Introducing the Downtown Huntsville Craft Cocktail Trail!

It might be April Fools Day, but there won't be any tricks in this edition of the Downtown Explorer. The Easter edition of our Super Saturday Sidewalk Sale is happening this Saturday! Plus, we are so excited to announce a new Downtown Huntsville Trail! Keep reading to learn more!

Our Super Saturday Sidewalk Sales are a safe and fun way to shop in Downtown Huntsville!

Local restaurants and retail shops around the downtown area will be expanding their businesses onto the sidewalk outside of their doors, offering special deals and sales. Pop-Up Buskers will offer live music and a Pop-Up Art Walk with vendors will surround the downtown area.

For this Easter edition, 5 of our downtown businesses will be giving away a box of Maddie's Cookies from Maddie's Cookie Company! Plus, you can also join in on a fun "Easter PIE Hunt" in Downtown Huntsville. We are working with The Bakingtist to giveaway one Easter Pie to whoever can follow the clues (provided on our Instagram on Saturday) and find the pie! 

It's going to be a Super Saturday so RSVP on our Facebook Event Page for updates!

A new trail has been added to the Downtown Huntsville Trail Network! Downtown Huntsville Inc. is proud to unveil the Downtown Huntsville Craft Cocktail Trail! For this inaugural release, 7 stops are included on the Craft Cocktail Trail passport.

1. The Bottle

2. Phat Sammys

3. Purveyor

4. Stellas Elixir Lounge

5. La Esquina Cocina

6. Rhythm on Monroe

7. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

If you are interested in trying out the Craft Cocktail Trail, grab a card from any of the trail stops or the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and begin collecting stamps. Each stop has a featured cocktail you can order made specifically for the trail, or you can order your favorites. Once, you have completed the card, you will receive a free cocktail strainer!

The Craft Cocktail Trail is the fourth addition to our Trail Network which also includes the Craft Beer Trail, Craft Coffee Trail (presented by ValleyMLS.com), and the Secret Art Trail (presented by Polaris). To learn more about the Craft Cocktail Trail, please visit downtownhuntsville.org/craftcocktailtrail or follow us on our new Instagram page @CraftCocktailTrail.

Come out and see what this new Trail has to offer in Downtown Huntsville. Cheers!

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Looking for Easter Activites and Brunch options? Check out last weeks Downtown Explorer here.

St. Patricks Week in Downtown Huntsville- Shopping, Dining, and Beer!

Downtown Huntsville is turning green! This Saturday join us for a St. Patrick's Day Super Saturday Sidewalk Sale and the Holmes Ave. Block Party! Also in this edition of the Downtown Explorer, we give you our picks for the best St. Patrick's Day Beer in Downtown Huntsville! You don't want to miss this lucky week!

This St. Patrick's Day edition of our Super Saturday Sidewalk Sale is going to be a special one!

We are so excited to announce that we are doing another giveaway with our Downtown Businesses this Saturday!!! If you want to win a Shamrock Key Lime Pie from The Moon Bakeshop here's how:

• Roosevelt & Co.: After making a purchase on Saturday, you will get a chance to draw a ticket. If you draw the winning ticket, you will get to take home the Shamrock Key Lime Pie!

• Caley Paige Home & Gifts: Make a purchase Saturday before 3pm and be entered into the drawing! At 3pm a name will be drawn to decide the winner of the pie!

• Indigo's Boutique: On Indigo's Facebook Page you will find a social media contest taking place. Enter to win your pie online and pick it up in person on Saturday!

• Creative State at Clinton Row Shops: Customers will throw their name and number into the green hat for a chance to win the pie on Saturday at participating Clinton Row Shops.

• La Esquina Cocina: La Esquina will be open all day (not closing for a break after lunch like normal) offering their entire menu. If you want a free slice of pie with your meal, all you have to do is wear green!

• Phat Sammy's: Eat at Phat Sammy's on Friday, and get your name entered to win a pie on Saturday!

• Elitaire Boutique: Make a purchase Saturday before 3pm and be entered into the drawing! At 3pm the name will be drawn to decide the winner of the pie!

• Green Bus Brewing: Stop by Green Bus on Saturday between noon and 4pm to register for the drawing. The winner will be announced at 4pm!

