The Inside Scoop

With so many places to choose from to make my top 15 list, it saddens me to not mention all of the best things Huntsville has to offer, therefore let me briefly mention a couple, one being the brewery tours. It is a must if you like beer or just want a fun place to socialize with friends and family. With over a dozen breweries, you’ll enjoy the vast selection of our local craft beers while relaxing and nibbling on their yummy appetizers. Also, come out and learn about the art of brewing and watch the meticulous process it takes to make an outstanding beer. You’ll love the atmosphere, so come out, be responsible and enjoy Huntsville at its best.

Also ranked high on my list are the great restaurants in Huntsville, but they just didn't quite make the final cut. With so many places to eat, you’ll have trouble choosing between the many great and delicious venues. Our local restaurant businesses are something we hold very dear. From a long list of multicultural cuisines to southern comfort food, our cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are a major cornerstone to the city and makes Huntsville stand out among the rest of Alabama. The choices they offer are from healthy vegan restaurants to delicious street tacos. Or for those who enjoy the traditional American foods, try our tasty burger joints, pizzerias and many food trucks which are out of this world and are found throughout the city. For a full list of Huntsville's various restaurants and our favorite reviews, visit our page. From popular franchises to our own local eateries, you haven’t experienced Rocket City until you have gone out and experienced these incredible places.

So here are my top 15 places to visit. Starting off with number 15.

15. Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt on the Mountain is a historic mansion overlooking the spectacular views of Huntsville, Alabama. With the 167-acres of rich history that will take you back to the early times, this “Jewel on the Mountain” is a must. Spending the day or evening with the entire family at Burritt is something that everyone will enjoy. Located on Round Top Mountain, lies history with views everywhere you turn. If you enjoy exploring, hiking and sightseeing, then this place is one of those unique places. Here are opportunities to learn about its ecology and stepping back in time recollecting the lives of farmers from the 1800’s. Guided tours are offered along with self-guided if you wish. Also, you’ll learn about the founding Dr. William Henry Burritt himself and the unique history behind the 1938 mansion.

14. Early Works Museum/Train Depot/Constitutional Hall

The Early Works Children's Museum was designed by the city as a place for the children to learn and explore. Upon entering the museum, children can hear stories being told by the Talking Tree or they may choose to explore Biscuit's Backyard which is filled with many hands-on fun exhibits. Also located downtown is the Huntsville Train Depot, an active passenger station that continued to operate till 1968. It has since been converted to a museum and no longer serves as a major transportation hub. The city has done a wonderful job collecting old train cars and locomotives making it to a great place for children to play and learn. For those who just want to spend a day out and about or if you are one of those serious train hobbyist, this is definitely a place to visit! Once you are done with Train Depot, make your way to the Huntsville Constitution Hall Park, also located in Downtown Huntsville. The museum is also a great place for the children to visit which traces Huntsville's history all the way back to 1819. The museum guided tour gives a refreshing and rich history of both Alabama and the city's roots. They also allow you to explore the building and the many of its historical treasures, so bring a picnic or just sit back and relax from your busy schedule and enjoy the peaceful setting of downtown. Also close by these museums are the various retail outlets and small mom and pop shops.

13. Huntsville Museum of Art

Art never goes out of style! The Huntsville Museum of Art sits in Big Spring Park, the center piece of this vibrant and growing city. The museum has gone through a large expansion the past few years with many new items being added to the museum’s collection. It is a wonderful place to visit if you are a student of the arts or just interested in seeing some of the Nation’s finest “on loan” art displays and exhibits. Come out and visit the museum for the day or pick up an annual pass so you can enjoy the rotating art and exhibits that are seen throughout the year.

12. Green Mountain

Adventure into a calming retreat of a nature lover's paradise! Located atop away from the city noise is the tranquility of the lush Green Mountain. Stationed in the southeastern part of Huntsville, hike along the 72 acre park with easily navigable trails including the major trail which winds around the beautiful and scenic 17 acre “sky fed lake.”

