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Overview

Gadsden is one of Alabama’s most important commercial and industrial centers. It has been that way for centuries. In the 1800’s, Gadsden was the one of the state’s most important economic centers, second only to the seaport of Mobile. A century after the booming town traded its riverboats for heavier industries, and has been serving as the proud home of Republic Steel Corporation and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for more than two decades. Gadsden is the county seat of Etowah County, and has been awarded by the National Civic League as an All-America City. The city’s landscape is dotted by the Noccalula Falls, Coosa River, mountains, and lakes. The charming city at the foothills of the Appalachians is the perfect place to visit, live, and raise a family.

Tourist Attractions

The Noccalula Falls Park & Campground is a scenic wonder. The 90-foot waterfall has been named after a legendary Cherokee maiden. A statue honoring her heroic and romantic demise can be found within the encampment. Nestled among the shades of the trees is a collection of hand-hewn rustic log buildings reminiscent of a pioneer village. Park attractions feature a blacksmith shop, smoke house, pioneer home, grist mill, country store, and a covered bridge. The area also features hiking trails, a picnic pavilion, carpet golf, a sightseeing train, and botanical gardens. The Coosa River Bank Project is another beautiful outdoor attraction. The area features fencing and picnic area, sidewalks, and fishing piers.

When to Visit

From November to December, the whole county gathers to celebrate the Festival of Trees on the grounds of the Mary G Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. The exhibits feature charmingly decorated Christmas Trees and ornaments. During the month of November, the city celebrates both Patriots Day Luncheon and Veteran’s Day Parade. Locals gather in Gadsden’s Convention Hall for a commemorative dinner to honor the region’s patriots. The event continues in Historic Downtown Gadsden as locals honor the city’s legendary citizens. The Annual Alabama’s Finest Artists is a festivity held till December 31. Artists from across the state gather and exhibit their finest works at the Gadsden Museum of Art.

Shopping

Gadsden’s residents love to shop. Interestingly, most of the merchants in the county seem to know exactly what both locals and guests love. Tourists can browse through national retailers, old-fashioned drug stores, and one-of-a-kind downtown boutique. The famed “Three Blocks of Shops” can be found in Downtown Antique Attalla. The quaint little store features some of the best collection of antiques in the region. Historic Downtown Gadsden has an array of establishments that specialize on both play and work. Gadsden’s streets become filled with shoppers during the month of August for the World’s Longest Yard Sale. The sale starts at the Nocccalula Falls Park and ends at Ohio’s Fayette. There’s also the Hwy 411 Yard Sale during the month of September.

Best Museums

The Gadsden Museum of Art is a proud host of the annual Stitching Across Alabama Statewide Quilt Show during September. Year-round exhibits include community-engaged paintings and artworks from around the region. The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts has galleries that depict more than a decade’s worth of collections. More than 100,000 guests visit the museum each year. Located in Gadsden’s historic downtown, the center also serves as an excellent location for courtyard concerts, dinner theaters, and chamber music. The Imagination Place Children’s Museum is just across the street.