Top 5 Places to Visit Regardless of the Weather

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Don’t let a rainy day or a cold weather day keep you stuck inside all day! We have put together a list of places to visit that are perfect on those days when the weather is less than desirable! Let us know which one is your favorite.

Carnegie Visual Arts Center

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama opened in 2003 and has provided educational and cultural opportunities to the community. The Carnegie was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library of Decatur and was one of the 2,509 libraries built by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, so the Carnegie has a rich, unique history.

Not only does the Carnegie have beautiful collections and exhibits that are on display throughout the center, but they also have numerous programs for adults and kids to encourage and inspire through the arts.

Visit the Carnegie to see beautiful, unique, and inspiring art. Their exhibits change periodically, so it’s a new place every time you visit.

Cook Museum of Natural Science

If you love learning about plants, animals, space, and so much more, you need to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! This state of the art museum was opened in 2019, and it has quickly become a favorite attraction in the state and beyond.

One of the most popular features of the Museum is the 15,000 gallon aquarium that is home to several different types of fish. There’s also a Coral Tank with beautiful corals, fish, and some small crabs. You’ll be mesmerized by the Jelly Fish Tank, too.

In addition to the fish in the aquarium, there are baby alligators, a variety of turtles, snakes, a chuckwalla, an endangered hellbender, and an eastern collared lizard on display. You can go inside a replica cave just like the ones you’ll find in north Alabama and see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and other things you’re likely to find in a cave. There are also exhibits dedicated to space, weather, rocks & minerals, and a Holo Sands Table that is incredibly popular with kids and adults!

Another cool exhibit at the Museum is the “Big Tree” that is modeled after Alabama’s State Champion tulip poplar tree of the same name that you can find in the Sipsey Wilderness of Bankhead National Forest. You can even climb up in the tree to the second floor. There’s another replica tree there that has a cool bridge to cross to get the treehouse!

After your trip to the Museum, visit the awesome Museum Store for the perfect souvenir. The Museum Store is also a great place to go pick up a gift for friends and family or for yourself! And don’t forget to visit Nature’s Table for lunch, a delicious smoothie, or an acai bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the Museum Store or Nature’s Table; you can visit any time you want!

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”

Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.

The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shot and G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Motorcycle Heaven exists, and you’ll find it in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon entering the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you’ll understand why motorcycles and cars are considered art. The stunning five-story Barber Museum is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world according to Guinness World Records. With more than 1,600 motorcycles, 59 vintage Lotus cars, eclectic art, and a 2.38-mile racetrack, the Barber Museum is truly a motorsports paradise.

Located at the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, the 228,650-square-foot Barber Museum has motorcycle and car exhibits on each of its five floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the building, which is anchored by an active restoration area that is visible to guests from each level.

The museum’s motorcycle collection spans more than a century’s worth of production, offering interesting views into the evolution of engineering. You’ll see examples of some of the oldest motorcycles in the world, such as a model of an 1867 Roper Steam Velocipede, as well as the museum’s oldest running motorcycle, the 1902 Steffey.

There are Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and Indians on exhibit alongside less familiar makes, like Cannondale, Jawa and Laverda. The museum has rare motorcycles like the 1996 Britten V1000, which is one of only 10 ever built. There is an exhibit of motorcycles built by Eric Buell, a collection of scooters and a dirt bike exhibit that will make you feel moved. With such a diverse collection, you may see an example of the very first motorcycle you ever rode.

Read more: excursionsgo.com/blog/2022/01/13/motorcycle-heaven. (by: Kelly Stewart)

Vulcan Park & Museum

A trip to Vulcan Park and Museum is a must for every visitor to the Birmingham region – in fact, it’s the best place to get started. In addition to seeing the iconic colossal statue, visitors gain an understanding of the region’s history and culture, and can learn more about other cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings at an onsite Visitor Information Center managed by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Created by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, Vulcan was cast from local iron to represent the state of Alabama at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Vulcan has overlooked Alabama’s largest city from atop Red Mountain since a 1930s WPA project created his permanent home and namesake park.

After decades of exposure to the elements, by the 90s, the 50-ton statue was in desperate need of repair. Recognizing Vulcan’s importance to the region’s history and persona, community leaders formed Vulcan Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization which oversaw a $16 million project that returned the statue to his 1904 grandeur. The meticulous restoration of Vulcan and his 124′ sandstone pedestal, completed in 2004, received numerous awards including the highest honor awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Embracing the personality of the community Vulcan symbolizes, the park grounds and museum offer a dynamic edu-taining experience. Standing for Birmingham Alabama’s rich industrial history, the diverse cultures that settled and built the community, and the story of Vulcan are recounted in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

Best Places to Ring in the New Year in North Alabama

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2022 is coming to a close, and we’ve got the best places to ring in 2023 in north Alabama! Happy New Year!

Hopper’s Bar & Grill

Don’t miss the exciting New Year’s Eve party at Hopper’s Bar & Grill in the Holiday Inn in Huntsville! There will be three bands, a DJ, and a dinner buffet to ring in the new year.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Huntsville

Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Huntsville invites you to make plans to join them at their new “Home of Serious Steaks” at Twickenham Place. After 10 years of distinctive Huntsville dining, they’ve moved to a brand new location and designed a restaurant space where you can enjoy Happy Hour daily from 4-6:30 pm in our bar and lounge and dinner nightly from 5 PM on in our dining rooms. New Year’s Eve – 3-11 pm.

Photo: Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Stella’s Elixir Lounge

Stella’s Roaring Rooftop NYE Bash is Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 | 6 pm – 2 am with live music with In the Mood Jazz Band: 6 – 9 pm and DJs Caleb and Dustin: 9 pm until 2 am.

Stovehouse

Stovehouse’s annual NYE party will be in The Electric Belle and The Royal on Saturday, December 31 from 9 pm – 1 am and will feature DJ Steve Metz of Metropolitan Disc Jockey Service! 21+ only. For more info/to reserve your tickets: https://stove.house/nye.

SideBar

Don’t miss SideBar’s New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl! Click SideBar for more info and passes!

Oasis Bar

Spend New Year’s Eve at Oasis Bar watching the CFP games! Opens at 2pm on Saturday, December 31.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – Birmingham

Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Birmingham will be open from 3 pm-11 pm in order to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style! Ruth’s Chris is situated in the lobby of the Embassy Suites Hotel, conveniently located just off the Red Mountain Expressway between the Homewood and Mountain Brook neighborhoods.

Photo: Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Mom’s Basement 

Spend New Year’s Eve at Mom’s Basement in Avondale! Open from 7 pm-2 am.

‘Tis the Season to be Merry!

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‘Tis the season for Christmas lights and fun! Nothing can get you in the Christmas spirit like checking out beautiful Christmas lights and attending fun holiday events! Check out these fun places and let us know what your favorite is.

Cruising with Santa – Rocket City Rover

Join Santa for a grown up Christmas crawl with Rocket City Rover in downtown Huntsville. Everyone becomes Santa’s bad little elves in December. Christmas trivia games, naughty Holiday jokes and of course “Christmas Spirits” to keep you in a festive mood.

FAMILY FRIENDLY RIDE on Sundays in December
Santa will put away his bad Santa alter-ego for this family friendly ride. He’ll be back to his jolly old elf self to delight children and their adults with carols, stops for sweet treats, Tinsel Trail photo ops, and kid’s trivia with prizes. No alcohol is allowed on this ride.

Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a magical place during the holidays! Drive the Garden and see thousands of bright lights going on now through January 1.

Tinsel Trail

The Tinsel Trail is a display of live Christmas trees in Downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. Over 300 trees will decorate the park for the holiday season. Join us in this festive Downtown tradition going on now through January 2!

Skating in the Park at Huntsville Museum of Art

Did you know you can ice skate in Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville? Located behind the Huntsville Museum of Art, you can lace up a pair of ice skates and glide across the ice.

Photo courtesy of Skating in the Park.

Vulcan Park’s Magical Nights

Vulcan Park and Museum is transforming the park into a magical holiday experience. Go enjoy the holiday light experience along with food trucks, music, Santa, and so much more.

Cook Museum of Natural Science

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If you love learning about plants, animals, space, and so much more, you need to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! This state of the art museum was opened in 2019, and it has quickly become a favorite attraction in the state and beyond.

One of the most popular features of the Museum is the 15,000 gallon aquarium that is home to several different types of fish. There’s also a Coral Tank with beautiful corals, fish, and some small crabs. You’ll be mesmerized by the Jelly Fish Tank, too.

In addition to the fish in the aquarium, there are baby alligators, a variety of turtles, snakes, a chuckwalla, an endangered hellbender, and an eastern collared lizard on display.

You can go inside a replica cave just like the ones you’ll find in north Alabama and see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and other things you’re likely to find in a cave.

Another cool exhibit at the Museum is the “Big Tree” that is modeled after Alabama’s State Champion tulip poplar tree of the same name that you can find in the Sipsey Wilderness of Bankhead National Forest. You can even climb up in the tree to the second floor. There’s another replica tree there that has a cool bridge to cross to get the treehouse!

