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The Mall and Taco Mama with Grandmomma

10/09/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

It’s a Grandmomma’s dream day when Granddaddy and a gang of grandboys are off for an Auburn football game,

Granddaddy and 4 of his grandsons in Auburn.

and I have some time to just concentrate on a couple of granddaughters. Except for Cousins Camp, it’s rare for Megan in Georgia and Birti in Tennessee to have a day together. It’s extra-nice that their birthdays are 1 year and 9 days apart, so they had birthday cash burning a hole in their purses and a Grandmomma happy to give them the time to spend some of it.  Shopping and lunch were our primary objectives.

When we arrived at Parkway Place Mall in Huntsville and they realized it had a Claire’s, a Justice and a Build-a-Bear, they declared it “the best mall ever!”  I discovered that these girls were very careful and savvy shoppers.  One of the stores had a buy one/get one free deal going on.  I’m pretty sure they looked at ALL of the possibilities.  In this case, it’s so much better to be the GRANDmomma instead of the Momma.  Grandmommas are much less likely to be in a hurry, don’t you think? I asked them as we were leaving, “When’s the last time you got to spend more than 2 hours looking for only your kind of stuff?”  Their response: “NEVER!”  And there you have the reason Grandmotherhood is SO awesome.

Claire’s and Justice are great places for a couple of 9 and 10-year-olds. Jewelry, purses, iPod cases, small stuffed animals, hair accessories, cute clothes and much, much more.

Unlimited time to make decisions in Claire’s.

Hurray for birthday money and some time to shop.

Both girls LOVE soft, cuddly stuffed animals, so Build-a-Bear was perfect.  It just seemed natural to “be twins” in their choice this morning.  Here are the results.

Fluffing their new puppies at Build-a-Bear.

Creating birth certificates for their new stuffed animals at Build-a-Bear.

Twin puppies with AU shirts.

Happy with their purchases in Build-a-Bear.

After all the serious looking, it was time to have lunch. Here’s where Grandmomma gets to “gently lead” in interesting directions.  I had been wanting to check out Taco Mama. They thought the idea of “building your own taco or burrito” sounded good, so off we went to The Village of Providence. Of the 11 Taco Mamas currently in operation, 9 are in Alabama, 1 is in Nashville and 1 is in Greensboro, NC. The weather was great for enjoying the outdoor tables and atmosphere. Custom-designed glass garage-type doors allow the whole place to be open-air when possible. At other times, they are closed and everything is dry and climate-controlled.

Exterior of Taco Mama in The Village of Providence.

Colorful interior of Taco Mama.

Always on the lookout for bargains, I was glad to see a Ninos (A.K.A. Kids) Menu. Megan happily selected the cheese quesadilla with a side of tortilla chips. ($3.00)

Megan with a kid’s quesadilla at Taco Mama.

Birti wanted to build her own beef burrito with a side of queso. She made short work of it! ($8.00)

Birti with a beef burrito and queso at Taco Mama.

I enjoyed a chicken burrito with lots of veggies tucked inside with ancho chile slaw. It tasted very fresh and flavorful. ($8.00) There are a few items that go up to $9 and $10, and the ahi tuna is $13, but everything on the menu is very affordable.

Chicken burrito with ancho chile slaw at Taco Mama.

Speaking of “building your own,” in the list of meats, you will see the normal ones of beef or shredded chicken, but you could also choose chorizo, pork, barbacoa, steak, grilled shrimp, flounder or a few others. And the list of other add-ons is extensive: rice, refried beans, black beans, onions, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, jalapenos, corn, sour cream and more. Actually, I believe you could have ALL of the free add-ons, if you walk in with a huge appetite. Then there are 7 different sauces. The key words are “lots of choices” and “have it the way you want it.” Sounds like a good business model to me.

Taco Mama at The Village of Providence opens 7 days a week at 11:00 a.m. This is a place where you walk up to a counter to order and get your own drinks in plastic cups, but once you’re seated, the service is prompt and courteous. If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, I recommend that you try Taco Mama.

Another great day for this Grandmomma. Read more about my time with these little girls on Friday.

 

Two Hidden Mennonite Businesses in Morgan County AL

09/25/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

I have recently moved to a part of Morgan County that puts me within a 10-minute drive of two unique businesses — one a bakery/deli/grocery store and the other a buffet restaurant open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Both are owned by Mennonite families, and both are very popular in this part of the county. People even detour off of I-65 to find them.

For me, it was a short drive down to the end of Barkley Bridge Road to Lebanon Baptist Church. I turned right onto Highway 55 and was immediately greeted by signs at mailboxes saying things like “Repent and turn back to God” and “Keep Yourself Pure.” It was as if I’d entered a different world, a less “worldly” world.

I continued to McKendree Methodist Church. To turn left, means you’re a short distance from Dutch Oven Bakery, Home of Anna Mary’s Cakes on Evergreen Road, and a right turn will lead you to The Old Cookstove on Reeder Road.

If there are smells in heaven, I imagine cinnamon and rising yeast bread will be two of them.  Oh my!  In the front door of Dutch Oven Bakery, you will immediately encounter a newly-added deli station offering sandwiches and salads. To the left are shelves of freshly-baked breads and gourmet coffees, and through the opening, you can see more bakers hard at work in a spotlessly clean area. If you turn right, you will find a large selection of baked and canned goods, candies, jams, pickles and spices.  All made by the Mennonites and their Amish associates. They are open Tuesday – Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and I promise it’s worth the trip.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between Mennonites and Amish, especially when you notice the white caps of the women and their simple, traditional skirts and blouses. From what I’ve read, Amish people hold to the old beliefs and live without electricity or motorized vehicles, while the Mennonites have found those conveniences to be a useful part of their livelihoods and homes.  Both believe in simple living and in salvation through Jesus Christ. I find no fault in either of those things, do you? I really liked seeing Bible verses on many of the products. What a delicious way to share God’s Word.

Here’s a look at the items that ended up back in my kitchen. You’ll probably notice the scales tipped in favor of sweets.

Steve and I had dinner at The Old Cookstove last week. It is open for lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but only for dinner on Thursday (4:00 – 7:00 p.m.).  

On the buffet you can expect to find anywhere from 6 to 10 different meats and 15-20 different vegetables, in addition to a salad bar. All kinds of homemade desserts are ready and waiting (go early for the best selection!), with homemade ice cream probably heading the line-up.  Friday nights feature a seafood buffet. Children ages 1-4 are free, ages 5-7 are $5.00 each, ages 8-11 are $7.00 each, and everyone 12 and over will pay $12.95.  

 

The motto at The Old Cookstove is  “Delicious Home Cooking in a Delightful Rustic Home,” and I believe that paints a true picture. It is not a hip, trendy kind of place in any sense of the word.  They even sell quilts, candles and assorted jams and pickles.

A church busload of senior adults was just finishing supper when we arrived. We could see why it would be popular with that age group.  It was cooking very much like my grandmother used to do.

Fall at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment in Huntsville, AL

09/04/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

Oh yes. I’m well aware that fall MOSTLY means it’s finally football season, especially in the State of Alabama. I’m with you, and I support my Auburn Tigers through the good times, the bad times, and even during the downright ugly times.  But, I digress.

Today I want to make you aware (or remind you, if you’ve forgotten) that there is a fascinating place in Huntsville to observe and buy the works of skilled artists and craftspeople, to hear live music, to buy local produce and to eat good food.

Every Friday night from September 1 through October 27 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment is hosting Concerts on the Dock, and the only cost is a $5.00 suggested parking donation.  And, on Saturdays through October 21st, local farmers are selling their produce from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The ongoing attraction for me is the opportunity to see artists of all kinds busily creating in their actual studios. You’ll find painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass-making, textiles, jewelry, photography and many others.

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Artist Denise Onwere at work in her studio.

Artist Denise Onwere at work in her studio.

And, if you get hungry while you’re visiting, look for Happy Tummy Restaurant for casual, sandwich-type fare, Chef Will the Palate for vegetarian dishes, Piper and Leaf for a jar of sweet tea and Pizzelle’s Confections for CHOCOLATE!!!

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Lowe Mill is open for the public on Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00-6:00, on Friday from 12:00-8:00 and on Saturday from 10:00-6:00.

Here is the official description of Lowe Mill that is on their website:

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is the largest privately owned arts facility in the United States. With a focus on visual arts, this huge historic factory building has been redeveloped into 148 working studios for over 200 artists and makers, 6 fine art galleries, a multi-use theatre, and performance venues.

Within this thriving creative community are artists and makers from across the world. The Mill serves as a space where they can create, learn, and collaborate. With studio spaces lining the hallways, visitors have the opportunity to openly explore the Mill and artist spaces where they can shop and learn about the artists and their works.

Lowe Mill is located at 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville, just a few blocks off of Governor’s Drive. The large building began as a textile mill in the 1900’s, then became a shoe factory in the 1960’s. I encourage you to check it out.

 

Looking for a Day Trip? Consider Guntersville

06/12/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

It’s an easy drive to Guntersville. Take the Governor’s Drive exit off of I-565 and that road becomes Highway 431 South which will lead you right into town.  It’s a beautiful drive over Monte Sano Mountain and then the views of the river begin.

View from the Lake Guntersville Lodge.

View from the Lake Guntersville Lodge.

Don’t miss Bakers on Main on the right when you come into town.  Park once and enjoy several dozen shops and the Cafe 336 deli or venture on down Gunter Avenue for antiques and boutiques.

I discovered the Guntersville Museum on a recent visit and was very favorably impressed.  It’s in the former armory building at 1215 Rayburn Avenue.  In addition to the permanent exhibits — which are VERY well-done — a large collection of heirloom quilts will be on display until July 16th.  The museum has free admission, but make a note that it is closed on Mondays.

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Intricate quilt on display at the museum.

Intricate quilt on display at the museum.

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Of course, Lake Guntersville State Park is a popular attraction.  There has been much refurbishing since the 2011 tornadoes. The park lost thousands of trees, but they’ve begun replanting and the views from the lodge are spectacular. You might even be lucky enough to spot one of the bald eagles who nest in the park. The lodge restaurant has a good rating on Trip Advisor, as does Top O’ the River and Rock House Eatery, so the eating aspect of a visit is well covered.

Inside Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge.

Inside Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge.

A bald eagle and a black bear.

A bald eagle and a black bear.

Eagle Awareness Weekends are held in January and February at Lake Guntersville State Park.

Eagle Awareness Weekends are held in January and February at Lake Guntersville State Park.

Pinecrest Dining Room at Lake Guntersville Lodge.

Pinecrest Dining Room at Lake Guntersville Lodge.

Top O' The River -- popular seafood eatery in Guntersville.

Top O’ The River — popular seafood eatery in Guntersville.

Albertville is only 7 or 8 miles down 431 South from Guntersville.  A popular lunch place is The Chocolate Moose for salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts.  I hear that the servers and kitchen staff are prone to break out singing.  That sounds like a happy work environment to me, don’t you agree?

Sign for The Chocolate Moose in Albertville.

Sign for The Chocolate Moose in Albertville.

The Chocolate Moose at 700 Horton Road in Albertville.

The Chocolate Moose at 700 Horton Road in Albertville.

Luscious, warm, blueberry turnover at The Chocolate Moose.

Luscious, warm, blueberry turnover at The Chocolate Moose.

If you’re looking for a new day trip destination, Guntersville might be just the place.  You are bound to enjoy a good lunch and the wonderful scenery.

New, Improved Huntsville Botanical Gardens: A Gorgeous Venue in North Alabama

04/24/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

Having completed a $16-million project, the new Eloise McDonald Propst Guest Center is now open and is the first “face” you see when you come onto the grounds of the Huntsville Botanical Gardens  at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville.

View of the Guest Center from the parking lot.

View of the Guest Center from the parking lot.

Thousands of new plants are in the ground and are busy blooming to the delight of all. Their fragrance as you enter the building let you know you’re in for a visual and sensual treat.

Some bright new plants on the grounds.

Some bright new plants on the grounds.

Once inside, you will immediately notice the Gift Shop with its beautiful temptations.

Spring merchandise in the Gift Shop.

Spring merchandise in the Gift Shop.

Looking from the Gift Shop into the cafe.

Looking from the Gift Shop into the cafe. 

A new cafe is now up and running in the Guest Center. Table in the Garden is owned by Jake Reed who also owns Albany Bistro in Decatur.  Table is a casual eatery with both indoor and outdoor seating.  Reed and his staff offer full catering for events at the Botanical Gardens.  Many weddings and events are already on the calendar for the coming months.

Table in the Garden.

Table in the Garden.

Order counter for Table in the Garden.

Order counter for Table in the Garden.

Outdoor patio of Table in the Garden.

Outdoor patio of Table in the Garden.

Patio beside the Carriage House in the new Guest Center.

Patio beside the Carriage House in the new Guest Center.

Art on display in the Guest Center.

Art on display in the Guest Center.

Behind the Guest Center, a new lake and walkways have been added.  I urge you to visit soon and savor all the newness and excitement in the air.

New water feature.

New water feature.

2 Discoveries in Franklin, TN – Sopapilla’s and The Herban Market

04/03/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Franklin, Tennessee is a town where there are an endless number of places to eat and shop.  And, with the projected growth in the area for the next 10 years, that fact is bound to continue and thrive.  I want to tell you about 2 of my recent finds — places to which I’d definitely want to return.

Attractive exterior

Attractive exterior

The first is Sopapilla’s, a wonderful New Mexican restaurant at 1109 Davenport Boulevard.  Notice that I DIDN’T say a new Mexican restaurant.  I purposely capitalized New because the cuisine is that of the State of New Mexico, rather than typical Mexican.  Owner Steve Dale, from both Phoenix and Albuquerque, came to Nashville to pursue a career in music and found much success in that area.  What he DIDN’T find was food with the flavors he loved from “back home.”  He enjoyed cooking for his friends after concerts and gained quite a reputation there, as well.  After awhile, he chose to pursue his passion for great food, and Sopapilla’s was born.

Chips and salsa -- fresh, fresh, fresh.

Chips and salsa — fresh, fresh, fresh.

One of the not-so-secret ingredients in the dishes of Sopapilla’s are the chiles shipped from Hatch, New Mexico.  The flavor is unique to other chiles, and the town is known far and wide for its peppers.  Learn more by checking out this website.

Three of our grandchildren and their parents gave Sopapilla’s a big thumbs up when we celebrated a family birthday there recently. All of the dishes we had were wonderful, but Steve and I especially enjoyed the Guacamole with Grilled Pineapple and Sweet Glazed Shrimp.  It was over-the-top good.

Children's menu

Children’s menu

Sopapilla's is grandkid-approved.

Sopapilla’s is grandkid-approved.

Guacamole with grilled pineapple and shrimp.

Guacamole with grilled pineapple and shrimp.

And, when our meal ended with the signature sopapillas, we were drooling, oohing and ahh-ing.  All of that deliciousness AND honey?  Oh my!

Soft, fluffy sopapillas with honey.

Soft, fluffy sopapillas with honey.

Before you leave the area, be sure to walk around to The Herban Market at 3078 Maddux Way, just a few stores down from Sopapilla’s. As the name implies, there are plenty of herbs and spices, but SO much more.  You’ll find organic produce, an olive oil and balsamic tasting bar, local meat and dairy products plus fish shipped from Alaska, and even an organic juice bar.  The Herban Market also encourages local artists with a wall dedicated to displays of their works.  During our visit, good friend Kay Dekalb Smith had several paintings on that wall.  I guarantee you’ll be tempted to take some products home and cook up something special.

Wall for local artists near the Juice Bar.

Wall for local artists near the Juice Bar.

Goats milk soap.

Goats milk soap.

Herbs in bulk.

