National Travel and Tourism Week has us thinking about road trips in north Alabama, so we put together some fun trips to take! Pick your area, and hit the road!
Birmingham Road Trip
Take a little road trip to Birmingham and visit some popular landmarks and eat some good food.
What kind of city builds a huge statue of a burly, bearded, bare-bottomed man to tower over its entire population? One that never forgets its roots. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, watches over all of Birmingham as a symbol of the city’s iron origins–and the ever-present spark of its indomitable spirit. Visit the Vulcan Park and Museum and learn all about Birmingham’s rich iron history. Have you considered how exquisite a motorcycle is in its styling, mechanics, and capabilities? Their artistry is what Birmingham native George Barber saw when he began collecting motorcycles in 1988. Six years later, he established the Barber Museum as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Today, it is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world. One of America’s last surviving peanut merchants, Alabama Peanut Co. roasts and boils peanuts in the heart of Alabama’s Magic City. Utilizing antique roasters that are original to the peanut business that has occupied the space on historic Morris Avenue since 1907, they barrel roast fresh peanuts daily and ship them out within hours of their perfect roast. Their roots are in the uniquely Southern art of boiling peanuts. They currently offer over fifteen flavors of boiled peanuts that are served up fresh daily.For fresh Southeastern coastal oysters as well as sushi and more unusual items like alligator tacos, fried pork skins unique burgers, look no further than 5 Point Public House and Oyster Bar. The new South-side hot spot boasts an eclectic menu that is the brainchild of award-winning chef/owner George Reis. The foods aren’t the only attraction, with more than 30 craft beers, 20 beers on tap and cocktails offered to pair with the food. The restaurant also has something unique to Birmingham—eight keg-style wines on tap to be served with dinner or enjoyed in the pub-style atmosphere of the new gastropub.
Decatur Road Trip
Decatur is a small town that has a lot going on! Check out the things we think make a great road trip in Decatur.
The Cook Museum of Natural Science, located in downtown Decatur, is a hands-on, immersive experience where guests can explore, interact with, and learn about nature.Since 1983, the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts has presented an array of outstanding cultural events, including award-winning artists, national tours of Broadway musicals, a wide variety of concerts from all musical genres, theatre for young audiences, performance training labs, and lecturer series. Local performing groups make their home on the Princess stage, presenting theatre for young audiences, choral concerts, orchestral performances, musicals and theatre. The Princess Theatre is located in Decatur’s Historic Downtown District and preserves one of the city’s most significant buildings. Our coffee bar is a friendly gathering place for students, locals, and visitors and serves as a small venue for community meetings and for intimate performances and for nurturing nascent artists.There are many tales told of Simp McGhee, the infamous river boat captain of Decatur at the turn-of-the-century. His boisterous ways, unconventional operations and blustering manner made him a most picturesque legend of the Tennessee River. Nestled into a corner of historic Bank Street, just a stone’s throw from the Tennessee River, lies the heart of fine dining in Decatur. Simp McGhee’s exudes old-fashioned charm while offering fresh Cajun seafood and beef selections sure to please all palates. Enjoy live music and their rustic historical atmosphere while you dine or relax. You may also dine under the stars on their pet-friendly sidewalk café.Founded in 1942, Tennessee Valley Pecan Company is a small town business that operates from the historic business district of Decatur, Alabama. Social or holiday occasions in the South have always called for the need to recognize and appreciate family, friends, co-workers, clients and business associates through gift-giving. Tennessee Valley Pecan Company helps fill that need by providing unique pecan gifts for holidays, social events and special occasions or just as a personal reward. Additionally, our pecans may also be bought as a staple for every Southern kitchen anywhere in the world.
Huntsville Road Trip
Known as the Rocket City, Huntsville is a city that has taken off in the past few years! There’s art, music, culture, kid-friendly activities, craft breweries, and of course – rockets! Check out this out-of-the-world road trip.
Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!” Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight. The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shotand G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!Open year-round, the Huntsville Botanical Garden has 112 acres to explore, learn, and discover the beauty and wonder of plants. From grassy meadows to woodland paths, aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections, the Garden invites guests of all ages to make memories together in nature. On a visit to the Garden, you can stroll along the nature trails while admiring collections of Alabama’s native plants. If you visit with little ones, head to the Children’s Garden for play, pretend, and hands-on learning. From May through September, you won’t want to miss seeing over 1,000 brightly colored butterflies the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. Finally, at the end of the day, you can find a moment of serenity in the cool shade of the trees, surrounded by the sounds of nature. The beautiful Guest Center features additional amenities to make your trip extra special, including recommendations for dining and a gift shop with a hand-picked selection of unique items for your own home and garden. With additional events, exhibits, and programs happening throughout the year, the Garden is a place of beauty, education, and celebration for all in every season.Eat. Drink. Shop. Unwind! In the century-old building that was once all work and no play, the reimagined Stovehouse complex is now manufacturing leisure. The old factory is being transformed into a village of eclectic restaurants, gourmet cocktail & coffee bars, event & entertainment spaces, boutique shopping, offices, and more.Bridge Street Town Centre is the premier mixed-use lifestyle center in Huntsville, Alabama. Featuring over 80 upscale shops and restaurants, the 232-room Westin Huntsville Hotel, a 150-room Element by Westin hotel, a 14-screen Cinemark movie theater, and a six-story office tower. The property also features a customer service center, carousel, fountains and lots of green open spaces.Named the “Best Mexican Restaurant in Huntsville,” Rosie’s Cantina is a fun and festive atmosphere for casual family dining. Serving honest, handmade Tex-Mex favorites, as well as innovative house specialties, Rosie’s atmosphere, is filled with unique works of art, antiques from Old Mexico, and upbeat music. Relax by our beautiful fountain surrounded by Mexican architecture. A full-service bar features Rosie’s famous Margarita Menu, an extensive collection of Mexican beers, tequilas, select wines, and martinis. Our Mambo Taxi is legendary! Locally owned and operated since 1995, Rosie’s is a Huntsville tradition. Join us and experience “Flavors Fantasticos!”
Any reason is a good reason to eat Mexican food, so check out these delicious places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
HUNTSVILLE
Rosie’s Mexican Cantina
Named the “Best Mexican Restaurant in Huntsville,” Rosie’s Cantina is a fun and festive atmosphere for casual family dining in two locations in Huntsville. Serving honest, handmade Tex-Mex favorites, as well as innovative house specialties, Rosie’s atmosphere, is filled with unique works of art, antiques from Old Mexico, and upbeat music. Relax by our beautiful fountain surrounded by Mexican architecture. A full-service bar features Rosie’s famous Margarita Menu, an extensive collection of Mexican beers, tequilas, select wines, and martinis. Our Mambo Taxi is legendary! Locally owned and operated since 1995, Rosie’s is a Huntsville tradition. Join us and experience “Flavors Fantasticos!”
Alabama, Madison County, Huntsville, Rosie’s Mexican Cantina, dining, eating, Hispanic male waiter,
Buenavista Mexican Cantina
Buenavista Mexican Cantina is a local family-owned restaurant chain features authentic dishes and a festive atmosphere for its guests.
Buenavista Mexican Cantina has been a family-owned local restaurant chain and happily serving the North Alabama area for over 25 years. They started making their authentic blend of Mexican food in Scottsboro, Alabama. Now they have locations in Hampton Cove and Madison, Alabama.
Buenavista Mexican Cantinas offer a very friendly and family atmosphere at each of their locations. They want everyone to feel like family as soon as they walk in the door.
At Buenavista Mexican Cantina, their belief is that good food is finding that perfect balance between the way something looks and how it tastes. Their menus offer traditional Mexican fare like fajitas, burritos, quesadillas along with Buenavista specialties like Mexican Lasagna made with your choice of chicken or steak, and Cocktel De Camaron, which is Buenavista’s take on shrimp cocktail.
