Tis the season to shop! According to Advertising.com, nearly one third of those questioned said they started their holiday shopping before Thanksgiving. While many people purchase some of their gifts online, there are still quite a few folks that want to see the item before buying it. Shopping in a mall, however, can quickly turn to drudgery. So, how do you change that shopping experience into something exciting and enjoyable? If you live in Huntsville, Alabama, the answer is Bridge Street.
The Bridge Street Town Centre, located in Cummings Research Park and less than two miles from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, is a 550,000 square foot "lifestyle center" that will ultimately have over 70 retail stores and restaurants. While some of the newly opened stores - Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works to name two - are already familiar to the Huntsville area, there are others, such as Swarovski and Kate Spade that this area hasn't seen before. Bridge Street is an open-air environment, giving it a European flair that will make shopping here a unique experience.
But shopping isn't all there is to do. Monaco Pictures is a movie theater offering 14 screens and over 2,000 reclining seats. Ticket purchases are available at the box office, at one of six automated kiosks and online. Moviegoers will also be able to reserve seats.
If buttered popcorn and sugary sweets aren't what your taste buds crave, don't worry. Check out the Scene Lounge, an upscale restaurant near the entrance to the theater. This eatery is launching under the direction of a former chef from Wolfgang Puck's Los Angeles restaurant. Whether you choose lunch and dinner, be careful you don't forget about your movie while you're relishing the excellent cuisine.
Taking advantage of the beautiful lake, Bridge Street also offers romantic gondola cruises. Open seven days a week (weather permitting) you can take your special someone for cruises that range from 30 to 45 minutes. Could anything be more romantic than listening to Italian music as you ride in the gondola with the person of your dreams? What a perfect way to propose, celebrate an anniversary or just say, "I love you!"
Bridge Street offers a unique family experience including paddleboats. Available with bimini tops for shade, and with one, three or four seats, you can arrange for one to two paddlers, or switch to an electric motor and just cruise while enjoying the scenery. Rather stay on land? Remote control sailboats - just like the ones in Central Park - are a fun idea!
Children of all ages will love the carousel overlooking the lake. Riding a fairytale horse is a great way to keep the little ones entertained while giving you a break as well. And don't forget to try the pop jet fountain - an interactive water feature.
Another spectacular part of Bridge Street is the four-star Westin Hotel, projected to open April 1, 2008. With 210 luxurious rooms, guests can take advantage of the indoor/outdoor pool, workout room and spa, or order an in-room massage. There will also be 74 one-, two- and three-bedroom condos available for purchase.
Whether you have a lunch hour or a whole day, make plans to visit Bridge Street in Huntsville soon and experience the difference.
To learn more about living in Huntsville and Huntsville AL real estate, please call me at 256-508-0211 or visit MoveToHuntsville.com. If you are thinking of buying a home in Huntsville, please visit MoveToHuntsville.com to sign up to have automated emails of new listings sent to you.