In March 2020 (before the pandemic) I learned about northern Alabama, specifically Huntsville and have had the destination on my travel list since. Thanks to Visit North Alabama Huntsville has moved from my “travel-to” list and onto my “favorite places to visit” list. In addition to Huntsville, north Alabama is full of experiences from museums, wineries, nature encounters and more. Here are eight must-do’s while in north Alabama:

Visit a museum

There are many museums in the area including the birthplace of Helen Keller and the Bridgeport Depot Museum and Cultural Center. For an out-of-this-world experience check out the U.S Space and Rocket Center located in Huntsville (a.k.a Rocket City). Home to Space Camp, the U.S Space and Rocket Center is full of space-related education and artifacts. There is also a large outdoor area with rockets and rides that is accessible with a day admission. I highly recommend attending a show in the planetarium.

Cheers to nightlife

There are many rooftop bars and unique themed spirits throughout the Rocket City. After a day spent at the U.S Space and Rocket Center, visit the rooftop bark Baker and Able which is themed after the two primates who successfully traveled to space in 1959. The mixologists aren’t monkeyeing around when it comes to drinks.

Artimus – whiskey based with mango puree and citrus notes.

Stella’s Elixir Lounge is located on the second floor and has speakeasy-inspired décor with a modern twist. These craft cocktails aren’t afraid to experiment with flavor.

The sweater weather is similar to a white Russian but made to be flavored like chi tea. I really liked this drink, I wish I had the option to order it hot as well.

Attend a local festival

Festivals are one of my favorite ways to get a taste of the local experience. The 2nd Annual Alabama Wine Festival was celebrated on the third weekend of October 2022 and hosted by Will Creek Vineyards and Winery. The two-day wine festival featured 11 wineries in the state of Alabama.

Traverse the Wine Trail

The North Alabama Wine Trail is comprised of six vineyards and wineries including Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery. While in the area I traveled to three:

Jules J. Berta Winery – Guests may go for the wine but stay for the wood-fired pizza. Jules J. Berta Winery offers wine slushie flights as well, which was a new experience for me personally.

Maraella Winery – Family-owned winery that hosts football Saturdays and offers charcuterie boards to go. Maraella Winery sells instagrammable wine slushies in a clear pouch; think capri sun but for adults.

Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery – For those afternoons you want to relax and stare off to the hills Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery is the place to go. It was a beautiful landscape for the wine fest.

Chase Waterfalls

Contrary to what the popular TLC song states, traveling along the Waterfall Trail is a fun way to explore north Alabama. There are a total of 14 waterfalls throughout north Alabama.

Coldwater Falls – Located in Spring Park in Tuscumbia, AL, Coldwater Falls is the world’s largest man-made stone waterfall. In addition to the waterfall, there is plenty to do in Spring Park including a carousel, mini train visitors can ride and several picnic tables. The park is also within walking distance from downtown Tuscumbia.

Lacefield Falls – Also located in Tuscumbia Lacefield Falls is about a quarter mile into the woods. There are trails to get to the falls however some are steep journeys for the casual walker (I personally was a little under-prepared for the kind of walking we would be doing). Due to lack of rainfall Lacefield Falls had a small trickle of water falling from the top of the stone structure. I recommend visiting a few days after a rainfall.

Wilson Dam Falls – Located near Muscle Shoals, AL this was my personal favorite waterfall we visited. The GPS will take you to the lookout of the Wilson Dam. To access the waterfall go to the Rockpile Recreation Area. There you will find picnic tables, playground, views of the Tennessee river and a pathway that leads to the Wilson Dam Falls.

Visit the Huntsville Botanical Gardens

Spanning over 118 acres enjoy a sunny morning walking along the paved pathways surrounded by local botanicals. The garden also has an impressive children’s area with a butterfly house. At the time of my visit the Huntsville Botanical Gardens was hosting a Festiv-Fall which inspired many fall themed arrangements and displays.

Try some local eats

One of the best ways to get a taste of a destination is to grab a bite (or a few) from local restaurants.

Rhythm on Monroe - For a nice evening dinner Rhythm on Monroe is a great place to go. The restaurant’s music theme is even found on the menu with labels including headliners (entrees), soundcheck (appetizers), etc. There is also a rooftop bar.

Superhero Chefs – There are two Superhero Chefs locations in Huntsville, AL and Tuscumbia, AL. I visited the Tuscumbia location and loved my experience from the theme and food down to the $2 mimosas. I recommend the Spiderman Quesadilla and Iron Man salad.

The Camp – This outdoor restaurant/bar located in Huntsville, AL goes all out when decorating for holidays including Halloween. There were animatronics everywhere plus actors walking around as ghouls. The drink menu was also themed for the season with a Hocus Pocus drink. For a casual night out with fun drinks, outdoor experience and good comfort food The Camp is a great place to visit.

Hunt for unique finds at Unclaimed Baggage

This second-hand store has an array of items to purchase from clothes and shoes to electronics and musical instruments. Unclaimed Baggage also features unique finds that are displayed within the store but my personal favorite was Hoggle, the puppet from the film Labyrinth.

There is so much to do in the north Alabama region. I hope this helps you plan your trip to north Alabama. Special thank you to Visit North Alabama for sponsoring this post.

***Disclaimer: This article and episode was sponsored by Visit North Alabama. Opinions are Hayliestory’s and were not affected by sponsorship. Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.***

8 Must-Do's in North Alabama