As a 64-year-old British man who has never had the privilege of visiting the United States, I find these wonderful and fascinating videos offer a unique insight into what life is truly like across the Atlantic. I have always dreamt of visiting America, but unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to do so. During my teenage years, I went through a phase of being obsessed with the United States and the concept of the American Dream. Even now, I still harbor a strong desire to visit the country, and when I finally do, I may struggle to believe that I am actually there, walking on the same soil as all my American heroes. I am certain that upon my arrival, I will be compelled to kneel down and kiss the ground, just to convince myself that I am indeed standing on American land, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration.
I can tell you it was the Brit invasion that re-bonded us, anything from Liverpool was solid gold over here at that time, I remember our gym coach getting pissed at us guys going long hair. ☺
As a 61 year old Brit, I can personally say you won’t be disappointed. Like you I had the feeling I needed to go and aged 24 I did, arrived in San Francisco but stayed on the outskirts in a place called San Jose. I stayed for two month which wasn’t a lot of time back then. The best part of the trip was we got to Vagus and Los Angeles. It was the 80’s and Americans treated me like one of their family. Years later 2003, I went to live in Canada and during my ten years there my work took me across the boarder down to the USA. The feeling I had was amazing I felt I’d come home and it was great. The best part I personally found about America & indeed Canada we are welcomed like family and that’s a beautiful thing. Now back in the U.K. if I hear an American or Canadian near by I always make sure I let them know they are welcome here. Just wished the whole world could be like that but it’s dreaming that keeps us smiling.
The American dream is only alive when you are asleep. In reality the dream is dead. You are fantasizing about nothing. It was a big thing when you were young, I admit, but the America you envision from your old days is no more. I changed starting about 20 years ago and the financial meltdown in 2008 we still have not recovered from it.
It is indeed a water tower "This elegant standpipe eater tower brought the first city water service to Lineville in 1917. Although no loner part of the modern water system that serves this small town, the 1917 tower is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage."
Even though I am a long time subscriber I normally don't leave many comments. But always leave a thumbs up. However, This time I just want to say thank you for doing what you do. I will probably never get the chance to visit any of these towns you show us. Its neat that we can through your videos. When I start one of your videos and hear you say " Well everybody I am in..." I get real calm and relaxed while you take us on a road trip and an occasional motel, Bar , restaurant soaking up the town culture . So there you go. Just a big thanks. I always look forward to the next one and maybe see a cat or two.
My grandparents lived outside of Goodwater AL. I am 67 years old now. They had a spring that fed their water use. As kids there was a metal dipper by the actual spring. It was delicious, I had lived all over Mississippi, and lots of their water had sulfur, PEE-YOU!! but Goodwater indeed had the best water! The little Burger place used to be a Dairy Queen, and my Pawpaw would load up numerous grandkids in his big old car and go get us all ice cream :) Good memory. My parents have left us their place and it is near. That Burger Place you passed has the best burgers and Ice cream cones, we tried it a couple of years ago. It is sad how these small towns have gotten. And in Talladega, you only visited the Deaf and Blind School, there is also Alabama School for the Deaf, just a few blocks over. They do marvelous things there also!
@@jamesphelps4168 I don't, We didn't live in that area when I was growing up, we lived 1969-1975 here in Danville AL, and we moved to Hollins in 1975 and I got married and moved to Talladega Area, came back up to Hartselle AL in 1987. But I think 280 is 4 lane most all the way to Alex City! Which is kinda of different, but up here in North AL, things, places and scenery changes rapidly :) doesn't it?
While definitely a little nicer, it's not uncommon for an Alabama high school around the state. Though I'd typically associate it more with high schools built in the suburb-y areas (See Thompson High School, Athens High School, Hueytown High School, Enterprise High School, etc).
I grew up in Talladega. My dad, in addition to being a Baptist pastor, was a circulation manager for the Talladega Daily Home. I spent many a Saturday watching a matinee at the Ritz theater you showed. My best friends dad owned a drugstore in the same set of buildings as the Ritz, Collins Drugs. There was also a Rexall pharmacy at the other end of the block. My dad made me get a paper route, and I delivered papers to all the businesses downtown. Ah, memories.
I grew up in Talladega also. We were there until I finished 5th grade. My dad worked for the deaf and blind school, and my mom taught at the black deaf school. That was during segregation of course. My favorite memory of Talladega is Moon's Barbecue.
The Blind Boys of Alabama, also billed as The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys of Alabama,[2] is an American gospel group. The group was founded in 1939 in Talladega, Alabama, and has featured a changing roster of musicians over its history, the majority of whom are or were vision impaired. The Blind Boys of Alabama started out in a little town in Alabama called Talladega. This was the school for the blind, funded by the state of Alabama. All the blind children in Alabama came to that school. That's how we met. i saw them back in the mid 90s in Odense Denmark.
Wow!!! This Alabama adventure is just filled with eye candy. So many beautiful towns/cities. Absolutely fantastic! This deserves a 20 star rating! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🤠👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
We recently moved to Lineville/Ashland June of ‘23. We absolutely love it here. You are correct hardly anything is open on Sunday. We are all at church or enjoying a quiet Sunday at home or watching NASCAR. 🤣🤣
Two longtime friends have moved from the Pacific Northwest to rural Alabama towns and are loving it. Low cost of living, non-existant crime compared to Portland/Seattle, and great weather. I thought they were nuts until I visited. Definitely see the attraction.
@kencurran8853 He is an independent engineering consultant who works 100% remote. Drawings and documents are downloaded from the client, and his work product is uploaded back to the client. She is a tech writer who does essentially the same. Their fun is fishing, gardening, bird watching, and ham radio.
I really enjoyed seeing the town of Talladega, AL, as it was the birthplace of my late husband. On our way to FL one year we drove through there and had breakfast! We both enjoyed that. I really enjoy your videos!
The Lineville water tower. This 100-foot-tall structure held 75,000 gallons of water and resembles a medieval sentry tower. The water tower is located on today’s College Street and is one of only four Clay County structures on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
2:54 (Goodwater) it's so sad to see places like this getting run down and likely ultimately abandoned. It's actually the kind of town I would love to live in. Whenever I see old homes, barns and other structures, I'm always reminded that once-upon-a-time these were somebody's newly-built pride and joy. 😢 I would have loved to have seen - just out of curiosity - what these towns look like when it's not a Sunday morning. Thank you for sharing this, I love to see the back roads and small towns all around the US (and Canada, where I'm from). I'm glad this popped up on my feed❤
I looked up Piggly Wiggly. They were the first grocery store to allow customers to get their own groceries and use a shopping cart. Amazing. They are now headquartered in Keene, NH of all places.
i worked at the pig when it was bigger and they screwed all us long time employees out of our retirement money cause they went bankrupt and didnt have to give us what they were suppose to give us like me i was suppose to get over 20 thousand but they did bankruptcy and sent me a check for 600 and something dollars. now the pig is just independently owned they arent a big chain anymore
Joe, you are the perfect host & guide for these tours of wonderful rural towns. I enjoy them very much. I'm 67, retired and don't travel anymore, so your tours are the next best thing. Thank you very much. 🥰
Will not talk politics now , but to me and family, bros , and most people I meet , that live here do not take it for granted. Truly thanks for reminding me of so so many places , that are small , but full of beautiful scenery, resources and we the people 🇱🇷
These run down and empty old downtowns are the money shots for your channel. I'm always stunned when I see them. It's like a big piece of Americana has died in these old, dying cities. I always visualize what they must have looked like or been like back in their prime. Damn I feel older. Now, get off my lawn! lol
My husband and I chuckle when you talk about “stuff” in folks yards. We live in eastern NC and on occasion see such. No judgment. “To each his own”. But now we say “stuff”😀
Today started off really bad. I have to say your video cheered me up. Always wanted to go to Alabama! I’m impressed Piggly Wiggly is in tiny Goodwater. I’m so glad you gave us the history behind the name of Goodwater! I do love how spread out it is. Beautiful courthouse in Ashland! Clay Co HS is huge! The Baptist church in Lineville is indeed impressive. Love the 76 sign in the Antique yard. Yes! Lineville is imaginative 😂. Love the mural upon entering Talladega. Very nice downtown square. Gorgeous court house! Thank you for another fantastic video full of history and insight! Looking forward to more!
Always wanted to stay away from Alabama and your video convinced me to continue my avoidance. I would go two states over to avoid Alabama even if I had free tickets on the 50 yard line to watch Alabama play a home game.
10 years ago, we bought our current home, just up the road from Talladega, in Oxford. It's got the big columns out front. Needs a bit of constant work, as all places do. It's due for a re-roof. But, we paid $150,000 for a 7,000sf, 4 story, brick, stone and wood-frame, 50 year old home. We call it "House of 7s" as it has 7 bedrooms, 7bath, 7 fireplaces. The entire basement is it's own "mother-in-law" suite with kitchen, bedrm and full bath. It's value has gone up quite a bit in the last 5 years and is now valued around $300,000. Our big hurdle was finding out the insurance companies wanted to value it at almost $900k due to all the fancy wood interior. Swamp cypress tongue and groove wall panel, black walnut exposed beams in places, hardwood oak T&G floors. It was built by owners of a local lumber mill. I'm pretty happy with it but, being I'm one of those "Poors" making not much more than the avg wage, sometimes it's a struggle.
The hospital you showed in Clay County most likely serves the entire county. I doubt there is a second hospital there. Similar to some of the more rural counties here in Tennessee. Now if they can just protect those lovely little towns from investors. Love your road trips.
I’m fairly familiar with this area as my mother grew up in and around the rural areas somewhere between Goodwater, Lineville and Ashland. That was back during the depression era of the 30’s and 40’s. Also, my ex wife’s father was the minister of the Goodwater Baptist Church and lived in the church parsonage back in the 80’s and early 90’s. So, when he was living there my wife at that time and I would visit from time to time. My parents met just a few miles west of there in Sylacauga, AL. They eloped and went over to the county seat of Talladega and got married. I still have relatives in and around Sylacauga, although I grew up in North Alabama (Decatur) and have been living in Southeast Georgia for over 30 years now. Goodwater had a manufacturing plant there once called Dixie Craft Industries. They manufactured grocery store fixtures including the conveyer belt that you put your groceries on at the checkout register. The merged with another company out of Texas and it is now called Madix Inc. They still have a facility in Goodwater. I’ve also attended several races there at the Talladega Speedway. It’s good to see this video from my home state. You mentioned that a good many of the jobs are in auto manufacturing. Sylacauga has a plant that makes parts for cars and not far up the road in Lincolnton, AL is a plant that makes Honda’s. So people from that area commute to those jobs. Thanks again for bringing America into our homes. We’ll keep on watching past, present and future videos. Best to the Mrs.too.
Oh I liked seeing this information and it brings back memories. And I find this interesting, I live in Hartselle, and my Daddy was a Southern Baptist Minister in that area also
@@kray2001 Good to make a connection here, being you live in Hartselle, and I'm from Decatur. I still get back 2 or 3 times a year to visit family there. What churches or towns did your father minister in? Did he pastor at Goodwater Baptist Church? If so I've been there as I stated in my above my ex father in law was the pastor there during the mid to late 1980's and maybe on into the early 90's.
