By: Stephanie Reynolds
“Did you run this morning?” I was both pleased and puzzled by the out-of-the-blue text that lit up my phone. Pleased because she thought I am actually one of those “exercise people” who might have already run on a Saturday morning and puzzled because it was such an odd way to say hello.
“No, why?”
“I need to walk off some stress and I wanted to know if you’d like to join me on the trail for an hour or so…” (Per the usual, the conversation then took 3 different tangents including freeze drying, saunas, and sauce making before coming back on topic.)
“We could go to the Swan Creek Trail—close and pretty,” I offered.
“Sure!” And it was decided.
Flash forward a couple hours later and a new discussion happened, entirely in my head, and with YOU, my fabulous Limestonians, as we started walking the trail. It went something like this:
Me: “WOW, WOW this trail is GORGEOUS! I’ve been here almost 13 years! Why didn’t you tell me?!”
Imaginary You: “You’re kidding me. Firstly, you knew it was here. Secondly, you’ve lived here almost THIRTEEN YEARS and never got your patoot in gear to walk it. At some point this is on you, girlfriend. Thirdly, aren’t you supposed to be in tourism and know about all these things?”
Sigh, yes. Yes, it’s on me. And what a gem I have been missing for the last almost 13 years! I didn’t realize that Swan Creek Trail (also known as the Athens Greenway Trail) was SO gorgeous and SO refreshing! I had seen photos, of course, but to see how it meanders and threads its way through trees and by water, how you feel both out in nature and close to civilization…it was amazing.
It is an easy trail, 2.3 miles down and 2.3 miles back, gently rolling. Great for a short run, perfectly comfortable to walk. There are benches upon which to rest and watch the water flow and the leaves fall. There were enough people to make us feel comfortable but not so many that we felt crowded. We felt extremely safe.
It is also easy to get to—you can access the south trailhead at Winter Timber, enter by Lowe’s on the frontage road, or ingress by the Sportsplex (drive past the Sportsplex, behind the ball fields, and the entrance is to the south of the ballfields). It’s a great trail when you want a long walk but a short drive. This will be perfect to walk off that Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas cookies that we’ll soon be enjoying as Limestone County begins its season of festivities! Speaking of which, here are some of the wonderful things we have planned this season. Pick your favorites and GET OUT THERE! Let’s make this a season of good, peaceful, blessed memories!
(See how smooth a segue that was?)
First up: This year we’re doing a twist on the famous “Elf on the Shelf” search in Downtown Athens, AL and we’re joined by a new friend who loves hide-and-seek: Athie the Elf!
RULES:
1. Follow/Like the Athens-Limestone Tourism Association AND Athens-Limestone Chamber on Facebook/Instagram!
2. Tune in at 8 a.m. starting on Nov 18 for a clue to Athie’s whereabouts every day leading up to and through Christmas Open House.
3. Shop in Downtown Athens and find where the Elf is hiding for the day.
4. Bring Athie back to the staff of the business you found it in, leave your contact info, and we will give you an Athens stocking full of gift cards and holiday goodies!
Anyone can participate as we support small businesses and gear up for our Christmas Open House Event — November 18-24, 2024!
The Athens-Limestone County Tinsel Trail!
Come enjoy the wonder and beauty of the season at Big Spring Memorial Park! Free to the public! (We are still accepting applications for tree sponsorship! This is a GREAT way to advertise your business, to bring awareness to your non-profit, or to begin a family tradition! Go to alcchamber.org to sponsor a tree). The Tree Lighting Ceremony is Thursday, November 21 at 6 p.m.
Merchants Alley Tree Lighting Friday, November 22 at 5 p.m.
Skating On the Square Friday, November 22 from 4-8 p.m. and Sat. and Sun. November 23 & 24 from 1-5 p.m. at Marion Street Downtown ($5 per person, cash only)
Christmas Photos (no Santa, just Christmas scene) Friday, November 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Launch Box (121 S Marion Street, $25 per photo)
Christmas Photos with Santa Sat. and Sun. November 23 & 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Athens-Limestone County Tourism Office (100 N Beaty Street, $25 per photo)
Merry Market On Marion Friday, November 22 from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, November 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday November 24 from noon-5 p.m.
Limestone County Commission Tree Lighting Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m.
Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m.
Ardmore Tinsel Trail Tree Lighting Friday December 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Ardmore Town Hall
Cookies and Pictures with Santa at Ardmore Town Hall Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m.-noon
Ardmore Christmas Parade Monday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Athens Main Street 14th Annual Sippin’ Cider Saturday, December 14 from 4-8 p.m.
Historic Mooresville Holiday Walking Tours Saturday, December 14 from noon to 4 p.m. (for more information and tickets, please visit https://www.mooresvilleal.com)
Can’t wait to see you this wonderful Christmas season!
By: Stephanie Reynolds, Athens-Limestone Tourism Association
November 14, 2024
