Explore Huntsville-Madison 2021-22

ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS North Alabama celebrates the return of minor league baseball

Explore 2021-2022

Huntsville - Madison

Out of this world!

Travel to the ends of the galaxy without leaving the Rocket City

MidCity District

A look at the excitement MidCity is bringing to North Alabama

Discover

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

Photo by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Explore Huntsville-Madison 1

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John M Gunn III, Agent 6945 Highway 72W Huntsville, AL 35806 Bus: 256-864-2223 john@johngunnagency.com

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Explore Huntsville-Madison 3

Explore 2021-2022

Huntsville - Madison

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

OUTDOORS [37]

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

[12]

PLAY BALL

SHOP.DINE.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 food and fun.

CELEBRATE [67]

DINING [78]

[76]

[81]

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

PERFORMING ARTS Discover what this area has to offer for the performing arts lover.

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

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.

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The Rocket City Trash Pandas debut a new stadium and popular nickname in 2021

ENJOYING LIFE [51]

4 Explore Huntsville-Madison

EXCEPTIONAL APARTMENT LIVING EXCEPTIONAL APARTMENT LIVING EXCEPTIONAL APARTMENT LIVING IN MADISON & HUNTSVILLE! IN HUNTSVILLE! INMADISON MADISON & HUNTSVILLE! NNOOWWLLEEAASSI INNGG 11,, 22,, AAN D 3 B EEDDRROOOOMM AAPA PART RTMMEENNTS 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.

RevereRiverLanding.com

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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Ashbury Woods 32 Ashbury Woods Drive Huntsville, AL 35824 256-772-0068 Ashbury Woods welcomes you with modern conveniences such as an exercise facility available 24/7 and an outdoor pool to lounge around.

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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Explore Huntsville-Madison 5

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.

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

Published by

M adison RECORD THE

Tennessee Valley Media, Inc.

ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS North Alabama celebrates the return of minor league baseball

Explore

CHILDREN’S DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

2021-2022

Huntsville - Madison

Out of this world!

Travel to the ends of the galaxy without leaving the Rocket City

CHILDREN’S SOUTH PEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT CENTER

MidCity District

1940 ELMER J BISSELL RD,

A look at the excitement MidCity is bringing to the Huntsville area

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243 | (205) 638-4800

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ON THE COVER

6 Explore Huntsville-Madison

Discover

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

Explore Huntsville-Madison 1

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. See page 11

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Explore Huntsville-Madison 7

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 new 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, who will be playing their inaugural season this year. It is also used to host a wide assortment of other events, like the fireworks shows, movies, kids camps, concerts and much more.

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.

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 This is only a sampling of what is offered in Huntsville, the State Park and Ditto Landing. You can find hiking trails, bik- rest of Madison County and the surrounding area. This magazine is a guide to many of the natural wonders, attractions and ing, fishing, and camping opportunities. festivals that make visiting — and living — in the Huntsville and Madison area so pleasurable. If you cannot fit it all in durThis area also has an extraordinarily strong arts community. Visual arts exhibits are open throughout the year at the ing one visit, that is understandable. - John Few, editor

256-830-4447 |4747 Bob Wallace Avenue | hsvbg.org 8 Explore Huntsville-Madison

406754-1

Celebrate the wonder of plants all year long.

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 9

U.S SPACE & ROCKET CENTER IR Sensor Modeling & Analysis Real-Time Embedded Systems Systems Integration and Test Command and Control Applications Modeling and Simulation Multi-Spectral Scene Generation Custom Hardware Development Sensor Fusion, Detection and Track Protective Technologies

U.S. Space & Rocket Center 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville

Operations and Maintenance 406975-1

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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.

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

10 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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.

INTUITIVE® Planetarium One Tranquility Base, Huntsville 256-837-3400 www.rocketcenter.com/INTUITIVEPlanetarium Check website for showtimes Admission Charged

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

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Explore Huntsville-Madison 11

A

Long wait for the Trash Pandas is over

After being delayed last year, the area’s first minor league baseball season since 2014 is here

As spring began, the giant scoreboard at Toyota Field in Madison continually flashed the countdown for the number of days until the Rocket City Trash Pandas’ first home game.

Anticipation for the first professional baseball game at the state-of-the-art, $47 million stadium had been building for four years, and the countdown finally had a target date when the first pitch was scheduled for May 11.

“We’re happy to finally see some Trash Pandas baseball coming to Toyota Field,” said Josh Caray, the director of broadcasting and baseball information for the team.

The story of the Trash Pandas has been one of starts, stops and changes of direction with twists and turns in between.

This project started in 2017 when BallCorps Managing Partner and CEO Ralph Nelson first came to the area pitching a plan to return minor league baseball. The idea quickly caught fire.

In 2018, groundbreaking came for the stadium. A name-theteam contest with over 30,000 votes was followed by record-

12 Explore Huntsville-Madison

setting sales of anything with the Trash Pandas name or logo.

The excitement continued to grow with the construction of Toyota Field next to Interstate 565 helping spur season ticket sales for the 7,500-capacity facility. Many premium seats sold out for the first three seasons.

