Try these 5 activities if you're new to Huntsville

Don’t forget to take an obligatory picture with the rocket to celebrate your move. (Audrey Johnson / Hville Blast)

Huntsville continues to grow at a rapid pace as people from all across the country move to town. Learning a new city can be daunting. Lucky for you, we’ve created a guide to some of the first places you should visit after moving to the Rocket City.

1. Visit the Space + Rocket Center

Huntsville 20210525 070552 — Space fanatics can’t miss this stop. (Hville Blast)

Is The Space and Rocket Center a “basic” first choice for a Huntsville activities list? Yes. Is it worth a trip? Absolutely.

I had driven by the Space and Rocket Center probably 100 times in my life before actually stoping for a visit. This museum boasts an unbeatable array of space memorabilia and collection of rockets.

Plus, the museum explores Huntsville’s contributions to space exploration through a variety of exhibits that will help you appreciate the history of your new city.

Where: 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Sun.-Sat., 9AM-5PM
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2. Check out the Huntsville Botanical Garden

If you want to drive down the street from the Space Center, you’ll bump into the Huntsville Botanical Garden. This 118 acre space contains scenic walking trails and collections of Alabama’s unique, native plants. Plus, it’s been nominated several times as one of the nation’s best botanical gardens.

Besides walking, you can participate in a ton of different activities that the garden offers for members and non-members alike. Their events calendar is a great place to get started to find things to do.

Where: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Mon.-Sat., 9AM-5PM; Sun., 11AM-5PM
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3. Take a hike to Monte Sano State Park

Perhaps you want to embrace the more wild nature that North Alabama has to offer. In that case, a short trip to Monte Sano State Park is in order.

Monte Sano means “mountain of health,” and it has tons of walking, hiking and biking trails. There’s even a hidden Japanese zen garden that you have to visit. Plus, the views are spectacular all year.

Where: 2598 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
When: Sun.-Sat., 8AM-5PM
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4. Embrace the arts at Lowe Mill ARTS + Entertainment

Huntsville 145 — Check out all the incredible art and artists at Lowe Mill. (Hville Blast)

Moving often includes lots of refurnishing. What better place to find local art for your home than the nation’s largest, privately owned arts facility?

Over 200 artists rent studios in this renovated mill where they make, display and sell their artwork. Pick up a locally made item for your new home or find some handmade gifts for friends and family coming to visit.

Where: 2211 Seminole Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Wed.-Sat., 11AM-3PM
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5. Grab a bite at Huntsville’s oldest restaurant

Big Spring Cafe is the oldest restaurant in town. (Christian Stanfield / Hville Blast)

With all this roaming around town, you’re probably looking for a bite to eat.

Stop by Huntsville’s oldest restaurant, Big Spring Cafe, which opened in 1922. It’s home of the “greasy burger” and other delicious menu items.

Where: 3507 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Mon.-Fri., 6AM-3PM
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