There has been an exciting night in Cullman tonight with the Christmas parade and the Depot Park tree lighting in the @cullmanwarehousedistrict . We hope to have some recent photos soon of those festivities! There are lots of things to do and see in the Cullman area for this holiday season such as Cullman’s famous #weihnachtspyramide wooden German Christmas Pyramid beside #cullmancountymuseum . Stay watchful of the pages for @christmasincullman via @cullmanparksrec ! 📷 @cullmanvacationrentals <~~~follow & book! 〰️〰️🎄〰️〰️ #cullmanvacationrentals #smithlakethingstodo #smithlakearea #christmaspyramid #weihnachtspyramide #cullmanal #cullmanalabama #christmasincullman #smithlakechristmas #alabamachristmas #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lakeside #lewissmithlake #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Cullman, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClsTOiWsp14/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Can’t let #valentinesday pass without a nod to another one of our great loves… #bankheadnationalforest - hoping the woods enjoy and benefit from predicted rainfall this week. “Upper White Creek Falls with the Valentine Pool” - 📷 @kozdok 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ #waterfalls #northalabama #upperwhitecreekfalls #sipseywilderness #deepwoods #chasingwaterfalls #hiking #outside #explore #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakethingstodo #smithlakearea #smithlakedaytrip #smithlakebackroads #smithlakecommunity #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Bankhead National Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/Coq9Y2Jspej/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Thanks to lots of January rain, waterfalls have been singing in the #landofathousandwaterfalls - here are 4 of them: 1. Near Capsey Creek 2. Deer Skull 3. Wolfpen Branch 4. Parker Branch Plan a group hike in this massive wonderland in the future. Join Bankhead Hiking groups on Facebook and do diligent research before you embark. 📷 @kozdok 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ #waterfalls #northalabama #bankheadnationalforest #sipseywilderness #deepwoods #chasingwaterfalls #hiking #outside #explore #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakethingstodo #smithlakearea #smithlakedaytrip #smithlakebackroads #smithlakecommunity #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at William B. Bankhead National Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/CofWX4eLgAA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

We can stand the rain another day while we know the headwaters of the lake are flowing beautifully. 〰️〰️🌧️〰️〰️ “You never know what you might find if you follow a side stream at Bankhead” - 📷 @kozdok 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ #waterfall #northalabama #bankheadnationalforest #sipseywilderness #deepwoods #chasingwaterfalls #hiking #outside #explore #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakethingstodo #smithlakearea #smithlakedaytrip #smithlakebackroads #smithlakecommunity #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at William B. Bankhead National Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoKr5zWrHuK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sometimes the beauty in #bankheadnationalforest is in a scene happened-upon - subtle, quiet, hidden, yet glorious. Plan a hiking trip into the deep woods this year. Rainy season brings lively waterfalls that beckon visitors, but also look for the less chased magic in every little thing. 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ “A rocky stream flows beneath the hemlock trees in Bankhead National Forest” - 📷 @kozdok 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ #landofathousandwaterfalls #smithlakethingstodo #smithlakearea #sipseywilderness #smithlakedaytrips #hiking #outdoors #alabama #alabamalife #smithlakecommunity #lakeside #lewissmithlake #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Bankhead National Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn4g8HYr6Nu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A precious local family enjoyed a day @avemariagrotto - get in a visit to Cullman before Christmas decor is gone - there is lots to see and do! - 📷 @emeraldcove_smithlake <~~~FOLLOW & BOOK this local luxury rental home. 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ “We absolutely loved getting to see the holiday lights at @avemariagrotto last night! Highly recommend a visit to those in the area while they are still up (or a visit any time of the year, as our girls were fascinated by the “tiny village” 🥰). We also made a quick stop in Cullman to visit the Christmas Pyramid. Soaking up these last few days of the Christmas break! 🎄❄️” - @emeraldcove_smithlake 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ #avemariagrotto #cullmanal #cullmanalabama #smithlakearea #smithlakethingstodo #lake #lakelife #alabama #alabamalakes #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lakeside #lewissmithlake #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Cullman, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmvWePLMukO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

“Due to the improving weather (it’s getting warmer!) Christmas at the Grotto will be open tonight and tomorrow night. This will be the last chance to see the Grotto under Christmas lights. Don’t miss out this year - Dec 28 & Dec 29 - 5-9pm both nights. Visit avemariagrotto.com for more info.” - @avemariagrotto 〰️〰️✝️🎄〰️〰️ #smithlakechristmas #smithlakearea #smithlakethingstodo #cullmanal #cullmanal #cullmanalabama #cullmancounty #avemariagrotto #christmaslights #alabama #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lewissmithlake #visitsmithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlake #smithlakeal #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Cullman, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmuLTxbLcy9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

