Reviewed by: Michael Seale
An ‘Asteroid City’-inspired day in Huntsville in honor of Wes Anderson’s latest movie
As a Wes Anderson devotee, his latest film “Asteroid City” is my Barbie movie. To celebrate, I sought out Huntsville’s most “Asteroid City”-esque spots to feel like I was in the movie.
Relive all the best moments of this aesthetic, start-studded film with these local spots:
Learn about space (and aliens?) at the Space and Rock Center
Unlock your inner space nerd at the Space and Rocket Center. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)
“Asteroid City” depicts (amongst other things) a tale of junior stargazer tech wizards at an asteroid landing site in the rural town of Asteroid City.
In the film, a few genius teenage scientists demonstrate their inventions and a group of young students are taught lessons about the solar system. A ground-breaking event transpires that causes Asteroid City to question their knowledge of space as we know it.
On that note, you can earn your own junior stargazer badge and learn about space at the Space and Rocket Center. What better way to immerse yourself in this sci-fi, space-themed Wes Anderson movie?
- Address: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Every day 9AM-5PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
Enjoy a milkshake at Oscar Moon’s retro counter
Treat yourself Wes Anderson-style with retro music and decor at Oscar Moon’s. Sit at the counter and sip on a craft milkshake like you’re the main character.
- Address: 3414 Governors Dr SW #505, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM, Sunday 11AM-8PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
Hang out at The Camp
If you’ve seen the movie, these scenes look all too familiar. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)
In some iconic shots of the film, a pastel blue school bus drops off a class of elementary schoolers and their teacher in Asteroid City.
Later, the town guests enjoy a colorful outdoor evening banquet at picnic tables complete with fireworks and live music (um, hello, this is basically The Camp every night).
I visited The Camp in MidCity for the vibrant, covered dining area and was delighted to also find the iconic blue school bus in the back of The Camp.
- Address: 5909 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Monday 7AM-6PM, Tuesday-Wednesday 7AM-9PM, Thursday-Friday 7AM-11PM, Saturday 1AM-11PM, Sunday 8AM-6PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
Photo-op at the telephone booth at The Poppy and Parliament
Key plot points transpire in a telephone booth, and you can visit this vintage one outside The Poppy and Parliament for a proper “Asteroid City” experience.
Enjoy the desert vibes at Gold Sprint
While there’s no desert around Huntsville, there is Gold Sprint. Gaze at the cacti and greenery similar to what you’ll find in the desert setting of Asteroid City. You won’t find the film’s iconic martini vending machine here, but you can order from Gold Sprint’s tasty cocktail menu for some refreshing sips.
- Location: 2515 9th Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 7AM-7PM, Sunday 9AM-5PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Complete the look with a new fit
And if you want all the components for a Wes Anderson-inspired day, you have to dress the part.
Shop a new look at vintage shops like AM Collective in Clinton Row, Flucy Lucy Antiques or Retro-Fitt Boutique in Lowe Mill.
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