Between my cashed in kitchen passes and Thanksgiving break, it has been a while since my last post.  I tried to keep the Lake Martin Voice “A” students informed with my Twitter updates, which are visible at the bottom right margin.  I am enjoying using my Twitter account as a micro blog, a way to quickly update the world or link in to interesting articles or info from other bloggers.

Over Thanksgiving I mostly stayed away from the computer. I caught up on reading the WSJ.  I helped my kids swing on a vine in the woods. I read a bunch of good books about Alabama and the greater Lake Martin area.  It was glorious.  As a side note, I have created a Lake Martin Voice Library page.  Here I will post links to various books that I think the average fan of Lake Martin would like.  I promise to keep it on point, refusing to indulge myself with too many books on too many topics.  I will try to limit it to a.) Lake Martin history, and b.) real estate in general.  If any of you have any suggestions, please leave a comment on the Library page and help us all out.

You out of towners should consider a visit to your Lake Martin home in between now and Christmas.  If you have never been here when the leaves are gone, you’re missing a treat.  Everything looks different (in a good way).  Almost no one is here, so it is incredibly peaceful.  Plus there are some things going on like opening of Catherine’s Market at Russell Crossroad, and shopping in downtown Alex City.

Cloud Nine –  Downtown Alex City Shopping, Lake Martin

I realize that every small town in America is pimping their downtown revitalization, but I submit that Main Street Alex City is on the right track.  Just about every building (with some notable exceptions) has been redone inside and out.  Carlisle’s Drugstore – the iconic spot where you can get a scrip filled and eat an egg salad sandwich or a chili dog – did a great job.  Henry Foy has a great little wine store, and is expanding into his own renovation.

Another huge surprise is the renovation of the old Queen’s Attic Antiques building by Dr. Larry Tuggle.  he gutted the entire place and transformed it in to a Bourbon Street – esque town experience, complete with cobblestones and clocks.  He created little micro stores inside, which play home to many little local vendors.  It is really cool.

Some pics:

From Downtown Alex City Shopping, Lake Martin

Note all the wrought ironwork:

each mini store is unique:

From Downtown Alex City Shopping, Lake Martin