Alabama Arts and Culture

July 2023

BY AMITY MOORE JOYCE

Alabama’s Rocket City welcomes science nerds, nature lovers, art appreciators, craft beer enthusiasts, foodies and just about anybody else for an out-of-this-world weekend.

Friday 

AFTERNOON 

Get settled in your hotel. Huntsville is becoming more attractive to travelers, so there is no shortage of choices, but a unique one downtown is the recently opened 106 Jefferson, which sports mid-century charm. One of its virtues is its location. Walk out the hotel’s doors and, within a quarter mile, you can further stretch your legs at Big Spring International Park. It’s usually a hub of activity, hosting one festival or another, welcoming families feeding the ducks near the actual spring or giving people a spot of green to be outside. While there, notice the red bridge and cherry trees—both gifts to Huntsville from Japan. 

For a shopping trip that marries the past with today’s must-haves, go to Harrison Brothers Hardware, also located within a block or so of your hotel. This general store was founded in 1897 and still displays the original cash register. Its shelves are stocked with made-in-America products, including arts and crafts, food, toys and things you...