We Are Huntsville

Helping you discover Huntsville, AL by sharing the best events, eats, and experiences.

Laurie Heard

About Laurie Heard

Laurie Heard is the founder of Our Valley Events. When she isn’t glued to a computer screen, she enjoys reading finance books, cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and traveling. She currently lives in downtown Huntsville with her husband and two young daughters.

Huntsville Halloween: Trick or Treat 2020

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halloween pumpkin

My Halloween in Huntsville

“Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.”
William Shakespeare- Macbeth. 

Break out your costumes, your favorite candy, and scary movies, move over Huntsville it’s Halloween 2020!  As it’s Quarantine Halloween this year, Huntsville will host some of our beloved treats of the season that are both family-friendly and adult-friendly. 

To ring in the fall, thank goodness, many will be celebrating inside this year cooking, house decorating, trick or treating, and watching their favorite Halloween classics, something anyone can do safely.  Whether it be perfectly gruesome faire, dripping with raspberry blood jelly, there are many creative ways to enjoy Halloween without going out if that be your desire. 

With 31 Days of Halloween on Free Form and the Classic Thrillers on the Turner Classic Channel, some will be enjoying their time binge watching and gorging on cavity laden sweets while watching their favorite thrillers.  Thrillers such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Bride of Chucky, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Hocus Pocus, Gremlins, and Bed Knobs and Broomsticks are just a few that I have already started to enjoy in the comfort of my own home.  Both channels are full of your nostalgic favorites. 

If Binge watching movies, Halloween Pumpkin Carving shows, and Bake offs cannot satisfy your thirst, below is a list of potential events that can tickle your fancy this year in Huntsville. 

As I have already made my first pot of chili, broken out my favorite Farm Apple Pumpkin candle, I also couldn’t help but include a little Halloween cuisine to help make things frightfully festive this year. 

It’s also a fun time to break out a few literary favorites such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, any Stephen King horror, Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and absolutely any Edgar Allan Poe if keeping your kids awake and trembling, while hopped up on a sugar rush be your wish. 

As we are fortunate to enjoy the events around town this year, please be safe and sound on your spooky journey this month, no need for extra surprises this year.  Practice appropriate precautions with the poison of your choice with no drinking and driving, in cars or on your new model broomstick.  Keep your kids safe, your masks on, and enjoy the much-needed cooler weather.  Happy Quarantine Halloween Everyone! 

Eat, drink, and be scary while having a Fang-tastic time!          

Here are a few Huntsville Halloween events and my favorite ways to celebrate with!

Monster Movies at the Mill

Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment
Movie Schedule:
10/24 Trick R Treat
10/30 It Follows
10/31 Little Shop of Horrors
Check out this Blog for more info

Halloween Block Party

Green Pea Press – Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment
Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
2720 Governors Drive
More Information

Huntsville Only Drag Brunch Halloween Spooktacular

Straight to Ale
October 25, 2020 at 2:30 pm
October 27 at 11:00 am
2610 Clinton Avenue
More Information

Halloween with the Go-Go Killers and Friends

Sidetracks Music Hall
Saturday October 31, 2020, 8:00 pm to November 1, 2020 at 1:00 am
415 Church Street
More Information

Halloween Treats

Top 50 Halloween Recipes, How To Halloween At Home Celebration Guide www.foodnetwork.com My favorites include: Witch Finger Cookies, No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Brain, Pumpkin Cheese Ball, Berry Eyeball Punch, Skeleton Meat Platter, and Halloween Deviled Tea Eggs, Scary Meatballs.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Ideas

45 Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas That Anyone Can Pull Off In Time For Halloween www.goodhousekeeping.com Pineapple Carving for Halloween www.youtube.com You can also use red apples and orange peppers to make mini jack-o-lanterns, perfect for stuffing. 

Helen’s Wicked Bloody Mary

Best Made in a Pitcher!
1.5 oz of any favorite vodka

A pour of pickle juice or pepperoncini juice, salt, pepper, Old Bay, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, more than a couple of dashes of Worcestershire Sauce, healthy squeeze of lemon and lime, Mr. and Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix, Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix, and Clamato Juice- You can you use 1 or two, or all three of these mixed together!  Tabasco- My favorite, an absolute must, no substitutes!  Its supposed to be spicy, its Halloween!

Directions:  Mix all together in pitcher, stir, serve over ice in your favorite spooky pint glass, salt the rim if you dare, and put your favorite garnishes on the outer rim of the glass.  Garnishes include celery, blue cheese stuffed olives, lemon and lime wedges, pepperoncini peppers, a habanero pepper, pickled garlic, pickled jalapeno, a pickle stalk, or anything that seems appetizing.  Drink up responsibly and enjoy! Pairs well with cheese ball, brunch, fried chicken, eggs, or just by it itself.  Bon Appetit!

Bloody Mary Drink

All welcome black cats, nice ghouls, goblins, witches, mummies, zombies, Gremlins, and Casper!

Desoto State Park: A Beloved, Alabama Getaway

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Desoto State Park Blog Header

Quick Weekend Getaway

“What about Alabama that keeps a-coming back to me?”  The Grateful Dead is right, there’s just something about Alabama.  Alabama the Beautiful showcases its beauty with full force in Desoto State Park, where my journey takes place.   Meeting my parents and my sister for a much needed getaway, Desoto State Park has proven to be a family destination that claims a special place in my heart.  In fact, it is the only place we go when my family goes on vacation these days.  My favorite time especially being in the fall, during the Thanksgiving Holidays, when we stay at both The Mentone Inn and/or at The Desoto Lodge. 

Mentone Inn

The Innkeeper of the Mentone Inn, Cynthia Stinson is always there to make such a nice experience for the lodgers.  If anyone interested in information about available rooms, reservations, events, and/or activities in the surrounding area, please do not hesitate to contact her, she’s the woman to call asap.  Her family puts on a mean Thanksgiving Weekend and now is the time to act before the fall, especially if you don’t want to miss out on her daughter’s hash brown casserole.   

Desoto State Park

Heading North through Fort Payne and Mentone, Alabama, you feel as if you’ve found a hidden, mountain gem.  When I step into Desoto State park, I feel a resemblance of living in Virginia.  Living in Alabama for the past, five years, Desoto is a kiss of the mountains for me.  As it says when first entering Fort Payne, it is the “Gateway to the Appalachians.”  With the summer foliage, the insurmountable deer, despite the heat, and the bugs, Desoto State Park, Mentone, and Fort Payne are my favorite haunts.  A piece of heaven, only an hour away from my front door. 

Activities such as hiking, water fall sight seeing, repelling, bird watching, picnicking, shopping in Mentone, kayaking, and many more are just several appealing options for an active holiday.  With Fort Payne, the birthplace of the band Alabama and along The Trail of Tears, Mentone, part of the world’s longest yard sale, and Desoto being a hiker’s dream, there are many options for rest and relaxation amongst the Alabama trees. 

Despite COVID having effects on some of the activities, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy.  During my family’s excursion, we bedded down at the Desoto Lodge, went shopping, and ate our way across North Alabama, my favorite being at Vintage 1889.  Located in the historic W.B. Davis and Sons Hosiery Mill, The Big Mill or referenced as The Mill also, it is currently a large antique mall located on Main Street in Fort Payne, Alabama. 

Vintage 1889

Vintage 1889, the cafe inside the antique mall, offers assorted sandwiches, fun beers, and fresh salads with my recommendation being the Muffaletta sandwich, a Nawlins’ favorite.  Very quaint, with super hospitable service, Vintage 1889 is an absolute must for anyone visiting Fort Payne. 

Wildflower Cafe

Another favorite restaurant I sampled, available for takeout only was The Wildflower Cafe, where I finally got the chance to try their award winning tomato pie!  It was to die for; buttery and flaky, steaming, with fresh herbs.  I had heard about The Wildflower Cafe’s famous tomato pie for years, and after waiting two years, back and forth to Desoto, it was well worth it, a highlight if you love local food.  I finally can say the tomato pie was a culinary, urban legend I was finally happy to experience for myself.

