Influencer and camping extraordinaire Laura Smith joins Melea on this episode to talk about some of the best things about camping with her family in North Alabama. Laura, a kindergarten teacher, shares her journey into camping with her husband, a helicopter mechanic, and their transition from a pop-up camper to a travel trailer. They discuss favorite campgrounds, essential camping tips, and memorable experiences, including a challenging trip to Tennessee that ended with a beautiful snowy adventure. Laura emphasizes the joy of making lasting memories with her family and offers practical advice ..read more

In this episode, Melea is on location at Russell Cave with park ranger Min Truong. They talk about how the cave was formed, who has used it over the past ten thousand years, and why visitors can’t enter without special permission. Minh also shares some of the best ways to experience the cave, including hiking and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Russell Cave National Monument 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 ..read more

In this episode, Melea takes the show underground to Cathedral Caverns. She sits down with the Superintendent of the state park, Chris Bentley, to talk about some of the features visitors can find when they visit the cave. Whether it’s a massive rock formation or beautiful foliage, there are many unique things to uncover at Cathedral Caverns State Park. Cathedral Caverns State Park 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 ho ..read more

In this episode, Melea sits down with Jim Olyniec, a veteran and volunteer who has helped build the Veterans Memorial Park in Scottsboro, Alabama from the ground up. They talk about how the park came to be and why a park of this nature is so important in preserving and honoring the community's heritage. The Veterans Memorial Park 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 ..read more

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 client services and additional offerings like spa lunches and an overnight getaway in a nearby historic apartment. The Soak House and Soapery Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikT ..read more

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 Park. 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 ..read more

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 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 ..read more

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. Burritt on the Mountain 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 Destinat ..read more

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 philanthropy in maintaining and improving the park. Barbara also shares her personal experiences with the park, highlighting its role as a sanctuary during the pandemic and the joy of engaging with nature. The ..read more

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 and Mentone. 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 ..read more