Cinco de Refinery! Today we have marinated ribeye tacos and house made chili lime chips for $13. Altos margaritas and shots for $5 all day. Let’s all celebrate one of our favorite holidays!
FELIZ CINCO DE MAYO, AMIGOS! • We hope you have a great time celebrating this holiday, and we hope you’ll continue celebrating with us on Sunday, May 7 during the 6th annual Birmingham Taco Fest, presented by @rubiolawfirm! Get your tickets now for $10 at from the link in our bio before the ticket price increases to $12 day of event at the gate! #BareHandsInc #BhamTacoFest
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FELIZ CINCO DE MAYO, AMIGOS! Continúe la celebración con nosotros el domingo, 7 de mayo, durante el 6th Festival Anual de Taco de Birmingham, presentado por @rubiolawfirm! ¡Consigue tus entradas ahora por $10 desde el enlace de nuestra biografía antes de que el precio del boleto aumente a $12 el día del evento en la puerta!
It’s not Cinco without a margarita. We are proud that the drinks we serve use only the highest quality, freshest ingredients. Stick to the classic and get it with Casamigos blanco tequila, Bauchant orange liqueur & house made agave sour. Want to get more wild? Try it with Casamigos reposado. Feeling feral? Try it with top shelf Casamigos anejo.
The arrival of spring means warmer weather and more things to do! Check out these fun events and festivals in north Alabama, and let us know which ones are your favorite.
Taste. Sip. Repeat. This spring, Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham is toasting its 26th year. Join us April 29 & 30, 2023 under the main Casting Shed at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark for this highly anticipated tasting experience held in conjunction with the FAB 40th Magic City Art Connection. C&C looks forward to spotlighting talented local tastemakers as it presents culinary dishes for patrons to pair with select wines, craft beer, spirits, cocktails, seated tasting seminars, and a beloved contemporary art festival.
April Walking Tours
All across Alabama in the month of April, you’ll find free walking tours through the quaint downtown areas. You’ll learn about the history of the area, architecture, and see beautiful gardens.
3rd Friday Downtown Decatur
From April to October, downtown Decatur comes alive every third Friday! On Second Avenue throughout the spring, summer, and fall, you’ll find lots of food trucks, vendors, live music, and downtown shops open later. It’s a great time to get out and eat, shop, and catch up with friends.
Panoply Arts Festival
Panoply is the Southeast‘s premier arts weekend where Huntsville’s innovative spark shines through a festival of art, music, and more! Panoply takes place in downtown Huntsville on April 28-30 at Big Spring Park.
Panoply kicks off at 5pm on Friday, April 28 and during the three-day event, over 30 local and regional musical acts in a variety of genres – jazz, rock, R&B, indie rock, blues, pop and more – will entertain the crowd on Panoply’s two stages. Friday’s lineup features a homegrown favorite, The Wanda Band. Wanda made her solo debut at Panoply in 2012 as a Panoply Homegrown Talent Winner and in 2019 she debuted her band at Concerts in the Park. She was recently named one of the “5 Huntsville Bands with the best shot to become Famous” by Matt Wake, entertainment reporter with Alabama Media Group.
On Saturday, the music starts when the gates open at 10am and closes out with Huntsville’s own Rob Aldridge and the Proponents. Uncut Magazine wrote in 2022 that “Rob is an Alabama native who is finally starting to get noticed as a songwriting frontman capable of gnawing a hook and a finely weighted turn of phrase,” and NPR calls them “an Alabama rock & roll band you need to know.” Sunday’s lineup features local favorite and up-and-coming performers.
Birmingham Walking Tours
Birmingham Walking Tours are offered on select Saturdays and Sundays in April and May, and visitors, and locals alike can experience the history and beauty of Birmingham in a fun, invigorating way.
There are two new tours offered this spring, “Breathing Life into Landmarks” and “City Walk | Linn Park”. In addition to the return of a local favorite, “Parkside”. Presented by The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Spire, and Stone Building Company, the two-hour tours guided by Allison Vosicky, Cheryl Morgan, David Fleming and Gary Bostany, focus on the redevelopment of some of Birmingham’s most cherished landmarks, details of the new City Walk, and the new vision for historical Linn Park.
Registration is $20 for Vulcan Park and Museum members and $30 for non-members. There is special discounted pricing for pairs of two. Tour groups will not exceed forty participants. Reservations and payment are required in advance.
MCAC’s annual spring infusion of sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas will transform @sloss_furnaces with 3-days of art, artists, immersive live performances, good food, and drink, interactive workshops for kids and adults, special exhibitions, art installations, community, inspiration, creativity, and fun. MCAC has been a spring arts tradition in Birmingham since 1984. We look forward to celebrating our FAB 40th with you April 28-30, 2023. Mark your calendars!
The 2023 @magiccityartconnection Poster design featuring “Confectional Facade”, a towering ceramic work by MCAC’s Featured Artist and Juror, Dirk Staschke @dirk_staschke.
We look forward to celebrating our FAB40th year with Birmingham April 28-30 at @sloss_furnaces. Blow out the candles with us this spring!
Dirk Staschke is originally from Huntsville, AL. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Montevallo @montevallo and a Master of Fine Art from Alfred University @alfreduniversity. He currently resides in Portland, OR as a full-time studio artist.
We hope to see you this spring as we toast C&C’s 26th-year milestone and continue its mission of spotlighting local restaurants, chefs, caterers, wine, craft beer, spirits, cocktails, and tasting seminars alongside great art from the state, region, and around the country.
Commemorative Wine Glass
C&C TICKET INCLUDES: a 15 oz stemless 26th annual commemorative wine glass, One (1) Plate @ each Culinary Tasting Table, Unlimited Wine & Beer Sampling, Cocktail tastes from Participating Bars, access to seated tasting seminars, plus Admission to Magic City Art Connection.
Spring Break is almost here, and there are a lot of things to do right here in north Alabama! Check out our list and let us know what you would add to it.
Burritt on the Mountain
Also known as the “Jewel on the Mountain,” this living museum is seated atop RoundTop Mountain and features entertainment for all ages. At Burritt on the Mountain, a 19th-century farm, children can pet barnyard animals, while adults can wander the 14-rooms of the unique X-shaped 1930s mansion. Visitors can explore the winding nature trails, visit authentic exhibits and even attend concerts and plays. Admission charged. See website for hours.
Bridge Street Towne Center
Ready to shop til you drop? Bridge Street Town Centre is the premier mixed-use lifestyle center in Huntsville, Alabama. Featuring over 80 upscale shops and restaurants, the 232-room Westin Huntsville Hotel, a 150-room Element by Westin hotel, a 14-screen Cinemark movie theater, and a six-story office tower. The property also features a customer service center, carousel, fountains and lots of green open spaces.
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
The Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama opened in 2003 and has provided educational and cultural opportunities to the community. The Carnegie was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library of Decatur and was one of the 2,509 libraries built by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, so the Carnegie has a rich, unique history.
Not only does the Carnegie have beautiful collections and exhibits that are on display throughout the center, but they also have numerous programs for adults and kids to encourage and inspire through the arts.
Visit the Carnegie to see beautiful, unique, and inspiring art. Their exhibits change periodically, so it’s a new place every time you visit.
Cook Museum of Natural Science
If you love learning about plants, animals, space, and so much more, you need to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! This state of the art museum was opened in 2019, and it has quickly become a favorite attraction in the state and beyond.
One of the most popular features of the Museum is the 15,000 gallon aquarium that is home to several different types of fish. There’s also a Coral Tank with beautiful corals, fish, and some small crabs. You’ll be mesmerized by the Jelly Fish Tank, too.
