Classic Cullman 2019 - 2020

ClassicCullman

2020

WHEN YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR

Thank you for voting us
Best Walk-In Clinic four

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Mon. - Sat. 8am - 6pm
Sun. 12 - 6pm

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Alabama’s GMC Dealer of the Year
1940 Second Ave NW • Cullman, AL

256-734-4472
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CLASSIC

50 57 Stay a While, You’ll Love It
How to Get Here
Visitor’s Center
Area of Faith
Festivals and Events
Attractions
10 Fun Things to Do
Outdoors
Arts and Culture
Time to Shop
Your Shopping Guide
Taste of Cullman
A Place to Stay

20

CULLMAN CONTRIBUTORS
8 45 Classic Cullman is an annual
community information guide
showcasing Cullman County
produced by The Cullman Times in
association with the Cullman Area
Chamber of Commerce & Visitor
Center. This year’s publication
focuses on many aspects of the
area’s quality of life with an

emphasis on tourism.

10 DESIGN COORDINATOR
Jessica Wells

12 WRITERS
Benjamin Bullard, Tyler Hanes,

David Palmer, Jake Winfrey

14 ADVERTISING
Debbie Miller, Yvonne Moore
Alyssa Pylant, Chasity Stewart
Amanda Tolbert, Taylor Wilson

16 Photographers
22 Benjamin Bullard

Tyler Hanes

29 42 Lisa Jones
Amanda Shavers-Davis
38 Cover photos
44 Top Left: The Cullman Times
46 Top Right: City Parks & Recreation
55
Bottom Left: The Shrine of
1557 the Most Holy Sacrament
Bottom Right: Amanda Shavers-Davis
73 The Cullman Times

300 4th Avenue SE
Cullman, AL 35055

256-734-2131
cullmantimes.com
Publisher Terry Connor
Editor David Palmer
cullman area
chamber of commerce
& Visitor Center
301 2nd Avenue SW,
Cullman, AL 35055

256-734-0454
smithlakeal.com
visitcullman.org

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [7]

Stay a while
You’ll Love It
Nestled conveniently between
two of Alabama’s largest region and nation are discovering Alabama’s
metropolitans — Birmingham treasures, a wealth of which are found across
and Huntsville — along the Interstate 65 Cullman.
corridor, Cullman County boasts a well-
earned reputation for a diversified economy Cullman is a community always ready
and robust family life. for fun. Every month of the year brings new
As Alabama’s top agricultural county, activity and events that beckon friends and
family farms ranging from poultry and egg neighbors out to every corner. From the
to sweet potato growers are scattered in every picturesque Oktoberfest celebration, to the
direction. And at the center is the bustling sprawling Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts
city of Cullman with its growing scene of
festivals, exclusive shops and a wide range of
dining options.
The community sits atop the Cumberland
Plateau, an area of pristine lakes, rivers,
gently rolling hills and forests. People visit
from miles around to enjoy the natural
settings and to shop and find top-rated
medical services. Between Birmingham and
Huntsville, Cullman is simply a destination
for a wide range of reasons.
From fishing and boating on Lewis Smith
Lake to securing a place at Rock the South
— one of the nation’s top music outdoor
music venues — visitors from across the

[8] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

show in April, to Rock the South in
June — a highlight of many a country
music fan’s national concert calendar —
there’s always something happening, and
it’s almost always set against one of our
community’s many beautiful backdrops.


Cullman bustles with energy, from
historic downtown of the City of
Cullman’s historic downtown — and
pretty much everywhere else. Private
business owners and elected leaders work
hand in hand to grow our city, and the
communities beyond, from the inside
out. Residents love living here, because
Cullman captures a rare and enviable
combination of sought-after qualities:
it’s historic, it’s beautiful, it’s safe, it’s
close to other points of action, it’s loaded
with job opportunities, and its residents
have made its award-winning public
education system a point of civic pride.


Cullman plans for the future, because
we know that our people have plans for
the future. With a strong transportation
and utility infrastructure and an
aggressive job training partnership
between local leaders and Wallace
State Community College — one of
the nation’s highest-rated community
colleges and a statewide education
destination for health care, technical
training and workforce development
skills — we’re a community determined
to make good on the debt we owe our
past generations of visionary leadership
by enriching the lives and opportunities
of generations yet to come.


This barely begins to scratch the
surface to reveal the depth of all that
our community has to offer, but if
you’ve come this far, we’re certain of one
thing: your journey toward discovering
Cullman’s many attractions is just
beginning. From all of us who call this
wonderful community home, welcome!
We hope you’ll stay awhile — and
maybe even stick around to help us write
the next chapter in our story.

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

How to Get Here

Location, location, location. Distances to Five
Major Cities Nearby:
One of the greatest Atlanta: 196.2 mi
perks about the Birmingham: 50.6 mi
Cullman area is its Chattanooga: 127.6 mi
proximity to so many Huntsville: 55.1 mi
other major cities in Nashville: 145.2 mi
the state and region.
Not only is Cullman County practically population:
smack dab between Birmingham (50 miles)
and Huntsville (55), but it’s also within 15,858
relative driving distance of Chattanooga
(128), Nashville (145), Atlanta (196) and City Population
Memphis (212).
Getting to the Cullman area is extremely easy, 83,442
with access to the interstate and a quartet of
major highways creating an abundance of County Population
entry points. Cullman County touts several
exits on Interstate 65 — including four (304, 4.9 MILL
305, 308 and 310) in the city — and features ION
lengthy stretches of two federal highways
(U.S. 278 and U.S. 31) and two state State Population
highways (AL-157 and AL-69).
Getting to the Cullman area is an absolute TIME ZONE: Central
cinch. After you have the opportunity to see
everything Cullman County has to offer, CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020
though, it certainly won’t be so easy to leave!

CLIMATE:

59” 202
Annual Rainfall Number of
National Average: 30” Sunny Days Annually

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

[ 10 ]

65 278
278 31

65 31

graphic / jessica wells CULLMAN

Location:
Cullman is in North Alabama,
about 55 miles south of
Huntsville, and 50 miles north
of Birmingham.

taxes: Workforce: Education in City of Cullman
9% Sales Tax
4% State Tax High School Diploma Associate Degree (County)
2.34% City Tax
2.66% County Tax 83.5% 40.4%

TRANSPORTATION: 18-24 Years (25 and older: 9.9%)
Cullman Regional
Airport Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree

21.0% 40.4%

2.6% 22,880Unemployment Total
Rate Number
Employed

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 11 ]

amanda shavers-davis

CULLMAN AREA
VISITOR’S CENTER

Roger Steele Welcome to H ours
the Cullman area! Monday - Friday
Director of Tourism, We’re so glad you’ve 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cullman Area Chamber chosen to visit our vibrant Closed Saturdays
of Commerce & Visitor Center and progressive community. and Sundays
Enjoy everything we have P hone
to offer, from museums and 256-734-0454
churches to awesome festivals A ddress
and attractions. We’re sure 301 2nd Ave. SW
Cullman County’s unique Cullman, AL 35055
cultural heritage and history, website
along with its famous visitcullman.org
Southern hospitality, will smithlakeal.com
leave a lasting impression.
Enjoy your visit and come
back soon!

[ 12 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 272480-1

[ 13 ]

Area
of Faith

[ 14 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

Church steeples are the first to the world-famous Ave Maria Grotto, a
indication that faith is a vital handcrafted recreation of famous religious
foundation in Cullman County. sites and buildings created by one of the
From the majestic spires of Sacred Heart monks over a series of years in an old rock
Catholic Church to the sprawling St. quarry on the grounds.
Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School, the
local community is engaged in worship and Cullman County is also home to the
faith-based activities. Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
St. Bernard represents one of the oldest
religious institutions in Cullman, formed Franciscan devotion is expressed in the art
by monks who arrived more than 130 years and spirituality of the Shrine, particularly in
ago to minister to the growing population the architecture of the Main Church which
of German immigrants who established the resembles the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi,
city. Italy. Adjoining the Church is Our Lady
Benedictine monks continue to study, of the Angels Monastery where the Poor
serve the community and lead worship Clare Nuns live a cloistered life of prayer,
and education programs, not just for local thanksgiving, and sacrifice according to the
residents, but visitors who come from other model of St. Clare.

areas for retreats or enroll in the highly
rated prep school. St. Bernard is also home Visitors are always welcome at these sites
and offer insight and reverence to the role
of faith in the development of the local
community.

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 15 ]

Festivals & Events

amanda shavers amanda shavers April/May
Cullman Strawberry Festival
April
209 1st Ave. NE, Cullman, AL 35055
Bloomin’ Festival Cullman Strawberry Festival is a two-day
festival celebrating the area’s strawberry
St. Bernard Prep School, harvest and opening day of the Festhalle
Farmers’ Market. Food, live music, a classic
1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman, AL 35055 car show, arts & crafts, and an expansive
Bloomin’ Festival is a two-day juried arts children’s fun area are just a few entertaining
festival drawing thousands of visitors to the activities for families and friends to take in
beautiful campus of St. Bernard Abbey and during this longstanding annual event.
Preparatory School. Located adjacent to the 256-734-9157
school is the world-famous Ave Maria Grotto. www.Facebook.com/CullmanStrawberryFest
The picturesque landscape of stone-cut
buildings on the grounds of Alabama’s only CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020
Abbey provides the perfect backdrop for this
outdoors spectacle. More than 140 booths are
filled with artists and vendors demonstrating
and exhibiting their work. The festival is
regionally renowned and serves as the largest
annual fundraiser for the operation and
maintenance of the school.
256-739-6682 Ext. 7133 or 800-722-0999
www.BloominFestival.com

[ 16 ]

June

Rock the South BENJAMIN BULLARD

Heritage Park July

1705 Lee Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055
Recognized as one of the top country music
festivals in the nation, Rock the South is
a two-day concert featuring some of the
biggest names in the business. Founded as a
way to help Cullman recover from the 2011
tornadoes, RTS annually donates upwards
of $100,000 to local charitable partners and
organizations. Rock the South brings tourists
to the Cullman area in droves, touting at least
60,000 attendees over both days in recent
years.
256-737-7565
www.RockTheSouth.com
www.Facebook.com/RocktheSouth

Every 2nd Friday
June - September

2ND Fridays Smith Lake Park
Fireworks Festival
Downtown Cullman
Presented by the Cullman Area Chamber 416 County Road 385, Cullman, AL 35055
of Commerce & Visitor Center and Cullman
Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism, 2nd Smith Lake Park hosts a number of special
Fridays has quickly become one of the region’s events and festivals throughout the year,
biggest summer hits. Three stages, two kids none more memorable than the Smith Lake
zones, an antique and classic car Cruise-In, Park Fireworks Festival. Ending the holiday
extended retail hours, activities and fresh with a spectacular fireworks show at the lake
produce at the Farm Y’all farmers’ market, is an annual tradition for hordes of family
monthly themes in Depot Park, Artist Alley and friends from Cullman County and the
and accompanying pop-up shops, a Show Lot surrounding area.
featuring various recreational displays, food
trucks and restaurant specials, beverages, and 256-739-2916
more make for fun-filled evenings for locals www.CullmanCountyParks.com/SmithLake.html
and visitors alike.

256-734-0454

www.Facebook.com/2ndFridaysCullman

HELPING YOU

is what we do best.

256-737-0011 •AUTO 265568-1
•LIFE
168 County Road 1435 • Cullman, AL •HOME
•FARM
www.freedomagency.net
[ 17 ]
CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

September

Bernard Blues & BBQ ST. BERNARD PREP SCHOOL

St. Bernard Prep School, September - October

1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman, AL 35055 Cullman County Fair Parade
Due to the popularity of the school’s spring
Bloomin’ Festival, many artisans and patrons Highway 31, Cullman
expressed a strong interest in a fall festival. Much of the community and surrounding
Thus, Bernard Blues and BBQ was born, giving areas annually flock to U.S. Highway 31
St. Bernard the perfect way to wrap up its for the Cullman County Fair Parade, which
125th anniversary celebration in 2017. The serves as the unofficial kickoff for the Cullman
young festival features arts and crafts, live County Fair in the coming weeks.
music, some of the best BBQ the South has to www.CullmanFair.com
offer and discounted rates for tours of the Ave
Maria Grotto. Cullman County Fair
256-739-6682 Ext. 7133 or 800-722-0999
www.facebook.com/bernardbluesandbbq Cullman County Fairgrounds,

Sweet Tater Festival 1501 Sportsman Lake Rd. NW,
Cullman, AL 35055
416 Co. Rd. 385, Cullman, AL 35057 Hosted by the Cullman Lions Club, the
Held every Labor Day weekend at Smith Lake Cullman County Fair has been delighting locals
Park, the Sweet Tater Festival is highlighted and visitors with thrilling rides, incredible
by a myriad of arts and crafts, as well as live exhibitors, fair food favorites and gobs of
music, a car show, seasonal sweet potatoes, entertainment, including the always highly
and loads of food and family fun. anticipated crowning of the annual fair queen.
256-531-7916 or 256-739-2916 256-734-0661
www.SweetTaterFestival.com www.CullmanFair.com

BENJAMIN BULLARD TYLER HANES

[ 18 ]

Oktoberfest

209 1st Ave. NE, Cullman, AL 35055

Oktoberfest is the grand celebration of Cullman’s
German heritage, featuring a four-day lineup
filled with activities like the tapping of the kegs
(beer and root beer), the Burgermeister Ball,
the crowning of Miss Oktoberfest, a classic car
show, a wiener dog race, an arts and crafts show,
historic district tours, live bands and entertainers,
Senior Day, a Biergarten, German food and more.

256-734-9157

www.Cullmanrecreation.org/cullman-oktoberfest

BENJAMIN BULLARD

October

Mud Creek Arts & Crafts BENJAMIN BULLARD
Festival
Alabama Gourd Festival
112 Main St. SE, Hanceville, AL 35077
The Mud Creek Arts & Crafts Festival annually McGukin Civic Center,
attracts the masses to the historic streets 510 5th St. SW, Cullman, AL 35055
of Downtown Hanceville. This festival puts Gourd lovers descend on Cullman each year for
Hanceville’s high community spirit on full display the annual Alabama Gourd Festival, a two-day
and features arts and crafts, kids activities, live event showcasing gourd-geous arts and crafts,
music, local produce, fire truck rides, historical as well as demonstrations and classes put on by
tours and more. experienced gourd artists. Attendees are invited
256-737-8787 or 256-352-9811 to tour the ribbon competition exhibit room and
www.Facebook.com/MudCreekArtsAndCrafts help their children decorate their own ornamental
gourds.
Peinhardt Living History 256-747-1447 or 256-355-4634
Farm Day www.AlabamaGourdSociety.org
www.Facebook.com/AlabamaGourdSociety
Cullman, Corner of Hwy 278 and I-65
Peinhardt Living History Farm Day is a hands-on
farm festival all families and individuals truly need
to experience at least once. Step back in time and
see what life was like on the famous Peinhardt
Farm in the 1930s and ‘40s with an assortment
of exhibits and vendors, numerous food options,
wagon and hay rides, live music, farm animals,
quilting and other demonstrations, and more.
256-734-0850 or 256-734-7271
www.PeinhardtFarm.com

BENJAMIN BULLARD

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 19 ]

Holly Market Christmas

Arts & Crafts Show

More than 80 vendors pack the Cullman Civic
Center for the Holly Market Christmas Arts &
Crafts Show, a wonderful opportunity for holiday
shoppers to snag homemade gifts for their
loved ones. Admission for the two-day event is
absolutely free.

AMANDA SHAVERS Sportsman Lake Park Winter
Wonderland
November-December
Sportsman Lake Park transforms into a Winter
Christmas in Cullman Wonderland with a Christmas lights show nearly
OPEN HOUSE every night each December. Families have the
option of taking a car, sleigh or train ride through
Downtown Cullman the Cullman County park to see the lights or
The area’s retail shopping season officially kicks traveling by foot to say hey to Santa Claus,
off the second weekend of November with check out the snow machine or sip on some hot
discounts, special hours, and family-friendly chocolate, among other fun activities.
Christmas entertainment in the Cullman
Warehouse District and throughout Cullman 256-734-3052
County. The Alabama Retail Association chose
the local event for the kickoff of its “Shop www.CullmanCountyParks.com/Sportsman.html
Alabama for the Holidays” initiative in 2017.
256-734-9157

Christmas in Cullman Parade AMANDA SHAVERS
& Festival

A lively holiday parade down 1st Avenue in
Downtown Cullman culminates with a festival
in Depot Park featuring the city’s official tree-
lighting ceremony. Santa Claus annually makes
his way from the North Pole for the event, which
includes free games and activities for kids,
inflatables, live music, hot chocolate and more.

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[ 20 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 282702-1

[ 21 ]

Attractions

[ 22 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

Enjoy Smith Lake
Cullman’s
small-town One of the nation’s cleanest
vibe with man-made lakes, Smith Lake
big-time sprawls through three Alabama
fun! counties and offers year-round
activity at just the right distance
With hundreds of miles of from the bustle of civilization.
waterfront to explore, off- Nestled along the hilly terrain of
the-beaten-path parks and Cullman County’s southwestern
historical sites, beautiful border, Smith Lake is a 21,000
architecture, and retail allure acre, 500-foot deep, 500-mile
that’ll have you shopping ’til shoreline reservoir that’s carved
sunset, Cullman County is out its own culture for the anglers,
loaded with top-notch things water sports enthusiasts, boaters,
to see and do that don’t just and laid-back lake dwellers who
bring out locals — they also claim some part of the lake as
attract people from across their home.
the region.
It’s easy to lose yourself along
Check out just a small one of the lake’s hundreds of
sampling of some of our branching inlets — but that’s not
area’s biggest and best to say Smith Lake is wanting for
attractions — then gas up the services. In fact, you can grab
car, bring some sunglasses a great meal and a drink at the
and an appetite for fun, Grille at Trident Marina or Brothers
and start writing your own on Smith Lake, make a weekend at
Cullman County adventure. one of the well-appointed cabins
at the municipally-owned Smith
Lake Park, launch any flavor of
day excursion you choose from
one of the lake’s marinas, or even
paddle up on a lazy Sunday morn-
ing for a low-key worship service
at the Smith Lake RV and Cabin
Resort.

Homes on the lake range from
the modest to the extravagant
(several have been featured
on HGTV’s lake-themed home
showcases), but the lake’s endless
shoreline and thousands of hidden
coves offer the same open-access
welcome — whether you’re a lake
dweller, or just a guest for the day.

It doesn’t matter if you’re look-
ing for high-adrenaline action,
a solo adventure of exploration
and discovery, or just a little good
old-fashioned R & R: there’s al-

[ 23 ]

most no ambition that Smith Lake
can’t fulfill. It’s one of the defin-
itive experiences for any visit to
the Cullman area, and it’s one of
our biggest natural assets. Smith
Lake is Cullman at its very best.

BClrairdkgeson Covered

The South is famous for its
covered bridges, but few are as
impressive, historic, and scenic as
the 270-foot Clarkson Covered
Bridge — a carefully restored
span that traverses Crooked
Creek just west of Cullman. The
lattice-truss construction bridge,
which soars above the deep
valley cut by the creek, may be

AMANDA SHAVERS

Smith Lake Park

Set within a beautiful park fishing pier, special event stage,
campus with acres and acres miniature golf, and concession
of room to roam, Smith Lake shack. With an expansive sand
Park (SLP) has so much to offer beachfront and tons of room to
that it deserves a spotlight all throw your own kind of outdoor
to itself. party, a day — or a whole week-
end — at Smith Lake Park won’t
Owned and operated by be enough to see it all.
Cullman County Parks, SLP is
loaded with goodies for day
trippers and overnighters:
nine spacious, well-appointed
cabins; 219 full-service sites; five
water and electric sites; and 61
tent sites. An all-new asphalt
boat launch and spacious park-
ing area are centrally positioned
for striking out toward the
park’s eight pavilions, numerous
playgrounds, swimming pool,

BENJAMIN BULLARD

[ 24 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

AMANDA SHAVERS

the main attraction — but it’s by where the guest register gushes
no means the only highlight of with comments from out-of-state
the beautiful and placid munic- and international visitors amazed
ipally-operated park that bears at the secluded secret they’ve
its name. Walking trails, picnic stumbled upon. Admission to
sites, historic trail plaques, and a the park — and the bridge — are
restored, sluice-powered water totally free, making it a wonderful
wheel make for amazingly varied daytime getaway for locals and
photo opportunities at a park
out-of-towners alike.

SThacerSamhreinnte of the Most Blessed

Located on a sprawling
bucolic hillside only a short
drive off the interstate, the
Shrine of the Most Blessed
Sacrament offers a place for
people of all faiths to medi-
tate on God. The monastery,
plaza and church on the
grounds are visited by peo-
ple from across the country
and around the world.

Visit olamshrine.com
or call 256-352-6267 for
hours of operation, and for
information on touring the
shrine.

facebook

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 25 ]

First Avenue
Warehouse
District

Cullman has a thriving
retail scene almost every-
where you turn — but in a
city already overflowing
with historic storefronts,
warehouses, churches, and
homes, the small stretch of
shops lining First Avenue
in the heart of downtown
has come to symbolize the
local wave of adaptive reuse
that continues to spread

3224 County Road 548 Hanceville, Alabama 35077

256-787-4121

www.olamshrine.com 278362-1

[ 26 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

throughout the city. The tions whose owners contin-
restaurants, specialty shops, uously reinvent their uses
clothing boutiques and cafes for a new generation. From
of the railroad-adjacent Ware- the towering twin sandstone
house District — named for spires of the Sacred Heart
its historic buildings’ former of Jesus Catholic Church to
use — are essential stops on the Italianate facades of the
many locals’ daily routines. stores lining Second Avenue,
And the district’s innovative downtown Cullman’s beau-
Mae’s Food Hall, a collection tiful buildings, wide streets,
of restaurants and signature gracious homes and abundant
bar, all under one roof, keeps public space inspire the peo-
the scene going well into the ple who use and enjoy them
evening hours and through every day, while forming the
the weekend. The Warehouse ideal backdrop for work, play,
District is also ground zero and worship.
for tons of seasonal festivals
on the annual event calendar,
giving the area a vitality that
can only come from the kind
of place where lots of cool
things are always going on at
once.

