I'm from a small town right across the river from Columbus, GA called Phenix City. Another name for Phenix City is "Sin City of the South." In this town's past, there were terrible actions occurring-- gambling, organize crime and murder are just some of the more notorious characteristics this city was previously known for. My whole life I have only lived in this little city-- I grew up here.
Our town is infamous for the dirty deeds that were done. I thought it'd be fun to share a little and remind those that live here of where we come from.
1. There's a movie about our home.
“The Phenix City Story” tells about the nasty past that Phenix City, Alabama is remembered for. Prostitution was popular, gambling was a regular event and murder tainted the streets of this city. Eventually the outside government had to come in and implement martial law to straighten this town up.
2. Travelling down the main highway is a negative during summertime.
The highway that runs smack through the middle of town is one of the main routes to Florida. During beach season, this area is avoided as much as possible unless one wishes to sit in traffic just trying to get from Walmart to your home. Counting the different license plates is one of my family's hobbies around this time.
3. Saturday mornings are spent at the Lee County Flea Market.
This outside market isn't your regular little spot in the road. The Lee County Flea Market has been around for as long as I can remember-- there is even a commercial with one of those catchy jingles that plays. They sell everything from furniture to gaming consoles to live animals.
4. The fanciest restaurant in town is Applebees.
Fancy may not be how majority of people describe the chain restaurant Applebees-- however, in our case, this is considered the fanciest restaurant based on the fact that you can get steak and alcohol and you sit down to eat. There are some nicer places that are locally owned, but they're right on the outskirts of Phenix City (Fred & Lester's Steakhouse & Pub).
5. After any sporting event the most packed eatery is Waffle House (there are 5).
Where do you go after a high school football game? Waffle House. Where do you go after a Cottonmouths hockey game? Waffle House. Where do you go after a Columbus Lions arena football game? Waffle House. There are several locations to choose from-- no matter which one you choose, you can bet you'll run into a crowd of folks coming from the same event you are.
6. If you live on one of the many Lee Roads, guests get lost trying to find your house.
For whatever reason, about half of the roads near Lee County are named Lee Road. Trying to make your way to one of them, if you aren't familiar with the area, can be incredibly frustrating and confusing. The roads range from 111 Lee Road 222 to 10600 Lee Road 240. Many of them don't connect or aren't even close to one another. Living on a Lee Road can mean you have a variety of zip code options-- Salem, Phenix City, Smiths Station all have different zip codes and all include Lee Road addresses.
7. The biggest local rivalry is not Auburn versus Alabama.
Sure, Auburn and Alabama are a huge rivalry. In comparison to the rivalry of Central High School and Smiths Station High School, the college rivalry is a joke. Each year, the stadiums pack out to watch the Red Devils versus the Panthers, eagerly hoping for the win and bragging rights. Alumni will go all season without watching a game, but are determined to be there for the "Backyard Brawl."
8. For many years, Skate-a-Rama was where all the cool kids hung out.
If it was Friday night and your parent said you could, you grabbed your inline skates and headed to Skate-A-Rama behind the Big Lots. If you were lucky, you could stay for the lock-in. Your night would be filled with those jams like "Smack That" by Akon and "SOS" by Rihanna. You would load up on junk food and soda, and of course you would be rocking the neon, glowing jewelry-- don't forget those flashing pacifiers.
9. Racing is more than a sport here-- it's a lifestyle.
Home of the East Alabama Motor Speedway, weekends are composed of late nights at the track watching those stock cars go 'round and 'round that red dirt track. You know at least one of the racers, if you aren't one yourself. Also, if you aren't racing or watching at EAMS, you are watching down at the Phenix Drag Strip.
10. We are on Eastern Time unlike the rest of Alabama that is on Central Time.
Time is probably my favorite characteristic of our town. Since we are so close to Columbus, many of our jobs are across the river. In order to make it easier for our citizens, the decision was made to have Phenix City follow Eastern Standard Time. Whenever visitors come from out of town, they are always blown away by this nifty fact. It also makes travel to Auburn easier, since they are an hour behind, you can accomplish much more when you go there for shopping.
I love my home. I'm so thankful I was able to grow up in this small town of such a great big world.
