Memorial Day is just around the corner!
This means, summertime, traveling, hanging out with best friends, and soaking up every single gamma ray of sunshine on a warm, humid Alabama day that’s wonderfully southern and filled with escapades.
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As a younger couple in the Rocket City, my wife and I are always on the lookout for fun things to spend a lazy Summer afternoon on.
Here are a few pursuits in and around the north Alabama area that have lured us in and held us captive.
1. Start the Summer with Rocket City Brewfest.
Held in early May, this weekend event features tastings of the best craft beers available in Alabama. Buy passes early, as the prices increases as the the date nears.
2. Head to a Summer Music Festival.
As I’d covered in one of my previous articles, Huntsville is just a few hours away from some of the biggest summer music festivals in the country. Bonnaroo is just an hour and a half north, and the Hangout Festival is in Alabama’s hometown beach at Gulf Shores.
3. Go camping at Monte Sano State Park.
One of Alabama’s best natural wonders is just right up the road from Downtown Huntsville! Go for a day or bring a tent or RV and spend the night, there are countless miles of trails and hidden treasures to discover.
Go for a day or bring a tent or RV and spend the night, there are countless miles of trails and hidden treasures to discover.
4. Hit up Point Mallard Water Park’s 1/2 Price Days after work.
On Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, the water park remains open until 8:00 P.M., and offers half-price admission. Go on a hot sunny day after a long day in the office.
Try going on a hot sunny day after a long day in the office.
5. Spend a Saturday afternoon at Lowe Mill.
With over 100 artists, businesses, and restaurants, this cultural center thrives in a historic textile mill located on Seminole Drive in Huntsville.
Saturdays open up the Flying Monkey Artist’s Market, where local artisans set up booths and sell wares.
6. Jump in the Madison Pool at Dublin Park.
This outdoor pool features two diving boards, including a high-dive. Admission is only $3; the staff is friendly, and crowding is generally not an issue.
Go on a hot, sticky, Sunday afternoon.
7. Pick up a craft brew at Wish You Were Beer.
North Alabama’s first craft-only beer store offers a wide selection of both domestic and import craft beers. Buy beers to take home, or have one in the store. They also offer samples and tastings on select days.
8. Take a road trip to see the Atlanta Braves.
A four hour drive from most Huntsville locations, Atlanta is a great city for a weekend getaway or an easy day trip. The Braves have just opened their new park at Suntrust Field, which is home to a ton of new experiences that you can make a day out of.
9. Kayak the Elk River.
Located in north Alabama and south Tennessee, the Elk River has many areas for kayaking and canoeing. The area as a whole offers many river tributaries and creeks that perfect for a lazy or fast-paced day on the water.
10. Catch a show at Vertical House Records.
Opened in 2007, this shop features new and used LPs, CDs, VHS, turntables, and stereo equipment. The bonus is the live shows of amazing local and regional bands, held throughout the year.
What are some of your summer hotspots?
Let us know in the comments!
