What would make for the ultimate Huntsville weekend?

A mix of best and “very Huntsville” stuff to go do, including local classics, newer hot-spots and underdog gems.

The kind of stuff that if you have a cool out-of-town friend visiting here, you take them to go experience.

Or if someone asked for local recommendations of things to check out while in Huntsville, the list you’d give them.

Recently, I compiled such a list.

Of course, the list is completely subjective. It’s filtered through personal interests, preferences thereof and lifestyle.

You probably have different ideas for what would comprise an ultimate Huntsville weekend, and that’s totally cool. Possibly completely different. Feel free to leave your ideas for an ultimate Huntsville weekend in the comments section. Who knows? We might all get a new idea or two for weekends here, which wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.

A few caveats for our ultimate Huntsville weekend list:

We’re making plans for Friday through Sunday. For many of us, weekends begin around 5 p.m. Friday and wind down Sunday evening, but we’re going all out here with three full days.

This is not a “most iconic Huntsville places and things to do” list. It’s just one take on a fun weekend here. It’s also not the phonebook, so not everything awesome in Huntsville makes the cut. For example, Friday through Sunday there are just nine standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner thrice), but there are way more than nine enjoyable local restaurants here.

We’re focusing on options available most weekends. While Concerts at Three Caves is awesome, those occur a few times a year, so not on the list. Same goes for intermittent or seasonal events like Lowe Mill’s Concerts on the Docks, Downtown Huntsville Inc. food truck rallies, special Huntsville Museum of Art exhibits, Arts Huntsville programming, Burritt on the Mountain’s City Lights & Stars, and top Stand Up Live comedy bookings. Annual festivals like Panoply, WhistleStop, Microwave Dave Day and Tangled String, too. On weekends those things happen, they’re certainly worthy.

We’re making plans just for adults, and not families, kids or pets. And we’re getting out and about, not backyard grilling, hanging at Mom’s swimming pool, streaming prestige TV while holding hands with sweetie, etc.

Tried to include picks from a variety of local geographic areas, but since some of Huntsville has seen more development in recent years than others, that’s reflected. In 10 or 20 years, an ultimate weekend list for here might look quite different.

And, finally, no national or regional chains.

OK, here we go.

Friday

Breakfast at Blue Plate Cafe

3210 Governors Drive

256-533-8808

blueplatecafe.com

6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Around $5 - $10

Biscuit, gravy and sausage your way to Southern breakfast pay-dirt and fuel for the day. Also, remember these three words: Very Berry Pancakes.

Blue Plate Cafe. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)bn

To-go coffee from Kaffeeklatsch

103 Jefferson St. N.

256-539-1636

kaffeeklatsch.com

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

$2 for 12-ounce to-go brewed coffee

An excellent deal on quality coffee from this local roaster and downtown Huntsville cornerstone.

Stained glass inside coffee roaster Kaffeeklatsch's space in downtown Huntsville. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Hiking at Monte Sano State Park

5105 Nolen Ave. S.E.

256-534-3757

alapark.com/parks/monte-sano-state-park

8 a.m. - sunset (trails close 30 minutes before sunset)

$5 entry fee

Easy-access nature is one of Huntsville’s charms, and the mountain trails here range from leisurely to epic.

Monte Sano State Park. (Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com)al.com

Lunch at G's Country Kitchen

2501 Oakwood Ave. N.W.

256- 533-3034

gscountrykitchen.com

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Around $10

Delectable soul-food served in a crowded down-home space, by people with smiling faces.

A catfish plate at G's Country Kitchen. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Cupcakes/coffee at Sugar Belle

515 Jordan Lane N.W.

256-258-8414

sugarbelletruck.com

7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

$3 cupcakes, around $3 coffee

Trendy cupcakes have gone the way of cargo pants, but Sugar Belle is the real-deal. Try the strawberry with strawberry cream-cheese icing.

