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Pickwick belle riverboat.

Port of Decatur Ingalls Harbor 802 -B Wilson Street NW Decatur AL 35601 US

Docks at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, AL, It is authentic paddle wheel riverboat, offers charter and public cruises on Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River, 90ft long and 20 foot wide

Things To Do

Siteseeing down the Tennessee River, Upper Deck, Dinner Cruises, Private Functions, Daily Crusies

http://pickwickbelle.com

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Pickwick Belle Riverboat,Wheeler Lake ,Tennessee Rive,rDecatur Alabama

Harriott II Riverboat

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Pickwick Belle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Decatur welcomes Pickwick Belle riverboat

DECATUR, Ala. — The Pickwick Belle, a 112-passenger paddle wheel riverboat, began operating tours on Wheeler Lake and the Tennessee River June 9 after moving from its previous home in Florence, Ala.

The 90-foot-long, double deck riverboat, which operated a six-week trail run in Decatur last summer, offers sightseeing, dinner and theme cruises and is available for charter.

“The Tennessee River is an asset to the city of Decatur, and we are excited the Pickwick Belle will be showcasing its beauty for locals and visitors to enjoy,” said Tami Reist, president of the Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

www.pickwickbelle.com

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PICKWICK BELLE (Decatur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Alabama (AL) » 15 Best Things To Do In Decatur (AL)

15 Best Things To Do In Decatur (AL)

Decatur is known as “The River City” and is located in the north of Alabama along the banks of the Wheeler Lake, for a city with a population of only 55,000 there is a surprisingly large number of things to do.

Before Decatur became the city it is today it was know as “Rhodes Ferry Landing” after Dr. Rhodes who operated a ferry along the river. In 1821 the city was finally incorporated with the name Decatur that we see today.

I grew up in Alabama and enjoy exploring the many cities and towns the state has to offer. I have visited Decatur several times and the city has never let me down.

There is a great sense of community in this city and a ton of things to do so here is my list of the 15 best things to do in Decatur .

1. Visit Carnegie Visual Arts Center

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center has its home inside one of the area’s many historical buildings. This old building holds many exhibits featuring both local and national works of art. You can also go to the Carnegie Visual Arts Center to partake in art classes (Classes are available for children and adults), camps and lectures.

The Center is open every Tuesday to Saturday and entrance to the public is completely free for all.

2. View Some Preserved Wildlife At Cook Museum of Natural Science

I think the Cook Museum of Natural Science is one of the finest museums of its kind, There is a large assortment of exhibits to look at, 2,000 in total including mounted birds, exotic insects, animals, sea shells, coral and minerals. There is a section with wildlife that is found in the Tennessee Valley, these have been put into one display case to keep them together.

Included in the museum is a section that is full of endangered and protected species including both a golden and bald eagle. I recommend taking a few hours for your visit, once you have finished looking around the museum there is an auditorium where you can sit and watch natural science films.

3. Purchase The Freshest Fruit At Decatur Farmers’ Market

When it comes to buying your food as fresh as possible nothing comes close to meeting the people that grew it and then buying it off them. The Decatur Farmers’ Market is open every Monday – Saturday between April and November.

The market is packed full of stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables and gets very busy at times. Each month of the market there is a special event put on as well, this event celebrates a particular fruit or vegetable that is in season at the time.

4. Explore The Old State Bank

Few buildings can tell as varied a tale as the Old State Bank. In 1832 the Alabama General Assembly authorized three banks in the area to begin their work, this was one of them. The building is now nearly two hundred years old and  has seen two depressions and a civil war.

The use of the building has changed several times as well, in the past it has been a bank, hospital, guardhouse and dance hall. In 1972 the building was put on the National Register of Historical Places, it is a beautiful building and one that is decorated with many antiques from the Federal and Empire period.

More on Alabama: 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Alabama

5. All Aboard The Pickwick Belle

Located on Wheeler Lake on the Tennessee River is the Pickwick Belle, an authentic paddle wheel riverboat, the boat has been in operation since 2012, with its twin decks it is a fine sight to see.

The bottom deck of the boat features an enclosed 1,000 square foot dining room, galley and a bar, for those looking to sit outside the top desk is completely covered but set up for those that want to get a better view of the world around them, there is also a dance floor on this level. The boats does regular cruises up and down the river and can accommodate 112 passengers.

6. Experience The Great Outdoors At Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

The Wheeler Wildlife Refuge is a naturally preserved woodlands that covers over 34,000 acres of land. It is a truly unique place and allows visitors to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. The refuge was opened in 1938 to provide a home for the waterfowl in the area.

There is also an educational center on site that has an observatory made out of glass allowing you to get the best possible view of your surroundings. In the observatory you can pick up many leaflets showing you the best tours of the refuge to go on.

7. Visit The Oldest Park In Decatur

Delano Park is the oldest park in Decatur and has a great many things to see and do. My personal favorite is the WPA Rose Garden that was recently reconstructed to make sure it looked how it did when the park was originally planned.

The park was first opened in 1887 and spreads out over 28 acres, the park itself is listed on the National Historic Register due to its age. There is a Trail of History that runs from the east end of the park to the west end,  there are also signs placed along the trail which tell you the story of the park as well as the city.

Other things of interest in the park include a picnic shelter, playground and tennis courts.

Also see: 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alabama

8. Go For A Round At Point Mallard Golf Course

Set within 200 acres of wooded flatlands is Point Mallard Park, the home to Point Mallard Golf Course. The course has a full eighteen holes and has won many awards in its rich history. It is a beautiful course surrounded by trees and it was designed with the contours of the land in mind so everything looks completely natural.

The course is 6,988 yards with a par of 72. There are some tricky slopes that need conquering on your way through the course but these all add excitement to your round.

9. Book A Seat At The Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show

The Alabama Charity Championship Horse show is an annual event that is held each year in October. The event attracts some of the best American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horses in the country, this had made it the fourth largest Saddlebred show in the United States.

Tickets to this event sell out quickly every year and if you are thinking of coming to Decatur I highly recommend to plan your trip around this so as you do not miss it.

10. Watch National Pride At Stake At Riverfest

Americans take their BBQ’s seriously! for over twenty years Decatur has hosted an annual event called Riverfest, It is an event that is recognized by the state of Alabama as an official State Barbeque Championship competition.

The winner of the riverfest qualifies for the America Royal World Championship and also gets an invite to the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational.  What better place could you think of to get some great food and watch the competition battle.

11. Take A Trip To Mooresville

This should not really be on the list as it is not in Decatur,  it is instead a tiny community that is just a two mile drive to the north of the city. Formed in 1818 the entire village is just twelve blocks of oak lined properties, properties that have been listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

Buildings worth taking a look at include the Stage Coach Inn and Tavern and an active post office that dates back to 1840. The town has also featured in a Walt Disney movie called Tom & Huck.

12. Ever Felt Like Viewing Your Old Tax Records?

With so many historic buildings to choose from in this town it is difficult to know which ones to visit if you are on a short trip. The Morgan County Archives should be somewhere on your list though. The archives are kept in the 1927 Tennessee Valley in Bank Street.

Here you can find 1500 cubic feet of archives and manuscripts dating all the way back to 1819. It is a beautiful building to view and one that has an extensive photograph collection, complete with pictures from the civil war.

13. Make A Stop At Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q

Out of all of the things to do in Decatur this is the one that fills me with the most excitement just thinking about it. Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q has such an amazing story that you cannot leave town with at least one visit, may two or three….

In 1928 Bob Gibson had a makeshift table that was made out of oak planks, these were nailed to a big Sycamore tree that he had in the back of his yard. By that table he had a hand dug pit, the smoke and smells of which drew the local town folk to see. Nearly one hundred years later that family tradition is still going strong, and still serving the people of Alabama.

In case you are not convinced, this restaurant has won more awards than I have had hot dinners!

15 Best Things To Do In Decatur (AL):

• Visit Carnegie Visual Arts Center
• View Some Preserved Wildlife At Cook Museum of Natural Science
• Purchase The Freshest Fruit At Decatur Farmers' Market
• Explore The Old State Bank
• All Aboard The Pickwick Belle
• Experience The Great Outdoors At Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
• Visit The Oldest Park In Decatur
• Go For A Round At Point Mallard Golf Course
• Book A Seat At The Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show
• Watch National Pride At Stake At Riverfest
• Take A Trip To Mooresville
• Ever Felt Like Viewing Your Old Tax Records?
• Make A Stop At Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q

• Anniston/Gadsden

Paddlewheel boat docks in Decatur for dinner, sightseeing cruises

• Updated: Aug. 12, 2011, 8:40 p.m. |
• Published: Aug. 12, 2011, 7:40 p.m.
• Deborah Storey

DECATUR, Alabama -- The Pickwick Belle, an authentic 90-foot paddlewheel riverboat, will dock at Ingalls Harbor from Aug. 13 through Sept. 10, 2011.

The twin deck riverboat will be available for public and charter cruises including sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises and other themed cruises on Wheeler Lake and the Tennessee River.

The Pickwick Belle accommodates up to 149 people. Prices range from $30 for lunch cruises to $69 for dinner theme cruises. Daily sightseeing cruises range from $10 to $19.

A schedule of special cruises:

3-4:30 p.m. -- Aug. 13, Aug. 19, Aug. 20, Aug. 26, Aug. 27, Sept. 2, Sept. 3

9:30-11 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. -- Sept. 8

7-9 p.m. Aug. 13 -- Jimmy Buffet Dinner Cruise

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aug. 19 -- Lazy Days lunch cruise

7-9 p.m. Aug. 20 -- Dinner with the King dinner cruise

1-3 p.m. Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 3, noon-2 p.m. Sept. 10 -- summer lunch cruises

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aug. 26 -- Fun and games lunch cruise

7-9 p.m. Sept. 3 -- Civil War dinner cruise

For more information, visit PickwickBelle.com or call 877-936-BELLE.

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PICKWICK BELLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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