Oct. 30th- Forks of Cypress Walking Tour

Forks of Cypress Plantation Site & Cemetery Walking tour and historic marker dedication. Saturday, October 30, 10am-12pm.
Presentation by Curtis Flowers,
Guided tour by Harry Wallace.
Directions: Cox Creek PKwy to Jackson Rd. (no traffic signal), go north on Jackson Rd and turn right at dead end onto CR 41.

October 30th - Book Signing at Sweetwater Mansion

Jessica Penot will be signing copies of her book at Sweetwater Mansion on October 30th from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Jessica a therapist and writer who lives in Alabama. Her work has been published in Nocturnal Ooze, Theatre of Decay, Cthulu Sex Magazine, Outer Darkness, and Byzarium. She also has a ghost story column in the Valley Planet and has written a horror novel, Circe,which will be released in August of 2011. Her book Haunted North Alabama is now available from History Press.

http://www.jessicapenot.net/haunted-north-alabama.html

Author, Jessica Penot, Haunted North Alabama, will also be from 5-6pm. at Cold Water Books in Tuscumbia along with local storyteller, Sarah Anne Maples that will present ghost stories for children.

Phyllis White will be signing copies of her book at Sweetwater Mansion on October 30th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. ($10.00 per copy)

Phyllis has created her own cartoon series, has written many articles, short stories, co-authored two books, and in 2008, published her first novel, titled “Led by the Spirit.” Led is a work of fiction, based on a woman’s obsession and love affair with a ghost. Led exposes the paranormal and gives White’s perspective on the supernatural realm and gives her audience a view of how opening oneself up to ‘spirits’ can be destructive. This book is like no other book you have read and is described by most readers as a ‘page turner’ and ‘a book I couldn’t put down.’ Many are anxiously awaiting the sequel.

White’s unique style of writing holds your attention and she has created in “Led” a spine tingling book, not for the squeamish. It’s a book of good versus evil with many twists and turns and a surprise ending. This is a must read! Website: http://www.phylliswhiteart.com/

October 29th - Book Signing at Sweetwater Mansion

Brent Raynes will be signing copies of his books at Sweetwater Mansion on October 29th from 6:30-7:30 p.m

Brent Raynes, editor of Alternate Perceptions online magazine (http://www.mysterious-america.net/) , author of Visitors From Hidden Realms (2004) and On The Edge of Reality (2009), has been studying unexplained phenomena (i.e., UFOs, hauntings, Bigfoot, etc.) since 1967.

He is pictured and featured with some of his case investigations of mysterious humanoid beings in noted veteran author Brad Steiger’s just released book Real Monsters.

Raynes, along with other noted authority figures in the field of ufology and paranormal studies, will be delivering a presentation at the Association for Research and Enlightenment’s international UFO Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia on November 12-14th. It will, in fact, be named after Raynes’ first book, Visitors From Hidden Realms.

For several months now Raynes, along with several other Tennessee investigators, have conducted investigations in which they obtained what they found to be convincing evidence that something “paranormal” was going on at various locations that they have investigated here in the state of Tennessee. Most impressive of all, they have actually recorded hundreds of what appear to be classic examples of what is commonly referred to as EVP (electronic voice phenomena), which they had recorded on standard digital recorders and from the white noise of AM radio frequencies. These voices were often extremely interactive and even read words and names we had written on index cards and sheets of paper back to us over AM radio! They even seemed to know things going on with us that no outsider should have known. While many seemed to identify themselves as so-called “spirits”, some even claimed to be “aliens” (two members of the team are what are commonly referred to as “alien abductees”).These anomalous radio contacts in the UFO field have been reported by various others since 1952, but few have ever investigated and sought to duplicate the techniques.

Raynes will include in his presentation at the Virginia conference in November the details of his latest investigations and play audio files of these mysterious “electronic voices” that he and his colleagues have recorded. Raynes, Bret and Gina Oldham, and Sandy Nichols presented their findings at the Arts Center in Fayetteville, Tenn. on Saturday evening, October 2.
Back issues of my magazine Alternate Perceptions (when it was in print; now collectors items) will be sold (and autographed if you want) for only $2.00 per copy.

Copies of my acclaimed Visitors From Hidden Realms (2004) will be available for $16.00 a copy, and of course I will gladly autograph them.

My latest book is On The Edge of Reality: Dream Weavers - The Mastering of Time and Space (2009), but unfortunately I'm all sold out. However, copies can be purchased from Amazon.


