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Family Fun in the Tennessee ValleyBy 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. 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 |