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.

October Events in North Alabama

Anne of Green Gables said, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." So are we, Anne. October has a different feel to it: crisp air, colorful foliage, pumpkins, festivals, and the list goes on. It also has a spooky edge to it as well, and there are several haunted walking tours…

Read More

September Festivals in North Alabama

There are two months in the year when festivals are the most popular in North Alabama. One is May because it’s finally warming up. September is the other because it is finally cooling down. As the temps dip down below scorching, make plans to attend some or all of these fun North Alabama festivals…

Read More

North Alabama State Parks

North Alabama is fortunate to have seven beautiful state parks that each have a unique feature that makes it a must-visit! Check out these amazing state parks and let us know which one is your favorite. Bucks Pocket State Park Bucks Pocket State Park is located near Lake Guntersville, and it…

Read More

Noccalula Falls

Noccalula Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in north Alabama, and when you visit you'll understand why! This majestic 90-foot waterfall is breathtaking to look at and has an even more interesting legend attached to it. After taking in the beauty of the waterfall, you'll notice the…

Read More

Summer Festivals in North Alabama

Summer is almost here, and you do not want to miss these fun summer festivals taking place all over north Alabama! 3rd Friday Downtown Decatur Each third Friday from April to October, downtown Decatur comes to life at night with live music, vendors, food trucks, vintage cars, and businesses are…

Read More

99 Things To Do This Summer in North Alabama

Summer is here! And before long the kids will be saying they’re bored. Maybe you need a weekend getaway just the two of you or a girls weekend. Whatever the case, we’ve got the perfect list to keep y'all busy all summer long. If you love swimming… 1. Have a blast in America’s first wave pool at…

Read More

Water Parks in North Alabama

Water parks are amazing, am I right? The twisty water slides or the speed slides that send you rushing down are exhilarating! And if speed isn't your thing, you can sit by the pool or relax in the lazy river. Whatever you enjoy, you'll find it at the exciting water parks in north Alabama. Check…

Read More

North Alabama Barbecue

May is National BBQ Month, and we could not be more excited! North Alabama is home to some of the best barbecue you will ever put in your mouth, so check out North Alabama Ambassador's trip through our Barbecue Trail and let us know what is your favorite. Big Bob Gibson's Barbecue Our…

Read More

Berry Delicious Fun in North Alabama

North Alabama has not one but two strawberry festivals! And if you want to pick your own sweet berries or pick up a bucket, you can visit several farms in north Alabama! Check them out and let us know where is your favorite place to get fresh strawberries in the spring! Moulton Strawberry…

Read More

Zip Lining in North Alabama

Zip lining is absolutely exhilarating, and when you get to see some beautiful scenery in the process, that is an added bonus! Check out the fun places to zip line in North Alabama, and then make plans to go on your own adventure. Screaming Eagle Zip Lines at Lake Guntersville State Park At…

Read More