Explore Huntsville-Madison 2022-23

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS!

Cummings Research Park celebrates 60 years of innovation

Explore 2022-2023

Huntsville - Madison

The Orion Amphitheater Huntsville newest entertainment and event venue opens this spring

Discover

attractions, parks and greenways, shopping and dining, entertainment, festivals, music and fun!

Explore Huntsville-Madison 1

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Explore Huntsville - Madison

2022-2023

INSIDE this issue ATTRACTIONS [9]

THE AREA’S OFFERINGS From rockets to museums to historical sights and art, there’s plenty to see and do

[14]

THE ORION

The first concert of the highly anticipated Orion Amphitheater will occur in May.

DINING [51]

YUM! Check out some of the restaurants you will not want to pass up.

PERFORMING ARTS [59]

AMAZING SHOWS Discover what this area has to offer for the performing arts lover.

ENJOYING LIFE [95]

SHOP.PLAY.LIVE Discover some of the unique ways developments are planning to infuse shopping, dining, entertainment and living into one amazing package. Also, check out some of the great new local destinations for shopping and fun.

CELEBRATE [106]

FESTIVALS Discover fun festivals and events for loads of family fun in the greater Huntsville area.

[110]

LIVING HERE Life in the greater Huntsville area can be very rewarding. We take a look at some of the area’s districts where people are looking to move.

OUTDOORS [67]

BACK TO NATURE Discover the beauty of nature in some of the area’s many parks, greenways and trails.

[87] CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF CUMMINGS RESEARCH PARK

LOCAL OFFICE

C .S C .S .

CALL.SWITCH.SAVE. Jason Zarrilli 1410 Paramount Dr, Huntsville geico.com/huntsville-zarrilli 256-837-0551

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Homeowners, renters, and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, C 20076; 00 6; a Berkshire e s e Hathaway at a ay Inc. c. subsidiary. subs d a y. GEICO G CO Gec Gecko® o® image age © 1999-2022.

999 0 . © 2022 0 GEICO. G CO. 21_66 662671044 6 0 DC

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Explore

The research we’re doing is making it possible for kids like Allie to survive, grow up and make things happen.

Huntsville - Madison

Publisher CLINT SHELTON Operations Director SCOTT BROWN General Manager FRENCH SALTER Editor & Page Designer JOHN FEW

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN

Account Executive DONNA COUNTS

HAVE DREAMS.

Advertising Graphic Design RHONDA STENNETT HOW TO REACH US For story ideas or comments: John Few 256-763-1150 john@themadisonrecord.com

For advertising questions Donna Counts 256-714-7152 donna.counts@the redstonerocket.com

M adison RECORD

Published by

THE

EXPLORING HISTORY

Tennessee Valley Media, Inc.

Everywhere you turn the past comes alive in and around Huntsville

Explore

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CHILDREN’S SOUTH PEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT CENTER 1940 ELMER J BISSELL RD, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243 | (205) 638-4800

The Orion Amphitheater 480548-1

Huntsville newest entertainment and event venue opens this spring

6 Explore Huntsville-Madison

Discover

attractions, parks and greenways, shopping and dining, entertainment, festivals, music and fun!

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On the Cover: Excitement has been building for the opening of The Orion Amphitheater. The highly anticipated entertainment and event venue will host its first show on May 7, 2022.

See page 14 and 15.

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Welcome to Huntsville, Madison and Madison County Putting together this annual magazine makes us realize two things. First, Huntsville, Madison and Madison County have an abundance of places to see, things to do and unique restaurants to try. Second, there are several world-class attractions right here or within a short drive, including the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Cook Museum of Natural Science, and the Huntsville Museum of Art. We also have a brand new entertainment and event venue.

Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater will open May 2022 with an epic weekend-long event, aptly named The First Waltz. The highly anticipated attraction in the MidCity District will wrap up construction in time to host its first concert on May 7.

Then there is the state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility with Toyota Field in Madison. The $47 million facility is home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas minor league baseball team. It is also used to host a wide assortment of other events, like the fireworks shows, movies, kids camps, concerts and much more.

If you prefer simpler pursuits, immerse yourself in our area’s natural beauty. The Huntsville and Madison area has some of the most scenic greenways and parks, including Monte Sano State Park and Ditto Landing. You can find hiking trails, biking, fishing, and camping opportunities.

This area also has an extraordinarily strong arts community.

Visual arts exhibits are open throughout the year at the Huntsville

Museum of Art and on showcase through many of the area’s festivals, like Panoply.

Speaking of festivals, the greater Huntsville area is packed with many of the best festivals celebrating everything from the arts to science to music. We also have a huge selection of music concerts available. Whether it is a concert at the Von Braun Center featuring some of the most recognized names in the music industry, or a showcase of amazing local talent through one of the many concert series, you will be in awe of what our area offers music lovers.

Performing arts such as the theater, opera and ballet can be found in abundance. The Huntsville Ballet Company is one of Huntsville’s oldest arts organizations. In 2015 HBC became the first professional ballet company in North Alabama, and one of only four in the state.

This is only a sampling of what is offered in Huntsville, the rest of Madison County and the surrounding area. This magazine is a guide to many of the natural wonders, attractions and festivals that make visiting — and living — in the Huntsville and Madison area so pleasurable. If you cannot fit it all in during one visit, that is understandable.

In addition to Explore, check out the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at www.huntsville.org. It is packed full with useful information. Have fun exploring all this area has to offer! - John Few, editor

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HUNTSVILLE MUSEUM OF ART Located in downtown Huntsville within the tranquil beauty of Big Spring International Park, the Huntsville Museum of Art is a complete experience. Spend a day viewing art, shopping in the Museum Store and dining at Pane e Vino, which overlooks the park lagoon. Each year, the nationally accredited Museum fills its seven galleries with a variety of traveling exhibitions, and the work of nationally and regionally acclaimed artists. The Museum’s own 2,522-piece permanent collection forms the basis for several yearly exhibitions. The Museum is also the home of the world’s largest collection of Buccellati silver animals.

Huntsville Museum of Art 300 Church Street, Huntsville 800-786-9095 www.hsvmuseum.org Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission charged Explore Huntsville-Madison 9

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With interactive simulators, a Saturn V Rocket and thousands of rocketry and space artifacts, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers visitors a chance to explore outer space and North Alabama’s connection to space exploration. In Huntsville, Wernher von Braun and his team developed the Redstone Rocket, which put the first U.S. astronaut, Alan Shepard, into space. The center also hosts traveling exhibits.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville 1-800-637-7223 Rocketcenter.com Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission charged

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INTUITIVE® PLANETARIUM The INTUITIVE® Planetarium at The U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers an 8K Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome Experience - the only one of its kind in the Southeast. The theater has 248 comfortable seats and provides a highly enjoyable guest experience including an exciting space-themed lobby and a variety of offerings for food and beverage. The State-of-the-art projection system features 5 Christie laser projectors synchronized to deliver a seamless theater experience; combined with a nano seam dome screen and completely updated sound system will provide a theater experience second to none.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center has created a dynamic and exciting schedule of programming including daytime and evening planetarium shows, full dome movies and fun educational events for all ages.

SHOOT FOR THE MOON.

DISCOVER HUNTSVILLE. Your Next Event is a Go for Re-Entry.

Home to the world’s largest space museum and U.S. Space Camp, “Rocket City” celebrates man’s greatest achievements and reignites America’s sense of community. With attractions impressive in stature and rich in history, this southern city is the perfect destination for creating monumental moments for your next event.

INTUITIVE® Planetarium One Tranquility Base, Huntsville 256-837-3400 www.rocketcenter.com/INTUITIVEPlanetarium

(800) 843-0468 | HUNTSVILLE.ORG

Check website for showtimes Admission Charged 480547-1

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• EOIR & Laser Hardware Prototyping • Systems integration and testing

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• Field Service, Operations, and Maintenance • Low-volume Electrical and Mechanical Prototyping

Invariant Corporation 4040 Chris Drive, Suite 100 | Huntsville, AL 35802 256.885.9794 invariant-corp.com 480561-1

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The Orion Amphitheater marks a bold new chapter in region’s unparalleled musical history

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Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater will open May 2022 with an epic weekend-long event, aptly named The First Waltz. The highly anticipated attraction in the MidCity District will wrap up construction in time to host its first concert on May 7.

“This venue will be a significant new addition for the people in and around Huntsville as it serves as a beacon of the community,” said Ben Lovett, Venue Group CEO. “It will also stand tall amongst the live performance community as one of the best venues in the World.”

The outdoor space will hold 8,000 people and will be used year-round for both concerts and community events. They have plans to include farmer’s markets, art displays, theater performances, and meeting spaces for large scale gatherings.

They will have different themed food and drink areas to satisfy everyone from wine and whiskey drinkers to beer and hard seltzer connoisseurs.

The area outside of the venue will be known as Apollo Park. This public park will be open year-round for people to exercise and roam freely. Only when there are specific ticketed events will the entire campus be enclosed - otherwise patrons

14 Explore Huntsville-Madison

are encouraged to utilize the grounds for their enjoyment throughout the year.

Along with building the venue with both performers and attendees in mind, they have also made sure to keep Orion Amphitheater accessible. From their Accessibility Page, they are able to provide seating, parking, sign-language interpreters, listening devices and more.

Huntsville is known as the Rocket City. So when picking out names for the area, Ross Stirling, the Creative Director for the Venue Group, leaned in on the space concept. He told us, “Orion represents the architectural approach of the building and connects the amphitheater to the incredible history of space travel in Huntsville to the open sky nature of our venue as it sits under the night sky.”

“The Orion Amphitheater is an architectural landmark different from others in the city, and together with the elevated hospitality, we are re-setting the tone for Huntsville’s cultural future,” said Ryan Murphy, The Orion Amphitheater General Manager.

- By Beth Ridgeway, Huntsville.org

“More than an amphitheater, this facility will help us grow our music and culture economy.

It will allow us to become a community of curators, where we can develop our own creative content that is unique to Huntsville that we can share globally. In addition to arts festivals, markets, and worldfamous musicians, we’ll be able to incubate our own talent, showing that our next great entrepreneurs don’t all have to be in space and missile defense.”

- Tommy Battle, Mayor of Huntsville

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Construction in April 2022. Photo by www.sellersphoto.com

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TOYOTA FIELD

Home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas The excitement among the entire Tennessee Valley remained at a fever pitch for the second season of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. The team based at Toyota Field in Madison took to the action of the Double-A South League earlier than in its inaugural season as the minor league franchise of the Los Angeles Angels began play on April 8 and will continue through the spring and summer months. What is being recognized as one of the newest first-class and fan-friendly stadiums in America, Toyota Field and the Trash Pandas welcome everyone with open arms, smiling faces and plenty of options for positive experiences.

Boots on the Ground.

Going the Extra Mile.

Toyota Field hosts a wide variety of stadium events in addition to being the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas minor league baseball team. They include fairs, movies, kids camps, 5K runs, happy hours, live music, fireworks, and more! As the new centerpiece of North Alabama, Toyota Field is a state-of-theart facility perfect for corporate functions, banquets, wedding receptions, fundraisers, social events and more. Check their website often for updates on upcoming events.

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Toyota Field 500 Trash Panda Way, Madison

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256-325-1403 www.trashpandabaseball.com

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~Waldy Cuevas

LOWE MILL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center

provides a community focal point where those age 60 or better may enjoy free services and activities which enhance their dignity, support their independence, and encourage their involvement in and with the community.

One of the country’s largest and most comprehensive, the Senior Center is where active Seniors may learn a new language or create a woodworking project, register for trips, have lunch, read in the library, enjoy pickleball or games, polish computer skills, work out in Studio60, or be part of many art/dance/yoga/balance/fitness classes.

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www.SeniorView.com 256.880.7080

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Signature programs include Meals on Wheels, H-RSVP Volunteer Placement, the Center for Adult Day Care, seven nutrition programs throughout Madison County, and wellness programs geared toward helping retirement be the healthiest time of life!

SENIOR CENTER, INC.

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, located in historic Lowe Mill, is the south’s largest privately-owned arts facility. With a focus on visual arts, this huge historic factory building has been redeveloped into 153 working studios for over 200 artists and makers, 7 art galleries, a multi-use theatre, a community garden, and performance venues. Within this thriving creative community are artists and makers from across the world. With studio spaces lining the hallways, visitors have the opportunity to openly explore the Mill and artist spaces where they can shop and learn about the artists and their works.

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment 2211 Seminole Drive SW, Huntsville www.lowemill.art Wednesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Art of Lowe Mill

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The historic red brick building looms large on Seminole Drive, just off Governor’s Drive in Huntsville. A blue-patterned painting adorns one of the outside walls, giving a passerby a preview of what could be behind the large metal doors shadowed by the tall silver water tower plastered with a logo, indicating that the building complex is the home of the Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment.

From the moment one walks into the converted warehouse, art surrounds them. Approximately 250 artists occupy the campus, showcasing anything from traditional art like photography to the unusual of art of making mead.

