Travel

Day Trippin'

Hot Spots to explore for a summer full of adventure Article by Casey Creque Keeping the family entertained can be tricky after the initial excitement of summer break wears off, but Huntsville is central to a variety of interesting, educational, and explorative hot spots that can keep your calendar full all summer long.    Chatanooga Just an hour and a half away from Huntsville and known for its wonders of nature, historic sites, and artistic atmosphere, Chatanooga could easily go from day...

Travel

Africa!

A story of adventure, hope, and healing Article and Photography by Mary Ruth Booker Bean Heartbroken, devastated and shocked, my mother looked at me not even three hours after my dad passed away and said, “You’re going on your trip.”     She wasn’t talking about just any trip.  It was THE TRIP.  The trip I had been dreaming of since I was a child-AFRICA!    Two weeks later, I packed up my grief and sweet memories along with two 49.9-pound suitcases and boarded a plane to Kenya.   And I...

Travel

Journey To Japan

Three Huntsville women, one dream trip Article by Jenny Best Travel has a way of connecting strangers in unexpected ways. When I signed up for a small, seven-person group trip to Japan with Traverse Journeys, I never imagined I’d meet two fellow Huntsville natives—Jennifer Lapidus and her daughter, Madison Doss—on the other side of the world. Before this trip, we didn’t know each other. By the time we returned home, we shared a bond forged through temples, matcha tea, and the intricate beauty...

Arts + Culture

An Italian Summer

Visit the ancient villages of Cinque Terre Article and Photography by Amy Bailey Winding up roads lined with yellow wildflowers and red poppies with glimpses of the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance, I am entering the Liguria region of Italy, home to Cinque Terre which means 'five lands.' A trip to Italy may conjure up rainbow laden hillsides, bright blue Mediterranean waters, plates of homemade pasta, but a trip to the Liguria region of Italy brings with it a fairytale landscape where...

Life + Culture

Explore Costa Rica

Article and Photography by Martha Hoelzer Boarding the plane with only a destination in mind and no lodging confirmed for my arrival might have been one of the more adventurous things I’ve done when flying out of the country. But then, I once kicked off a six-week backpacking trip across Europe having everything stolen out of my hotel room (which had been booked in advance) upon arriving that afternoon. So, changing plans on the fly doesn't rattle me. Besides, I’ve found there’s almost always...

Home + Design

Summer Oasis

Soak in the Duncan family's curated, Roman-style outdoor space Article by Casey Creque | Photography by Joe Davis and Tresa Peppers The sun beaming down, the chirping of cicadas, the sweet sound of children playing and splashing in the pool...there's something special about an Alabama summer that, although often sweltering, we long for throughout the rest of the year. Summer is a time for family and relaxation, and if you're savvy, you may have created your own haven to have a place of your...

Life + Culture

The Perfect Day In Guntersville

Boats, Bites, and Beautiful Views Article by Blair Newman Guntersville, Alabama is a small peninsula town where scenic beauty and charming adventures await, and I have the fortunate pleasure of calling it my home. Guntersville is just thirty-seven miles from Huntsville, a short trip that our family makes daily, along with many Huntsvillians. If you have not spent much time in Guntersville, it’s time to join in on one of the best kept secrets in our state.  Come along for a day-trip filled with...

Shopping

Travel Accessories

Article and Photography by Publisher and travel writer Amy Bailey shares her top 5 must haves to make travel easier. 1. Trtl Neck Pillow $89.99. Holds your neck in a comfortable, ergonomic position. Trtltravel.com 2. Cuyana Jewelry Case $98. An elegant companion to safely store your treasured keepsakes on the road. Cuyana.com 3. Epicka Travel Adapter $24. This universal travel adapter will have you set for international travel.  Amazon.com 4. Lululemon fanny pack $38. Keep your...

Professional Services

Building Legacy

Black Crown Building and Enfinger Development are laying the foundation for more than just homes Article and Photography by For the Daltons and Enfingers, building homes is more than construction—it’s a deep-rooted family legacy of trust, craftsmanship, tradition, and community. They blend hard work with family values to create spaces where future generations will always have a home. Through collaboration and a commitment to quality, these hometown builders have laid the groundwork for their...

Food + Beverage

How Do You Grill?

Grilling glove inventor Derek Simpson shares must haves for a flavorful summer Article by Derek Simpson Derek Simpson is a jack of all trades. Lawyer, sports agent, and grilling aficionado turned co-creator of 'Grillaz' gloves. He is a Huntsville native who spends long summer weekends at his lake house, where the warm days and cool evenings bid him, his family, and his friends lots of time spent outdoors. "Just over fifteen years ago, my interest in grilling burgers expanded to experimentation...