Your ultimate Huntsville summer bucket list + insider tips

There’s a difference between knowing about your city and truly knowing your city.

This summer, we want you to experience all Huntsville has to offer, and that’s why we put together the ultimate summer bucket list. We promise that after you complete it, you’ll love the Rocket City even more.

1. Complete the Huntsville Craft Coffee Trail

Did you know that Huntsville has its own craft coffee trail? Just visit any of the shops below and grab a craft coffee card. After you get it stamped nine times, you can turn it in for a free Downtown Craft Coffee Trail Mug!

• Canadian Bakin’
• Charlie Foster’s
• Dragon’s Forge
• Green Bus Brewing
• Honest Coffee Roasters
• Mason Dixon Bakery + Bistro
• Old Towne Coffee Shoppe
• Piper + Leaf Constitution Hall Park
• Pizelle’s Confections
• The Moon Bakeshop
• Turbo Coffee
• More details

2. Try a downtown progressive dinner

One of my favorite things about downtown Huntsville is the walkability. There are so many options for planning a full progressive dinner with friends, but here’s one agenda we suggest:

1. Drinks + appetizers at BeeZr | Our rec: Crawfish tail + Sausage Cheesecake with a Lemon Ginger Spritz
2. Dinner at Commerce Kitchen | Our rec: Coffee Crusted New York Strip with a glass of Zinfandel
3. Dessert at The Poppy + Parliament | Our rec: Bread pudding with a shot of espresso

3. Go to at least one concert

From concerts in Big Spring Park to Fridays after Five in Athens, Huntsville’s live music season is in full swing. Here are a few to keep your eye on:

• Concerts in the Park | Every Monday in the summer | Big Spring Park
• Fridays After Five | Last Friday of the Month | Downtown Athens
• Paul Thorn | June 14 | Mars Music Hall
• Prince’s Purple Rain | June 22 | Mark C. Smith Music Hall
• Lainey Wilson | August 8 | Orion Amphitheater
• Styx + Foreigner | August 17 | Orion Amphitheater

4. Take your dog to a Trash Pandas game

Wednesdays are for the dogs! Your pups are welcome at Toyota Field every Wednesday the Trash Pandas play at home. Check out their schedule and all the details about bringing your furry friend.

5. Take an art or cooking class

Summer is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby, and Huntsville has an incredible creative scene. Check out some upcoming art and cooking classes:

• Artistic Minds | Painting lessons, kids parties + more
• Cooking with C.C. | Private cooking classes | Chef recently returned from an Italy food tour
• Huntsville Museum of Art Academy | Classes for preschool-adult
• Phuket Thai | Public cooking classes | Thai cuisine
• Pinot’s Palette | Public + private events | Sip + paint
• Rafeal’s Table | Public + private cooking classes | Variety of savory dishes
• The Bakingtist School of Baking | Public cooking classes | Pastries + more

6. Do a vintage bar hopping night

If you’re an old soul like me, you’re going to love checking out these old-fashioned bars in Huntsville. Check out our agenda for a vintage bar hopping night:

1. Start off at Catacomb
   • Insider tip: Reservations are required
   • Know before you go: Catacomb doesn’t have a set menu; you list three things you like in a cocktail, and the expert bartenders take it from there.
2. Keep the party going at SiP Fine Spirits + Cigars
   • Insider tip: They have a cigar shop inside
   • Know before you go: They’re known for their extensive Old-Fashioned menu
3. Finish the night at The Library Piano Bar
   • Insider tip: They’re only open Thursday-Saturday, 10AM-1PM
   • Know before you go: The Library features live jazz every night

7. Watch the sunset from a lookout

One of the best ways to end a summer day is soaking in the sunset. Here are some spots we recommend checking out:

• Blevins Gap
• Ditto Landing
• Monte Sano lookout
• Weathington Park (worth the drive!)

8. Hit all of Huntsville’s bookstores

Whether you’re traveling to the beach this summer or staying in the Rocket City, it’s always a good idea to bring a book along. Here are some of our favorite bookstores in Huntsville:

• 2nd & Charles
• Bookshelf
• Bootlegger Used Books
• Burnwater Books
• Friends of the Library Bookstores
• Infinity College Bookstore
• The Snail on the Wall
• More details

9. Play tourist for a day

Did you know Huntsville was founded in 1805? This place has a lot of history! Here’s how we recommend spending a day as a tourist:

1. Stroll through Twickenham + admire the historic architecture
2. Check out Huntsville’s oldest churches
3. Visit Harrison Brother’s Hardware (in operation since 1897)
4. Take a walk through Maple Hill Cemetery
5. Take a tour of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

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