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.
Cathedral Caverns, Alabama State Park, 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL: 54.43 MILES FROM HOLIDAY INN & SUITES
The first thing you notice about Cathedral Caverns is the massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. And it gets even better. Inside the cavern, you will find Big Rock Canyon, Mystery River and some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created. Among them, you will see Stalagmite Mountain, The Frozen Waterfall and Goliath, a huge stalagmite column that reaches the ceiling of the cave some 45 feet above!
Cathedral Caverns is the perfect field trip for your school, church or other group. You can visit anytime, as the cave maintains a comfortable 60-degree temperature year round. Call and make plans today and you will see why we are excited about Alabama's newest state park!
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.
Ingalls Harbor, 802 Wilson St. NW, Decatur: 1.12 MILES FROM HOLIDAY INN & SUITES
10 boat simultaneous launch capability - 1,088-linear-foot floating dock - 158 paved truck/trailer parking spaces
100+ overflow parking spaces - 107 car parking spaces - Lighted parking and ramp
- Controlled entry points
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."
Jack Allen Soccer Complex, 2816 Modaus Rd SW, Decatur: 9.41 MILES FROM HOLIDAY INN & SUITES
Laser-graded certified sports turf §
11 Fields on 3 tiers on 27 acres §
Electronic scorekeeping on the two championship fields §
Wireless scoreboardTelevision-quality
lighting (50- & 60-foot candles) §
Computerized irrigation on each field for proper moisture content and sub-drainage §
Controlled point of entry to collect admissions §
Local source of officials §
Internet access §
Wireless public address system §
Meeting space available - up to 25 people §
Handicap accessible restrooms §
Concessions 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.
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
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