The Buck Creek Festival is a FREE, family-friendly community event held on the second weekend of…read moreMay in Helena's Amphitheater Park. On the banks of Buck Creek, just below the dam, the site together with the stage provides a wonderful venue for people of all ages to enjoy crafts, children's activities, food, and music. There is a large playground on site and in addition to the playground was a large children's play area with slides and bounce houses and rides with unlimited access for a mere $5.00. My family and I just enjoyed the 15th annual event last weekend. This year could have been the largest crowd to date. The Helena Amphitheatre venue is unique small venue along buck creek with walking paths and ample tree cover providing shade. Established in 1999, the Helena Amphitheater Park is located at Helena's Old Town district. It is an outdoor concert hall, festival grounds, movie theater and nature park. In the spring, summer and fall it is host to many events. Aside from the music and fun, the Buck Creek Festival has become known for its charity efforts that include the star of the event: the rubber duck race. The race is held at 3 p.m. on Saturday along the banks of Buck Creek. The duck race in previous years has benefited SafeHouse of Shelby County, local schools, band boosters, the library and more. Be aware there are a few rules. Park Rules *No Dogs *No Coolers *No Alcohol *No Golf Carts or Bicycles The weather couldn't have been better, the tree cover and lack of asphalt provide comfort with temperatures in the 80s. Live music from talented artists can be heard throughout the park, children were running around playing, my wife shopped in vendor tents housing varied merchants ranging from artists, boutique owners to local stores and shops in Helena and many more. It reminds me of small intimate city stages the way it was designed to be. I even found a couple that make and sell Biltong and it was awesome! I would very highly recommend this event to anyone who enjoys being outside and live music. It's not often you find an event that is really enjoyable for the entire family.

My friends and a couple family members attended the farmer's market at the Amphitheater this summer…read more- and I found it to be a delightful location in Helena's Old Towne District. Local police made getting in and out of the amphitheater area easy. We got out of the car and I wandered the grounds, visited the individual farms' tables, walked through the park and children's playground areas and really enjoyed myself in the relaxing shade. The Amphitheater is an outdoor concert hall, festival grounds, movie theater and nature park. From their website (www.cityofhelena.org), it looks like they even have a "movie in the park" night throughout the summer. Although there were not any other mothers there, I met one mother who brings her children to play on the playground equipment and relax in the cool shade whenever she can as she lives nearby. The certified farmer's market meets on Saturday in the summer while school is out. I understood as a part of the farmer's market, there is a charity-of-the-week which allows local charities to meet members of their community and garner well-deserved support. The first week I visited, there was a local animal shelter offering dog baths for a donation, so there were many dogs on leashes visiting the farmer's market that day and enjoying themselves to a cool bath under the trees. The following week, we went back and were greeted by delightful young ladies from a local club, dressed in Antebellum dresses. Anyone would appreciate this location who enjoys farmer's markets, local concerts, small community events, children's playgrounds, movie in the park night, parks, trees, and shade. I'd encourage anyone to visit, bring a lunch, and have an old-fashioned picnic.

My absolute Favorite local art festival in and around Birmingham. Where else can you puruse booths…read moreof both local and regional artists in one location. Not to mention strolling along while enjoying a beverage of choice. Love how the event has included food trucks in recent years to accommodate the 'Foodies'. Bonus: with the additional Beer Garden add on one can also come and go between both events during the evening of choice.

I frequent the area fall festivals every year, and this was very disappointing. (1) you pay $12 to…read moreenter & then you have to purchase anything you want from the vendors. I've never paid to enter a festival, and I always make purchases. (2) They had several vendors with quality merchandise, but the overwhelming majority was art (wall art, jewelry, carvings). So the variety was lacking - only saw 2 selling edibles & don't remember any clothing. I go to Pepper Place regularly & it's a better mix/balance... farm fresh veggies, pastries, art, jewelry, a number of food trucks, etc. & it's FREE to enter. Mt. Laurel even has a better balance/variety of vendors & it's FREE. Will stick w/the free ones

This was my first time attending the butter bean festival. It's family and dog friendly. There…read morewere different vendors and lots of food options. I parked off the detour from main street. Kinda stumbled upon this parking situation... it was perfect and easily accessible to get into festival. I didn't stay long but long enough to enjoy a bowl of butterbeans & cornbread! I really enjoyed this pregame snack before the Bama game. Very filling & delicious! There is a carnival and live entertainment . This is definitely a fun time for all!

Great place to bring the kids. They have a lot of rides and fun and interesting vendors. Be…read moreprepared to have cash because the ATM fees are outrageous! Friday nights are always packed and Saturdays are more subtle. You do have to purchase tickets to ride the rides. Parking can be a bit hectic.

All kinds of crafts are for sale at Homestead Hollow.Baskets,candy,candles,wind…read morechimes,honey,clothes,cheese,beef sticks,hats,clothes,etc.etc.Lots of old buildings and equipment etc to add to it all.A very nice day trip on Mother's Day for The Working Man Review.

Homestead Hollow is one of favorite fall traditions that signifies the Holiday season! Our dance…read morecompany performs every November here and this is when we start performing Holiday music. It's always a good time with browsing the vendors, eating good food, and the kids playing. Great place to visit!

Located in Kentuck Park in Northport, Alabama-been coming here since the first year I moved to…read moreAlabama in 1989-so much fun! Always in October, sometimes hot and sometimes freezing, you never know about the weather in Alabama. This year they had over 270 artists exhibiting their work for sell-contemporary and expert craftsman. I love all of the unique forms of art and handmade jewelry. There is pottery, woodwork, quilting items and so much more. They also have someone "story-telling" at different hours along with live music and all kinds of festival food. You can park in downtown Northport and take the shuttle or park near and walk. Parking is free. $10/person admittance. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. You will be walking on paved paths and also not on paved paths. The exhibits wind all through the park and you have to watch out for uneven ground and sticks that have fallen from the trees.

This was my second time attending this music festival and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well…read moreattended by friendly folks from all over. The food and concessions are good and the prices are reasonable. It was billed to me as a bluegrass music festival but as much or more the music is folk and Americana. It is family friendly. We arrived Friday afternoon around 5PM and there was hardly a space left to pitch a tent but a friend helped us find a good spot. Many I spoke with had been there for a few days and I was also told that you can get there even a week earlier to mark out a spot. Four showers and plenty of port-o-potties. It is 97% primitive camping. Being a music festival we heard from many talents among whom I enjoyed the Herb Trotman Band's bluegrass. I go for the bluegrass. I also enjoyed Todd Snider's one man performance with his humorous and witty lyrics, but as the night progressed he got just a little too political for my taste so I turned in a little early. Those camping around us could be heard picking, laughing, singing and having a wonderful time all night long. Saturday morning I must say I slept through the nature walk and morning yoga but I did walk about and filled my cup with the complementary coffee more than a few times. Saturday night featured a no show in form of Tony Rice Unit who had called in with sickness, but we were blessed with the scratch band the guys put together and though I can't quite remember the group name they came up with they won the crowd over. I hope they play instead of Tony next year. Dread Clampitt is a regular favorite each year at the Acoustic Cafe. I had only heard them once before at last years festival and I honestly did not care for them. I have to be honest, but I am so glad I gave them second listen. They seemed like a completely different band and I was absolutely blown away. Dread Clampitt, I can't wait until next year. Claire Lynch Band came up the rear as the final performance of the night and I turned in quite late with sounds of fiddles, banjos, and mandolins ringing in my ears. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend in Haleyville, Alabama while attending the Acoustic Cafe 2013 and I look forward to returning next year. Oh and last but not least, there is a whole lot of hula hooping going on. Give it a chance and you'll might become a regular.

All kinds of crafts are available here at Homestead Hollow.Plenty of parking.Food stands are…read moreeverywhere.We come here at least twice yearly to get a few things you can only find here.Recommended by The Working Man Review.

This is a great place for shopping for the holidays. They have bungee jumping, bouncy houses, and a…read moreplayground for the kids to play on. There are plenty of food options to choose from. This was the perfect weather this weekend for this outdoor event.

My mom and I recently visited the winery since learning of their closing next month. This made me…read morereally sad , so I definitely wanted to support them. I was excited to see the crowded parking lot when we arrived. Still ample parking was available. It's been 2 years since my last review so I had forgotten the setup. Basically you find a table (inside or outside) and they come take your order. We opted to sit inside. Our server, Madison was sooooo good! I really enjoyed interacting with her and she made this experience fantastic! She was very efficient and had a great personality. All of the staff were amazing & hardworking! I ordered a wine flight. I did good picking out 4 delicious wines. My fav was the Grenache Rose! So refreshing, crisp and just down right very satisfying! For food we kept it light. We split the Brie cranberry and almond app and I just had to try that hot honey peach cheesecake. We enjoyed both selections so much! Unfortunately, August 10th is their last day of operation. I definitely recommend supporting this local business if you can. I plan to go back to purchase some wines and also to attend events they have planned.

Corbin Farms is a Harvest Host location that is a must stay if you're traveling through Northern…read moreAlabama (just south of Birmingham off I65). We are thrilled with our experience here. Great wine- good people and beautiful property. Thank you Corbin Farms for taking us in for the night. Much appreciated. When we were heading out this morning around 7:30am the wine maker arrived and gave us a bottle of the desert wine. Can't wait to try it. We will definitely return when in the area.

Food and people are amazing. Activities for the kids and adults.read more

It's Glasnost-to-Go: I found something NEW - a sure magnet for lovers of all things Baltic and…read morebeyond. It's the ST. NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH--ANNUAL RUSSIAN/SLAVIC FOOD FESTIVAL! Having found it, I went...and was glad, although I took the trip alone. It was a pleasant drive with a delicious ending. It's held each year on the first Saturday - Sunday of November (times are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Noon - 5 p.m., respectively) in the Parish Hall. [It began in 1981 as a bake sale and until recently it somehow, somewhere, some way eluded me.] Just got back, but it's still going strong tomorrow! (On Sundays, visitors can see a bit of Russian dancing on the grounds, located about 30 minutes northwest of Birmingham...I was sorry I missed the dancers, but my schedule was wild that week). Following what is estimated as a couple months' prep, the ladies of the "Sisterhood of St. Olga" - some of whom you may espy in native peasant dresses - roll out trays full of Ukrainian-Slovakian delights. These bonnes bouches de babushka are based on vintage recipes bequeathed by relatives and friends who immigrated to the area, drawn by potential employ at the local coal mines. Comestibles included beet-infused borscht, shschi (Russian soldiers' cabbage/meat soup - VERY GOOD), pirozhki (buns filled with various ingredients), blini (pancakes of a sort), pelmeni (filled dumplings), and kolbasa, which you may recognize under its Polish name, kielbasa. I chose the grand-slam "Imperial Platter," which boasted halupki (stuffed cabbage), kolbasa, kraut, pirozhki, halushki (dumplings & cabbage), cucumber salad, and pigachi for only $14. I LOVED IT... Other, smaller platters, including a vegetarian selection, are priced accordingly, and many of the pastries (Imperial squares, medivnyk, Russian teacakes, pascha, and bulochki) are individually priced. The smaller pastries run $2, while the larger breads are at $5. Very reasonable! The bakery area, itself, is reason enough to go. Plan to bring extra money just for this. I did, and I was broke...but I took an armload home, with my favorite a toss-up between the nut-filled, Slovakian rozky and the kolach, a rolled bread that, per my choice, was stuffed with almonds... YUMMM. Onsite you'll discover a store known as the Beriozka, where you can find imported tchotchkes (e.g. matryoshkas, or nesting dolls; iconography; hand-painted ornaments) and other more practical imports, such as books and woolen shawls, from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova. I picked up one of the Russian cookbooks and will be utilizing it soonly... Call Father Benedict or Matushka Brigid Davis at the numbers above to get more info. Then it's time to dust off your samovar and head to St. Nick's!