Category: Madison

5 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

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Don’t let a rainy or cold day keep you stuck inside all day! Here’s a list of places to visit that are perfect when the weather is less than desirable! Go away, winter blues!

Carnegie Visual Arts Center

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama opened in 2003 and has provided educational and cultural opportunities to the community. The Carnegie was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library of Decatur and was one of the 2,509 libraries built by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, so the Carnegie has a rich, unique history.

Not only does the Carnegie have beautiful collections and exhibits that are on display throughout the center, but they also have numerous programs for adults and kids to encourage and inspire through the arts.

Visit the Carnegie to see beautiful, unique, and inspiring art. Their exhibits change periodically, so it’s a new place every time you visit.

Cook Museum of Natural Science

If you love learning about plants, animals, space, and so much more, you need to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! This state of the art museum was opened in 2019, and it has quickly become a favorite attraction in the state and beyond.

One of the most popular features of the Museum is the 15,000 gallon aquarium that is home to several different types of fish. There’s also a Coral Tank with beautiful corals, fish, and some small crabs. You’ll be mesmerized by the Jelly Fish Tank, too.

In addition to the fish in the aquarium, there are baby alligators, a variety of turtles, snakes, a chuckwalla, an endangered hellbender, and an eastern collared lizard on display. You can go inside a replica cave just like the ones you’ll find in north Alabama and see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and other things you’re likely to find in a cave. There are also exhibits dedicated to space, weather, rocks & minerals, and a Holo Sands Table that is incredibly popular with kids and adults!

Another cool exhibit at the Museum is the “Big Tree” that is modeled after Alabama’s State Champion tulip poplar tree of the same name that you can find in the Sipsey Wilderness of Bankhead National Forest. You can even climb up in the tree to the second floor. There’s another replica tree there that has a cool bridge to cross to get the treehouse!

After your trip to the Museum, visit the awesome Museum Store for the perfect souvenir. The Museum Store is also a great place to go pick up a gift for friends and family or for yourself! And don’t forget to visit Nature’s Table for lunch, a delicious smoothie, or an acai bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the Museum Store or Nature’s Table; you can visit any time you want!

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”

Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.

The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shot and G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Motorcycle Heaven exists, and you’ll find it in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon entering the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you’ll understand why motorcycles and cars are considered art. The stunning five-story Barber Museum is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world according to Guinness World Records. With more than 1,600 motorcycles, 59 vintage Lotus cars, eclectic art, and a 2.38-mile racetrack, the Barber Museum is truly a motorsports paradise.

Located at the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, the 228,650-square-foot Barber Museum has motorcycle and car exhibits on each of its five floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the building, which is anchored by an active restoration area that is visible to guests from each level.

The museum’s motorcycle collection spans more than a century’s worth of production, offering interesting views into the evolution of engineering. You’ll see examples of some of the oldest motorcycles in the world, such as a model of an 1867 Roper Steam Velocipede, as well as the museum’s oldest running motorcycle, the 1902 Steffey.

There are Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and Indians on exhibit alongside less familiar makes, like Cannondale, Jawa and Laverda. The museum has rare motorcycles like the 1996 Britten V1000, which is one of only 10 ever built. There is an exhibit of motorcycles built by Eric Buell, a collection of scooters and a dirt bike exhibit that will make you feel moved. With such a diverse collection, you may see an example of the very first motorcycle you ever rode.

Read more: excursionsgo.com/blog/2022/01/13/motorcycle-heaven. (by: Kelly Stewart)

Vulcan Park & Museum

A trip to Vulcan Park and Museum is a must for every visitor to the Birmingham region – in fact, it’s the best place to get started. In addition to seeing the iconic colossal statue, visitors gain an understanding of the region’s history and culture, and can learn more about other cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings at an onsite Visitor Information Center managed by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Created by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, Vulcan was cast from local iron to represent the state of Alabama at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Vulcan has overlooked Alabama’s largest city from atop Red Mountain since a 1930s WPA project created his permanent home and namesake park.

After decades of exposure to the elements, by the 90s, the 50-ton statue was in desperate need of repair. Recognizing Vulcan’s importance to the region’s history and persona, community leaders formed Vulcan Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization which oversaw a $16 million project that returned the statue to his 1904 grandeur. The meticulous restoration of Vulcan and his 124′ sandstone pedestal, completed in 2004, received numerous awards including the highest honor awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Embracing the personality of the community Vulcan symbolizes, the park grounds and museum offer a dynamic edu-taining experience. Standing for Birmingham Alabama’s rich industrial history, the diverse cultures that settled and built the community, and the story of Vulcan are recounted in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

Spring Events

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The arrival of spring means warmer weather and more things to do! Check out these fun events and festivals in north Alabama, and let us know which ones are your favorite.

