HUNTSVILLE, AL ITINERARY
This itinerary is suitable for any amount of people, including solo travelers. It begins on the evening of day one, allowing time for travel into town and check-in to accommodations. Day three concludes midday, again allowing time for travel home in the afternoon.
Recommended Lodging:
Recommended Travel:
DAY 1
Welcome to the Rocket City! If you drove into town, you might’ve seen exactly why Huntsville is known this way, but if not, you will soon find out. Starting this evening, I hope you are able to appreciate the best of Huntsville and get to know Alabama’s third largest city (which is the best one, if you ask me).
Dinner: Stovehouse
This is a fun place on a Friday night to give you a taste of what Huntsville celebrates: local food and local music. There is typically an abundance of parking in the west lot off of Governor’s Drive. When entering Stovehouse from the west entrance, you will pass The Courtyard until you get to The Brewers Cooperative, which boasts the (unofficial) longest bar in Alabama featuring 40 beers on tap! This is a great place to hang out on the patio, or you can round the corner and head to the Leisure Lawn and Food Garden. This is where most of the action will be happening through the evening. Everyone can eat whatever they’d like, as there are many options to choose from. You will have to explore the website to see individual businesses hours of operation. Enjoy an evening of food and music - you may just want to stick around until closing time!
Picture above taken from the Stovehouse Instagram account.
Evening Activity: Attend a Hockey Game
If you happen to be in town during hockey season, Huntsville has our own professional ice hockey team. My husband and I recently attended a professional hockey game and had so much fun! I know very little about the sport, but we had a blast watching the game, eating the snacks, and enjoying each other’s company. You can find the schedule (and buy tickets) from their website when you click on ‘Details’ above.
Get some rest tonight in preparation for your only full day in The Rocket City. Tomorrow will bring us to find out why it is named that way, along with some GREAT food and other Huntsville spots. Fun Fact: Huntsville was the first capital of Alabama!
DAY 2
Breakfast: Honest Coffee Roasters
Hours: 6:30 am - 7:00 pm daily
If you are staying at 106 Jefferson, Honest Coffee is a short walk (0.3 miles) away. Get outside, take a brisk walk to start your day, and enjoy one of Huntsville’s best coffee shops!
Recommendations: The Kona Açaí Bowl is absolutely delicious! The Breakfast Sandwich is also tasty. When I tell you that you cannot go wrong with anything you order here, it’s because everything is truly delectable.
Morning Activity: Shopping at Caley Paige
Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily, closed on Sundays
Since you are right next door, pop into one of my favorite local boutiques and see what all they have to offer! Take some time to explore this area with lots of local shops and bites.
Morning Activity (Alternative): Walk around Big Spring Park
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing morning outdoors or an active outing, Big Spring Park has something for everyone! Big Spring International Park is a beautiful urban park that features a large spring-fed pond, picturesque waterfalls, and lush landscaping. The park is designed for both relaxation and recreation, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and a children's playground. It's also home to various art installations and sculptures, making it a cultural as well as a natural space. The park hosts community events, festivals, and concerts, making it a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. Make sure to check out the website by clicking on the “details” above to see if there are any events going on during your visit! Overall, it's a great spot to enjoy nature while being close to the city's attractions.
Starting in late November, you can visit Tinsel Trail, a festive holiday display featuring dozens of beautifully decorated trees set up in the heart of downtown. Each tree is sponsored and adorned by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, creating a vibrant, colorful atmosphere during the holiday season. The event often includes activities like live music and other seasonal festivities, making it a cherished part of Huntsville's holiday celebrations.
Lunch: Little Rosie’s Taqueria
Hours: 6:30 am - 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday; 6:30 am - 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday; closed on Sundays
If you don’t go anywhere else, do yourself a favor and get to Little Rosie’s. If you are a Huntsville native, you know the debate between which is better: Big or Little Rosie’s but I’m team Little Rosie’s until the end of times!
Afternoon Activity: U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Details: Admission is $30 per adult and can be purchased onsite. If you want to ensure you will not miss out of this activity, you can purchase tickets in advance through the website. You shouldn’t have any difficulty getting tickets unless there is an event that day. See the website for further information and for planning purposes.
