If you have a boy in your life that loves all things fishing, cars, tractors, and the great outdoors, then Leeds is not to be overlooked! It is a great way to spend an entire day doing all things boy. Grab your son and take him on an adventure of his dreams right here in Central Alabama.
Where is Leeds?
Leeds is located off interstate 20, about 17 miles east of downtown Birmingham. Leeds is considered a suburb of Birmingham and boasts great attractions like the world-famous Barber Motorsports Museum and The Shops at Grand River outlet mall. NBA legend Charles Barkley hails from Leeds, as well as three military Medal of Honor recipients.
Buc-ee’s
Start your morning here with a breakfast taco and beaver tots. You will also find bakery items like kolaches and cinnamon pull-aparts, or you can get the standard bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. Get your breakfast to go, or enjoy walking around the store to pick up some Beaver Nuggets or a Buc-ee’s souvenir. Buc-ee’s starts serving breakfast at 4:00 a.m., and I am not suggesting you start your day that early! But, if you are spending a full day in Leeds, it’s nice to know where you can get started early.
TriGreen Equipment
Next, move on to the tractor store. They open at 7:00 a.m., so it’s a great stop after your breakfast at Buc-ee’s. Walk around and check out the agricultural equipment, tractors, gators, and more!
Bass Pro Shop
After some time exploring the tractors, go across the road to Bass Pro. The store is huge and you can really kill some time inside and outside here. In the store, you will find fishing, hunting, and camping gear. Don’t miss the 19,000 gallon indoor aquarium, either! The tank and taxidermy on display are sure to hold a kid’s attention for a while. You will also find an array of boats and ATVs to explore!
Rusty’s BBQ
At this point, it’s probably time for lunch. Drive down to Rusty’s BBQ for some delicious food with Mom and Pop restaurant vibes! If you like a good hamburger steak, you have to try Rusty’s! But their pit-smoked meats are delicious too! They have a kids menu with two items: tenders or grilled cheese. Both served with a side, drink, and a cookie.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
I hope you aren’t too full, because Barber Motorsports feels like the main attraction. Other than meals, this is the only stop on our adventure in Leeds that will cost you money (that is if you resisted buying things at Buc-ees and Bass Pro). Barber has events, which you can find here. However, if you are just visiting the museum for the afternoon, you can purchase a day pass. Children 4-12 are $10, adult tickets are $15. Children three and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person.
Inside the museum, you will find motorcycles and vintage vehicles that have been preserved for your viewing. There are over 97 Harley Davidson motorcycles in the collection, as well as an extensive collection of Lotus race cars and more!
But Wait, There’s More!
After a full day in Leeds, it may be time to head home. If you happen to still have the energy for some late afternoon fun, head over to The Shops at Grand River for a round of mini-golf at The Backyard and dinner at Saw’s, Neighbors, or the Snack Shack.
And that, moms, is a well-rounded, full day in Leeds doing all the things the boys in your life love to do!
