Day Trip Destination: Mt. Cheaha

Our goal this day is to see a bit of our home state. As we flat-landers are mesmerized by mountains, we decided that the highest point in the state of Alabama would be a good choice. Again, criteria in mind (short drive time, place for lunch), Mt. Cheaha became the destination of choice. The drive up highway 281 was just about as scenic as the mountain itself. I would definitely recommend the restaurant in the lodge on the mountain for lunch - note: order a sandwich from the menu with the homemade potato chips, YUM!

The park has camping and hiking trails. We especially enjoyed sighting numerous deer as we were driving through.

Definitely a day-trip to be recommended to anyone wanting to see more of Alabama!

Aldridge Gardens - Hydrangea Festival

The definition of the word hydrangea in Birmingham always includes the Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. The Gardens has an incredible variety of the most beautiful hydrangeas. From pinks to whites to blues; french hydrangeas, to Encores, to oakleafs. Definitely the hydrangea capital of Alabama!! We happened upon the Hydrangea Festival at the Gardens. Arts and crafts galore, all set in the most gorgeous sea of blooms. The Japanese Maple, with its lacey leafiness, made a fine companion to the blooming sea of pinks, blues, purples and whites. Some of the wildlife even participated in the activities with a number of geese begging treats from the visitors and the biggest chartreuse caterpillar I've ever seen!!

This is definitely on my 'DON'T MISS' list!!

Springtime in Birmingham - Road Trip!!

Springtime in Birmingham. What is a person to do! Our minds are burning with desire to GET OUTSIDE!! It is a lovely, comfortable spring Saturday in Alabama. We pull out our maps and pick the trip-o-day location - criterion - within 2 hours, near to restaurants for lunch, outside areas for walking and exercise, scenic. Choice of day - Nocalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama. We enjoy the Nocalula Falls park - walking and the mini-train. The Falls are beautiful as are the azaleas, which are blooming profusely. Definitely an Alabama treasure!

April Blooms in Birmingham

Wow! What a difference a month will make. From the death of winter literally "springs" forth the blossoms. Every day brings new blooms - and new life.

Springtime in Birmingham

We southerners are in awe of the wonderment of springtime. The earth begins its awakening in mid-March in this neck of the woods.