By John Nuckols

(John Nuckols has worked with Alabama Outdoors since the 1970s in a variety of roles. He loves music, playing drums,  cookies, and good coffee. He also loves helping people find the gear they need for trips and then hearing about those trips when they come back. He also knows a bunch about Birmingham. Next time you’re looking for a place to explore, ask John for some tips.)

I know that during these days of staying at home, the normal activity list can run out quickly. One might need to look a little closer to home to add to the activity list.

A couple of resources I have found very helpful are:

1. My curiosity and 
2. the Internet. 

My curiosity has taken me all over to great places before and after the Internet, but, I have to admit, the Internet is awesome. And I have to credit Bhamwiki as my preferred research resource.

I have gathered lots of information over the years and filled in some history through Bhamwiki. Here are some ideas for walkable, close-to-home explorations.

Birmingham and Edgewood Electric Railway  

Bhamwiki has a great read on this, but, to summarize, it was the trolley car line that ran over the mountain into Homewood and Edgewood. You can see parts of it around Homewood and coming up from Five Points toward Vulcan.

Finding these parts of the trolley line rates high in the curiosity factor for me. When you find these places, take notice of the rail beds and where they lead. It definitely takes you back in time.  

Lakeshore Drive 

I think most folks know about the Edgewood Lake and where it was in relation to what is now Lakeshore Drive. Did you know that Lakeshore Drive started out as a raceway? Way cool. Another cool thing you might not have found yet is the Shades Creek Dam. The interesting part of the dam is still there. It’s actually easy to find and really ties the Lakeshore Lake, park, and raceway history together.

You can start on the Lakeshore Trail off of Columbiana Road, walk to the end of the trail, and about two blocks down a side street ( old Columbiana Road.) Then you cross a bridge, which was built on top of the dam.  It may not be for everyone, but it adds to the whole Lakeshore story.

Homewood Pink House 

This house has been in the news recently and is worth knowing a little bit about. On Bhamwiki, you can search the name Georges Bridges, you will learn a lot of interesting history on him and his wife, Eleanor, as well as the house itself. It’s one of those places that you will appreciate more once you learn its history.     

I hope you will add these to your local explorations as we look for ways to make the most of this strange time. Thanks for reading and have a safe and great day.

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