Rail history comes to life this October in Huntsville, Alabama, where the North Alabama Railroad Museum is offering special docent-led guided tours from October 5 - 9.

Departing every half hour beginning at 9 a.m. -   with the last tour at 11:30 a.m. - the 55-minute experiences unlock areas of the museum not accessible during regular self-guided visits.

Guests can step aboard a Pullman Sleeper, a Railway Post Office car, a century-old "Oil-Electric" Boxcab locomotive, a U.S. Army locomotive, and more.

Mazzara's Vinoteca, Huntsville

Mazzara's Vinoteca sits inside the historic Humphreys-Rodgers House at 102 Gates Avenue in downtown Huntsville. The house dates to 1848 and the restaurant uses that setting as part of the experience, with several dining rooms, outdoor seating and a wine-focused Italian menu. It is part of the Church Street Family and the Mazzara name comes from family roots, with recipes like Carmela's eggplant rollatini and meatballs tying the menu back to that history. 

The menu leans into Italian comfort dishes with a little more polish than a neighborhood red-sauce place. Carmela's Meatballs are one of the signature starters, served with bolognese, parmesan and focaccia. Lasagna, chicken fettuccine Alfredo and lemon artichoke ravioli are among the dishes that get repeated praise. Seafood is represented too, including shrimp scampi, salmon and cioppino. 

The house-made focaccia is worth ordering, especially if you plan on getting pasta or a saucier entree. For dessert, tiramisu and the chocolate ganache brownie come up often. If you want a first-visit order, Carmela's Meatballs followed by lasagna or the lemon artichoke ravioli gives you a good read on what Mazzara's does best.

This is a slower sit-down meal in an old house, so the setting is part of why you go. It works well for date night, lunch with someone you have not seen in a while or dinner when you want time to talk over a bottle of wine. The restaurant has a strong wine program and private dining is available. Reservations are a good idea for dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday.

Price is in the mid to upper range for Italian dining, so expect roughly $25 to $45 per person before wine depending on what you order.

Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Sunday 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 

Mazzara's does take reservations. Check reservation availability for Mazzara's Vinoteca in Huntsville

🌐 Website

102 Gates Ave SW

Huntsville, AL 35801

📍Google Maps

(256) 804-6299

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