“All three floors of the building are full of artists. In fact, the space is so large it takes me about an hour to unlock all the doors,” media coordinator Eric Schultz said.

Schultz, a photographer, has studio space at Lowe Mill A&E. He says when he rented the space years ago it was his Plan B after he left his job at The Huntsville Times. He was named the Media Coordinator in October, a position that is allowing him to understand the full scope of the facility and its artistic habitants.

“Creative types like to be around other creative types,” Schultz said. “I don’t paint, but I love to see the process of someone who does. I find myself finding interest in stuff I didn’t know I would like. I think that is the interesting thing about Lowe Mill.”

In 2001, Jim Hudson, founder of the Huntsville-based biotech company Research Genetics, bought and reopened the cotton mill as the arts and entertainment complex it is today. Anna Sue Courtney, an original artist of Lowe Mill A&E, describes the days when the warehouse was divided into studio space with storm fencing.

“At that time, fencing was an easy way to get quick studio space,” Courtney said. “Then people started doing improvements to their space. I picked up doors and other things lying around and started building my space.”

On the same floor as Courtney’s eclectic space, is Studio Theater, an intimate performance space that seats 50+. It is home to Theater Huntsville who moved their office to Lowe Mill in 2020.

“It’s a great place to see a performance,” Schultz said. “I know they have done Rocky Horror Picture Show and because it is a small venue and able to be interactive, it was a lot of fun.”

An elevator ride, which in itself is artistic, being man operated and a trip back to the old days of the Mill, to the third floor presents even more art. Lowe Mill is home to seven galleries that change out every seven to eight weeks. Schultz says that the space is home to artists from all over, but more than often Southern artists are featured. This area includes studio space and a chance for artists to sell their wares, but more importantly

Lowe Mill ARTS &

Entertainment

Art Theatre Food Makers/Artists

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Wed-Sat 11-7 2211 Seminole Dr SW Huntsville, AL 35805 lowemill.art Explore Huntsville-Madison 19

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develop or enhance their talent.

Dessica Coleman is one of those artists. As owner of 5th and Coleman, Coleman provides interior design services, including the creation of custom-made pillows.

“I did not think of what I do as art,” Coleman said. “I never thought of myself as an artist. There is never a dull moment being around all these artists. I just walk out of my studio space, and I can find inspiration.

Coleman’s space centers around her pillow collection, which she is currently working with a local furniture store to release soon. Coleman is a good example of what Schultz calls the art incubator that Lowe Mill A&E has become.

“Artists move in here to start their business and then they get big and get to move on,” Schultz said. “That’s good news. The constant change of artists is great.”

A walk across the connector takes visitors by two indoor swings and into another set of studios housing more art, including bookbinding. Sonja Rossow says her passion for bookbinding and printing is genetic as her family has a background in commercial arts and printing. She carefully rebinds the spine of family Bibles, old medical books, photo albums and collector’s children’s books.

“I have a gentleman bring in nine books from his childhood to rebind and am currently restoring a family photo album that contains tin prints,” Rossow said. “It’s like working in history.”

Besides feeding the eyes and mind, the complex offers plenty for the palate as well. The space hosts independent food and drink businesses from Happy Tummy who specializes in pizza to Pizzelle’s Confections who displays a variety of chocolates, each looking like a piece of art and named with a creative flair.

“It’s a great location to spend a Saturday. You can look at art, talk to artists and grab something to eat, all in one stop,” Schultz said. “It’s quality food. The Veggie, located in the Railroad rooms, has gotten national attention.”

20 Explore Huntsville-Madison

Schultz says the great thing about the facility is that it offers a broad spectrum of disciplines that some may not realize is creative. That includes a hair salon, the Cattyshack featuring kittens looking for a home and The Art Cart, an art supplies store.

“The Cattyshack is always booked with reservations, so it is a popular spot,” Schultz said. “The art store shows that the complex can be self-sufficient, supplying art supplies to artist on site as well as being a freestanding store to the public.”

Schultz categorizes the art community at Lowe Mill as a

place that provides 250 different stories that need to be explored.

Artists open their space to give lessons or talk about their craft.

Artists like Danny Davis, a former NASA engineer turned creator of custom acoustic guitars show that art is not just a right brain medium. Schultz says it just shows that there is something for everyone at Lowe Mill A&E. “It’s just a fun place to be,” Schultz said. “It’s about artists pushing the envelope on what they do in a space open to everyone.”

When choosing where to work and pursue a career we understand that you have a choice; you have a unique story to tell and we’d like to hear it!

At Crestwood Medical Center, we support each other and encourage excellence among all team members. We’re looking for like-minded individuals driven to make a difference.

We invite you to explore our career opportunities. www.crestwoodmedcenter.com/ career-opportunities 480535-1

Explore Huntsville-Madison 21

BURRITT ON THE MOUNTAIN This unique museum of regional history is located at the mountaintop home of Dr. William Henry Burritt. The remarkable 14-room mansion built in the shape of an X in the 1930s is insulated with 2,200 bales of wheat straw. Learn the story of Dr. Burritt and his three wives, his penchant for goat’s milk, and how his vocation of homeopathic medicine led him to build one of the city’s most unique and eccentric homes.

The Historic Park consists of six authentic 19th century homes typical of life in the Cumberland Plateau, along with a blacksmith shop and assorted outbuildings. Interpreters in authentic

22 Explore Huntsville-Madison

Burritt on the Mountain 3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville 256-536-2882 www.burrittonthemountain.com Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday 12 - 5 p.m.

Admission charged

period dress are on hand to answer questions, give tours, and demonstrate life as it was on a farm during the 1800s. At the heart of the Historic Park is The McCurdy Barnyard, home to a variety of authentic farm animals that educate young and old about the animals’ purpose on a farm. The Nature Trails at Burritt are perfect for hiking to enjoy the wide variety of wildflowers in

enjoy the

spring or the colorful mountain foliage in fall. Burritt’s trails circle around Round Top Mountain and connect to the Land Trust of Madison County and Monte Sano State Park. Special and regular events are scheduled throughout the year, from festivals to music concerts and everything in between, Burritt literally has something for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoors all year round

Nature Trails • Historic Park • Burritt Mansion • Barnyard • Folk School • Cocktails & Dinners at The View Holiday Traditions • Educational Programming • Field Trips • Josie’s Gift Shop • Weddings & Events

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ON THE MOUNTAIN

3101 burritt drive • huntsville, alabama 35801 • 256-536-2882 • burrittonthemountain.com Explore Huntsville-Madison 23

H. C. BLAKE ART & HISTORY CENTER The Blake Center is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of fine art and the historical and cultural heritage of North Alabama. Established by the H.C. Blake Co. in 2020, HC Blake Art & History Center has quickly become one of the most popular North Alabama art galleries and history museums. This popularity is due to the exceptional historically significant displays, living history preservation, wonderful fine art and world class cultural and art instruction. Home to Huntsville Revisited, it is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich, diverse history of Huntsville-Madison County. You will find Huntville’s most diverse collection of photos and stories anywhere. The passion founder William Hampton brings to the museum makes the stories come alive.

H. C. Blake Art & History Center 2007 N. Memorial Parkway, Suite O, Huntsville 256-426-9163 www.blakecenter.com Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Visit the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house!

Delight in the magic of hundreds of butterflies native to North Alabama.

MAY–SEPTEMBER

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Visit hsvbg.org for hours.

• 4747 Bob Wallace Ave. Huntsville • 256.830.4447

24 Explore Huntsville-Madison

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN Open year-round, the Huntsville Botanical Garden contains diverse ecosystems to explore within its 112 acres. From grassy meadows to woodland paths, aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections, the Garden invites guests of all ages to discover the beauty and wonder of the natural environment. Stroll along the nature trails while admiring collections of Alabama’s native plants. Play freely in the Children’s Garden after encountering the fluttering butterflies in the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. Find serenity in the cool shade of the trees, surrounded by the sounds of nature. With additional events, exhibits, and programs throughout the year, the Garden is a source of plant conservation, education, and celebration for all.

Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville 256-830-4447 www.hsvbg.org Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission Charged Explore Huntsville-Madison 25

ALABAMA CONSTITUTION HALL HISTORIC PARK & MUSEUM Step back in time by visiting Alabama Constitution Hall Park, and catch a glimpse of what life would have been like in 1819. A tour takes guests through the historic buildings that display Huntsville during the constitutional convention of 1819. Learn how Alabama became a state, stories of the community and see demonstrations of how people survived without our modern conveniences. Grounds are open to the public.

Alabama Constitution Hall Historic Park & Museum 109 Gates Avenue, Huntsville 256-564-8100 www.earlyworks.com

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U.S. VETERANS MEMORIAL MUSEUM The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts, whose survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives.

The Museum displays more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, including the oldest surviving jeep, the Ford Pygmy.

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U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum 2060A Airport Road, Huntsville 256-883-3737 www.memorialmuseum.org Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission charged Active duty in uniform and guests free

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Revolutionary Treatments for Men and Women Horizons Medical Care & Aesthetics is a full-service medical facility offering quality, cost-effective healthcare services including: • Skin Tightening • Cellulite Reduction • Women’s Wellness • Body Contouring • Skin Tag/Mole Removal • Skin Lesion/Incision and Drainage • Biopsy

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WEEDEN HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDEN Located at 300 Gates Avenue in Huntsville, the Weeden House Museum is open to the public. It was originally built around 1819

by Henry C. Bradford and is an example of Federal architecture.

It was the home of John McKinley, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Bartley M. Lowe. It was the birthplace and lifelong home of nationally famous artist and poet, Maria Howard Weeden (1846-1905). The two-story brick house features an outstanding leaded glass entrance fanlight, spiral staircase and hand-carved mantels. During the Civil War, it was requisitioned for the use of Federal officers.

After the Civil War, Miss Weeden partly supported her impoverished family by teaching art in the house. Maria Howard Weeden was born in the house on July 6, 1846. She was the youngest child in the Dr. William Weeden family. Athough she had little formal art training, she became well-known for her watercolor portraits of the former slaves, depicting their character in her paintings and their sense of humor and philosophy of life in accompanying poems written in their dialect. Her books were published by Doubleday, McClure and Company. Joel Chandler Harris, creator of “Uncle Remus,” referred to Miss Weeden as “the bright light of the nineteenth century.”

Weeden House Museum and Garden 300 Gates Avenue, Huntsville 256-536-7718 www.weedenhousemuseum.com Tours: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Admission Charged Explore Huntsville-Madison 31

HARRISON BROS. HARDWARE Alabama’s oldest continuously operating hardware store was established in 1879 and has been located on the Square since 1897. It is operated by the Historic Huntsville Foundation and staffed by volunteers. Better than a museum, Harrison Brothers is a living 19th century landmark sitting serenely in the midst of downtown Huntsville. High-tech Huntsville itself seems 100 years away as you enter the store.

Harrison Brothers is more than a glimpse of old Huntsville. It is a shopper’s delight. On the west side of the store, a stack of antique biscuit jars brimming with old-fashioned candies tempts youngsters of all ages. Cotton throws, colorful tins, marbles by the scoop, cast iron cookware, and oak rocking chairs share space with garden gadgets, bird feeders, and whirly-gigs.

Harrison Brothers Hardware 124 South Side Square, Huntsville 256-536-3631 www.harrisonbrothershardware.com Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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HARMONY PARK SAFARI Harmony Park Safari 431 Clouds Cove Road, Huntsville 877-726-4625 www.harmonyparksafari.com Daily 10 a.m. til sunset Admission charged

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Open March through November (including holidays), Harmony Park is a federally licensed nature preserve of free-ranging exotic and endangered animals. Remain in your car on a two-mile route to see zebras, zebus, antelope, buffalo, a camel, ostriches, giraffes, a kangaroo and tortoises, then park to visit the reptile house. The park accepts cash or check only. No pets or service animals are permitted.

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EARLYWORKS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EarlyWorks was designed for children - go ahead ... touch, climb, pull, explore! Hear stories from the Talking Tree, play a tune on the giant-sized instruments at the Alabama bandstand and try your hand at building in the Kidstruction Zone. Explore a 46-foot Keelboat, trade your wares at the General Store and try on 19th century-style clothing in the federal house.

Pre-schoolers will enjoy exploring Biscuit’s Backyard, a touchand-learn area designed especially for them.

EarlyWorks Children’s Museum 404 Madison Street, Huntsville 256-564-8100 www.earlyworks.com Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m.

Admission charged 36 Explore Huntsville-Madison

NORTH ALA ALABAMA RAILROAD MUSEUM

The centerpiece of the museum features the Chase Depot, the smallest union depot in the country since it served more than one railroad when in service. If you visit the museum on a day when the train is running, you can ride a vintage train over the museum’s own Mercury & Chase Railroad. Over thirty pieces of major rolling stock have been preserved including both freight and passenger equipment and three historic locomotives. The museum is open for visitors seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. throughout the year to inspect, photograph, and study the historic rail equipment, the small depot and the facility. The

North Alabama Railroad Museum 694 Chase Road, Huntsville 256-851-6276 www.northalabamarailroadmuseum.com museum’s volunteer staff is present each Wednesday and Saturday until 1:30 or 2:00 p.m. to answer the phone, to take train ride reservations and to assist visitors.

