America’s longest paddle race navigates Neely Henry, Logan Martin en route to finish
In the quiet of a Saturday evening and Sunday morning in September on Neely Henry and Logan Martin lakes, you just might have heard the sound of a boat paddle slapping the water in staccato precision, propelling the paddler toward the finish line.
It would be a week before the first of the group reached that goal as they made their way across lakes, rivers and creeks on a 650-mile trek that takes stamina, will and determination. Lots of determination.
First to arrive at Logan Martin portage near the dam
It’s America’s longest paddle race, and it’s right here in Alabama – along the state’s Scenic River Trail. It began at Weiss Lake near the border with Georgia and ended in the Alabama Gulf at Fort Morgan as the final racer crossed the finish line Oct. 1.
The first leg of the race took paddlers through Gadsden and Neely Henry, arriving there during the night of the first day. The next morning residents up and down the shores of Logan Martin caught glimpses of paddlers all day long as they headed to the portage at Logan Martin Dam.
Watch party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Gadsden
One of the first to pass through the local area was Trey Reaves, who went on to win the race in seven days, three hours and 20 minutes. The first-place finish was familiar territory to Reaves. He was Alabama 650’s first back-to-back solo winner.
Also coming in quickly at Logan Martin’s portage was Lindsey Tilton, the first female to complete the course exclusively on a paddleboard. She finished in 9 days, 19 hours and 35 minutes.
To underscore the grueling challenge of the race, only 47 percent actually finish. At the end this year, there were only 10 claiming that achievement. l
Editor’s Note: The Great Alabama 650 is part of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, a network of more than 6,500 miles of river trails throughout Alabama, spanning from mountain streams and whitewater rapids in North Alabama to the river deltas in the South. It is one of the most diverse in the country. For more, go to: ASRT.me.
Lindsey Tilton in historic paddle board finish at Fort Morgan
Before you even cross the medieval drawbridge entering Hartman Castle, it stirs the imagination. Step inside and step back in time to a place where fairy tales and history reside side by side.
Once you enter, one thing you can’t imagine – surrounded by armored knights, medieval craftsmanship and all the makings of a castle – is that you are standing in Alpine, Alabama, on Logan Martin Lake.
But that’s precisely where you have arrived at what has to be one of the most unusual Air BnBs on the rental market.
It is pure imagination all wrapped up in 4,300 square feet, five buildings and 12 levels overlooking the lake in Clear Creek. Only, this is not a fairy tale, it’s a true story of one man fulfilling his wife’s dream decades ago and another man decades later, intrigued by the story – and the challenge – bringing it back to life.
In the beginning
The castle itself is the creation of the late Donald Dewayne Hartman, who designed and built it for his wife, Royldene, who always dreamed of living in a castle. Hartman is described as a writer, an educator, world traveler and a lifelong learner.
Putt-putt golf course with a medieval touch
Books he wrote adorn shelves in alcoves off the main foyer. They are filled with mystery and intrigue in faraway places, much like the life of the creator himself. He died in 2022 at the age of 86.
His obituary states he was recognized nationally for developing one of the top foreign language programs in the country. He holds bachelor’s and advanced degrees from 10 different universities around the world.
He was known as an avid painter and a carpenter, the latter of which is evident throughout the castle.
Modern renaissance
In 2023, Blake Shultz, a Realtor from Birmingham, enters the picture. His in-laws live just down the road from the castle, and one day he saw there was to be an auction. “I followed the signs.”
Bidders had a single day to inspect and make an offer on this castle closed years before and showing signs of neglect. But adding to this unfolding story of intrigue was a clue – a hint about its hidden rooms. “Win the bid or never know,” Shultz recalled.
Intricate detail, unusual features, regal look features of castle
He made his offer and when the bidding was over, he walked away as owner of the keys to the castle and the secrets to the hidden rooms found within.
“A year later and lots of work,” and Hartman Castle is now open, renting this elaborate, whimsical and historic lakeside retreat to the wide-ranging interests of vacationers. It has been ideal for groups – bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, church and youth groups or those who just want to be immersed in medieval surroundings.
“It took 12 months to renovate,” Shultz said, who shouldered much of the work himself. First, there were nine 40-yard dumpsters to dispose of what was not needed. A shipping container resided outside for eight months, where Shultz placed whatever would end up in the finished product as the ‘keeper’ area.
Interior design was a “family affair,” Shultz said, crediting his wife and mother-in-law with the intricate, complementary details that makes this castle a home. Knights in armor stand sentry with wood carvings, art and furniture placement all coming together to make this a special place indeed.
“There was no going back” on this project, Shultz said, noting that in his experience flipping properties, there was always an exit plan just in case. Fail early and fail cheaply. In this project, “once we were in, we were in,” he said. “It was more of a risk.”
No risk, no reward
Shultz made a few structural changes to the original, but most of it is preserved intact as Hartman envisioned it.
There are cosmetic and functional changes, like a closet added with a half bath complete with dragon motif. A piano that took eight people to get down the staircase is new. So is the flooring, replacing the carpet that was there before.
The drawbridge was manual. Now it’s automatic, and the mechanics are hidden behind panels in the wall.
Concrete platforms in different rooms have been turned into sleeping quarters. A scavenger hunt designed especially for the guests help them find hidden rooms and a special prize if they solve the mystery.
Blake Shultz on the drawbridge
Adorning a wall in one of the rooms is ‘wall of thrones’ – wallpaper designed from Game of Thrones artwork, but superimposing the face of his father-in-law as a surprise to him. Hartman once found 300 headboards with an unusual design. He was very creative and used headboards in his own design of the castle. He built all the doors and the trim himself.
Shultz employed his own creativity, building the 12-foot, red oak table that centers a dining room in Building 3, which houses a second kitchen. The fireplace is original. So are the chairs and chandeliers and lights from Bulgaria. The Hartmans loved dinner parties, and their gold goblets and dinnerware have remained.
The views from various areas of the castle overlook Clear Creek near Alpine Bay, and the kitchen, open to a sitting area with sleeper sofas, overlooks the lake as well.
Hartman’s basement workshop now has an added bar area and a concrete loft and fireplace.
It has two party deck areas with lake views. The middle deck features a gathering spot with a Blackstone grill. Just off that area is an 18-hole putt-putt golf course. Miniature castles, dragons and armored knights make up the obstacles at various holes.
A game room features an arcade machine, playing card table and table tennis. Outside, at the top of the property, you’ll find a regulation pickleball court. On the lake side, a double decked covered pier and a fire pit at the water’s edge are highlights.
Shultz said the question during the whole process became, “What other things can we add that really say, you don’t have to leave the property? We wanted it to be unique and fun. This is what we came up with.”
Rave reviews
What Shultz really came up with is a hit, garnering 5-star reviews and making the prestigious lists of “Super Hosts” and “Guest Favorites” on Air BnB.
“The history of the property is fascinating,” said one reviewer. “The restoration of the property to its original state is unreal. There is a working drawbridge! Artifacts, newspaper articles, documents and photos from the past are displayed throughout.
“The detached library has been transformed into extra bedrooms. Every sofa is a sleeper sofa. The baby grand piano and the working organ were a big hit. Putt-putt, ping-pong, pickle ball, the game room, firepit and double decker dock provided hours of fun for everyone. We never ran out of things to do or explore.”
Another described it as “quirky and fun, the view was amazing, and the putt-putt course put it over the top.”
“The castle is definitely one-of-a-kind location,” said one review.
“What a unique experience!,” exclaimed another. “We loved staying at Hartman Castle, it felt just like being in a medieval castle. Our group brought costumes, cosplays, and princess dresses for a royal photoshoot and found so many amazing backdrops around the castle.”
And at the end of the stay, what this guest had to say is what it is all about: “It’s a trip full of memories that we will never forget” – just like the castle Hartman created years ago, and Shultz brought back to life.
Story by Scottie Vickery Photos by Wallace Bromberg Jr. and David Smith
When Rod and Robin McSweeney decided to build their dream home on Logan Martin Lake, Robin knew she wanted it to look like something out of a fairy tale. Her wish came true, and for the past five years, the McSweeneys have been enjoying their “happily ever after” at their house, which with its towers, cobbled stone, cypress shake roof and cupola, truly resembles a castle at the water’s edge.
Rod and Robin McSweeney welcome guests with her summer salad
It’s where the couple, who will celebrate their 49th anniversary in January, spend as much time as possible creating magical moments with their children and grandchildren while enjoying everything that living on the lake has to offer. “We wanted this to be a fun place so they would want to come here,” Robin said of their family. “We both grew up loving lake life, and now our grandkids are river rats. We just love that.”
Nearly every detail of the house – from the bedrooms to the pool to the landscaping – was planned with their two sons, daughters-in-law and five grandchildren, who range in ages 5 to 18, in mind. “Our whole life centers around family,” Robin said.
Their family got its start not long after Rod and Robin graduated from high school. “We both went to Erwin (in Birmingham) but we never dated in high school,” Robin said. “We got together about a year later.”
Even then, they shared a love for the water. “Both of our parents had trailers on Smith Lake,” said Rod, who has long been an avid fisherman – perhaps a little too avid. “This is where I grew up fishing,” he said. “I had to repeat the seventh grade for fishing. I missed 30 days of school because I was fishing here.”
Stone fireplace one of the focal points
The McSweeneys lived in Trussville for most of their married life and raised their boys, Matt and Michael, there. Through the years, they owned two different houses on Logan Martin – one in Mays Bend and the other on the Talladega side of the lake – but they didn’t get to enjoy the lake as often as they wanted.
About seven years ago, Rod decided it was time to live at the lake full-time. After taking a year to design the house and another year to build it, the McSweeneys have enjoyed hosting friends and family and sharing meals on the patio, which is home to a full outdoor kitchen.
“This is where Rod lives when we have company,” Robin said, adding that both boys and their families live in Indian Springs near Birmingham. Chances are, he’ll throw something on the grill or the griddle while she handles the side dishes. “We cook easy here,” she said. “We work well together. He’s my right hand, and I’m his left.”
Homemade ice cream is a favorite whenever there’s a crowd, and Robin has discovered that Cocoa Krispies make one of the best toppings. “If you’ve never tried it, you should. And if you ever try it, you’ll never eat it another way again. Everyone loves it, including the grown-ups,” she said.
The path home
The story behind their fairy tale home actually began about 30 years ago when Rod was fishing in a bass tournament with one of his sons. He pointed out a wooded, overgrown lot in a then-undeveloped part of the lake, saw its potential and made a promise. “I’m going to build a house on that lot one day,” he told his son.
Decades later, Rod remembered the lot that had caught his eye all those years before and managed to track down the owner. It took a while to convince her to sell, however, and even then, they weren’t exactly sure what they were getting. “It wasn’t until we started clearing the lot that we realized how fabulous it is,” Robin said. “We didn’t even know what kind of house would fit on it,” Rod added.
Although Robin and Rod and been collecting pictures of houses and features they liked for years, they credit Chris Reebals and Ria Neill of Christopher Architects and Interiors, Trey Goldstein of Cotton Construction, and interior designer Joanna Goodman with making their dream come true.
“You can see every side of the house from the water, so I wanted each side of the house to have its own character, and they did such a great job. They were fabulous, every single one of them,” Robin said. “It was the most fun thing we’ve ever done,” Rod added.
The attention to detail is amazing. Each stone, inside the house and out, was hand-chiseled by masons. “I wanted them to have a castle look,” Robin said. The enormous, curved beams in the two-story great room were built onsite. The interior walls are made from white oak and the kitchen cabinets and dining room ceiling are pecky cypress. Everything works together to create a comfortable, welcoming space. “We want it to be inviting,” Robin said. “We want people to feel like they can come up and put their feet up and relax.”
Although they both shared ideas and had input, Rod said he focused more on the pier and outdoor areas and left a lot of the interior decisions to Robin and the architects. “I wanted it to be what she wanted, honestly, and I just enjoyed watching her do it,” he said.
The bunk room
The house, which is more than 8,000 square feet, boasts six bedrooms, a bunkroom that sleeps eight, five full bathrooms and two half-baths. Matt and his wife, Susie, and Michael and his wife, Bradi, each have their own rooms, and the McSweeneys designed special rooms for the grandkids: Moriah, Miriam, Marek, Christian and John Reagan.
There’s a stage just off the bunkroom with a collection of instruments, including drums and a keyboard, and karaoke nights have become a family favorite. The pool, by Shoemaker Pools, was designed with the kids in mind, as well. There are two waterfalls, a slide, diving board and hot tub. “We tried to think of everything – anything the kids would have fun doing,” Robin said.
The kids, who call the McSweeneys Nana and DaDeet, weren’t all they took into consideration, however. There’s an elevator in the house in case someone needs it later. “All of our parents needed an elevator before they passed away, but there was nowhere to add one in the house we lived in at the time. When we started the plans for this house, we decided to go on and put one in now,” Robin explained.
There’s also a safe room they can retreat to during tornado warnings that doubles as a dog washing station for their two dogs, Remington Steele and Stevie Nicks. The dogs also have a “Doodle Door” that leads from the kitchen to the patio. “It’s cute, and it’s unique, but they are terrified of it,” Robin said. “We have to hold it open with a bungee cord to get them to use it. Otherwise, you couldn’t offer them a T-bone steak to go through there.”
