Birmingham, AL July 2021

J U LY 2 02 1

Water You Doing this

Summer?

H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S U N PLU G AN D "G OAT " WI T H T H E F LOW F O O D + B E V E R AG E E X PAN D YO U R WI N E PAL AT E

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3

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

J Shay Langley | shay.langley@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Adventure Time at Last

Denise K. James | denise.james@lifestylepubs.com

IF YOU'RE LIVING IN THE SAME WORLD I'VE BEEN LIVING IN, YOU CAN

L AYO UT DESIGNER

ADMIT THE LAST 12+ MONTHS HAVE BEEN TOUGH AND ALSO A LITTLE

Dana Rudolph

MORE ...RESTRICTED THAN USUAL. But the good news is, now it's summer, and

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

we're carefully getting through the hard times. Why not celebrate with an adventure

Wick Oliver

AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read

or two? Our summer adventure edition is packed with ideas for you to ponder.

As you flip through this July issue, you'll discover a farm up the road that offers goat yoga, plus other family fun; you'll get briefed on the best water sports to try in our area and what kind of boat you'll need; you'll meet Bill Andrews, a local teacher who wants to help you step out of your comfort zone; you'll hear about new local music and summer wine selections — plus more.

The height of summer is a time unlike any other. It's marked with leisurely days outdoors, family vacations, and the chance to relax with the people you've missed.

We sincerely hope this issue inspires you to get together with loved ones and make the most of our Southern summer. Shay and I appreciate your support, as always, and hope you enjoy the season.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Yours,

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Denise K. James, Editor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 10 Journeys of the Palate New Wines to Try This Summer

14 Worth a Close Listen Meet the local musical duo resort realism

18 Water You Waiting For? Try a Towed Water Sport This Summer

18 22

22 "Goat with the Flow" Get Outdoors and Try Goat Yoga Bham This Summer

10

14

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

10

Food & Wine

14

Back Stage

18

Healthy Lifestyle

22 Water & Woods 26 Travel Destination 28 Road Trip 34 Lifestyle Calendar

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY AND WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU! P L E A SE LET US K NOW HOW WE CAN HELP.

TE X T PRAYER TO 2 0 5 - 9 0 0 - 3 7 8 6 O R EM AI L PA STO R @ L A K ES I D EBA P T I S T.CO M JOIN US FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 8:30 & 10:45 LIVE-STREAMED AT 10:45 AT LAKESIDEBAPTIST.COM

AROUND TOWN

IT STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION

DEEP SIGH OF RELIEF Governor Kay Ivey recently signed a bill that allows schools in Alabama to offer yoga as an elective or part of classroom instruction. The bill, which negates a law from back in 1993, is sure to bring a deep sigh of relief for kids and parents who appreciate the mind-clearing and stress-relieving properties of yoga.

Our desire is to get to know more about you, your dreams, fears, and everything in between. This enables our team to create a financial plan that provides confidence and excitement for you and your family’s future. Overall, we are dedicated to adding convenience and simplicity to your life, so you can focus on what is significant to you.

JESSE SCROGGINS, AAMS® Senior Vice President, SWIG Financial Professional, RJFS jesse.scroggins@swinvestmentgroup.com 600 University Park Place, Suite 350 Homewood, AL 35209 O 205.730.0055 // F 205.981.0299

COT ON CAMERA The town of Ashville, Alabama, a short 40-minute drive from Birmingham, was recently recognized for a local product known as the Go-Kot, a camping cot perfect for summer adventures. The Go-Kot appeared on ABC World News Tonight in a segment known as "Camping Essentials from Companies Made in America." Go-Kot has been in business since 1978, and all materials used to make

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc., an independent registered investment adviser. Southwestern Investment Group and Scroggins Wealth Team is not a registered broker/ dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. 21-FA6J28-0003 TA 3/21

8

Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

the cots are sourced in the United States.

A PROMISE TO KEEP The which

Birmingham allows

Promise

graduates

Fund, from

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up.

Birmingham city schools to attend college, recently received generous gifts totaling the amount of $8 million from a few local corporate donors. Donors included Protective Life Corporation, Alabama Power, and Blue Cross Blue

WE DO WHAT WE DO B E C AU S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .

Shield of Alabama.

Birmingham Promise provides tuition assistance for students to attend colleges, as well as paid apprenticeships.

As of press time, 618 graduates from the class of 2021 had applied.

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 205-638-9100

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H

ChildrensAL.org

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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9

FOOD & WINE

10

Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

JOURNEYS NEW WINES TO TRY THIS SUMMER

OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY BY WICK OLIVER

PA L AT E YES, IT’S OUR ANNUAL SUMMER ADVENTURE ISSUE, BUT SOMETIMES WE’D RATHER JUST STAY HOME, KICK BACK AND ENJOY A GLASS OF SOMETHING TASTY WHILE RELAXING WITH LOVED ONES. For those evenings, we have you covered with a few of the season’s best selections, courtesy of Classic Wine Company.

Read on, and enjoy.

CONTINUED >

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11

WINES 12

2019 MARY TAYLOR

Molinara, which are usually the three

BORDEAUX BLANC

grapes of Valpolicella or Amarone.

Price: $13.99

The wine sees no oak in order to keep

The Experts Say: Mary Taylor is tak-

it fresh and bright — it has aromas of

ing our store by storm! Everything she

dark berries and mirabelle plums and is

helps produce is delicious and great

a lovely soft texture on the palate.

value. This wine is made by Jean Marc

How to Enjoy: Try this wine while grill-

Barthez in the Entre-Deux-Mers, from

ing or barbecuing with hot dogs, burg-

Sauvignon Blanc and just a tiny touch

ers or even fish.

of Semillon. It is fermented without oak to ensure the aromatics stay up front — and, by the way, the aromatics are

2018 DAOU CABERNET

amazing: lovely quince, white floral and

Price: $26.99

wet stone on the nose. The mouthfeel

The Experts Say: The Daou brothers

is medium and silky, and the finish is of

survived one of the first missiles of the

bright acid and minerals.

Lebanese Civil War. The missile struck

How to Enjoy: Try this wine with oysters

the sidewalk outside their home, send-

or heavier fish, like pan-seared trout.

ing shrapnel into the house. For 2 years, the family recovered, then finally left Beirut. The brothers always had a pas-

L+I ROSÉ

sion for nature and rural life, and now

Price: $18.99 for 4 pack

they have it. This wine has a rich scent

The Experts Say: These wines are

of blackberries, cassis, dried herbs and

made by Master Sommelier Emmanuel

pencil lead. The taste is of cherry fruit,

Kemiji. The grapes on the can are fin-

dried herbs, leather and crushed rock.

gerprints, so you can tell these wines

The finish is bold with some tannin and

were hand-harvested. L+I refers to the

nice acid to match.

"order of flow" in Chinese Confucian

How to Enjoy: The wine goes great

philosophy. We suggest pouring all

with anything from the grill, including

canned wines into a glass in order to

burgers, steak or lamb.

enjoy the sight of the wine as well as the taste. The rosé is a beautiful pink hue, and the nose is of tart, ripe berries,

NV MARTINI & ROSSI FIERO

like strawberry or cherry. The finish is

Price: $16.59

dry, clean and crisp.

The Experts Say: And now, time for a

How to Enjoy: This wine is the perfect

little mixed drink for summer. This little

accompaniment to the pool, beach, pic-

aperitivo is made with 100% natural

nic or back porch.

sweet oranges from Murcia, Spain and is a bright orange hue with definite notes of sweet orange peel.

2019 LE MORETTE

How to Enjoy: You can mix this with

BARDOLINO CLASSICO

equal parts tonic water to make a

Price: $16.99

refreshing orange spritzer. Serve over ice

The Experts Say: Le Morette sits on

to keep it refreshing. Prosecco or some

one of the biggest lakes in Italy, and they

other sparkling wine is another good

also make delicious wines. Chill this red

mixer for this aperitivo. This wine can

down for about 20 or 30 minutes in the

also go in any number of other drinks,

fridge, and then chug away. The wine

including margaritas for an orangey

is made from Corvina, Rondinella, and

twist, an old fashioned or a negroni.

Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

TO TRY

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

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13

BACK STAGE

AP H YC

O U R T E SY O F

RE

SO

R T R E ALIS

WORTH A CLOSE LISTEN

PH OTO G R

M

Left to right, Robert Wason and Crawford King

MEET THE LOCAL MUSICAL DUO RESORT REALISM

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

multimedia workspace. We also have a green screen to make music videos,” Crawford added.

The term “multimedia” is used frequently these days, but in the case of resort realism, these two musicians work hard to ensure their name and tunes appear on a variety of media platforms, from Spotify and Bandcamp to YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. “We try to hit the online frontier every day and snag new people however we can,” Crawford said.

MODERN RELAXATION MUSIC — WHAT IS IT? Many of us initially

Other plans for resort realism include a second full-length album

learn about the greats, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and other

by 2022, as well as a couple of singles even sooner. Live shows are

familiar composers of baroque and romantic styles. But nowadays,

happily once again an option, and Crawford and Robert look forward

if someone asks us to put on something “relaxing,” and the situation

to a few this summer after a recent one at Avondale Brewing, the first

seems to call for something local and unique, we suggest resort real-

since the pandemic.

ism’s new self-titled album, released just this spring.

Because resort realism is instrumental, it works nicely as back-

The duo known as resort realism consists of Crawford King and Robert Wason, two Birminghamians who attended the Altamont

ground music for cooking a meal or working at home — but it’s also well worth actively listening.

School and played in the jazz band together, then eventually got

“What do people do while listening? Night driving strikes us —

involved in other musical projects. After their drum-playing band-

especially when we’re making the music at night; we’ve talked about

mate ended up departing for graduate school, Crawford and Robert

that,” they mused. “If you’re having a conversation with someone,

found themselves making a new kind of music, using drum machines.

and you don’t want words interrupting you, it’s also good for that. So,

While employing such sounds began out of necessity, they said

yeah, it’s great background music for whatever you’re doing … but

resort realism was fortuitously discovered through those very ses-

close listening is also good.”

sions. Crawford and Robert now call the music of resort realism “post Lo-Fi,” and said their influences are wide, including an assortment of jazz, classic rap and hip-hop. Artists such as Air and Massive Attack and “bands that slow it way down” are favorites as well.

“Instead of us playing jazz straight-up, we take a snippet of something with jazzy chords and make it hypnotic,” they explained. “A lot of early rap was taken from old funk and jazz, so

“Instead of us playing jazz straight-up, we take a snippet of something with jazzy chords and make it hypnotic.”

we circle back and use some of that stuff. But while our influences are wide, we try to keep the sound of resort realism specific.”

The resort realism self-titled first album was recorded in the duo’s home studio, right here in Irondale. Crawford and Robert, both self-proclaimed night owls, are apt to start jamming music and not stop for hours at a time, they admitted — no talking; no nothing else except for playing.

“After a certain amount of time, your mind gets out of the way, and more interesting things happen [if you keep playing],” they said.

“Late at night, in particular, it seems to be effective.

“Half was recorded in a little tiny closet room, back when we had another roommate, but now we control the whole house and have a

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

15

adventure

a sense of

BRING YOUR FAMILY TO ALABAMA’S FAMILY-OWNED AMUSEMENT AND WATER PARK

ORIGINALLY CALLED VISIONLAND AND CONSTRUCTED IN

In fact, the park has gained at least one

1998, ALABAMA ADVENTURE & SPLASH ADVENTURE HAS

new amusement each year, with the excep-

GONE THROUGH MANY METAMORPHOSES, AND AS OF SUM-

tion of 2020, since the Kochs took it over. New

MER 2021, IT’S POISED TO HELP FAMILIES RECOVER FROM A

water park attractions include the Rocket

LONG YEAR OF FAR TOO LITTLE FUN.

