How to have a fun day on Memorial Parkway at these 5 places

It’s no secret that even mentioning Memorial Parkway causes a headache for many Huntsville residents.

However, it’s always worth the trouble to explore, even with the merging nightmare it creates.

If you’re like me and need to appreciate Memorial Parkway more for the value it brings to our city, look no further than these five places:

Parkway Place

For anyone who wants to learn how to appreciate Memorial Parkway, the first destination has to be Parkway Place. This mall is one of the premier shopping centers within Huntsville and has something for everyone.

You could theoretically spend the entire day at Parkway Place alone and have a perfectly fun day. After all, the mall houses a food court, several specialty clothing and entertainment stores and seasonal events.

Where: 2801 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-8PM; Sunday, 12-6PM
Website

Rosie’s Cantina

However, you may decide that the food court doesn’t provide an outdoor eating space to take advantage of the wonderful fall weather. Rosie’s Cantina may have what you’re looking for as an excellent lunch option after a morning of shopping.

With a deep menu of Tex-Mex favorites, drinks and desserts, Rosie’s is a fun lunch destination for your day on Memorial Parkway.

Where: 7540-A Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35802
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11AM-9PM; Friday-Saturday, 11AM-10PM
Website

Good Company Cafe

After lunch, you may decide that you need a coffee or a sweet treat to beat an afternoon slump. Luckily, Good Company Cafe is right next door to Rosie’s.

Good Company offers tasty breakfast, brunch and lunch items along with bottomless drip coffee. They also serve specialty espresso drinks, teas and hot cocoa, making it a great spot for a little mid-afternoon pick-me-up before you head back out to shop.

Where: 7500 Memorial Pkwy SW #123, Huntsville, AL 35802
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8AM-3PM
Website

Village Center Shopping Center

After lunch and a sweet treat, make sure to stop by the Village Center Shopping Center if you still have the itch to shop. This shopping center is home to more local shops that all bring a little something different to the table.

With incredible stores such Black Rose Records, Bricks & Minifigs (the largest Lego store in the state) and a soon-to-be-open used bookstore known as The Bookwyrm, Village Center has a little something for everyone.

Additionally, if you aren’t feeling Good Company Cafe for a treat, you can stop by Big Foot’s Little Donuts or Das Stahl Bierhaus. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Memorial Parkway probably has it!

Where: 7914 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35802
Website

Firehouse Antiques & Collectibles

To finish out your day on Memorial Parkway, you might enjoy winding down with some relaxed browsing at Firehouse Antiques & Collectibles to delay the dreaded commute home.

Advertised as the largest antique store in the Tennessee Valley, Firehouse keeps a well-stocked store by buying from auctions and estate sales and carrying items from various local vendors.