Despite the recent closing of the Thirsty Turtle, there is some good news for fans of the Huntsville bar.
The exterior of The Thirsty Turtle, a dive-bar in Huntsville, Alabama. The bar first opened in 1990. It was a packed house Wednesday night at The Thirsty Turtle. Word had gotten out among regulars here and friends of the staff this beloved, long-running dive-bar was closing down, effective last night. Deanna Wolf, daughter of Marilyn VerMeer, the bar’s long-time owner who died recently at age 73, tells AL.com the closure is temporary.
After that agreement is solidified, Wolf says, “I can sign management over to them, and then they can apply for the liquor license as a separate entity. But until that happens, we just got to keep the door shut for a little while.” Asked if Wolf’s family would retain ownership of The Turtle going forward, once, and if, a management agreement is struck, Wolf says, “I can’t speak on that just yet.”
Detroit transplants Marilyn VerMeer and husband Leonard VerMeer first opened The Thirsty Turtle in 1990. The cozy neighborhood style bar’s features include a pool table and darts. Libation wise, the large draft beers are popular. The Thirsty Turtle has remained a smoking establishment, one of few in Huntsville these days.