U.S. Space and Rocket Center

My U.S. Space & Rocket Center Experience
by: guest blogger - Jennifer Kornegay

“To infinity and beyond!”

This phrase, the rallying cry of Buzz Lightyear from the movie “Toy Story,” is what kept reverberating in my head as I toured the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville recently. I kind of hate to admit that a line from an animated movie was the first on scene in my mind…not “a few small steps for mankind…” from Neil Armstrong, or “we choose to go the moon…” from the speech Kennedy made when promoting the idea of space exploration.

But as I walked around and marveled at the size and scope of the exhibits, I felt a little less guilty. After all, infinity is a concept that, at least for the average guy or gal (and I certainly fall into that category) stands for “just too much to grasp.” The Space and Rocket center is almost too much to take in.

I was blown away (pun intended) by the massive Saturn V rocket that’s suspended in all its massive glory from the ceiling in the Rocket Center’s newest facility, the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. The Saturn V launched Apollo 11 and the subsequent Apollo missions.

A simulator gives you an idea of the force (and noise!) exerted by a rocket so large. All I could think about was how scared I would be to have that much rocket fuel firing up below me if I were an astronaut. I guess that is just one of the many, many reasons I am not an astronaut.

I was equally impressed by the people in Huntsville who’ve made the U.S. Space program what it is. The Center does a great job detailing the history of the “space race” and spotlighting the integral role Huntsville played. Thanks to the innovation at Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in the city, Huntsville went from being the Watercress Capital of the World to earning the name “Rocket City and now boasts more Ph.D.’s per capita than anywhere else in the country. Pretty cool, huh?

The Center’s interactive exhibits were covered up with kids. All ages were having a blast (sorry, can’t resist) participating in activities that taught about gimble, G-forces and other laws of physics that make my head hurt when I think about them too long.

Exploring a replica of the International Space Station will give you a new level of respect for astronauts and the “special” living conditions they endure in the name of science. How anyone does anything in such cramped quarters is beyond me.

I could go on…but I won’t. I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity. Now maybe you’ll take the next free weekend you’ve got and check out the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for yourself.

Birmingham in Garden and Gun Magazine

Garden and Gun magazine just published a fantastic article on Birmingham. Here are some highlights from the article.

By Charles Gaines and Jeff Book  

June/July 2009 
The Big Heart of Birmingham

Why Alabama's biggest city is loaded with small-town charm
By Charles Gaines

If you lived in Birmingham in the 1950s, it was a glumly accepted fact that to get to heaven you were going to have to fly through Atlanta—probably with a four-hour layover.
Then in the early sixties the city’s low-grade inferiority flu turned into a life-threatening pneumonia of shame—a feverish nightmare of fire hoses, police dogs, and the heartbreaking deaths of four young black girls that left my hometown with the national nickname of Bombingham.

Aided by a natural abundance of coal, iron ore, and limestone, its production of steel and iron through the early 1900s so quickly grew it into the foremost industrial center of the South that it became known as the Magic City.

When the funds fueling that growth dried up during the Great Depression, Birmingham nearly expired again. Resuscitated this time by wartime demand for steel and the postwar building boom, the city went back to being a one-trick pony, doing nothing much more with itself than supplying that demand and grousing about having to fly through Atlanta.
Then in the seventies a sea change began for the Magic City. New commercial buildings started to appear downtown for the first time since the 1920s. Art galleries and music clubs blossomed. Then in 1982 a young chef named Frank Stitt opened Highlands Bar and Grill, and the Birmingham renaissance had truly begun.

Like many Southerners, I unapologetically tend to attribute historic importance to food: What Stitt did with Highlands (and the three other fine restaurants he later bestowed on the city) was announce to Birminghamians with a megaphone that we were through sucking hind tit to Atlanta or anyplace else where food was concerned. More important, his elegant adaptation of local, down-home food, such as shrimp and grits, into high culinary art was a powerful metaphor for how we could, so to speak, have our community cake and eat it too.

In becoming one of the most livable and lovable cities in the nation, that is exactly what Birmingham has done: taken the best of the old life here (the inexorable friendliness, the lack of stress, the easy access to outdoor recreation, the quiet, leafy neighborhoods) and transformed it into something au courant, piquant, uncopyably delicious. The metropolitan area is now over one million people, but in many salubrious ways Birmingham still feels like a small city. Walking down 20th Street or waiting for a plane in the (now much improved) airport, it is hard not to run into someone you know or are kin to; in the middle of downtown there are at least four places where my dogs can take an undisturbed leak.

We now have one of the finest art museums in the country (with a permanent collection, by the way, twice the size of Atlanta’s), a shout-out civil rights museum and almost fifty art galleries. We have state-of-the-art performance and science centers; an excellent symphony orchestra; opera and ballet companies; world-class art, film, and music festivals; five live-performance theaters; and vibrant film and music scenes. We also have kick-ass gun and boat shows, turkey-calling competitions, NASCAR races at nearby Talladega, an utter city-wide mania for college football, and a museum housing the world’s largest collection of motorcycles.

In this city that has more green space per capita than any in the country, you can shoot a deer or catch a stringer of bass and crappie fifteen minutes out of town, then go to a Yo-Yo Ma concert that evening. For lunch that day you could eat some of the world’s best barbecue at Demetri’s or the Golden Rule or Dreamland, or fried chicken and field peas good enough to make you want to slap your mama at Niki’s West or the Irondale Café; then after Yo-Yo you could have a meal—at one of Frank Stitt’s restaurants, or the equally superb Hot and Hot Fish Club, or a half dozen (I counted them and I’m picky) other white-tablecloth restaurants in town—and a bottle of wine worth flying into town for from, say, Seoul, South Korea.

There may be other cities in the South where that particular yin and yang of good living, past and present, town and country, are so enjoyably mixed as they are now in Birmingham, but I don’t know of one. Yes, Charleston is still older and more refined, and Atlanta still has a bigger airport and more highways; but in Birmingham these days we don’t believe we have to fly through anywhere to get to heaven.

You can read the entire article by clicking on this link:
http://gardenandgun.com/article/big-heart-birmingham

Helen Keller Festival

I am looking forward to this year's Helen Keller Play and Festival of the Arts in Tuscumbia. I went to the play and juried art show last year and both took my breath away. The talent of the actors who perform the Miracle Worker play on the grounds of Ivy Green is amazing. http://www.helenkellerbirthplace.org/.

I asked if the actors were hired from New York. The Director of Ivy Green said they are all local. A true statement of the fine talent we have right here in Alabama. We now have two American Idol winners and a runner-up, a Survivor winner and final four survivor. We now need a talent show for actors.

The young girl who portrayed Helen was amazing. I watched her the entire performance to see if she blinked, or lost her concentration due to the noise in the crowd or the flashes from cameras. Not once did I see here break her concentration. She had me believing she was blind.

I did pick up several things at the art show last year. A painting and a teak wood bench. The award-winning juried show also features clay, glass, metal and wood works of art as well as other fine crafts.The Festival of the Arts is held as part of the Helen Keller Festival and takes place June 27-28 at Spring Park. The festival itself kicks off Monday, June 23 and also features live music. For more information you can check out http://www.helenkellerfestival.com/. And, by the way, the art show is free!

Year of Small Towns-Downtowns Press Trip

2010 will commemorate The Year of Small Towns & Downtowns in Alabama. Instead of writing a blog about a recent Small Towns and Downtowns Press Trip coordinated by the Alabama Tourism Department. Here's an article from one of 10 travel writers on the Press Trip.

Positively Entertainment 5/13/2009 Travel Excursion - Alabama Small towns & downtowns entice visitors By Patrice Raplee Photos by © Patrice Raplee

Mobile

A subtle floral scent drifts on the balmy, afternoon air in Mobile, Alabama. Visitors stroll along historic Dauphin Street, marveling at the ornate, period architecture and plan their day. The bay city of Mobile, Alabama, offers a plethora of exciting indoor and outdoor activities for visitors eager to explore this charming southern region. From celebrated cuisine, famous gardens, grand historic homes, the arts and revitalized urban center, to science museums and world-class golf courses, Mobile prevails with an appealing southern hospitality. I

In addition, near-by small towns such as Fairhope, Foley and Monroeville present a unique mix of interesting attractions with oodles of character and, of course, the alluring white-sand beaches of the region’s coastline.

Downtown Mobile A great way to enjoy a new destination is to become familiar with its history, whether you seek out a group tour or opt for a brochure (Mobile offers these brochures for free) leading you on a self-guided walking tour. Mobile is best seen by the latter and is easily traversable by foot, with most sites located within a 17-block area. Begin your exploration on Dauphin Street, where mixed architectural styles of Victorian to classical revival and art deco combine seamlessly in a splendid visual palette of rich brick and cast iron. This scenic avenue is an excellent representation of Mobile’s fascinating heritage and a view into the city’s past origins that began in 1702. Along with the beautiful historic buildings on Dauphin Street, visitors will find dozens of quaint shops, the Bienville Square City Park, the scrumptious Three Georges chocolate shop founded in 1917 and the wonderful Mobile Arts Council. For additional information, visithttp://www.mainstreetmobile.org/. http://www.exploreum.com/.

Oakleigh Mansion
Mobile’s grand, historic homes and famous neighborhoods reside within roughly eight historic districts.The Oakleigh Districtis especially interesting with gorgeous homes and neighborhood parks interspersed with Cajun shotgun homes (steep roofs) and Creole cottages (larger and with gabled roofs). This area is lovely with multitudes of live oaks and mansions featuring sprawling lawns in an unmistakably southern graciousness. And, the beautiful Oakleigh Period House Museum is open daily for tours. Moreover,Government Street is lined with spectacular, historical palatial homes and is perfect for a photographic spree. While this area is traversable by foot, it is a rather large district and a car tour might be a better option. For additional information, visithttp://www.historicmobile.org/.

For a more scientific bent to your travels and one especially geared toward kids, visit Mobile’s Exploreum Museum, located on Government Street. The museum features amazing hands-on interactive educational exhibits, such as a harp with lazar beam strings and an IMAX theater. The BioLab is one of the best exhibits in the museum with a health and biology lab where visitors can perform various experiments and even knee and heart surgeries via virtual real-time simulation. For additional information, visit http://www.exploreum.com/.

Bellingrath Gardens
One of the most magnificent gardens in the U.S. is the exquisite Bellingrath Gardens, located about 20 minutes from Mobile in Theodore. Walter and Bessie Bellingrath created the stunning 65-acre gardens 75 years ago out of a meek little fish camp. Today, the gardens feature a conservatory with dinner-plate sized tropical Hibiscus and over two-and-half miles of cultivated walking paths that meander through themed landscape designs that incorporate Mirror Lake and Fowl River.

Bright southern azaleas highlight the gardens and glorious water features with European statues grace the grounds next to the Bellingrath’s home that is now a museum. The 10,500 square foot Bellingrath home (completed in ’36) possesses perhaps the most antiques in a southern historical home. Every inch of the brick and cast-iron mansion boasts discriminating and rare period furniture, statues, paintings, china and porcelain treasures to make a duke weep. The surrounding rose gardens, about 75 different varieties, encompass the house with vivid red cardinals chirping in the Spanish moss-accented trees. The mansion also resides on the cusp of Fowl River accented with terraced stone patios and its own covered dock portico, followed by walking paths and fantastic stone waterfalls.

Bellingrath Gardens encompass a wide variety of flora and fauna in sculpted landscaped surroundings that bespeak the allure only a southern environment could create. If you yearn for beauty and nature, visit the gardens anytime of year and you will find blooms and serenity equal to a dream. In addition, the gardens are open at Christmastime with a dazzling display of over three million lights that create an enchanted fantasyland that is unparalleled. For additional information, visit http://www.bellingrath.org/. For additional information on Mobile, visit http://www.mobilebay.org/.

Fairhope

Fairhope presides as a romantic, small coastal bedroom community where world-class artists and the literary society reside. Famous author Winston Groom (Forrest Gump) and renowned international artist Nall stroll about this eastern shore, flower-clad town and enjoy its spirit of community and tranquility. The town is also one of the only single tax corporation communities in the U.S., based on the spirit of Cooperative Individualism. The single tax refers to the colony paying only a single land tax and no other.

The resort town has always been a haven for visitors seeking a restful holiday in lovely, scenic surroundings with boating, quaint shops and fabulous art. The community’s rather eccentric residents imbue a warm character to the town that adds to the overall charm and allurement. Some resident artists build small castle houses that resemble a cross between Harry Potter and JRR Tolkien, such as artist Dean Mosher and others work in mixed media.

Moreover, Fairhope is known for its striking display of landscaped flowerbeds and baskets that have won national and international awards and adorn the area year-round. Impressive shops, boutiques and art galleries in the downtown area draw visitors with a bevy of unique and interesting wares and art. Before searching the town’s excellent art galleries in search of a must-have piece, visit theEastern Shore Art Center, located on Oak Street. International and local artists are on exhibit with vibrant sculptures in glass media from artists, such as Nall, Richard Jolley and Joseph Hobbs. Most of the pieces are for sale, including a wide array of paintings and art media in this insightful art center that features six exhibit galleries and five teaching studios.
Several streets offer an assortment of bounty that you’ll want to investigate.

Here are a few shops worth note: the Church Mouse, located on Church Street, proffers the finest in British imports and excellent teas; Aubergine, located on De La Mare, is brimming with lovely French culinary antiques; In the Company of Angels, located on De La Mare, sells the best and hard-to-find White Ginger lotion bars in the nation.

For the best seafood in town and sumptuous deserts, visit Old Bay Steamer on Section Street. Fairhope’s locals dine at this fabulous eatery and are especially fond of the sweet, steamed Royal Red Shrimp that is found only in the Gulf off Alabama and parts of Florida in extremely deep water. The food is awesome, the service is excellent and the staff friendly. For additional information, visit http://www.oldbaysteamer.com/.

