Gadsden AL Archives - There Goes Connie

I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t just looked back at my calendar and all of the photos I took. During 2018, I visited 23 destinations, finished construction/decisions/moving involved with our new house and hosted the 11th Annual Cousins Camp. You might think I’d be ready to stay home for awhile, and yes. I truly do savor days for writing, thinking and “just being.” But, those of you who know me best, know that I always LOVE planning. So, happily my calendar is filling up with more amazing places to explore in 2019.

A few of the trips I made in 2018 were purely for fun, but 100% have or will end up as blog posts or articles in other publications. And, 100% of the places I visited can be wholeheartedly recommended for you. The vast majority were in my heartland, a.k.a. The Deep South, but I also got on a few airplanes along the way.

I began the year with Steve on Captiva Island, near Fort Myers, FL, and we ended our travel year seeing New York City at Christmas time. In between, there were fabulous restaurants, hotels, museums, attractions of all kinds and stunning displays of nature. Here are some highlights, pretty much in order as I saw them through the year. Maybe one or more of them will capture your attention and draw you in for a closer look. Please stick with me as we explore more hidden, and not-so-hidden, gems in 2019.

Shellhunting with the shorebirds on tranquil Captiva Island, near Fort Myers, FL in January of 2018.

The iconic tree in Rockefeller Center, New York City, December 2018.

February is a wonderful time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. There are many activities and advantage for snowbirds, and of course, the seafood is always fresh and delicious.

A search for the many painted mules in Jasper, AL is a fun pursuit. While there, the shopping and dining options are plentiful.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Museum is an important destination. While in town, try some of the great restaurants — Highlands Bar and Grill, Galley and Garden, Chez Fonfon, etc. — and take the elevator to the top of the Vulcan.

It was so much fun to share a “Gone with the Girls” tour with my daughter and granddaughter. Clay and Henry Counties and their towns of Jonesboro, Locust Grove and McDonough (just a few miles south of Atlanta) are full of great eateries. shops and attractions, among them is the Road to Tara Museum.

Oxford, Mississippi is home to the University of Mississippi, 4 restaurants owned by John Currence and Rowan Oak, home of novelist William Faulkner. What a great town!

In addition to famous recording studios, boutique hotels, the University of North Alabama and good Southern eats, be sure to visit the store and workshop of Natalie Chanin and get a close look at her fabulous textile artistry.

The historic and beautiful Dunhill is a great place to stay in downtown Charlotte. The rooms are comfortable, the location is great, and The Asbury, adjoining restaurant, has award-winning chefs.

Biltmore House and Gardens is a MUST when visiting Asheville, N.C. Also, consider one of the delightful B & Bs in the area.

While visiting the Old 96 District of South Carolina, I highly recommend staying at The Inn on the Square in Greenwood, S.C.

Historic Brattonsville is an informative attraction in the Olde English District of South Carolina, between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC.

Canton OH is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and SO MUCH MORE!!

Downtown Cleveland is filled with sports venues, hotels and restaurants. A little further out are attractions for history, art and music lovers, and don’t forget the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Columbia, TN has a great historic downtown, the James K. Polk Home and the Blythewood Inn Bed and Breakfast. Be sure to plan a stop when you’re in the Nashville area.

Gadsden, AL has Noccalula Falls within its city limits, plus a wonderful Main Street with shops, restaurants and a very active cultural center.

Corinth, Mississippi is the site of important Civil War history. Here is a poignant fountain outside the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center.

The Palm Court, ornate restaurant inside the Plaza Hotel in New York City, is where one of America’s most famous Afternoon Tea parties takes place.

Go. See. Eat. Experience. There’s a great, big, fascinating world out there.

(Just scroll back through my blog posts to read about these places in greater detail).

Every evening from now until December 27 (well, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas night), Noccalula Falls Park, a short drive from historic downtown Gadsden, is hosting its annual Christmas at the Falls event. Steve and I got a behind-the-scenes look at the decorating and preparations that were underway a couple of weeks ago, and we could tell it will be very special indeed.

Pioneer Village at Noccalula Falls

For a $6.00 admission fee, you may walk the paths through the park or ride one of two trains that will be operating. Click here to read about the various attractions you’ll find inside. Several that caught my attention were the various food vendors that you’ll find (think hot chocolate and funnel cakes), the cookie-decorating station, Santa, a petting zoo and the Pioneer Village with buildings that were found, donated and brought in dating back to the early 1800’s. The Falls themselves will be dressed all in lights — a spectacular sight worth the price of admission. We visited right after some heavy rains, so the falls were roaring and magnificent. The park official who guided us said, “Please tell your readers that we have no control over how much water comes over the falls. It is completely dependent on the amount of rainfall. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed (or blame US) if they visit in the summertime and there’s only a trickle.” But, if you visit during this holiday season, my guess is that you’ll be rewarded with lots of water.

Roaring Noccalula Falls, the star of the show.

Insiders shared that the best times to visit are during the week rather than on the weekends in order to avoid huge crowds. But, if you decide to visit on Saturday December 12th, between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., kids will be delighted to see Ronald McDonald, the Grinch, some Minions and other popular characters roaming around. Otherwise, gates open at 5:00 each evening.

If you want to go to Gadsden earlier in the day, I strongly suggest that you explore the shops and restaurants along Broad Street. Choose among Tre Ragazzi’s Italian Cafe, Jefferson’s, The Choice, Rock n Roll Sushi, Blackstone Pizza or Lizzie’s Barbecue or go around the corner to Locust Street for Sugar Moon. A perk we particularly appreciated was the absence of parking meters. Sometimes the little things can make a huge difference.

Beautifully-decorated store on Broad Stree.

A little further out of town, Top of the River serves up some mighty fine cornbread, slaw, onions and greens, along with catfish and shrimp. Or, what about sharing the World’s Largest Seafood Platter? Trust me. It’s enough for several hungry eaters.

Cornbread, slaw and onions at Top of the River.

Another event to consider is happening on December 7th. The large Christmas tree will be lighted in downtown — Santa will do the honors — followed by the Coosa Boat Parade which can be viewed from the 759 bridge to City Hall. Also, be sure to treat yourself to a visit to the Cultural Arts Center to look at the Christmas trees decorated by area school children. Each one features a different First Lady of the United States, and they are extremely well-done.

Christmas trees at the Cultural Arts Center

Oh, and one other suggestion before I close. Sean Dietrich, author of the “Sean of the South” blog and numerous books, will be at the Mary G Harden Center for Cultural Arts on Broad Street on Friday night, January 18, 2019, and tickets are still available. Click here for more information. A pair of those tickets will be in Steve’s Christmas stocking this year, and I’m counting on being his date. 🙂

Have fun exploring Gadsden!

Looking Back at my 2018 Travels and Recommendations

Christmas at the Falls: Now Happening in Gadsden, Alabama

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