Phyllis White will be signing copies of her book at Sweetwater Mansion on October 29th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. ($10.00 per copy)

Phyllis White is a local artist and author and native of Lauderdale County. She loves to create; whether it be with the brush or the written word. She is a member of the Shoals Artist Guild, and majored in art and English at the University of North Alabama. You may have seen some of her artwork displayed at the Kennedy-Douglas Art Center, at Arts Alive, the Renaissance Faire, as well as First Fridays.

Phyllis has created her own cartoon series, has written many articles, short stories, co-authored two books, and in 2008, published her first novel, titled “Led by the Spirit.” Led is a work of fiction, based on a woman’s obsession and love affair with a ghost. Led exposes the paranormal and gives White’s perspective on the supernatural realm and gives her audience a view of how opening oneself up to ‘spirits’ can be destructive. This book is like no other book you have read and is described by most readers as a ‘page turner’ and ‘a book I couldn’t put down.’ Many are anxiously awaiting the sequel.

White’s unique style of writing holds your attention and she has created in “Led” a spine tingling book, not for the squeamish. It’s a book of good versus evil with many twists and turns and a surprise ending. This is a must read! Website: http://www.phylliswhiteart.com/

Sunday's Historical Tours of Sweetwater Mansion

Starting this coming Sunday October 10th from 1 till 5 historical Tours of Sweetwater Mansion !!

Starting October 1st - Sweetwater Ghost Walk 2010

Starting Oct. 1 Sweetwater Mansion Ghost Walk 2010

Time:  Mon.-Thur. 3pm-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 3pm-Midnight

Cancelled if raining

Over 200 years of hauntings & ghostly sightings have been linked to this historic 1828 estate.

Come and walk down the wooded paths to the cemetery or tour the old mansion room by room as it is opened to the public for the first time in 40 years. The stories will be told from actual accounts from long ago and as recent as this year.

5 & Under Free

Ghostwalk of Grounds & Cemetary $10

Mansion Only $15 or $25 for both.

Group Rates Available

Professional Paranormal Group Rates Available investigations by appointment. Contact Robert Simone

http://www.ghostsalabama.com/ or 256-627-4121

Paranormal investigations, videos and photos will be available

For more information contact sweetwaterghostwalk@yahoo.com or call 256-710-4432.

All rights reserved and copyrighted by Sweetwater Mansion Plantation - Florence, Alabama.

Some restrictions apply. All proceeds benefit the Sweetwater Restoration Fund of this beautiful historic landmark.

Sweetwater Mansion

842 Sweetwater Ave, off Florence Blvd.

Behind Chevron & the new Residence Inn

September 16th - Oct. 31 - Corn Maze

Thursday, Sept. 16th  - October 31

Location Rippavilla Plantation

The corn maze will be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 31, 2010.

Hours of operation are Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Fridays: 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sundays: Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Special days and times are available for schools and groups by calling Rippavilla at (931) 486-9037. Admission - $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 6 to 12, children

McGee Farm

Each fall Lenis and Amy McGee in Florence open their family farm for six weeks of pumpkin picking, farm-life fun, and an array of family friendly activities. The highlight each year is the hayride to what may be the greatest pumpkin patch of North Alabama for picking an orange treasure to take home. Along with pumpkin of all shapes and sizes, visitors are treated to other farm-life activities, including picking cotton, playing in hay, taking a scenic hayride, and feeding chickens.

The new Kitchen at McGee Farm is set to open this fall, serving up country favorites such as white beans and cornbread, soups, muffins, homemade treats, pies, and more. McGee Farm also has a picnic area under a huge oak tree where guests can have picnics or simply rest and take in the scenic countryside.
In addition to the farming activities and country cooking, fall decorations such as straw bales, corn stalks, miniature gourds, and an assortment of locally grown chrysanthemums and knock out roses, all grown right on the farm, will be available for purchase.
McGee Farm is open to the general public and group tours Monday through Friday 3- 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 1-5pm beginning September 18 - October 31. Admission to the farm is free. Cost for the hayride is $3 per person. School and group tour rates and reservations are available upon request. Pumpkin prices begin at three for $1 with giant pumpkins sold at 30¢ per pound.
McGee Farm is a working family farm located at 8221 County Road 7 in Florence. For more information, visit http://www.mcgeefarm.com/. To make a reservation for a group tour, contact Amy McGee at 256-766-2725

Haunted History for October

Ghost Trails, Storytelling and Haunted Sites

Montgomery,  Alabama’s haunted history comes to life in October with ghost trails, storytelling festivals, haunted trolley rides and ghost walks through historical neighborhoods, many in North Alabama. Families can experience a variety of events and trails that pay homage to the state’s ghostly history.
Hear ghost stories from master storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham at the 32nd Annual Tale Telling Festival in Selma. “A really good ghost story will leave you asking, ‘could that really be true’,” said Windham. Visitors can experience a rare moonlit tour of the famous ghost town Old Cahawba, while the Black Belt Ghost Trail showcases dozens of haunted sites that include homes, restaurants, cemeteries and Civil War sites.
The Alabama Tourism Department offers the following list of ghostly events taking place this month across the state.

