Relaxing can mean many things to many people, depending upon your interests.
An Afternoon of Antiquing in Huntsville
As someone that does enjoy the nightlife, the dark and smoky allure of downtown or Campus 805 for example, there will be no shortage of reviews focused on the Huntsville music scene, full of epic encounters and folly. However, dead center in my thirties, I try to keep in harmony between blowing off steam and recharging my batteries.
Whenever I crave an outing, I first think about how far do I want to go, how much money is appropriate, and then if I want to do a day outing or a night out. That being said, I have decided to promote my local area, Southeast Huntsville, as my first introduction to Our Valley Events. During a day outing, while relaxing, antiquing, and eating at The Peppered Pig food truck, I wanted to pay homage to my fellow Southies by offering an alternative to the hustle and bustle of Huntsvegas.
Don’t worry, well work up to that, I promise!
Simply put, this is my review of how to enjoy a lazy, sunny, fall afternoon, by eating well at The Peppered Pig and then walking off a food coma, while perusing for charming antiques at Packards Antiques, both located on 11110 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL, 35803.
Peppered Pig Food Truck
Owned and Operated by Shawn and Lacy Duvall, I have always driven by and wanted to try their menu but to no avail. However, on this occasion, today was the day.
First thing is, it was one of the most gorgeous days we’ve had since fall is now in full force, beautifully sunny, breezy day, perfect for eating outside. I immediately turned into Packards Antique parking lot where The Peppered Pig food truck is located and bee-lined it to order the deviled eggs, collard greens, mac n cheese, and the culinary highlight, the Cat Tacos, short for catfish.
And, man oh man, were they good!
Although my eyes ended up being bigger than my stomach, everything was really delicious. The tacos were two, vibrantly fresh, perfectly breaded, creole fried catfish pieces, topped with a tangy cabbage slaw. They were really the best fish tacos I’ve had in a while. Coming in a close second were the collard greens with bacon incorporated, of course, really giving me a jump start to an afternoon of antiquing, which started with my family ever since I can remember.
Packards Antiques
So, after my delightful, little feast in the sun, I hopped over and started to sift through all kinds of good objects, two beer steins, innately covered, linens, a telescope of all things, along with so many other things I could use and things I just plain wanted!
Starting 35 years ago, owned and operated by Chris and Elain Ellingsen, it is one of my favorite antique stores, being a staple way to entertain my family whenever they come for a visit.
“Drive your way down memory lane at Packard Antique’s,” Elaine Ellingsen’s original mission statement hits at the nostalgic feeling walking into Packards. She talked with me about when she first started, and how “she would dream about a parking lot full of cars,” and how she realized that her dream had come true.
I suppose some could think antiquing could be for an older generation; however, everyone I met there was close to my age.
I shared a conversation with a younger woman who worked close by and shared a table with two, really nice looking gentleman, engineers of course, but one with the cutest, most, colorful bowtie. Both were grabbing a relaxing lunch, ultimately providing some company, where we engaged as hungry strangers, discussing Huntsville’s growth and all of the fun things that are popping up around us.
If this sounds like a nice afternoon, well, it was!
If at all interested or close by the area please stop by and give both of these local businesses a chance.
Here are the links, www.PepperedPig.net, and www.packardsantiques.com to check out The Peppered Pigs Menu and pictures of all the antiques a person could ever want.
Two things to note, The Peppered Pig is open Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, so get up and get there and Packards Antiques is open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am -6:00 pm and then Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 pm.
Hope to see you there and be on the lookout for the next articles focusing on fall activities during November in Alabama.
Bon appetit and happy antiquing.
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