Westminster Christian Academy

K3 - 12th Grade ENROLL NOW wca-hsv.org • 855-846-CATS

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Westminster Christian Academy's Vision is to educate and disciple students, in partnership with Christian families, for life-long learning and service in God's world.

Explore Huntsville-Madison 37

HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE DEPOT Board a train at the Historic Huntsville Depot and Museum!

An active passenger station until 1968, the original depot building stands as a symbol of Huntsville’s transportation history and city growth. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Depot served as the local passenger house and the corporate offices for the Eastern division of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The tour is best suited for adults and children aged 12 and up. Young children will enjoy playing in Little Toots.

Historic Huntsville Depot 320 Church Street, Huntsville 256-564-8100 www.earlyworks.com/ huntsville-historic-depot-museum

The Model Train Exhibit shows Huntsville during the Civil War.

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Due to COVID-19 the Historic Huntsville Depot suspended museum operations until further notice.

Check online for reopening information.

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HUNTSVILLE MADISON COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK This Memorial exists to honor those countless individuals who have answered the call of duty by serving in the Armed Forces that protect our country and our way of life. So many have proven their courage in battle, and so many have defended liberty and freedom at great sacrifice. This Memorial will hold before present and future generations the principle that freedom is not free and that a free people must always be prepared to defend that freedom at whatever cost.

Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial Park 200 Monroe Street NW, Huntsville

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Honoring Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty

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The Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial, officially dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011, honors and pays tribute to all veterans for their “Courage”, “Sacrifice”, and call to “Duty”.

Sacred geometry was used to determine the placement of eight polished black granite markers engraved with the names of over 365 Madison County servicemen who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. The granite markers are arranged along a timeline to accurately illustrate the United States’ involvement in military conflicts around the world.

The Memorial fountain system begins with water cascading over the continuous weir, symbolizing the blood which has been spilled defending our nation’s freedom. The flow of water is punctuated by the granite markers and pours into the Sacrifice Pool, the Courage Pool, and the Defender Fountain. As a visitor stands at the granite marker, facing their own reflection, water falls over the weir on each side producing a gentle sound reminding them of the great sacrifice made for our freedom. The small white headstones in the Defender Fountain are replicas of those in Arlington National Cemetery and represent all of our fallen warriors. Water streams through the Defender Fountain into the pentagon shaped Freedom Fountain, thus providing a contained circular flow. The impressive rise and fall of water from the Freedom Fountain reminds us that this is a living tribute to all veterans and gives the sense of life, liberty and freedom springing forth from a grateful community.

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EXCEPTIONAL APARTMENT LIVING IN MADISON & HUNTSVILLE! N O W L E A S I N G 1 , 2 , A N D 3 B E D R O O M A PA RT M E N TS Revere at River Landing 30 East Revere Blvd Madison, AL 35756 256-964-9588 When you live at Revere at River Landing you can expect exceptional community amenities, luxurious apartment homes and superior customer service. Our 1, 2 and 3 bedroom floorplans offer high-end style, designer touches and feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and spacious walk-in closets.

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Addison Park 41 Addison Park Drive Huntsville, AL 35806 256-270-7182 From uniquely designed suites with amenities such as in-suite washer and dryers, granite counter tops, and extra-large walk-in closets to community perks like the social room, fitness center, and pool, Addison Park has it all.

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Each 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment home was designed with an accent on traditional Southern charm, all while maintaining details that support a luxury living space.

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42 Explore Huntsville-Madison

Anchoring the memorial at each end of the circular fountain are bronze statues depicting “Sacrifice” and “Courage”. The models for these statues are all Madison County combat veterans. Through the left portal leading to the POW/MIA flag is the Eternal Flame perpetually burning in remembrance of all those who died, were imprisoned, and remain missing in war. In the right portal leading to the Alabama flag is a Time Capsule, in which veterans have placed personal artifacts, letters, and items reminiscent of their service and the wars they fought. It will be disinterred on November 11, 2062.

The U.S. Flag, which represents “Duty”, reminds us all of the serviceman’s commitment to defend and serve under her.

Continuing beyond the U.S. Flag is the Patriots Walkway. This Walkway features a series of seven kiosks, dedicated to educating young and old alike about our nation’s wars and the citizen soldiers that fought those wars, beginning with the Revolutionary War. The main intent of these informational panels is to help readers gain an appreciation for the high price that has been paid to achieve freedom and liberty throughout our nation’s history.

Along the Patriots Walkway is the Battlefield Memorial Walkway, featuring five plaques along the winding walkway that discuss the meaning of the Battlefield Memorial and serve as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many on battlefields around the globe.

As you travel the pathway and reflect on the meaning of this solemn place, you are taken to the highest point of the park, the entrance to the Battlefield Memorial, where you will find the final plaque, a poem in remembrance of the fallen warrior.

Just beyond, you will find the Battlefield Memorial, a symbolic representation for the fallen soldier. This space offers a somber area to mourn and honor those that died serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. It is a place set aside to remember the fallen, pay tribute to their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their loved ones.

Continuing along the Patriots Walkway, you will find the Aviator Statue. This U.S. Armed Forces Aviator, sculpted by local artist Dan Burch and modeled after the likeness of Marine Captain James N. “Trey” Wilbourn III, Huntsville’s only casualty of the Persian Gulf War, pays tribute to all U.S. Armed Forces

Aviators for their courage, duty and sacrifice in defense of our nation and way of life.

At the base of the Patriots Walkway you will find the Revolutionary War Monument. This 8 ft, 3 ton monument, dedicated to the 84 Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried in Madison County, was relocated to the Huntsville Veterans Memorial park in October 2016. Originally standing on the north side of the Madison County Courthouse Square, until the old courthouse was razed in the late 1960s, the Revolutionary War Monument had many homes and, to the delight of the Twickenham Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, has appropriately found its final resting place in the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial.

Explore Huntsville-Madison 43

TATE FARMS Tate Farms operation includes some 72 acres of pumpkins and gourds in many shapes, sizes and colors. The pumpkin business has expanded to include more than tours for school children. Today, in addition to school tours, Tate Farms is open in pumpkin season for families to spend time on the farm. Activities include: hayrides to the pumpkin fields to pick a fresh pumpkin off the vine, pedal carts, petting animals, barnyard playground, corn cribs, jumping pillows, hay maze, corn train rides, cotton jump, picnic areas, two restaurant facilities, Coun-

try Store, Pumpkin & Vine - Cafe & Collectibles, antique farm equipment, and a huge produce shed for fall decor purchases.

Tate Farms 8414A Moores Mill Road, Meridianville www.tatefarmsal.com Open from October 1st – October 31st Thursday-Friday 2-7 p.m. Saturday: 9-6 p.m.

SCOTT’S ORCHARD Scott’s Orchard is a century-old, family owned business that grows 18 varieties of apples on 100 acres and 20 different varieties of peaches on an additional 50 acres. Pick your own apples in September and October. Freshly pressed cider and slushies are a popular seasonal feature.

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Scott’s Orchard 2163 Scott Road, Hazel Green 256-828-4563 www.scottsorchard.com Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

HUBERT FAMILY FARMS Nestled in the Tennessee Valley, Hubert Farms location provides a beautiful backdrop to over 200,000 tulips in early spring. Enjoy the scenery and take some of the beautiful fresh cut flowers back home with you! There are picnic tables, fun activities for the kids, and a beautiful view. Check their website for future events at the Farm. A sunflower field will be ready in the summer and other events are being planned to one day make the Hubert Family Farm a year-round destination.

Hubert Family Farms 432 Narrow Lane, New Market 256-759-1099 www.hubertfamilyfarms.com Check website for seasonal open days and times

JDM FAMILY FARM JDM Family Farm is a lush Pumpkin Patch located in New Hope, and so much more. Whether you visit us in spring, summer, winter, or fall, there’s always something new for the whole family to discover.

JDM Family Farm 1614 Old Gurley Pike in New Hope 256-819-9390 www.jdmfamilyfarm.com Check website for open days and times Explore Huntsville-Madison 45

THE HISTORIC LOWRY HOUSE The Historic Lowry House, a 3000 square foot Italianate-Federal style home, was purchased by Louie and Jane Tippett in 1998.

After an extensive four-year restoration process, The Lowry House was restored to its original beauty, and placed on The National Register of Historical Places. The Lowry House is open for tours, concerts and local artisan events. They also host weddings, corporate events and private parties.

The Historic Lowry House 1205 Kildare Street, Huntsville 256-489-9200 www.historiclowryhouse.com Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

C

ome explore, make memories, and cultivate a life-long love of learning at the award-winning Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur, Alabama.

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You will experience nature close-up through interactive exhibits, including live animals, an immersive cave experience, a 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, and much more.

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NEIGHBORS

COOK’S MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a state-of-the-art natural science museum in downtown Decatur. It provides a hands-on, immersive experience where kids can explore, interact with, and learn about nature. Families leave the Cook Museum feeling fulfilled by their time together and inspired by the things they saw and learned.

Cook’s Museum of Natural Science 133 4th Ave. NE, Decatur 256-351-4505 www.cookmuseum.org Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission charged

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MOORESVILLE Mooresville, the Limestone County town “older than the state” is home to a church where James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, preached in 1863, a post office built in 1840 and the Stagecoach Inn and Tavern built before 1825. Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, worked in Mooresville while serving as a tailor’s apprentice. The town also served as the filming site of Walt Disney’s “Tom & Huck.”

The quaint town currently houses a bike shop, a candy store, a coffee house and a farm. Created by Laurence and Natasha McCrary in 2011, the three-acre 1818 Farms – a nod to the year of the town’s formation – is home to Southdown Babydoll sheep, chickens, pigs and goats.

Rooted in Southern charm,

TENNESSEE VALLEY PECAN COMPANY offers gourmet pecans, Bushytail Coffee, and gifts perfect for any occasion.

Our products satisfy everyone from the tasteful snacker to the culinary master.

The town of Mooresville is home to four distinctly historic buildings: • The circa 1821 Stagecoach Tavern, reportedly the oldest frame public building in the state of Alabama.

• The circa 1840 Mooresville Post Office, the oldest continuing operating post office in the state and one of the oldest in the U.S.

• The circa 1839 Brick Church, a distinctively elegant Greek Revival building.

• The circa 1854 Church of Christ, owned and maintained by the Church of Christ.

Historic Downtown Decatur, Alabama on Bank Street • 256-353-1880

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48 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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Historic Mooresville Historic Mooresville is located one-quarter mile south of Exit 2 (Mooresville Road) on I-565. www.mooresvilleal.org

Established in 1870, Hartselle, Alabama is an active, family-centric community in the center of Morgan County, just two miles west of Interstate 65. We’re known for our historic shopping district, vibrant quality of life, and award-winning school system.

Strong Schools: Best known for our education system, Hartselle City Schools was ranked as #8 of the Best K-12 Schools in the State of Alabama and ranked #2 in all Huntsville area districts by NICHE. Hartselle City Schools is the only Blue Ribbon District in North Alabama, and our superintendent, Dr. Dee Dee Jones, is the second Blue Ribbon Superintendent in the nation.

Strong Workforce: Hartselle has a strong focus on community enhancement and business development. Our people have a good, old-fashioned, work ethic ... a quality that’s hard to find these days.

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Strong Values: And, because of its strong, family-centered values, Hartselle was recognized as one of the Safest Places to Live in Alabama by the National Council for Home Safety and Security in 2019. We’re Hartselle Strong!

Explore Huntsville-Madison 49

The First National Bank is a historic bank building in Huntsville. The temple-form Greek Revival structure was built in 1835–1836. Designed by locally famous architect George Steele, it occupies a prominent position, facing the courthouse square and sitting on a bluff directly above the Big Spring. It was the longest-serving bank building in Alabama.

History is everywhere you look

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Before and during the Civil War, Huntsville was a center for railroad and river-based trade and commerce. The Tennessee River remains a favorite local spot for summertime fun. Even now, we boast one of the nation’s oldest existing railroad depots where Civil War-era graffiti still marks the walls from the Confederate soldiers who were held captive there.

Antebellum Homes and Mills Unlike many Southern communities during the Civil War, Huntsville’s buildings were mostly spared from destruction – leaving the Rocket City with one of the largest concentrations of antebellum homes in the South. The heart of this historic area is called Twickenham – a nod to the city’s original name given by wealthy landowner and capitalist, LeRoy Pope.

Over time, Huntsville was inhabited by wealthy cotton growers and land speculators in search of frontier property. The growing town turned toward textile manufacturing, establishing several mills that helped organize the town into distinct districts that still exist today as local landmarks of industry and creativity.