Tomato Pie Wildflower Cafe

The following day, I tried to burn off the tomato pie, by intending to swim in a local swimming hole, called The Hippie Hole, right below Martha’s Falls.  It was such a hot afternoon, all I wanted to do was nose dive into cold, mountain water; however, unfortunately it just didn’t happen, I was unable to find it on my own, but next summer come rain or shine! 

So, the afternoon turned into a waterfall, sightseeing expedition.  I found myself at Desoto Falls and Little River Canyon, eventually settling on taking pictures from afar, listening to the rush of the waterfall, and living vicariously through the other vacationers.  All in all, not a bad afternoon.

Little River Canyon Waterfall

Mentone Market

Usually when I am in Mentone, I always go to the Mentone Market for fun groceries, wine, and my fill of quail eggs.  About four years ago, as my parents and I were in route to stay at the Mentone Inn for Thanksgiving, and of course the coveted hash brown casserole I mentioned earlier, we came upon the old Mentone Market, and it had burned to the ground the night before! 

Everyone was shocked and devastated, wondering if the owners would rebuild.  Thankfully, the owners did rebuild and it’s just as cute as ever, this time with a fresh feel, beer on tap, and a new barbeque menu.  They have done such a great job and it is for sure the place to experience the local flavor and the local people. 

Mentone Market

If touring civilization be your fancy, and a much needed break from the blood thirsty mosquito’s is what you need, then downtown Fort Payne, down the mountain, is just the place. The Spot, a coffee and a sandwich bistro, followed by a stop at The Fort Payne Footworks and Outdoors before an outdoor adventure, is essential to start the day off on a good foot, literally.  If you need a new ensemble for appropriate hiking wear, Fort Payne Footwork’s and Outdoors is the place.  With hiking attire galore, you can find the wardrobe to fit your needs.

Mentone Farmers Market

Upon leaving your vacation if it happens to fall on a Saturday, a mandatory pit stop is the Mentone Farmers Market.  With fresh meats, vegetables, jellies, jams, soups, baked goods, handmade soaps, face masks, there are many treats waiting to go home with you.  By giving you a sweet taste of the mountains as you bid a fond farewell, you can have something to remember your journey.  As of right now, I have four jars of pickled jalapenos, sweet pickles, and squash relish, some of the best I’ve had from the Mentone Farmers Market.  You just can’t beat fresh, summer pickles! 

With all the activities available and a relaxed vibe, time flies on the mountain.  Desoto has always been there for me to replenish my spirit and liven my mood.  As it states on the stairs upward from Desoto Falls, “Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike” (John Muir, 1869).  Help support our beautiful park service. 

Visit Desoto State Park online to help keep our Alabama Recreation alive!  Contribution to The Wildflower Cafe, Vintage 1889, The Big Mill, The Mentone Inn, The Mentone Market, and the Mentone Farmers Market are needed to keep business thriving up there as well. 

Stay safe, practice responsible COVID prevention on your journey, and happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Contact Information

Mentone Inn
Contact: Cynthia Stinson                                                           
6139 Alabama Highway 117
Mentone, AL 35984
Telephone: 256-634-4836
www.mentoneinn.com

Desoto State Park
7104 Desoto Parkway NE
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Telephone: 1-800-ALA-PARK, 1-800-252-7275
www.alapark.com

Little River Canyon Natural Preserve
4322 Little River Trail NE Suite 100
Fort Payne, AL 35967
1-256-845-9605
1-256-997-9129
https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm

Mentone Market
Owners: Mike and Kathryn Norris
5872 Alabama Highway 117
Mentone, AL 35984
Telephone:  256-634-4686 
mentonemarket@aol.com

Mentone Farmers Market
Contact Harriet Turner, Mentone Market Manager
6139 Alabama Highway 117
Mentone, AL 35984
(Mentone Inn Parking lot, every Saturday, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm)
Email: turnerhb2@gmail.com for inquiries

Big Mill Antique Mall
Contact: Lynn Richey
151 8th St. NE
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Telephone: 256-845-3380
www.bigmillcompany.com

The Wildflower Cafe
6007 AL Highway
Mentone, AL 35984
Telephone:  256-634-0066
mentonewildflower.com

The Spot
101 Gault Ave N
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Telephone: 256-979-1287
m.facebook.com/TheSpotCoffeeShop

Fort Payne Footworks and Outdoors
226 Gault Ave N
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Telephone:  256-845-5680
fortpaynechamber.com

Reference:  Official Website of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ©2020 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Looking for another getaway destination?

Check out our Road Trip Blogs!

Mission, Save the Huntsville Restaurants!

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Huntsville Restaurants

With COVID-19 still raging around the world, employees of course are struggling to hold onto their means for making a living.  Restaurants, just like so many, struggling professions currently find themselves fighting to keep their doors open for the public.  With health code standards at an all time high, new positions for hire at an all time low, some of my favorite past times, such as dining out, has left millions of workers out of the kitchens, and onto the unemployment lines. 

Dining out has ceased to be a priority for many, and Alabama having increased COVID cases, even tripling in Madison County, where I reside, and restaurants that were slowly opening, now still fear potentially closing again. 

With tightening health code requirements for serving the public and limited people to handle the increasing workload, the days have been “hit or miss,” Tess G. from Luciano’s commented when I dined recently.  “Some days are good and some days are bad,” she said, “It’s hot in the kitchen, It’s hard for the clients, it’s unnerving.”  With the hot, dog days of summer in full force, she’s certainly right about the difficulty of “the unemployment, the low staff, and the roller coaster of emotions.”  Especially as of today when I saw on Luciano’s website at lucianohuntsville.com, they are in fact, “temporarily closed as a precautionary measure against the COVID virus.” 

Luciano Salad
Luciano

Luciano states, “As a precaution, due to the amount of people that are asymptomatic to COVID, we sent all our staff to get tested.  Unfortunately, we learned July 8th, that one is positive.  We have decided to close for two weeks to make sure each employee shows a negative test results and to perform a full sanitation of the restaurant.  Our priority is to keep all of our patrons, and the people they will come into contact with, Safe.  We will miss all of you and hope to see you soon after these uncertain and crazy times, we are currently living in, fade away.  There is Hope. Please stay Safe.” 

Considering I went to Luciano’s the day before the Fourth of July, the seriousness of COVID has indeed hit home.  Initially, this article was to safely invite people to save the restaurants that were starting to open again.  However, now I feel conflicted as to the necessity and or prudency to do that at all.  On one hand, I yearn to be out and about again, but now I wonder if perhaps I should still be quarantining myself much more. 

So with some reservations, I still wanted to show my brief culinary excursions via pictures, in my neck of the woods, still serving the public, in hopes that the restaurants that are still open, can maintain their customers.  Businesses rely on customers, even now, so I definitely do not envy the struggle forced upon them now.  So, my mission, still, Huntsville, if safely, is To Help Save the Restaurants!

Everyone has the their hobbies, one of mine being dining out.  With this pandemic, priorities of course have taken over, but as a person who has friends in the restaurant industry, jobs are jobs.  Equally as important, as well as to the morale of society, socialization is ceasing to be as necessary, as our heath obviously takes precendence, but perhaps we can move with caution.  Being cooped up takes it’s toll, so when restaurants opened up again, I immediately opted to try and get out, but now reigning myself in and holding tight to my mask a little more, at least I was able to have some freedom while dining out briefly. 

We can still have a little cheer while supporting the employees and businesses, safely operating publicly, even though, it might be from our couches.  Here are the restaurants, via pictures I have ventured out to see even though Luciano is temporarily closed, as others might follow, but please remember, in any case if you do decide to take the leap and dine out, always tip your servers and your bartenders!  You can always call ahead or check the restaurant’s websites to see the status of their businesses.  Bon, appetit and be safe! 

Guadalajara
Guadalajara
Viet Huong
Viet Huong
Luciano
Luciano

Wear your mask, practice safe, social distancing, and enjoy the restaurants that are safely open and that are working so hard to offer a communal, culinary experience. 

Cheers! 

Christmas in Huntsville in Full Swing!

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“Tis’ the season to be Jolly!” 

Christmas activities are are in full swing, in Huntsville with a variety of holiday festivities, such as

  • The Nutcracker Ball, this Friday, December 6
  • The Nutcracker Ballet
  • The Ten Tenors
  • Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden
  • Tinsel Trail
  • Skating in the Park
  • Christmas Drag Queen Story Time. 