In addition to the fish in the aquarium, there are baby alligators, a variety of turtles, snakes, a chuckwalla, an endangered hellbender, and an eastern collared lizard on display. You can go inside a replica cave just like the ones you’ll find in north Alabama and see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and other things you’re likely to find in a cave. There are also exhibits dedicated to space, weather, rocks & minerals, and a Holo Sands Table that is incredibly popular with kids and adults!
Another cool exhibit at the Museum is the “Big Tree” that is modeled after Alabama’s State Champion tulip poplar tree of the same name that you can find in the Sipsey Wilderness of Bankhead National Forest. You can even climb up in the tree to the second floor. There’s another replica tree there that has a cool bridge to cross to get the treehouse!
After your trip to the Museum, visit the awesome Museum Store for the perfect souvenir. The Museum Store is also a great place to go pick up a gift for friends and family or for yourself! And don’t forget to visit Nature’s Table for lunch, a delicious smoothie, or an acai bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the Museum Store or Nature’s Table; you can visit any time you want!
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Open year-round, the Huntsville Botanical Garden has 112 acres to explore, learn, and discover the beauty and wonder of plants. From grassy meadows to woodland paths, aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections, the Garden invites guests of all ages to make memories together in nature.
Rocket City Rover
The Rocket City Rover is a new way to get around and have a blast in downtown Huntsville! The Rocket City Rover is a 14-person pedal-powered and motor-assisted party trolley, and it is the most unique and enjoyable way to explore downtown and Westside Huntsville.
Stovehouse
Waiting just off I-565 at 3414 Governors Drive, Stovehouse is 13 acres of eats, drinks, shopping, event space & live entertainment. The building was originally constructed in 1929 and housed Martin Stove Company. See signs of pride, progress and preservation around every corner of this “little village.” A couple thousand folks a day come to enjoy the ideallic backyard-party-vibe, dozens of restaurants, bars, shopping & nightly entertainment on stage!
Touronimo
Do you love doing fun things but don’t like planning the fun things? Then Touronimo is your go-to! Touronimo is a Huntsville-based company that curates private tours and exclusive experiences provided by and supporting local small businesses all over the Huntsville area.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”
Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.
The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shot and G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Motorcycle Heaven exists, and you’ll find it in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon entering the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you’ll understand why motorcycles and cars are considered art. The stunning five-story Barber Museum is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world according to Guinness World Records. With more than 1,600 motorcycles, 59 vintage Lotus cars, eclectic art, and a 2.38-mile racetrack, the Barber Museum is truly a motorsports paradise.
Located at the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, the 228,650-square-foot Barber Museum has motorcycle and car exhibits on each of its five floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the building, which is anchored by an active restoration area that is visible to guests from each level.
The museum’s motorcycle collection spans more than a century’s worth of production, offering interesting views into the evolution of engineering. You’ll see examples of some of the oldest motorcycles in the world, such as a model of an 1867 Roper Steam Velocipede, as well as the museum’s oldest running motorcycle, the 1902 Steffey.
There are Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and Indians on exhibit alongside less familiar makes, like Cannondale, Jawa and Laverda. The museum has rare motorcycles like the 1996 Britten V1000, which is one of only 10 ever built. There is an exhibit of motorcycles built by Eric Buell, a collection of scooters and a dirt bike exhibit that will make you feel moved. With such a diverse collection, you may see an example of the very first motorcycle you ever rode.
A trip to Vulcan Park and Museum is a must for every visitor to the Birmingham region – in fact, it’s the best place to get started. In addition to seeing the iconic colossal statue, visitors gain an understanding of the region’s history and culture, and can learn more about other cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings at an onsite Visitor Information Center managed by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Created by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, Vulcan was cast from local iron to represent the state of Alabama at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Vulcan has overlooked Alabama’s largest city from atop Red Mountain since a 1930s WPA project created his permanent home and namesake park.
