Yes — I admit it — I’m one of those rare, native folks that calls the Rocket City my hometown. Spending my formative years in Huntsville, Alabama there was an often-heard battle cry amongst my teenaged peers: “There’s nothing to do in Huntsville!” This was usually followed with a whiny, “It’s so boring here. I can’t wait to leave.”
Much to the disdain of my ever-protective parents, I did move away as soon as I was able. As a young adult I spent 10 years living in other cities. While residing in places ranging from the hustle-and-bustle of metropolitan Chicago, to the small-town charm of Auburn University, I learned new battle cries like ‘Go! Cubs! Go!’ and ‘War Eagle.’
Eventually, however, I felt the tug of family ties pulling me back to my hometown. In the recesses of my mind I heard that old phrase repeated:
“There’s nothing to do in Huntsville!”
In 2010, I returned to find more than a few changes had taken place during the decade I was absent from the Tennessee Valley. For crying out loud — who built all of these houses in Madison!? It was cow pasture when I lived here. And why is there rush-hour traffic on I-565!? No one drove on that road unless they were going out of town on vacation.
During the time I was gone the population of my hometown doubled in size. It earned accolades from the likes of The Economist and Forbes magazines for offering a resilient economy in the face of a global recession. Fast forward to present day and the city is still operating at lightening speed, earning it’s first four-star general (a woman!) and a new nickname, ‘Pentagon of the South’ with the relocation of the Army Material Command headquarters.
But enough with the metrics. I will say that I found the city changed culturally, for the better, as well. In my absence the Flying Monkey Arts Center — billed as a laboratory for the arts — cropped up as a non-profit incubator for creative pursuits. Plus several groups, like the Downtown 47, pooled their power to promote much-needed downtown revitalization. I must say though, the group I enjoy most is the Huntsville Young Professionals because it draws many young people with experiences similar to my own.
If you find yourself lamenting, “There is nothing to do in Huntsville!” then join HYP this Thursday, 1/19/2012, as they kick off the new year with their first HYP-py Hour of 2012. Beginning at 5 p.m., young professionals will mingle at the Jefferson Street Pub downtown. There is no charge to attend, and drink specials will be offered. If you are unable to make it Thursday check out a listing of upcoming soirees and volunteer opportunities by clicking here.
Hope to see you there!
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
