Your source for locally-curated fine art, home accessories and other treasures
Kathleen’s Fine Art & Interiors is one of the most unique spaces in Decatur, featuring original art and home accessories that complement the art. Visitors can find anything they are looking for and often find things they weren’t looking for but were meant to have.
“Art speaks to the right person,” Kathy Clay, owner of Kathleen’s Fine Art andInteriors, said. Because of that, visitors never know what will speak to them as they peruse Kathy’s collection.
For the last 1l years, Kathy has served Decatur as a little-known treasure, deal-ing in one-of-a-kind art and unique accessories for the home. Kathleen’s has also become known for its special occasion flowers and decorations that are unlike anything most florists could put together. Flower art is just another creative outlet for Kathy and her partner, who enjoy helping buyers connect with the artists that speak to them.
“Art speaks to the right person”
There is no one type, style or genre of art in the shop, which boasts 3,000 square feet of space filled with art from a variety of artists who create pieces as different as they all are. Each artist has their own story about how they create, what inspires them and how they view their work and Kathy knows each story as well as her own.
“I love my artists, and I love to sell for them,” Kathy said. “I always tell them it is so important to do what you love when they are looking at what type of art to create. The right person will find the painting that’s meant for them.”
KATHLEEN’S FINE ART& INTERIORS
211 2nd Avenue SE, Suite B, Decatur, Alabama 35601
Spring, summer, fall, or winter – the Garden is an oasis of natural beauty in every season!
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.
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.
Born from Love of Travel, Rock ‘n Roll, Good Food, Fine Wines, and Great People
John Wheat traveled the world as an audio and video expert for decades – including a trip to Turino, Italy for the Olympics in 2006. It was there that John found his love for wines and Mediterranean food. For years, that meant seeking out new or interesting food options on his travels.
Then, in 2018, John saw the opportunity to bring some of his favorite foods home when a restaurant space that had housed other restaurants went up for sale. After adding his own flair to the space, John opened Josie’s as a Mediterranean restaurant with live music on weekends and a unique menu. The name is as uniquely chosen as the decor, with John’s wife, Christy, suggesting it after she heard the Steely Dans’ song “Josie” on the radio. “I looked it up and found that it was a French name that meant “May Jehovah increase” or, in other words, “an addition to your family.”
Since Christy already owned Decatur’s legendary restaurant, Simp McGhee’s, the new restaurant would be an addition to the family for the couple. The name is also variation of the female version of John. So Josie’s was born.
An instant favorite in the city, Josie’s is the trendy little sister to Simp’s, with dinner crowds from the restaurant often joining Josie’s regulars for a nightcap. Josie’s has recently revamped the menu, with the help of a new chef. Original menu favorites like the French onion soup and “Josie’s Pasta” (a penne pasta with veggies in a garlic cream sauce and shrimp or chicken added will remain on the menu, along with the Blanco pizza and Chicken Carbonara pizza with garlic cream sauce that have become favorites and the herb roasted salmon with orzo.
Open from early afternoon to late in the evening (and sometimes until early in the morning) Josie’s is a must-visit. The Sunday brunch is also a delicious treat.
“I used to be the guy from out of town who went into the restaurants. Now, I’m the guy who owns the restaurant and people from out of town come into my place,” John said with a laugh.
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.
From live theater and cabaret to opera and the symphony, Birmingham’s performing arts scenes is bound to amaze.
Alabama Ballet
2726 1st Ave. S; 205.322.4300; alabamaballet.org Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality education and community outreach. They offer a variety of classes for all ages. Under the direction of Tracey Alvey, this company of professional dancers presents four full-length productions annually.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
3621 6th Ave. S; 205.975.2787; alabamasymphony.org The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained audiences for more than 70 years, playing a variety of classical and popular compositions and hosting performances by some of the finest international guest artists. The symphony’s 54 talented musicians bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces, giving 190 performances a year.
Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center
1200 10th Ave. S; 205.975.2787 or alysstephens.org The trademark of UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center is diversity—diverse performances and diverse audiences. From classical, pop, jazz and world beat music to dance, comedy, theater and family entertainment, the center welcomes the entire community into the magical realm of performing arts.
Birmingham Children’s Theatre
2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N; 205.458.8181; bct123.org Birmingham Children’s Theatre was founded in 1946. Since that time, it has become one of America’s largest professional theatres for young audiences and now operates in a three-theatre complex at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The theatre produces eight shows shows seasonally, four of which tour, giving the theatre a combined audience of over 200,000 each year.
Birmingham Festival Theatre
1901 11th Ave. S; 205.933.2383; bftonline.org Founded in 1972, Birmingham Festival Theatre is the oldest theatre in Birmingham producing contemporary and classic theatre. It is managed by an all-volunteer board of directors. Since its founding, BFT has staged more than 200 productions—involving more than 50 directors, almost 1,000 actors and 500 crew people—attended by almost 100,000 audience members.
Central Alabama Theater
36 Church Street; 888.870.2477; centralalabamatheater.com Central Alabama Theater (CAT) was founded in 2013 by Carl Peoples with the tag line “Where The Stars Fall On Alabama!” CAT produces a New York style Cabaret series titled CAT CABARET; a “free to the public” play reading series titled CAT SCRIPTS, as well as full productions of musicals and plays. CAT is most proud of their Junior Advisory Board (JAB); the educational arm of the non-profit, where each year, 12 students from local high schools and colleges are chosen to serve (free of charge) on JAB where they learn performance best practices, as well as the “business” of theatre!
Opera Birmingham
3601 6th Ave. S; 205.322.6737; operabirmingham.org Northern Alabama’s only professional, regional opera company, Opera Birmingham has entertained and informed audiences in the region for over 50 years. From its humble beginnings in 1955 to its 50th anniversary in 2005 and beyond, Opera Birmingham has produced world-class operatic productions and concerts that have been hailed by critics and loved by audiences.
Red Mountain Theatre Company
301 19th Street S; 205.324.2424; redmountaintheatre.org Red Mountain Theatre Company is a nonprofit professional theatre organization with an emphasis on musical theatre. Red Mountain Theatre Company‘s season begins in September and runs through July each year with a wide variety of well-known musicals.
Terrific New Theatre
2821 2nd Ave. S; 205.328.0868; terrificnewtheatre.com Founded by Steve Stella and Carl Stewart in 1986, Terrific New Theatre (TNT) is the off-Broadway of Birmingham. Featuring avant garde performances, TNT thrills audiences with performances that aren’t seen anywhere else in town. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm. Cash or checks only.
Theatre Downtown
2410 5th Ave. South; 205.565.8838; theatredowntown.org Theatre Downtown was founded in 2006 and provides the city of Birmingham with cutting-edge contemporary theatre and a host of Alabama and Southeastern premieres. A traveling troupe, Theatre Downtown performs throughout the Birmingham area in a variety of locations.
Verizon Wireless Music Center
1000 Amphitheatre Road; 205.985.0703 ; theoakmountaintainamphitheater.com Each year between April and October, some of the world’s top musicians perform in the beautiful outdoor arena, formerly known as Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Fee varies with each performance. Now a LiveNation venue, located just south of the city, Highway 119 exit off I-65.
Virginia Samford Theatre
1116 26th Street S; 205.251.1206; virginiasamfordtheatre.org The Virginia Samford Theatre presents a wide variety of musicals. The charming historic theater with its park-side setting is located on Birmingham’s southside and has a lovely outdoor courtyard. Season begins each August.
Looking for a cultured night out on the town? Head to the Von Braun Center for a variety of performances by local and regional and national groups. Treat yourself to an evening with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and enjoy classical and modern performances led by maestro Gregory Vajda. For information, visit hso.org. The Huntsville Ballet Company also calls the VBC home. Visit huntsvilleballet.org for a schedule of performances by some of the country’s most talented professional dancers. The VBC hosts Broadway Theatre League shows, brought straight from NYC to the Rocket City. For a list of dates and shows, visit broadwaytheatreleaque.org. If you are looking for local theater talent, the Von Braun Center Playhouse hosts the Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater (fantastplayhouse.org) and Theatre Huntsville.
