Bleisure: The Hottest New Tourism Trend

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Bleisure: The Hottest New Tourism Trend

Danielle Gibson • March 24, 2025

Bleisure: The Hottest New Tourism Trend

In today’s fast-paced world, business travel no longer means a strict itinerary of meetings, conferences, and networking events. Enter "bleisure" travel—a blend of business and leisure—where professionals turn work trips into opportunities to explore, unwind, and experience new destinations.

The concept of mixing business with pleasure is nothing new, but its popularity has surged in recent years. A growing number of professionals are extending their business trips to include personal time, taking advantage of company-funded travel to explore new places without additional airfare expenses. According to recent studies, nearly 60% of business travelers now add leisure elements to their work trips—whether by arriving early, staying later, or squeezing in sightseeing between meetings.

With the lines between work and play increasingly blurred, destinations and hospitality providers are adapting to meet the needs of bleisure travelers.

Here’s what they’re looking for:

1. Seamless Workspaces

Reliable Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and business-friendly accommodations are essential for today’s bleisure travelers. Hotels with comfortable work areas, business centers, and meeting rooms make it easier to balance work responsibilities while enjoying a destination. In Decatur, we recommend any of our great hotel partners: the Riverfront DoubleTree by Hilton, the Courtyard Marriott, or the brand-new Hampton Inn, set to open in April 2025.

2. Local Hot Spots

Travelers love discovering local hot spots because they offer an authentic, immersive experience beyond typical tourist attractions. Whether it’s a cozy café known for the best cold brews, a hidden hiking trail with breathtaking views, or a live music venue where locals gather, these gems provide a true taste of a destination’s culture, flavor, and personality.

We recommend trying The Mallard, Highpoint Market, and XEO Brewery for great local coffee. For nightlife, check out Josie’s, 609 Social Market, or The Little Cigar Shoppe. For a unique experience, visit the iconic Princess Theatre’s Listening Lounge or the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

3. Cultural & Recreational Experiences

Bleisure travelers seek authentic experiences, from exploring historical landmarks and museums to engaging in local food tours. Cities that offer unique cultural attractions and outdoor adventures tend to be more appealing to those looking to mix work with personal enrichment.

Decatur, Alabama, is home to the Cook Museum of Natural Science, which was voted #1 in USA Today's Best New Museum 2021—a must-see attraction.

4. Wellness & Relaxation Options

The stress of work travel can take a toll, so bleisure travelers often seek hotels with spa services, fitness centers, and wellness programs. Whether it’s a sunrise yoga session or a post-meeting massage, self-care is a key element of the bleisure experience.

For relaxation in Decatur, Shine Salon in Downtown Decatur is a 10/10 experience. One of the best scalp massages you will ever receive!

5. Family-Friendly Amenities

As remote work becomes more common, many professionals bring their families along on work trips. Destinations that offer family-friendly attractions, kid-friendly hotels, and activities for all ages are highly appealing.

For summer trips, bring the kids and experience Point Mallard Water Park, one of America’s first water parks. Or take a stroll through the Carnegie Visual Arts Center for a cultural escape.

For tourism boards, hoteliers, and local businesses, the rise of bleisure travel presents a prime opportunity. Offering packages that combine work-friendly accommodations with sightseeing options, promoting weekend getaways for business travelers, and partnering with companies to highlight extended-stay perks can all help attract this growing market.

Bleisure travel is reshaping the tourism landscape, blending productivity with relaxation in a way that benefits both travelers and destinations. As more professionals embrace this hybrid approach, destinations catering to bleisure travelers will continue to thrive.

Whether it’s a corporate retreat in a scenic location or a conference near a bucket-list attraction, the future of business travel is all about balance. So, next time you book a work trip, why not extend your stay and make the most of the journey?

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Faith, Architecture, and Activism: The Story of First Missionary Baptist Church

By Emma Martin • February 21, 2025

In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more. First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.

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Ring in 2025 in Style: New Year's Eve in the River City

By Emma Martin • December 27, 2024

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year in the River City, look no further! We’ve put together the ultimate New Year’s Eve itinerary to ensure you have an evening full of amazing food, drinks, and excitement. From a fantastic dinner to a lively pre-game cocktail hour, and an unforgettable casino night, the River City has it all.

Decatur’s Festival of the Cranes: A Celebration of Nature and Community

By Emma Martin • December 12, 2024

Over the years, Decatur, Alabama, has become a haven for nature lovers every January. The annual Festival of the Cranes draws spectators from near and far to marvel at the majestic Sandhill and Whooping Cranes as they make their winter migration south