Clanton: Country Paradise

Throughout my time in Birmingham Lauren, Jenna, a few others, and myself shared several laughs about accents. I would enlighten them on a Yooper accent and how to pronounce “Say ya to da U.P., eh!”. Then I would take a stab at how to pronounce “Clatin, Alubama” with a nice southern twist. So after a few days in Birmingham Jenna decided it was time she brought me to her hometown of Clanton. She introduced me to paradise in the country.

With a beautiful home set on 27 acres it was perfect. A wrap-around porch on the front of the house, a porch swing, rocking chair, and a fire fighter’s helmet to honor Jenna’s father and fire fighters around the country. That wasn’t all. They had a tractor I got to ride for the first time, a beautiful yard, a golden retriever. And of course I was offered all the sweet tea that I could drink.

Clanton is famous for peaches and hot hamburgers. The most popular location for site-seeing in Clanton is the water tower, not just any water tower, it’s the world’s largest peach. Sorry Minot, ND, your water tower has now been bumped to the 2nd best of the trip. Planning a trip to Clanton? It’s a requirement to stop by Peach Park. I suggest some peach pie topped with peach ice cream. Let this be your dessert. Because before having your ice cream you need to stop at the Main Street Café for a hot hamburger. I know what you’re thinking, “who would want a cold hamburger?” Well a hot hamburger is an open faced burger covered with cheese, onions, and gravy. It’s spectacular!

While at the Main Street Café with Jenna, Lauren, and Ben I observed being in the middle of a small town. Folks of every age group meeting up for lunch and visiting with others, everyone knows everyone in a small town. So there we were, the four of us chatting when I blurt out, “Y’all should come to my hometown sometime.” I said it! I said y’all. It didn’t even cross my mind. I don’t now what they put in it, but clearly I have been drinking too much sweet tea.

I guess that’s was my true experience with southern hospitality. Something about it made me melt and more relaxed. I didn’t want to leave. Everything seemed so sweet.