He was at several small churches in the area. One was in Lineville and other one that was in another county, I can't remember the name, but the last one was at Hachett Creek Baptist Church, but he even had to retire from that. He was a few days from 89 when he went to heaven. He was a policeman in his earlier years in Sylacauga AL
I find your videos fascinating. This particular one has also inadvertently captured the chemtrailing that’s pervasive worldwide, and the way it changes a blue sky to overcast within a few hours. If there are still people who don’t believe this is happening, here is your proof.
The second time I see someone on this channel mentioned chemtrails in the sky. It's good to see more people with eyes to see and working brains. Those chemtrails are so ugly and so toxic to the environment. 😢
I love these videos. I currently live in central Alabama. A lot of people may be surprised, but many people in rural Alabama drive to manufacturing plants that could be 1 to 2 hours away. Like Goodwater residents driving to Montgomery. If your from there and housing is low priced (or free if your family has land for a mobile home) it makes sense to many to just commute.
Beautiful southern sky's,..so "blue" enjoyed those country roads, thanks for the sites , "Thanks Joe,..safe travels to you an Nicole.,look forward to your next trip.🌼
thanks for tour . i once talked with a lady from Whynot, Nebraska ans i asked her how the town got its name. she said the people there could not agree on a name so someone said well whynot this and why not that and they all agreed on Whynot
That high school looked like it should be a college campus! I shouldn't be surprised because the new high school that was built not too long ago looks like it should be a college campus as well.
You should keep coming northeast and visit our little crossroads town of Springville. It’s pretty small but is being taken over by transplants from larger cities around us and trying to make us into what they left. It used to have huge old oaks which many have been cut down to widen the roads at the 4-way. Come check us out!
Another very good video. Those rich homes in Talladega were very impressive. Corpus Christi has the same thing a block off of Ocean Drive and the impressive houses disappear just like in Talladega. I'm glad you ended at the Stock Car Track. It is what gives Talladega it's fame. My daughter used to live near the track at Dover Delaware and race day can be a crazy time. They'd rent their yard out for parking so they were definitely close. The sound is also very loud. No lunch No cats but we did get a dog and a squirrel that ran across your path and up a tree as you were driving. Maybe your other viewers will see the squirrel. My in laws are from Maui and Hawaii is very beautiful. I'm looking forward to your artful videography from the islands. Say safe and feed Nicole in the next video. I'm a foodie and enjoy seeing what you find. Thanks again for being so entertaining!
Joe Im from Nassau Bahamas you must come here!!! Its something about your videos that brings a calm and satisfaction to me. I really enjoy your content. KEEP GOING!!! 🎉😊😊❤❤❤❤
Loved the show Joe! Scorecard 1 dog , 2 separate squirrels, 3 people? That Water tower is spectacular! Thank you for showing the Raceway and of course those magnificent estate homes in Talladega . Just a beautiful late winter day in Alabama and that high school! Drive safe and can’t wait for the next one!
That is why many Europeans came to the new world. Not enough land to expand or unable to achieve land ownership in the feudal system. I am sure they did not teach Europeans this in their history class but most Americans European ancestors were very poor and were not land owners in the old country. Hence they reason why Americans value property rights, land ownership...
@@rjbarton2010 "I am sure they did not teach Europeans this in their history class."... a bit arrogant, no? Atleast here in Britain we learn about the reasons for Colonization and so on by Year 3 of Primary School, I remember learning about the Holocaust by Year 4 and so on. Always funny to see Americans criticize others education systems when the US Education System is one of the easiest in the developed worlds and as such its High School Diploma can't even get into any European Universities because its equivalent to qualifications we do when we're 15. I swear Americans have no critical thinking skills.
At the very beginning, just past that campervan thing and looking into the left hand garage, can anyone see what looks like a person walking there and then they vanish? It's probably a stick or something, but could look like a ghost😮
The state of Alabama is fascinating! For me, there are many stories that can be told. These cities are beautiful Joe! Don't forget to go to the city of SELMA one day. This city makes a great movie! Good week !
Sharing this video with friends moving to Alabama close to goodwaters. My dear neighbors. 😢, found a nice place. To live, not paying high cost of lot rent here in Florida. Now they have their own place. 👍🙏🙏
WOW You're so fully loaded with energy 🤩 great individual 🤓 for you 💯 percent on the charts you go Man keep those videos 📷 dropping on the tube please and thank you.
Hey Joe n Nicole , like said before , it's way cool to watch you guys give me a shotgun passenger view of these small towns of our great country. That are the backbone of our freedom to live in any town , any state we desire. 🇱🇷 Americana
The center of Talladega, complete with its county courthouse, looks just like the fictional town in "Back to the Future." These rural American spots are incredibly cozy.
A note about Goodwater - another major route used to go through there - US 241 (the "Florida Short Route"). In that area, US 241 was replaced by US 280 in 1953 and US 280 was realigned to not go through Goodwater, leaving AL 9 as the only route. I'm sure it declined a bit after no longer being on a major travel route. US 241 used to go through Talladega as well, but when US 431 replaced it in 1953, it did not follow what is now AL 21 but followed AL 37, so Talladega lost their US route.
It's part of the Southern Pine Belt that runs from Georgia's Atlantic Coast all the way into East Texas. Mississippi is 75% forested. Alabama isn't far behind.
I lived in a rural area like this in Alabama a few years back. Mount Olive....north of Birmingham...off of I65. Loved it. Looked just like Goodwater. Nice homes , nice lots , nice folks
These rural Alabama towns are very clean 😮😮 No trash on the ground... 3 murders for 16 000 people, for me it's very low. For retirement i'll definitely choose Goodwater but i live in Europe !