Landmarks Look at the structures across town and you’ll see a beautiful collection of antebellum homes, renovated manufacturing mills, iconic Greek Revival-style buildings, a perfectly preserved downhome hardware store – the oldest in the state – and even a few spaceships! Where else can you find that combination?

Space Exploration

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In the middle of the 20th century, our bustling town became a critical support line for the U.S. Army before helping to launch the Space Race with the establishment of NASA and the Marshall Space Flight Center. Space exploration is celebrated across all of Huntsville – we are known as “Rocket City USA” after all – but it’s especially celebrated at Alabama’s most popular attraction, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

US Space and Rocket Center Academia has thrived since the early days of Huntsville thanks to Alabama A&M University, Oakwood University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s continued development into premiere research facilities.

Expanding further into science, technology and other industries is Cummings Research Park, the second largest in the nation. Established in 1962, this impressive consortium of more than 300 companies adds a bustling population of engineers, doctors, students and creatives. #EmbraceTheGeek.

Research Park The history of Huntsville has seen numerous influxes of new faces from all over the world, which makes our history and identity an ever-changing tapestry. From humble beginnings, the “Rocket City” has grown into a future-minded place to live, work, play... and, of course, to visit!

Check out one of the many walking tours of historic downtown Huntsville and Madison at www.hunteville.org.

Dining Explore Huntsville-Madison 51

RESTAURANTS

Looking for a great dining experience, the greater Huntsville area has tons of quality choices to satisfy any palet. Here are some examples, but by no means is this all. This is only a sample. For a complete list of dining opportunities in the Huntsville and Madison County area, check out www.huntsville.org.

Tellini’s Italiano 1515 Perimeter Parkway Huntsville, AL 35806 (256) 726-9006 www.tellinis.com It is the spirit of old Italy that guides Tellini’s to do what they do. There the foods and faces are familiar.

The meals are made from scratch and they only use simple ingredients and bring them to rich, robust life.

Pizzas, pastas, and paninis are the foundation of their menu, which are highlights by house specialties and daily features, all served in a fast, casual setting.

El Coyote Mexican Restaurant 2 6610 Old Madison Pike, Suite 102 Huntsville, AL 35806 256-837-6876 Order from the menu or overload from the buffet, El Coyote has several options to choose from in order to accommodate all of their guests. Eat inside, at the bar, or on the patio at this cozy, authentic Mexican restaurant.

Monday

TH URSday

Main Street Café 101 Main Street Madison, AL 35758 256-461-8096 mainstreetcafemadison.com

T RIV IA Mug Margaritas

Taco Tuesday Ground Beef or Shredded Chicken only DINE-IN ONLY

wednesday

$2

99

Kids Night

UNDER 10 YEARS OLD

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Looking for a place to host a dinner party, Main Street Café is the place.

Today, Madison’s third city hall is the popular Main Street Cafe. Opened in December 2000, the cafe features the two previous jail cells as private dining rooms and offers fresh, popular food everyday.

1892 East Restaurant & Tavern 720 Pratt Avenue NE Huntsville, AL 35801 A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard (private events only until further notice) 108 Cleveland Avenue

T RIV IA/ BINGO 6:00 - 8:30PM

Sunday

brunch 11AM - 2PM

live music Check our Facebook!

Check our drink specials

6610 Old Madison Pike Ste. 102, Huntsville 256-837-6876 5 minutes from Redstone Arsenal Gate 9

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Hopper’s Holiday Inn Research Park 5903 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35806 256-830-0600 Hoppers is about great food, serious libations and some of the best entertainment in the Tennessee Valley. Their lunch country cooking southern buffet features a different array of meats and vegetables every day. Karaoke Tuesday and Thursday from 8 p.m.-on where You are the star.

Friday and Saturday night features the best dance bands around and there’s never a cover.

Huntsville, AL 35801 Al Shish Palace 1591 Hughes Road Suite A Madison, AL 35758 Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar 2317 Memorial Pky S Huntsville, AL 35801

Bonefish Grill 4800 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

Cheddar’s 6125 University Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35816

Connor’s Steak & Seafood 345 The Bridge Street, #101 Huntsville, AL 35806

Bowler Hat Brewing Company 7429 Highway 72 W Madison, AL 35758

Chicken Salad Chick 975 Airport Road SW Huntsville, AL 35802 7709 Highway 72 Madison, AL 35758

Cook Out 2220 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35810

Bark & Barrel BBQ 12181 County Line Road Madison, AL 35758

Buenavista Mexican Cantina 3045 Mountain Cove Boulevard Hampton Cove, AL 35763 8217 Highway 72 W Madison, AL 35758

Beauregard’s Doubletree Suites Hotel Huntsville, AL 35802

Canadian Bakin 501A Church St. NW Huntsville, AL 35801

Chuck Wagon BBQ 8048 Highway 72 W Madison, AL 35758

Below the Radar Brewing Company 220 Holmes Avenue NE Huntsville, AL 35801

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 2801 Memorial Parkway S Huntsville, AL 35801

Church Street Wine Shoppe 501 Church Street NW Huntsville, AL 35801

Big Ed’s Pizzeria 255 Pratt Ave Huntsville, AL 35801

Casa Blanca (7830 Highway 72 W) 7830 Highway 72 W Madison, AL 35758

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 401 The Bridge Street Huntsville, AL 35806

Casa Blanca (Bailey Cove Road) 7900 Bailey Cove Road Huntsville, AL 35802

Chuy’s Tex Mex 935 Bob Wallace Avenue SW., Unit 101 Huntsville, AL 35801

Blue Plate Café 3210 Governors Drive Huntsville, AL 35805

Charrito’s Bar & Grill 7 Town Center Drive, Suite 101 Huntsville, AL 35806

Chili’s Grill & Bar (Carl T. Jones Drive) 2740 Carl T. Jones Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

Cotton Row Restaurant 100 Southside Square Huntsville, AL 35801 Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 6886 Governors West, Suite 112 Huntsville, AL 35806 Drake’s Restaurant 4800 Whitesburg Drive, Suite 14 Huntsville, AL 35802 Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza 2600 Clinton Ave W Huntsville, AL 35805 107 Brookridge Drive Madison, AL 35758

City Cafe Diner 2003 Drake Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805

Edgar’s Bakery & Cafe 472 Providence Main 2004 Airport Road SW Huntsville, AL 35801

Commerce Kitchen 300 Franklin Street SE Huntsville, AL 35801

Edo Japanese Restaurant 104 Intercom Drive Madison, AL 35758

From Home-Cooking Lunch to Champagne Brunch Country Lunch Buffet Wednesday thru Friday • 11AM-1PM

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Goodland Pour House 12110 County Line Road Suite A Madison, AL 35756

El Herradura Mexican Restaurant 11700 Memorial Parkway S, Suite N Huntsville, AL 35803

GrandMother’s House 3980 Old Highway 431 Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

Farm Burger 930 Bob Wallace Ave SW Huntsville, AL 35801

Haru Korean & Sushi 8760 Madison Boulevard Madison, AL 35758

LongHorn Steakhouse (Carl T. Jones Drive) 2732 Carl T. Jones Drive 1450 Perimeter Parkway Huntsville, AL 35806

Fiero Mexican Grill 2100 Rideout Road Huntsville, AL 35808

Humphrey’s Bar & Grill 103 Washington Street Huntsville, AL 35801

Mangia Italian Restaurant 2288 Zeirdt Road Madison, AL 35758

Flint River Coffee Company 1443 Winchester Road Huntsville, AL 35811

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint 123 Northside Square Suite 100 Huntsville, AL 35801

Fresh Traditions at Port of Madison 9035 Madison Boulevard Madison, AL 35758

Johnny Gryll’s 6125 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35806 Kacey’s Home Cooking 10017 Memorial Parkway S. Huntsville, AL 35803

Mellow Mushroom (Providence Main Street) 470 Providence Main Street Huntsville, AL 35806

Full Moon BBQ 1009 Memorial Parkway NW Huntsville, AL 35801 Furniture Factory Bar & Grill 619 Meridian Street Huntsville, AL 35801 Golden Years Ice Cream & Diner 12835 Highway 231/431 N. Hazel Green, AL 35750

Little Libby’s Catfish & Diner 234 Lime Quarry Road Madison, AL 35758 Little Rosie’s Taqueria 4781 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

Logan’s Roadhouse (Balmoral Drive) 4249 Balmoral Drive Huntsville, AL 35801 6226 University Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35806

Mellow Mushroom South 2230 Cecil Ashburn Drive Huntsville, AL 35802 Metro Diner 7620 US Highway 72 Suite A Madison, AL 35758 Metro Diner 975 Airport Road Huntsville, AL 35802 New Market BBQ 5601 Winchester Road

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54 Explore Huntsville-Madison

New Market, AL 35761 Nick’s Ristorante 10300 Bailey Cove Road, #1 Huntsville, AL 35803 Old Black Bear Brewing Company 212 Main Street Madison, AL 35758 Old Greenbrier Restaurant 27028 Old Hwy 20 Madison, AL 35756 Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 3730 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35816 Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante 6125 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35816 Phuket Thai Restaurant 475 Providence Main Street Huntsville, AL 35806 Piper & Leaf 2211 Seminole Drive Huntsville, AL 35801 Red Lobster 1818 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35801

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1515 Perimeter Parkway, Huntsville, AL 256-726-9006 • www.tellinis.com Sun-Thurs 10:30-9:30 • Fri & Sat 10:30-10:00 DINE-IN • CARRY-OUT • DRIVE-THRU • CATERING

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El Coyote (Gurley) 6027 US Highway 72 E Gurley, AL 35748

Tom Brown’s in Madison has been met with rave reviews since opening in 2020. The popular restaurant will soon have a second location in south Huntsville at Hays Farm.

Offering only the best, Tom Brown’s is expanding soon It’s official.

Tom Brown’s Restaurant can now state that they serve Certified Angus Beef, the top 3% of beef in the world.

“To be certified Angus beef, the meat has to meet a certain quality,” owner Tom Brown said. “It is all about the marbling of the beef. The marbling is what gives it the best flavor. The beef must meet 10 exacting standards.”

Tom says they have served the top-rated beef since day one of opening the restaurant in Madison, but recent changes in Alabama law has allowed the restaurant to now advertise the certified status on their menu. He says there are currently two other restaurants in Madison County that offer the quality beef.

“The difference is now we have exclusivity with the company that we use to purchase our beef,” Tom said. “Companies that are authorized to sell certified Angus beef can get their product from cattle farms in Texas or maybe Kansas. Now, we get ours from the same cattle farm and the same company consistently.”

Because the restaurant has always offered the top-quality meat in both meat and fish, the fact that they can now advertise the quality product continues to fit into the business model that the Browns have established.

Tom and Ashley Brown

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“With this beef, we get consistency in flavor. And that is not going to change,” Tom said. “All of our meat is hand cut in house.”

Patrons to Tom Brown’s Restaurant will soon have another location option for dining. A second restaurant, located across from Hays Farm on South Parkway, is set to open mid-summer.

“Our original plan was to build a brand and expand,” Tom said. “We looked at several locations including Jones Valley and Midcity and then the Hays family called. We decided to go with that location.”

Trying to open a new restaurant during COVID has not been an easy task for the Browns. Ashley Brown jokes that she wishes someone had given them a manual in how to open a restaurant during a pandemic.

“We have had to postpone the opening due things like ship-

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ping delays. I ordered a walk-in last August and still has not arrived,” Tom said. “We are fighting, kicking and screaming to try to open.”

Ashley says the new establishment will offer the same menu but a different ambiance so diners can get a different experience.

“The Madison restaurant is light. The new one is sleeker and more on the black and white scale,” Ashley said. “Because we were able to build it from the ground up, we can offer things like a party room.”

Whether a patron visits the Madison location or the new location when it opens, one of the things the Browns can guarantee (besides the quality of beef); and that is great desserts.

“My favorite is the Tom’s Cheeseaberry,” Ashley said. “It is a brown butter cake with some blueberry compote. It can’t be beat.”

- Story by Erin Coggins

PERFORMING ARTS Experienced Musicians Sharing the Love of Music Since 1997

The HSO sets a high standard for artistic quality and, in addition to putting on acclaimed concerts, supports the Huntsville community through music education, free family concerts and community outreach. The HSO has numerous ongoing series that focus on various genres, such as classical, casual classics and pops. Performances are usually held in the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center, but the HSO plays other venues from time to time. www.hso.org

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HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - Founded in 1955, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is the longest continuously operating professional orchestra in Alabama.

•Private & Group Lessons •Toddler and Pre-school Music Program •Recitals, Audition Prep •Professional Teacher Membership

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HUNTSVILLE BALLET COMPANY As one of Huntsville’s oldest arts organizations, Huntsville Ballet Company is justifiably proud of its long history of excellence in dance training and performances. The Huntsville Ballet Company (HBC) is growing with the vibrant city of Huntsville, Alabama. In 2015 HBC became the first professional ballet company in North Alabama, and one of only four in the state.

