Traveling The BACK COUNTRY ROADS of rural SAND MOUNTAIN

[firehouse53]

From a south Florida native who lived in in Pisgah as a 12 year old back in 1978. At first it was culture shock and then it was love. Nicest people in the world. I lived right across the street from that gorge. I will never forget that year on Sand Mountain. Thanks for sharing.

[southernmadeuf]

I think most missed the point...It isn't a specific place, it's a feeling. It's childhood ambience that brings back the memories of carefree days when you're surrounded by those things in the video. At least thats what I take from it and share a similar feeling about my hometown.

[CountryComesToTown]

@southernmadeuf I think that's right. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[MrsJenniferLuttman]

Well I can honestly say I loved being able to see this Mtn the way I remembered it growing up and after these horrible storms here I will be adding this to my favorites so I can forever remember the way it was and not the way it is now...I know it will never be the same

[Andreas748]

I would be afraid of getting lynched here. This looks like Klan territory.

[munacra]

I think I recognized FLAT ROCK in there. And possibly what used to be Wheelers General Store back in the early 70's. I graduated from Pisgah HS in 975. I remember a lot of those places actually.

[RustyMchaggis]

I've actually never been on sand mountain but once and I've lived on the Tennessee river in florence or decatur or waterloo all my life. I should just take a giant doobie loop out that way haha!

[IssacGuffeysChannel]

I love living on sand mountain!  :)

[JoyMarich]

It's not that bad... I lived there until 3 months ago and this guy only took pictures of places that look like crap.

[CountryComesToTown]

@JoyMarich I didn't say it looks like crap. I was talking pictures of all the old service stations and businesses from the past that I visited as a child. Maybe your very first video could be of places you like on Sand Mountain. ;)

[focusnooga]

We always called it Gordon Dobbins!! Havent seen that in many years. Enjoyed the video. Left the mountain in 1971. Thanks for the visit

[brownboots28]

Yea, I'd just like to say I live here, and well 71 is NOT a backroad...You would know if you were on a back road cause you'd not be able to hold the camera still.

[CountryComesToTown]

@brownboots28 Well by Sand Mountain standards, it's true that Hwy 71 is not a back road. But compared to the 16 lane interstate highways I navigate in Atlanta, it is. Either way, the sights and scenes along Hwy 71 are great. I always love my drives across the mountain. Thanks for watching!

[MrAntonio37416]

THT PLACE SCARES THA CRAP OUT OF ME!

[harlon2u]

Mclendons old store, Pleasant view, Outside of Pisgah, Rosalie (my hometown, bowmans old cotton gin, relefords old cafe finally shut down after 45+years), flat rock, higdon/north sand mtn, trenton Ga (sand mountain side). Places where you can still sit on the front porch and someone will wave at you in passing!

[hillylynn1]

I love your videos. I grew up in Trenton, but my Mom and all of her family lived in and around Ider. I still have relatives who live there. I no longer live there and I miss home a lot. Thanks for your videos. They bring back good memories

[alabama441]

thats so cool thats where im from to my aunts sister owns that dobbins store

[CountryComesToTown]

@alabama441 I've been in Dobbins Store many times over the years. I grew up in Scottsboro. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[sl97aq]

I know what it's like to be nostalgic for the country after liiving in the big city: I have fond memories of my parent's house out in the country

[IssacGuffeysChannel]

haha I go by Dobbin's everyday to school. i go to NSM in Higdon but i live in Bryant.

[MsBayoudog]

I can't remember what towns are on Sand Mountain. I lived in Grant first 5 years after I was born in Guntersville. Moved to Huntsville where I lived until I got married and went to Dallas. Really wish I'd NEVER LEFT.

[MountainManEighty8]

Awesome video man!

I also grew up on sand mountain

-From Flat Rock, AL

[supercory2]

why not higdon man??//

[CountryComesToTown]

Oh how did I miss Higdon. I'll have to catch it on my next trip through there. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[dphunkystud]

probably very few ppl on youtube can watch this entire video and know where every single picture was taken. I'm one of the fortunate few. Rosalie boy here. thanks for posting.