I see I'm not the only curious one who had to look up the water tower 👍 So unique ! Disappointing you couldn't get right up on the race track bummer ! That would have been a cool hat to get as well 🏁 Can't wait for the Hawaii trip !!!
I’ve probably already made this comment but here in Australia a town with a peak population of 2000 like Ashland is not going to have traffic lights and a movie cinema or a high school . There might be an area school nearby and It might have what they would call an institute which would’ve held dances,town meetings and some of them would show movies but not the infrastructure there . These are really interesting cheers
I like watching your channel and Pete Santenello for road trip content. I think you guys are around the same place in Alabama, it would be so cool to see you guys collab
Thanks Joe and Nicole, My vicarious travel adventures thru you are a hight point with each new episode. I have driven thru 44 states and never really saw or learned anything, always had to be some where on a schedule. Thank You and Nic for what you are doing, I'm sure I't means a lot to many of us 'Old Folks' who are now at best armchair travelers. Till the next one, Best, Fred
The school shown in the video is what all America's schools should look like, students in the area can be proud of what they have. The school for the blind was cool but i bet no one saw you drive through lol.
Can't believe that the average price for a home in Talladega was $100,000. Some of those mansions on quite a large blocks would sell for $500,000 here in Oz🇦🇺🇦🇺. How much does the town swell when there's a car race meeting on?. I used to live in a little german town in Sth. Aust. had around 1,500 people but once a year in January they had a one day festival which swelled to over 30,000 people for the day. Another enjoyable and history learning vid Joe🇦🇺🦘🪃🇦🇺🦘🪃
Did you happen to run into Black Betty? She's from Birmingham (bam ba lam) way down in Alabam (bam ba lam)... 😂 Another fantastic video, guys! Love from Down Under! 🇦🇺
An awesome video, wonderful towns to explore ! I love the old theatres, and the origin of the towns' names is always fascinating ! The old roadside hamburger shop is great, lots of character ! A very enjoyable video, as always ! Thanks so much, Joe and Nic.😊❤
As a 64-year-old British man who has never had the privilege of visiting the United States, I find these wonderful and fascinating videos offer a unique insight into what life is truly like across the Atlantic. I have always dreamt of visiting America, but unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to do so. During my teenage years, I went through a phase of being obsessed with the United States and the concept of the American Dream. Even now, I still harbor a strong desire to visit the country, and when I finally do, I may struggle to believe that I am actually there, walking on the same soil as all my American heroes. I am certain that upon my arrival, I will be compelled to kneel down and kiss the ground, just to convince myself that I am indeed standing on American land, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration.
I can tell you it was the Brit invasion that re-bonded us, anything from Liverpool was solid gold over here at that time, I remember our gym coach getting pissed at us guys going long hair. ☺
As a 61 year old Brit, I can personally say you won’t be disappointed. Like you I had the feeling I needed to go and aged 24 I did, arrived in San Francisco but stayed on the outskirts in a place called San Jose. I stayed for two month which wasn’t a lot of time back then. The best part of the trip was we got to Vagus and Los Angeles. It was the 80’s and Americans treated me like one of their family. Years later 2003, I went to live in Canada and during my ten years there my work took me across the boarder down to the USA. The feeling I had was amazing I felt I’d come home and it was great.
The best part I personally found about America & indeed Canada we are welcomed like family and that’s a beautiful thing.
Now back in the U.K. if I hear an American or Canadian near by I always make sure I let them know they are welcome here.
Just wished the whole world could be like that but it’s dreaming that keeps us smiling.
I hope you make it dude but hurry, time is running out
The American dream is only alive when you are asleep. In reality the dream is dead. You are fantasizing about nothing. It was a big thing when you were young, I admit, but the America you envision from your old days is no more. I changed starting about 20 years ago and the financial meltdown in 2008 we still have not recovered from it.
Me myself I always wanted to see rural Uk and rural Germany
It is indeed a water tower "This elegant standpipe eater tower brought the first city water service to Lineville in 1917. Although no loner part of the modern water system that serves this small town, the 1917 tower is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage."
Thank you for your information.
It looks like a giant rook.
Really lovely of you to take the time to let us know.😊
Awesome, thanks for the info. It’s an amazing tower!
That thing looks so cool. Those kids are lucky to have something like that so close to home..
Even though I am a long time subscriber I normally don't leave many comments. But always leave a thumbs up. However, This time I just want to say thank you for doing what you do. I will probably never get the chance to visit any of these towns you show us. Its neat that we can through your videos. When I start one of your videos and hear you say " Well everybody I am in..." I get real calm and relaxed while you take us on a road trip and an occasional motel, Bar , restaurant soaking up the town culture . So there you go. Just a big thanks. I always look forward to the next one and maybe see a cat or two.
Wow, thank you! You made my day. :)
My grandparents lived outside of Goodwater AL. I am 67 years old now. They had a spring that fed their water use. As kids there was a metal dipper by the actual spring. It was delicious, I had lived all over Mississippi, and lots of their water had sulfur, PEE-YOU!! but Goodwater indeed had the best water! The little Burger place used to be a Dairy Queen, and my Pawpaw would load up numerous grandkids in his big old car and go get us all ice cream :) Good memory. My parents have left us their place and it is near. That Burger Place you passed has the best burgers and Ice cream cones, we tried it a couple of years ago. It is sad how these small towns have gotten. And in Talladega, you only visited the Deaf and Blind School, there is also Alabama School for the Deaf, just a few blocks over. They do marvelous things there also!
Did you know the Turners . Johnny Turner was a friend of mine.
