Previously, I compiled a list of places to visit in and around Cullman County and north Alabama that are fun, and most importantly safe, to do during the pandemic. Most of the places mentioned could easily be done in a day or on a short weekend getaway. Here are a few more ideas for destinations, some out of state, that are still nearby and great places to explore.
Shiloh National Military Park
1055 Pittsburg Landing Road, Shiloh, TN 38376
Shiloh is approximately two hours from Cullman but well worth the drive to visit. The site of the Battle of Shiloh, this National Park provides a map for a self-guided tour of the large park including Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh National Cemetery and the Shiloh Indian Mounds Site. The visitor center is open and offers a movie to give you a better understanding of the two-day battle and events leading up to it. Besides the visitor center, which is not busy during the winter months, all the locations on the self-guided tour are outside and can be enjoyed at your own pace.
The grounds are clearly marked as you piece together and imagine the conflict that took place. Countless monuments and authentic artillery are placed throughout the park pinpointing exactly where the soldiers were, and which regiments were involved. You can walk to the Hornet’s Nest, Shiloh Church and the several Confederate mass graves located there. The Shiloh National Cemetery is located near the visitor center and overlooking the Tennessee River. You can actually stand in the same spot where General Ulysses S. Grant slept in the days leading up to the battle.
If you love history or the Civil War, this is a must-visit and a great learning opportunity for kids. Besides travel costs, the park is free to visit, but donations can be made at the visitor center. There is also a gift shop with literature on the Civil War and Battle of Shiloh. www.nps.gov/shil
Davis Bridge Battlefield
1145 Essary Springs Road, Pocahontas, TN 38061
Located about 20 minutes from the main Shiloh site, the Davis Bridge Battlefield (sometimes referred to as the Battle of Hatchie’s Bridge) is a bit off the beaten path. It is a great stop, though, maintained as part of the Shiloh National Military Park. Markers guide you down a path in the woods to the banks of the Hatchie River where the final engagement of the Iuka-Corinth Campaign occurred. www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/davis-bridge
Hagy’s Catfish Hotel
1140 Hagy Lane, Shiloh, TN 38376
Although it’s not a hotel, this is a great restaurant overlooking the Tennessee River near the Shiloh battlefields. The shack, outside the restaurant, was actually occupied by Union troops during the Battle of Shiloh. The restaurant has a great lodge-like atmosphere with a menu of seafood, chicken, steaks, burgers and more. It’s fun to watch the barges pass by so closely as you enjoy a meal.
This could be a long day trip, but I would recommend taking two days to thoroughly explore the area. There are hotels in neighboring cities near Shiloh, but we opted for an Airbnb in the charming town of Henderson. www.catfishhotel.com
Dahlonega, Georgia
This is definitely an overnight trip, at least. It’s a four-hour drive but through some of the prettiest scenery in northern Georgia. This old gold mining town has some great family places to check out. The Consolidated Gold Mine is open for tours, and masks are definitely required. If going deep underground makes you uncomfortable, no worries. You can still pan for gold or do a little “grubbing” for gems all while staying safely distanced from other guests. For those Six Flags lovers, you might be familiar with the Dahlonega Mine Train roller coaster. Well, this is where the real deal is.
The Dahlonega area also has several vineyards, wineries and waterfalls to visit as well as a charming downtown area near the campus of the University of North Georgia. The downtown area is full of local eateries, art shops and boutiques.
We stumbled upon Dahlonega and can’t wait to go back! We wished we had more time to explore this beautiful town. To see more activities, visit www.dahlonega.org.
Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain
708 County Road 345, Attalla, AL 35954
Although this destination will be closed throughout January, it is a place you should visit in a few weeks. Don’t expect a typical zoo. This Wild Animal Preserve and Environmental Education Center is home to tigers, mountain lions, African lions, bears, wolves, black leopards and other endangered animals. The preserve is in a more natural setting for the animals, and guests are expected to respect the animals by being mindful of their noise level and following the rules of the reserve. For more information on costs and future reservations, visit www.tigersfortomorrow.org.
Other notable places nearby I hope to visit soon and report back:
- David Crockett State Park- Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
- Bell Witch Cave- Adams, Tennessee
- Cathedral Caverns State Park- Woodville, Alabama
- Rickwood Caverns State Park- Warrior, Alabama
- Russell Cave National Monument- Bridgeport, Alabama
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway- Blue Ridge, Georgia
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