Muse Award
Author
Melea Hames

A 1995 Auburn University graduate, Melea has been a social media manager in the tourism industry for more than a decade 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. Melea was honored in October 2023 with the Tourism Promoter of the Year Award from the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association for her work on the podcast.

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.

Inside the Dreamy Treehouse and Cabins at Fire Tower Camp

Tucked away in the woods of Crane Hill, just above the sparkling shoreline of Smith Lake, sits a truly unforgettable overnight experience—the treehouse and cabins at Fire Tower Camp. Listen to the Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama podcast episode all about Fire Tower Camp: Whether you're…

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Best Places to Swim in North Alabama

What better way to beat the heat than taking a dip in a cool pool or rushing down a slippery water slide? Here's a list of some of the best places in north Alabama to swim, but make sure to lather up with sunscreen first! Most pools and water parks open Memorial Day weekend. DeSoto State Park Go…

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Summer Festivals in North Alabama

Summer is here, and you do not want to miss these fun summer festivals taking place all over north Alabama! First Fridays Downtown Gadsden Downtown Gadsden is the place to be the First Friday of the month! Stores stay open late in the evening and downtown rocks with live entertainment, special…

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99 Things To Do This Summer in North Alabama

Summer is here! Before long the kids will be saying they’re bored. Or 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. (photo by North Alabama Ambassador David Parham) Outdoor Activities 1…

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May Festivals

Ahhh, May, you bring with you warmer weather, fun festivals, and lots of delicious homegrown fruit and veggies! Check out these fun (and even delicious) festivals and make plans to live your best life in May in north Alabama. Moulton Strawberry Festival Now in its tenth year, the Strawberry…

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A Culinary Road Trip Through Alabama with Martie Duncan

Food lovers, buckle up—Episode 88 of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama is a flavor-packed ride through the heart of Alabama’s culinary scene with none other than Martie Duncan, Food Network Star alum and proud Alabama native. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where to eat, what to order…

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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! Alabama…

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April Walking Tours in North Alabama

April means spring is here and trees are blooming and the weather is warming up, which makes it a perfect month for guided walking tours all over north Alabama. Check out the list of walking tours and go explore and learn more about the history of several towns in north Alabama. Tours are free to…

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