Cavers descend into Stephens Gap Cave, part of a 123-acre preserve in Jackson County. (Contributed by J.P. Parsons V.P. Destination Marketing, Jackson County Tourism)Scottsboro is famous in the region for its Unclaimed Baggage Center, America's only lost-luggage store, but the city has much more to offer than someone else's attire and gear.
Whether you're visiting the Scottsboro Jackson Heritage Center for a guided tour of the area's history from 12,000 years ago to the present day, or perusing the vendor stalls at First Monday Trade Day, the city is a hidden gem.
According to J.P. Parsons with Jackson County Tourism, Scottsboro offers a wide variety of pastimes - "playing, fishing and golfing on the Tennessee River and Goose Pond Colony, exploring 10,000 years of human history at Russell Cave National Monument, experiencing the very beginnings of the Civil Rights movement, or reliving over 150 years of Civil War history."
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HORSE SWAPPINGFirst Monday Trade Day in Scottsboro began as Horse Swapper’s Day on Dec. 1, 1902. The event was the idea of James Armstrong, editor of The Scottsboro Citizen newspaper.On Nov. 13, 1902, he suggested to his readers: “Each first Monday could be made a lively day for buying, swapping and selling horses and mules. The Citizen suggests that Monday, December 1st be named the First Horse Swapper’s Day.”Though the first Horse Swapper’s Day was not a howling success, Armstrong did not give up. Six months later, The Citizen reported: “A good crowd was in town Monday. County and Commissioners’ Court met that day.”The event grew and changed with each new Trade Day until the present-day event, which hosts vendors selling clothes, glassware, art and everything in between.Source: Scottsboro Chamber of Commerce
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*GOOD EATSSpecializing in fish and seafood as well as all your barbecued meat favorites, Mud Creek Fishing Camp’s fried catfish alone is worth the trip. However, the restaurant is also well worth visiting for its waterfront views, its wonderful patio for the warmer months, or simply if you are a fan of barbecue food and want to try something a little different. (804 County Road 213; 256-259-2493.)A slightly more fine-dining take on barbecue, The Docks offers diners a wonderful lakeside eating experience, particularly stunning as the sun sets over the lake. For those looking for a long, relaxed evening of casual dining in a friendly setting, The Docks is a must-visit, with locally famed shrimp and grits as the signature dish. (1165 Ed Hembree Drive; 256-574-3071; goosepond.org/things-to-do/dine/the-docks.)Only open for lunch, McCutchen’s Magnolia House Restaurant is the perfect stop for some midday comfort, perhaps before or after a visit to the nearby famous Unclaimed Baggage store. The restaurant serves all-American favorites including chicken, burgers, sandwiches and a freshly made hot food bar. (303 E. Willow St.; 256-259-3077; magnoliahousescottsboro.com.)*Source: Destination Marketing
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ANNUAL EVENTThe Big Bass Splash and Art Sunday brings in huge crowds. The national tournament makes its stop at Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro in the spring and is considered to be the world’s largest amateur fishing tournament.Source: sealyoutdoors.com
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GET AWAY* With its golfing, modern cabin lodging, and access to Lake Guntersville, the Scottsboro Goose Pond Colony Resort is the perfect weekend getaway or home base for reunions of all kinds.* The location includes a full-service marina, meeting facilities, a waterfront campground, walking trail and a variety of lodging options including rustic cottages or the main lodge.* Located at 417 Ed Hembree Drive, it can be reached at 256-912-0592, or visit goosepond.org to learn more.