Colony Cemetery - Fairhope Alabama



Colony Cemetery Step Entrance


While cemeteries are something that a lot of people find interesting you will find just as many that have no interest in seeing them. However if you are interested in history and not just the aspect of seeing as many cemeteries as you can then if you happen to visit Fairhope Alabama then there is one cemetery that you should visit. Colony Cemetery is located in downtown in the area of Oak Street. While you will not find any famous names buried here and there were no great battles that left many men dead and buried here there is some history. Many of the people that were responsible for shaping Fairhope and even Baldwin County itself rest here. If you are interested in seeing one of the most beautful cemeteries there is then go here.



One of the many stone graves

 It has a drive that leads down into the cemetery that some people would say is a little creepy, but I think it's peaceful, or if you are on foot there is a step entrance, which is where the sign is located. It seems as if you are going into the woods and not a cemetery, once in the cemetery it almost seems like you are in another place. You can hear the passing cars, and sometimes when looking in the right direction you might be able to see one, but it's far from modern. For a long time this was the only cemetery in Fairhope and therefore is the oldest. It's free to see, but remember that you're not to go in at night, and should you decide to visit please be respectful as this is a graveyard and respect should be given.

Colony Cemetery
North side of Oak Street between N. Section Street and North Church Street

Office Phone number:
251-928-8162

Toomer's Corner - Auburn Alabama

Toomer's Corner located in Auburn Alabama has been a tradition in Auburn 1896. You can find the historic Toomer's Drug Store where you can get the best fresh squeezed lemonade in south, it's a must see if you happen to be in Auburn. Not only do they have great lemonade but their old fasioned soda fountion will prove as a way to take you back in time, with good food and even ice cream. As you walk to Toomer's Drugs make sure to take special note of the stars that you pass on the sidewalk. They are decorating the entire Toomer's area with names of past Auburn legends like Pat Dye and Bo Jackson.

Another tradtion that Auburn fans, alumni and student hold dear is the tradtion of the great oaks at Toomer's Corner. For generations after every Auburn football victory students flock down to Toomer's Corner and throw toilet paper over the trees and surrounds lamps, poles, and even the traffic lights. The oak trees serve as a staple and tradition not only in Alabama but in the south, and stand as a symbol of the states love for football and Saturday afternoon rivalries. This tradition is held so close to heart that you can even buy special Toomer's Corner toilet paper rolls in Auburn to take with you to the game, so that you can run right over to the corner after the game.

Please note that sadly in early February 2011 in was announced that these trees were poisoned, by a so called Bama fan (I myself being a Bama fan, do not claim him). While currently the future of the trees remains unknown, one thing is for sure. Regardless of the outcome the Toomer's Cornet tradition will live on, and those that remember this awful event will never forget how fans from all teams joined together to mourn this senseless act.

Toomer's Corner is located on the corner of Magnolia Avenue, and College Street.

"Damn the Torpedos" Historic Fort Gaines - Dauphin Island AL



Historic Fort Gaines



Fort Gaines is home to the famous phrase "Damn the torpedos full speed ahead!" Fort Gaines is located on Dauphin Island off the coast of Mobile Alabama. This fort has weathered many storms and now stands has a historical landmark, a gateway to the past. Built in 1821, this fort is a landmark and best know for it's role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Visitors can see not only the fort but also the USS Hartford which is where the famous line from above was said. The fort has the original cannons that were used during the war on display.

                Fort Gaines is a landmark not to be missed and one that could soon be gone. In March 2009 the Cival War Preservation Trust placed this site on the "History Under Seige" list, this list is for the ten most endangered Civil War battlefields in the country. With the many storms that the fort as weathered it has sustained many damages and with the fort itself sitting only a short distance away from the Gulf then with weather that continues to erode the beach, the fear is that one day this historic site will be lost forever. If you do get the great chance to see this site then you will no doubt be amazed. Many of the walls and brick are still the original that was laid over a hundred years ago. While some of the fort that has been damaged has been repaired or perhaps turned into a model of what it would have looked like years agos when the fort was still in use. Please be advised that many of the tunnels are quite low, and there are some areas that you will not be able to see unless you bring a flashlight. There are also many areas that have an "enter at your own risk" sign on them. These are just small portions of the fort and one can still enjoy it even if they don't want to deal with these areas.

Dolphins in Mobile Bay, as seen from the ferry

If you want to get to the historic fort there are only two ways. The first is to drive across the bridge that comes from Mobile. The second however is the more unique and scenic way. If you go to Fort Morgan that is near Gulf Shores there is a ferry and you can take the ferry, you can either walk on or take or car. If you take a car they will make you pay by the car otherwise it's per person. Then the ferry will take you across the bay to Dauphin Island where you can visit the fort. If you take the ferry you will have the change of seeing Mobile Bay's sealife swimming around. Dolphins can often be seen from the ferry boats and can sometimes even get close to the ferry. If you are lucky enough to be able to see these creatures in their natural habitat then it is something you will never forget. You can then take the ferry back to Fort Morgan. They have a strict running time so make sure that you check on it before you head out.

Fort Gaines is located at

251/861-6992
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528

The ferry's website

http://www.mobilebayferry.com/schedule.html

Zen Massage (Atlanta)

Now this is a place that is a must for anyone that likes to be pampered. I have to admit it's not very big, and they don't have a very large staff but the staff is amazing as are the services, and the prices are some of the best that I have ever found. There are three locations in the Atlanta area however the one that I went to was Camp Creek so please keep in mind that is the location that I know for sure I loved. Here is just an example of services and prices that are offered. Swedish Massage-1 hour- $39.95, Deep Tissue Massage- 1 hour- $49.00. They offer other massages as well such as Sports, Neuromuscular, Pregnancy, and Focus. And you can have add ons put at the end of your massages such as, Hot Stones, Aromatherapy, Reflexology. If you happen to be going to get a massge with your significant other they do offer couples massages. Prices are very good for that as well, and I would highly recommend it.

Photo of the Camp Creek Location is below.

Camp Creek Zen Massage

 Skin Treatments are also offered at the Camp Creek location. They offer Express Facials, Customized Facials, Microzones (you can choose the specialized treatment you want), Age Smart Facials, Medibac Clearing Facial, Back Facial/Body Treatment. Prices for all of these range from $25.00-$85.00 depending on what facial you want. They also offer several waxing services.

The staff is amazing, they are very helpful, and pay attention to what you need whether it is a massage or skin treatment. They talk to you so you can tell them what you want out your visit, and if have any problems or in the case of massages injuries.

Now I guess that I should point out there are a few drawbacks, it is a little out of the way, not really near much, however if you are driving it's not a bad drive from Atlanta or any of the surrounding areas. It is in a shopping center which can make it seem a little smaller that other places. And it is a Zen massage place so if you are looking for fancy, this isn't the place for you. However I find the simple design calming and very much relaxing.

I am sure that all the locations are very nice, and helpful and relaxing. However I would visit the Camp Creek location. I would call ahead to book a reservation to make sure you can get what you want, when you want it. Their contact information is as follows.

678-705-3343
3220 Butner Road, Suite 140

Atlanta, GA 30331
http://www.zenmassageusa.com/