Racer, opening this summer, and Free Fall, a

If you visit, you'll likely witness almost 90-year-old Mrs. Pat Koch,

slide that goes straight down. Locals and vis-

matriarch of the Koch family and one of the owners of the park since

itors love the park not only for its abundance

they purchased it in 2014. Whether she’s selling concessions, tidying

of rides – 25 in all, all for one ticket price — but

the grounds or socializing with guests, Mrs. Koch is a trademark of

also for the great hospitality offered.

Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure.

“We offer free parking, free sodas, free

“A typical day for me starts in the office, where I meet with my son

shows — as much value as we can pack in

Dan, the general manager, to talk about what is going to happen that

as possible,” said Alex Ramsey, marketing

day or discuss the previous day’s activities,” said Mrs. Koch. "The rest

director. “The Kochs want it to be that way.

of the day is spent acting as an ambassador of the park and talking to

[This is a] family-owned business, and want-

guests, helping in restaurants, picking up trash and helping anywhere

ing to ensure other families have fun is one

I can. By being active, I am able to keep an eye on everything, look for

of the coolest things ever.”

areas of improvement and really get to know the guests.”

“At the end of the day, I’m always at the

Since acquiring Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure, the

front gate to say goodnight to guests as they

Koch family has taken great care to keep up with the times and

leave,” Mrs. Koch added. “Many will stop to

evolve with new, exciting features. One feature, a massive wooden

talk or even ask to take pictures with me,

roller coaster known as “Rampage” — lauded as one of the best

which is always really special. Being able to

wooden coasters in the world — is from pre-2014, and the family

see all of the lives we’re able to impact is the

invested funds into improving it.

reason we do what we do.”

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

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17

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

A

W

T E 18

Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

R

TRY A TOWED WATER SPORT THIS SUMMER

WATE R YO U WAITING FOR?

ALABAMA IS A LOVELY PLACE TO LIVE,

“Anything that gets someone comfortable

BUT THE SUMMERS CAN GET BALMY,

being pulled behind the boat is a great place

WHICH IS WHY WE SUPPORT TRYING A

to start,” noted Bennett Rambo, general man-

WATER SPORT THIS SUMMER TO MAKE

ager of Rambo Marine. “That’s the first step

USE OF LOCAL WATERWAYS, STAY COOL

in water sports — just getting comfortable

AND EVEN GAIN NEW SKILLS. A towed

behind the boat.”

water sport — involving a boat – is a good way to make use of local lakes, not to mention

WATERSKIING

the family boat. Whether you know a lot

The original water sport consists of either

about these sports or you're just sticking your

using two skis or one ski, and the fewer the

toe in for the first time, water sports are fun,

skis involved, the more challenging it is. If

challenging and perfect for social distancing.

you’re new to water skiing, try two skis first.

Here are a few of our favorites to try locally — just remember your sunscreen and life jacket.

WAKEBOARDING AND WAKESURFING

KNEEBOARDING OR TUBING

larity lately thanks to the variety of tricks and

These sports have gained incredible popuFor beginners, these are two of the eas-

challenges they can offer. Boarding is the eas-

ier (but still a lot of fun!) water sports to get

ier of the two because the rider is still being

started with. With either tubing or kneeboard-

pulled by the boat. Wakesurfing, meanwhile,

ing, skill is less important, since you aren’t

is a good bit tougher, since it involves surfing

standing up.

the wake without being pulled.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

19

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

WHAT KIND OF BOAT DO I NEED? So what kind of boat do you need for these sports? The good news is that most of these, with the exception of wakesurfing, can be done with nearly any boat, said Bennett. Rambo Marine sells a number of Regal, Cobalt and Malibu boats, with Malibu being a great choice for wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Each boat purchase comes with an orientation session so that new owners can learn how to enrich their boating experience.

