There are a lot of great places to live, but Huntsville, Alabama is definitely close to the top of the list. Okay, maybe I’m a little biased considering that I was born and raised there. However, if you live or have ever lived in Huntsville, I’m sure you would agree with me. These are some tell-tale signs that you’re from the place that I call home.

1. Date night typically results in a visit to Bridge Street Town Centre.

If you and your significant other decide to spend a night on the town, low and behold you will more than likely find yourself at Bridge Street. The many delicious restaurants such as P.F. Chang’s, Red Robin, The Melting Pot, Bravo!, Pieology, and Texas de Brazil are always great choices for dinner. After dinner, you can walk over to the Monaco and catch a movie. Basic? Maybe. But nothing short of fun.

2. Havoc Hockey turns you into a Hockey fan.

You can say that you hate hockey, but after the first Havoc game you go to and the first fight that you see break out on the ice, you become a hockey fan. Soon you find yourself at hockey games every weekend during the season. It makes for a great family outing.

3. The weather is ridiculous.

Summers are extremely hot and winters are cold (but there’s no snow). Spring and fall tend to be the prettiest seasons (minus the flooding and occasional tornados). If you’re lucky, you get to experience all four seasons within one week. It happens. Welcome to Huntsville.

4. Ah… Tornados.

The tornados are a real thing. Tornado warning? Grab your family and pets and get in the closest closet or run to the storm shelter. Watch out Monte Sano and Airport Rd, they’re coming for ya.

5. The thought of Madison Square Mall shutting down actually makes you sad.

Growing up, Madison Square mall was THE place. After Parkway Place and Bridgestreet sprouted, people forgot about Madison Square… And now it’s being renovated into something completely different. There goes the memories.

6. You're happy that at least Madison Square Movie Theatre is doing great!

The movie theatre that absolutely nobody EVER went to is now probably the top movie theatre in Huntsville. Madison Square 12, the reclining chairs and pillows are definitely working for ya!

7. Is your house shaking? Oh wait, that’s just the arsenal.

Occasionally, in the middle of the day, you’ll feel your house shaking and hear your windows rattling. Is it an earthquake?? Is the world ending??? Oh wait… you live near the arsenal. Nevermind.

8. Parkway Place Mall is the place to go when you need to get out of the house.

It’s raining outside, like it often does, or we’re experiencing summer in the midst of winter and it’s just too hot to be outside walking around so what do you do when you want to get out of the house? Hit up Parkway Place Mall of course! Grab a bite to eat and then visit Belk and shop til’ ya drop! Retail therapy is never a bad idea.

9. Gibson’s BBQ is a must.

If you live in Huntsville, you understand. I don’t think this one needs explaining.

10. Big Spring Park is the go to whenever you want to take some family portraits or to just get out of the house for a little while.

The beautiful pond, the angry geese, the historical background. All of it makes for a beautiful little outing. Oh, and don’t forget the red bridge. That’s a classic.

11. There’s always something to do.

Whether it’s going bowling, going to the movies, going to the park, grabbing a bite to eat, or just spending the night downtown, there’s always something to do.

12. The Christmas season downtown is magical.

There’s the lights strung throughout downtown, the Tinsel Trail, the Galaxy of Lights, Skating in the Park, and Santa’s Village all bring the Christmas magic to town. It’s something that you look forward to all year and hate to see go.

13. The rocket is a symbol of home.

We’re known as the rocket city, and everyone who lives in Huntsville has been to the Space and Rocket Center multiple times. However, there’s something comforting about driving down the interstate and seeing the rocket. It’s the symbol of home.

There are so many unique things about Huntsville, and I am so blessed that I got to grow up there. There’s no other place that I’d rather call home.