DCuowllnmtaownn
Step beyond the confines
of the Warehouse District
and you’ll find the rest of
Cullman’s downtown mov-
ing at the same quick pace.
Cullman’s bustling, beating
heart is one of the liveliest
deep-south downtowns you’ll
find anywhere. Filled with
remarkably preserved and
updated structures dating to
the early 1900s, downtown is
an architecturally fascinating
amalgam of old, new, and
repurposed homes, schools,
federal buildings, churches,
general stores, theaters, ware-
houses, and financial institu-

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 27 ]

You Can Dance adapt to a broad range of styles
in the dance profession.
Fine and performing arts come
at the highest level via Wallace Students can earn an Associ-
State Community College’s Dance ates in Science Degree with con-
Program. centrations in Dance Performance
and Dance Education, Choreog-
Under the skillful leadership raphy and Ballet Pedagogy, and
of Brooke Desnoes, who has 20 have the opportunity to audition
years of experience at the inter- for Allegro Dance Theater, the
national level, the program aims Wallace State dance company.
at producing strong and artisti-
cally express dancers who can

facebook: the warehouse barber Cullman County county’s second
is on the move with largest city, a growing
DHaowncnetvoiwllne new developments, energy of entrepre-
from retail stores to neurship is making
restaurants. this college town a fa-
vorite stop for dining
In Hanceville, the and shopping.
home of Wallace
State Community Whether it’s a
College, and the delicious meal at
Bulldogs Country
Cook’N, a stop for a
fashionable haircut at
The Warehouse Bar-
ber and Emporium or
looking for gifts and
clothing, anywhere
along Commercial or
Main Street or Bangor
Avenue makes an
interesting and fun
experience.

Just follow U.S. 31
South from Cullman
and you’ll be there in
minutes for a can’t
miss experience.

[ 28 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

10 facebook
Fun Things
To Do!

1 Werner’s
Trading Co.

You’re never far from an Werner’s Trading Company is a local
experience that’s out of institution; a place that has the answer
the ordinary when you’re
in and around Cullman. to your outdoors cravings whether
With so much on tap you’re a BMX biker or getting serious
both in the city and
farther afield in the great about gearing up for a hiking vacation.
outdoors, there’s always
an amazing meal, a From beekeeping supplies to craft beer,
magical encounter, or an Werner’s is the kind of store that might
exploration of wild nature
just moments away. draw you in for just one quick thing…
and then get you lost in its deep world
CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020
of outdoor adventure. [ 29 ]

facebook 2 Skydive Alabama

For an adrenaline rush, Skydive Alabama flies you
high above the earth for a skydiving parachute glide,
under the guidance of trained professionals. Thanks to
Cullman’s mild weather, skydiving tours are available
year-‘round, Saturday and Sunday.

Quick Tire Dr. Daniel Darnell
Sales Inc.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
1600 Highway 157
Cullman, AL 35058 Want an
incredible smile?
(256) 739-1473
Dr. Darnell can make that dream come
www.quicktiresales.com true. You’ll be absolutely amazed! 274289-1

274278-1 Dr. Darnell is an experienced cosmetic
and family dentist who has improved
[ 30 ] thousands of smiles through the miracle

of cosmetic dentistry.

920 Olive Street, Cullman
256-734-6444

Alabama Dental Practice Act requires the following: No representation is
made that the quality of the dental devices performed is greater than the

quality of dental services performed by other dentists.

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

3 St. Bernard
Abbey

The serene and stately grounds of [ 29 ]
St. Bernard Abbey are only part of
the appeal that’s etched the iconic
Benedictine monastery into re-
gional history. It’s a special place,
with scheduled retreats available
at St. Bernard’s sprawling com-
pound of beautiful buildings and
the renowned Ave Maria Grotto —
a four-acre park adorned with 125
miniature reproductions of historic
buildings and shrines, all created
on site by a local Benedictine
monk.

amanda shavers

4 Southern Accents
Architectural Antiques

Just for browsing and
reminiscing, wander
inside Southern Accents
Architectural Antiques
for a look at everything
from old doorknobs,
elaborate mantlepieces,
antique fixtures and
just about everything
else from a bygone era.
The downtown Cullman
shop is an ever-evolving
museum tour couched
inside a shopping
experience, and it’s right
in the middle of all the
area’s best shopping
and dining.

facebook

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 31 ]

5 Rock the South Daisy Dukes, cowboy
boots, and thousands of
your new best friends: If
you’ve only heard of Rock
the South, it’s time to take
the next boot-scootin’
step and join in one of the
South’s biggest country
music festivals. Each
summer, huge rock and
country names from Kid
Rock to Florida Georgia
Line put on a party that
can’t be described — only
experienced.

6 Cullman
Shooting Sports

Cullman boasts one of the nation’s
longest indoor public shooting ranges
with the all-new Cullman Shooting
Sports — a sprawling state-of-the-art
complex that features eight 110-yard
lanes, nine more 25-meter lanes, a pair
of teched-out simulation rooms, and an
on-site firearms boutique. Whether you
come alone or reserve a space for your
whole group. sign up for expertly-deliv-
ered training classes to improve your
marksmanship and firearms handling
skills.

[ 32 ] Best Place to
Buy Eyewear
& Best Optometrist

We are the best because of you!
290594-1
CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

7 Goat Island
Brewing

After a day of playing and
shopping through Cullman,
a visit to Goat Island Brew-
ing is a great way to top the

evening. Award-winning
beer crafted from local

recipes, served in a casual
setting surrounded by the
brewing vats right where
the beer is made — Goat

Island is a must-stop for
anyone who loves beer at

its best.