Herbs in bulk.

 

Breakfast at Mia’s, Lunch at Fulin’s and other places with Children’s Menus

03/13/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

Last week, Steve and I enjoyed the company of three granddaughters for 8 full days.  WE LEARNED A LOT!!!  On Thursday, Steve was working at a vet clinic all day, so the girls and I had a chance to eat out and shop at a leisurely pace.

We started with breakfast at Mia’s Cafe in Madison.  Mia’s is open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  We arrived about 9:00 a.m., and the dining room still had plenty of diners enjoying breakfast with friends.  I was very pleased to see a Kids Menu which included a large pancake and bacon or sausage for only $2.50.  The girls were delighted when their meals arrived and the pancakes had Mickey Mouse ears!!!  I ordered a couple of a la carte items, and we left spending less than $20.00, including their chocolate milks.  Score!!!

Mia's and Fulin's

Interior of Mia's.

Interior of Mia’s.

Mia’s has lunch and dinner specials (a meat, 3 vegetables, cornbread or roll) for $9.99.  There are 4 meats to choose from and at least 10 vegetables. The restaurant is clean, and the service is very friendly.  I think you’d enjoy giving it a try.

Mia's and Fulin's 7

Bethany ate the WHOLE thing!

Bethany ate the WHOLE thing!

Mia's and Fulin's 2

We had very few items on our must-find list, so we merely strolled the aisles of Toys-R-Us, imagining what they would buy if they had all the money in the world.  Bless them.  I got some good ideas for future birthdays, and they helped me select several additions for the toy closet in our house to be shared by ALL the grands.

Next, we headed to Barnes and Noble Bookseller at Bridgestreet in Huntsville.  I seriously believe they could have stayed for hours.  We found our way to the children’s section, they made themselves comfortable on the carpeted floor and started looking and reading.  How nice that this area also provides chairs for weary parents and grandparents.

Our next stop was to a large Target store with the specific goal of buying a gift for an upcoming baby shower.  Once again, their opinions were invaluable.  I was so impressed that the girls weren’t begging and whining the whole time.  They truly appeared to enjoy looking at the merchandise on the shelves at an unhurried pace without thinking that everything they saw had to be purchased and taken home RIGHT THEN.

By the time we left Target, we were hungry again, so we made our way to Fulin’s Asian Cuisine in Madison — in the same parking lot as Target.  They had their hearts set on fried rice.  Once we sat down, though, and looked at the Children’s Menu, they spotted Sweet and Sour Chicken and decided to give that a try.  Again, the Children’s Menu was affordable — all items were only $5.00.  The 3 girls shared 2 plates of the chicken (which has now become one of their new favorites — could it be that sweet, red sauce?), and we all shared a very generous serving of chicken fried rice.  So, once again, we didn’t have to spend an exorbitant amount, and all of us were comfortably full.  Thanks, Fulin’s.

Mia's and Fulin's 8

From an adult perspective, Fulin’s has an extensive selection of Chinese and Japanese dishes with many varieties of sushi, sashimi, soups and noodles.  There is another location of Fulin’s in Decatur at the Target Shopping Center on Point Mallard Parkway.

Hot and Sour Soup at Fulin's -- nice and spicy.

Hot and Sour Soup at Fulin’s — nice and spicy.

Children's plates for only $5.00.

Children’s plates for only $5.00.

Remember that the portion of chicken fried rice is very generous.

Remember that the portion of chicken fried rice is very generous.

2 fortune cookies in one page HAS to be lucky. Right?

2 fortune cookies in one package HAS to be lucky. Right?

Just as another FYI — the next night before we saw “Cinderella” at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, we ate a quick supper at Blue Plate Cafe on Governor’s Drive.  They, too, have a Children’s Menu with some great options for under $5.00.  As a grandmother of 12-almost-13 grandchildren, I am very grateful to restaurants who offer discounted and smaller meals.

Have you found some good suggestions for restaurants (other than fast food places) where you can feed several children reasonably and happily?  I’d love to hear about them.  Please share.

