Last Saturday our goals were simple. Visit a nursery with a good selection of daylilies and find a place nearby for a simple lunch. We batted 1.000.
BENNETT NURSERIES
Bennett Nurseries at 7002 Memorial Parkway NW in Huntsville, just a short distance from Alabama A & M University, is a very impressive place and much bigger than it appears from the outside. We had visited its next-door neighbor, Across the Pond, on numerous occasions when we were looking for pots, birdfeeders, fountains, and such but never seemed to be at Bennett's at the right time. I'm so glad we finally found what all the fuss was about. As soon as we entered, a very helpful employee asked how she could direct us. When we inquired about daylilies, she said, "That would be Greenhouse #5." Important information to have when you see that there are more than a dozen greenhouses. One, for instance, is devoted entirely to geraniums, so I will definitely return in a few weeks for those.
It felt so good to wander through so many green plants and see all the signs of life. It smelled good. You could sense that people were planning their gardens and itching to get started. The experts on the premises warned that after April 15th was best because of the threat of a late frost. It will be hard to wait that long. :) Go and check it out. After a year of pandemic lockdowns, this is a great place to feel free again.
DALLAS MILL DELI
I'm always on the lookout for cafes, restaurants, bistros, and delis that I've never tried before. With a little research, I found Dallas Mill Deli on Pratt Avenue, less than 10 minutes away from Bennett Nurseries. It is a cute place that has been open for 15 years. Diners may pick up carry-out orders, dine-in or dine outdoors. Since we arrived when there were very few people eating inside, we found a table in the corner and enjoyed our meal there.
I went straight for my favorites -- chicken salad and strawberry pretzel salad (both VERY good) -- while Steve chose a tuna sandwich on wheat. Next time, I'll try either a burger or one of their original fried bologna Reuben sandwiches. Doesn't that sound intriguing?
An added feature of Dallas Mill Deli is their food truck which goes to businesses around Huntsville -- Redstone Arsenal, WHNT-TV, and others. You can arrange for them to come to YOUR business by calling 256-489-DELI or emailing DallasMillDeli@hotmail.com. The deli is also equipped to cater by offering a selection of box lunches.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30, so consider stopping by for lunch when you visit Bennett Nurseries or have other errands near downtown Huntsville.