• Honest Coffee Roasters: Honest will begin their giveaway on Friday morning on Instagram. Go like, save, share, tag ( all the good stuff ) on the post for a chance to win. The winner will be announced on social media and contacted by DM on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

• Corner Pour: Check out Corner Pours social media accounts to be entered to win the pie. The winner will be announced on Saturday!

This event is going to have local art vendors, musicians, retail deals, giveaways, and contests! But, that's not all! After our Super Saturday Sidewalk Sale, join us on Holmes Ave. for a St. Patrick's Day Block Party! Don't miss out on any updates and RSVP to our Facebook Event Page!

Join us on Holmes Avenue on the 13th from 3-9 pm for an amazing St. Patrick's Day-themed Block Party!

Live music will start at 11 am and last all the way until 9 pm! Melt Huntsville will be offering a traditional Reuben made with corned beef and Reuben fries, drink specials all day, and street seating from 3-9 pm. Moes Original BBQ will have a delicious crawfish boil. La Esquina Cocina will be open all day with their entire menu and drink specials. Plus, finish off the night at Stellas Elixir Lounge where a DJ will start playing at 9 pm.

Vendors will line the street and there will be great specials all day long. We hope to see you there!

St. Patrick's Day wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without a glass of beer! Here are our holiday beer picks for this special occasion:

• Straight to Ale: Rocket City Red- a yearly St. Patrick's Day special brew. This Irish Red Ale- is light, malty, and sessionable at 5% ABV. And, The Cow Tipper is Straight to Ale's take on a traditional Car Bomb cocktail, featuring a shot of Shelta Cavern Spirits Whiskeynaut and Irish Cream Liquor dropped into a pint of Lily Flagg Milk Stout.

• Old Town Beer Exchange: Cahaba Brewing Irish Stout on Nitro and Black Warrior Irish Red

• Yellowhammer Brewing: The Kolsch- a light and crisp German-style beer that has been given the luck of the Irish with its whimsical green color, and The Barrel-Aged Wee Heavy- aged for 15 months in Willett bourbon barrels, this silky smooth brew gives you caramel and heavy malt with a warm bourbon finish.

• Green Bus Brewing: Green Omnibus Cream Ale - A traditional American Cream Ale served up Green for St. Paddy's Day. Dominant Red - A traditional Irish Red Ale, an easy-drinking red ale made with an imported Irish malt.

• Chandlers Ford Brewing: Red Bird - Irish Red Ale - 4.2% ABV, Palate Dry Irish Stout - 5.4% ABV, and Catarina Sour - Guavasteen - 3.5% ABV

• Innerspace Brewing: Paddy's Dry Stout, a traditional Irish Stout served on nitro, and the Pub Ale, a traditional English bitter meant to be enjoyed with friends in a proper pub environment.

• Liquor Express: All of the Guinness Family of Brands including the new Nitro Cold Brew Coffee will be at Liquor Express Saturday through St. Patrick's Day. Plus, get 10% off all sizes of Jameson and Proper Twelve Irish Whiskies. The Craft Bar will have $5 Shots of Jameson and Cahaba Brewing Irish Stout on Tap!

• Corner Pour: A Beer by Against the Grain Brewery & IPAcalypse Now by the Singin' River Brewing Company

• Purveyor: Luck of the Irish, Lepre "matcha" Chan, and Irish Sour

• Pourhouse: Irish Mule (Far Left), Guinness Draught, and Lucky Sour Appletini (Far Right)

Drink up Downtown Huntsville!

Super Bowl, Valentines, and Mardi Gras Oh My!

Super Bowl, Valentines, and Mardi Gras are quickly approaching! With an exciting lineup like this, you know Downtown Huntsville has you covered! In this edition of the Downtown Explorer, we list out some amazing Valentine's Day dining and shopping specials, show you some great ways to enjoy the Super Bowl, and announce an exciting giveaway taking place at our Super Saturday Sidewalk Sale!

Looking for a sweet treat or a nice dinner to enjoy this lovely holiday? Trying to find the perfect gift for someone special? Here is a list of some great dining and shopping options in Downtown Huntsville this week (or that require preordering/reservations)!

