MEDIA TRIPS PAMPHLET-smaller-96dpi.pptx

BLACKER SOIL
BIGGER GAME
BETTER STORIES
SEOPA 2015 PRE/POST CONFERENCE MEDIA TRIPS ALABAMA’S BLACK BELT REGION
AND BEYOND
FOREST. . . SAGE GRASS. . . and, CORN FIELDS
1) Saddle Up Quail Hunt: Shenandoah Planta,on , a true gentleman’s experience, offers quail hunts in a variety of styles. This opportunity provides an adventure on horseback or quail buggy. A pair of American Bald Eagles makes Shenandoah home and can be seen almost daily feeding in the main lake or on their nest. One post-­‐conference hunt for 4 people includes lodging, meals, and guide service, and game prep for traveling. 2) Mule Drawn Wagon Quail Hunt: High Log Creek Preserve features Southern style quail hun,ng in mule drawn wagons. They are offering one post-­‐conference hunt for 4 people and includes lodging, meals, guide service, and game prep for traveling. 3) Modern-­‐day Quail /Pheasant Hunt: Sportsmanship, Camaraderie, and Tradi,on have been enjoyed at PA-­‐
KO Planta,on since early 1950. High flying birds and sporty pheasants are on the agenda . One post-­‐
conference media trip for 4 people including lodging, meals, guide service, and game prep for traveling. 4) Squeal of a Deal Wild Boar Hunt: Master Rack Lodge and Great Southern Outdoors Planta,on offers an adrenaline infused wild hog hunt. It’s a fair chase hunt and they’ll smoke your kill for supper. Two pre-­‐
conference and two post-­‐conference trips for 2 people each. Includes lodging, meals, and guide. BLACK BELT REGION OF ALABAMA
Alabama’s Black Belt region celebrates a collec3on of the very best hun3ng and fishing des3na3ons throughout 23 coun3es. The rich, black soil provides the lush habitat necessary to support an abundance of wildlife such as deer, quail, turkey, dove, hog, waterfowl, and small game. To complement the area’s great hun3ng, the region’s rivers and lakes produce lunker bass, slab crappie, and bream on a regular basis. From unique fes3vals, deep cultural roots, and delectable culinary crea3ons to birding, canoeing, and whitewater raDing, SEOPA members will harvest many stories from our great outdoors. 5) Coon, Rabbit, Squirrel and A Mockingbird: The Village of Buena Vista Sportsman’s Lodge is found in a picturesque seVng ideal for shoo,ng through the lens or taking on the challenge of a hide-­‐n-­‐seek small game hunt. Includes a visit to the home town of Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird, with a guided tour of the court house where the annual play is performed. One pre and one post conference trip for 2 people each – lodging, meals, and guide provided. 6) Small CriVers: Thousands of acres located on public Wildlife Management Areas , Forever Wild Lands, and nature preserves are teeming with both diurnal and nocturnal mammals available for a challenging hide-­‐n-­‐
seek hunt. Includes lodging, meals, and guide for four pre-­‐conference media trips for 4 people. 7) AXernoon Dove Hunt: Begin mid-­‐day with a delicious southern cooked lunch and an aYernoon dove hunt for 8 people. Offered both pre and post conference and includes meals, lodging, guide, and game prep. OuNiOer to be determined. 8) Walk on the Wild Side: The Alabama Nature Center offers two guided field trips for 4 people . Located at Lanark and operated by the Alabama Wildlife Federa,on, this planned-­‐use facility offers hands-­‐on, outdoor based educa,onal programs and ac,vi,es that are conducted on 350 acres of striking forests, fields, streams, wetlands, and ponds that are traversed by five miles of board walks and trails. RIVERS. . .LAKES. . .STREAMS. . .and, RAPIDS
9) Black Belt Lunkers on the Alabama Bass Trail: Lake Eufaula -­‐ Fish the honey-­‐hole known as the Bass Capital of the World. Six guided trips are offered both pre and post conference. Lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 10) Black Belt Lunkers on the Alabama Bass Trail: Miller’s Ferry Reservoir – Growing in popularity by avid fishermen, this impoundment on the Alabama River produces tournament worthy largemouth and spo`ed bass. Two guided trips are offered both pre and post conference. Lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 11) Pan Fishing on the Alabama River: The impoundment covers roughly 17,200 acres and is a des,na,on that needs to be on the bucket list of diehard crappie anglers. Anglers rou,nely catch both abundant and trophy-­‐class fish. Two guided trips are offered both pre and post conference with lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 12) Ray ScoV’s Trophy Bass Retreat – You’re invited to fish America’s most legendary private bass lakes in the wake of presidents, first ladies, and professional fishing superstars. Hold court with the “Bass Boss” himself during evening social/dinner. One pre and one post conference trip for 2 people each. Lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 13) Guided Naturalist Canoe Trip on the Alabama Scenic River Trail-­‐Wilcox County Loop: Nature lovers and photographers can relax as you glide through a uniquely Southern landscape viewing wildlife. Enjoy birdwatching and scenic surroundings as you travel to visit the handy works of ar,sans and craYsmen at Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center. One pre and post conference trip for 4 people each. Accommoda3ons (camping), meals, canoes, and guide service provided. 14) “Wild as Colorado and as Warm as Costa Rica”: As recently described, the River Restora,on Project of the Cha`ahoochee River has created a rebirth of fly-­‐fishing for Shoal Bass, raYing the longest urban whitewater rapids in the world, taking flight on the only dual zip-­‐line that connects two states, and learning to paddle board – one of the fastest growing sports. One pre and post conference trip for up to 6 people. Includes lodging, meals, and guide. Note: You may elect to omit any ac3vity offered with this package and par3cipate in only a single ac3vity, if requested. Notes: Licenses required for all hun,ng and fishing trips and the responsibility of the par,cipant. Spouses are welcome and will be provided lodging and meals, h owever, complimentary par,cipa,on in the pre or post conference trip ac,vity is not provided. Should spouse elect to par,cipate in ac,vity, arrangements must be made with host contact. Host Contact: Pam Swanner – 334-­‐343-­‐6173 pam@alabamablackbeltadventures.org NORTH ALABAMA MOUNTAIN LAKES REGION
Bass Fishing the Home of the ALABAMA BASS TRAIL 15) Wheeler Lake, Decatur – Wheeler represents the southern most point for the natural habitat of smallmouth bass, making the area home to many lunkers. Largemouths are plen,ful, too. Will accommodate 2 writers (1 pre trip and 1 post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, guide service provided. 16) Pickwick and Wilson Lakes – The fall season is prime ,me for fishing, but smallmouth can be found in abundance. Pickwick Lake is na,onally known as a premier Smallmouth fishery. Will accommodate 2 writers (one pre trip and one post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, guide service provided. 17) Fishing on Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, AL – At 69,000 acres, this is the largest lake en,rely within the Alabama borders and is stop one of the Northern Division for the Alabama Bass Trail. Join a local guide to sample the excellent fishing. Bass, crappie, and other species are among the possibili,es. Will accommodate up to 4 writers (2 pre trip and 2 post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, and guide service provided 18) Smith Lake, Cullman, AL – Enjoy spending the day on beau,ful Smith Lake for bass fishing with one of the best fishing guides in the area while catching stripe, largemouth, and spo`ed bass. The explora,on will take you into the winding bays and sloughs. Will accommodate 2 writers ( one pre trip and one post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 19) Neely Henry Lake, Gadsden, AL -­‐ Spend the day catching largemouth and spo`ed bass on scenic Neely Henry Lake. Will accommodate 2 writers (one pre trip and one post trip, spouses included. Lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 20) Cave Bats and Kayaking with Phil of UnPhiltered Kayaking – Canoe the spacious Tennessee River to a cave at evening dusk where you’ll experience the emergence of as many as 60,000 gray bats. This loca,on lays claim to one of the largest maternity colonies of this species. Will accommodate 2 writers (one pre trip and one post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 21) LiVle River Canyon RaXing and Rock Climbing, DeKalb County – October is spectacular in the mountains of northeast Alabama and the perfect ,me to enjoy fall color as you travel down Li`le River Canyon on raY or canoe. A great opportunity to see the flora and fauna through your lens. Hiking trails and rock climbing is available for those seeking a full experience of all the Canyon has to offer. Will accommodate 4 writers (2 pre trip and 2 post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, and guide service provided. 22) Cafishin’ on the Tennessee River– Don’t you think it’s about ,me that record was broken? I bet you can! Accommodates 2 writers (one pre trip and one post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, and guide service provided by Brian Barton. 23) Fishing on Weiss Lake, Cherokee County – known as the “Crappie Capital of the World” but you should see their bass! Enjoy a day of fishing this famous lake in northeast Alabama. Will accommodate 2 writers (one pre trip and one post trip, spouses included). Lodging, meals, guide service provided. Host Contact: Angie Pierce – 800-­‐648-­‐5381 angie@northalabama.org AUBURN-OPELIKA
