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Huntsville, Alabama, is uniquely named Rocket City. Once you visit you’ll understand why. This Southern USA city is located in Northern Alabama in Madison County. Visitors will find great places to dine, interesting museums, and fun things to do outdoors. Listed below is a summary of Huntsville attractions and all the amazing things to do in the area.
My very first travels to Huntsville was on a memorable road trip with my Dad. Generally speaking, any road trip with my father was a memorable moment. Since his passing this year, I became more thankful for those memories made with him on the road. Ultimately, what led me to Huntsville was the chance for him to revisit the place he was stationed in the military.
That being said, many visitors to Huntsville will do so for military purposes, business, or a weekend getaway. As you gaze upon the towering rocket that helps to give Huntsville the nickname Rocket City, you may ask what is there to do in Huntsville, Alabama today, tomorrow, or next year. Well, today I will be sharing the most popular activities and attractions for you to make your own Alabama memories.
Let me first start off by saying, though Huntsville is the fourth largest city in Alabama, hotel amenities are fairly standard. I say this because I could not find a single upscale resort. This actually surprised me. However, I did find some very nice, clean, close-to-everything hotel accommodations listed below.
Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville/Space Center
SpringHill Suites Huntsville Downtown
Homewood Suites by Hilton Huntsville – Downtown, AL
Alabama’s warm southern climate and proximity to plenty of natural beauty make this destination perfect for outdoor activities. Listed below are some of the most popular attractions in nature.
Big Springs is one of the most popular outside places to go in Downtown Huntsville. What makes this area so attractive to visitors is the close proximity to restaurants, shopping, and clean open spaces.
Big Springs is home to many community events and gatherings. For this reason, I recommend checking the web for any special events happening during your visit.
Huntsville is home to one of Alabama’s best botanical gardens. The first thing to know, Spring is the best time to visit. However, Huntsville Gardens are open year-round. With a warm seasonal climate almost twelve months a year, guests are sure to be happy with the lovely blooms regardless of the season.
Known as the Mountain of Health, Monte Sano welcomes guests with great places to camp, hike, bike, fish, and simply be one with the great outdoors.
Admission to this Alabama State Park is a mere $5 for adults and $2 for children, seniors, and the military. The overall low cost makes Monte Park an inexpensive place to visit. The great outdoor amenities make this park a top place to spend the day.
In the tradition of small-town lakeside communities, Lake Guntersville in Alabama is the perfect destination to unwind and relax. No matter what your budget, the largest lake in Alabama has a little something for everyone and should not be missed on any trip through North Alabama.
Huntsville is known across America for innovations in space and technology. Consequently, Huntsville brings visitors from around the USA to learn about space. Listed below is the number one attraction in Rocket City.
As a tourist, you would be surely remiss by not laying eyes on the towering rocket seen through much of the city.
This rocketship marks the tourist spot known as the US Space and Rocket Center. Huntsville’s Space Museum is the largest of its kind in America.
Guests can select a wide variety of tours, exhibits, flight simulators and for those daring few, space camps.
When a friend asks me how long would you recommend staying in Huntsville on a getaway, I typically say two days. This midsize city has some fantastic places to see, but most can be accomplished over a 2-day stretch.
It’s also important to note that readers of this post may be visiting on business or military travels which may allow for more time.
Interesting historic sights are found throughout this Alabama city. Visitors will notice a name frequently mentioned – Wernher Von Braun. Here is some history behind the man to which so many landmarks are named.
Wernher Von Braun was a German-American aerospace engineer and space architect. He was the leading figure in the development of rocket technology in Nazi Germany and a pioneer of rocket and space technology in the United States. Wikipedia
Address: 700 Monroe St SW Suite 250, Huntsville, AL 35801
Von Braun Center is home to the Huntsville symphony orchestra. This indoor 10,000 seat venue also plays host to special events and entertainment. Be sure to check online for tickets, scheduling, and events.
The Huntsville Museum is the perfect indoor activity for those seeking culture and fine art. Quiet reflection at some of America’s premier works of art makes the downtown museum.
Address: 300 Church Street
The Veterans Memorial Museum displaying artifacts from the American revolutionary war through modern days.
Address: 2060 Airport Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Finishing up my post on what to do in Huntsville today, tomorrow, or next year, let’s think outside the box.
Non-profit Cattyshack is a resue for my favorite pet, the kitty cat. One would think the only means to support such a caring charity would be through adoption. Not really a good idea if visiting on a road trip through the south. The good news is that Catty Shack offers 6 pm Thursday night kitten yoga classes at a cost of $35.
Springtime brings championship soccer to Northern Alabama and with ticket prices of $12 this sporting event won’t break the bank.
Huntsville Speedway is fun for families, individuals, and those who love the trills of watching dirt track racing.
Location: 357 Hegia Burrow Road SE
Located: 2211 Seminole Drive SW
Lowe Mill is a converted textile complex that now hosts arts and entertainment. Guests can browse local artists in glass, fashion, painting, jewelry, culinary arts, and more.
See Lowe Mill online for all current artists, shops, and upcoming events.
In summary, Huntsville, Alabama is a great stopping point on a southern road trip. Rocket City, aka Huntsville, has top museums for space junkies and those interested in military history.
Tourists will find good shopping, food, outdoor attractions, lakes, museums, and fun things to do for an overnight or 2-day getaway.
Business and military travelers will enjoy many relaxing ways to spend their free time.
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Hello and welcome to my travel and lifestyle blog for mature women living extraordinary lives. Finding Kathy Brown is a midlife exploration of age positivity and travel locations in the USA.
For me, life began at 40 and continues to get better with age. Hop in my suitcase and see what I get into next.
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