May 13, 1950. Ed White played 1 year for the Chicago White Sox in 1955, and his last game was September 25, 1955. Lastly, Ty Cobb played for 2 teams in his 24 year career: Detroit Tigers (1905-1926) and Philadelphia Athletics (1927-1928). Cobb was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936, and he played his last game September 11, 1928.

The City of Anniston had a Minor League baseball team from 1904-1950. This team changed names 5 times throughout its years: Anniston Steelers (1904-1910), Anniston Models (1911-1912), Anniston Moulders (1913-1917), Anniston Nobles (1928-1930), and Anniston Rams (1938-1950). Ty Cobb played for this team in 1904 right before he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. The team was disbanded in 1950 due to World War II and financial reasons. The team had affiliation deals with the Chicago White Sox (1938-39), Brooklyn Dodgers (1940), and Pittsburgh Pirates (1946). They played on Johnston Field which was located on Christine Ave and between E 17^th and E 18^th.

                 The JSU baseball and softball teams are back in full swing this season. The baseball team’s next home game is April 19^th at 6:00 P.M. against Kennesaw State. The softball team’s next home game is May 7th at 1:00 P.M. against Belmont. Go to www.jsugamecocksports.com to see their schedule and statistics.

The Choccolocco Park, in Oxford, Alabama, is hosting the 2016 OVC Softball Championship. The 8-team double-elimination tournament will be held May 11-14. The park is even hosting the 2017 OVC Softball Championship on May 10-13. This will be the first year that the championship will be held at a neutral zone, instead of it being held at the home field of the number one team. Teams playing in this tournament are Austin Peay University, Belmont University, Eastern Illinois University, Eastern Kentucky University, Jacksonville State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Tennessee Technological University, and the University of Tennessee at Martin.

References: www.ovcsports.com, www.jsugamecocksports, and www.baseball-reference.com

Brittany Noell (JSU student 2012-2016)

Gamecock Golf Master

Danny Willet was given the famous green jacket at the 2016 Masters, April 10, 2016. Originally from Sheffield, England, Danny Willet has connections to Calhoun County.

In 2005, Willet joined the JSU family. He was recruited to play golf for the Gamecocks. In 2006, he was named OVC Freshman of the Year and won medalist honors at the 2007 OVC Championship. He spent 2 years playing as a Gamecock under Coach James Hobbs. While Willet was here he studied Marketing, but mainly focused on golf. Willett isn’t just the first Gamecock to win the Masters, but he’s also the first Gamecock to even play in the Masters.

Jason Callan, director of golf at Silver Lakes, was Coach Hobbs’ assistant from 1999-2003. When asked on how Willett’s Masters Win impacts Silver Lakes golf, Callan said, “Because we are the home for the JSU golf teams, our impact is connected with JSU. They practice and play here on our courses.”

Callan now works with one of Willett’s teammates, Brennan Clay, who is an instructor at Silver Lakes Golf Course.

Danny Willett is the second golfer to win the Masters with ties to Alabama. The first was Bubba Watson, who went to Faulkner State in Bay Minette, and won the Masters in 2012 and again in 2014.

Danny Willett is also the second Englishman to win the Masters. The first was Nick Faldo in 1989, 1990, and 1996.

For the first time, in Willett’s career, he is in the top 10 of the World Golf Rankings, coming in at Number 9.

References: www.al.com, www.jsugamecocksports.com

Brittany Noell (JSU student 2012-2016)