HBC holds a long and rich history in the art of dance and is working to expand and challenge its repertoire. HBC brings the finest quality of dance to the region, performing ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, The Firebird, and The Sleeping Beauty and recently the acclaimed original adaptation of Peter Pan.

place in the Von Braun Center Concert Hall to accompaniment by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and is uniquely set in historic Huntsville.

Both the Huntsville Ballet Company and Huntsville Ballet School operate under the umbrella of Community Ballet Association, Inc., a non-profit member of the state Arts Council and Arts Huntsville. www.huntsvilleballet.org.

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The annual performance The Nutcracker is a much-anticipated part of the holiday season in the region. The performance takes

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BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE

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Broadway Theatre League was founded in 1959 by the Business & Professional Women’s Club of Huntsville and the shows were held at Huntsville High School! In the early days, touring theatre veterans Joan Bennett, Dorothy Lamour, John Carradine, and John Raitt came to Huntsville. In 1975, BTL moved the performances to the “new” Von Braun Center and brought bigger scale shows to town. The 1990’s brought about the now standard weekend performance schedule and the beginning of the mega-musical. All types of Broadway shows have been presented, from blockbuster musicals, to obscure little plays and special once-in-a-lifetime events. www.broadwaytheatreleague.org

Huntsville may be largely an engineering town, but that doesn’t make us a shy bunch. Classic productions, current favorites and local originals are all on display on stages across the Rocket City.

• Theatre Huntsville casts accomplished local actors in meticulously designed and directed productions. www. theatrehsv.org • Award-winning Fantasy Playhouse encourages and inspires children to join in on theatre arts. www.fantasyplayhouse.org In addition to these organizations, Huntsville boasts several audacious troupes that perform original drama and off-thewall sketch comedy. Independent dance studios offer ballet and dance performances year round. Huntsville universities and schools have been praised for their professional-level stage shows.

THE CHORUS HAS A CHOIR FOR EVERY SINGER! GRADES 3 - 12 CHILDREN’S CHORALE TREBLE CHORALE YOUTH CHORALE ADULTS CHAMBER CHORALE SYMPHONIC CHORUS NO AUDITIONS FOR STUDENTS TO FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD OR FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE EASY AUDITIONS FOR ADULTS, EMAIL: INFO@THECHORUS.ORG OR CALL: 256-533-6606.

ALL ARE WELCOME

For other performing arts offerings in the greater Huntsville area, check out www.huntsville.org.

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The Huntsville Community Chorus Association (HCCA), established in 1946 and incorporated as a non-profit allvolunteer community choral organization, is Huntsville’s longest-continuing performing arts group. HCCA strives to offer the best in choral music and musical theater through various groups: The Symphonic Chorus (150+ adult voices), The Chamber Chorale, Children’s Chorale (grades 3-6), Youth Chorale (grades 7-12), musical theater productions, and other ensembles and activities. www.thechorus.org

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VON BRAUN CENTER The Von Braun Center is a multi-purpose facility located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The VBC offers multiple venues for presenting cultural, educational, entertainment, sporting and social events. Venue spaces include the Propst Arena, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Mars Music Hall, North Hall, South Hall, and East Hall. Additionally, the VBC has an on-site full-service restaurant and rooftop bar – Rhythm on Monroe. With over 170,000 square feet of flex-

HUNTSVILLE'S

ible meeting space the VBC is able to accommodate events of all types and sizes. It is centrally located downtown near hotels, shops and restaurants, and overlooking the manicured landscape of Big Spring International Park. This multi-purpose facility is equipped to accommodate major conferences, conventions, concerts, Broadway performances, ballets, symphonies, a full range of sporting events and so much more!

HUB

Propst Arena • Mark C. Smith Concert Hall Mars Music Hall • South Hall North Hall • Playhouse

restaurant + rooftop bar

weeknight dinner weekend brunch live music pre-show/after-show drinks Located within the Von Braun Center!

CONCERTS • WEDDINGS • SPORTS ORTS • M MEETINGS • TRADESHOWS BROADWAY THEATRE LEAGUE • ROCKET CITY OCTANE AUTO SHOW • HUNTSVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • HAVOC HOCKEY VON BREWSKI BEER FESTIVAL • & more!

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EXPERIENCE IT ALL AT THE VBC!

RHYTHM ON MONROE - Rhythm on Monroe is a full-service restaurant and rooftop bar, located in the Von Braun Center at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street in Downtown Huntsville. The facility includes a large and open dining room downstairs with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a covered patio adjacent to Clinton Avenue. Upstairs, guests can enjoy an uncovered rooftop bar with tables, lounge seating around firepits, and cantilever umbrellas. Whether someone is looking for dinner and drinks before a show or an evening cocktail overlooking Downtown Huntsville’s unique cityscape and Big Spring Park, Rhythm on Monroe satisfies all needs.

MARS MUSIC HALL - With its open-floor plan and balcony overlooking the over-sized stage, this intimate setting offers great acoustics for a variety of events ranging from concerts to comedy acts and everything in between.

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FRIENDLY& RELAXED We’re a Country Club with ALL the amenities and none of the pretense.

Burningtree Country Club is a peaceful 180 acres with over 7,000 yards of a championship golf course.

2521 Burningtree Drive SE, Decatur, AL

480584-1

256-355-5827

btcountryclub.com

We have the finest facilities, a friendly, attentive staff of professionals and special events to suit every taste..

We are family friendly.

GOLF • POOL • TENNIS • DINING • FITNESS

WORTH THE DRIVE TO SEE - The Princess Theatre in Decatur has been a north Alabama landmark for more than a century. She began life as a livery stable in 1887. In 1919, the Princess opened her doors as a performing arts venue. As north Alabama’s largest classroom, the Princess annually serves more than 20,000 students and teachers, including Young Audience Professional Series performances, school matinees, master classes and teacher workshops. Visiting artists serve residencies in the community with workshops and performances for schools and the community. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Princess completed the first phase of a new renovation and expansion project. The Theatre now operates a larger and more technically equipped facility for the community while preserving one of the city’s most historic landmarks.

Experience the Performing Arts in a North Alabama Landmark.

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upcoming events at princesstheatre.org

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112 Second Avenue NE Historic Downtown Decatur, AL

DISCOVERING THE

Great Outdoors

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DITTO LANDING Ditto Landing is Huntsville’s gateway to the majestic Tennessee River, and its banks create the Rocket City’s southernmost boundary.

During the warmer months, the docks of Ditto Landing are bustling with boats equipped for water skiing, swimming and fishing.

In cooler months, the gorgeous Tennessee River greenway gives pedestrians a stunning view to enjoy. Ditto Landing boasts a collection of pavilions that are popular options for company outings, weddings and family events, with campsites across several acres.

For an overnight, an over the weekend, or a week-long vacation...

Ditto Landing is a camper’s paradise. Nestled in the shaded comfort of densely wooded lots, the campground is cool, peaceful, and just a moment’s walk from an abundance of fun-filled activities.

Whether you’re drawn to the Tennessee River for relaxation or excitement, Ditto Landing is one of Huntsville’s favorite access points for fun in the sun.

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Ditto Landing 293 Ditto Landing Road, Huntsville 256-882-1057 www.dittolanding.org

North Alabama’s

Hidden Gem Located on the picturesque Tennessee River at the southern edge of Huntsville, this marina is nestled in lush greenery, and surrounded by serene mountain foothills.

Whether you arrive by land or water there is no mistaking the beauty and serenity of Ditto Landing. Located on the picturesque Tennessee River at the southern edge of Huntsville, Alabama this marina is nestled in lush greenery, and surrounded by serene mountain foothills. Bass, bream and catfish are plentiful in the sparkling waters where sailboats and yachts cruise side by side.

Along with water recreation, Ditto Landing plays host to many special events throughout the year.

Family friendly activities available to you and yours at Ditto Landing include boating, camping, fishing, hiking/walking, picnicking, and cycling.

Ditto Landing is Huntsville, Alabama’s gateway to the

Tennessee River at MM334, mid-point of the waterway. The marina offers a safe haven for boats needing an overnight refuge from the rolling barge wakes in the big river as well as a great spot for skiers, wakeboarders and anglers to launch without trailering to either Guntersville or Decatur. Our dredged harbor is home to dozens of yachts up to 54 feet, as well as a building-full of smaller boats in dry storage. s

• WET SLIPS • DRY STORAGE • BOAT LAUNCH • CAMPGROUND • PAVILIONS • WALKING/ BIKING TRAILS • A SHIP’S STORE • GAS AND DIESEL • TRANSIENT DOCKAGE

dittolanding.org for special summer events and more information

293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803 | 256-882-1057

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BIG SPRING INTERNATIONAL PARK Big Spring International Park lured settlers to Huntsville over 200 years ago, and the city has celebrated it ever since growing up around this green space and preserving it for its citizens. The park plays host to numerous events, including Panoply Arts Festival and Concerts in the Park. Children will love the famously friendly ducks, geese and koi that call the Big Spring home. As you explore, be sure to notice the famous red bridge and cherry trees gifted to the city from Japan.

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Big Spring International Park 200 Church Street, Huntsville www.huntsvilleal.gov/environment/ parks-recreation/parks-and-nature/find-a-park/

M

The History of Big Spring International Park The Birthplace of Huntsville Back in 1805, Revolutionary War veteran John Hunt chose Big Spring as the location for a new community – the 7 to 20 million gallons of fresh water the spring produces every day were an invaluable resource for the new town. Before it was

TOP-RATED ALABAMA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS TRUSTED LEGAL ADVICE - SINCE 1937 Our attorneys specialize in the areas of personal injury, probate law, estate planning, real estate law & civil litigation.

(256) 533-1667 www.martinsonandbeason.com No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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More than 200 years ago, future U.S. Senator John Williams Walker remarked that “Huntsville is situated around the finest spring in the world,” and two centuries later, it’s still true. Huntsville’s Big Spring Park is located at the heart of the city, just off the courthouse square.

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The Power of a Healthy You.

Women’s Wellness Services at Outpatient Diagnostic Center ✓ NEW Anatomical Intelligent (AI) Breast Ultrasound Screening for Patients with Dense Breasts ✓ 3D Mammography with Breast Radiologists On-Site ✓ Bone Density Conveniently Scheduled with Mammogram ✓ Convenient Appointments & Outpatient Pricing

Take action for better breast health!

Call 256.534.5600 to schedule.

H U N T S V I L L E | M A D I S O N | AT H E N S

72 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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www.ODCalabama.com

Huntsville, the community was called “Hunt’s Spring,” in honor of the two ingredients on which it was started. Hunt built the first cabin in what would become Huntsville atop the bluff by the spring. It would be the better part of a century before Big Spring became part of Big Spring Park; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers renovated the site of the spring beginning in 1898, under the leadership of Hiram Chittenden, who had just been involved in the early development of Yellowstone National Park.

A Man, a Plan, a Canal: Big Spring The park gets its name from the Big Spring, but the spring itself can be easy to overlook, tucked away in a corner of the park. Much harder to miss is the canal that runs through the park, the Indian Creek Canal. Indian Creek is the first canal in the state of Alabama; begun the year after the state was formed in 1819, and completed in 1830. The canal connects the spring with the Tennessee River, 10 miles to the south, and was constructed to support the shipping of cotton. From a race to a restaurant, the name “Cotton Row” is part of Huntsville’s culture; it stems from the cotton trade that took place alongside the courthouse square. Indian Creek Canal allowed cotton to be transported much more easily from Cotton Row to the Tennessee River, from whence the entire world could be reached via the Ohio River to the Mississippi, to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.

More Than Just A Park Over the years, Big Spring has been home to a variety of attractions, activities and even utilities. In 1823, Huntsville developed the nation’s first public water system west of the Appalachian mountains, with Big Spring as its water source. Community baptisms were held at Big Spring Park, dating back to at least the late 1800s. In the mid-1960s, amusement park rides were set up in Big Spring Park. Big Spring was also a filming location for the movie Constellation, which starred Billy Dee Williams and Zoe Saldana.

Cherry Trees Big Spring Park Red Bridge Informally, the park is just “Big Spring.” You’ll often hear it called “Big Spring Park.” But for formal occasions, use its full name – “Big Spring International Park.” International Park?

That’s right – Big Spring is more than a great place to hang out and feed fish and ducks, it’s practically a low-key EPCOT of treasures from around the world.

Wander through the park, and you’ll find a lighthouse and fob bell from Norway, a bench from the United Kingdom, a sundial from Germany, and, most distinctively, the iconic cherry trees and red bridge from Japan. You’ll also find geese from Canada, but they weren’t really a gift.

- By David Hitt (Huntsville.org)

MONTE SANO STATE PARK Monte Sano State Park offers 2,140 acres of gorgeous outdoor bliss, perfect for hiking, biking, camping and playing. Twenty miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of biking trails of various difficulty levels provide never-ending exploration for outdoor enthusiasts of any age. An 18-hole disc golf course gives players a beautiful view of nature as they play, and the fully outfitted playground and recreation fields ensure no member of the family will ever be bored.

