If Lawrence County Came in a Basket… Here’s What’d Be Inside
If you’re new to Lawrence County, imagine being greeted with a basket that sums up the sights, tastes, and quirks that make our home one-of-a-kind. We asked our community what absolutely had to be in that basket — and the responses tell the story of who we are.
7️⃣ A Taste of Tradition
No Lawrence County basket would be complete without a nod to our favorite local foods. Priscilla Tudor suggested ranch dressing from Western Sirloin, while Kai Mechele Berkowitz added a gift card to John’s BBQ. Tammy Stewart thought a pork belly taco would be the perfect bite, and Katie Tillman said the cheese sauce from Cardinal deserves its own spot in the basket.
6️⃣ Sweet Tooth Specials
Locals with a sweet tooth spoke up quickly. Ashley Danielle said Lakin Cookies belong front and center, while Linda Butler Holcomb lobbied for the chocolate oatmeal cookies from Butterstick Bakery. To top it off, Mary Jo Smith-Letson thought a gift card to Butterstick Bistro would cover plenty of dessert cravings.
5️⃣ Cotton County
Cotton is woven deep into our roots, and our basket wouldn’t be the same without it. Tammy Roberts recommended washcloths or dish towels from Red Land Cotton, while Jacque Bass Flory wanted actual cotton straight off the stalk. Susan Stanley Steele echoed that same pride, saying Red Land Cotton in any form had to be included.
4️⃣ Local Flavor & Flair
When it comes to showing off our Lawrence County pride, several people had ideas. Beth Lewis thought a Moulton tee from Basse Trading Co. was essential, while Lesa Dean Terry, Tonya Parker Browett, and Andy Bradford all agreed an LCtoday sticker was a must. Tiletha Alexander Shelton added that a Shelton’s T-shirt should definitely make the cut, and Isaac Gonzalez said some good old-fashioned high school merch — whether Eagles, Devils, Hornets, or Bobcats — belongs in there too.
3️⃣ Small-Town Staples
A few practical items made the list as well, the kind of things every Lawrence Countian keeps on hand. Linda Peebles suggested a Town of Courtland coffee cup, while Carolyn Thornton nominated the tried-and-true duo of duct tape and WD-40. Richard Lee McDonald joked that a map of all the potholes should be included, though he admitted it might just be one giant red blob. Greg Gentry rounded it out with his own quirky idea: a Pocket Fisherman and some Krazy Glue.
2️⃣ Culture & Keepsakes
Some of the most thoughtful suggestions reflected our county’s culture and history. Robin Rampley Legg nominated a copy of The Moulton Advertiser, Alabama’s oldest newspaper. Brenda Phillips wanted to see something from the Jessie Owens Museum included, while Angie Norton thought a cookbook from Cornerstone Church would be perfect. Cynthia Early went broader, saying books written by Lawrence County residents would showcase the talent that comes from right here at home.
🥇 1️⃣ The Community’s Choice: Local Eats
In the end, the clear winners were all about the food. Donna Culver Dutton, Diana King, and Mitzi Trussell all agreed that NeSmith hamburgers are the heart of LC, while Ginger Layman Davis said Two Mama’s Salsa should definitely be packed in. Jessika Rose added a gift card to The Local Grind, Johnnie Camp Schuman said honey belongs in the mix, and Glenda Fike Thompson wrapped it up with the most Southern of staples: sweet tea.
So, if you were building the official “Welcome to LC” basket, what would you add to the collection?