Afternoon Activity (Alternative): Huntsville Botanical Garden
Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday; 9:00 am - 7:00 pm on Wednesday through Saturday; 11:00 am - 6:00 pm on Sunday
If you are not so interested in the Space and Rocket Center, you may rather spend the afternoon walking through the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Garden. Throughout the year, the garden hosts various events and educational programs, including seasonal festivals and workshops. The walking paths provide a serene environment for leisurely strolls, and there are often art installations and special exhibits to enjoy. It’s a perfect place to relax, take photographs, or learn more about gardening and horticulture.
If you happen to be visiting from mid-November through early January, you are in for a treat! Galaxy of Lights is a beloved annual holiday event held at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. It features stunning light displays that transform the garden into a winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy thousands of twinkling lights, themed displays, and various festive decorations. They offer both walking and driving options on certain nights. Walking nights begin at 5:15 pm and driving nights begin at 5:30 pm. It’s a great outing, with additional activities like visits with Santa, food vendors, and sometimes live entertainment.
Evening Activity/Dinner: Bridge Street Town Center
Dinner options: The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, Bravo Italian Kitchen, Connor’s Steak and Seafood, and more! You might want to make a reservation when you choose somewhere to dine at Bridge Street - weekends tend to stay particularly busy. OR enjoy some shopping while you wait for your table to be ready.
Today you experienced some of the best of Huntsville. What was your favorite activity? Each experience that you’ve had here has contributed to the rich tapestry of your visit. My hope is that you look back on your time in Huntsville fondly and appreciate how this itinerary has shaped your time here. But don’t worry, we still have a morning packed with things to do before you have to get back home! Rest easy to recharge for the day ahead.
DAY 3
Breakfast: Good Company Cafe
Hours: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm daily, closed on Mondays
Did someone say brunch all day? Treat yourself to another Huntsville staple - If you are here on Sunday, they offer a mimosa special (OJ and bubbly for $40), or you can get the mimosa special WITH the brunch board and I don’t think there’s anything better than that. They also have delicious coffees, pastries, and MANY vegetarian/gluten-free options.
Morning Activity: Hiking at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
As you hike the trails, you can enjoy a great workout that helps improve your fitness levels while connecting with the calming beauty of nature. The preserve is home to various local wildlife, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The scenic landscapes and picturesque vistas are perfect for photography or simply taking a moment to appreciate your surroundings.
My personal favorite trail is the Bill and Marion Certain Trail to West Bluff Trail. When you initially see signs for the West Bluff Trail, veer off of B&M in order to see all of the beautiful vistas Blevins Gap South has to offer (this will probably make more sense when you are looking at a map - I will link it below). Generally, there is good signage and the trails are pretty easy. They are both listed as moderate on AllTrails.
Lunch: Grandmother’s House
Hours: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (last seating at 1:30); 8:00 am - 11:00 am on Saturdays (last seating at 10:30)
As your adventure in Huntsville comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the remarkable experiences you’ve had in this vibrant city. From the awe-inspiring exhibits at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to the serene beauty of the Huntsville Botanical Garden, each stop has offered a unique glimpse into the heart of Alabama. Whether you’ve explored the rich history, indulged in local cuisine, or enjoyed outdoor activities, I hope you leave with lasting memories and a desire to return. Safe travels!
Other Recommendations:
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Monday through Friday; 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Saturdays; closed on Sundays
Looking to get a quick workout in while in town? Look no further than one of the best Pure Barre studios in the country (and I’ve been to a lot of them)! Pure Barre is a fitness program that focuses on strength training through low-impact, high-intensity movements. It combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga to create a full-body workout that targets core strength, flexibility, and overall endurance. Classes typically involve using a ballet barre for support and incorporate small, controlled movements that are designed to sculpt and tone muscles. It's suitable for all fitness levels and often emphasizes a supportive community atmosphere. If you are new to Pure Barre, try out an Engage class. If you are a Pure Barre regular, enjoy one of the other class formats and lift, tone, burn with Pure Barre Huntsville! Check the schedule by using the link to the website through the “details” link above.
NOTE: This itinerary is written in the same format as my other itineraries listed on my Thatch library (Redwood National Park, Florida Keys). This itinerary can be used as a model to get a feel for my others before purchasing them, as well as spending a killer weekend in Huntsville, AL. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to leave any tips if you used this itinerary! :)
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