FEATURES: Museum & Memorial Disc Golf Course Japanese Garden Playground Planetarium

Monte Sano State Park Hiking & Biking Trails Cabins Camping Event Lodge Pavilions

5105 Nolen Ave., Huntsville 256-534-3757 www.alapark.com/parks/ monte-sano-state-park Park Hours: 8 a.m.- sunset (Trails close 30 minutes before sunset)

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DUBLIN MEMORIAL PARK The Dublin Park includes 60 acres, double court gymnasium equipped for basketball and/or volleyball with an upstairs walking track, 25 yard – eight lanes heated indoor swimming pool, meeting rooms and administrative offices, paved walking trail, soccer fields, disc golf course, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, pond, community built playground, outdoor pool with a diving well and kiddie pool.

Dublin Memorial Park 8324 Madison Pike, Madison (256) 772-9300 www.madisonal.gov

Start your

Journey of a Lifetime

at St. Bernard Prep!

Alabama’s Only Catholic Boarding School 74 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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Grades 7 - 12 1600 St. Bernard Drive SE Cullman, AL 35055 www.stbernardprep.com 256 -739- 6682

BRAHAN SPRING PARK Brahan Spring Park 2920 1st Street SW, Huntsville 256-883-3736 www.huntsvilleal.gov/environment/ parks-recreation/parks-and-nature

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Brahan Spring Park features over 169 acres, which includes a lake and places for baseball, softball, multi-purpose fields, lighted fields, playground, restrooms, concessions, pavilion, horseshoe, outdoor volleyball, splash pad and disc golf.

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E X PER I ENC E OU R E X PER I ENC E For 50 years LARRY’S PISTOL and PAWN has served MADISON COUNTY as the Area’s AMMO and FIREARMS

SUPERSTORE

•

OVER 10,000 GUNS AND MILLIONS OF ROUNDS OF AMMO IN STOCK AT FAIR MARKET PRICES AT TWO LOCATIONS

Take a stroll through firearm history in this one-of-a-kind store.

Experience a Gatling Gun Thousands of pieces of unique and vintage jewelry.

Luxury Timepieces Gorgeous Estate Jewelry Hundreds of 1CT and up Loose Diamonds

Come by the store and tell us you saw this ad and receive a FREE piece of diamond jewelry.

“If you don’t know jewelry, know your jeweler. And if Larry says ‘it’s so,’ it’s so!”

Larry’s Madison Location

15060 AL Hwy 20 Madison, AL 35756 256-260-7000

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Received a Smith & Wesson Regional Top Dealer Award An original winner of the Springfield Star Dealer Awards A recipient of the National Shooting Sports Federation National Dealer of the Year Federal Brand’s Ammo Dealer of the Year Hornady Frontier Dealer of the Year Shooting Range Specials: Tuesdays - Military, Law Enforcement, and 1st Responders shoot FREE. Wednesdays - Women shoot FREE. Thursdays - Retired folks shoot FREE.

•

Both stores open Tuesday - Friday 10AM - 6PM and Saturday 9AM - 4PM Shop any time online www.pistolandpawn.com

Larry’s Huntsville Location: The Huntsville store is the home of an authentic “Caswell” inspired indoor shooting range.

Cost to shoot is $10 per shooter.

Bring the family, no charge for shooters under 18.

FREE Hearing Protection and FREE Eye Protection AND FREE your first TARGET target BACKS is FREE Most times 1 to 3 NRA Certified Instructors are on the range for your safety and assistance.

The AMMO DUMP RANGE is a part of history totally original, antiquated, historical, and safe. Enjoy a step back in time. Larry’s original range is HOT in summer and COLD in winter – dress appropriately.

Larry’s Original Store 2405 North Memorial Pkwy Huntsville, AL 35810 256-534-1000

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Enjoy a Free Firearms Museum

Ruger’s first-ever Dealer of the Year

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Larry’s Madison Location:

MADISON COUNTY NATURE TRAIL Located atop Green Mountain in southeast Huntsville, high above the noise of the city, a mood of quiet tranquility envelops you as you enter the 72-acre park.

Open free to the public each day from seven in the morning until thirty minutes prior to sunset, your convenient escape from urban life encompasses Sky Lake, a 1.5 mile walking trail, pavilion, chapel, outdoor classroom, picnic tables, covered bridge, and accessible restrooms.

The State’s largest and oldest Champion Winged Elm Tree - stands tall along the Trail.

The Madison County Nature Trail provides the perfect setting for nature lovers of all ages — whatever the season. Spring features the park’s beautiful azaleas and dogwoods, while summer exhibits colorful wildflowers blooming beneath the forest’s deep green canopy.

In fall, amidst the crisp mountain air, trees display a glorious collage of color. Winter contrasts with its stark beauty and the quiet rustle of leaves along the forest’s floor.

Madison County Nature Trail 5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville 256-883-9501 www.madisoncountyal.gov/services/ green-mountain-nature-trail-1594 Explore Huntsville-Madison 77

LAND TRUST OF NORTH ALABAMA Relax, get some exercise, and connect with nature. Visitors to Land Trust of North Alabama’s seven nature preserves can enjoy outdoor adventure on over 70 miles of free public trails. The largest of these, Monte Sano Nature Preserve, is one of the largest urban nature preserves in the US and is located only two miles from downtown Huntsville. Each preserve offers unique opportunities to discover Alabama’s natural beauty - caves, wetlands, historic sites, farms, forests, and flowing creeks. Find trail maps and details about each nature preserve at www.landtrustnal.org/explore.

LOCATIONS INCLUDE: Monte Sano Nature Preserve 2442 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve 1263 U.S Hwy 72 East, Huntsville Green Mountain Nature Preserve 13800 South Shawdee Road, Huntsville Blevins Gap Nature Preserve 3470 Cecil Ashburn Dr SE, Huntsville Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve 230 Stoneway Trail, Madison Wade Mountain Nature Preserve 9500 Spragins Hollow Road NW, Huntsville Harvest Square Nature Preserve 111 Allyson Sadie Blvd, Harvest Bethel Spring Nature Preserve 2641 Cherry Tree Rd, New Hope Bradford Creek Greenway 574 Palmer Rd, Madison

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Land Trust of North Alabama 256-534-5263 www.landtrustnal.org

SHARON JOHNSTON PARK Located just 20 minutes from downtown Huntsville, the 250 acre park lies nestled in the rolling hills of northeast Madison County.

The forested park with its stone and cedar fencing reflects the early settlement look of New Market, the pioneering community of Alabama.

The Pioneer Village at Sharon Johnston Park reflects the period in Alabama’s history when homesteaders moved west seeking a permanent settlement. Part of the Pioneer Village, the SniderFanning cabin, built in 1833, serves as a symbol of the practical shelter solution of the period as well as a symbol of the houses of the rural poor THE PARK ALSO INCLUDES: • Twelve acre fishing lake stocked annually with catfish • Olympic size swimming pool where children can take swimming lessons • Campground facilities • Small picnic shelters and large pavilions with open air barbecue grills • Playground • Shooting range • Arena • Soccer fields • Marked 5k walking/running course All facilities are handicap accessible

Sharon Johnston Park 783 Coleman Road, New Market 256-379-2868 www.madisoncountyal.gov/departments/ recreation-department/sharon-johnston-park Explore Huntsville-Madison 79

Huntsville’s Nature Preserves The City of Huntsville’s Green Team maintains three nature preserves with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and discovering the beauty of nature.

HAYS NATURE PRESERVE The Hays Nature Preserve is one of Huntsville’s largest and most undeveloped parklands. There are over 10 miles of trails that wind through bottomlands, swamps, and sloughs, suitable for hiking or mountain biking. Horses are also welcome on the northern trails.

Come explore hardwood forest, walk the fields, and discover the wetlands. Wildlife abounds with deer, rabbits, raccoons, and resident and migratory birds; in fact, this natural area is an important part of the North Alabama Birding Trail. Join us in our efforts to preserve this valuable asset for our children and learn something along the way.

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Hays Nature Preserve 7153 Hwy 431 South, Huntsville 256-532-5326 www.huntsvilleal.gov/environment/green-team/ nature-preserves/hays-nature-preserve Open from sunrise until sunset unless otherwise posted.

GOLDSMITH-SCHIFFMAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Located along the Flint River in southeast Huntsville, Alabama, Goldsmith-Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary spans more than 375 acres of bottomland hardwood habitat interspersed with open fields and farmland. This natural area is an important part of the North Alabama Birding Trail and is home to a variety of habitats and an abundance of bird species. More than three miles of trails wind through bottomlands, swamps and sloughs suitable for hiking or mountain biking. Includes handicap access, parking, picnic area and viewing area.

Goldsmith-Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary Taylor Road and Terry Drake, Owens Cross Roads 256-532-5326 www.huntsvilleal.gov/environment/ green-team/nature-preserves/goldsmith-schiffman-wildlife-sanctuary

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DALLAS W. FANNING NATURE PRESERVE The 58 acre park off of Martin Road West is named in honor of the late Dallas Fanning, former planning director and architect of the City’s western expansion. The beautiful sanctuary provides outdoor trails for exercise, passive recreation, and nature hikes. The nature preserve provides several miles of signed trails through the woods and a two-acre green space dotted with shade trees and benches.

Dallas Fanning Nature Preserve 258 Old Jim Williams Road SW, Huntsville 256-532-5326 www.huntsvilleal.gov/environment/green-team/ nature-preserves/dallas-w-fanning-nature-preserve

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INDIAN CREEK GREENWAY CREEKWOOD PARK The Indian Creek Greenway begins at Slaughter Road and runs northward for two miles from Old Madison Pike up to Creekwood Park. Another section north of Highway 72 runs one mile. It will eventually total six miles and run to Old Monrovia Road when completed. The beautiful greenway route meanders north along the creek, bordered by farmland and woods.

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Other Area Greenways Mill Creek Greenway 167 Silo Hill Rd, Madison Mill Creek Greenway is a short hike-and-bike trail in Madison.

The asphalt trail is just over a half-mile long and sits within Mill Creek Park. The trail is useful for dog-owners trying to access the dog park as well as residents of the nearby subdivisions who are just looking for a safe and easy place to walk. There is parking at either end of the trail. There are two dedicated parking areas for this trail: One is on the south end, near the corner of Mill Road and Balch Road. The second is on the north end, on Browns Ferry Road near its intersection with Balch Road.

Mill Creek Greenway

Rainbow Mountain Preserve 230 Stoneway Trail, Madison Located off of Stoneway Trail, 1.5 mile long Loop Trail follows a generally rocky path along the cliff ridge and east side of Rainbow Mountain. It features beautiful rock formations such as Balance Rock, excellent views of Madison to the west, fossils, caves, and a waterfall.

Bradford Creek Greenway

Bradford Creek Greenway 574 Palmer Road, Madison Bradford Creek Greenway is definitely a green way winding just over 2 miles through Madison under cover of a dense hardwood forest. The paved pathway begins at Palmer Road (at the entrance

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Beaverdam Boardwalk

to Palmer Park) and heads north following Bradford Creek past residential neighborhoods to end at Heritage Elementary School.

The trail has marked lanes separating walkers and bikers, offers trailside benches and picnic tables, and provides nice views of the creek, rural horse fields, and wetland areas, where you might spot beavers, possums, deer, and many species of birds.

Beaverdam Boardwalk Old Hwy 20 SW and County Line Rd, Madison This one mile trail is accessed from a frontage road located just off exit 7 on 1-565. The one-mile frontage road is off of County Line Road just south of the interchange. The frontage road dead ends at the trailhead. The Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk leads the visitor into the heart of the largest Tupelo Swamp in Alabama.

While exploring the boardwalk, watch the canopy for active flocks of Tufted Titmice, Red-eyed Vireos, and warblers. The swamp usually rings with the songs of frogs, insects, and numerous birds including Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great-crested Flycatcher, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk trail crosses a swamp filled with some of the state’s largest water tupelo trees. Various species of frogs, turtles, small fish, snakes, and other reptiles and amphibians are often visible along the trail. Songbirds are common in the canopy as well.

Aldridge Creek Greenway

parking locations at Hampton Cove Elementary/Middle School, Behind the Publix Shopping Center, Haynes Nature Preserve, and off of Old Highway 431.

Gateway Greenway Although less than a mile long, the Gateway Greenway’s location in downtown Huntsville means it offers many interesting and unique things to see and do. The trail begins in Veterans Park, dedicated to honoring veterans and those who have lost their lives in military service. The park will feature three sculptures of local veterans who represent the park’s theme of courage, sacrifice and duty. A trail spur in the park takes you to the Huntsville Depot, which was completed in 1860 as part of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad.

Midway, you will come to the Garden of Life and Remembrance, just off Meridian Street. The garden is dedicated to those who have survived gynecologic cancers, as well as a special place to remember loved ones lost to cancer. You’ll continue along the east side of Meridian Street, past the playground at Bud Cramer Park, to end your journey at Pratt Street.

Little Cove Greenway 100 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads The Little Cove Road Greenway begins at Hampton Cove Elementary in eastern Huntsville. Here, the trail connects to the Big Cove Creek Greenway, which can take you north along the scenic waAldridge Creek Greenway terway, or south to the Hays Nature Preserve. Along the way, you’ll 1100 Mountain Gap Road Located in South Huntsville, near Bailey Cove Road, .5 mile south of pass the Hampton Cove Golf Course, one of 11 sites on the Robert Weatherly Road to Ditto Landing. Paved 4.19 mile trail with walking, Trent Jones Golf Trail, a collection of championship-level public golf jogging, bicycling and rollerblading allowed. Pets allowed on a leash courses across Alabama. The trail ends at the Flint River Bridge in the upscale community of McMullen Cove. only. Parking at Ken Johnston Park.

Atwood Linear Park Greenway 7500 Atwood Drive Multi-use walking and biking trail that runs along Atwood Drive and connects Jones Family Park to the Valley Hill Country Club. A small parking lot is available near the Aldridge Creek Bridge on Four Mile Post Road or large parking lots can be found at the northern terminus at Valley Bend Shopping Center at Jones Farm.

Big Cove Creek Greenway Flint River Greenway 100 Old Highway 431 The Big Cove Greenway follows Big Cove creek for 2.5 miles from a Hampton Cove Neighborhood on the east side of Hwy 431 to the Hayes Nature preserve where it changes names to the Flint River Greenway and continues on another 2 miles now following Flint river before ending at Old Highway 431. There are four convenient

Tennessee River Greenway 293 Ditto Landing Road The Tennessee River Greenway is a short, but scenic, route in southern Huntsville with a forested area on one side and the river on the other. The trailhead at Ditto Landing offers a great place to access the river to swim, fish and boat, or to camp and picnic on its banks. For further adventuring, hop on the Aldridge Creek Greenway to travel more than 3 miles north along a wooded creek rich with birds and other with wildlife.

Wade Mountain Greenway Pulaski Pike and Spragins Hollow Road Wade Mountain Greenway is the most isolated greenway in the entire network. Located near the Toyota Engine Plant off of Pulaski Pike it runs from its parking lot for one mile where it ends at the Wade Mountain Nature preserve.

Explore Huntsville-Madison 85

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Cummings Research Park turns 60!

Happy 60th anniversary to one of the main reasons for Huntsville’s success. Founded in 1962, Cummings Research Park is the second largest research park in the country and the fourth largest in the world. It is one of the world’s leading science and technology business parks, with a mixture of Fortune 500 companies, local and international high-tech enterprises, U.S. space and defense agencies, thriving business incubators and competitive higher-

education institutions.

CRP is the home of over 300 companies, more than 26,000 employees and 13,500 students.

While the park has known decades of success, Executive Director Erin Koshut and area leaders are not about to let CRP grow stagnant. A comprehensive master plan set out in 2016 to keep the park vibrant, which has sparked a resurgence and revitaliza-

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Cummings Research Park plays host to several special events each year, like the recent Downtown Rescue Mission 5K Glow Run (above) and the U.S. Paralympics Cycling Open (below). Mix in regular activities from food truck rallies and pop-up coffee tents to running, yoga, and happy hours, Cummings Research Park is a hub of activity.

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tion in recent years, led by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, City of Huntsville and the Industrial Development Board.

Currently over 91 percent capacity, the highest CRP has seen in more than 13 years, leaders are working to make sure the park is not just a place to work, but live, with added walkability and social events.

“One of the things we know is for our companies across the community that are recruiting and retaining top talent, creating a sense of place is incredibly important,” Koshut said. “Inside the park we are creating that sense of place. We are building that community, that collaborative environment.”

In addition to enabling innovation and technological achievement for companies located within the Park, progress on the Master Plan has meant incorporating new and additional outdoor amenities to further connect the Park by adding way-finding signs, greenways, bicycle and pedestrian pathways, and pocket parks.

“As we look into the future, CRP is planning to bring mixed-use centers to the Park. These centers will include business and lifestyle services, cafes and restaurants, and limited housing to support the primary science and technology focus of businesses in Cummings Research Park,” Koshut said.

The Park is also supported by programming and services such as food truck fests, lightning-round tech talks, lecture series’, musical events, tech trolley tours, and more connected and collaborative activities.

For more information visit cummingsresearchpark.com.

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E

Cummings Research Park through the years Established in 1962, Cummings Research Park began as an idea during a brainstorming session between Dr. Wernher von Braun and a group of Huntsville community leaders. This conversation about the city amenities needed to attract business sparked the beginnings of Cummings Research Park, first known as Huntsville Research Park. The group set out to create a collaborative environment for companies who supported the groundbreaking governmental research on Redstone Arsenal.

Brown Engineering was the first business to move into the Huntsville Research Park. The engineering firm, headed by Milton K. Cummings and Joseph C. Moquin, purchased a 100-acre lot in 1962 at the end of the dirt road that developed into what is known today as Sparkman Drive. As a founding business in Huntsville Research Park, Brown Engineering established their research laboratories and flourished. In 1967, Teledyne Incorporated of Los Angeles bought the engineering firm. The company, known today as Teledyne Brown Engineering still remains an anchor tenant in the Park.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, IBM, Lockheed, Northrop, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville all soon located within the Park, all of which grew tremendously. After the death of Milton K. Cummings in 1973, the park was renamed Cum-

mings Research Park (CRP). The original settlement of CRP, known as CRP East, filled up by the late 1980s.

In 1982, the City of Huntsville purchased additional land, known today as CRP West. Companies including ADTRAN and Dynetics Inc. as well as the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and its 152-acre biotech campus are located there.

In 1996, Calhoun Community College established their Huntsville campus inside CRP East. They are the only commu-

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Brown Engineering was the first business to move into the Huntsville Research Park in 1962.

nity college in the nation with a campus in a major research park.

They are also now the state’s largest community college.

In 2007, Bridge Street Town Centre opened inside CRP West.

The mixed-use project was originally established as a nearby place to offer services to employees inside the Park but soon became a booming regional retail destination.

Today in the Park you find a vibrant mix of academia, the private and public sectors, retail, hospitality. With nearly 300 companies, 26,500 employees and 13,258 students, our Park is and will

be a collaborative and connected ecosystem. Anchor tenants in the Park include Teledyne Brown Engineering, UAH, Lockheed Martin, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Calhoun Community College, ADTRAN, Dynetics and HudsonAlpha. In 2019, the first ever apartments opened inside the park. The Seleno at Bridge Street feature 240 luxury apartments in CRP West.

Today, even more companies have located to Cummings Research Park, making the Huntsville community the hub for innovation and technological advancements.

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Go to www. cummingsresearchpark.com/in-the-park and check out the amenities map to discover all there is to do in the Park. Click around to see where you can grab coffee or lunch, the best selfie spots, running loops, parks, Huntsville Shuttle stops, electric car charging stations and more.

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MIDCITY DISTRICT MidCity District is at the center of the University Drive Corridor, at the gateway to Redstone Arsenal and the Cummings Research Park with a combined workforce that exceeds 100,000. Cummings Research Park is the second largest research park in the United States and is the headquarters of the defense, aerospace, and tech workforce in Huntsville.

Built on land formerly occupied by a regional mall, MidCity District was planned through careful research into how people congregate, what communities look for in a place, and how venues, buildings, parks and public spaces can be used in varied ways. Fitness and recreation, public gathering areas, walkable streets, inspired architecture, vibrant neighborhoods and intimate spaces form MidCity.

MidCity District offers a balanced mix of uses connected by urban plazas and walkable streets, adjacent to a 40-acre public park that integrates a functional lake system, an 8,000-capacity regional outdoor public amphitheater, Topgolf, multi-purpose lawns, and an outdoor climbing area. A one-mile

MidCity District 5909 University Drive, Huntsville www.midcitydistrict.com biking and running trail will encircle the lake and recreational area. The trail will also connect to the City’s Master Greenway Plan, the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s campus expansion, and the trail system in Cummings Research Park.

Once complete, the development will include 350,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space; approximately 400,000 square feet of high-tech office space; 1,600 residential units; and approximately 650 hotel rooms. Building on the reputation of the City, it will create a new destination designed to be a social and economic focal point for the diverse and dynamic community, as well as a tool for recruitment and retainment of the younger workforce.

MidCity hosts a farmers market every Sunday afternoon from March through the middle of November. It is held at The Camp.

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Music&Art Huntsville’s Amphitheater In October 2020, The City of Huntsville was given the go-ahead to move forward with its journey towards opening one of the most remarkable entertainment and recreational facilities in the US. In 2022, MidCity will see vision turn into reality by combining an 8,000 capacity venue alongside a food village that will operate throughout the year and provide refreshment not only to patrons of the Amphitheater but also an additional amenity and social space for Mid-City and the food lovers throughout Madison County. midcitydistrict.com

The Camp The Camp is an entertainment and arts venue that is setting the tone for what’s to come. With live music, farmers markets, chef-curated seasonal food truck menus, a two-story shipping container coffee shop, and unique community events - patrons can enjoy themselves at The Camp as they watch MidCity grow vertical. www.explorethecamp.com

Public Art Perhaps one of the most integral elements of placemaking is the creative layer which defines the distinct blocks of MidCity. Murals, public art, augmented reality, color, texture, and inviting dwelling spaces fabricated by local and international talent not only make MidCity 1 of 1, but this layer allows patrons to stay, shop, rest, eat, and repeat. Everchanging kinetic sculptures, fiber optic lighting, canopies, interactive sculptures, and captivating colors ensure that each visit to MidCity is not like the last.

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Town Madison is a 563-acre modern, walkable, urban community that creates connectivity, community, and a cultural experience unique in North Alabama. Town Madison provides a new experience for living, shopping, working, dining, and entertainment connecting people with their environment in a more meaningful way than traditional developments. Located in Town Madison is the $46 million Toyota Field, the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas minor league baseball team.

Town Madison is being developed in four districts, The Exchange, The Heights, The Commons and The West End. The Exchange at Town Madison features mixed-use luxury apartments within walking distance of shops, restaurants, offices, a chic hotel, parks, and an entertainment district with a movie theatre. The Exchange combines the best in modern community living with a warm neighborhood feel to become North Alabama’s place to shop, dine, work, and live.

The Heights at Town Madison elevates fine living to a new standard. This modern neighborhood offers single-family homes, town homes, and condominiums with a village square and unique shops, parks, and restaurants within easy

Town Madison Along the south end of I-565 in Madison www.townmadison.com walking distance from your front door.

The Commons at Town Madison provides a wide variety of living options with beautiful homes, condominiums, townhomes, and spacious apartments. This neighborhood fosters a thriving community with shops, restaurants, and amenities all within walking distance.

The West End at Town Madison will feature limited service hotels, offices, well-known retailers, delicious dining options and much more. Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and avid Hotel will offer the ultimate guest experience with retailer, Duluth Trading Company, not far. The West End is also be home to Twice Daily, the only c-store of its kind in Alabama.

The West End joins the Hexagon/Intergraph campus.

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DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE Huntsville’s downtown has always been one of the liveliest places in town. You’ll see a combination of families, tourists and professionals enjoying the many different aspects of downtown Huntsville. When you’re downtown you’re just a short walk from everything you could want. Local grocers, fine dining, pizza and sandwich shops, live entertainment, shop-

Huntsville Downtown www.downtownhuntsville.org www.huntsville.org ping and friendly bars are all within easy reach.

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Today, downtown Madison is a slice of Southern Americana with delicious food and unique shopping.

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SHOPPING CENTERS The best part about shopping in Huntsville is the wide variety of choices. Many of Huntsville and Madison County’s shopping centers are located along the area’s main highways and the interstate, which makes it easy to come and go and find what you need at ease. And there is plenty of parking to make your trip as convenient as possible.

Whether you are in the Research Park area, in Jones Valley, Madison or downtown Huntsville, there are plenty of

Parkway Place Mall

shopping options nearby.

Not only will you find the department and national chain stores you love, you’ll also find specialty shops and restaurants in each shopping center, as well as in the area immediately surrounding the complexes.

Explore the shopping centers below to help plan your day (or two, or three!) of shopping in town.

Here are a few good choices:

Valley Bend at Jones Farm

Village of Providence

2801 Memorial Parkway S, Huntsville

2750 Carl T Jones Parkway, Huntsville

7 Towne Center Drive, NW, Huntsville

Parkway Place Mall is the premiere indoor shopping center of north Alabama, with more than 150 specialty stores and eateries. Place Mall is located off Memorial Parkway at Drake Avenue.

Valley Bend at Jones Farm, a multi-anchored retail and dining development in the heart of southeast Huntsville, is located at the intersection of Carl T. Jones Drive and Four Mile Post Road.

Located just off Highway 72, a major artery for west Huntsville, the Village of Providence is a pedestrian friendly village built upon time-tested principles of traditional architecture and town planning.

