2023 Dec 23, Early Works Museum Huntsville and Rogersville Christmas Trees in Heritage Park

 Today we rode to Huntsville to take Ava to Early Works. 

Grinch guarding the big Red Door

Warning Trucks entering the Play Area 

It was decorated for Christmas with Christmas trees in every corner. Inside the country store was the Grinch. Before we went inside we saw an inflatable Grinch guarding the big red door. At the Country Store was a sign: The Grinch Cafe has been serving nauseating food since 1966."A cafe can be bad in every way, but the food is worse." 

A meal
 fit for a king

But, Ava and her new friends made a meal fit for a king. One of Ava's friends said the meal was half Thanksgiving and Half Christmas.

Adventures in a Snow Globe at the North Pole 

We ate lunch at 88 Buffet. I ate shrimp, fried Sweet potatoes, chicken, and Rangoon with cream cheese. I did not care much for the fish.

My plate of Shrimp, chicken, fried sweet potatoes,  Sweet rolls, and
Rangoon

Ava ate a plate of fruit, jello, and Ice cream. Ava had been sick and she was not eating much.

We stopped in Rogersville to see Their Christmas Trees. This was our last stop.

Rogersville Tinsel Trail 

Ava and the Toy Soldier in Red Lights

2023 Dec 9, Dickens of Christmas Yall Come!

Making Smores

 We walked downtown Tuscumbia stopping to make smores while we were eating William and his girlfriend came by. 

The carriage being pulled by Clyde's

Took pictures of the carriages being pulled by Clyde’s Horses. We saw several characters from Dickens Christmas Carrol, and Santa Clause. We stopped to pet the Lama, sheep, Zebra, goats, and Camel. 

Dickens Characters

Petting Zoo

We also went to the Tennessee Valley Art Museum Christmas Mart. Lots of beautiful handmade items for sale. Hubby sat in the car while I toured Ivy Green. 

Ivy Green Birth Home of Helen Keller

Christmas at Ivy Green

Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan

I was told the history of Helen Keller and her home Ivy Green.  We also bought some candy(5 packages receep cups) and an upside umbrella for it was raining and we didn't want to get wet.

We finished the day with lunch at Whataburgers. A hamburger with fries and soda. 

Whataburger with french fries. 

2023 Dec 8, Moulton on the Square Moulton, Al "CHRISTMAS"

We left Cullman traveling 157 Highway toward Moulton. 

We always attend Moulton on the Square but this year due to ongoing renovations at the old courthouse the festival was at the Lions Club Fair Grounds. 

A large crowd was already there enjoying the festival. 

The entrance to the Christmas Festival 

We saw several displays and places to stop for photos. 

We saw Santa Claus talking to the children. 

Vendors selling their wear.

The smell of food filled the air.

We enjoyed Tiny Hiney's Petting Zoo where we saw goats, sheep, Lama, Kangaroo, cow, & poney.

Each animal was wearing Christmas attire. 

Poney dressed in Red

As we were leaving the snow machine began to fill the air with snow. The children enjoyed the snow falling on their faces. 

Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2023 Dec 8, German Christkindlmarkt Cullman, Al

We traveled 157 to Cullman to see the German Christkindlmart. We saw Ice Skating, a Christmas Carousel, Mrs Clause, Christkindl Express, several warming tents, and vendors selling unique merchandise there.

Cullman's Christkindlmarkt 

Cullman's Christkindlmarkt  before dark

To ride the Christmas train or Christmas Carousel all you have to do is purchase your tickets virtual queue system that allows you to virtually get in line without having to wait. Cost $3

Christmas Carousel

Christmas Train 

We didn't see Santa Clause but we did see Mrs. Clause and Christkind.

Lots of activities for little ones to do.

Toy making with Santa, 

Painting with Emily

Decorating cookies with Mrs. Clause

Snow Globes with Mrs. Clause

Charm Bracelets and Wooden Toy Trains with Mrs. Clause

Making ornaments with the Grinch 

Elf yourself with Buddy the Elf 

Nutcracker painting with Christkind 

and Ice Skating. 

 pretzel bratwurst

We walked around the square a couple of times, stopping for a pretzel bratwurst, (delicious) and a drink. 

We sat at a large picnic table enclosed on three sides. There we met a couple from Birmingham. A member of Good Bellows stopped and Played Jingle Bells while I played along with the handbells.

Played Jingle Bells 

We sat and talked for several minutes, the couple left and we followed suit.

Manger Scene 

We also saw the manger scene. 

We saw North America's largest Christmas Pyramid Lights.

Did you know that nativity scenes are the heart and soul of German Christkindlmarkt?

These festive markets are not just about shopping they are also a celebration of tradition and faith. 

Despite evolving styles and changing times, nativity scenes remain a cherished and enduring tradition. 

This extraordinary handcrafted Nativity display, a true work of art, was skillfully crafted by the renowned German company Erzgebirgische Holzkunst Gajlenz- the same talented artisans behind the Welhnachten pyramid. 

But that is not all! The Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism maintenance team played an integral role in constructing the stable that houses these exquisite figures. This collaboration between tradition and modern craftsmanship brings to life a Nativity scene that beautifully embodies the spirit of Christmas. 

We finished taking pictures and headed to the car. 

2023 Nov 27-Dec 2, The Club Diamond Bus, Myrtle Beach ShowTrip Myrtle Beach South Carolina (6 Days)

Day 1:

We traveled with a group of about 37 in a tour bus from Florence, Al to Myrtle Beach, SC.

We left on Monday, Nov 27, at 8:30 AM.  

At about 10:18AM, we stopped in at Walmart in Gardendale to pick up 4 more passengers and picked up a few items there.

Fried Shrimp, with Pinto Beans, Tarter Sauce, and hush puppies 

Our next stop was Cracker Barrel in Leeds, AL for lunch around 11:22AM.

We went through Atlanta GA traffic around 4 PM. 

Our next stop was Pilot in Braselton, SC. around 5:53PM

Arrived at Holiday Inn Express room 126 in Greenville, SC where we spent the night.

Day 2:

We all ate breakfast at the hotel and began our final journey to Myrtle Beach.'

We stopped at Love's Lugoff, SC around 11:08AM for a restroom break and to fill up with fuel.  

We stopped at McDonald's for lunch in Bishopville, SC at 12:31PM.  

Checked into the hotel with a few minutes to spare before getting ready for dinner. Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, room 323.

Crab Leggs, Corn on the Cob, Baked potato, Shrimp and tartar sauce 

Dinner tonight is at the Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant arrived a little after 4:37 PM.

Christmas Show at Alabama Theatre

Finished the night with a Christmas show at the Alabama Theatre. 7-9PM

Day 3:

Breakfast at the hotel.

We loaded onto the bus around 9AM heading to Conway, SC to LW Paul Living History Museum. 

After about an hour and a half, we headed to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

We walked along the boardwalk that was next to the Atlantic Ocean.

We ate lunch at The Bowery where Alabama the band got their start. 

News Paper article about The Band Alabama 

Alabama Band/Wild Country 
Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen, & John Vartanian 

The band area was closed but hubby asked the waitress if I could go inside to take pictures. The waitress took us inside and I took a few pictures. They were busy so I did not stay very long. 

We shared a Cheesecake ice cream waffle cone. After several hours of shopping, we headed back to the bus. 

We rode to Walmart to pick up a few items then back to the hotel for a couple of hours. 

We ate dinner at Simple Southern Smokehouse. 

Blues Brothers, Dolly Pardon, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin.

We finished the night with a Christmas Show at the Legends Theatre where we saw the Blues Brothers, Dolly Pardon, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin.

Back to the hotel to rest.

Day 4:

Breakfast at the hotel. 

At 9AM we rode to the Asher Theatre to see A Man of a Thousand Voices James Stephens III.

After his performance, we shopped at Barefoot Beach Boardwalk. We ate lunch at Lulu's and bought some hot sauce and spices. 

We also bought nail polish and 4 rings at De Sol. 

The bus took us back to the hotel to rest.

