Pioneer Museum of Alabama

Hey Everyone!

Today we’re going to be exploring the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. One of Troy’s more educational attractions, the museum is the state’s premiere pioneer heritage destination, and features a wide variety of cars, buildings, and various historical artifacts that are sure to delight and fascinate both young and old.

In this interview with museum director Barbara Tatom, we discuss just a couple of the things to do and see at the museum.

The Pioneer Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from
9am until 5pm. They are located on 248 Highway 231 North. Admission is $10 for
adults, $9 seniors, $8 for students and children under the age of $5 get in for
free!

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama is a Troy attraction you don’t
want to miss, and I highly recommend checking it out!

Happy Traveling!

Checklist for Traveling Troy

Welcome back!

As I look back on the past three month’s worth of blog posts I’m just now beginning to realize how many places and activities in Troy we’ve explored. However, I realize that reading about a place online is almost effortless, while exploring it yourself takes a lot of planning and preparation.

While I want everyone to go out and have fun in the great city of Troy, I also want my readers to be prepared! So here’s a list of must-haves for traveling in Troy, Alabama!

 

1.       Light, Breathable Clothing

Everyone who’s lived or traveled in the southeast knows how hot and humid it is the majority of the year. While our brief “winter” weather might necessitate a few more layers, most of the time you’re going to want to wear clothes that’ll be comfortable for 80+ degree weather! Athletic clothing like running shorts, tank tops and sports bras are ideal for the muggy conditions—especially if your destination is outdoors!

2.       Comfortable Shoes

Most of the places we’ve covered so far in this blog are areas that require a lot of walking. It’s safe to say that you’re going to want to leave the dress shoes at home and opt for sneakers or hiking sandals if you’re wanting to explore most of the places I’ve visited!

3.       Sunglasses

Stars fell on Alabama—and that includes the sun! We usually have wonderfully warm, sunny weather down here in Troy, so make sure to bring along a pair of sunglasses on your adventures to protect your eyes!

4.       Sunscreen/ Bug Spray

Speaking of protecting yourself from the sun, don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen, especially if you’re prone to burning easy! Additionally, our weather attracts critters of all kinds—especially mosquitoes, which can carry serious diseases. Make sure to top all that SPF off with a coating of bug spray to protect yourself!

5.       Water

All the sun combined with physical activity can dehydrate you! Make sure to bring some water along with you on your journey!

6.       Cash

I try to keep most of the places I visit in my blog free or budget-friendly, but it’s always great to keep some cash on you! a few places charge admission, and additionally if you’re wanting to stop and grab a bite to eat that will also cost money. Troy can be a little old-fashioned at times so having a $20 bill on you will never be a bad idea.

7.       Camera

Last but not least, make sure you bring your camera or phone with you to capture pictures of all your fun adventures!

Keep checking back for more blog posts!

Happy traveling!

Murphree Park

Hello again!

Today we will be exploring a peaceful area of Troy that a lot of people may not know about!

Murphree Park is the perfect place to go if you just need a quiet moment to yourself, you want to get some exercise or even host a birthday party or other event!

 

Murphree Park is Troy’s most historic park. Created in 1889 by Joel Murphree Sr., by the beginning of the 21^st century it was in dire need of repair. So, in 2001, The City of Troy, Troy Parks and Recreation, and several members of the community all came together to give the park a complete redesign and facelift!

 

The park is composed of several features. An 1,888 ft. walking trail sprawls around the park, which makes it the perfect place to get in some exercise while also enjoying the outdoors!

However, the park is not just for adults. It also features a large playground for children, so if you have little ones or perhaps regularly babysit, Murphree Park presents a great way for children to release some energy in a safe, beautiful environment.

It is important to mention two things that are not allowed at the park. If you are a smoker, the park is claimed as a smoke free area, so you will not be allowed to smoke on the premises. Additionally, no dogs of any kind are allowed at the park, so if you are planning on taking a trip Fido will have to sit this one out!

