Ave Maria Grotto - (Cullman - approximately 30 minutes south of Decatur.) A four-acre park featuring over 150 miniature replicas of world famous buildings and Biblical structures each built by a Bavarian monk. Known worldwide as "Jerusalem in Miniature."
Alabama Music Hall of Fame - (Tuscumbia - approximately 60 minutes west of Decatur.) Honors the State of Alabama's music achievers. Features personal items, awards, wax figures, a live recorind studio and much more. No matter what style of music you prefer, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame has it all.
Athens State University - (Athens - approximately 20 minutes northwest of Decatur.) Alabama's oldest institute of higher learning, the main building on the campus, Founders Hall, was built in 1842. Local legend says the building was saved from burning by Union troops during the Civil War when the College Madam produced a letter from President Abraham Lincoln. Founders Hall houses the majestic Altar of the New Testament, an original wood carving depicting Christ and New Testiment figures and verses carved in tulip wood. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Boaz Outlet Shopping - ( Boaz - approximately 90 minutes east-southeast of Decatur.) Rated as one of the top outlet shopping towns in America and featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Offers more than 140 stores.
Cullman County Museum - (Cullman - approximately 30 minutes south of Decatur.) Offers items from the area's unique past with a major emphasis on Cullman's German heritage. Includes pieces from the Cullman Archaelogical Society and an 1800s city street scene.
The Eternal Word Television Network - (Cullman - approximately 30 minutes south of Decatur.) Cullman hosts the world famous Morther Mary Angelica, a cloistered Fansciscan nun which began the Eternal Word Television Network. Today, more than 56 million viewers in 34 countries now tune in to religious documentaries, a live daily mass, gospel interpretations and of course, Morther Angelica's inspirational talks. Contact Julia Tucker, director of pilgrimages, EWTN Global Catholic Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Birmingham, AL 35210; (256) 271-2900.
W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library - (Florence - approximately 60 minutes west of Decatur.) Log cabin birthplace of the "Father of the Blues," William Christopher Handy. Attached museum contains Handy's famous trumpet, piano, and many personal items.
Ivy Green - Birthplace of Helen Keller - (Tuscumbia - approximately 60 minutes west of Decatur.) Built in 1820, this site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contains many of the original furnishings and items pertaining to the life of Helen Keller, "America's First Lady of Courage."
Lake Guntersville - (Guntersville - approximately 90 minutes east of Decatur.) Alabama's largest impoundment at 69,000 acres with more than 900 miles of shoreline. Noted as an excellent bass lake and resort area.
Looney's Entertainment Park & Riverboat - (Double Springs - approximately 45 minutes southeast of Decatur.)
Home of Alabama's Official Outdoor Musical Drama. Offering first rate theater, with shows ranging from rich Southern dramas to spectacular Broadway musicals. Presented in a 1,500-seat amphitheater overlooking Bankhead National Forest. The park also offers an Indoor “Dual Destiny” Theater, Sister Sara’s Restaurant and Looney Putt miniature golf. The Free State Lady Riverboat, captained by a historical storyteller, offers sightseeing, dinner and fall color cruises on Smith Lake. The riverboat is also available for private charters. Dates and times vary. Shows for the outdoor theater run June-September. Indoor theater features productions throughout the year. Admission. Group rates, family discounts and season passes available.
Mooresville - (Five minutes north of Decatur.) This tiny community, located just two miles north of Decatur, is older than the State of Alabama. Formed in 1819, the entire 12 blocks of the oak-lined village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. President Andrew Johnson worked here while a tailor's apprentice. Recently, the town was the site of a movie about the adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Mountain Top Flea Market - (Attalla - approximately 90 minutes southeast of Decatur.) Open every Sunday, 5 a.m. until dark. Over two miles of vendors.
Natural Bridge of Alabama - (Natural Bridge - approximately 60 minutes southwest of Decatur.) The 148-foot sandstone bridge towers 60 feet above winding pathways. Created thousands of years ago by headward erosion of a tributary stream. Found in a forest setting with natural gardens, picnicking, nature trails, and concessions.
Noccalula Falls Park - (Gadsden - approximately 90 minutes southeast of Decatur.) Ninety-foot waterfall with canyon and nature trails highlight this facility which also includes a botanical garden with more than 25,000 azaleas, a pioneer village, a war memorial, children's playground, and campground.
Jesse Owens Memorial Park - (Moulton/Oakville - approximately 25 minutes west of Decatur.) Olympic track great Jesse Owens, who captured four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, is honored in his hometown with a memorial park. The park includes a visitor center, picnic pavilions, bronze statue in the Gold Medallion Court, a replica of Owens' home, ballfield, track, gift shop and museum.
Pond Spring - (Courtland - approximately 20 minutes west of Decatur.) The plantation was the home of the senior Confederate cavalry leader, Joe Wheeler. Extensive renovations have added to the charm and accessibility of this tree-shaded home and its grounds. The site contains memorabilia from the General's accomplishments and plans are underway for the Plantation to be developed into a living history encampment.
Pope's Tavern and Museum - (Florence - approximately 60 minutes west of Decatur.) One of Florence's earliest structures, built in the early 19th century. Used at one time as a stagecoach inn and as a military hospital by Union and Confederate troops.
Space & Rocket Center - (Huntsville - approximately 20 minutes northeast of Decatur.) Earth's largest space museum. Along with many hands-on exhibits and rides, the Space & Rocket Center features the 7-story tall Omnimax theater, original artifacts from America's space program, and tours of the Marshall Space Flight Center. It is also home to the U. S. Space Academy.
Unclaimed Baggage Center - (Scottsboro - approximately 60 minutes northeast of Decatur.) World famous final resting place for all unclaimed baggage at airport terminals. Featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and David Letterman Show. Great items and good prices |