@@jamesphelps4168 I don't know him, but I would bet my daddy did :) He knew most folks in that area
Did you know a boy there by name of Ricky Duke? His grandmother lived just north of town on 280 before the 4 lane
@@jamesphelps4168 I don't, We didn't live in that area when I was growing up, we lived 1969-1975 here in Danville AL, and we moved to Hollins in 1975 and I got married and moved to Talladega Area, came back up to Hartselle AL in 1987. But I think 280 is 4 lane most all the way to Alex City! Which is kinda of different, but up here in North AL, things, places and scenery changes rapidly :) doesn't it?
I love that you took the time out to explore Goodwater Al. Its my hometown
That Clay County High School is probably the most impressive High School building I've ever seen!
Yeah that was unexpected! Never would have guess it was a high school.
I’ll bet they have a good football team.
They do indeed have a good football team.@@Alloverthecouch
You should see Oxford High
While definitely a little nicer, it's not uncommon for an Alabama high school around the state. Though I'd typically associate it more with high schools built in the suburb-y areas (See Thompson High School, Athens High School, Hueytown High School, Enterprise High School, etc).
I grew up in Talladega. My dad, in addition to being a Baptist pastor, was a circulation manager for the Talladega Daily Home. I spent many a Saturday watching a matinee at the Ritz theater you showed. My best friends dad owned a drugstore in the same set of buildings as the Ritz, Collins Drugs. There was also a Rexall pharmacy at the other end of the block. My dad made me get a paper route, and I delivered papers to all the businesses downtown. Ah, memories.
Looking at these AL towns really depresses me
I grew up in Talladega also. We were there until I finished 5th grade. My dad worked for the deaf and blind school, and my mom taught at the black deaf school. That was during segregation of course. My favorite memory of Talladega is Moon's Barbecue.
Wel
How about that. I grew up in childersburg, not to far away. Did you know a Hugh Rollen there. His senior year there
@@jamesphelps4168No, unfortunately, I don't. I know Childersburg very well, though. Had other friends there. Those old days were the best!
I love the old towns.
Thanks for another fine, telling tour!
The Blind Boys of Alabama, also billed as The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys of Alabama,[2] is an American gospel group. The group was founded in 1939 in Talladega, Alabama, and has featured a changing roster of musicians over its history, the majority of whom are or were vision impaired. The Blind Boys of Alabama started out in a little town in Alabama called Talladega. This was the school for the blind, funded by the state of Alabama. All the blind children in Alabama came to that school. That's how we met. i saw them back in the mid 90s in Odense Denmark.
Wow!!! This Alabama adventure is just filled with eye candy. So many beautiful towns/cities. Absolutely fantastic! This deserves a 20 star rating! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🤠👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
But look at the politics. The white politicians are backward conservatives.
We recently moved to Lineville/Ashland June of ‘23. We absolutely love it here. You are correct hardly anything is open on Sunday. We are all at church or enjoying a quiet Sunday at home or watching NASCAR. 🤣🤣
Thank you Joe and Nicole for taking us places we would never see. We enjoy your commentary very much.
God Bless you and Ashland, wish I would have moved there...enjoy.
Many small towns all over the country were ghosted after the interstate highways were built
@@zegotashalom3881There is no goG
We live inside walls and fences in South Africa,it’s refreshing seeing everything open🙂
The whole rest of the western world looks like this
@@glennbeadshaw727. Rubbing it in? That was a very unkind thing to say.
@@glennbeadshaw727 try walking into some ghetto neighborhood here to figure out what the western world sometimes looks like
You should move.
Be careful..
Two longtime friends have moved from the Pacific Northwest to rural Alabama towns and are loving it. Low cost of living, non-existant crime compared to Portland/Seattle, and great weather. I thought they were nuts until I visited. Definitely see the attraction.
What do your friends do for rest and relaxation in Alabama? What do they work at?
@kencurran8853
He is an independent engineering consultant who works 100% remote. Drawings and documents are downloaded from the client, and his work product is uploaded back to the client. She is a tech writer who does essentially the same.
Their fun is fishing, gardening, bird watching, and ham radio.
Sweet Home Alabama
My home state.
Nice city, nice town, nice state. Big ups to Alabama. Appreciate you taking the time to show us around. It was interesting,until next time.💪
Greetings from Sand Mountain , Alabama.
Hello Joe and Beautiful Nicole❤🍺🍺🍺🍺God bless your adventures. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.
I really enjoyed seeing the town of Talladega, AL, as it was the birthplace of my late husband. On our way to FL one year we drove through there and had breakfast! We both enjoyed that. I really enjoy your videos!
Cool!
The Lineville water tower. This 100-foot-tall structure held 75,000 gallons of water and resembles a medieval sentry tower. The water tower is located on today’s College Street and is one of only four Clay County structures on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
Interesting.
Yet another great view of rural USA keep them coming, from an ardent UK fan of you both
Thank you!
2:54 (Goodwater) it's so sad to see places like this getting run down and likely ultimately abandoned. It's actually the kind of town I would love to live in.
Whenever I see old homes, barns and other structures, I'm always reminded that once-upon-a-time these were somebody's newly-built pride and joy. 😢
I would have loved to have seen - just out of curiosity - what these towns look like when it's not a Sunday morning.
Thank you for sharing this, I love to see the back roads and small towns all around the US (and Canada, where I'm from). I'm glad this popped up on my feed❤
I looked up Piggly Wiggly. They were the first grocery store to allow customers to get their own groceries and use a shopping cart. Amazing.
They are now headquartered in Keene, NH of all places.
