A New Spin on Downtown Huntsville

Explore Downtown Huntsville on Two Wheels

by Kathryn Rickmeyer

Explore Downtown Huntsville on one of the 40 Zagster bikes that are available at 8 stations located around Downtown Huntsville and surrounding areas. The bikes cost $3 per hour or up to $24 per ride. To use the program, download the Zagster app and join the Huntsville bike share.

Day One

4:00 p.m. - Greene Street Market (208 Eustis Ave.)

Pedal to the euphoric land of hemp milk and honey. Greene Street Market is a cornucopia of organic bliss. You can find everything from fresh, free-range chicken eggs, grass-fed beef and pork, artisan cheese, to locally grown fruits, herbs, vegetables, and flowers at the open-air market. The outdoor market (located at the corner of Greene Street and Eustis Avenue) is open on Thursdays from May through October. The hours are 4 pm - 8 pm from May - August, 4 pm - 7 pm in September, and 3 pm - 6 pm in October.

5:00 p.m. - Big Oh's (121 North Side Square)

Big Oh’s will exceed any fastidious foodie’s expectations. Get a taste of Korean cuisine on the North Side Square.

(4 minutes, 0.2 mi)

7:00 p.m. SiP Cigar Bar and Lounge (111 Greene St.)

SiP Cigar Bar and Lounge is sanctuary for sophisticated spirits. SiP features a variety of over 300 cigars, 250 fine spirits, and a distinguished menu of beer and wine. Insider Tip: Iron’s One Whiskey, a locally distilled whiskey, is a hometown favorite.

Day Two

9:30 a.m. Hindsight Coffee (location downtown varies)

“Live life to the fullest cup” and join the caffeinated cult by tracking the Hindsight Coffee truck downtown.

10:15 a.m. Clinton Row (Clinton Ave E)

Coming in haute on Clinton Row is a bounty of boutique businesses. Experience the Clinton Row Project’s “Eat, Shop, Play” environment.

For those who require a little retail therapy, “suit up” like Barney Stinson at Roosevelt and Company: Gentlemen’s Supply Co, take a trip down memory lane at U.G. White Mercantile, or step up your fashion game at Elitarie, Meraki, or Awe boutiques.

12:30 p.m. Downtown Restaurants (103 Washington Street Northeast)

When you start to get “hangry”, grab some casual grub at Humphrey’s Bar and Grill or an upscale lunch at The Bottle.

Insider Tip: The shrimp and grits is a must order for any Cajun connoisseur.

1:45 p.m. Frio's Gourmet Pops (114 Clinton Ave E)

Finish up with a frozen treat from Frio’s Gourmet Pops and pedal with your pop over to Leadership Huntsville Madison County’s Pocket Park located at the end of the alley behind U.G. White Mercantile and Pints and Pixels. The posh verdure welcomes both young and furry friends.

2:45 p.m. Big Spring International Park (420 Church St NW)

Something’s fishy! Ride over to Big Spring Park to feed the fish and take a photo on the iconic red Japanese bridge (the friendship bridge). Insider Tip: On your way to the park ride by the AL.com building to see the koi fish mural.

4:45 p.m. Pints & Pixels (113 Clinton Ave E)

While Pokémon Go fans can battle it out at various Downtown Huntsville landmarks, you can kick it old school at Pints & Pixels, where visitors can play 50+ arcade games and indulge in the brews, beans, and burgers of Anaheim Chili.

Day Three

9:00 a.m. A.M. Booth's Lumberyard (108 Cleveland Ave NW)

Brunch is always a good idea. Grab an early brunch at the (100 year-old) A.M. Booth's Lumberyard and listen to live local bands.

10:00 a.m. Alabama Constitution Village (109 Gates Ave SE)

Step inside the white picket fence and transport back to 1819 at Alabama Constitution Village where 44 delegates of the constitutional convention gathered in an empty cabinet shop, to organize Alabama as the 22nd state.

12:00 p.m. Cotton Row (100 Southside Square)

Cotton Row Restaurant is nestled in the three-story brick building that was built in 1821 along the cotton exchange. Renowned chef James Boyce gives guests a taste of true southern hospitality, serving charming, elegant American cuisine.

2:00 p.m. Historic Huntsville Depot (320 Church St NW)

After all that feasting, comes a little cardio. Ride down to the historic Huntsville Depot and Museum to hear the rattle of the tracks and the engineer’s whistle and experience life on the rails in 1860.

5:30 p.m. Homegrown Huntsville's Beer Hop (start location varies)

Calling all craft beer connoisseurs! Beer Hop combines taps and a trolley ride to three local craft breweries each month. Straight to Ale, Mad Malts, Liquor Express, Salty Nut, and Green Bus are just a few that have been featured on past tours.

Day Four

11:00 a.m. Humphrey's Bar and Grill (103 Washington Street Northeast)

It’s time for dollar mimosas! Become a true locavore and follow the sound up the alley on Clinton Ave to experience Humphrey’s Bar and Grill’s Brunch and Blues every Sunday from 11:00-2:00 p.m. Brunch and Blues features live, local, blues music and a tasty brunch menu on their pet friendly patio.

1:00 p.m. Railroad Station Antiques (315 Jefferson St N)

Railroad Station Antiques is a 3-story time machine. Housed in the historic Lombardo Building (originally a dry goods grocery store for the railroad) 60+ dealers allow you to travel through time as you shop the clusters of collectives. Fun Fact: It houses the oldest working freight elevator in the state of Alabama.

4:00 p.m. Huntsville Escape Rooms (604 Madison St SE)

You can’t escape the fun at Huntsville Escape Rooms. See if you have what it takes to escape! There is only one way out - find clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes before your time runs out. Only one thing is for certain, you'll have fun trying.

The one-way streets of Downtown Huntsville offer something for everyone. It’s just a matter of putting the pedal to the pavement to experience

Potpourri

Don't forget to stop by the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center! The newly installed bike rack makes it easier than ever for cyclists to stop by.