ELKMONT, Ala. — The Ardmore Welcome Center on I-65, near the Tennessee state line, reopened after nearly two years of renovations.
The center, a stop for travelers, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday with state and local officials, including Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell and representatives from Athens and Elkmont.
Curtis Vincent, North Region Engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), highlighted the new center's features, stating, "As always, we will continue to greet guests with true Southern hospitality. Now, they can experience that old-fashioned hospitality while enjoying the comforts of a modern building."
Inside, visitors will find a lobby equipped with ALGO kiosks that provide real-time travel updates. The tourism lobby offers brochures about local attractions, while enhanced restroom facilities have been added to reduce wait times and improve accessibility for families and individuals with disabilities.
The outdoor area has also seen upgrades, with improved sidewalks connecting picnic pavilions and shaded spots among preserved trees.
The renovations included a $6.6 million project focused on site preparation and parking improvements, followed by nearly $8 million for constructing the new main building.
