Harriet’s Guide to the Beasley Backwater Retreat
City/town information
Driving south from Beasley Backwater Retreat is the small historic town of Abbeville, the county seat. While not a big tourist attraction, it has a quaint old southern downtown that has been restored to vintage exterior with some hidden treasures.
For example, highly rated Huggin' Molly's is a 50’s-style soda shop. Serving burgers, shakes, and hugs, it still carries the Legend of Huggin’ Molly, which starts with “Generations of Abbeville children have listened wide-eyed to their parents tell the story of Huggin’ Molly. They have hurried home on nights lit only by the moon’s glow, certain they saw something in the shadows...” Another option, if you want some good, old-fashioned southern homestyle cooking, is Ruby’s. Or for good BBQ, try Jimmy’s BBQ & Pizza. There’s also a nice steak house in town--Abbeville Country Club and Steakhouse--but I would call ahead because their hours aren’t always consistently posted on-line.
Driving or walking around town, you will feel like you have stepped back into the 50’s, with the old downtown courthouse in the middle of town and shops and restaurants on Kirkland Street. Town Square Shoppes is a cute gift shop that’s worth a visit. Heading west out of town, visit the Old Standard Oil Filling Station on Washington St. to see an authentic filling station exterior of the era.
Abbeville
Driving south from Beasley Backwater Retreat is the small historic town of Abbeville, the county seat. While not a big tourist attraction, it has a quaint old southern downtown that has been restored to vintage exterior with some hidden treasures.
For example, highly rated Huggin' Molly's is a 50’s-style soda shop. Serving burgers, shakes, and hugs, it still carries the Legend of Huggin’ Molly, which starts with “Generations of Abbeville children have listened wide-eyed to their parents tell the story of Huggin’ Molly. They have hurried home on nights lit only by the moon’s glow, certain they saw something in the shadows...” Another option, if you want some good, old-fashioned southern homestyle cooking, is Ruby’s. Or for good BBQ, try Jimmy’s BBQ & Pizza. There’s also a nice steak house in town--Abbeville Country Club and Steakhouse--but I would call ahead because their hours aren’t always consistently posted on-line.
Driving or walking around town, you will feel like you have stepped back into the 50’s, with the old downtown courthouse in the middle of town and shops and restaurants on Kirkland Street. Town Square Shoppes is a cute gift shop that’s worth a visit. Heading west out of town, visit the Old Standard Oil Filling Station on Washington St. to see an authentic filling station exterior of the era.
To the southeast into Georgia is Fort Gaines. Key attractions here include the always interesting Walter F George Lock and Dam, a historic Fort Gaines Walking Tour, and Frontier Village, the remains of a frontier, Indian, and later Confederate fort. There is also a replica of the 1816 Outpost in the exact spot where the original outpost was.
One of the neatest hardware stores I have seen in a while is the Opera House Hardware—truly a step back in time. Places to eat in Fort Gaines include KJ’s Grilling Company, considered “the best watering hole in the area,” with great reviews on their BBQ and pub-type food, and the Chattahoochee Grill.
Just south of Fort Gaines, you will find Kolomoki Mounds State Park, the oldest Woodland Indian site in the southeast, dated from around 350 to 750 A.D. And about a 40-minute drive from the house is Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin GA, nicknamed the “Little Grand Canyon,” which is popular with our guests.
Fort Gaines
To the southeast into Georgia is Fort Gaines. Key attractions here include the always interesting Walter F George Lock and Dam, a historic Fort Gaines Walking Tour, and Frontier Village, the remains of a frontier, Indian, and later Confederate fort. There is also a replica of the 1816 Outpost in the exact spot where the original outpost was.
One of the neatest hardware stores I have seen in a while is the Opera House Hardware—truly a step back in time. Places to eat in Fort Gaines include KJ’s Grilling Company, considered “the best watering hole in the area,” with great reviews on their BBQ and pub-type food, and the Chattahoochee Grill.
Just south of Fort Gaines, you will find Kolomoki Mounds State Park, the oldest Woodland Indian site in the southeast, dated from around 350 to 750 A.D. And about a 40-minute drive from the house is Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin GA, nicknamed the “Little Grand Canyon,” which is popular with our guests.
Eufaula, Alabama:
Driving north about 15 miles is the historic town of Eufaula. When people visit Eufaula, they frequently enjoy walking around town, visiting the quaint shops, and looking at the beautiful historic homes. Explore the Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District, which encompasses over 700 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and includes famous homes such as the Shorter Mansion, Fendall Hall, Hall House, and more. For walking and/or driving tour information, go to the Eufaula Barbour Chamber of Commerce at 333 East Broad Street.
There is also a walking trail that starts at the Chamber of Commerce and goes through some really scenic areas. It’s called the Yoholo Micco—The Creek Indian Trail, and it is comprised of 3.2 miles of paved walkways and additional clearly-marked nature trails that take you to a waterfall, birdwatching, beaches on the lake, and more. Some like to take picnics on the trail.
Each spring (usually early April), there is a Eufaula Pilgrimage, where you can take guided tours of historic homes and sites in Eufaula and take in an art show, concerts, and more. The Eufaula Historical Society also provides a Christmas tour of historic homes. For information on both, see the following website: http://www.eufaulapilgrimage.com/.
Eufaula Shopping: In addition to the shops that are part of the Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District, Superior Pecans and Gifts has some great gift ideas from your visit and great milkshakes and coffee! Also, about a mile north of Eufaula, Vintage Vendors is a delightful shop that sells a vast array of antiques, gifts, and collectibles interestingly displayed in an assortment of rooms.
Eufaula has a Walmart Supercenter with an on-premise gas station on-premises; the Supercenter is on the south side of Eufaula, so it’s the closest significant store to the Beasley Backwater Retreat—about 11.5 miles away. Farther north and closer to town is a Winn Dixie and Piggly Wiggly. They have a Tractor Supply Store, where we have purchased pet supplies. The hardware store nearby is Marvin’s. And of course, there are Dollar Generals all over the area.
Eufaula Restaurants: Being the largest town in the area, there is no shortage of fast-food restaurants in Eufaula. But good sit-down restaurants in town include Phil's BBQ, Cajun Corner, River City Grill, and El Jalisco Mexican Grill, all of which come highly recommended. If you are looking for a coffee shop, try the Blue Moon Coffee Shop. There’s also Donut King--highly recommended by neighbors.
Boat Rental and Fishing Guide: You can rent a boat from Chewalla Creek Marina on Lake Eufaula. Locally owned, they have a nice selection of boats for half a day up through weekly. Tell them you are a guest at the Beasley Backwater Retreat and they will give you a 10% discount on your rental. For a unique guided fishing tour, you can’t beat Lake Eufaula Fishing Guide with Clayton Batts.
12 locals recommend
Eufaula
Eufaula, Alabama:
Driving north about 15 miles is the historic town of Eufaula. When people visit Eufaula, they frequently enjoy walking around town, visiting the quaint shops, and looking at the beautiful historic homes. Explore the Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District, which encompasses over 700 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and includes famous homes such as the Shorter Mansion, Fendall Hall, Hall House, and more. For walking and/or driving tour information, go to the Eufaula Barbour Chamber of Commerce at 333 East Broad Street.
There is also a walking trail that starts at the Chamber of Commerce and goes through some really scenic areas. It’s called the Yoholo Micco—The Creek Indian Trail, and it is comprised of 3.2 miles of paved walkways and additional clearly-marked nature trails that take you to a waterfall, birdwatching, beaches on the lake, and more. Some like to take picnics on the trail.
Each spring (usually early April), there is a Eufaula Pilgrimage, where you can take guided tours of historic homes and sites in Eufaula and take in an art show, concerts, and more. The Eufaula Historical Society also provides a Christmas tour of historic homes. For information on both, see the following website: http://www.eufaulapilgrimage.com/.
