Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Huntsville, Alabama
Year Listed: 2010
Founded in 1805, the history of Huntsville, Alabama is long and rich and has implications that have stretched beyond even our planet. As the site of the state's first elections and the drafting of the state constitution, the city offers visitors a window into Alabama's early days. In the 1950s, the city spun toward the future when a group of German scientists moved in and developed the rockets that sent man to the moon. Today, the city features a vibrant center with five historic districts, a large collection of antebellum homes, former factories that have been converted into arts centers and a wide variety of museums, outdoor activities, and local shops and restaurants to meet the desires of any traveler.
Antebellum Alabama
Travelers interested in Southern history will surely be impressed with the wide collection of sites and museums that Huntsville has to offer. Take a free walking tour through Old Town, Five Points, or the Twickenham Historic District – the state's largest concentration of antebellum homes – or head up to Burritt on the Mountain, a unique regional history museum house in an antebellum mansion that overlooks downtown Huntsville and features 167 acres of green space and nature trails. Families won't want to miss the Huntsville Depot Museum and Alabama Constitution Village, a living history center where visitors are transported back to 1819.
Blastoff!
Huntsville's proud connection with the American Space Race put it on the international map in the 1950s and has continued its tradition of pioneering space exploration to the present. The city's Saturn V moon rocket, named one of the "8 Wonders of America," can be seen at the renowned United States Space and Rocket Center which is the world's largest space museum.
Going Green in Huntsville
Huntsville’s commitment to sustainability began over 30 years ago with the founding of Operation Green Team and is now nationally recognized as a leader in the green movement. An affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. and 100 percent funded by the city, Operation Green Team guarantees Huntsville’s green legacy through beautification projects, sustainability initiatives and public education for local businesses and residents. Travelers will appreciate that Huntsville has also been named a “Top Adventure Town” by National Geographic Traveler for its plentiful selection of outdoor activities.
Preservation is green. Learn more.
Don't Miss:
To plan your visit and learn more about Huntsville, visit the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by Dedra at: February 26, 2010
I absolutely LOVE Huntsville. It's beautiful, clean and has lots to do and see. I've been here a little over a year but its my home and where I plan to call my Home sweet Home.
Submitted by southern belle at: February 25, 2010
Huntsville is a magnet and draws you in. I love the springs, the Square, the scenic mountainsides, the malls, sporting events. Huntsville is like diversity with hometown charm.
Submitted by Dennis at: February 22, 2010
We moved here five years ago and find Huntsville a terrific place. I have lived in over 20 places in my life (including some of the other cities on this list) and this is, by far, the best. Having lived on all America's coasts and in her heartland, this Southeastern city, is tops. I love the level of education and friendliness of the locals. I appreciate the moral values that are shamelessly promoted. You've gotta visit if nothing else.
Submitted by jake at: February 21, 2010
huntsville rocks
Submitted by Su at: February 16, 2010
Huntsville is a great place to live and raise a family. It has a change of seasons with color on our mountains in the fall. It has a southern feel with great educational opportunities and a growing concern for our environment. We have the Tennessee River, Guntersville Lake, Nature trails, Old town, Mooresville and Arab on top of the mountain. Tennessee is just a few miles to the north. Major highway access, airport, great shopping and pride in our community. Things to see: Space and Rocket Center, Botanical Gardens, Museums, Monte Sano Mountain Art Show, Nature Trail on Green Mountain, Big Springs Park, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, and Jones Valley Farm.
Submitted by Hawghead at: February 11, 2010
I vote for Huntsville,AL. for many reasons.To mention one FISHING! . We are in the best fishing area in the country, namely North Alabama. The Tennessee river runs from the east corner through to the west corner of the state, with eight major Reservoir (Lakes) within a 70mi radius of Huntsville AL. We have a diverse fish population-Black Bass(bucket mouth),Sauger,Bream,Walleye,Crappie,Rainbow Trout, White Bass, Yellow Bass, Saltwater Striped Bass And Hybrids just to mention a few. The many Eco systems bring a beauty to the eye and a peace to the mind, And when the fish are biting you get the bonus of Lunch too!.I’m a 52 year transplant to the Huntsville area and there’s no other place I can think of that I would rather be.Thks
Submitted by Mushnik at: February 10, 2010
Don't forget the Panoply Arts Festival! It runs Friday - Sunday, 23 - 25 April in 2010. It's called The South's Most All-Embracing Extravaganza and includes six performance stages; the Global Village; street performers; FREE, hands-on children's arts activities; showcases in jazz and blues, as well as in "Joyful Noise"; competitions in choreography, photography, "homegrown talent," visual arts (via the Art Marketplace), songwriting, ten-minute plays, and fiddling (the Official Alabama State Fiddling Championship); the "Get Rhythm!" drum circle; art displays in the Student Art, Emerging Artist, and Art Instructors' tents; festival food; fireworks; and much, much more!
Submitted by ginny at: February 9, 2010
we love huntsville
Submitted by Marygee at: February 9, 2010
Huntsville is a fascinating city! Spring is a beautiful event in Huntsville. Everyplace that can hold a blooming shrub or bulb is in bloom. There is a beautiful park on Monte Santo for hiking enthusiasts. Our Huntsville Museum of Art rivals larger cities. The Botanical Gardens are unbelievable. The Spring is delightful and the display of lights in December gets everyone in the mood for Christmas. Huntsville is a high tech town with the most loving and caring individuals living here. There are so many events and activities. Come join us in Huntsville!
Submitted by Huntsvilletransplant at: February 9, 2010
This is a wonderful mid-sized city with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for families. Running around on Monte Sano, Green Mountain, or Big Spring Park, or even going to one of the city parks, many of which are well maintained. I lived in the big city and enjoy the smaller town feel where we have a greater sense of community. With HudsonAlpha leading the way for a biotech boom, the economic future is looking diverse and bright. The weather is typically beautiful, and I relish the milder winters and the longer, hotter summers. There may not be a Nordstrom, but we have plenty of great retail like Ann Taylor, Banana, J. Crew, etc. If it's not here, it's in nearby Atlanta, Nashville or Birmingham. Come and visit. You may get hooked, just like we did.
Submitted by oleman at: February 8, 2010
I have lived in for almost 25 years and can not think of another town that I would want to retire in.
Submitted by merrymom at: February 8, 2010
I would also like to add that the Space and Rocket museum is NOT handicap friendly. Poorly designed and almost impossible to get through with a wheelchair unassisted. Down right boring especially considering the cost. Take the kids to Sci Quest instead.
Submitted by oldarmywife at: February 8, 2010
The Monte Sano Art Show in Sept. is a great venue! It's a limited juried show outdoors in the State Park. Get there early, it's a great way to spend a fallish Saturday. And don't forget to stop at he GREEN store while up on Monte Sano
Submitted by Goddess at: February 8, 2010
I must add that the Space and Rocket Center is the most poorly done museum I have (and many of my friends) ever been in. Children do not think it is cool. They run for the rides. Random signage with pieces of rockets, interspersed with stimulation for kids (rock climbing wall, amusement park rides). More painful is the beautiful new Davidson Center which is filled the most boring advertisement kiosks for all the contractors that helped produce the space/rockets materials. There were TOO many scientists and government contractors involved with the creation of this "museum". They ruined would could be a fantastic experience. It is NOT rocket science to make a SPACE museum more hand-on, user and kid friendly. They have done none of this.
Submitted by Goddess at: February 8, 2010
I do not agree with this. There is not a culture of loving the outdoors here. Very few playgrounds (other than KidSpace), and poor planning at the city level has lead to poor use of outdoor space. The downtown (with the park) is all broken up with no services around (restaurants, cafes). There is so much potential here, but poor city planning has made this city suffer. Also, folks in the south just don't appreciate being outdoors like other areas of the country.
Submitted by ellenmsa at: February 8, 2010
Huntsville, AL is a wonderful place to explore. The Botanical Gardens are very nice. I was there for the scarecrow trail in the fall and it was magical. The downtown area is delightful for all ages. Huntsville gets my vote for a distinctive destination, one of the best in the South.
Submitted by katsims at: February 8, 2010
Great city will alot of things to see and do
Submitted by SpaceCityFan at: February 7, 2010
For a family Huntsville offers all kinds of adventures--from hiking on greenways connecting miles of the city to hiking rugged trails on Monte Sano Mountain; from boating in the Tennessee River to flying from convenient general aviation and commercial airports. Redstone Arsenal at Huntsville offered a job in 1954 to a student working his way through Ga. Tech and became home to our family for the next 50 plus years. It has been a great place to live, raise a family, grow in a career and spiritual life, and develop wonderful friendships. WE RECOMMEND HUNTSVILLE!
Submitted by Renee at: February 7, 2010
I vote for Huntsvile AL
Submitted by bamagram1978 at: February 7, 2010
Huntsville is the best kept secret in the SE & so his the state of Alabma