Decatur (Alabama)

Decatur is a city in Alabama. It is called The Ballooning Capital of Alabama.

• Princess Theatre: Center for the Performing Arts, 112 Second Ave NE, ☏ +1 256-350-1745, boxoffice@princesstheatre.org. This historic building has a storied past including livery stable, silent movie theater, vaudeville playhouse, and movie house. The original structure dates to 1887, and over the decades has seen numerous major renovations. Now owned by the City of Decatur, it now hosts a variety of performances. (updated Sep 2021)
• Cook Museum of Natural Science, 133 4th Ave NE, ☏ +1 256-351-4505. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Opened in 2018, this science museum particularly showcases some interesting flora and fauna exhibits. 
• Old State Bank, 925 Bank St NE, ☏ +1 256-341-4818. M-F 9:30AM-Noon. Built in 1833, it's the oldest bank building in Alabama and one of only four to survive when the Union set fire to the town. 

• 🌍 Point Mallard Park, 2901 Point Mallard Dr, ☏ +1 256-341-4900. Known primarily for its water park along the Tennessee River, it also features an indoor ice rink, golf course, and camping. Special celebrations occur on Memorial Day and Independence Day. (updated Mar 2015)
• Some noteworthy festivals:
  • Alabama Jubilee - a hot air balloon festival over Memorial Day weekend.
  • Spirit of America 4th of July festival with its Miss Spirit of America Pageant.
  • Riverfest - music festival last weekend or so of August.
  • Racking Horse World Celebration, held in April in nearby Priceville.
• 🌍 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, 3121 Visitor Center Rd, ☏ +1 256-350-6639, wheeler@fws.gov. (updated Dec 2021)

• Big Bob Gibson's BBQ, 1715 6th Ave SE, ☏ +1 256-350-6969. Daily 9:30AM-8:30PM. A prominent bbq venue, kind of like a Decatur institution, with their own line of sauces. 

• Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company, 105 1st Ave. M-Th 4-10PM, F 4-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-6PM. Brewery, taproom with games, and outdoor beer garden. No kitchen, but you can bring your own food and often have food trucks on site. Kids allowed throughout, and dogs can be in the beer garden. (updated Dec 2021)

• Sleep Inn & Suites, 2226 Beltline Rd SW, ☏ +1 256-301-9995. 
• Best Western River City Hotel, 1305 Front Ave SW, ☏ +1 256 301-1388. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Decatur's finest lodging establishment! Over sized rooms, free WIFI, free Hot breakfast! Jacuzzi suites available! $76.99.