Many parents of schoolchildren across Alabama find that day trips can offer a quick getaway during the school year. This year, consider taking a trip within Alabama to one of the following destinations with a Christian twist.
Historic churches
Visitors driving through Alabama towns are struck by the beauty of churches of all denominations. An idea for a day trip is to research and visit historic churches in an area or add an historic church visit to your planned fall break vacation.
“There are Baptist churches all over the state that have been standing for a long time,” said Sammie Barstow, a member of First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa. It’s worth the research, she said, to visit these churches.
Ave Maria Grotto
One of the most popular religious destinations in the state is Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman. The site, also called “Jerusalem in Miniature,” consists of miniature reproductions of 125 holy sites throughout the world.
Pat Taylor, a member of Unity Baptist Church, Concord, said the grotto is a wonderful destination because of its uniqueness.
Designed in stone and concrete over a 40-year period by Benedictine monk Joseph Zoettl, the replicas include miniatures of Jerusalem, sites throughout the holy land and other famous buildings. Perfect for both adults and children, the four-acre park also includes gardens and a gift shop.
Judy Bates, a member of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church, said she enjoys the grotto because of its peaceful setting. “Walking around and seeing what one man did as a way of honoring the Lord helps me to realize the impact that any one person can have through a life truly committed to Christ.”
Ave Maria Grotto is open daily October–March, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For information visit www.avemariagrotto.com.
American Village
Although not an overtly Christian destination, American Village in Montevallo provides visitors with a renewed understanding of freedom, liberty and American history. It’s a good site to prompt discussions about the faith of America’s founding fathers and American freedoms, such as freedom of religion.
The park includes historically inspired buildings, such as one patterned after George Washington’s Mount Vernon, costumed historical interpreters, colonial gardens created by Southern Living, an Oval Office exhibit, a hands-on voting exhibit and much more. One Sunday a month, the village offers Sundays in the Chapel. It also has special events for Christmas and other holidays. American Village is open in the fall Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information call 1-877-811-1776.
DeSoto Caverns Park
Since 1965 DeSoto Caverns Park in Childersburg has offered a wealth of activities for children as well as beautiful natural wonders. Caverns — including a room 12-stories high and longer than a football field — are the park’s centerpieces, but it also offers such activities as gemstone panning, cave wall climbing, wacky water golf and a trail maze.
According to Tammy Studdard, media director, the caverns are a Christian, privately owned park. She said the park was “dedicated to the glory of God” in 1997, and its owners provide activities that highlight their Christian faith. Each year — this year between Nov. 28 and Jan. 1 — Christ’s birth is presented during a laser and light show in the main cave. DeSoto Caverns Park is open daily April–October, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and November–March, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The park opens at 1 p.m. on Sundays. For information call 1-800-933-2283.
Alabama Baptist history
Alabama Baptist historical sites also provide opportunities for day trips. One could visit Flint River Baptist Church, near Huntsville, to see the first Baptist church established in Alabama or go to Greensboro to visit the site of the organization of the Alabama Baptist State Convention in 1823. Marion also offers a variety of historical options. It is where the Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board) was founded. The table around which delegates met to organize the board can be found at Siloam Baptist Church, Marion. Marion is also the birthplace of Judson College, Samford University and The Alabama Baptist newspaper.
Traveling near Jonesboro, one will find a monument in Sadler Cemetery marking the grave of Hosea Holcombe, a leader in organizing the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
To find out more, contact the Alabama Baptist Historial Commission at 1-800-325-9863.
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