Latest news with #Wil
Style Blueprint
22-07-2025
- Style Blueprint
Places to Go Swimming Near Birmingham
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Birmingham is hotter than hot. Thankfully, there are several swimming holes around the city offering up sweet relief. Perfect for kids, pups, and nature lovers, these spots offer the perfect way to get outside, even when temps are through the roof. Safety First! When it comes to swimming in lakes and rivers, it's imperative to keep an eye on water levels and quality reports. For example, Wil Rainer, Field Programs Director at Cahaba River Society, says, 'In the first 24 to 48 hours after a rain, pollutant levels are high in the river. If you see 'chocolate milk,' it's generally unsafe to swim!' He suggests checking the Cahaba Riverkeeper's Swim Guide before heading to the water. You can also reference this site for statewide, up-to-date water levels. As a general rule of thumb, Wil advises, 'Stick to the established paths wherever you go.' Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Location: Bibb County Commute from Birmingham: 50 minutes More info: In Bibb County, this stretch of the Cahaba welcomes swimmers and splashers every summer, along with the rare and prized Cahaba lily. There is a single-lane gravel road that leads right to the river. The lilies peak between mid-May and mid-June, so be sure to pause and take them in while you're there. Wil suggests heading to the Piper Mine Reclamation Site across the Highway 24 bridge to enjoy a bird's eye view of the lilies. 'The waters of the Cahaba River provide a place to escape the monotony of life and to find peace in nature's solitude,' Wil says. But it's also an essential water source and ecosystem that necessitates our respect and care. 'While critical for the drinking water of over 400,000 people in the Birmingham Metro area, the Cahaba provides life to so many more throughout Central Alabama,' Wil explains, 'More species of fish, snails, crayfish, and mussels call the Cahaba home than many other rivers across the nation and around the world.' Pin Oak Mountain State Park Beach Location: Pelham Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes More info: Birmingham may be several hours from the Gulf, but the sandy beaches of Oak Mountain State Park are only 20 minutes away. The larger beach at Double Oak Lake is a popular spot to spend a scorching summer day, and you'll find a designated swimming area and plenty of room to sprawl out on the sand. There are permanent restroom facilities and a seasonal concession stand, so you're set up for an all-day stay if the mood strikes. The beach also offers a sand volleyball court, and if you want to get out on the water, you can rent various paddlecrafts just a little ways down the lake. Park entrance fees are $5 per person and $2 for kids four through 11. Pin FlipSide at Oak Mountain State Park Location: Pelham Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes More info: Oak Mountain State Park also offers a natural swimming hole for adrenaline junkies. FlipZone is home to Alabama's first cable wakeboard park, where you'll be pulled along on a heart-pumping ride across a ramp course. You can also head to the park's smaller lake to experience the inflatable aqua park, a floating obstacle course. No matter which adventure you choose, one thing is certain — you will get wet. After park entrance fees, FlipSide prices start at $25 per hour. Beaver Lake has a small beach with a designated swimming area for those who want a more relaxing dip. FlipSide also offers concessions and paddle craft rentals. Pin Cahaba River Trail at Grants Mill Location: Irondale Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes More info: 'Of all the [Cahaba River] accesses in the Birmingham area, Grants Mill is used the most,' Wil says. 'People line the river throughout the summer to enjoy the Cahaba's cool waters, abundant fish, and peaceful calm.' This area is about a mile down Grants Mill Road from I-459 and is well known for its canoe launch at the start of the trail. There are also several wade-in spots further along. Oh, and keep an eye out for a rope swing! A word of caution: Towing is common for cars parked illegally along Grants Mill Road. Pin Turkey Creek Location: Pinson Commute from Birmingham: 30 minutes More info: Turkey Creek isn't just a swimming hole; it's a natural water park. Each summer, the tumbling waterfall becomes a giant water slide that's fun for the whole family. Bring an inner tube and enjoy a smooth slide