5 helpful things no one told you about Huntsville, Alabama
If you’re here then…
you must be planning a trip or looking for things to do in Huntsville, Alabama! And if that’s the case, we are so glad you found this page!
We’re going to fill you in on 5 helpful things we wish folks would have told us about Huntsville. You can pin this page to read later if you’re short on time!
Pin this! Huntsville, Al, Things to do via Weekend Trips from Nashville
Here’s what we promise to give you in this article:
5 helpful things that no one told us about Huntsville
the best shopping in Huntsville, Al
where to find tasty, local eats, and
where to stay and play.
We partnered with Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring you details of some of the best things to do in Huntsville, Al. All opinions are our own.
Huntsville, Al, Things to do via Weekend Trips from Nashville
Here are 5 helpful things no one told you about Huntsville, Alabama:
1. It’s not all space and rocket stuff.
Whenever I recommend Huntsville as a destination, people reply vaguely, “oh, yeah…isn’t that the space camp place?” The answer is YES! But there’s a lot more to Huntsville, Al, than just rockets.
While there is an exorbitantly high percentage of rocket engineers in town, Huntsville is also a college town. Local nearby universities include: the University of Alabama Huntsville, Alabama A&M, and the University of North Alabama, a little farther from town.
Huntsville is also a military town. Redstone Arsenal is the local army base.
2. Huntsville is BOOMING!
Development is on fire, from housing to shopping to entertainment, Huntsville is on the cusp of a BIG BOOM.
Local eateries that rival its bigger sister cities like Nashville, Birmingham, or Atlanta, are popping up all over town. Check out Campus No, 805, a middle school turned into an entertainment venue complete with axe throwing and its own speakeasy hidden behind old school lockers.
Other new developments include an outdoor amphitheater set to rival neighboring cities and to draw in musical and cultural events!
3. There are all sorts of things to do for every type of traveler!
Want family travel ideas?
Burrit on the Mountain (living history museum with BEST view overlooking Huntsville)
Early Works Family of Museums (network of interesting children’s museums)
Harmony Park Safari (drive through safari experience)
TopGolf (family fun, think bowling, but with golf clubs)
Want a date-night getaway?
Lumberyard dinner on train or dueling pianos
Campus No. 805 (entertainment, breweries, and restaurants)
Bikes and Brews (tour Huntsville breweries by bike)
Take in a Trash Panda baseball game or Huntsville Havoc hockey game
Love art and culture?
Want to explore the outdoors?
Follow the trails atop Rainbow Mountain
Explore caves nearby (Cathedral Caverns)
4. Huntsville is big-city cool with small town perks.
When was the last time you ventured downtown for a night out and paid $2.00 parking? In big cities, half the night’s budget can be spent on parking and Ubers. Likewise, a cocktail in Huntsville won’t cost you $12-15, as it does when you’re in Nashville.
Overall, you’ll find your money goes farther in smaller cities, like Huntsville.
5. You can find treasures while shopping in Huntsville, AL.
If shopping is a major part of all your road trips, you’ll need to bookmark these stores for your next visit:
This locally-owned and operated men’s store looks as cool from the outside as it does inside. Located in the revitalized downtown area of Huntsville, this shop is next to Honest Coffee Roasters. Be sure to hydrate there before or after your shopping spree.
An outdoor walking mall, Bridge Street offers a multitude of restaurant sand shopping options, as well as a movie theater.
Love vintage goods? Ummm…don’t miss this quirky store!
Unclaimed Baggage (a little further outside of town)
Ever wonder what happens to all the unclaimed baggage found at airports? Head over to this multi-building location to find out. You can easily spend half a day digging for treasures here.
AM Booth’s Lumberyard, Dinner on a train, Huntsville, Al Things to do via Weekend Trips from Nashville
Where to stay?
Drury Inn and Suites, Huntsville, AL things to do via Weekend Trips from Nashville
Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center
Want a hotel that’s central to all the sights and restaurants in Huntsville? Book a room at one of the newest hotels in town, Drury Inn & Suites! Ask for a room with a view of the rocket; this hotel is located right across the street from the Space and Rocket Center!
This hotels perks include: indoor hot tub and pool, gym, complimentary breakfast and dinner, and complimentary happy hour daily.
View from our room in Drury Inn and Suites, Huntsville, AL Things to do via Weekend Trips from Nashville
Where to eat?
Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza (try their Bourbon Butter Pecan ice cream, too!)
AM Booth’s Lumberyard (make a reservation for dinner on the historic train)
Phil Sandoval’s (best Mexican food in town)
TopGolf (their Mega Burger is the biggest you’ll ever see)
Piper and Leaf (locally owned, award-winning, artisan tea)
Big Bob Gibsons BBQ (about 20 min. outside of town, world famous BBQ, award winning, celebrities and TV shows have filmed on-site)
Watch video: Beignet Cafe (authentic NOLA beignets)
Lunch at TopGolf in Huntsville via Weekend Trips From Nashville
Need a getaway idea that’s PERFECT for kids?? Have you been here?
