Themed Trails Launched to Highlight Flavors of the Black Belt
Published 12:29 pm Monday, July 20, 2020
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Dallas County will be part of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s Flavors of the Black Belt Trail event.
Nine themed trails will feature a bounty of cold drinks, good eats, and back road treats created by the locals across the Black Belt Region.
The Black Belt consists of the following counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.
The Trail Legend for Dallas County, Perry County and Lowndes County are Cheesy bites and Smokin’ Sauces.
Each color-coded trail includes a shopping checklist where travelers can procure the tasty treats as well as lists of the numerous uniquely Black Belt destinations, eateries and overnight accommodations across the 23-county region.
The Selma/Dallas County Chamber of Commerce is one of the sponsors for Flavor of The Black Belt.
“Being part of the Flavors of the Black Belt Trail event will be a big boost to our local economy,” Selma/Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheryl Smedley said.
Hancock BBQ, Lannie’s BBQ Spot and Tally Ho are the Selma restaurants highlighted.
The Arts Revive and Gallery 905, Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas Studio, Old Cahawba Archelogical Park, Edmund Pettus Bridge are listed as stops Along the Way. Orrville Farmer’s Market, Mr. Roy’s Convenience Store, Mark’s Mart and Dave’s Market are on the Shopping Checklist. Woolworth Lofts is listed in the Where to Stay section.
“We could not be more excited about this new collaborative effort with regional partners to highlight the amazing creations of foodstuffs and refreshments found within the Black Belt,” ALBBAA Director Pam Swanner said.
“The people in the region sure know how to produce delectable goodies, and we know that you’ll feel right at home as you responsibly venture along these trails exploring all this region has to offer.
Gov. Kay Ivey said Flavors of the Black Belt is a great idea.
“For me, and so many others, the Black Belt of Alabama is home,” Ivey said ina release. “Alabama Black Belt Adventures’ Flavors Trail is the perfect way to highlight the local specialty food creations, small business owners, cultural attractions and historical sites that make the Black Belt region of Alabama a truly special place.”
Adventurers are encouraged to participate in the fun passport competition and the monthly photo contests. Utilizing the passport, those who visit all nine trails will be entered for a grand prize weekend getaway at Lakepoint State Park that includes a guided fishing trip by Gone Fishing with Tony and a guided canoe or kayak aquatic eco-tour. More information on the contests can be found here in the Flavors brochure.
“Like the local creations featured in Flavors, many of the ingredients that make up those recipes are grown and crafted in this region which takes great pride in the rich family history of recipes and agriculture skills passed down for generations,” state tourism director Lee Sentell said.
ALBAA encourages all participants to wear a mask, required by state law.
Other sponsors are: Alabama Bicentennial Commission, Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, Alabama Tourism Department, University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Auburn/Opelika Tourism, Bullock County Tourism Council, Demopolis Chamber of Commerce, Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, Wilcox County Chamber of Commerce, and featured retail outlets.