There are also exhibits dedicated to space, weather, rocks & minerals, and a Holo Sands Table that is incredibly popular with kids and adults!

The Museum also has fun and educational homeschool classes, events, programs, and camps that kids love to attend to learn more about natural science.

After your trip to the Museum, visit the awesome Museum Store for the perfect souvenir. The Museum Store is also a great place to go pick up a gift for friends and family or for yourself! And don’t forget to visit Nature’s Table for lunch, a delicious smoothie, or an acai bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the Museum Store or Nature’s Table; you can visit any time you want!

Carnegie Visual Arts Center

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from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama opened in 2003 and has provided educational and cultural opportunities to the community. The Carnegie was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library of Decatur and was one of the 2,509 libraries built by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, so the Carnegie has a rich, unique history.

Not only does the Carnegie have beautiful collections and exhibits that are on display throughout the center, but they also have numerous programs for adults and kids to encourage and inspire through the arts.

One fundraiser the Carnegie has each year is the Carnegie Carnival that takes place during the Mardi Gras season. They have several events leading up the the big event – the Mardi Gras parade along Second Avenue! You’ll see elaborate floats and get lots of beads.

Visit the Carnegie to see beautiful, unique, and inspiring art. Their exhibits change periodically, so it’s a new place every time you visit.

EXCURSIONS Hotel Guestbook 10th Anniversary Edition – Check it out before it’s gone!

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Our 10th Anniversary edition hit hotel rooms in Madison and Morgan Counties in December of 2021 and it’s been one of our most popular publications to date!

EXCURSIONS is chocked full of local information, places to visit, restaurants, night spots, local attractions, and shopping venues. This is the first in-depth and detailed introduction hotel guests get when they check into their rooms. Placed annually and maintained in more than 5,700 local hotel rooms. EXCURSIONS is a trusted and proven resource for Huntsville, Madison and Decatur travelers.

Enjoy the read and get out and explore Huntsville, Madison and Decatur, Alabama!

Sweet On You

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from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

If you are like us, we are always craving a little something sweet. Whether it is chocolate, homemade candy, pie, or cake that is your favorite, we have a list of some of the best places to grab that sweet treat in Decatur!

Tennessee Valley Pecan Company

Tennessee Valley Pecan Company on historic Bank Street in downtown Decatur has delicious pecans, hands down, but they also offer those pecans as delectable treats covered in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, key lime pie, cinnamon sugar, and more. It’s really hard to choose a favorite, so they offer a variety tin with all the flavors! TVP also bakes the best pecan pies that are the perfect ending to any meal.

Morgan Price Candy Company

We had you at candy, right? Morgan Price Candy Company has been a fixture in Decatur for more than 20 years. What started out as a mail-order candy business in Mary Morgan’s home, quickly became a thriving store-front in 1991. You’ll find the best pralines, toffee, peanut brittle, cheese straws, and other delicious treats at Morgan Price.

Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que

Ok, so you know that Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que has delicious barbeque, but they also serve up an amazing banana pudding to finish off your meal. So the next time you’re at Moe’s make sure to save room for the banana pudding!

Simp McGhee’s

After you’ve dined at historic Simp McGhee’s on Bank Street and had you fill of their delicious Cajun recipes or a thick, juicy steak, their derby pie is the perfect sweet complement to your meal.

Josie’s Cafe

Since Josie’s Cafe specializes in Mediterranean and Italian inspired foods, you know their tiramisu is to die for! Pair it with a bold cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself the perfect after dinner treat.

Mellow Mushroom

Think Mellow Mushroom just specializes in pizza? Think again. You’ll find several sweet treats on the menu at Mellow to cap off your meal, like Mary Jane’s Triple Chocolate Brownie, Time For A Sundae, and their Gourmet Cookie. They can even top it with all-natural vanilla bean ice cream, dark chocolate truffle sauce, house-made fresh whipped cream and an all-natural bing cherry.

Big Bob Gibson’s Bar B Q

Sure Big Bob Gibson’s is known for their award-winning barbecue, but they are equally known for their amazing homemade pies. Their pies are so sought-after that if you don’t get your order in early enough around a holiday, you’ll miss out! Their specialities are chocolate, peanut butter, lemon, pecan, and coconut. So, so, so good!

Photo courtesy of Big Bob Gibson’s.

Outdoor Dining in Decatur

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from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

Ah, the weather is cooling down to below scorching hot, so eating outdoors is about to become pleasant again! Check out these fun and delicious restaurants and make it a date to dine al fresco.

Simp McGhee’s

Nestled into a corner of historic Bank Street, just a stone’s throw from the Tennessee River, lies the heart of fine dining in Decatur. Simp McGhee’s exudes old-fashioned charm while offering fresh Cajun seafood and beef selections sure to please all palates.

Enjoy live music and their rustic historical atmosphere while you dine or relax. You may also dine under the stars on their pet-friendly sidewalk café.

Josie’s

Josie’s is a café that serves dishes originating in America, Italy, France and Spain. This Mediterranean restaurant adds flavor and style to Second Avenue in downtown Decatur.

Moe’s Original Bar B Que

Moe’s Original Bar B Que serves up an award-winning, all things Southern, BBQ experience. Their fast casual eatery offers Moe’s award-winning Bama-style BBQ offerings including pulled pork, ribs, wings, chicken and turkey in addition to catfish and a shrimp Moe-Boy sandwich, not to mention an array of Southern Sides prepared fresh daily. The full premium bar serves frozen concoctions including the famous Bushwacker and Moonshine Margarita, Southern-style cocktails, wine and plenty of craft beers on tap and will even stay open until midnight on Thursdays through Saturdays. Located in the Downtown Decatur Arts & Entertainment District next to the historic Princess Theatre, there is occasional live music on the weekends that ranges from Southern rock and blues with an emphasis on the Muscle Shoals and North Alabama music scene.

Mellow Mushroom

Who doesn’t love to eat a good pizza outdoors?! Mellow Mushroom on Second Avenue in downtown Decatur has a large, covered patio that’s perfect hanging out with friends over pizza and drinks. Mellow Mushroom is the originator of hand tossed, stone baked classic southern pizza, and they use the freshest ingredients in their pizzas. You’ll also find lots of beers on tap as well as hand-crafted drinks daily.

Nature’s Table at the Cook Museum

Nature’s Table at the Cook Museum is a great place to grab lunch! There’s a large, covered and uncovered patio area that makes lunch fun and enjoyable. Sit around on the couches or grab a table! Nature’s Table uses the freshest ingredients, so it’s a great option if you’re into nutrition and watching those calories. You can choose from wraps, sandwiches, protein bowls, and salads that are refreshing and filling. Their smoothies and acai bowls are a dream! Nature’s Table also has a kid’s menu that’s perfect for the littles, and the best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the restaurant.

Alabama Center for the Arts

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from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

The Alabama Center for the Arts is a new state of the art facility that has added a lot of art and culture to downtown Decatur! Located just across the street on Second Avenue from the Princess Theatre, this 44,000-square-foot facility is the region’s premiere arts center and degree program.

It represents an investment of more than $8 million dollars from Athens State University, Calhoun Community College, the City of Decatur and Morgan County.

College courses taught at the facility will lead to Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with class offerings that include art appreciation, painting, drawing, computer graphics, sculpture, ceramics, and pottery as well as a teaching major, leading to licensure for art instructors.

Non-credit, community education courses are available to the public. Classes are programmed to reflect the interests of local citizens. Instructors include local talent as well as renowned masters.

Kathleen’s Fine Art and Interiors

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Your source for locally-curated fine art, home accessories and other treasures

Kathleen’s Fine Art & Interiors is one of the most unique spaces in Decatur, featuring original art and home accessories that complement the art. Visitors can find anything they are looking for and often find things they weren’t looking for but were meant to have.

“Art speaks to the right person,” Kathy Clay, owner of Kathleen’s Fine Art andInteriors, said. Because of that, visitors never know what will speak to them as they peruse Kathy’s collection.

For the last 1l years, Kathy has served Decatur as a little-known treasure, deal-ing in one-of-a-kind art and unique accessories for the home. Kathleen’s has also become known for its special occasion flowers and decorations that are unlike anything most florists could put together. Flower art is just another creative outlet for Kathy and her partner, who enjoy helping buyers connect with the artists that speak to them.

“Art speaks to the right person”

There is no one type, style or genre of art in the shop, which boasts 3,000 square feet of space filled with art from a variety of artists who create pieces as different as they all are. Each artist has their own story about how they create, what inspires them and how they view their work and Kathy knows each story as well as her own.

“I love my artists, and I love to sell for them,” Kathy said. “I always tell them it is so important to do what you love when they are looking at what type of art to create. The right person will find the painting that’s meant for them.”

  • KATHLEEN’S FINE ART& INTERIORS
  • 211 2nd Avenue SE, Suite B, Decatur, Alabama 35601
  • 256.355.7616
  • Facebook & Instagram: @kathleensinteriors
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