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?  ...

Arts + Culture

Huntsville's Place in America's 250 Years

A little history of our Rocket City Article by Amy Bailey This year America celebrates 250 years. Marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence to establish our original 13 colonies, this 4th of July we look at our hometown of Huntsville and Alabama's first capital. From early pioneers to the first state capital; from divided politics during the Civil War to a world record setting cow; from famous actress Tallulah Bankhead to the underground music scene of the 1990s; from putting the...

Life + Culture

Alabama The Beautiful

A photographic look at some of our state's natural wonders Article by Amy Bailey | Photography by Joe Songer Alabama's natural world is one of vibrant colors and wonder. Renowned photographer Joe Songer is a longtime Alabama photojournalist best known for his work with  The Birmingham News , Al.com, and the Alabama Media Group. Over decades behind the camera, Songer has documented the state’s defining moments — from college football triumphs and tornado devastation to civil rights...

Beauty

Protect Your Glow

Tips on maintaining healthy skin in the summer sun Article by Jessica Holmes Your skin remembers every sunburn, skipped SPF day, and dehydrated beach afternoon. Small daily habits like sunscreen, hydration, protective clothing, and regular skin checks add up to healthier, stronger skin long-term. Southeastern Skin Cancer and Dermatology gives tips to help you maintain your glow, prevent premature aging, and reduce future skin damage risk while enjoying the summer sun!   1. SPF every...

Travel

The Call Of The Wild

Article by Bruce Martin The wind was howling. Darkness was descending rapidly, as was the temperature. 24 degrees and rain. The worst possible conditions in the mountains. I‘d take snow any day. You can just brush it off, no harm, no foul. But freezing rain is a real problem, leaving a growing layer of ice on everything, and increasing the likelihood of hypothermia exponentially. It was an 8-mile day and I had three out of twelve men still out on the trail with my “sweeper”, whose sole job was...

Fitness

North Alabama's Best Trails

Waterfalls, canyons, mossy forests, mountain overlooks, and wild backcountry all within minutes or a couple hours of Huntsville Article by Amy Bailey   This year Alabama celebrated the Year of Trails and, of course, North Alabama has some of the South’s most underrated hiking - waterfalls, sandstone canyons, mossy forests, mountain overlooks, and wild backcountry all within minutes or a couple hours of Huntsville. Here are some of the best trails and trail systems for scenery, challenge, and...

Entertainment

High Tech At Home

Creating your own movie man cave Article by Josue Juarez | Photography by Joe Davis Located at the end of University Drive in Huntsville, Alabama, AVIQ was created for audio enthusiasts seeking a simple, easy-to-understand way to set up their high-quality Hi-Fi system. It is not just a store with high-end products; the AVIQ staff has years of experience across many areas of the audio industry. In addition, AVIQ has a unique history that has helped provide musical entertainment through concert...