Anniston is considered to be the county seat in Calhoun County in Alabama and is one of two major urban cities/principal centers that are part of and in the Anniston – Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area. It was named “The Model City” in the name of Atlanta reporter Henry W. Grady for its thoughtful urban planning in the latter part of the 19th century. The city is located on the slopes that is Blue Mountain.
1. Anniston Museum of Natural History
In the year H. Severn Regar moved to Anniston from the east coast He offered artifacts and objects from his private collections to the new town, with the condition that it pays the cost of shipping the collection! The people of Anniston who were enthused by the idea of having a museum decided to assist in bringing this collection to the south.
With them, you are able to look through more than 2,000 natural-history objects and diorama-style exhibits that are spanning the centuries.
In the seven exhibit halls in the museum, each exhibit hall is based on a different theme.
Explore Africa Hall which contains a collection of more than 100 creatures in natural surroundings, or visit the Dynamic Earth Room with gemstones and rock formations, fossils, and dinosaurs.
The highlights of the exhibit include 2,000 years-old Egyptian Mummies, a variety of open-air exhibits as well as wildlife gardens.
2. The largest chair in the world
Most people are unaware that Anniston was at one time a world record holder, for the “World’s Biggest Chair The World’s Largest Chair! It was built in 1981 by Miller’s Office Furniture Store 1981 to promote the business, the massive structure is situated close to the road’s edge.
It is an impressive 31 feet high and is able to be able to withstand winds that can reach up to 85 miles per hour.
Made of 10 tons of steel the chair is tall enough to be seen from all over the city.
3. Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Preserve
With more than 9000 acres of parkland, the preserve is named in honor of the diminishing longleaf pine forests of the mountain that are scattered across south-central states.
It is situated at the location of Fort McClellan an army base that was once in use The park is one of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountain ranges.
It’s the perfect spot to go for a picnic, hike, or cycling, and is home to many species of flora, animals and birds Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
You may be lucky enough to spot this endangered orchid Black-throated Green Warblers Scarlet Tanagers along with Bachman’s Sparrows.
4. Oxford Lake
Oxford Lake is a popular recreation area for families and friends. It is located just 5 miles from Anniston.
With an array of things to do, including walking trails as well as picnic pavilions and playgrounds is a wonderful place to unwind and take in the beauty of the landscape.
The park around the lake is home to one of the longest covered bridges in the state.
Coldwater Covered Bridge is a historic landmark that dates from 1850. Relax, and drink an ice-cold beverage while taking in the peaceful view of the lake. You can also you can walk along the hiking trail and get lost in the beauty of natural beauty.
5. Bike Trail in Coldwater Mountain
Coldwater Mountain covers 4,183 acres of mountainous and woodland terrain, ideal for a mountain bikes.
The trail is located just in the middle of Anniston, Alabama, beginners and experienced cyclists can pick from a wide range of trails that can be adapted to their abilities.
From simple and quick loops to rapid downs, gravity trails, and even short loops the terrain is easy or difficult.
If you don’t have a mountain bike on your trip then you shouldn’t be deprived of the stunning scenery.
Get your hiking boots on put a picnic basket in your backpack, and take a stroll along the stunning trails instead!
6. Hell’s Gate Bridge
If you are a fan of everything spooky and supernatural make sure to visit Hell’s Gate Bridge just outside Oxford, Alabama.
The ‘Most Haunted Bridge in Alabama This terrifying wooden and steel bridge resembles what you’d see in the setting of a horror film.
The bridge is believed to be haunted due to the local legend.
In the 1950s, a young couple was driving when they fell off the bridge, plunging into the waters below.
Locals suggest that if stop at the bridge and switch off the lights in the evening the couple will then be able to get in your car and take off on their next journey.
Strange stuff? Perhaps the result of an imaginative mind? You decide.
7. The River’s top Restaurant
You’re not able to go to Alabama without sampling some of the regional delicacies.
Luckily, the Southeast’s biggest seafood and catfish restaurant is in Anniston! Serving freshly caught and cooked products, all seasoned with their secret recipes, you’ll soon be sampling what’s known as the Largest Seafood Platter in the World, Creole Boiled Shrimp Dinner, or even a whole fry of Catfish! Do not fret if you’re not keen on eating fish, they have baby back ribs that are dipped in a mouthwatering barbecue glaze and a variety of tasty chicken dishes.
8. Berman Museum
The intriguing Berman Museum located in Anniston was established by an American G.I. serving in North Africa during the Second World War.
In the course of his travels in the country, the man Farley Berman ran into a French spy, who then became his wife of his.
In their travels, they gathered weapons and antiques as well as over 6000 odd objects from across the globe.
The artifacts include Hitler’s silver tea service as well as a gun firing flute, as well as a James Bond-style ink pen that fires a .22! If you’d like to dig more deeply into the museum’s archives make a reservation for a tour and get into the back of the museum to see an interesting collection of weapons from the cold war and medieval era.
9. Freedom Rider’s Park
In 1955 the year 1955, In 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, an African-American woman Rosa Parks stood up for her rights when she was told to surrender her seat on the bus to a white passenger.
The event echoed across America. The USA thus started what would become the Civil Rights Movement.
In early 1961, a few years later in the early part of 1961, the US Supreme Court voted that bus segregation was ‘unconstitutional and must be ended.
But the states in the south were not so sure, and they opted to ignore the ruling and insuring segregation on public transport even more.
The Freedom Riders – a group of Civil Rights activists of different races drove buses into cities in an attempt to bring about change in the southern states.
On May 14th in 1961 it was the day that the KKK targeted the Greyhound Bus in Anniston with the use of a bomb.
The Klan secured the doors to make sure that the passengers were not able to get out for several minutes.
The picture of the ‘Burning bus’ was broadcast around the world however it was the citizens from Anniston in the greatest way.
They began to make changes, working together to achieve peaceful de-segregation.
The exhibit is on display on display in Freedom Riders Park today, with stories, artwork, and photos that illustrate the way in which one event triggered the city to unite in one.
10. Zinn Park
Zinn Park is located in the middle of Downtown Anniston.
It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a family day with its pavilions, jogging, walking paths, and even the fun splash area for youngsters.
Martin Luther King Jr. The Pavilion is home to a variety of concerts and events all through the year, which guests can attend along with locals.
The playground is specially designed for disabled children, which means that no child is excluded.
11. White Oak Vineyards
Alabama is a state in the United States. Alabama produces excellent premium wines. If you’re in Anniston you’ll be able to sample some on the premises of White Oak Vineyards.
In the rolling hills of scenic beauty, The winery is surrounded by rolling hills and offers an extensive selection of French hybrid white and red wines as well as southern fruit as well as Muscadine wines.
Muscadine is an American wine that is made entirely of American grape varieties. Since the grapes have low sugar content. The wine is sugar-free to make it the perfect sweet drink and excellent dessert wine.
Visitors can taste the various wines, purchase one or two bottles, and browse the selection of juices jams, jellies, and other juices in the shop at the farm.
12. Cheaha Brewing Company
In the middle of Downtown Anniston close to Zinn Park is Cheaha Brewing Company.
If you’re in search of craft beer that is brewed locally or fancies good southern food that’s old-fashioned This is where to be.
The menu is suitable for carnivores as well as vegetarians, there is something for everyone.
Take a look at the baked Oysters with Cajun as well as Lemon Butter Sauce, or put them in a Pimento Cheeseburger and finish it off with a craft brew.
The bar/restaurant also hosts entertainment on a regular basis, with live music that will surely keep everyone’s feet moving.
13. Longleaf Botanical Gardens
It is located near the Anniston Museum of Natural History and the Berman Museum The stunning Longleaf Botanical Gardens.
This is an ideal spot to unwind and reflect after an afternoon spent at the museums.
The gardens are dotted with exotic cascades and borders that are adorned with a variety of colorful blooms and flowers.
There’s a special section specifically for hummingbirds and butterflies and even a plant garden that is devoted to plants that thrive within central Alabama.
It’s the Longleaf Nature Trail that shouldn’t be ignored either. You’ll be able to see more than 25 native species of trees when you stroll through shady woodlands dotted with fragrant azaleas, hydrangeas, and scented aza.
14. Cheaha State Park
At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha State Park is a delight for those who love nature.
With breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and breathtaking sunsets, it’s an area every visitor to Alabama should overlook.
Start early and enjoy a breakfast buffet for breakfast at Vista Cliffside Restaurant with panoramic valley views of Talladega National Forest, then once you’re well-nourished take off for one of the local cycling or hiking trails.
If you are feeling up for it, you can visit the top peak at Cheaha Mountain.
With bunker towers and an observation deck, it’s the ideal spot for photographers.
15. Tubing along Choccolocco Creek
Spend a relaxing day tubing along close to Choccolocco Creek.
If you like watching the world go across the ocean it is possible to take a few hours to float at ease along the beautiful riverbanks.
Bring the family, invite friends take off your life jacket, and you’re set! This floating on the lazy river is ideal if you’ve been on a tour for a couple of days around the area and would like to sit back and relax, doing nothing else but float around and take in the beautiful scenery.
Anniston is the County Seat of Calhoun County in Alabama and is one of two major urban major cities that are part of and in the Anniston – Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area. It was named “The Modell city” in the name of Atlanta reporter Henry W. Grady for its meticulous urban planning in the latter part of the 19th century. The city is located at the foot that is Blue Mountain.
Also, check the Top 14 Things to Do in Andalusia of Alabama
