[Reactionary]

snl - thanks for the link - the Creeks are investing their gaming profits into some fantastic projects for the good of the tribe and their neighbors. The Head of Perdido and Magnolia Branch recreation areas are definitely attractions I look forward to visiting (maybe even the wastewater treatment plant, too).

[Reactionary]

Wind Creek sent me some room comps, so I'll be spending a couple of days down in LA next week.

I know that I'll check out the Creek recreation areas, but are there other 'must see' or 'must eat' places that I 'must' check out? I'm looking for places within about an hour or so drive.

I'm thinking of going to Monroeville, to bolster my literary credentials (eating at Mockingbird Grill or Radley's is just like reading the book, right?). Then again, I haven't seen the USS Alabama since after the hurricane - I hear it's been fixed up better than before. There's also the Guy Fieri Food Network trail: Panini Pete's and the Gumbo Shack in Fairhope.

[southernnaturelover]

You might consider going on a boat tour of the delta (take some skeeter spray)...

5RDS - Five Rivers Delta Safaris, your Mobile-Tensaw Delta outfitters

The Original Oyster House on the causeway is pretty good for seafood. For good home style cooking, check out the Stagecoach Cafe on hwy 225 in Stockton. In Atmore, David's Catfish House has some good catfish, shrimp, and cheese grits.

I haven't been to Monroeville in a least two years, the town seems to be drying up due to lack of jobs, although Atmore isn't doing too much better.

[Reactionary]

snl - thank you for the link; I'll call 5RDS and Creek Magnolia Branch for kayak rental info. If we go kayaking in Spanish Fort, then we can eat at the Gumbo Shack in Fairhope after. I almost stopped at the Stagecoach Cafe last time - the decor reminds us that Alabama is the first Wild West. Got 2 nights comped, so not much exploring, we may go through Monroeville on the way home. We'll have to stop for Chilton County Peaches at Durbin Farms, as we've already gotten several requests for crates of peaches to bring home.

How's the poo at Fairhope Beach? Just checked - no enterococcus counts that exceeded the threshold at Fairhope since June 2012; plus low counts at May Day Park Daphne.

Alabama Department of Environmental Management

Soon...

[southernnaturelover]

I think the water is fine. A friend of mine was down there swimming last weekend and she's still alive.


My grandmother used to drive up to Clanton every year to buy baskets of peaches. Unfortunately she's not able to any longer, but she used to enjoy it.

[Reactionary]

snl - ate at David's Catfish House - twice - crowded both times. Great catfish, shrimp, and 'famous cole slaw'.

Monroeville was a bit of a shock - so many empty buildings and closed businesses. I can't remember the last time I was there, but this time was kind of sad. However, south of town seemed to be doing fairly well (?IIRC Uriah?).

Atmore seemed to be doing ok, although the new construction seemed to be around the casino - new hotels / fast food. Downtown still seems to be suffering.

I visited Little River State Park for a look / hike. They aren't kidding - the river is about 6 feet wide. Pretty country. I was surprised to see that a State Park was run (maintained and operated) by a ministry. Probably a good story there and it seemed to work - new construction in the park, well-maintained, friendly staff, cheap. I thought about visiting Magnolia Branch, but I was too cheap to pay the $5 per person entry fee just to look around. While I was out that way, I drive on Conway Road (~3 miles mostly dirt) and Peacock Lane which had a huge house on it (in the middle of what I'd call nowhere). I thought maybe one of those went back into town, but no.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

snl - ate at David's Catfish House - twice - crowded both times. Great catfish, shrimp, and 'famous cole slaw'.

Monroeville was a bit of a shock - so many empty buildings and closed businesses. I can't remember the last time I was there, but this time was kind of sad. However, south of town seemed to be doing fairly well (?IIRC Uriah?).

Atmore seemed to be doing ok, although the new construction seemed to be around the casino - new hotels / fast food. Downtown still seems to be suffering.

I visited Little River State Park for a look / hike. They aren't kidding - the river is about 6 feet wide. Pretty country. I was surprised to see that a State Park was run (maintained and operated) by a ministry. Probably a good story there and it seemed to work - new construction in the park, well-maintained, friendly staff, cheap. I thought about visiting Magnolia Branch, but I was too cheap to pay the $5 per person entry fee just to look around. While I was out that way, I drive on Conway Road (~3 miles mostly dirt) and Peacock Lane which had a huge house on it (in the middle of what I'd call nowhere). I thought maybe one of those went back into town, but no.

Yeah the biggest employers in Monroeville are pretty much gone, Georgia Pacific and Vanity Fair. About the only thing to do around there now is farm or live on welfare. It's too far for anyone to drive to Mobile or Pensacola for work.

You're right about Atmore too, the old part of town needs some attention. That's a hot topic in the current mayoral race, seems like all of the investment is going to the Rivercane development near the casino, while downtown is neglected. Hopefully things will change as the city starts getting tax revenue from the businesses near I-65, that area hasn't been annexed very long.

I know the big house you're talking about, that's up in Robinsonville.

Little River State Park was supposed to be closed due to lack of state funding, but these guys stepped in to keep it open. It was actually hit by a tornado a few years back, but volunteers went in and got it cleaned up.

[southernnaturelover]

Reactionary, this article explains a little about the Iron-Man Ministries and the good they do for the park and the community. If it weren't for them the park would be closed.

Big day coming at Little River « Atmore News

[Reactionary]

snl - great article! The ministry is going all out for this event - I see that Bass Pro Shops kicked in a big prize.

If the ministry continues to successfully run the park, I wonder if they will become a model for the rest of the state.