Discover Decatur, Alabama: A Holiday Guide for Guests
Lillie Beth Warner • December 22, 2023
Do you have friends or family coming to visit this holiday season? We have something for everyone!
The holiday season is a magical time to share with loved ones, and if you find yourself hosting friends and family in Decatur, Alabama, you're in for a treat! From art lovers to foodies, history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts, Decatur offers a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit every taste. Here's your ultimate guide to making their visit unforgettable.
For the Art Lovers
- Carnegie Visual Arts Center: Discover an artistic oasis at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in the heart of Decatur. This historic gem, once a Carnegie Library, now hosts compelling exhibitions featuring regional and national artists, offering a diverse range of visual experiences and educational programs that celebrate creativity.
- MoCo Mural Trail: Explore Decatur's streets and immerse yourself in the MoCo Mural Trail, a captivating outdoor gallery showcasing stunning murals. These vibrant artworks, each with its own unique story, weave tales of local culture and heritage, enriching the city's landscape with vivid colors and captivating designs.
- MoCo Art Trail: Journey along the MoCo Art Trail, guiding you through galleries, studios, and public art displays across Morgan County. Delight in the diverse artistic expressions on display, from contemporary marvels to traditional masterpieces, providing an enriching tapestry of the region's artistic richness.
- Alabama Center for the Arts Gallery: Experience an combination of innovation and creativity at the Alabama Center for the Arts Gallery. This dynamic space showcases a captivating array of sculptures, paintings, and photography, offering a glimpse into the diverse visions of Alabama's talented artists. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions that reflect the cultural heritage and artistic brilliance of the region.
For the History Buff
- Step Back in Time: Visit the historic housing districts of Old Decatur and Albany and relish in the preserved antebellum homes and charming streetscapes.
- Blast from the Past: Experience the rich history of the area at the Old State Bank, a stunning Greek Revival-style building that stands as a symbol of Decatur's past. This 190 year old building is the oldest bank building in Alabama!
- Watch the trains pass by at the Historic Decatur Union Train Depot & Railroad Museum: Take a tour of the beautiful restored train depot in the heart of Downtown Decatur. This museum is great for all ages combining history and fun. You can see the train depot's model train set and even play with their holiday display.
- Visit the Morgan County Archives: This is a great stop for anyone interested in local history. You can explore the Scottsboro boys exhibit and learn all about the history of Morgan County over the years.
- Visit the U.S. Veterans Memorial Park: Pay homage to military heroes at this site honoring veterans, providing a serene space for reflection and gratitude.
For the Foodie
- Culinary Delights: Enjoy local dining experiences ranging from Southern comfort food to international flavors, with options like Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Simp McGhee's, Alfono's Pizza, Francessco's Italian, and so much more.
- Decatur's Hidden Gems: Explore Decatur Locals favorites places like The RailYard, or the Brick Deli!
- Try Delicious Treats: If you or your party has a sweet tooth make sure to check out local sweet shops like Mel's Sweet Treats, Tennessee Valley Pecan Company, or Morgan Price Candy Company!
For the Kids or Kids at Heart
- Family-Friendly Fun: Visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science for an educational experience with your friends and family. This State-of-the-art museum is perfect for an afternoon exploring the different animals & wildlife in North America.
- Visit GoFAR USA Park: Take a stroll through the Christmas lights in the forest and around the farm at GoFAR USA Park. Hang out around the campfires, make some smores, zip line though the pines, climb the rockwall, shoot some paintballs, and enjoy a Christmas movie. See our calendar for scheduled nights!
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
- Natural Escapes: Discover the beauty of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, hike the trails of the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, or enjoy scenic walks along the Tennessee River.
- Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor activities like fishing, boating, or picnicking at various parks scattered across the city.
For Everyone
Decatur is a city filled with warmth, charm, and a welcoming atmosphere. No matter your interests, there's something to captivate everyone in your group during the holidays. With its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, Decatur, Alabama, promises a memorable holiday experience for all who visit. Enjoy your time and make the most out of your holiday in Decatur & Morgan County!
Big things are happening in Decatur, Alabama, and our newest recreation destination is officially open!
A record year for artists, a permanent piece of art going up downtown, and the story of how a fine arts festival took root. Every October, something happens downtown that did not used to happen here. The courthouse lawn fills up, artists unload their vans, and for two days, a few thousand people wander downtown Decatur with no agenda beyond looking at beautiful things and talking to the people who made them. Most of them go home carrying something they had no intention of buying when they woke up that morning.
Rock the South 2026 is this weekend October 1 st -4 th , here is everything you need to know before heading to the biggest party in the south!
Rock the South is known for its lively music, hosting the biggest stars on country radio, and for being the biggest party in the south, but there’s more to experience this year than the music. The Midway Fair brings classic carnival fun to the festival, giving visitors a chance to continue the fun in between artists’ sets!
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When anglers think about Decatur & Morgan County, fishing is often times one of the first things that comes to mind.
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Get ready to eat your way through Morgan County during Restaurant Week, August 15–21. Participating is easy, and each restaurant you visit gives you another chance to win!