The personal touch
The personal touches don’t stop there. The McSweeneys planted trees in honor of each grandchild. There are bald cypresses for the oldest two boys, a weeping willow for each of the two girls, and they planted a Lacey oak in honor of their youngest grandson.
“They all have deep roots, they love the water, and they’re strong. We wanted them to remember those traits,” Robin said.
The graceful branches of the weeping willow remind them of the girls’ hair, and the “curly, wispy leaves” of the Lacey oak makes them think of their youngest grandchild. “He has curly, curly blonde hair,” she said.
They also have four large pots in honor of each of their parents, and they change the flowers each season as a way to honor them. “Every day we can look out at those pots and have a happy thought about our parents,” Robin said. “I’m very sentimental.”
Suspended bed made from boat
She and Rod, who attend the Church of the Highlands, also have strong faith. One of Robin’s favorite pieces of furniture in the house is a prayer bench from the 1600s that came from a church in France. It holds a place of honor in the dining room.
“God is very important in our lives,” Robin said. “We’re a family of faith, and we’ve been very blessed, but we try to instill in our kids and grandkids that it’s not what you have on the outside that’s important. That can be gone in a minute. It’s what you have on the inside that can’t be taken away, and that’s what really matters.”
Robin, a registered X-ray technician, has filled the shelves in the office area just off the great room with personal mementos. One shelf holds a statue of a father and son, a gift from Rod’s mother when their youngest son left for college, and a clock that has been in Robin’s family for generations. “This is to remind us of how quickly time flies,” she said.
There are also a number of photographs taken throughout Rod’s career. He founded Southern Comfort Conversions, which was in business for 43 years and focused on customizing specialty vans, cars and trucks by adding everything from audio systems to custom seats and massage chairs to off-road suspension. Both boys eventually joined the family business and were active partners with Southern Comfort.
They opened McSweeney Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Pell City about seven years ago and recently added a dealership in Clanton, as well. The bookshelves hold photos of Rod with a number of his clients, including Nick Saban, General Norman Schwarzkopf, and former President George W. Bush.
No regrets
Although their dream home was years in the making, both Robin and Rod said they wouldn’t change a thing. They enjoy their house and all of its unique touches, and they agree that family, friends, community and the beauty around them is what truly makes lake life special.
“The lake, and even Pell City in general, are a little slower paced and remind me of what life was like a long time ago,” Robin said. “People here care about you and bring you supper when you’re sick. They call and check on you, they bring you a bag of tomatoes if they have extra. They’re just good, kind people.”
Rod especially enjoys watching the wildlife, listening to the birds, and watching the fish jump. “It’s just so peaceful here,” he said. “I get up early, a lot of times before it’s even daylight, and I just enjoy being able to watch God’s creation working in harmony. It’s really pretty amazing.”
Favorite Summer Salad
Ingredients:
Romaine lettuce
1 can of mandarin oranges, drained
Strawberries, sliced
Dried cranberries
Feta cheese
Candied pecans
Poppyseed dressing
Toss everything but the dressing together in a large salad bowl. Add dressing to taste just before serving so the lettuce doesn’t wilt.
Crawfish Alfredo Steak
Ingredients:
Filets
Coarse pepper
Salt
Chef Paul Prudhomme Blackened Steak Magic Seasoning
Tony Chachere’s Spice N’ Herbs Creole Seasoning
Salted butter
15 ounces of your favorite Alfredo sauce (he uses Bertolli Alfredo Sauce)
8 ounces of sliced white mushrooms
Red or white cooking wine
16 ounces of thawed, peeled and washed crawfish tails
Directions:
Take filets out of the refrigerator and let them sit for two hours so they’ll come to room temperature. About an hour before cooking, sprinkle steaks with coarse black pepper and salt. Coat them with Blackened Magic seasoning.
Crawfish Alfredo Sauce
Wash the crawfish tails in a colander to reduce the fishy taste. Use a small skillet and add 2 tablespoons of salted butter, a generous sprinkle of the Spice N’ Herbs Creole Seasoning and Alfredo sauce. Bring to a slow simmer and add white mushrooms and several tablespoons of red or white cooking wine and cover. Stir often.
About 10 minutes before serving, bring the heat up a bit and add crawfish tails.
Steaks
Melt ¼ stick of butter on the griddle (or a large iron skillet) and generously sprinkle the Spice N’ Herbs Creole Seasoning and Blackened Steak Magic on top of the butter prior to laying the steaks on it. Cook until your desired temperature and plate them. After adding other sides to your plate, cover the steaks with the Crawfish Alfredo Sauce and enjoy!
*The Crawfish Alfredo Sauce is delicious served over a baked potato or a baguette, as well.
Nana’s Homemade Ice Cream
Ingredients:
1 can condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
2 cups sugar
½ pint whipping cream
2 full tablespoons vanilla
Whole milk
Ice
Rock Salt
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients to ice cream freezer and stir well. Add whole milk and fill to the “fill line” of the canister. Put paddle in the center of the canister and close the top. Fill bucket with ice and rock salt. Refill ice and salt as needed. Motor will stop when ice cream is ready. Remove paddle. Leave cannister in ice and cover with a towel until ready to eat. Ice cream will get firmer if it sits in packed ice a little longer. Add Cocoa Krispies or other cereal to the top, if desired.
The lakes are soon to be alive again with the sounds of summer. Safe light each morning brings waves of fishing boats headed to that perfect fishing spot.
After breakfast, more boats race by, pulling tubes with squealing children bouncing with each wave. Ski and wake boats slice through the water, pulling those whose bodies can still afford the effort of skiing or wakeboarding.
Pontoon boats ease by, headed to a favorite swimming or picnic spot. If you look closely, you’ll see a dog or two in many of these snapshots of summer life on the water.
Life on the lake is full of fun opportunities for pups, but there are some dangers that pet owners should be prepared for. Protecting our four-legged, lake-loving friends takes some thought and planning before letting them loose for a day on the water. These pets add enjoyment to our lives, but they need us to help them stay safe.
Roxanne and Jack cruising in a kayak
The first, and most often overlooked precaution, is putting a life jacket on your dog anytime it is in or around the water. “All dogs should have a life jacket,” says Dr. Margaret Heath, a veterinarian with Pell City Animal Hospital. “Just because they can swim does not mean they won’t get tired or that they swim well. They can become exhausted easily.” This is particularly true, she adds, for small dogs who cannot swim as far or as quickly as their larger counterparts.
Dr. Heath also stresses the importance of keeping your animals hydrated. “Bring fresh water for them to drink,” she emphasizes. “Bacteria, like leptospirosis, in the water can affect dogs, just as it would a human.
Another common intestinal parasite, Giardia, is found in stagnant water and can cause intestinal issues.” Additionally, she adds, if a dog has open wounds and swims, bacteria can enter the body and cause illness. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water, Dr. Heath recommends getting it vaccinated against leptospirosis.
