Huntsville, Ala.
Friday: From Trains to Tulips. Andy Barker, the robotic ticket agent, fills you in on Alabama’s railroad history at the Huntsville Depot. The site, where visitors can tour locomotives and view graffiti written by Civil War soldiers, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Switch gears and admire the beauty of the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Meander through specialty gardens, along the wildflower and nature trail and past the 110-year-old dogwood. Lunch is soups, salads or sandwiches with a sophisticated twist at Covington’s Downtowne.
Saturday. You’ll want to spend an entire day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Learn about Huntsville’s role in the making of the moon rocket, ride the Space Shot to experience the feeling of a rocket launch and explore the numerous exhibits of space memorabilia and rockets. “People also really enjoy our IMAX theater,” says Holly Beach of the center. “It’s great to watch first-run feature films on our huge screen. The USSRC is a great place for families to share our space history and also to look ahead to future exploration.”
Sunday. Huntsville features more than 18 miles of greenways and trails. Take to these natural paths or scenic roadways by foot or bike for a self-guided tour of the area. More hiking is available at Monte Sano State Park, where you also can enjoy geocaching and picnicking.
Cost Roundup: Huntsville Depot ($10, adults; $8, youth and seniors); Covington’s Downtowne ($4-$9); Huntsville Botanical Garden ($10, adults; $8, seniors; $5, children); U.S. Space and Rocket Center (museum only: $20, adults; $15, children); Hildegard’s German Cuisine ($5-$15); Monte Sano State Park ($3, adults and children; $1, seniors).
Before You Go
Huntsville/Madison County CVB
256-551-2230
Huntsville Depot
256-564-8100
earlyworks.com/the-museums/train-depot
Covington’s Downtowne
256-533-1088
Huntsville Botanical Garden
256-830-4447
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
800-63-SPACE
Hildegard’s German Cuisine
256-512-9776
Monte Sano State Park
256-534-3757
Dogwood Manor Bed & Breakfast
A federal-style home with four guest rooms. English afternoon tea available upon request. $99-$119 per night.
256-859-3946
Embassy Suites Hotel
Located in downtown Huntsville and offering spa, fitness and recreational facilities. Call for rates.
256-539-7373
Comfort Inn
Minutes from downtown; continental breakfast, indoor pool and exercise room. Call for rates.
256-562-2525
Civil War Stop: Bridgeport
Touted as the largest re-enactment in Alabama, the Siege of Bridgeport Re-enactment is held in March in Bridgeport. About 1,800 re-enactors – donning period uniforms – recreate the siege, a fateful Civil War battle for control of a key railroad bridge that crossed the Tennessee River. Confederate soldiers lost the fight to the Union Army. The skirmishes are presented twice daily and will be composed of artillery firings, infantry charges and cavalry charges.
During the event, vendors sell historical objects and clothing, and visitors can tour authentic encampments and enjoy period music. Tentative activities include a ladies tea, fireworks show, mortar and anvil shootings, and a memorial service for the Civil War veterans and ex-slaves buried at William’s Cemetery. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children. For more details, call 256-495-3614 or 256-259-5500.
