Hubby has been working in Huntsville, AL from time to time for the past few months and when it worked out that he had a trip there while we were in Nashville this summer, the kids and I decided to visit him and spend two days in this sweet small city. We had been to Huntsville a few years ago, just for the day to visit the Botanical Gardens but never to the downtown area. Aaron had told us how cute and quaint it was full of beautiful historic homes and buildings, restaurants and small shops and I couldn’t wait to visit!
Before we hit the hotel, the kids and I visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. We spent a few hours here exploring the different exhibits and the kids loved all the “rides” the center had. From simulators to a rock climbing wall to a G-Force accelerator {which I tried and thought I would lose my lunch on!} the kids went on them all several times. Check the height minimums, as Lily wasn’t able to go on two of the rides but all in all we had a GREAT time at the center and it’s a place I highly recommend visiting if you are in the area.
After spending time at the Space Center, we made our way to the hotel. Aaron’s company put him up in the Springhill Suites Downtown. The hotel seemed newly renovated and the room was huge! Perfect for our family of 5 with two queen beds, a West Elm pullout couch that also had a trundle and even 1/5 baths! It had a free continental breakfast in the morning and a small pool for the kids. Plus it was a less than 5 minute ride to downtown Huntsville.
That night, we hit up Commerce Kitchen located in downtown Huntsville. It was a quaint place with big tufted leather booths and even a space for outdoor seating. I had a delish spicy margarita and shrimp and grits for dinner. It was not only kid friendly but also a great spot for a date night! The same chef also owns Cotton Row which Aaron had been to a few times himself while in Hunstville for business. We tried to hit it up for lunch the next day, but unfortunately it was closed. Hopefully we can get there the next time we are in town.
While Aaron worked the next morning, the kids and I headed back to downtown to do some sightseeing and shopping! We walked all the way down Jefferson St. and stopped first at Railroad Station Antiques. It was a 3 story antique mall in a historic building full of tons of finds. The kids honestly just loved looking around and browsing and we spent quite some time there. Next we headed back up the street and stopped for some fresh pastries at a small bakery called The Moon Bakeshop. It hit the spot and was a great break from walking in the heat. We stopped in a few other stores…Scout & Molly’s, a small women’s boutique, In Bloom, a cute shop full of home decor that also was a florist, Elitaire, another women’s boutique and then Harrison Brothers Hardware. Harrison Brothers is NOT to be missed! It is right next to Commerce Kitchen and has been in operation since 1897. The store retains its original apperance with the display shelves, counters and wood floors and fixtures still intact! Now the shop sells seasonal goods, local arts and crafts, home decor items and toys. The kids enjoyed just walking around and were even more impressed with the still working cash register from 1907!
What I loved more than anything about downtown Hunstville was all the beautiful historic buildings. We walked around the Twickenham district and I was in awe at all the beautiful and well kept historic homes and buildings. I was honestly surprised at the slice of history Huntsville had to offer.
We also explored a bit of Alabama Constitution Hall located a block or two from Commerce Kitchen. We missed the tour of the buildings but were able to walk the grounds. The kids want to hit up the Historic Huntsville Depot and maybe the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum if we ever visit again.
After we finished exploring, we met Aaron for lunch. Since Cotton Row was closed he took us to another favorite spot of his,1892 East in Historic Five Points. The food was great, the burger was EXCELLENT and it was priced fairly cheap for all the food you got. After lunch, we said our goodbyes {he was meeting us at the lakehouse at the end of the work week} and we hit the road back to Nashville but not before getting an iced coffee from Honest Coffee Roasters, which came recommended. It was just perfect for the drive back! We can’t wait to visit Huntsville hopefully again soon and do some more exploring in this quaint Southern city!
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