“The orientation consists of what a customer needs,” Bennett explained. “We have people who buy a new surf boat and want all four of their kids to learn to surf — then other times, an older couple buys a pontoon boat, and they simply want to learn how to dock it.”

Whatever you choose, Bennett urges locals to try water sports this summer — there’s no better way to bond with everyone, no matter the age.

“This is a great whole family activity,” he said.

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

F U

N CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

21

WATER & WOODS

" G o at w ith the F l ow"

GET OUTDOORS AND TRY GOAT YOGA BHAM THIS SUMMER

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AMY PRUETT

UNPLUGGING AND GETTING AWAY FROM THE

“I thought — Hey! I have goats! And they are small and

HASSLE OF DAILY LIFE IS NO SMALL FEAT

love to jump on people! I did my research, and no one

THESE DAYS, NOW THAT WE ALL HAVE OUR

else in our area was doing it,” she explained, beaming.

OWN HAND-HELD COMPUTERS TO TAKE EVERY-

The Pruetts had absolutely no idea that Goat Yoga

WHERE. Thus, intentional unplugging is necessary,

Bham would take off with such ease, but it did, mostly

and the Pruett family understands this — it’s one rea-

thanks to social media posts and word of mouth, said

son they launched Goat Yoga Bham. Beginners and

Amy. As of this article, enjoying yoga with goats is just

seasoned yogis can visit the five-and-a-half-acre

one of the many reasons to visit the Pruett family farm —

farm and bask in the natural beauty of Alabama, all

they strive to give locals a place to unwind, have fun and

while enjoying the fun of the first and only goat yoga

enjoy a complete outdoor experience. Cows, pigs, and of

opportunity in this area. Or, if you prefer, the goats

course goats are part of the farm’s charm, and visitors

can come to you.

love spending the whole day.

The Pruett family, owners of Goat Yoga Bham, shared

“We love to meet people who come out to the farm.

how they had no intention of doing any kind of business

We have one employee, plus my family, and we have

with their family farm initially — it simply “happened

independent contractor yoga instructors,” said Amy.

organically and really took off.” The land they pur-

“We want you to feel like you came over just to hang out.

chased in Helena, which was overgrown due to being

We’ll never be a huge farm with hayrides and pumpkin

a foreclosure, seemed the ideal place for raising a few

patches; we just want you to be able to get away and

brush-munching goats to help out with their yard work.

share in our piece of heaven.”

Amy Pruett, a former Realtor and a self-declared “city

Goat Yoga Bham keeps evolving, and COVID-19 didn’t

girl,” said she casually discovered The Original Goat

stop its popularity. Various groups have requested these

Yoga, a company based in Oregon, online one day and

cheerful goats for yoga — from school classrooms to

was immediately inspired.

college sororities, according to Amy. “Goats on the Go,” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

23

WATER & WOODS (CONTINUED)

but the kids can come along as well, said Amy. There’s outdoor lighting, plenty of furniture, an hour of goat yoga and the chance to bring your own snacks. Birthday parin which a pin for the goats is set up on location, ensures

ties, other kinds of parties and corporate team-building

that anyone, anywhere can experience the magic.

are also common requests for the Pruett farm. And family

“The business has evolved with whatever people ask

field trips are always an option.

for,” Amy shared. “When the first person asked for the

“Picture kids aged 10 and under with an adult, learning

goats to visit them, my husband said, ‘Let’s make it hap-

about not only the goats but also cows, pigs, and other

pen,’ and we built a traveling pin.”

animals,” Amy enthused. “They can feed and pet the

Those who are interested in meeting the goats (or the

goats and do some stretching as a “taste” of yoga. They

Pruetts, for that matter) this season will have a variety of

get to learn about ducks, hens, roosters, baby chicks. The

opportunities to do so. “Wine Down Wednesdays” is per-

best part is kids being outside and not being on devices.

fect for adults who crave a glass of vino under the stars,

It’s a reconnection with nature.”

