Dia De Los Muertos
Thanks to the Downtown Decatur Dia De Los Muertos Committee, the entire community is invited to celebrate the holiday, which is celebrated annually on November 1 or 2.
Stepping Back in Time: Your guide to “The Decaturs” historic districts
Did you know that Decatur was created from two different cities? Learn all about it from Caroline T. Swope, the historic preservation specialist for the City of Decatur!
Have You Heard?
It’s no wonder that Decatur was recently named the #1 barbecue city in Alabama with local legends like Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q at the table. Widely recognized for its smoked meats and famous white sauce, Big Bob’s has been a local staple for nearly 100 years.
Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum
Decatur is soon to be home to a multi-million-dollar civil rights museum, thanks to Celebrating Early Old Town with Art (CEOTA), a nonprofit organization established to illuminate the heritage of the early Old Town neighborhood of Decatur.
Brown Books & More is Positively Building Community
Brown Books & More is Positively Building Community
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“No matter your culture, when you come in here, you’re going to feel welcomed.”
That’s how Janelle Brown, owner of Brown Books & More, describes her Decatur bookstore. It’s a place where community happens, where everybody knows your name.
The brick-and-mortar store first opened in 2022, and since then, Janelle has been growing her business to create a place where every person can feel represented, welcomed, and inspired.
Janelle started her career in the banking industry, but after nearly two decades in finance, she decided to turn her attention to entrepreneurship. Inspired by the need to increase literacy and reading levels among Black and brown students, she set out to open a bookstore where anyone could see themselves represented.
“We have books for everyone,” says Janelle of the store’s selection. “We cover every genre and every culture.”
But beyond just selling books, Brown Books & More is a community gathering place.
The store offers a lunch menu with smoothies, chicken salad, and more, inviting guests to relax and take their time inside. Reading rooms are available for groups and individuals to use.
And if a club or small group wants to use the space to meet? “No charge,” says Janelle. The room is meant to be used by the community.
Even the store’s interior decoration has been chosen intentionally to make the space feel like home to its guests. Walking through the door, patrons can feel they belong.
“You always see somebody that you know [here],” says Janelle, speaking of the community atmosphere.
We wanted to know: What makes Decatur a great place to live and run her business?
Many things, according to Janelle. She appreciates Decatur’s affordability, plentiful job market, and rich history.
“It’s a small town but still has access [to] modern amenities,” she says. “You can support your family here.”
In fact, when asked to describe Decatur in a word or phrase, Janelle keeps it simple: “Decatur is home.”
We couldn’t agree more!
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Outdoor Recreation is Positively Everywhere in Decatur
Outdoor Recreation is Positively Everywhere in Decatur
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Decatur is a powerhouse in outdoor recreation.
Over 50 years ago, the Mayor of Decatur went to Germany to learn how to build the nation’s first wave pool. In 1970, this historic wave pool opened at Point Mallard Park, and Decatur claimed its place as a city dedicated to recreation.
Now, outdoor recreation is everywhere in Decatur.
Thanks to the area’s natural resources, the surrounding landscape and scenery offer prime locations for hiking, hunting, camping, nature photography, and more. The Tennessee River flows through the city, making water sports such as fishing, boating, and kayaking incredibly popular options.
Among the most popular attractions in Decatur are Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and Point Mallard Park. Wheeler Wildlife Refuge welcomes 600,000 visitors annually to explore the trails, spend time on the water, and witness the tens of thousands of sandhill cranes that gather there each winter.
Meanwhile, in the summer, Point Mallard’s water park opens to the delight of children and adults alike.
For organized sports, Decatur boasts venues for soccer, baseball, golf, disc golf, and more. In fact, the Jack Allen Recreation Complex is recognized as one of the most trailblazing sporting complexes in the Southeast.
But Decatur isn’t stopping there. Recreation is a priority for the city, with plans underway for even more outdoor experiences in the future.
From improvements to Point Mallard to a brand new recreation center at Wilson Morgan Park, from softball fields to pickleball courts, residents and visitors will soon enjoy an even wider range of activities in Decatur.
“We may have someone that just comes to visit, but they might think… ‘The city of Decatur might be the place for me to live, work, and play,’” said Danielle Gibson, President/CEO of Decatur Morgan County Tourism.
Resident or visitor, one thing is true: no matter your recreational interest, Decatur positively has something for you.
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Young Professionals in Decatur Are Positively the Best and Brightest!
The Best and Brightest Initiative is the first comprehensive incentive package in the nation for STEM young talent, and the 7-year-old program is growing rapidly.