We hope the following information will help you plan your visit.

Wilcox County Tourism Information

We advise you to confirm all times and hours of operation before your visit.

Please find information below to help you in planning your tour to Wilcox County. If you need any additional information, please just let us know. This is not a comprehensive list as Wilcox County is always growing it’s cultural, historic, and natural tourism offerings.

Thank you for choosing to visit Wilcox County. We hope you have enjoyed the time you spent in our beautiful town and county, and have a deeper understanding of our rich, cultural and creative community. During your visit, we hope you will take the time to visit some of our area’s businesses, restaurants, and local attractions. For your convenience, we have included just a few of our top picks for today, or for a return visit!

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center – located at 209 Claiborne Street in Camden is open Tuesday- Friday 10-4 & Saturday 10-2. A nonprofit art gallery featuring handcrafted treasures (pottery, quilts, paintings, woodwork, books, wearable art, photography, and more) from across Alabama’s Black Belt Region. Over 350 artists represented in this art center that opened its doors in 2005 with the mission to foster, develop, and promote economic development initiatives aimed at creating jobs and increasing the income of local residents through the marketing of arts, crafts, literature, food products, and other items unique to Alabama's Black Belt and to cultivate and provide arts education in the region. (334) 682-9878, info@blackbelttreasures.com, @bbtcac, @BBTreasures, or www.blackbelttreasures.com

BBTCAC provides all guests/tour groups a short overview of BBTCAC, the region, and our artists, but may also provide (for a nominal fee) a hands-on project and learning experience (typically for groups of 8 or more). If you are interested in adding a short hands-on project, please contact Kristin Law, Art Programs Director, to schedule. Group Tours of the gallery take approximately 30 minutes – hands-on workshops take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the project chosen. Hands-on tour classes prices range from $5 - $10 a person. There is no charge to browse the gallery.

Murals in Camden – There are several murals located in Camden, including “Welcome Home to Camden” (painted by Kristin Law, Mary Forrest Bell, and community volunteers) on the side of the Progressive Era Newspaper (corner of Claiborne and Water Streets); “Revolution of Joy – Clown Quilt” (painted by Tres Taylor and community volunteers) located at 110 Claiborne Street; “Heritage Quilts” (designed by Kristin Law, painted by Law, community volunteers, and student volunteers from University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences) located at 112 Claiborne Street; “Camelia” (painted by Michael Vaughn Sims) located on the North-West end of Water Street, next to City Hall; “I Believe in Camden” painted on the Old Jail located just south of City Hall on Water Street; “I Am Strong, I am Resilient” (painted by Jamie Adams and Sabrina Adams) located on the side of Coast to Coast, 201Claiborne Street; “Fox & Hen” located at 119 Broad Street.

Mosaic Benches – While walking through historic downtown Camden, be sure look for our “Sharing Our Stories One Bench at a Time” benches. This creative community project (City of Camden, Downtown Revitalization Committee & BBTCAC) was funded by an AARP Community Challenge Grant and brought together artists and community volunteers from Wilcox County, under the direction of mosaic artist Linda Munoz, to create 11 mosaic benches that tell the story of Camden through public art. Each concrete bench was poured by local businessman Johnny Young, designed by local artists, and brought to life through the art of mosaic (cut glass) by community members ages 5 to 85.

Gee’s Bend Ferry Terminal (Camden) – Ferry Terminal located at 1001 Earl Hilliard Road. Take the Ferry across the Alabama River and visit the World Renowned Gee’s Bend Quilters. Ferry schedule available at www.geesbendferry.com/schedule/. On display at the Ferry Terminal is the sculpture “Gee’s Bend Lure” by artist Dusty Stutsman, a project of the Alabama River Clean Water Partnership, and “The Tie That Binds”, a painted metal wall sculpture that “serves as a monument to the quilt, because the quilt was the significant documentary of a span of American history, particularly Alabama’s history, as revealed through the Gee’s Bend story”.

The Gallery (Wilcox ArtWorks) 103 Broad Street – Wilcox ArtWorks is the local arts council for Wilcox County, Alabama, supporting the arts and culture of our rich county. The Gallery features exhibitions and juried art shows focused on the arts and artists of Wilcox County. Please contact wilcoxartworks@gmail.com for more information on our annual juried arts exhibition, arts education programs, or our other community events and programs.

The Camden Shoe Shop & Quilt Museum - The Camden Shoe Shop & Quilt Museum, owned and directed by Betty Anderson, pays homage to Anderson's parents and grandparents along with their hometowns of Camden and Gee's Bend. Guests are given tours personally by Betty, who not only entertains each and every guest with her captivating stories, but also educates citizens and tourists about local and regional history, quilting, civil rights, and religion. The museum includes an eclectic display of quilts, furniture, artwork, period clothing, and documents, along with her father's (Joe Anderson) historic shoe repair equipment, which dates to the late 1800's. You may schedule a tour by calling her at her studio at BBTCAC (334)-682-9878. While there is no charge for tours, donations are appreciated and help her keep the doors open.