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

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25

TRAVEL DESTINATION Bill and Suzanne Andrews

The Wide World B e c ko n s

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF TREELINE EXPEDITIONS? I wanted to start it because I was a shy kid. I never spoke up; it wasn’t my comfort zone. But I started doing some outdoor camps, and I realized that in that element I had more of a voice and people listened to me.

So I stuck with it.

At this point, Treeline Expeditions has been around for nine years, or 10 in February. My wife and I are both teachers. This has always been a dream of mine, and when our kids got older, we decided to give it a go. We started with high school kids backpacking in New Mexico. We want our adventures to be unplugged. We don’t use cell phones. They cook for themselves and hike miles each day, but the quote that stands out is ‘my brain got rest.’

TREELINE EXPEDITIONS WILL GIVE YOUR BRAIN REST PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TREELINE EXPEDITIONS.

HOW DO THE EXPEDITIONS WORK? We’ve done the high school trips several times now, and we have after-school programs now too. Kids can go hiking, mountain biking or kayaking on the local rivers here after school. It lets kids who don’t play traditional sports get active and have something new to do.

BILL ANDREWS CLAIMED HE STARTED HIS SIDE

This year, we will have about three or four major trips.

BUSINESS, TREELINE EXPEDITIONS, IN ORDER

We do a spring trip to the islands, then one or two sum-

TO GET OUT OF HIS OWN COMFORT ZONE —

mer trips and then a New Year’s Eve trip if we can. We

SOMETHING HE STRUGGLED WITH AS A CHILD.

also do a lot of custom trips. The majority of what we’re

Now, Treeline Expeditions is helping kids and adults

doing right now is custom stuff, where people have

of all ages test their penchant for adventure and learn

family or friends or youth groups, and they call us, and

new things.

we create a trip for them.

26

Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

After-school programs on the local rivers

WHICH TRIPS ARE MEMORABLE? WHY? Our favorite big trip (like the one to New Mexico and other multi-day trips) is going to the Bahamas every spring. You can go sea kayaking, and camp on uninhabited islands for the week. We usually do that trip

Fun on the Cahaba River

every spring, and it’s a lot of fun. We did Yellowstone one year, and I’d love to bring that one back.

The rivers are popular in the summer. It’s been fun

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS SCARED TO TRY AN EXPEDITION?

doing all this local stuff. One of my big hopes is to add

For people who want that guidance because they’re

more family trips. There are a lot of places that you

apprehensive, we can provide that — that’s what I

can send your kid to, but the shared experience with

value most. The teacher in me really wants to help

the family is so important, especially with how fast the

people and share the journey with you and hopefully

world moves today.

enhance it. We had our oldest client last year; I think he was 78, and he was amazing. I just put him in the boat along with me.

I love the outdoors because it teaches natural lessons. You get natural lessons and natural conseFun on the Coosa River

quences. We want to teach people how to enjoy the outdoors the right way — how to protect the environment and stay safe.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR TREELINE EXPEDITIONS? We’re just a small family business. My wife and I are the only ones in the company. We bring our kids too sometimes — they are 26 and 24 now. And my wife will go sometimes.

But my hope is that, in a few years, I can retire from teaching, do this and partner with organizations to offer this to people who can’t afford it.

“T h e t e a c h e r i n m e r e a l ly wa n t s to help people and share the journey with you a n d h o p e f u l ly e n h a n c e i t.”

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ROAD TRIP

Explore National Parks Across the U.S.

10 TOP NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT NOW

THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM INCLUDES MORE THAN 400 NATIONAL PARKS IN THE UNITED STATES. Known for their natural wonders and unmatched beauty, the national parks also encompass lands that helped shape the history of this country and hold cultural value and significance.

This list of national parks just scratches the surface of the natural wonders to wonderlands to discover, but it includes 10 of the most stunning national parks in the United States.

1.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Colorado’s Rocky Mountains became a national park in 1915, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Rocky Mountain Park Act. It spans 415 square miles and includes majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, incredible hiking trails and so much more.

The park is a natural wonderland teeming with opportunities to fish, hike, ride horses and bikes and enjoy the spectacular views. Wintertime brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.

2.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park spans nearly 1,200 square miles. Here you’ll find giant sequoia trees, breathtaking waterfalls, vast meadows and more.

The park is home to unique rock formations like El Capitan, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Gaze in awe at Yosemite’s thousands of waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Wapama Falls.

Trek through the park’s three impressive groves of ancient giant sequoias, some of the rarest, oldest and largest living organisms in the world. Yosemite also offers rafting along the Merced River, where you can take in incredible views and cool off from the summer heat.

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

3.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK No list of the best national parks would be complete without Yellowstone.

Yellowstone is an iconic destination for many reasons, as it was designated the world’s first national park in 1872.

Within its 2.2 million acres, visitors will find colorful hot springs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, fascinating mudpots, explosive geysers, diverse wildlife and more. Because the park sits on a dormant volcano, Yellowstone is home to more hot springs and geysers than anywhere else on Earth.

The oldest and largest herd of bison in the country lives at Yellowstone, as well as elk, wolves and grizzly bears. The park is most famous for Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts nearly 20 times a day at heights of up to 180 feet.

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ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

4.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth.

With its fascinating landscape composed of hoodoos, horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters and whimsical limestone rock formations, a visit to Bryce Canyon is often likened to a visit to another planet. This stunning landscape, formed by wind, water and snow, draws hikers, rock climbers and cross-country skiers.

The park isn’t a canyon; it’s a natural amphitheater carved into the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce Canyon’s extreme altitude offers stunning panoramic views of three states, and its minimal exposure to light pollution offers premium stargazing opportunities.

5.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and the United States and is often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent.” Named after the remnants of glaciers formed during the ice age, this natural wonderland spans more than 1 million acres and boasts two mountain ranges.

Visitors will also find more than 700 glacial lakes and many hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Trail of the Cedars is a short loop hike that features a raised boardwalk that passes through a fragrant forest of giant red cedar trees.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the country, is a paved, two-lane highway that divides the park into east and west regions.

6.

ZION NATIONAL PARK Another natural marvel located in Utah, Zion National

Park is known as one of the most accessible national parks in the country. Its close proximity to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Southern California—plus its stunning vistas— draws millions of visitors each year.

Zion National Park’s colorful sandstone cliffs, lush plateaus covered in pine and junipers, narrow canyons, the Virgin River, plus seeps, springs and waterfalls are just some of the scenic wonders here.

One of Zion’s most popular hikes is known as the Narrows, the slimmest section of Zion Canyon. Other popular attractions include the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, Observation Point and Canyon Overlook Trail.

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

7.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park spans 310,000 acres and towers above

the Jackson Hole Valley. The Teton Mountains, the youngest in the Rockies, are reflected majestically on the surfaces of six pristine lakes and the Snake River.

Jenny Lake offers fishing, boating, paddling and swimming. This scenic spot also attracts photographers and artists looking to capture its natural beauty. Experienced climbers can summit the 13,770-foot Grand Teton, and long-distance hikers can take the Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop for impressive views of it.

Other activities include wildlife watching, kayaking the Snake River, taking a guided boat tour and exploring the Mormon Row Historic District.

8.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, was formed by

the Colorado River and is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site can be accessed from its different rims. The South Rim is the most visited and is accessible year-round. It is home to Grand Canyon Village and Bright Angel Trail. The West Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the edge of a cliff. The North Rim is the most remote access point, allowing visitors to experience the park firsthand through intense hiking and backpacking and thrilling river rafting.

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ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

9.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Yet another otherworldly destination in Utah is Arches National Park, defined by its natural sandstone arches, stunning red rocks and beautiful colors. The park has the largest concentration of natural arches in the world, which attracts photographers who capture the mesmerizing shadows at dawn and dusk.

Hikers can take advantage of Arches National Park’s numerous trails ranging from short hikes to Balanced Rock and the Double Arch to more strenuous routes through the Fiery Furnace and up to the Delicate Arch.

The park boasts North America’s longest arch, the Landscape Arch, spanning 306 feet. Don’t miss the Windows Section, which has some of the largest arches in the park, including North Window, South Window and Turret Arch.

10.

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK To visit one of the country’s best national parks, journey to Maui’s Haleakala National Park. The name of this national park translates to “House of the Sun.” Legend goes that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood at the volcano’s summit, slowing its descent to make the days last longer.

The Haleakala Crater is a dormant volcano that sits at 10,000 feet above sea level, and visitors flock to this location to view one of the most spectacular sunrises on Earth.

Haleakala National Park spans more than 30,000 acres and includes red deserts and rock gardens near the summit and waterfalls and streams in coastal Kipahulu. The park is home to more endangered species than any other park in the National Park Service.

Hopefully, this list of the 10 best national parks has inspired you to start planning your next adventure. Whether the mountains are calling, your inner daredevil needs to be satiated or a scenic road trip is in order, America’s national parks are begging to be explored!

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Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

JULY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

3

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spaces with the plants they want

THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE

PATTON CREEK ART FESTIVAL

den and whether to transplant or

Patton Creek Shopping Center

plant their vegetables from seed.

The Market is open for 2021 every

There will be around 50 artists at

Preregistration required.

Saturday, rain or shine, from 7 a.m.

this festival. There will also be food

until noon. Come for asparagus,

trucks serving food and refreshing

beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, cau-

beverages. Come enjoy a day of fun,

liflower, collards, greens, herbs, kale,

festivities and all original art and

lettuce, onions, peas, pecans, sweet

fine crafts.

Pepper Place

to grow in mind, which crops perform well in an Alabama gar-

potatoes, spinach, squash, strawberries – and, if you’re lucky, you might find some of the season’s first blueberries, broccoli, corn, cucumbers, eggplant and possibly peaches!

18 PINBALL BLAST TOURNAMENT BumperNets

6

Every third Sunday of the month,

WEST HOMEWOOD FARMERS MARKET

test your pinball skills on limited-

BumperNets hosts a Pinball Blast Tournament. Join the fun, and edition machines.

160 Oxmoor Road

If you're ready for a slice of pie and Americana, the West Homewood Farmers Market is just the place to be during the warm summer evenings. You'll find some favorite food trucks parked at the market,

24 SUMMER BLOCK PARTY (BESSEMER) 2nd Avenue North,

along with the best local farms and

Downtown Bessemer

all kinds of arts & crafts vendors.

Remember those summer block par-

This market is each Tuesday in June

ties back in the day? Well reminisce

and July, as well as the first week of

no more, because Paisley Pig, LLC is

August, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

bringing the party back on Saturday, July 24, on Second Avenue North in

16

Historic Downtown Bessemer. Join the

WORLD DEER EXPO

ily, friends, food, music and shopping.

festivities for dozens of pop-up guest vendors, food trucks and a day of fam-

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex

The Expo features a weekend full of fun for everyone who loves hunting, fishing and the great outdoors.

Explore the latest and greatest hunting products and apparel from all over

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28 PLANTING FALL VEGGIES (VIRTUAL) Virtual

the world. The expo will involve a BHA

Join Jessica Hill of Jones Valley

Would you like to get in touch with

3-D Archery Tournament, Big Buck

Teaching Farm and explore how to

us? We would love to hear from you!

Competition,

Celebrities,

plan, plant, and harvest an autumn

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Hunt Giveaways, Hourly Door Prizes,

vegetable garden. Attendees will

BirminghamAL using the Get In Touch

Activities for the Kids, and More!

discover how to design their garden

link and let us know what you think.

Outdoor

Birmingham Lifestyle | July 2021