‼️GIFT IDEA‼️ Perks of giving @rockthesouth tickets for Christmas: 🎁 No long shipping times—they’re delivered instantly! 🎁 Tickets are one-size-fits-all! 🎁 No waiting in shopping lines! 🎁 No wrapping required! Buy ~~~> rockthesouth.com Sponsors: @pepsi @mitchsmithchevrolet 〰️〰️🎼🎫🎫🎶〰️〰️ #cullmanal #rockthesouth #musicfestival #liveconcert #music #countrymusic #smithlakearea #smithlakeevents #smithlakethingstodo #cullmanalabama #biggestpartyinthesouth #rockthesouth2023 #jasperal #jasperalabama #birminghamalabama #huntsvillealabama #nashvillemusic #livemusic #alabama #alabamaconcert #smithlakecommunity #lewissmithlake #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakeal #smithlakealabama #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Smith Lake, Cullman al) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmW_nzfv_M-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hiking season is on. It’s nice and easy to traverse and see through trails while vegetation is low. Great for photography too. There are plenty of hiking areas near the lake that aren’t as daunting in size as #bankheadnationalforest . Try #hurricanecreekpark, #naturalbridge , #clearcreekrecreationarea and many many others. Just get your tribe of adventurers together, make a plan and get out there. 〰️〰️🥾〰️〰️ “Enjoying the afternoon sun at Hurricane Creek Park” - 📷 @kozdok 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ @cullmanparksrec #hiking #explore #northalabama #waterfalls #creeks #parks #smithlakearea #smithlakethingstodo #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lakeside #lewissmithlake #livinglakelife #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Smith Lake, Cullman al) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmWiuoQL7Rx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Reason to love the rain: because #bankheadnationalforest Right here in the lake area - headwaters of the reservoir - our blessed heritage - what a privilege to call it part of home. #landofathousandwaterfalls learn more, know more think more, do more explore more, see more experience more, love more care more, give more. 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ “Sougahoagdee Falls on a foggy morning” - 📷 @kozdok 〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️ #smithlakearea #smithlakethingstodo #hiking #winstoncountyalabama #getoutside #hikingseason #sougahoagdeefalls #sipseywilderness #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakecommunity #lakeside #lewissmithlake #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakelife #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Lewis Smith Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9I8FDulBJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

There has been an exciting night in Cullman tonight with the Christmas parade and the Depot Park tree lighting in the @cullmanwarehousedistrict . We hope to have some recent photos soon of those festivities! There are lots of things to do and see in the Cullman area for this holiday season such as Cullman’s famous #weihnachtspyramide wooden Christmas Pyramid beside #cullmancountymuseum . Stay watchful of the pages for @christmasincullman via @cullmanparksrec ! 📷 @cullmanvacationrentals <~~~follow & book! 〰️〰️🎄〰️〰️ #cullmanvacationrentals #smithlakethingstodo #smithlakearea #christmaspyramid #weihnachtspyramide #cullmanal #cullmanalabama #christmasincullman #smithlakechristmas #alabamachristmas #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lakeside #lewissmithlake #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Cullman, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClsTOiWsp14/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Christmas at @avemariagrotto continues, Friday and Saturday (Dec 2,3) 5-9 pm each night. Check their site for details of more open nights. See the beauty of Brother Joseph’s work at night under Christmas lights. Refreshments available for guests! Check out the links below for info on all dates, events and admission prices for this Christmas season. ENJOY! www.avemariagrotto.com https://fb.me/e/2XlGZfnKR?mibextid=RQdjqZ 〰️〰️🎄〰️〰️ #smithlakechristmas #smithlakearea #smithlakethingstodo #cullmanal #cullmanal #cullmanalabama #cullmancounty #avemariagrotto #christmaslights #alabama #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lewissmithlake #visitsmithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlake #smithlakeal #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Cullman, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClrsXZsroOt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

@christmasincullman is a must for your #smithlakearea #thingstodo list! Many month long festivities kick off tonight with the 6pm parade and tree lighting afterwards. Other annual traditions have already begun. Enjoy all sorts of festivities including: 🎄 Christmas Parade 🎄 Tree Lighting 🎄 Christkindlmarkt (German holiday market) 🎄 Famous German Christmas Pyramid #weihnachtspyramide ...and so much more! Learn more and plan your Christmas in Cullman experience by visiting the link below. 🎅🏻 https://www.christmasincullman.com/ 📷 @rocketcitymom & @christmasincullman 〰️〰️❄️〰️〰️ @smithlakebiz #smithlakebiz #smithlakebusiness #shopsmithlake #cullmanal #cullmanalabama #smithlakechristmas #alabama #alabamalakes #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lewissmithlake #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Cullman, Alabama) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clq8wGAr9Xc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

🚨BUSINESS ROLL CALL! 🚨 Let’s shop local for the holidays and shout out all the local businesses for #smallbusinesssaturday . Best way to support local biz free? ~~~>FOLLOW, LIKE & comment on their social media! If you are a business owner who serves the Smith Lake area, head over to join our Facebook “Smith Lake Community” group and feel free to drop a comment on this post with your business info/card/link so the group can support you or a friend or family member’s business. Also, please visit the “Smith Lake Small Businesses” @smithlakebiz group and follow/support to see FREE postings from any and all local businesses. Thanks! Also - get a ‼️FREE ‼️ business listing on our website with a linked phone number, simply register here to be placed on the business directories now and let us know what to include: https://www.thelakesidelife.com/advertise.html For other levels of advertising via print/digital/social media/etc., there are a vast amount of options to fit your budget and we cost less than ALL other local options for more perks and a higher quality product, just contact us at 205-470-8250 or email [email protected]. More than 1.5M hits annually for Smith Lake’s most comprehensive website thelakesidelife.com and growing. Our print magazine is the highest quality magazine at the very best price in the area. Your AD dollars stretch further with us and your AD dollars are never inflated just to pay for an out of state franchise fee. Your money stays in the community. Join our elite group of advertisers! 〰️〰️🏬🛒🛍〰️〰️ #smithlakebiz #bestofsmithlake #smithlakebusiness #shopsmithlake #supportlocal #cullmanal #jasperal #cullmanalabama #jasperalabama #smithlakearea #arleyal #winstoncountyalabama #alabama #alabamalakes #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lakeside #lewissmithlake #lifeonsmithlake #livinglakelife #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakepix #smithlakelife #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Smith Lake, Cullman al) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clbu5qvLkxZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Things to do over the holiday weekend - get out and explore - after the important exercise of shopping LOCAL of course! 🛍😉 Work off that turkey feast with friends and family by visiting some local interesting places. A favorite of ours is #naturalbridgealabama 〰️〰️🍃〰️〰️ “Natural Bridge is a town at the southwest edge of Winston County, Alabama. The town is notable for the nearby rock arch, also named Natural Bridge which is the longest natural bridge east of Rockies. The 148-foot sandstone bridge towers 60 feet above winding pathways.” - 📷 @jacob_ford_photo 〰️〰️🍁〰️〰️ #hiking #naturalarch #getoutside #bankheadnationalforest #nature #outdoors #smithlakearea #smithlakebackroads #alabama #alabamalife #smithlakecommunity #smithlakethingstodo #winstoncountyalabama #smithlakesocial #lewissmithlake #lakeside #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakelife #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Lewis Smith Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClZfGzfPP8j/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Is there anything as lovely as Cullman’s #weihnachtspyramide wooden Christmas Pyramid?! Such a treasure to celebrate Cullman’s rich German heritage. The whole community looks forward to seeing it annually. Head to Cullman with family and friends tomorrow night to witness the lighting - Friday night 11/25/22 at 6pm. Arrive early to shop in town for #blackfriday and please visit area restaurants too. The pyramid will remain set up until after the new year. 〰️〰️❤️🌲💚〰️〰️ A closer look at the Christmas Pyramid! The Nativity Scene The 1st level located at the bottom features the Nativity scene: Mary kneeling at the manger, Joseph with his lantern, the wise men, & of course a swaddled baby Jesus. Nutcrackers The 2nd level displays decorative nutcrackers which are common in German traditions. German folklore is that a nutcracker was given as good luck keepsakes to families to protect their homes. Santa & Snowmen The 3rd level shows jolly St. Nicholas with a bag of goodies on his back & some dressed up snowmen, because what is Christmas without these two? Honoring Cullman The 4th level represents some familiar faces to our hometown such as the founder of Cullman, Johann G. Cullmann, local law enforcement, first responders, and local citizens of Cullman. Angels The 5th level shows large winged angels holding candles in both hands as they light the way to the birth of Jesus. Angels in Heaven The very TOP level shows angels in heaven rejoicing at the Birth of Jesus with their harps, trumpets, and bells. See it for yourself - lighting up Friday night (11/25) at 6 PM. The pyramid will remain set up until after the new year. - 📷 @christmasincullman 〰️〰️❄️〰️〰️ #smithlakethingstodo #smithlakearea #christmaspyramid #cullmanal #cullmanalabama #christmasincullman #smithlakechristmas #alabamachristmas #alabama #alabamalakes #alabamalife #smithlakecommunity #smithlakesocial #lakeside #lewissmithlake #livelifelakeside #visitsmithlake #smithlake #smithlakealabama #smithlakeal #smithlakemagazine #thelakesidelifemagazine #thelakesidelife (at Smith Lake, Cullman al) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClWoSsrLB-e/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=