Tourism – Summertime Fun

June begins the joy of backyard grilling, heading out to the pool and lake, and lots of lawn care. The grilled food always tastes better, the pool is like a long lost friend coming back for an extended visit, and the yard, well unless you are growing some great veggies, I’ll leave it to my husband! We love being outside, no matter if it is to work or for fun, as long as we have a shady place to cool off with friends and a glass of sweet tea.

One of our favorite outdoor summer activities in Limestone County is biking. Biking for a cause is a great way to enjoy our beautiful scenic county, as well as help others. On June 6th, Bike MS: North Alabama will take the 89 mile route of the Noah Bike Trail to raise money and awareness for research and support programs for those living in Alabama and Mississippi. Routes include 25, 45, 75, and 100-mile route options – supported with well-stocked rest stops every 8-12 miles. Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up the Noah Bike Trail brochure, you will enjoy the large well laid out map for you to follow on your ride.

Join the Alabama Veterans Museum for Coffee Call at 8:00 AM on June 6th. Coffee Call is a popular day, (the first Saturday of each month), for Veterans to gather and have breakfast with their friends and family. Afterwards they take a walk through time as the exhibit halls tell the stories of America’s & Limestone County’s military history.
The Athens Cruise-In on the Square will be gathering downtown beginning around 3PM till dark. Bring your vehicle and meet with the other antique auto enthusiasts as the public enjoys wandering through the maze of cars reminiscing of days gone by.

For those lucky people who booked early, 1818 Farms is having a Farm to Table Dinner on June 12th at their location at 24889 Lauderdale Street, Mooresville, AL. Guests will enjoy a four-course gourmet experience by Jakob Reed and his Chefs of Albany Bistro amid the lavender fields of 1818 Farms. The dinner will include heirloom vegetables grown and harvested. Guest will enjoy a short tour of the farm before the meal. Cost is $75.00. To register, visit 1818farms.com/products-page/classes/
The beautiful cool June nights are the perfect setting to enjoy Singing in the Park at Big Springs Memorial Park at Beaty and Market Streets. We will have our hometown favorite boogie band, Trippin’ Dixie from 6-8PM on June 19th. Come to this free Summer Concert to take advantage of great music and our beautiful park. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church 1917 Hwy 72W.

This is the “Year of Alabama BBQ” and the Elkmont Lions Club Smokin’ Railroad Street Barbeque Cook-Off in Downtown Elkmont, AL. This sanctioned cook-off will be held on Jun 20th – 21st. Competitors’ entry fee is $140.00, which covers all the categories – ribs, chicken and pulled pork. People’s Choice tickets go on sale at 10:30AM for $1.00 each with the tasting starting at 11:00am. Winners will be announced at 3:30PM. Contact Larry or Susan Pylant for more information at 256-732-4493, or www.elkmontlionsclub.com

Then, finally, what the kids have been waiting for since last year: the Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival at 309 East Forrest Street, Athens, AL. The carnival will be open to the public starting June 25th – August 1st on Thursday-Saturday, and your family can enjoy the carnival from 6:30-9:30. The carnival will be closed on July 4th.

Whatever you enjoy, just take a look at what we have to offer right in your own hometown. I’m sure we can find an activity for your taste or pleasure.
To learn about more activities, brochures, restaurants, hotels, walking trails and lots more ideas, visit us online at www.VisitAthensAL.com or call 256-232-5411 from 8:AM-5PM M-F and 9:AM-1PM on Saturdays through the summer.
By: Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association