Magic City Art Connection

Taste. Sip. Repeat. This spring, Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham is toasting its 26th year. Join us April 29 & 30, 2023 under the main Casting Shed at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark for this highly anticipated tasting experience held in conjunction with the FAB 40th Magic City Art Connection. C&C looks forward to spotlighting talented local tastemakers as it presents culinary dishes for patrons to pair with select wines, craft beer, spirits, cocktails, seated tasting seminars, and a beloved contemporary art festival. 

April Walking Tours

All across Alabama in the month of April, you’ll find free walking tours through the quaint downtown areas. You’ll learn about the history of the area, architecture, and see beautiful gardens.

3rd Friday Downtown Decatur

From April to October, downtown Decatur comes alive every third Friday! On Second Avenue throughout the spring, summer, and fall, you’ll find lots of food trucks, vendors, live music, and downtown shops open later. It’s a great time to get out and eat, shop, and catch up with friends.

Panoply Arts Festival

Panoply is the Southeast‘s premier arts weekend where Huntsville’s innovative spark shines through a festival of art, music, and more! Panoply takes place in downtown Huntsville on April 28-30 at Big Spring Park. 

Panoply kicks off at 5pm on Friday, April 28 and during the three-day event, over 30 local and regional musical acts in a variety of genres – jazz, rock, R&B, indie rock, blues, pop and more – will entertain the crowd on Panoply’s two stages. Friday’s lineup features a homegrown favorite, The Wanda Band. Wanda made her solo debut at Panoply in 2012 as a Panoply Homegrown Talent Winner and in 2019 she debuted her band at Concerts in the Park. She was recently named one of the “5 Huntsville Bands with the best shot to become Famous” by Matt Wake, entertainment reporter with Alabama Media Group.

On Saturday, the music starts when the gates open at 10am and closes out with Huntsville’s own Rob Aldridge and the Proponents. Uncut Magazine wrote in 2022 that “Rob is an Alabama native who is finally starting to get noticed as a songwriting frontman capable of gnawing a hook and a finely weighted turn of phrase,” and NPR calls them “an Alabama rock & roll band you need to know.” Sunday’s lineup features local favorite and up-and-coming performers.

Birmingham Walking Tours

Birmingham Walking Tours are offered on select Saturdays and Sundays in April and May, and visitors, and locals alike can experience the history and beauty of Birmingham in a fun, invigorating way.

There are two new tours offered this spring, “Breathing Life into Landmarks” and “City Walk | Linn Park”. In addition to the return of a local favorite, “Parkside”. Presented by The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Spire, and Stone Building Company, the two-hour tours guided by Allison Vosicky, Cheryl Morgan, David Fleming and Gary Bostany, focus on the redevelopment of some of Birmingham’s most cherished landmarks, details of the new City Walk, and the new vision for historical Linn Park.

Registration is $20 for Vulcan Park and Museum members and $30 for non-members. There is special discounted pricing for pairs of two. Tour groups will not exceed forty participants. Reservations and payment are required in advance.

Spring Break Things to Do

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Spring Break is almost here, and there are a lot of things to do right here in north Alabama! Check out our list and let us know what you would add to it.

Burritt on the Mountain

Also known as the “Jewel on the Mountain,” this living museum is seated atop RoundTop Mountain and features entertainment for all ages. At Burritt on the Mountain, a 19th-century farm, children can pet barnyard animals, while adults can wander the 14-rooms of the unique X-shaped 1930s mansion. Visitors can explore the winding nature trails, visit authentic exhibits and even attend concerts and plays. Admission charged. See website for hours.

Bridge Street Towne Center

Ready to shop til you drop? Bridge Street Town Centre is the premier mixed-use lifestyle center in Huntsville, Alabama. Featuring over 80 upscale shops and restaurants, the 232-room Westin Huntsville Hotel, a 150-room Element by Westin hotel, a 14-screen Cinemark movie theater, and a six-story office tower. The property also features a customer service center, carousel, fountains and lots of green open spaces.

Carnegie Visual Arts Center

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama opened in 2003 and has provided educational and cultural opportunities to the community. The Carnegie was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library of Decatur and was one of the 2,509 libraries built by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, so the Carnegie has a rich, unique history.

Not only does the Carnegie have beautiful collections and exhibits that are on display throughout the center, but they also have numerous programs for adults and kids to encourage and inspire through the arts.

Visit the Carnegie to see beautiful, unique, and inspiring art. Their exhibits change periodically, so it’s a new place every time you visit.

