Finally It's Spring by John Dersham

Yes, we had a mild winter but what happened in March? In looking at pictures I took last March 15^th our Cherry trees were almost done blooming. This year mine are just working toward full bloom.  Last year was an unusually warm early spring and this year is later than normal…but I do believe that beloved spring has finally arrived. It is time to pull off the long sleeves and get out there in the wonderful warm air and enjoy yourself in our little niche of paradise here in northeast Alabama. We are so fortunate to have the influence of the Appalachian Mountain chain that with it comes a diverse culture of beautiful spring blooming trees and shrubs, that are native to our area like Dogwood Black Cherry, Silverberry, Rhododendron , Mountain Laurel, wild Azalea and too many more to name. Sometimes we take these things for granted but if you go much further south or west you will not find these beautiful plants as natives.

My suggestion is enjoy our gifts and take a Daycation or two here in DeKalb County. Our scenic drives are everywhere and our parks and public attractions are scattered all over the county. How about a picnic at DeSoto State Park? You can play on the playground, hike the trails and look at the wonderful 104 foot waterfall. How about a little fishing and picnicking or camping at DeKalb County Lake in Sylvania, or a trip to Bucks Pocket or High Falls parks? There is the beautiful canyon rim drive and picnic and hiking at Little River Canyon N.P. If you like beautiful scenery combined with a breathtaking cave experience then you need a trip to Sequoyah Caverns. It is a great time to go to Collinsville Trade Day each Saturday, or go on a flea market excursion on Sand Mountain. All of our towns and cities have great locally owned second hand stores. It is fun to spend a day just milling around through these shops. You can visit antique stores like the S House Antiques, The Strand, Goosie’s, Myrtle Jane’s, The Classy Flea, Vintage Green and The Old Big Mill in Fort Payne.

Don’t let spring pass you by without getting out an enjoying the very county you live in. You will not find prettier scenery anywhere you choose to travel than right here at home.

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING OUR COUNTY EVEN MORE LOVELY BY GETTING OUT AND PICKING UP THE LITTER ALONG YOUR OWN ROAD FRONTAGE AND BETTER YET TAKE A LITTLE HIKE AND PICK UP LITTER ALONG YOUR ENTIRE STREET OR ROAD.

For more information about things to do and places to go in our own back yard, please contact us at DeKalb Tourism at 256-845-3957 or visit our website at www.tourdekalb.com