Introduction to Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama stands out among cities in the Southeast by being repeatedly named by publications as one of the best places to live in the region. These ratings are for both business and for quality of life, two things for which the city scores high marks. Fortune 500 companies call Huntsville home. Industries related to technology and defense are common here, such as the Army's Redstone Arsenal, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and Cummings Research Park. Southern heritage mixes with high-tech entrepreneurial spirit to make a town with a high quality of life.
Huntsville Culture
There is a wide variety of cultural activities and amenities in the greater Huntsville area. From festivals to museums to historical cemeteries, the city has something to offer anyone. The Panoply Festival of the Arts is one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast, according to the Southeastern Tourism Society. The event has five stages that feature dance, music, and theater performances. Activities for children are plentiful, and there is an artist choreography competition. The Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll features residents in period costumes representing notable Huntsville residents from the past. Alabama's history can be explored at the Alabama Constitutional Village where villagers in period clothing take visitors on tours of Federal style buildings.
Huntsville Sports and Leisure
Huntsville offers many different types of sporting events, including AA baseball with the Huntsville Stars, the Huntsville Speedway where NASCAR racing takes place, and Southern Professional Hockey League team the Huntsville Havoc. There are also a variety of recreation centers, parks, and youth athletic leagues located throughout the city and offering something for everyone in the way of leisure activities. Tennis, golf, and aquatic programs are offered at many recreational facilities.
Huntsville Outdoors
Located in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley, Huntsville is no stranger to natural beauty and outdoor fun. The city is surrounded by mesas and hills, and a mountain called Monte Santo is just east of the city. The Green Mountains, Rainbow Mountain, Madkin Mountain, Brindlee Mountain, and Wade Mountain are also close by. The land is karst spring country, and limestone bedrock caves are common in the area. In fact, the headquarters of the National Speleological Society are right in the middle of Huntsville. For those interested in horseback riding, 3H Stables can provide a view of the Alabama mountains from horseback. The Flint River is just 7 miles from Huntsville, and it provides excellent canoeing opportunities. Wheeler Reservoir offers 60,000 acres of outdoor fun and is camper's paradise. Green Mountain Nature Trail is a 16-acre park with wooded paths and covered bridges.
Huntsville at Night
Huntsville offers a great deal of choice when it comes to nightlife. There are a variety of dance clubs in the downtown area, and downtown on any weekend evening is bustling. There are also numerous bars and restaurants to choose from when planning an evening out with friends. Some of the most popular places include Sammy T's and 721.