Within minutes of Birmingham youll find a gorgeous park that made National Geographic Travelers list of top small U.S. parks: Palisades Park in Oneonta. Open since 1973, this 80-acre mountaintop beauty is truly one of the Birmingham areas best kept secrets.
The park perches atop Ebell Mountain with sheer rock cliffs spanning one side and affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Lovely old wood-framed buildings have been moved from around Blount County to the park and dot the wooded acreage, along with beautiful wood and stone buildings available for private parties and events.
Picnic tables and pavilions are plentiful, along with a miniature wooden bridge, large well-equipped fenced playgrounds and eight different nature trails. And a miniature chapel perches on the cliff top. Clean restrooms are located inside the parks office building, as well as a soft drink vending machine.
Local gardening club members keep the area brilliant with colors and the azaleas are currently putting on a spectacular show. Roomy wooden swings are scattered throughout and the abundant shade and gentle breezes make the park a wonderful retreat even on the hottest days of summer.
A hugely popular spot for rappelling, the park offers over 90 routes for top-rope climbing and with ratings ranging from 5.4 to 5.12. These spread over a quarter mile of bluff with 60 to 70 foot cliffs. All climbers are required to purchase a permit from the park office; the fee is nominal.
Three buildings are available to rent for private parties and events, all at a rate of $20 per hour:
(A) The Amilea Porter Center sits bluffside with a wall of windows offering great views. Theres a gas log fireplace; central heat and air; 18 six-foot folding tables; over 100 chairs; a full equipped kitchen, including a 42-cup coffeemaker; two restrooms, including one handicapped accessible.
Every rental includes garbage bags and toilet tissue. A large barbecue grill outside near the building is reserved for renters use.
(B) Not far from the Amilea Porter Center is Dalton Moss Lodge offering the same facilities.
(C) On the lower side of the park is the D.S. Loyd building alongside a small covered bridge and a gazebo. The rest of the amenities are much the same as the other two
The Quilters Cottage at the park is where the Blount County Quilters Guild meets. Any time the quilters are in residence, visitors are welcome to drop in and watch the quilters at work and browse the cottage to shop for finished items.
October 25 and 26, 2013 are the dates for their next Quilt Show. A $5 admission price gets you into a world of wonder quilt work. The Guilds website also includes items for sale.
From around Thanksgiving to Christmas the Christmas Light Extravaganza lights the park with display after display. Walking through is fun, but the displays are always located where those who prefer to stay inside their cars can drive through without missing any of the scenery.
The park is open 9am to 9pm April through December; January through March, park hours are 9am to 5pm. Theres no admission fee, but the park office will happily accept donations.
DINING
One of the most popular eateries around, OSo Good Barbecue, sits right on Highway 231 only minutes from Palisades Park. Besides lip-smacking barbecue, the restaurant serves up scrumptious vegetables, plus other dishes like fried catfish and hamburger steak.
They also offering catering service and to-go boxes perfect for picnicking at the park. Open Thurs.-Sun. Address: 55545 Hwy. "The key to budget travel is to prepare in front. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the fact of expense and budgeting is generally in the back of our thoughts. Preparation and expending our travel budget wisely is a consideration for most families. Curbing expending and costs, while still experiencing your vacation to its fullest, is the key to confirmed achievement and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thought behind saving money while journeying is simple: Even if your personal finances is extremely tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also remembering that while traveling, regardless of whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a large vacation or travel bill!..". 31 N., Oneonta; phone (205) 625-4590.
NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS
Less than 15 miles from Palisades Park is Capps Cove, a bed and breakfast with beautifully decorated rooms inside the main house plus quaint cabins along the wooded creek. A huge red barn with concrete floors, heat and air and many other amenities is available for get-togethers and wedding receptions. And speaking of weddings, Capps Cove even has its own beautiful white chapel, perfect for weddings and vow renewals.
Cabins are equipped with fireplaces, outdoor grills, microwaves, refrigerators, complimentary snacks and continental breakfast baskets. For reservations or more information: (800) 583-4750.
MORE INFO
To learn more about what there is to see and do around Blount County, visit the Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce website.
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