Cook Museum of Natural Science

If you love learning about plants, animals, space, and so much more, you need to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! This state of the art museum was opened in 2019, and it has quickly become a favorite attraction in the state and beyond.

One of the most popular features of the Museum is the 15,000 gallon aquarium that is home to several different types of fish. There’s also a Coral Tank with beautiful corals, fish, and some small crabs. You’ll be mesmerized by the Jelly Fish Tank, too.

In addition to the fish in the aquarium, there are baby alligators, a variety of turtles, snakes, a chuckwalla, an endangered hellbender, and an eastern collared lizard on display. You can go inside a replica cave just like the ones you’ll find in north Alabama and see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and other things you’re likely to find in a cave. There are also exhibits dedicated to space, weather, rocks & minerals, and a Holo Sands Table that is incredibly popular with kids and adults!

Another cool exhibit at the Museum is the “Big Tree” that is modeled after Alabama’s State Champion tulip poplar tree of the same name that you can find in the Sipsey Wilderness of Bankhead National Forest. You can even climb up in the tree to the second floor. There’s another replica tree there that has a cool bridge to cross to get the treehouse!

After your trip to the Museum, visit the awesome Museum Store for the perfect souvenir. The Museum Store is also a great place to go pick up a gift for friends and family or for yourself! And don’t forget to visit Nature’s Table for lunch, a delicious smoothie, or an acai bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the Museum Store or Nature’s Table; you can visit any time you want!

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Open year-round, the Huntsville Botanical Garden has 112 acres to explore, learn, and discover the beauty and wonder of plants. From grassy meadows to woodland paths, aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections, the Garden invites guests of all ages to make memories together in nature.

Rocket City Rover

The Rocket City Rover is a new way to get around and have a blast in downtown Huntsville! The Rocket City Rover is a 14-person pedal-powered and motor-assisted party trolley, and it is the most unique and enjoyable way to explore downtown and Westside Huntsville.

Stovehouse

Waiting just off I-565 at 3414 Governors Drive, Stovehouse is 13 acres of eats, drinks, shopping, event space & live entertainment. The building was originally constructed in 1929 and housed Martin Stove Company. See signs of pride, progress and preservation around every corner of this “little village.” A couple thousand folks a day come to enjoy the ideallic backyard-party-vibe, dozens of restaurants, bars, shopping & nightly entertainment on stage!

Touronimo

Do you love doing fun things but don’t like planning the fun things? Then Touronimo is your go-to! Touronimo is a Huntsville-based company that curates private tours and exclusive experiences provided by and supporting local small businesses all over the Huntsville area.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”

Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.

The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shot and G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Motorcycle Heaven exists, and you’ll find it in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon entering the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you’ll understand why motorcycles and cars are considered art. The stunning five-story Barber Museum is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world according to Guinness World Records. With more than 1,600 motorcycles, 59 vintage Lotus cars, eclectic art, and a 2.38-mile racetrack, the Barber Museum is truly a motorsports paradise.

Located at the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, the 228,650-square-foot Barber Museum has motorcycle and car exhibits on each of its five floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the building, which is anchored by an active restoration area that is visible to guests from each level.

The museum’s motorcycle collection spans more than a century’s worth of production, offering interesting views into the evolution of engineering. You’ll see examples of some of the oldest motorcycles in the world, such as a model of an 1867 Roper Steam Velocipede, as well as the museum’s oldest running motorcycle, the 1902 Steffey.

There are Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and Indians on exhibit alongside less familiar makes, like Cannondale, Jawa and Laverda. The museum has rare motorcycles like the 1996 Britten V1000, which is one of only 10 ever built. There is an exhibit of motorcycles built by Eric Buell, a collection of scooters and a dirt bike exhibit that will make you feel moved. With such a diverse collection, you may see an example of the very first motorcycle you ever rode.

Read more: excursionsgo.com/blog/2022/01/13/motorcycle-heaven. (by: Kelly Stewart)

Vulcan Park & Museum

A trip to Vulcan Park and Museum is a must for every visitor to the Birmingham region – in fact, it’s the best place to get started. In addition to seeing the iconic colossal statue, visitors gain an understanding of the region’s history and culture, and can learn more about other cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings at an onsite Visitor Information Center managed by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Created by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, Vulcan was cast from local iron to represent the state of Alabama at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Vulcan has overlooked Alabama’s largest city from atop Red Mountain since a 1930s WPA project created his permanent home and namesake park.