Another important step to protect your pooch is to make sure it is wearing a collar or harness with an identification tag. Dr. Heath recommends changing out wet collars or harnesses to dry ones as soon as pets are safely contained. “Wet collars and wet harnesses keep the areas they cover moist and can rub against the skin, leading to hot spots and sores,” she explains.
When the boat gets to the shore, pet owners should check the temperature of the dock and the asphalt to make sure it is not too hot. Dr. Heath offers the following guideline:
“Pavement, concrete and docks can be 30-40 degrees hotter than the air temperature, so on a hot, summer day, that can be significant. If you cannot place the back of your hand down on the pavement for more than 10 seconds, your dog should not be walking there. Try walking in any available grass.”
Dr. Heath also recommends wiping your dog’s paws to remove any dirt, irritants and debris from their feet once they are back on the boat or safely at home.
Shaded resting spots are important considerations for your dog as you play in and around the water. Having a safe, shaded place for them to be contained and allowing them to rest is a great way to include pups in family lake time. If you really want to keep them close by in the water, pet-safe dog floats are an option.
Rosie and Jack on deck in their doggie safety gear
There are dog sunglasses and dog sunscreens available in many pet stores and online, if you want to be extra careful. Available in both spray-on and lotion applications, these sunscreens can be especially helpful for hairless or light-colored dogs, as they are particularly vulnerable to damaging ultraviolet rays. With sunscreens, Dr. Heath warns to make sure they are made for dogs and are PABA free and do not contain zinc oxide. “Sunglasses,” she adds, “could certainly benefit dogs with blue and other light-colored irises, as they don’t have the same protective pigment as do dogs with darker colored eyes.” The trick would likely be training your dog to leave them on.
Training your dog and restraining it while onboard your boat is critical to keeping your pup safe.
Allowing a pet to ride on the bow while the boat is moving is just not a good idea, stresses Dr. Heath. “Many years ago, we had a patient come into the clinic that had fallen from the bow and had a leg severed by the boat propeller,” she says, adding that, while he lived, many others have not been so lucky. “It’s unsafe not just because the dog may jump off, but because the lake conditions are unpredictable, as are other boats.”
As we welcome summer with all its fun, family moments, just remember to keep your best little furry buddy in mind. They’re a part of our families and count on us to keep them safe.
“Come on, buddy! Let’s go for a boat ride!”
Editor’s Note – Dogs on the lake can’t help but bring a smile to dog lovers everywhere. Join our new Facebook and Instagram group, Dogs Lovin’ LakeLife 24/7, and share your aquatic-loving canine with us!
For many kids, summer camp is a dream come true. There’s swimming, horses, campfires, crafts and new friendships that often last a lifetime. Factor in more than a mile of shoreline on beautiful Logan Martin Lake, and it’s easy to see YMCA Camp Cosby as a field of dreams of sorts.
The lake is a huge part of what makes the camp special, according to Sky York, senior program director. “We have so many activities on the water,” she said. “There’s sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, and we’ve got a section of the lake roped off for swimming with lots of fun inflatables. The kids love it.”
High ropes course presents challenges
The fun doesn’t stop there. Thanks to a partnership with Rambo Marine, which provides the use of ski boats and pontoons, campers can enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing and tubing while learning about water and boating safety at the same time. “A lot of kids, especially if they’ve grown up in the city, have never gotten to do things like that,” York said.
Trying new things and meeting new people are some of the best parts of camp, she added. “It’s really neat to see kids come out of their shells and get really excited about trying new things,” she said. “I also really enjoy helping guide the staff so they can help kids fall in love with camp.”
100 years and counting
Camp Cosby, which is accredited by the American Camping Association, has been providing summer fun for more than a century. The camp first opened in 1922 after the YMCA bought property north of Trussville that had a 26-acre lake. While it started as a camp for boys, it later offered sessions for girls, too. The camp moved to its current location on 135 acres in Alpine in 1972.
Today, there are eight sessions of summer camp for kids ages 6 to 16, and more than 2,000 campers attend each year. While most sessions are Sunday through Friday, there’s an option for kids attending more than one session to stay over the weekend. In addition, a three-day session is offered for rising kindergarteners and first-graders who may not be ready for a full week, York said.
The goal of camp is to build confidence, inspire independence and foster a spirit of acceptance and family. In addition to watersports and swimming, campers can participate in horseback riding, archery, high and low ropes courses, arts and crafts, ceramics and more. Older kids can even learn to ride and maintain minibikes, and there are separate trails for hiking, horseback riding and minibikes. An outdoor classroom helps campers learn about and develop a love of and appreciation for nature.
The fun isn’t just limited to the summer, though. Camp Cosby offers programs and special events all year long, including Winter Camp, offered during the holiday season, and Teen Retreats held over weekends in the fall and spring. The focus is on leadership, and participants learn employment and life skills, as well.
Not just for kids
One of the biggest draws, though, is Family Camp, offered in the spring and fall, when entire families can stay in a cabin and enjoy the outdoors together. “Some parents may have only been to camp for drop-off and pick-up,” York said. “This gives them an opportunity to enjoy some of the same experiences their kids do.”
Mini-bikes are a favorite at the camp
It’s also a great way to disconnect from electronics and other distractions so family members can better connect with each other. “Sometimes families just want a weekend away,” York said. “It’s a nice respite when they can come and hang out, take some time to get outside, and get a break.”
Family Camp can also be a good way to give new or young campers a glimpse of what they would experience at summer camp. “By the time summer rolls around, they know what to expect and they remember how much fun it can be,” York said.
Camp is a wonderful way to help build relationships, whether with family, counselors or new friends. “We have staff and kids from all over the place. Many times, those camp friendships end up lasting longer than other friendships,” York said. She added that group activities, cabin time and team-building experiences help deepen bonds.
The camp employs more than 100 seasonal staff members, and they come from all over the region, country and world. “We’ve had staff from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South America and Mexico,” York said. “I love seeing the counselors bonding with the kids and encouraging them to try new things. Growing up, the counselors I had at summer camp had a big influence in my life.”
In fact, camp, in general, made a big impact. “I have a passion for it,” York said. “It’s a fun way to meet people you might never meet otherwise, and it’s a cool way to try new things. Some of my best memories were made at summer camp. It had a big impact on me as a kid.” l
For more information about YMCA Camp Cosby and its programs, visit campcosby.ymcabham.org.
Though the weather is still cold outside, it is already time to start thinking about the lake season across Alabama. Boat manufacturers are already starting to promote their most popular models, and local marinas and dealers have stepped up to showcase exactly what we can expect to see for sale in the coming months.