Eufaula Shopping: In addition to the shops that are part of the Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District, Superior Pecans and Gifts has some great gift ideas from your visit and great milkshakes and coffee! Also, about a mile north of Eufaula, Vintage Vendors is a delightful shop that sells a vast array of antiques, gifts, and collectibles interestingly displayed in an assortment of rooms.
Eufaula has a Walmart Supercenter with an on-premise gas station on-premises; the Supercenter is on the south side of Eufaula, so it’s the closest significant store to the Beasley Backwater Retreat—about 11.5 miles away. Farther north and closer to town is a Winn Dixie and Piggly Wiggly. They have a Tractor Supply Store, where we have purchased pet supplies. The hardware store nearby is Marvin’s. And of course, there are Dollar Generals all over the area.
Eufaula Restaurants: Being the largest town in the area, there is no shortage of fast-food restaurants in Eufaula. But good sit-down restaurants in town include Phil's BBQ, Cajun Corner, River City Grill, and El Jalisco Mexican Grill, all of which come highly recommended. If you are looking for a coffee shop, try the Blue Moon Coffee Shop. There’s also Donut King--highly recommended by neighbors.
Boat Rental and Fishing Guide: You can rent a boat from Chewalla Creek Marina on Lake Eufaula. Locally owned, they have a nice selection of boats for half a day up through weekly. Tell them you are a guest at the Beasley Backwater Retreat and they will give you a 10% discount on your rental. For a unique guided fishing tour, you can’t beat Lake Eufaula Fishing Guide with Clayton Batts.
Sightseeing
A favorite with our guests, this is considered "Little Grand Canyon". Everyone who goes highly recommends it!
6 locals recommend
Providence Canyons
A favorite with our guests, this is considered "Little Grand Canyon". Everyone who goes highly recommends it!
This district encompasses over 700 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and includes famous homes such as the Shorter Mansion, Fendall Hall, Hall House, and more--historic buildings and great shopping--who could ask for more?
The Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District
500 North Randolph AvenueThis district encompasses over 700 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and includes famous homes such as the Shorter Mansion, Fendall Hall, Hall House, and more--historic buildings and great shopping--who could ask for more?
Food scene
A 50’s-style soda shop. Serving burgers, shakes, and hugs, it still carries the Legend of Huggin’ Molly, which starts with “Generations of Abbeville children have listened wide-eyed to their parents tell the story of Huggin’ Molly. They have hurried home on nights lit only by the moon’s glow, certain they saw something in the shadows...” The food is great, and history intriguing!
Huggin Molly's
129 Kirkland StreetA 50’s-style soda shop. Serving burgers, shakes, and hugs, it still carries the Legend of Huggin’ Molly, which starts with “Generations of Abbeville children have listened wide-eyed to their parents tell the story of Huggin’ Molly. They have hurried home on nights lit only by the moon’s glow, certain they saw something in the shadows...” The food is great, and history intriguing!
Superior Pecans and Gifts has some great gift ideas from your visit to the Backwater. In addition, they make great milkshakes and coffee. Their desserts are made locally--including their yummy Pecan Muffins!
Superior Pecans & Gifts
117 E Broad StSuperior Pecans and Gifts has some great gift ideas from your visit to the Backwater. In addition, they make great milkshakes and coffee. Their desserts are made locally--including their yummy Pecan Muffins!
Locally owned and run, Donut King has been voted the Best Donuts in Alabama! And rightfully so! They are all handmade, moist, and yummy!
Donut King
350 South Eufaula AvenueLocally owned and run, Donut King has been voted the Best Donuts in Alabama! And rightfully so! They are all handmade, moist, and yummy!
With "the Best Butts in Alabama," this restaurant turns out some delicious barbeque! While they do have limited hours, if you are hungry for barbeque, theirs is great!