Cupcakes at Sugar Belle. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Arcade games at Pints & Pixels

115 Clinton Ave. E 3rd Floor

256-970-4844

pintsandpixels.pub

11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Four game tokens for $1

Become digitally immortal by getting high score on one of 50 or so arcade games and pinball machines.

A "Ms. Pac-Man" arcade game at Pints and Pixels. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Dinner at Domaine South

103 North Side Square

256-759-9952

domainesouth.com

10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Food items around $9 - $20

Clever, European-inspired sandwiches, entrees, salads and charcuterie, with well-curated wines and cozy atmosphere.

A charcuterie board at Domaine South. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Live music at The Camp

5909 University Drive

256-763-7877

explorethecamp.com

Music 7 - 10 p.m., generally

Many Friday shows are free

Well-booked assortment of regional/local bands at this newer, intimate outdoor venue.

Local musicians performing at outdoor Huntsville venue The Camp at MidCity. (File photo)AL.com

Straight to Ale and Yellowhammer Brewing

Campus No. 805

2620 Clinton Ave. W.

straighttoale.com

256-801-9650

yellowhammerbrewery.com

256-489-3510

11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Beer prices vary

Twin towers of Huntsville’s vibrant brewing scene are known for signature beers like STA’s Monkeynaut India Pale Ale and YH’s Belgian White Ale.

Yellowhammer Brewing beers. (Courtesy photo)

Live music at The Bar at 805

Campus No. 805

2620 Clinton Ave W.

facebook.com/thebarat805

Music 10 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

No cover

Up-and-coming spot to see local bands in a small room with an awesome staff and fun patio.

Late night at Moody Monday’s

718 Church St. N.W.

256-539-9945

facebook.com/Moody-Mondays-220834576925/

Karaoke 8 p.m. - 1:45 a.m.

No cover

Karaoke amid hipsters and blue-collars.

Saturday

Breakfast at Edith Ann’s Taste of Home Diner

11243 S. Memorial Pkwy.

256-489-0881

facebook.com/EdithAnnsTasteOfHome

7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Around $8 - $10

They serve some righteous omelets and, with their old-school-diner interior, a trip back in time.

To-go coffee from Angel's Island

7538 Memorial Pkwy. S.W.

256-319-3424

angelsislandcoffee.net

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Around $2 - $4

If paradise is tasty drive-thru coffee, welcome to paradise.

Angel's Island Coffee. (File photo)

A visit to Big Spring Park

420 Church St. N.W.

huntsville.org

Free

A lagoon, canals, koi, ducks and walkways attract folks of all ages and backgrounds to stroll, bike, frisbee, etc.

Big Spring Park. (Eric Schultz/File photo)HVT

Lunch at Stovehouse

3414 Governors Drive S.W.

256-801-2424

stovehouse.com

Vendor hours vary, but 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. solid overlap

Around $10 - $15

Smart, al fresco remix of the urban food hall concept. Everything from Italian and Tex-Mex to ramen, crepes and Mediterranean, with more options planned for the future.

A bowl with chicken shawarma from Fresko Grille at Stovehouse. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Lowe Mill galleries

2211 Seminole Drive

256-533-0399

lowemill.net

Free

Galleries located through this sprawling arts facility host an array of visual exhibits.

An art exhibit at Lowe Mill. (File photo/Eric Schultz)HVT

Vertical House Records

Lowe Mill

2211 Seminole Drive

256-658-2976

theverticalhouse.com

Prices vary, many great used selections $8-$20 and they have new LPs too

Simply one of the Southeast’s best record-stores, run by awesome people.

Vertical House Records. (File photo)

Tangled String Studios

Lowe Mill

2211 Seminole Drive

256-797-1382

tangledstringstudios.com

12 - 5 p.m.

Free to visit, guitars around $3,000 and up

Not every city is home to a world-class luthier. Danny Davis makes gorgeous, handmade acoustic guitars. Even if you’re not walking out with one, it’s worth a visit to see the workshop and wares. While here, ask if they’re having any shows that weekend. Tangled String doubles as a unique, listening-room music venue.