Falcon F215 Bassboat
The F215 has been redesigned for the 2024 year with specific attention paid to the width of the bow area, and Buck’s Island will be the only dealer in the region selling the new model. The F215 is truly a dream to fish out of. Featuring some of the largest overall deck space in the industry, the F215 will allow you and a partner to fish in space and make your co-angler smile all day. Like their other models, the F215 features Falcon’s signature forward-opening front rod boxes with an ample front storage separated by two lids. The ride and overall comfort of this boat is second to none, with plenty of performance to get you there in comfort.
Barletta Lusso
One of the top-tier pontoon boats from Lusso, the Barletta brings it all to the water – luxury, speed, comfort and fun. Designed with you, and your on-water experience, in mind, the Barletta Lusso models offer something for everyone. A classic and stylish rail-set, ultra-soft and ultra-comfortable furniture, a sleek helm loaded with technology and leg room, pet-friendly amenities … the list goes on and on. And with a variety of deck layouts, you can find the perfect boat for you. Rambo Marine in Westover can help you pick out the Lusso model – and other Barletta boats – to fit your needs.
Bass Cat Caracal STS
In line with the growing trend in wide-body bass boats, Bass Cat has stepped up their game with the Caracal STS. They employed a wide-body flow of the existing Caracal while stretching the platform into the newest STS (Soft Touch Series) hull design. What you now have is a 96-inch-wide machine, redesigned inside and out, destined to overachieve in all aspects when compared to other 20-foot bass boats in this class. The model name stretches back decades, and this one in particular will leave a profound mark in the Caracal lineage. Like the Falcon, you can find the Bass Cat at Buck’s Island.
Excel Bay Pro Elite 220
In the fishing world, center-console boats hold a special place, and Excel Boats offers exceptional boats, especially in the Bay Pro lineup. The Pro Elite has the widest deck in their lineup. From top to bottom, customers pick Excel because they pay attention to detail. Every detail, from paint quality, welds, heavy-duty seat vinyl, fiberglass console, non-slip floor and more are what you would expect from an Excel. The all-new console has everything and it is where it should be. The dash will accommodate up to a 12-inch fish finder/nav unit. It has room for a 3-inch Bluetooth radio and extra accessory switches, and the new compact gauge set is arranged perfectly. Rodney’s Marine in Cropwell is the place to go to grab one of these fantastic fishing boats.
Nitro Z20 Pro
The NITRO Z20 Pro gives you a host of the most popular high-performance upgrade options at an incredible value. The brain of this fish-catching powerhouse is two new Lowrance HDS LIVE fishfinders networked together—and to a new Lowrance Ghost trolling motor, giving you the power to find fish and stay on them while the competition is still searching.
The basis of the Z20 is Nitro’s NVT hull—a design that uses a series of parabolic curves instead of traditional strakes, resulting in a hull that’s faster, gives more lift while on plane and improves handling. The Z-CORE seating system with Force Flex suspension and contoured frame, designed in collaboration with Kevin VanDam, gives you the most comfortable ride in Nitro’s history. To check out the Z20 Pro, visit Sylacauga Marine & ATV.
Tahoe T21
Another great boat at Sylacauga Marine is the Tahoe T21. A classic multi-use bowrider, this boat promises loads of fun on the lake. Step into the Tahoe T21 and be amazed. Feel the stability, the power, the smooth coursing of its POWERGLIDE hull with HYDROSTEP strakes as you and up to 10 companions fly across the waves. Note the operational ease and efficiency of its TAHOE CRUISE digital dashboard and switch panel; crank up the KICKER stereo with Bluetooth technology. Need some splash time? Tahoe has got you covered, with a removable ski tow pylon, anchor locker, aft swim platforms and telescoping boarding ladder. And of course, you’ll find smart storage galore.
Sylvan X3 CLZ DH
Combining comfort and handling, the Sylvan Mirage line of pontoon boats is a great option if flexibility is what you are looking for. Featured at Skier’s Marine in Westover, the X3 CLZ DH, this pontoon is a great buy. With its long list of standard features – including Sylvan’s exclusive SPX PR20/25 Performance Package, Performance Shield, low-profile sport console, black anodized rails and deck trim, hydraulic steering, docking lights, a third tube and more – the Mirage X Series is one of the most family-friendly options on the water.
Sunchaser Eclipse
Featuring some of the more affordable pontoons on the market, Sunchaser gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Its plush interior, upgraded upholstery and executive helm station elevated on a raised platform for an enhanced sightline are only the beginning of what set Eclipse apart. Premium standard features like extended stern platforms and full-height panels, high back helm chairs that swivel, slide and recline, X-Treme Performance Strakes and third tube technology put Eclipse in a class of its own. For the latest from Sunchaser, visit University Marine in Pell City.
Starcraft SLS
Another great pontoon boat for the value is the Starcraft SLS series. Starcraft pontoon boat innovation continues with the SLS, featuring HMX tubes. With strategically placed strakes, HMX tubes give you better lift, less surface drag, increased speed, faster planing and a tighter turning radius. In short, it’s one exciting ride. Like most of the pontoon platforms these days, the SLS comes in a number of different seating and floor plans. To find the perfect fit for you, check out the Starcraft SLS at Rodney’s Marine in Cropwell.
Yamaha AR Series
If you are looking for boats tailored to the wakeboarding and other tow-behind excitement, Yamaha put together some great packages with its AR series of boats. Available in several different lengths, the Yamaha AR’s have a distinctive styling that will stand out on the water and have a number of affordable setups that won’t break the bank. They come with additional storage and other features that make these wake boats much more versatile than many similar tow-oriented watercraft. Rambo Marine has a variety of AR series boats ready for customers to come see.
Mastercraft XT23
One of the biggest names in tow-behind boats, Mastercraft does not disappoint with its XT23. Another boat featured at Skier’s Marine, the Mastercraft XT23 is a 23’4”-long bowrider with a beam of 8.5 feet. It can seat 16 people and has a draft of 0.76 meters. The XT23 can reach speeds of up to 40 knots. MasterCraft’s SurfStar system truly shines on the XT23 as it can pump out the friendliest waves for kids or deliver waves for pros with maximum height, pop, and length. Inside the boat, the XT23 boasts unrivaled ergonomic comfort, ample storage, and the renowned MasterCraft fit-and-finish.
Avalon Catalina
With a focus on style and a huge range of premium features, Avalon has created some truly remarkable boats with its Catalina line. The Catalina is a stylish and sophisticated mid–range offering that turns heads and quickens pulses. Its DNA includes the same construction, quality and style found in Avalon’s master collection boats; this model is equipped with core features and then can be personalized with as few or as many additional features as you like. This amazing pontoon is available in eleven different layouts. Poor House Branch Marina on Stemley Road in Talladega has a number of Catalinas in stock ready for customers.
