“Nature and culture in harmony, you see, Lizzy. Wildness and artifice, and all in one perfect county!”  While this quote was written about another place and in another time, it could not more perfectly describe Athens-Limestone County.

Athens-Limestone County, Alabama is a wonderful balance of antiquity and modernity. Here the energy of thriving downtown squares, lively with music, celebrations, and the excitement of treasure hunters and window shoppers, merrily flows through the streets of our towns, then fades to restful stillness and the sweetness of birdsong on the forest and trails that wind through the county.

Warmth is waiting for you in our sun-splashed trails and the hearts of our citizens. Hike, bike, or paddle through gorgeous vistas, then go on your own personal treasure hunt in our local boutiques. Dine around the world without leaving Limestone County in our diverse restaurant scene. 

Athens-Limestone County -- Come for the nature, stay for the culture!

Recognizing that tourism is a vital part of a community’s economic development, the Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference is a collaborative effort focused on assisting smaller communities in bolstering tourism. Incredible networking opportunities and dynamic speakers are key components of the conference. The speakers present innovative ideas and relevant information that attendees always find useful in facing the unique challenges of promoting rural tourism with limited budgets. This annual conference is hosted alternately among Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, however, anyone associated with or interested in the rural tourism industry is invited to attend.

Welcome 2025 Rural Tourism Conference Attendees!"