One of Alabama’s fastest growing cities is Huntsville. As a matter of fact, it’s projected that the “Rocket City” could soon be the largest city in the state. There’s something about this great city that attracts new residents and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a place in Alabama that’s a hidden gem, it doesn’t get much better than Huntsville! Here are 11 reasons why Huntsville, Alabama is one of the best spots in the Cotton State.

1. Did you know Huntsville, Alabama isn't only the "Rocket City?" It's also "America's Space Capital." High praise, indeed!
wikipedia/Ke4roh
The very first rocket to put humans on the moon, Saturn V, was designed and built in Huntsville, Alabama.
2. This may be one of the best little-known places in Alabama, and it's got such a diverse restaurant scene. You can find tons of great international foods here. Mexican, French, Thai: whatever you want, we've got it in Huntsville!
yelp/Suwit P.
3. Huntsville is home to one of the state's most picturesque botanical gardens.
facebook/Huntsville Botanical Garden - Official page
This beautiful garden also features the state's largest seasonal butterfly house. It's actually the largest open-air butterfly house in the nation!
4. Huntsville has a thriving creative community. It's home to Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, America's largest independent center for the arts.
facebook/Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment
Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment is located in a huge historic textile mill. It's a rising home for musicians and art and contributes so much to Huntsville's culture. This is a space where artists and musicians can create, learn, and collaborate with one another.
5. We've got numerous local farmers markets. There's no shortage of fresh local produce in Huntsville, Alabama!
facebook/The Greene Street Market at Nativity
Don't forget to support your local farmers!

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6. We've got some great festivals here! Huntsville Arts puts on a number of fantastic local arts and music festivals that attract national artists.
Arts Huntsville/Facebook
Festivals occur throughout the year. Whether you're into music, art, or local crafts, you can find something to satisfy your needs in Huntsville.
7. Huntsville is a true nature lover's paradise. We have some of the prettiest scenery in the state.
Alabama State Parks
The city is filled with parks and vibrant flora and fauna. There are tons of great outdoor activities here.
8. The Rocket City knows how to brew the perfect cup of Joe.
facebook/Angel's Island Coffee
9. Plus, there's no messing around when it comes to pizza.
facebook/Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza
New York City and Chicago may get all the fame, but we have some phenomenal pizza joints here.
10. Because Huntsville is such a friendly place, you're likely to make friends wherever you go.
TripAdvisor/cheryl h
And sometimes you don't even have to leave your car.
11. From sunrise to sunset, the city of Huntsville is truly one of the hidden gems in Alabama.
flickr/Thermodynamix
Then again, was there any doubt?

Have you visited Huntsville, Alabama? Share your experiences in the comments!

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More to Explore

Little-Known Places In Alabama

Lisa Sammons | September 14, 2021

What's a restaurant in Alabama that's a hidden gem?

We have some excellent hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Alabama! They may not look like much, but they are absolutely delightful. Taqueria El Cazador was actually once operated out of a school bus, but now it's got a brick-and-mortar restaurant that's one of the best in Alabama.

What are some good spots in Alabama to avoid crowds?

Looking for somewhere that's a little more of a hidden gem in Alabama? Weathington Park is a 13-acre preserve located near Scottsboro that isn't quite as popular as some of the other parks in Alabama. If you want somewhere to get away from it all, we've got plenty of beautiful parks with places to spread out! Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is over 1,000 acres and has so much natural beauty. Beaches, parks, mountains, canyons: we've got a ton of places to go even if you don't like crowds!

What are some great trails in Alabama?

The Cotton State is filled with beautiful hiking trails. River trails, mountain trails, waterfall trails, loops around ponds: there are so many gorgeous places to get out and enjoy nature in Alabama. We've got a handy list of nine trails for you that we consider some of the very best. Looking for some really simple ones? We've also collected seven hikes that are fairly low-key but all have amazing payoffs. You don't have to be a triathlete to enjoy hiking in Alabama!

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