Tag: outdoors

Wide Open Spaces

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from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

From awe-inspiring mountain vistas and pristine waterfalls to echoing caverns and meandering creeks, the Huntsville area offers a wealth of outdoor escapes.

Major Outdoor Attractions

NORTH ALABAMA BIRDING TRAIL

Comprised of 50 sites throughout north Alabama, The North Alabama Birding Trail is not a “trail” in the traditional sense, but a series of mostly roadside stops throughout north Alabama selected for their bird-watching characteristics. While all of the sites can be accessed from a vehicle, many of the sites also have traditional walking trails associated with them; and a few sites contain extensive areas that are best explored by boat or canoe. Contact the Huntsville/MadisonCounty Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information at 256.551.2230.

MONTE SANO STATE PARK

Monte Sano, Spanish for “Mountain of Health,” rises more than 1,600 feet above sea level. The mountain has attracted visitors since the mid 1820’s. Currently over 14 miles of hiking/biking trails service our state park and its patrons. The North Plateau Loop and South Plateau Loop trails offer stunning vistas of theTennessee Valley, with mild trail elevation changes. For our more serious hikers and bikers we invite you to try our Mountain Mist and McKay Hollow trails. Call 256.534.3757 for more information.

WADE MOUNTAIN PRESERVE

Approximately 11 miles of trails on a combination of land trust and private land and TVA easements. The trails are moderately technical single-track that ring the west and south sides of Wade Mountain. When followed in the correct order, the trails can provide nearly two hours of enjoyment, riding on undulating or descending single-track (after one long climb). The trail can be ridden in two segments, one 8-mile figure-8 loop with the option of the more difficult 3-mile Land Trust Devil’s Racetrack trail at the beginning or end of the ride. The Devil’s Racetrack is a unique geological formation that surrounds the crest of Wade Mountain and has one of the best views of north Huntsville and views to Tennessee on a clear day. This feature is a rock outcropping of limestone and is generally covered with grasses and wildflowers. Folklore that claims the Cherokee Indians raced horses atop the mountain. It is connected to trails that encircle the south and west portions of Wade Mountain. Located on Spragins Hollow Road. For more information call 256.534.5263.

CATHEDRAL CAVERNS

Located deep beneath Gunter’s Mountain in northeast Marshall County is a hidden treasure that offers breathtaking sights and chilly temperatures. Cathedral Caverns, originally called Bat Cave, was opened to the public by Jacob Gurley in the1950’s. The cave was renamed because of its cathedral-like appearance. It was opened as a State Park in the summer of 2000 and boasts one of the world’s largest stalagmites, frozen waterfalls, flowstone walls and stalagmite forests. The constant year-round temperature is 60 degrees F (16 C) in the 14-acre underground wonderland, designated as a Registered National Natural Landmark in 1972. Call 256.728.8193 for more information.

THE LAND TRUST OF NORTH ALABAMA

Showcasing leisurely walks and challenging hikes, wildflower trails and natural springs, The Land Trust ofNorth Alabama preserves and protects green space and natural resources for conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. The Land Trust offers more than 62 miles of free public trails for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. Fagan Creek runs along Wildflower Trail on Monte Sano Nature Preserve. It’s a great spot for a family hike. Kids can play in the creek and look for salamanders, tadpoles, etc. Trail Maps available at landtrustnal.org. Call 256-534-5263 for more information.

Canoeing & Boating

CHICKASAW CANOEING

Featuring two courses on the Flint River; the upper course is great for small children, while the lower course is a bit more adventurous. Call 256.682.1561 for more information.

DITTO LANDING

Servicing Wheeler Reservoir, which has more than 60,000 acres of adventurous playground. There are ample facilities for boats of all sizes. Call 256.882.1057 for more information.

NORTH ALABAMA CANOE & KAYAK

Large variety of canoe and kayak rentals variety of river tours for groups of any size shuttle service to all local waterways, guide service to all local waterways, and daily information on water conditions. Call 256.529.0357 for more information.

MADISON COUNTY LAKE

Madison County Lake is 15 miles northeast of Huntsville. The lake is a 105-acre, public fishing lake offering concessions, picnic facilities, grills, rentals and a bait shop. Fishing license and daily permit required. Madison County Lake is located at 2501 Country Lake Road in Gurley. For more information call 256.776.4905.

Disc Golf Courses

ASBURY UMC

  • 980 Hughes Rd., Madison
  • Hole Type: DISCatcher

Redesigned in 2021, this is a longer recreational course that can be enjoyed by beginners. The course begins in the back corner away from Gillespie road in theGrace parking lot. It’s on the side with two, modern buildings. The first tee off is right next to that corner of the parking lot.You’ll see the road change to a gravel road and a field were the course begins.

BRAHAN SPRING PARK

  • 3771 Ivey Ave. SW, Huntsville
  • Hole Type: Mach X

This mostly flat and moderately wooded 18-hole course’s fairways weave among tall pines, demanding accuracy. Front and back 9 end at parking lot. Restrooms are located across road from No. 6.

DUBLIN PARK IN MADISON

  • 2324 Madison Pike, Madison
  • Hole Type: Black Hole Portal

This moderately hilly and lightly-wooded a hole course is designed for beginners and is easily played with a mid-range and a putter.

FLYING DRAGON

  • 2616 Modaus Road, Decatur
  • Hole Type: DISCatcher

This technically challenging, medium length 18-hole course winds through jock-filled terrain dominated by cedar and hickory and the course’s namesake the “Flying Dragon”, which is a wickedly beautiful thorny bush that produces hitter oranges in the fall. Although these plants and the moss and fern covered boulders provide great scenery, they canal so quickly turn a birdie opportunity into a double bogie, so bring your A for Accuracy game! It also has a very popular warm-up area with two baskets a short distance apart; great for practicing your short game.

INDIAN CREEK GREENWAY

  • 300 Harvestwood Ct., Huntsville
  • Hole Type: DISCatcher

This 18-hole course is very challenging and spans 50 acres of diverse terrain. Open holes with elevation and length and a good mix of wooded holes. Four holes have water hazards and over half the holes have some out-of-bounds danger. Multiple pin positions and the longer holes have baskets in both long and short positions. Aluminum benches throughout.

MASTIN LAKE

  • 3317 Watson Dr. NW, Huntsville
  • Hole Type: DISCatcher

Wooded course moving up and down the side of a hill. The most elevation changesin the Huntsville area, but maxes out at 40 feet of elevation change on any one hole.

MONTE SANO STATE PARK

  • 5105 Nolen Ave., Huntsville
  • Hole Type: DISCatcher

This 18-hole course spans the entire top of the mountain, and also includes a 8-hole mini-disc golf course along the main course. Park entrance fee is required to play, entrance is collected at front entrance gate and is cash only. $5 per adult & children ages 12+$2 for seniors & children ages 3-11. Active & Retired Military always free (ID required).

NATURAL WONDERS SOUTHSIDE PARK

  • 15935 Chaney Thompson Rd., SE, Huntsville
  • Hole Type: DISCatcher

An 18-hole course with a wide variety of wooded and open holes, Southside course provides for a variety of shots. Southside isa shorter course geared toward beginner disc golfers, but still provides enough shot variety for any golfer to enjoy. Local Directions: From Huntsville take Memorial Parkway South to Hobbs Road. Turn left on Hobbs Road, drive approximately one mile, then turn right on Chaney Thompson Road. Course is one mile down on the left. Golfers park along the side of the road between holes 1 and 10.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE (UAH)

  • 301 Sparkman Dr., Huntsville
  • Hole Type: DISCatcher

A very difficult links type course with 21 holes requiring a variety of throws. Open, long beautiful vistas, wooded shots, lots of water hazards and OB. Long, but those with accurate middle distance can play this course well. Lots of risk/reward will penalize long shots that lack control. Local Directions: I-565 to Sparkman Drive, go north 0.25 mile to a right on Technology Dr. which runs into John Wright Drive. Turn left into first parking lot on left.

Best Rooftop Bars in Huntsville & Birmingham

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The view from The Roof at Redmont Hotel in Downtown Birmingham. Photo: Brent Boyd

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An amazing view just makes that drink or meal even better, right? The city lights and sounds make for an experience that you’ll remember and talk about for days and months. Check out some of our favorite rooftop bars in the Huntsville and Birmingham area:

HUNTSVILLE

Stella’s Elixir Lounge

Stella’s Elixir Lounge was voted Best Cocktail Bar in Huntsville! This sophisticated, fun, upbeat lounge is the perfect meeting place after work or date night destination. Gather around a cozy fire pit and sip on your face elixirs while catching up with friends.

Rhythm on Monroe

Rhythm on Monroe is the on-site restaurant at the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville. This trendy restaurant features locally sourced urban fare and local craft brews and wines. You’ll have an amazing view of Big Spring Park.

Pourhouse at Stovehouse

 Pourhouse at Stovehouse comfortably swanky bar sits at the heart of the food garden at Stovehouse, a mixed-use development. The unique round bar is the first of its kind in Huntsville, serving cocktails, wine, and beer with a large screen, showing movies and sports daily. The first rooftop bar in Huntsville also offers a wrap-around patio with fans and heaters, making this outdoor seating area comfortable year-round.

The Martin Bar & Bistro

The Martin Bar & Bistro is an open-air bar overlooking Washington Street in downtown Huntsville. The entrance is located at ground level immediately south of the Clinton Street parking garage. Ascend the original Art Deco terrazzo staircase from the 1950s into the original projection room from the renowned Martin Theater. Design elements include 18-foot ceilings with exposed original beams, intimate seating, multiple TVs, a large island bar serving artisan cocktails and classic American food.

BIRMINGHAM

The Roof at the Redmont

The Roof at the Redmont Hotel (see opening photo) in downtown Birmingham offers the most stunning views both day and night of the sites of Downtown Birmingham. It also offers the most stunning sunset views. Available for events, The Roof is open seven days a week beginning at 4 pm.

Roots & Revelry

If dining under stars is your idea of a great night out, Roots & Revelry will not disappoint. They are located in the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower in downtown Birmingham and have been lauded for their inventive menu serving update American classics, specialty cocktails, and weekend brunch. Open Tuesday through Thursday for dinner, Friday and Saturday for brunch and dinner. In addition to rooftop dining, they have a beautiful dining room, also and can accommodate you regardless of weather conditions. Be sure to make reservations at opentable.com as this is one of the hottest spots in the Magic City.

Carrigan’s Public House

Located on historic Morris Avenue, Carrigan’s Public House is the place to experience the best of Birmingham’s food and craft cocktail scene. Each cocktail at Carrigan’s is hand-crafted and the beer selection includes plenty of locally brewed choices as well as favorites from all over the world. The menu features traditional pub food taken to a higher level with fresh ingredients and everything made in-house from scratch.

From the huge front patios on both the main and upper levels, you can see a bit of over-the-mountain Birmingham as well as the historic train yard and cobblestones of Morris Avenue. And when the sun goes down, Carrigan’s comes alive with locals enjoying great food and city nightlife. Open Monday through Saturday beginning at 4 pm.

Other favorites: Moon Shine at the Elyton, Michael’s Restaurant, and The Southern Kitchen and Bar.