Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama

Well-known journalist, broadcaster, and meteorologist Fred Hunter joins Melea on this episode to talk about his experience sharing stories on his radio show, "Absolutely Alabama," over the past 25 years. They talk about everything that makes North Alabama special, including the incredible food, the unique culture, the breathtaking landscape and most importantly, the people. Listen and learn what i...

Melea takes the show on the road in this week’s episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama to the Huntsville Botanical Garden. She is joined by guests Anna and Rebecca to talk about the best ways to experience the gardens as well as how to attend some of the events that happen in the garden throughout the year. With 118 acres of beautiful ecosystems to explore, it is sure to be a wonderful...

Looking for a tasty new adventure? Tune in to today's episode and join us as we chat with the delightful Martie Duncan, former Food Network Star contestant and author of Alabama Cravings: The Most Requested Alabama Restaurant Recipes Past & Present. Martie takes us on a journey through the delectable flavors of North Alabama and shares her insider tips on the best places to eat. We also get a glim...

Get ready to be swept away by the charming tales of Sean Dietrich, the talented columnist and novelist with a deep love for all things southern! In this episode, he's bringing his infectious enthusiasm to the forefront as he divulges his favorite topics to write about and takes us on a tour of his beloved spots in North Alabama. But that's not all - this multi-talented artist also shares his exper...

Prepare to be inspired and awed as Melea sits down with the incredibly talented Sonya Clemons, also known as The Art Lady! This captivating artist has been making waves in the local scene of North Alabama with her incredible artwork that is as unique as it is stunning. Join us as we delve into the mind of The Art Lady and uncover what drives her creative passions and where you can catch a glimpse...

Love is in the air in this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama. Melea is joined by Cynthia Stinson, innkeeper of the Mentone Inn, to talk about some of the ways you can kick back and relax with your loved ones. Discover some of the small town charm you can find in the community of Mentone, as well as other getaway options in the area such as glamping or secluded cabins in the mountai...

For Tosha Hill, music is a spiritual experience. Getting her start singing in local churches, Tosha is a singer/songwriter and an Alabama native. In this episode, she details her musical journey, from finding her sound to where she plans to go next. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is...

Journalist, Digital Marketer and Public Art Curator Kristin Luna joins Melea to discuss her favorite stops in North Alabama. Travel through the heart of the Shoals on the Natchez Trace Parkway — a storied byway traveled by the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez people with historic significance — and discover other fascinating jaunts nearby ranging from art museums to Helen Keller's Birthplace. Follow...

Director of Communications and Special Projects at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Anna Beck, joins Melea to tell us about the Galaxy of Lights — a special event put on at the gardens every December. Visit the gardens for stunning light displays that will brighten up your holiday season. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpecte...

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center the achievements and technological artifacts of the U.S. space program. Senior Director of Public and Media Relations Patricia Ammons joins Melea today to chat about all the space center has to offer, from rocket ships to cocktails and cosmos. The US Space and Rocket Center Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Face...

Museum Director Sandy Thompson tells us about the Alabama Veterans Museum and its wide variety of fascinating artifacts from those that have fought from the civil war to the present. Discover what things you can do and see there, and how the museum honors those that served in the military. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpect...

Go out on the town with Melea today and stop into Tess' Place, ice cream shop and soda bar. Get the scoop on the best items on the menu from owner Dede, her son Bennett and shop worker Kinsley. DISCLAIMER: we recorded this live at Tess' Place, so it gets noisy at some points in the episode. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpec...

Mike Mullaney, president of Goat Island Brewing, guests on today's episode to give us an inside look at how his company got started and where it's at today. Learn about what sets their beers apart from all the others and why Goat Island Brewing has become such a significant part of the North Alabama community. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter...

Strap on your hiking boots and pack some trail mix, because today Melea talks with David Parham, founder of the Huntsville Adventurer. In this episode, get insider info on the best views and trails in the North Alabama region — then continue your planning journey at huntsvilleadventurer.com to plot out all the jaw-dropping natural wonders in the area. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website...

Close your eyes and transport yourself back in time in this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama. Melea talks with Sue Pilkilton, executive director at the Birthplace of Helen Keller Museum. Sue shares stories from Helen’s life and talks about how visitors can learn more about her legacy for themselves. “When you visit the Helen Keller Birthplace, we often talk about Annie Sullivan’s...

Are you in need of things to add to your bucket list? On this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Melea is joined by Connie Pearson, author of 100 Things to Do in North Alabama Before You Die. Melea and Connie go through some of the things you need to see if you are visiting the area. From sporting events to shopping and dining, North Alabama is sure to have something for everyone. 1...

In this episode we are joined by Natasha McCrary, founder at 1818 Farms in Mooresville. Melea and Natasha talk babydoll sheep, gardening, workshops and much more. Listen in to hear all about what 1818 Farms has to offer. 1818 Farms Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Des...

Break out your paintbrushes and your squiggle grids because Jessie Andrews, a talented mural artist whose work can be seen in downtown Hunstville, joins Melea for this episode. Listen as she talks about some of her gorgeous murals and how playing with Barbie dolls inspired her to become an artist. Honey Blood Arts Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twit...

Step into the batter’s box in this episode of Unexpected Adventures of North Alabama because we’re off to Toyota Field, home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Trash Panda experts Ricky Fernandez and Josh Caray join Melea to talk about the history of the team, game day traditions and why the Trash Pandas are so special. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube...

Explore the building blocks of basic life and science at the Cook Museum in North Alabama. In this episode, Joy Haynes, marketing coordinator at the museum, shares the many discoveries that you can make as you walk through the biomes of your favorite living creatures. Step into a world of fun and learning as you listen to this exciting episode. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagr...

Splash into summer with this week’s episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama. Home to the first wave pool in the country, thrilling water slides and endless amounts of relaxation and refreshing fun, North Alabama is the perfect summer destination. Listen as Melea and guest Haley Rutland share what you can expect as you spend a day at one of the many water parks found in North Alabama. Lea...

Join us on this week’s episode as Melea and guest Dede Quarry talk about the local Friday adventures to be had in North Alabama. Wipe away the stresses of your life with music, bull riding and delicious food. So, block off your Friday nights because you have plans now! Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in Nort...

This week on the Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama podcast, Danielle Gibson, President of Decatur Tourism, joins Melea in talking about the perfect day in Decatur. Discover all there is to do, see and eat in this beautiful destination. Your day in Decatur might turn into a lot longer than expected! Decatur Morgan County Tourism Find Your Flow in MoCo Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Webs...

On this episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, David Denton and Melea talk about the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. This incredible landmark is found in a park owned by the Denton family. Learn about all the adventures you can find in this beautiful location and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out! Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram T...

Adam Stephenson brings beautiful imagery to you in this week’s episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama. As a mural artist, Adam shares his love for vibrant colors and interesting shapes. He shares heartwarming backstories of murals he’s created and talks about his creative process. Grab your paintbrush and listen in! North Alabama Mural Trail Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website...