Option #2: Getaway to Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville is also a great place to visit for a long weekend. There is so much to do and see. If you love space, take a day to explore the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. For hands-on science, have fun at the Sci-Quest Hands On Science Center. As for historical sites, Huntsville has those too. Visit the Early Works Museum, Alabama Constitution Village, and the Huntsville Depot and Museum. For art lovers, visit the Huntsville Museum of Art and the Botanical Garden. Don’t miss these attractions:

U.S. Space & Rocket Center
One Tranquility Base (256) 721-7155 or www.spacecamp.com
Features more than 1,500 artifacts representing our nation’s achievements in space exploration. Includes hands-on activities, rides, and IMAX Theater. Plan to spend a whole day exploring this wonderful attraction!

Sci-Quest Hands On Science Center
102D Wynn Drive (256) 837-0606 or www.sci-quest.org
Hands-on science center with more than 125 permanent interactive exhibits in seven different subject areas. Designed to engage, educate, and entertain. Kids will love the Tornado Simulator, Grossology display, and the giant Magnetic Pendulum. Also features traveling exhibits and 3-D presentations in the Reality Theater.

HISTORICAL SITES

Alabama Constitution Village
109 Gates Ave. (256) 564-8100 or www.earlyworks.com (fee)
Here you can explore Alabama’s history and became part of the 19th century as villagers dressed in period clothing take you through reconstructed historical buildings. You can also visit the site of Constitution Hall.  404 Madison St. (256) 564-8100 or www.earlyworks.com (fee)
South’s largest hands-on history museum. Hear stories from the talking tree, play a tune on the giant instruments at the bandstand, and try to build a house at the architecture exhibit. You can also explore a 46-ft keelboat, walk a gangplank, and try on clothing at the Federal house. Makes history come alive for kids!

Huntsville Depot & Museum
320 Church St. (256) 564-8100 or www.earlyworks.com (fee)
See one of the oldest remaining railroad structures, climb aboard locomotives, and see Alabama’s largest public model railroad. You can also visit Civil War exhibits, listen to the robotic ticket agent tell of Alabama’s railway history, and visit “Kid’s Corner” where kids can dress up in costumes and check out the train puzzles and maps.

Burritt Museum
3101 Burritt Drive (256) 536-2882 or www.burrittmuseum.com (fee)
Unique museum of regional history housed in this mountaintop home of Dr. William Henry Burritt. This 14-room mansion was built in the shape of an “X” in the 1930’s and is insulated with 2,200 bales of wheat straw. Park contains farm buildings restored to look like the originals. Nature trails and panoramic view of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley.

THE ARTS

Huntsville Museum of Art
300 Church Street (256) 535-4350 or www.hsvmuseum.org
Nationally accredited museum fills its seven galleries with a variety of traveling exhibitions and the work of nationally and regionally acclaimed artists. Contains a permanent collection of 2,522 pieces. Home of the world’s largest collection of Buccellati silver animals. Store and café onsite.

Huntsville Botanical Garden
4747 Bob Wallace Ave. (256) 830-4447 or www.hsvbg.org
Beautiful 110-acre site with floral collections, woodland paths, and grassy meadows. Features a 5-acre Central Corridor Garden, demonstration vegetable garden, composting bins, G-scale trains on the Garden Railway, and Butterfly House. Tea Room onsite as well.

Place to stay in Huntsville, Alabama:

Bevill Conference Center Hotel
550 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 721-9428
Rates: From $80

La Quinta Inn Huntsville Research Park
4870 University Dr. NW
Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 830-2070
Rates: From $63

Courtyard by Marriott Huntsville
4804 University Drive NW
Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 837-4865
Rates: From $69

Days Inn Huntsville Airport
102 Arlington Dr.
Madison, AL 35758
(256) 772-9550
Rates: From $39

Sources:
www.touralabama.org
www.preserveala.org
www.huntsville.org
www.tripadvisor.com
www.hotels.com
www.800.alabama.com