General

The Rattlesnake Saloon Visit

Last week, during my hubby’s staycation we decided to do visit a couple of local tourist attractions. Our first stop was to visit The Rattlesnake Saloon outside of Tuscumbia, Alabama (USA).

The land where the saloon is located has been in the same family since 1916 and was used for farming and timber.  Hogs were kept in the cave like shelter area that is now the site of the saloon with open air seating and a stage for musicians.

Color changing lights shine on the back wall of the sheltering cave and full size trees and other vegetation grow above it. 

The saloon is open on weekends and live music and alcoholic beverages are served after 5pm.

Visitors are taken to the saloon in the “Saloon Taxi” which is actually a diesel extended cab pickup truck equipped with rustic benches built into the truck’s bed.

We held on tightly to the rough boards trying not to slide towards the front of the truck as the pickup negotiated a long, extremely steep, narrow road.   Our friend’s glasses slid off of her head and I found myself walking part way back up that steep slope to retrieve them.

As we approached the bottom of the hill we were greeted with a panoramic view of the saloon and open air dining area.  Looking at those full grown trees growing above the sheltered area caused a little anxiety wondering if it was indeed safe from collapse!

Inside the saloon building is a bar, kitchen, small eating area and restrooms.  There are also several restrooms that are accessed from the outside.

The saloon was built in 49 days and opened on Labor Day in 2009.  During construction a den of rattlesnakes was found in the area and became the inspiration for the saloon’s name. Wooden rattlesnake carvings sit on each side of the entrance to the saloon greeting visitors with their sinister looking fangs.

If you are in the Shoals area of Northwestern Alabama be sure to add a visit to The Rattlesnake Saloon to your itinerary. If you have already been to the saloon please use the comment section to tell us of your visit.

To view a close up of the interior ceiling of the saloon click here.