If you moved from Chicago, try these awesome Huntsville spots

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People from across the country are moving to Huntsville in droves. (Hville Blast)

It’s no secret that Huntsville is one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, and people are moving here in droves.

Whether you’ve moved here from Chicago and are missing home, or you’re just looking for some awesome Huntsville spots, check out these five unique places that will show you how the Windy City and the Rocket City compare.

You have “The Bean.” We have the rocket.

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It’s even more impressive up close. (Audrey Johnson / Hville Blast)

Cloud Gate (better known to tourists as “The Bean”) is one of the most photographed places in Chicago and a popular tourist attraction.

Pictures don’t really do the Saturn V justice (in my opinion) but a visit to the rocket can give you a sense of just how imposing it is. Just like it’s worth a trip to the bean, it’s worth a trip to see the rocket up close.

If you liked The Art Institute of Chicago, try Lowe Mill in Huntsville.

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Lowe Mill is the largest privately owned arts facility in the nation. (Hville Blast)

The Art Institute in Chicago has one of the best collections in the world. It’s filled with works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Cézanne, O’Keefe and dozens of other iconic artists.

If you’re missing Chicago’s vibrant art scene, check out Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment. It’s the largest privately owned arts facility in the nation, and you can talk to 250 working artists in their studios. The redeveloped textile mill is also home to delicious restaurants, cafes and other businesses.

Missing Chicago style deep dish pizza? Check out these restaurants.

To find some delicious deep dish, take a road trip Hartselle or Guntersville and try Pizza Ed.

Don’t fear the New York style in its name, Pizza Ed also serves fantastic deep dish.

It’s not Lake Michigan, it’s Lake Guntersville.

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Alabama has beautiful lakes. (Cliff Martin / Hville Blast)

No, it’s not Lake Michigan, but Lake Guntersville is an absolutely beautiful place to explore Alabama.

Rent a boat for fishing or cruising, crack open some cold ones and enjoy a lakeside summer in Alabama.

To experience Alabama’s amazing music history, visit the Shoals.

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Muscle Shoals Sound Studio on 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield. (Nathan Watson / Hville Blast)

Day trip alert! If you want to experience the history behind some of the best albums of all time (think The Rolling Stone’s “Sticky Fingers”, Bob Dylan’s “Slow Train Coming”, Bob Segar’s “Against the Wind”, the list goes on) you need to take a day trip to The Shoals.

Book at tour at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Sheffield (Lana Del Rey did it this summer), then cross the Tennessee River into Florence. For a fancier meal, try Odette or YUMM Thai: Sushi and Beyond.

For something fast and easy, head to the Chicago Cafe and grab a drink at Wildwood Tavern next door before heading back to Huntsville.

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Audrey Johnson
Audrey Johnson
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