[cod4glitcher08]

Those VW Bugs Are About 30 Seconds From My House.

[MOVETOO]

i was raised on sand mountain i sure do miss it but i enjoy were i am at now

i work in trenton ga lol i still call alabama my home state

[squirrelposse]

taco-bet rocks man best breakfast ever

[Truckerboy1983]

sweet that what i call home im From Henagar Al

[SizmicFisher]

Everything in that video isn't far from my house at all. About 10 mins away.

[whisperingrainfarms]

I really enjoyed your video! I live on Sand Mountain and recognized most of the places. I loved seeing Uncle Junior's place at 1:59. Thanks for sharing!

[CountryComesToTown]

Thanks Amber. I grew up in Scottsboro but live over in Atlanta now. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[wysteryia]

Absolutely loved watching this video... you are great at capturing photos that just speak.. nice job :) Melissa

[CountryComesToTown]

Thank you Melissa. I enjoyed making this video. -Jim

[JamKen25]

I LOVE to see the back roads of places and see what it used to be like-Jamie

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Jamie. Thanks for traveling with me! -Jim

[CountryComesToTown]

If the video will not play, click on the Play In High Quality link below the view count and it should play for you. I suppose it's just a YouTube glitch.

[roslundb]

What happend to the video Jim? It was great.

[CountryComesToTown]

I have no idea why it says that it's unavailable now. That is very strange.

[CountryComesToTown]

It seems that it's still available in the High Quality mode. Click the High Quality link below the view count and hopefully it will play for you as well. Thanks for watching. -Jim

[flydarling]

It was great that you shared these images as those you remember as a child it makes it so much more personal rather than just interesting because it's a different country. Always a bit of home in your heart. Cheers, Lesley

[phekwig]

You have found Volkswagen Heaven!

[dl737]

Wow Jim that was great - the narration and pictures worked well together. Been a city boy all my life - nice seeing what I missed out on and only watching in movies. Looks like a much simpler way of life.

[CountryComesToTown]

Thanks Danny. I actually grew up in a small town in the valley below the mountain but we spent lots of time up on Sand Mountain. Thanks for watching. -Jim

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Curt. Thanks for riding with me on the back roads. Yeah, I guess I have blended the blogging and video making a little. Good to see you here today! -Jim

[OhCurt]

My scenery shots would look different, but I can thoroughly relate to those areas that will forever be home because you knew them growing up.

And do I detect a little blending of your blogging with your video making? Excellent job, Jim.

:-)

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Bear. Glad you liked it. Thanks for riding along with me! -Jim

[mumbaidoug]

Wow - like a flash from the past Jim. Complete with a VW graveyard and all. ;) -Doug

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Doug. Wouldn't you just love to have a couple of those old VW's restored? ...maybe a Bug and a Bus. LOL Thanks for watching! -Jim

[genmama1955]

I started out life in Rural TN and KY. This brought back some good memories!

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Lee Ann. It was the same for me. Traveling those back country roads made me recall lots of memories from days gone by. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[MissTruly]

Thanks for another road trip, Jim!  That really does seem rural, but rural is lovely and charming! Encore, encore!

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey MissTruly. It really is very rural indeed. I do promise an encore. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[gonz4669]

thanks for the trip im in al and its just great to get out and see the old country wish the world could slow down and see it

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Mike. I was thinking the same thing. We get caught up in the rush of modern life and forget to notice everything around us. Thanks for watching and riding along with me! -Jim

[hunhun23]

thanks for the vid! It sure does bring back alot of memories of me growing up in the small western town of PAIA and of visiting my grandparents in the rural area of Cottongrove Township, NC.

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey there Marla. Thanks for riding along with me on the back roads! -Jim

[imthelady1976]

Thanks for the memories Jim. You know that growing up in Alabama these scenes feel like home to me too.

[Harleydude2]

Hi Jim, Another great video! The images of the old country stores brings back so many nice memories of my youth on the MS Gulf Coast.

I'm sure you remember too that we as kids would be the first out of the truck and when we pushed that old door open, we'd head straight down the candy isle. I NEVER missed an opportunity to "run" to the store with someone.