Two Cullman Icons: Ave Maria Grotto and Busy Bee Cafe

11/28/2016 By: CCPearson4 Comments

The day after Thanksgiving Steve and I made our way south to Cullman, AL to make lots of photos for an upcoming article in the Athens News Courier’s BOOM Magazine in my series called “90 Minutes from Home.”  Everybody knows about the All-Steak Restaurant and its famous orange rolls, but what about other hidden gems in this town.

I remembered visiting Ave Maria Grotto when I was very young and then about 10 or 15 years ago, but I thought it would be good to go back and see what was happening there now.  Steve and I were very impressed.  These serene acres adjoining the campus of St. Bernard Preparatory School showcase the work of a Benedictine monk, Brother Joseph Zoettl, who enjoyed a fascinating hobby of constructing miniature buildings out of stone, concrete, and discarded donated materials, such as plates, jewelry, tile, beads, marbles and seashells. In addition to his time spent in prayer and working in the Abbey shoveling coal into the furnaces, he loved studying photographs of famous buildings and attempting to make identical replicas.  The Grotto (an Italian word for “cave”) includes 125 structures.

Jerusalem in minature as conceived by Brother Joseph Zoettl.

Jerusalem in minature as conceived by Brother Joseph Zoettl.

There is a lovely gift shop at the entrance to the Grotto. The grounds are tastefully landscaped, and there is a concrete sidewalk with railing to guide visitors along the path. It opens every day at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. in the spring and summer and at 5 p.m. in the fall and winter.  Admission is $7.00 for adults, $4.50 for children and $5.00 for Seniors and AAA members.

A miniature building at Ave Maria Grotto constructed of concrete and donated materials.

A miniature building at Ave Maria Grotto constructed of concrete and donated materials.

Then, it was lunch time.  We loved Carlton’s in a previous visit but wanted to try something new.  We made our way to the Busy Bee Cafe.  Located on the corner of 1st Avenue SE and 5th Street, we learned that it was established in 1919.  The original building was on Highway 278, but Busy Bee has been in its present location since the 1960’s.  On April 27, 2011, the cafe along with everything on the block was flattened in a devastating tornado, but as a testimony to the resilience of the Cullman people, it reopened exactly one year later and has been thriving ever since.

Busy Bee Cafe, a favorite of the locals in Cullman, AL

Busy Bee Cafe, a favorite of the locals in Cullman, AL

Busy Bee Cafe is primarily a breakfast and lunch kind of place that opens at 6:00 a.m. with a neighborhood diner atmosphere.  The burgers looked fabulous, but since it was the day after Thanksgiving, we opted for simple sandwiches and soup.  It was very good, and the prices delightfully reasonable.  Definitely a place to “eat with the locals.”

Huntsville — Indoors and Outdoors

08/01/2016 By: CCPearson1 Comment

It’s so easy to just head to Parkway Place Mall or BridgeStreet and miss some of Huntsville’s special places.  And, if you’re a grandparent wanting some suggestions for entertaining grandchildren, maybe these possibilities will interest you.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a “given,” but you have most likely already visited it.  If not, then head there ASAP. The exhibits, games and rides are so well done, and don’t forget the IMAX movie.

U..S. Space and Rocket Center

U..S. Space and Rocket Center

OUTDOORS

  1. Huntsville Botanical Gardens — There are special events happening at the Gardens throughout the year — much more than just the Galaxy of Lights at Christmas time. Check the website and plan your visit.

2. Hays Nature Preserve — Great hiking and biking trails plus a large playground are perfect for families to explore together. It’s free!

3. Monte Sano State Park — There’s an entry fee, but you’re sure to find shade and cooler temperatures when you head up the mountain. Hike, bike and camp overnight.

 

INDOORS

  1.  Huntsville Museum of Art — What a great educational section they have for children! LINE, SHAPE, COLOR and TEXTURE — let the kids explore and do the hands-on activities that are provided.  If you get hungry while you’re visiting, just head down to the Plaza Level to Pane e Vino for kid-pleasing pizza.  The smells will drive you crazy.
Huntsville Museum of Art

Huntsville Museum of Art

Huntsville Museum of Art

Huntsville Museum of Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. EarlyWorks Children’s History Museum— If the weather is too hot outside, then EarlyWorks is a great place to spend several hours, learn and be thoroughly entertained.

