Huntsville (Alabama)

Huntsville was founded in 1805 by a Virginia man named John Hunt. For the first 140 years of its history, the city was a sleepy cotton town. In 1950, the US Army transferred Dr. Werner von Braun and his team of German rocket scientists to Redstone Arsenal. Within a decade, the city became a center for rocket design and construction. In 1960, NASA opened the Marshall Space Flight Center, which has played a significant role in the Mercury-Redstone (named after Redstone Arsenal), Gemini, and Apollo manned space programs.
Today, the city continues to be a center for missile defense and aerospace technologies, with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman having major operations here. Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country, is home to many of these companies.
Huntsville is home to almost 200,000 residents (2018). The Huntsville metro area, with 463,000 residents, is the third largest in Alabama, after Birmingham and Mobile. Madison, Athens, Decatur, and a number of smaller cities are generally considered part of the Huntsville metro area.

Climate

Summers are hot and humid, but the thermometer rarely goes above . Strong thunderstorms do come out of nowhere in the afternoons. Autumn is quite comfortable in Huntsville. First frost normally happens around Halloween. In winter, snow is a possibility, but never a guarantee. Most snow in Huntsville is on the light side (less than 2 inches). However, any snow amounts more than 1/3" can close roads and schools.
Being in a "tornado alley", Huntsville gets many tornado warnings in the spring, as well as a second tornado season around November-December.

By plane

• Huntsville International AirportPassenger aircraft fly to/from such cities as Dallas, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, Denver, Memphis, Detroit, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston and New York City.

Huntsville is served by the following carriers:

• American Airlines and American Eagle, with service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Charlotte and Washington, D.C-Reagan.
• Delta Air Lines, with service to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Detroit.
• United Airlines, with service to Chicago-O'Hare, Denver, Houston, and Washington-Dulles.
• Southern Airways, with service to Atlanta

By train

There is no passenger train service to Huntsville.

By car

Huntsville is accessible from nearby Interstate 65, approximately 20 miles west of downtown. An interstate spur, Interstate 565, runs from I-65 eastward for 21 miles, to and through downtown Huntsville.

• I-565: Spur route to I-65, providing access to Birmingham, AL, Nashville, TN, and Decatur, AL.
• US 72: providing access to Chattanooga, TN (via Interstate 24), Memphis, TN, and Athens, AL.
• US 431: providing access to Guntersville, AL and Anniston, AL.
• US 231: providing access to Fayetteville, TN and Arab, AL.

By bus

see also Intercity buses in the USA

• Greyhound

  phone: +1 256 534-1681
  address: (depot) 500 Church St NW
  The depot is in the shared facilities with Huntsville Public Transportation Center and office.

Huntsville is very car-oriented.

By bus

Public transportation is not popular in Huntsville, but does exist. The city offers 13 different bus routes, including a Tourist Trolley, which loops past most of the city's attractions and shopping areas. Turnovers between buses can be between fifteen minutes in downtown and one hour in outlying areas. There are also two free weekend evening routes that serve Downtown, Five Points, and the Medical District.

• Fares

• One way: $1
• Seniors, students, children under 6, one way: $.50
• Tourist Loop: $2 (all day pass)
• Downtown Weekend Trolley: Free

Hours

• M-Th: 6AM–6PM
• F: 6AM–2AM (Downtown Trolley only after 6PM)
• Sa: 7PM–2AM (Downtown Trolley only)
• Su: No service

By bike

• Downtown Huntsville is served by the Pace bike share program. For fairly cheap rates, one has access to bicycles in several locations in the city. However, outside of the center of downtown (near Big Spring Park) and greenways, Huntsville is not very bike friendly.

While not widely known as a tourist destination, Huntsville does have a number of attractions of interest.

Museums

• U.S. Space and Rocket Center Museum

  phone: +1 256 837-3400
  address: One Tranquility Base
  Alabama's number one for-fee tourist attraction, this museum is especially of interest to space-amazed kids and kids at heart. In 2008 the aging museum was revitalized with the opening of the $23 million Davidson Center, which features a Saturn V rocket that was never launched and also includes numerous exhibits on program that led up to the moon visits. Outside of the museum are replicas and test units for numerous other space vehicles, including life-size replicas of the space shuttle and a vertical Saturn V. The US Space Camp is also based here and has hosted over 500,000 visitors since its inception in 1982.

