Author: Kelly Kazek

(ODD)yssey, Blog Post, Natural (ODD)yssey

A ride on the Lost Sea, the nation’s largest underground lake

Kelly Kazek

The gift shop and entrance to the Lost Sea. A little piece of advice: You really shouldn’t watch the horror movie “The Cave” before going into an actual cave. Especially when the film involves underwater cave diving and strange creatures and the actual cave involves lots of water and strange … rainbow trout. While the… Continue reading A ride on the Lost Sea, the nation’s largest underground lake

(ODD)yssey, Blog Post

A visit to the ruins of Alabama’s first penitentiary

Kelly Kazek

A 1940s postcard of the Alabama State Penitentiary in Wetumpka, Ala. (Troy University Libraries) Not long ago, when Sweetums was doing a presentation at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka, Ala., we decided to see what remained of Alabama’s first prison, opened in 1842. Known as Wetumpka State Penitentiary or Alabama State Penitentiary, it operated for 100… Continue reading A visit to the ruins of Alabama’s first penitentiary

(ODD)yssey, Blog Post

Win a signed copy of ‘Guide to South’s Quirkiest Roadside Attractions’

Kelly Kazek

NOTE: This contest is closed to entries and winners will be announced by Oct. 7, 2022. If you would still like a signed copy of the book, please email kellykazek@kellykazek.com. Let me know in the email if you'd like to pay through PayPal, Venmo or credit card and send your address. You will not be… Continue reading Win a signed copy of ‘Guide to South’s Quirkiest Roadside Attractions’

Blog Post

Here are some of your thoughts on the pandemic, 2.5 years later

Kelly Kazek

A sign at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL when stores reopened in July 2020. (Kelly Kazek) Businesses closed in March 2020 near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to try to prevent its spread. I gathered photos from local places to have my own record of this strange time and I wrote several… Continue reading Here are some of your thoughts on the pandemic, 2.5 years later