10 Secret Spots In Alabama Where Nature Will Completely Relax YouPosted on 30 June, 2015 | In Alabama Please click here for original post.  In Alabama, we’re fortunate to have beautiful scenery all around us. Sprawling forests, glistening lakes and picturesque waterfalls are just a few examples of the beautiful scenery we get to enjoy every day. Listed below are 10 of the most beautiful and relaxing places in Alabama. 1. DeSoto Falls wikimedia commons At more than 100 feet high, DeSoto Falls is one of the tallest and most visited waterfalls in Alabama, and it also flows year-round. This AMAZING waterfall is a part of DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. 2. Gulf Shores Beach flickr/faungg's photos There aren't many things more relaxing than the sound of waves crashing on the shore. ... 06/30/2015

Arts sssociation prepares for momentous release of ‘Go Set a WatchmanPosted: Monday, June 29, 2015 2:04 pm | Updated: 2:17 pm, Mon Jun 29, 2015.Please click here for original post.With less than a month until the release of Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman,” the Arts Association of East Alabama readies for the new novel with two days of “All Things Mockingbird.” The Cultural Center of East Alabama will host a special double bill of events June 29 and June 30, showcasing southern artists and writers influenced by the world renowned author. Wayne Flynt, a friend of Lee, historian and professor emeritus at Auburn University, is slated to speak over wine and cheese about his thoughts on the release of the new manuscript tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. The event will be free to the public. Flynt was on... 06/29/2015

Auburn-Opelika area leaders eye infrastructure needsTodd J. Van Emst/Opelika-Auburn News  A truck travels across the I-85 overpass at exit 60 in Opelika.Posted: Saturday, June 27, 2015 7:13 pmFROM STAFF REPORTSPlease click here for original post. With intersection and thoroughfare improvements ongoing in Auburn and the dream of a beltway around Opelika, area leaders have the changing infrastructure needs of one of America's fastest-growing areas in the headlights as highway officials check off their to-do lists like mile markers passing into the rearview mirror. Census estimates in 2012 indicated Lee County is the second fastest growing county in Alabama and the Opelika-Auburn metropolitan area is 11th fastest growing in the nation. In Opelika, which grew from 23,000 people in 2000 to n... 06/29/2015

12 Surprising Things You Might Have Never Thought About Doing In AlabamaPosted on 27 June, 2015 | In Alabama Please click here for original post. Here in Alabama, there are so many different types of activities to participate in. As a matter of fact, some of these activities can only be done here and nowhere else. Let’s take a look at 12 activities in Alabama you might not have ever thought about doing. 1. Drive a real NASCAR race car. facebook/Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure/Emily Cherry If you've ever wondered what it's like to drive a real NASCAR race car, wonder no more. Thanks to the Dale Jarrett Racing School, racing fans have the unique opportunity to find out what it’s like to race a car on a real track. Prices for this experience range from $195 to $3,295. It all depends on how m... 06/27/2015

You’ll Want To Cross These 10 Amazing Bridges In AlabamaPosted on 26 June, 2015 | In Alabama Please click here for original post.  Bridges are amazing structures. And while some people love them, many are highly terrified of going over them. Alabama is home to some pretty amazing bridges, and listed below are 10 bridges that you should definitely check out. 1. Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge wikimedia commons Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge, located in Mobile, was the first cable-stayed bridge to ever be built in the state. It was named in honor of Africatown, a Civil War-era settlement that was founded by the last group of African slaves that were brought over to the United States. Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge is 7,291 feet long and opened in 1991. 2. Bibb Graves Bridge wikimedia commo... 06/27/2015

9 stunning spots that make you want to stay in Alabama this summerBy Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com  on June 11, 2014 at 6:25 AM, updated June 11, 2014 at 1:57 PMPlease click here for original post and to view pictures. Have you ever run into those people who aren't "from around these parts" who didn't realize Alabama had a coastline with beautiful white sand beaches?I have spent plenty of time telling people about the natural beauty of Alabama, from its mountains and lakes to its canyons and rivers. If you aren't aware of our state's diversity, take a look on the website for the Alabama Film Office under the "Location Search" tab and see the variety of our amazing natural "sets."After recently reading a BuzzFeed list of "13 Places Where Southerners Don't Want You To Vacation," which, by t... 06/25/2015

Here Are 14 Things People From Alabama Are Always Having To Explain To VisitorsPosted on 24 June, 2015 | In Alabama Please click here for original post.  There are so many different things that people in Alabama are constantly having to explain to visitors. If you’re an Alabama resident, the list below probably sounds familiar. And if you’re currently planning to visit Alabama for the very first time, this list will definitely help you. So, let’s take a look at 14 things that people in Alabama are always having to explain to visitors. 1. Birmingham is NOT the capital of Alabama. wikipedia Montgomery is the capital of Alabama. Because Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, many people assume it's also the capital. 2. The summer humidity in Alabama is AWFUL! flickr/Victoria Henderson ... 06/24/2015

No Syrup Sopping Festival in Loachapoka this yearFor original post please click here. LOACHAPOKA, AL (WTVM) -Organizers tell News Leader 9 the Syrup Sopping Festival, a tradition that draws more than 20,000 people to the small town of Loachapoka, Ala., will not take place this year.Loachapoka Mayor James Grout said it's a sad day for the town, but he says Loachapoka is planning a fall festival event with the Lee County Historical Society. Mayor Grout says Syrup Sopping organizers won't call him back to explain why they are leaving.However, we spoke with two organizers over the phone on Wednesday."It's just really sad because it brings people to Loachapoka that have never even heard of the town before," said Deborah McCord, who has worked with the Lee County Historical Society for 20 yea... 06/24/2015

The 10 Best Places In Alabama To Go On An Unforgettable PicnicPosted on 23 June, 2015 | In Alabama Please click here for original post. I absolutely love picnics! Who doesn’t? Picnics are one of those simple pleasures in life that can really take place anywhere, whether it be at a park, alongside a river, on the beach, etc. Picnic locations really are endless. Now that summer has officially begun, people are packing their baskets and heading out the door to have the perfect picnic. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best places in Alabama to have a picnic. 1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens – Birmingham, AL wikimedia commons Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama's largest living museum, and it's also the state's most visited free attraction. The beautiful scenery is what makes this place the... 06/23/2015

Please contact me at (334) 332-7263 if you have any questions or would like to reserve your lot today. It's hard to believe how quickly these new homes have gone up! New homes and lake lots are available. Please click here for more information.    06/20/2015

Pizzeria coming to historic Auburn bank locationFor original post please click here.Special to the Villager | 0 comments A new pizza restaurant, Pieology Pizzeria, will open its doors at the location of the historic Auburn bank, formerly the location of The Bank Vault.  Pieology Pizzeria announced its plans for the construction of its third Alabama Pieology location Friday.   The building, located at Toomer’s Corner at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue is owned by Oak Tree Corner, LLC. “We have been looking forward to having Pieology in downtown Auburn for a long time,” said Drew Goodner of Oak Tree Corner, LLC. “Combined with the Toomer’s Corner improvements, Pieology will greatly benefit the downtown area.” The new store will be operated by Segovia Aslan Enterpris... 06/20/2015

By Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE)  Please click here for the original post.Alabama residential sales in May up 13%; 88% of local markets improve YTD from last yearClick here to view or print the entire May report compliments of the ACRE Corporate Cabinet. Alabama home sales up 10% vs May 2014. May sales up 43% from 2009 monthly bottom. Infograph courtesy of ACRE. All rights reserved.Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE) Sales: Alabama residential sales totaling 4,739 units in May reflect an increase of 10.1 percent growth from the same period a year earlier. Sales for the month are 19.1 percent above the five-year April sales average('10-'14) of 3,978 units. Year-to-date sales through May are up 12.2 percent from 2014.Forecast: May sales were 3.4 percent or 154 units above our mo... 06/19/2015

Wishing all the dads a very Happy Father's Day weekend!!!  06/18/2015

Please contact me at (334) 332-7263 if you have any questions or would like to reserve a lot in Auburn's only Active Adult gated community. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate Have you checked out Auburn's only Active Adult gated community? You should! Find out more about The Legacy at Cary Creek here: https://lnkd.in/eaY7HUC 06/18/2015

By Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE)  Click here to view or print the entire May report compliments of the ACRE Corporate Cabinet.Sales: According the Lee County Association of REALTORS MLS, Lee County area residential sales totaled 203 units in May, an increase in sales growth of 20.1 percent or 34 units above the same period last year. This represents the best sales results for the month of May since at 2000 when the Center began warehousing data for Lee County. The previous high was 183 transactions experienced in May 2007.  Year-to-date sales through May are up 30.4 percent from 2014.  Two more resources to review market: Quarterly Report and Annual ReportForecast: May sales were 54 units or 36.2 percent above our monthly forecast. ACRE's year-to-date sales forecast through May ... 06/17/2015

5 Ways You're Decreasing Your Home's Value By Andrew Lisa RISMEDIA, Tuesday, June 16, 2015— (TNS)—There are a lot of things homeowners can do to add value to their home. But there are just as many ways they can decrease their home’s worth without even realizing it. Everyone knows that neglecting their yard or painting their house neon pink could make their home less valuable. But whether you’re planning to sell, to refinance or to rent on Airbnb, there are steps you can take to retain, and even increase, the value of your home. Avoid these five common mistakes.Neglecting Your Hot Water HeaterAccording to This Old House, well-maintained hot water heaters run better and more efficiently than those that are neglected, leading to lower bills and greater longevity for the nucleus of your ho... 06/16/2015

ANOTHER NEW HOME IN EAST LAKE ESTATES NEARS COMPLETION Please contact me at (334) 332-7263 for your personal showing.Michael Allen Homes and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices are excited to present an early look inside 1690 Glendale Circle in East Lake Estates. This 4100 square foot home features custom touches and upgrades beyond compare. See the full photo gallery here:http://bit.ly/1GsYSeq or visit EastLakeEstates.com for lot selection, home plans and contact information.  06/16/2015

WRITTEN BY JORDAN LAPORTA ON JUNE 16, 2015 AT 1:11 PM CDT  Forbes: Auburn-Opelika metro area is one of America’s best small cities for jobsAUBURN, Ala. — The Auburn-Opelika Metro area has been named by Forbes Magazine as the seventh best small city for jobs in the country. Financial analysts from the magazine’s online website evaluated 421 metropolitan statistical areas and ranked them based on employment growth over the short-, medium- and long-term, going back to 2003, and momentum — whether growth is slowing or accelerating.The south Alabama area listed 60,700 jobs in 2014 and continues to boom. The cities have seen expansion with the help of the growth from Auburn University, which has attracted many skilled students from both in and out of state. Earlier this year, Payscale.com li... 06/16/2015

Posted: Thursday, June 11, 2015 8:08 pm | Updated: 8:15 pm, Thu Jun 11, 2015.Katherine Haas | Opelika-Auburn NewsFor original post please click here. A proposed $35 million multiple-use residential and commercial development in Auburn off East Glenn Avenue near Indian Hills Subdivision could come to fruition following a recommendation of approval from the Auburn Planning Commission to the Auburn City Council. At its monthly meeting Thursday, the Planning Commission, going against the city planning department’s recommendation for denial, voted 4-2 to recommend to the City Council the approval of a request to apply a Planned Development District (PDD) designation to roughly 30 acres for the proposed Spring Lake development. Delta Development Group LLC requested the land be rezoned from Co... 06/11/2015

It Pays to Go the Extra Mile By John Boe RISMEDIA, Wednesday, June 10, 2015— The most successful companies and the highest paid salespeople place great value on developing lifetime relationships with their customers and actively look for opportunities to render service above and beyond their customers' expectations. In today's competitive marketplace, your customers are aggressively prospected and their loyalty cannot be taken for granted. Customer-focused companies and individuals recognize that relationship building and follow-on service are critical components for promoting both customer retention and long-term revenue growth.When it comes to rendering superior customer service, a “one size fits all” approach simply doesn’t cut it. Research in the field of human psychology indicates... 06/10/2015