The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and most are still waiting for their turn to receive the vaccine. This doesn’t mean you have to be idle and bored. There are many activities nearby that are great for a quick family outing or a weekend getaway that still allow for social distancing and staying safe. Regardless of your budget, there is something for everybody to do.
Here is a list of some of my favorite places I have visited in 2020 or plan to visit in the coming year. Social distancing was adhered to during all these activities and masks were worn when required.
Cullman city parks
Cost: free
All of the city’s wonderful parks were explored throughout the year along with Xena The Tribune Park Puppy. From the many smaller neighborhood parks to the Art Park, Ingle and Heritage Park, the parks are free and have all types of different activities and play equipment for everyone in the family. The weather is cooler and the parks’ water features are closed, but there is still plenty to do.
Cullman County parks
Cost: varies
Cullman County parks offer a great variety of activities for families to enjoy. Smith Lake is known for its fishing and water sports, but the park is also free to enter and a beautiful place to walk or sit and watch for birds or picnic. Hurricane Creek Park is free and offers some breathtaking views and great hiking and climbing. Sportsman Lake Park should be back in full swing soon as it wraps up the Winter Wonderland. The park is free to enjoy, but amenities such as the train and putt-putt have a small cost. Stony Lonesome OHV Park is open Friday-Monday and costs $15 for ages 13 and older. Clarkson Covered Bridge is a great place to stop and learn about the history of the area while enjoying the sounds of the water and the peace and quiet the location provides. Some bathroom facilities may be closed.
Hanceville city and other municipal parks
Cost: free
Hanceville has the beautiful Veterans Memorial Park and C.W. Day Park. Both are a great place to spend the day. The walking trails around the lake at Veterans Park and the open spaces and playgrounds at C.W. Day are fun to explore.
Vinemont has a new and exciting feature at its walking trails- an 18-hole disc golf course that was professionally designed for tournament play. Grab your gear and check it out!
Baileyton has recently reopened its park and walking trails, and other municipalities such as West Point, Colony, Holly Pond, Good Hope and Fairview all have great municipal parks. The best is that no two parks are the same and a new adventure can begin at each one.
Other great places to check out in Cullman County are:
- Ave Maria Grotto- Cullman
- Crooked Creek Civil War Museum- West Point
- Cullman County Museum- Cullman
- Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament- Hanceville
- Duck River Reservoir- Cullman
Looking for some day trip ideas outside of Cullman?
Bankhead National Forest– Double Springs
Cost: $3 per vehicle for day use
The “land of a thousand waterfalls” is just next door in Winston County and is one of four national forests in Alabama. Bankhead is great for many popular outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. The birdwatching is said to be superb.
Noccalula Falls State Park– Gadsden
Cost: Free
The ticketed portions of the park are currently closed until March 1, 2021, but the falls overlook, playground and Black Creek Trails are open and free.
Anniston Museum of Natural History, The Berman Museum and Longleaf Botanical Gardens– Anniston
Cost: AMNH $8 for adults, $6 ages 4-17 and children 3 and younger free. Senior discounts available and all access admission to all $12 for adults and $8 for children 4-17.
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m., the Anniston Museum of Natural History is currently featuring its Native American collection. The Anniston Museum of Natural History is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is a world-class museum right in Alabama. Planned correctly, the Anniston Museum and Gardens can be paired with a visit to Noccalula Falls for a fun-filled and educational day trip. Stop in downtown Gadsden before heading home to Cullman for some great local food choices.
Huntsville Botanical Garden– Huntsville
Cost: $14 adults and kids 3-17, $9- student. Senior and military discounts also available.
Tickets available 7 days a week but must be purchased in advance
The Garden’s Galaxy of Lights will continue each night through New Year’s Day with the Gardens open to foot traffic during the day. The gardens have something for everyone, including a kids’ area with fun features and activities.
Cook Museum of Natural Science– Decatur
Cost: $20 adults, $15 age 3-14, seniors and military $17 and younger than 3 is free
Both the Anniston and Cook Museums are a great learning opportunity for children and adults. Cook Museum has many interactive features that are so fun that your kids might not realize they are learning science! The many animal dioramas feature animals native to our area and some who aren’t. The museum shop has some great items for the budding scientist or nature lover in your life.
Joe Wheeler State Park– Rogersville
Cost: varies
Joe Wheeler State Park has been a family favorite for many years. Often while driving through the large park, you find yourself surrounded by deer and other wildlife. It’s a fantastic escape back to nature. A family can explore the parks for the day or spend the night in the lodge, cabins or cottages. This is a great choice for a day trip or weekend getaway. The park has many walking trails and bridges to explore on the banks of the Tennessee River. Make sure to keep your eye out for the group or “squadron” of pelicans that now call Joe Wheeler home. Take a picnic or stop by the lodge for a nice dinner.
Mentone is a town in northeast Alabama that is simply beautiful year round. The downtown area of Mentone features great local shops, candy stores, art galleries and eateries that remind you of being in a Hallmark movie. Mentone has Alabama’s only ski resort! Yes, snow skiing in Alabama! Check out the Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort for dates. Mentone can be a great family trip or a much needed romantic getaway. The town, located on Lookout Mountain has many private cabins and cozy B&Bs to rent with gorgeous views.
To be continued……
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