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Cheers to a Sunset Picnic on Monte Sano Mountain

“Truthfully, Monte Sano has been my home away from home, and one of my favorite, Alabama State Parks.“

Cheers to a Sunset Picnic on Monte Sano Mountain

Anyone who knows me, hands down, will acknowledge my favorite activity is camping with a roaring fire in the background, while enjoying a nice glass of wine, preferably sparkling. 

When I camp, I typically like to have at least a couple of days at the campsite, so I can enjoy the atmosphere, cooking, roaming around, laughing with my friends, and relaxing, without immediately disassembling my campsite. That being said, camping can take a lot of work. 

So, until my next camping excursion, I wanted to have a sunset picnic, inviting my friend K. to come with me, so we could have a little cheer on Monte Sano. 

Monte Sano has a very special place in my heart because it was the first site I visited in Huntsville, thus prompting my move five years ago. Truthfully, Monte Sano has been my home away from home, and one of my favorite, Alabama State Parks. 

I’ve stayed at both the primitive campsites and at the original CCC cabins, which are incredibly cozy, showcasing a beautiful view, a small shower, a kitchenette, and a great hearth in the main room. I recently celebrated my 36th birthday, reserving a cabin at Monte Sano, which was well worth it, even though it was one night. 

Picnicking; however, is a good alternative and weather permitting, can really turn into a lovely, rustic experience, without taking too much energy and preparation. 

Packing two bundles of wood, my new, picnic basket, along with authentic Champagne and snacks, K. and I had a little cheer and fire at sunset, experiencing our own “Alabama Getaway.” 

I usually see baby deer, walk around, contemplate my life, and this time, two newlyweds stumbled upon my fire and picnic table, wanting to take their engagement photos in front of the fire. 

Thank you, Monte Sano, for being a wholesome place for me, a drama-free zone, giving me many, precious moments with friends and family.  I am counting down the days for my winter camping trip, where I can finally hear the owls hoot at night. 

See you soon!

*Dedicated to Brian and Mel, who are no longer living in Huntsville, but who have shared many laughs and thoughts around the fire with me.

Helen Brown

About Helen Brown

Growing up near Selma, AL, and upon graduating at Emory and Henry College, in Emory, VA, I started working as a Music Journalist, while living in Charlottesville, VA. After eleven years in Virginia, I lived in New Orleans, LA, working as a Freelance, Music Journalist in the Big Easy. I eventually settled in Huntsville, finally calling this my home for the past five years. The hobbies I hope to promote via Our Valley Events include camping, dining, musical nightlife, family activities, and anything that enhances our local community, such as outreach and charitable organizations. With a deep rooted love of blues, bluegrass, rock n' roll, folk, and soul, I also enjoy the fine arts, classical music, opera, and ballet. As a writer, I love Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly and poetry most of all. My favorite poems include, Brown Penny by William Butler Yeats, Lover's Quarrel with the World by Robert Lee Frost, and Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood by William Wordsworth. Starting as a Contributing Writer for Our Valley Events, I could not have represented anyone's interests' without first introducing myself and providing a little of my background. See you around town.

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