This Alabama City Has A Futuristic Space Center, Thriving Arts Scene, And Gorgeous Outdoor Activities

Even in its small cities, like this underrated city just outside of Birmingham, Alabama is a beautiful state full of adventure. Take Huntsville, Alabama, for example, which is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, an active creative community, and all kinds of fun things to do outside, like its 112-acre Botanical Gardens. Much of Huntsville's rich architecture is preserved in its charming historic neighborhoods (such as Twickenham Historic District) and surrounding natural beauty, which are enhanced by the city's frontier spirit and legacy of technological innovation.

Huntsville also has its own international airport, located only about 15 minutes away from the main business district. Summers can get especially humid in Huntsville, so spring and fall are the best times to visit for their moderate temperatures. Lodging abounds in the city, like the Westin Huntsville, which is not only conveniently located near most of the hottest spots in town, but also includes plenty of amenities, like an onsite restaurant, gym, pool, and more. Or you can stay at the Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville at the Space & Rocket Center, where you'll be treated to a free hot breakfast and evening bites, popcorn, and soda available in the lobby.

And speaking of the Space and Rocket Center, this is definitely worth a stop during your visit to Huntsville. In addition to its many STEM educational programs, like space camp, the USSRC is home to an extensive collection of hardware used on real-life spaceflights, giving guests of all ages an immersive look at mankind's history of space exploration. And don't forget about their impressive Planetarium, the massive dome theater that offers guests a glimpse of the cosmos without ever leaving Earth.

Huntsville's history of science and technology may be strong, but its arts scene shouldn't be overlooked. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is undoubtedly the center of creativity in the city — and maybe even the entirety of the South. This massive facility consists of more than 150 studios for almost every discipline, multiple galleries, a theater for live performances, and more. Housed in a textile mill that was built over a century ago, Low Mill ARTS & Entertainment hosts numerous arts classes as well as regular events, such as concerts, open mic nights, outdoor markets, and more.

The Huntsville Museum of Art is another creative hub, home to a large number of works from American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as many pieces from around the world. It also offers classes, programs, and workshops through its Academy, and hosts lectures, ice skating, and more.

There are also quite a few independent art galleries in Huntsville that showcase a diverse array of talent. Flourish Fine Art Gallery shines a spotlight on local artists and is a great place to find inspiration for your own creative endeavors with their workshops, painting demos, studio rentals, and intimate live performances. The Curated Gallery exhibits pieces from today's masters, both regional and international, in a wide range of styles. And then there's The Little Green Store and Gallery, which not only highlights art from local artists but also has an impressive stock of handmade goods and crafts available for purchase, as well. But if you want even more creative energy to bask in, nestled on Alabama's Gulf Coast is an underrated artsy city, Fairhope, known for its creative endeavors.

Huntsville is very dog-friendly and has quite a few designated parks where you can take your pup, such as the Creekwood Park Dog Spot, Hampton Cove Dog Spot, and the Downtown Dog Spot. Golfing is another popular activity in Huntsville; if you want something long-term, you can sign up for a membership at the Huntsville Country Club, which gives access to a pool, catering, and the club's Trackman. Also in town is Big Spring International Park, which boasts koi fish as well as cherry trees from Japan.

No matter the time of year, you can enjoy hikes and walks through Green Mountain's 72-acre park and enjoy its nature trail. On the trail, you'll see the historic Cambron bridge, a covered bridge perfect for turtle spotting, or skip along School Trail to find the historical outdoor classroom and the Green's family log cabin. Sit and enjoy the serenity of Sky Lake, meditate in the quiet of the old chapel, or go on a hunt to see if you can spy the state's largest (and oldest) winged elm tree or one of the few waterfalls.

Venture just a little farther, though, and you'll stumble upon even more greenery. For example, Ditto Landing is located on the edge of the Tennessee River. Surrounded by forested hills, you can go fishing and boating on the glassy waters or camping on its dedicated grounds. For even more nature excursions, head on over to Monte Sano State Park for hiking and biking trails that will take you through the park's 2,140 acres and up hills that offer stunning views. Find cabins and camping areas for overnight stays, picnic areas, a playground, a Japanese garden, a disc golf course, and more. But Huntsville isn't the only city in the state with natural beauty — Alabama's prettiest town is a shaded riverfront gem with fresh Gulf seafood.