FILE- This july 31, 2007 file photo shows golfers playing at the River Trace Golf Course in Gadsden. The course property has been sold to the Cherokees of Alabama for $13.1 million. (AP Photo/Gadsden Times,Eric T. Wright)"Gadsden is just a short trip down I-59 from Chattanooga and offers plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family, from hiking [or] biking the Black Creek Trail System and viewing the falls at Noccalula Falls Park, to fighting spotted bass on the Coosa River [or] Neely H, [to] an easy stroll around the James D. Martin Wildlife Park." - Hugh Stump III, executive director for Greater Gadsden Area Tourism
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*FIRST AND THIRD*Gadsden enjoys its downtown gatherings, as evidenced by First Friday and Third Thursday, the town’s year-round and summer events.First Friday: On the first Friday of each month, Broad Street in downtown Gadsden closes to traffic and opens the month with a party. With food, music and classic cars, First Friday sets downtown rocking year-round.Third Thursday: From May to October, the third Thursday of each month brings different performers to the town’s water wall, situated between the Pitman Theatre and Senior Activity Center. Grab your coolers and lawn chairs for a relaxing evening of great music.*Source: downtowngadsden.com
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THE BIG SALEThe World’s Longest Yard Sale, which starts in Addison, Mich., and stretches through six states to end up in Gadsden, is held in August each year. Vendors set up along U.S. Highway 127 to sell their goods and welcome visitors from all over.Source: 127sale.com
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BIRD SANCTUARYPart of the Alabama Birding Trail, the James D. Martin Wildlife Park is located off U.S. Highway 411.The park features elevated boardwalks with scenic vantage points, paved walking and biking paths, and hiking trails through the woods.Opened on Oct. 15, 1991, the park was dedicated to James Martin, former commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.Call 256-549-4500 or visit alabamabirdingtrails.com/sites/james-d-martin-wildlife-park to learn more.
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DOWNTOWN DININGStop by one of these local shops to satisfy any food cravings:Mater’s Pizza and Pasta Emporium is a family favorite that offers an oyster bar and a game room. (329 Locust St.; 256-547-2556; materspizza.com.)At Frios Gourmet Pops you can try homemade popsicles in a variety of flavors. (414 Broad St.; 256-459-8243; friospops.com.)Feast on authentic Thai food and enjoy a cozy, Southern atmosphere at Kati Thai. (102 Eble St.; 256-467-4221.)Located inside the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is The Courtyard Cafe, which boasts elevated home-style lunch and dinner specials and an outdoor patio. (501 Broad St.; 256-547-1066.)
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COUNTY SEATGadsden is the county seat of Etowah County, the name for which comes from a Cherokee word meaning “edible tree.”In total area, it is the smallest county in Alabama, but one of the most densely populated, thanks at least in part to the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area.