Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama

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 famous worldwide. Rodney shares some exciting stories about the studio including the recording of the hit song "Patches" by Clarence Carter and working with famous musicians like Steven Tyler, Alicia Keys, and Gregg Allman....

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. Listen as he provides insider information about each hike, including difficulty levels, the best times to visit, and essential permits and preparations. David also spills the beans on some crucial hiking do’s and don’ts that every adventurer should know....

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 it means to be from Alabama and why it has drawn in so many people to both visit and move to the area. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama...

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 experience for everyone who comes to visit. "The mission of the garden is to connect people with plants. That is why we are here. That is our...

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 glimpse into her experience on the Food Network Star and the unwavering support she received from the people of Alabama. So, whether you're a foodie looking for your next fix or...

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 experiences performing live music, leaving us with a warm and unforgettable impression of his unique and captivating style. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be transported to the...

Melea sits down with Sonya Clemons, AKA The Art Lady — an artist local to North Alabama. Discover where you can experience Sony'a artwork and explore what inspires her to keep creating. 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 Relic. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the...

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 mountains. The Mentone Inn Read our blog post to find out more about romantic getaways in North Alabama! Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram...

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 a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Relic. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/....

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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

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 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 Relic. To learn more about the Destination...