After decades of exposure to the elements, by the 90s, the 50-ton statue was in desperate need of repair. Recognizing Vulcan’s importance to the region’s history and persona, community leaders formed Vulcan Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization which oversaw a $16 million project that returned the statue to his 1904 grandeur. The meticulous restoration of Vulcan and his 124′ sandstone pedestal, completed in 2004, received numerous awards including the highest honor awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Embracing the personality of the community Vulcan symbolizes, the park grounds and museum offer a dynamic edu-taining experience. Standing for Birmingham Alabama’s rich industrial history, the diverse cultures that settled and built the community, and the story of Vulcan are recounted in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Don’t let a rainy day or a cold weather day keep you stuck inside all day! We have put together a list of places to visit that are perfect on those days when the weather is less than desirable! Let us know which one is your favorite.
Carnegie Visual Arts Center
The Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama opened in 2003 and has provided educational and cultural opportunities to the community. The Carnegie was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library of Decatur and was one of the 2,509 libraries built by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, so the Carnegie has a rich, unique history.
Not only does the Carnegie have beautiful collections and exhibits that are on display throughout the center, but they also have numerous programs for adults and kids to encourage and inspire through the arts.
Visit the Carnegie to see beautiful, unique, and inspiring art. Their exhibits change periodically, so it’s a new place every time you visit.
Cook Museum of Natural Science
If you love learning about plants, animals, space, and so much more, you need to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! This state of the art museum was opened in 2019, and it has quickly become a favorite attraction in the state and beyond.
One of the most popular features of the Museum is the 15,000 gallon aquarium that is home to several different types of fish. There’s also a Coral Tank with beautiful corals, fish, and some small crabs. You’ll be mesmerized by the Jelly Fish Tank, too.
In addition to the fish in the aquarium, there are baby alligators, a variety of turtles, snakes, a chuckwalla, an endangered hellbender, and an eastern collared lizard on display. You can go inside a replica cave just like the ones you’ll find in north Alabama and see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and other things you’re likely to find in a cave. There are also exhibits dedicated to space, weather, rocks & minerals, and a Holo Sands Table that is incredibly popular with kids and adults!
Another cool exhibit at the Museum is the “Big Tree” that is modeled after Alabama’s State Champion tulip poplar tree of the same name that you can find in the Sipsey Wilderness of Bankhead National Forest. You can even climb up in the tree to the second floor. There’s another replica tree there that has a cool bridge to cross to get the treehouse!
After your trip to the Museum, visit the awesome Museum Store for the perfect souvenir. The Museum Store is also a great place to go pick up a gift for friends and family or for yourself! And don’t forget to visit Nature’s Table for lunch, a delicious smoothie, or an acai bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the Museum Store or Nature’s Table; you can visit any time you want!
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”
Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.
The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shot and G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Motorcycle Heaven exists, and you’ll find it in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon entering the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you’ll understand why motorcycles and cars are considered art. The stunning five-story Barber Museum is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world according to Guinness World Records. With more than 1,600 motorcycles, 59 vintage Lotus cars, eclectic art, and a 2.38-mile racetrack, the Barber Museum is truly a motorsports paradise.
Located at the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, the 228,650-square-foot Barber Museum has motorcycle and car exhibits on each of its five floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the building, which is anchored by an active restoration area that is visible to guests from each level.
The museum’s motorcycle collection spans more than a century’s worth of production, offering interesting views into the evolution of engineering. You’ll see examples of some of the oldest motorcycles in the world, such as a model of an 1867 Roper Steam Velocipede, as well as the museum’s oldest running motorcycle, the 1902 Steffey.
There are Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and Indians on exhibit alongside less familiar makes, like Cannondale, Jawa and Laverda. The museum has rare motorcycles like the 1996 Britten V1000, which is one of only 10 ever built. There is an exhibit of motorcycles built by Eric Buell, a collection of scooters and a dirt bike exhibit that will make you feel moved. With such a diverse collection, you may see an example of the very first motorcycle you ever rode.
