You’ve probably driven past it a thousand times if you live on the south side of town. It’s sitting there in the Valley Bend at Jones Farm shopping center, looking like every other big-box store from the outside. But the Target Carl T Jones Huntsville location—technically Target Huntsville South—sort of anchors the entire lifestyle of the Jones Valley area. It isn't just a place to grab milk. For a lot of us, it’s the default starting point for a Saturday morning or the frantic 9:00 PM stop for a forgotten school project.
Honestly, shopping here feels different than hitting the massive Super Target over on University Drive. It’s a bit more manageable. Less "lost in a warehouse" vibes and more "I can actually find the CVS pharmacy without a GPS."
What’s Actually Inside the Target on Carl T Jones?
Most people just call it the "Jones Valley Target." It’s located at 2750 Carl T Jones Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802. If you're looking for it, it’s basically the heart of the Valley Bend complex, surrounded by spots like Barnes & Noble and Dick's Sporting Goods.
The layout is pretty standard for a modern Target, but it’s packed with specific services that make it a one-stop situation. You’ve got:
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- A Full Starbucks Cafe: Because let’s be real, half the people in there are just there for a caffeinated stroll through the home decor aisle.
- Target Optical: This is actually one of the better-rated spots in the city for a quick eye exam or grabbing a new pair of frames. They usually stay open until 7:00 PM on weekdays.
- CVS Pharmacy: Super convenient, though the hours are a bit specific. They usually take a lunch break around 1:30 PM, so don't show up then expecting to grab your meds.
- Full Grocery with Deli and Bakery: It’s not a "Super" Target in name, but it has a surprisingly robust produce section and a decent selection of wine and beer.
The store is usually open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. Sometimes they open as early as 7:00 AM depending on the season, but 8:00 AM is the safe bet if you’re trying to beat the crowd.
The "Mister Huntsville" Connection
Ever wonder who Carl T. Jones actually was? It’s not just a random name on a street sign.
Carl Tannahill Jones was basically "Mister Huntsville." He was the city engineer from 1929 to 1960. Think about that timeframe. He watched a tiny cotton town explode into the "Rocket City." He was the guy who pushed for the expansion of the city limits by over 100 square miles. The road where the Target sits—and the field at the airport—carries his name because he essentially engineered the modern version of the city we live in today.
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The land where the Target stands now was once part of the Jones family farm. That’s why the shopping center is called Valley Bend at Jones Farm. It’s a weird mix of ultra-modern retail sitting on top of deep local history.
The Shopping Experience: The Good and the Frustrating
Look, no store is perfect. If you check the local chatter or reviews for the Target Carl T Jones Huntsville location, you'll hear a mix of things.
The Drive Up service here is generally lightning-fast. It’s one of the best-managed parts of the store. You pull into the spot, tap the app, and someone is usually out there within two minutes. On the flip side, if you go inside during a weekend rush, the self-checkout line can snake all the way back into the clothing department.
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One thing to watch out for? The inventory sync.
Sometimes the app says a specific Lego set or a pair of Hearth & Hand curtains is "in stock," but when you get to the aisle, it’s a ghost town. It’s always worth asking a team member to check the back, as this location moves through stock incredibly quickly due to the high foot traffic from the surrounding neighborhoods like Piedmont and Willowbrook.
Practical Tips for Your Next Visit
If you want to avoid the chaos, go Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
The aisles are clear, the Starbucks line is non-existent, and the shelves are usually freshly stocked from the overnight truck.
Parking Hack:
Don't try to park right in front of the main doors. It’s a nightmare. The spots near the Dick's Sporting Goods side of the lot are almost always open, and it's a shorter walk than you think. Plus, it makes exiting the shopping center onto Carl T Jones Drive much easier than trying to fight your way out of the center lanes.
If you’re heading there for something specific, here is the quick contact info you might need:
- Main Store: (256) 650-3491
- Optical Center: (256) 880-5148
- Pharmacy: (256) 883-6295
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head out to the Target Carl T Jones Huntsville, double-check the Target app for "Circle Deals." This location is notorious for having "Store-Only" clearances that don't always show up on the national site. Also, if you’re planning on a pharmacy run, call ahead to ensure they aren't in their 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM lunch window. Finally, use the "Find it in store" feature on the app to pin down the exact aisle number before you walk through the doors to save yourself twenty minutes of wandering.