Submitted by Justin Nelson, owner of ShopGadsden.com
The Gadsden area is a great place to raise a family, and many of the activities we feature are intended for everyone in the family to have a great time and experience all things local. Over the past couple of years, people have relocated here from all areas of the country, both with and without families, and this week’s article highlights activities and hobbies that might appeal to adults. If we grew up here, we’ve probably experienced at least some of these activities in years past and have some familiarity with them. For newcomers, it can be difficult to know where to start without having years of knowledge about our area, so we want to include some information that can be helpful for beginners too.
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Winemaking class at Wills Creek Vineyards & Winery
Located in one of the most picturesque spots in the area, Wills Creek Vineyards & Winery in Duck Springs provides a serene setting for wine enthusiasts. Located at 10522 Duck Springs Road in Attalla, the facility’s monthly winemaking classes are a recent addition and excellent way to dive into the art and science of winemaking. The classes are currently popular to the point where registration is now required. While you’re at the winery, enjoy sampling various wines and leave with a newfound appreciation for the craft. The experience is not only educational but a delightful way to spend a day with friends or a loved one.
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Stand-Up Paddleboarding at GadRock
The Coosa River and nearby lakes are a local treasure. We can walk or drive alongside them, enjoy a meal in front of them and fish along their banks, but they’re best enjoyed on or in them. If you do not have access to a boat or waterfront property a great activity to consider is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) at GadRock. Located at 1403 Rainbow Drive along the calmest part of the Coosa River and affectionately known as Lake Gadsden, GadRock offers paddleboarding lessons right from its own dock that are perfect for beginners and free from most powerboat and watercraft traffic. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, the calm waters and beautiful scenery provide a perfect backdrop for this fun activity. SUP is a great workout and an excellent way to enjoy Gadsden’s natural beauty from the best perspective.
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Bicycling through scenic trails
Gadsden is home to several world-class mountain bike and road riders, so you know their home turf must have something special for them to train on. Starting with the nearby (and paved!) Ladiga Trail for beginners all the way up to The Black Creek Trail for more experienced riders, the area offers routes that cater to every skill level along with many miles of country roads to explore away from traffic. Our area also has two great bike shops with repair facilities and the experience to keep you moving no matter what or how you ride. Gadsden Outfitters is a great choice that can point you to the best trails for each experience level and they have a full-service shop with a great selection of new bikes. Birmingham based Cahaba Cycles also has a location here in Gadsden close to Noccalula Falls.
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Big Wills Creek
Another area waterway that many forget about, a very relaxing day can be made of kayaking or tubing down Big Wills Creek. With no intimidating features like other regional rivers, the creek is the perfect spot for relaxing or for beginners. Two places offer guided tours and rentals, making the creek very accessible for novices. Big Wills Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals, while Big Wills Creek Campground and Tubing also has lodging available. Big Wills Creek on a hot summer day is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy a bit of adventure, all while staying cool in the Alabama heat too.
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Disc golf at Vivian Lee Maddox Sports Complex
Disc golf follows the same rules of standard golf but uses a disc (don’t dare call it a frisbee) instead of clubs and balls and the courses are typically much shorter. Located at 4573 Rainbow Drive, the Vivian Lee Maddox Sports Complex in Rainbow City offers a very well-maintained course that is mostly shady, making it the perfect way to have outdoor fun without getting too warm. Like regular golf, disc golf works well both solo or groups, and there’s no need for tee times or dress codes. If you want to have the most fun, I suggest leaving the frisbee from your last beach trip at home and pick up a disc made for the sport, since they’re more accurate and made to fit in the targets.
*The City of Rainbow City and the City of Gadsden are occasional advertisers in The Messenger’s publications, but this list is not sponsored and a spot on it cannot be purchased from The Messenger.*