We’re excited to report that the Crush Wine & Food Festival is BACK in Huntsville this season, taking place on Saturday, September 24! As we make our plans to attend, we’re reminded of what a fantastic weekend destination Huntsville is. Only an hour and a half from Birmingham, two hours from Nashville, and about three and a half hours from both Memphis and Atlanta, it’s easily accessible on a whim. And, even with its status as one of the fastest-growing cities in the South, Huntsville has maintained much of its quiet small-town charm, making it ideal for girls’ trips and couples’ weekends.
The beautiful Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville plays host to the Crush Wine & Food Festival this year. And while we know we’re barely scratching the surface of all the city has to offer, we’re sharing a few of our favorite spots in and around the downtown area that are sure to make for a memorable weekend getaway.
A local favorite event this time of year, the Crush Wine & Food Festival takes place on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville. Image: Crush Wine Festival
Where to Stay
There are several hotels convenient to downtown, but we recommend checking out 106 Jefferson, Huntsville’s first and only boutique hotel! The space features beautifully appointed guest rooms and common areas, along with a restaurant and rooftop bar. (Read more about our impression of 106 Jefferson here.)
Located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, 106 Jefferson is a short walk from Big Spring Park, plus plenty of great dining options. Image: 106 Jefferson
Where to Caffeinate
Whether you’re fueling up before the festival or in recovery mode the following day, coffee is a must. If you’re a coffee devotee, you may want to check out additional stops along the Downtown Huntsville Craft Coffee Trail, but a couple of our hands-down favorites around town are Gold Sprint Coffee and Honest Coffee Roasters.
Situated on 9th Avenue SW, Gold Sprint Coffee gets our vote for a few reasons. Their spacious shop laced with greenery, eclectic decor, and plenty of seating make for a cozy coffee run. The menu of espresso, coffee, and tea offers all of the traditional items you’d expect to see, plus a few clever flavor combinations and products you may not have seen before. And beyond that, Gold Sprint is about a three-minute walk from Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, a repurposed factory that now serves as the country’s largest privately owned arts facility. If you’re so inclined, take your coffee to go and enjoy it as you browse the work of local artists!
Gold Sprint Coffee is located right around the corner from Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. Take your coffee to go and check out some local artists! Image: Facebook / White Rabbit Studios
Honest Coffee Roasters, located downtown on Clinton Avenue, offers a light, bright, friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. For the thirsty crowd, their menu includes a creative menu of ethically-sourced coffee and teas and even rotating cocktail options. If you’re hungry, they’ve got you covered with a variety of food options to fuel your day.
Honest Coffee Roasters offers a creative menu of ethically-sourced coffee and tea, including seasonal offerings like the ‘Basic Witch’ — their take on a pumpkin spice latte. Image: Facebook
Where to Eat
If you can snag a dinner reservation at Domaine South, you’re in for a carefully curated wine selection, cheese and charcuterie boards, and entrees featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant overlooks Big Spring Park, so it’s an easy hop from the festival! They also have bar seating available, if reservations are hard to come by. Another tried-and-true dinner option is Commerce Kitchen, which is open for both brunch and dinner on the weekends.
At Domaine South, you can build your own ultimate grazing board from a selection of cheese, charcuterie, fruit, and prepared items like these beautiful deviled eggs. Image: Facebook
For a more casual dining experience downtown, opt for local favorite Big Oh’s for hearty, delicious Korean food or Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint (ideal after an afternoon of indulging in fabulous wines).
Where to Drink
If you’re still up for a drink or two outside of festival hours, Huntsville offers a host of craft breweries and cocktail bars to choose from. If you’re only in town for a weekend, be sure to stop by and try a few local brews at Yellowhammer Brewing and Straight to Ale, conveniently located side-by-side so you can check out both.
Or, if cocktails are more your speed, Stella’s Elixir Lounge and Baker & Able (located at 106 Jefferson) each offer great cocktails and great views of downtown Huntsville from their rooftop lounges.
Where to Shop
Located on the same downtown block, Elitaire Boutique and In Bloom are loved by locals for a quick (or not-so-quick) retail therapy session. At Elitaire Boutique, you’ll find women’s clothing and accessories, home goods, and plenty of items for baby. In Bloom, on the other hand, is a floral design studio with a large retail shop stocked with a selection of home decor and gifts.
Elitaire Boutique offers up stunning home goods, clothing, and accessories. Image: Facebook
If you’re up for a hike …
If you’re interested in venturing out of downtown to take in some scenery before you head home, visit Monte Sano State Park and enjoy the gorgeous views, plus 20 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles of biking trails. (There is a $5 daily park usage fee for adults; $2 for children and seniors.)
Before you head home, take in beautiful views of Huntsville and the surrounding area from Monte Sano State Park. Image: Megan Zingarelli
If you still don’t have your ticket for the Crush Food & Wine Festival — use promo code “Travel” for $10 off your ticket. This brings your general admission pass from $60 down to just $50! (VIP options are also available.)
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