Along the banks of the Tennessee River in North Alabama is a hidden gem full of nature activities, vibrant shopping, local art and culture, and lots of good food! Known as “The River City,” Decatur is a wonderful place to spend the weekend. Go ahead and plan two weekends—there’s so much to see and do in this beautifully historic city.
Hot Spots To Visit
Decatur Morgan County Farmers Market
The farmers market in downtown Decatur is brimming with locally grown seasonal produce plus eggs, sausage, plants, jams and more. You will love the down-home feel of this open air market where the farmers are full of personality and ready to help you pick out the best of the best! The market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get there early as the best produce goes fast.
Rhodes Ferry Park
As you can expect for a place nicknamed The River City, the Tennessee River is the backdrop of downtown Decatur. Head to Rhodes Ferry Park for vistas of the river that will take your breath away. The riverfront park is perfect for strolling along the river and capturing great pictures.
Shopping on Bank Street
Get ready to fall in love with the boutiques along historic Bank Street in downtown Decatur. When we visit Decatur, we always stop in Indigo’s Boutique for women’s clothing and home décor items full of classic style, Marqaux Specialty Shop for bold and sophiticated women’s clothing, Hailos for higher end brands for both men and women, and Moss + Myrr for great looking men’s fashion.
Cook Museum of Natural Science
The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a state-of-the-art natural science museum in downtown Decatur, AL. It provides a hands-on, immersive experience where kids can explore, interact with, and learn about nature. You’ll leave the Cook Museum feeling fulfilled by the memories made and amazed by the things you saw and learned.
Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
What began as a livery stable in 1887, this century old landmark has been lovingly restored and features gorgeous art deco style. The Princess Theatre hosts a variety of events throughout the year so check the calendar and make plans to attend a show.
Historic Walking Tours
If history and architecture are your thing, Decatur is the place for you. The city is home to 116 acres of late 19th and early 20th Century homes, ranging from Queen Anne Victorians to Craftsman Bungalows. Albany and Old Decatur were originally two separate cities with distinct business districts. Old Decatur is centered around Bank Street where you can see Old State Bank, one of the city’s four antebellum structures. The Albany district starts with Second Avenue, home to the Princess Theatre, and extends to Delano Park with its beautiful rose gardens. In addition to this architectural tour, you can also pick from one of the other tours in the area including the Civil War Walking Tour and the Trail of Tears Walking Tour, visit Decatur Morgan County Tourism for these self-guided tours.
MoCo Art Trail
Decatur is full of amazing artists and the MoCo Art Trail leads you through the county to discover their work. Some of our favorite stops on the tour are Kathleen’s Fine Art and Interiors, DeAnn’s Art Studio, Bank Street Art and Antiques and Carnegie Visual Art Center.
Where To Eat In Decatur
Whisk’D Café
Not far from the farmers market, you’ll find Whisk’D Café in a historic brick storefront on Johnston Street in downtown Decatur. It personifies Southern charm in every way! We love the Southern Waffle—it’s a pecan waffle, fried chicken, pecan butter, and bourbon maple syrup!
Morgan Price Candy Company
Handmade English toffee is the star at Morgan Price Candy Company where everything is made in small batches using family recipes. Be sure to buy some to eat immediately and more to take home—everything is top quality from the first bite.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
If you eat only one thing in Decatur, make sure it is Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. The iconic restaurant has been cooking and serving legions of tried and true fans since 1925. Gibson’s has won multiple state championship cook-offs, more than 10 world championships, and was crowned World Champion at the annual Memphis in May competition in 2011. Highlights on the menu are the pulled pork sandwich, brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken with the restaurant’s famous white sauce. Don’t forget dessert—the pies are to die for!
The RailYard
In downtown Decatur, the RailYard serves farm-to-fork food along with craft beer and cocktails. The fun and casual atmosphere features exposed brick, cool historic touches and train memorabilia.
Hard Dock
Sitting right on the Tennessee River, Hard Dock is perfect for enjoying a sunset while dining! Whether you sit inside or opt for a spot on the deck, the river views are amazing! The menu features a variety of appetizers, salads, seafood baskets, entrees and burgers, but we must admit that the river steals the show at Hard Dock! They also host live entertainment on the weekends.
Simp McGhee’s
If you’re looking for fine dining, Simp McGhee’s is the top choice in Decatur. Located on historic Bank Street, the restaurant serves fresh cajun seafood and beef selections with old fashioned charm.
Where To Stay In Decatur
The city is home to several chain hotels such as Home2 Suites by Hilton, Residence Inn by Marriott and Best Western where you can be assured of a comfortable and enjoyable stay. However, we love to mix things up when visiting Decatur by staying at one of the scenic campgrounds for a unique experience. The Point Mallard Campground features 217 sites on 25 wooded acres. This spot situates you within the 500-acre of Point Mallard Park, which is home to an awesome water park (with America’s first wave pool) and outdoor activities like golf and tennis! We also love Jay Landings Marina and RV Park which features spots with great views of the Tennessee River.
Festivals To Mark On Your Calendar
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 – 26
You will love spectacle of hot air balloons floating in the summer sky over Decatur! The annual balloon festival draws pilots and crews from across the country to the River City. There are races in the mornings and a “fun-fly” in the evenings where you can enjoy the balloons glowing in the sky! Held every Memorial Day weekend, Alabama Jubilee is free to the public and also features live entertainment with local and regional bands and tasty carnival style food!
Festival of the Cranes, January 12-14
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge with its 35,000 acres of protected land is the winter home to more than 20,000 Sandhill Cranes and about 20 of the endangered Whooping Crane, and that calls for an annual celebration! Held each year in early January, the Festival of the Cranes includes up-close viewing of the cranes, birding workshops, nature walks, kid’s activities, live raptors, and much more! If you miss the festival, you can still glimpse the glory of these migratory visitors on one of the many Whooping Crane Walks held throughout the winter months.
Start planning your trip to Decatur today. The city is steeped in history and offers many experiences off the beaten path!
