Intentions, goals, hopes - whatever you call them, we all, to some degree, can’t help but go into the new year without some idea of the ways in which we want to approach the new year in a fresh way. Even if your resolution is to have no resolutions, it’s still a good idea to start thinking about what you’d like the next year to include. So whether you’re a local or (hint hint) planning a vacation to Huntsville in 2025, we’ve got ideas for ways you can cross off a few resolutions in the Rocket City.
1. See the Stars
Explore the bigger questions of what's out there and be transported to distant nebulas and galaxies during a show at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Intuitive Planetarium. You can even make it a fun date night activity at one of the many "Cocktails & Cosmos" events held throughout the year. Sip a cosmic-themed cocktail as you gaze at the stars.
2. Experience Live Music
It's the perfect time to check and see if any of your favorite bands and musicians will perform in Huntsville this year. With so many venues to rock out, like The Orion Amphitheater, Mars Music Hall, Propst Arena, The Camp, and more, there is no doubt something for everyone coming to the stage in 2025. Music lovers should plan to spend time in Huntsville during September when we will celebrate Huntsville Music Month, host the second annual South Star Music Festival, and highlight a huge list of local artists at stages around the city.
3. Learn a Craft
If you've decided to cut back on the doom-scrolling, keep your hands busy at one of the many area arts and crafts classes. Try your hand at pottery, basket-making, or even stained glass at Burritt on The Mountain's "Burritt Folk School". If quilting, sewing, and embroidery are more your speed, check out the classes offered by Patches & Stitches in Five Points. Rafael's Table offers cooking classes, and many of the studios at Lowe Mill offer classes throughout the year.
4. Support the Arts
For those less artistically inclined, consider using 2025 to support the Huntsville arts community. Arts Huntsville's annual art fairs and markets, like Panoply in April and the Monte Sano Arts Festival in September, offer great opportunities to purchase arts and crafts from local makers and creators. Additionally, places like Fantasy Playhouse, Theatre Huntsville, and The Broadway Theatre League produce and perform new and existing plays and musicals on local stages.
5. Try A New Hobby
Whatever your curiosity may be - board games, kayak bass fishing, birding, curling - whatever it is, Huntsville likely has a place to find your tribe this year. Ever been curious how to build a cigar box guitar? Did you even know that such a thing exists? Well, they do, and the history behind them is quite fascinating. The history of cigar box guitars is another thing you will learn while you learn to make your own and learn how to play it at The Cigar Box Guitar Store at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. Curling lessons can be taken through the Rocket City Curling Club at Huntsville Ice Sports Center. Plan your next campaign at Lucky Dice Cafe, or connect with fellow Magic The Gathering lovers at The Deep.
6. Sweat Out 2024
Rather than hit play on a workout video in your living room, why not take your 2025 fitness goals out of the house and try something new to get the heart pumping? 2025 has been declared the Year of Trails by Alabama Tourism, so strap on those hiking boots and hit some of Huntsville's best trails. Find recommendations and ratings based on experience level at the Land Trust of North Alabama. With several climbing gyms, this could be the year to climb to new heights and learn how to repel properly. Make your movement a community activity by joining one of the many fitness classes and studios offering everything from hot yoga, barre, aerial yoga, pilates, and spin classes. And if running a marathon has always been on your bucket list, consider starting to train for the Rocket City Marathon next fall/winter. It will be here before you know it!
7. Hit the Trails
We mentioned it was the "Year of Trails," but did you know that we have other kinds of trails here in Huntsville? Get a trail card at the downtown Visitors Center and use 2025 to conquer the Cocktail, Coffee, and Craft Brewery trails. You'll want to pace yourself, so starting at the beginning of the year is the best time to start ticking off some of Huntsvilles best drink spots. And when the weather turns a little warmer, and the kiddos are home on break, take them downtown to do the Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt. Return to the Visitor Center with a completed scavenger sheet, and you'll get a prize!
8. Go Book-Clubbing
Maybe you're a little curious about what this "Book-tok" world is all about and would like to spend more time reading this year; why not grab a few like-minded friends (or acquaintances!) and form a monthly or quarterly book club? The best part about starting your own is you get to decide what the theme is! Whether it's a cookbook club, books that have a female main character, written by a BIPOC author, or have been made into a movie or television series, the folks at Snail on the Wall bookstore in Five Points can help you discover what's new and hot in books of all genres.
Ultimately, it's never too early to put Huntsville on your 2025 travel itinerary. We are a quick drive from many cities in the Southeast and a hop, skip, and a jump from places like Birmingham, Nashville, and Atlanta—why not explore all that Huntsville has to offer and let us help you tick off your goal list one by one?