There are plenty of picnic tables so bring your fur babies on a leash and enjoy the fresh air. From a covered bridge to the State's largest and oldest Champion Winged Elm Tree, Green Mountain is known for its oasis of beauty. The ducks and geese will welcome you, and expect to see more wildlife while you make your way through the trails. Don't forget to bring your camera as Green Mountain’s old covered bridge makes a great photo shoot. So come out, get some exercise or bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air. Hiking has never been so much fun! Oh, did I mention the park is free!

11. Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment

In 1901, Lowe Mill opened its doors as a textile operation creating the beginning of something far more inspiring than ever imagined. Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment Center is America’s largest privately owned art center. With over 100 artist selling and displaying their works of art within their studios, the amount of talent is everywhere here, so too are a good selection of restaurants, from pizzas to vegan cuisines. Boutiques of all kinds are stationed here and of course coffee, but if you’re a tea drinker you’ll be pleased to know Piper Leaf and Tea Company is also here! So, not only do you find yourself shopping and learning, but you’ll also appreciate the unique vibe of Lowe Mill.

10. MidCity

MidCity is wedged between Research Park and Downtown. While MidCity is technically considered a large commercial development center, once fully completed, it will also be an entertainment mecca for music, arts, culinary and social gathering. At the center of MidCity will be an outdoor 8,500 seating state-of-art Amphitheater, surrounded by a beautiful landscaped lake, an outdoor park and possibly a canal for rental kayaks, it will no doubt be on one of most outstanding entertainment and recreational facilities in the state. Hopefully without any major delays, the completion date is set by the end of 2021.

MidCity is cited as the country’s 12th largest thriving real estate development in the U.S. and will soon be adding a six-story 130-room Marriott Aloft Hotel; a perfect retreat to getaway and enjoy some entertainment. The present bustling area is home to TopGolf, REI Co-Op and Highpoint Climbing & Fitness, perfect for those who enjoy some fun exciting canvas of city living with outdoors excitement close by. At Highpoint Climbing & Fitness expect some fun and challenging indoor rope climbing with a great kid’s area for their own climbing adventure. Also included are yoga classes and a refreshment area for those who want to just watch others climb while relaxing in the cool indoors. For outdoor lovers who want to escape, not only is the REI Co-Op a one-stop equipment shop for all things camping, paddling, hiking, and cycling but they also offer informative classes to include special events. For those who enjoy arcade games and watching sporting events, Dave & Busters is just a few steps away. Other restaurants are conveniently located at the MidCity as well, such as the Coffee café fabricated from sustainable containers; the famous Alchemy as well as The Camp; the hippest outdoor destination restaurant! As the organic transformation continues within MidCity, upcoming Wahlburgers, Rascal Flatts, Pies & Pints, and tons of other expanding cafes and venues will soon take up residence. From sophisticated apartments, offices, entertainment and shopping, MidCity will soon be one of Huntsville’s best place for family fun and relaxation.

9. Von Braun Center

The Von Braun Center, also known as the VBC, is Huntsville's largest comprehensive event space with more than 170,000 monumental square feet of flexible meeting, exhibit and performance areas. If that’s not enough, it’s centrally located in the beautiful Downtown Huntsville near hotels, shopping and restaurants, while overlooking the stunning beauty of Big Spring International Park! The Von Braun Center is the place for banquets, receptions, sporting events, concerts, shows, ballets, along with other numerous venues.

8. Big Spring International Park

Big Spring Park is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, sprawling just across the street of the Von Braun Center and the Huntsville Art Museum. It is a place for you to take the entire family to relax and enjoy. Built around its famous name "Big Spring", the head water that the city of Huntsville was built around over 200 years ago. Take a relaxing stroll through the pleasant walkway that follows the large pond. Here you can feed the thousands of beautiful koi fish, ducks and geese! Special events are also held at the park such as: The Panoply Arts Festival, Jazz in the Park events and other many other concerts.