Danny Davis Guitars at Tangled String Studios. (File photo/Susan Davis)

Pizzelle's Confections

Lowe Mill

2211 Seminole Drive

pizzellesconfections.com

256-513-9745

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Around $4

Their Mommy Dearest candy bar is sweet-salty bliss.

Pizzelle’s Confections’ Mommy Dearest candy bar. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)bn

Gold Sprint Coffee

2515 9th Ave. S.W.

256-517-8733

facebook.com/goldsprinthsv

7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Around $5

Whatever they have on nitro that day, get that and enjoy it in Gold Sprint’s bohemian-cyclist atmosphere.

Gold Sprint Coffee owner Victor Burlingame. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Dinner at Purveyor

201 Jefferson St. N.

256-419-2555

purveyorhuntsville.com

4 - 10:30 p.m.

Menu items around $10 - $40

Creative upscale apps, tapas and entrees in an elegant yet chill setting.

Live music at SideTracks Music Hall

415-E Church St. Ste. 12

256- 858-1390

hsvsidetracks.com

Music often starts 9 p.m. or so

Ticket prices vary, $15 - $25 range typically

Whether it’s Greta Van Fleet, Sheer Mag, Jason Isbell, Sebastian Bach or local bands like funk faves Quantaphonics or indie rockers Snacks, many of Huntsville’s can’t-miss shows happen here.

Jason Isbell performs at SideTracks Music Hall. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Live music at Voodoo Lounge

110 South Side Square

256-539-0335

voodooloungehsv.com

Music 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

No cover

This narrow, subterranean bar is Huntsville’s “most rock & roll” hang.

Sunday

Brunch at Commerce Kitchen

300 Franklin St. S.E.

256-382-6622

thecommercekitchen.com

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Main items around $15

The classiest new-South brunch you’ll ever eat on a sidewalk.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

1 Tranquility Base

256-637-7223

rocketcenter.com

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

$25

This is ground control to Major Tom: The Apollo 11 lunar landing’s 50th anniversary is a good excuse to reconnect with Huntsville’s signature attraction.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. (Bob Gathany/bgathany@AL.com) AL.comAL.com

Lunch at Melvin's Place of BBQ

2315 Hall Ave. N.W.

256-541-3431

facebook.com/pages/Melvins-Place-of-Bbq/366101206826779

9 a.m. – midnight

Around $10 - $15

Fantastic ribs, chicken and pulled-pork, served in a memorably funky space.

Ribs at Melvin's Place of BBQ. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Offbeat Coffee Studio

2620 Clinton Ave. W.

256- 285-3800

facebook.com/Offbeat-Coffee-Studio-183947362226476/

7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Around $3 - $5

The coffeeshop/record-store mashup you’ve been waiting for. Open about a year now, has already become a go-to for discerning local joe enthusiasts.

The DeeP, comics and games

2310 Memorial Pkwy. S.W.

256-532-1292

deepcomics.com

12 - 8 p.m.

Prices vary

We’re living in an age where superheroes, “Star Wars” and geek-chic dominate pop-culture. And Huntsville was already inherently nerdy. Embrace all that by perusing comic books, action figures and role-playing-games. Just remember: With great power comes great responsibility.

The DeeP, comics and games. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Dinner at Bandito Burrito

3017 Governors Drive S.W.

256-534-0866

facebook.com/Bandito-Burrito-Co-277417055650348/

11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Under $10

Mexican food gone punk rock.

Bandito Burrito in Huntsville. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)bn

Blues Jam at Lone Goose Saloon

2620 Clinton Ave W, Ste. C

256-636-1222

lonegoosesaloon.com

Music 8 p.m. - midnight

Free admission

Head-bob as hobbyists and working musicians get mojos working in the key of E. And then finally, after three days of doing all this stuff, go home and get some rest.