08/19/2024
We’re spilling the tea: the North Alabama Mural Trail is amazing! Go to www.northalabama.org/places-to-visit/trails/mural-trail to download your digital passport so you can check in and earn prizes!
📸: blendd.fam.adventures
Visit North Alabama
- Home
- United States
- Decatur, AL
- Visit North Alabama
From mountains and lakes to rockets and space, North Alabama is a beautiful place! We are a regional tourism office located in central North Alabama.
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (Visit North Alabama) supports and promotes tourism for the 16 North Alabama counties. The region includes 16 counties that offer eight sport fishing lakes, seven state parks, more than 175 attractions, lots of shopping and dining locations, and numerous outdoor adventure opportunities.
08/19/2024
Dog lovers, we’re giving a way a couple of dog bandannas! Tell us: where are your fave places to take your pup in North Alabama? We’ll choose two lucky people, or pups, to win a Sweet Home North Alabama bandanna on Wednesday!
Our adorable model is Drake, who belongs to Penne, our Visitor Services Rep. 🐶❤️
08/19/2024
Now this sounds cool! 🐅
Experience the magic of the preserve like never before with our Sunset Tour & Roar, coming up on August 31st from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This exclusive evening event offers a unique opportunity to explore Tigers for Tomorrow as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over our magnificent animals and lush surroundings.
During the tour, you'll get an up-close look at some of our most incredible residents, including a special capybara encounter and the unforgettable experience of safely feeding a tiger.
Guided by our knowledgeable staff, you'll learn fascinating facts about the animals, their behaviors, and what it takes to care for them.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time supporter, the Sunset Tour & Roar is the perfect way to connect with nature, learn something new, and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure!Reserve your spot today and be part of an unforgettable evening at Tigers for Tomorrow.
08/16/2024
Nestled in the scenic town of Mentone, Alabama, The Hatter Café is a whimsical wonderland that invites visitors to step into a world inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. And don't forget to listen to the podcast episode at northalabama.org/podcast!
Nestled in the scenic town of Mentone, Alabama, The Hatter Café is a whimsical wonderland that invites visitors to step into a world inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. Owned and operated by Roger and Pamela Wald, this delightful café has become a beloved....
08/15/2024
Located in Mentone, The Hatter Café and Country Inn is an Alice in Wonderland-themed business with eclectic decor and a diverse menu. Roger and Pamela Wald, the owners of The Hatter Café and Country Inn, join Melea on today’s episode to tell the story of how they fell in love with Mentone, and why they decided to move there and open their establishment. Roger and Pamela then detail the café’s delicious menu and what to expect when staying at the Country Inn. Go to northalabama.org/podcast to listen to the full episode!
08/14/2024
Did you know that Maraella Vineyards & Winery was the first estate in Alabama to grow, harvest, and produce Cabernet Sauvignon? Stop by the tasting room for samples and to take home a few bottles of North Alabama wine! 🍇🍷
08/12/2024
We're recording a podcast episode this week with one of our North Alabama Ambassadors Zenovia Stephens, who founded Black Adventure Crew back in 2020. Her family is all about the outdoors, so tell us what questions you want asked! We'll choose a question from the comments to win a t-shirt.
08/12/2024
Huntsville is celebrating food the whole month of August! Click the link to see all the delicious specials in the Rocket City!
This August, explore the flavors of Huntsville/Madison County with ten days of tasty deals.
08/12/2024
It’s Restaurant Week all over North Alabama! Check out these specials in Athens! 🥘🥗
08/09/2024
With over 80 miles of free public trails, Land Trust of North Alabama offers plenty of space to explore nature and discover outdoor adventure. Visit one of ten nature preserves to enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding or simply to relax. Land Trust nature preserves are open from dawn to dusk daily (with the exception of Cane Creek Canyon) and all are free to access. Find trail maps and directions to each preserve on the website: www.landtrustnal.org.
📸: Land Trust of North Alabama
08/08/2024
Named as one of the state’s Top 10 destinations by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, the Huntsville Museum of Art has gained a reputation throughout the South for bringing high-caliber touring exhibitions to the region. The nationally accredited Museum fills its fourteen galleries with a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, including prestigious traveling exhibits and the work of nationally and regionally acclaimed artists. The Museum’s own permanent collection is comprised of over 3,000 objects and also forms the basis for several exhibitions each year. In addition to its exhibitions, the Museum offers art classes for children and adults along with special programs, lectures, and musical presentations that add extra dimensions to the artwork on display.
