Friday, June 28, 2013

Plan a Summer Vacation in Sweet Home Alabama

Recently an article was published in a magazine stating that a city was one of the worst places to visit. One of the dignitaries in the city invited the author to the city and shared with her all of the wonderful historic locations, restaurants and entertainment that was available for tourist. The author changed her mind and wrote a second article stating it was a great place to visit. I am not going to tell you the city because that is not important, what is important is for you to travel and visit places and make your own decision.
 
Huntsville is known as, The Rocket City, according to the Huntsville convention and visitors bureau. The high-tech city of Huntsville which sprawls at the foot of a mountain in North Alabama is equally at home in the 19th century or the 21st. Huntsville's tourist attractions reflect the heritage of Alabama's first English-speaking city, the strife of the American Civil War and the accomplishments of America's rocket scientists. The city is nicknamed "The Rocket City" for its close history with U.S. space missions. Huntsville has been important in developing space technology since the 1950s.

 
Huntsville
The birthplace of America's space program, Huntsville is rich in history and technology. As the fourth-largest city in Alabama, it's also loaded with museums and cultural opportunities. From the North Alabama Railroad Museum and the city's remarkable Twickenham Historic District to Monte Sano State Park and Bridge Street Town Centre, Huntsville offers a nearly endless list of recreational activities, dining experiences, outstanding shopping and much more.
What To See & Do
Historic Site
In 1866, Congress passed legislation establishing two cavalries composed of African-Americans. After Spanish-American War, the 10th U.S. Cavalry was ordered to Camp Forse in Huntsville.
Outdoor Recreation Site
Horseback Riding, Lessons
Museum
Costumed guides lead tours of working village (1805-1819). Cabinetmaker's shop, print shop, confectionery shop, library and post office. Commemorates 1819 Constitutional Convention site.
Indoor Recreation Site
Finest dual-rink facility in Southeast. Public sessions, hockey, birthday parties. Skating lessons with Huntsville Skating School.
Outdoor Recreation Site
Lagoon with ducks and fish. Part of Indian Creek Canal, formerly used to transport cotton. Huntsville was settled (1805) near this limestone spring.
Outdoor Recreation Site
Step back in time to the 1800s with authentic log cabins, period interpreters and barnyard. Tour eclectic mansion of eccentric Dr. Burritt, or hike trails.
Home And Garden
CASA Community Garden casamadisoncty.org/casa-garden. 256-533-7775. 4725 Bob Wallace Ave, 35805. Open seasonal hrs. The CASA Community Garden is one of the oldest community gardens, volunteer driven in the state of Alabama.
Historic Site
Dred Scott was brought to Huntsville as a slave in 1818 and lived in Alabama for 12 years. U.S. Supreme Court denied him citizenship.
Museum
Unique, hands-on experience where visitors interact with history. Exhibits include a talking tree, 46-foot keel boat, talking clock and preschool learning center and more.
Home And Garden
Full-line garden center, fountains, statuary, display gardens and a furniture and home accessories store with antiques, rugs, lighting, linens, gifts, Christmas decor in season.
Zoological Park
Free-ranging exotic and endangered animals. Driving route. Zebras, zebus, buffalo, camels, ostriches, pythons, crocodiles, rams, highlanders, alligators, water fowl and more.
Historic Site
Alabama's oldest continuously operated hardware store (cir. 1879). Large selection of local and regionally made gifts: jewelry, gourmet items, pottery and old-fashioned toys.
Historic Site
Locomotives and Civil War graffiti. Hear stories by robotic ticket agents. Exciting hands-on programs. Home of Rocket City BBQ Cook-Off and Whistle Stop Festival.
Botanical Garden
Gift shop, tea room, picnic areas, pavilion. 120 acres of beautiful gardens and walking paths. Year-round festivals, Galaxy of Lights holiday light show.
Golf Course
Driving range, lessons, snack bar. Tee times available 3 days in advance.
Museum
Four to six major traveling exhibitions per year. Shows by regional artists, displays from museum's collection. Guided tours and educational programs offered throughout year.
Sports Arena
Stock car racing at "South's Fastest Quarter Mile." One of top short asphalt tracks in Southeast. Where legendary drivers started their careers. Season from Apr.-Sept.
Sports Arena
North Alabama's home for Minor League Baseball. AA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. America's pastime in the Rocket City.
Indoor Recreation Site
Alabama’s oldest symphony orchestra featuring guest artists from around the world!
Sports Arena
Built in 1985 to host Southern League Huntsville Stars. Home to UAH Chargers baseball and high school tournaments.
Outdoor Recreation Site
Alabama's first land trust preserving North Alabama greenspace for 25 years; 40+ miles of public trails on four Nature Preserves all within Huntsville city limits.
Historic Site
72-acre park includes 17-acre lake. Fishing for youths under 16 or seniors over 60. Walking trails, pavilion, chapel, picnic sites.
Historic Site
Located in the historic Merrimack Mill Village neighborhood, this 302-seat theatre presents a season of professional touring productions.
State Park
Located in the center of Huntsville. 2,500 natural acres complete with hiking and biking trails. 14 rustic cabins, improved camping, pavillions, playground and lodge for events.
Antique
A wide selection of antiques from throughout the years.
Historic Site
Many plays by regional playwrights. Southeast Theatre Conference Winner 2000, Alabama State Winner 2000, 2001 and 2002. Two stages, double events.
Science Center
The Tennessee Valley's premier hands-on science center offers more than 100 exhibits, theater shows and live floor demonstrations for an experiment in fun.
Outdoor Recreation Site
Miniature golf, bumper cars, batting cages, carnival rides, go-karts, arcade, waterpark, concessions. Maxflight simulator, rock-climbing wall.
Museum
Repository of African-American history and culture. Dialogue between present and past through archival collections, featured exhibits on three floors of beautiful gallery areas.
Golf Course
Completely renovated in spring of 1997. Greens feature Crenshaw bent grass on this challenging but fun links-style course.
Historic Site
Alabama's largest antebellum district. Federal, Italianate and classical architecture. Also see 1819 Weeden House Museum, Alabama's oldest house open to public.
Science Center
Alabama's top tourist attraction, largest space collection on earth, interactive exhibits and simulators, IMAX and 3D Theaters. Home to Space Camp and Aviation Challenge camp programs.
Museum
See displays of more than 30 historical military vehicles (WWI-present), tableaus, artifacts, and memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War.
Museum
Birthplace of Maria Howard Weeden (1846-1905), artist and poet. Federal period architecture, curved stairway, central hall, period furniture. Oldest Alabama house open as museum.
Research Sites
 
Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Augustine of Hippo


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