Coach RFC
Coach Pontoons’ top seller is its RFC line, and for good reason. Billed as the SUV of the Coach lineup, the RFC pontoons are a solid combination of flexibility and performance. RFC layout maximizes seating and lounging with its perimeter furniture layout. This open layout is perfect for small and large groups. No one gets stuck in a corner seat and ample room for all your toys with underseat storage. Extended rear swim platform and easy-access stainless steel retractable ladder provide great rear access to and from the water, and the ski tow bar is designed for added strength for your watersports needs. You can find your RFC at Poor House Branch Marina.
Bennington 22 SSR
Bennington continues its tradition of creating striking pontoons with the 2024 22 SSR line of tritoons. The line comes with a large variety of design styles, including narrow beam widths. The Quad Bench configuration maximizes storage, seating capacity and lounge space. Many floor plans feature a sleek Fastback stern with speakers that extend your entertainment space. Features include options like bamboo vinyl flooring, stainless-steel-rimmed cup holders and custom gauge cluster designs with zebrawood accents. Visit Woods Surfside Marina in Cropwell to check out the new model year.
Bennington 24 LXSBA
If you are looking for a premium tritoon, the Bennington 24 LXSBA, also available at Woods Surfside, should top your list. There’s a timeless charm found within the LX Model boats, a blending of superb craftmanship, rugged build quality and premium finishes that are familiar, yet distinctly a cut-above. When you step up to the LX Model of boats from Bennington, you’re automatically enrolled into their premium features club: extras like the voyager helm with locking glove box and 12v and USB charging station, vinyl-wrapped bench bases and larger, bolder side Bennington emblems. And the swingback design, introduced several years ago, allows users to face forward or backward depending on the position of the backrest.
Honda BF350 Outboard
Regardless of what kind of boat you have on the water, matching the right engine to your watercraft is a must. New for this year from Honda is the powerful V8 BF350. University Marine is one of several regional dealers that specializes in Honda motors and points to the BF350 as a top contender. The all-new Honda BF350 V8 is truly a landmark achievement: Honda’s first-ever production V8 engine for use on either land or water. Designed to meet the needs of today’s families who want larger boats and the ability to journey farther from shore, the Honda BF350 was created to deliver maximum power with impressive fuel efficiency.
EZ Dock
With all the different varieties of personal watercraft on the market, EZ Dock has PWC storage solutions to fit them all. River’s Edge Marina in Cropwell, which also specializes in boat rentals and is home to the Tiki Hut, is one of the top local EZ Dock dealers in the region. Designed both for saltwater and freshwater applications, their PWC ports’ self-adjusting designs make loading and unloading effortless, no matter what type of waterfront on which your home or business is located. EZ Ports are the perfect solution for those looking for an easy-to-access, drive-on port to keep their PWC high and dry.
They came by land, by water – even by air – to Logan Martin Lake’s biggest party ever. Stretching from one end of the lake to the other, Oct. 8 turned into a gigantic, floating costume party where the entire lake community was on the guest list.
Around these parts, we call it Boo Bash on Logan Martin, and what a bash it was! Sparked from an idea by Kelli Lasseter and coordinated by a crew of volunteers, it caught fire and is destined to become The Event of the year on Logan Martin.
Over 100 piers transformed into Halloween fantasy lands – a mermaid cove, Charlie Brown’s pumpkin patch, the land of Oz complete with Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the cowardly lion.
There were ghosts, ghouls and goblins galore, skeletons by the dozen and spider webs so big they encompassed entire boathouses. Witches, witches brew and characters of all shapes and descriptions were part of the mix.
Scenes from movies like Top Gun were reenacted. Pirate Island, a favorite any time of year, featured a 12 foot skeleton hoisting its famous pirate flag and the island’s owner, Jim Regan, in full pirate regalia – even an earring.
A helicopter hovered over the lake, close enough for Boo Bashers to spot the co-pilot – a skeleton, of course.
Equally entertaining were the passengers aboard more than 70 boats, shuttling masqueraders from one pier to another, charting a course for treats in sizes to order – for children, adults and dogs. Neighbors became friends, adults became kids and the children delighted in every bit of it.
To say it was a success is like saying Alabama vs. Auburn is just another football game. It exceeded all expectations. One only had to take a look around to see the proof measured in the smiles and laughter by the boatload.
On this day, the lake community was as one. And what a day it was!
Just like the movement it represents, the God is Bigger annual fishing tournament on Logan Martin Lake continues to grow and inspire more and more to get involved.
The tournament returns Sept. 23 at Lakeside Park in Pell City. Ninety-four boats competed in 2022. More than 100 are expected to launch in this year’s tournament.
Guaranteed prize money is $6,000 and will be paid to 16 winning places. In addition, there’s a “No Weigh-In Drawing” for a chance to win $125. Entry fee is $130 per boat, which includes $10 for Big Fish.
In 2022, 94 boats competed. More than 100 are expected for 2023
Nitro, Triton, Tracker and Ranger Bass Pro Shops Tournament Rewards are for qualifying boats and sponsored through Sylacauga Marine. Bass Cash is available by AmFirst.
Tournament registration Is online at: gibmovement.com.
Pre-register by Sept. 21, and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a seven-night stay at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach, Fla. The beach giveaway winner will be drawn the day of the tournament, and presence is not required to win.
All paid anglers will be provided with breakfast, lunch and one free draw prize ticket. All registered boat numbers will be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 Bass Pro gift cards.
The event will center at the pavilion near the beach, Jerry Wood Memorial Pavilion, and while anglers are competing, there will be plenty of free activities, including drawings for prizes.
Bestselling author, Russell Estess will speak at the tournament and share his testimony on how the God is Bigger Movement impacted his life and the lives of his fans. His books will be available for autographs, and his new book, God is Bigger Than The Mountain You Are Facing, is tentatively set for release on Sept. 23.
Estess is one of the testimonies that has come out of the God is Bigger Movement. Someone gave him a God is Bigger bracelet, and it became his story and his mission because those three significant words, he said, helped give him the strength to fight the battle with cancer.
His friend, Shawn Dennison, Christian singer/songwriter will be performing in concert free to the public from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and will be showcasing his new song that he wrote for Russell about his battle. The song is called God is Bigger.
Refreshments from food trucks will be available for those in attendance.
The Genesis of God is BiggerMovement, Tournament
When doctors gave Rachel Shaneyfelt the diagnosis no one wants to hear – “You have six months to live” – the year was 2011, and she was in school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to become a nurse practitioner.
Rachel Shaneyfelt
The diagnosis didn’t dissuade her. Instead, she leaned on her faith to help her through, and it sparked a movement with worldwide impact. Early on after much prayer, she told one of the doctors she worked with that her lesion had shrunk 70 percent and followed it with, “Praise God.” The doctor, a non-believer, casually responded, “Go get a Tshirt.”