 

Murphree Park also features a large, covered Pavilion that is available to rent out by the public for special events! If you are interested in hosting a birthday party, concert or something else that you think the venue would be ideal for, you can contact Troy Parks and Recreation’s main office at (334) 566-4031 and reserve the Pavilion!

Murphree Park is located at 307 Murphree Street in Troy, Alabama. It is open every day from 8am until 6pm.

If you would like to contact someone for more information as well as renting out Murphree Park’s facilities, you can also email Troy Parks and Recreation at recreation@troyal.gov

Make sure to check back again next week when we will be exploring Troy’s Pioneer Museum!

Happy Traveling!

My (Spoiler-Free!) Interpretation of Jordan Peele's "Us"

The movie “Us” hit theatres a month ago and has already earned over $180 million at the box office. The latest horror film from Jordan Peele, the director of the Academy award-winning “Get Out” has definitely sparked discussion.

While Jordan Peele’s movies typically have themes and stunning symbolism, such as the way the movie “Get Out” addresses many racial issues, there are no definite answers to what Us’s theme is.

I personally interpret a theme of classism.* Gabe always seems to be trying to play catch-up with Josh, buying a boat thinking his friend who is already a boat owner will be impressed. Instead their conversation about it at the beach is Josh somewhat snobbishly dismissing Gabe’s purchase and even insulting his intellect. Peele makes it no secret that the Tyler’s have more than the Wilson’s, and I think Gabe’s constant goal of trying to catch up to them represents a problem America is currently facing, where material things are put on a pedestal. Gabe is so focused on his materialistic goals that he seemingly has no awareness of his wife’s deteriorating mental health. And while we might laugh at his cluelessness while Adelaide is trying to explain her fears, this theme of putting money and wealth first and ignoring the seriousness of mental health is also a problem commonly found in our country.

Even still, while the Wilson’s dwell on their problems. The Tethered would still rather take their place than continue living their underground lifestyle. Their red jumpsuits, while also an obvious homage to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” which is referenced in the film also symbolize confinement, and that they are not free to do whatever they want like their above-ground counterparts.

While some people may be disappointed that the movie did not address a specific issue, I believe that because of the elasticity of the film, Jordan Peele has ingeniously crafted a film that you can translate to have any meaning you want. I have my idea, but you can have yours too and they both make about as much sense. More importantly, it sparks discussion between two people of differing ideas, and maybe while talking we’ll be able to understand a different concept that we previously couldn’t grasp.

What themes did you pick up on from the film? Let’s start a discussion in the comments below!

Troy Libraries

Hello again!

Today we are going to be exploring the two libraries in Troy, Alabama. While going out to eat or explore are both fun activities, it is also sometimes nice to sit back, relax, and enjoy some peace, quiet and read a good book. Luckily, the Troy Public Library as well as the Troy University Library both provide excellent opportunities for doing this!

The Troy Public Library offers many resources besides books, including movies, a computer lab, eBooks and more! To have access, all you have to do is apply for a free library card. The two story library provides many different areas for users to relax and read.

 

Additionally, Troy Public Library also hosts occasional events throughout the year, and also hosts a quilting guild and needlework clubs. You can also find tutors at their facility as well as rooms specifically designed for studying.

Troy Public Library also has an extensive collection of genealogy resources. The Karen C. Bullard Genealogical Research Center consists of books, microfilm, computers, obituaries, yearbooks and more. They also have rooms that people can listen, watch or read these resources in. If you have ever been curious about the origins of your ancestors and have some free time, researching your family history at the Troy Public Library would be an educational as well as fun activity!

 

The Troy Public Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00am until 5:45pm, from 9:00am until 4:45 on Friday, and from 9:00am until 2:45 on Saturday. They are located at 500 East Walnut Street.

