Spring is a perfect time to enjoy some of Shelby County’s greatest resources, whether it is taking a walk through the University of Montevallo campus, spending a lazy day fishing on Lay Lake or taking advantage of the litany of recreational activities offered at Heardmont Park.

Here is just a short list of some of the ways my family likes to spend a sunny Saturday.

I hope the list encourages you and those special to you to get out and make the most of some of these great aspects of Shelby County life.

The American Village. Take your youthful imagination and sense of patriotism to the American Village for an afternoon unlike any other you could experience in this Century.

Exciting things are happening at The Village and you might very well find yourself looking for ways to be a part of them; I certainly have that experience each time I visit.

Golfing.

Shelby County offers any number of outstanding courses where you can spend a day testing your skills.

Ballantrae Golf Club in Pelham is set to open to the public June 1st; you can count on this course being among the finest anywhere.

Downtown Columbiana.

Take a stroll down newly renovated Downtown Columbiana, enjoying the beautiful landscaping and stopping into some of the quaint shops.

The City has made great progress in restoring the downtown areas and all that has been accomplished thus far make the grandeur of the final outcome even more exciting.

Buck Creek Festival.

Buy a duck and join in on the fun of racing rubber duckies through Helena.

If duck races are not what you are looking for, the festival certainly offers plenty of wonderful sights and sounds surely to entertain both young and old.

This year’s festival is scheduled for May 8th.

Town of Mt. Laurel.

Spend the day walking around The Town of Mt. Laurel’s tree lined streets, beautiful architecture, and countless unique shops.

You can even stop in for a first class lunch or a dip of old fashion ice cream.

Be sure to catch a glimpse of the new Mt. Laurel Elementary school currently under construction.

Lay Lake.

This beautiful lake is perhaps best known for its spotted and largemouth bass fishing but it certainly provides countless other recreational activities well worth discovering.

Lake cruising, skiing, swimming and the like are great ways to enjoy Lay Lake.

But rest assured, this fishing is above reproach.

Again, this is just a short list of ways you can enjoy the many outdoor distractions to be found in our County.

I hope you make the most of this wonderful weather while compiling a list of your own.

Tim Prince is the publisher of the Shelby County Reporter. He can be reached at mailto:tim.prince@shelbycountyreporter.com