7. U.S. Veteran's Museum

U.S. Veteran's Museum is where you’ll walk back in time to the authentic history of the U.S. soldiers and learn their stories while receiving a glance of the journey they traveled and experienced. At this monument museum you’ll tour and observe the authentic war time military equipment such as army tanks, jeeps and weapons. A great place for the entire family to learn about America's history and its heroes.

6. Harmony Park Safari

Wanting to take a safari tour? Huntsville has that too! Get ready for an up-close encounter with safari animals at Harmony Park Safari, which is home to many amazing exotic and endangered animals that you don't typically find at a petting zoo! It’s fun for the family and the animals love it too! Drive through and feed the animals from your car window with food Harmony Park provides. For those who love reptiles, come and see the largest salamander specie - it’s really interesting!

5. Cathedral Caverns

Cathedral Caverns is located in Marshall County, just 40 minutes east of Huntsville. This unique place is an adventure for the entire family to enjoy. The remarkable cave is famously known for its bat habitat, hence this is where the original name, “The Bat Cave” was coined, well before Mr. Gurley's wife changed it to what we know it today as, “Cathedral Caverns,” but don’t be surprised if you see Batman still roaming around.

Cathedral Caverns host the world’s largest cave opening at 125 feet wide and 25 feet high and consist of 1.3 miles of underground trails but no worries, there’s no need to crawl around. For those who are disable, it is wheelchair accessible. Year round tours are given with dedicated tour guides, many of which have a good sense of humor and will have you laughing throughout your visit. Don’t worry about a bad weather day as the caverns maintain a comfortable 60 degrees’ temperature year round. To many, this is a well-needed relief, especially for those long and hot Alabama summer days!

Like many caverns in the Eastern U.S., each cavern has its unique features, especially fascinating are the large and protruding stalagmites and stalactites which formed over millions of years. The tour guide will point out a few interesting features of the cavern and do a pretty good job describing the history of its discovery. Just outside of the mouth of the cave, the park offers a chance to pan for gems and precious stones. Children and adults will enjoy sifting through the dirt searching for something grand. Finally, besides the Cavern tours and the gem mining, the park offers 493 acres of hiking trails for those who enjoy the outdoors. If you love camping, a cozy camping site is also nestled within the scenic landscape.

FIVE THINGS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:

• Goliath (largest stalagmites in the world measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference)
• Caveman and his Dog
• Bat Cave
• Mr. Gurley's jeep tracks near the bridge location
• Prehistoric Shark's teeth

4. Cook Museum of Natural Science

The Cook Museum of Natural Science was ranked #2 as the Best New Museum in in 2019 by USA Today. While the museum is not located in Huntsville, it is just a short 26 minutes' drive to the next town over in Decatur, AL. This state-of-art educational museum is checkered with many fun and interactive exhibits for the entire family to enjoy and explore. There are numerous living creatures hidden throughout the museum in their creative habitats. Some are nestled within their large aquariums, while others can be seen within inches from the walking path. These animals include colorful saltwater fish, coral, jellyfish, snakes, turtles and alligators, that is, if you’re brave enough to have a conversation with this man-eating reptile. When you’re done visiting the reptiles and the fish habitat you'll make your way to their impressive collection of gems and the extensive coral reef bottled inside the 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.

This museum is truly a hands on museum. It is bustling with many unique and interesting exhibits; from build your own biomes, to simulate volcanic eruptions, to learning how gems and minerals are created in nature, Cook Museum of Natural Science will inspire all ages of children about the wonders of science and nature.

For those who need a quick and yummy bite, the Nature's Table cafe is located conveniently just around corner from the large gift shop. Enjoy their healthy "Clean Eating" wraps, sandwiches, salads and their must try, refreshing smoothies. Don’t forget to say hello to the cute little hedgehog before leaving the museum.

