Muse Award
Author
Melea Hames

A 1995 Auburn University graduate, Melea has been a social media manager in the tourism industry since 2010 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. In 2020, Melea created her very own social media marketing agency 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.

National Travel and Tourism Week: Leave No Trace

It is National Travel and Tourism Week 2022, and this year it's all about the #FutureOfTravel! When we at Visit North Alabama think of the future of travel, we think of sustainability. We partnered with Leave No Trace during 2020 when the outdoors saw an influx of people. While this was great that so many new-to-the-outdoors people were getting outside to explore, a new set of issues arose. These…

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Art in North Alabama

Leonardo da Vinci said, "A beautiful body perishes, but a work of art dies not." There are many places in north Alabama where you can find a variety of works of art that have lived for years and years and new art that will continue on for years to come. Check out these remarkable museums, shops…

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Caves in North Alabama

There are 4,014 discovered caves in North Alabama, making North Alabama a caving hotspot. These are just several of the ones that are the most accessible. When you are hiking in the woods, be sure to stay on trail because of the possibility of a known or unknown cave. Cathedral Caverns State…

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Scavenger Hunts in North Alabama

Let's go on a scavenger hunt! There are several super fun scavenger hunts all over north Alabama, so check them out and get to hunting! Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt Go on the Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt through downtown Huntsville where you'll explore all kinds of cool places while hunting for ducks…

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Plan Your Vacation to North Alabama

Taking a vacation is not only good for having a ton of fun, but it's also good for your job. Yep, taking a break from your job is good for how you feel about your job. U.S. Travel took a poll of full-time employees and found that 77% believed that taking a vacation was important to their job satisfaction. We couldn't agree more! While North Alabama might not be what you think of as a destination…

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Your North Alabama Waterfall Questions: Answered

You asked; we answered. Here's a list of questions our Facebook followers wanted to know about the 14 waterfalls on the North Alabama Waterfall Trail. "What waterfalls are easily accessible?" We get this question a lot, so here's a list of the waterfalls that are easy to see if you are not able…

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The Most Instagrammable Places in North Alabama

We live in a social media world, and we have learned to look at our surroundings through the lens of social media. It's like we've all become mini photographers looking for the best setting to create the best-looking post on our social accounts. Check out our list of the most Instagrammable places - one from each of the 16 counties we represent - in north Alabama that were chosen by our followers…

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August 2021 Festivals in North Alabama

Summer might be coming to a close, but the festivals are still going strong in the month of August! From yard sales to watermelon to BBQ, you'll find lots of fun all over north Alabama. World's Longest Yard Sale The World’s Longest Yard Sale offers everything from antiques, collectibles, furniture…

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Best Souvenir Shops in North Alabama

Everyone knows that when you visit an amazing attraction, you have to get a souvenir, right?! Well, it is no secret that north Alabama has some amazing attractions, and they feature some equally amazing souvenir shops! Check them out and let us know which one is your favorite. It's ok to say all of them. Alabama Music Hall of Fame The Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia has an amazing souvenir…

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National Travel & Tourism Week: The Power of History & Science

The Power of History & Science: The saying goes, "If we don't learn from history, then we are doomed to repeat it." North Alabama is home to many museums that honor the history of the people and the area, and there are several museums that teach us about animals and the world around us...including space! Alabama Veterans Museum The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, located in the 100 year old…

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