Then just as the countdown for the 2020 opening day was quickly gaining speed, it went into a holding pattern because of COVID. Eventually, the 2020 season was scrubbed with a new launch date set for 2021.

The minor leagues scheduled a later start this year, May 4, because of a delay for the teams’ spring training. As part of baseball’s COVID restrictions, minor league camps don’t start until the end of major league camps.

Because of the late start, the season was cut to 120 games instead of the usual 140. That left the Trash Pandas with 60 scheduled home games instead of the anticipated 70 before the end of the season Sept. 19. No playoffs were planned this year.

The Trash Pandas will be the AA affiliate of the Los Angeles Game days begin with the gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and Angels. In the last five years, the Angels have had a top 10 draft first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Sunday games start at 2:35 p.m. pick three times, which could mean some interesting young talWhen the Trash Pandas are at home, each Tuesday will be Ladies Night. Wednesdays will be the night to bring your dog to ent may soon call Toyota Field home. the park. Thursdays will feature happy-hour promotions. Postgame fireworks are the treat each Friday and Saturday. “We are putting all of our emphasis into the game day experience,” said Lindsey Knupp, vice president of marketing, promotions and entertainment for the Trash Pandas. “That’s what it’s all about with minor league baseball.”

After a revamping of minor league baseball by the major leagues, the Southern League is now officially called Double-A South. The league went from 10 teams to eight with Jacksonville, Fla., moving up to Triple-A and the Jackson, Tenn., franchise going out of business.

The Double-A South rivals include the Birmingham Barons, Chattanooga Lookouts, Montgomery Biscuits, Pensacola Wahoos, Mississippi Braves, Biloxi Shuckers and Tennessee Smokies.

Another change starting this season involves scheduling.

Every team in the Double-A South will be off on Mondays. The teams will play a six-game series each week in one city.

Explore Huntsville-Madison 13

TOYOTA FIELD

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 stateof-the-art facility perfect for corporate functions, banquets, wedding receptions, fundraisers, social events and more. Check their website often for updates on upcoming events.

Toyota Field 500 Trash Panda Way, Madison 256-325-1403 www.trashpandabaseball.com

14 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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699-A Gallatin Street Huntsville, AL 35801 firstcomm.org

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.

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

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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. The Historic Park features restored farm buildings which interpret 19th century rural life in Alabama. A nature trail winds through heavily wooded forest. The grounds, open year round, offer a breathtaking panoramic view of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley.

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

Explore Huntsville-Madison 17

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 18 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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.

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.

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Explore Huntsville-Madison 19

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.

20 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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

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 21

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 Open March through November (including holidays), Harmony Park is a federally licensed nature preserve of freeranging 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.

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

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2021 GEICO

Explore Huntsville-Madison 23

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Jason Zarrilli 256-837-0551 1410 Paramount Drive, Huntsville g geico.com/huntsville-zarrilli

LOWE MILL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT space to play. space to meet.

Visit huntsville.org for info on all things to see, taste, and explore in the Rocket City.

Get discounts to Huntsville attractions at our Visitor Center.

500 Church Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 | 800.SPACE.4.U | 256.533.5723

24 Explore Huntsville-Madison

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 history of Lowe Mill Lowe Mill opened in 1901 as Huntsville’s fifth textile mill.

Lowe Manufacturing Company provided housing to employees and the Lowe Mill neighborhood grew into one of Huntsville’s first suburbs complete with a general store, church, school, and bank. In the 1920s and 30s, industry laborers across the nation unionized in response to harsh working conditions and labor strikes regularly disrupted work. Lowe Mill Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 1932 and the property was sold for use as a cotton warehouse.

The second chapter in the building’s vast history begins in 1946, when Nashville-based shoe company Genesco purchased the property. During the Vietnam War, Genesco produced the majority of the jungle boots worn by US soldiers under contract by the government. The shoe factory brought jobs, which renewed the mill neighborhood and surrounding community.

Many young adults – particularly women – seized the opportunity to gain financial independence. The shoe manufacturer closed in 1978 and was sold to Martin Industries as a warehouse.

In 2001, Jim Hudson, founder of the Huntsville-based bio-

tech company Research Genetics, bought and reopened the cotton mill as Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. Hudson worked with Huntsville’s artists and creative communities to build a space where the public could interact with visual artists. Today, Lowe Mill A&E is the largest privately-owned arts facility in the south and hosts more than 150 studios for over 200 artists.

Here, artists are able to share their creative process with visitors, who are encouraged to go inside studios and meet the artists while they work.

Visitors will find disciplines in every area of visual art, from drawing and painting to textiles, jewelry, pottery, and more.

While here, guests can indulge in the culinary arts with options like crepes, specialty sandwiches, vegetarian fare, popsicles, and pizza, as well coffee, tea, kombucha, and whiskey. Lowe Mill A&E is host to a variety of entertainment options, from kid friendly events like Concerts on the Dock, to mature activities and date night options like swing dance, couples workshops, and comedy shows. We invite the public to enter studios by following our open door policy— if the door is open just walk in to explore all our studios one by one.

Explore Huntsville-Madison 25

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 touch-and-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 26 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

D E C A T U R

|

256-851-6276 www.northalabamarailroadmuseum.com and the facility. The 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. The museum is also open by special appointment.

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Explore Huntsville-Madison 27

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 Era.

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

Check online for reopening information.

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 www.hmcvm.org

Explore Huntsville-Madison 29

T

Honoring Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty

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

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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.

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 Revolution-

ary 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 31

TATE FARMS Today’s 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, Country Store, Pumpkin & Vine - Cafe & Col-

lectibles, 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

Welcome to

ALABAMA home of some of the

Best Camping in America

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65

to Decatur 565

20

to Huntsville

North Alabama’s Premier Jayco and Airstream Dealership

21768 Ala Hwy 20 256-724-2267

406775-1

ALT

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R O C K E T C I T Y R V. C O M Explore Huntsville-Madison 33

THE HISTORIC LOWRY HOUSE The Historic Lowry House, a 3000 square foot ItalianateFederal 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.

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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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The Power of a Healthy You.

Women’s Wellness Services at Outpatient Diagnostic Center

MOORESVILLE

✓ NEW Anatomical Intelligent (AI) Breast Ultrasound Screening for Patients with Dense Breasts

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.

✓ 3D Mammography with Breast Radiologists On-Site ✓ Bone Density Conveniently Scheduled with Mammogram ✓ Convenient Appointments & Outpatient Pricing

The town of Mooresville is home to four distinctly historic buildings:

Take action for better breast health!

Call 256.534.5600 to schedule.

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• 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 Mooresville

www.ODCalabama.com

Historic Mooresville is located one-quarter mile south of Exit 2 (Mooresville Road) on I-565, convenient to Huntsville, Athens, Decatur, Nashville and Birmingham.

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

• The circa 1821 Stagecoach Tavern, reportedly the oldest frame public building in the state of Alabama.

www.mooresvilleal.org

DISCOVERING THE

Great Outdoors Explore Huntsville-Madison 37

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

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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)

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 39

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 41

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

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 Explore Huntsville-Madison 43

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.

Indian Creek Greenway Harvestwood Court, Madison

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

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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

Beaverdam Boardwalk

Aldridge Creek Greenway

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.

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

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 1100 Mountain Gap Road Located in South Huntsville, near Bailey Cove Road, .5 mile south of Weatherly Road to Ditto Landing. Paved 4.19 mile trail with walking, jogging, bicycling and rollerblading allowed. Pets allowed on a leash 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

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 waterway, or south to the Hays Nature Preserve. Along the way, you’ll pass the Hampton Cove Golf Course, one of 11 sites on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a collection of championship-level public golf courses across Alabama. The trail ends at the Flint River Bridge in the upscale community of McMullen Cove.

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.

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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, Concerts in the Park and many more. 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 which were gifts 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/

The History of Big Spring International Park

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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, and will always be near and dear to the hearts of Huntsvillians.

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.

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 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.

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 A Man, a Plan, a Canal: Big Spring The park gets its name from the Big Spring, but the spring it- right – Big Spring is more than a great place to hang out and feed self can be easy to overlook, tucked away in a corner of the park. fish and ducks, it’s practically a low-key EPCOT of treasures from Much harder to miss is the canal that runs through the park, the around the world.

Wander through the park, and you’ll find a lighthouse and fob Indian Creek Canal. Indian Creek is the first canal in the state bell from Norway, a bench from the United Kingdom, a sundial of Alabama; begun the year after the state was formed in 1819, and completed in 1830. The canal connects the spring with the from Germany, and, most distinctively, the iconic cherry trees Tennessee River, 10 miles to the south, and was constructed and red bridge from Japan. You’ll also find geese from Canada, to support the shipping of cotton. From a race to a restaurant, but they weren’t really a gift. - By David Hitt (Huntsville.org)

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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

KID’S KINGDOM PLAYGROUND The Madison Kid’s Kingdom Playground at Dublin Park is a community playground project that was constructed during a six day period in October of 1997. The playground is open to the public – free of charge, during daylight hours. The site is nestled under a number of large oak and walnut trees, which offers plenty of shade. A pavilion with picnic tables is located just outside the gate. Additional picnic tables are located around the perimeter of the playground area.

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Kid’s Kingdom Playground at Dublin Park 8324 Madison Pike, Madison 256-772-9300 www.madisonal.gov Open during daylight hours

BRAHAN SPRING PARK 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.

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

KIDS’ SPACE Featuring tall castle-like structures and surrounded by large older trees, Kids Space offers a fun shaded area for kids to play.

The wood structure features a variety of slides, climbing areas and more for kids to explore and even has areas suitable for both younger and older children.

