Sports + Recreation

Cave Woman

A Story of Chance, Exploration, and Cave Magic Article by Sabrina S. Simōn, NSS #53384 | Photography by Nathan Williams When I arrived in Huntsville twenty-four years ago from the flatlands of Florida, I had no idea what to expect. One weekend, I went exploring. I drove out 72 and hit I-24 just to drive through the gorgeous rolling hills and into Tennessee. By chance, I saw a billboard on the side of the road that said, “Come See Raccoon Mountain Caverns.” With hours to burn, I took the exit...

Home + Design

Rethinking The American Lake House

A balance between design, comfort and the natural environment, Crooked Tree Lodge reinterprets the traditional Smith Lake home Article by Amy Bailey | Photography by Tysen Kay An architectural masterpiece set high above the cliffs of Smith Lake with a crooked tree as its namesake, the home named Crooked Tree Lodge is striking and deeply personal at the same time. While the architecture makes a strong visual statement, this beautiful work of art still functions as a warm, welcoming place for...

Health + Wellness

Healing Isn't Linear

Article by Stephanie Cashin I would recognize the sound of the Tipton Lodge screen door slamming anywhere. And while screen doors slam all over the South that particular screech meant I was somewhere safe. It meant campfires and cold creek water and night hikes and the particular kind of tired that comes from moving your body in the real outdoors. It meant summer camp. I was a camp kid long before I was a therapist and the more I’ve learned about the nervous system, stress responses, and...

Food + Beverage

Hot Diggity Dog!

Article by Amy Bailey | Photography by Annelise Stone What gave you the idea to start Wiener von Braun’s?   We moved from Chicago in 2022 and were looking for a good dog spot. Knowing the history of our new city, and my love of a good pun, I said ‘Someone should just open a joint here called ‘Wiener von Braun’s’ It was a running joke for six months until I thought, ‘Ya know, I’m going to jump on this before someone else does!’     What hot dog expertise do you bring to Huntsville?  ...