Spring is in full bloom, and what better way to enjoy it than by taking a stroll through history, mystery, architecture, and heritage with Decatur’s April Walking Tours. Each Saturday at 10 a.m., we invite you to lace up your walking shoes, meet local storytellers, and uncover the soul of our city—one step at a time.

But the experience doesn’t end with the tour. After each walk, treat yourself to our Storyteller Sips, a curated selection of themed coffees, cocktails, and mocktails available at local spots all across town. Each drink is inspired by the stories you’ll hear and the neighborhoods you’ll explore. Here’s what’s in store:

April 5 – Albany District Walking Tour with Caroline Swope

Starting Point: Delano Park

Begin your journey in the picturesque Albany District, where tree-lined streets meet early 20th-century elegance. Caroline Swope, a preservationist and architectural historian, will guide you through this former “New Decatur,” rich with Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman homes. Learn how this historic area helped shape the city we know and love today.

Sip Like a Local – Rose-Inspired Specials
Albany is in full bloom, and so are our drinks!
🌹 Cross-Eyed Owl Brewery: Smell the Roses – A floral, glittery non-alcoholic ginger ale treat
 🌹 War of the Roses – A pomegranate-forward River City brew
 🌹 Owl Café & Roastery: Kiss from a Rose Latte – A delicate rose and vanilla latte
 🌹 609 Social: Kissed By A Rose – Rose gin, St. Germain, citrus, and egg white foam
 🌹 The Mallard: Pistachio Rose Cappuccino – With house-made pistachio syrup
 🌹 Highpoint Market: The Secret Garden – A dreamy honey lavender latte

April 12 – Historic Decatur Union Depot Tour with Judge David Breland

Starting Point: The Train Depot

Climb aboard for a deep dive into Decatur’s railroad history with Judge David Breland. This iconic depot, built in 1905, once stood at the crossroads of commerce and conflict. Step inside the restored ticket office and explore how trains helped shape the city during and after the Civil War.

Track-Worthy Treats – All Aboard the Flavor Express
🚂 Owl Café & Roastery: Coal Car Coffee (Redeye + chocolate) & Midnight Express-o Latte
🚂 Highpoint Market: Choo-Choo Chai Latte or Chug-a-latte – cinnamon-spiced and cozy
🚂 609 Social: Derailed – Bourbon, citrus, ginger beer, and roasted rosemary
🚂 The Mallard: Cocoa Caboose Latte – A rich house-made chocolate latte
🚂 Cross-Eyed Owl: Special depot-themed sips (stay tuned for the surprise pour!)

April 19 – Walking Crime Tour with John Allison

Starting Point: Morgan County Archives

Ready for chills and thrills? Join historian John Allison as he takes you on a true crime trek through downtown Decatur. From Prohibition-era drama to legendary heists and unresolved mysteries, this tour puts a spine-tingling twist on our city’s past.

Mystery in a Glass – Dark & Delicious Sips
🕵️‍♀️ Cross-Eyed Owl: Miss Scarlet (pomegranate, edible glitter) & Professor Plum (plum brew)
 🕵️‍♀️ Owl Café & Roastery: Agatha Christie Latte – A raspberry mocha fit for a sleuth
 🕵️‍♀️ Highpoint Market: The Whodunit – Hazelnut white mocha
 🕵️‍♀️ 609 Social: Unusual Suspect – Blueberry vodka, pomegranate, Aperol, and house citrus
 🕵️‍♀️ The Mallard: Foggy Bottom – Earl grey syrup + espresso or matcha

April 26 – Historic Old Town Decatur & First Missionary Baptist Church Tour with Pastor Daylan Woodall

Starting Point: First Missionary Baptist Church

Walk through the heart of Old Town Decatur, where faith, resilience, and community rise from the roots of history. Pastor Daylan Woodall shares powerful stories of the Civil Rights era and the founding of First Missionary Baptist Church by formerly enslaved people in 1866. A moving and meaningful close to our spring tour series.

Soulful Sips – A Toast to Heritage
⛪ Cross-Eyed Owl: Church Social (ginger ale, lemonade, strawberry) & Back Pew Brew
⛪ Owl Café & Roastery: Rosa Parks Latte (iced rose mocha) & Preacher Man Latte
⛪ Highpoint Market: Justice Java – A bold white mocha
⛪ 609 Social: I Have a Dream – Vodka, espresso, Copa de Oro, espresso express
⛪ The Mallard: Parker-Hayes Pour Over – Enjoy a slow pour and explore the legacy of the Parker-Hayes House and Scottsboro Boys Museum while you sip

Tour Tips:

• All tours begin at 10:00 a.m.
• Comfortable shoes and weather-ready attire recommended
• Free & open to the public – no RSVP needed!
• Dog-Friendly, Leash required

So whether you're a history buff, a caffeine connoisseur, or just looking for a great way to spend a Saturday morning, Decatur’s April Walking Tours and Storyteller Sips offer the perfect blend of storytelling and flavor.

View all Storyteller Sips Menus: