Girls Getaway

What to do on a Girls’ Weekend in the Rocket City

By Katie Wright

Whether you’re celebrating, consoling, or just relaxing, every now and then a Girls’ Getaway is necessary. With Huntsville just a few hours’ drive from cities like Nashville and Atlanta, we are strategically placed for a great weekend trip away. I’m going to break down the perfect itinerary for three days in the Rocket City shopping, playing, and eating with your girlies. 

Day 1

Start your day at the Cozy Cow. Their breakfast sandwiches are delicious, but my favorite breakfast treat is a smoothie. Next, stroll around historic Big Spring International Park and Downtown Huntsville to help digest. Hint: History buffs will want to look out for informational plaques around town that tell about Huntsville’s past!

Next up is lunch at Pane e Vino, a casual pizzeria located at the Huntsville Museum of Art offering authentic Italian selections of wines, pastas, and more. After you’ve had your fill, head inside the museum for an afternoon of culture. There’s always an intriguing exhibition going on, but I also love the permanent Sellars Collection of Art by American Women.

My first dinner recommendation is 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern, which prides itself on using ingredients from local farms. I highly recommend the espresso brisket! After dinner, head over to Color Me Mine to create your own masterpiece. Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body (like me), you’ll have a blast!

Day 2

Day two starts with breakfast at Sunny Street Café, where the pancakes are as big as your plate! Next, head over to explore the Huntsville Botanical Garden. My favorite spot is the herb garden- see if you can find the Shakespeare section. Fun fact- the columns you see around the grounds are from the old Madison County Courthouse from the 1800s!

For a delicious and convenient lunch (plus an amazing glass of wine, if you wish!), head downtown to Domaine South. Just a short drive down the road is Lowe Mill. This converted textile mill has over 200 working artists and over 120 studios with an open door policy, so feel free to ask questions as you stroll through the exhibits and studios! Helpful hint- if you want a treat, check out Pizzelle’s Confections for some gorgeous (and scrumptious) chocolates.

What’s a girls’ weekend without wine? Make your way to Flight Plan for a tasting. The wine reps there are so helpful, especially for a wine novice like me! If you’re more of a beer lover, this next stop is for you. Old Black Bear Brewery is located in historic downtown Madison and brews some of Huntsville’s most loved beers. The food is amazing, and make sure to check out the patio if you’re visiting during nice weather!

Day 3

The perfect way to end your Girls’ Weekend is by visiting  for brunch at Humphrey's Bar & Grill. The courtyard is perfect for enjoying some live music along with your mimosa(s). Then make your way to the Bridge Street Town Centre. 

For a light lunch, my pick is Café 153. They have sandwiches and pastries, as well as some delicious coffee concoctions that are sure to hit the spot. Now for some shopping! Bridge Street has over 70 shops like Kate Spade, H&M, and Bath and Body Works.

After you’ve shopped up an appetite, grab some food at The Camp at MidCity. The only hard part is agreeing with your girlfriends on which delicious food truck to choose from. After dinner, catch a concert, improv show, or any of the other cool events that happen regularly at The Camp. Enjoy a local craft beer or cocktail and let loose with the locals. 

When life catches up with you and you need a girls weekend away, Huntsville has some amazing options for relaxation, retail therapy, and eating like queens. So grab a few girlfriends, pack up your “I ate too much” pants, and head down to the Rocket City for a weekend you’ll remember forever.

Bio:

Katie is a southerner, an explorer, and an old lady at heart. She grew up in the Huntsville area, and one of the high points of her life was attending Space Camp in 2015. When she’s not blogging, Katie enjoys baking, traveling, researching local history (like I said… old lady), and putting things in her online shopping cart and then never buying them.