Need a little R&R, but have no real time for it? We discovered, right under our noses, the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing day or two.

It had been some time since we had traveled the six miles south of Montevallo to Brierfield Ironworks Park, and we were in for some surprises.

Tom Land, the director of the park, showed us around on a Monday afternoon. On the previous Sunday, there had been a dedication of the newly restored Sunshine Morton House. It&8217;s a lovely early 1900s log house located on a gentle hill overlooking the forest and the park.

The dwelling had been brought to the park two years ago from its original location in Hoover. It was the home of Sunshine and Dorothy Morton, the parents of Steve Morton, who is a member of the Brierfield Park&8217;s Board of Directors.

On our tour, we saw the Lightsey Cabin and the Hubbard Cabin. These are rustic one-bedroom log cabins that have been moved into the park and restored.

Then we walked through the Hayes-Morton Inn &045;&045; a 1900s farmhouse with two suites and a shared kitchen and dining room. The inn is furnished with antiques of the 1900 era.

We also saw the

Brierfield Lodge, a very nice group facility. All of the facilities offer air conditioning, full kitchens and bathrooms.

The addition of the Sunshine Morton House brings

the park&8217;s capacity for overnight indoor guests to more than 30. Prices for cabins are $75/day and the houses are $95/day.

Visitors to the park will find quiet enjoyment by simply walking along the wooded trails, sitting on the porch listening to the songs of the birds or watching the squirrels play in the trees.

If this is not enough activity, they might take a dip in the pool, visit with the campers, explore the old Bibb Naval Furnace or shop in the camp store. On Sundays at 10:30 a.m. there are services in the Mulberry Church.

Special days scheduled for the park include:

North South Skirmish Association on June 23-24;

Alabama Muzzleloaders State Shoot on Sept. 29-30; and Alabama Rangers Dixie Shootout on Nov. 9-11.

The pool is open through Labor Day and available to all visitors to the park.

Season family permits are also available. You&8217;ll find complete information and a virtual tour at www.brierfieldironworks.com.

Catherine Legg can be reached by email at mailto:clegg2@bellsouth.ne