Cullman, AL July 2024 by City Lifestyle

Let’s explore together

Dear readers,

Welcome to the July issue of Cullman City Lifestyle, where we're embracing the spirit of exploration in every corner of our charming town. As the summer sun warms the streets of Cullman, it's the perfect time to venture out and discover all the things that make our community so special.

In this issue, we're taking you on a journey to explore Cullman like never before. From its parks and festivals to its unique shops, there's something for everyone to uncover. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, we are sharing the culture and history that define our beloved town with you all.

But our exploration doesn't stop there. We're also shining a spotlight on the Tri-Cities area - Florence, Muscle Shoals and Sheffield - inviting you to venture beyond the borders of Cullman and discover the unique charm of neighboring communities. From scenic drives to local eateries, you'll find plenty of reasons to venture out and explore all that this region has to offer.

And speaking of exploration, don't miss our feature on Shoals Scholar Dollars, where education meets entertainment in a spectacular concert featuring country music legend Lorrie Morgan and local band County Road 26. It's an event that promises to inspire and delight, all while supporting the next generation of scholars in our community.

Of course, no exploration is complete without a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. That's why we're sharing a mouthwatering recipe that's sure to become a summertime favorite. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a little culinary adventure right in your own kitchen.

As we dive into the spirit of exploration this month, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery. Whether you're exploring the streets of Cullman, venturing into the Tri-Cities or simply trying out a new recipe at home, we hope this issue inspires you to embrace the joy of discovery in every aspect of your life.

Happy exploring!

Warm regards,

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

MISSY GURLEY, PUBLISHER

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain Learn how

city scene

6: Dr.

and most delicious drinks at the Strawberry Festival

1: Marissa Painter, Niko Moon and Madison Prince at the Alabama Strawberry Festival VIP Photo Booth 2: Missy and PJ Gurley with friends Heather and Greg Price before the Strawberry Festival

Dr. Jeremy and Jacy Hawkins with Matt Stell (center) after his amazing performance

Matt Stell (center) with the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce! What a great show! 5: Sweet friends Marissa Painter, Nancy Moore and Madison Prince enjoying the Alabama Strawberry Festival

Jeremy and Jacy Hawkins - Hawkins Medical was an Alabama Strawberry Festival top sponsor. 7: Serving up the best

JACY HAWKINS

BRITTANY BRANCH

HEATHER PRICE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

MADISON PRINCE

8: Roy Drinkard and Nancy Moore at the Alabama Strawberry Festival 9: Sweet friends Abi and Tina Orton at the Alabama Strawberry Festival 10: Braden Walton of Lake League Real Estate feeling festive at Trident Marina 11: Family fun at Trident Marina - best place to eat and play on Smith Lake! 12: Marty and Brenda Roberson, owners of Vintage Market, enjoying bingo fun 13: Melissa Curtis, owner of Lake League Real Estate, hosting bingo at Trident Marina 14: Melissa Curtis of Lake League at Arley Day with the cutest llama

NANCY MOORE

ORTON

LAKE LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

15: John Riley of Cullman Savings Bank congratulating Claudio Ramirez on graduating from Wallace State 16: Cullman Savings Bank at the Cullman Association of Realtor’s charity golf event 17: Charlie, Cullman Fire Rescue’s four-legged friend. We loved meeting him! 18: Ribbon cutting at Tradition Physical Therapy 19: Wren + Revel ribbon cutting - what a great turnout! 20: The Flying Fifty Hotel in Cullman is officially open! 21: Owners Paul and Challie Knetter at The Flying Fifty Hotel ribbon cutting

JAVAN GARNER

CULLMAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CULLMAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CULLMAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

CULLMAN SAVINGS BANK

business monthly

Brooke Desnoes Ballet Academy

Brooke Desnoes Ballet Academy is committed to providing high-quality dance education through strong programs and fun classes for every type of student. Brooke believes that in dance education every step along the way counts. That's why classes are taught by the director or a qualified instructor following a unique curriculum. Brooke's goal is to inspire your child by passing on her deep technical knowledge and her love for dance and for the arts.

Scan to read more

Gervais & Lulu Vin Fins & Champagnes

Gervais & Lulu has the best wines and champagnes in-store! Located across from Mary Carter, it also offers wine classes with your friends in the comfort of your home. The goal is to demystify the world of wine and pass on to you the knowledge acquired over a lifetime from the French vignerons themselves. Send a text with your selected theme and date or call 256-338-4637.

HydroHoist

HydroHoist of Alabama is Alabama’s premier HydroHoist Boat Lift distributor and is located on beautiful Smith Lake. Family owned and operated by the Beasley family since 1986, it offers HydroHoist boat lifts, jet ski lifts, boat and dock protection and HydroLocker dock lockers - the best quality on the market! HydroHoist is also an authorized dealer for ShockIQ, a product that monitors for electricity in the water near your dock and will shut the power off.

Photography by HydroHoist of Alabama

Photography by Gervais & Lulu

Photography by Brooke Desnoes Ballet Academy

EXPLORE NORTH ALABAMA!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISSY GURLEY

I recently explored the Tri-Cities of North Alabama –Florence, Muscle Shoals and Sheffield – with my family. The area means a lot to me because my grandparents were born and raised there and we still have family there. We headed north to celebrate my Mom’s birthday and to tour the cities.

My summers growing up were spent visiting my large family – swimming at Uncle Jackie and Aunt Debbie’s, riding 4-wheelers with cousins. Memories of my great-grandmother’s well for drinking water and a

potbelly stove. Cotton fields in Uncle Charlie’s yard and hearing the sounds of the Tennessee River. These were the tastes, sights and sounds of summer.

Speaking of the Tennessee River, this region has not only shaped the sound of American music, but also holds a rich history that extends far beyond its musical legacy.

Florence, the largest city in the trio, serves as the cultural epicenter. Founded in the early 19th century, it played a pivotal role in the Civil War, serving as a

strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces. Post-war, Florence flourished, becoming a hub for commerce and industry, setting the stage for its later musical prominence.

Muscle Shoals, just south of Florence, owes its name to the shallow rapids that once posed a challenge to river navigation. However, it is perhaps best known for its groundbreaking contributions to music. FAME Recording Studios, established in 1959 by Rick Hall, became a breeding ground for Southern soul and R&B. Icons like Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding recorded timeless classics within its walls, forever cementing Muscle Shoals' place in music history.

FAME Recording Studios

"The famous sign above the entryway into FAME’s studios reads: 'Through these doors walk the finest Musicians, Songwriters, Artists, and Producers in the World.' This is as true today as it was in 1961. Since it first opened its doors, FAME has welcomed a literal who’s who of music royalty from Etta James, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin to Alicia Keys, Demi Lovato, and Jason Isbell. They have all come searching for the beautiful, soulful, sonic footprint that defines FAME Recording Studios.

"...It’s the room where Aretha Franklin found her sound. It’s the room where Wilson Pickett whaled on “Mustang Sally”. It’s where Clarence Carter has recorded for five decades."

Read the full history of this legendary location at famestudios.com/our-history

Hit the Tri-Cities this summer

FAME Recording Studios

A quick bite to eat at BBQ360 with my parents and sister

Adjacent to Muscle Shoals lies Sheffield, a city with its own unique heritage. Once a bustling center for iron and steel production, Sheffield witnessed rapid industrial growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it too found its place in the musical spotlight, hosting studios like Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where legends like The Rolling Stones and Paul Simon crafted their hits.

I really wanted to visit the historic Trowbridge's. It is a beloved institution in Florence. Founded in 1918, this iconic soda fountain and sandwich shop has been serving up delectable treats to locals and visitors alike for over a century. Its nostalgic charm and mouthwatering fare continue to draw crowds, offering a taste of bygone days. My grandmother, Violet, worked here in the 40s scooping delicious ice cream. It is here that she met my grandfather, J.L. So Trowbridge’s was a must!

Along our many stops, we toured FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. We visited the University of North Alabama’s campus for the Shoals Scholar Dollars concert. We stopped by the Singin’ River Brewing Co. and also had a delicious meal at Big Bad Breakfast.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Tri-Cities! Why not get out of town and explore this area yourself this summer?

Violet and J.L. Neal, my grandparents, walking through downtown Florence in 1946

Muscle Shoals Sound Studios

Haley Jones and Erica Baker at Trowbridge’s

LOCAL

TOUR summer

ADVENTURE AWAITS!

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK, CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

Looking for some fun, local summer events and destinations? Here are a few to add to your calendar!

ROCK THE SOUTH

July 18-20 | Varies York Farms

Headliners this year include Eric Church, Hardy and Jelly Roll, plus Parker McCollum, Oliver Anthony, Nelly and more! Buy tickets and get more info at www.RocktheSouth.com

A guest enjoys Rock the South 2023. This year's event will take place July 18-20.

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

• Faith, Family & Freedom Firework Extravaganza

Wednesday, July 3 | 6-9:30 p.m.

Good Hope Family Park & Recreational Complex

Hosted by Branded by Christ Cowboy Church and the City of Good Hope, this event will begin with a horse flag presentation followed by a dazzling fireworks show after dark.

• Smith Lake Park 4th of July Fireworks Festival

Thursday, July 4 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Smith Lake Park

Bring your kids and enjoy a fun-filled day of arts and crafts, delicious food, live music and an amazing fireworks show!

2ND FRIDAYS

July 12 and Aug. 9 | 5-10 p.m.

Cullman Warehouse District

Enjoy live music, a cruise-in, a Farm Y’all Farmers Market, an Artist Alley, TWO kids zones, games, food and more!

WILDWATER

Varies | Varies

1707 Main Ave. SW

Cullman’s water park features a 22,000-square-foot wave pool, 10 thrill rides, a kids’ splash area with eight slides and a lazy river. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site. Make reservations and check prices at www.wildwatercullman.com

PALOMINO RV RESORT AND THE SLIPPERY SUMMIT

Varies | Varies

1315 County Road 222

The RV resort features 30- and 50-amp full-service hookups, firepits, picnic tables and plenty of space to spread out.

Why leave Cullman when there are so many fun things to do this summer!

Bring your RV or book a glamping tent, featuring a queen-sized bed and bunk with a private half bathroom. On-site is the Slippery Summit, the largest inflatable aqua park in Alabama. Test your skills walking across the high rise, climb to the top of Mt. Rainer, tap into your inner ninja warrior and take on the challenge of Ninja Jump! Get more info at www.palominorvresort.com .

The Palomino RV Resort sign

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

Events raise big bucks for local students

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHOALS SCHOLAR DOLLARS

A little more than an hour northwest of Cullman, in Florence, Burt Helton directs an innovative education nonprofit: Shoals Scholar Dollars.

The legendary Lorrie Morgan performs at a recent Legends in Concert Series event.

"This program would not have come to fruition without the founding members and community leaders who saw value in our program."

The nonprofit’s roots date back to 2011, when members of the local Rotary Clubs heard about what a Rotary Club in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was doing.

“The only problem was, there were 17 high schools in both Colbert and Lauderdale counties, and at the time, Rotary had $0 to help make this project come to life,” said Helton. “A recently retired school administrator, Dr. Randy Pettus, was approached by Harold Lewis (a longtime member of Florence Rotary) about spearheading this project. Dr. Pettus was skeptical but accepted the position (becoming the sole employee at Shoals Scholar Dollars). At the time, he had a budget of less than $80 to start building what would become Shoals Scholar Dollars. After three years of fundraising and donations, in 2014 the first Shoals area students were receiving college tuition.”

Helton was brought on to continue the program's legacy in 2023.

“The Shoals area believes that helping our young people gain access to education is the key to a better life for each of us and our beloved community,” he said.

For every graduating senior in Colbert and Lauderdale counties, Shoals Scholar Dollars provides free tuition to Northwest Shoals Community College for two years, and if students wish to transfer on to the University of North Alabama, the nonprofit helps qualifying students with that as well.

“Many of our students are first-generation college students and otherwise would not be able to afford postsecondary education,” Helton said. “Since 2014, we have helped over 3,000 local students apply and attend college – many getting a two-year associate degree and joining the local workforce. Through only fundraising and donations, we have raised over $3 million for Shoals Scholar Dollars.”

County Road 26 performs.

Top: Shoals Scholar Dollars Executive Director Burt Helton speaks.

Bottom: Lorrie Morgan and her band onstage

JUST HOW DOES THE NONPROFIT RAISE THE FUNDS FOR THIS? IT HOSTS MULTIPLE EVENTS YEARROUND, MANY WORTH THE DRIVE FROM CULLMAN!

Among the most popular are: Speaker Series:

An intimate night of dinner and discussion with influential Alabamians. This year’s speaker was Eli Gold.

Shoals Student of the Year:

The "Academy Awards" for local high schools. Each school goes through a nomination process to select one student for SOY. Those 17 then come together for a multimonth programming culminating in the Student of the Year Awards.

Smoke on the Water:

Held each year in April at McFarland Park, 40-plus cook teams from across the U.S. compete for prizes at this Kansas City BBQ sanctioned competition.

June Jubilee:

Held each year on Father's Day weekend, this charity golf tournament is one of the largest hosted at Robert Trent Jones in Muscle Shoals.

Shoals Dragon Boat Festival:

This October event is held on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River. Competitors compete in 40-foot Dragon Boats that are manned by 21 people. Teams are composed of people from local businesses, colleges/universities, church groups, civic organizations and neighborhoods.

Legends in Concert Series:

This event is hosted multiple times during the year. The goal is to bring some of the most legendary and iconic entertainers for a night of

"All of our events not only help raise money for Shoals Scholar Dollars, but they bring new audiences in to make them aware of this truly unique nonprofit.”

music and laughs. Those have included Crystal Gayle, James Gregory, Lee Greenwood, The Oak Ridge Boys and Lorrie Morgan. Just booked are the Platters/Coasters and Drifters for a late summer show. The most exciting news to come from this series is that the nonprofit is contracting with touring Broadway shows to bring some of the most beloved and revered shows to the Shoals area.

“All of our events not only help raise money for Shoals Scholar Dollars, but they bring new audiences in to make them aware of this truly unique nonprofit,” said Helton. “We have different communities reach out to us often wanting information about our roots and how we are able to keep this program growing stronger every year.”

He continued, “This program would not have come to fruition without the founding members and community leaders who saw value in our program. We have had some of the most committed board members and community volunteers. In addition, our schools are huge cheerleaders for our program. Our local business/industry sector sees the value in Shoals Scholar Dollars and continues to support and promote our organization, along with our generous donors. There are way too many to name individually. What they all have in common is their belief of our program and mission and the results our community is seeing. The economic impact of Shoals Scholar Dollars is truly remarkable.”

Get more details about the program and its upcoming events at www.shoalsscholardollars.com

Emma Wright on stage at a recent Legends in Concert Series event

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

Summer reading list

simonandschuster.com

"Funny Story" by Emily Henry

"A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry." ( penguinrandomhouse.com)

"The Rom-Commers: A Novel" by Katherine Center

"She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies—good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care." (us.macmillan.com)

"This Summer Will Be Different" by Carley Fortune

"A glorious and tantalizing new escape from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune. This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won’t give in to temptation. This summer will be different." ( penguinrandomhouse.com)

"Swift River" by Essie Chambers

“A sweeping family saga about the complicated bond between mothers and daughters, the disappearance of a father, and the long-hidden history of a declining New England mill town." (simonandschuster.com)

"The Future Was Color: A Novel" by Patrick Nathan

"A dazzling novel about the inextricable link between the personal and the political set against the decadence of Hollywood and postwar Los Angeles" ( penguinrandomhouse.com)

SIMPLE summer PLEASURES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

A yummy solution for beating the summer heat? Homemade ice cream! I have so many memories of making ice cream at my grandparents’ home, waiting anxiously for the maker to stop churning so we could dig in! Here’s a simple, nostalgic recipe (you’ll need an ice cream maker):

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 2/3 cup cane sugar

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/8 tsp. sea salt

• Ice and rock salt (for the ice cream maker)

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ice cream base (from maker) in the fridge while you mix ingredients in a spare bowl.

