Things to Do in Fort Payne

Click above to buy tickets to see Grey Gardens on a Wednesday, September 2 at 8 p.m. or September 9 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, September 3, 8 p.m.; Sunday, September 6 at 5 p.m. or September 13 at 2 p.m. Click on the links below for tickets on other days.

For nearly seven decades, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has bridged musical gaps with an extensive catalog of Grammy-winning recordings that include symphonies, operas, and gospel and classical choral works. Once helmed by the chorale superstar Robert Shaw, the orchestra has produced six Grammy-winning releases in its 12 years under current director Robert Spano. Its allied institution, the Atlanta School of Composers provides training, support, and ear massages for hardworking contemporary artists.

A U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association–rated master pilot, Matt Taber has been soaring through the skies since 1978, during which time he's managed to design several of his own gliders. He's also devised and constructed other contraptions, such as glider-towing equipment and lightweight tow planes—both of which his company, Lookout Mountain Flight Park, uses to teach new recruits how to surf the skies. Matt leads a team of USHPA-certified pilots and instructors that coaches students of all levels in basics and advanced maneuvers through on-the-ground training and hands-on tandem flights, during which plots safely guide their charges over the scenic mountains and blurry bushes of Lookout Valley at altitudes of up to 4,000 feet. Conducted on a 55-acre private training facility, lessons can include the overnight use of amenities such as a pool, volleyball court, bathhouse, and cabins.

The community-focused Theatre in the Square fetes playhouse enthusiasts with riveting tales from classic, modern, and local scribes. Bursting onto the 225-seat MainStage is The Little Foxes, a familial yarn about trickery surrounding a husband's fortune. Recommended for ages 14 and up, the story brims with deceit, humor, and the complicated trappings of family life, especially for siblings that have trouble sharing stage props. Meanwhile, Circle Mirror Transformation examines the inner workings of acting class participants as they delve into their created characters while excavating the artifacts of their own personality. An off-Broadway hit, the play provides theater-goers with an amusing peek into the intricately convoluted minds of scene crafters.

MatzoBall has been helping single Jewish people (age 21–49) matchmake, babymake, and network for 23 years at its annual parties in 11 cities. Its sponsor, the Society of Young Jewish Professionals (SYJP), has sparked more than 1,000 marriages, thousands of friendships, and even a few bar mitzvahs. This year's Atlanta event will take place at Halo, a cavernous 3,000-square-foot lounge that can comfortably accommodate the entire ATL diaspora and then some.

After spying his first electronic bike while teaching in China, owner Garnet Caldwell vowed to bring the unique and potentially revolutionary vehicles to his hometown. He told the Times Free Press, "These bikes are for people who just want to get out and ride," explaining that they can go about 20 miles before needing to be charged and, like a championship racewalker, can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

The bikes, available at the shop for rental or sale, come in all sizes and run off a battery that is recharged via a traditional wall outlet. Chattanooga Electric Bikes caries models from Ezip, Izip, Liberty, and Pedego, as well as conversion kits to help traditional two-wheelers to make the jump to electric. Certified technicians ensure bikes are held to the highest safety standards and don't become sentient, and they can service any brand of electric bicycle.