Athens 5th Annual " Historic Haunts Walk"  — October 4, 12, 14, 19
This annual Historic Haunts Walk begins at the Houston Library and includes tales of paranormal activity at 12 local structures. Hear about the college student who fell to her death and is said to still wander the halls at Athens University. Each walk is approximately 90 minutes and begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information contact Jeanette Dunnavant, Limestone County Tourism 256.232.5411 or jeanette@tourathens.com

Huntsville Ghost Walking Tour  – Fridays/Saturdays in October
Participants will hear stories of Huntsville’s haunted past while walking along in the Old Town Historic District. New for 2010, the Huntsville Ghost Walk offers a one hour trolley tour through Huntsville’s haunted past. Reservations should be made in advance by purchasing tickets at Harrison Brothers Hardware Store at 124 South Side Square. Adult tickets are $12 and children 10 and under can ride for $10. Seating is limited. All tours begin promptly at 6 p.m.
The walking tours take place on Friday nights as well as Saturday nights. Trolley tours will only be offered on Saturday nights. Tickets for the walking tours are $8 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under. Call 256.509.3940 or visit http://www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com/ for more information.

A Sweetwater Ghost Walk 2010 in Florence - October 1-31
Ghost tours of this beautiful old plantation will be given during October. A walking tour will take visitors around the grounds of the stately home. Monies raised from this event will go toward the restoration of the mansion. Walks are Monday-Thursday 7 pm to 11 pm. Friday and Saturdays 7 pm to 12 am. Adults: $25, Children: (under 12) $10, Students (college and high school) $10. http://sweetwaterghostwalk.blogspot.com/

History and Haunts Trolley Tour- Oct. 29th
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Depart at Cold Water Books, Tuscumbia
Corner of Sixth and Main Street
Tickets $10
Proceeds benefit local historic preservation efforts by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation.
Details: 256-383-2525 or 256-383-0783

October 29th - History and Haunts Trolley Tour

Time: 6-8pm

Location: Depart at Cold Water Books, Tuscumbia
Corner of Sixth and Main Street
Tickets $10
Proceeds benefit local historic preservation efforts by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation.
Details: 256-383-2525 or 256-383-0783

October 23rd - Gone With The Wind Night

October 23rd - Gone With The Wind Night
at Sweetwater Mansion

Come dressed as your favorite character.

Tours:  3:00 pm to 12:00

Prizes - Trivia - Movie

Events for the Alabama Renaissance Faire

Events for October 2010: Saturday, October 9, 9-2, A free costume-making workshop in the studio located in the rear yard of Kennedy-Douglass Art Center across from Wilson Park in downtown Florence. Bring three yards of fabric at least 54” wide and walk away with a costume.

Saturday, October 16, 7pm, An authentic Renaissance Feast at the Florence-Lauderdale coliseum. Tickets are $25 each and went on sale Friday, October 1, at Kennedy-Douglass Art Center. Seating is limited to 200.

Sunday, October 17, 2pm, The last of three films in the series at the Florence- Lauderdale Public Library. Admission is free. This week: “Robin of Sherwood” (from the BBC series)

Saturday, October 23, 10am-6pm, The official Alabama Renaissance Faire at Fountain-on-the-green (Wilson Park) in downtown Florence. Enjoy entertainment, food and crafts reminiscent of a trade fair in Europe 500 years ago. Admission is free.

October 23-24 - Alabama Renaissance Faire

October 23-24 - Alabama Renaissance Faire
Location:  Wilson Park, Florence

Time:  10am - 6pm, Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday

Admission:  Free

Details:  256-740-4141 and 256-768-3031

Florence, the Renaissance City, recreates the atmosphere of an authentic medieval Renaissance Faire. The faire includes authentic costumes, magicians, knights on horseback, sword fighting, unique arts and crafts and food concessions. This is a great event for the entire family and everyone is welcome to come dressed in true Renaissance attire.

October 16th - Alabama Renaissance Feast

An authentic Medieval/Renaissance full-course dinner prepared by Chef Jim Matterer from Pennsylvania, who has been featured on the Food Network for his period recipes. Event takes place in a Baronial Hall decorated in the era; entertainment of the era as well. Seating limited to 200.

Address: Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum , Florence, Alabama

Ph: 256-768-3031 (Always call and confirm events)