Mentone Alabama

Mentone is just a charming mountain town perched on the western brow of Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama. Town has been an escape for travelers for well over a century. Tourists flocked to the area in the late 1880s to savor the healing waters of a few mineral springs. Other visitors came throughout the summer to trendy hotels or summer cottages to flee the warmth.

Located at an elevation between 1, 700 and 1, 800 feet, the temperatures were noticeably cooler and more comfortable on the mountain. Alabama Highway 117 runs throughout the mountain and through Mentone, allowing comfortable access to the areas scenic attractions. On County Road 89 south of Mentone, visitors will discover scenic DeSoto State Park and the Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Many visitors make a trip to Mentone in the fall to look at the spectacular leaf color. Additionally, there are scenic views off the mountain to the west over the Wills Valley. Many artists have now been interested in the location, and Mentones galleries and shops offer artwork and crafts. There are numerous antique stores in town, along with restaurants. The state park also has a restaurant positioned in its original stone lodge.

Mentone holds a few annual festivals and events that draw people to the location. Fall Colorfest is held the next week-end in October. This popular festival features a parade, musical entertainment, and arts and crafts. The 2011 Fall Tour of Domiciles is scheduled for October 29-30. This years tour will feature nine domiciles plus one historic camp. Mentone puts on a Musical Mountain Xmas in December that includes a Xmas parade, music, and visits with Santa. The Rhododendron Festival is held each spring on the 3rd week-end in-may. Attendees can enjoy the arts and crafts show and entertainment against the backdrop of vibrant spring blooms.

Mentone is a good destination for a visit whenever you want of the year. There are plenty of outdoors activities to savor amid the gorgeous views. Shoppers will discover many unique items to interest them. Visitors will enjoy a scenic mountain getaway and a more relaxing pace of life.

Alabama Wildlife

Northern Alabama houses four unique National Wildlife Refuges: Wheeler, Sauta Cave, Fern Cave, and Key Cave. The refuges conserve Alabamas natural resources and protect critical habitat for wildlife. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge may be the largest of the group. Another three are administered as satellites of Wheeler.

Wheeler Refuge encompasses 35, 000 acres of land along the Tennessee River between Huntsville and Decatur, Alabama. Visitors Center is situated off Highway 67 southeast of Decatur. Wheeler Refuge contains forest and wetlands that provide feeding and nesting sites for a selection of birds. Wheeler is considered to be the easternmost refuge in the Mississippi flyway.

The refuge provides winter habitat for migratory birds, especially Canada geese. It is also home to the states largest population of ducks. Winter visitors may also see populations of sandhill cranes and sometimes whooping cranes. Visitors Center contains interpretive wildlife displays, and a glass enclosed wildlife viewing building provides an excellent place for waterfowl viewing.

A 5 mile nature trail with a boardwalk takes visitors through a portion of cypress swamp. Gleam picnic area at the facility. Visitors Center is open daily from October-February from 9am-5pm. From March-September visitors Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-4pm.

Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge is situated five miles southwest of Florence in northwest Alabama. The cave provides critical habitat for the only known population of the jeopardized Alabama cavefish, among the rarest freshwater fish. Key Cave can be a maternity cave for jeopardized gray bats. On the northern shore of Pickwick Lake, Key Cave Refuge consists hardwood forest, grassland, and croplands. Even though refuge is available to the general public, Key Cave is not open because of the potential disturbance of the jeopardized species. Activities that may be done at the refuge include hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation.

Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge (formerly referred to as Blowing wind Cave) is situated seven miles west of Scottsboro on Highway 72. It really is located above Sauty Creek on Guntersville Lake. The refuge protects both gray and Indiana bats and their habitat. In winter the bats hibernate in the cave and in summer the cave may be the breeding site for 200, 000-300, 000 gray bats. The cave itself is closed to the public, but from June through August bats may be viewed emerging from the cave entrance at night. The very best viewing point is situated 100 yards in the park entrance. Other popular activities at the refuge include hiking, photography, and wildlife observation.

Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge is situated on County Road 500, off Highway 72 near Paint Rock, Alabama. Access to the refuge is difficult and requires hiking in along the Paint Rock River. The cave, which is closed to the public, houses the biggest winter colony of gray bats in america, and a large colony of Indiana bats. The terrain is rugged, and viewings here are difficult. The refuge is open all year round during hours of sunlight.

A trip to any of these refuges in northern Alabama provides an excellent possibility to observe wildlife. Wheeler Refuge undoubtedly gets the easiest access and the most readily useful facilities. But a trip to any of the others at night supplies the unique chance for visitors to watch hundreds of bats emerging from their caves to feed.

Gadsden Alabama

Are you searching for a great destination for a retire to, a great destination for a live or heck, maybe merely a really neat destination for a visit?

Gadsden, Alabama is simply this kind of place.

One of many items that makes Gadsden so attractive could be the inexpensive of living and its locality to bigger cities.

So just where is Gadsden? Were positioned in Northeast Alabama in Etowah county. From Birmingham, were significantly less than an hours drive north on I-59. From Atlanta, were only two approximately hours away. From Chattanooga were just one hours away.

Gadsden features a mild climate, great school systems (The Gadsden city school system is completing a new large high tech high school), churches, restaurants, theatre, shopping and more.

Whats there to do here? Depending on what time of the year it's, you could find numerous things going on for you really to watch or have a go at such as for instance:

Fishing tournaments being held on the Coosa river. (There are lots of fishing tournaments held here annually by various groups. )

The worlds longest yard sale. (a 93 mile fantastic yard sale adventure from Gadsden, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee)

Playing Bluegrass at the Foggy Hollow Bluegrass Gatherin?

Sit at the docks watching the drag boat races (The Southern Thunder National Drag Boat Races are held here)

Watch young ones feed the fish as you enjoy some of the best catfish youve ever endured while eating at Top O The River.

Take a picnic lunch up to Noccalula falls and spend the afternoon. (Noccalula falls has just encountered a renovation and is now straight back open a lot better than ever)

Play tennis at the Gadsden sports complex.

Search for a flea market. (There are two large ones to pick from. One held on Saturday at Collinsville plus one held on Sunday at mountaintop off 278)

Attend Riverfest to watch renowned musicians perform. (each year Gadsden attracts some big name country and rock performers to its stages create alongside the Coosa river for a 3 day event)

Play golf at one of the many premier courses in the area. (Gadsden has golf courses ranked in the to 100 places to play in the United States)

Nascar racing (Gadsden is just 20 minutes from the Talladega Speedway)

Well, I think you probably get the idea. Theres always something going on here for many age groups and interests.

 

Alabama Condos

Locating a condo in Alabama is as easy as tying a shoe if the best realtor is employed. There are numerous real estate professionals who can make the whole process easier. Many organizations have agents which can be experts in the Alabama condominiums market that know different builder's reputations, local schools, as well as other services. There are plenty of sources offered to find lists of new domiciles coming up, along side images, prices, and floor planes of the available condos in Alabama.

Education in Alabama is among the most important qualities of the state. Fortuitously, new condos are increasingly being built near many school districts, which give the convenience factor a point for Alabama condos. The countless Alabama school districts have a lot of schools, from elementary to high school, so finding new condos on the market near a school isn't a big concern for folks in Alabama. More and more families are stepping into condos in Alabama to ensure that their children have significantly more playmates.


Regardless of education, recreation and a leisurely lifestyle come as priority in Alabama. During Alabama, there are acres and acres of land which are maintained for parks, miles of trails, playgrounds for young ones, and undoubtedly the condominium complexes offering tennis courts, picnic areas, outdoor pools, Frisbee golf courses, plus much more. Regardless of all of the area available for recreation, many counties in Alabama have a wide selection of organized sports leagues in volleyball, football, basketball, rugby, and lacrosse.

Alabama property is popular, as many folks flock to the state at an increasing rate. It is not surprising that surviving in Alabama condos is now so desired. Alabama condos are near all of the basic commodities for easy living. Food, fashion, and fun can be obtained through Alabamas numerous shopping malls. Scattered through the state are numerous antique shops, boutiques, and traditional general stores. Alabama residents can enjoy a wide selection of food, from a home cooked meal to a classy dinner in town. Some favorite hang-outs include coffee houses, espresso bars, piano bars, and martini bars.

Rochester has a wide selection of property listings to find the best condos on the market. Real estate agents are waiting to greatly help anyone find the perfect Alabama condos possible. Whether some body wants new condos to raise a family group, or even to be near to city life, Alabama condos can be found in a number of cities.

Northeast Alabama Community College

Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) is really a two year institution that serves the northeastern the main state. The school is really a member of the Alabama Community College System. NACC is conveniently located nearby the town of Rainsville, approximately halfway between Scottsboro and Fort Payne. The school supplies a quantity of degree and non-degree programs.

