Finding Easy Street

When some creative, talented, and music-loving friends got together, it was an explosion of enthusiasm, instincts, and solutions. From that detonation, the ideas flowed like lava, paving the way to a place called Easy Street.

The group comprises three members, Shane Givens, Donald Sullivan, and Josh Langley. They are the originators of Easy Street Centre, LLC. Along with Katy Givens and Debbie Sullivan, each with their own responsibilities to help Easy Street thrive.

The idea of Easy Street began to buzz a few years ago when discussion concerning county growth included having the need for more fun and entertaining things to do in the area. From that conversation came a new concept for entertainment that is best described as a performance hall. The design for the structure was soon drafted, and finetuning patron comforts actualized.

Equal partners, all three owners stay busy with a range of projects and responsibilities, trying to second guess and stay a step ahead of any hitches. Shane has had a 30year experience as a performing musician, appearing with his current band for about eight years. Shane is also a practicing attorney. He assists not only with legalities but shares structural insight.

Although Donald oversees internet and security, he also subs with audiovisual. Easy Street was built “stage out,” accommodating a quality sound system and staging for every customer to see and hear effortlessly. A 40-inch disco ball enhances the dance floor. The in-house light show and full concert sound system is a perfect backdrop for the house band, karaoke night (as well as live-band Karaoke night), Ladies night (featuring Debbie’s own band), or dinner theatre. Start-up bands and singers also appreciate a chance to debut at Easy Street and receive the night’s recording of their performance to over 250 occupants.

The group has programmed something for everyone, including an in-person, real crime pod-cast—a crime and mystery show complete with commentator and guests, simulcast on Facebook, live.

Katy and Debbie oversee the huge task of food service and menu items, hiring, and managing employees. Josh Langley, the builder, handles all construction, maintaining the 6,000 square foot facility and the other additions that are jumping off the drawing board.

If you find great food, lots of fun, and across the board entertainment appealing, you may have found your niche at Easy Street. Centre, Alabama.

Camping & Glamping

IN CHEROKEE COUNTY

Pictured are some of the RVs parked at Leesburg Landing.

By tradition, many people think of camping as a way to get away from it all, including the emails, the cell phones, television and video games. But today’s campers have the option of bringing those things right along with them if they so desire. And as far as camping spots, Cherokee County offers choices in the mountains, lakes and in between.

Leesburg Landing, located at 100 Riverside St., Leesburg, has great camping areas with a lake view and nature walking trails throughout. The RV Park includes full power, water and sewer hook-ups. According to reports, one can enjoy nature while walking through a two-mile nature trail or walking along a one mile paved walking track beginning at the red light and ending at the docks.

Cherokee Rock Village, Terrapin Creek, and Chesnut Bay Resort offer unique camping opportunities as well. Bubba Crabtree, a local Boy Scout troop leader, said he has learned what he knows about camping in his work with the scouts. One of their favorite locations is Cherokee Rock Village. Crabtree shared one of their most memorable moments, “Last summer we were camping over on the lake off County Road 44,” said Crabtree, “They caught a 62- pound catfish. It took four of them to get it up on the dock that was pretty interesting to watch.”

Pictured is one of the more modern RV hookups at Chesnut Bay Resort.

Leader Bubba Crabtree and local Boy Scouts enjoy a weekend of camping at Cherokee Rock Village.

Clint and Stephanie Vernon of Glencoe enjoy a camping weekend at Cherokee Rock Village.

Chesnut Bay Resort is now a popular destination for RV camping and “glamping.”

In addition to his time with the Boy Scouts, Crabtree and his family go on monthly campouts, mostly at Cherokee Rock Village. “I have seen people from Washington, Florida, all over the U.S.,” said Crabtree. “They are from everywhere. They tell me how beautiful it is here and that there are a lot of things to do in this area. Most everybody I have ran across in our county and visitors are super nice, very cordial to deal with.”

Crabtree offered some advice for a successful camping trip. “Look at the weather, know the area you are going to and make sure you bring extra clothes,” said Crabtree. “Those are the three key things I think could make or break a camping trip. And try to go somewhere with a bathhouse for your starter camper. Getting used to not having a shower house is a process.”

Shannon Mackey, manager, Cherokee Rock Village Park, said their peak season is spring and fall and was at 90 percent capacity this past Labor Day Weekend. Mackey said the Cherokee Rock Village has visitors from around the world.

“There were a couple of visitors from Switzerland who spent several days in our park and mentioned quite often how impressed they were with the natural beauty of our area,” said Mackey. “Also, since all of our camping is primitive, we can’t reserve sites. A phrase I often hear in regard to camping at our park is ‘if your favorite spot is taken, there is one right next to it just as good.” Mackey said Cherokee Rock Village has an exciting future ahead with the addition of picnic tables, grills and more.

George Fox with Chesnut Bay Resort attests to how “camping” has evolved into “glamping” over the years. “It has gone from just the basics on the interiors of campers to 45 foot fifth wheel with two full bathrooms, king beds, granite counter tops, heated marble floors,” said Fox. “So yes, some folks are definitely glamping.”

Fox said they average around 100 RVs per weekend at Chesnut Bay Resort and noted what he feels is unique about this area. “Well we are close to Little River Canyon, Noccalula Falls, Pirates Bay Water Park, and Terrapin Creek for kayaking but the number one draw is still Weiss Lake,” said Fox.

Fox said visitors from around the world tell him “Your area has everything, mountains, lake, things to do for every age group in the area and nature at its best! Ourselves, the chamber and lots of others in the county are committed to seeing Cherokee County at the forefront of peoples’ minds when they consider a day trip or a family vacation!”