3. Monte Sano State Park

Located just above and overlooking downtown Huntsville is Monte Sano State Park. The park has many walking and hiking trails throughout its 2,140 acres, many of which lead you to spectacular bluff views of the city below. As you make your way towards the top, you'll be greeted by a large playground area, speckled with picnic tables and beautiful grandfather oak and maple trees. If you are looking for adventure or just wanting some fresh air, then 20 plus miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of incredible biking trails are scattered throughout this extraordinary park. From picnic areas, camping, hiking, a planetarium (Von Braun Astronomical Society), to cozy cabin rentals and a large lodge facility for group functions and weddings, this mountain has so much to offer for the entire family. Monte Sano State Park is that place to get away for the day, whether you just want to relax from the city life or adventure throughout the many leisure and moderately challenging nature trails!

2. Huntsville's Botanical Gardens

Huntsville Botanical Gardens is also listed as one of Alabama's most visited attractions. Relax and enjoy the 112 acres of exquisite gardens located just a few miles from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Here you'll experience one of the most unforgettable enchanting places; a picture perfect landscape for weddings and special occasions with manicured gardens, winding trails and a Children's Patch for the kids to run around and have fun. The entire family can join in the fun or just relax at the many park benches before heading to the Butterfly House, a miniature butterfly habitat hidden away from the summer sun. Not only will you see countless species of butterflies, but you'll discover other exciting critters too. Relax among the beautiful tropical plants or explore the diverse ecosystem. The annual exhibits display throughout the park are educational and entertaining. For those that love flowers, sections are dedicated to daylilies, irises, roses, herbs and poppies, along with numerous secluded shade gardens which boast rare and unique plants.

With so much to see, you still will notice something new each time you stroll through the trails. Make sure to keep an eye out for the large model train setup, located within a tiny village of its own. The Aquatic Garden, a spectacular site with Koi fish and enormous Lily Pads are beyond amazing! Sprinkled along the trails you'll notice the wildflower path, a large gift shop, and a healthy cafe for those who did not pack a lunch. During the Christmas holidays, you don't want to miss the drive through Galaxy of Lights display. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is known for an art canvas of endless beauty and facilitates special events that will create those memories from just a one-time visit or multiple times.

1. U.S. Space & Rocket Center

At the top of the list, ranked at number #1 for best thing to do in Huntsville, Alabama is the U.S Space & Rocket Center. Also considered as Alabama’s most favorite attraction to visit

The Saturn V replica stationed at the front gate of the US Space & Rocket Center and the real one at the Davidson center draws spectators from around the world. A replica of a space shuttle along with many space, military and interactive science exhibits can be found checkered throughout this museum.

For those who enjoy a thrill ride, how does being shot 140-feet in the air, pulling 4G's in 2.5 seconds sound to you? If so, try the daring Moon Shot ride. For your little one, there's a miniature version located in the children's area. If you enjoy history or want to learn about the Great Space Race of the 1960's visiting the 8K Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome is a must. The Intuitive Planetarium is world class with comfortably seating 248 people. You'll enjoy the 5 Christie laser projectors, the latest in technology of lasers, which brings watching the stars to a new level. From daytime to evening, the planetarium shows full dome movies and exciting educational events for all ages. Also a 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater runs throughout the day.

With many new displays and space relics rotated throughout the year, it will inspire you and your family to come back often. For those wanting their children to experience being an astronaut for the week, the center's U.S. Space Camp Program is a must. The camp attracts young inspiring minds from all parts of the world, especially those who desire the experience of space flight training. The training includes mock interstellar challenges, space science, aviation and robotics.

Whether you are looking to participate in the many fun rides or want to see some of the best preserved space relics, this museum is the place to explore and enjoy for a full day's adventure. From robotics to rocket engines to some of America's finest rocket collection, you'll find yourself intrigued and looking for more. Come and see why this is Alabama's favorite tourist attraction.

If you are interested in more a detailed list of things to do in Huntsville, please visit my "Things To Do" page at: www.huntsvillescoop.com/thingstodo

Any question or need further information? Send me a note.

Jenn Gates @ Legend Realty