Dining
MELT- Limited Edition "Pink Panther" Cosmo with a twist
Honest Coffee Roasters- Limited Edition White Chocolate Raspberry Mocha
Pizzelles Confections- 5 piece, 12 piece, and 24 piece chocolate boxes
Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro- Pick up and reheat 5-course dinner for 2 (preorder online)
The Moon Bakeshop- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes and Valentines Themed Lattes
Cotton Row- Valentines Brunch or Dinner (Reservations Required)
Canadian Bakin- Pretzel Bouquets (preorder online)
Rhythm on Monroe- Valentines Day Brunch or Dinner (Reservations Required)
Commerce Kitchen- Valentines Dinner (Reservations Required)
Char Restaurant- Fully Booked for Valentines Day, but order takeout Feb 12-14
Domaine South- February's Six Pack Wine set

Shopping
Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro- Flower and Macaroon Set
Elitaire Boutique- Valentines Day Cards
Roosevelt and Co.- Shaving Kit Gift Package
In Bloom- Flowers, flowers, and more flowers
Silhouette Shopping- Gift cards
Indigos Downtown- Winter Sale 50% off
AM Collective- Handmade Valentines Earrings
Church Street Wine Shoppe- Valentines Day Gift Baskets

Make sure you view next week's blog for special Date Night Ideas in Downtown Huntsville to learn about even more Valentine's Day Dining and Shopping options!

Want to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday without having to cook your own game day meals? Commerce Kitchen is doing a Super Bowl Sunday Meal Kit specifically for that reason! You can pick up meals for 3, 6, or 10 at Commerce Kitchen between 2 and 3 pm and have them home just in time for kick-off!

Meal for 3 - 4 $42.00
-16 wings celery/carrots and ranch/bleu cheese
- 8 beef sliders
- Queso/salsa and chips

Meal for 6 - 8 $60.00
- 30 wings celery/carrots and ranch/bleu cheese
- 16 beef sliders
- Queso/salsa and chips

Meal for 10 - 12 $100.00
- 45 wings celery/carrots and ranch/bleu cheese
- 24 beef sliders
- Queso/salsa and chips

In case you haven't heard the news, Super Saturday Sidewalk Sales are back for 2021! During this event, local small businesses will extend their merchandise to the sidewalks with special deals and sales. Plus, we will have local art vendors selling their products and buskers providing live music.

On Feb 13th, this special Valentines/Mardi Gras-themed Sidewalk Sale will come with some exciting giveaways! 10 of our local small businesses have been provided with a delicious King Cake from The Moon Bakeshop, and they will randomly be giving them out to customers during the event! So, if your lucky you not only will be going home with a successful shopping trip, but you will also be going home with a King Cake to celebrate Mardi Gras with!

We hope to see you in Downtown Huntsville next Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Don't forget to RSVP to our Facebook Event Page where we will announce the list of businesses that will be giving out the cakes and we will also showcase our map of art vendors and buskers. We can't wait for this Super Saturday!

Downtown Huntsville's 2020 Year In Review

This unique and rough year has sure surprised all of us. 2020 has been a year of transformations and adapting for Downtown Huntsville. As we wave goodbye, we wanted to take a look back at this extraordinary year and what came out of it in this last edition of the Downtown Explorer for 2020!

As the lockdowns began, we strived to do our best to continue to support downtown businesses and provide activities and events for the community. With physical distancing in mind, DHI made significant changes to some of your favorite annual events.

This year, we offered physically distanced Friday Night Art Walks, presented by
Amanda Howard Sotheby's International Realty, Food Truck All Stars, presented by valleymls.com, Downtown Open Putt Putt, presented by Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Group, and Tinsel Trail, presented by Facebook! These fan favorite events looked a little different this year, but nonetheless, were just as exciting as years past.

Along with these events, we also created a few new ones for 2020! Our downtown businesses placed their merchandise on the sidewalks of downtown in our Super Saturday Sidewalk Sales. This new event was a great way to enjoy shopping in downtown while remaining outdoors in a fresh air environment.

These changes and new events showcased how adaptable our community, local artist, and small business owners are. We plan on continuing to make downtown safe for 2021!

Staying outdoors was a priority in 2020 and Downtown Huntsville is a perfect place to take advantage of that!

This year, we relaunched our Blue Bikes bike share program powered by Tandem Mobility and sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. With 30 bikes across 11 stations its easier than ever to explore our downtown.

