|
 TM
Family Fun in the Tennessee Valley
By Becky J. Beall
The north Alabama area, known to most as the Tennessee
Valley, has some fun and exciting alternatives to beaches and theme parks
for family vacation ideas on the inexpensive side. From the US Space &
Rocket Center to Lake Guntersville and Point Mallard Park to Ave Maria
Grotto --- there is an abundance of incredible, educational opportunities
all awaiting your arrival!
The US Space & Rocket Center
Located in Huntsville, Alabama, the US Space & Rocket
Center offers fun and educational entertainment for the whole family.
Hands-on interactive exhibits and demonstrations allow children (and adults)
to experience more than a museum-type atmosphere. Take a thrill ride on
Space Shot or watch future astronauts in Space Camp Training Center. And
don’t forget the IMAX space dome theatre – a treat within itself!
For more information about the US Space & Rocket
Center, call 256-837-3400. Driving directions: Direct Interstate access from
I-65 and I-565 in Huntsville – exit 15 off I-565.
 Where
to eat in Huntsville.
All across the city you will find some of America’s
famous chains such as O’Charley’s (where kids eat free with an adult entrée
purchase), Applebee’s, Chili’s, in addition to some of the south’s best
barbeque (Whitt’s or Bob Gibson’s) and some local favorites. Rosie’s is a
locally renowned Italian restaurant with three locations across Huntsville
and for the short drive to Madison (only 15 minutes or so) there is a gem of
a restaurant in Main Street Café, located on (you guessed it) Main Street.
It offers a taste of southern fine dining in a unique and charming
atmosphere among the city’s historic district.
Where to stay.
In sticking with a budget, Hampton Inn’s are always
nice, comfortable and affordable (and a free breakfast helps the
pocketbook). Also, GuestHouse Suites is a good place for families and
children. Located just off University (a main drag in Huntsville), it’s not
only convenient but a penthouse suite starts at $89 on the weekends – a
bargain for a family and includes free breakfast.
Point Mallard Park
 Decatur, Alabama is home to America’s first wave pool
at Point Mallard Park. This unique family fun center features a recently
renovated 18-hole golf course (and driving range), a 25-acre wooded
campground, a Waterpark, an indoor ice skating rink, tennis courts, batting
cages and hiking/biking/jogging trails. The Spirit of America Festival is an
annual event held on July 3-4 concluding with festive fireworks. This is a
great family event to put on your summer calendar. For more information,
please call 256-341-4900. Driving directions: I-65 Decatur Exit 334.
Where to eat in Decatur.
Fire Mountain is a great buffet style restaurant
located on Beltline Road (a main thoroughfare in the city). Also, my
family’s favorite, Steak and Shake, located on Spring Ave. SW, just off
Beltline Road. Steak and Shake has a fun soda-shop flair that kids love and
parents reminisce about. It’s great for the whole gang!
Where to stay.
The chains are your best bet here… Hampton Inn,
Courtyard by Marriott, Home-Towne Suites.
Ave Maria Grotto
 “Jerusalem in Miniature” is the translation for the Ave
Maria Grotto located at 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE, Cullman, Alabama. This
four-acre park with its magnificent landscaping provides a natural setting
for the 125 miniature reproductions of famous historic buildings and shrines
of the world. What once was mere stone and concrete now are works of art ---
masterpieces to say the least! A hobby defined by patience allowed Brother
Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey to re-create some of
the greatest edifices of all time. Visit replicas of Biblical landmarks and
buildings such as Jerusalem and the Holy Land. There is a gift shop to
browse and trails to trek. For more information, please call 256-734-4110.
Where to eat in Cullman.
All-Steak is the place where locals and visitors will
tell you to go – it’s downtown (2nd Ave) and anyone can give you directions.
Locally owned and operated, you’ll fall in love with the sassy southern
flavor of steaks and seafood, not to mention their famous orange rolls.
Where to stay.
Holiday Inn Express on Hays Drive is nice and comfy,
not too pricey for families or there is the ever-popular Hampton Inn on the
main exit (Hwy 157)
Lake Guntersville
  When
natural beauty, curves of shoreline and sparkling waters meet --- you know
you’re at Lake Guntersville, Alabama’s largest lake. With all the charm of a
small, southern town, Guntersville offers a great family trip in the
Tennessee Valley. Functional and versatile resort areas along with
breathtaking waters are the backdrop for some of the finest fishing in the
 south. Other popular water sports are swimming, boating and skiing. Lake
Guntersville State Park offers an 18-hole golf course, a 322-site campground
and other amenities. For a peaceful day of sun and fun … visit beautiful
Lake Guntersville. For more information, please call 256-582-3612.
Where to eat in Guntersville.
Top O’ The River is a great dining experience in this
area of Alabama – awesome seafood.
Where to stay.
Conventionally, there is a Holiday Inn on Gunter Avenue
and a Hampton Inn on US Hwy 431 S. However, if you want to add a new
dimension to your vacation, stay at an award-winning Lake Guntersville Bed
and Breakfast with extremely reasonable rates of $69 to $119 per night/per
room. Check them out on the internet.
Don’t think a vacation is out of your budget this
summer --- try one of these low-cost Tennessee Valley ideas and see how fast
your family gets hooked on north Alabama’s fun spots.
Photos courtesy of: USSRC, Ave Maria Grotto, Point
Mallard Park and Lake Guntersville
Sources:
All Steak Restaurant
256-734-4322
Ave Maria Grotto
www.avemariagrotto.com
Courtyard by Marriott
www.marriott.com
GuestHouse Suites Plus
256-837-8907
Hampton Inn
www.hamptoninn.com
Holiday Inn Express
www.holiday-inn.com
Home-Towne Suites
www.htshotel.com
Lake Guntersville
www.lakeguntersville.org
Lake Guntersille Bed & Breakfast
www.bbonline.com/al/lakeguntersville/
256-505-0133
Main Street Café
101 Main Street
Madison, Alabama
256-461-8096
Lunch: Monday – Saturday 11am to 2pm
Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday 5pm to 9pm
Point Mallard Park
www.pointmallardpark.com
US Space and Rocket Center
www.spacecamp.com
Becky Beall is the editor of Tennessee Valley Christian
Family™magazine and a freelance travel writer. She lives in Pelham, Alabama
with her husband and four children.
Back to
TravelLady Magazine |