You'll find Sylacauga, AL, about 40 miles southeast of Birmingham. From dining and shopping to a few surprising natural wonders, find out why this small town makes for a fun family day trip.
Known as the Marble City, Sylacauga, AL, is a small town located about 40 miles southeast of Birmingham — and it makes for a fun family day trip! From premier golfing and gallery hopping to crazy-good barbecue, there’s more to do in Sylacauga than you might think. Head down Highway 280 to check out these places to eat, shop, and explore!
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Pursell Farms
One of the most well-known destinations in Sylacauga, Pursell Farms boasts fabulous golf and dining programs. If you love to golf, FarmLinks at Pursell Farms is the perfect place to tee up and wind down, so don’t shy away from booking a tee time and planning your Sylacauga visit around your golf game.
PinThe sprawling grounds at Pursell Farms offer a stunning background for a round of golf or a meal with family. Image: Facebook
While you’re there, make sure to reserve a spot at one of their two main dining areas — Arrington, offering upscale Southern fare for breakfast and dinner on the weekends, or the Founders Pub, offering chef-inspired lunch and dinner selections seven days a week. (There is also a quick-service grill onsite, if you’re just looking for a quick bite before or after a round of golf!)
PinPursell Farms’ dining options are renowned for their elevated Southern fare! Image: Facebook
Also a popular spot for weddings and corporate retreats, Pursell Farms offers upscale lodging at The Inn, UTV mountain rides, spa services, and more.
Imerys – Gantt’s Quarry Observation Point
Sylacauga marble is a BIG DEAL! In fact, Sylacauga marble is considered one of the purest and whitest in the world and is often compared to Italian Carrara. Years ago, when Italian marble was running low and hard to obtain, many designers turned to Sylacauga marble instead.
At the Imerys – Gantt’s Quarry Observation Point, you can see firsthand how Sylacauga got its nickname as the Marble City. Sylacauga sits above a solid deposit of the finest marble in the world — a bed approximately 32 miles long by 1.5 miles wide and 400 feet deep. Some of the most beautiful buildings in the country have been constructed with Sylacauga marble.
PinFind out why Sylacauga is called Marble City at the Imerys – Gantt’s Quarry. There’s a stunning view from the observation point! Image: Javacia Harris Bowser
At the observation point, you’ll find placards to help you learn more about Sylacauga’s geological and industrial history, along with fun facts like this one: Giuseppe Moretti (the creator of Birmingham’s Vulcan statue) obtained a block of marble from Sylacauga’s quarry and from it carved his masterpiece “The Head of Christ.”
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Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center
The Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center is the perfect place to learn more about Sylacauga. With three floors of art and artifacts, it’s a treasure box for history buffs. Learn about the first Alabamians — Native American tribes who settled in Sylacauga and surrounding areas in the 1700s.
The Comer Museum & Arts Center features a gallery dedicated to members of the military and a room celebrating the life and work of actor Jim Nabors, who was born in Sylacauga. You may know him best for his signature character, Gomer Pyle of The Andy Griffith Show, but Sylacauga’s native son was a stand-up comedian, singer, and more.
PinAt the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum & Arts Center, you can learn about Sylacauga’s history and see the work of some of the town’s local artists. Image: Javacia Harris Bowser
The center is named for Isabel Anderson Comer, who spearheaded efforts to transform the former B.B. Comer Library into a museum and raised much of the funding to do so. The center continues Comer’s commitment to the arts in part by featuring artwork and jewelry by local artists in one of its galleries.
The museum also has a replica of the Hodges Meteorite, named for Ann Hodges, who was struck by a meteorite fragment when it fell near Sylacauga on November 30, 1954. Reports say the fragment shot through the roof of Ann’s home, banged into her large radio console, and bounced onto her body, causing a large bruise on her left side and making her a minor celebrity for some time.
PinLearn more about the story of the Hodges Meteorite at the Comer Museum. Image: Javacia Harris Bowser
In the basement of the museum, you’ll find memorabilia from the heyday of Avondale Mills (once headquartered in Sylacauga) and an homage to ladies’ fashion of yesteryear.
Folks with family ties to the area will get a kick out of looking through old yearbooks from the local high schools. “If anybody is from Sylacauga and hasn’t been here, they’re really missing out,” says museum director Judy Green.
PinThe Comer Museum features an entire room dedicated to the late actor and singer Jim Nabors. Image: Javacia Harris BowserPinAt the Comer Museum, you can flip through some of the scripts Nabors used to prepare for his breakout roles. Image: Javacia Harris Bowser
Blue Bell Creamery
You can’t visit Sylacauga without stopping by the Blue Bell Creamery. Get a peek into the production facility to see how Blue Bell makes its delicious ice cream, then head to their charming ice cream parlor to enjoy a scoop of your favorite flavor for only $1. Before you leave, pick up a souvenir from the Country Store so you can remember your visit.
PinYou won’t be allowed to take photos of Blue Bell Creamery’s production facility, but you can snap up something sweet in the ice cream parlor after your tour for only $1! Image: Javacia Harris Bowser
More to Eat & Drink
While you’re in town, be sure to stop by beloved coffee spot Cuppa Grace Cafe and Coffee Shop, where you can get your caffeine fix or grab a bite for breakfast or lunch.
Sylacauga is also a barbecue lover’s paradise! Locals’ recommendations include Lori Darlin’s,Good Ole Boy’s, August’s Barbecue, and Bookers.
PinAugust’s Barbecue is one of several delicious spots in town to get your fix! Image: Facebook
If you’re more in the mood for Italian, visit Giovanni’s — it’s attached to a local favorite ship (more on that later!), so if you’ve been shopping, you won’t even have to return to the Alabama heat to get there!
Harvey’s on Noble is a popular dinner spot featuring a full bar and event venue. Be sure to try the appetizer platter of pimento cheese, Conecuh sausage, and Wickles Pickles.
PinHarvey’s on Noble offers a wide variety of options, from burgers and seafood salads to filet mignon. But if it’s your first visit, this pimento cheese, Conecuh sausage, and Wickles Pickles appetizer is a must. Image: Facebook
Natural Wonders
Majestic Caverns
Sylacauga is just down the road from Majestic Caverns (formerly DeSota Caverns) in Childersburg. Add this to your Alabama bucket list and check out Alabama’s Big Cave, along with the other attractions, live entertainment, and artisan craft demonstrations.
PinWhile you’re in the Sylacauga area, make a stop at Majestic Caverns for a guided tour. Image: Facebook
Gravity Hill
While you’re in Sylacauga, you might hear talk of the phenomenon that is Gravity Hill, which is located west of Alabama US 280, on Gravity Hill Road. If you stop at the stop sign and put your vehicle in neutral, it will be mysteriously pulled uphill — at least according to town lore and the internet.
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Shopping
The Pickle Patch Market is an indoor flea market spanning 1,300 square feet and featuring 70 vendors. You’ll find antiques, clothing for adults and children, accessories, toys, wall art, crafted quilts, dinnerware, furniture, home goods, and so much more. Collectors of knick-knacks will have a hard time leaving!
If you want to keep the thrifting party going, head to Son of a Junkman for an eclectic mix of vintage goods. And you’ll probably want to grab a photo with the giant KFC bucket on the shop’s lawn.
PinFind an eclectic mix of art and antiques at Son of a Junkman. Image: LaTasha R. MerchantPinThe giant KFC bucket on the lawn at Son of a Junkman makes for a fun photo op! Image: Javacia Harris Bowser
If you’d rather browse for on-trend items to spruce up your wardrobe, Sylacauga has a great spot for that, too! Mercantile on Broadway has you covered with clothing and accessories that boast up-to-date Southern style.
PinAny Southern fashionista will feel at home at Mercantile on Broadway. Image: FacebookHappy exploring!
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Javacia Harris Bowser is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and the founder of See Jane Write, an online community and coaching service for women who write. With over 20 years of journalism experience, Javacia has received awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals, Alabama Press Association, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. When she’s not writing, she’s usually practicing Pilates, getting her 10K steps a day, or watching crime shows. Follow Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.
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