I didn't know that, interesting, my relatives, call it The Pig..lol
i worked at the pig when it was bigger and they screwed all us long time employees out of our retirement money cause they went bankrupt and didnt have to give us what they were suppose to give us like me i was suppose to get over 20 thousand but they did bankruptcy and sent me a check for 600 and something dollars. now the pig is just independently owned they arent a big chain anymore
Joe, you are the perfect host & guide for these tours of wonderful rural towns. I enjoy them very much. I'm 67, retired and don't travel anymore, so your tours are the next best thing. Thank you very much. 🥰
Wow, thank you!
Will not talk politics now , but to me and family, bros , and most people I meet , that live here do not take it for granted. Truly thanks for reminding me of so so many places , that are small , but full of beautiful scenery, resources and we the people 🇱🇷
These run down and empty old downtowns are the money shots for your channel. I'm always stunned when I see them. It's like a big piece of Americana has died in these old, dying cities. I always visualize what they must have looked like or been like back in their prime. Damn I feel older. Now, get off my lawn! lol
My husband and I chuckle when you talk about “stuff” in folks yards. We live in eastern NC and on occasion see such. No judgment. “To each his own”. But now we say “stuff”😀
I lived in Goodwater for 40 yrs... I moved in 2012! Visited Talladega, Ashland and Lineville!
Today started off really bad. I have to say your video cheered me up. Always wanted to go to Alabama! I’m impressed Piggly Wiggly is in tiny Goodwater. I’m so glad you gave us the history behind the name of Goodwater! I do love how spread out it is. Beautiful courthouse in Ashland! Clay Co HS is huge! The Baptist church in Lineville is indeed impressive. Love the 76 sign in the Antique yard. Yes! Lineville is imaginative 😂. Love the mural upon entering Talladega. Very nice downtown square. Gorgeous court house! Thank you for another fantastic video full of history and insight! Looking forward to more!
Always wanted to stay away from Alabama and your video convinced me to continue my avoidance. I would go two states over to avoid Alabama even if I had free tickets on the 50 yard line to watch Alabama play a home game.
I've heard of Piggly Wiggly. What a hysterical name. Nothing like that here in Sydney, Australia!
Thank you, Alexandra. I hope things are better now.
10 years ago, we bought our current home, just up the road from Talladega, in Oxford. It's got the big columns out front. Needs a bit of constant work, as all places do. It's due for a re-roof. But, we paid $150,000 for a 7,000sf, 4 story, brick, stone and wood-frame, 50 year old home. We call it "House of 7s" as it has 7 bedrooms, 7bath, 7 fireplaces. The entire basement is it's own "mother-in-law" suite with kitchen, bedrm and full bath. It's value has gone up quite a bit in the last 5 years and is now valued around $300,000. Our big hurdle was finding out the insurance companies wanted to value it at almost $900k due to all the fancy wood interior. Swamp cypress tongue and groove wall panel, black walnut exposed beams in places, hardwood oak T&G floors. It was built by owners of a local lumber mill. I'm pretty happy with it but, being I'm one of those "Poors" making not much more than the avg wage, sometimes it's a struggle.
It sounds like an amazing house!
The hospital you showed in Clay County most likely serves the entire county. I doubt there is a second hospital there. Similar to some of the more rural counties here in Tennessee. Now if they can just protect those lovely little towns from investors. Love your road trips.
I think you're right.
The winding roads in those residential areas were really distinctive and very pleasant. Thanks, Joe; I really enjoyed seeing this.
My pleasure!
This must be the Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote about.
Actually it’s more likely North Alabama where that group lived , Muscle Shoals area
The band never ever lived anywhere in the state of Alabama. They were from Jacksonville Fla and never resided in that state. FYI
I said wrote , not lived in. People like to correct a statement without actually reading it 😕 ..FYI
@@tomneff7030I believe their lead guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Van Zant did for a spell while working as session musicians at Fame Studios.
@sharonatl Nope. Sounds like you never learned to play the *radio.*
I’m fairly familiar with this area as my mother grew up in and around the rural areas somewhere between Goodwater, Lineville and Ashland. That was back during the depression era of the 30’s and 40’s. Also, my ex wife’s father was the minister of the Goodwater Baptist Church and lived in the church parsonage back in the 80’s and early 90’s. So, when he was living there my wife at that time and I would visit from time to time. My parents met just a few miles west of there in Sylacauga, AL. They eloped and went over to the county seat of Talladega and got married. I still have relatives in and around Sylacauga, although I grew up in North Alabama (Decatur) and have been living in Southeast Georgia for over 30 years now. Goodwater had a manufacturing plant there once called Dixie Craft Industries. They manufactured grocery store fixtures including the conveyer belt that you put your groceries on at the checkout register. The merged with another company out of Texas and it is now called Madix Inc. They still have a facility in Goodwater. I’ve also attended several races there at the Talladega Speedway. It’s good to see this video from my home state. You mentioned that a good many of the jobs are in auto manufacturing. Sylacauga has a plant that makes parts for cars and not far up the road in Lincolnton, AL is a plant that makes Honda’s. So people from that area commute to those jobs. Thanks again for bringing America into our homes. We’ll keep on watching past, present and future videos. Best to the Mrs.too.
Oh I liked seeing this information and it brings back memories. And I find this interesting, I live in Hartselle, and my Daddy was a Southern Baptist Minister in that area also
@@kray2001 Good to make a connection here, being you live in Hartselle, and I'm from Decatur. I still get back 2 or 3 times a year to visit family there. What churches or towns did your father minister in? Did he pastor at Goodwater Baptist Church? If so I've been there as I stated in my above my ex father in law was the pastor there during the mid to late 1980's and maybe on into the early 90's.