NACC offers university parallel programs that will allow students to transfer to a four year university or college. Students that follow Alabamas STARS agreement are fully guaranteed that their credits will transfer to all public colleges and universities in the state, in addition to a quantity of private colleges in state. Students who are working toward degrees might earn a co-employee of Arts, a co-employee of Science, or a co-employee in Applied Science degree at NACC.

Athens State University, an upper division public university, has a target the NACC campus. Students might complete their associate degree after which transfer to Athens State University to accomplish their four year degree on a single campus. This can be a convenient and affordable option for many students.

As well as the degree programs, NACC offers non-degree and certificate programs. Workforce Development programs include daughter or son development, medical assisting, EMS/paramedic, drafting and design technology, and industrial systems technology programs. A number of the Skills Training programs offered include nursing assistant, dental aide, pharmacy technician, and home health/hospice aide. NACC also offers continuing education classes and classes online.

There are approximately 3, 400 regular and part time students enrolled at the college. No on campus housing is available. Students might be involved in a number of campus activities and companies including music and theater groups, religious companies, student government, honor societies, professional clubs, and student publications. Intramural sports are ready to accept all students. Basketball, volleyball, softball, flag football, and table tennis teams are available. The campus even offers tennis courts.

NACC makes its facilities open to the nearby northeast Alabama community. A number of theater productions and other programs are ready to accept the city every year. Northeast Alabama Community College is located on Lowell Barron Highway (Hwy. 35) five miles west of Rainsville.

Alabama RV Camping

Alabama is just a perfect state to take your family. Travel there in an RV, and you will enjoy the trip much more! Recreational vehicles are perfect for seeing most of the sights that Alabama has to offer, such as the twenty different state parks sprinkled throughout the state, plus the many theme parks, historical attractions and more. There clearly was so much to see and do in Alabama that taking an RV here makes sense you are able to take a look at different points all through and stay for a day, or a week.

Southern Alabama RV Campgrounds

In the event that you would prefer to stay in the southern element of Alabama, the Gulf State Park can be as far south as you could possibly get in the state. Located on the Gulf Shores of Alabama, this facility offers two miles of beaches on the Gulf, along with use of an 18 hole golf range and a freshwater lake for fishing. The camping listed here is for sale in two types, primitive (without hookups, often used by tent campers) and full featured, for folks who want their electricity.

North Alabama RV Campgrounds

If you should be about to visit the state parks positioned in the northern element of Alabama, you will find many clustered close together to produce this trip somewhat easier. The greatest of those parks could be the Joe Wheeler State Park, located just two miles west of Rogersville, Alabama (off people Highway 72). This park offers RV campers many different amenities, along with being fully a great destination for a enjoy the atmosphere of camping in the South. A marina located within the park offers outdoorspeople a place to go boating and fishing, and Joe Wheeler Park offers fishermen many different tournaments as well as other activities to savor the water.


Among the best places to keep is found in a state park, the Joe Wheeler facilities, offer RV campers many amenities and useful utilities due to their stay. 110 of the campsites (there are 116 total) offer full hookups, including electric, water and sewage. The campsites are large and level, perfect for your RV, and additionally, there are river views available. Each area has its own modern bathhouse with showers, and the campground it self offers campers a convenience store, for anyone little things they may have forgotten. Camping supplies will also be available, along with firewood.

Alabama Death Records

Today, Alabama Death Records could be the most substantial document that contains significant data on someones passing.

This kind of document normally shows a great account of the deceased. It reveals his name, age, birth record, spouse, young ones as well as other surviving family members. Additionally , it bears record of the persons address, plus the time, place and reason for his death. Ostensibly, this causes it to be a great supply of information for genealogy and ancestry research.

The Alabama Department of Public Health of the Center for Health Statistics stores all death cases that were filed since January 1908 in the state of Alabama. Their office is found in the city of Montgomery. As stipulated by the laws of the state, a period of time of 25 years following the date of occurrence must be allotted before members of the public can acquire this information. Nevertheless , immediate family unit members are an exemption for this said rule.

Gulf Shores Alabama

When you are finished with lying on the beach and so are searching for another thing to accomplish on your vacation, Gulf Shores, Alabama has plenty to provide. There is a lot more to accomplish in this popular vacation destination than simply lounging on the beach. Consider these popular pastimes during your next trip.

