15 Best Things to Do in Boaz (AL)

The city of Boaz lies between Gadsden and Guntersville in Alabama.

The name “Boaz” comes from the bible and refers to a rich or wealthy landowner of which there were several when the city was first settled in the 1850s.

Today, the city is well-known for its multitude of outlet stores; however, it is also popular with outdoor enthusiasts given its proximity to areas of natural beauty, lakes, vineyards and outdoor adventures.

1. Jules J. Berta Vineyards

Jules J. Berta Vineyards planted their first vines in 1987, and now the family-owned vineyard owners continue to hand pick their grapes to produce delicious muscadine and sweet wines.

They are the first producers of vitis vinifera wine grapes in the state and grow Merlot, Petit Syrah, Cabernet and more.

Whether you wish to take a tasting tour, book a celebratory event or purchase wines from their gift shop you can do it all.

You could sample their signature white wine “Sylvaner” an award-winning apple flavoured wine, or if you prefer a fruity red, try the delectable Mauvais Juju or Lady in Red.

2. Sand Mountain Drive-In

When darkness falls, huge screens light up to display the very latest Hollywood Blockbuster movies.

Whether you’re in the mood for a gritty drama, a fantasy adventure or a marvel classic, you will find them all at Sand Mountain Drive-In.

They are open rain or shine, and you can watch the movie from inside your car or outdoors on a blanket or deckchairs.

In fact, the more people you bring to this outdoor theatre the better, as they can charge by the car load rather than per person, making it a cheap night out for large families or groups of friends.

3. Past Time Antiques

Located in the heart of Boaz, Past Time Antiques has all the vintage wares you could ever dream of.

If you seek a historic item for your home, a first edition book, collectible jewellery or even a unique salt and pepper pot to impress guests with, you can find them all here.

Even if you can’t find what you are looking for during your first visit, the vendors are helpful and will try to locate that special missing piece for you.

With over 50 dealers to browse, you can easily spend a fun few hours antiquing in Boaz.

4. Screaming Eagle Zip-Lining Adventure

Adrenaline seekers looking for a zip lining adventure like no other, on the largest and longest zipline canopy tour in the world, should visit Screaming Eagle at Lake Guntersville. Six levels of zip lining experiences cater to beginners, intermediates and experienced zip liners.

Whether you want to try a 1-2-hour course, soaring across lakes and between forest trees or wish to indulge in a 2-day extravaganza, taking in 100 zip lines, 72 sky bridges and a gourmet lunch, you can do it all here.

Many of the shorter duration zip-lining tours are suitable for adults and children over the age of 8 so you can bring the kids too.

5. Short Creek Falls

A popular spot for kayakers and photographers, Short Creek Falls is a picturesque and tranquil location with rushing waterfalls which cascade and plummet into the river below.

If you enjoy white water kayaking you will love it around here, as the rapids reach up to class IV in some areas.

However, if you prefer to remain on dry land, you can still enjoy scenic riverside walks, flora, fauna and incredible photographic opportunities.

6. Arab Historic Village

The city of Arab, Alabama pays tribute to the pioneers who first settled in the area by offering visitors a glimpse of what life was like between the 1880s and 1940s.

You can experience what it was like going to school during that time, and visit grocery stores, homes and buildings in the historic village.

Throughout the year, volunteers put on craft fairs and demonstration days where you can see how blacksmiths worked, how corn meal was ground and even sample simple home-cooked food from back in the day.

7. Mill Street Deli

If you’re heading out to one of the region’s state parks for the day or going on a road trip you can take your food with you. Mill Street Deli in Boaz offers a selection of light lunch options including soups, wraps, sandwiches and desserts, all of which you can take away.

If you prefer to dine in, don’t forget to try their world-famous chicken salad and cheesecakes as locals and tourists all rave about them.

8. Lake Guntersville State Park

If you’re looking for a place to stay which offers abundant attractions, Lake Guntersville State Park ticks all the boxes.

It’s a popular place with nature and outdoor enthusiasts with 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole championship golf course and great bird-watching opportunities.

If you are lucky during your stay, you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic bald eagle soaring above the forest.

Keen anglers can enjoy a spot of fishing, you can glide across the tranquil lake in a kayak, or if you want to pick up the pace a bit, enjoy a few hours flying through the forest on a thrilling zip lining adventure.

9. Kayaking on Lake Guntersville

Even if it’s your very first time on a kayak you will feel at home on Lake Guntersville.

With minimal current and only a few boats on the lake at any one time, you can glide serenely across reflective waters admiring the natural beauty of the shoreline and observing wildlife.

It’s a great place to learn how to kayak or even just spend a fun few hours out on the lake fishing or bird watching.

10. Art on the Lake

If you time your visit to Lake Guntersville well, you could visit Art on the Lake.

Held on the beautiful shores of this peaceful lake, the exhibition features over 130 artists from the south eastern states.

The colourful two-day event is usually held towards the end of April each year, and with food stalls, fun games and fairground rides it offers a unique, cultural day out in a spectacular location for all the family.

Remember to check dates before you drive there as these vary every year.

11. Guntersville Museum & Cultural Centre

History buffs will enjoy spending time at Guntersville Museum and Cultural Centre.

It’s a great place to learn about the area and its inhabitants past and present.

Set among a historic rock Armoury, the museum showcases vast collections of artefacts and exhibits which each tell stories of Alabama’s heritage from Native American times to the present day.

Highlights include “Mississippi Bill” – a 12-foot fishing boat which travelled thousands of miles along the river, and photographs of the nearby TVA dam construction.

12. High Falls Park

High Falls Park, Alabama — High Falls Park

The ideal place for a day’s hiking, High Falls Park leads you through woodland, rocks and to an impressive area known as “High Falls”. The cascades are around 35 feet high and can measure up to 300 feet in width allowing for spectacular photo opportunities.

It’s a great place for a picnic, and you can gain incredible vistas of the park from the pedestrian bridge.

There are safe places where you can take a cooling dip on hot summer days, you can kayak, and you may even see daring rock divers plunging into the river below.

13. Bubba Ritos

If you love your southern cuisine with a hint of Mexican spice, then Bubba Ritos Restaurant in Boaz may be the place for you.

It’s a fun place for families to dine as you can pick and mix your dishes.

Firstly, pick your style ie. Nachos, quesadilla, tacos or burrito, choose your protein from ground steak, chipotle pulled pork, beef, chicken or vegetables, then select your cheese type, toppings and sauce to complete your meal.

Family-style meals are available and there’s even a Lil’ Bubba’s Menu for youngsters! It’s a reasonably priced restaurant and the portions are generous.

14. Mega Skate Roller Skating Rink

It’s time to relive the 1980’s all over again. Forget the big hair, leg warmers and neon clothing, it’s time to head to the Mega Skate Roller Skating Rink in nearby Albertville. This indoor roller rink is open all year round for fun days out, birthday parties and corporate events.

You can glide around the rink to all your favourite tunes and even throw in a couple of impressive moves if you have them! It’s a cheap night out for friends and a great place to relive your youth, even if you weren’t around in the 80s.

15. Albertville Museum

Preserving the history of Albertville, this compact museum just a few miles from Boaz showcases the region’s history through memorabilia and artefacts relating to the areas agricultural, industrial and social heritage.

The museum stands on the site of Albertville’s first school and church dating to around 1850 and with old photos, administrative documents and land information it’s a great place to uncover more about this region.

It is possible to take a guided tour and even join in with events held at the museum throughout the year.