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BRIDGE STREET TOWN CENTRE Bridge Street Town Centre is an outdoor lifestyle center with a European design. It is the premiere lifestyle center in Huntsville. Here you’ll find more than 70 upscale shops and restaurants anchored by a flagship Belk department store, plus the 210-room Westin Huntsville hotel and 14-screen Monaco Pictures. Retailers exclusive to Huntsville include Apple, Southern Living, Kendra Scott, Conners, H&M, Michael Kors,

Bridge Street Town Centre 365 The Bridge Street, Huntsville www.bridgestreethuntsville.com Anthropologie, J. Crew, P.F. Chang’s, Pandora, Orvis, Texas de Brazil and much more.

While shopping or dining at Bridge Street, it is common to hear the sounds of live performers. Bridge Street has a street entertainment program that showcases some of the best local talent.

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CAMPUS NO. 805 Campus No. 805 is 805 a 13-acre development The main building at Campus No. openedmulti-use in 1952 and was home tolocated the original S.R. Butler High School. The facility wasand later re-purposed as On Roythe L . west Stone Middle at Governor’s Drive West Clinton Avenue.

School before eventually being decommissioned by the Huntsville city school system in 2009. The property in 2014isto a private developer andSchool, in conjunction with the end ofwas thesold Campus the old Stone Middle renamed redevelopment, the city of Huntsville purchased four acres of the nearly thirteen-acre the Stone Center.

It is home to Huntsville Ballroom, 3rd Circle site for green space, parking, and a large performance lawn in the heart of the campus.

Serving as a catalyst for urban renewal in west Huntsville, the mixed used development Cellars, Ale’s Kitchen, Arcadia–Tattoo, Blue Summit is currently home to two major craft breweries Yellowhammer BrewerySupplies, and Straight to Ale – along with Bubba’s SilverSpoon, Spoon Catering, Lone Goose Saloon, and aStone, wide range of Bubba’s Silver Civil Axe Throwing, Earth And restaurants, retail shops, and special event venues.

Fringe Salon, Hops N Guac, Lone Goose Saloon, Off Beat Coffee Studio, Pints and Pixels, Rock N Roll Sushi, Ronnie Raygun’s, Stone Event Center, Straight To Ale, The Net, The Bar, X-Golf Huntsville and Yellowhammer Brewing.

FINE JEWELRY Antique | Estate | Custom Design

Campus No. 805 has become the connecting point for the resurging West Huntsville neighborhoods and the treasured historic districts and the hundreds of exciting new loft residences in downtown. Newly transformed as the Stone Event Center, the refurbished school building offers a variety of multi-use space for private rental and has become a popular event venue for young professionals and the hospitality industry. The Stone Center building and the new 16,000 square foot Student Union has attracted a growing list of tenants to include craft breweries, restaurants, catering, bars, retail and entertainment venues.

In-store Jewelry Repair,

Campus No. 805

Watch Repair, and Appraisals

2620 Clinton Avenue, Huntsville www.campus805.com

2314 Memorial Parkway S, Huntsville 256-536-3321

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STOVEHOUSE An old stove company building was transformed from a place of labor to a place for leisure. Visit Stovehouse for lunch or dinner, take the family for games on the leisure lawn or meet friends for a live show Thursday through Sunday. Among the restaurant and bar choices are: Parm & Pepper, Oh Crepe, Kamado Ramen, Fresko Mediterranian Grille, Taqueria El Cazador, Bark & Barrel BBQ and Pourhouse with a rooftop bar.

There’s also a Company Store, shops, event and office space.

Stovehouse 3414 Governors Drive, Huntsville 256-801-2424 www.stovehouse.com

Fresh Start Strong Finish There’s never been a better time to complete your degree and get your career on track.

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LEAP.Oakwood.edu

256.726.7098 Registration now open!

309 Jordan Lane NW Huntsville, AL 256-430-4729

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Celebrate

with us!

From celebrating barbecue, Japanese hot-air balloons Fromfestivals festivals celebrating barbecue, art, culture, hot-air balloons and and endangered birds to parades ships and jazzmusic bands and to street history to concerts to streetfeaturing parties pirate with classic cars, parties with classic cars,the music and art, events the Tennessee art, events across Tennessee Valleyacross annually entertain Valley annually entertain lovers of food, music, nature, history and more. lovers of food, music, nature, history and more.

FESTIVALS

Some festivals or events may be rescheduled or altered. Please check with host organizations to confirm.

Go to www.huntsville.org for a complete list of festivals and other events.

Panoply

Big Spring Park in Downtown Huntsville The Southeast’s premier arts weekend features multiple stages offering regional and national performers in dance, music and theater. In addition, Panoply offers STE(A)M make-and-take activities for children, an Art Marketplace featuring 100 artists, artist demonstrations, craft beer, food and fireworks. The festival is usually held the last weekend in April. www.artshuntsville.org

ALABAMA JUBILEE

Dozens of hot-air balloons take to the air above Decatur during the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

The free two-day festival features a Hare and Hound Race, key grab, balloon glow, tethered rides, antique tractor display, car show, arts and crafts, live music and fireworks. The balloons plan to take to the sky for the 44th annual festival on May 29-30 this year. Admission is free.

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Concerts in the Park Big Spring International Park

An increasingly popular local tradition, the ten-week Concerts in the Park series highlights local music across many genres, including rock, swing, country, jazz and bluegrass. These free events take place in beautiful Big Spring International Park in the heart of Downtown Huntsville. Music lovers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or towel and listen to the sounds of great Rocket City musicians as the summer sun wanes above them. Food is on hand thanks to Huntsville’s growing collection of food trucks, which offer cuisine like barbecue, Cajun, ice cream, and so much more. The first concert will begin in June and continues every Monday through the summer. It starts at 6:30 p.m.

Madison Street Festival Downtown Madison

Madison is known for its down-home and family friendly atmosphere, and the Madison Street Festival is a great example of this.

For over 30 years, the festival has featured the local food, music and art that makes Madison such a special place. It happens on the first Saturday in October. www.madisoinstreetfeatival.org

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Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville

Autumn in Downtown Huntsville is a very special time of year, and there are few better ways to welcome it than with a pilgrimage through one of the Rocket City’s most sacred areas at the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll. The Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll has become one of the largest living history strolls in America.

History comes to life all along the path with more than 75 costumed characters living out Huntsville’s rich history, often accompanied by music. This free event (donations appreciated) features special exhibits, an antique auto display and scavenger hunts for kids of all ages. There just may not be a more unique way to appreciate the magic of Huntsville’s storied past. www.facebook.com/maplehillstroll.

Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair Toyota Field

The Rocket City Trash Pandas has hosted the “Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair,” teaming up with Kissel Entertainment to offer an exciting array of carnival rides and midway concessions. Check www.trashpandasbaseball. com for upcoming dates.

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Galaxy of Lights

Huntsville Botanical Garden

The Huntsville Botanical Garden creates a “holiday light extravaganza” with its Galaxy of Lights every winter.

You’ll see Huntsville’s ingenuity on display through animated light displays, from Santa Claus with a rocket to a twinkling icicle forest, traditional holiday scenes or nursery rhyme characters. This annual event opens with the walking weekend strolls (including some dog friendly nights!) that begin a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. Then the Galaxy of Lights opens for cars, which can drive through the path nightly from Thanksgiving into the New Year. The Galaxy of Lights is constantly touted by travel writers and group tours as a top sight to experience. www.hsvbg.org

Monte Sano Art Festival Monte Sano State Park

Every year, Huntsville’s top artists gather in the beautiful Monte Sano State Park to showcase their work at the Monte Sano Art Festival organized by Arts Huntsville. Visitors can view and buy art pieces, listen to great music and enjoy local food. The festival is a perfectly serene destination to appreciate hand-made art and vibrant culture. Special exhibits by artists from across the country are on display in the regal Monte Sano State Park Lodge. The Monte Sano Art Festival grows every year and, along with the beautiful changing leaves of the “Mountain of Health,” is a beautiful tradition in which Huntsville locals and visitors love to take part. It will be held in September. www.artshuntsville.org

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WELCOME HOME

Huntsville and Madison are continuously voted as one of the best places to live in the U.S. It’s easy to see why when you spend time in any of the diverse areas of town. Despite rapid growth, the “Rocket City” is laid out in an intuitive and easy-to-navigate way, making it simple to plan a visit full of worthwhile sights. Each district has unique elements that cater to any kind of lifestyle. Whether it’s the history of the Merrimack, Lincoln and Medical districts, the peaceful ambience of Hampton Cove, the fine dining and shopping of Providence and Research Park, the community feel of Madison, this area’s residents and visitors love having options for where and how they spend their time. We have provided a brief glimpse into each district. For more information, go to www.huntsville.org or www.madisonal.gov.

MEDICAL The tightly packed district, which also features a network of medical research and care organizations and numerous private practices and pharmacies, is strategically central to entertainment, dining and Huntsville’s main highway, Memorial Parkway. You’ll love the Medical District’s tight-knit sense of community, which makes it a great spot for visitors wanting to get a taste of local flavor, culture and activity.

MONTE SANO When Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team of German rocket scientists came to Huntsville to work with the U.S. Army and then help NASA land a man on the moon, there was one area of town that appealed to their families most: the lush, natural beauty of Monte Sano Mountain. Today, Monte Sano is still a vast, secluded area where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

LOWE MILL In its early days, Huntsville was sectioned into districts that were based on the various textile facilities – such as Dallas Mill, Lowe Mill, Lincoln Mill and others – that drove the local economy. It’s noteworthy that in a special way, this tradition continues today! The

Lowe Mill area is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing neighborhoods in Huntsville and an essential destination for visitors and residents alike!

HAMPTON COVE Once a quiet, rural collection of back roads, Hampton Cove has spent the last twenty years rapidly developing into one of the largest suburbs in the Huntsville metropolitan area. Soak in the epic view of the Tennessee Valley during a drive over the Cumberland Plateau, and you’ll find a picturesque community that values peace, quiet and fun.

JONES VALLEY Head south from Downtown Huntsville, take a left to climb the hill that intersects Whitesburg Drive and Airport Road and you’ll be stunned at what you see: the beautiful, rolling hills of Jones Valley. A sweeping landscape dotted with grazing cows will greet you, along with beautiful homes built into the hillside and the majesty of the Cumberland Plateau on the horizon.

LINCOLN MILL Lincoln Mill might be Huntsville’s most unique and surprising neighborhood. At one time it was the largest cotton mill in the city. At another, Lincoln Mill housed office space for NASA. It was also where

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engineers designed the Apollo Lunar Rover! Since then, Lincoln Mill and its surrounding area has developed into a re-emerging area for outside-the-box thinkers in the world of business, benevolence and education.

MERRIMACK Huntsville’s Merrimack District has a different feel than the other urban areas in Rocket City, thanks to its open spaces and New Englandinspired homes. In the early 1900s, Merrimack Manufacturing Company developed a village to surround its booming cotton mill in Huntsville and designed it to mirror villages in Massachusetts. Big, welcoming porches and duplex-style homes characterize a community that This Old House has highlighted as a notable “old-house neighborhood.”

MADISON Madison is one of the fastest growing cities in the southeastern United States, with one of the highest per capita incomes and a school system that is recognized for scholastic excellence at the local, state, and national level Madison has been listed as a US News & World Report “Top 10 Places to Grow Up”, a CNN Money “Top 100 Best Places to Live”, one of Family Circle’s “10 Best Towns for Family”, and was recognized as

Google’s “2013 Digital Capital of Alabama”. Check out the growing opportunities at Town Madison and Clift Farm.

VILLAGE OF PROVIDENCE Boasting “big city life and small town living,” the Village of Providence is a quaint and charming, idyllic area right off Highway 72 in northwest Huntsville. The meticulously designed community has been nationally recognized for its commitment to creating a peopleand pedestrian-oriented place for residents to enjoy. Of course, the Village of Providence welcomes visitors as well, which is clear from the neighborhood’s dining, shopping and lodging options.

SOUTH HUNTSVILLE South Huntsville is where the energy of the city meets the tranquility of nature. Explore the outdoors, uncover unique places, and share in the spirit of innovation that characterizes South Huntsville. Take a bike ride down Aldridge Creek Greenway, hike on Green Mountain, row along the river at Ditto Landing, or run through a neighborhood. Enjoy the vista of the mountains, the view across the water, the stars shining down, and the trees along the street. Check out future opportunties at Hays Farm.

WE ARE WHERE OUR CLIENTS ARE. IN THE BEST LOC ATIONS WORLDWIDE.

WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS. From a small boutique shop in Europe to more than 800 shops in the best locations around the world, we’ve delivered quality service and personal attention to the clients who’ve welcomed us. Wherever you find beautiful properties, premium service, and extraordinary living, you will find Engel & Völkers. If you’re thinking of selling your home, find out how we can help connect you with the right buyer.

Open at Bridge Street Town Centre Engel & Völkers Huntsville 320 The Bridge Street • Suite 104 • Huntsville • AL 35806 • Phone: +1 833 588 2737 Learn more at huntsville.evrealestate.com

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