Both adults and children welcome, these are the events that interested me, just in time to foster the Christmas Spirit.   

Christmas in Huntsville in Full Swing!

The Nutcracker Ball

December 6, 2019 at 6:30 pm, VBC North Hall via the Huntsville Ballet Guild, with Silent and Live Auctions. 

The Nutcracker

December 13-15, 2019, Friday through Sunday, check preferred times at Von Braun Concert Hall.

nutcracker 2011 final

The Ten Tenors

December 16, 2019, Monday at 7:30 pm at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall. 

The Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens

Driving Nights: November 29-January 4, 5:30-9:00 pm. (last admission).

Galaxy of Lights

Tinsel Trail

Open now daily in Big Spring Park East.

Tinsel Trail

Skating in the Park

Open Now!  November 15, 2019-January 12, 2020. Open daily, check hours.

Skating in the Park for new years

Christmas Drag Queen Story Time

Saturday, December 14, 2019, 1 – 3pm, at Straight To Ale Brewing, the only Drag Brunch, located on 2610 Clinton Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35805.

All of these activities truly are designed to be experienced with beloved friends, family, and without a doubt children! 

However, solo or perhaps a date night, these activities are just a few that will ignite your holiday spirit.

You can visit other activities via www.vonbrauncenter.com, while also checking for further articles right here and on Facebook. 

With the chilly air upon us, layer up with a coat, either dressed up or down, warm and cozy, please do not let some of these nostalgic events pass you by. 

With Santa coming soon, be especially good to one another, and “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

Cheers to a Sunset Picnic on Monte Sano Mountain

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“Truthfully, Monte Sano has been my home away from home, and one of my favorite, Alabama State Parks.“

Cheers to a Sunset Picnic on Monte Sano Mountain

Anyone who knows me, hands down, will acknowledge my favorite activity is camping with a roaring fire in the background, while enjoying a nice glass of wine, preferably sparkling. 

When I camp, I typically like to have at least a couple of days at the campsite, so I can enjoy the atmosphere, cooking, roaming around, laughing with my friends, and relaxing, without immediately disassembling my campsite. That being said, camping can take a lot of work. 

So, until my next camping excursion, I wanted to have a sunset picnic, inviting my friend K. to come with me, so we could have a little cheer on Monte Sano. 

Monte Sano has a very special place in my heart because it was the first site I visited in Huntsville, thus prompting my move five years ago. Truthfully, Monte Sano has been my home away from home, and one of my favorite, Alabama State Parks. 

I’ve stayed at both the primitive campsites and at the original CCC cabins, which are incredibly cozy, showcasing a beautiful view, a small shower, a kitchenette, and a great hearth in the main room. I recently celebrated my 36th birthday, reserving a cabin at Monte Sano, which was well worth it, even though it was one night. 

Picnicking; however, is a good alternative and weather permitting, can really turn into a lovely, rustic experience, without taking too much energy and preparation. 

Packing two bundles of wood, my new, picnic basket, along with authentic Champagne and snacks, K. and I had a little cheer and fire at sunset, experiencing our own “Alabama Getaway.” 

I usually see baby deer, walk around, contemplate my life, and this time, two newlyweds stumbled upon my fire and picnic table, wanting to take their engagement photos in front of the fire. 

Thank you, Monte Sano, for being a wholesome place for me, a drama-free zone, giving me many, precious moments with friends and family.  I am counting down the days for my winter camping trip, where I can finally hear the owls hoot at night. 

See you soon!

*Dedicated to Brian and Mel, who are no longer living in Huntsville, but who have shared many laughs and thoughts around the fire with me.

Lazy Day Option: An Afternoon of Antiquing in Huntsville

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Lazy Day Option- An Afternoon of Antiquing in Huntsville

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! 

Peppered Pig Food Truck

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. 

Peppered Pig Food Truck

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! 

Packards Antiques

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! 

Antiquing in Huntsville

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.

Antiquing in Huntsville

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.  

Things to do in Huntsville

RickyHSV’s Favorite Food Trucks…

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