What makes a town worth touring?
We have had some slight discord in Camden as of late. And as all of you may know, Wilcox County is not new to discord. We are used to it. We arecomfortable with it one might say. The historical society is highly upset and harping because they were not contacted about an internet tower pole set to be erected on a back street in Camden. They argue that the pole falls within the historic district and the counterargument is that the town needs more reliable internet service. Union Street already looks like complete hell. Other things would have to be cleaned up before a tower pole would even be noticed. There is an old dilapidated lumber yard on one side, vacant buildings with weathered plywood covering the windows on the other, and closed businesses on both. These eye sores have not hurt business at the Health Department, which is also located on Union Street. Nobody has ever really mentioned anything historical about Union Street, but the whole area has been complaining about unreliable internet service for years. Like many small downtowns, Camden has tried to better itself as of late, and granted, it is mostly superficial. Like back in October there were scarecrows strapped to various poles downtown. And those same poles were wrapped in tinsel and ribbon by Christmas. That kind of seasonal dcor isnt permanent enough to suit those dedicated to beautifying a place though, and I guess thats when murals come into play. I dont know if you are supposed to ask permission from the historical society before you start slapping paint on the side of a building or not, but maybe ask somebody. Somebody with the courage to be honest with you because not all murals are created equal. Monroeville has really stepped-up the game with their literary themed murals. The murals there are tasteful and professionally done. That last point cannot be overstated. There is a huge difference that will immediately fill the eye of all who drive through. Murals define a place. The mural of the train in downtown Brewton  at the main intersection of the highways and train tracks  is outstanding. It is to scale. The colors used in the mural match the tones of the town. The exact hues. It even looks good at night. It clearly wasnt rushed. It was well thought through, and it probably wasnt cheapwhich is why it doesnt look cheap, and is a grand asset to the entire community there. All Im saying is that not all murals are scenic. Ive seen better art on the side of boxcars than some of the murals Ive seen lately. There is graffiti under Weldon Vickery bridge that has more appeal. Rumor has it that Camden will soon be a hot tourist destination comparable to Fairhope. Some say there will be so many visitors that a trolley system will have to developed to transport people from one hot spot to another. I expect this to happen around about the same time Mobile Bay flows up Highway 265 and ebbs behind the Courthouse Annex. And when it does, all of those tourists coming in to see it are going to want reliable Wi-Fi during their stay. Amanda Walker is a contributor with AL.com The Selma Times Journal, Thomasville Times, West Alabama Watchman, and Alabama Gazette. Contact her at Walkerworld77@msn.com or at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist.