Downtown Huntsville Huntsville, AL

From its incorporation in 1811, the cotton industry anchored the Huntsville economy. The downtown area quickly grew into a major cotton-trading capital. Although the cotton trade faded out, its influences remain today, as several downtown buildings have names or styles that reflect this important era in the city's history. Not to be missed, the Old Town and Twickenham historic districts proudly feature an impressive collection of preserved and restored homes from the 1800s and early 1900s.

Downtown Huntsville has no shortage of cultural attractions and events. The Huntsville Museum of Art highlights visual art from regional and national artists, while the open-air Constitution Village museum takes visitors back in time. Be sure to catch a performance at the all-purpose Von Braun Center, home to the Huntsville Symphony and Huntsville Ballet Company. Annual downtown events include Whistlestop Weekend, a lively blues and barbecue celebration, and the Huntsville Christmas Parade through the downtown streets.

The dining scene in downtown Huntsville ranges from casual barbecue joints to upscale eateries, with just about every type of cuisine represented. In the Central Square District, contemporary, elegant restaurants serve up classic American fare with an emphasis on Southern classics. At Cotton Row, most of the menu changes with the season, but favorites like the braised Black Angus beef short ribs and fried green tomatoes have permanent spots on the menu. Cotton Row caters to a high-end clientele, so make sure you dress to impress. Head to Little Paul's Barbecue, a more casual spot on the southern edge of downtown, for slow-smoked baby back ribs, juicy and tender smoked chicken and the popular barbecue stuffed potato. Greek restaurant Papou's and Italian restaurant Pane e Vino add an international presence to downtown's food scene. When you're just looking for a quick bite, stop by the chic Cozy Cow for sandwiches and milkshakes. You can also grab a cup of coffee at Kaffeeklatsch, known for roasting its coffee beans in-house. When it comes to nightlife in the downtown area, there's something for everyone, from hole-in-the-wall bars to dance clubs. The Voodoo Lounge's location in the basement of Papou's restaurant makes it a little hard to find, but this hidden gem is worth searching for. The always-packed bar serves up cheap drinks and live music six nights a week. Just across the Central Square, Amendment 21 has a more sophisticated, speakeasy vibe. Try one of its signature hand-crafted cocktails, or participate in themed events, like swing dancing and comedy nights. Just want to dance? DJ's at Sammy T's Music Hall spin the latest hits, and the clubs even features live local and national bands on some nights. Dress snappy if you want to get in, as the club has a stringent dress code and a reputation for turning inappropriately dressed patrons away.

With restaurants, shops and local businesses lining most streets, it’s fairly easy and convenient to get around downtown Huntsville by foot. However, the Huntsville Shuttle has a weekly downtown route during the week and provides free rides to various downtown attractions on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Bicyclists can choose from three dedicated bike routes through the downtown area. On Thursday evenings, the Bike Night program allows anyone to borrow a bike for a few hours, free of charge.

Downtown is equally car-friendly, and drivers should find ample street parking and affordable garage parking on most days. Major highways border the downtown area as well, which make it easy to get there from anywhere in Huntsville or beyond. The Memorial Parkway travels north and south through Huntsville, while Interstate 565, which borders downtown’s north side, travels northwest and southwest.

Despite its city center location, downtown Huntsville has an impressive array of parks for outdoor recreation and leisure pursuits. Bicenntenial Park, although small, features a splash pad area to keep kids cool on hot summer days. Take your dog to the north end of downtown to run around freely in Dog Spot Park, which is the size of two football fields, or test your skateboarding skills at the adjacent skate park.

The shining star of parks, however, is Big Spring International Park, the largest park in the city. Cherry trees, rolling hills and a spring-fed lagoon enhance the beauty of this family-friendly park, which also includes a large playground, walking trails and pavilions. It's also the site of major annual festivals in Huntsville, like the Panoply Festival, an arts and music festival highlighting a variety of visual, performance and media artists. In the summer, the Concert in the Park series features local bands performing on the patio of the Huntsville Museum of Art, which sits conveniently right next to Big Spring Park.

The cost of living in downtown Huntsville, because you're close to everything, is significantly higher than in other areas of the city. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of downtown is about $790, compared to the city average of $594.

However, even with luxury condominiums and world-class attractions just steps away, the cost of living is still about 4.5 percent lower than the national average. It only costs $1 to ride the Huntsville Shuttle into downtown, and gas prices sit roughly 1.5 percent lower than the national average. Even a pint of hand-crafted, locally brewed beer will only cost you about $5 at most establishments.

While there's no major center of commerce, you'll find clusters of shops spread throughout downtown. Park Place Plaza, on the northern border of downtown, is home to The Toy Place, an independent toy store that also sells candy and quirky novelty items, making it the perfect place to shop for unique gifts. In the same shopping complex, you can gear up for your next bike ride at Bicycles Etc., which sells both casual and professional bikes and equipment. The Clinton Row Project shops sit in the heart of downtown, attracting customers looking for an upscale shopping experience. Shop for designer duds at POSH Couture, take home a masterpiece from Christina Wegman Fine Art or purchase locally-produced honey and chemical-free soaps at All-N-One Health & Convenience Store. A large Publix is available at Twickenham Square for everyday grocery needs. If you prefer the freshest produce possible, don't miss the Greene Street Market, a few blocks east of the Central Square. The open-air market opens weekly on Thursday evenings throughout the summer and early fall, but it also has an indoor location nearby that is open all year round.