The high-tech city of Huntsville which sprawls at the foot of a mountain in North Alabama is equally at home in the 19th century or the 21st. Huntsville's tourist attractions reflect the heritage of Alabama's first English-speaking city, the strife of the American Civil War, and the accomplishments of America's rocket scientists. <br> Huntsville's population truly reflects international cultures. Of the 160,000 city residents, more than 10 percent are natives of other countries. More than 100 languages and dialects are spoken here. In addition to the German rocket scientists who arrived in 1950, for example, Huntsville is home to the first U.S. plant built by Korea's largest corporation. Several Japanese-owned companies operate manufacturing plants here. Scores of foreign national flags ring the roof of the headquarters of an international computer manufacturing firm headquartered in Huntsville. Huntsville's visitor attractions offer a wealth of activities for the native and international visitor alike. <br> Visitors who want to be "astronauts for a day" can sample astronaut training activities at the sprawling U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The hands-on showcase of space technology is the state's largest tourist attraction. It is home to the internationally known U.S. Space Camp which has franchise operations in Japan, Belgium and Canada. A variety of city museums downtown and an outstanding symphony orchestra offer rich cultural opportunities involving the arts. The legendary Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which encompasses 21 courses in eight cities in Alabama, begins here at the 54-hole Hampton Cove Golf Course. Hampton Cove features two championship courses surrounded by mountains and lakes. Alabama now ranks fifth in the nation for public golf courses per resident. <br> Huntsville is a convenient hub for meeting our neighbors in the beautiful Alabama Mountain Lakes region. Take circle tours that extend to the west to see the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. Birthplace shrines honor “father of the blues” W.C. Handy and Olympian Jesse Owens. Visit Hamilton where potter Jerry Brown creates “ugly jugs” at his studio and explore the wonders of “the Dismals.” Frolic in the nation’s first wave pool at Decatur’s Point Mallard. Walk down the shaded streets of historic Mooresville. <br> Ride east for the mountain village of Mentone, home of Little River Canyon, and survey the unique Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro. Go south for the charming Ave Maria Grotto at Cullman and Boaz’s many factory outlets. A Civil War outdoor drama enlivens Looney’s Tavern. The scenic beauty of Lake Guntersville State Park, the covered bridges near Oneonta and Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls are worth the drive. Head north to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Middle Tennessee. <br> Hungry? Have biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Sample the traditional vinegary pepper sauce on pork barbecue for lunch. Try fried catfish and hush puppies for dinner. Having pecan pie for dessert borders on a religious experience for many Southerners. Wash it all down with a large glass of sweet tea. You might even start saying “We’ll see y’all later” with a passable accent.