Thanks again for the trip down memory lane

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Paul. Oh yes, I was reminiscing about all the times I went into those old stores and paced up and down the old wooden isles staring at all the wonderful candy. I was trying to remember how much candy cost back then. I think bubble gum was one or two cents and a candy bar maybe a quarter. Thanks for taking time to watch and remember the old days with me. -Jim

[scareykatt]

relaxing video

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey scareykatt. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[vjm1234]

Wow! Thank you for sharing with us. Love the pictures. I had to laugh....not a single person in ONE of those photos. Where is everyone? Thanks again. Smiley:D

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Smiley:D. Maybe aliens abducted them all. LOL Actually, I took those photos early on a weekday and it really was unusually quiet. I actually stopped the car in the middle of the road a few times to snap photos and didn't get run over. LOL Thanks for riding along with me! -Jim

[DeanaFaye]

I was born in Boaz & still go to 3 different family reunions/decorations there each year. I guess you attend these kinfolk events as well.... :) Loved your vid!

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Deana. Yes that's true, I do go back to Alabama for those kinds of gatherings and to a cemetery decoration every Mother's Day. Thanks for taking time to watch. -Jim

[silverscreamgrl]

Oh man, I am SO happy now that YT has better quality!!! I couldn't imagine not seeing this in such fantastic quality. :) Trade day sign!!! hahha I went to a trade day once in Tx. My friend Ray said, "JP, you wanna go to trade days with your mama?" That saying just tickled me silly :))) Loved the photos. Thanks for taking us along. Holy shit, gas is only $4.14!!! ($4.53 here today)

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Beth. Yeah, I love the new high quality button. They love trade day out in the country that's for sure. One of those stations had gas for $3.90. I felt like gathering up some milk jugs and hoarding it. LOL Oh and one of the old closed down stations had a sign for .90 cents a gallon... ah the god old days! LOL Thanks for taking time to watch Beth. -Jim

[silverscreamgrl]

I noticed that 90 cents a gallon sign and sort of sighed. I can remember it around a dollar. And $5 would pretty much fill up half a tank. The good old days :))

[Bikermom69]

Loved this video Jim. It really reminded me of those long hot summers I would spend with my grandparents every year.

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Sue. I'm happy you liked the video. Those memories of summer with the grandparents are best aren't they? Thanks for watching! -Jim

[IAGuy06]

Sometimes I think kids nowadays are missing out on something. It's nice to have things a little easier but I also think sometimes you should have to do things... have experiences.

Thanks Jim.

[CountryComesToTown]

I agree Jim. We take all these modern conveniences for granted don't we? Thanks for watching. -Jim

[sweetcarolinagirl79]

Those are the best places which are in the country!

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Connie. Thanks for riding along with me through the back roads. It's good to see you here today. -Jim

[islandGAL7]

:  )

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey IslandGAL! Thanks for watching. -Jim

[mredddogg]

Great video. Those where similar scenes from my everyday life. I guess I just took these things for granted. I will have to stop and appreciate them more in the future. My Grandfather even used to run one of those old country stores here in NC. Love ya, Beth

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Beth. For those of us that have moved off to the hustle and bustle of city living, trips like that make us appreciate the calm simple life on the back roads. Thanks for watching. -Jim

[SunnyDazStormyNitz]

Loved it Jim. Looks like a place we would love to live. So many of the pictures reminded us of "down home" in our childhood. Thanks for the trip.

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Sunny and Stormy. It's always fun taking a trip down memory lane. I was thinking back to the times that each of those places was a thriving business in the community. Thanks for watching. -Jim

[Moonchimes]

Thanks Jim! It felt as if I was enjoying scenes from my youth as I watched. Hugs,~Moonchime

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Moonchime. Yes I guess that does look much like the place you grew up. Thanks for taking time to watch today. I hope you and Don are having a nice weekend! -Jim

[1DRock37167]

Loved the ride Jim. What an odd place for a Volkswagen graveyard.

D

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Daryl. I've been through there lots of times but it was the first time I noticed the VW graveyard. It's amazing what we see when we slow down and take a look around. Thanks for watching. -Jim

[anakin1814]

Your rural south looks so much like our rural north! :)

[CountryComesToTown]

Gary that's true. I didn't really realize that until I began to travel with my business. The culture and values of rural America are much the same no mater where you travel to. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[hmarty]

Jim, that was beautiful and your narration was lovely. Oh to be able to go back to a place where life was so simple! Thanks for sharing your memories. Hugs, Marty

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Marty. I had a fun time capturing those photos and remembering the times I visited each of them during their heyday. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[jrt31169]

Thank You, Thank You. Living in California now, I very much miss the beauty of rural Alabama.

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Jonathan. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Did you grow up in Alabama? Thanks for watching? -Jim

[jrt31169]

Was born in Tuscaloosa, and my grandmother still lives in rural Gordo, Alabama (on the border of Tuscaloosa County and Pickens County). My Granny and other family in Decatur and the Hartselle area. DIdn't really grow up in Alabama per se (since we left Birmingham at the age of 5 and moved to GA), but spent every holiday and most summers there, so kind of. Long story huh? Then we lived in Savannah GA for 12 years, then in Memphis TN, and then in Waycross, GA for 8 years. Now in Los Angeles though

[robertpina99]

What I found interesting

about the south, visiting

there on a car trip, is

people want to stand around

and visit. You can find

out a lot about someone right

in front of the post office or

gas station.

[CountryComesToTown]

Robert that really is the truth. Everyone is friendly and knows what everyone else is doing also. LOL Thanks for watching! -Jim

[OHTXAZ]

Great Pictures And What Memories. ;0)

Roberta

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Roberta. Thanks for watching. Yeah, it was a walk down memory lane. -Jim

[Lisa072167]

Wow! I actually know where some of these places are! I live in what is considered "rural" AL! SO, I love this video! Been to Sand Mountain many times. All the "old" places around here seem to be changing all to quick. I live in a small city and we now have a DQ and a BIG Piggly Wiggly...so we is sooo movin on up to the BIG TIME! LOL

Have fun at the meet up today! Tell PL..."How u dorin for me!" LOL

Lisa

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Lisa. I grew up in Scottsboro and they still love their Piggly Wiggly! We had fun at the meet up today. There were only six of us but it was lots of fun visiting with everyone. Thanks for watching. -Jim

[angelboku1]

Growing up in the hills of West Virginia, what feels like home to me is similar to the 'home' you've shared in this video. I loved the Beetle graveyard, and I'm inspired to buy the Ladd's a new mailbox! Every time I see a cow on the side of the road I have this odd desire to MOO (and often do.. lol, yeah, I'm a dork).

[angelboku1]

(continued)

Old gas stations.. way too cool! I can just visualize the men in their jumpsuit's (or whatever those outfits were called), a pack of ciggies rolled up in one sleeve and grease smeared all over them.. heck, they even checked your oil,washed your windshield, and checked tire pressure!! I miss the good'ol days!

Thanks Jim, this was lovely!!

~Angie

[CountryComesToTown]

Angie those were the good old day alright. Actually those were the memories I had of those places, remembering them when they were thriving businesses. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[RedneckCasanova]

Is it me or were a large number of those buildings service stations at one time?

Waste not want not is the country way, I reckon!

Nice video Jim!

[CountryComesToTown]

Matt they were. Originally the video was going to be just about them. Most of those old stations were the central gathering place for the local community. Thins sure have changed! Thanks for watching. -Jim

[oshutterup]

there's nothing like country life - all those memories of past, and even now..

[CountryComesToTown]

That's the truth Ruthe. I guess a few of those scenes remind you of life in Illinois. Thanks for watching. I wish you were able to be with us today at the Mall of Georgia gathering! -Jim

[PapaLimp]

Gotta love them back roads..

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey PapaLimp. I guess I'll see you in about 2 hours at the Mall of Georgia gathering! Speaking of that, I better get my butt in gear and get ready and head out. LOL -Jim

[tunisianswife]

there's alot to be said for growing up in a small town. Sometimes it's a little sad to go back because I find the things that were once there are long gone; not to say that progression is a bad thing but we kind of always want to be the way we remember them. great video so well done. great pictures that really reflect rural America.