FAIR PRICE PROMISE
Make the Switch to Savings...

Make the switch to Mitch!

mschev.com

256.734.6430 • 1655 Cherokee Ave SW • Cullman 283083-1

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 33 ]

[ 34 ] 8 Sportsman
Lake
Park

A sprawling urban oasis, Sportsman
Lake Park is an ever-growing nature
park and playground that serves up
tons of ways to get away — right in
the middle of town. Entrance to the
park is free, and puts you right in
front of all the options: train rides,
lake fishing, trail hiking, miniature
golf, a water-themed playground, and
much more — for a full day (and then
some) of family fun.

9 Cullman County
Museum

Nothing spells history like a well-ap-
pointed museum, and that’s meticulous-
ly found in the Cullman County Museum
in the downtown.
Strategically located at the corner of 2nd
Avenue and Arnold Street, across from
Cullman City hall, the museum contains
a well-preserved collection of area found-
er Col. Johann Cullman’s furnishings
and relics from the settler years.
Tours of the the city, and the museum, as
well, introduces you to a post-Civil War
history that is unique to Alabama and
much of the South.
Visit cullmancountymuseum.com for all
the happenings.

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

10 North Alabama Agriplex

Agriculture is important to Cullman, The property includes the Red Hill
to Alabama, and everywhere. Schoolhouse, which was moved to
No place showcases that value and the site in 2007 and restored with the
history as well as the North Alabama assistance of the Peinhardt Living
Agriplex. History Farm, hardworking volun-
With programs and exhibits that tell teers and grant funds.
the story of farming, from yesterday Agriculture is one of the country’s
to today, the Agriplex introduces chil- great foundations and strengths.
dren as well as adults to the value Visit agriplex.com for schedules of
and charm of the family farm. events and directions.
One of the longest running programs
of the Agriplex is Touring Farms for
Kids. The tour introduceschildren
ages 7 to 14 to agriculture related
sites in Cullman County and North
Alabama. The Agriplex Board often
co-sponsors other agriculture events
in the community. In 2012, the
board opened the Heritage Center,
located on property purchased on
Tally Ho Street in Cullman in 2006.

Head to VisitCullman.org [ 35 ]
for more attractions, events and
the best that Cullman has to offer!

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

278855-1

[ 36 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

WHEN YOU NEED DOWNTIME OR A WEEKEND AWAY,
CONSIDER A VISIT TO ANY OF OUR TOURNAMENTS,

FESTIVALS, FAIRS, OR PARKS. CULLMAN OFFERS
OPPORTUNITES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO MAKE

A BREAK FROM THE EVERYDAY.

STAY A WHILE...
OR A LIFETIME

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 278858-1

[ 37 ]

Outdoors & Recreation
Parks, Recreation & More

From national archery competition, A series of remakes of local parks
sports tournaments and neighborhood has added new visions and capabilities
parks, the Cullman Parks, Recreation for residents, and the end is not in
& Sports Tourism division of the city is sight. Major plans continue to unfold
nationally recognized for planning and into reality, with sports complexes and
outstanding and facilities. exhibits and events that are aimed at
physical and intellectual satisfaction.
With parks suited to every physical
need, outstanding aquatics and stew- From planning the rejuvenated
ardship over major events and the city Strawberry Festival, Alabama’s oldest
of Cullman’s entertainment districts, celebration of agriculture, to Okto-
Parks & Rec is responsible for planning berfest celebrating the area’s German
and hosting thousands of visitors each heritage, the appeal and planning are
year, and serving local needs ranging drawing audiences that number in the
from fitness to the arts. thousands throughout the year.

[ 38 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

Lewis Smith Lake Castle Rock Marina or the Duncan
Bridge Marina.
Teeming with 70 species of fish and
perfect for a variety of water sports, Water Skiing
Lewis Smith Lake is one of the region's
favorite outdoor playgrounds. With deep waters and wide-open
areas, skiing ranks close to fishing
Covering more than 21,000 acres as a popular sport. When boat
of scenic north-central Alabama back activity is less during weekdays, the
country, the lake is a favorite vacation water is known for being smooth
destination and home for many people and ideal for practicing those long,
throughout the year. graceful slides along the surface.

With largemouth and spotted bass RV or Camping
and monstrous hybrid stripes tipping
the scales and 40 pounds or more, fish- Campsites cover 500 miles of the
ing is one of the main reasons for rec- lake's shoreline and are open year-
reational fishing as well as big-money round for outdoor enthusiasts. Smith
professional angling tournaments. With Lake Park also includes a campground,
mild winter temperatures and hot, hu- pool, fishing pier, and a renowned
mid summers the fun never ends along July 4 fireworks show over the water.
the massive lake at the Sipsey Fork of The park is at 403 County Road 386,
the Black Warrior River. Cullman. Call 256-739-2916 or visit
cullmancountyparks.com.
Boats & Ramps

There are numerous ramps around
Smith Lake for launching boats, includ-
ing Arrowhead Park and Brushy Creek.
If you don't own a boat, rent one at

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 39 ]

Smith Lake RV &
Cabin Resort

RV lots and and cabins are available
for rent, but private lot sales are also
available. Located at 800 County Road
202, Crane Hill. Phone: 256-709-1820
or visit smithlakervresort.com

Arrowhead RV Park

A tree-shaded 60-acre RV parks facebook
with picnic tables and grills. Boat
launch and 24-hour security go Cross Creek includes 18 holes along
along with a saltwater pool and rolling hills, with water hazards and
full-service restaurant and bar. streams crossing several fairways on
Located at 761 County Road 941, 6,530 acres.
Crane Hill. Phone: 256-747-2519 2321 County Road 490, Hanceville.
or visit arrowheadrvpark.business. Phone: 256-739-2386 or visit cross-
site. creekcullman.com

Chesley Oaks
Golfing
When you need a break from the wa-
ter, just a short drive from Smith Lake
are three golf courses ready to please.