Audio Tours of Cultural and Historic Sites in Camden and Wilcox County are available via OnCell at: https://ahc.oncell.com/en/inde... . This tour includes audio introductions by local historians, site directors, and family members of historic sites and cultural treasures. It’s a great way to view our beautiful and culturally rich town and country from the convenience of your car, or by foot.

Visit Oak Hill and Furman in the eastern side of Wilcox County during your visit. Before you leave Oak Hill, continue on the Wilcox Historical Society’s Audio Tour of significant architectural locations, and then stop by to see Robert at Oak Hill Grocery for some hoop cheese, souse, and a cold soda.

And if you are headed east, be sure to stop by Robert’s Cabin in downtown Pine Apple, less than 10 miles east of Oak Hill.

In western Wilcox County, you won’t want to miss the Pine Hill Depot Museum located in Pine Hill’s Town Park on Oak Grove Street, to preserve the history of Pine Hill and the surrounding communities. Please call (334) 963-4351 for updated times and tour information.

Mural in Pine Hill - BBTCAC Artist, Jan Agee, along with Finn Sheffield, Jeannie Shiver, and June Sims, completed a large mural celebrating the railroad’s contribution to Pine Hill.

GEES BEND

BBTCAC is happy to provide general information about Gee’s Bend, including the Ferry Schedule and tips for visiting; please keep in mind that we are not officially connected and do not handle their schedule, BUT try to help tourists and visitors schedule their trips to Wilcox County and the Black Belt.

The Gee's Bend Quilt Collective is located at 14570 Co Rd 29, Boykin, AL 36723. Phone: 334.573.2323. The Collective has a large collection of quilts and artwork available for purchase, along with photographs, memorabilia, and historic information. Please call before you visit, Mary Ann Pettway will gladly help you schedule your visit or event. Open by appointment only.

The Gee's Bend Ferry Terminal is located at 12021 Co Rd 29, Boykin AL 36723. Phone: 334.573.0020. Doris Mosely is the manager at the Ferry Terminal in Gee’s Bend, and will help you to plan your visit to her side of the river. The Visitors Center is available to rent for events. Please call to schedule your visit or event. In addition, a group of local artists quilt at the Nutrition Center (connected to the Ferry Terminal) during the week, while several additional artists exhibit and work on their artwork at the connected Visitors Center, their number is (334) 573-2606.

The Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy was founded in 2021 as a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the cultural and economic legacy of the Freedom Quilting Bee, a Black women’s cooperative founded in Alberta in 1966. They invite you to explore their year-round exhibitions, attend a workshop, located at 4295 County Road 29, Alberta, AL 36720. They are open year-round and have free admission, but donations may be made at freedomquilting.com. Hours of operation: 10 am-3 pm, Tues-Sat. (334) 573-2065 or FQBLegacyInfo@gmail.com.
 
Alberta Market Place, LLC- Gift Shop & Café located at 2756 County Road 29, Alberta, AL 36720. 
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. . Wednesday- Sunday. 334-573-0064 or albertamarketplacellc@aol.com

Mary’s Dirt Road Tour- Gift Shop, Guided Tours, and Overnight Stay. 334-306-6911

The Gee’s Bend Heritage Trail – the first phase of the trail features new trail markers commemorating the ten Gee’s Bend quilts that appeared on US Postage Stamps in 2006, with large-scale, full-color images of each quilt alongside a biography of its maker. Markers are located along County Road 29 from Alberta (4295 County Rd 29, Alberta) to Boykin and around the Gee’s Bend Square (14031 County Rd. 29, Boykin).

*** Cell Service can be spotty in Gee’s Bend and rural Wilcox County. We highly suggest printing, downloading, or screenshotting maps and directions before traveling.

Getting to Gee’s Bend: There is a ferry that runs between Camden and Gee’s Bend.

The Original Gee’s Bend Ferry has recently been converted to the nation’s first electric ferry. Schedule and Ferry Updates: https://www.facebook.com/geesb...

*driving directions to Gee's Bend and the Gee's Bend Ferry are located at the bottom of this page...

