HUNT FOR IT; FISH FOR IT
There are more than 7,000 acres in the four counties for waterfowl, big and small game hunting. The David K. Nelson Wildlife Management Area is 8,308 acres and encompasses all four counties as well. Camping and canoeing options are abundant along the Alabama, Black Warrior and the Tombigbee rivers. Plus, the counties are home to several private hunting facilities.
GREENE COUNTY
ANTIQUE HUNTING
Eutaw is a popular destination for antique hunters. Check out Melly G’s and Eutaw Antiques, both in Eutaw.
CELEBRATING CIVIL RIGHTS
The Alabama Civil Rights Freedom Farm Museum includes a collection of shotgun houses depicting low-income Black life from the 1930s-1960s. Houses are named for civil rights pioneers such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy. Photographs, articles and other memorabilia are on display. SCLC Magnolia House, an extension of the Freedom Farm, includes three houses with historical photos and tributes to civil rights pioneers.
TRACING HISTORY
Visit the Greene County Museum to get in touch with local history or attend one of the historical society’s events throughout the year.
HAY! ART!
Bird’s Hay Bale Art Farm, alongside Highway 43, features an array of amusing and imaginative creations — all set for you to enjoy as you drive past.
BET ON IT
Greene County Entertainment, on the site of the former Greenetrack racetrack, simulcasts greyhound and horse races from around the country. Plus, there are games galore.
TRY SOMETHING NEW
Try the hunting and fishing or plan an event at Leavellwood. Organize a teambuilding event under the pines and oaks at True Vine Foundation. Or hone those baseball skills at Baseball Country.
HALE COUNTY
GET OUTDOORS
See the birds and more at the 200-acre Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours LLC in Newbern. Or visit the 3,342-acre prairies of M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area, for hunting, fishing, birding and sporting dog competitions.
VISIT THE PAST
Moundville Archeological Park is one of the nation’s premier heritage sites. Once America’s largest city north of Mexico, the park preserves 326 acres of structures along the Black Warrior River. In Greensboro visit the Safe House Black History Museum, where Martin Luther King Jr. sought refuge from the KKK in 1968. Or see the historic homes of Greensboro — the Noel Ramsey House built in the early 1800s and the Greek Revival-style Magnolia Grove are prime examples.
PLAY TIME
Lions Park is just one of many projects undertaken in Greensboro by the Auburn Rural Studio. Enjoy the park and playground and check out other Rural Studio projects around town.
MARENGO COUNTY
GREAT OUTDOORS
See the birds — plus more flora and fauna — at the Demopolis River Walk, Foscue Creek Park and Spillway Falls Park. Foscue Creek also offers camping and more along Demopolis Lake. Chickasaw State Park offers camping, playground, wading pool and more on 520 acres. Next door is the Turnipseed-Ikenberry Physically Disabled Hunting Area and the David K. Nelson Wildlife Management Area. And Forkland Campground, on the north shore of Demopolis Lake, offers access to 10,000 acres of water.
HISTORY CALLS
Check out Bluff Hall, owned by the Marengo County Historical Commission, on White Bluff overlooking the Tombigbee River in Demopolis. Or visit Gaineswood Mansion, home of Gen. Nathan Bryan Whitfield and now an Alabama Historical Commission museum. And the Marengo County Historical Society Museum preserves the history and culture of one of Alabama’s oldest counties.
WATER FUN
Kingfisher Bay Marina/Yacht Basin, at the Port of Demopolis on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, offers boat storage and easy access to the waterway.
SUMTER COUNTY
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Lake LU, a 54-acre lake on the University of West Alabama campus, offers facilities for fishing, boating and picnics — plus nature trails. Gainesville Lakes and Recreation Area also offers fishing, hiking, boating, water sports, camping, hunting and more.
UNEXPECTED TREASURE
The Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge, on the UWA campus in Livingston, is one of the oldest remaining covered bridges in Alabama. Originally spanning the Sucarnoochee River, it now crosses Duck Pond.
WINDOW ON HISTORY
Built in 1924, the Old Grant Country Store in Ward offered everything a household might need, including a post office and doctor’s office. Or check out the Black Belt Museum and Fort Tombecbe, on the UWA campus in Livingston, with chances to see living history programs or volunteer on archeological projects.
ARTS ABOUND
Coleman Center for the Arts in York offers eight gallery shows a year, an artist-in-residence program and much more.
FLING A DISC
Tiger Trail Disc Golf Course, on the UWA campus, features 18 holes and is open to the public.
Festivities & Events:
ROOSTER DAY — Demopolis | April Auction, entertainment, races and more.
SUCARNOOCHEE FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL — Livingston | April Art, music, storytelling and great food.
FREEDOM ON THE RIVER — Demopolis | July Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, fun and food on the banks of the Tombigbee.
BLACK BELT FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL — Eutaw | August A tribute to those who bear the folkways, traditions and culture of West Alabama.
CHRISTMAS PARADE & TREE LIGHTING — Eutaw | December Timed to get everyone in the spirit of the season.
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER — Demopolis | December This annual event in Demopolis is a holiday celebration with several events during four days.
This article appears in the June 2024 issue of Business Alabama.
