Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama is about 25-30 minutes from Magnolia Manor. Ave Maria Grotto, known throughout the world as “Jerusalem in Miniature,”  is a beautifully landscaped, four-acre park designed to provide a natural setting for the 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous historic buildings and shrines of the world. The masterpieces of stone and concrete are the lifetime work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. Begun as a hobby, with various materials he could find, and infinite patience and a remarkable sense of symmetry and proportion, Brother Joseph re-created some of the greatest edifices of all time.

http://www.avemariagrotto.com/  256-734-4110

Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament –

When pilgrims visit the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, many ask: “How did it all begin?”  The answer to this question comes as a surprise to many … the Lord used a business trip to bring about this marvel of His Divine Providence.

Mother Angelica stood praying at the side of the statue when suddenly the miraculous image came alive and turned towards her.  Then the Child Jesus spoke with the voice of a young boy:  “Build Me a Temple and I will help those who help you.”  Thus began a great adventure that would eventually result in the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a Temple dedicated to the Divine Child Jesus, a place of refuge for all.

After coming home from the trip, Mother Angelica shared this story with the nuns.  At once, they began to look for land.  After several months of searching, they came to Hanceville, Alabama.  The property is an isolated piece of farmland almost completely surrounded by a river.  It had previously been used to farm soybeans.  From the very first moment that she set foot on the land, Mother Angelica says that she “felt the Presence of God very strongly.”

http://www.olamshrine.com/

Cullman County Museum

Interactive displays and modern exhibits stand ready for you to experience the rich German heritage, native American lifestyles, adventure of early pioneers and Deep South folklore when you visit with us.

http://www.cullmancountymuseum.com/

Evelyn Burrow Museum:

The Burrow Museum houses a $9.5 million collection donated to Wallace State Community College by Evelyn Burrow of Cullman, Alabama. Included in the museum are more than 5,000 pieces from around the world acquired over 65 years by Burrow and her late husband, Ottis. This is one of the finest collections of its kind in the world today. Object d’art in the Museum date as far back as the 1600s. Other pieces are so rare they are priceless.

http://www.wallacestate.edu/museum

Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama:

http://echotacherokeetribe.homestead.com/

Cullman Oktoberfest:

Come to the Festhalle, center of daily fun, food, music and dancing.

The unique Cullman Festhalle is located near the center of town and is next to the Cullman Museum.

http://www.cullmanoktoberfest.com

Alabama Gourd Society:

The objective of the Alabama Gourd Society is to promote the culture and crafting of gourds; to provide informational and educational service to its members and the public in general; and to provide an Annual Gourd Festival for the promotion of gourds and gourd crafting.

http://www.alabamagourdsociety.org/

Athens Alabama:

Beginning when the crisp, blue skies of spring merge into warm summer nights, and continuing as the bright River Sunset colors of autumn burst into winter holidays, Limestone County is a paradise for residents and tourists alike. With an abundance of local and nearby travel destinations, special events, recreation facilities and rich historical sites, a visit to Athens and Limestone County will be long remembered.

http://www.tourathens.com  256-232-2600

Alabama Vineyards Wine Trail:

What is the PASSPORT card? The passport card is a way for wine lovers to explore the wine trail and discover the wineries of Alabama. Each winery you visit will stamp your card. Once you have all the stamps, you can redeem it for a nice 18oz wine glass imprinted with the Alabama wineries logos. A great way to start your collection.

http://www.eobox.com/wines  256-538-5452

Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

A getaway to the Alabama Mountain Lakes region is a natural selection for fun! Enjoy some of America’s finest sports fishing and camping. Experience the breathtaking natural beauty that offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. For the sightseer, there’s history and inspiration at every turn. Imagine your hand on the pump at the famous Helen Keller home or strolling through the amazing Ave Maria Grotto. All this wonder and so much more is just a short drive away. An Alabama Mountain Lakes visit promises a lifetime of memories.

http://northalabama.org   800-648-5381

Alabama Travel Council:

  Are you ready to get away from it all, travel to a wonderful destination that offers unmatched hospitality, delectable cuisine, first class hotels and resorts, and internationally recognized attractions, festivals and events?! Alabama awaits you!

http://AlabamaTravel.org  334-271-0050

Visit Cullman Alabama:

A listing of almost everything to do in Cullman County.

http://visitcullman.org  800-313-5114

Bloomin’ Festival –

Bloomin’ Festival is a two day juried arts festival attracting thousands of visitors to the beautiful campus of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School.  Located adjacent to the school is the world famous Ave Maria Grotto.  The picturesque landscape of stone cut buildings on the grounds of Alabama’s only Abbey provides a backdrop for the out-of-doors show.  More than 140 booths are filled with artists demonstrating and exhibiting their work.  The festival is the largest fundraiser annually for the operation and maintenance of the school.

http://www.bloominfestival.com