Community Services/Non-Profits in Athens, AL

“Merchant's Alley was completed ~ 2.5 years ago, and I can't believe I have never noticed it or been to it until last weekend. It's cute! The larger mural on the left is entitled "Playing the Sound of the Wind," and is inspired by the annual Old Time Fiddlers Convention. The other wall features Alabama Shakes [and other projects she has] singer Brittany Howard. It's a nice, engaging mural that is scheduled to change every two years and feature other music stars local to Limestone County. I didn't realize the purple doors on each side contain artwork created by Alabama Center for the Arts students that is scheduled to change every year. From late April to late June each year, the "Main Street Merchant's Alley Happy Hour Music Series" is held here from 5:30-7:00 on Friday's where patrons are encouraged to get an entertainment district cup of your favorite adult beverage from a local merchant [The Southern Table, The Salty Cod, Old Black Bear Brewery, Athens, etc.] and bring a lawn chair to enjoy the music and the square, and it's free! If you get a chance to see Merchant's Alley, you should! It's a very bright and uplifting oasis just off the north side of Athen's downtown square, and of course, since it is an alley, it won't take long to see and enjoy the murals and other art.”

“I was at this store on Saturday evening, there were 2 adult men play fighting with 2 large stuffed animals. An employee made a laughing comment to the effect of “how old are you”. The men both smiled at the employee and said in Spanish that they did not speak English, the employee said she didn’t speak Spanish and that was the entire exchange. I hate how people just say whatever behind a keyboard to be mean to an employee that is just doing their job. I’ve always found the employees to be very helpful and kind. Especially the lady that handles the books.”