Several weeks ago, I read a newspaper article about a prohibition-era hidden tunnel underneath a pecan shop in Decatur, AL. I knew as soon as I read the article I knew I had to investigate. I trekked out the Tennessee Valley Pecan Co. and popped into the shop.
The shop itself it well worth the trip, even without the secret booze den. The pecan company sells a large variety of the most delicious pecans, coffee, and Piper & Leaf teas. 
The shop is adorable with many squirrel themed products. I also learned that there are numerous types of pecans. Who knew?! 
I ordered a coffee and some dark chocolate pecans and asked to see the secret tunnel. 
Owner David Armistead was very obliging and explained to me how they found the tunnel, a bit of its history and what was down there. 
He showed me to the tunnel which they left exposed with a piece of plexiglass over the top. Through the hole you can see the scary rickety ladder, whiskey crates, and remaining prohibition debris. 
David kindly invited me to come back on a different day to go down into the tunnel. I’ll admit it was a pretty scary hole to go into. I was glad I had been working out because if I was any wider I would not have fit in. 
It was super thrilling and a bit scary. We found old beer bottles, whiskey boxes and even pecan shells.
It was also an adventure to get myself, camera, and tripod down this very steep ladder. 
May 21, 2016 at 7:51 pm
What an awesome adventure! I enjoyed going with you!
May 25, 2016 at 10:18 pm
I highly recommend it! It is fun!
May 22, 2016 at 1:55 am
Such an interesting post! Thanks for all the information and photos. 🙂
May 25, 2016 at 10:19 pm
Thank-you!!
May 22, 2016 at 1:56 pm
That’s interesting. In November I visited the Museum of the American Gangster in New York City. It’s located in a building that was the headquarters of the Hoffman gang during prohibition. There were two rooms full of pictures and artifacts. Someone gave a lecture then we went downstairs where the speakeasy was. In the 1920s there was a very upscale speakeasy where the elite would go — which included the mayor and the police commissioner. It was pretty cool.
The Tennessee Valley Pecan Company looks very interesting too. If I was in the area I would stop by.
Thank you for sharing.
June 8, 2016 at 8:33 pm
How cool! I’d love to visit that. I am currently working on a book that includes a huge portion on prohibition and it is so fascinating. I can’t believe how wild it used to be in the 1920’s.
Thank-you for commenting on and definitely let me know if you find yourself in North Alabama. I can recommend lots of prohibition places for you to visit.