I’ve lived within a two-hour drive of Huntsville, Alabama all of my life but had never explored the area. Sure, we took the kids on the field trip to the Space Center when they were in elementary school, but as soon as the trip was over we packed up the kids and came back home. When I learned the North American TBEX conference would be held in Huntsville this year, I knew I’d be making a trip. But privately I wondered, “Why Huntsville?” “Why not a bigger, more well known city?” It turns out the TBEX team had done their research and learned a few things about Huntsville I didn’t know. Besides the techie space camp side, it has an up and coming art scene, foodie scene, and general hip vibe. I left wishing I could have spent more time exploring the area and knowing I would return soon. It turns out there is enough hauntings, history and happening in Huntsville, Alabama to keep the entire family happy.
4 Must-See Attractions In Huntsville, Alabama
1. Huntsville Ghost Walk – I’m a sucker for ghost tours so when I learned this was a Prebex Fam Tour option, I signed up immediately. Our host for the night was Jacque Reeves, a historian, and author of several books. She was inspired to start the tour to help preserve Huntsville historic past. This tour is different from other tours I had taken before. Ms. Reeves had asked a medium to help her with the stories. After her historical research, the medium joined their team to communicate with the spirits at each location to learn why they remained. The blend of historical data with the medium’s finding was an unusual touch.
There are three tours to choose from, Twickenham District, the Old Town District, or the Downtown District. Each tour begins at 6:00 PM in front of Harrison Brother’s Hardware Store. Ms. Reeves gave us a “Highlights of Huntsville” tour, showcasing some of the sites seen on each of the three tours. One of the most fascinating to me was the story behind the Helion Lodge. If you ever wondered why we think Friday the 13th is unlucky, it goes back to the Knights Templar, the original order of Masons. Arrested by the French king, Phillip IV, and Pope Clement for heresy, the leader of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, and 60 of his followers was burned at the stake on Friday the 13th, 1307. Before he died, Jacques de Molay uttered the chilling prophecy that the king and pope would be dead within the year. Later, his prophecy was fulfilled.
Today the Helion Lodge in Huntsville is said to be haunted by past Masonic members. Some patrons from Huntsville Ghost Walks claim to have seen a man wearing 19th-century clothing walk through the front door and tip his hat to them. Others claim to see orbs or hear voices arguing inside the building. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s a great way to get some exercise, be entertained and learn the history of Huntsville in a unique way.
2. Campus 805 -Ever heard the saying, “Too cool for school?” They were probably talking about Campus 805! Originally the S.R. Butler High School and later the Stone Middle School, Campus 805 has been converted into a trendy meeting spot. Advertised as “The South’s Premiere Brewery and Entertainment Venue,” they offer entertainment, dining and a fun place to spend an evening with friends. If you (like me) always hated gym class, you’ll be thrilled to see what Straight to Ale has done with the former gym. It’s now home to a brewhouse, a taproom, a patio, Ronnie Raygun’s Arcade, and a speakeasy, That’s right! Hidden somewhere in the hallowed halls is a SpeakEasy. I admit it turned out to be easy to find. As we wandered along the halls, someone jumped out at us from a hidden wall and said, “You looking for the SpeakEasy?”
If you’re ready to relive the past, check out Fringe Salon. Once a month they host theme nights, including ’80s night.’ We enjoyed 80s themed cocktails and snacks while listening to classic 80s music. After having our hair style and makeup revert to the 80s (including Aqua Net hairspray, banana clips, and blue eyeshadow), we were ready to party like it’s 1999! We finished off the evening with a Bistro Burger from Ale’s Kitchen, a huge concoction of thick sliced bacon, cheddar cheese, kosher pickles and their signature Bistro sauce. The burger was served with crispy buttermilk onion straws. Tip: This is a great location for a date night.
3. U.S. Space and Rocket Center – Have you ever wondered what goes on in space? You can find out here at the Marshall Space Flight Center’s official visitors center. The kids (and adults) will be fascinated to see rockets and space shuttles “up close,” plus there is a hands-on activity area for children. Want a more in-depth experience? There’s the option of Space Camp, a hands-on, immersive experience for kids and adults. A “family camp” is available, allowing parents and kids to live like an astronaut for several days, right down to the dorm experience. An optional add-on lunch with a real astronaut is available. I’ll be attending a family VIP day during the summer so look for a complete report on the U.S. Space and Rocket Center soon.
We spent an evening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Saturn V Hall in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration for their weekly Biergarten festivities. It’s available to the public from 4:30-7:30 and features authentic German cuisine, beer, and wine. Although admission is free, it does cost to purchase beverages and food. A portion of the proceeds is donated each week to different nonprofit organizations. If you’ve ever wanted to dine under a rocket, this is your chance!
4. A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard – Known as “Huntsville’s Backyard,” this is a 100-year-old lumberyard that has been converted into the place to be for fresh food, live music, and celebrations. The on-site restaurant features such goodies as When a Man Loves An Oven, an apple brined pork tenderloin, and The Flying Pig, their signature Pork Belly Sandwich. They try to follow the farm to table movement, sourcing locally as much as possible. Several of the options on the menu are gluten free! Live music is available several nights a week, with varying genres ranging from jam sessions to blues. We spent the evening dining in the lovely courtyard and listening to music and entertainment from the multiple stages.
I can’t wait to return to Huntsville to explore! Have you visited Huntsville? What’s your favorite activity?
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I don’t know why, but Hauntings are so fascinating. They can be pretty scary too! This sounds so interesting!
My family would enjoy the US Space and rocket Center. Our kids love science and space
I go to Alabama often so I’m going to have to check out these haunting s. I’m crazy about history of all things interesting so I’m sure I’d love Huntsville, Alabama.
OH MY GOODNESS! This looks like an amazing place to visit. I think I may have to take the kids asap as it’s a bit of a trip but I have always wanted to visit Alabama in the first place.
This looks like a great tour to take advantage of when in Huntsville. However, I would beg off visiting Helion Lodge. I am not that brave to explore a haunted building. Nope. Not for me. I’d rather be wining and dining at the Fringe Salon or at the Lumberyard. 🙂
Sounds like you had a wonderful experience there and it looks a beautiful place to visit with the family.
Oh wow it sounds like you had the most amazing time, I always wish I had gone on a ghost hunt, not sure I could do it now with my mobility which is a shame.
Pretty scary! I would go on these tours if I have a friend with me. I think it’s also kinda fun! It would be nice to learn more about the history of the places too.
Huntsville Alabama is a great place to visit with all the history and haunting’s there. The food there is amazing too. Thanks for sharing the awesome information.
I have a niece who lives in Alabama. I bet she’d like to go do a ghost tour next time we visit. 🙂
This looks so great. I would love to visit one of these places
I must tell my husband about this. He loves ghosts and ghost stories. He would love Huntsville. I love all the history and the architecture. This sounds like the place for the both of us.
Fringe salon looks like a ton of fun! Honestly, all of these places look like a great time.
No thank you times a million. I really enjoy reading about this stuff, but you won’t catch me going near any of it!
Some of those places give me the willies. I have always been fascinated by hauntings though.
I haven’t visited Alabama… This haunted place looks very interesting! I would love to visit.
I love haunted places and so does my Mom. I would love to explores this town someday.
I would love to go there as I have not heard much about it, maybe there is something in store as I am a great fan of some haunted places that are old.
I have heard some great things about Huntsville. I’ve never been myself but would love to visit Alabama and check it out. Looks very nice and like theres lots of history to be learned!
I know my mother-in-law really gets into the supernatural type of outing.
Plus, I like your other destination ideas in this article.
I have never been to the state before except maybe driving through a part. I love ghost tours – they’re awesome to learn history!
IT does look like such a fun place. The air and space portion would be fascinating to me. I always loved learning about flight.
I’ve never been to Huntsville. I’ve always wanted to visit Alabama. This sounds like an interesting way to spend a day.
I would love to do the Highlights of Huntsville tour. I love to learn the history of different places.
I am all about visiting places with history and hauntings! Yup, totally scares me yet intrigues me at the same time! Hopefully I will get to Huntsville Alabama sometime 🙂
How cool that there’s so much to do in Huntsville. I would love to take the ghost tour.
Looks like you had a great time in Hunstville. Looks like there’s a lot to do there for the family too!
Would love to visit this town. THe lumberyard looks very interesting. Was suppose to be here for TBEX North America recently but had to cancel the trip. I was so sad 🙁
I absolutely LOVED the look and feel of Huntsville while I was there for TBEX North America. I can’t wait to get back, as I had the same thoughts that you did about why they would hold a travel conference in that city of all places. Great spots to check out when I do go back, as I already knew about the space museum, but not the others!
I never even considered Hunstville as an up and coming vacation destination, but it does look like they have a lot to explore. I’d definitely love to do the ghost tour and visit the gym brewery!
Campus 805 sounds like my kind of spot. Alabama is on my places to visit list. I love the south but I’ve not been to the really deep south.
We’ve only had the chance to visit Huntsville once, but it was a great trip. I’m really surprised it doesn’t get more attention as a vacation destination.
My family actually took this tour! It’s so much fun and very informative.
I’d love to visit the lumberyard. How neat that they’ve converted it into a place for food and music! It would be so much fun to hang out that one night, eating good food and listening to music.