Parkway Place: an underrated cornerstone of the Huntsville community

I’ve gone to Parkway Place Mall since I was a child. It was always one of my family’s first choices whether we were shopping for gifts or just needed a day out of the house.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Parkway Place is special to many lifelong Huntsville residents just like me.

Lately, however, I’ve noticed a lack of enthusiasm toward Parkway Place, both in overheard conversations and online.

Perhaps Bridge Street has made visiting Parkway Place seem like a less exciting adventure, or maybe Huntsville has grown so much that there is an overflow of other interesting places to visit.

Despite these possibilities, I’m here to remind you why Parkway Place is still one of the most exciting destinations within our thriving city, starting with these five reasons:

Food court options

When you enter the mall from the second floor, the food court immediately greets you. There are several different options for a quick (and tasty) lunch, such as Chick-Fil-A, Sbarro and, my personal favorite, Cajun Grill.

Carrabba’s is also attached to the mall for those who want to have a dinner date after a day full of shopping.

Fun indoor activities

Right past the food court area, there is an indoor bungee trampoline, which is especially exciting for the older children. For the younger children, there is an indoor play area right next to Belk.

Additionally, At the Pier Arcade is located downstairs and has both retro and new games for mall visitors of all ages!

Holiday shopping

Parkway Place also contains timely pop-up stores to help you prepare for the holidays.

Christmas stores and store sections have already begun popping up throughout the mall. If you’re in need of new decorations or seasonal gifts for loved ones, Parkway Place is ready to provide.

More shopping possibilities

Parkway Place houses roughly 70 stores, each with a little something different to offer for the everyday shopper.

Personally, I enjoy the many pop culture shops such as Box Lunch and FYE the most whenever I visit the mall. I’ve found many nerdy gifts for friends and additions to my various collections at both.

Additionally, Belk and Dillard’s have contributed greatly to my wardrobe over the years, among the many other clothing stores such as American Eagle and Express.

Finally, the mall’s more recent additions, such as Vintage Stock and MINISO have filled once-massive voids in the mall.

Retro gamers now have another place to shop for classic games. Harry Potter, Sanrio and Disney fans have a new place to find exciting additions to their collections.

Parkway Place’s community significance

Since the mall opened in 2002, it has housed several stores that can’t be found anywhere else in Huntsville. Additionally, this mall is now the only indoor shopping mall within Huntsville after Madison Square Mall closed in 2017.

For those who have lived in Huntsville for over twenty years like myself, we have witnessed every stage of the mall’s operation. It has continued operating through thick and thin and remains a valuable third space within our city.

Also, viewing the mall from the Memorial Parkway is simply one of the most iconic snapshots of Huntsville.