California Liberal to Visit Huntsville

[EMAN51]

Well, it's about time for my every 8-10 years or so nostalgia trip to my former home town. Bunch of HS friends getting together en masse to celebrate turning 50. Last time I was there was June of '01. I'll be there May 16 to 20. Looking forward to seeing old places and seeing the gang. Red clay, thunderstorms, humidity are just extras! Now if I can just keep my mouth shut about politics I will be able to keep the peace. Naaah, never happen.

[Syrinx]

1. Are you Nancy Pelosi?

I hope so. ;)

[nealmhughes]

2. 565 is done now. Houses come up to the former cotton fields at the airport.

Sushi is still good. New tower going up downtown at Huntsville Hospital.
A great Marriott spa and golf resort in operation in Florence, and the Ren. Tower is revolving now and Marriott running it with views of the River and 3 new galleries downtown there.
You can buy alcohol in Limestone County now. You can buy liquor in Florence in restaurants on Sunday now.
Still don't drive from 7 until 9 am on University or Memorial or Sparkman or I-565. Repeat from 3 to 6 pm.
Otherwise, you ought to be safe, I would think that the homeboys would enjoy a bit of Cali humor.

p.s. Do not fall for the scam that is Dreamland! It is as bad as it ever was in Tuscaloosa. There are 1001 better choices for bbq and they even know how to put slaw on the pulled sandwiches.

Otherwise, you could not pick a better time to visit!

[EMAN51]

3. Gibson's

is what I remember. Does it have a good reputation? A pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw sounds great. I also remember the Catfish Haven out near the river. Yup, some good bbq would hit the spot.

[nealmhughes]

4. Excellent choice. But I am partial to Bunyan's in West Florence.

Any Simmons chain would be a good choice, too.

Catfish Cabin in Athens would be my choice for fish.

Green Hills Grille is open now for "casual American" dining, of the Green Hills in Nashville fame. It is right by the mall on 72.

If you have a yen for a woodburning Tuscan oven pizza and bread, try Ricatoni's on Court St. in Florence. One of the few in the US, great spot 3 blocks from the Unviersity and the galleries and coffee shops on the same street. I recommend the Margharita, myself.

[BamaLefty]

5. Ricatoni's is the stuff

I second that recommendation.

Enjoy your visit.

[renarich]

6. Visit Huntsville?

I lived on Redstone Arsenal as a young teen army brat, moved away. Family moved back as civilians. I graduated Huntsville H.S. 1966, did a year at U.A. Tuscaloosa (66-67). My experiences in the South broke my heart. I escaped to California in 1967.
Anytime I have returned to Huntsville, I had bad experiences. People ridiculed my accent (Northeastern), my hair (too long) where I live (California). I was stunned how much people there seem to need to ridicule others. Socializing with a small group of strangers (my brother's friends), within 15 minutes SOMEONE would pipe up with a racist smear about California,("...all those niggers running the place...") or about a carload of black people who just happened to drive by ("...sure glad I aint a nigger..."). Seemed like these were "test questions" for me; "Are you with US? or with THEM??" I hope it is not that way anymore. Good luck. Be safe. Be sure you are in good company before you run your mouth. Let us know how it goes.

[EMAN51]

7. I'm sorry for your experience

However, I lived there from '69 to '75. It is there I became what I am today in terms of a philosopy of living. Yes, to be sure there were a lot of socially and politically myopic people and I am sure 80% percent of my friends vote Republican. I did experience a sense of community and fellowship which has not been seen since. I had a friend in college (Occidental class of '80) who was born and raised in Palos Verdes. He was transferred to Huntsville with his company. I happened to be back there within a month or two of his transfer. He and his wife were not enjoying the experience. 5 years later they returned to SoCal. They told me that once they got over the initial change, they had a wonderful experience and meet many great friends. That is what I remember too. I am looking forward to the trip.

[renarich]

8. Visit Huntsville?

Thanx for your kind thoughts. I should acknowledge that I visited in 1986, stopped at Tuscaloosa and the atmosphere seemed very different from when I was a student there in 66-67. Have a good trip.

[Frances]

9. I will be visiting Pensacola Florida

in June. Yes, I know this is the Alabama group, but I consider the Florida panhandle part of Alabama. It's been 10 years and some hurricanes since I was in Pensacola. Anybody know what it's like now?

[DAMANgoldberg]

10. Hey Frances...

Yes, Pensacola, Milton, and Fort Walton Beacb/Destin are really Alabama. Florida doesn't start until you get past Sandestin!

Ivan remnants are still there, and if you cross I-10, you can still see the washed out bridge, but overall, just as lovely as ever.

[Frances]

11. I have many wonderful memories of Pensacola and Destin

Glad to know that the area is still lovely.

[EMAN51]

12. Mission Accomplished

Arrived on Wednesday and saw my old friends through Saturday nite. The weather was the best I had ever experienced. Clear, sunny days with little humidity and warm temperatures. I spent most of my time in the south part of town and the central area. A lot of commercial and residential growth. Good times with my pals. I did see at the corner of Whitesburg and Airport Rds a competing set of war protesters and war supporters. I honked for the former and in a sophomoric moment gave the supporters the single digit salute. I had some good BBQ and cold beer. A lot of good memories revisited.