A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.

-George Edward Moore

This Memorial Day weekend, many of you may be taking advantage of the extra day off from work to travel. Heading to the beach, the lake, or somewhere that is simply a change of pace from your every day routine. Those of you that opted to stay in Huntsville may be feel a twinge of jealously right now thinking of your friends and their far off destinations.

DON’T!

You’re probably thinking I’ve truly lost it now! Why else would I possibly be telling you not to be jealous? Here’s how:

What is the point of a vacation?

• To relax
• To explore new areas
• To gain new experiences
• To have fun

The list could go on and on, so we’ll stop there.

Who says that you have to travel out of town to achieve ANY of these objectives?? Not this gal! So here’s what I’ve done just for all you folks in town this Memorial Day (or any day you just need a break). I’ve created a special Memorial Day Stay-cation guide to Huntsville. Everything on this list is open today and I’ve personally explored.

Let’s start our Huntsville Stay-cation!

Out of This World Fun

I’m starting at The US Space and Rocket Center because it is at once the most obvious and least obvious stop on our stay-cation. Everyone knows this Huntsville landmark. People travel from across the world (yes WORLD) to visit this museum and take advantage of its programs. Think I’m exaggerating? During my visit I ran into some Space Campers who came all the way from India to participate in the program. You can see our picture at the top of the page. Do they look like they’re having fun? Because they are!

These folks traveled the world to come to a museum we have access to any day of the year (other than Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day) but can you honestly remember the last time you visited? Part of the trap of having such a world renowned museum in our backyard is that we take it for granted.

Larger than Life Exhibit: Did you know that they’ve recently started acquiring a steady stream of amazing traveling exhibits? Currently on display is “Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age.”

This exhibit includes video installations, hands-on interactive displays, life-sized models, fossil tusks and skulls—and even touchable teeth— bring these ancient giants back to life.

Mammoths will be here until September 3, 2012. And The Space and Rocket Center won’t charge you extra for this special exhibit, like many museums do! It’s included with your regular admission.

Visit The Space and Rocket Center
Address: One Tranquility Base Huntsville, AL 35805
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Adults- $20.00, Children- $15.00, Child 5 and under: free
Visit their website

Hands-on Adventures

With school out (or almost out) for the summer, you may be wondering how to add some learning into your kids’ days. Of course the learning always goes down a little easier when its fun. And that is where one of Huntsville’s most loved museums comes in: Sci-Quest, Hands on Science Center.

For those of you who think one visit to Sci-Quest is enough, I’m here to tell you that you are mistaken! This hands-on science center is constantly growing and developing new exhibits and programs. Click here for a complete list.

Here’s just a peak at the fun waiting for you:

• Newton’s Lab: Investigate the laws of motion as we play with eggs, pennies and all sorts of moving stuff! Through some really moving experiments, young scientists will learn that physics can be fun!
• Angular Momentum: This exhibit is very hands (and feet) on-as you can see to the right. That’s me on the exhibit It’s a great way to help explain gravity and as you can see, gravity is not always kind…
• Electromagnetic Spectrum: The newest addition at Sci-Quest. This 10 foot tall exhibit takes concepts like microwaves and the visible light spectrum and breaks them down, explaining them so that children (and children of all ages) can understand them.
• Cells! Life at the Pond: Get up close and personal with cells in this activity area developed in conjunction with HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. See how cells are organized, how they differ from one another and even see samples of microscopic life.

Visit Sci-Quest, Hands on Science Center
Address: 102 D Wynn Drive Huntsville, Alabama 35805
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (start
Admission: Adults-$9.00, Seniors-$8.50, Children-$8.00
Visit their website

Dog Days of Summer

Everyone in your in family deserves a vacation- and that includes the four legged members of your family! And this next stop is perfect for those of you with furry family members: The Dog Spot.Located in Downtown Huntsville, this park has 2 distinct areas: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. There are hoses, so you won’t have to worry about your dog getting over-heated on a summery day. But its always a good idea to bring a bowl.

There are certain rules you (and your dog) need to follow. Read them here on the city’s website. Want to make an afternoon or evening of your outing? After visiting the Dog Spot, head over to the patio at Lone Goose. Dogs are welcome!

Address: 200 Cleveland Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801

Cool Down

Let’s face it; its hot. With temperatures already reaching into the 90’s, there’s nothing better than a dip in the pool. Don’t have one handy? I’ve got the next best thing for you: Bicentennial Park.

This splash park in downtown Huntsville operates seasonally for children. And this certainly is the season for it! Located behind EarlyWorks on Fountain Circle, this park is the perfect remedy for a blazing hot day!

Put your little ones in their bathing suits or let them run around in their cloths (your choice) but they will need shoes. Make sure that their shoes have soles with grips because they’ll be getting soaked and that’s when they tend to slide!

Address: 315 Fountain Circle Huntsville, AL 35801