Today, Winston County is still largely undeveloped, rural, and rugged. A historical marker stands on County Road 41, 3 miles south of Addison, where Looney's Tavern once stood.
But the story of the Free State of Winston, once dormant and almost forgotten, has been given new life. Several local families built a 1500-seat ampitheater to showcase the story of their ancestors' struggle. Visitors can attend an outdoor musical drama chronicling the events in Winston County during the Civil War era, including the fascinating true stories of what happened to Chris Sheets, Bill Looney, and the others who dared to defy Montgomery and secede from the State of Alabama. Attendees can also visit the gift shop, eat at Sister Sara's Kitchen, and even ride on the Free State Lady, a riverboat, for a dinner or excursion cruise.
The ampitheater complex is a few miles from the original Looney's site, on Highway 278 just a few miles from I-65 at Exit 308 in Cullman, Alabama.
The area around the theater is surrounded by incredible natural beauty, such as Smith Lake, a clear, sparkling, man-made lake that has some of the best fishing anywhere. The Bankhead Forest, the Sipsey River, and the Sipsey Wilderness Area are also located here. Camping can be arranged by calling Bankhead Ranger Station at (205) 489-5111, or Lakeshore Campgrounds at (205) 489-5351.
Double Springs has cabins available at (205) 489-3129. Hotels in nearby Cullman include Howard Johnson (Exit 308) at (800) 446-4656, and at Ramada Inn (Exit 304) at (256) 734-8484.
The shows run from early June to Labor Day. Other events, such as dinner theaters and concerts, are often scheduled throughout the off season. Call ahead for tickets and specific details: (800) LOONEYS, or (205) 489-5000.
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