As a rising innovation hub in Alabama, Huntsville has gained traction in recent years as one of the state’s top places to live. With an influx of innovation comes a constantly expanding city with something to offer everyone. For Alabamians looking for the perfect day trip, here is a simple spring itinerary for 24 hours in the Rocket City.
An Honest Morning
How you start your morning on any trip is vital, and Honest Coffee Roaster(Clinton Row, 114 Clinton Ave E #106) is the ideal spot to start your day. The goal is to find the perfect caffeinated beverage to wake you up and something light to carry you through the morning.
For those who are ready to get the day going with fewer frills, we recommend a simple espresso or cappuccino. Those looking for a side of fun with their breakfast should sway toward the sweeter options. The Cottage Core latte features house-made lavender and vanilla syrup, while the Bee’s Knees latte is made with salted honey syrup and topped with cinnamon.*
Honest offers everything you could possibly want for breakfast, so the choice is truly yours. We have chosen three top recommendations that cover the go-to categories.
For something light, try the Breakfast Crisp, which tops Greek yogurt with granola, strawberries, blueberries, cinnamon, and honey.
For something in-between simple and indulgent, try the Spicy Sriracha Avocado Toast—open-faced sourdough toast with avocado spread, pickled onions, sliced tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of sriracha.
For something truly sweet, try the Berries & Cream Panini. This treat combines vegan cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and blueberries, presses them in a flour wrap, and tops them with banana, cinnamon, and agave.
*An honorable mention for the caffeine-free is the Golden Milk, a magical blend of turmeric, ginger, cracked pepper, and cinnamon.
A Walk on the Wild Side
There is no better time of year to enjoy the Huntsville Botanical Garden, and we suggest this as the main activity for your spring day trip. The Huntsville Botanical Garden (4747 Bob Wallace Avenue) is a one-of-one in the state. Visitors will be blown away by the incredibly well-maintained grounds of the 118-acre garden that offers everything from strolls through stunning flowers in bloom to walks along wooded paths.
“Nestled in the heart of our vibrant community, Huntsville Botanical Garden is more than just a space; it’s an ever-changing experience full of life, learning, and connection,” they share. “Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a curious learner, or simply seeking solace in nature’s embrace, there’s something here for everyone.”
While a simple walk through the garden would be an adventure all its own, there are a number of unique offerings to be enjoyed at the gardens. We recommend planning your trip around the days that these fun festivities will be taking place. In April, visitors can expect spring plant sales, a farmers market, a forest bathing class, gardening classes, and much more. View their events calendar here to plan your trip accordingly. For those wanting to make the most of their visit, guided tours can be scheduled with 48 hours’ notice. This is the very best way to experience the garden to its fullest.
A Garden-Side Spring Lunch
We suggest planning to enjoy a lovely lunch at the garden’s bistro, Fern & Feast. Sit and stay awhile, and start your late lunch with an appetizer to share, like the Grilled Chicken & Pear Flatbread, which features grilled chicken, pears, and goat cheese and is topped with a house-made honey balsamic drizzle. Grab a spring salad or two to sample for the perfect fresh start to your meal.
Keep it simple for your entrée with their Smash Burger topped with gruyere and chipotle aioli on brioche, or step out with something a little more adventurous. We recommend the Carne Asada Tacos with avocado, cilantro, cotija, and chipotle aioli. For those playing it safe, try the traditional Cheeseburger or classic Club sandwich.
A Chance to Shop or Savor
The best weekend trips allow for autonomy, and that is what we suggest when it comes to your afternoon in Huntsville. While some may want to enjoy a great book or some small talk at the garden, others can venture out for some spring shopping. Head back downtown and pop into the stores and shops, or take a ten-minute drive to Bridge Street Town Centre (365 The Brg Street NW) for an immersive shopping experience. Bridge Street is the perfect backdrop for a spring afternoon and offers dozens of places to shop and stop in for a quick treat.
A Night Like No Other
Once everyone has enjoyed their afternoon to the fullest, whether sitting back and relaxing at the gardens or checking out the local shopping scene, it is time to get back downtown for an early dinner at Cotton Row (100 Southside Square). Cotton Row is one of Chef James Boyce’s creations and is well-known for its top-tier cuisine.
Owner Chef Boyce boasts an impressive forty years of experience in the industry. He originally began his career in New York at Le Cirque while studying at the Culinary Institute of America, where he went on to graduate with top honors. He built an impressive career with his work at places like The Phoenician and Caesar’s Palace before establishing himself as one of Southern California’s top chefs. His early 2000s move to Huntsville was the beginning of something beautiful, and he now owns many well-respected restaurants in Rocket City.
Cotton Row is no exception to his now-famous standard of excellence. We recommend starting the night with fresh seafood—try the Ahi Tuna Sashimi with white miso glaze and padrón chili, the Lightly Seared Scallops with crispy pork belly, or the Cornmeal Crusted Apalachicola Oysters with tomato-horseradish remoulade.
There is no wrong choice when it comes to entrees, but we suggest trying the Hot Honey Ora King Salmon with Southern slaw and warm bacon and potato salad, the Grilled Certified Black Angus Beef with Maine lobster mac and cheese and broccolini, or the Bourbon Glazed Smoked Duck Breast with toasted pecan wild rice and Thumbelina carrots.
Desserts are definitely going to be a must to cap off not only the night but the trip. For a taste of home, go for the Warm Skillet Apple Tart with bourbon butter pecan ice cream. For something light and seasonal, try the Limoncello Tiramisu with lemon curd. For a classic that can’t be undersold, order the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée.
A Farewell Toast
For those staying the night, we recommend a quick walk to the rooftop bar Baker & Able for a farewell toast. Situated atop 106 Jefferson‘s highest point, Baker & Able is the ideal spot to enjoy a view of the city while enjoying carefully curated cocktails.
“A nod to the famous and ambitious primates who were the first to successfully conquer space flight, taking America and Huntsville, Alabama, to new heights,” Baker & Able is the perfect place to end your trip to Huntsville.
Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama
