Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association staff and board would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are looking forward to a wonderful and busy 2013 tourism year.

We have so much to offer, and I wanted to give you an overview of 2013. The Alabama Veterans’ Museum is one of the best military museums in all of Alabama. We also have the Houston Memorial Library and Museum, which contains some of the original artifacts of two-time Governor, George S. Houston, and the Donnell House Living Museum.

We kick off our festivals and events in February with the Hospice Chili Challenge, followed by Polk Sallet Follies. and the Home and Garden Show in March.

We jump into overdrive in April, with the monthly Cruise In on the Square, Athens Historic Walks each Saturday, Earth Day Celebration and Outdoor EXPO, Best Buckin’ BBQ Cook-off, monthly Singing on the Square, and finally, Cars on the Square Car Show.

May madness brings Athens Bible School Homespun Arts & Craft Show, Cruise In, Singing on the Square, Living History Festival and the Sheriff’s Rodeo.

June gets us outside with National Trail Day, Ardmore Kids’ Day in the Park, Cruise In, and Singing on the Square.

July blasts off with fireworks on July 4th, followed by Cruise In, Singing on the Square, CASA Mud Volleyball Tournament, and the Alabama Championship Tractor/Truck Pull at Tanner.

August’s awesome fun begins with the Ardmore Rodeo, followed by Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days, Ardmore Quarterback Car Show, Athens State Community Band Annual Concert on the Square, Cruise In, Singing on the Square, and the Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival.

September is superb, with the Cruise In, Art on the Square, Singing on the Square, Gospel Jubilee, and Athens Grease Festival.

October is outstanding, with the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention, followed by the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby, Elkmont’ s Hilltop Arts Festival, Rails to Trails Fall Walk, Cruise In and Athens Storytelling Festival.

November is mostly dedicated to our veterans with parades and ceremonies. However, Christmas Open House in downtown Athens offers great early Christmas gifts.

December is demanding, with shopping and exciting parades, (Athens, Ardmore and Elkmont,) as well as two Christmas Open House Tours.

As you can see, we have lots to do and see. For information about any of the above events or attractions, visit our website www.VisitAthensAL.com, or call us at 256-232-5411. Stop by the Athens Visitors Center for brochures, maps, information on dining, shopping, events and attractions.