EarlyWorks Children's History Museum

EarlyWorks Children’s History Museum

3. Southern Adventures — Are your kids or grandkids older and active? Southern Adventures is both a water park, and an arcade and an amusement park.

Southern Adventures

Southern Adventures

Have a good time finding something new to enjoy in Huntsville, AL.

Hang Out with Creative People at Huntsville’s Lowe Mill

07/18/2016 By: CCPearson1 Comment

Do you enjoy watching artists and artisans creating, painting, sewing and crafting? Do you like a wide variety of artistic styles? Do you enjoy seeing both whimsical AND serious works of art? Do you ever wish you could meet the artists and have conversations with them? Do you sometimes want to do those things at times other than at spring, fall and Christmas craft shows? Well then, I have just the place for you!

Lowe Mill 5 Lowe Mill 4 Lowe Mill 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Located in a gigantic (think 171,000 square feet) former cotton mill at 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville, you can find floors and scores of art studios, and in many of them, the actual artists will be working as you stroll past.  Photography, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, painting, stained glass, printmaking, woodworking — you name it, and I bet you’ll find it at Lowe Mill. Musicians even get in on the action with indoor and outdoor concerts from time to time. Just check the calendar on the website to find out what is happening on the days you plan to visit.  Lessons and classes are provided for those who want to learn the creative processes for themselves.

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I first heard about Lowe Mill when I admired the stained glass work of Julie Gill at an Art on the Square event in my hometown of Athens, AL. I ended up commissioning Julie to create pieces for some very high windows in our family room.  She and her husband came out with their equipment and an EXTREMELY tall ladder to install them when they were completed. We were amazed at her talent and very pleased with the results.

stained glass 2 stained glass 1

A few weeks ago, Steve and I decided to explore Lowe Mill to see what else might be interesting. I particularly enjoyed meeting Denise Onwere and admiring her paintings that are focused on encouraging and empowering women.  Here are some photos from that trip.

Denise Onwere

Denise Onwere

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Be sure to take note of the hours when Lowe Mill is open to the public. Wednesday and Thursday from noon until 6:00 p.m., Friday from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It was fairly quiet on Wednesday when we visited, but I bet it’s hoppin’ on Fridays and Saturdays. I guarantee you will see something you’ve never seen before. Admission is free. And, by the way, there is a small snack bar called “Happy Tummy” in case you want to grab a bite while you’ll browsing.

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Connie Collier Pearson, travel and food writer and blogger

Connie Collier Pearson, travel and food writer and blogger

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  • Revisiting Godward Thoughts from New York City, 2018 12/06/2019
  • PASSION AND LOYALTY — Secrets to a fulfilling life? 11/08/2019
  • Artists and Artisans in South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country 11/04/2019
  • A Place Called “God’s Acre” 11/01/2019
  • South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country – Spotlight on Aiken, SC. 10/28/2019
  • When Your Cheerleaders Don’t Show Up 10/25/2019
  • PUBLIC ART Reveals Civic Pride in Cartersville, GA and Clarksville, TN 10/21/2019

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Tags

9-11 Memorial Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association Asheville NC Bay St. Louis Birmingham AL Brooklyn Tabernacle cajun Canton OH Cartersville GA Charleston SC Charlotte NC Cleveland Indians Cleveland OH Columbia TN creole Denver Florence AL Franklin TN French Quarter fried green tomatoes GA Georgia restaurants Gervasi Vineyard grandchildren Gulf Shores AL Gumbo Love by Lucy Buffett Hartselle AL Helen GA Huntsville AL Matthew 7:12 N.C. New York City Niffer's Old 96 District Orange Beach AL Radio City Music Hall Rockefeller Center seafood Smoky Mountains The Church at West Franklin The Plaza Times Square TN Toomer's Corner World Food Championships

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