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Susan. Yes that's true. Many of the old buildings you see in the video are there because I was remembering entering them as a child when they were thriving gathering points in the community. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[tommy30507]

Jim,

This is great. Every photo. Thank you for showing us.....

Ronnie

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey there Ronnie. Thanks for riding along with me today on the back roads. I hope you're coming to the Mall of Georgia get together in about two hours! I guess I better get ready and get on up there myself. LOL -Jim

[bugsinrug]

This was awesome Jim. Just look at all of those old Volkswagons! lol. You have a great narrative voice as well. Enjoyed. hugs, Chris

[CountryComesToTown]

Thank you Chris. Wouldn't you love to have one of VW Beatles and one of those VW buses restored. Thanks for the compliment on the narration. I was experimenting with my new Apple macBook and I have to give them credit for much of what turned out good in this video. Have a great weekend! -Jim

[breezin48]

Utterly charming, Jim. Man, I can't WAIT to get back "up" to the South. Beam me up Scotty!

Hey...at the Word of Life Church, I bet they say Amen right out loud. They probably put their hands in the air and clap, too:) -sue

[CountryComesToTown]

Sue on Sand Mountain it's possible they pass the rattle snakes around as well! lol Thanks for watching. -Jim

[andymooseman]

Nice video Jim, liked the narration at the beginning. Those places sure look 'lived in'

Thanks for sharing & showing a part of your world :)

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Andy. Well it not quite as run down as the slide show may have depicted. Many of those old buildings were places that I was remembering visiting as a child when they were thriving businesses and central places in those small communities. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[Jinxie228]

Great video Jim, yep looks like my childhood hometown. I love the small town living (except for everyone is in your business part). lol

I love all the pictures! Great seeing for a bit on Stickam last night too.

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Martha. You're right about everyone knowing what everybody else is doing. LOL Thanks for watching! It was good seeing you back on Stickam again also. Hope you and Solie are having a nice weekend. -Jim

[StephStance]

fun! looks like home too.

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey there Steph. Yeah, I guess that could have been scenes of the back roads from just about anyplace USA. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[xjasongarciax]

Loved it! :o)

[CountryComesToTown]

Thanks Jason! I'm glad you enjoyed traveling with me today. Hope you're having a good weekend. -Jim

[terryejames]

This is wonderful--reminds me of my childhood in south Georgia.

Jim--as always--great job!

[CountryComesToTown]

Hey Terry. I'm glad you liked the scenes from the back roads of Alabama. Those really are the sights and scenes from the back roads of America. Thanks for taking time to watch! -Jim

[BNDS9]

Just like sights from some places up here in Maine, Very nice Jim:):)

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Ben it's nice to see you here today! Yes, I suppose many of the people that tend those farms are just like you and your family's life on the farm in Maine. Thanks for watching! -Jim

[moomay11649]

SWEET HOME ALABAMA!

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Moomay. Yes, sweet home Alabama alright. LOL Thanks for watching. Hope you're having a great weekend! -Jim

[yoyomax12]

I live in a small village in a rural area, and it is amazing how much small town Alabama can look like Small town Ontario.

Great vid, I really like the narration.

Tammy

[CountryComesToTown]

Hi Tammy. Isn't that wonderful that small town living looks much the same all over North America. Thank you for watching! I hope you are enjoying the weekend. -Jim

[souixana]

Jim this is absolutely wonderful! 5 stars and fav'd! I can't kid around with nonsense when a video is THIS poignant, this precious. This is Americana. A slice of all our lives if we were blessed to grow up in this country. This is anywhere USA. Thanks for such a great gift!

[CountryComesToTown]

Suzy I really appreciate that. I'm happy that you enjoyed it! -Jim

[EmCSpiteri]

America has so much young history that is still alive.

[CountryComesToTown]

EmC I suppose she does! Thank you so much for taking time to watch. -Jim