Coming
Soon!
Cold drinks, warm stories, and quilts by the river.
Pull up a chair at Willie Quill’s Pantry and Quilt Studio, our little riverside stop beside the Gee’s Bend ferry landing. Named for Melvin Pettway Sr.’s father, Willie Quill, this is a place to slow down, sip something cold, enjoy a locally made treat, and watch the ferry roll across the Alabama River.
Inside, you’ll find family quilts, local stories, and the first personal quilt studio in Gee’s Bend open to the public. Stop by during regular hours for a quilting demonstration, or book a workshop or private demonstration by appointment.
GRAND OPENING: WILLIE QUILL’S BACKYARD BBQ
Saturday, July 18
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Quilt Sales • Storytelling • Kids’ Activities • Local Food
Shop
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Snack
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Sew
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Stay
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Shop ✳︎ Snack ✳︎ Sew ✳︎ Stay ✳︎
The Quilt Studio
Step inside Gee’s Bend’s first personal quilt studio open to the public. Emma Pettway, part of a five-generation family of quilters, welcomes visitors into a working studio where quilts are made, stories are shared, and traditions continue in real time. Quilting demonstrations are offered on a rolling basis during regular hours, while half-day quilt workshops and private demonstrations may be scheduled by appointment.
The Gift Shop
The gift shop at Willie Quill’s offers visitors a chance to take a piece of Gee’s Bend home with them. Located inside the pantry and quilt studio, the shop features quilts and handmade items by Emma Pettway and members of her family, along with gifts that reflect the creativity, history, and community spirit of the Bend.
The Pantry
The pantry at Willie Quill’s is a relaxed ferry-side stop for cold drinks, snacks, and locally made baked goods. Inside, visitors will find a small gift shop surrounded by quilts made by Emma’s family, alongside newspaper articles, photographs, and community stories that connect the space to generations of Gee’s Bend history.
The space is also available for catering and private events.
Willie Quill’s Hideaway
For visitors who want to stay a little longer, Willie Quill’s Hideaway offers a beautiful overnight space with a private bathroom, seating area, and stunning views of the Alabama River. Located right beside the ferry landing, the Hideaway offers guests a quiet, comfortable place to experience Gee’s Bend at a slower pace, from sunrise over the river to the ferry’s steady rhythm throughout the day.
Willie Quill’s Backyard BBQ
First Saturday of each month | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
11:00 AM–1:00 PM • Porch Storytelling & Kids’ Activities
Settle in on the porch as Gee’s Bend community members share memories of growing up in the Bend, from childhood stories to everyday life along the river. Families are also invited to enjoy hands-on activities for kids inspired by Gee’s Bend's creativity, community, and storytelling.
12:00 PM–6:00 PM • Backyard BBQ
Melvin Jr. will be grilling brats and hamburgers, which will be served alongside a rotating menu of seasonal sides. Willie Quill’s regular offerings of cold drinks, snacks, and locally made baked goods will also be available throughout the day.
All Day • Quilt Sales & Studio Visits
Browse quilts for sale, visit the quilt studio, and spend time surrounded by family quilts, local stories, and community history.
Afternoon • Live Music
Enjoy live music as the afternoon continues with food, fellowship, quilt sales, and time to relax by the ferry landing.
Get In Touch
Ready to plan your visit? For workshops and overnight stays at Willie Quill’s Hideaway, we recommend booking directly through the Airbnb links so your spot is confirmed. For anything else—catering, private events, group visits, demonstrations, or a question we haven’t covered here—send us a note through the form below. We’ll be glad to hear from you and help point you in the right direction.
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Willie Quille
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The original Gee's Bend Ferry
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Wille Quill with Rep. John Lewis
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The Nettie Quill
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Melvin Pettway
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Polly Mooney
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Emma Mooney
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Lottie Mooney and Minniefield Mooney Sr.
