Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Tere Richardson, Executive Director of Athens Main Street, and Mary Helmer Wirth, President and State Coordinator of Main Street Alabama, to talk downtown revitalization. From Merchants Alley's $30,000 idea that became a $200,000 landmark to 16 new restaurants in 34 months and a boutique hotel on the way, Tere and Mary share what it really takes to build a downtown people want to visit — and why Athens is "an overnight success 20 years in the making." Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The...

oin host Melea Hames as she sits down with Heath Puckett, Superintendent of Lake Guntersville State Park, and Andrew Kelly, to explore one of North Alabama's most scenic and beloved outdoor destinations. Heath shares his journey from golf course management to leading one of Alabama's crown jewel state parks, what makes Lake Guntersville special, and his vision for growing the park as a premier mountain biking and outdoor recreation destination. 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 Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Cooper Smitherman, Community Outreach Representative for Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Centers in Huntsville and a writer, editor, and UAH Honors College Top Scholar. Cooper shares how a Master's in English led him to community storytelling, what it's like connecting people to one of North Alabama's favorite entertainment destinations, and why Huntsville's growing arts and culture scene keeps calling people back home. 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 Destination Marketing Podcast Network....

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 partnerships, and a love of paddling are reshaping the way we experience the Tennessee River — and why North Alabama is leading the way. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected...

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 Point Mallard remains a multi-generational tradition for families across the South. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part...

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 story behind his new single "Too Good to Be True," and what it means to carry the torch for the next generation of North Alabama music. Follow North...

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, his upcoming TEDxHuntsville talk, and why slow-smoked barbecue built on community and tradition will never go out of style. 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 Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted...

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 TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt....

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 Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast...

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 The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to...

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 plays a vital role in tourism, environmental education, and connecting people to the natural beauty of North Alabama. 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...

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 Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.To...

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 recipes to hospitality, tourism, and community leadership, discover how great food creates unforgettable, unexpected adventures. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part...

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 experiences for locals and visitors alike. From exhibitions and education programs to festivals and fundraising events, discover how the Carnegie continues to shape Decatur’s creative spirit. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook...

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 connections — making it one of North Alabama’s most meaningful places to visit. 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 Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea...