DISCOVERING UNIQUE SMALL TOWNS OF THE SOUTH

Don’t you love small town living?

Small southern towns are usually just a bit slower paced, which is probably why they also seem to always be just a bit happier.

Most studies show that small towns tend to be friendlier and more inclusive.

It even turns out that small towns are usually a great deal healthier for raising a family and maintaining a good, stable standard of life.

Given all of the above facts, The IN SEASON Lifestyle wants to give you a few articles about unique small towns of the south that give us that feeling of the joy of a life well-lived.

The first small town we fell in love with was Columbiana, Alabama.

Each little town we have explored seems to fit into a favorite season. Each of them have a specific time of the year when they appear to come more alive and draw other people closer to the heart of their town’s missions and activities.

Some southern towns seem to adore the springtime and all of its activities and events. Others highly favor the Christmas season and winter time the most. Many small towns just love their fun in the sun and become very active during the summer season.

Columbiana, Alabama seems to love the Fall Season.

Fall is always a great time to get outside and ride through the countryside. If this is something you enjoy; I suggest taking a ride through the quaint little town named Columbiana, which is located in the area of Shelby County, Alabama.

Be prepared for a treat!

A lot of old southern towns, such as Columbiana, have actually survived without being pushed aside by the big-box stores and the sprawling cities.  A few of these thriving places seem to be the places which house their county court houses. This is the case with Columbiana.

Many believe these little towns thrive and survive because of the good jobs that the county governments bring into the area, and that could be a good assumption and one reason out of many.

However; I think there could be some magic other than the county jobs that keep these little towns going.

Perhaps it is the love, commitment and dedication of a lot of good citizens that play a huge part in the success of a few particular places on the map; and this is especially true of the place that I will speak of today.

Columbiana is historically a very old town; but its heart remains forever young.

This could be attributed to the fact that the town is always stretching out and growing toward bigger and better things without sacrificing the quality of the life of the people living there.

A lot of thought and effort is poured into many of these little towns across the south. Such places deserve our recognition; don’t you agree?

So let’s begin:

COLUMBIANA ALABAMA

Have you been there?

Who would ever think that such a small, almost obscure, little place could have so much going on?

As I mentioned earlier; the season of Fall is very special here. Natural beauty surrounds the town on every side. The local trees help the town’s folk out with the fall decorating. They cover the mountains and hills around the town with splashes of lovely, lively colors which make a perfect backdrop for the town’s small yet significant skyline.

Once you drink in the beauty of all the surrounding landscapes, you begin to notice this community takes pride in decorating their streets and storefronts. Each business is unique, and each storefront displays the personality of the owner and/or the business establishment that it represents.

LEWIS LAKES VINEYARD

If you enter town from the Chelsea, Alabama side; you will pass right by the road that leads out to Lewis Lakes Vineyards.

Lots of small southern towns have vineyards that work and play not too far away from their main streets; Columbiana is no exception. Actually; Shelby County can boast of three vineyards. They all have their own unique qualities, characteristics and personalities.

Lewis Lakes Vineyard is the one closest to the Main Street of Columbiana. The owners are Bill and Bonnie Lewis. You can find more information about their vineyard from a small studio tasting room located on the Main Street of Columbiana. Of course tasting parties are also held at the vineyard location.

Whenever you get a chance to visit Columbiana; why not go a little further out and explore Lewis Lakes Vineyards too.

THE DESIGN BAR

Right next to the tasting room for Lewis Lakes Vineyard is The Design Bar. This business is owned and operated by a daughter of the Lewis family. Her name is Michelle Barclay and she is an Auburn grad who majored in Theater. She went to work for the Walt Disney Company and moved away from her beloved hometown of Columbiana for several years.

Though she loved that job with Disney; at some point in her career, Michele decided she was not the “corporate” type. That was when she moved back to Columbiana and established The Design Bar.

This unique establishment is bursting with creative activities. The Design Bar’s goal is to unite young and old alike through art workshops that encourage the artists to be fearlessly authentic with their creations.

This concept seems to be working well, and it has inspired those who are passing through town as well as those who live and work and play in this art-oriented part of the country.

Is there any wonder that we think everyone should visit and experience The Design Bar?