Phil's Barbeque
534 South Randolph AvenueWith "the Best Butts in Alabama," this restaurant turns out some delicious barbeque! While they do have limited hours, if you are hungry for barbeque, theirs is great!
Shopping
Truly a step back in time, this historic opera house is now a locally-owned mom-and-pop hardware store, and my personal favorite!
OPERA HOUSE HARDWARE
Truly a step back in time, this historic opera house is now a locally-owned mom-and-pop hardware store, and my personal favorite!
Town Square Shoppes
111 Kirkland StreetA cute gift and woman's clothing shop worth the visit!
Vintage Vendors is a delightful shop that sells a vast array of antiques, gifts, and collectibles interestingly displayed in an assortment--almost a maze-- of rooms.
Vintage Vendors
30 Gammage RoadVintage Vendors is a delightful shop that sells a vast array of antiques, gifts, and collectibles interestingly displayed in an assortment--almost a maze-- of rooms.
Boating, Fishing, Outdoors.
Located in Eufaula right off of Lake Eufaula, this shop offers boat rentals and an excellent selection of bait, tackle, and fishing gear on Lake Eufaula. Locally owned, they have a nice selection of boats for half a day up through weekly. Tell them you are a guest at the Beasley Backwater Retreat and they will give you a 10% discount on your rental.
Chewalla Creek Marina LLC
580 Chewalla RdLocated in Eufaula right off of Lake Eufaula, this shop offers boat rentals and an excellent selection of bait, tackle, and fishing gear on Lake Eufaula. Locally owned, they have a nice selection of boats for half a day up through weekly. Tell them you are a guest at the Beasley Backwater Retreat and they will give you a 10% discount on your rental.
On the way to the Beasley Backwater Retreat, you will turn off of Henry County Highway 97 onto Mill Creek Rd. at Baker’s Landing. It’s a bait, tackle, gas, and convenience store where you can pick up basic needs. It’s also renowned for their red-hot dogs and chili dogs—the recipe was passed on from the previous owner, Joe Frank Wilson (who was Mommie B’s nephew). Every time we drove to the lake, Mommie B could hardly wait to get one of their chili dogs! You can also get fishing and/or hunting licenses, as needed, or launch your boat from the public ramp at Thomas Mill Creek Park.
Baker's Landing
8260 County Road 97On the way to the Beasley Backwater Retreat, you will turn off of Henry County Highway 97 onto Mill Creek Rd. at Baker’s Landing. It’s a bait, tackle, gas, and convenience store where you can pick up basic needs. It’s also renowned for their red-hot dogs and chili dogs—the recipe was passed on from the previous owner, Joe Frank Wilson (who was Mommie B’s nephew). Every time we drove to the lake, Mommie B could hardly wait to get one of their chili dogs! You can also get fishing and/or hunting licenses, as needed, or launch your boat from the public ramp at Thomas Mill Creek Park.
As an expert on Lake Eufaula, Clayton will give you an unique guided fishing tour. Ask him about some history of the lake, too!
LAKE EUFAULA FISHING GUIDE CLAYTON BATTS
113 Sunrise DriveAs an expert on Lake Eufaula, Clayton will give you an unique guided fishing tour. Ask him about some history of the lake, too!
Over the bridge to the right of the intersection of CR 97 and Mill Creek Rd (right after CR 48 T's with CR 97), this is the closest boat landing/launch location to the Beasley Backwater Retreat.
A public boat launch ramp, it has a 1-lane concrete ramp and ample paved parking.
If you have a boat, feel free to launch your boat from here and dock it at our dock during your stay.
Thomas Mill Creek Park
Over the bridge to the right of the intersection of CR 97 and Mill Creek Rd (right after CR 48 T's with CR 97), this is the closest boat landing/launch location to the Beasley Backwater Retreat.
A public boat launch ramp, it has a 1-lane concrete ramp and ample paved parking.
If you have a boat, feel free to launch your boat from here and dock it at our dock during your stay.