Anniston & Oxford Travel Guide with 15 Day Trips

By The Backseat View

Welcome to the land of pines and pastures that I call home. Summer days are spent on the lake with inner tubes, jet skis, grilling burgers, and homemade ice cream. When lake life ends and fall begins, we fire up the grills to support our favorite football teams in true Southern Tradition. My area of eastern Alabama in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is filled with forests, hikes, and wildlife. I love living in small-town America and will focus on locally-owned businesses. Since it’s not a vacation destination, I’ll assume you are coming to visit family, watch a sporting event, or work.

Anniston and Oxford overlap so it’s easy to travel around both in minutes. Anniston reconnects you with nature and teaches about world history in the museums. Oxford has lodging, entertainment, and shopping. Located between Birmingham and Atlanta, the day trips are endless. I’ll give you a tour of my favorite places and some of the top attractions in Alabama in The Anniston and Oxford Travel Guide.

Anniston & Oxford Travel Guide

1. Anniston Museum

The Anniston Museum of Natural History and the Berman Museum are side by side and the best ways to spend a day in Anniston. The museums are educational and fun for all ages, and we visit yearly. It’s $18 to visit both museums. The Natural History Museum has dinosaurs, caves, earthquake and tornado simulators, polar bears, and grizzly bears just to get started.

There are seven exhibition halls and over 2,000 items. The 2,000-year-old Egyptian mummy comes with an educational video. Lastly, we can’t leave without walking around the pond to say Hello to the fish and the birds on the Bird of Prey trail. Angle Cakes Creamery is across the street if it’s dessert time.

2. Berman Museum

After learning about the animals, walk next door to the Berman Museum and uncover the Wild West, WWII, Medieval knights, and more guns than I can count. Hitler’s silver tea set, tapping out a Morse code message, writing in Chinese, and smelling the spices are always hits with our group.

Our favorite is the spy section, which has umbrella, pen, and flute guns. The museum grounds are relaxing with a nice lake, playground, and trails through the 120-acre woods. After an educational day, rest in the Longleaf Botanical Gardens next door. If you are looking for hikes, Cheaha is the place to go.

3. Cheaha State Park

Cheaha is the highest point in Alabama, sitting 2,407 feet above sea level. It offers the best views in the area and is only 30 minutes from Anniston and Oxford. The Cheaha State Park lodging options are numerous, from the rock lodge to cabins, camping, and glamping. Fall is the most beautiful time, so expect crowds driving the roads on the fall weekends.

The almost 400,000 acres of the Talladega National Forest provide endless hiking.

• The most popular trail is 0.3 miles to Bald Rock at sunset.
• Mountain Laurel Trail, at 1.4 miles, wanders along a stream to a rock garden.
• The kids like the 0.5-mile Bigfoot Trail that connects to the highest point while searching for Big Foot cutouts.
• For Waterfalls, you have Laurel Falls, Cheaha Falls, and Devil’s Den.
• Hiking maps are $2 in the General Store, and entrance to the park is $5.
  

4. Chief Ladiga Trail

The Chief Ladiga Trail runs for about 33 miles from Anniston to the AL/GA state line. The paved trail is perfect for walking and biking.

Piedmont

I love the trail section in Piedmont, which passes through forests, streams, and lakes heading toward the GA line. This is one of my favorite family activities. Piedmont is worth the 30-minute drive from Anniston. Bikes can be rented at Elevated Grounds Coffee Shop, which is quaint and cozy and also serves lunch.

For dessert, it’s Dugger Mountain Fudge with ice cream, macaroons, and freshly baked fudge for the perfect ending to any day. Y’all, this adorable place is my favorite sweet treat shop. Next, The Rustic on Main has boutique booths with all the trends.

Terrapin Creek

Since we are in Piedmont for a bike ride, I can’t leave out the Redneck Yacht Club, which rents kayaks to float the creek. Cash only for a $30 kayak rental for 3-6 hour float options. It’s a fun, peaceful day with plenty of water and sunscreen.

5. Coldwater Mtn Bike Trail

Mountain bikers of all skill levels use the Coldwater Mtn Bike Trails. There are over 20 trails for family and competitive skill-level rides. The woods are peaceful, and it’s wild fun. AirB&B has cabins to rent near the trails, Coldwater Camp & Cabins. Stay in a cabin if you are looking for a peaceful alternative to hotel lodging. They offer camping and yurts for other lodging options.

6. Combat Park

Combat Park is a 27-acre site with four themed professional paintball fields and the best paintball in our state. Tanks, mud runners, hummers, and other military trucks are available for serious fun. Technically, this is 10 miles outside of Anniston in Eastaboga.

7. Redbird Willow Farm

The small family-run farm provides guests with fun animal interaction. Make a reservation a day in advance to make sure they are open. The goats, kangaroo, miniature horses, llamas, and alpacas are friendly, so feeding time is a blast for the kids. They offer goat and llama yoga and other animal packages.

8. Big Chair

If you are looking for weird, Anniston holds the record for the World’s Biggest Chair at 33 feet tall. Located at Miller’s Office Supply, 625 Noble Street.

9. Bennett’s Farm

Bennett’s Farm is the place to go for fall farm fun, market shopping days and a pumpkin patch 12 miles from Anniston in Heflin. Honestly, I left Heflin off this post on purpose, it’s MY small town only five minutes from my home.

Heflin

I felt guilty so I’ll tell about Pappas pizza, Almost Italy, Vallarta for Mexican and Rhythm Cafe but not enough information to encourage you to visit. I might do some shopping at Trend’s on Main, The Nifty Nest, Heflin’s Vendor’s Mall and the Piggly Wiggly after visiting The Blushing Peony for nails. Since nobody reads this blog, I feel like my secrets are still safe with me. I can escape to Cheaha in the morning then shop and dine in Heflin for a staycation.

10. Camp McClellan Horse Trails

Camp McClellan Horse Trails Campground provides 50 campsites to enjoy 900 acres of forest and over 30 miles of trails through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Dessert stores

If we are having fun, it always includes ice cream or dessert.

• Below Zero Creamery offers delicious, creative rolled ice cream. We take all our visitors to the 26 West 11^th Street shop. Check Facebook for their daily hours.

• Angle Cakes Creamery has different delicious flavors and is located near the Anniston Museum.

• The Artisanal Baked Goods is an amazing preorder bakery with curbside pick-up for bread, macaroons, cookies, and heavenly blueberry scones. You order on the website the day before, text when you arrive, and they bring it to you.

Restaurants

This is The South so don’t even ask for tea if you don’t want it SWEET, like two cups of sugar minimum per gallon sweet. The homemade lemonade is just as sweet making it pure sunshine. Everything is cooked with a stick of butter that’s why it taste so good. Alright, let’s eat!

• Effina’s for the best Italian food in town. When it’s my turn to choose dinner, The Voodoo pasta is ordered. My favorite store in Anniston is across the street, Rosa Lee, so make sure to stop by her boutique for jewelry, clothes, shoes, and purses.

• Coldwater Mountain Brewpub has the best chicken & waffles and, overall, is my second favorite restaurant. They also own Harp & Clover in the Gadsden area.

• Mata’s Greek Pizza is the best pizza in town, but it’s take-out only and usually closed on Sunday and Monday.

• Classic On Noble delivers a memorable night for a fine dining experience.

• Top of the River is where everyone goes for catfish and seafood. If you don’t mind a 30-minute drive, head to The Ark in Riverside for catfish.

• Betty’s Bar-B-Q and Dad’s Bar-B-Q are the hometown B-B-Q choices.
• BtJ Wings is THE BEST place to pick up wings.
• Noble Street is the bar scene, with The Peerless being the most popular.

Oxford

Oxford has the Exchange Exit off I20 (188) with Target, Publix, Sam’s, TJ Max, Chick-fil-A, and all the other chain restaurants and hotels.

1. Choccolocco Park

This is THE PARK, where everyone comes to walk around the lake and let the kids play on the playground. The traffic to the park is awful on the weekend due to ball tournaments.

2. Big Time Entertainment

Big Time has it all, from putt-putt to go-karts, bowling, arcade, and axe throwing. Check the websites for deals and prices. If you are coming to Big Time, don’t miss Buff City Soaps, which is nearby making natural products.

Local Tip:
My nieces were in town, and their goal was to ride go-karts all day. They weren’t tall enough to ride at Big Time, and I’m not rich enough for them to ride all day. So, I took them to Moore’s Family Fun Center and paid $5, cash only, for a 10 minute ride. They rode for an hour and enjoyed affordable vintage arcade games, and the owners are the nicest people.

3. Quintard Mall

The Quintard Mall has the Amstar Theatre and shopping at Dillard’s and Alexander’s for clothing trends. There’s also Bath & Bodyworks, American Eagle, and a Chick-fil-A. American Deli is our choice for wings & fries.

4. Oxford Lake

Oxford Lake is the place to go for pickleball courts, walking, and the playground.

5. Golf

Cider Ridge is the nicest golf course in Oxford. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes is in Gadsden. Pine Hill is in Anniston.

6. OPAC

Oxford Performing Arts Center, OPAC, has affordable weekly shows ranging from Broadway musicals to the Orchestra and everything in between.

7. Sunshine Skate Center

The skating rink has been a part of Oxford for almost 50 years. It’s been newly renovated and ready for old and new skaters to make memories at the rink.

Restaurants

• Garfrerick’s Cafe is my favorite farm-to-table restaurant.
• Hubbard’s Off Main offers traditional Southern meals in a historic building.
• Los Mexicano’s, Mango’s, or Mexico Lindo for your nachos and tacos.
• Southern Girl Coffee is a MUST visit when we have family days.
• Le Coin des Artistes is relatively new but is my favorite brunch and lunch place. The restaurant is painted beautifully inside and filled with antiques.
• Jasmine is where I order Chinese to go.
• Pelican’s Snoballs is the place for snow cone treats.
• Bonnie Ray’s Bake Shoppe offers delicious cupcakes, cookies, and cakes.
• Southern Cakes Bakery has my favorite vanilla almond cupcakes and is my go-to for parties with red velvet, key lime, carrot cake, and strawberry cupcakes. You can order on Facebook a week before and pick it up at her house, near The Exchange.
  

Lodging

• Hampton Inn at the busy Exchange Exit 188. There are several hotels on this exit but this is where my visiting family stays.

• Coldwater Mountain Campground and Cabins is the best choice for visiting with nature.

Day Trips

When family comes to visit, where do I take them?

Day Trips are the best little recharges to your life.

1. Barber Museum

Barber Vintage Motor Sport Museum is a world-class, 5-story motorcycle museum, so prepare to be impressed. Honestly, the best motorcycle museum in the world was open for a few years before I visited, I’m an idiot. The Barber Motorsport Park is always in motion with races and drivers practicing, so the kids love this place. We learn the history behind the motorcycles and are awe-struck at the stories told through the photos. It’s a 40-minute drive, and with an outlet mall, Shops of Grand River, Buc-ee’s, and Bass Pro on the same exit, the perfect weekend trip.

2. Birmingham Zoo

The Birmingham Zoo is my hometown zoo, so I think it’s great for a couple of hours for $20. There are over 500 animals, including all the usual elephants, bears, and sea lions. The splash pad for younger children is a blast. The Christmas Glow Wild Lights at the zoo are excellent. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is next door for a relaxing hour. The Mountain Brook Shops and The Summit are nearby for shopping and lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. As much as I love shopping and animals, I come for Edgar’s Bakery’s strawberry cake.

3. Birmingham Area

• McWane Science Center is packed with interactive learning exhibits, dinosaurs, and a Shark and Ray Touch Tank. This is THE PLACE to go with kids under ten for education and fun.

• Top Golf is fun for all ages and the restaurants nearby in the downtown area, Mugshots and Texas de Brazil, make for a fun day.
• The Ross Bridge Resort is the perfect place to getaway for a night in luxury with golfing and a spa. It’s like a resort town with gorgeous homes.

• The Trussville Social restaurant has a live music area for date night.

• The Bright Star in Bessemer is Alabama’s oldest restaurant and a dining delight. Most people dress up for a nice evening out.

4. Alabama Theater

The Alabama Theater is my favorite Christmas movie tradition. It has gorgeous vintage Christmas decorations. The historic theater is almost 100 years old, and hosts live music, shows, and classic movies. Add The Fish Market for dinner, and it’s the perfect day.

5. Gadsden

My favorite family day is spent at Noccalula Falls, Tigers for Tomorrow, and Bama Bucks for dinner in Gadsden.

Noccalula Falls

• Noccalula Falls Park is a 500-acre park with a 90-foot waterfall. The Gorge Trail takes you down the cavern behind the falls. The campground has several hiking trails surrounding the area. We ride the miniature train, enjoy the playground, and walk the Gorge Trail. There’s a Jack’s restaurant in the parking lot. Christmas at the Falls is my favorite holiday tradition.

Tigers for Tomorrow

• Tigers for Tomorrow is a fantastic animal sanctuary for over 80 large predators. The tigers, eight species of cats, wolves, bears, and barnyard animals, entertain for two hours. The roar of the lions, tigers, and bears reminds you this is not a zoo. The animals don’t see many people, so they roar at each other, especially when they first open. The black panther was jumping off his house and running to the fence. My favorite tiger is the golden tabby Bengal tiger, the 3^rd rarest animal on the planet. Admission tickets are only $18. The sanctuary isn’t open every day, so check times.

Bama Bucks

• Bama Bucks has an exotic zoo 12 miles from Tigers for Tomorrow. While the deer are a fun attraction, we come for steak and the wild game food. Is it worth the drive for dinner? Absolutely!

• If you still have energy, the Gadsden Mall has the best bowling alley, The Alley, and a movie theater. While in Gadsden, check out The Factory for trampolines, dodgeball, a Ninja Course, and laser tag.
• The Coosa River runs through Southside so you will find us living the river life.

6. Pursell Farms

Y’all know my life is filled with guys, so it’s time to shoot clay targets when they are all together. The Inn at Pursell Farms is Southern luxury and hospitality. The girls can spend the day at the spa or yoga classes while the guys hit the golf course or the Orvis Shooting Grounds. Pursell combines the outdoors and elegance in the perfect relaxing weekend that turns into a tradition only an hour from Anniston.

Selwood Farms

Selwood Farms is the oldest sporting clay course in Alabama. Theyoffer pheasant and quail hunting and lodging for a weekend with nature.

7. Wedowee

• We have a boat and love the lake life, so Wedowee is HOME to us. Rent a home on the lake and spend the weekend on the “Crappie Capital of the World.”

• As crazy as it might sound, this is also my go-to for Girl’s Day. I love the unique boutiques and lunch at Miss Amber’s Cafe. The downtown is classic small-town America, but the inside of the boutiques hold all the styles and trends. A Brand New Look is the best furniture store I know. The Crow’s Nest and The Peaceful Porch have candles, clothing, and unique gifts. I do most of my Christmas shopping in Wedowee. Lake Wedowee Antique & Treasure Mall always has something interesting.

• Lakes and rivers are plentiful, so try Lake Martin or Smith Lake for other options.

8. Talladega Superspeedway

The Talladega Superspeedway is epic and needs no introduction. It’s only 20 minutes outside Anniston, and track tours are entertaining. You can drive a real NASCAR race car for an adrenaline-filled weekend or watch the next big race. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame is located at the main entrance to the track. We enjoyed the wrecked cars and the Dale Earnhardt memorabilia.

• Talladega Short Track is dirt track racing.

• Talladega Civilian Markmanship Park (CMP) is a 500 acre-range facility open to the public. It’s located only two miles from the Talladega Superspeedway. The range has 600-yard rifle targets to 50 yard pistol ranges and a 15 station sporting clay field.

