Muse Award
Author
Melea Hames

A 1995 Auburn University graduate, Melea has been a social media manager in the tourism industry for 12 years at Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. At AMLA, Melea is responsible for creating content on Visit North Alabama’s social media platforms, writing blog posts on the website, coordinating the North Alabama Ambassador Program, and speaking at various events and meetings about social media. Melea is also the host of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, AMLA’s new podcast, produced by Relic Agency. The podcast won a 2022 Muse Award - Silver in the Audio/Podcast category.

Prior to working for AMLA, Melea received her Masters at UNA in Secondary Education and taught middle school English and coached middle school cheerleaders for three years. She also taught English at Calhoun Community College for 8 1/2 half years. Before that she worked in public relations for an advertising agency in Atlanta, a minor league baseball team in Columbus, Georgia, and for Auburn University in the development office. Just last year, Melea created her very own social media marketing agency with a friend called M and M Social. She loves to write, travel, walk in the park (she walked over 600 miles in 2020), go to Auburn games, and read books about WWII.

Free Parks in North Alabama

Ah, there is no better place to go relax, play, walk, or have a picnic than a beautiful park! There are many tranquil parks all over north Alabama, but here are some parks that are absolutely free to go to. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon! Big Spring Park in Huntsville Big Spring Park…

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Spring Break in North Alabama

We asked, and you told us the best places to go on spring break in north Alabama. So we put together several mini vacays for you based on your suggestions! And, hey, when you take these trips and post your pics, make sure you use the #visitnorthal hashtag so we can see your adventures. Spring…

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Rustic Romantic Getaways in North Alabama

Need a getaway for just the two of you? How about a rustic, romantic weekend in north Alabama? There are many lakeside cabins, mountaintop chalets, and bluff-top rooms all across the region to spend getting away from it all. Sip champagne and admire the view from your balcony or curl up fireside…

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Eagle Awareness Weekends

The bald eagle is America’s national symbol and is quite majestic when seen out in the wild! This is why Lake Guntersville State Park hosts the annual Eagle Awareness Weekends, so that wildlife enthusiasts can have a chance to learn more about the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The…

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Festival of the Cranes

More than 14,000 Sandhill Cranes along with several pairs of Whooping Cranes spend the winter each year at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, and to celebrate the winter migration of these long-legged and long-necked birds, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge hosts the Festival of the Cranes. Over the…

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Christmas Tree Trails in North Alabama

One Christmas tree is beautiful with all it's bright, twinkling lights and colorful ornaments, but a whole trail of Christmas trees is downright magical! Check out the best Christmas Tree Trails in North Alabama. Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park The Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park in Huntsville…

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Ice Skating in North Alabama

Grab your friends and go ice skating at one of North Alabama's unique ice skating destinations! Skating in the Park at Huntsville Museum of Art Skating in the Park at the Huntsville Museum of Art is a fun way to get some exercise, have fun, and be outdoors! Skating in the Park is from November 18…

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North Alabama Gifts for Kids that Aren’t Toys

Most kids have a lot of toys and then receive a lot more toys for Christmas. If a family has two or more kids, these toys can really add up quickly. And typically, many kids lose interest in their new toys after a couple of weeks, sending them to the toy box never to be played with again until it’s…

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Made in North Alabama Christmas Gifts

As friends and family select the perfect gifts, they imagine the look of excitement on loved ones' faces when the package is opened. North Alabama is home to many unique attractions, and when it comes to finding that perfect unique Christmas gift, look no further than north Alabama for one-of-a-kind…

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