Reasons to Live Here

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Reasons to live here? Let's be honest, there are far too many to count. We have mountains, we have rivers, we have excellent temperatures year-round. We even have big city amenities with a small city feel.
Here are a few more reasons you'll fall in love with Etowah County!

 Local Eats

• 1
  Local Joe’s Trading Post – smoked turkey and loaded potato salad: They’ll give you sauce to put on the turkey – and it’s some good sauce – but we highly recommend you try it first “naked”. For anyone who has ever said “I’m just not crazy about turkey”, be prepared to change your mind.
• 2
  OLIVE GARDEN  – A tried and true classic franchise. Did someone say unlimited soup, salad and bread?
• 3
  Blackstone Pub and Eatery – Great atmosphere and vibe. The Reuben pizza and hippie nachos: There are pickles on the pizza and a vegetable garden in the nachos. And some heaven in your mouth.
• 4
  Maters – Ranked in  AL.com's top 10 pizzas in the state. Locally owned and operated since 1978. Try the Better Boy pizza: Deep dish pizza at its very best. If you’re not a meat lover, go with the Better Girl. 
• 5
  bama bucks  – If you like adventure with your dinner you'll love the exotic animal petting zoo and enjoy the wild game options on the menu. Don't worry - they didn't come from the petting zoo!
• 6
  Jefferson’s – the wings here are so good, you’d almost believe wings were invented by Jefferson’s. You won’t want to miss the fried pickles or the corn nuggets either!
• 7
  Back Forty Beer Co. - It’s not just for the craft beer drinker, y’all! The burgers are among the best in town!
• 8
  The CUrrent MARKET & Deli  – Nothing like a cat fish po boy with a view on their beautiful docks located on the Coosa River
• 9
  longhorn steakhouse  –the 12 pepper steak salad: perfect for lunch or dinner, and comes in half size for the smaller appetities!
• 10
  Harp & Clover - The bangers and mash. That’s all we can say. Oh, and the shepherd’s pie!
• 11
  Oishi Hibachi Grill – Make your mouth say “open says me” with Sesame Chicken.
• 12
  express steak  – family friendly and family owner with some of the best steaks, burgers, chicken, wings, and more in town.
• 13
  Los ARCOS  – Unlike anything you've ever tried, this authentic Mexican restaurant is one of a kind!
• 14
  Top O’ the River – the Riverboat Special and turnip greens are a classic favorite!
• 15
  Villa Fiesta – flaming cheese: When fajitas meet melted cheesy goodness, magic happens in a cast iron skillet.
• 16
  Beautiful Rainbow Catering Cafe - This all vegetarian experience isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an educational program for significantly cognitively impaired students in Gadsden City middle and high schools. These kids aren’t playing either, they exhibit true culinary skills! Try the delicious goat cheese tart!
• 17
  union jack cafe  - the bacon avocado burger: avocado cream spread and a zesty balsamic onion relish make for an incredibly delicious sandwich!
• 18
  Beans and greens – it doesn't get much better than this to satisfy your craving for some down home country cooking. They even cater for special events!
• 19
  King’s Olive Oil – everything is delicious that you sample at King’s, especially their EVOOs and vinegars.
• 20
  the coffee bar  - scones and muffins and coffee, oh my! And the coolest scene in town with musical instruments standing by for your impromptu jam session!
• 21
  chicken salad chick  - a great big scoop of the Classic Carol: you can't go wrong with any of the flavors, but when you want some comfort food that reminds of you of home - go classic!
• 22
  The DOWNTOWN Chief  - the monster milkshakes, of course: these gigantic desserts may be a full day's calorie intake, but they're worth the extra miles on the treadmill! 
• 23
  Gardens on AIR  - serving all things organic and fresh through their hydroponic garden
• 24
  the Rail public house - the Crazy Train Burger, talk about tasty topped with pimento cheese and pepper jelly.....oh, make sure to get Sidewinder fries as a side!
• 25
  mi casita - as if the margaritas weren't reason enough, try the Queso Fundido(we suggest it topped with chorizo)
• 26
  THE SWEET NATION  - Authentic boba tea and an assortment of sweets that will satisfy your cravings
• 27
  VOLT COFFEE - Out of so many coffee shops, Volt is all about fresh and quality coffee
• 28
  Wills creek vineyards - more than just a winery. Visit them on Sundays from 11-1 for a spectacular view during their weekly brunch.....and you might as well order that glass of wine to pair.
• 29
  JP & SON cafe - Unique cajun food and beinets to die for
• 30
  FRIOS POPs - the best ice cream pops with unique flavors in Gadsden located seasonally at Nocolula falls or wherever stocked in local stores
• 31
  maraella winery - a generational farm and the first estate to grow, harvest, and produce Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Visit their tasting room for samples and even wine-infused snacks.
• 32
  VIVA COFFEE - come in a stranger and leave feeling like part of the Viva family. Fast friendly coffee service priding themselves on all natural ingredients
• 33
  Barones Pizza & Arcade - Tasty pizza buffet including signature dishes like the loaded baked potato and mac and cheese pizzas!
• 34
  gadsden variety & cafe - locally owned and serving up daily specials at the cafe. We suggest any of their wraps.....but you should really try the homemade cheesecake.
• 35
  Apple-a-day Health world - family owned with over 30 years experience in health food. Look no further for your local organic foods, gluten-free foods, vitamins, herbs, and weight loss products needs.
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•  Great Family Activities
• 1
  Play in the construction pit at Imagination Place
• 2
  Spend a hot summer day at the Splash Pad at the Boardwalk
• 3
  Check out the story walk, the Lego Club and crafts at Gadsden Public Library’s Children’s Library
• 4
  Ride the train and see the petting zoo at Noccalula Falls Park
• 5
  Go for a swim – even in the winter – in the heated pool at the YMCA (membership is required but very affordable)
• 6
  Take a tumble and have a birthday party at Zee's Gymnastics
• 7
  Watch a Children’s Theatre play by CharACTers, Inc. at Wallace Hall
• 8
  Float down the river on a kayak at Big Wills Outfitters or Redneck Yacht Club.
• 9
  Visit the Children's Museum in the Gadsden Museum of Art and participate in Tot Time!
• 10
  Bounce to your heart’s content at The Factory
• 11
  Chill out with a matinee at Gadsden Premiere Cinemas
• 12
  Volunteer at the Humane Society Pet Rescue Adoption Center by walking the dogs for a few hours
• 13
  Indoor rock climb at GadRock
• 14
  "Keep It Rolling" at The Alley with bowling, arcade games, and more
• 15
  Enjoy the outdoors camping at River Rocks Landing Resort or Greensport RV Park & Marina