2. Remove chilled ice cream base from fridge and place in your ice cream maker.

3. Pour the ice cream contents in the chilled base.

4. Put on the lid and add a layer of ice and layer with a thin layer of rock salt. Continue to layer ice and rock salt. Add the top of your ice cream maker and turn on.

5. Allow this to churn for a minimum of 30 minutes.

6. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM

Homemade ice cream is a simple-to-make delicious summer treat.

Homemade vanilla ice cream An ice cream maker is an essential summer tool!

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 3RD

Faith, Family & Freedom Firework Extravaganza

Good Hope Family Park & Recreational Complex | 6:00 PM

Hosted by Branded by Christ Cowboy Church and the City of Good Hope, this event will begin with a horse flag presentation followed by a dazzling fireworks show after dark. Bring your kids, a blanket and snacks and enjoy the entertainment that commemorates our nation’s independence!

JULY 4TH

Smith Lake Park 4th of

July Fireworks Festival

Smith Lake Park | 9:00 AM

Don’t miss the annual festival from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.! Bring your kids and enjoy a fun-filled day of arts and crafts, delicious food, live music and an amazing fireworks show! You can also indulge in miniature golf, relax at the beach or take a dip in the swimming pool. Don’t forget to catch the golf cart parade! www.facebook.com/SmithLakePark

JULY 4TH

Dive-In Movie: 'Elemental'

WildWater | 7:00 PM

This family-friendly event features a screening of "Elemental" on our massive LED screen right in the Rip Tide Wave Pool. It's the perfect way to enjoy those warm summer nights! Admission is free with park admission. Don't miss out on this unique cinematic experience where you can float and watch!

JULY 12TH

2nd Fridays

Around Cullman Festhalle | 5:00 PM

From 5-10 p.m., enjoy live music, a cruise-in, a Farm Y’all Farmers Market, an Artist Alley, TWO kids zones, games, food and more! This free event takes place the second Friday of each summer month through September.

JULY 18TH-20TH

Rock the South 2024

York Farms | 12:00 PM

This annual music festival will take place at York Farms,1872 County Road 469 in Cullman. Headliners this year include Eric Church, Hardy and Jelly Roll, plus Parker McCollum, Oliver Anthony, Nelly and more! Buy tickets and get more info at www.RocktheSouth.com

JULY 27TH

National Day of the American Cowboy

Sullivan Creek Ranch | 2:00 PM

At Sullivan Creek Ranch, we celebrate the American cowboy tradition with the charm of an authentic, working cattle operation. Our ranch rodeo brings together cowboys and cowgirls from all over to compete in a variety of events that showcase strength and agility. Food, music and vendors round out the celebration. Get tickets and more info at www.sullivancreekranch.com/ranch-events.

Donna and Keith Lann

SUMMER SNACK PIT STOP

A great place to stop for a snack when you’re out adventuring around town this summer is Guthrie’s. It’s not flashy, but it’s local and it sure is good! Who doesn’t love chicken fingers?

The chain began in Haleyville in 1965.

“My wife Donna and I are originally from Haleyville and knew the Guthrie family quite well and had followed their business for years,” said Owner Keith Lann. “We decided to buy the Cullman franchise and opened on April 29, 2009. Most people may not remember there was a Guthrie’s franchise in our same location that closed a few years before we bought the franchise. I had no restaurant experience, but with the help of some great employees and community support we’re blessed with a great business and still growing after 15 years!”

Many restaurants have come and gone in Cullman over the years, and Lann credits his

restaurant’s staying power to an unlikely source: “I give some credit to the little ole lady who stood at our counter the week we opened looking at our menu board and said, ‘You know there have been several restaurants in this building that didn’t make it…and you won’t either!’ She didn’t say it to be hateful or hurtful. She was just thinking out loud, but she made us more determined than ever to succeed!”

He continued, “We’ve seen over a dozen restaurants and about the same number of retail businesses that have changed the landscape over the years. Publix, Ulta and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with Moe’s, Panera Bread and Urban Cookhouse just to name a few.

The north side of town has really grown and has plans for more. We’re happy to see all the growth in our area. Good competition makes for good business.”

Find Guthrie's of Cullman at 704 Second Ave. NW (U.S. Highway 31).

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH LANN