Results tagged “Gee's Bend” from Alabama's Front Porches: A Blog About Alabama's Black Belt

For a pleasant weekend getaway, try heading south. No, not the beach, the Black Belt of Southwest Alabama. There's much to see and do-and close enough to make the trip with less than a tank of gas. We'll continue to add new trips to our list as the next year progresses.

For now, try this simple, one or two night getaway into the true heart of Alabama for an authentic experience of the Deep South. Don't have time to get away for a night? Well, you should, but if you just can't pry yourself away, try a daylong trip.

Begin your weekend getaway heading to Selma, Alabama. Approximately 85 miles from Birmingham (or a little over 200 miles from Atlanta, Georgia). Once you've arrived in Selma, plan to park near the river and just stroll around the downtown area. Park near the historic and recently renovated Saint James Hotel, directly on the river along Water Street and less than a block away from the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Try some down home cooking at one of the local eateries in Selma (during the week, try the Downtowner for an excellent "meat-and-three," a true Southern staple). There are excellent dining choices in Selma for a variety of traditional Southern fare, including BBQ, fried chicken and catfish, along with more exotic choices.

al.com story

And, while you are there enjoying the mural trail, be sure to check out the Gee's Bend community.

Description: The Gee’s Bend community has become famous for its quilts, which are now highly prized by collectors and were celebrated nationally in 2006 in a U.S. postage stamp series. The quilters usually gather at the Boykin Nutrition Center by 8:30 am and quilt until 1:30 pm Monday through Thursday, but this may vary. Gee’s Bend quilts are housed at the Community House, which can be visited by appointment. There is no food available in Gee’s Bend, so plan accordingly.

The Gee’s Bend Ferry crosses the Alabama River several times daily, linking Gee’s Bend and Camden. Gee’s Bend Park is on the left just above the ferry stop. It has a pavilion and a small deck overlooking the river. At this picturesque site, you can observe avian and aquatic wildlife, including White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants and ducks as well as the comings and goings of the ferry.

Directions: From Montgomery, go west on US 80 to Selma. Go west on AL 22 that becomes
AL 5 South. Near Alberta at mile-marker 32, go southeast on CR 29 for 14 miles. Turn left toward the Boykin Nutrition Site for 1 mile to the Quilters Collective. (The Collective is near the Boykin Post Office.)

Access: Park- Daily; Free
Community House - call (334) 573-2323 for
appt, GPS coordinates: N 32.05830, W 087.30583,
Site Contact: Dannelly Reservoir Resource Office and Visitor Center, 1226 Powerhouse Rd. , Camden, AL 36726
(334) 682-4244
http://al_lakes.sam.usace.army.mil  

http://blog.al.com/bn/2008/07/in_his_own_words_gees_bend_art.html

The Birmingham News offers a pictorial of the Gee's Bend Mural Trail (set for a Fall 2008 opening) and an interview with creator Tyree McCloud.

Very interesting.