down the falls into the shallow swimming hole at the bottom. (Rumor has it the local Five Below keeps inner tubes in stock for Turkey Creek visitors and will inflate them for you!) If that's too much excitement, you can still splash around the cascading-but-slippery rocks (wear water shoes with a good grip), wade in the pool at the base, or take your tube and enjoy a gentle float further down the creek. The falls make for a refreshing end to a day out on the trails in the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Pin Mardis Mills Falls Location: Blountsville Commute from Birmingham: 55 minutes Take a dip in this idyllic swimming hole along Graves Creek in Blount County. You can climb the rocks of the 16-foot waterfall, float around the base, or splash along the shallow top of the falls. The more adventurous can take advantage of the rope swing. To get to Mardis Mill Falls, head to Mardis Mill Road in Blountsville and look for the dirt road turnoff near the narrow bridge crossing Graves Creek. The Freshwater Land Trust recently acquired this area, and plans are underway to improve trails and increase signage and maintenance to ensure it remains a special swimming hole for generations to come. Take note that there are no restrooms, snack bars, or other facilities — just serene, natural beauty encasing this tranquil spot. Pin Lakeside Park Location: Pell City Commute from Birmingham: 40 minutes More info: If you're looking for another awesome freshwater beach less than an hour from Birmingham, head to Lakeside Park in Pell City. It's right on Logan Martin Lake, so while you can definitely swim at the beach, just a heads-up that you'll be sharing the water with motorboats. Beyond the beach, you can explore walking trails and let the kids splash around at the splash pad. It's a fantastic way to experience lake life without a long drive from Birmingham! Pin Stay cool out there, Birmingham! ********** To stay in the know on the best of Birmingham, subscribe to our daily emails! About the Author Katie Leigh Matthews A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at and
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island's Uma and Wil leave fans in tears as they reveal location of stunning engagement in new photos
LOVE Island star Wil Anderson popped the question to his former co-star Uma Jammeh against an exotic backdrop. Wil popped the question at sunset on Sunday on a beach in Palma de Mallorca in Spain. 4 Love Island stars Wil and Uma are engaged Credit: Splash 4 Uma showed off her ring on social media Credit: instagram/@umajammeh The couple appeared on last year's season of the ITV2 dating reality show and hit it off after leaving the villa. Wil shared photos of the romantic, beachside proposal complete with candles, flowers and rose petal scattered around their cosy nook. Will shared a series of photos from their big moment to his Instagram, with the simple caption of the date and was flooded with compliments from fellow Love Island alumni. love island "Crying, congratulations you two these pics are unreallll," wrote Grace Jackson. Her boyfriend, Luca Bish added: "Congratulations guys." Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu posted: "So happy for you both! 😍congratulations beautiful." While TV and radio star, Jordan Banjo wrote: "Congrats broski." Most read in TV Uma first revealed their engagement on Monday, when she posed in a green dress and flashed her sparkly ring to the camera. "We've been sitting on a bad boy piece of information," Uma captioned the post. Love Island's Wil Anderson and Uma Jammeh reveal their incredible new London home with stunning city views and marble floor Wil commented: "I liked it, so I put a ring on it." Uma rocketed to fame after she appeared on last year's series of Love Island as a bombshell She left after Wil was dumped from the villa ISLE SAY! Love Island couples who are still together WANT proof reality TV series Love Island really works? See here the list of the ITV2 show alum who are still together - you might be surprised! Grace and Luca Elma and Sammy Harriett and Ronnie Uma and Wil Tom and Molly Josh and Sophie Molly and Zach Kai and Sanam Liam and Millie Molly-Mae and Tommy Will and Jessie Indiyah and Dami Olivia and Alex Dom and Jess Jamie and Camilla Nathan and Cara The couple moved into a new home in London shortly after Uma put pen to paper on Uma was snapped up by L'Oreal Paris as 'Elvive's Chief Gloss Officer' for a lucrative new ad campaign. 4 Wil popped the question in Spain Credit: Rex 4 The couple revealed the romantic location for their engagement on Instagram Credit: Rex