So she did. She had the words, “GOD IS BIGGER” printed on them and gifted them to friends and family who prayed for her. Paying it forward, she then bought 1,000 silicone bracelets imprinted with the words, “GOD IS BIGGER,” and started handing them out to strangers. Within a week, they were gone.
Others quickly joined her movement and today, 800,000 bracelets have shipped around the world.
Rachel finished her degree and worked in her field before succumbing to Mesothelioma. Her six months turned into six years of life dedicated to spreading the message. Her wish was to keep the God is Bigger momentum going.
Her cousin, Stacey Reed of Springville, is the driving force behind it now. Six years ago, an idea from a 13-year-old friend, Evan Meers, gave birth to the fishing tournament to raise money for the movement. Now, it’s one of the largest on Logan Martin Lake.
“I have big shoes to fill,” Reed said. This ministry truly has become a movement. It has evolved into “their story and their mission” through those three words that made an impact and changed their lives. “It’s given them hope, she said, quoting Luke 1:37: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”
What could be nicer than a leisurely stroll on a sandy beach, with water gently lapping at the shoreline and sea birds noisily going about their various life tasks? Now imagine this scene, not in Florida or Lower Alabama, but on a sandy swimming area at a man-made lake, more than 300 miles from the nearest saltwater.
Almost from the day it was fully impounded in the early 1960s, Logan Martin Lake has hosted ever-increasing numbers of birds more commonly found near oceans. Among them are many varieties of sea gulls and pelicans, along with eagles, ospreys and other fish-loving species.
They frequent every part of the lake, in harmonious company with other inland water birds such as cormorants, green herons, great blue herons, great white herons, cattle egrets and every kind of goose and duck imaginable, of both local and migratory species.
Great egret
Canada geese, mallards and wood ducks all share the abundance of minnows and other aquatic life around the banks and mud flats, while ospreys and eagles dive-bomb larger fish over deep water and around the spillways at the dam.
Stealthy green herons are occasionally seen working their way along bank undercuts and riprap. They’re easy to identify because their heads and beaks seem to belong to much bigger birds.
Ospreys love to build big nests from sticks and small tree limbs atop the numerous floodlight platforms and high-tension power lines around the lake. They’re powerful predators, with large beaks and long talons. When hunting, they tend to hover about 50-100 feet above the water, then dive-bomb their prey, often going completely underwater.
Ospreys can sometimes be seen flying home with a fish weighing several pounds clutched in their claws, always with the fish’s head pointed forward so that it streamlines into the air.
According to Wikipedia, they are a singular species of bird. If you’ve seen one osprey, you’ve seen them all. They mate for life, breed in early to late spring and may or may not migrate.
Bald eagles have made their home here as well. They have been seen arguing with ospreys over nest sites, although the eagles merely use them for comfortable perches atop high structures, such as power line towers. Eagles build their own nests that are much larger than the osprey nests, often weighing hundreds of pounds. They usually breed in December and January in our area.
White and brown pelicans may be seen floating together in large groups on some isolated backwater, or even in the middle of the lake, sometimes accompanied by flocks of seagulls.
The many varieties of gulls seen around Logan Martin behave pretty much as their littoral counterparts. They are amazing flyers, with wings evolved for speed and agility. Our gulls sometimes leave the lake to descend on local big-box parking lots, scavenging scraps of food waste discarded by environmentally unconcerned humans.
Logan Martin is a birdwatcher’s paradise, also hosting hordes of non-aquatic varieties. Its diverse environment has become home to several species of owls, woodpeckers and songbirds, most of which have little fear of humans. Most of the heron family is well-represented here, including the yellow crowned and black crowned variety. Several sites are especially good for watching.
Local photographer Mary Cason, who frequently walks at Lakeside Park, contributed photos for this story. She says, “You never know what’s going to be around the next bend or over the next hill.” Her photo files are chockfull of her favorite subjects – aquatic fowl. She’s experienced lots of Kodak moments at the park and its environs.
Lakeside Park is a natural sanctuary because of an abundance of foodstuffs, both natural and from folks feeding the various rodents that congregate in such places. In turn, raptors such as owls and hawks, tend to hunt them and keep their population at a reasonable level.
The Coosa Island area is especially rich in pelicans, cormorants and other fish-eaters, but one should respect the privacy of those living there by observing wildlife far away from residences.
Osprey with nest stick
There is a nice little park and nature trail at the east end of Logan Martin Dam, appropriately named Logan Martin Dam Park. It’s more secluded and far less crowded than other nature sites, so it’s probably best to visit there in the company of a friend or two. There’s plenty of information online about this and other sites around the lake.
Logan Martin is an ideal, safe area for introducing youngsters to aquatic wildlife, but please don’t feed water birds around public beaches because, as they congregate for feeding, they tend to contaminate the water and make it unsuitable for swimming.
There is a short boardwalk near the Lakeside Park roadway that is perfect for observing, or simply quiet contemplation. The boat launch area has a fishing pier as well as a walking bridge that crosses the slough into the sports fields. Both are excellent birding sites, as are the spacious grounds of the park itself.
Its walking trail is about 1.2 miles long. The main part makes a big loop around the whole park, with an asphalt walkway that passes the native flower garden and mud flats boardwalk, thence uphill while skirting dense forest, backwaters and ending up near the boat launch.
There is another, lesser known woodland section of Lakeside called the Rosa Lorene Morton Nature Trail, accessed just after you enter the park from a small parking lot near the Metro Bank gazebo. It’s purely natural and mostly unimproved, so boots and a walking stick are in order. l
Story by Paul South Photos by Graham Hadley Submitted photos
Unless you’re the whale-obsessed Captain Ahab, a soldier in the biblical Egyptian army chasing Moses and the Israelites, or a champagne-sipping passenger aboard the RMS Titanic, this one thing is true: On the water, there’s never a bad day.
For locals and visitors to the Coosa River towns of Southside and Gadsden, two new boat landings are making life on the river even better. And city officials see the landings as yet another economic engine countywide.
First stop: Coosa Landing
First-term Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford had just finished lunch at Harp and Clover, when he met a Mississippi family posing for pictures outside the restaurant.
“What brings y’all to Gadsden?,” he asked. Their answer surprised him.
“This is our vacation. We love mountains and the river, and you guys have got both.”
The Venue at Coosa Landing
Ford’s reaction?
“Wow. And here I’ve taken it for granted all these years.”
Coosa Landing is a cornerstone of redevelopment of Gadsden’s stretch of the river. A new landing may not seem like much but consider this: The Coosa attracts 32 fishing tournaments annually.
“To have that river, Coosa Landing is one of the biggest economic drivers we’ve got,” Ford said. “The development of Coosa Landing is kind of that center point for us as we start to develop that area around Coosa Landing. We have The Venue that’s continually being developed. We still have about 15,000 square feet of working space that’s still available.”
The Venue at Coosa Landing, a massive meeting and event center, was built in 2018, the same year that Coosa Landing opened, and regularly draws thousands of visitors for its events.
Just across the way, Coosa Landing boasts a four-lane boat launch, piers, parking for 125 trucks/boat trailers, an overflow parking area, a bait shop and the nearby Riverwalk Trail, which connects the Landing to a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings and an ideal stroll by the river.
The city hopes to add gas pumps at the Landing for boaters to refuel.
The Landing has hosted and co-sponsored national fishing tournaments on the B.A.S.S., Women’s Bass Fishing Association, Crappie USA tours and local and state tournaments.
But the Landing is part of a larger vision for Gadsden.
The city hopes to relocate City Hall and is trying to attract a boutique hotel, condominiums and more retail to the Landing side of the river. The city also envisions connecting the Gadsden Convention Center and new hotel with a pedestrian bridge.
“That would attract visitors from Coosa Landing as well,” Ford predicted. “I think once we get that type of development going, we’re actually going to be looking at trying to push more down toward across from the (Gadsden) Mall to develop behind the Arby’s there with some land that we own to build a city harbor that will bring in entertainment, bars and restaurants.
He reasons that the effort will “get people like the fishermen who come into Coosa Landing and into Gadsden to make it more of a tourist-type thing. Not only are you coming in here to fish, but we’re going to give you things to do at night while you’re not fishing.”
For Ford, the effort is “sort of a growth package” that will not only drive tourism but will grow Gadsden’s population. We think it will bring more people to live in Gadsden, because people like to live where they play,” he says. “The river is a big economic driver for us,” Ford said.
He sees the landing as a cornerstone of Gadsden’s transformation. “The people elected us to create jobs, improve the (Noccalula) Falls and develop the river,” Ford said. “Those are the things they elected us to do. And that’s the focus for the next four years at least.”
And Ford’s long-term vision for Gadsden’s stretch of the Coosa?
“At the end of the day, you’re going to see a lot more greenspace. You’re going to see the banks of the Coosa be a lot more inviting, not just for boaters, but for anyone who wants to hang out by the river.”
The city is also working with the Birmingham-based Orchestra Partners to bring development that will attract downtown shoppers toward the Coosa.
The anticipated result? “You won’t recognize the city in eight to 10 years.”
All aboard for Southside
When Mayor Dana Snyder and the city council took office in 2020, one of their top priorities was further developing Southside Landing.
In May 2022, the Landing officially opened. It was the vision of Southside’s previous mayor, Wally Burns, and had been in the works since 2016.
Mayor Snyder and the City Council embraced this vision and worked to expand on his concept by including an all-inclusive park and playground, which has proven to be an important asset for the community.
Playground and Restaurant at Southside Landing
Southside Landing features a boardwalk, boat launches, playground, outside dining, picnic areas and some of the most stunning scenery/views anywhere. Southside Landing has truly been a community effort, the mayor said, noting that a significant number of local businesses and clubs have contributed to this growing success story.
“Although the original plans called for a bait shack to be located at Southside Landing, the City Council and I felt like a restaurant in that building would be a better fit for our community,” she says. “In October 2022, we were fortunate to have Blackstone Bait Shack, a popular locally-owned pizza restaurant, open for business in this location. Blackstone has provided both an economic development boost and an oasis for hungry locals and visitors.”
They provide outside dining, featuring beautiful views of the Coosa River and the surrounding landscape, and they are considering outside entertainment during the summer months. “It’s no surprise how popular Southside Landing has become,” Mayor Snyder said, “and we look forward to building on and expanding this beautiful recreational area.”
Various events have already taken place at Southside Landing with many more events in the planning stages. “In December 2020, prior to the official opening of Southside Landing, the Christmas Boat Parade was brought to our end of the Coosa River. We had over 200 vehicles parked there when it was just a gravel parking lot to enjoy the boat parade. So, it was easy to surmise that once the paving, playground and boardwalk were completed, this would be a favorite location for both our community and visitors.”
“Southside Landing has already hosted numerous fishing tournaments, Sunset Suppers, Dinner and a Movie and our annual Christmas Boat Parades with great success,” she said. “These have proven to be favorites of not only our local community but of people from outside our city and county.”
Kinsley Aulsbrook of Rainbow City on the swings at Southside (Photo courtesy of her mom)
And more events are expected to come. “Outdoor recreation is not only important for tourism, but it is a huge draw for both potential residents and businesses,” Snyder said.
“Recreation is one of the number one things that makes people want to move to the city because there are things outdoors that they can do,” Snyder says. “Number two, when businesses are looking to move into a city, they also look at recreational opportunities.”
Of all of Etowah County’s incorporated cities and towns, Southside boasts the most riverfront property on the Coosa – more than 31 miles, Snyder said.
“I believe we are ‘The Loveliest Village on the Coosa,’ Snyder says. “Just the Landing fitting into our long-range plan, I believe it is the gateway to our city. I believe when people come there, they see that. When we advertise for movie nights there, our Christmas Boat Parade, the fishing tournaments, just the different events that are planned there, I just believe we are drawing people from outside the city and the county.”
She adds, “They’re going to come here. They’re going to see what we’re like. They’re going to hopefully want to come back and visit.”
To make that happen, Southside has collaborated with its neighbors – Rainbow City and the Neely Henry Lake Association – for “Dinner and a Movie” nights on the riverfront. Imagine families cuddled on blankets watching classics like Jaws, while munching on Blackstone’s pizza or food truck fare.
Food trucks also come to the Landing for popular “Sunset Suppers.”
Southside Landing is seen as the “first step” in the city’s long-range plan. Those plans include items like new gateway signs for the city to long-range objectives, like a zoning overlay for the Alabama Highway 77 Corridor. Farther into the future, officials eye the development of a city center.
There also are long-range plans for new parks and sports facilities. Other riverfront possibilities include a new recreational vehicle park.
The future looks bright in terms of future development at the Landing. Restaurant/retail spaces, perhaps even an amphitheater may one day call Southside’s slice of the riverbank home. The city recently purchased the “land between the two bridges” – Little Bridge and the Coosa River span – in hopes of getting a new river bridge. If the state builds a new river bridge at the site of the current span, the parcel between the bridges could be linked to Southside Landing.
“Southside Landing is not only a valuable asset to our community, it is the gateway to our city. We see how busy it is and as word spreads and improvements are made, I believe that it will be an even greater marketing tool for our city,” said Mayor Snyder. “If you have witnessed the beauty of a sunset at Southside Landing, then you have experienced the serenity, beauty and pulse of our wonderful city.”
Snyder summed up the importance of Southside Landing to the city’s future. She views it not as the culmination of a plan, but ushering in a new era. “That’s the beginning of our story there.”