Approaching Nature

Do you love nature? As the Gulf Shores, Alabama beach is a popular natural attraction of this region, it isn't the only one. You can travel to Alligator Alley to see some of the most ferocious modern reptiles in semi-natural habitats, studying their conservation and all it takes to properly care for them. At the Biophilia Nature Center in nearby Elberta, you can view carnivorous plants, 20 acres of these to be exact, along with other plants and wildlife native to the region. Mobile Bay offers Meaher State Park and its own hiking trails along with other opportunities to explore wildlife.

Needless to say, some of the most popular natural attractions of the area will be the animals that call it home. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is a public aquarium in addition to estuarium, where you can see the animals that live both above and below the water close up and personal. Explore the Living marsh, feel many of these creatures in the hands-on Touch Tanks, and see baby invertebrates and vertebrates in the brackish water of the Mobile Bay estuary.

Historic Attractions

Not far from Gulf Shores, Alabama, you will discover plenty of historic attractions and museums. For example Memorial Park in Mobile supplies the possiblity to explore a world War II era ship, submarine, and restored aircraft. You can even see the Carnival Museum, which highlights much of the history of Mardi Gras.

In Elberta, the Baldwin County Heritage Museum can help you understand and appreciate the heritage of the region where you are staying. If you want to explore Civil War sites, then vacation to Historic Blakeley State Park, that was home of the last major battle of the American Civil War. To see sites for even farther back in history, go to the Fort Mims Historic Site in nearby Stockton, where Creek Indians massacred over 500 pioneer settlers.

In case a excursion to Pensacola, Florida is in your travel plans, plan to spend time at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, where you can walk amongst 150 beautifully restored aircraft and catch a show in the 3D Theater.

Shopping Opportunities

Shopping is another popular pastime in the Gulf Shores, Alabama region. Spanish Fort houses the Eastern Shore Centre, a modern mall with many popular retailers and a dancing water fountain where your children can play. Fairhope is well known because of its unique boutiques and galleries where you can shop local artisans and find special gifts and souvenirs. With regards to shopping around this region, you're sure to get something that matches both your tastes as well as your budget.

Alabama Wineries

Alabama houses an increasing number of small wineries. Although not traditionally regarded as a wine producing state, you can find greater than a dozen small wineries scattered across Alabama. These wineries showcase traditional red and white wines in addition to some regional favorites.  The Alabama Wine Trail highlights the majority of the vineyards and wineries.  

Wenkers Vineyard, located at 1295 Martling Gap Road in Albertville, is a little different. They grow several varieties of Muscadines and Scuppernongs and invite visitors to pick their very own grapes. After picking, they will crush and press the grapes as a courtesy with their customers. Wenkers does not sell wine, but does sell wine making supplies, in addition to jellies, jams, honey, candles, and Muscadine and Scuppernong cider. They're open seven days weekly in September and October, that is Muscadine season. Hours are 8am-5pm.

The Jules J. Berta Winery is situated in Albertville. They have found that vinifera grapes like their high elevation and sandy soil on Sand Mountain. They also grow some French-American hybrid grapes. A few of their wine offerings include Chardonnay, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Sylvaner, Petit Syrah, Cabernet, and Blaufrankisch. Berta Winery also sells three forms of Muscadine wines, several fresh fruit wines, and dessert wines. Grapes for both their red and white wines are grown onsite. The Muscadine grapes are grown locally in Alabama, and the fresh fruit wines are created with combinations of their own grapes and products from local farms. In addition to their wines, the gift shop sells candles, wine stoppers, along with other what to opt for the various wine choices. Jules J. Berta Winery is situated at 1409 Darden Avenue in Albertville. The winery is open Monday-Thursday from 10am-6pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am-7pm.

Wills Creek Vineyard is available several miles south in Duck Springs, Alabama. Their traditional wine offerings include Syrah, Rieslings, White Merlot, and Pinot Grigio. They also sell Muscadine dining table wines, fresh fruit infused wines, and dessert wines. The tasting room is open Monday-Saturday all year from 10am-6pm. Visitors can be found free examples of their products. The gift shop sells local artisan cheeses, flavored syrups, jellies, sauces, wine related presents, and wine making supplies. A free winemaking class emerges on the first Saturday of every month. Wills Creek wines are also sold to get for the duration of Alabama. Wills Creek Vineyard is situated at 10522 Duck Springs Road. Visitors to Alabamas wineries may be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the wines. Wine lovers may discover a new favorite on the list of offerings.