What to do on your Staycation

By Staff
Looking to get out of town but don’t want to spend a lot? Check out these local offerings. Best of all, many are free!
Alabama offers families looking to stretch their vacation dollars this summer a wide variety of free events, attractions and destinations to enjoy.
The state’s tourism department composed a list of 100 free things to do across the state. These include walking tours in the state’s small towns and downtowns, sports and outdoor activities, museums, gardens, festivals and fireworks shows. There’s something for every family member to experience.
STATEWIDE:
June Walking Tours - June 27
More than 30 towns (including Hartselle) across the state will lead one-hour guided tours through historic districts every Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. in June. Community leaders will guide visitors and share personal memories of growing up in their hometowns. The Alabama Tourism Department has been coordinating the tours for the past six years. For a list of the participating towns, log on to www.alabama.travel or call 1.800.ALABAMA (242.2262).
ATHENS
Singing on the Square - Third Friday of each month
Enjoy live entertainment at the Limestone County Courthouse square the third Friday of each month through September. Bring lawn chairs, enjoy live music and fellowship with family and friends. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., 232-5411.
Cruise In Antique Car Show - First Saturday of each month
The first Saturday night of each month through summer, more than 150 antique, classic and custom cars and trucks will circle the Athens courthouse and line the downtown street. 3-9 p.m.
Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives – ongoing
The museum houses memorabilia from all the wars in the United States history. Archives and library are open to the public. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 771-7578, www.alabamaveteransmuseum.com
Fire Cracker Festivaly - July 4
Each July, as darkness falls over the Tennessee Valley, a familiar tradition gets under way at Athens High School. Bring the family early for games, live music and concessions. Fireworks begin at dusk. 256.232.1944, jeanette@tourathens.com.
CASA Mud Volleyball Tournament - July 18
Volleyball teams from several states converge at Swan Creek Park for the annual volleyball tournament. 9 a.m.
Ardmore
Crape Myrtle Festival - Aug. 29
This festival in Ardmore offers live entertainment, vendors selling handmade items, children’s activities and more. Aug 29, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Decatur
Decatur Volksmarch - ongoing
The trail winds through the Old Decatur and New Albany Historic Districts. The Volksmarch offers both a 5K and a 10K route. Combined, the two historic districts represent one of the finest and largest collections of Victorian and earlier 20th century craftsman and bungalow homes in Alabama.
Decatur-Morgan County Amen Trail - ongoing
The trail is composed of 19 churches that are integral to the heritage of the Decatur and Morgan County area, including Hartselle. Each stands on its original site, still holds services today and are accessible to the public. The architectural styles presented along the Trail include Gothic, Romanesque, Classical and Renaissance. For a map call 800-524-6181 or log on to www.decaturcvb.org.
Geo-caching Passport – ongoing
The Geo-caching Passport is a modern day treasure hunt. The caches are located at some of the city’s favorite attractions including the Civil War Walking Tour, the historic Princess Theatre and the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. Download a copy of the passport, or pick one up at the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) at 719 6th Avenue SE. Find all of the caches and receive a stamp for each location, then bring the completed passport to the CVB to receive a prize. 800-524-6181, www.decaturcvb.org.
Civil War Walking Tour – ongoing
Stroll 13 blocks on a self-guided tour through the Old Decatur Historic District. The tour features 11 historic markers that trace the 1864 clash between Confederate forces and garrisoned Union troops at this key railroad and river transportation point. 800-524-6181.
Carnegie Visual Arts Center – ongoing
The center is housed in one of Decatur’s most significant historical buildings, the former Carnegie Library. The building was constructed in 1904 by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The arts center hosts local, regional, national and international art exhibits and offers art classes for all ages. Wed.- Fri. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; every third Thurs. until 8 p.m., and Sat 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.carnegiearts.org.
Cook’s Natural Science Museum – ongoing
The museum provides an extensive assortment of exotic insects, mounted birds, animals, minerals, sea shells and coral in over 2,000 exhibits and artifacts. Wildlife common to the northern Alabama region is featured in one display with more than 50 species of insects, animals and water life from the region. The vast collection includes rare displays of a bald eagle and golden eagle. Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m., Sun 2-5 p.m.
Old State Bank - ongoing
The bank first opened in 1833 as part of the original state-wide bank system designed by Andrew Jackson. It is one of only four structures remaining after the departure of Union troops and its columns still bare the evidence of musket fire and miniballs. Free tours of the museum include a walk through the first floor banking lobby complete with its original walk-in vault and a replica of a period teller’s cage. Additional sites around the main building include a detached kitchen, period herb garden, “Pedestrian Mall” and a two-acre “Founders Park”. Mon- Fri 9:30 a.m.-noon; 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.,
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - ongoing
The refuge encompasses 34,500 acres of naturally preserved woodlands offering a unique opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. Serving as the welcome center for the Refuge, the Givens Wildlife Interpretive Center is one of the South’s largest educational centers for waterfowl and wildlife study. Tues-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 256.350.6639, www.wheeler.fws.gov.
Spirit of America Festival - July 3-4
One of the largest free Independence Day celebrations in Alabama held annually in Point Mallard Park. Enjoy family games, summertime field competitions, live entertainment, sports tournaments, food and craft vendors, talent shows, patriotism awards, beauty pageant and spectacular fireworks show. July 3, 4 at 7 p.m., July 4, from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. .
The Battle for Decatur - Sept 5-6
Commemorating Decatur’s four-day battle in October 1864, this Civil War reenactment is held on Labor Day weekend at Point Mallard Park. The event features more than 200 reenactors engaging in two battles. A Civil War camp is open to the public with displays of authentic equipment, dress and drills.
Free Summer Movies and Concerts - July 17, 25; Aug 8
Bring a lawn chair or blanket along with a picnic dinner and enjoy free movies and a concert.
The schedule includes:
July 17: “Herbie the Lovebug”; starts at dark; Point Mallard Expo Center; movie in connection with the Buggin’ in July VW Car Show; 256.341.4904
July 25: “Madagascar Escape 2 Africa”; starts at dark; Rhodes Ferry Park; 256.341.4904
Aug. 8: “Hotel for Dogs”; starts at dark; Delano Park; 256.341.4904