Gee’s Bend Quilts

Welcome to Birmingham! Upon arrival, make your way to the historic Redmont Hotel, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, join the group for a Kick-off Welcome Meeting where you’ll get to know your fellow travelers and go over the exciting itinerary ahead. Spend the rest of the evening settling in and perhaps exploring the hotel’s charm and amenities.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Once you’re energized, it’s off to the Scattered Threads Quilt Shop for some fabric shopping. Enjoy browsing through their extensive collection of cottons and find the perfect pieces for your quilting projects. Next, you’ll head to the Kentuck Art Center. Take a tour and explore the vibrant art scene, discovering unique pieces from local artists. Lunch is on your own, giving you the flexibility to try a local café or restaurant. Later, continue your fabric shopping journey at The Smoking Bird fabric shop where rows of luscious cottons and notions await. After a day filled with creative inspiration, return to the Redmont Hotel. Dinner is on your own, so you can choose a spot that suits your taste.

Depart Birmingham and make your first stop at Thimbles Inc. quilt shop for more fabric shopping. Then, head to Sew Charming Quilt Shop to further indulge in your fabric obsession. For lunch, you’ll stop at Durbin Farms Market, a perfect place for fresh produce and a bite to eat. Afterward, continue your journey to Selma, Alabama. Upon arrival, embark on a Selma History Tour, where you’ll learn about the rich and poignant history of the city that was instrumental in the civil rights movement. After, check into the St. James Hotel, a historic hotel filled with character and history.

Depart early for Gee’s Bend, where you’ll dive deep into the history of the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy. Engage in intimate storytelling sessions that reveal how this small community played a significant role in the civil rights and women’s movements. Next, embark on a history tour of Gee’s Bend and Alberta, admiring quilt murals displayed on homes and community buildings before enjoying a hearty Southern lunch of fried chicken and catfish with all the fixings. After lunch, you’ll witness a demonstration by local Gee’s Bend designers and artisans, gaining insight into their unique “snip and rip” quilting techniques. Next,  participate in a workshop led by a local quilter, creating your own Gee’s Bend quilt block to take with you. Later, return to Selma and the St. James Hotel for a free evening to relax on your own.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a local activity, immersing yourself in the Selma community. Later, you’ll depart for the GainesRidge Dinner Club, where an included dinner awaits you. Relish the local cuisine, the charming atmosphere, and the unique connection the restaurant has with the quilting community.

Following breakfast, bid farewell to Selma as we journey westward. Enjoy a visit to Priester’s Pecans for a tour, some delicious samples of their prize-winning pecans, and souvenir shopping. Next, we make ourway to Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama. Upon arrival, visit a local quilt shop to add to your fabric collection. After checking into our downtown hotel, prepare for a memorable farewell dinner with your travel companions. Share stories and highlights from the trip as you enjoy your last evening together.

After enjoying breakfast, depart for the Asheville House Quilt Shop for some last-minute fabric shopping. Next, exchange addresses with new friends before arriving at the Birmingham airport to begin your journey home.