Fairhope is unique and to understand how it grew and continues to attract travelers, authors and artists, visit the Museum of History on Section Street. This little museum is a fascinating den of local history, artifacts and presents a captivating story on a colony with a new vision of community and a fair hope of succeeding. For additional information on Fairhope, visit http://www.cofairhope.com/. Point Clear If you plan to visit Alabama’s eastern shore, there is a resort that will take your breath away; the magnificent Grand Hotel is located in Clear Point, just a few miles south of Fairhope. The Grand isn’t ordinary, rather an oasis of beauty that is nestled on the bay with live oaks, extensive, sculptured grounds (550 acres) and a small but elegant marina.

Many travelers and their families frequent this historic haven to golf and seek relaxation in the Grand’s exquisite spa. The spa is definitely posh with delicate, tiny mosaic tiles in shiny pastel colors depicting southern floral designs and a stunning water spa large enough for 20 people. The Grand spa combines essential elements of superior service and environment to create a soothing reverie.

The hotel is a destination in itself with waterfall swimming pools, secret gardens and balconies off the guest rooms to view the bay at sunset and sip a cup of tea. Or, indulge in lavish cuisine in the Grand Restaurant. The Grand is a special place and one a traveler will never forget. For additional information, visit http://www.marriottgrand.com/.

Foley

The small town of Foley is located 10 miles from the Gulf and one of those places travelers should absolutely visit. It is almost as if you stepped back into the ‘50s with an old time soda fountain in Stacey’s Rexall Drugs, where a cup of coffee is still 10 cents. Stroll down the street andSweetie Pie’s serves the most delicious mile-high meringue and pecan pies in the southern counties, all in an atmosphere you’ve almost forgotten.

Foley is the kind of town that would remind you of an Orange Crush (it was made here) on a hot summer day and miniature railroads are cool to watch. The town even has an Alabama Railroad Museum where visitors can plop down on a bench and become mesmerized by tiny towns with trains running past and fire engines racing to put out a house fire…all in miniature! But, that’s not all; there are some fine antique shops and beautiful hotels in this little hamlet, as well as the Medical Museum that will raise your eyebrow; electroshock therapy anyone?

Foley is utterly charming and the local residents are some of the finest and most interesting people you are likely to meet. Come and visit for Harbor Heritage days and ask to speak with 96-year-old Gus Sultz; he’ll tell you a tale of a little town that was quite cutting-edge and in the most important ways, still is. For additional information, visit http://www.cityoffoley.org/.

Gulf Shores

Two words; amazing beaches! Gulf Shores’white, sugar sand beaches are perfect for family vacations and couples who want to stroll for miles. You won’t see out-of-control spring break crowds here but a community that offers fun activities such as a wharf with big-name concerts, a giant Ferris wheel, boardwalk, waterpark, excellent restaurants and dolphin cruises. Take a two-hour tour on Captain Ritchie Russell’s Dolphin Express II for a close-up look at dolphins leaping and spinning behind the wake of the boat. The cruise is fun and watching the dolphin pods frolic on Alabama’s intracoastal waterways while learning about the playful mammals is fascinating. Bring your camera; you will see dolphin’s on this cruise. For additional information, visit http://www.dolphinexpresscruises.com/.

Monroeville

In 1960, Harper Lee wrote To Kill A Mockingbird; the book went on to win a Pulitzer and was made into a famous Hollywood movie starring Gregory Peck. Lee grew up in Monroeville and lives reclusively there today. The courtroom where she watched her father practice law in Monroeville set the stage for lee’s incredible book. The Monroeville 1903 courthouse that lee’s book was based on has been restored and turned into a comprehensive heritage museum. Each year in May, the Mockingbird Players stage sell-out performances on the museum grounds with act II taking place in the actual courtroom!

Lee was also life-long friends with Truman Capote, who also grew up in this small Alabama town. The Courthouse Museum features detailed exhibits on Capote and Lee and there is even a walking tour that guides visitors around the town that Lee and Capote knew in their childhood. Monroeville is Alabama’s literary capital. Many famous writers grew up in town, and this distinction shows in the many small shops, heritage museums and café bookstores that embellish the area. For additional information on Monroeville and the County Heritage Museums, visit http://www.monroecountyal.comwww.tokillamockingbird.com/http://www.tokillamockingbird.com/http://www.tokillamockingbird.com/.

For sophisticated and elegant accommodations in Mobile, visit the historic Battle House Renaissance Hotel with its breath-taking, European interior design, renowned spa and incomparable Trellis Room restaurant. http://www.rsabattlehouse.com/.

For Gulf Shores Beach accommodations, visit Lighthouse Condominiums http://www.lighthousecondominium.com./

Great Restaurants to visit in Gulf Shores are LuLu’s at Homeport Marina (Jimmy Buffet’s sister) http://www.lulubuffett.com/ and theCobalt Restaurant http://www.cobaltorangebeach.com/.