Kid’s Space Memorial Park & Airport Road, Huntsville 256-883-3710 www.huntsvilleal.gov Open during daylight hours Explore Huntsville-Madison 49

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

Shopping • Dining • Entertainment • Live

Enjoying Life Explore Huntsville-Madison 51

MIDCITY DISTRICT Currently, you’ll find dining, entertainment and recreational options in this mixed-use development including Alchemy Coffee at The Camp, Topgolf, Dave & Buster’s, High Point Climbing & Fitness, REI and more. When complete, MidCity District will offer 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-seat regional outdoor public amphitheater, multi-purpose lawns, and an outdoor climbing area.

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 inti-

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MidCity District 5909 University Drive, Huntsville www.midcitydistrict.com mate spaces form MidCity.

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; 1,400 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.

FOOD • SHOPPING • FUN

OPEN NOW ...with more to come!

MidCity will provide the best mix of retail, restaurants and entertainment in the region. Pulsing with energy, it’s a next-generation gathering place where cultural initiatives, hospitality and programming serve as the anchors to the built environment, inspiring social engagement, diversity and creativity. Here are some fun choices open now. Trader Joe’s, Touchstar Luxury Cinemas, Color Me Mine, Hotel Indigo, ALoft Hotel and Marriot Hotel will be added soon. midcitydistrict.com

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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 A mini-piece of MidCity. The living brochure of The District. The Camp is an entertainment and arts venue that is setting the tone for what’s to come.

With live music, farmers markets, chefcurated seasonal food truck menus, a two-story shipping container coffee shop, & unique community events patrons can enjoy themselves at The Camp as they watch MidCity grow vertical. 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 will 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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FOOD • SHOPPING • FUN The early days of the pandemic significantly slowed Town Madison‘s commercial development, but the last few months have brought announcement after announcement of what’s to come to this area. Construction has been swift and big signs with “open” will soon light up in businesses all over this brand new, walkable community.

Here’s a quick round-up of what to expect over in Town Madison soon.

OPEN NOW

COMING SOON

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Progress Looks Like Creating Memories That Make A New House

Home Paige Kistler

406765-1

Mortgage Loan Officer pkistler@myprogressbank.com 256.319.4920 direct 256.417.7634 cell NMLS# 1289067

NMLS# 401921

myprogressbank.com myprogressbank com

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CLIFT FARM Clift Farm mixed-use development taking shape to offer a place to “live, work, exercise, play and reflect” Clift Farm, first established in 2017, is a collaboration between Breland Companies and the Clift family, one of Madison’s oldest and most prominent families, to turn the 550-acre Clift Farm into a mixed-use development. The project, which will be a “balance between community and preservation,” will

The clubhouse of a luxury apartment complex being built at Clift Farm, the Henry House at Clift Farm Apartments

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allow its residents to “live, work, exercise, play and reflect.”

Clift Farm is located near Madison along Hwy 72 across from the Madison Target shopping center. Owned by the Clift family since the 1830s, is being developed to have a mixture of existing natural attributes including, green spaces, lakes and walking trails, and residential homes.

Breland Companies Owner Louis Breland said during Clift Farm’s groundbreaking in 2018, the development will bring “great opportunity for all of Madison County.”

“Our master plan is based on Traditional Neighborhood Development, featuring options ranging from estate homes to luxury townhouses, all with heavily landscaped and walkable streets,” said Joey Ceci, president of Breland Companies.

With its proximity to Madison Hospital and shopping, Clift Farm also will have a sizable senior housing component. “All of these will be able to enjoy walking trails and green-ways throughout the project that connects to Knox Creek, open spaces and a clubhouse that will become the center of the community,” he said.

Clift Farm’s 60–80-acre commercial portion is being anchored by Publix and includes traditional retail and main street village retail, plus 300 multi-family apartment units.

Clift Farm has been nurtured and tended to by four generations of the Clift family since 1850.

Jack and Lillian Clift called Clift Farm home since 1946, pouring love into this farmland and the community of Madison and Madison County. The Clift family has worked for decades to preserve Madison’s history and charm, and was instrumental in shaping the city into what it is today. Jack T. Clift passed away on December 6, 2019, but not before helping to celebrate the ground-breaking of the Clift Farm development in 2018.

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Announced tenants in the retail village include Hotworx, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Hollywood Feed, Taco Mama, The Joint Chiropractic, Supercuts and Lush Nails and Chick-fil-A. Over 470 acres adjacent to the commercial portion will be developed as residential neighborhoods. Plans are now coming to life as construction continues on luxury apartments, townhomes, senior living and estate-style lots.

The premier residential community at Clift Farm is Home Place at Clift Farm. Home Place offers a wide variety of residential housing to fit every lifestyle including townhouses, cottage houses, condominiums, single family, estate houses and multifamily homes with high end finishes.

At Pike Place at Clift Farm, Breland Homes is offering luxury three bedrooms, two baths, two-car garage one story townhomes.

Clift Farm will have outdoor living featuring nature trails with orchards, a clubhouse with an exercise gym and pool, a retail village, restaurants, event spaces and workplaces.

Clift Farm will not resemble the existing “power-center type projects” on U.S. 72 but will be designed to have the feel of a small southern town, Ceci said.

The Clift Farm development is also generating new and improved roadways in the area, including the widening of Highway 72 with the addition of a westbound lane from Wall Triana to Balch Road, two new intersections on Highway 72, the widening of Balch Road with the addition of two connecting roads.

Breland Homes was founded more than 40 years ago and is now one of the most trusted names in the home building industry.

For more information, go to brelandhomesnorthalabama.com.

Y HWA HIG LEE

Existing

The Shoppes of Madison

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Madison Hospital

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SITE PLAN

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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 shopping options nearby.

Parkway Place Mall

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, Anthropologie, J. Crew, P.F. Chang’s, Pandora, Orvis, Texas de Brazil and much more.

Bridge Street Town Centre 365 The Bridge Street, Huntsville www.bridgestreethuntsville.com

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 thhe best local talent.

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CAMPUS NO. 805 Campus No. 805 is a 13-acre multi-use development located at Governor’s Drive West and Clinton Avenue. On the west end of the Campus is the old Stone Middle School, renamed the Stone Center. It is home to Huntsville Ballroom, Ale’s Kitchen, Arcadia Tattoo, Blue Summit Supplies, Bubba’s Silver Spoon, Civil Axe Throwing, Earth And Stone, 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

Campus No. 805 2620 Clinton Avenue, Huntsville www.campus805.com Ale, The Net, The Bar, X-Golf Huntsville and Yellowhammer Brewing.

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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

Stovehouse History & Revival - Built ca. 1929 – revived 2019 Stovehouse is built on the bones of the Martin Stamping & Stove factory on Governors Drive in Huntsville, AL. Construction on the original building began around 1928 and was first home to the Electric Belle Stove Company. Soon after opening, the operation was scooped up by Martin Stamping & Stove out of Florence (where the company had foundries and was building cast iron stoves. The location in Huntsville produced gas and electric heaters (“stoves”), air circulators and more until the turn of the century.

Reconstruction on the campus now known as Stovehouse began in 2018 with the goal of reviving the energy of the old factory and the neighborhood surrounding it.

As you explore the 12-acre campus, look for signs of the past in structures made from bridge trusses, railroads, and columns constructed from acetylene canisters repurposed during WWII austerity measures. Check out the old tanks & tumblers behind the Leisure Lawn stage and the sloped, Martin-family-add-on rooflines, the yellow & green compressor right outside Parm & Pepper.

Stovehouse is in full-swing—manufacturing leisure. It’s home to restaurants, event spaces, live music venues, bars, outdoor dining, coffee shops, boutique shopping, fitness studios and high tech companies.

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DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE Huntsville’s city center has always been one of the liveliest places in town. The locals used to gather around the courthouse square to not only conduct business, but to celebrate. From day to night, you’ll see a combination of families, tourists and professionals enjoying the many different aspects of downtown Huntsville. Within downtown Huntsville, there are different neighborhoods – all with an individual flair worthy of exploration.

A mixture of large corporations and small start-ups do business here, and the progressive and breezy atmosphere creates an

Huntsville Downtown www.downtownhuntsville.org www.huntsville.org infectious sense of innovation and creativity. 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, shopping and friendly bars are right around the corner from one another.

DOWNTOWN MADISON Tucked away at the heart of the City of Madison is historic downtown Madison. Once called Madison Station for the 1850s era Memphis and Charleston railway depot built there, the old town, residences and railway tracks are still in use and thriving. Today, downtown Madison is a slice of Southern Americana with delicious food and unique shopping.

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Madison Downtown www.madisonchamberal.com www.madisonal.gov.

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 flexible 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!

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.

3RD ROCK - Playing into the space-theme of the Von Braun Center facility and the new music hall - Mars Music Hall - that opened in January 2021, the temporary outdoor stage is named 3rd Rock - a reference to Earth’s location from the Sun. The logo for 3rd Rock illustrates the two closer planets, Mercury and Venus, as eighth note music symbols.

RHYTHM ON MONROE - Rhythm on Monroe opened in March 2020 and 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.

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville www.vonbrauncenter.com

Mars Music Hall

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LOOKING AHEAD

HAYS FARM VILLAGE CENTER Hays Farm Village Center to feature nine-acre community green Huntsville City Council approved a development agreement that would include a new nine-acre community green space in southwest Huntsville as part of a proposed mixed-use development across from Grissom High School. The development will also include the revitalization of the former Haysland Square Shopping Center along Memorial Parkway.

In the agreement, the City committed to spend $3.6 million to develop a public passive park as part of the proposed Hays Farm Village Center. In turn, the developer, Hylis Inc., an entity managed by the Hays family, agreed to donate a nine-acre parcel of land for the public green space project to the City, valued at $3 million.

The public space will feature a pond and walking paths, lighting, hardscapes and landscapes. It will be wrapped by approximately 200,000 square feet of retail, 50,000 square feet of office space, and 200 apartments. The development will also include an additional 200 single-family residential lots. Hylis plans to build the $140 million mixed-used development in phases. The project is expected to be at least 50-percent complete by December 2025 The City estimates the project will return at least $11.25 million dollars to the taxpayer within the first three years.

Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis says the green community space will look and feel much like Big Spring Park in a new urban setting.

“The City is pleased to provide new infrastructure that will offer both outdoor recreation opportunities to the public and assist in providing new live, work, and shopping opportunities to our community.” said Davis.

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John Hays says the nine-acre public area is at the commercial core and is expected to spur entertainment and business development as well as offer a prime location to host year-round events for the community.

“Our family has been a part of Huntsville’s growth for more than 100 years. This land has been cultivated for generations,” said Hays. “When we began to look at creating a master plan for this site we, along with City leaders and our partners at Urban Design Associates, realized the need to incorporate an urban event park which would serve as the “nexus” of South Huntsville. This park will serve as the heartbeat of South Huntsville for generations to come.”

The development agreement with Hylis includes guarantees that the company meet specific construction benchmarks before the City builds the public community green.

District 3 Council Member Jennie Robinson says the value of the project to the community is on par with Mid-City. “I’ve often said this is the pebble in the pond and its ripples will be felt all along South Parkway,” she said. “This has been a blighted area and this will be a great development for South Huntsville.”

“The 850-acre Hays Farm development provides South Huntsville much-needed retail, restaurant, muti-family and single-family homes,” said Bekah Schmidt, executive director for South Huntsville Main. “We look forward to seeing the development around the park begin to come out of the ground and meet the needs of our growing community. We want to thank the City of Huntsville for their investment, as well as the Hays family for their generosity.”

Celebrate

with us!

FESTIVALS

FromFrom festivals celebrating barbecue, Japaneseart, culture, hot-air balloons festivals celebrating barbecue, hot-air balloons andand endangered to parades featuring pirate ships and jazz bands to street history tobirds concerts to street parties with classic cars, music and parties classicacross cars, music and art, events across the Tennessee Valley art,with events the Tennessee Valley annually entertain annually entertain loversmusic, of food, music, history nature, history and more. lovers of food, nature, and more.

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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Rocket City Summer Fest U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Rocket City Summer Fest is an annual three-day celebration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center meant to bring together the community of Camp alumni and their families from all over the world. This event allows them to reconnect with friends and applaud the accomplishments of fellow alumni. Usually held in July. www.spacecamp.com

WhistleStop Weekend John Hunt Park

At WhistleStop Weekend grill masters from across the region gather to compete in both amateur and professional divisions while visitors gather to enjoy the BBQ, wings and sides, vote in the People’s Choice Awards, take part in the Alabama Corn Hole Championship and, of course, listen to some of the best live headliners each night. It will be held Aug. 13-14, 2021. whistlestopweekend.com

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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 Sept. 18-9, 2021. www.artshuntsville.org

Crush Wine & Food Festival Big Spring Park

Hosted by Homegrown Huntsville, and distinguished as Alabama’s first state winery competition, Crush Wine & Food Festival is a destination for wine aficionados and newbies alike. Tickets for this lively event in Big Spring International Park usually sell out, so you’ll want to make sure you snatch them up quickly. It will be held Sept. 25, 2021. crushwinefestival.com

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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. It will be held Oct. 2, 2021. madisoinstreetfeatival.org

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Oktoberfest Redstone Arsenal

One of the year’s most anticipated events is Oktoberfest, a German tradition with an Alabaman twist, which is hosted by Redstone Arsenal Family and MWR. Enjoy authentic German cuisine like schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerkraut while sipping beer by the stein. High-energy polka music and dancing is a staple of Oktoberfest, as are a variety of carnival rides, like an iconic Ferris wheel. It will be held Sept. 16 - 19, 2021 at the Redstone Arsenal Activity Field. redstone.armymwr.com

NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Every April, the most brilliant young minds gather in Huntsville to participate in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Over a weekend, student teams of six members are tasked with building human-powered rovers to navigate a half-mile obstacle course made to mimic extraterrestrial terrain like craters, boulders, inclines and ridges! And spectators are encouraged.

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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. It will be held October 17, 2021 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. 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

Alabama Jubilee Point Mallard, Decatur

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.

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4th of July Extravaganza Toyota Field

uly 4th features a patriotic extravaganza in Madison culminating with what was the biggest fireworks display in the metro in 2020. Held at Toyota Field, home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, this event features live entertainment and multiple activities for kids and adults -- plus awesome food choices. Check TrashPandasBaseball.com/Events for updates on this year’s plans. Be sure to check out www.huntsville.org for other fireworks displays throughout the Huntsville and Madison area.

Rocket City Fair

John Hunt Park The Rocket City Fair has become a tradtion in Huntsville every May, however COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the 2020 fair. Plans for 2021 have not been announced yet, so check www.rocketcityfair.com for updates.

The fair usually features 25+ carnival rides from spectacular to kiddie rides.

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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 Monday June 7th and continue every Monday through August 9th. It starts at 6:30 p.m.

Farmers Markets

There isn’t a more vivid illustration of a healthy community than an active farmers market. Madison County’s farmers market season is April through October. Across the greater Huntsville area, growers from veteran farmers to hobbyists gather to provide their neighbors with fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers. Farmers market visitors will find organically sourced beef, poultry, chicken and eggs, freshbaked bread, handcrafted honey and jam and a varied selection of other lovinglyand locally-made items.

Markets are open in downtown Huntsville, southeast Huntsville and Madison, including: Ayers Farmers Market (Wed. - Sat.) Madison City Farmers Market (Saturdays) Oakwood Farms Market (Fridays) Bailey Cove Farmers Market (Saturdays) Madison Co. Farmers Market (Wed. - Sat.) The Market at MidCity (Sundays) Green Street Market (Thursdays) Meridianville Farmers Market (Tuesdays) Go to www.huntsville.org/things-to-do/farmers-market/ for times and directions to each market.

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PERFORMING ARTS

THEATRE OFFERINGS 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.

• Broadway Theatre League brings Tony-winning favorites to the Von Braun Center. www.broadwaytheatreleague.org • Theatre Huntsville and Independent Musical Productions cast accomplished local actors in meticulously designed and directed productions. www.imphuntsville.org and 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-the-wall 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.

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

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

HUNTSVILLE BALLET COMPANY 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.

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

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RESTAURANTS

Nacho Fajitas with steak at El Coyote2

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.

1892 East Restaurant & Tavern 720 Pratt Avenue NE Huntsville, AL 35801

Blue Plate Café 3210 Governors Drive Huntsville, AL 35805

Cheddar’s 6125 University Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35816

A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard (private events only until further notice) 108 Cleveland Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801

Bonefish Grill 4800 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

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

Al Shish Palace 1591 Hughes Road Suite A Madison, AL 35758 Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar 2317 Memorial Pky S Huntsville, AL 35801 Bark & Barrel BBQ 12181 County Line Road Madison, AL 35758 Beauregard’s Doubletree Suites Hotel Huntsville, AL 35802 Below the Radar Brewing Company 220 Holmes Avenue NE Huntsville, AL 35801 Big Ed’s Pizzeria 255 Pratt Ave Huntsville, AL 35801 BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse 401 The Bridge Street Huntsville, AL 35806

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Bowler Hat Brewing Company 7429 Highway 72 W Madison, AL 35758 Buenavista Mexican Cantina 3045 Mountain Cove Boulevard Hampton Cove, AL 35763 8217 Highway 72 W Madison, AL 35758

Chili’s Grill & Bar (Carl T. Jones Drive) 2740 Carl T. Jones Drive Huntsville, AL 35802 Chuck Wagon BBQ 8048 Highway 72 W Madison, AL 35758

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

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

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

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

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

City Cafe Diner 2003 Drake Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805

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

Commerce Kitchen 300 Franklin Street SE Huntsville, AL 35801

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

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

Cook Out 2220 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35810

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

Furniture Factory Bar & Grill 619 Meridian Street Huntsville, AL 35801

Cotton Row Restaurant 100 Southside Square Huntsville, AL 35801

El Coyote Mexican Restaurant 6610 Old Madison Pike, Suite 102 Huntsville, AL 35806

Golden Years Ice Cream & Diner 12835 Highway 231/431 N. Hazel Green, AL 35750

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 6886 Governors West, Suite 112 Huntsville, AL 35806

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

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

Drake’s Restaurant 4800 Whitesburg Drive, Suite 14 Huntsville, AL 35802

Farm Burger 930 Bob Wallace Ave SW Huntsville, AL 35801

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

Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza 2600 Clinton Ave W Huntsville, AL 35805 107 Brookridge Drive Madison, AL 35758

Fiero Mexican Grill 2100 Rideout Road Huntsville, AL 35808

Haru Korean & Sushi 8760 Madison Boulevard Madison, AL 35758

Flint River Coffee Company 1443 Winchester Road Huntsville, AL 35811

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

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

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

Full Moon BBQ 1009 Memorial Parkway NW Huntsville, AL 35801

Johnny Gryll’s 6125 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35806

Edo Japanese Restaurant 104 Intercom Drive Madison, AL 35758

Monday

Tuesday

Mug Margaritas

Ground Beef or Shredded Chicken only

wednesday

TH URSday

Kids Night

6:00 - 8:30PM $

$299 $1 Tacos $2

99

UNDER 10 YEARS OLD

2

DINE-IN ONLY

T RIV IA/ BINGO

MARGARITAS

4

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

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Edgar’s Bakery & Cafe 472 Providence Main Huntsville, AL 35806 2004 Airport Road SW Huntsville, AL 35801

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Tellini’s Italiano

Kacey’s Home Cooking 10017 Memorial Parkway S. Huntsville, AL 35803

Main Street Café 101 Main Street Madison, AL 35758

Little Libby’s Catfish & Diner 234 Lime Quarry Road Madison, AL 35758

Mangia Italian Restaurant 2288 Zeirdt Road Madison, AL 35758

Little Rosie’s Taqueria 4781 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

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

Logan’s Roadhouse (Balmoral Drive) 4249 Balmoral Drive Huntsville, AL 35801 6226 University Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35806 LongHorn Steakhouse (Carl T. Jones Drive) 2732 Carl T. Jones Drive 1450 Perimeter Parkway Huntsville, AL 35806

Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet (Madison) 5510 Promenade Point Parkway Madison, AL 35757

Nick’s Ristorante 10300 Bailey Cove Road, #1 Huntsville, AL 35803

Stone Age Korean Steakhouse 2319 Memorial Parkway SW Huntsville, AL 35801

Old Black Bear Brewing Company 212 Main Street Madison, AL 35758

Taco Mama Twickenham Square Huntsville, AL 35801

Old Greenbrier Restaurant 27028 Old Hwy 20 Madison, AL 35756 Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 3730 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35816

Taco Mama 328 Providence Main Street 2750 Carl T Jones Dr SE #1500B Huntsville, AL 35802 Tellini’s Italiano 1515 Perimeter Parkway Huntsville, AL 35806

Mellow Mushroom South 2230 Cecil Ashburn Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante 6125 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35816

Metro Diner 7620 US Highway 72 Suite A Madison, AL 35758

Phuket Thai Restaurant 475 Providence Main Street Huntsville, AL 35806

Texas de Brazil Bridge Street Town Centre Huntsville, AL 35806

Metro Diner 975 Airport Road Huntsville, AL 35802

Piper & Leaf 2211 Seminole Drive Huntsville, AL 35801

Texas Roadhouse 121 Jeff Road Huntsville, AL 35806

Red Lobster 1818 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35801

The Brickhouse Sports Cafe 7 Town Center Drive, Suite 103 Huntsville, AL 35806

Red Robin Bridge Street Town Centre Huntsville, AL 35805

The Casual Pint Village of Providence Huntsville, AL 35806

Red Robin (Carl T. Jones Drive) 2720 Carl T. Jones Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

The Cozy Cow 100 Church Street, Suite 150 Huntsville, AL 35801

Rocket City Tavern 2100 Rideout Road Huntsville, AL 35808

The Grille Four Points by Sheraton Huntsville, AL 35824

Rosie’s Mexican Cantina 7540-A Memorial Parkway S Huntsville, AL 35802 6196 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35816

Tom Brown’s Restaurant 8141 Hwy 72 W Madison, AL 35758

Baked Ziti Only $5!

With Drink Purchase

New Market BBQ 5601 Winchester Road New Market, AL 35761

FREE KID’S MEAL

With Adult Entree Purchase

With this ad. One coupon per customer. Not to be combined with any other offer/discount.

Expires 05/31/2022

With this ad. One coupon per customer. Not to be combined with any other offer/discount.

Expires 05/31/2022

Baked Shrimp Alfredo

Tellini’s Sampler

$1.00 Off

With Drink Purchase

With this ad. One coupon per customer. Not to be combined with any other offer/discount.

Expires 05/31/2022

With this ad. One coupon per customer. Not to be combined with any other offer/discount.

Expires 05/31/2022

Only $5!

1515 Perimeter Parkway, Huntsville, AL 256-726-9006 • www.tellinis.com Sun-Thurs 10:30-9:30 • Fri & Sat 10:30-10:00

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Ruth’s Chris Steak House 720 Gallatin Street Huntsville, AL 35801 Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria 116 South Side Square Huntville, AL 35801

Terranova’s Italian Restaurant 1420-A Paramount Drive, Suite 1 Huntsville, AL 35806

Tortora’s Bistro & Pizzeria 182 Old Highway 431, Suite B Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 Urban Cookhouse 325 The Bridge Street Huntsville, AL 35806 Walton’s Southern Table 4901 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

WELCOME HOME

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Huntsville and Maduson 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 on the next page.

For more information, go to www.huntsville.org or www.madisonal.gov.

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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 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 people- and pedestrianoriented 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.

■ Military Relocation Professional ■ Accredited Buyers Representation ■ Real Estate Negotiation Expert

Serving Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi & Georgia

■ Active REALTOR since 1993 ■ New and existing home sales and listings

Real Estate: Commercial, Land & Residential Antiques · Estates · Bankruptcy Construction, Industrial & Farm Equipment Government Surplus Vehicles · Trucks & More

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For a professional auction and real estate services company with proven growth for over 43 years, call Fowler Auction at (256) 420–4454, or e-mail info@fowlerauction.com.

Call me for a free consultation

Melanie Brooks

Fowler

256-652-8185 Melaniebrooks123@ gmail.com Mbrooksrealtor.com

8719 Highway 53 • Toney, Alabama 35773 406758-1

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Mickey Fowler, CAI, AARE, CES, AMM ALSL466, TNSL1442, TN Firm 2315, MSSL718F, GASL1394 Daniel Culps, CAI, ALSL5070, TNSL5890

Toney: (256) 420-4454 • Athens: (256) 232-7788 Huntsville: (256) 859-5682 • Ardmore: (256) 423-4454

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For more information about our upcoming auctions, visit:

www.fowlerauction.com

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