Exploring North Alabama Exploring North Alabama - Huntsville ...

Lots to See & Doin Huntsville/Madison CountyTourism is on the rise, the lodging tax is up—proof morepeople are coming into the region. New hotels, restaurants,golf courses and entertainment venues are beingbuilt. “We like to say you can see about twenty destinationson one tank of gasoline. We’re a short drive from everywhere,”said Dana Lee Tatum, chief executive for the North AlabamaTourism Association. Judy Ryals, president and CEO of theHuntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau(CVB), noted the economic impact of the local tourism industryis in excess of $500 million.The location of Huntsville/Madison County, just off ofInterstate 65/565, means the area has long made a good stopfor road weary travelers, but increasing numbers of out-oftownersare stopping for specific events and attractions. TheHuntsville/Madison County CVB provides one-stop shoppingfor tour, meeting and convention planners. “One of the mostexciting changes for the CVB this year was the new 2,400square foot visitor center, complete with exhibits, displays,colorful banners and a friendly staff to greet visitors seven daysa week. The goal was to have visibility, accessibility and designatedparking – this new facility meets our needs.” The newvisitor center is immediately accessible to I-565 and downtownHuntsville. The CVB also provides an on-line resource forthings to do, places to see and information on how theHuntsville/ Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureaucan facilitate group and individual itineraries, atwww.huntsville.org.Many of the area’s cultural attractions are primarily supportedby local residents, with special events providing some draw for awider geographic area. The Arts Council (TAC) produces,promotes, coordinates and advances the arts to enrich the qualityof life, economic development and education of the greaterHuntsville/Madison County community. Core programs includeproviding resources and support to arts educators, and workingto strengthen K-12 education through the arts; Concerts in thePark, a series of free summer concerts in Big Spring Park coproducedwith the City of Huntsville; facilitating the work ofmember arts organizations through grants, technical assistanceworkshops, networking and information sharing; and Panoply,an annual three-day outdoor festival in downtown Huntsville’sBig Spring Park featuring performances, exhibits, arts demonstrationsand hands-on activities the last full weekend of April.More information on TAC, its member organizations andcommunity calendar can be found at www.artshuntsville.org.If you’re in the mood for something to do, peruse theadjacent, partial listing of activities in Huntsville/MadisonCounty. Additional information may be found atwww.huntsville.org, www.northalabama.org and/orwww.artshuntsville.org.C A L E N D A ROctober 1-31Spooktacular Science at Sci-Quest(Huntsville) 102-D Wynn Dr., just off I-565 A monthlongcelebration of science with a Halloween twist.Programs for children of all ages and a “spooktacular”Halloween party at the end of the month.The Great Mountain Fest(Huntsville) Burritt on the Mountain – Month-long celebrationfeaturing different themed events each week,including County Fair Week, Harvest Week, IndianHeritage Week, and The Great Pumpkin Patch Week.October 224th Annual Madison Street Festival(Madison) Event starts with a parade of local organizations,schools and civic leaders and concludes with astreet dance. There is also entertainment on four differentstages, food, a children’s area, and demonstrationsand crafts booths.6th Annual Hispanic Community Festival(Huntsville) Sponsored by the Alabama HispanicAssociation, featuring artists and music from variousHispanic countries, hand-crafts and food will be available.Kids activities include face painting, clown, piñatabreaking and other games.Harvest Herb Fair(Huntsville) The Huntsville Herb Society shares the harvestfrom their herb beds and from the “world’s largestpepper garden.” You will find herbal products for yourkitchen, bath, home, garden, and pets; and there willbe herbal demonstrations all day. It’s a great place tostock your pantry and start your holiday gift shopping.There is plenty of parking and admission is free.November 7 - January 23Fashion in Film(Huntsville) Huntsville Museum of Art – The eleganceof Hollywood comes to the museum this fall with theexhibition Fashion in Film: Period Costumes for theScreen. Movie lovers won’t want to miss this opportunityto see 35 costumes from recent major motionpictures including Titanic, Evita, Out of Africa, Pride andPrejudice, and Gosford Park. Dates subject to change,call before scheduling.calendar continued on page 23Initiatives October 200421