He was at several small churches in the area. One was in Lineville and other one that was in another county, I can't remember the name, but the last one was at Hachett Creek Baptist Church, but he even had to retire from that. He was a few days from 89 when he went to heaven. He was a policeman in his earlier years in Sylacauga AL
I find your videos fascinating. This particular one has also inadvertently captured the chemtrailing that’s pervasive worldwide, and the way it changes a blue sky to overcast within a few hours. If there are still people who don’t believe this is happening, here is your proof.
The second time I see someone on this channel mentioned chemtrails in the sky. It's good to see more people with eyes to see and working brains. Those chemtrails are so ugly and so toxic to the environment. 😢
I love these videos. I currently live in central Alabama. A lot of people may be surprised, but many people in rural Alabama drive to manufacturing plants that could be 1 to 2 hours away. Like Goodwater residents driving to Montgomery. If your from there and housing is low priced (or free if your family has land for a mobile home) it makes sense to many to just commute.
Interesting.
Southern charm at it's best.. So peaceful and calming.. Now that's retirement..
I was wondering what I was going to do today, Road Trip o'yeah thank you Joe and Nik.😊❤
Beautiful southern sky's,..so "blue" enjoyed those country roads, thanks for the sites , "Thanks Joe,..safe travels to you an Nicole.,look forward to your next trip.🌼
thanks for tour . i once talked with a lady from Whynot, Nebraska ans i asked her how the town got its name. she said the people there could not agree on a name so someone said well whynot this and why not that and they all agreed on Whynot
The auto manufacturer is Honda in Lincoln. They are a huge plant and employ quite a bit of eastern Alabama.
Clay County HS is the most beautiful school building I’ve ever seen…❤️
That high school looked like it should be a college campus! I shouldn't be surprised because the new high school that was built not too long ago looks like it should be a college campus as well.
If I remember correctly, they shut all the other schools in Clay County and merged them all into this school
Real country the churpping of the birds 🦅 is glorious.
You should keep coming northeast and visit our little crossroads town of Springville. It’s pretty small but is being taken over by transplants from larger cities around us and trying to make us into what they left. It used to have huge old oaks which many have been cut down to widen the roads at
the 4-way. Come check us out!
I will!
I stumbled across these RUclips videos and ABSOLUTELY love these!!!!
Thank you!
Another very good video. Those rich homes in Talladega were very impressive. Corpus Christi has the same thing a block off of Ocean Drive and the impressive houses disappear just like in Talladega. I'm glad you ended at the Stock Car Track. It is what gives Talladega it's fame. My daughter used to live near the track at Dover Delaware and race day can be a crazy time. They'd rent their yard out for parking so they were definitely close. The sound is also very loud. No lunch No cats but we did get a dog and a squirrel that ran across your path and up a tree as you were driving. Maybe your other viewers will see the squirrel. My in laws are from Maui and Hawaii is very beautiful. I'm looking forward to your artful videography from the islands. Say safe and feed Nicole in the next video. I'm a foodie and enjoy seeing what you find. Thanks again for being so entertaining!
Thank you for sharing your road trip of rural Alabama. 😊
I’m originally from Talladega. You were on Coffee Street and you almost passed where my grandparents used to live before changing scenery. 😊
Live very close to goodwater! Born and raised in hackneyville, around 20 to 30 minutes away. Real crazy to see you so close to home
Joe Im from Nassau Bahamas you must come here!!!
Its something about your videos that brings a calm and satisfaction to me. I really enjoy your content. KEEP GOING!!! 🎉😊😊❤❤❤❤
I get a kick out of "poor" towns full of nice cars.
Ty Joe 4 another great road trip! Thanx 4 showing, as close as u could, the race track! Its one of my favs!! B safe.
Joe, thoroughly enjoy your journeys of the past and present. I'm an Australian that enjoys the "country" of America.
Awesome!
Beautiful old homes in some of those towns .I wonder if many have been passed down thru generations ?
Loved the show Joe! Scorecard 1 dog , 2 separate squirrels, 3 people? That Water tower is spectacular! Thank you for showing the Raceway and of course those magnificent estate homes in Talladega . Just a beautiful late winter day in Alabama and that high school! Drive safe and can’t wait for the next one!
Glad you enjoyed it!! :)
As a Western European it is always amazing to see how much land there is in the US.
That is why many Europeans came to the new world. Not enough land to expand or unable to achieve land ownership in the feudal system. I am sure they did not teach Europeans this in their history class but most Americans European ancestors were very poor and were not land owners in the old country. Hence they reason why Americans value property rights, land ownership...
@@rjbarton2010 "I am sure they did not teach Europeans this in their history class."... a bit arrogant, no? Atleast here in Britain we learn about the reasons for Colonization and so on by Year 3 of Primary School, I remember learning about the Holocaust by Year 4 and so on. Always funny to see Americans criticize others education systems when the US Education System is one of the easiest in the developed worlds and as such its High School Diploma can't even get into any European Universities because its equivalent to qualifications we do when we're 15.
I swear Americans have no critical thinking skills.
And you indirectly validated my comment.@@samuelsstuffyt
こういう素朴な街並みが大好きです。
Really interesting cruise around, don't remember seeing one pedestrian the whole time, no cats either.😊
At the very beginning, just past that campervan thing and looking into the left hand garage, can anyone see what looks like a person walking there and then they vanish? It's probably a stick or something, but could look like a ghost😮
The state of Alabama is fascinating! For me, there are many stories that can be told. These cities are beautiful Joe! Don't forget to go to the city of SELMA one day. This city makes a great movie! Good week !