• Huntsville Museum of Art

  address: 300 Church Street
  The Museum of Art is in Big Spring Park. It features seven exhibit halls which host many regional and national art exhibits every year and the museum's own 2,500 piece collection. There is a large gift shop and a coffee shop with a patio that overlooks the park.

• EarlyWorks Museum Complex

• Alabama Constitution Village

  phone: +1 256 564-8100
  address: 109 Gates Avenue
  See where the state of Alabama was born in 1819. Village includes a cabinet shop, law office, and a post office. During the Holidays, "Santa's Village" is held here. Open Wednesday through Saturday, March through October, and special hours in November and December.

• Historic Huntsville Depot

  phone: +1 256 564-8100
  address: 320 Church St
  Mid-1800s era railroad depot used as a prison for Civil War soldiers. Various festivals are held here throughout the year, including the Rocket City BBQ Festival in May. Open Wednesday through Saturday, March through October.

• EarlyWorks Children's History Museum

  phone: +1 256 564-8100
  address: 404 Madison Street
  The South's largest hands-on children's history museum. See a 46-foot keelboat, play on giant instruments, and listen to stories told by the "Talking Tree."

Burritt on the Mountain

phone: +1 256 536-2882

address: 3101 Burritt Drive

On Round Top Mountain off of US 431 and Monte Sano Boulevard. Features a large early 20th-century mansion, a late 19th-century farm and a petting zoo. There are also nature trails, including one that is handicapped-accessible. Open Tu-Su year-round, though hours vary between winter and summer months.

Clay House Museum

address: 16 Main Street, Madison

A 1850s Antebellum home and art museum in downtown Madison.

Harrison Brothers Hardware

address: 124 South Side Square

Founded in 1879, it is the oldest continuously-running hardware store in Alabama. It is on the Courthouse Square downtown.

North Alabama Railroad Museum

phone: +1 256 851-6276

address: 694 Chase Road

It's in the Chase community in Northeast Huntsville. Features the smallest union station in the country and 90-minute train rides on select Saturdays. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, April to December. Ticket prices for the train excursion are $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. Prices may vary for special events.

State Black Archives and Museum, Wilson Bldg, Alabama A&M University, +1 256-851-5846. M-F. Located on the campus of Alabama A&M University in North Huntsville/Normal. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and free for toddlers and A&M faculty and students.

Veterans Memorial Museum

address: 2060-A Airport Road

Features military exhibits, memorabilia, and vehicles dating back to the Revolutionary War. To get there, take Memorial Parkway South to Airport Road. Take a right; museum is on the right. $5 adult, $4 seniors, $3 students under 18.

Weeden House Museum

phone: +1 256 536-7718

address: 300 Gates Avenue

A house built in 1819, the same year Alabama became a state. Located in the Twickenham Historic District.

Parks and greenspaces

Information about parks can be found at the city website.

• Big Spring International Park Huntsville's signature park, located downtown. This is where Huntsville was founded more than 200 years ago. Features various gifts given to the city by countries like Japan (the Red Bridge) and Norway (the lighthouse). Restaurants, hotels, and the Von Braun Center are nearby. It underwent an expansion near the Embassy Suites hotel.

• Huntsville Land Trust Trails

  address: 907 Franklin Street
  A 3,400-acre network of nature preserves around the city. One of the most popular attractions is the Three Caves quarry on Monte Sano.

• Huntsville GreenwaysA network of bikeways, trails, and bike-friendly roads across the metro area. 73 miles have been completed, and it will eventually grow to over 312 miles. Aldridge Creek Greenway in Southeast Huntsville is the most popular bikeway, but it becomes impassable after heavy rains.

• Ditto LandingPublic park along the Tennessee River, with boathouses, greenways, and a campground.

• Green Mountain Nature Trail, South Shawdee Road, +1 256-883-9501. Open daily. A mile-long nature trail that wraps around a 16-acre lake. Features a covered bridge, picnic area, and a "Braille trail." Located off Green Mountain Road in Southeast Huntsville.

• Monte Sano State Park

  phone: +1 256 534-3757
  address: 5105 Nolen Avenue
  Large state park on Monte Sano. Features 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, a large picnic area, cabins, a Japanese garden, and a campground. Take US 431 to Monte Sano Boulevard and follow the signs.

• Huntsville Botanical Garden

  phone: +1 256 830-4447
  address: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue
  A 110-acre garden with woodlands, meadows and ponds. Features the nation's largest Butterfly House, which is open from May to September. In 2006, a Nature Center and Children's Garden opened. In November and December, the Botanical Garden is home to the Galaxy of Lights. Open 7 days a week except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children under 18. Hours and admission vary between summer and fall/winter/spring months.

• Hays Nature PreserveAnd Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. The largest city-owned park and preserve, with ten miles of trails through swamps and wooded areas. Horses and bikes are allowed on some trails. Located off US 431 south of Hampton Cove. Some online map search results may say that the Preserve is permanently closed, but it is not.

Historic districts

• Twickenham Historic District. The Twickenham and Old Town historic districts, located just east of downtown, feature large homes that were built as early as 1814. In June and July, free guided walking tours of the area start at 10AM each Saturday.

• Five Points Historic DistrictFive Points Historic District is an example of an early 20th-century neighborhood featuring several architectural styles, including California Bungalow, Queen Anne and other modest Victorian styles. The Five Points district has become one of Huntsville's trendiest neighborhoods, with small shops, art galleries, and restaurants lining the streets in the area.

• Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex

  address: 3185 Leeman Ferry Road
  Year-round public ice skating rink. Open most afternoons to the public, but check website for hours. Located behind Joe Davis Stadium.
• Canoeing on the Flint River. Several canoeing expeditions are available. The Flint River is in East Madison County, about 7 miles from downtown.

• Robert Trent Jones-Hampton Cove Golf Course

  address: 450 Old Highway 431
  Owens Crossroads. This 54-hole golf course is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which has nine world-renowned golf courses across Alabama. Located in Hampton Cove off US 431.

• Space Camp/Aviation ChallengeSpace Camp is a week-long astronaut training program for kids and teenagers. Shorter programs are available. Located at the US Space and Rocket Center.

Axe Throwing

The fun and stress relieving activity of throwing axes at a wooden target is an activity in Huntsville.

• Civil Axe Throwing

  phone: +1 256 655 - 2257
  address: Campus 805, Room 210 (2620 Clinton Ave, Suite B Huntsville, AL 35801)
  A perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, organize a team building event or simply have a great time with family & friends! Professional instructors to teach and facilitate your experience are present.

• RockAxe City Throwing Club

  phone: +1 256 428 1515
  address: 105 Washington St. SE Suite 100, Huntsville, AL 35801
  Each target lane will hold 1-4 guests and can be booked in advance or as a walk-in on an hourly basis.

Performing arts

• Theatre HuntsvilleA non-profit, all-volunteer arts organization that presents six plays each season in downtown Huntsville's Von Braun Center Playhouse, and also produces the annual "Shakespeare on the Mountain" in an outdoor venue, such as Burritt on the Mountain. Presentations range from such popular favorites as "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Noises Off" to cutting-edge productions like "The Laramie Project" and "Angels in America," and even a few Alabama premieres, such as "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge." Information on tickets, group rates, special rates for touring and student groups, workshops, auditions, and more at +1 256 536-0807; please note that office hours are by appointment only.

• Renaissance TheatreEstablished in 1997,it has made a tremendous impact on the renewed interest in the Lincoln Mill neighborhood in Northeast Huntsville. The theatre is in the historically important Lincoln Mill Village Commissary Building, built in 1927 to accommodate the needs of the Lincoln Mill workers. Certain productions contain strong language and are thus recommended for adult audiences only; however, Renaissance also produces children's shows.

• Huntsville Community Chorus AssociationThe state's second-oldest performing arts organization, producing both choral concerts and musical theater productions (ranging from "The Pirates of Penzance" to "Guys and Dolls" and "Jesus Christ Superstar"). In addition, HCCA features its Madrigal Singers; "Glitz!" (a show choir); a Chamber Chorale; an annual summer melodrama/fundraiser; and three children's groups, the Huntsville Community Children’s Chorus (HC3), HC3Jr, for the younger set, and HC3Sr, for high-schoolers.

Sports

• Huntsville Havoc

  phone: +1 256 518-6160
  Minor-league hockey team. Plays from October-March at the Von Braun Center Arena. Buy tickets early- games sell out frequently.

• Huntsville Speedway

  phone: +1 256 882-9191
  address: 357 Hegia Burrow Road
  Stock-car racetrack located off Hobbs Island Road in South Huntsville. Races are held on Friday nights from March to October. Admission is $10, $8 for military and seniors, and $5 for students.

• Huntsville Dragway

  address: 502 Quarter Mountain Road
  Small dragway located in Harvest. Open Fridays and Saturdays from March to October.
• Rocket City Trash Pandas, Minor League baseball team beginning play at Toyota Field in the suburb of Madison in 2020.

• Alabama–Huntsville ChargersSports teams of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, playing mostly in NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference. The Chargers play 18 sports in all, nine for each sex, but football isn't one of them. Unusually for a school in the South, UAH's highest-profile sport is men's ice hockey, which plays in Division I as a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The hockey team plays at the Von Braun Center, but other teams play on campus.

Festivals

• Panoply Arts Festival

  phone: +1 256-519-ARTS
  This three-day outdoor festival features presentations, demonstrations, performances, and workshops. Panoply is one of the region’s largest festivals, with activities such as the “Global Village” – a gateway to the area’s diverse cultures – to free hands-on children’s activities to the “Official Alabama State Fiddling Championship,” “Homegrown Talent Contest,” “Ten-Minute Playwright Competition,” choreography and photography competitions, and the Art Marketplace. Held the last weekend in April each year in downtown's Big Spring International Park, Von Braun Center, and Huntsville Museum of Art.

• Summer Sidewalk Arts StrollsThe third Thursday of each month throughout the summer of 2007, beginning at 4:30PM and continuing until 8:30PM Featuring artisan crafts and musical and cultural performances.

• Whistle Stop BBQ Festival. Held the second weekend in May at the Huntsville Depot. Features music and a Barbecue cookoff.

• WEUP Black Arts FestivalHeld in June near the Lewis Crews Football Stadium on the campus of Alabama A&M University (off Meridian Street in the Northeast Huntsville/Normal area). Features local black musicians and artists.

• Galaxy of Lights. A drive-through Christmas lights show held at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Open from 5:30PM–9PM nightly from mid-November to New Year's Eve.
• Santa's Village. Held at Alabama Constitution Village. See Santa, the elves, and the reindeer. Open from 5PM–9PM nightly from Thanksgiving to December 23rd.

• Con

*StellationAnnual science fiction/fantasy convention held over a 3-day (Friday–Sunday) weekend each fall.

• University of Alabama in Huntsville. A mid-sized university that specializes in engineering and science. Part of the University of Alabama system. Located off Sparkman Drive near Research Park.
• Alabama A&M University. A historically black college located in Normal in Northeast Huntsville.
• Oakwood University. A small Seventh Day Adventist school located in Northwest Huntsville.
• JF Drake State Technical College. A small public technical school in Northeast Huntsville.
• Calhoun Community College. The largest community college in Alabama, with campuses in Huntsville, Decatur, and Redstone Arsenal.
• Athens State University. The state's only 2-year upper-level university. Located in Athens, which is about 20 miles west of Huntsville.
• Florida Institute of Technology. Campus located on Redstone Arsenal serving the local high tech community.

• Parkway Place

  phone: +1 256 533-0700
  address: 2801 Memorial Park South
  An enclosed mall with 70 upscale shops and restaurants. Tenants include Belk, Dillard's, Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, and Carrabba's Italian Grill. Located off of Memorial Parkway at the Drake Avenue exit.

• Bridge Street Town CentreAn open-air upscale lifestyle center with 60 shops and restaurants and a 12-story Westin hotel. Tenants include J. Crew, Kate Spade, Swarovski, PF Chang's and Barnes & Noble. Located at the Research Park Boulevard (AL 255)/Old Madison Pike interchange.

Like most cities, Huntsville does have its fair share of fast-food restaurants, but there are many local eateries as well that serve every budget and taste. Because of Huntsville's diverse population, there are ethnic restaurants that specialize in Greek, Indian, Thai, and many other ethnicities.