Although the Troy University Library is primarily for the use of Troy University Students, it nevertheless is an invaluable resource for current students to take advantage of. In addition to the obvious resources they provide for studying, they also display artwork such as posters and host events such as speaker events from authors. They also have several textbooks available to rent, so if you need to use a textbook for a class but don’t want to buy it, you might be able to check it out at the Troy Public Library!

 

The Troy University Library is located in Wallace Hall. Their hours are Monday through Wednesday from 7:30am to 2:00am, Thursday from 7:30am until 11:00pm, Friday from 7:30am until 6:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am until 5:00pm, and Sunday from 2:00pm until 2:00am.

Check in again next week for more posts!

Johnson Center for the Arts

Cover Shot:

 

Today we are going to be exploring the Johnson Center for the Arts, Troy Alabama’s very own cultural arts center and museum!

Establishing Shot:

 

The Johnson Center for the Arts is one of Troy’s historic treasures—originally Troy’s old post office, it has been renovated into seven different galleries.

Detail Shot #1:

One of the facilities, “The Studio” can actually be rented out for various events including weddings, birthday parties and more.

Detail Shot #2:

 

Currently, the Johnson Center for the Arts is housing two exhibits. Upon walking through the main entrance, you will view the Paige Smith Wyatt “Nature’s Way” Exhibit.

Detail Shot #3:

The “Nature’s Way” Exhibit will be on display until April 13, 2019. It features several paintings that are inspired by nature.

Filler Shot #1:

 

Wyatt drew inspiration not only from things found in nature, but also from Taoism and her training in art therapy and psychotherapy.

Filler Shot #2:

 

The other exhibit being displayed is the Warren Simons “Visual Surprises: Hiding in Plain Sight.”

Filler Shot #3:

 

The title is pretty much self-explanatory as to what the photographs picture—various scenarios that we probably see or encounter every day, but captured in such a way that it really makes you stop and focus.

Filler Shot #4:

 

The Warren Simons exhibit will also be displayed until April 13, 2019.

Closing Shot:

 

The Johnson Center for the Arts is located at 300 East Walnut St. in downtown Troy. Its hours are 10am-5pm Wednesday-Friday and 10am-3pm on Saturday. Be sure to stop by for a visit--admission is always free!

Rent-A-Dog at the Pike Co. Animal Shelter

Hello again!

Today’s post will not be focusing on a specific place in Troy, Alabama, instead it will explore an activity that just recently became available to the Troy community.

The Pike County Animal Shelter, Troy’s local shelter for cats, dogs and other pets, has recently started a program called “Rent A Dog.”

How it works is very simple: anyone interested in taking a shelter dog out for the day can simply swing by the Animal Shelter. Here, they can pick out a dog that they are interested in spending time with. They can take this dog anywhere that is friendly to pets in Troy, including Petsense, the park, etc. When they are done, they simply bring the dog back to the shelter!

 

(Pictured: Hope is a shelter dog who is currently looking for a forever home, but in the meantime would love to spend a day playing with someone interested in renting a dog!)

There are many benefits to the shelter having this program. The dogs in their shelter spend much of their time in cages, with perhaps only one short walk to stretch their legs a day. With the rent a dog program, the shelter volunteers’ workload is made lighter, as they do not have to worry about walking as many dogs.

Additionally, the dogs get valuable socialization time not only with many different people, but also get a change of scenery by getting to explore different environments. This makes the dogs easier to adopt out to a greater variety of home structures.

However, there are also benefits to people wanting to rent shelter dogs out for a day. If a person or family is considering bringing a pet into their home permanently, spending some one-on-one time with a dog for a whole day gives them a feel for what the dog is like and whether it is right for them.

Another benefit is that people, especially students, who are animal lovers but may not have the means to own one can still go play with a dog—which can be a nice break from the stress of classes and studying!

Rent a Pet is a collaboration of resources by people and animal shelters that benefits both parties in the end!

If you are interested in Renting a dog out for the day, the Pike County Animal Shelter is located on 904 Henderson Highway in Troy, AL. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Happy Travels!