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Leeds, Alabama
Lake Purdy and Little Cahaba River are known nationally to rafters and canoeists; a local golf course has 18 holes on a scenic venue while Alabama's golf trail is within easy driving distance of Leeds; downtown Leeds includes a library, an historic hometown newspaper, a tea room, an old-world chef, Davis House Museum, Bass House Museum, The Depot Museum, some of Alabama's most unique railroad history, antiques outlets, brand name consignment shops, the best in outdoor clothing, gift shops, a hometown drug store, community theater, juried art shows, and more attractions that draw a clientele from three Alabama counties and the greater Birmingham area.
Leeds remains as it always has been on the road to everywhere in Alabama. It is the perfect place for launching one-day trips to recreational facilities. On the other hand, the quiet southern atmosphere of the tucked away places at Leeds allows for down time that is contemplative and relaxing. Along the stagecoach road, the sight of farms with their horses and sheep offers an unexpected pastoral setting within a major metropolitan area. The mountains continue to frame the setting for the entire length of the route. In the Fall the mountain forests present a color show that encores as white dogwood and purple in the spring, and the valley echoes the sounds of domestic animals. The city blooms with cherry, dogwood, pear, and azalea. Leeds is a bird sanctuary and a designated “Tree City.” All year, downtown sidewalks nestle under trees where sidewalk planters and boxes and the merchant's decorations blend the colors of the seasons.
The Little Cahaba River runs the length of the byway, surrounded by Appalachian foothills. The waters contain more fresh water bio-species per mile than any other river in the world. Isolated within the Cahaba River system, the Cahaba Lilies bloom in May and June. The Cahaba has some of the finest remaining species of this rare lily. The dramatic bends and clear bottom of the river offer quiet, restful spots to contemplate the river, the foliage, and the creatures that inhabit the heart of the river. The river is accessible from public roads. It crosses and re-crosses the scenic byway route.
Within easy access are lakes, golf courses, historic sites, shopping opportunities, botanical gardens, railroad history sites, birding, theater, rafting, fishing, riding, racing. Alabama's Stagecoach Route through Leeds is the crossroads of Alabama. The prospect for restaurants and hotels within easy distance of Leeds is one that only a major metropolitan area can offer. A stay at Leeds or nearby opens an opportunity to enjoy a large variety of personal itineraries.
The City of Leeds, with the assistance of the RPC, has also drafted a Strategic Development Plan to determine the impacts of potential development in the western area of the City, principally around interchange 140 of I-20. Because of anticipated future development pressures adjacent to the Barber MotorSports Park and soon-to-be constructed Bass Pro Shops, the City applied for and received a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to study the area. More than half of the planning area is north of I-20 and includes former mining properties, one abandoned and one active rail line, a 5.7 mile segment of the Cahaba River, and significant topography. The plan assesses impacts of new development by designing and comparing scenarios for how land uses and infrastructure are arranged within the study area. The assessment offers strategies for guiding future development in the area.
Leeds Arts Council, Inc., a non-profit, all volunteer organization since 1985, has over two-hundred members. Since 2000, it operates the Leeds Community Arts Center at 8140 Parkway Drive, downtown old-town Leeds, located on the Leeds scenic byway route at the corner of the 9th Street historic district. The center receives regional participation in its community theater, chorus, concerts, children's theater, juried art exhibits, poetry writers/ readers group, special exhibits, variety shows, and professional entertainment. The event information is available at 205.699.1892. Events are announced in The Leeds News and the Birmingham News and posted at the Center's Marquee and Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. The open hours to the public are Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
City of Leeds Events
June
June 3: Artist Reception at Leeds Arts Council 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. For more information call 205.699.1892.
June 18 Children's Theater Workshop begins. For details call 205.699.1892.
July
LEEDS CEMENT PLANT CENTENNIAL AND THE GRAND INAUGURATION OF ALABAMA'S STAGECOACH ROUTE THROUGH LEEDS WILL BE CELEBRATED ALL MONTH
JULY 1 - 31--Pictures of the historic development of the railroad and cement industry in Leeds will be on display at the Jonathan Bass Historical Museum and the Leeds Jane Culbreth Public Library. Call 205.699.5000.
Week of July 4-- The Second Annual Prayer Breakfast ;A day of Patriotic Music and Traditional Celebration of U. S. Independence ; A day historical lectures; A grand banquet salute to Lehigh Cement Company; A conference "Leeds Today and Tomorrow." Call 205.699.5000.
July 20-22 and 27-29--Leeds Arts Council's Musical Play will be showing at 7p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 pm on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Call 205.699.1892.
July 30--Poetry Reading at Leeds Arts Council at 7p.m. Please call 205.699.6262.