• Main Street Cafe & Bakery

  phone: +1 256 881-0044
  address: 7500 S. Memorial Parkway
  In Main Street Shopping Village with fresh salads, sandwiches and soups.

Budget

• Bandito Burrito

  address: 3017 Governors Dr Sw
  Vegetarian-friendly texmex dive. Quick service, freshly made.

• Tony’s Italian Deli

  address: 119 James Madison Drive

• Gibson's BBQ

  address: 3319 Memorial Pkwy SW
  Famous for its BBQ.

• Po-Boy Factory

  address: 815 Andrew Jackson Way
• Rolo's, 975-E Airport Rd., +1 256-883-7656. Barbecue and seafood.

• Tenders

  address: 800 Holmes Avenue
  The original location of a local chain known for its chicken fingers.

• Nothing but Noodles

  address: 6125 University Drive
  Really, it is nothing but noodles. In the Burlington Coat Factory shopping center.

Mid-range

• Sitar Indian Cuisine

  address: 420 Jordan Lane
  The best Indian food in town, and reasonably priced. The lunch buffet (all days but Saturday) at this family-owned chain changes items often, remaining fresh and very popular.

• Thai Garden

  address: 800 Wellman Avenue
  Excellent, moderately priced Thai food in a comfortable atmosphere resulting largely from its family-run, family-friendly ambience. The longest-running Thai restaurant in the area.

• Rosie’s Mexican Cantina

  phone: +1 256 922-1001
  address: 6196 University Drive
  Probably the most famous restaurant to come out of Huntsville since Steak-Out.

• Viet Huong

  phone: +1 256-890-0104
  address: 930 Old Monrovia Road
  NW; #1 (near Madison Square Mall). Delicious Vietnamese cuisine, ranging from the familiar pho – the national dish – to clay pots, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese coffees, and more. Condiments allow you to “doctor” your dishes to your liking.

• Tim's Cajun Kitchen

  address: 114 Jordan Lane
  Local Cajun restaurant.

• Furniture Factory Bar & Grill

  address: 619 Meridian Sreet
  Restaurant with a large patio and live music. Artwork and (of course) furniture are for sale. Located between Downtown and Five Points.

• Beauregard's

  address: 975 Airport Road
  Wings, burgers.

• Logan’s Roadhouse

  address: 4249 Balmoral Drive

• Luciano’s

  address: 964 Airport Road
  Upscale Italian restaurant.

• McAlister’s Deli

  address: 4800 Whitesburg Drive
  In the Fresh Market shopping center.

• Moe's Southwest Grill

  address: 975-C Airport Road
  Next to Books-A-Million.

• Pepito’s

  address: 3508 Memorial Parkway
  Mexican restaurant.

• El Palacio of Mexican Food

  address: 2008 Memorial Parkway
  One of the oldest, if not the oldest, Mexican restaurants in Huntsville.

• Palette Cafe

  address: 5000 Whitesburg Drive

Splurge

• Phuket Thai Restaurant

  address: 475 Providence Main St
  A stylish Thai restaurant in the village of Providence.

• Shogun

  address: 3991 University Drive
  Upscale Japanese steakhouse chain.

• Mikato Japanese Steak House

  address: 4061 Independence Drive
  Upscale Japanese restaurant.

• Washington Square

  address: 109 Washington Street
  A pair of restaurants; Humphrey's Bar and Grill (live music and a patio) and The Chophouse (upscale steakhouse).

• Ruth's Chris Steak House

  address: 800 Monroe Street
  Upscale New Orleans steakhouse chain. Located within Embassy Suites.

• Surin of Thailand

  address: 975 Airport Road
  Upscale Thai restaurant. Located near Books-A-Million.

Breweries

The micro brewery scene in Huntsville is new but growing fast.

• Blue Pants Brewery

  phone: +1 256 325-1131
  address: 500 Lanier Road Building 1, Suite A Madison, AL 35758
  The taproom is open seven nights a week, and flagship and seasonal beers are available on tap in bars and packaged on shelves throughout the region.

• Green Bus Brewing

  phone: +1 256 990-2477
  address: 206 Eustis Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801
  Located in a 150-year old building just off the historic square. This nano brewery specializes in small batches which creates a diverse and ever-changing tap list.

• InnerSpace Brewing Company

  address: 2414 Clinton Ave Huntsville, AL 35805

• Mad Malts Brewing

  phone: +1 256 503-2233
  address: 109 Maple Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801
  A small and relaxed brewery. Live music and comedy shows most Friday and Saturday nights.

• Old Black Bear Brewing Company

  phone: +1 256 850-4639
  address: 212 Main Street Madison, AL 35758
  Working alongside local companies such as Leavendary at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Old Black Bear embraces innovative strides in how beer is processed. Also has a great food menu.

• Rocket Republic Brewing

  phone: +1 256 361-4677
  A brewery started by rocket scientists.

• Salty Nut Brewery

  phone: +1 256 425-5204
  address: 2406 Clinton Avenue West Huntsville, AL 35805

• Straight to Ale

  phone: +1 256 801-9650
  address: 2610 Clinton Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805
  Look for the Speakeasy. Free brewery tours are given on Saturdays at 2 PM. No reservations required. Also contains Ale's Kitchen restaurant and Ronnie Raygun's, an arcade. This is Huntsville's biggest brewery.

• Yellowhammer Brewery

  phone: +1 256 489-3510
  address: 2600 Clinton Avenue West Huntsville, AL 35805
  Yellowhammer beers can be found in many fine restaurants, taverns, groceries and craft beer stores across both Alabama and Tennessee.

Bars

• Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon

  address: 5901 University Drive
  Steakhouse and bar, in front of Madison Square.

• Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar

  address: 2750 Carl T. Jones Road
  In the Target shopping center.

• Chips & Salsa

  address: 10300 Bailey Cove Rd SE
  Bar with live music.

• Bongo's

  address: 7908 Memorial Parkway S
  Bar with live music.

• Humphrey's Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 256 704-5555
  address: 109 Washington Street
  Live music and a patio area.

• Pints and Pixels

  address: 115 Clinton Ave E, Huntsville, AL 35801
  Full bar, full food menu, craft beer, and 50+ arcade machines. One of the newest bars in downtown Huntsville.

Coffee

• Alchemy

  address: 5909 University Drive Huntsville, AL 35806
  Coffee shop located in MidCity

• Honest Coffee Roasters

  address: 114 Clinton Ave. E #106, Huntsville, AL 35801
  Roaster and coffee shop located in Historic Downtown.

• Sweet Dreams Café

  address: 7 Town Center Drive
  Desserts, ice cream.

• Coffee Tree Books & Brew

  address: 7900 Bailey Cove Road
  Popular coffee shop/hangout.

• Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe

  address: 511 Pratt Avenue

• Kaffeeklatsch

  address: 103 Jefferson Street
  This coffee shop is a downtown tradition.

Tea

• Piper & Leaf

  address: 2211 Seminole Dr. SW, Huntsville AL 35805
  Artisan Tea shop located in Lowe Mill Entertainment District.

Budget

• Days Inn and Suites Research Park

  address: 1145 McMurtrie Drive
  Just west of the Target shopping center on University Drive. Convenient to Research Park and West Huntsville. Rates start at $59 nightly.

• LaQuinta Inn

• East

  address: 3141 University Drive
  533-0756. On University Drive near Jordan Lane. Nearby restaurants. Rooms start at $60 nightly.

• West

  address: 4870 University Drive
  830-2070. Convenient to Research Park and Madison Square Mall. Denny's restaurant on site. Rooms start at $60 nightly.

Microtel Inns & Suites Huntsville

address: 1820 Chase Creek Row

859-6655. Fitness room, free continental breakfast, free wifi.

Mid-range

• Comfort Suites

  address: 6224 Torok Circle
  Next to the Best Western.

• Fairfield Inn

  address: 1385 Enterprise Way
  Just off University Drive between Burlington Coat Factory and Target. Convenient to West Huntsville and Research Park.

• Holiday Inn Research Park

  address: 5903 University Drive
  Next to Madison Square. Restaurants and shopping nearby. Convenient to Research Park.

• Holiday Inn Downtown

  address: 401 Williams Avenue
  Next to Big Spring Park and the Von Braun Center. Upscale restaurant and a Starbucks inside.

• Radisson Suites Huntsville South

  address: 6000 S Memorial Parkway
  South Huntsville's most upscale hotel. Restaurant onsite. Rooms start at $70 nightly.

Splurge

• Embassy Suites Huntsville

  phone: +1 256 539-7373
  address: 800 Monroe Street
  This 10-story hotel opened in October 2006. Great views of the city, downtown, and the skyline. Connected by a "skybridge" to the Von Braun Center. A Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is inside the hotel.

• Westin Huntsville

  phone: +1 256 428-2000
  address: Bridge Street Town Centre
  In the Bridge Street Town Center.

Extended Stay

• Candlewood Suites

  address: 201 Exchange Place
  Convenient to Space Center and Research Park. Rates start at $60 per night.

• Residence Inn

  address: 6305 Residence Inn Road
  Behind the Target shopping center off University Drive. Convenient to Research Park, restaurants, and shopping. Rooms start at $70 nightly.

• Suburban Extended Stay Hotel1565 The Boardwalk. Off University Drive near Madison Square. Convenient to restaurants and shopping.

Though crime levels are above average for a city in its population bracket, most of the crime is restricted to inner city neighborhoods that would be of no interest to visitors. In general, the most dangerous region of the city is the northern neighborhoods (particularly the northwest). In addition to crime, If hiking on Monte Sano or engaging in some other outdoor activity, be aware that during the Summer, temperatures can hit triple digits and one can dehydrate quickly. Be sure to consume an adequate amount of fluids during the warm temperatures.

Telephone

The area codes for Huntsville and North Alabama are 256 and 938, which overlay the same region. As a result of this overlay, all calls within Huntsville require dialing a ten-digit number.

Internet

Free WiFi is available at these places:

• Big Spring Park
• Krystal- Five locations in Madison County.
• Stanlieo's Sub Villa- Jordan Lane and Governors Drive locations.
• Atlanta Bread Co.- in the Target shopping center on University Drive.
• West End Grill- on Old Madison Pike near the Research Park Blvd. interchange.
• Huntsville Hospital
• Crestwood Hospital
• Huntsville International Airport

• Huntsville Public Library

Newspapers

• The Huntsville Times. Huntsville's Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday newspaper.
• Valley Planet. A monthly alternative newspaper.

Medical

There are two major hospitals in Huntsville.

• Huntsville Hospital, 101 Sivley Road, +1 256-265-1000. A public hospital located downtown on Governors Drive.

• Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children. Located just east of the main hospital.

Crestwood Medical Center, 1 Hospital Drive, +1 256-882-3100. A private hospital off of Airport Road in South Huntsville.

Other hospitals in the Huntsville region:

• Athens-Limestone Hospital, 902 Washington St, Athens, +1 256-233-9292.
• Parkway Medical Center, 1874 Beltline Road, Decatur, +1 256-350-2211.
• Decatur General Hospital, 1201 Seventh Street, Decatur.
• Highlands Medical Center, 380 Woods Cove Road, Scottsboro, +1 256-259-2444.
• Marshall Medical Center North, 8000 Alabama 69, Guntersville, +1 256-571-8000.
• Lincoln Medical Center, 106 Medical Center Blvd., Fayetteville, TN, +1 931-438-1100.

Law enforcement

• Huntsville Police Department

  phone: +1 256-722-7100 (for non-emergencies inside city limits)

• Madison County Sheriff's Department

  phone: +1 256-532-3416 (for non-emergencies outside of Madison or Huntsville)

• Madison Police Department

  phone: +1 256-722-7190' (for non-emergencies in Madison city limits)

• Alabama State TroopersFor highway emergencies anywhere in Alabama, dial

*HP (*47)

• Lynchburg – home of Jack Daniel's Distillery. A 45-minute drive from Huntsville.
• Guntersville – this town on Lake Guntersville is a popular weekend retreat for Huntsvillians. About a 40-minute drive from Huntsville on US 431 South.
• Decatur – home of "America's First Wave Pool" at Point Mallard Park.
• Florence – home of many museums and festivals
• Scottsboro – home of the "Unclaimed Baggage Center." Much of the world's unclaimed airline luggage ends up here, for sale to the public in grossly oversized "luxury" thrift store.

Farther away- all are a 1½-2 hour drive.

• Chattanooga
• Birmingham
• Nashville