After decades of exposure to the elements, by the 90s, the 50-ton statue was in desperate need of repair. Recognizing Vulcan’s importance to the region’s history and persona, community leaders formed Vulcan Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization which oversaw a $16 million project that returned the statue to his 1904 grandeur. The meticulous restoration of Vulcan and his 124′ sandstone pedestal, completed in 2004, received numerous awards including the highest honor awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Embracing the personality of the community Vulcan symbolizes, the park grounds and museum offer a dynamic edu-taining experience. Standing for Birmingham Alabama’s rich industrial history, the diverse cultures that settled and built the community, and the story of Vulcan are recounted in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

Top 5 Places to Visit Regardless of the Weather

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Don’t let a rainy day or a cold weather day keep you stuck inside all day! We have put together a list of places to visit that are perfect on those days when the weather is less than desirable! Let us know which one is your favorite.

Carnegie Visual Arts Center

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, Alabama opened in 2003 and has provided educational and cultural opportunities to the community. The Carnegie was built in 1904 as the Carnegie Library of Decatur and was one of the 2,509 libraries built by millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, so the Carnegie has a rich, unique history.

Not only does the Carnegie have beautiful collections and exhibits that are on display throughout the center, but they also have numerous programs for adults and kids to encourage and inspire through the arts.

Visit the Carnegie to see beautiful, unique, and inspiring art. Their exhibits change periodically, so it’s a new place every time you visit.

Cook Museum of Natural Science

If you love learning about plants, animals, space, and so much more, you need to visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! This state of the art museum was opened in 2019, and it has quickly become a favorite attraction in the state and beyond.

One of the most popular features of the Museum is the 15,000 gallon aquarium that is home to several different types of fish. There’s also a Coral Tank with beautiful corals, fish, and some small crabs. You’ll be mesmerized by the Jelly Fish Tank, too.

In addition to the fish in the aquarium, there are baby alligators, a variety of turtles, snakes, a chuckwalla, an endangered hellbender, and an eastern collared lizard on display. You can go inside a replica cave just like the ones you’ll find in north Alabama and see stalactites, stalagmites, bats, and other things you’re likely to find in a cave. There are also exhibits dedicated to space, weather, rocks & minerals, and a Holo Sands Table that is incredibly popular with kids and adults!

Another cool exhibit at the Museum is the “Big Tree” that is modeled after Alabama’s State Champion tulip poplar tree of the same name that you can find in the Sipsey Wilderness of Bankhead National Forest. You can even climb up in the tree to the second floor. There’s another replica tree there that has a cool bridge to cross to get the treehouse!

After your trip to the Museum, visit the awesome Museum Store for the perfect souvenir. The Museum Store is also a great place to go pick up a gift for friends and family or for yourself! And don’t forget to visit Nature’s Table for lunch, a delicious smoothie, or an acai bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to have a ticket to the Museum to enjoy the Museum Store or Nature’s Table; you can visit any time you want!

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”

Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.

The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shot and G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Motorcycle Heaven exists, and you’ll find it in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon entering the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you’ll understand why motorcycles and cars are considered art. The stunning five-story Barber Museum is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world according to Guinness World Records. With more than 1,600 motorcycles, 59 vintage Lotus cars, eclectic art, and a 2.38-mile racetrack, the Barber Museum is truly a motorsports paradise.

Located at the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, the 228,650-square-foot Barber Museum has motorcycle and car exhibits on each of its five floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the building, which is anchored by an active restoration area that is visible to guests from each level.

The museum’s motorcycle collection spans more than a century’s worth of production, offering interesting views into the evolution of engineering. You’ll see examples of some of the oldest motorcycles in the world, such as a model of an 1867 Roper Steam Velocipede, as well as the museum’s oldest running motorcycle, the 1902 Steffey.

There are Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and Indians on exhibit alongside less familiar makes, like Cannondale, Jawa and Laverda. The museum has rare motorcycles like the 1996 Britten V1000, which is one of only 10 ever built. There is an exhibit of motorcycles built by Eric Buell, a collection of scooters and a dirt bike exhibit that will make you feel moved. With such a diverse collection, you may see an example of the very first motorcycle you ever rode.

Read more: excursionsgo.com/blog/2022/01/13/motorcycle-heaven. (by: Kelly Stewart)

Vulcan Park & Museum

A trip to Vulcan Park and Museum is a must for every visitor to the Birmingham region – in fact, it’s the best place to get started. In addition to seeing the iconic colossal statue, visitors gain an understanding of the region’s history and culture, and can learn more about other cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings at an onsite Visitor Information Center managed by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Created by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, Vulcan was cast from local iron to represent the state of Alabama at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Vulcan has overlooked Alabama’s largest city from atop Red Mountain since a 1930s WPA project created his permanent home and namesake park.

After decades of exposure to the elements, by the 90s, the 50-ton statue was in desperate need of repair. Recognizing Vulcan’s importance to the region’s history and persona, community leaders formed Vulcan Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization which oversaw a $16 million project that returned the statue to his 1904 grandeur. The meticulous restoration of Vulcan and his 124′ sandstone pedestal, completed in 2004, received numerous awards including the highest honor awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Embracing the personality of the community Vulcan symbolizes, the park grounds and museum offer a dynamic edu-taining experience. Standing for Birmingham Alabama’s rich industrial history, the diverse cultures that settled and built the community, and the story of Vulcan are recounted in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

Bridge Street Town Centre

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Ready to shop til you drop? Bridge Street Town Centre is the premier mixed-use lifestyle center in Huntsville, Alabama. Featuring over 80 upscale shops and restaurants, the 232-room Westin Huntsville Hotel, a 150-room Element by Westin hotel, a 14-screen Cinemark movie theater, and a six-story office tower. The property also features a customer service center, carousel, fountains and lots of green open spaces.

Bridge Street offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Among them are Altar’d State, Anthropologie, Apple, Bar Louie, Barnes and Noble, Bath and Body Works, Bed Bath and Beyond, Belk, Cantina Laredo, Connors Steak & Seafood, DSW Shoes, Francesca’s, Gap, H&M, Mountain High Outfitters, P.F. Chang’s, Sephora, The Melting Pot, Victoria’s Secret, Cheesecake Factory, and other boutique shops.

There is also a lot of fun things for kids to do at Bridge Street! Take a ride on the carousel, ride the miniature train, or play in the splash pad in the summer time.

The center is located in Cummings Research Park at the intersection of Old Madison Pike, Interstate 565, and Research Park Boulevard (Alabama State Route 255).

EXCURSIONS Hotel Guestbook 10th Anniversary Edition – Check it out before it’s gone!

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Our 10th Anniversary edition hit hotel rooms in Madison and Morgan Counties in December of 2021 and it’s been one of our most popular publications to date!

EXCURSIONS is chocked full of local information, places to visit, restaurants, night spots, local attractions, and shopping venues. This is the first in-depth and detailed introduction hotel guests get when they check into their rooms. Placed annually and maintained in more than 5,700 local hotel rooms. EXCURSIONS is a trusted and proven resource for Huntsville, Madison and Decatur travelers.

Enjoy the read and get out and explore Huntsville, Madison and Decatur, Alabama!

Explore Madison

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from EXCURSIONS GUESTBOOK HUNTSVILLE, MADISON & DECATUR 10th Anniversary Edition by EXCURSIONS BY CITYVISION

Toyota Field, home of the Trash Pandas Minor League Baseball team, anchors 563-acre Town Madison, the City of Madison’s latest retail, entertainment and residential expansion. photograph by E. FORREST IG @HSVPHOTO

The City of Madison, the fastest growing city in the state of Alabama, is a rare and eclectic combination of historic charm and progressive innovation. Madison has grown rapidly, and with this growth came the demand for high-quality services, restaurants, retail, parks, green space and family recreation opportunities.

photograph by E. FORREST IG @HSVP

With regularly scheduled festivals and events, Madison is a place to connect with others. Explore Madison!

Admire Our Public Art

The Madison Arts Council teamed with the Madison City Council, city leaders, The Arts Council of Huntsville and Huntsville city leaders to expand the SPACES Sculpture Trail into Madison. Madison’s participation has grown to works displayed with the generous funding from Madison City Council along with help from The Arts Council. You can find the works of art at the following locations: The Madison Public Library, Dublin Park, downtown and city hall.

Find a Food Truck

The food truck scene continues to gain speed in Madison. Badd Newz BBQ and Sugar Belle can be found at concerts in the parks, Bob Jones High School and local church events. Back Alley Travelling Bistro, HotBox, Pearl: Vietnamese & Hawaiian Subs, I Love Bacon and In The Bun can be found parked in front of Rocket Republic Brewing Co. Check out Facebook for daily locations. It’s worth the chase!

Great Things Are Brewing and Distilling in Madison

Local breweries in Madison are contributing to the new moniker for this area of the state: The Napa Valley of Craft Beer. Rocket Republic Brewing Co.’s taproom offers live music, fantastic food truck cuisine and a place to challenge someone to a ping pong game. Old Black Bear Brewing Co. relocated its production facilities and opened its tap room and restaurant in historic downtown Madison. Black Patch Distillery impresses many whiskey aficionados, located off Madison Boulevard.