Art can be found all throughout Downtown Huntsville. Don’t miss the murals that bring life to the walls of downtown buildings. The newest mural in Downtown can be seen off of Washington Street on the side of the Clinton Row Garage. This mural is in honor of the “Votes for Women” campaign.
You can also enjoy art in hidden locations through the Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail. Art can be found on ceilings, in alleys, and even underneath your feet! Plus, the new Mae Jemison segment of the Secret Art Trail in Big Spring Park features seven painted power boxes in honor of the first African American woman in space. You can learn more at downtownhuntsville.org/secretarttrail.
If you want to bring Downtown Huntsville Art back home to you, then check out the Friday Night Art Walks. From May to October, Downtown Huntsville, Inc. hosts their Friday Night Art Walks, where local art vendors gather around the Historic Square in Downtown Huntsville for a night of fun local shopping. More information about Friday Night Art Walks can be found at downtownhuntsville.org/FridayNightArtWalk.
Located in the heart of Downtown Huntsville in Big Spring Park, the nationally accredited Huntsville Museum of Art fills its numerous galleries with a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, including prestigious traveling exhibits, the work of nationally and regionally acclaimed artists and exhibits from the museum’s own 3,000-piece permanent collection. After you take in the art, stop in the Museum Store for unique jewelry, pottery, glasswork and more.
For more Downtown History and Culture, head to any of our Historic Residential communities. The city of Huntsville boasts more homes on the National Register of Historic Places than any other in Alabama. Located downtown, the Twickenham District is one of the South’s best-kept secrets, featuring the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama.
Kids and adults alike will be impressed by the recreated world of the past at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, the Alabama Constitution Hall Park, where interpreters live the lives of early Huntsville settlers. And who doesn’t love trains? Stop by the Huntsville Depot Museum for a ride through railroad history. Can’t decide which one you want to visit? See all three and enjoy a discount. Call 256.564.8100for more information.
Experience the Downtown Trail Network
If the Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail interests you, then you might want to consider journeying on the other Downtown Huntsville Trails. These include the Craft Beer Trail, Craft Coffee Trail, and the newest Craft Cocktail Trail.
For craft beer fans, Huntsville is a popular destination for your favorite ales, stouts and more, and many of the top craft beer establishments are concentrated in the Downtown Huntsville area! The Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail is an informal alliance of local craft breweries and craft beer stores. Guests on the trail can pick up a trail card at any of the establishments on the trail. From there, you can get your trail card stamped at each stop. Once you complete all the stops, you can redeem your trail card for free trail swag. In other words, the Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail rewards you for tasting all the great local craft beers in the city center.
If Huntsville wasn’t known for it’s beer, then coffee would be the runner up! With the same concept in mind as the Craft Beer Trail, the Craft Coffee Trail rewards You for staying caffeinated! Visit local craft coffee establishments to get a trail card, stamps, and earn a fabulous Craft Coffee Trail mug!
The newest addition to the Downtown Huntsville Trail Network is the Craft Cocktail Trail. These impressive cocktails may seem like a reward themselves, but you might as well start earning your stamps while you are indulging!
Drink handcrafted cocktails, collect your stamps, and at the end of the trail receive a cocktail strainer to make your favorite drink right at home! For a true Rocket City experience, book a ride on the Rocket City Rover party trolley and take to the trails in style and comfort!
Whether you’re looking to grab a drink and chill to some tunes or dance into the night, you can find just the right spot in Downtown Huntsville. Live bands are a mainstay at many bars and clubs, including The Martin Bar & Bistro, Jefferson St. Pub, and Sidetracks where you can also grab a bite to eat. Or, you can rock out at such local favorites as Sammy T’s Music Hall and Whiskey Bottom Saloon.
Unique rooftop experiences and the city’s top bartenders await you at Stella’s Elixir Lounge and Rhythm on Monroe where you may also enjoy live music many nights of the week. Church Street Wine Shoppe, Purveyor, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Domaine South also offer handcrafted cocktails and glasses of wine and appetizers. Nightlife in Downtown Huntsville is an adventure around every corner.
Experience Shopping Local
In the mood to do a little shopping? Then look no further than the Clinton Row District. This one-of-a-kind shopping destination in historic Downtown Huntsville is home to some of the city’s most unique boutiques. From boho chic goods at Indigo Boutique, Caley Paige Home and Gifts, Silhouette Boutique, 5th Avenue inspired fashions at Elitaire Boutique to a full servicemen’s provisioner at Roosevelt & Co., these locally-owned and operated shops are sure to have a unique selection of items you won’t find anywhere else. Plus head underground to the Clinton Row Shops for some of Downtown Huntsville’s best keptsecrets! See all the unique shopping in theClinton Row District at shopclintonrow.com.
Around the Historic Square, you will find the oldest store in DowntownHuntsville, Harrison Brother’s Hardware.Established in 1894, the store retains its original historic fixtures and offers merchandise that reflects “American made” at its finest. This shop is not just a great place to find Huntsville gifts and galore, but an entire experience with plenty to learn about Huntsville history.
If you are heading up to the mountain, stop by The Little Green Store and the gift shop at Burritt on the Mountain for great Monte Sano themed merchandise and amazing gift ideas.
Other notable shopping locations include the Preservation Company, Holtz Leather, and Brooks & Collier all located within the Lincoln Mill District. Find handmade artisan goods at the Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment Center. In the Medical District, you can find Merchants Square and Merchants Walk full of quirky boutiques. Twickenham Square is home to a few small businesses as well as a Publix for convenient grocery shopping. Supporting local small businesses is easy when there are so many great options from which to choose.
For a full list of shops, visit downtownhuntsville.org/shopping.
Experience an Active Lifestyle
Without a doubt, Big Spring Park is the epicenter of life and culture in Huntsville, and now zipping around downtown is easier than ever. Downtown Huntsville Blue Bikes, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield, are spread out throughout downtown at eleven stations including at the VisitorsCenter, Big Spring Park, and Campus 805. Riders will pay a simple $2 per 30 minutesof riding.
Throughout the year, the park plays host to numerous events, including the Panoply Arts Festival, Crush Wine & Food Festival, Tinsel Trail and Paddle the Canal. But you don’t have to wait for a major event to enjoy the park. Children will love the famously friendly ducks, geese and koi that call the lagoon home. Or, use the park as a starting point for your exploration ofHuntsville. Visitors can enjoy strolling the walking trail, viewing the light displays every evening after dark, stopping for a peaceful picnic or even surfing the web courtesy of free wi-fi.
However, don’t miss out on Downtown Huntsville’s other parks! Visit our urban pocket park, Washington Park, for a splash of nature in the middle of bustling buildings. Or enjoy thrilling sports and a covered patio at California Park. For a peek at many of our Downtown Parks, check out the Downtown Huntsville Explorer Vlog Park Series at downtownhuntsville.org/vlog.
Downtown Huntsville is also only five minutes away from over 40 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. Land Trust of North Alabama’s Monte Sano Nature Preserve offers 22 miles of free public trails showcasing native wildflowers, historic sites, waterfalls and more. Anchoring the district is Monte Sano State Park which offers panoramic views of Huntsville.
If you are seeking an indoor fitness experience, Downtown Huntsville offers everything from cycling, to martial arts and everything in between. Cycling classes can be found at Zoom Fitness or the new Cyclebar. Enjoy Yoga with Light On Yoga Fitness. Learn martial arts through Maverick Training, or try trainer led classes at Regymen Fitness. For a full list of indoor fitness experiences, visit downtownhuntsville.org/dorentorn-outdoors.
Experience Dine Huntsville
One thing’s for sure you won’t go hungry while you’re visiting Downtown Huntsville. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a leisurely dinner or fine dining, there are plenty of options to please your palate. In the downtown core try local favorites like Rhythm on Monroe, Honest CoffeeRoasters, and Domaine South. The Church Street Family has several dining options in the downtown core including the new Church Street Wine Shoppe on Gates andSea Salt: Oyster Bar. For hand crafted cocktails and an unforgettable dinner, try Purveyor; they have an inventive menu and they’re open late for shareables. Downtown is also home to Cotton Row and Commerce Kitchen by celebrity chef James Boyce.
In West Huntsville you can find Fresko Grille at Stovehouse for a healthy option or stop into Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza at Campus 805 for a meal for the whole family.
The Medical District is home to fine steak at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.Find more dining options atdowntownhuntsville.org/dining-nightlife.
See ExcursionsGo.com for a complete list of dining options.
Experience Live Music
The Von Braun Center has multiple facilities to host live musical performances. Big name concerts as well as local musician lineups are held at the VBC. It is located conveniently next to many downtown restaurants, parks, and hotels. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a night out at the Von Braun Center in Downtown Huntsville.
The newest addition to the VBC is the Mars Music Hall. Its open-floor plan and balcony overlooking the oversized stage make this one of the most unique live music venues in the state. It is also equipped with four bars/food service areas perfect for big events.
Aside from live music venues, Downtown Huntsville is also home to the Women in Music weekend. Celebrating women in music, this weekend is filled with Huntsville’s top women musicians performing at local establishments downtown. You can enjoy music sessions with multiple artists at bigger venues or cozy up with a single artist in smaller unconventional stages. Learn more at downtownhuntsville.org/womeninmusic.
If you can’t make it out to any live music event venues or the Women in Music weekend, you can visit downtown any day or time and be able to find buskers performing. Local buskers are welcome to set up in certain areas of Downtown Huntsville to provide live music for those dining or shopping in the area.
Experience Unique Venues
Campus No. 805 has become the connecting point for the resurgence of West Huntsville neighborhoods, the treasured historic districts and the hundreds of exciting new loft residences in downtown. Campus 805, once home to classrooms filled with students, is now filled with a growing list of tenants including craft breweries, restaurants, catering, bars, retail and entertainment venues!
Stovehouse, an old factory building, is now one of the best social pubs in downtown. Great food and beverage options line the courtyard at Stovehouse all encompassing a beautiful area for socializing or listening to live music. Recurring events here include trivia night, dueling pianos, movie nights, and more.
Find more information about our venues at downtownhuntsville.org/shopping.
Stop by the Welcome Center
Need information about what to do during your stay in the Rocket City? Stop by the Visitor Center, located in the lobby of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau in Downtown Huntsville. Pickup Passport coupons to use at area attractions. Sports fan? Pick up an All-Star Sports Pass which allows you to buy one ticket and get one FREE to Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Huntsville Havoc hockey, UAH Chargers hockey and Huntsville Tigers women’s football. TheVisitor Center is also the perfect place to pick up a Rocket City souvenir, or the Arts & Entertainment Pass.
For more information about the Visitor Center and to see online listings of where to stay, shop, dine and play, call 800.SPACE.4.U or visithuntsville.org. Open seven days a week, the Visitor Center is conveniently located at 500 Church Street NW in Downtown Huntsville.
Out of This World Pizza, Wings and More in a Fun and Quirky “River City” Inspired Setting
When the Mellow Mushroom location in Decatur went up for sale in 2017, the new owner was just next door. Ryan Helsley owned the Moe’s Barbeque next door and was ready for a new challenge. While Ryan knew the Moe’s brand and barbeque, he was a newbie to the pizza game initially, but felt that both brand espoused similar values with a foundation in good food and good service in timely manner.