At 4:40 we rode to Bennetts Calabash Seafood for dinner. 

Caroling Opry

After dinner, we went to see Carolina Opry and were back at the hotel at about 9:30PM.

Packed our bags we are leaving tomorrow after our shopping. 

Day 5: 

Watched the sun come up then walked down to breakfast.

9 AM we rode to Broadway at the Beach to watch, The Jersey Boy sing songs of the 1960s by the Four Seasons and Christmas songs. 

We went shopping at Broadway at the Beach. 

At lunch at Wahlburgers. 

Around 2PM we were headed to our next stop Holiday Inn Express Grovetown, Ga. 

Arrived around 8:30 PM

Day 6: 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

On the road around 8:30 AM 

Stopped at Western Sizzlin Oxford, Al for lunch.

Stopped at Gardendale, Al to drop off passengers and restroom break.

Arrived home around 5PM.

We had a great week with a lot of Christmas Shows, shopping, and eating at Myrtle Beach, SC.

Shows
At the Broadway Theatre, We heard Hot Jersey Nights Myrtle Beach Christmas Show (Frankie Valli and Four Seasons)

At the Alabama Theatre, we saw The South's Greatest Christmas Show.

At Legends Theatre, we saw Legends in Concert (Dolly Pardon, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Retha Franklin & Blues Brothers)

At the Asher Theatre, we saw the man of 1,000 voices. James Stephens III

At the Carolina Opry Theatre, we heard
vocalist Delvin Choice of NBC’s The Voice, national recording artist Brad Long, hip-hop cloggers All That! of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, powerhouse vocalists Christie Templeton, Tangena Church and Chas Croft Sorrells, fiddling champion Trent Wideman and bluegrass virtuoso Gary Brown.

Restaurants
We ate at the Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant in Myrtle Beach
Simply Southern Smokehouse Myrtle Beach 

Bennett's Calabash Seafood Myrtle Beach 
Corn on the cob, cream potatoes, shrimp, and fried green tomatoes

Bennett's Calabash Seafood Myrtle Beach
Lulu's Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach 

Wahlburgers Myrtle Beach 

Wahlburgers Myrtle Beach
Western Sizzlin Leeds, Al

Shopping
We shopped at The Boardwalk, Barefoot Landing, and Myrtle Beach BoardWalk 

1/2 Hamburger and fries at Lulu's Barefoot Landing 

Lulu's
De Sole
The General Store
It's Sweet
Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream

We stayed in a Resort facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Great to be home.

2022 Dec 4, Tinsel Trails, Christmas Card Lane Ditto Landing & Toyota Field Christmas Lights Huntsville, AL

 Sunday we stopped in Decatur to walk thru the Enchanted Forest in Founders Park which is a tinsel stroll supporting Leukemia and Lymphoma.

We stopped in Madison for their Polar Express Christmas on Main Street where their Christmas trees were displayed. 

We stopped at RSA to take coworkers' Christmas Present Presents.

We rode to South Huntsville to Christmas on the River at Ditto Landing. There we strolled along the Tennessee River Greenway looking at 4 x 8 plywood custom-designed Christmas cards. 

Grinchmas

It's Not what's under the Christmas Tree that matters. 
It's who's around it. 

We stopped at every card to get a picture and before we returned it began to sprinkle. 

We rode to Huntsville's Big Spring Park to walk through the Big Spring Park Tinsel Trail. 

Big Spring Park Tinsel Trail.

We were afraid of getting wet but the rain had stopped.

Next, we rode to Toyota Field to see The North Pole Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland.

Which are a mile and half maze of bright dancing and twinkling lights. We tuned our radio to 95.5 to listen to Christmas music.

The North Pole Rocket City Christmas Light Show 

After the drive, we stopped at Toyota  Field and walked through Winter Wonder Land stopping for pictures with Santa, Trash Panda, and Frosty. 

Picture with Frosty 

We had not eaten since breakfast and were not sure what we wanted. We were tired and didn't want to go into a restaurant and wait so we decided to stop at Krystal. Believe it or not, their food was good or we were very hungry. 

A picture with Trash Panda 

I ordered a double cheese Krystal and strawberry Milkshake. 

It was late when we arrived home and we both were tired from the long day. Put my cameras away for another day to download and went to bed.

2022 Dec 1, Athens Christmas Parade and Adventures Athens, AL

Athens Courthouse was decorated for the holidays and crowds of people lined up to watch the Christmas Parade. 

North Pole & Candy Carnival Float in the Christmas Parade 

I had a hard time getting good pictures at the parade. They were moving pretty fast and we were sitting inside the car so I had to take them through the windows. But I did get a few good ones. We enjoyed the parade & shopping at UG White Mercantile. 

We bought supper at Zaxby's in Athens but our food was overcooked so we didn't each much of it. We did buy a couple of Chocolate coconut Macadamia candies at UG White Mercantile. The parade was over at about 8. 

We parked right across the street facing Merchant's Alley waiting for the Athens Parade.

Christmas at UG White Merchantile 

 Is merchandise that sells southern-made goods, where treasures can be found. Like stepping back in time. 

We stopped in Rogersville to see their Christmas Trees in the park. 

Rogersville Tinsel Trail 

Stopped at Jack's for a couple of Strawberry cheesecake pies and was in bed a little after 9. 

From 1-3 Crafting at the Florence Library (making a Christmas card with watercolors.)

2021 Dec 22, Christmas on the Square Moulton & O'Byran's Hartselle, Alabama

Today Hubby and I took Ava to historic downtown Moulton to Christmas on the Square. Christmas on the Square began in 2019 with only 100 trees. 

Body Barns Fitness, 

El Rio Mexican Restaurant,   

Lawrence Couty Career Technical Center,   

The World is a better place with you in it. (Merry Christmas from Marlee Sutton Foundation), 

Merry Christmas from Crow Veterinary Clinic (Dog head holes),

Merry Christmas from JMAK Service Ince Martin McLemore,  

Merry Christmas from Shine Time Super Wash,  

Merry Christmas from Joe Wheeler EMC,  

Merry Christmas from Lawrence County Farmers Market (Plants), 

Merry Christmas from The Burch Agency (House with Snowman), 

Merry Christmas from In Loving Memory of our Daddy’s Bradley Gone Hunting,  

Merry Christmas from Southern Automotive,  

Merry Christmas from Morris Plumbing,  

Merry Christmas from Rayco Doors & Docks Inc,  

Merry Christmas from First Southern Financial,  

Merry Christmas from The Shaun’s Show,  

Merry Christmas from LCHS Family & Consumer Science,  

Merry Christmas from Lawrence County Republicans (Red, White, & Blue American Flags) Holiday Camper with puppy Dog and a candy cane for trailer hitch, 

Merry Christmas from Morris Plumbing Company (Covered with Frosties and blue ribbons, 

Merry Christmas from Sandra Ligon & Staff (Mini-Lawrence County Courthouse), 

Merry Christmas from LC Road Dept equipment with Santa at the wheel, 

Merry Christmas from In Memory of Dock Flannigan (Santa, frosty, presents), 

Merry Christmas from In loving memory of Sonya Collins, 

Merry Christmas from Caddo Congressional Christian Church (White Crosses, Star, blue balls, 

Merry Christmas from Turquoise Turtle (Blue mailbox), 

Merry Christmas from Berea Baptist Church (covered In fruit), 

Merry Christmas from Crossfit Zapped (yellow weights), 

Merry Christmas from Butterstick Bakery & Bistro (wrapped in red and white ribbons), 

Merry Christmas from Moulton Middle School (Little Red School House), 

Merry Christmas from National Fallen Firefighters (pictures of fallen heroes), 

Merry Christmas from Moulton Elementary “Great Happens Here”, 

Merry Christmas from Lawrence Medical Center,  

 Merry Christmas from Chalybeate Fire & Rescue,  

Merry Christmas from Shear Effects (large frosty), 

Merry Christmas from Blown Away (Girl blowing bubbles), 

Merry Christmas from Amber Leeann’s Boutique  

Merry Christmas from Southern Care New Beacon Hospice (May your days be Merry and bright), 

Merry Christmas from Walmart Moulton, 

Merry Christmas from Lawrence County Sheriff's Office (Police Car), 

Merry Christmas from Comfort Care Hospice,  

Merry Christmas from Loving Memory Tim Craig,  

Merry Christmas from the Town of Courtland,  

Merry Christmas from ELMS,  

Merry Christmas from Senator Larry Stutts (Gingerbread Man and Christmas Tree head holes, 

Merry Christmas from East Lawrence FFA The Mystery Machine Agricultural Education 

Merry Christmas from Mt Hope Pre-K, 

Merry Christmas from In memory of Ashley Hughes, 

Merry Christmas from Lawrence County Library (Frosty & Books), 

 Merry Christmas from LA Plaza Bonita Mexican Restaurant,  

Merry Christmas from LC Schools (Gnome), 

Merry Christmas from Funderdome Skating Rink (Skates Let the Good Times Roll Groovy), 

Merry Christmas from Moulton Church of Christ,  North Pole Santa is out,  

Merry Christmas from Morgan Jones Mar-Mac Real Estate (Cabin), Manger scene on the front lawn, Merry Christmas from In Memory of Dewey & Ann Retherford,  

Merry Christmas from Country Brook Design Inc.,  

Merry Christmas from WCU Banking with Gnomie,  

Merry Christmas from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System,  

Merry Christmas from Moulton Baptist Church (What’s a Candy Cane), 

Merry Christmas from LouAllen Farms, 

Merry Christmas from Faith over Fear in Honor George Terry (white bench), 

Merry Christmas from Steve’s Drugs,  

Merry Christmas from Boycott Construction,  

Merry Christmas from Resurrection Catholic Chapel  

Merry Christmas from In Loving Memory of Mary-Frances Adair  Camper with Farm Fresh Christmas Trees Red Bench, Santa & Reindeer 

Merry Christmas from Blue Dolphin Pools  

Merry Christmas from In Memory of Eden Grace Hill (all purple) 

Merry Christmas from M & D Mechanical  

Merry Christmas from Republic Services 

Merry Christmas from Roden Surplus Imports Inc (North Pole Santa’s Mailbox) 

Merry Christmas from Shine Time Super Wash  

Merry Christmas from Flash Fiber  

Merry Christmas from Moulton United Methodist Church (Noah’s Ark and animals) 

Merry Christmas from LC Solid Waste (Green Garbage can) 

Merry Christmas from the Market 

Merry Christmas from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church  

Merry Christmas from Western Sirloin  

Merry Christmas from Batters Box LC Fury  

Merry Christmas from the Moulton Lions Club  

Merry Christmas from the town of Hillsboro  

Merry Christmas from In loving memory of Sydney Claire Briley 

Merry Christmas from Jerry Folks Insurance Agency  

Merry Christmas from Claiborne Electric  

Merry Christmas from In Memory of Ronnie Logston 

Merry Christmas from Brewer Heating & Air  

Merry Christmas from Vintage Boutique  

Merry Christmas from West Lawrence Water  

Merry Christmas from Calvary Tabernacle Church  

Merry Christmas from American Diesel  

Merry Christmas from Pilgrim Missionary Baptist (Cross & Manager ) 

Merry Christmas from Shelton’s Jiffy Mart (Santa’s workshop) 

Merry Christmas from Cornerstone Church (Big Red Radio Flyer wagon)

Merry Christmas from Apex Real Estate (There’s no place like home)

Big Red Sleigh with reindeer 

Merry Christmas from McCaw Hydraulics Moulton (Grinch) 

Merry Christmas from the City of Moulton Gingerbread Street   

Merry Christmas from Lawrence County Signature School 

Merry Christmas from In Loving Memory of Willard Blankinship Gingerbread Street Merry Christmas from Martin and Co-Construction Co  

Merry Christmas from Tis the season to be a jolly old red truck  

Merry Christmas from Ink & Thread 

Merry Christmas from Christmas on the Square Committee 

Merry Christmas from Soul-shine Tan & Shop   

Merry Christmas from NARCOG (Cocoa Booth) 

Merry Christmas from Hospice of North Alabama Grinch Kissing Booth Mistletoe candy canes 

Merry Christmas from In Loving Memory of Bobby Ray Talley Sr  

Merry Christmas from in loving memory of Bill Terry  

Merry Christmas from Lawrence County Dream Center (Face-hole Christmas tree 

Merry Christmas from Berryman Trenching JOY  

Merry Christmas from Julia’s  Merry Christmas from Hatton High School 

These are from the one I took pictures of and I am sure there are many more that I missed.  

We arrived around 11:00 AM and I took over 200 pictures. 

There were several great stopping places to take pictures.  

One was in a little Red car with dice dangling from the rearview mirror with Ava at the Wheel.  

One was at the Burch Agency “Merry Christmas and Frosty 

One was Ave and a Brown Beaver wearing a red 7 Black checked hat 

One was at Santa’s Workshop with Elves 

One was at the Road Department with Santa at the wheel 

One was in front of the mini courthouse Of Course, 

One was in front of the big red Radio Flyer  Ava petting a mole & some dogs 

One way of us hugging at There’s snowflake-like home 

One of Ava in the Tiny dollhouse 

One of Ava the Target dog and snowman  

One of Ava & me in the Big Red Truck  

One of Ava and me riding in the Big Red Sleigh with Reindeer 

One of Ava the Grinch and the dog  

One of us sitting in red chairs on Gingerbread Street Ava and the Gingerbread man 

In the tiny house Ava and Scooby-Doo  

Ava mailed her letter to Santa 

Ava and the Mystery Machine  

Ava holding Frosty’s hand  

Ava and the abominable snowman  

Ava and I on the White Bench and Olf  

Ava and 3 Snowmen  

Ava and reindeer 

Ava and I in front of the old truck Ava at Christmas on the Square  

Ava & Travis at the Christmas Camper  

Ava at Soul-shine Ava and 2 penguins 

Ava selling hot cocoa  

Ava and Noah’s Ark  

Ava and Baby Jesus  

Ava and the Grinch  

Ava and I at the kissing booth 

Ava and the mini-Train  

Ava and Tin-soldier Nutcracker 

Me and the polar bear  

Ava at the Exit  

Ava and the White Owl  

Ava and the Christmas Toys  

Ava at the Dream Center  

Ava and the Manger Scene  

Ava hugs the farmer  

Ava and I  hugging at JOY  

Ava hugging Santa Clause 

Ava and I riding the Red Car 

Heads in strawberry and grapes 

Ava and I Groovy at the Skate Center  

Ava and Pluto  

Ava with Mickey and Minnie  

Ava with Snow Family 

We rode to O’Bryan's in Hartselle, for lunch, where I ordered a petite sirloin steak, with sweet potato and, hubby ordered a Delmonico Steak with baked potato and salad bar.  Ava ordered a hamburger, fries, and doctor's pepper. Ava ate her fried but did not touch her hamburger.  I took pictures of Ave standing next to the Christmas tree, one sitting on the fireplace, one in front gasoline pump, the back of an old car, and one sitting on a fire truck.  The decor is the retro front end of Chevy used as a counter and the backside as seating.  There is a room where you can sit in a car and watch TV (like being at a drive-in).

We left there is rode to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. 

I went to see the Sandhill Cranes, Ducks, and Whooping Crane while Ave and hubby stayed in the automobile.  There were thousands of cranes feeding on the grain left by farmers.  There were several people in the view area taking pictures of the birds. Six, Sandhill Cranes were sighted, and I saw three. I walked down to the edge of the water to get a closer look at the cranes. 

I did not stay long because it was cold.  We saw an inflatable Santa atop a car dealership leaving Decatur.  We stopped at Mike's to see Atlas after we dropped Ava off.  Atlas was driving his jeep, is 18 months old, still sucking on a Passy, and driving that jeep everywhere.  He knows how to make it go but still does not understand how to control it.  It had been a full day with all the activities.  I was ready to lie down to rest.