One-tank trip: Gadsden, Ala.: Natural wonders only part of attraction

With the Coosa River at its heart and the Appalachian foothills at its edge, Gadsden was voted America’s Most Livable City in 2000. It’s a very visit-able city, too, with its historic downtown, nearby parks, a cultural arts center and the riverfront.

Don’t Miss:

> Downtown: (www.downtowngadsden.org) Old-fashioned street lamps, wide sidewalks, historic buildings and boutiques make Broad Street a great place to stroll. Storefronts become a “virtual museum,” with displays from the Gadsden Museum of Art. Check out the Open Window (528 Broad St., 256-439-9440, www.theopenwindowgourmet.com) for pottery, cookware and gadgets for the kitchen. Nearby, the Museum Trading Co. (530 Broad St., 256-543-8100) sells one-of-a-kind artwork and jewelry.

> Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts: A courtyard connects several arts spaces at Fifth and Broad streets (www.culturalarts.org). If you’re traveling with kids, visit the Imagination Place Children’s Museum, a learning playground with lots of interactive stations. (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $5 adults, $4 children)

> The Gadsden Museum of Art: The institution is dedicated to local history and Southern artists with its collections of fine art and historic artifacts, as well as changing exhibits. (Note: The Gadsden Museum of Art will be closed Jan. 14 - March 9 for renovations.) 515 Broad St., 256-546-7365, www.gadsdenmuseum.com. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Free, donations welcome.

> Noccalula Falls Park: (reopens in March) Alabama’s No. 1 natural tourist attraction centers on a 90-foot waterfall complete with its legend of doomed Cherokee lovers. Visitors can tour the park by train, play miniature golf, see a pioneer village or wander through Noccalula’s botanical gardens. There’s also a 200-space RV campground. 1500 Noccalula Road, 256-549-4663. $6 adults, $3 children (4-12), mini golf extra. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 7 p.m. in summer), $15-20 camping.

> Lookout Mountain Parkway. The 93-mile scenic drive begins in Gadsden, passes through Georgia and ends near Chattanooga. It hosts “the world’s longest yard sale” in August. (www.127sale.com).

> Golf: Golfers have two scenic choices. The Silver Lakes Course (part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail) is a few miles south of Gadsden, at the edge of the Talledega National Forest, with views of the Appalachian foothills. (1 SunBelt Parkway, Glencoe. $43-$64 greens fees. 256-892-3268, www.rtjgolf.com/courses/silver_lakes). Twin Bridges Golf Course, a par 72, 18-hole course along the Coosa River, was designed by Gene Bates. It’s been designated an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary for natural resource conservation. (901 River Bend Drive. $23-$42 greens fees. 256-549-4866, www.twinbridgesgolf.com)

> Riverfront: Walk along and across the Coosa River to a small island via the James D. Martin Wildlife Park & Walking Trail. To get there, follow U.S. 431 to Gadsden Mall. The boardwalk is behind the mall.

IF YOU GO

Where to eat

The Courtyard Cafe at the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is a local favorite. This bustling restaurant serves daily lunch specials with a choice of meat, four vegetables, and dessert, all for $6.25. Sandwiches and salads are also available, $4-$7. Dinner brings Black Angus steaks, seafood and pasta, $8.50-$20. 501 Broad St. 256-547-1066. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday - Friday; 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Where to sleep

Gadsden Inn & Suites. With 83 rooms and views of the Coosa River, the Gadsden Inn & Suites is convenient to downtown Gadsden as well as to nearby highways. Rates $51-$99. 200 Albert Rains Blvd. 256-543-7240, www.gadsdeninnandsuites.com

For more information

City of Gadsden: www.cityofgadsden.com

Gadsden-Etowah Tourism Board: 105 Locust St. 256-549-0351, www.gadsden-etowahtourismboard.com

IF YOU GO

How to get there

Gadsden is about 130 miles from Atlanta. Follow I-20 west toward Birmingham. Take Exit 185 north on Ala. 21 through Anniston. go 6 miles, then turn left on U.S. 431 and follow it for 26 miles.

Lisa Lowe Stauffer is the author of www.Sweet-Tea-Travels.com, an online travel guide to the southeastern United States.