FUN AND FAMILY EVENTS FOR EVERY SEASON OF THE YEAR

You have probably guessed by now that Fall is a very happy season here in Columbiana; but then, so are the other three seasons of the year. Columbiana is always at the top of my list to find pre-winter gatherings and activities; but don’t let that limit you to any certain time. There is always something happening here; no matter the season.

For instance; the next big event is The Holiday Artist Market which takes place on December 4, 2021 at The Grande Hall of The Shelby County Arts Council.   The date will begin the preview of some fabulous local artwork which is on exhibit annually and for sale at the The Shelby County Arts Council.   Patrons look forward to this event each year.

The artwork will be amazing.

You simply must make plans to attend!

When one discovers the fact that even older small towns (like Columbiana) are still bustling with life , energy and community activities, one suddenly finds they naturally want to enjoy participating in all of the festivals, carnivals, gatherings, music, art exhibits and shows that the community offers.

Why not?

Before anyone even realizes exactly what is happening; they are found to be all caught up with the local townspeople, enjoying more music, fun and food than they ever dreamed possible from such a small town on the map.

A few small towns still know the secrets to being neighborly and having fun.

This is one of Columbiana’s greatest assets.

A TOWN OF BEAUTY AND UNIQUENESS

As you may have suspected; I love taking a stroll down Main Street in Columbiana. There are so many quaint little shops; especially if you are an avid antique collector.

Of course another reason from where I live is simply the fun of taking the ride through the country-side that leads into town.

Following over the peaceful rolling hills and passing all the lovely horse farms and gazing out to see the mountains snuggling up to the foothills and beautiful little valleys has a calming effect that I highly recommend.

Enjoying the last beautiful rays of the fall foliage as you take your drive into Columbiana puts you into a cheerful mood for shopping once you arrive. I promise you will feel richer!

ENJOYING THE FESTIVE DECOR OF THE COMMUNITY

This is a community that has a lot going on.

Posters here and there proclaim many upcoming events.

You will always find some activity to look forward to here. Most likely it will be some event which draws people to town and puts neighbor in touch with neighbor.

There are no strangers here.

If you show up; you belong.

The welcome mat is always out.

THE SHELBY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

One thing that seems to be at the very center of all the good activities in this charming little town of Columbiana is The Shelby County Arts Council. Their dedicated leader and Executive Director is Mr. Bruce Andrews. I had the pleasure of meeting him and his lovely wife (Joy) a few summers ago as my grandson attended a Theater Camp for children, which is held in Columbiana every summer.

The camp was established and sponsored by The Shelby County Arts Council. The camp/workshop was operated and led by The Missoula Children’s Theater. Their work with young actors and the stage is very well-known and enjoyed all across the country.

What an amazing week that turned out to be!

The kids all had an awesome taste of the life that surrounds those who work in the theater and they learned much about acting and performing on the stage. Their week all came together in a beautiful way because of the hard work and professional abilities of The Missoula Children’s Theater workers who were backed up by dedicated community volunteers. We were all very thankful for The Shelby County Art Council for inviting them to be with us.

There is nothing unprofessional about this little town called Columbiana! Theater Camp was just a small sampling of all the excellent cultural events they continuously enjoy, mostly because of the work of The Shelby County Arts Council staff.

If you want to enjoy some great entertainment and amazing shows; just check into Shelby County Art Council’s Black Box Theater Events. I promise you will not be disappointed.

MUSIC, THEATER AND ART – YOU CAN FIND IT HERE

The fact that Columbiana is a small town can be very deceiving; because of all the talent in music and art that exists in all of the locals who live, work and play here; which of course includes Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Andrews.

Joy Andrews is very well-known for her talent in dance. She is a most beloved teacher to those who are young and/or young at heart. One lovely family I met at Theater Camp had six precious daughters who were all taking dance lessons from Mrs. Joy! They obviously loved and adored her.

Bruce Andrews is a well-loved and well-respected musician/artist who has won numerous musical awards for his many talents. The land is full of his many murals and everyone in the South loves the famous blues band he travels with called 2BLU & The Lucky Stiffs.

The band of 2BLU is made up of Bruce Andrews and George Dudley who are sometimes joined by other guests. The good works that this blues group has done quietly behind the scenes and across the country would take pages to explain. They are amazing.

There is a saying around town about Bruce Andrews; “just give this man a harmonica and a paint brush and he will create art.” His sketches, murals and stand alone paintings are not your typical small-town art. The expertise and enthusiasm he brings corrals all of the local artist who enjoy the help of this very busy arts council that conducts awesome workshops and events which draw people from all over the country to participate.