9. Fort Payne

• Fort Payne is about a 75-minute drive and worth every minute for the waterfalls and canyon. Little River Canyon is a stunning beauty with over 26 miles of hiking trails and scenic drives. The park also offers kayaking and zip-lining. When it’s time to eat I’m heading to the Santa Fe Cattle Company or Southern Harvest.

Desoto State Park

• Desoto State Park is only 10 miles from Little River Canyon. Desoto is where you camp in Fort Payne. Chasing waterfalls—Desoto Falls, Lost Falls, Indian Falls, Azalea Cascade, and Laurel & Lodge Falls—brought me here. The Welcome Center has hiking maps, zip line information, and park information. It’s the perfect weekend getaway.

• Alabama Fan Club Museum is a stop for any fan of the music group Alabama. We spent an hour reading about their life awards and memorabilia and listening to music. The entrance fee is donated to charity.

10. Guntersville

• While in the Fort Payne area, I must mention nearby Cathedral Caverns and Guntersville, a two-hour road trip from Anniston. Bring the boat and spend the weekend at Lake Guntersville State Park.

• Cathedral Caverns is one of the most beautiful caves I have ever toured. The entrance is huge, and inside are the largest stalagmites in the world and a frozen waterfall.

• Honestly, I come for the food and shopping. The Rock House Eatery is one of my favorite restaurants, and I love quaint downtown shops.

11. Huntsville Space and Rocket Center

Since we came this far north, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, two hours north of Anniston, is fascinating. It is the official visitor center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, which is filled with the world’s largest collection of rockets and space artifacts. My favorite part is the Marshall Space Flight Center tour located on Redstone Arsenal. We were lucky to watch them talking with astronauts on the screen. For only $30, it’s an entire day of education.

12. Majestic Caverns

Alabama’s biggest cave, over ten stories high, comes with a laser show in Childersburg. Majestic (used to be called Desoto Caverns) is the most historic cave in the country, dating back over 2,000 years. After a cave tour, play the dozen family-friendly activities or plan to camp. If you want more cavern fun, look up Rickwood Caverns State Park.

13. Old Baker Farm

Old Baker Farm is a great place for fall family fun and has the largest pumpkin patch. It hosts a festival every weekend in the fall and is only an hour’s drive from Anniston.

Try Sloss Furnace, Atrox, or the Haunted Chicken Farm if you want frightening fall fun.

14. Game Day

Game Days in the South are a Southern Tradition, so I saved the best for last.

• Bryant Denny Stadium needs no introduction for Alabama fans. The Walk of Champions and the traditional photo in front of Denny Chimes will prepare you for football and the Million Dollar Band.

• Auburn fans love their village, Toomers, and a weekend of tailgating and football. The list of traditions is endless.

• Jacksonville State University is only a 10-minute drive for a Gamecock Game Day.

• The Birmingham Stallions are our winning UFL team.

• My guys are huge hockey fans, so we love to watch professional hockey at The Birmingham Bulls. Y’all, this is the best $13 I spend on entertainment.

• Birmingham Barons are our minor league team affiliated with the White Sox. Their stadium is nice, and it’s a great family activity.

15. ATLANTA

• If it seems like I have ignored the obvious, Atlanta, just an hour from Anniston, I have an entire post about the Top 35 attractions in Atlanta.

• Historic Banning Mills is a fun zip-line and outdoor entertainment area only an hour from Anniston in GA. They hold the world record for the longest zip line canopy tour and tallest free-standing rock wall in the world. 

• Cave Springs, GA, is the perfect date night at Linde Marie’s Steakhouse on the Square. It’s only an hour’s drive, and I love exploring the little shops on the town square. I’m a water girl, so I’m going to the spring with my water bottles before heading home.

Bonus: Winn Creek State Park

Winn Creek is about 90 minutes from Anniston for the camping lake life. I grew up here but I haven’t been camping lately. The park has over 500 campsites to enjoy Lake Martin’s fishing and relax by the lake.

Thank you for reading my Anniston & Oxford Travel Guide. Please check out the other weekend escapes below.