Cross Creek Golf Course A 6,735-yard course with a fully
stocked pro shop and snack bar.
1035 County Road 1583, Cullman.
Consistently ranked as one of
Alabama's best municipal golf courses, Phone: 256-796-9808 or visit ches-
Welcomeletyooaktshgce.cbome.nefits of
true community banking.

wWWwWeeehepsetlpnaasrnltCtaaetidtonriztsoetteunaodtyslBsotohtacanauatlkytwa&nltaodhyT.crauatsltwwaaansydf.ounded
wWdtoibtienfhhofepeeuanlrraNehnCnCnnucieoteeliel.zrdmrOevetntaofsehncfbBorleooau,Ahcnrraestktrelhiae&,oawnfwaoTbe–rrnuaahaaslwnkmstidohwlsiaoelaaeftcs.f.oeoTfimroTonuedmooxnacdiy2udteemlwdl0raeeenin0’ynrCtte3Nptoswruot,orsrodtltewanhulb’gmcrAieetlesirltadyatpbhseatnallhtminavaraetelnorvmoienenndarc2,kw0getaeh0isde3atth,anirkoatson –
samniled. Inatodcaoy’smwomrldiotfmcomeen-atndt-ogosbtanakbs,iwlietiynvittehyaout tmo enajokyes a
tbhdpigeridbfoeiffnfedeerfriuetenscconeft,ctsarnuedde.lgeoOlcaladilfvbtoacencorakleiulnCdgr.uCslwliemtiz,aietnwnhhsoeBmaanae.kslm&soTiruloestf.–feIsmnraleltboxacdnkea, lyle’snt
world of tLScehoeocmaesmlrBibgahentetk-on.auLseon. AcfasdilatB-Csaugnlolomkefarn.btnaratiuvne,ekslo, cwael invite you BANK & TRUST
to enjoy banking. 223 2nd Avenue SE
Citizens Bank & Trust – small bank,local President Alan Wood knows the (256) 841-6600
Welcome to the benefits of community well. He’s also an experienced
true community banking. banker who gets things done. Give Alan Cullman visit us at citizensbanktrust.com

[ 40 ]We started out local and bhiogmdeif.ference, and glad to calla call to see how he can help you. 283712-1
we plan to stay that way.
When Citizens Bank & Trust was founded in North Alabama in 2003, CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020
we planned to be here for awhile. Today we’re stronger than ever, thanks
to our Cullman location – and a commitment to stability that makes a
difference. Of course, we also offer excellent products delivered with a

TP Country Club Recreational Trail, which has quickly
become a popular destination for hik-
An expertly maintained 18-hole, ers and trail riders. Located along U.S.
6,500-yard course on the west end 278 East past downtown Cullman, the
of Cullman, TP Country Club offers terrain is suitable for those who enjoy
plenty of challenges in a beautiful set- a challenge or a pleasant walk or ride.
ting of rolling hills, pines and ponds. The water is stocked with plenty of
Includes a pro shop and dining on the fish, including bass, for a fun family
grounds. outing.
700 Pine Hill Drive, Cullman (256) 775-7228

Phone: 256-739-0738 or visit duckriver.org

tpcountryclub.com
Hurricane Creek Park

Hiking, Biking, Off-Road Pristine land tucked away in a cano-
Adventures & Skydiving py of trees and perfect for hiking, rock
climbing or bird watching, Hurricane
Duck River Reservoir Creek stretches over 60 acres in a 500-
foot canyon. Park favorites include
Tim Scott Recreational Trail
the Twilight Tunnel and Dead Man's
Squeeze, both formed by weathering
Cullman's newest recreational par- on the rocks. Trail hours are sunrise to
adise encircles a valuable water supply sunset.
known as the Duck River Reservoir. 22550 2nd Avenue NW, Falkville
256-734-2125 or visit cullmanrecre-
Practical use aside, the land and ation.org
water is open for public recreation, in-
cluding fishing and 21-mile Tim Scott

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 41 ]

[ 40 ] Stony Lonesome OHV
Park

Alabama's first public OHV is open
year-round and includes more than
1,456 acres of trails for ATVs, rock
crawlers, dirt bikes, mountain bikes,
equestrians, hikers and pedestrians.
10075 Alabama 69, Bremen
256-287-1133 or visit stonylone-
somephv.us

Heritage Park

Cullman's crown jewel of recreation
and nationally recognized, Heritage
Park is a sprawling, 72-acres sports
complex that includes five baseball
and softball complexes, soccer fields, a
dog park, walking trails, playgrounds,
splash pad and many other features for
organized sports or family fun.
1705 Lee Avenue SW, Cullman
256-739-9931 or visit cullmanrecre-
ation.org

Cullman Wellness &
Aquatic Center

Indoor and outdoor swimming and
just about anything else that makes
water fun, including the Wildwater
segment with its splash station and
drift river.
1636 Field of Miracles Drive SW,
Cullman
256-775-7946 or visit
cullmanwellness.com

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

266280-1

Celebrating 51 Years!

Home owned and
operated since 1968
51 years experience
providing quality roofing
products and outstanding
service to our customers.

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 283725-1

[ 43 ]

CA URLTTSUR&E To learn more about the his-
tory of Cullman and Cullman
[ 44 ] County, look no further than
the Cullman County
Museum, located at 211
2nd Ave NE, Cullman.

The museum, located in
downtown Cullman in a replica
of the home of city found-
er John Cullmann, features
exhibits that include Native
American history, the Civil War
and the community’s German
heritage, along with displays
of many other items that have
been donated by local residents
to provide a glimpse of life in

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

the many eras of Cullman and tinues that legacy by displaying
Cullman County. some of her favorite works, as
well as several featured exhibi-
Walking tours are also offered tions that feature artists from
in the spring, in which visitors around the world.
and Cullman natives can get a
new perspective on some of the Admission to the Burrow
city’s historical locations with Museum is free, and it offers
the help of local guides. a chance for Cullman County
residents and visitors to the area
The museum is open Mon- to get a taste of art that they
day through Friday 9 a.m. to would likely never get another
4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 chance to see.
a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Cullman area also in- Cullman is also the home of
cludes a museum that caters to a burgeoning Community
visitors who have an apprecia- Theatre program
tion for fine art or are interested that is open to all ages and
in learning more about it. offers performances year-round.
The program provides an
The Evelyn Burrow opportunity for aspiring actors,
Museum, located on the crew members, technicians and
campus of Wallace State designers to get a chance to
Community College in the perform and be a part of a stage
Burrow Center for the Fine and production. With recent perfor-
Performing Arts at 801 Main mances of “The Music Man”
St NW, Hanceville, features and “Oklahoma!” in the books,
an extensive collection of art the Community Theatre is set
and exhibitions that highlight to continue its growth in the
local, national and international future, with performances that
artists. are of varying scale and genre
that will allow a broad range of
Open Tuesday through people to enjoy the theatre.
Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m., the Burrow Museum’s
vast collection includes more
than 5,000 objects primarily
of porcelain, pottery, glass and
bronze from the Victorian era
to modern times.

The museum’s namesake,
Cullman County native Evelyn
Burrow, had an appreciation for
fine art, and the museum con-

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 45 ]

Time to
Shop

Cullman’s appeal as a regional
shopping hub continues to gain
acclaim both locally and from the
thousands of visitors who annually
discover the specialty stores, ranging
from boutiques and gift stores to
antique galleries.

And don’t forget to take a break in
the number of restaurants, all home-
owned while exploring the historic,
beautifully maintained downtown.

The Sweetheart Tree CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

The little bridal shop
that’s filled with the biggest
of ideas, The Sweetheart
Tree can ensure your special
day will be as unique as you
are. Curating a carefully-se-
lected collection of wedding
gowns that express both
the contemporary and the
timeless, The Sweetheart
Tree transforms one of life’s
milestone experiences into a
pleasure all unto itself.

[ 46 ]

HIGHWAY
PICKERS

ANTIQUE MALL & MARKET

256-841-5293

Lavish Boutique 2019 283073-1

One of a handful of new Thank you for
businesses to settle into voting us #1 for
the Warehouse District’s Best Antiques
most recently-renovated
spaces, Lavish Boutique [ 47 ]
curates women’s clothing,
jewelry and accessories in
an airy, welcoming corner
shop that’s already be-
come a magnet for locals
in search of fashion be-
yond the department-store
ordinary. Making its
mission to deliver “an
encouraging and energetic
atmosphere” for women
of every age, Lavish is all
about revealing the inner
beauty that’s been there
all along.

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

Flavors Bakery

Feast on our Fine Mexican Cuisine!

1846 Patriot Drive SW 3417 Lowery Parkway - Suite 103
Cullman, AL 35055 Fultondale, AL 35068
Tel 256. 739.8282 Tel 205.849.0062
Fax 256.739.8223 Fax 205.849.0067 276596-1

iness 45 • Corsicana, TX • (903)It8’s7ne5a-rl1y3im5p4ossible to walk

www.moontowerattheoaks.com into Flavors Bakery without
giving in to the sights, smells, and

warm welcome that conspire to

push your most indulgent but-

ton. With an open kitchen that

elevates the baking to a spectator

art, Flavors fills each day crafting

its irresistible and varied menu of

baked goods and ice creams from

scratch, using quality natural

ingredients. Grab a coffee and

stay a while, get your order to

go, or even splurge for a special

made-to-order cake. At Flavors,

“no” isn’t a word you’re likely to

hear — and it’s definitely one you

aren’t likely to say.

[ 48 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020

Karma’s Coffee House

In its three short years in busi-
ness, Karma’s Coffee House has
rapidly earned the admiration of
coffee lovers everywhere. Named
the state’s very best coffee house in
Alabama Magazine’s readers’ poll
for two years running, Karma’s spa-
cious and welcoming location in the
heart of the Warehouse District is a
weary shopper’s perfect respite, as
well as a destination for both locals
and travelers who simply want a
stimulating place to pause, take a
sip, and people watch.

Helping Cullman Build...since 1892!

700 7th Avenue SW, Cullman Mon. - Fri. 7am-5pm,

FAX 737-8102 Sat. 8am-Noon
www.buettnerbros.com
265569-1

CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020 [ 49 ]

The Added
Touch Too

Ashley An interior decorator’s play-
ground, The Added Touch Too has
both the items that make a house
feel like home, as well as the staff
to help you make the most of your
dreams. Whether it’s for framed
art, lighting, sculpture, castings,
vases or seasonal pieces, the sprawl-
ing showroom at The Added Touch
Too can give you both the pieces
you’re looking for, as well as inspi-
ration on how to make the most of
them.


Mercantile

Another recent addition to
the ‘district, Ashley Mercan-
tile revives the concept of the
old-fashioned general store
for New South sensibilities. A
self-described “modern-day
general store,” Ashley stocks
small-batch gourmet treats,
candles, unique clothes for
both grown-ups and kids,
journals, accessories, games
and gifts, and pretty much
anything that stimulates your
sense of nostalgia.


[ 50 ] CLASSIC CULLMAN | 2020