Not all of the credit for so much talent can be given to Bruce Andrews because he is backed up by two dedicated staff members named Sandra Annino and Lindsay Dyess; plus all the good citizens of Columbiana and Shelby County. Everyone has an important part to play.

I love how the community of Columbiana supports all of the efforts for art and culture in their area.

The pride and joy of The Shelby Country Arts Council is the new building for the Performing Arts which houses all theatrical, music and art they are always so busy producing.  The whole town worked hard to accomplish the funds required for this beautiful building. Excellence was their goal; and it was achieved.

The new complex now features a spacious visual arts studio, a pottery and sculpture studio, and a metal arts foundry, The Black Box Theater, a new fine art gallery, music instruction studios, and a multi-purpose venue.

HISTORY IS RIPE IN COLUMBIANA

Another wonderful find in Columbiana is the new Shelby County Museum and Archives. This museum is housed in an old historical building that once served as the county court house. This building has been restored to its original state; and it is FULL of the history of Shelby County.  Some of this local history was unfamiliar to me; even though I’ve lived in Shelby County for a long time.

I was so pleased to find this museum and to learn so much more about the history of Shelby County. The nice lady attending the museum the day I was there said she was a volunteer and a member of The Shelby County Historical Society. She was an expert in genealogy and knew the facts about all of the founding families of Columbiana as well as Shelby County, Alabama It was fun just talking to her.

She made me want to go back and re-study a few history lessons!

This kind lady also pointed out that The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington was over on Depot Street in Columbiana. It contains the largest collection of previously held George Washington memorabilia outside of Mount Vermont.

Yes, there is lots of history to be found in this little town called Columbiana.

INTERESTING LOCAL DRUG STORE

Speaking of history; there is an old-fashioned soda fountain inside Davis Drug Company. They will cook you up a tasty breakfast or lunch too. I had to indulge in their coffee and ice cream. It was delightful!

I also enjoyed the little gift shop that you find attached to one side of this Drug Store. I intend to go back there to do a little Christmas shopping later this year. There was something unique for everyone on my list right there inside the local drug store!

A SMALL VINTAGE MALL WITH A CAFE

On one of my trips to Columbiana I enjoyed lunch at a little cafe located across the street from the Drug Store and inside an old warehouse-type building that has been converted to a vintage consignment/antique mall.

The mall was full of funky little booths and there was an antique food court area next to the cafe which served simple foods like chicken salad and pie and other lunch-type snacks for the local shoppers.

While inside this mall area I spotted some interesting information posted on the wall about the Columbiana Inn which is a local bed and breakfast establishment.

It occurred to me that a person could stay at the Columbiana Inn and enjoy The Heart’s Desire Tea Room during that time. Afterwards, a person could spend a whole day antiquing, taking in a Black Box Theater event, or attending a concert or maybe participate in one of the local community festivals or art exhibits. You could also spend time in the two local museums and eat at least one meal at Fat Johnny’s Comfort and Soul Food.

I’m amazed at all there is to do within only a few blocks of this little town.

This little mall was surrounded on both sides and across the street by other wonderful antique shops.

Columbiana is actually an antique lover’s heaven.

FLORIST AND GIFT SHOP

No small town would be the same without a dedicated florist. There is a local florist on Main Street who shows off a very creative flair. The shop is fun to browse around in and it will definitely spark a few new gift ideas.

CLOTHING FOR SALE

If you are looking for just the right outfit to wear to all of these fun events, don’t forget to stop at Sassy Sisters boutique. Not only will you find some fine clothing to buy; the manager there always enjoys a pleasant conversation and she never seems to meet a stranger.

You can also wonder down the street to the Barber Shop where they will be glad to give you a new “do” for stepping out on the town.

A SURPRISE AROUND EVERY CORNER

Yes; I guess you know at this point that Columbiana is one of those little southern towns with a nice surprise around every corner.

I hope you visit Columbiana soon and find as many pleasant experiences as we did.

Note to Reader:  If you enjoyed this article; you might want to sign up for our monthly Newsletter.  We will keep you posted on other new articles, events and happenings with The IN SEASON Lifestyle Community.  There will be many more articles in this series of small, unique southern towns.