FEATURED TOUR
An Introduction
to Gee’s Bend
- Heritage Trail Exploration
Begin your journey with a trip along the renowned Gee’s Bend Heritage Trail. This trail commemorates the 10 Gee’s Bend quilts that appeared on U.S. postage stamps in 2006, most of which now reside in the permanent collections of museums. Andre Pettway highlights these significant pieces of art and offers personal stories about the makes and their craft.
ADD ON PACKAGES
CIVIL RIGHTS TOUR
Visit the places where the community joined together with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and experienced the soul of unity while fighting '“the good fight”. Take the trip to Camden, AL on the ferry crossing and trace the steps that those fighting for freedom took during the civil rights movement. See the historical sites that played a pivotal role in changing the course of history. Also available trips to the neighboring cities of Selma, AL and into the place once called Bloody Lowndes [Lowndes County Alabama] where Stokely Carmichael and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee [SNCC] first began to use the black panther logo as a way to help black voters understand which political party represented the black community.
- Lunch with Mary
Savor a delicious, home-cooked meal on the R&M Farm. Enjoy Southern flavors as you dine and converse with Mrs. Mary Leathea Pettway herself, gaining deeper insights into the quilt making heritage of the area and the community’s daily lives. This intimate lunch setting offers a unique opportunity to connect with the heart of Gee's Bend.
Price: $100 per person for standard tours
Mary's Dirt Road Tours provides guided tours. Guests will be transported in an open trailer with hay bales as seating when the weather permits
Participants will need to sign a liability waiver on the day of the tour.
Customize your tour.
Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure to Gee's Bend, Alabama, where history, culture, and creativity converge. Mary’s Dirt Road Tours offers a personalized tour experience with a customizable itinerary by choosing from the experiences below.
No tour would be complete without a trip along the renowned Gee’s Bend Heritage Trail that commemorates the 10 Gee’s Bend quilts that appeared on U.S. postage stamps in 2006, most of which now reside in the permanent collections of museums.
Heritage Trail Exploration
Meet the Artisans
Engage with local quiltmakers and hear firsthand the stories behind their quilts. Take in the tactile artistry of quilting with the oral traditions of storytelling, creating a unique fusion of history, craft, and personal narrative.
Mandy Lane Pettway, Mother of Mary Leathea Pettway at the Freedom Quilting Bee
Deborah Pettway Young, Grandmother of Mary Leathea Pettway at the Freedom Quilting Bee
Voices of the
Movement
Uncover the rich history of Gee's Bend with a visit to the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy and other historical landmarks. Immerse yourself in the powerful stories of the Civil Rights Movement that offer a profound understanding of the community’s role in shaping history.
Riverside Revelations
Cast your worries away as you embark on a customized fishing expedition along the scenic Alabama River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-time fisher, tailor your experience to include local guides sharing tales of fishing traditions that echo through generations.
Southern Flavors
Customize your dining experience. Whether it's a home-cooked meal or riverside barbecue, tailor your culinary adventure to suit your taste buds.
Extend your stay with a curated selection of overnight accommodations. Choose from cozy bed and breakfasts, charming cottages, or even camping under the Southern stars. Your overnight experience can be tailored to your preferences, ensuring a peaceful retreat after a day filled with exploration.
Now available
Overnight Oasis
