As the weather warms up, everyone is looking for ways to get outside. The Huntsville area has no shortage of events and attractions to soak up the sun and make this summer memorable.
Outdoor Dining
While Huntsville has no shortage of delicious restaurants, summer is the perfect time to find patios and outdoor dining options to enjoy the sunshine. Check out this selection of patios, rooftops, and picnic spots to enjoy this summer.
Patios
Many downtown Huntsville restaurants have outdoor patios to enjoy a meal, such as Cotton Row, Purveyor, Poppy and Parliament, and Oshi Poke Bowl and Sushi. If you’re in need of a pick me up, several coffee shops offer outdoor seating, such as Honest Coffee Roasters and Moon Bakeshop.
There’s plenty of outdoor dining options outside of downtown as well. The Camp, located in Huntsville’s popular MidCity District, is a popular outdoor spot with dining and drinks, a dog and kid-friendly atmosphere, live music, and more. Stovehouse, located West of downtown, is an indoor/outdoor mixed-use space with a food garden and leisure lawn, along with retail space and stages for live music.
Rooftops
If you’re hoping for a great view, look no further than The Observatory at the AC Hotel. The open-air space offers beautiful views of Big Spring Park and downtown Huntsville. Also overlooking downtown Huntsville, Baker and Abel lounge (a nod to the space traveling primates who successfully made it to the moon) serves up beer, wine, cocktails, and small bites on their rooftop. Rhythm on Monroe, part of the Von Braun Center, is another rooftop bar overlooking Big Spring Park, with live music on most weekends. In Madison, Prohibition is a rooftop bar and grill serving lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch alongside a full bar.
Picnic Spots
For a DIY outdoor dining option, there are more than 60 public parks in the Huntsville area that are great for picnics, such as Big Spring Park! On select dates during the summer, Big Spring Park also hosts Food Truck Rallies – grab a bite to eat and bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the sunshine.
Farmer’s Markets
Several local farmers markets run each week around the Huntsville area, with local farmers and vendors selling fresh produce, local honey, hand-cut flowers, and more.
Each Thursday through October 29, enjoy downtown’s Greene Street Market at Nativity. This local rain or shine farmers market features fresh, local produce from a variety of farmers, artisan goods such as pottery and jewelry, skincare products like soaps and lotions, and much more. The market is dog friendly as long as they are leashed, so bring the pups along too!
The Market at MidCity runs every Sunday until mid-November, hosting local vendors, live music, and more. The Providence Market is open each Thursday and Saturday in the Village of Providence’s Town Center. In addition to local goods and entertainment, they offer a weekly kids craft for little ones to get creative. Madison City Farmers Market happens every Saturday, with local vendors selling a wide selection of produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. In Southeast Huntsville, Bailey Cove Farmer’s Market is hosted on Saturdays at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, along with pop-up markets on select dates.
Cool Off in The Water
During the dog days of summer, nothing feels better than a dip in the water. Public and private pools, water holes, and other area attractions provide the perfect way to cool off.
Pools
The City of Huntsville has several pools and splash pads for the whole family to enjoy. Pool options include the Huntsville Aquatic Center, which is a large indoor outdoor swimming pool, and the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool. Families can purchase seasonal swim passes that are honored at either facility. The Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool also offers swim lessons to all ages.
Splash Pads & Waterparks
In addition to pools, splash pads are a popular summer activity for children. The Bicentennial Park Splash Pad, Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Splash Pad, and EveryBody Can Play Splash Pad are free to use and offer nonstop water fun.
Head to Decatur for family friendly fun at Point Mallard Park. The seasonal waterpark offers 25 acres of splash zones with a wave pool, several slides, a scenic lagoon, and a dedicated children’s area.
State Parks
North Alabama is also home to various state parks which offer beautiful blue holes, lakes, and creeks that are perfect for taking a dip. For another pool option in the area, DeSoto State Park has an Olympic-size swimming pool with lifeguards on duty for $5 per swimmer. The Gulf Creek State Park Adventure Center has swimming areas, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even watersports such as wakeboard cable skiing, and Joe Wheeler State Park offers a beach area perfect for relaxing or swimming.
Summer Events in Huntsville
Immersive Yoga at the Orion Amphitheatre, downtown artisan markets, Huntsville City FC games, and live music at the Von Braun Center are just a few of the events you can look forward to this summer. Grab your family and friends and enjoy the season!
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
