(Photo) Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur AL.

Piece 1: Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Nestled along the Tennessee River in Decatur AL lies the picturesque Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 35,000 acres of diverse habitats, this refuge is a haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike.

Established in 1938 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife species, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge offers a remarkable variety of ecosystems that support over 300 bird species, including rare and endangered ones like the Bald Eagle and Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

Wheeler’s visitor center is a comfortable and well-appointed facility, with a nice display of wildlife scenes and a brief film about the refuge featuring exceptional videography.

Bird watching is perhaps the most popular activity at Wheeler, and the climate controlled observation building (just a short walk from the visitor’s center) offers great views of Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes, ducks, geese, raptors, and the occasional Bald Eagle.

The refuge is also a habitat for numerous mammal species such as white-tailed deer, bobcats, foxes, and even American black bears.

However, the highlight of our visit to Wheeler was probably the boardwalk trail (which begins just steps from the visitor center) that winds through a Tupelo Tree swamp.

1910 Sears Kit House in Old Decatur AL

Piece 2: Old Decatur AL Historic District. Established in 1820, Decatur AL emerged as a vital transportation hub along the Tennessee River, playing a pivotal role in the development of north Alabama.

The Old Historic District of Decatur is located near downtown along the southern bank of the Tennessee, and showcases an array of well-preserved buildings that reflect a variety of architectural styles.

Some of our favorite district highlights follow.

The State Bank Building at 925 Bank Street NE is a Jeffersonian-style structure built in 1833. The five limestone columns across the front weigh over 100 tons each and were mined in nearby Trinity AL.

The Hamil House at 422 Oak Street was built in 1929. With its steep roof, gables, and tall tapered chimney, it is typical of several English Cottage style houses built in the 1920’s in Decatur.

The J.T. Jones House at 601 Ferry Street is an excellent example of the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture. Built in 1899 by a cotton broker, it is often referred to as “The Gingerbread House.”

The distinctive house at 521 Oak Street was designed in 1939 by the head of the Architecture Department at Auburn University and follows a rare International Art Deco design. The home features solid limestone walls with glass brick windows and accents.

The Todd House at 215 Lafayette Street is one of the few buildings in Decatur that survived the Civil War. Dating back to 1836, it was originally a two-room Georgian house, but today follows a “hall and parlor” style, with a hall that runs from the front door to the back door with parlors opening off the hall.

Perhaps two of the most intriguing houses in the district are at 306 and 312 Lafayette Street. They are both Sears Kit houses, purchased in 1910. The kits, delivered by rail car, included everything: floors, walls, windows, even trim work. Buyers of a Sears Kit home saved about one third of the typical construction costs of their era.

One last district highlight is Rhodes Ferry Park, located at 100 Market Street SW. The beautiful and well-appointed public gathering and recreation space was once an essential transportation hub on Tennessee River. Great views, and a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur AL

Piece 3: Decatur AL Barbecue. Decatur AL is home to two outstanding barbecue restaurants; Big Bob Gibson’s and Whitt’s.

Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q was established in Decatur in the 1920’s and still thrives today as a fifth generation family business. The restaurant settled into its main location at 1715 6th Avenue SE in 1952.

Over the years, Big Bob Gibson’s has been recognized for the exceptional quality and flavor of its barbecue meats and sauces at well-known competitions such as the “Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Cook-Off” and the “American Royal International Barbecue Contest.”

The restaurant has a particular reputation for its pit-smoked barbecue chicken. Full birds are slow-cooked over hickory wood and then dunked in pot of Big Bob’s award-winning white sauce; a tangy condiment made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices.

Whitt’s, another source of delicious barbecue in Decatur, established its first restaurant in the city in 1976.

Like Big Bob Gibson’s, Whitt’s offers a variety of flavorful barbecue meats and sides. However, our favorite menu item there is the smoked turkey; marinated and slow cooked. It is particularly good when partnered with some of Whitt’s white barbecue sauce.

Whether you opt for Big Bob’s or Whitt’s, make sure to bring an appetite.

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