Catch a Game or a Concert at Toyota Field

Toyota Field, home to the new AA Minor League Baseball team Rocket City Trash Pandas, is fast becoming a social hub for the City of Madison. Conveniently located off Interstate 565 with its own exit, Toyota Field will host baseball games during the spring and summer and a number of concerts and other events throughout the year.

Keeping it Small-Town

Madison’s growth hasn’t diminished its small-town feel! There is no better time to relish in all that is small-town than at the Madison Street Festival. Held annually the first weekend in October, more than 25,000 people gather with friends at concert stages, shop booths filled with unique arts and crafts, sample delicious foods, sweets and local craft beer and enjoy all that is quintessentially Madison. Arrive early for the parade…stay late for the fun! madisonstreetfestival.org

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Madison Village Center and Shoppes of Madison are located on Highway 72. Shoppes of Madison is anchored by Target and includes Ulta, Shoe Fly Clothing and casual dining opportunities like Smash Burger and Panera Bread, or for something fancier try Tom Brown’s Restaurant—a new steak and seafood restaurant. Madison Village is anchored by Marshalls, Michaels and Massage Envy. Just west is Medical Park Station with Dunkin Donuts, Pizza 120, Taziki’s and J Whitener Boutique. The Village Shoppes of Madison, on County Line Road, features a Publix, King’s Olive Oil, Tuesday Morning and several other specialty retailers as well as Cork & Crust Pizzeria + Wine Bar and Goodland Pour House.

Tickle Your Taste Buds

For a fantastic meal, check out Buenavista Mexican Cantina on Hwy 72—this local family-owned restaurant chain has three locations and has been serving North Alabama for more than 25 years.. Looking for something savory? Another favorite dining spot is Main Street Café in historic downtown Madison. See a complete list of local eateries in Madison in the Dine Locally section of this publication.

Share a Selfie Using #VisitMadisonAL!

Snap a selfie at a Madison hotspot or landmark and share it with #VisitMadisonAL and be entered to win a monthly giveaway. Selfies that are most shared and favorited will be entered into our drawing. If chosen, you could win a gift certificate from an area merchant! Selfie must clearly identify a Madison location to qualify. Scan this code to connect to Madison dining, shopping, events and more at findmoremadison.com

Expand Your Knowledge

The new Madison Public Library is open to the public! The 25,000 square foot library is located at 142 Plaza Blvd. The state-of-the-art facility offers new technology amenities including a creativity lab, large outdoor movie screen, tween gaming center and an interactive early literacy center. Explore creature comforts such as private study rooms, indoor fireplace with quiet reading areas, separate children’s story time room and outdoor seating.

The Gem of Madison

In 1856, tracks were laid by the Memphis and Charleston Railroad Company; families moved into the region for its fertile farm land; merchants were attracted and a business district founded. Even 155 years ago, people knew a good thing when they saw it. Today, the Madison Station Historic District is the iconic and practical heart of Madison; a dining/arts/entertainment district for residents and visitors. It combines Madison’s Historic Downtown District with historic homes—grand to quaint—which line the streets nearby. The Avenue of Madison, a new development off Sullivan Street, brings modern livability with boutique shopping and dining to downtown.

A Town within a City

Town Madison, a $400 million, 500-acre development, is conveniently located along the I-565 corridor, stretching from WallTriana Highway to Zierdt Road anchored by a new Minor League Baseball stadium and Margaritaville Resort. Retail, restaurants, hotels and office space is interspersed amongst luxury apartments, town homes and single family houses. Designed by Andrés Duany, the internationally renowned American architect, urban planner and founder of the Congress for the New Urbanism, Town Madison is being designed in the new Urbanist style with walkable blocks and streets, housing and shopping in close proximity to one another with accessible public recreation and green spaces. Excitement has continued with the opening of Toyota Field when the first home pitch for the AA Minor League Trash Pandas was thrown on May 11, 2021. The quality of life currently enjoyed in the City of Madison will be enhanced by all that Town Madison will provide.

Burn Some Calories

Dublin Memorial Park located at 8324 Madison Pike is a fantastic place to get in some exercise while you’re in town. The park features a double-court gymnasium equipped for basketball and/or volleyball with an upstairs walking track, 25-yard, eight-lane heated indoor swimming pool, meeting rooms and administrative offices, paved walking trail, nine soccer fields, nine-hole disc golf course, seven tennis courts, community-built playground, outdoor pool with a diving well and children’s pool.

