Known as "The River City," Decatur, Ala., like many Southern cities in the 19th century, used its water access as an engine for growth. Decatur was known early on as the "Chicago of the South," and it embraced the slogan "City of Opportunity" during its growth in the Tennessee Valley during the first half of the 20th century before being passed in size and commerce by nearby Huntsville.
But what Decatur lacks in size these days, it makes up for in charm and local activity. From delicious barbecue to bird watching and other wilderness activities, the city is certainly worth a visit.
FAST FACTS
*Founded: 1820
*Population: 55,683
*Time zone: Central Time
TASTY CELEBRATION
*The Riverfest Barbecue Cook-off happens every year at the Ingalls Harbor Pavilion in September. This year it's Sept. 15-16 from 10 a.m. to midnight.
*Serving as the Alabama state championship, the Riverfest Cook-off features teams from states from across the South and as well as from across the country. The competition - like the sauces - can be hot, considering teams are dusting and rubbing for a slice of the $20,000 purse and the lofty title of "champion" and the bragging rights that come with it.
*The festival features live music, events for kids, family activities and more. (Ingalls Harbor Pavilion Meeting & Event Center, 802A Wilson St.; 800-524-6181; decaturjaycees.com)
WHERE TO EAT
*Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q has a reputation as large as its name implies and a tradition as long as its history. The eatery was established in 1925. Founder Bob Gibson and his 6-foot-4, 300-pound frame - hence the "Big" moniker - served his delicious smoked meats from a makeshift table made from oak planks that were nailed to a sycamore tree in his backyard.
*From that family start, four generations of Gibsons have continued to live up to the family slogan of "It's all in the sauce" and won the 2014 World BBQ Championship.
*Today, there are two locations in Decatur, both offering dine-in and drive-thru. (1715 Sixth Ave. SE/U.S. Highway 31; 2520 Danville Road SW; bigbobgibson.com)
BIG ATTRACTION
*Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, founded in 1938 by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, serves as a breeding ground and a refuge for migratory birds and lots of other wildlife.
*Wheeler has a rich mix of water-based habitats and provides a sanctuary for more than 295 bird species, including more than 30 species of waterfowl and a growing population of sandhill and whooping cranes.
*The refuge also is home to 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, 38 species of freshwater mussels and 26 species of freshwater snails.
*There is no fee to visit. The visitor center is is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October-February, and until 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday from March 1 through September. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and July Fourth. (3121 Visitor Center Road; 256-350-6639; fws.gov/refuge/wheeler)
FAMOUS FOOTBALL CONNECTIONS
*Several famous Decatur native sons have made their mark in football through the years.
*There is Philip Rivers, the All-Pro NFL quarterback who has moved into the top 20 in most career passing categories. There also is former Alabama All-American Rolando McClain, who was a first-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2010.
*In the fictional football world, actor Lucas Black, who starred with Billy Bob Thornton in "Sling Blade," is from Decatur. Black was the quarterback in the movie version of "Friday Night Lights," a drama about a high school football team in Texas. Also, actor Dean Jones, who starred in several Disney movies in the 1960s including "Gus, the Field Goal Kicking Mule," is from Decatur.
Sources: fws.gov/refuge/wheeler/, decaturcvb.org/category/photos, bigbobgibson.com/locations/, alabama.travel/upcoming-events/search?q=Decatur; decaturcvb.org/, decaturjaycees.com, bigbobgibson.com
Bank Street in Decatur, Ala.