Sharing this video with friends moving to Alabama close to goodwaters. My dear neighbors. 😢, found a nice place. To live, not paying high cost of lot rent here in Florida. Now they have their own place. 👍🙏🙏
I've lived in Alabama all my life. Been all over, never heard of good water. Cool.
WOW You're so fully loaded with energy 🤩 great individual 🤓 for you 💯 percent on the charts you go Man keep those videos 📷 dropping on the tube please and thank you.
Hey Joe n Nicole , like said before , it's way cool to watch you guys give me a shotgun passenger view of these small towns of our great country. That are the backbone of our freedom to live in any town , any state we desire. 🇱🇷 Americana
thanks joe from scotland
The center of Talladega, complete with its county courthouse, looks just like the fictional town in "Back to the Future." These rural American spots are incredibly cozy.
From Australia.... I could hear Banjo's even from here!
LOL!
A note about Goodwater - another major route used to go through there - US 241 (the "Florida Short Route"). In that area, US 241 was replaced by US 280 in 1953 and US 280 was realigned to not go through Goodwater, leaving AL 9 as the only route. I'm sure it declined a bit after no longer being on a major travel route. US 241 used to go through Talladega as well, but when US 431 replaced it in 1953, it did not follow what is now AL 21 but followed AL 37, so Talladega lost their US route.
Nice video!!! I didn't realize Alabama had so many beautiful pine trees.
We have Long and Short meddle pines ❤❤❤❤❤ Yeah Alabama Gulf Coast RTR
It's part of the Southern Pine Belt that runs from Georgia's Atlantic Coast all the way into East Texas. Mississippi is 75% forested. Alabama isn't far behind.
Loblolly Pine
Cat free zone..
Coyotes are probably nice and fat.
I love your relaxing and informative vidoes thank you ❤
Found the channel this morning and appreciated the video on my hometown. Great content! 👌
I lived in a rural area like this in Alabama a few years back.
Mount Olive....north of Birmingham...off of I65.
Loved it. Looked just like Goodwater. Nice homes , nice lots , nice folks
My favourite two back it again!❣️❣️
These rural Alabama towns are very clean 😮😮 No trash on the ground...
3 murders for 16 000 people, for me it's very low.
For retirement i'll definitely choose Goodwater but i live in Europe !
I see I'm not the only curious one who had to look up the water tower 👍 So unique ! Disappointing you couldn't get right up on the race track bummer ! That would have been a cool hat to get as well 🏁 Can't wait for the Hawaii trip !!!
Thank you Joe and Nic. Another beautiful video.
I’ve probably already made this comment but here in Australia a town with a peak population of 2000 like Ashland is not going to have traffic lights and a movie cinema or a high school . There might be an area school nearby and It might have what they would call an institute which would’ve held dances,town meetings and some of them would show movies but not the infrastructure there . These are really interesting cheers
Beautiful landscape.
thanks again for another fun tour.
I like watching your channel and Pete Santenello for road trip content. I think you guys are around the same place in Alabama, it would be so cool to see you guys collab
Yesssss!!! That would be awesome!!
I can't believe how many times i've seen cars just rotting out, while people would do anything to have them
Thank you for a wonderful trip. It would also be great to hear the residents' own opinions on life in their towns.👍
Thanks for the Hawaii update. I will be watching. Be safe.
Thanks enjoyed my trip today
Pretty towns. Absolutely lovee rural sides of USA
What did Mrs. Piggly Wiggly say to Mr Piggly Wiggly.? There’s no Safeway.
😅😅😅😅
You take us for a ride through places we'd otherwise never see. Many thanks!
I would love to go thrifting in these old towns.
Thanks Joe and Nicole, My vicarious travel adventures thru you are a hight point with each new episode. I have driven thru 44 states and never
really saw or learned anything, always had to be some where on a schedule. Thank You and Nic for what you are doing, I'm sure I't means a lot to
many of us 'Old Folks' who are now at best armchair travelers. Till the next one, Best, Fred
Thank you, Fred!!
The school shown in the video is what all America's schools should look like, students in the area can be proud of what they have. The school for the blind was cool but i bet no one saw you drive through lol.
Awesome content thank you for your work!!!
Can't believe that the average price for a home in Talladega was $100,000. Some of those mansions on quite a large blocks would sell for $500,000 here in Oz🇦🇺🇦🇺. How much does the town swell when there's a car race meeting on?. I used to live in a little german town in Sth. Aust. had around 1,500 people but once a year in January they had a one day festival which swelled to over 30,000 people for the day. Another enjoyable and history learning vid Joe🇦🇺🦘🪃🇦🇺🦘🪃
The regional and country town videos seem to be more interesting than bigger cities descriptions, personal opinion.
Thanks, Joe for another great program!
I just love your videos! Thank you so much for all of your time and efforts (and I’m sure $) that it takes to do these.
You are so welcome!
Did you happen to run into Black Betty?
She's from Birmingham (bam ba lam) way down in Alabam (bam ba lam)... 😂
Another fantastic video, guys! Love from Down Under! 🇦🇺
No, Black Betty was busy with her child, damn thing gone wild.
Family guy 😃 Peter did a black Betty stint 😂 in a episode I forgot witch one tho
@janellek21 But she said "It were none of mine, bam ba lam." Then the damn thing went blind. (Poor kid) 😂😂😂
An awesome video, wonderful towns to explore ! I love the old theatres, and the origin of the towns' names is always fascinating ! The old roadside hamburger shop is great, lots of character ! A very enjoyable video, as always ! Thanks so much, Joe and Nic.😊❤
Couldn't find any cats, though, CL. :(
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip That's okay, maybe next time ! Much appreciated !!😊💚 An awesome video ! Thanks again !🥰
Thanks Joe and nic ❤