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Decatur/Morgan County: Recreation & Entertainment
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| A not-for-profit organization, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center is a cultural, educational and community-service organization providing an environment to promote learning, creation and appreciation of the visual arts. The Cook’s Natural Science Museum features a fantastic arrangement of natural wonders in one of the South’s finest museums of its type. The site provides an extensive assortment of exotic insects, mounted birds, animals, minerals, seashells and coral in over 2,000 exhibits and artifacts. The Decatur Civil War Walking Tour features 11 historic markers that trace the 1864 clash between Confederate forces and garrisoned Union troops at this key railroad and river transportation point. The 13-block stroll is a free, self-guided tour through the Old Decatur Historic District and downtown. The Old State Bank was one of three banks authorized by The Alabama General Assembly in 1832. Few structures can boast as varied a past as the Bank. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the Classic Revival architecture of the Bank is symbolic of the period in which it was built. The Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts began as a livery stable in 1887; was transformed into a vaudeville playhouse named the Princess in 1919; and, following a 1941 facelift, emerged with the art deco style that remains today and features a brilliantly lit neon marquee. Discover the warmth and charm of Historic Downtown Decatur shopping with their array of specialty shops, galleries, and antiques. Along the tree-lined streets of both towns, you’ll find offerings of original art, home accessories, fashion jewelry, toys and eateries in buildings of varied architectural styles.
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| Decatur is blessed with a wealth of recreation and entertainment opportunities suited to every taste. The city is home to over 15 parks and the Princess Theatre of Performing Arts, and Morgan County (with the 67,100-acre Wheeler Reservoir) is a focal point for outdoor recreation in northern Alabama. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (just off Interstate 65 at Exit 334) is great for bird watching, and includes an Interpretive Center overlooking an 18-acre pond. Decatur's new Jack Allen Recreation Complex includes nine international sized, lighted soccer fields with certified, laser-graded turf and internal drainage.
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| Morgan County is the focal point of all outdoor recreation on the 67,100-acre Wheeler Reservoir (Wheeler Lake) on the Tennessee River. The lake is the largest in the region, stretching approximately 60 miles between the Guntersville and Wheeler Dams. Decatur has played host to many national fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Top 150 Tournament, Bassmaster Invitational, Wal-Mart FLW, and the Crappie USA National Championship.
Home of America’s first wave pool, Point Mallard is designed to provide total family recreation opportunities throughout the year. A 35-acre water theme area offers America’s first Wave Pool, the Duck Pond and Squirt Factory kid’s pools and more. The Park also features a scenic 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course; a 25-acre wooded campground, the Strike Zone driving range and batting cages, lighted tennis courts, ball fields, a recreation center and amphitheater. Point Mallard offers a great way to beat the heat this year with a regulation size indoor ice rink. The rink is open throughout the year with public skate sessions, private parties, skating lessons and other cool events. Within the complex are stadium seating for special events, a pro shop, arcade games, skate rental room, concession stand, ice rink viewing area, rental lockers, and a dressing room with showers.
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| Shopping |
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| In 1992, the Decatur area reported retail sales of more than $776 million. By 2001, the area’s retail sales jumped 63 percent to more than $1.265 billion, according to The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research. Decatur’s Metropolitan Statistical Area includes Morgan and most of Lawrence County. Decatur’s MSA retail base grew faster than that of Montgomery, Anniston, Birmingham, Florence, Dothan, Mobile, Tuscaloosa and Gadsden, listed in order of growth. Shops in Decatur’s historic downtown attract shoppers from across north Alabama. The 68-acre English Village and Colonial Mall offer the convenience that today’s shoppers have come to expect.
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| The wonderful culinary destinations of Alabama celebrate The Year of Alabama Food in 2005. Savor the flavor of the South in Decatur & Morgan County! From our championship barbecue to mouth-watering chocolates, you'll find something sure to tickle your pallet.
The following local restaurants were named to the "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die" list:
- BBQ chicken with white sauce at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (1925)
- Seafood-filled mushroom caps at Simp McGhee’s
- Taco & broccoli salad at Curry’s on Johnston Street
- Toffee at the Morgan Price Candy Company
Decatur-Morgan County offer all of the well-know quick-serve eating establishments, as well as, most nationally and regionally recognized restaurants. For that added "flavor" of the area, following is a select list of noteworthy locally owned and operated restaurants:
- Big Bob Gibson’s McCollum’s Seafood
- Simp McGhees Hard Dock Cafe
- Curry’s on Johnston Street JW Steakhouse
- Café 113 Libby’s Catfish
- The Brick Deli Magnolia Grill
- City Café
- B.B. Perrins
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