08/08/2024
Our North Alabama Ambassador .fam.adventures captured this fantastic view of Little River Falls from the bottom of the falls!
08/05/2024
Who wants to win four ticket vouchers to a Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball game? ⚾️ In the comments, tag 3 friends and tell them to follow our page, and we'll randomly choose one lucky person from the comments on Wednesday to win!
08/02/2024
All aboard the North Alabama Train Depots Trail! 🚂 Since the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains was built in 1833 in North Alabama, the Iron Horse was the primary form of mass transit across the Southland, especially in the rural, rolling hills of North Alabama. This Train Depots Trail will help guide you down the steel rails to the significant depots, museums, festivals, eateries, and small-scale train rides available today! Click the link to see all the depots in North Alabama: northalabama.org/places-to-visit/trails/train-depots-trail.
08/02/2024
In this episode, Melea chats with Sarah Stahl, the marketing manager at ReTreet Resort, a glamping destination in North Alabama. With countless amenities and three different types of lodging, ReTreet is the perfect place to get outdoors while still enjoying the luxuries of home. Sarah talks about why guests come from all over the world to experience this unique stay and how they are constantly working to take traditional glamping up a notch. Go to northalabama.org/podcast to listen the full episode!
08/01/2024
Have you visited Wills Creek Winery in Duck Springs? It’s nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and creates delicious wines and Sunday brunches! 🍷
📸: Creek Winery
07/30/2024
Plenty of sweet juicy fun is on tap for the annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival in Russellville on August 16-17! The Watermelon Festival offers arts and crafts, a variety of watermelon contests, car and truck show, food vendors, children’s activities, games, and musical entertainment, along with free samples of watermelon.
The festival weekend begins with opening ceremonies at 6:30pm on Friday with live music taking the stage both days.
Friday, August 16 - Music Lineup
6:30pm – Opening Ceremony (National Anthem: Tara Greenhill)
7pm – Tremayne
8:30pm – Lover, Taylor Swift Tribute
Saturday, August 17 - Music Lineup
6pm – REWIND of the Shoals
7pm – Austin Bohannon
8:30pm – Colin Stough
Contests centered on watermelons, including watermelon seed spitting, the largest melon, best tasting melon, most unusual and best-dressed melons, are a highlight each year entertaining festivalgoers of all ages. Over 100 vehicles are expected for the car and truck show on Saturday morning, and additional activities include a 5K run and 1-mile fun run, character guests to entertain the children and the Franklin County Extension Office contests.
07/29/2024
Where is your favorite mural in North Alabama? We’ll choose one lucky person on Wednesday from the comments to win a prize! Bonus points for a picture!
Have you found this out of this world mural at Campus 805? 👨🚀🚀 Get your digital passport, check in, and earn prizes by going to: northalabama.org/places-to-visit/trails/mural-trail.
07/28/2024
Did you see that comedians Leanne Morgan and Karen Mills shopped at Unclaimed Baggage a few days ago? What cool things have you found? 🧳
07/28/2024
10 of the best outdoorsy things to do in North Alabama! What would you add to this list?
From waterfalls and caverns to glamping and wineries, these are some of the best things to do in North Alabama outdoors. This guide includes some of my favorite adventures in the state, from rock scrambling underground to sipping at the local vineyards.
07/26/2024
Don’t miss the Lexington Tractor and Truck Pull on August 9 & 10 at the Lexington Motorsports Park at 6:30pm both nights.
There will be be high-powered tractors, delicious food, prizes for top pulls, and it is a Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League event sanctioned by Mid-South Pullers Association.
Admission:
Adults: $15
Kids (6-12): $10
Under 6: Free
07/26/2024
Visit the lovely Ave Maria Grotto this weekend!
07/25/2024
It’s National Intern Day, and we’ve got a great one! Annalaura Swinea is a junior at Ole Miss, and has been a wonderful asset to our team this summer! ✨
07/25/2024
It’s ! 🍷 Did you know that not only does Jules Berta Winery & Pizzeria have delicious wines, but they also have the best brick-oven fired pizza?! Try a flight of wine, a wine slushie, and a pizza! 🍷🍕
📸: Jules J. Berta Winery
07/23/2024
“Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou Romeo?” Don’t miss these wonderful moments in the Garden this summer! 🪴
🌿🎭 Shakespeare in the Garden, Summer 2024
Join Huntsville Shakespeare at Huntsville Botanical Garden’s outdoor Amphitheatre for an unforgettable summer of classic theater! Experience two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays in a beautiful, natural setting.
Romeo and Juliet
📅 July 26, August 3, August 9
🕢 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Enjoy a 90-minute family-friendly version of Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love and tragedy between two star-crossed lovers.
The Winter’s Tale
📅 July 27, August 2, August 10
🕢 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Witness Shakespeare’s captivating story of jealousy, forgiveness, and redemption. This 90-minute family-friendly adaptation will transport you to the imaginary seacoast of Bohemia, where ancient Greek oracles coexist with Renaissance sculptors.
🎟️ Tickets: hsvbg.org/calendar/
Members: $25
Nonmembers: $35
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy Shakespeare’s masterpieces under the stars at Huntsville Botanical Garden. Grab your tickets now!
07/23/2024
North Alabama, with its blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history and charming small towns, offers a perfect setting for an unforgettable RV trip. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff or just looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, these stunning landscapes have something for everyone. Inspired by a recent episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, this blog post will guide you through a perfect RV itinerary, highlighting must-see destinations, activities and tips to make your journey smooth and memorable.
North Alabama, with its blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history and charming small towns, offers a perfect setting for an unforgettable RV trip. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff or just looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, these stunning landscapes have something...
07/23/2024
Check out this cool opportunity at Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain! 🐅
🌅 Excitement Ahead for Our Sunset Tour & More!
🐾 Mark your calendars for July 27th, from 5 PM to 7 PM!
https://www.tigersfortomorrow.org/checkout-1/Sunset-Tour-&-More-p674038726/
Get ready for a purr-fectly thrilling guided tour of our facility! 🐅🦁
👨🏫 Chat with your tour guide and ask all your questions—just like a private tour!
👋Meet Gretel, our resident Capybara —she’s pawsitively excited to see you!
🐯 Experience the thrill of feeding a tiger safely using a feeding pole. 🐅
This adventure is roarsome and family-friendly! 🦁
🎟 Tickets are $50 per person, with only 50 spots available to keep this tour intimate and wild. 🌟
🎫 Get your tickets now before they’re gone on our website! 🏃♂
🌿
07/22/2024
Share with us what you've been making/baking/cooking/grilling from our local farmer's markets, and wee'll choose one lucky person randomly on Wednesday from the comments to win a signed copy of Martie Duncan's Sweet Home Alabama: Destinations & Dishes Worth the Trip cookbook, and some handy items to use to make these concoctions! Pics are a bonus!
If you need some help deciding on your fave farmer’s market, check out our blog post: www.northalabama.org/blog/post/farmers-markets-and-farms-in-north-alabama.
07/22/2024
Vote for the GunRunner Hotel & Bar in Florence! It’s in the #1 spot, so let’s keep it there!
🌟 Your Votes Have Brought Us to #1! 🌟
Thanks to your incredible support, GunRunner Hotel is now ranked #1 for the 2024 Best Boutique Hotel by USA Today! 🎉🏆 We are truly grateful for your dedication.
Let's keep the momentum going! You can cast your vote once a day to ensure we remain at the top. Your daily votes are crucial in helping us secure this prestigious title. 🏨✨
👉 mk360.me/votegunrunner
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us shine. Together, we can keep GunRunner Hotel at #1! 💫
Address
402 Sherman Street SE
Decatur, AL
35601
Telephone
Website
Alerts
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Visit North Alabama posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to Visit North Alabama:
Videos
Listen to find out what the signature dish is at The Hatter Cafe in Mentone! And to listen to the full episode go to northalabama.org/podcast. #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #northalabama #alabama #thehattercafe #mentone #aliceinwonderland
The house that The Hatter Cafe is in has interesting history! Listen to the full episode at northalabama.org/podcast. #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #northalabama #alabama #thehattercafe #mentone #aliceinwonderland
Located in Mentone, The Hatter Café and Country Inn is an Alice in Wonderland-themed business with eclectic decor and a diverse menu. Roger and Pamela Wald, the owners of The Hatter Café and Country Inn, join Melea on today’s episode to tell the story of how they fell in love with Mentone, and why they decided to move there and open their establishment. Roger and Pamela then detail the café’s delicious menu and what to expect when staying at the Country Inn. Go to northalabama.org/podcast to listen to the full episode! #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #thehattercafe #mentone #aliceinwonderland
It’s sweet treat o’clock at Tennessee Valley Pecan Company on Second Avenue in downtown Decatur! Tennessee Valley Pecan has been open since 1942, and they have a variety of pecans, including chocolate covered pecans, gift sets, pecan brittle, pecan pies, and Bushy Tail Coffee that comes in a variety of flavors! If you need a gift, you’ll find some neat gifts such as aprons and coffee mugs. You can even see their mascot Elliott’s treehouse, too! Kids, if Elliott isn’t at home, you can leave him a message, and Elliott will write you back! So make sure to stop in for a sweet treat when it’s sweet treat o’clock! #visitnorthal #sweettreatoclock #sweettreat #tennesseevalleypecancompany #pecans #downtowndecatur #decaturalabama #northalabama #alabama
It’s sweet treat o’clock, so head to Tess’ Place on Second Avenue in downtown Decatur for some ice cream or a craft soda! 🍦 #visitnorthal #sweettreatoclock #sweettreat #icecream #decatur #decaturalabama #tessplace
Two of our state parks have glamping tents, as well as other locations in North Alabama! Listen to the full episode at northalabama.org/podcast or click the link in our profile to find out other locations where you can glamp in North Alabama!#visitnorthal #glamping #glamp #retreetresort #scottsboro #northalabama #alabama
What is the “igloo” at ReTreet Resort near Scottsboro? Listen to the full episode at northalabama.org/podcast! #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #retreetresort #glamping #treehouse #northalabama #alabama #scottsboro
What is glamping? Listen as Sarah Stahl, marketing manager at ReTreet Resort tells us all about this new trend in camping! To listen to the full episode, go to northalabama.org/podcast. #visitnorthal #retreetresort #glamping #treehouse #unexpectedadventures #podcast
Ahoy, matey! Cool off and have a blast at Pirate's Bay Water Park in Leesburg! It's located near the Great Escapes RV Resort, and it’s a blast! #visitnorthal #northalabama #alabama #waterpark #summertime #summerfun #piratesbaywaterpark
There’s plenty of summer left to enjoy a fun day at Spring Valley Beach waterpark in Blountsville! ☀️ They have a 2 acre pool that is fun for the whole family, numerous waterslides, including the new Double Tornado Wave! You are also welcome to bring coolers. Spend the day in the sun at Spring Valley Beach! #visitnorthal #springvalleybeach #waterpark #summertime #summerfun #northalabama #alabama
North Alabama Ambassador and camping extraordinaire Laura Smith joins Melea on this episode to talk about some of the best things about camping with her family in North Alabama. Laura, a kindergarten teacher, shares her journey into camping with her husband, a helicopter mechanic, and their transition from a pop-up camper to a travel trailer. They discuss favorite campgrounds, essential camping tips, and memorable experiences, including a challenging trip to Tennessee that ended with a beautiful snowy adventure. Laura emphasizes the joy of making lasting memories with her family and offers practical advice for fellow campers. Go to northalabama.org/podcast to listen to the entire episode! #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #northalabamaambassador #camping
Have you found these 5 murals in Huntsville? #visitnorthal #NorthALMurals #muralmonday #murals #muralart #ihearthsv
What do you think about these? Love them? We thought so! •Noccalula Falls •Little River Falls •High Falls // For more waterfalls, go to northalabama.org/places-to-visit/trails/waterfalls! #visitnorthal #waterfallwednesday #waterfalls #sweethomealabama #alabama #northalabama
In this episode, Melea takes the show underground to Cathedral Caverns State Park-Alabama. She sits down with the Superintendent of the state park, Chris Bentley, to talk about some of the features visitors can find when they visit the cave. Whether it’s a massive rock formation or beautiful foliage, there are many unique things to uncover at Cathedral Caverns State Park. Go to northalabama.org/podcast to listen to the full episode!#visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #cathedralcavernsstatepark
It’s our favorite day! Which North Alabama waterfall is your fave? ✨#visitnorthal #waterfallwednesday #waterfalls #waterfall #sweethomealabama #alabama #northalabama
Noccalula Falls is gorgeous from any angle! Have you visited the park? There’s lots to see and do! #visitnorthal #waterfallwednesday #waterfalls #noccalulafalls #northalabamawaterfalltrail
In this episode, Melea takes the show on the road to The Soak House and Soapery in Guntersville. Owner Teresa Staggs and manager Alison James join Melea to talk about all of the luxury services offered at the spa. Services include mineral soaks, facials, massages, halo therapy and infrared sauna sessions. Teresa and Alison also discuss the importance of self-care, the personalized approach to client services and additional offerings like spa lunches and an overnight getaway in a nearby historic apartment. Listen to the full episode at northalabama.org/podcast! #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #soakhouseandsoapery #explorelakeguntersville #lakeguntersville
On today’s special episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, Melea takes a turn in the guest chair as she’s interviewed by our producer, Julie Sheffield. Listen in to learn more about Melea’s background, her upbringing in North Alabama, going away to college at Auburn and her career path. Melea also talks about some of her favorite things to do in North Alabama, such as visiting Delano Park. Go to northalabama.org/podcast to listen to the entire episode. #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast
Known for its Jeffersonian-Palladian style architecture, the Belle Mont Mansion in Tuscumbia is home to tours, exhibits and events throughout the year. Ninon Parker, the site director of the mansion, joins Melea on today’s episode to talk about Belle Mont’s historical significance, how the mansion has been preserved over the years and the different events it holds. Click northalabama.org/podcast to listen to the entire episode! #visitnorthal #unexpectedadventures #podcast #bellemontmansion #visittheshoals Belle Mont Mansion
Have you seen the beautiful new mural in downtown Decatur in between Grant and Johnston streets? It’s behind The RailYard, and it’s absolutely gorgeous! #visitnorthal #northalmurals #muralmonday #murals #visitdecatural #downtowndecatur
Shortcuts
Share
Category
Sweet Home North Alabama
From mountains and lakes to rockets and space, North Alabama is a beautiful place!
North Alabama is a diverse region that offers something for everyone. We are blessed with beautiful nature all around us. Alabama is known as the Land of Thousand Waterfalls, and North Alabama is home to many of them. These majestic waterfalls are all over our region from state line to state line. For more info, go to www.northalabama.org/trails/waterfalls.
North Alabama is also home to six beautiful, unique state parks: Buck’s Pocket State Park, Cathedral Caverns State Park, DeSoto State Park, Joe Wheeler State Park, Lake Guntersville State Park, and Monte Sano State Park. Little River Canyon National Preserve and Bankhead National Forest are among the places in North Alabama where beauty abounds.
You’ll also find some of the best fishing in North Alabama on its eight great lakes: Bear Creek Lakes, Lake Guntersville, Neely Henry Lake, Pickwick Lake, Smith Lake, Weiss Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Wilson Lake. For more info on our fishing, go to https://www.northalabama.org/things-to-do/hunting-and-fishing.
In addition to the natural beauty in North Alabama, our region is home to many Alabama makers such as breweries and wineries that you’ll find on the North Alabama Craft Beer Trail and North Alabama Wine Trail. Each has its own distinct flavors. For more info on the trails, go to http://www.northalabama.org/trails/craft-beer and http://www.northalabama.org/trails/wine.
We would be remiss to not mention our North Alabama Barbecue Trail because who doesn’t love to eat?! Right? We’ve got some of the best barbecue in the country located in our region. And hey, if you eat at all of the restaurants on our Trail, we’ll send you a prize. For more info, go to http://www.northalabama.org/trails/barbecue-trail.
North Alabama has museums ranging from art to space history and everything in between. One of the most iconic museums is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Visitors can learn about the history of space, see lots of rockets, and ride some fun rides at the museum. It’s definitely a bucket list item.
There’s so much more we could talk about in North Alabama, but why don’t you come see for yourself! And don’t forget to tag your photos with #visitnorthal when you visit so we can see how much fun you had.
Nearby travel agencies
-
Sherman Street SE
