The City Harbor complex opened in Guntersville about six months ago and is now decked out for the holidays. I suggest you make your way over for a fun outing this Christmas season.
The setting is perfect. Views of Lake Guntersville abound. Put 29 Paddlewheel Drive in your GPS, and you'll go right to it.
You'll definitely want to plan your visit to coincide with a meal time. Restaurants up and running at City Harbor include La Esquina Cocina (fresh, upscale Mexican cuisine which doesn't douse everything in red sauce), Another Broken Egg Cafe, Levi's on the Lake (outdoor dining, very casual fare), The Brewers Cooperative, and Big Mike's Steakhouse (only open for dinner). The Wake Eatery should be open soon.
Short-term condo rentals are available at City Harbor Suites, and a hotel is on the drawing board for the coming year. Wouldn't that be fun for a special weekend?
My favorite stop at City Harbor was the beautiful retail store, Home Re.Decor. The concept is to combine both vintage and new items in appealing ways. You'll find a mirror that once graced a French castle and a wagon from World War I as you wander through the various displays. The friendly, helpful ladies in the store told me that the items for sale change often. Right now, it has gorgeous holiday decor, but by January, everything will be completely different.
Of course, Guntersville offers many more places where you can enjoy your day. The shops on Gunter Avenue, the Museum and Cultural Center at 1215 Rayburn Avenue, and Lake Guntersville State Park (inquire about active eagles' nests when you're there) are several notable attractions.
Other restaurant suggestions include Rock House Eatery (1201 Gunter Ave.), Old Town Stock House (410 Old Town Street), and Top o' the River (7004 Val Monte Drive).
Guntersville is only about an hour's drive from Hartselle. Go check it out.