Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Brad Collett, Executive Director of the Tennessee RiverLine — the bold initiative transforming all 652 miles of the Tennessee River into North America's next great regional trail system. From new kayak fleets launching across North Alabama to a $750,000 partnership with the University of North Alabama, Brad shares how landscape architecture, community pa...

Join host Melea Hames as she dives into the history and hidden gems of Decatur’s crown jewel with Nicole Belcher, Marketing and Events Coordinator for Point Mallard Park. Nicole shares the wild history of how the first wave pool in the U.S. ended up in North Alabama, the "unexpected" winter activities at the park, behind-the-scenes secrets of the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, and why Po...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Muscle Shoals singer-songwriter Bay Simpson — fresh off his run on Season 29 of NBC's The Voice. Bay shares what it was like growing up in the studios of the Shoals with a songwriter stepdad and drummer dad, why he chose Tom Petty over Elvis for his blind audition, the surprise family tree that makes him Elvis Presley's second cousin once removed, the st...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Scott Black, President of LawLers Barbecue — a North Alabama institution that has been firing up hardwood smokers since 1978. Scott shares the story behind this beloved regional brand, what it takes to run 13 locations across the Tennessee Valley and why slow-smoked barbecue built on community and tradition will never go out of style. Follow North Alabam...

Join host Melea Hames as she visits the beloved Morgan Price Candy Company in downtown Decatur. Guest Lee Anne Smith, the store's new owner, shares the journey of carrying on a 35-year North Alabama tradition, what it means to take the reins from the previous owner, and why handcrafted candy made in small batches will never go out of style. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram T...

Host Melea Hames hits the trails at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont. Co-owner LaBreeska Ponder shares how she and her husband transformed 4,700 acres of reclaimed mining land into a premier off-road destination, the unique wildlife you'll find on the trails, and the importance of preserving private property rights for outdoor recreation.  Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagra...

Join host Melea Hames as she visits the historic U.G. White Mercantile in downtown Athens. Guest Derrick Young, owner and commercial pilot, shares the journey of saving this 100-year-old landmark, the creation of Merchants Alley, and why the "general store" experience is more relevant today than ever. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook...

Join host Melea Hames for an inspiring journey into one of North Alabama’s most important natural spaces — Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Guest David Young, Park Ranger and Visitor Services Manager, shares what makes the refuge a must-visit destination, from seasonal wildlife spectacles and educational programs to conservation efforts and unforgettable visitor experiences. Learn how Wheeler NWR...

Join host Melea Hames as she steps inside "3614 Jackson Highway," the legendary studio that helped put North Alabama on the global musical map. Guest Debbie Wilson, Executive Director, shares the "unexpected" stories of the Swampers, the restoration of this historic landmark, and how the "Muscle Shoals Sound" continues to draw music lovers from around the world to Sheffield, Alabama. Follow North...

Join host Melea Hames for a mouthwatering journey into one of North Alabama’s most beloved barbecue institutions — New Market BBQ. Guest Libby Webb, co-owner and operator, shares the story behind the restaurant’s legacy, what makes North Alabama barbecue so special, and how New Market BBQ has become a community gathering place for locals and travelers alike. From pit-room traditions and family rec...

Join host Melea Hames for a creative journey into one of North Alabama’s most inspiring cultural landmarks — the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur. Guest Kim Mitchell, Executive Director of the Carnegie, shares the story behind the historic Carnegie Library’s transformation into a vibrant arts hub, the role visual arts play in community identity, and how the center creates unexpected experien...

Join host Melea Hames as she welcomes Donna Castellano, Executive Director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation and steward of the beloved Harrison Brothers Hardware, Alabama’s oldest continually operating hardware store. They explore the importance of preservation, the unexpected stories uncovered through historical work, and how Harrison Brothers blends the past with modern-day community connec...

Join host Melea Hames as she welcomes Bart Crabtree, co-founder of Sipsey Vineyard and Winery, a handcrafted micro-winery rooted in the natural wonders of the Bankhead National Forest. Bart shares the unexpected journey that led him from a career in public health and military service to winemaking, the inspiration behind Sipsey’s locally influenced wines, and how his passion for community, land, a...

Join host Melea Hames as she welcomes Jennifer Allen, creator of Wonders Within Reach, a leading blog and community dedicated to accessible family travel. Jennifer shares inspiring stories from her journeys with her family — including her children with disabilities — and offers valuable insight into how destinations across North Alabama can make travel more inclusive for everyone. Together, they d...

Join host Melea Hames for a festive journey into Decatur’s beloved holiday tradition — the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes. Guests Brenda Henson, past-president of the Historic Decatur Association, and Robin McCutcheon, a community advocate and tour participant, share stories behind the event’s historic homes, the effort that goes into the dazzling decorations, and how this holiday celebr...

Join us for a conversation with accessibility advocate and travel blogger Phoenyx Powell. We’ll explore the important work being done to make North Alabama more inclusive and welcoming for all. Phoenyx shares insights from her own experiences traveling with accessibility needs, highlights local initiatives, and discusses how communities can better support residents and visitors of all abilities. F...

Join us for a festive episode as we chat with Nathan Anderson, Executive Director of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, and the driving force behind Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt — one of the most enchanting holiday experiences in the South. Nathan shares how this authentic German-inspired winter market came to life, the traditions that make it special, and the incredible impact it’s having...

Step into the world of Frank Lloyd Wright right here in North Alabama! Host Melea Hames sits down with Jeff Ford, Site Director of the Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure in the state. Together, they uncover the fascinating history of this Usonian masterpiece, the story of the Rosenbaum family, and what makes this home a must-visit destination for architecture lovers an...

 Step into the joy of fall at Hidden Rivers Farm in Hartselle, Alabama, where sisters Mary-Sidney and Abigail Ritch have created a family destination filled with pumpkins, games, trails, and unforgettable experiences. Host Melea Hames sits down with the sisters to learn how their farm grew from childhood memories into one of North Alabama’s most beloved seasonal attractions. Follow North Alabama o...

 Discover the story of La Famiglia Winery, a family-owned vineyard in the heart of North Alabama where tradition, hospitality, and Italian heritage blend beautifully. Host Melea Hames sits down with Beverly Massa to talk about her family’s journey into winemaking, the unique varietals they cultivate, and how the winery has become both a destination and a community gathering place. Follow North Ala...

Join us for a conversation about the 32nd Annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride — a powerful, rain-or-shine tradition that honors the journey of Native Americans along the historic Trail of Tears. We’ll talk about the history, the route, and what makes this annual ride an unforgettable experience. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter...

Get ready for some summer fun as we dive into Spring Valley Beach, an iconic water park in Blountsville. Melea sits down with owner Travis Gilliland to find out more about the history of this family-owned park. Learn about the park's origins, its transformation over the years, and the variety of attractions that make it a favorite summer destination, including its giant pool and thrilling water sl...

Be transported to a faraway land as we explore one of Alabama's most unique overnight stays: The Flying Carpet Moroccan Treehouse. Melea sits down with Cherisa, who shares how a surprising find at a salvage store sparked the inspiration for this luxurious and immersive experience. Listen to hear how this unexpected gem attracts guests from around the world, transporting people from all walks of li...

In this episode, Melea talks with Beth Goodwin, the CEO of Early Works Children’s Museums in Huntsville, Alabama. Learn how the museum focuses on childhood play by creating an environment that welcomes children of all ages and abilities. Beth shares how upcoming exhibits like the Kids Clinic and the Toyota auto exhibit focus on workforce development, and how the Early Works Children's Museum and A...

Join us for an adventure in North Alabama as Melea sits down with Josh Russell, owner of Russell Barbecue in Sheffield. Discover how this unique spot on the North Alabama Barbecue Trail offers delicious Texas-style barbecue, featuring favorites like tender brisket and surprisingly juicy turkey. Learn about the restaurant's incredible transformation from an abandoned building to a welcoming space t...