We also released a new set of our Explorer Vlogs showcasing some of the best parks around Downtown Huntsville. You can view the full playlist here.

Our 2020 Pop-Up Parks, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, were one of the major highlights of this year. All built by construction companies and architectures, these miniature urban parks included dog parks, physically distanced work spots, and many great relaxation locations.

Downtown Huntsville still has so much to offer outdoors including our Secret Art Trail, presented by Polaris Inc., and right outside the downtown core you can explore Monte Sano Mountain hiking, biking, and more.

Downtown's food and retail businesses sure took a hit this year, but they still have been able to adapt to these challenges.

DHI was able to launch a 7 week campaign known as the Super 7 in 2020! We asked the community to nominate and vote on their favorite breakfast items, food truck items, desserts, coffees, and beers within Downtown Huntsville. The results can be viewed here!

Our Craft Coffee and Craft Beer Trails are still an amazing way to get out and explore downtown while enjoying your favorite beverages. We even added a community favorite, Canadian Bakin, to our Craft Coffee Trail this year! In 2021 you can expect more exciting announcements regarding our trails, so stay tuned!

You can learn more about our downtown small businesses by watching our Small Business Profiles here. These short videos showcase what unique things these businesses bring to our Rocket City Center.

Although 2020 forced us further apart, it showed us how close together our community can be. Moving into 2021, lets continue to support our local community and businesses.

If you are looking for ways to enjoy a New Years cocktail safely this year, visit our Facebook or Instagram account! From all of us at Downtown Huntsville, Inc. we hope you have a great New Year!

Free, Outdoor activities to enjoy Christmas week!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Downtown Huntsville, Inc.! In this edition of the Downtown Explorer, we will share with you free, outdoor activities you can enjoy this week in Downtown Huntsville.

Tinsel Trail is quickly coming to a close, so be sure to visit this free, outdoor event before its gone! Tinsel Trail, presented by Facebook, is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for you to enjoy at your own convenience.

Food trucks, hot chocolate, desserts, and pop-up Craft Coffee Trail tents are at Tinsel Trail almost every day! So, be sure to check out the special events happening at Tinsel Trail this year through our Special Events Facebook Event Page!

We can't wait to see you at the trail this season!

The Historic Downtown Huntsville houses are some of the most beautiful sites to see this year. Take a stroll through the downtown historic districts to enjoy these gorgeous lights in person. This is a great activity to enjoy with your family safely this season.

Plus, you can visit our DHI Instagram page to see the winner of our Holiday House competition!

Looking for ways to stay active after a big holiday meal? We have many options here in Downtown Huntsville!

Hike, bike, or ride the Monte Sano Mountain Trails! Monte Sano has the best views and fresh air on cool clear days.

Are you a runner? Join in on We Run Downtown Huntsville's outings. Join their Facebook group to post when you'd like to run, meet friends and activity partners, get a workout, and have fun! You can also check out Great Runs website for a comprehensive list of great places to run in and around Downtown Huntsville.

Want to take a quick bike ride around our Rocket City Center? Rent on of our Blue Bikes, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, around downtown at great affordable prices! Find out more information here.

If you are in search of a less intense outdoor activity, you can participate in the Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt! The Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau has cleverly hidden 14 ducks around downtown Huntsville, and it’s up to you to find them all. And while you're looking, you can experience the sights and history that the heart of our city has to offer. Perceptive players who find all 14 ducks can stop by the Visitor Center and get a special prize.

More Holiday Markets and a Posh New Lounge to Close Out 2020!

There are some exciting new additions to Downtown Huntsville at the close of this year. In this edition of the Downtown Explorer, we invite you to our Holiday Night Market to celebrate the new lights over the Clinton Row Color Walk, and we invite you to the brand new Stella's Elixir Lounge in downtown! In addition, check out our list of local restaurants offering carry out, delivery, and dine-in holiday meals!

Friday from 4-6pm, visit the Downtown Holiday Night Market in the newly-lit Clinton Row Color Walk. 15 local art vendors will line the color walk selling one-of-a-kind merchandise perfect for gifting for the holidays! Come celebrate this new addition to our Color Walk as well as the upcoming holidays. See you soon in Downtown Huntsville!

Impeccably posh without pretension, Stella’s Elixir Lounge is THE place to meet after work, gather with friends, or impress your date. They will be serving your favorite libations on their rooftop in Downtown Huntsville on Holmes Avenue. After a successful grand opening last Tuesday, Stella's Elixir Lounge is ready for your visit! They invite you to experience their 4,000 square foot lounge boasting a comfortable mix of open air seating areas with cozy fire pits and a swanky indoor bar serving your favorite elixirs until 2 am every night. Visit them today in Downtown Huntsville located right next to Moe's Original BBQ.

Multiple downtown restaurants will be offering carryout, delivery, and dine in meals this holiday season! Don't stress over cooking a big meal this Christmas and order locally instead. Check out our list below!

Canadian Bakin Holiday Pre-Orders
Char Restaurant Holiday Catering
Commerce Kitchen Christmas Feast
Cotton Row Candlelight Christmas Eve Dinner
Fresko Grille's MEZZA Party Tray for the holidays
GrubSouth Free Delivery List
Mazzara's Kitchen Family Feast
Ruth Chris' Holiday Carryout Meal and Christmas Day Dine in

Shop then Drop in Downtown Huntsville!

Downtown Huntsville is truly a magical place during the holidays, and this year is no exception. Our downtown shops have the best gifts in stock for every member of your family! You can also stop in next weekend at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment Center for their Winter Solstice Market, their largest market of 2020, and celebrate at La Esquina Cocina's Posada Hispanic Holiday Market! Shop local this year to support these small businesses and local artists!

Our downtown core shops have created an amazing Holiday Gift Guide for anyone and everyone you need to shop for! Go shopping in Downtown Huntsville soon to get these one-of-a-kind presents!

May May's
Stockings- $42
Toy Blender- $48
Truck Party Bath Squirters- $19
Kids Beanie- $26
Kids Pajama Set- $52

Caley Paige Home and Gifts
Pillow- $72
Woven Table- $130

Silhouette Boutique
Cork Yoga Mat- $107.00
Tamed Wild Flora Goddess Candle- $26.00
Crossbody Purse- $86.00

Harrison Brothers Hardware
Serving Platter- 65.00
Rocket Painting- $132.95,
Local Jelly- $8.95

Indigos Boutique
Hand Bag- $39.99
Set of Drinking Glasses- $34.99

Elitaire Boutique
Mamuye Whiskey Leather Bag - $168
Fozi Snakeskin Crossbody Leather Bag - $148
Navy Sweater Dress - $90

Wheelhouse Salon
Limited-Release Wheelhouse "Debbie" shirt- $15
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray- $48

The Huntsville Museum of Art Store
Frida Kahlo Vogue Tote- $42
“Women In Art” Puzzle- $16.50
Studio Roof Paradise Bird- $16

Earlywork's Children's Museum Gift Shop
Yoda- $45
Ornaments- $12.

Roosevelt and Co.
Sweater - $155
Shirt - $165
Jeans – $176 - $225
Messenger Bag - $198
Scarf – $95 - $195

This Friday, La Esquina Cocina is hosting a Posada, a traditional Hispanic Christmas festival with live music and vendors! This is a great opportunity for the Latin community to be able to experience this tradition and its a great way to educate yourself of the rich Hispanic culture, especially during the Christmas season.

Confirmed art vendors include:
Yala Avenue
A Cute Angle
Stucchi's Jewelry
Luna Moth Candle
Candies con Fuego
Havana Bama Cafe

Free hot chocolate (the infamous Abuelita chocolate) will be offered as well as some giveaways from local shops. Have fun hitting pinatas and...visiting SANTA at this Hispanic Holiday Market! This is a COVID-safe event, and it is family and pet friendly!

La Esquina Cocina is so excited to showcase this Hispanic tradition!

Can't get enough of these Holiday Markets? Neither can we!

On Saturday, December 19th, come to the largest artist market of the year at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment Center! The Winter Solstice Artist Market is the perfect place to bring your out-of-town family members to show them the best local artist and makers North Alabama has to offer. Stroll through the socially-distanced vendor artist market throughout the grounds, and take a step inside to shop the fantastic studio artists in the building! The Winter Solstice Market is the perfect place to find any last minute gifts as you get ready to celebrate the holidays - and the end of 2020!