Where: Huntsville, Alabama
When: year-round
If you like: history
Why you should go: In the 1950s, Huntsville became a hub for U.S. rocket production, including the one that shot the first satellite into orbit. That legacy continues today as the city lays the groundwork for the future headquarters of the U.S. Space Command, and as NASA prepares to launch Artemis II later this year using technology developed at Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
When in Rocket City, a trip to the world’s largest space museum, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), is a must. “Even if you’re not normally interested in space, the Rocket Center can surprise you,” says the museum’s curator, Ed Stewart. “We don’t just talk about the rockets and stars. We also talk about the people that worked so hard to accomplish great things, we look at how space exploration and popular culture have influenced each other in unexpected ways, and we use innovative and accessible ways to present our subject matter to our guests.” Journey into the cosmos through virtual reality simulators and a high-tech planetarium, and view rare artifacts, like the five rockets on display in the recently renovated Rocket Park.
When you’re done, stop by the Huntsville Botanical Garden next door, which recently debuted a massive new troll sculpture and “earth garden” from noted Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Then shop, eat, and play lawn games at Stovehouse, a family-friendly complex in a former stove factory in West Huntsville. “One of Huntsville’s best features, in my mind, is the food scene,” Stewart says. “We have so many food cultures represented, spanning the range from food trucks to fine dining.”
G&G tip: If you’re staying the night in Huntsville, out-of-town visitors to the USSRC are eligible for discounts on area hotels. Check out rocketcenter.com/travel for more details.
