Cullman isn’t just a dot on the map between Birmingham and Huntsville — it’s a community with a pulse, a personality and a surprising amount of momentum. If you’ve lived here long enough, it’s easy to slip into routine: the same routes, the same restaurants, the same weekend plans. But have you checked out Visit Cullman? It’s a reminder that our town is not only thriving — it’s becoming a destination.
Smith Lake: The crown jewel we sometimes take for granted
For visitors, Smith Lake is a revelation. For us, it’s the place we’ve spent summers swimming, fishing or watching the sun drop behind the treeline. It’s one of the cleanest lakes in the region, a hub for tournaments and a playground for anyone who loves being on the water. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken the boat out or packed a cooler for a lakeside afternoon, consider this your nudge.
Summertime adventures
In addition to Smith Lake, there are tons of outdoor options available. Want to hit a waterslide? Check out WildWater! Feel like glamping? Look no further than the Palomino RV Resort. Hiking more your style? Hit the trails at Hurricane Creek Park or Duck River. And there’s no shortage of local food options when you whip up an appetite – or local breweries when you want to kick back and relax on a summer evening.
Downtown: The heartbeat that keeps getting louder
Downtown Cullman has transformed over the past decade, and Visit Cullman captures that energy. The brick-lined streets of the Warehouse District, boutique shops and locally owned restaurants aren’t just for tourists — they’re for us. Whether it’s grabbing a latte on the way to work, browsing new arrivals at a shop you haven’t visited yet or catching live music during 2nd Fridays or another festival, downtown has become a genuine gathering place.
Landmarks worth a second look
Many of us grew up visiting the Ave Maria Grotto on school field trips or have driven past the Shrine without stopping. But these places draw visitors from across the country — and they’re right here in our backyard! They are prized destinations that add depth to our community and highlight our faith.
Farm fresh isn’t a trend — it’s our lifestyle
Cullman County’s agricultural roots run deep, and Visit Cullman celebrates that, showcasing local farms, farmers markets, wineries and more. Destinations include (but are not limited to) Festhalle Farmers Market, Berlin Farmers Market, 4D Farm, Grandview Mountain Strawberry Farm, Steele Orchard, Bagwell Blueberry Farm, Haynes Farm Local Market, J. Calvert Farms, the North Alabama Agriplex, Sneads Farmhouse, Sullivan Creek Ranch and Tally Ho Farms
A community that shows up
If there’s one thing Cullman does exceptionally well, it’s gathering. The area has a burgeoning social scene, with festivals and events growing exponentially over the last few years. From the Alabama Strawberry Festival to Oktoberfest to the Christkindlmarkt, the Cullman community loves to come together, and welcome visitors.
Upcoming events include:
Smith Lake Park 4th of July Fireworks Festival – July 4, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
“Independence Day at Smith Lake Park is a full day of summer fun, capped off with a fireworks show lighting up the night sky over the water. Families, friends, and visitors gather for food, festivities, and one of the most scenic fireworks displays of the year.”
www.facebook.com/SmithLakePark
30th Annual Sweet Tater Festival – Sept. 6-7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Smith Lake Park
“A longtime tradition, the Sweet Tater Festival celebrates community pride with live entertainment, food and craft vendors, sweet potato favorites, and a popular car show. It’s a relaxed, end-of-summer gathering that feels welcoming and familiar year after year.”
www.facebook.com/SmithLakePark
Cullman Restaurant Week – Sept. 10-21
This will be a communitywide celebration of Cullman County’s growing and diverse culinary scene. The 11-day event will debut with an exciting inaugural kick-off experience, “Culinary in Cullman,” bringing together local restaurants for an unforgettable evening of flavors and fellowship. Participating restaurants will offer tastings and interactive experiences, giving attendees a preview of the flavors they can enjoy throughout the week.
www.visitcullman.com
10th Annual Bernard Blues & BBQ – Sept. 12-13, at St. Bernard Abbey
“Held on the campus of St. Bernard Prep School, Bernard Blues & BBQ pairs soulful live music with mouthwatering barbecue, arts and crafts, and family activities. The festival’s warm atmosphere makes it a favorite for music lovers and those looking to savor a slower pace.”
www.bernardbluesbbq.com
Discover more about what Cullman has to offer at www.visitcullman.com.
One great place to stay: Black Oak Point
You've decided to visit Cullman, or be a visitor in your own hometown, but where will you stay? There are lots of great options, and one fantastic and unique one is Black Oak Point on Smith Lake!
Calan and Siarra Hollingsworth describe their journey with Black Oak Point as something that unfolded both intentionally and organically. As owners of a growing real estate investment company based in Cullman, the couple brings two very different professional backgrounds — Calan’s experience in commercial construction and homebuilding, and Siarra’s foundation in public relations and business development. After years spent building careers in Atlanta, they felt a pull back to the place that shaped them. Returning to Cullman allowed them not only to reconnect with their roots, but also to invest in a community they deeply love.
Their work in long‑term rentals eventually sparked a shared desire to create something more personal — an elevated lake retreat that blends hospitality, design and the natural beauty of Smith Lake. That vision became Black Oak Point.
“We wanted to create a space where guests could slow down, reconnect and feel truly at home,” Siarra explained. Every detail, from the amenities to the atmosphere, was crafted with that intention.
The property itself offered the perfect canvas. With panoramic windows, a quiet slough and water so clear it feels almost unreal, the setting immediately inspired them. The home already had thoughtful updates, but Calan and Siarra refined the space with a focus on warmth, approachability and a seamless connection to nature. Today, whether guests are gathered in the living room or watching the sun dip behind the trees from the dock, the lake remains the heart of the experience.
“From the beginning, we wanted Black Oak Point to feel elevated while still remaining warm, approachable and deeply connected to nature. We intentionally designed the experience around the landscape, allowing the outdoors to become part of the home itself,” said Siarra. “Whether you are gathered in the living room, waking up in one of the bedrooms or sitting on the dock at sunset, the lake is always at the center of the experience.”
Unlike crowded beach destinations, the lake offers a rare stillness — rolling hills, calm water and a sense of escape just minutes from Cullman’s restaurants, festivals and small‑town charm. Guests can spend their days boating, swimming, fishing and exploring or simply unwinding in the quiet.
“The lake itself is breathtaking in every season. The sunrises and sunsets over the water feel almost cinematic, and there is something incredibly calming about the natural beauty surrounding you,” said Siarra. “It is the kind of place that invites you to reconnect with nature, with the people around you and with yourself.”
What surprises many people about the vacation rental world, the couple said, is how personal it becomes.
“Beyond the occasional funny story or forgotten item, what has impacted us most are the meaningful connections formed through hosting guests during some of life’s most important moments,” she said. “We’ve had the privilege of welcoming families celebrating graduations, retirements, birthdays, baby showers, reunions and quiet weekends away simply because they needed time to reset. Many guests return year after year, and some have told us they never want to leave because they feel so relaxed and at home here. Those moments mean everything to us.”
“Hospitality is really about people,” Calan reflected. “That’s been the most rewarding part.”
Cullman isn’t just a dot on the map between Birmingham and Huntsville — it’s a community with a pulse, a personality and a surprising amount of momentum.