He called the foray into pizza making “‘intimidating” because there were more moving parts and almost three times more staff than the Moe’s location required. But, ultimately the idea of good food, cold drinks and a unique workforce.
While Mellow Mushroom is known for its pizza variety, Ryan says the most popular at this location seems to be Holy Shiitake, an olive oil and garlic base with shiitake, button and Portobelo mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella and MontAmore. It’s finished with a garlic aioli swirl and spritz of black truffle oil and garnished with fresh chives and shaved Parmesan.
The wings are also a popular choice at the restaurant particularly the new “Cloud 9 Wings” which are double baked and coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce with a hint if heat. They are garnished with grated aged parmesan and chives and served with the traditional wings sides of carrots, celery and ranch or bleu cheese.
Salads are a surprise favorite at the restaurant something Ryan attributes largely to the fact that the corporate office for Mellow Mushroom is always creating and testing new recipes. The salad menu, which ranges from a basic caesar or Greek salad to a bacon and bleu cheese wedge and an Enlightened Spinach Salad, also features exotic dressings like “Pomegranate Acai” that are sure to delight every dinner at the restaurant.
The location, like all Mellow Mushroom locations, is decorated in a unique style, with a nod to the surrounding area’s history, culture or population. For instance, here in the “River City,” the focal point of the funky interior design is a jon boat that hangs overhead and has been converted into a chandelier.
With outstanding reviews and consistently high praise from customers, Baja California Cantina and Grill in Hoover should be on the top of your list for the best Tex-Mex cuisine, delicious drinks with your favorite spirits and impeccable service.
All of their margaritas are made with fresh-squeezed lime juice.
Baja California Cantina and Grill is open seven days a week and conveniently located to all hotels in the Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and Bessemer areas. Catch live music performances by following them on Facebook.
On the Menu
Appetizers: California Nachos, Crazy Nachos, Chorizo Dip, 3 Amigos Dip
Entrees: California Fajitas, Carne Asada, Chimichangas, Burrito Bandito Seafood: Baja Fishing Trip, Fish Tacos, Seafood Taco Salad
Desserts: Sopapilla! (our famous home-made dough deep-fried covered with cinnamon, sugar and butter), Fried Ice Cream
Featured in Alabama Tourism’s Guide “100 Alabama Dishes to Try Before You Die”
When Christy Wheat started working as a server at Simp McGhee’s, she thought it would be a fun way to make some money while she went back to school. “Things changed, I fell in love with it, and I’ve been here ever since,” she said. After ten years, she bought the restaurant.
These days, the 35-year-old Bank Street restaurant is a favorite for locals and is often called “Decatur’s Favorite Corporate Gathering Spot.” Although it bills itself as “fine dining with a cajun twist, “Simp McGhee’s is more than just good food. It has become as iconic as the river boat captain whose name it bears.
Simp McGhee was a notorious river boat captain who was known to navigate the most dangerous stretches of the Tennessee River at full throttle, rather than the slower, safer way the law required. He was also known for his antics around town, including drinking beer at local bars with his pet pig.
Everyone who comes through Simp McGhee’s doors has a different favorite dish, but the Stuffed Mushroom Caps are so legendary the Alabama Department of Tourism declared them one of the “100 Alabama Dishes to Try Before You Die.” Other favorites on the menu include the “Pontchartrain” which is fresh fish, topped with bay shrimp, crab, mushrooms and green onions and served on a bed of brown rice or the “Dean’s Delight” is a prime tenderloin served with gulf shrimp, cajun alfredo sauce and pasta.
From September to April, you can find Christy’s husband, John, shucking oysters at the bar on Friday nights. In fact, most of Decatur can be found there, according to Christy. “You can’t walk through the door without everybody having to stop and talk,” she said. Whether you are looking for cajun food, seafood, steak, pasta or one of Simp McGhee’s other specialty dishes, there is something for everyone and no trip to Decatur is complete without stopping in to experience the old-world charm of the restaurant.
