The List - Huntsville/Decatur, AL
The top 10 must-dos in Huntsville/Decatur, AL
Huntsville Botanical Garden
BY KAREN BEASLEY
01 Huntsville Botanical Garden
Cool off this summer at HBG's outdoor aquatic garden, which features a tranquil, 110-foot-wide pool filled with giant Amazonian Victoria lilies. Indoors, thousands of native butterflies turn the garden’s 9,000-square-foot nature center into a vibrant living canvas — not to mention the nation’s largest seasonal butterfly house — as the winged wonders fly between plants. 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville; 256-830-4447; hsvbg.org
02 US Space & Rocket Center
Founded by famed rocket scientist Dr. Wernher von Braun, one of Earth’s largest space museums invites visitors to train like astronauts, experience four Gs of liftoff force and learn about Huntsville’s role in the race to the moon. One Tranquility Base, Huntsville; 800637-7223; ussrc.com
03 Huntsville Museum of Art
Peruse the 2,500plus permanent works at the newly expanded leading visual arts institution. Be sure to scope out the rare assemblage of sterling silver animals created by Italian jewelry firm Buccellati. 300 Church St S, Huntsville; 256-535-4350; hsvmuseum.org
04 Scene Restaurant & Lounge
This is the place to mingle with the “it” crowd while sipping a cool drink. Order up a signature Monaco margarita (Chambord, Sauza Silver, Cointreau, fresh lime and lemon) and head out to the patio for some fun and flirting. 370 The Bridge St, Huntsville; 256-327-8347; sceneatmonaco.com
05 Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Pitmaster Chris Lilly’s melt-in-yourmouth ribs strike the perfect balance between sweet and smoky, but it’s the barbecue chicken with white sauce — the original recipe from 1925 — that receives top accolades from barbecue connoisseurs across the country. 1715 Sixth Ave SE, Decatur; 256-350-6969; bigbobgibson.com
06 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Birdbrains flock here for a rare glimpse of an endangered whooping crane from an enclosed observation building. Venture out on five designated nature trails for an upclose look at birds, mammals and other critters in their natural habitat. 3121 Visitors Center Rd, Decatur; 256-350-6639; fws.gov/wheeler
07 801 Franklin
Chef Gina Morgan whips up unorthodox upscale American cuisine such as sweet tea-brined pork chops, which are far and away the local favorite. After dinner, stroll around the 200-year-old Twickenham Historic District for a peek at the city’s most stately homes. 801 Franklin St, Huntsville; 256-5198019; 801franklin.net
08 3rd Friday Downtown
The fun heats up as the sun goes down with live entertainment from local musicians, as well as after-hours shopping and sidewalk sales along Bank Street and Second Avenue on the third Friday of each month. On July 15, bring a picnic to nearby Founder’s Park to hear Jeff Whitlow and the Old Barn Band. Downtown Decatur; 256-355-8993
09 Harrison Brothers Hardware
At Alabama’s oldest operating hardware store, floor-to-ceiling shelves display old-fashioned tools and artifacts dating back to the late 1800s alongside an eclectic mix of home and garden items like cookbooks, gourmet foods, tableware and local art. 124 Southside Sq, Huntsville; 256-5363631; harrisonbrothershardware.com
10 Cotton Row Restaurant
Located at what was once a gathering spot for local cotton traders, this downtown eatery features creations like seared scallops in caper-white wine sauce and peanut butter and jelly in phyllo from renowned chef James Boyce. 100 Southside Sq, Huntsville; 256382-9500; cottonrowrestaurant.com
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