"Falling" for Decatur

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info@decaturcvb.org

350 Market St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601

"Falling" for Decatur

Lillie Beth Warner • October 5, 2022

The air is a little cooler and the colors are a little brighter..... it's finally fall in Decatur!

There is something about when the seasons' change that brings Decatur to life! When the beautiful red, yellow, and orange leaves start to appear everything gets a little cozier. If you are looking to enjoy the Autumnal ambiance look no further! We have compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Morgan County this fall season! Whether you like to pick pumpkins at a local farm or take a walk through the trails Decatur and Morgan County has it all.

Visit a local pumpkin patch

If you and your family are looking for an adventure, check out one of our local pumpkin patches! You can stroll through the fields and find the perfect pumpkin for you. From large orange ones to beautiful white, or maybe you like more of a funky pumpkin, you will have plenty to choose from. A trip to the pumpkin patch is the perfect way to get you in the Fall spirit! Learn more about the pumpkin patches in Morgan County below:

Gullion Farms

(701 Peck Hollow Road, Somerville AL)

Open Saturdays in October. 10AM-4PM. Admission is $10 per person and kids under school age get in free.

There is so many fun fall activities at Gullion Farms! What all is included with admission you may ask? You can milk a cow, or go on a relaxing hay ride! Meet animals at the petting zoo, or be courageous sliding down their huge slide. You can soar to new heights while jumping in their hay jump. Or you can get lost in the hay maze or corn pit. Gullion Farms also offers fishing and egg gathering. If you have children they will love the Gullion Farms playground. Or maybe they would enjoy one of their different stations including a slingshot station, a roping station, and a dressing a scarecrow station.

Pony rides and horse rides for an additional price. Pumpkin prices vary based on size.

Home cooking is available for purchase! Cornbread, pintos, greens, bbq, pear relish, burgers, nachos, and more.

Learn more

Hidden Rivers Farm

(169 Goose Pond Rd, Hartselle, AL 35640)

Hidden Rivers Farm is open for the Fall season: September 16, 2022 through October 30, 2022. Come play Fridays from 4pm-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-7pm.

Admission:

Season Passes:$30 per person

Day Passes:

Fridays: $8 per person online or at the gate

Saturdays and Sundays: $9 per person online or $10 at the gate

Children 2 and under get in free!

What all is included with Admission? You can hike through the nature trails, climb a tire mountain, or feel the breeze in the swings!

You can get lost in the themed maze or take a piece of autumn home with you by picking your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

You can experience a bit of farm life with animal encounters and even have the chance to ride a pony. You may also want to pop on into the corn pit for some fall fun! There are lots of fun play areas set up around the farm for more opportunities for fun, imagination, and play!

If you are a football fan you don’t have to miss a second of it this season! They have a tailgate tent with 2 tv's, cornhole, and seating areas. It is the perfect place to enjoy a day of tailgating while the kids play in a safe area!

When you get hungry they have food and grills. Buy lunch or bring it with you so you can stay and play the day away! Grills are also available for rental!

*Pumpkins, animal feedings, and pony rides available for purchase

Learn more

Attend a fall festival

A Fall festival is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the season! Autumnal sweets and treats, beautiful decorations, and live music, what more could you want? Decatur and Morgan County will have some amazing fall festivals upcoming this season and we wanted to highlight a few for you!

Falkville Fall Festival

(October 8th, 2022)

The town of Falkville is throwing its annual Fall Festival! It starts at 7:00 AM with a Pancake breakfast at the fire station. Then you can join in the ColorMe Downtown 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:00 AM. After the 5K, from 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM there will be vendors, arts and crafts, inflatables, a mechanical bull, and activities for children. Or you can attend the car/ tractor show starting at 9:00 AM. There will also be live music during the festival so make sure to stop by and check it out!

Alabama Gourd Festival

(October 14th-15th, 2022)

The Alabama Gourd Festival is an art show held at the Sparkman Civic Center in Hartselle, Alabama. Enjoy the beautiful works of art made from gourds. Find that unique gift for someone special on your list or something for yourself. You will find plenty of raw gourds, supplies, and tools for purchase. Children can decorate their own ornamental gourd for free. The whole family will enjoy touring the fabulous ribbon competition exhibit room. Learn something new as gourd artists demonstrate their art techniques, or take a class from an experienced gourd artist. The Alabama Gourd Festival is free to attend!

Take a stroll around looking at the beautiful fall colors

The leaves are changing and Decatur is absolutely stunning! If you like to admire nature's beauty there are plenty of opportunities for you! Take a walk around the Point Mallard Trails, or visit the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to get a glimpse of all the beautiful fall colors. The weather is perfect for a walk or run so take advantage of it now. You can even take your bike for a nice ride around town. Enjoy the season's cheapest activity by appreciating the area around you.

Try a local Autumnal Coffee

When it gets a little colder, you need something to warm you up. Decatur's local coffee shops have the perfect solution! A delicious hot cup of coffee hits the spot, especially in the Fall. Whether you prefer Lattes or Cold Brew make sure to check out these local places and ask about their Fall offerings.

Current Coffee & Collectables

( 1311 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601)

Monday 11 AM–8 PM

Tuesdays Closed

Wednesday 11 AM–8 PM

Thursday 11 AM–10 PM

Friday 11 AM–10 PM

Saturday 11 AM–10 PM

Sunday 12 PM–9 PM

Highpoint Market

307 2nd Ave SE Suite 3, Decatur, AL 35601

Monday 7 AM–5 PM

Tuesday 7 AM–5 PM

Wednesday 7 AM–5 PM

Thursday 7 AM–5 PM

Friday 7 AM–5 PM

Saturday 7 AM–5 PM

Sunday Closed

Java Jaay

1713 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601

Monday 6 AM–5 PM

Tuesday 6 AM–5 PM

Wednesday 6 AM–5 PM

Thursday 6 AM–5 PM

Friday 6 AM–5 PM

Saturday 7 AM–2 PM

Sunday Closed

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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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By Emma Martin • January 21, 2025

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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