by: Sydney Kate Watson, DHI Communications Intern
We know that life can get extremely busy, and oftentimes, there isn’t enough free time to take an out-of-town vacation. That doesn’t mean vacations aren’t possible, though. In fact, a staycation is always an option in Downtown Huntsville; every weekend is packed with exciting possibilities! Maybe this weekend your parents are watching the kids, or you and a group of friends are looking to hit the town. If so, we have the ultimate staycation itinerary for your Downtown Huntsville weekend staycation!
FRIDAY
First, start your staycation Friday afternoon by checking into a hotel. Of course, if you live close, you could simply stay at home, but staying in a Downtown hotel gives your staycation all the vibes of a real vacation. The AC Hotel by Marriott has pristine locations around the world, such as Tokyo, Japan, Madrid, Spain, and even Huntsville, Alabama. Chef Lee Gregory from their second-floor restaurant, BarVista, has been recognized by Esquire Magazine, GQ Magazine, and Southern Living. Friday’s dinner could very well be at BarVista, or you could stop for drinks and enjoy their fantastic view before you hit the town. Another hotel option is the Downtown Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville Hotel and Spa, which is literally connected to the Von Braun Center. So, if you’re attending one of the great events at one of Alabama’s premier convention and entertainment center complexes, the Embassy Suites and the VBC are a perfect connection! Also, there will be a brand new hotel, 106 Jefferson Huntsville Curio Collection by Hilton, opening this summer on July 28!
For dinner, you could also try Pane e Vino Pizzeria in Big Spring Park. On Fridays, there is live music on the patio, giving you the perfect opportunity to see Big Spring Park or stop by the Huntsville Museum of Art before dinner. MELT is another great dining option and offers a variety of unique food options that you can’t find anywhere else. Combine that with their on-the-street seating options during weekends, making for an overall distinctive experience!
During the summer months, Friday nights in Downtown Huntsville are exploding with activity! This upcoming Friday night, June 11, there is a Friday Night Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. around the Historic Square and it is a great opportunity to shop local. The first and third Fridays of every month are Food Trucks v. Food Trailers Battles, and they offer a fun way to explore Big Spring Park while experiencing local cuisine. So, if you are staycationing on one of these Fridays, Food Trucks or Food Trailers could be a dinner possibility full of variety.
After these events, you might feel like going back to your hotel room and enjoying the beautiful atmosphere. Although, if you are someone who enjoys staying out late, you should check out our Downtown Huntsville Craft Cocktail Trail with stops such as Stella’s Elixir Lounge and Sip! These trail stops offer one-of-a-kind cocktails and exciting atmospheres to enjoy your night past 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
A great day can’t begin until you’ve had coffee and some breakfast! You can take a morning walk, or quick drive, to any of our awesome Downtown Huntsville Craft Coffee Trail stops foDowntown Huntsville Craft Cocktail Trailr a craft brew!
Vacationing is as much about indulgence as it is about self-care! There are a ton of great fitness options Downtown to give your body the workout it needs and deserves to feel well taken care of during your staycation. Some awesome places to sweat it out are Barre3 Huntsville, Regymen Fitness, and Maverick Training Center. We recommend scheduling your session at any of these locations before beginning your staycation.
Of course, every vacation needs a shopping spree! Firstly, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau is not just for visitors! They offer Huntsville gear, and you can even grab your Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt clue card to explore the Rocket City in an entirely different way by finding the 14 hidden ducks. If you find all of them, there is a special prize! Also, every Saturday from May through October, Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment host their Outdoor Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and showcase vendors from across the area. Another local shopping option is Downtown Huntsville Inc.’s Super Saturday Sidewalk Sale, which occurs once a month and allows you to get to know local artists and vendors. There are also stand-alone shops Downtown, including Caley Paige, Carole Forêt Fine Art, Elitaire Boutique, In Bloom, Indigo’s Boutique, Preservation Company, Roosevelt & Company, Silhouette Boutique, Harrison Brothers Hardware, and Pants Store.
After all that shoppin’ you must be close to droppin’, but don’t fret, it’s time for dinner! Make tonight superb at Church Street Wine Shoppe; they offer a wide variety of wines that pair nicely with their tapas or charcuterie boards. Other options for dinner that also offer splendid meals in fun environments are Cotton Row, Sea Salt, and Domaine South. If you’re looking for an after-dinner activity, check out some stops on our Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail!
SUNDAY
If you’re anything like us, Sundays are brunch days, and there are several delicious options to choose from Downtown! That’s why the Rocket City Rover is the perfect option to experience three different brunch establishments, all while enjoying the outdoors of the city. Pedaling is completely optional on this trolley which makes this rover for anyone and everyone! For this brunch choice, we recommend that you make a reservation. If three different options seem too much for you, check out brunch from Below the Radar Brewhouse, Char, Commerce Kitchen, Humphrey’s Bar and Grill, or Rhythm on Monroe.
Before heading back to real life, take a stroll around Downtown and visit some stops on the Downtown Huntsville Secret Art Trail. The entire trail takes about two hours, so if you’re up for it, do it! If not, only stop by a few! Also, Downtown is home to several parks, so if nature is calling your name, look into our Downtown Explorer Vlog and grab a Blue Bike to explore with. One other exciting experience is Scenethat Tours; this is a fantastic way to learn about off-the-beaten-path places Downtown, and there is even an option to build your own tour! For this Downtown adventure, we recommend booking an appointment prior to your vacation.
Have a Super Staycation!
We hope this guide gives you the wonderful staycation you deserve! Sadly, we could not include each of the amazing destinations, restaurants, or shops Downtown in this itinerary. There are just so many! However, you can check out our website and explore different dining and nightlife options, shopping and attraction options, and even our Super Seven list for more experiences to mix and match for your ultimate weekend staycation in Downtown Huntsville!