Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama

In this episode, Melea takes the show on the road to The Soak House and Soapery in Guntersville. Owner Teresa Staggs and manager Alison James join Melea to talk about all of the luxury services offered at the spa. Services include mineral soaks, facials, massages, halo therapy and infrared sauna sessions. Teresa and Alison also discuss the importance of self-care, the personalized approach to clie...

On today’s special episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, Melea takes a turn in the guest chair as she’s interviewed by our producer, Julie Sheffield. Listen in to learn more about Melea’s background, her upbringing in North Alabama, going away to college at Auburn and her career path. Melea also talks about some of her favorite things to do in North Alabama, such as visiting Delano Pa...

Known for its Jeffersonian-Palladian style architecture, the Belle Mont Mansion in Tuscumbia is home to tours, exhibits and events throughout the year. Ninon Parker, the site director of the mansion, joins Melea on today’s episode to talk about Belle Mont’s historical significance, how the mansion has been preserved over the years and the different events it holds. Belle Mont Mansion Follow North...

Tucked between the trees on the edge of Huntsville at the peak of Round Top Mountain, Burritt on the Mountain provides a unique experience to visitors of all ages. Host Melea Hames is joined by Elizabeth Jones, marketing director at the park, to talk about some things you can discover when you visit, including special exhibits at the Burritt Mansion or exciting classes at the Burritt Folk School....

In this episode, host Melea Hames interviews Barbara Kelly from Delano Park in Decatur, Alabama. Barbara discusses the park's transformation into an arboretum, the significance of its historical features like the rose garden and the inclusive Riverwild area for children with disabilities. She emphasizes the park's role as a community sanctuary, its educational value and the importance of philanthr...

Codie Gopher grew up in Huntsville and is continually involved in the North Alabama community. Codie joins Melea on today’s episode of Unexpected Adventures to talk about why he loves North Alabama, the region’s impact on the world and the Seven-Two Experience, his documentary all about the area. He also talks about some of his favorite places to visit in the area, such as the Orion Amphitheater a...

Back Forty Beer Company is a pioneer in the brewing scene in Alabama and has brought its original beer creations to many people across the South. Jason Wilson, the company’s founder, joins Melea on today’s episode to tell the story of how he started Back Forty, his goal of bringing craft beer culture to the South and the different types of beer he has on tap. Back Forty Beer Follow North Alabama o...

Jahni Moore is an accomplished artist from Huntsville who works in many different types of media. On today’s episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, Jahni sits down with Melea to talk about his history with art and where you can find his work across North Alabama. Jahni also talks about his creative process and the importance of art in our lives. Jahni Moore Follow North Alabama on Soci...

Located in Huntsville, AL, Bricks and Minifigs is part of a chain of Lego stores across the country that not only sell brand new Lego sets, but also used, certified and retired sets that might not be available anymore. Carl Powell, the store’s owner, joins Melea on today’s episode to talk all things Lego and his store. Listen in to learn about what sets Bricks and Minifigs apart from other Lego st...

In this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, host Melea Hames sits down with local mural artist Missy Miles. Dive into the captivating world of mural painting through Missy's stories of her unique experiences. Missy also discusses her journey as an artist and the inspiration behind her stunning creations. And learn all about the North Alabama Mural Trail, the perfect opportunity to s...

For over 50 years, the Tennessee Valley Pecan Company in Decatur has served up delicious pecan treats, such as chocolate-covered pecans and pecan pie. David Armistead, the president and general manager of Tennessee Valley Pecan, joins Melea on today’s episode to talk about the history of the company and how he was able to purchase the company from its original owners. Listen in to learn all about...

Join Melea in this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama as she explores the hidden gem of Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama. Nestled on the outskirts of the city this tranquil paradise promises an unforgettable experience for every member of the family. Melea is joined by Christina Richardson, the supervisor at Noccalula Falls. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of advent...

Unleash your inner wild animal in this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama. Melea talks with Sue Steffens, founder of Tigers for Tomorrow Exotic Animal Preserve, to discuss the preserve's history, mission and the various animals it houses. Sue shares that the preserve, which started as a big cat sanctuary, has grown into a predatory preserve and an outdoor environmental education cen...

EJ Powell, a student and the hype man for the University of North Alabama, joins Melea on today's episode to talk about his background and why he chose UNA. EJ touches on his current role for the school and the atmosphere at their sporting events. For students who are new to campus, he also gives out some helpful advice and highlights great activities and restaurants in and around the area. Univer...

When it comes to outdoor adventures, North Alabama has no shortage of waterfalls to see, caves to explore and beautiful scenery to enjoy. On this episode of the podcast, Melea is joined by Cory Lee, an accessibility-focused travel influencer, to talk about how people of all abilities can enjoy the amazing outdoors of North Alabama. They talk about hikes, caves and even waterfalls that are accessib...

Local historian Judge David Breland joins Melea on today's episode to talk about two historic landmarks in Decatur. Tune in for a look at the extensive history of the Old State Bank and how it was one of only a few buildings in Decatur to survive the Civil War. Judge Breland and Melea also talk about the Decatur Union Depot and the importance of the railway in Decatur's history. Old State Bank Dec...

The Orion Amphitheater is an outdoor venue in Huntsville that hosts concerts and other events. Ryan Murphy, the managing director of the amphitheater, sits down with Melea to talk about how his work with Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons led to the creation of the Orion. Ryan also touches on the different events held at the center and how the center engages with the Huntsville community. The Orion Am...

GoFAR USA Park is an adventure park in Decatur, AL that has tons of outdoor activities for families to do. Emily and Patrick Fagerman, the owners and operators of the park, join Melea on today's episode to talk about their backgrounds and the history of the park. Emily and Patrick also touch on some of the fun things to do at the park, like its obstacle course, petting zoo, zip-lines and climbing...

Today’s episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama is all about the Whole Backstage Theatre, a community theatre in Guntersville, AL. Joining Melea is Denton Gillen, the president of the theatre, to talk about his personal connections to the organization and the importance of a great community theatre scene in a city. The Whole Backstage Theatre Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website...

Join us on this week’s episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama as we explore the hidden, breathtaking beauty of Dismals Canyon. Learn how the canyon got its name and why it is the perfect habitat for some of the world’s rarest creatures to thrive. From eerie tales of mythical creatures to ancient Native American legends, we uncover the rich tapestry of stories that give Dismals Canyon it...

Today's episode is for the beer enthusiasts and history buffs in the audience! Sarah Belanger, a beer blogger and food photographer, joins the show to discuss the book she co-authored, North Alabama Beer: An Intoxicating History. Learn more about Alabama's complicated relationship with beer and the unique ways that people got around Prohibition in the early 20th century. Jumping to the modern age,...

Have you ever wondered what happens to your bag when it get’s lost in transportation? In this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, we are diving into Unclaimed Baggage, the nation's only retailer of lost luggage. Melea is joined by Sonni Hood, the Public Relations Manager at Unclaimed Baggage. She shares her insider knowledge of what happens to lost luggage, how the store acquires it...

If you're looking for North Alabama’s best pizza and wine combo, look no further than Jules J. Berta Winery and Vineyards. In this episode of the podcast, Melea sits down with Becky Berta, owner of Jules J. Berta Winery and Vineyards in Albertville, Alabama. Becky shares the history of how she and her husband opened the winery and how they produce their unique and full-bodied wine. She also discus...

Did you know that a little town in Alabama called Muscle Shoals played a significant role in the development of music in the United States? In this episode Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, Rodney Hall, co-owner and president of Fame Recording Studios, shares the fascinating story of how his father, Rick Hall, started the studio in the early 1960s and created a unique sound that became famou...

Get ready for an exciting journey through North Alabama’s breathtaking hiking trails in this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama. Melea sits down with the Huntsville Adventurer himself, David Parham, to uncover his top five hiking spots in the area. David’s passion for hiking is contagious as he shares his love for discovering hidden waterfalls, stunning views, and mysterious caves....