By: Stephanie Reynolds
BOY HOWDY, are we in the thick of our busy season!
Last week, I attended the Southern Automotive Conference to represent our gorgeous county. What a great event that was and thank you to LCEDA for inviting me!
I also attended Alabama Mountain Lakes Brainstorming session. In that amazing meeting, we had a very finite amount of time to write either a pitch or a marketing campaign with a limited budget then present it to the room. The latter sounded less fun, so I went with the pitch and hastily scribbled this:
“There is a place where water falls
And trails wind through pine bough halls
Song and laughter fill the air
We can’t wait to see you there!
Time-born stories, historic places
Cozy shops and open spaces
Beckon everyone to roam
To Limestone County and find their home.
Where new is old and old is new
The only thing we lack is you!”
Now, the poem could use some work, but I have to say how much I love just thinking about how amazing Limestone County is. I am not exaggerating! Every time I am asked to think about our county (which is a lot because I’m in tourism), it makes me happy. We are so exquisitely blessed with our trails and town squares, our rural areas and celebrations, but most of all we are blessed because of YOU, our people. Your kindness, warmth, and Southern hospitality are actually known far beyond our borders—did you know that? YOU are what makes this area special, and I am warmed in the cockles of my heart because of you.
Thank you for being you; you make my job of wooing tourists easy!
Now, let me tell you some ah-mazing things we have coming up, going down, and just around the corner…
Firstly, everyone please come out and enjoy the free concert we will be having on Monday the 20th of October by the courthouse. The band is called Worth the Wait and is wonderful! The concert starts at 8 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, hit up some local restaurants for a snack or three, and get ready for some great music.
Secondly, the STORYTELLING Festival is next week too! Make sure you get your tickets and come listen to our master storytellers tickle your funny bone. Go to https://www.athensstorytellingfestival.com/ to get tickets.
Thirdly, we have Jazz in the City coming up this Sunday, October 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Athens-Limestone Tourism Association invites you to grab your lawn chair, bring a friend, and let the timeless rhythms set the tone for a relaxing evening outdoors. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just looking for a peaceful way to wind down your weekend, this free community event is the perfect way to connect and enjoy the arts right here in Athens.
Fourthly, the Fall Merchant’s Alley Happy Hour Music Series is on the 17th, 24th, and 31st of this month! The Athens Main Street Merchants Alley Happy Hour Music Series is back this fall every Friday night from September 5, 2025, to October 31, 2025, in the alleyway on Jefferson Street from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Y’all this is our busy season, we have so much for you to do! Let’s not waste this beautiful weather and friendly neighbors, let’s make a million memories together!
By: Stephanie Reynolds, Athens-Limestone Tourism Association