A trip to Vulcan Park and Museum is a must for every visitor to the Birmingham region – in fact, it’s the best place to get started. In addition to seeing the iconic colossal statue, visitors gain an understanding of the region’s history and culture, and can learn more about other cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings at an onsite Visitor Information Center managed by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Created by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, Vulcan was cast from local iron to represent the state of Alabama at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Vulcan has overlooked Alabama’s largest city from atop Red Mountain since a 1930s WPA project created his permanent home and namesake park.
After decades of exposure to the elements, by the 90s, the 50-ton statue was in desperate need of repair. Recognizing Vulcan’s importance to the region’s history and persona, community leaders formed Vulcan Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization which oversaw a $16 million project that returned the statue to his 1904 grandeur. The meticulous restoration of Vulcan and his 124′ sandstone pedestal, completed in 2004, received numerous awards including the highest honor awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Embracing the personality of the community Vulcan symbolizes, the park grounds and museum offer a dynamic edu-taining experience. Standing for Birmingham Alabama’s rich industrial history, the diverse cultures that settled and built the community, and the story of Vulcan are recounted in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
2022 is coming to a close, and we’ve got the best places to ring in 2023 in north Alabama! Happy New Year!
Hopper’s Bar & Grill
Don’t miss the exciting New Year’s Eve party at Hopper’s Bar & Grill in the Holiday Inn in Huntsville! There will be three bands, a DJ, and a dinner buffet to ring in the new year.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Huntsville
Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Huntsville invites you to make plans to join them at their new “Home of Serious Steaks” at Twickenham Place. After 10 years of distinctive Huntsville dining, they’ve moved to a brand new location and designed a restaurant space where you can enjoy Happy Hour daily from 4-6:30 pm in our bar and lounge and dinner nightly from 5 PM on in our dining rooms. New Year’s Eve – 3-11 pm.
Photo: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Stella’s Elixir Lounge
Stella’s Roaring Rooftop NYE Bash is Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 | 6 pm – 2 am with live music with In the Mood Jazz Band: 6 – 9 pm and DJs Caleb and Dustin: 9 pm until 2 am.
Don’t miss SideBar’s New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl! Click SideBar for more info and passes!
Oasis Bar
Spend New Year’s Eve at Oasis Bar watching the CFP games! Opens at 2pm on Saturday, December 31.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – Birmingham
Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Birmingham will be open from 3 pm-11 pm in order to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style! Ruth’s Chris is situated in the lobby of the Embassy Suites Hotel, conveniently located just off the Red Mountain Expressway between the Homewood and Mountain Brook neighborhoods.
Photo: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Mom’s Basement
Spend New Year’s Eve at Mom’s Basement in Avondale! Open from 7 pm-2 am.
‘Tis the season for Christmas lights and fun! Nothing can get you in the Christmas spirit like checking out beautiful Christmas lights and attending fun holiday events! Check out these fun places and let us know what your favorite is.
Cruising with Santa – Rocket City Rover
Join Santa for a grown up Christmas crawl with Rocket City Rover in downtown Huntsville. Everyone becomes Santa’s bad little elves in December. Christmas trivia games, naughty Holiday jokes and of course “Christmas Spirits” to keep you in a festive mood.
FAMILY FRIENDLY RIDE on Sundays in December Santa will put away his bad Santa alter-ego for this family friendly ride. He’ll be back to his jolly old elf self to delight children and their adults with carols, stops for sweet treats, Tinsel Trail photo ops, and kid’s trivia with prizes. No alcohol is allowed on this ride.
Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden
The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a magical place during the holidays! Drive the Garden and see thousands of bright lights going on now through January 1.
Tinsel Trail
The Tinsel Trail is a display of live Christmas trees in Downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. Over 300 trees will decorate the park for the holiday season. Join us in this festive Downtown tradition going on now through January 2!
Skating in the Park at Huntsville Museum of Art
Did you know you can ice skate in Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville? Located behind the Huntsville Museum of Art, you can lace up a pair of ice skates and glide across the ice.
Photo courtesy of Skating in the Park.
Vulcan Park’s Magical Nights
Vulcan Park and Museum is transforming the park into a magical holiday experience. Go enjoy the holiday light experience along with food trucks, music, Santa, and so much more.
Located in Mountain Brook Village just minutes south of downtown Birmingham, ABHI Eatery + Bar is a locally-owned Asian Fusion restaurant created by Chef Abhi Sainju and his wife, Ainah. Chef Abhi gained experience in other locally-owned restaurants, honing his skills, and spending years developing the menu for ABHI which opened in February 2017.
photo by Brent Boyd
The food is inspired by Abhi’s upbringing in Nepal and his travels throughout the world exploring different techniques and flavors. Abhi first made his mark in Birmingham creating sushi with the freshest and most inventive ingredients available. His reputation as a perfectionist and inventiveness created a near-cult following of locals and visitors, alike.
photo by Brent Boyd
The menu at ABHI ranges from shareables like Momos (Abhi’s house-made dumplings—a house signature dish), beer battered eggplant, Kathmandu Fried Chicken (KFC) Lollipops, and sushi to noodle, ramen and curry bowls. The sheer number of bowls to choose from on the menu is mind-blowing and you will need to visit over and over again to try them all.
photo by Brent Boyd
The bar isn’t anything to overlook either. An award-winning bartender is constantly preparing unique concoctions to pair with various items on the menu. Craftily combining fresh fruit juices, nuts and spices to create the base for cocktails that are only available at ABHI.
photo by Brent Boyd
Chef Abhi’s eye for perfection, color and balance transcends the kitchen to the modern yet warm décor of the dining room and bar. Black cloth-covered tables are punctuated by bright orange napkins and warmly lit by candles. The marble-topped wooden bar is stocked with the highest quality spirits from all over the world. Visit ABHI today.
Water slides, wave pool, lazy river, kid’s area…there’s so much fun to have at Alabama Splash Adventure this summer! Grab the kids and plan to spend the day beating the summer heat.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Have you considered how exquisite a motorcycle is in its styling, mechanics, and capabilities? Their artistry is what Birmingham native George Barber saw when he began collecting motorcycles in 1988. Six years later, he established the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Today, it is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world.
Cook Museum of Natural Science
The Cook Museum of Natural Science, located in downtown Decatur, Alabama, is a hands-on, immersive experience where guests can explore, interact with, and learn about nature.
High Point Climbing
High Point Climbing and Fitness in Birmingham is located in the completely renovated Next Fitness facility on Highway 280. High Point Birmingham brings world class climbing to Alabama with 25,000 square feet of indoor climbing surface featuring up to 52+ feet of climbing. The facility is now completely open with the Kid Zone, Bouldering, Weight, Aerobic, Yoga Room, and Route Area! Climbing Clubs and Team can be joined at anytime. Yoga is now offered five nights a week and is included with any Membership or Day Pass.Come have fun and get fit at High Point!
McWane Science Center
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX® Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder — from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX® Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
Point Mallard Park
The Point Mallard Waterpark is home to America’s First Wave Pool and so much more! There’s also Point Mallard Golf Course, Point Mallard Ice Complex, Point Mallard Camp Ground, and Strike Zone Batting Cages.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”
Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.
The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shot and G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!
See an actual moon rock at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Vulcan Park & Museum
What kind of city builds a huge statue of a burly, bearded, bare-bottomed man to tower over its entire population? One that never forgets its roots. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, watches over all of Birmingham as a symbol of the city’s iron origins–and the ever-present spark of its indomitable spirit at the Vulcan Park & Museum.