Get Some Fresh Air

Rainbow Mountain Preserve is located off Stoneway Trail, 1.5mile long Loop Trail follows a generally rocky path along the cliff ridge and east side of Rainbow Mountain. It features beautiful rock formations, such as Balance Rock, excellent views of Madison to the west, fossils, caves and a waterfall. Bradford Creek Greenway provides scenic views of the creek and hardwood forests along the banks. The wetland areas support beavers, raccoons and many species of fish and birds. Gain access via Palmer Road, across from Palmer Park, with paved parking adjacent to the east entrance of the park. Mill Creek Greenway can be accessed via Mill Road. Indian Creek Greenway is located on the border of Huntsville and Madison and can be accessed from Old Madison Pike, near the intersection of Slaughter Road.

Best BBQ in Huntsville and Decatur

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Barbecue is always in season, and we’ve got some fantastic restaurants in the Huntsville and Decatur area that are known for their scrumptious barbecue. Check them out and let us know where your favorite place to get barbecue is!

Bark & Barrel

Bold Alabama Barbecue with a foodie twist. Bark & Barrel serves up house-smoked wings, turkey, BBQ, homemade chips, great sides, and yes, even smoked chocolate chip cookies. Did we mention they have specials like their coveted Brisket French Dip?! Follow on Facebook for daily specials. Or, just show up because whatever you order will be perfection!

Bark & Barrel at Stovehouse in Huntsville is a foodie destination.

Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q

Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ pork, beef, chicken, ribs, stuffed potatoes, and homemade pies are amazing, and they have some really good smoked wings, too! They have been the Memphis in May Grand Champion and state Champion in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. There’s two locations to serve you in Decatur: 6th Avenue and Danville Road.

Big Bob Gibson’s has the best wings around!

Boarhog’s BBQ

Boarhog’s BBQ on Highway 72 in Huntsville is home to some memorable barbecue! They serve up “true-blue classic Southern barbeque with all the fixins!”

Photo by Boarhog’s Barbecue.

Greenbrier Restaurant

Known as “hushpuppy heaven,” Greenbrier Restaurant in Madison has delicious barbecue, fried catfish, and those delicious hushpuppies that you cannot get enough of.

Delicious hushpuppies at Greenbrier.

Moe’s Original Bar B Que in Decatur & Priceville

Moe’s Original Bar B Que serves up an award-winning, all things Southern, BBQ experience. Our fast casual eatery and catering company offers Moe’s award-winning Bama-style BBQ offerings including Pulled Pork, Ribs, Wings, Chicken and Turkey in addition to Catfish and a Shrimp Moe-Boy sandwich, not to mention an array of Southern Sides prepared fresh daily. The full premium bar serves frozen concoctions including the famous Bushwacker and Moonshine Margarita, Southern-style cocktails, wine and plenty of craft beers on tap and will even stay open until midnight on Thursdays through Saturdays. Located in the Downtown Decatur Arts & Entertainment District next to the historic Princess Theatre, there is occasional live music on the weekends that ranges from Southern rock and blues with an emphasis on the Muscle Shoals and North Alabama music scene. Large party takeout orders and full service catering with delivery are also available. 

Moe’s Original Bar B Que nachos are delicious!

New Market BBQ

New Market BBQ is a locally-owned Mom & Pop restaurant established in 1995. They dry rub their meats with their signature BBQ rub and then wood-smoke them in old-fashioned brick pits with hickory and pecan wood.
Step back in time and enjoy a delicious meal on their screened-in porch or enjoy a picnic under the pavilion. Enjoy the flavors that made this BBQ destination a“Taste of Huntsville” Winner. Savor the flavor of the smoked mac ‘n cheese that made the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” list. Visit this weekend destination BBQ Joint and enjoy the famous homemade-from-scratch sides and desserts!

Visit New Market BBQ for delicious hickory and pecan smoked barbeque.

Favorite Places to Get Upscale Mexican Cuisine

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You’ve probably heard people on social media saying, “I don’t know the meaning to happiness, but I’ve never been sad at a Mexican restaurant.” We totally agree. Check out these amazing restaurants to get some of the area’s best upscale Mexican cuisine.

Rosie’s Cantina

Named the “Best Mexican Restaurant in Huntsville,” Rosie’s Cantina is a fun and festive atmosphere for casual family dining. Serving honest, handmade Tex Mex favorites as well as innovative house specialties in an atmosphere filled with unique works of art, antiques from Old Mexico and upbeat music. Enjoy lunch or dinner indoors and out year round or relax fountain side beneath beautiful Mexican architecture. A full service bar features Rosie’s famous Margarita Menu, an extensive collection of Mexican beers, tequilas, select wines and martinis. Our Mambo Taxi is legendary. Locally owned and operated since 1995, Rosie’s is a Huntsville tradition.

