Recreation
Arts
Northwest Regional Arts Council
The Northwest Alabama Arts Council (NWAAC) was created in 2004 with one primary purpose – to take over the reigns of the newly established Jerry Brown Arts Festival (JBAF) – and one secondary purpose – to promote the arts and art education in rural Northwest Alabama. For more information, visit www.northwestalabamaarts.org.
Fayette Arts Council
The Fayette Arts Council sponsors performances throughout the year at the Civic Center, a renovated 1930 school building now privately endowed by local benefactors. In addition to the 350-seat auditorium, a dining room and conference facilities, the Civic Center is also the home of the Fayette Art Museum. The Fayette Arts Council presents a series of concerts each year at the 365 seat Fayette Civic Center Auditorium. Past performances have included concerts by The Alabama Symphony Orchestra, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Kingston Trio and The Platters. For more information go to www.fayetteal.org/arts.html.
Lamar Back Street Opry House
Vernon, AL (Lamar County)
Each Saturday night the Back Street Opry comes alive with country, folk, bluegrass, gospel music and comedy. See as many as 25 entertainers in one evening. Open Sats 6:30-10:30 pm. Visit www.visitwestalabama.com/mediaportal/backstreet_opry/for more information.
Pastime Theatre
1052 US Highway 43,
Winfield (Marion County)
This 1937 theatre plays hosts to numerous regional acts throughout the year. Visit the City of Winfield website for more information.
Museums
Fayette Art Museum
530 North Temple Ave.
Fayette (Fayette County)
This museum features a permanent art display and is located in the Fayette Civic Center. Call 205-932-8727 for more information.
Fayette Historical Depot Museum
202 S. Temple Ave.
Fayette (Fayette County)
Displays at this museum vary from trains to Civil War memorabilia. Call 205-932-4587 for more information.
Parks
Bankhead National Park
Located northeast of the tri-county area, this national forest spans across 180,000 acres with many outdoor activities available. Visit the Bankhead Forest page on the U.S. Forest Service website.
Guin Hayden Riley Park
245 County Highway 16
Guin (Marion County)
This park includes a six ball fields, two playgrounds, and other sports facilities. Visit the City of Guin website for more information.
Guin Water Park
245 County Highway 16
Guin (Marion County)
Visit the City of Guin website for more information.
Upper Bear Creek Reservoir
Bear Creek (Marion County)
Part of the Bear Creek Lakes System, this reservoir offers fishing (especially bass), camping, canoeing, and more. Visit the City of Bear Creek website for more information.
Festivals
Fayette County
Fayette: The fall season brings about several of the areas annual festivals. The City of Fayette celebrates the Annual Frog Level Festival each October. 2011 was even more memorable as the entire region gathered to commemorate the Centennial of the Fayette County Courthouse in conjunction with the festival. In addition, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks gave two concerts and the play “To Kill a Mocking Bird” was presented in five performances featuring a renowned, world-traveling arts troupe.
Glen Allen: In conjunction with the bi-annual 13 mile community yard sale, the Beyond the Tracks Festival also takes place the first Saturday in October. The day is filled with multiple food and arts/crafts vendors.
Lamar County
Lamar County: Old Fashion Day also occurs the first weekend in October in the City of Sulligent. Come and join in arts and crafts, period costume and fun for all. Crowds are drawn from far and near to participate in this annual event which first began in 1985.
Marion County
Brilliant: Coal Fest Each May the community gears up for the annual festival honoring its coal mining history -- Coal Fest. Vendors, artists, and entertainers come from all over to attend and participate. Good Eats, good music, and a good time are what you'll find at the Coal Fest celebration. A unique custom the city has adopted during Coal Fest is the creation of the announcement poster for this yearly event. Based on handmade art similar to the band posters of yesteryear.
Guin: Mayfest Festival – Mayfest is held annually on the second Saturday in May. It includes arts and crafts, a 5K run, dog show, live entertainments, carnival, and a car/truck/motorcycle show. Free Concert on the Friday night prior to the festival – past entertainers include the Alabama Blues Brothers and Confederate Railroad.
Guin: July 4th Celebration- Each year Guin hosts an Independence Day Celebration at Guin Hayden Riley Park. It includes extended hours at the Water Park, food, live entertainment and a grand finale of the largest fireworks show in the area with an annual attendance of 5,000 to 7,000 spectators.
Hamilton: The Jerry Brown Arts Festival is an indoor, juried arts festival headlined and named in honor of Hamilton resident and Smithsonian potter, Jerry Brown, who as a ninth-generation potter was awarded in 1992 the National Heritage Fellowship and in 2003 received the Alabama Heritage Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Artists from throughout the Southeastern United States participate in this two-day festival celebrating the festival’s theme, “Reflections of the South.” This Festival Selected by the prestigious Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event for March 2009 and 2010.
Hamilton: Join the Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce for Buttahatchee River Fall Fest which is held annually the last Saturday in October. The event has been selected as an official Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for October 2011! The event has grown significantly over the to include a 5K-Run, Arts/Crafts, various Entertainment, and a Car, Motorcycle and Tractor Show.
Winfield: Mule Day - The tradition began on September 11, 1975, by Curt Estes, Winfield Chamber of Commerce, and Max Brasher, Sr., to honor the hard working mules of the day. No one had any idea this event would grow into the successful event it has become today. Over the years the participants have nearly tripled with an estimated crowd of 25,000 spectators enjoying everything from arts and crafts to the annual Civil War Renactments, “Skirmish At The Luxapalilla”. Attendees travel from many parts of the southeast annually to this festival. The event now includes a pre “Mule-Night Madness Sale” as business owners on mainstreet are remain open until midnight on Friday night. Mule Day is held annually the 4th Saturday in September.
Area Attractions/Lodges
Timber Valley Lodge
Fayette, AL (Fayette County)
For more information, visit www.timbervalleylodge.net.
Providence Point Hunting Lodge
Vernon, AL (Lamar County)
For more information, visit www.providencepointinc.com.
Lakes
Marion County Lake
Hamilton, AL
Fayette County Lake
Fayette, AL
Lamar County Lakes & Cabins
Vernon, AL
Nearby Lakes
Lewis Smith Lake
45 minute drive time - Jasper/Curry entrance