Explore North Huntsville
Anchored by the Lincoln Mill neighborhood, Alabama A&M University, and Drake State University, North Huntsville is rapidly growing and evolving into a destination for travelers, sports enthusiasts, foodies, and music lovers. One of its most celebrated locally-owned businesses, Salt Smokehouse, known for its unique twist on barbecue, was recently added to the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. Holtz Leather, known for its artisan-made leather goods, and Preservation Co., known for their refurbished doors, mantels, and rare architectural pieces, bookend another local treasure, L'Etoille Patisserie, a French-style bakery and coffee shop owned and operated by a military veteran turned French pastry chef. As the sun sets over North Huntsville, you may hear melodic sounds emanating from the Tip Top Cafe, a recently revived rock 'n roll dive bar with roots in some of the most recognizable names in music from the 80s and 90s hosting acts ranging from Cheap Trick and Bo Diddley to the Goo Goo Dolls and Widespread Panic. During spring, summer, and fall, the farmers' markets in North Huntsville offer plants, locally grown vegetables, and fruits.
In the fall, Alabama A&M University, founded in 1875, hosts football games and its annual homecoming parade. Alabama A&M’s Homecoming is the university’s largest and most attended event, held over a week in early October, and it extends beyond campus into a major citywide celebration that draws thousands of visitors. AAMU’s “Marching Maroon & White” (Showband of the South) is nationally known and a huge attraction. The winter, spring, and summer months are a-buzz with basketball, baseball, softball, and other seasonal sports, many of which are hosted by the new 6,000-person capacity Alabama A&M Event Center.
Founders’ Week and honors events at Alabama A&M University are more formal, history-focused gatherings that often include public ceremonies, lectures, and tributes to the school’s founder, offering a meaningful way for community members to engage with the university’s legacy. Throughout the year, the campus also hosts concerts, festivals, guest speakers, and service events that are typically open to the public and vary in size and theme.