Buenavista Mexican Cantina

At Buenavista Mexican Cantina, their belief is that good food is finding that perfect balance between the way something looks and how it tastes. Their menus offer traditional Mexican fare like fajitas, burritos, quesadillas along with Buenavista specialties like Mexican Lasagna made with your choice of chicken or steak, and Cocktel De Camaron, which is Buenavista’s take on shrimp cocktail.

Josie’s Cafe

Josie’s is a café serving dishes originating in America, Italy, France and Spain. Adding flavor and style to Second Avenue.

5 Point Public House and Oyster Bar

For fresh Southeastern coastal oysters as well as sushi and more unusual items like alligator tacos, fried pork skins unique burgers, look no further than 5 Point Public House and Oyster Bar. The new South-side hot spot boasts an eclectic menu that is the brainchild of award-winning chef/owner George Reis. The foods aren’t the only attraction, with more than 30 craft beers, 20 beers on tap and cocktails offered to pair with the food. The restaurant also has something unique to Birmingham—eight keg-style wines on tap to be served with dinner or enjoyed in the pub-style atmosphere of the new gastropub.

Baja California Cantina

With outstanding reviews and consistently high praise from customers, Baja California Cantina and Grill in Hoover should be on the top of your list for the best Tex-Mex cuisine, delicious drinks with your favorite spirits and impeccable service.

Margaronas Cantina

Visit Margaronas Cantina in Homewood, Alabama. Serving traditional and authentic Mexican dishes, Margaronas Cantina has quickly become a stand-out among locals. The modern atmosphere pays tribute to Mexico with a heightened level of comfort and sophistication. Enjoy dining inside or out on the covered patio. The full bar offers the finest tequilas and all of your other favorite spirits. The owners and staff will greet you at the door and ensure your experience is the very best in Birmingham.

Kid-Friendly Huntsville & Decatur

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There’s a lot of fun to be had in the Huntsville and Decatur area for kids! Check out our list of cool attractions your kids are sure to love.

Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt on the Mountain — A Living Museum has been referred to as a “Jewel on the Mountain.” Start with Dr. William Henry Burritt’s eclectic mansion, add a historic park with restored 19th-century houses including barnyards and animals, and finally throw in the artistic side with concerts, plays and exhibits, and you have a delightful mixture of old and new for young and old!

In 1955, Dr. Burritt willed his mansion and surrounding 167 acres of land on Round-Top Mountain to the city of Huntsville (making it Huntsville’s first museum). Since that time, volunteers and community activists have brought original homes from the area to Burritt to be restored and utilized as an educational facility. Our interpreters are always busy demonstrating activities as one would see on a 19th-century farm. Blacksmithing, spinning, and cooking over an open hearth are just some of the skills employed in our historic park. In the Burritt Barnyard, visitors can get “up close and personal” with an animal that would have been used for work, wool, or even food for the farmers and their families.

Cook Museum of Natural Science

The Cook Museum of Natural Science, located in downtown Decatur, Alabama, is a hands-on, immersive experience where guests can explore, interact with, and learn about nature.

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Open year-round, the Huntsville Botanical Garden has 112 acres to explore, learn, and discover the beauty and wonder of plants. From grassy meadows to woodland paths, aquatic habitats to stunning floral collections, the Garden invites guests of all ages to make memories together in nature.

On a visit to the Garden, you can stroll along the nature trails while admiring collections of Alabama’s native plants. If you visit with little ones, head to the Children’s Garden for play, pretend, and hands-on learning. From May through September, you won’t want to miss seeing over 1,000 brightly colored butterflies the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. Finally, at the end of the day, you can find a moment of serenity in the cool shade of the trees, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Point Mallard Park

The Point Mallard Waterpark is home to America’s First Wave Pool and so much more! There’s also Point Mallard Golf Course, Point Mallard Ice Complex, Point Mallard Camp Ground, and Strike Zone Batting Cages.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Since opening its doors in 1970, nearly 16 million people have toured the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The vast majority of those visitors have been from out of state or from foreign nations. Many of the more than 550,000 annual visitors are school students on field trips to their future. Dozens of interactive exhibits encourage visitor participation, prompting one official to note: “Here, everyone can be an astronaut for the day!”
Home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is the most comprehensive U.S. manned spaceflight hardware museum in the world. Its large rocket and space hardware collection is valued in the tens of millions of dollars. From America’s first satellite, Explorer I, to next generation space vehicles like Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser, the museum showcases the past, present and future of human spaceflight.
The USSRC is more than just artifacts! Experience the physics of astronaut training like never before in simulators like Space Shotand G-Force. Our Spacedome IMAX® Theater transports you to different worlds with amazing documentary films like Hubble, and live demonstrations in the Discovery Theater will have you seeing space science in a whole new light. There’s always something happening at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center!

See an actual moon rock at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
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