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island's Uma and Wil leave fans in tears as they reveal location of stunning engagement in new photos
See the romantic location for their big moment glam love Love Island's Uma and Wil leave fans in tears as they reveal location of stunning engagement in new photos Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island star Wil Anderson popped the question to his former co-star Uma Jammeh against an exotic backdrop. Wil popped the question at sunset on Sunday on a beach in Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Love Island stars Wil and Uma are engaged Credit: Splash 4 Uma showed off her ring on social media Credit: instagram/@umajammeh The couple appeared on last year's season of the ITV2 dating reality show and hit it off after leaving the villa. Wil shared photos of the romantic, beachside proposal complete with candles, flowers and rose petal scattered around their cosy nook. Uma and Wil, both 24, wore head-to-toe white for their big life moment and beamed with happiness as she accepted his proposal. Will shared a series of photos from their big moment to his Instagram, with the simple caption of the date and was flooded with compliments from fellow Love Island alumni. "Crying, congratulations you two these pics are unreallll," wrote Grace Jackson. Her boyfriend, Luca Bish added: "Congratulations guys." Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu posted: "So happy for you both! 😍congratulations beautiful." While TV and radio star, Jordan Banjo wrote: "Congrats broski." Uma first revealed their engagement on Monday, when she posed in a green dress and flashed her sparkly ring to the camera. "We've been sitting on a bad boy piece of information," Uma captioned the post. Love Island's Wil Anderson and Uma Jammeh reveal their incredible new London home with stunning city views and marble floor Wil commented: "I liked it, so I put a ring on it." Uma rocketed to fame after she appeared on last year's series of Love Island as a bombshell but ended up quitting the show. She left after Wil was dumped from the villa and they have since moved in together. ISLE SAY! Love Island couples who are still together WANT proof reality TV series Love Island really works? See here the list of the ITV2 show alum who are still together - you might be surprised! Grace and Luca Elma and Sammy Harriett and Ronnie Uma and Wil Tom and Molly Josh and Sophie Molly and Zach Kai and Sanam Liam and Millie Molly-Mae and Tommy Will and Jessie Indiyah and Dami Olivia and Alex Dom and Jess Jamie and Camilla Nathan and Cara The couple moved into a new home in London shortly after Uma put pen to paper on a whopping six-figure job. Uma was snapped up by L'Oreal Paris as 'Elvive's Chief Gloss Officer' for a lucrative new ad campaign. 4 Wil popped the question in Spain Credit: Rex 4 The couple revealed the romantic location for their engagement on Instagram Credit: Rex
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Love Island stars announce engagement one year on from meeting on ITV2 show
A Love Island couple have announced they are engaged. Taking to social media the duo revealed they had been "sitting on bad boy piece of information" as they shared their huge news. Uma Jammeh shared the news on her Instagram account. And in the comments section to the post, partner Wil made a Beyonce pun. A year after the duo met in the Love Island villa, Uma wrote: We've been sitting on a bad boy piece of information." She also shared a diamond ring emoji as she showed off the new piece of jewellery in holiday snaps. While Wil wasn't in the images, he took to the comments to say: "I liked it, so I put a ring on it." Uma quickly joked back, saying: "Period."
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island's Uma Jammeh engaged to boyfriend Wil Anderson a year after meeting in the villa
LOVE Island stars Uma Jammeh and Wil Anderson are engaged a year after meeting on the show. Uma shared snaps of herself - without new fiance Wil - as she revealed their wedding plans on social media tonight. Advertisement 1 Uma and WIl are engaged Credit: Rex Uma said: "We've been sitting on a bad boy piece of information." Wil replied: "I liked it, so I put a ring on it." He posted a picture of the couple clinking glasses, writing: "Cheers to that." Uma's diamond ring was sparkling in the snap. Advertisement READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND
