• Start Here
    • ABOUT
    • MCW Podcast
    • Subscribe
    • CONTACT
  • Kentucky
    • Louisville
  • Destinations
    • North America
      • Alabama
      • Arizona
      • Colorado
      • Georgia
      • Indiana
      • Tennessee
      • Ohio
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • Utah
      • West Virginia
    • Caribbean
    • South America
    • Europe
  • Blog
    • Playlists & Books
    • Packing & Gear
      • Shop Our Instagram & Gear
      • Packing Guides
      • Trip Planning
    • Inspiration
    • Our Home
    • Wellness
    • Blogging
  • Magnolia & Pine
  • Work With Us
0

My Colorful Wanderings

My Colorful Wanderings

Alabama, North America, Travel Guides

The Rattlesnake Saloon – Alabama’s Hidden Date Night Gem

Tuscumbia, Alabama
The best day trips from huntsville alabama | Huntsville Alabama Itinerary | What To do in huntsville alabama | Fun things to do in Huntsville Alabama

Restaurants in caves are usually in far-flung exotic places you see across Instagram. You’ve probably heard of the Grotto Palazzese in Italy or the Rayavadee Dining Grotto in Thailand? But if you’re in the southern US – you might want to take a road trip to the small town of Tuscumbia, Alabama. Home to The Rattlesnake Saloon and Seven Springs Silos and Campground, and the only one of its kind in the US. The Rattlesnake Saloon is literally a hole-in-the-wall restaurant!!

Follow our guide for how to get there, how to plan ahead and enjoy yourself on this perfect weekend getaway!


How To Get To the Rattlesnake Saloon

Let’s just be real – you’re going to think you’re lost. You’ll lose cellphone service, and there will be nothing around. But trust us when we say, you will get there.

From Huntsville, Alabama, it’s about an hour and a half drive, and from I-65, it’s a little over an hour. (I-65 is the major highway running North/South on the Eastern side of the US. Any major road-trip out East will coincide with I-65.)

  • From I-65, take Exit 351 for US Highway 72 heading West.
  • You’ll keep heading west for about 50 miles and then take a left on AL-247 S.
  • Once you take a left on AL-247 S, continue for 7 miles, and then take a right on Bald Knob Road.
  • Then after about 1 mile, take a right on Mount Mills Road.
  • After about 1 mile, The Rattlesnake Saloon and Seen Springs Campground will be on the right!

The first thing you’ll see when you pull into the parking lot will be the Saloon Taxi Pickup station!


Parking at The Rattlesnake Saloon

There’s a ton of parking because the area is not just for the saloon – it’s also for the campground, staying in the silos overnight, and the equestrian park.

Bikers at the Seven Springs Campground and Rattlesnake Saloon
The nicest group of bikers we’ve ever met!

Make sure to be paying close attention when you pull in. Be careful of horse crossings!! You’ll be sharing the parking lot with these beauties as well as kids running around and large groups of motorcyclists.

We also noticed that there was plenty of room for RV’s. With the massive surge in US-based road trips over the past few years – RV’s and people looking to travel domestically are on the rise. You’ll need to call ahead!! The Seven Springs campground is more than just your average campground!

If you’re considering making a motorcycle trip through the area (our dream is to do a motorcycle trip up through the East coast so we get it!) – you’ll be in good company! Motorcyclist groups stop here frequently as a great pitstop off of I-65.

(Watch out for a blog post soon for the best places to stop off of I-65!)

Parking your bike / large groups of bikes would be no trouble because the parking lot really is huge!!


The Saloon Taxi Pickup at The Rattlesnake Saloon and Seven Springs Campground.
Saloon Taxi Pickup at the Rattlesnake Saloon

What To Know Before You Go

Whether you’re adventuring for a date night or just a road trip pit stop – there are a few things you should know before you go!

  • You’ll lose service on the way there. It’s fine! Try just to enjoy not having a phone. Weird we know.
  • Be prepared to sit and wait! They only allow in so many people at a time (and you have to be driven down on a truck!) See below for some ideas on what to do while you wait.
  • Make sure to bring your ID. They check everyone and stamp hands if you want to order an adult beverage.

HERE’S HOW TO AVOID BEING MISERABLE IN LINE: Pack a cooler and have one person wait in line in turns! We saw some other families doing this and it worked out great!


Where To Stay Near The Rattlesnake Saloon

If you’re looking to make this a date weekend – we highly recommend staying in one of the Florence/Muscle Shoals boutique hotels that are nearby. Florence, Alabama is north of the Tennessee River about 30 minutes from the Rattlesnake Saloon, and Muscle Shoals, Alabama is south of the Tennessee River and also about 30 minutes from the saloon. Tuscumbia is really a small hamlet of Muscle Shoals, Alabama – which is just a sister city to Florence, Alabama. (They’re about 20 minutes apart and divided by the river – it’s easy to travel back and forth in these little towns!)

Read Next:  10 Can't Miss Romantic Things to Do In Italy
The Gunrunner Boutique Hotel in Florence Alabama - The Rattlesnake Saloon Weekend Getaway
The Gunrunner Boutique Hotel / Photo from Good Grit Magazine

The Stricklin Hotel and the Gunrunner Boutique Hotel are two chic southern staples that would make for a perfect weekend getaway! The Marriot Muscle Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence would also be nice if those two are booked. (We recommend calling ahead because they do book up pretty fast!)

Booking.com

**Zoom out on the map to see how close Tuscumbia, Florence, and Muscle Shoals really are! No matter where you decide to stay – they’re all about 30 minutes from the Rattlesnake Saloon.

Seven Springs Lodge & Campground

The owner’s goal behind Seven Springs is to create a relaxing lodge and horseback riding venue. While a lot of people come from out of town to head to the Rattlesnake Saloon – many more come to roam the 20,000 acres of land available for equestrian and hiking use.

The rattlesnake saloon alabama campground
Seven Springs Campground at The Rattlesnake Saloon

FUN FACT: One of the trails at the Seven Springs Campground takes you to a Native Indian shelter where 8000-year-old remains were uncovered in Alabama!!

**With 100 hookups for trailers/RVs and 153 stalls for horses – you’ll need to make sure that you call ahead!

If you’re not looking to stop with a motorhome, or a trailer full of horses – you can stay in the silos! Fully converted grain silos are now available as bunkhouses for those without an RV and not looking to camp. The Silos are complete with 4 bathhouses and a pool!

Call Ahead and Reserve: 256.370.7218 ‘ask for Ms. Tee Tee‘ – Strait from the Seven Springs Campground website!!


What To Expect At The Rattlesnake Saloon

If you have your heart on seeing the restaurant in the cave but aren’t staying overnight – you’re best bet is to go earlier in the day before there’s a big line. We’re talking around 4 pm! This isn’t a reservation kinda place. It’s a wait in line till it’s your turn kinda place. Waiting stinks – but it’s more than worth it!!

While you’re waiting in line – pay attention to the kids in cowboys hats running around, deep southern accents, and the feel of southern hospitality just flowing through the area. You’ll hop on the bus, stop to get a stamp and drive down a steep cliff while the music bounds out of the cave and up the hill.

The Rattlesnake Saloon alabama View from the second floor.
An upstairs view from under the waterfall! | Rattlesnake Saloon Facebook

After you take the pickup truck bed ride down – you’ll be greeted with one of the warmest and inviting ambiance you’ve ever seen in a cave! The cover band echoes throughout the cave with Alabama’s Dixieland Delight bouncing off of the caves’ walls.

Make sure that if you’re gonna be drinking you bring your ID. We said that earlier but really make sure you don’t forget if you’re looking to grab a couple of brews!!!

If you’re looking to have a couple of beers during your time at the Rattlesnake Saloon, keep in mind that alcohol isn’t served until 5 pm. {But even if you go during the day – you’ll still have a great time!}

Couples start to dance, families sit and enjoy – it’s really a perfect night. Especially a warm summer night when you just need to escape the heat? The waterfall is nice to stand by while you bask in the cool spray. We highly recommend going after a rainstorm so that you can see the waterfall in full flow!

Read Next:  Your Epic Lake & Beach Playlist

What To Wear

What To Wear To The Rattlesnake Saloon
Shelbs and little sister Mae before heading into the Rattlesnake Saloon.

No one is dressed fancy- people are there from young to old truly just enjoying themselves. Nothing pretentious. Just good country people having a good time. We highly recommend you wear comfortable clothing that you’re not afraid to get wet.

Wear comfortable shoes!! You’re literally getting on a truck bed, being driven down a bumpy dirt road, and then walking into a semi-wet, stone-floored area. Not the time to be wearing you’re favorite heels!

We also recommend wearing a light jacket (regardless of whether or not it was April 25th..‘not too hot, not too cold’… if you know you know.) Caves are notoriously wet and slightly chilly. Did you know that most caves remain the same temperature year-round? Although the Rattlesnake Saloon isn’t in a full-on cave – you’ll still need to pack layers. The chill off of the cave walls is enough to make you wish you’d brought a sweater!

I Shelbs wore a pair of joggers, sneaks, and a long sleeve thermal tee – even in the Alabama October heat – I was still a bit chilly. Duck boots would be a perfect addition to your Southern marshy adventuring! They even look good with shorts.


The ‘Gigantor’ Burger Challenge

The Rattlesnake Saloon Giant Burger Eating Competition
The Gigantor Burger

If you’re going down to the saloon – chances are you either camped and brought your own food or your eating at the saloon. There arent many restaurants around the area so you’ll want to dig in on some of their Southern fixins’. Fried pickles, fried jalapeno poppers, burgers, locally sourced chicken fingers, and even a few healthier options like the Saloon Salad. What you could also do is grab the Gigantor Burger for you and your group – or enter the competition!!

This challenge has become so famous throughout Alabama – it’s even made it to a few food network shows! The 2-pound burger is topped with cheese, bacon, sauces, and veggies. Along with 1 pound of fries and 1 pound of onion rings – you have 45 minutes to finish eating the whole thing!

You can watch videos of people eating it here!

Here’s what you get if you win:

  • Your meal is free
  • A free Rattlesnake Saloon T-Shirt
  • You name on the Wall of Fame!

Please tag us in your posts if you do it. Morbidly curious to know who’s accomplish it!


Relax & Enjoy

As we left we rode in the wagon up to the parking lot and met a sweet biker couple also headed home for the night – this is the conversation that followed:

Biker: HEY! Ya’ll know anything about the Bama game?

Josh (Shelb’s Brother In Law) – yeah they’re up 35 to 3!

Biker: hell yeah ROLL TIDE!! Hehehe!

The conversation outside of the Rattlesnake saloon

I kid you not it was the best conversation I’ve ever heard outside of a bar. Kind of the universal language of Alabama is asking about sports, and it’s really just a good time had by all.

Since we’re talking about a Southern trip, I’d like to impart one of my dad’s favorite sayings about the evening. If Shelb’s parents had gone with us – they would’ve called the evening ‘Fine as frog hair.’ In case you don’t know – that means it was a perfect time and we hope you enjoy it!!

Pin the photo below on your favorite bucket list board for later!

Alabama Bucket List Addition - The Rattlesnake Saloon

Make sure to subscribe to our blog, snag all of your road trip basics (below), get your travel insurance, and have fun jamming to a new playlist!

Until next time friends,

34.731335-87.702678

Thanks for sharing!

266 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
TAGS:couples travelroad tripsummerwaterfalls
SHOP
Evan and Shelby

Sharing beautiful places, sustainable & slow living tips, + good food from across the globe. You can probably find Shelbs creating a new playlist or editing photos, and Ev researching the latest and greatest in all manner of travel gear and tech. We're so happy you're here taking a moment to read and slow down a little.

You May Also Like...

Your Ultimate Guide to the Trendy ‘NULU’ Louisville Neighborhood

How To Have The Perfect Mountain Weekend Getaway in Morgantown, West Virginia

The Best View In Alabama: Weathington Park Overlook

13 Comments
  • Shelly

    Great post!

    Reply
  • kmf

    Rattlesnake Saloon is so unique! Would love to visit this literal hole-in-the-wall.

    Reply
  • Mireille Mahfoud Samaha

    Such a thorough post! It’s an unconventional trip for the wild lovers 🙂

    Reply
  • Gloria

    Sounds like a worthwhile weekend activity.

    Reply
  • Ann Marks

    Wow! Now that is a burger. Looks like yummy food and good time!

    Reply
  • Cristina

    This is such a cool place! I had never heard of it, so thank you for sharing. I am saving your guide for future trips 🙂

    Reply
  • Destiny

    Why do I feel tempted to try that burger challenge!? haha! This really does look like quite the hidden gem!

    Reply
  • Maggie

    This is so cool!!! I had no idea that a place like this existed in Alabama. I kind of like that you don’t have cell service – keeps it a hidden gem and forces you to take a break from your phone! This looks like great fun.

    Reply
  • Renee

    What a unique concept of the location – and carrying that theme all the way through to the entire experience. I can see why it would be a draw for a lot of people. I image they are creating a buzz about no reservation policy, human nature it always curious to see what the hype is about and would would be willing to wait in line.

    Reply
  • Kevin

    The Rattlesnake Saloon looks like such a fun place! There are restaurants where memories stick with you for years or decades and I can totally imagine this being one of those places. That burger looks crazy, and fried pickles and fried jalapeno poppers both sound so delicious. It also sounds like the truck “taxi” is an integral part of the experience. I’ve been looking at finally visiting Alabama and this is convincing me I need to book something soon!

    Reply
  • Melissa Butler

    The Rattlesnake Saloon sounds and looks like a really cool place to have dinner. Not too often there are places that there is no reservation policy these days. I am all up for eating somewhere that is unusual and fun, especially in a cave. That burger sounds crazy but my husband and I would give it ago. Certainly, one I am adding to my list.

    Reply
  • Andi Fisher

    Screw the cave, I’d never leave that Gunnar hotel – LOVE the design! Okay, I’d visit the cave too because I love to eat and this would be a unique experience!

    Reply
    • Evan and Shelby
      Andi Fisher

      Hahahaha we think it’s gorgeous too!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
A Machine Gun Kelly Themed Cleveland, Ohio Roadtrip
Next Post
The 100 Best Machine Gun Kelly Songs
Hey there! It’s Ev & Shelbs

Hey there! It’s Ev & Shelbs

We're husband and wife hikers, explorers, foodies, readers and photographers. Our blog is dedicated to romanticizing life, inspired by our home in Southern USA. We hope you leave feeling inspired for your next adventure or picking up a new favorite book!

Get More of The South

Hiking, foodie recommendations and more!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
    Built with ConvertKit

    Shop Our Staples

    product_title_1

    Men's La Sportiva Hiking Boot

    product_title_2

    Women's La Sportiva Hiking Boot

    product_title_3

    Sony a6600 Mirrorless Camera

    product_title_4

    17-70mm f/2.8 Lens

    product_title_5

    Camera Backpack Clip

    Current Location

    Current Location
    Louisville, Kentucky

    FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM! @MYCOLORFULWANDERINGS | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED – PHOTOGRAPHY CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT OUR PERMISSION

    …
    • CONTACT
    • Work With Us
    • BLOG
    • Legal

    MY COLORFUL WANDERINGS © Site Powered by Pix & Hue.

    266 shares
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email