2025 RURAL TOURISM CONFERENCE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, October 20, 2025

Registration –Alabama Veteran’s Museum & Archives 114 Pryor St W, Athens, AL 35611

Pre-Conference Tour & Reception: Monday, October 20, 2025

Morning Excursion Options for Monday, October 20, 2025

1. Rooted In Faith and Field (Bus tour)

2. Rooted In Nature: Marbut Bend (Bus and Walking Tour)

3. Rooted In History: Columns & Culture (Self-guided)

Excursion 1 – “Rooted In Faith And Field” Limit 60

Host ANGIE PIERCE 256-777-0318 10:00 A.M.bus departure – 1:00 P.M. arrival back to Alabama Veterans Museum

A tour highlighting the churches and agriculture from the Hallelujah Trail and the Agri-Trail. Included are: First Presbyterian Church, Athens First Methodist Church, Isom’s Orchard, and 1818 Farms in Mooresville.

Excursion 2 – “Rooted In Nature: Marbut Bend” Limit 20

Host STEPHANIE REYNOLDS 256-529-7758 10:00 A.M.bus departure – 1:00 P.M. arrival back to Alabama Veterans Museum

Marbut Bend Accessible Trail is a cooperative project between the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Limestone County Commission. The park was purposefully created to be accessible featuring compacted crush walkways and wooden bridges.

Excursion 3 – “Rooted In History : Columns & Culture” Self-guided

10:00 A.M. departure – 1:00 P.M. Pick up your brochure at the Veteran’s Museum. The tour starts at the Tourism Office at 100 N Beaty Street

This incredible, self-guided tour will guide you through the streets and stories of Athens and Limestone County. Follow the map in our Columns & Culture Brochure. On the back of the brochure is the link to our Soundcloud presentation of the history each building on the tour. (This is also a Pokemon Go route if you like to gamify your historical touring!)

Afternoon Excursion Options for Monday, October 20, 2025

1. Rooted In Creativity (Guided walking tour)

2. Rooted In Enterprise (Self-guided)

3. Rooted In History: Columns & Culture (Self-guided)

Excursion 1 – “Rooted In Creativity” Guided Walking Tour - Limit 49

2:15 P.M. departure – 4:15 P.M. arrival back to Alabama Veterans Museum

Follow the air of creativity as it winds through the streets of Athens like the perfume of magnolia blossoms. See our beautiful offerings to the Mural Trail and then head to the Scout House to paint “Rock Star Art”.

Excursion 2 – “Rooted In Enterprise” Self-guided

Start: Flexible. Ends at 4:15

Bring your $5.00 voucher and your BINGO card and shop and celebrate the charm, character, and creativity of an award winning Mainstreet downtown. You will discover unique stores, local artisans, and hidden treasures while fostering community pride.

Excursion 3 – “Rooted In History: Columns & Culture” Self-guided

Start: Flexible. Ends at 4:15 Pick up your brochure at the Veteran’s Museum. The tour starts at the Tourism Office at 100 N Beaty Street

This incredible, self-guided tour will guide you through the streets and stories of Athens and Limestone. Follow the map in our Columns & Culture Brochure. On the back of the brochure is the link to our Soundcloud presentation of the history of each building on the tour. (This is also a Pokemon Go route if you like to gamify your historical touring!)

Opening Night Reception (October 20) “Stews & Brews”

4:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Come and Go Reception Athens Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park

409 W Green Street Athens, AL 35611. Hosted by Athens Main Street

Main Street Dessert Dine Around

6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Launchbox 121 S Marion Street

"Walk Over Patriot Party Ready To Celebrate America’s 250th”

8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. Located in front of the Limestone County Courthouse located on the east side.

Sponsored by Alabama Mountain Lakes Association

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Morning Excursion Option: Sign up to walk the Swan Creek Trail with Stephanie Reynolds. This event will start at 6:30 A.M. and will be a short 30-45 minute walk.

Conference Registration opens at 7:30 A.M. Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives

114 Pryor Street SW Athens, AL 35611 256.771.7578

8:30 - 9:00 Welcome: Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly, Alabama Tourism Director Mr. Lee Sentell

9:00 - 10:00 “The Generation Stories: From Roots to Branches”- Kristin Scroggins

10:00 - 10:30 Intro of Vendors & Vendor Break

10:30 - 11:25 “Southern Echoes: How Storytelling Keeps Us Rooted”  

11:25 - 11:45 “From Words to Action” Advocacy Panel with State Representative Andy Whitt, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congressman Dale Strong

11:45 - 1:00 Lunch

1:00 - 1:50 “Pushing Forward: Turning Afternoon Slumps into Success”- Dr. Elizabeth Bowden

1:50 - 2:40 “Revive the Heartbeat: Breathing Life into Downtown”-Tere Richardson

2:40 - 3:00 Vendor Break – Sponsored by Athens/Limestone Chamber

3:00 - 4:15 “ALL(abama) Are Welcome: Accessible Tourism”- Leslie Walker

4:15 - 6:00 Shop on the Square – using $5.00 Tourism Bucks

6:30 - 10:00 Dinner and Reception:

At The Lofton: Enjoy the serene 36 acres located in the Tennessee Valley.

The perfect blend of elegant and homey, The Lofton is located at 701 Lofton Hall Road in Ardmore, Tennessee

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

8:30 - 8:45 Announcements and Agnes Zaiontz Award

8:45 - 9:35 “Unboxed: Embracing New Perspectives” Tami Reist, CEO Alabama Mountain Lakes

9:35 - 9:50 Vendor Break

9:50 - 10:35 “Stronger Together: Building Bonds That Last”-- Jason Parks 10:35 - 11:05 Pitch Contest

11:05 - 12:00 Final Announcements

Evaluation Forms – Drawing for $100 Pitch Winners

Shop Bingo Drawing Vendor Bingo Drawing

Spirit Pull and Silent Auction Results Announce 2026 Location

12:00 Adjourn

Thank you for sharing your time with us!