25) Explore the Last Foothills of the Appalachians – Beau,ful Chewacla State Park is 696 acres at the southern-­‐most point of the Appalachian foothills and features 20 miles of new mountain biking trails for all levels of riders. Meandering around a 26-­‐acre Lake, you’ll discover the pump track, roller bridge, and the Great Wall of Chewacla! Offer includes one media trip pre or post conference (based on availability of guide service) for 5 writers (spouse included), one night lodging, meals, guided biking trip, and transporta3on. Host Contact: Robin Bridges/Auburn-­‐Opelika Tourism Bureau, 334-­‐887-­‐8747 or rlbridges@aotourism.com DECATUR/MORGAN COUNTY
26) Behind the Lens – Established in 1934 as an experimental home for wildfowl, Wheeler Na,onal Wildlife Refuge encompasses 34,500 acres of diverse habitat including bo`omlands, hardwoods, wetlands, pine uplands, shoreline and agricultural fields. Wheeler is a picture-­‐perfect seVng for capturing a variety of wildlife in ac,on. One night accommoda3on and meals provided for one writer/photographer on any day pre and post conference. 27) Splash and Dash on the Tennessee River – Go up, up and away in the Decatur Morgan County Conven,on and Visitors Bureau’s hot air balloon over the Tennessee River. Capture memories and photographs that will last a life,me. The event is dependent on proper weather condi3ons and is available for one photographer on a date that will be scheduled in advance with the DMCCVB’s balloon pilot. 28) Paddles Up! – Headquartered in Hartselle, Alabama Eco Adventures is an ouni`er and wilderness guide that offers a variety of services. Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at scenic spots on the lake in Morgan County. One night accommoda3on, meals, and guide fee is provided to one writer and will be scheduled in advance either pre or post trip based on guide service availability. Host Contact: Melinda Dunn/Decatur Morgan County CVB, 800-­‐524-­‐6181 or mdunn@decaturcvb.org FLORENCE/SHOALS AREA
29) Scared to Fish – Don’t be “scared to fish” the Tennessee River lake in Florence, Alabama. We’ll pair you with one of our best bass fishing guides! But, you might be afraid when you take the Ghost Walk through our downtown and visit the Arx Mor,s haunted house. No tricks here – we’ll treat you to restaurants where you’ll sample tasty Southern fare. Offered October 18-­‐21, up to 8 people (spouses included) with lodging, meals, guide, and transporta,on. Florence tourism staff will transport from conference site and return to airport of choice. Host Contact: Georgia Turner/Florence Lauderdale Tourism, 256-­‐740-­‐4141 or georgia@visiflorenceal.com GADSDEN
30) Waterfalls to Wineries – The majes,c Noccalula Falls rises 90 feet above the Black Creek gorge and the park surrounding it provides plenty of beau,ful scenery. Wills Creek Vineyard and Maraella Winery offers discrimina,ng na,ve Alabama wines. We’ll finish off the day with dinner at The Fish Market overlooking the Coosa River. Offer includes up to 4 people both pre and post conference (spouses included) with lodging, meals, guide, transporta,on provided. Note: Due to Talladega race weekend, post conference trips must be booked by October 12. Host Contact: Hugh Stump III/Greater Gadsden Area Tourism, 256-­‐549-­‐0351 LAKEPOINT RESORT STATE PARK
EUFAULA, ALABAMA
Reservation Line 800-544-5253
Group Code: 2097
Email: lakepoint.stpklodge@dcnr.alabama.gov
The Resort Lodge
§  101 well appointed and spacious rooms;
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Most include balconies, some overlooking the lake;
Double Queen
$81.90
King
89.95
Executive King Suite
$112.20
DOUBLE QUEEN EXECUTIVE KING SUITE KING LAKESIDE COTTAGES All Lakeside Co`ages have porches, hardwood floors, slate ,led kitchen, granite countertops, carpet in BR, and are equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, basic cooking/ea,ng utensils, hair dryer, iron/boards, TV/DVR, charcoal grill, and outside plug for ba`ery charging. One Bedroom $112.20
1 room w/queen bed
Two Bedroom $150.30
1 room w/queen bed, 1 room w/twins Three Bedroom
$190.80
2 rooms w/1 queen bed, 1 room w/twins Four Bedroom $240.30
2 rooms w/twin beds, 2 rooms w/1 queen FISHERMAN CABINS Each cabin has basic cooking/ea,ng utensils, coffee pot, toaster, microwave, stove, refrigerator, iron and board, hair dryer, and satellite TV. Outside outlets available for charging boat ba`eries and charcoal grill for DIY cooking. Two Bedroom Cabin $105.30
Four Bedroom Cabin $177.30 This cabin has 1 bedroom w/king bed
This cabin has two rooms w/1 king bed and and one room w/twin beds, living room
two rooms w/twin beds, two living rooms, kitchen, and bath.
Two kitchens, and two baths. CAMPGROUNDS
Lakepoint Resort State Park campground provides 192 improved campsites. Deer Court has pull through sites including water, electricity and sewage. Barbour and Clark Loop sites include water and electricity. Camping services include: bathhouses located in each camping area, a sanitary sta,on available for your convenience; camper storage; a Community Building available to reserve for campers’ func,ons, tennis courts, and children’s playground. Pets are allowed on a leash. Rate range: $19 -­‐ $28. For reserva,ons: 334-­‐687-­‐6026 or www.alapark.com/lakepointresort/reserva,ons