SHOPPING

Camden Jewelry & Gifts (jewelry, gifts, kids toys, art, home items, one-of-a-kind gifts) – 47 Camden Bypass

Coast to Coast (old fashioned hardware store, something for everyone, hunting supplies) – 200 Claiborne Street

BOCO (clothing and jewelry boutique) – 100F Water Street

Wilcox Farm Supply (plants, flowers, farm supplies) – 10 Claiborne Street

Young’s Nursery & Gifts (flowers, plants, pecans, gifts) – 2 Claiborne Street

River & Co. (Southern Boutique for ladies & gentlemen) – Broad Street

Collections by Molly(clothes & accessories)- 109 Broad Street

The Fox & Hen (Southern Boutique for ladies & gentlemen) – 119 Broad Street

The Brittany House Antiques in Oak Hill features period American and Continental furnishings, Persian Rugs, objects decor, paintings, silver, porcelain, and a great selection of local and regional history and period books. They also offer a concierge service for the discerning client looking for unique pieces. Located at 5931 AL-21, Oak Hill, Alabama 36766. Call Lance Britt (256) 975-7616.


FOOD

Lunch or Quick Bites

  • · Jackson’s Station (Home of the famous C.O.B.) – 123 Broad Street in Camden
  • · Vista Hermosa (Mexican) – 40 Camden Bypass in Camden
  • · Larry’s Drive-In – 5 Camden Bypass in Camden
  • · The Pecan Downtown – 110 Broad Street in Camden
  • · Hardee’s & Subway - Camden Bypass/Hwy 41 in front of Piggly Wiggly in Camden
  • · Piggly Wiggly Deli (Fried and Baked Chicken, Ribs, Daily Specials) Camden Bypass/Hwy 41
  • · QV Convenience Story (Extensive “Southern” Hot Bar, Pizza, BBQ) – 51 AL-41 in Camden
  • · McDonald’s Grocery (Pizza, wings, burgers, cut steaks) – 1535 AL-221 just outside of Camden
  • ·Loftin’s Bait Shop- (Pizza, Burgers, BBQ Sandwiches, Chicken Salad Sandwiches and more)- 51 Camden Bypass

Dinner and “A Little Bit More”

GainesRidge Dinner Club (located at 933 AL-10, Camden, AL), is a Greek Revival home, turned restaurant, built in the late 1820s. GainesRidge will open for lunch to groups of 15 or more – please call them at (334) 682-9707. Dinner is served Thursday through Saturday, 5:30PM - 9 PM. Reservations are encouraged. The family of the current owners acquired the home in 1898. It served as a family residence until 1985 when Mrs. Betty Gaines Kennedy and her sister, Haden Marsh, opened the house as Gaines Ridge Dinner Club. Gaines Ridge is still operated by Mrs. Betty’s family – and she is known to “help out” from time to time when she isn’t quilting or teaching a quilting workshop. This is “the place to go” if you are looking for great food served in a beautiful and historic setting. Gaines Ridge is included in “Off the Beaten Path: Alabama” by Gay N. Martin and the state tourism brochure, “100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die.” Like most old houses, Gaines Ridge has its share of ghost stories. It is included on the Alabama’s Ghost Trail video series. Gaines Ridge is located beside Highway 10 approximately two miles east of Camden.

Camden has a great assortment of local food establishments to choose from, including: Jackson’s Station, home of the world renowned C.O.B (praised by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and named one of Alabama’s Best for Chicken, and written about in AL.com and as far away as The Sunday Times in London, England) located at 123 Broad Street; Larry’s Drive In, which has been serving its famous chicken fingers, burgers, sandwiches, catfish, and milkshakes for over 30 years, located at 5 Camden Bypass; Rack & Reel Sports Grill is located in the Piggly Wiggly shopping center at 14 Camden Bypass, and serves dinner throughout the week, and lunch on Sundays – specialties include their wings, ribs, gourmet sandwiches, and steak. They can also accommodate large tour groups with reservations – please call Hunter at 334-682-9111; Hunters Run is the perfect place to grab an amazing steak, gumbo and drinks, and serves lunch each Thursday and Friday. Hunter’s Run also has a room available for meetings and small parties – call Michael at 334-682-5037 to reserve your space. Additionally, Commissioner’s Pit Stop, food truck is occasionally located in Camden, and has a wide assortment of lunch and dinner items, including ribs, bbq, burgers, wings, fish, and so much more. Owner, John Moton, can also provide boxed lunches, cater events of all sizes, and can set up the food trailer for events or communities. Call Commissioner’s Pit at (334) 327-6003. Vista Hermosa Mexican Restaurant, a local favorite, is located just in front of the Southern Inn. They are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner – (334) 455-3144. The Pecan Downtown, located at 110 Broad Street, is open for “grab and go” lunches on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and offers daily lunch specials most Wednesdays through Friday. In addition, they serve their popular Saturday Brunch each week.For more information on weekly specials visit @thepecandowntown on facebook or call (334) 455-3151.  If you are staying in town for a few days, you may want to grill out – Possum Bend’s Harris Farms & Market Place. Call LaRea and Park Harris at (334) 682-4410 or (334) 455-5975 to see what their current specials are - they typically have hand cut steaks, local sausage, stuffed mushrooms, chicken wraps, Alabama River catfish, and more.

Outside of Camden… Pine Hill's Mike’s Country Kitchen, is located at 4833 Broad Street (334) 963-4048 – they have inside dining, and serve three hot, delicious, meals Monday through Saturday from 7am until 8:30pm.

If you are near Coy, Alabama, and need a delicious southern meal, be sure to stop and see Sheila and Archie Dortch at AD’s Country Store, located at 8347 Highway 41 South, Coy, (334) 337-4621

KayBri Desserts, located at 8654 in Furman, not only has amazing cakes, cupcakes, and other delicious bakery items, but offers full catering and lunch on Sundays and for special events and holidays www.kaybridesserts.com or (334) 557-0330. The Oak Hill Grocery has an assortment of great southern foods, including bbq, pizza, hoop cheese and souse, hand cut steaks, and much more – 5843 Hwy 21 in Oak Hill (251) 746-2517.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

CAMDEN and CAMDEN VICINITY

Capell House at Pebble Hill (Camden) – Bed & Breakfast, Chef owned - (334) 830-8072

Liberty Hall Bed & Breakfast (Camden) - (334) 412-3513

Staycation- Airbnb Apartment (Camden)- Call or Text – (334) 455-0429 or (404) 435-1019

Roland Cooper State Park (Camden) – tiny cabins, campgrounds, full size cabins - (334) 682-4838

Southern Inn (Camden) - (334) 682-4148

America’s Best Inn (Camden) - (334) 682-4555

Lakeside R/V Park and Cabin Rentals (Camden) – (251) 422-3509

GEE’S BEND

Lovett’s Place B&B (Boykin) - Loretta Bennett (256) 679-9425

BEATRICE

Mary Elizabeth Stallworth Bed & Breakfast (Beatrice, Monroe County – 20 miles from Camden) - (251) 593-6400

CANTON BEND/MILLER’s FERRY

Pleasant Ridge (Canton Bend) – Bed & Breakfast, Historic House Tours - (334) 682-9569

Canton Bend RV Park (Canton Bend) - (251) 564-1805

Miller’s Ferry Campground (Miller’s Ferry) - (334) 682-4191

Additional Tourism Information from the Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce – Michael Cook, Director – director@wilcoxareachamber.com www.wilcoxareachamber.com

Feel free to contact us at 334-682-9878 or email info@blackbelttreasures.com If you have any additional questions or would like assistance planning your visit to Wilcox County.

GEE'S BEND DIRECTIONS

Directions to the FerryFrom Camden: Follow AL-28 north to Ellis Landing Road. Turn right and drive approximately three-quarters of a mile to the ferry landing.

Directions to Gee’s Bend Ferry Terminal (North) “The Welcome & Nutrition Center”…From Camden: Leaving Camden, Follow AL-28 approximately 18 miles towards Miller’s Ferry. Turn right onto AL-5 North – follow for 3.8 miles. Turn right onto County Road 29 – follow for 15.3 miles to the Gee’s Bend Ferry Terminal North, which will be on your left. The ferry is approximately 500 feet past the Welcome Center.

Directions to Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective…From Camden

Leaving Camden, Follow AL-28 approximately 18 miles towards Miller’s Ferry. Turn right onto AL-5 North – follow for 3.8 miles. Turn right onto County Road 29 – follow for 14.4 miles. Turn left to stay on County Road 29 – in .8 miles, the Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective will be on your left at 14570 Co Rd 29, Boykin, AL 36723.

Directions to the Gee’s Bend Ferry Terminal (North) “The Welcome & Nutrition Center”…From Selma:

Head northwest on US-80 BUS W toward Water Ave (0.4 mi). Turn left onto AL-22 W/Dallas Ave, Continue to follow AL-22 W. Pass by Jack's (on the right in 2.7 mi) (continue for 23.3 mi). Continue onto AL-5 South for 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 29, follow for 15.3 miles.

Directions to Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective…From Selma: Head northwest on US-80 BUS W toward Water Ave (0.4 mi). Turn left onto AL-22 W/Dallas Ave, Continue to follow AL-22 W. Pass by Jack's (on the right in 2.7 mi) (continue for 23.3 mi). Continue onto AL-5 South for 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 29, follow for 14.4 miles. Turn left to stay on County Road 29 – in .8 miles, the Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective will be on your left at 14570 Co Rd 29, Boykin, AL 36723.

The Gee’s Bend Ferry Terminal and Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Welcome Center in Camden is located approximately 1.5 miles west of the Ferry’s South location, which is located at 1001 Earl Hillard Blvd. Camden, AL 36726. (334) 682-4929. Our Director is available for additional tourism and economic development needs.

Information on the Gee's Bend Quilt Mural Trail (and MAP) can be found on Rural Southwest Alabama Tourism's page HERE