Oak Mountain is one of Pelham's most notable features
Home to Alabama's largest state park, Pelham is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. The first thing anyone will mention about life in Pelham will be something to do with Oak Mountain. Whether it's horseback riding, the wildlife center, hiking trails, the State Fair or concerts at the amphitheater – there's something for just about anyone in this expansive park. People living here always have things to do, with hiking, golfing, horseback riding and live music at their fingertips. But the outdoors are not the only draw here, as this area also boasts incredible restaurants and many attractions. And even with all that activity, this city maintains a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
Grab a friend and hit the lake at Oak Mountain State Park next to Chelsea.
Pelham's Oak Mountain Amphitheater seats 10,300 and is a major concert venue.
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Mature trees shade community homes
Here, you'll find larger brick Craftsman estates and Greek and Colonial Revival-style homes with porches and columns. Homes come in a wide range of prices, from $185,000 up to $900,000 depending on various factors. Homes have roomy front yards spaced far from the street, providing a sense of privacy. This sense of seclusion is amplified by roads being hugged by a thick patch of mature trees. And with Oak Mountain to the north, community strolls come with some beautiful views.
Large brick Craftsman homes with large, lush lawns are a staple in the Pelham community.
Colonial revival-style homes on large lots make up many Pelham residential streets.
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Learning to garden at Indian Springs School
There are excellent public schools in Pelham, including Pelham Oaks Elementary School, Pelham Ridge Elementary School, Pelham Park Middle School and Pelham High School. Indian Springs School is a private school in the area, serving grades 8 through 12, with boarding and day students. Students here eat vegetables and fruits grown in their Fertile Minds Garden. Nick Pihakis, co-owner of the local restaurant Jim' N Nick's, helped Indian Springs bring this to life. The school's horticulture club plants the produce, learning along the way. Lettice, squash, muscadines, corn and bok choi are some healthy items grown in the garden.
Entrance to Pelham Park Middle School in Pelham Alabama.
Entrance to Pelham Ridge Elementary School in Pelham Alabama.
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So many ways to stay active in Pelham
Oak Mountain State Park is the largest in Alabama, stretching over 9,940 acres. It makes full use of this space with an incredible variety of activities to enjoy. There are over 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, with plenty of nature to spot along the way. You can hike to Eagles Nest Overlook and take in the breathtaking mountain views. There's a beautiful lake with a beach where visitors can rent pedal boats or canoes, go fishing or go for a swim. Golfers can spend the day at the park's 18-hole golf course with a pro shop and driving range. Visitors can sleep beneath the stars at the park's campground, either in tents or in a rented cabin. Another incredible part of the park is the Alabama Wildlife Center, the state's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility. The center takes care of over 2,000 wild birds, helping those orphaned or injured recover enough to return to the wild and survive. Locals can visit the center, explore nature exhibits and get firsthand wildlife experiences. Oak Mountain is also the site of some of the best local events. Its amphitheater hosts Grammy award-winning artists and is home to the Alabama State Fair. Of course, there are also beloved residential parks in Pelham. Meanwhile, Pelham City Park Complex has many athletic facilities, like basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts, baseball fields and batting cages, football fields and a fitness center. There are also walking trails, pavilions for gatherings, playgrounds for the youngsters and a dog park where furry friends can run free. Local tennis players flock to the Pelham Racquet Club, a public facility with 20 clay courts and 5 hard courts, all lighted. The facility offers tournaments, lessons, league play and frequent socials that bring the community together. Adventurous spirits head to Blue Water Park, the spot for recreational diving. Owner Mark DiGiorgio uses his over 30 years of diving experience to train visitors who want to explore the underwater worlds. Those who prefer to get their thrills above water can go to the nearby Altitude Trampoline Park, where you can literally bounce off the walls. Casual and pro bowlers alike let the good times roll at Oak Mountain Lanes. The bowling alley boasts 32 lanes, with both league and open play available. And if you grow tired of striking out, there's laser tag, rope climbing and an arcade to keep you entertained.
Visitors can spend the day boating at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham.
Restrooms are available for beachgoers at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham.
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From antiquing to horror-themed escape rooms
Lovers of all things spooky and macabre creep over to Warehouse31. The 30,000-square-foot horror-themed escape room offers three terrifying options: Rigamoris, 3D Experience and Monsters Midway. Rigamortis and 3D Experience will surely trigger your fight or flight as monsters, murderers and psychotic clowns chase after you. Monsters Midway is a less intense experience, where visitors can watch classic horror flicks and play carnival games. Those who prefer less heart-stopping entertainment can catch a performance at the non-profit South City Theatre. The company produces 6 mainstage plays yearly and offers programs and summer camps for kids. Treasure hunters will find an oasis in Stagecoach Antiques. Everything from antique, mid-century modern, home décor, furniture, crystal glassware, china, costume jewelry, art and other rare pieces can be found throughout the historical 3-story log cabin.
Stagecoach Antiques in Pelham is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Find a new experience at the Oak Mountain State Fair in Pelham.
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Locally owned restaurants abound
Burnette Farms Market is another hidden gem in the area. This 4th generation family farm offers a variety of fresh seasonal produce. The farm has an ice cream room where Mike Burnette makes over 100 different flavors of ice cream from scratch. It's the perfect cap for a day of browsing produce on a hot Alabama day. Their café also offers fried pork chops, chicken salad, cooked vegetables and delicious peach cobbler. Locals flock to Beer Hog Brewery for an ice-cold pint. Their wooden beer bar has over 65 craft beers on top and over 300 bottled craft beers. The brewery also functions as a social hub, with the latest big sports game thrown up on their large televisions, rotating food trucks and live music. What started in 2014 as a fundraising effort to send her sons to Europe and China as Student Ambassadors has turned into a cult following. Emily's Heirloom Poundcakes are raved about in the community. The small fundraising effort soon turned into a thriving brick-and-mortar family business. Light and moist, these pound cakes came from founder Emily McClung's grandmother-in-law, affectionately referred to as Big Mama. Each cake is made from scratch and remains an entirely family-run enterprise, with McClung's sons baking cakes alongside her.
Burnette Farms in Pelham sells locally-sourced foods, regional gifts, fresh produce, and more.
Fresh-baked pizza is on the menu at the Beer Hog in Pelham, located at Campus No. 124.
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