Ten Unique Things To Do In Walker County

"There's nothing to do here in Jasper/Walker County.""This is a small town. They roll the streets up at dark around here."Ever hear someone say that? Maybe you've said it yourself? I admit, I've uttered similar words once or twice myself.It's true that Walker County and Jasper are not exactly known for their wild night life. You can hunt or fish, go bowling, play tennis or golf, but since the Cobb Theater closed down a couple of years ago, you'll have to drive at least an hour to catch the latest summer blockbuster. That doesn't mean there is nothing fun to do here. You just have to look around a bit. But don't fret. We've compiled a list of ten unique things to do in Walker County. Here we go!1. The Frog Festival When the festival was first held in 2006, the organizers weren't sure if it would attract many people. Fortunately it was a huge success and has grown bigger each year, with over a hundred booths featuring handmade crafts, plus food vendors selling funnel cakes, barbecue, fried pork skins, roasted corn on the cob, lemonade, and more. Entertainment includes country, folk, and gospel music. Held each year on Main Street in Sumiton on the first Saturday in October. www.thefrogfestival.com 2. Carl Elliott MuseumBuilt in 1913 by Jasper developer T.R. Simmons as a six-room bungalow, the house was purchased in 1945 just after World War II by U.S. Representative Carl Elliott. Congressman Elliott came from a poor background but was able to accomplish some impressive things during his service. He was a trusted advisor to President Kennedy and fought for racial tolerance in Alabama. His views caused him political exile and financial ruin later in life but he remained true to his values. After Elliott's death in 1999, the house was acquired by Bevill State Community College and in 2008 it was placed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Tours are available by appointment only. www.bscc.edu/Elliott/ 3. The Ham & Cheese at The Pizza BarWhen Lacy Allison and his family first opened the doors to Lacy's Pizza Bar (as it was known until recently) they had no idea of the impact their mom-and-pop business would have on Walker County. Known for miles for its mouth-watering ham and cheese sandwiches, The Pizza Bar has become of the most popular places to eat in the north central part of the state. With its rustic decor of dark wood and exposed brick walls decorated with Alabama and Auburn football memorabilia and vintage photos of the Allison family, The Pizza Bar, now owned by Jayson and Catie Merchant, is a long-standing tradition in Walker County. The restaurant also serves barbecue, burgers, and, of course, pizza, the delicious ham and cheese sandwiches remain a staple of the business. 205-924-9316 4. Foothills FestivalFirst formed in 1997, the festival ended temporarily in 2000 but was revived by the City of Jasper in 2013. So named because Jasper lies in the Appalachian mountain foothills, it is normally held for two days in the fall, with an average attendance of 8,000-10,000 people. The festival strives to provide a weekend of fun that celebrates community and cultural heritage, with arts and crafts, a variety of music, food, and activities for children. www.foothillsjasper.com Photo by Tyler Woods5. Bankhead House and Heritage Center Built in 1925 by Congressman and Speaker of the House William B. Bankhead, the three-story Colonial Revival home in Jasper was the site of business meetings and lavish parties while Bankhead lived there. His daughter, actress Tallulah Bankhead, spent several years in the house and was married to actor John Emery there in 1937. In 2008, the Walker Area Community Foundation purchased the home and restored it, using original blueprints. It reopened to the public in 2012 and has been used for various art and historical exhibits. Group tours are available. www.wacf.org/Bankhead-house-heritage-center.html.6. Straight Razor Shave, Old 64 BarbershopEric Nix, the owner of Old 64 Barbershop in Sumiton, is a rather laid-back, bearded fellow who typically is dressed in a T-shirt and ball cap, worn backwards. His low, calming voice is a definite asset, considering he earns a living by frequently holding a sharp straight razor against your bare throat. I admit I personally have never mustered enough nerve to allow him or anyone else near my throat with anything sharp, but I'm told it's actually a painless and even relaxing experience. Old 64 is located at 294 Hull Road in Sumiton between Merle Norman and David's Florist. 205-648-5555 7. Windgate FarmsA privately-owned wedding venue established by the mother and daughter team of DeLiska Lee and Bree Smith. The farm is situated on 200 acres of rolling hillsides just minutes from Jasper, offering endless possibilities for a unique wedding or event. With its breathtaking vistas of open pasturelands, forested hillsides, and lush landscaping, Windgate Farms is the perfect venue for your special event. Whether you want to create a rustic or a refined atmosphere, the Windgate staff offers unparalleled service and attention to detail that is certain to make your day unforgettable for you and your guests. Located at 1428 Bush Drive in Jasper. www.bleuivyevents.com 8. Sonny's Family Fun CenterLocated on Highway 69 in the Boldo community, Sonny's Family Fun Center is an ideal place to take the family for some outdoor fun. Go-karts, batting cages, and a miniature golf course, plus indoor video arcade games and inflatables. Available for booking birthday parties. 25455 Highway 69 Jasper. 205-387-7869 9. Pumpkin Patch, Faye Whittemore FarmsOpen to the public each weekend in October, the Pumpkin Patch at Faye Whittemore Farms is a great place to spend a day with the family, with a petting zoo, hay maze, moonwalk, inflatable slides, obstacle course, fishing, face painting, a pirate ship playground, hayrides and more. For reservations call Ricky Whittemore at 205-522-4137 or email janetwhittemore@yahoo.com Website: www.fayewhittemorefarms.com 10. Old York FarmsFeatures an outdoor amphitheater and a recreation of an Old West town with saloon, barber shop, bank, and livery stable. Several famous musical groups and artists have performed on the amphitheater stage in years past, including Willie Nelson, Bobby Bare, Merle Haggard, Marshall Tucker Band, and more. More recently Old York Farms has been the venue for the Blues and Barbecue Festival, usually held in May-July. Owned by Richard "Bull" Corry, Old York also has an adjacent restaurant, the Bull Pen Steakhouse. Located at 244 School Street in Oakman. 205-622-3999