Welcome Back to Huntsville: Summer 2021 in Our Historic Alabama Community
Featuring: Kristen Pepper
Marketing Director , Huntsville/Madison CVB
Huntsville, AL is ready to welcome guests for Summer 2021, with a dose of Southern hospitality and exciting new experiences.
Kristen Pepper, Marketing Director at the Huntsville/Madison CVB, recently sat down to speak with Rediscover America. Ms. Pepper was happy to share what new features visitors to the region will have to look forward to this summer and beyond.
What is a returning or perennial favorite to the Huntsville region?
Space Camp! It was one of the first things to be put on hold when the pandemic hit. It’s the lifeblood of our community, and how so many people get exposed to the region. More people recognize Space Camp name than they do Huntsville. We're just so glad to have that back. For so many kids and families, Space Camp is such a bucket list activity. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and it was hard to see that put on hold for all the kids and families.
Huntsville not only has Space Camp, for all of the lucky kids out there, but it has the US US Space & Rocket Center. It's an out-of-this-world attraction nestled among Southern history, hospitality, an historical marker tour, and so much more.
Where you can sip and savor Southern hospitality?
Sit, sip, savor a glass of curated wines.
One of the things I’m most excited about is the Church Street Wine Shop on Bates in an historic home in the Twickenham Historic District. It’s a picturesque part of downtown. This is the first business to open in one of these classic, historic homes. I’m excited to get a glass of wine, and a great bite to eat. All while relaxing on a traditional, Southern front porch.
"That's something people really love about Huntsville: we have a great mix of old and new. Certainly, we have a focus on STEM, science and technology. But there's that great Southern charm you find on welcoming porches." Kristen Pepper, Huntsville/Madison CVB, Porch and Wine Enthusiast.
Let's talk lodging! Did you see any new hotels spring up despite the pandemic?
106 Jefferson, Curio by Hilton
Yes, we did! Actually, we are getting our first boutique hotel downtown in July. It's a Curio property by Hilton called 106 Jefferson. This is opening in the heart of the city. It's a great venue if you wish to be in the center of it all as it’s within walking distance to the Von Braun center, downtown shops, restaurants, and everything guests here will want to do. We're excited at the Huntsville/Madison CVB because it's less than half-a-mile from our center.
We hear buzz that you have something big, special, and impactful coming to town?
An International Venue Comes to Huntsville: Spring 2022
Oh, you must mean the Huntsville Amphitheater! There has been such an international buzz around that. Ut's going to be unlike anything else that’s out there. This is a new venture with Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons. They are headquartered out of London, but they have a presence in Huntsville as well. Growing our music community is something that's been a huge focus of ours for some time. There has been a lot of groundwork laid for this. The Amphitheater will start doing shows next spring!
“More than an amphitheater, this facility will help us grow our music and culture economy." Tommy Battle, Mayor of Huntsville.
I hear you've got some very athletic raccoons in the area. Can you tell us more?
Yes, so much fun. The Rocket City Trash Pandas are our new baseball team. We were supposed to have the inaugural season last year, but weren’t able to. They finally got to throw their first this spring! The region is really excited the Trash Pandas, and I love seeing the enthusiasm around that. Best of all they have a really good concession lineup. Forget the actual sport! I’m here for the hot dogs and beer.
