JUST PEACHY
Each June, Chilton County residents celebrate the local peach industry with the Chilton County Peach Festival in Clanton that includes pageants, a fun run, fishing tournament, arts and crafts, a peach cookoff, charity auction and culminates with the Peach Jam Jubilee. Don’t miss the peach water tower. And load up on peaches at Peach Park or Durbin Farms. Both offer plenty of peaches and more.
STRAWBERRIES, TOO
Too early in the year for peaches? Try the Chilton County Strawberry Festival in April in Thorsby. Local vendors offer strawberries, of course, but also a dessert contest and more. Or pick your own berries at Penton Farms in Verbena. If you miss strawberry season, come back in the fall for a pumpkin patch, corn maze and more fall farm festivities.
PECANS A-PLENTY
Heaton Pecan Farm offers loads of nuts, candies, desserts and more.
ARTS OPTIONS
Visit the Chilton County Arts Festival in July for a chance to view or buy works by artists around the Southeast. Handcrafted works include wood, fabric, glass, pottery, jewelry, paintings and more. For something more exotic, try the March Gourd Madness featuring gourd art, fiber art, weaving, wood carving and more, plus classes in traditional arts.
POPULAR PARKS
Minooka Park in Jemison offers miles of ATV and off-road trails, plus fishing in Minooka Lake, hiking, grilling, walking trails and more. Higgins Ferry Park in Clanton is located on the Coosa River’s Lake Mitchell and provides a boat launch, fishing, swimming, RV camping and more.
EVERYTHING SWEDISH
Each October, the town of Thorsby celebrates its Swedish heritage with the Thorsby Swedish Festival — remembering the people of Scandinavian descent who founded the town in 1895, hoping to raise fruits to sell and use to make wine. The festival includes a parade, beauty pageant, car show and more.
MILL SITE
Yellowleaf Creek Mill in Clanton was built in 1850. Now restored, it’s a venue for weddings and other events.
SEE THE BIRDS
Follow the Maplesville Birding Trail through the 40-acre Maplesville City Park. A paved walking trail and unpaved paths give easy access to open bird habitat along the trail. Or enjoy the park’s two athletic fields.
This article appeared in the August 2022 issue of Business Alabama.
