AMBASSADORS
Christal Banks
Instagram www.instagram.com/mamasweetbaby
Blog mamasweetbaby.wordpress.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/mamasweetbabyblog/
YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCakllnN7wjesn2uoxBoQYpQ
TikTok www.tiktok.com/@mamasweetbaby1
Twitter twitter.com/Mamasweetbaby1
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/mamasweetbaby/
Christal and her 6 year old son, Cash, are Learning at Home Enthusiasts from Madison, Alabama. Their Instagram platform, @Mamasweetbaby, was created to give encouragement and inspiration to other parents that believe that the parent is a child’s first and most important teacher. As a long time local that grew up in the Triana area, Christal shares not only her experience as a homeschooler with others but her love of nature and how to use it as an educational tool.
Keller Beasley
Instagram @keller.gracee
TikTok @kellerbeas10
My name is Keller Beasley, and I am 24 years old. I currently serve as a Sales Coordinator for two hotels in Huntsville, Alabama. I graduated from the University of North Alabama in December with a degree in Business Management and a concentration in Human Resources.
Outside of work, I am passionate about staying active through activities like working out, running, hiking, and exploring the outdoors, especially in warm weather. I enjoy traveling, trying new cuisines, and engaging in creative pursuits such as painting. Additionally, I love capturing and sharing experiences through travel and lifestyle videos, blending my interest in storytelling with my love for adventure.
Ryan Beverly
Instagram @nomadic_leprechaun
Tiktok @OleNatureboy24
I'm Ryan, finally moved up here to North Alabama after years of wanting to for work When I'm not a work you can find me pretty much outdoors every chance I get, The Forest, or a preserve, just anywhere that gets me away from it all. I also enjoy listening to my records and collecting plants in my free time. If you see me out and about feel free to shout hey Yukon or leprechaun I'll more than likely answer. Follow along with me.
Lesia Bevis
Instagram @lesia.bevis
I love exploring and hiking all over North Alabama. One of my favorite things is chasing waterfalls, but I also enjoy anytime spent outdoors soaking up nature. I have found that to be the best stress relief there is, just leave your worries behind for a while and get out on a trail. I take lots of pictures on all my adventures and share them on my Instagram page so others can see the beauty this state has to offer. It is true what they say, Alabama really is beautiful. Come follow along with me, you never know where I will end up next, or what kinds of hidden treasures I will come across in the woods. Everyone should take time for an adventure in North Alabama, there is so much to see and do.
Erin Burke
Website https://flyingoffthebookshelf.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flyingoffthebookshelf/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/flyingoffthebookshelf
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@flyingoffthebookshelf
Erin Burke is the owner and creator of Flying Off the Bookshelf, a travel blog for bookworms. She highlights destinations from Europe to Disney World to small towns around the Southeast, all while encouraging travelers to learn more about the world through great books. She was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and she currently lives in Madison with her husband and daughter.
Sam Calhoun
Website http://www.weathermansam.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/weathermansamphotography/
Instagram @weatherman_sam
Twitter/X: @weatherman_sam
Youtube https://youtube.com/@weathermansam
Youtube https://youtube.com/@greenhatgardening
Wordpress Blog https://weathermansam.wordpress.com/
TikTok https://wwww.weatherman_sam
Bluesky @weathermansam.bsky.social
Hey folks, I'm the Man in the Big Green Hat! I'm an avid hiker, writer, and photographer living with my wife Robin in Elkmont, AL. Born and raised in Gadsden, AL, I've spent almost my entire life here in the Tennessee Valley. I've called the Huntsville area home for over 15 years now, and still haven't seen all of what it has to offer. Exploring informs and inspires my writing, and I've authored five volumes of poetry. You may have heard my work on WLRH's Sundial Writer's Corner! My photography has been featured in GRIT magazine, won the 2023 Alabama National Public Lands Day Contest, and other accolades. When I'm not in the woods searching for waterfalls, you can find me in my backyard garden, or equally at home at a local eatery. Finding hidden gems to me equally applies to restaurants as it does to hiking spots for me! What spot has the best view? Where's the best local food in town? Let's go find out.
Coleman Concierge: Jenn & Ed Coleman
Website colemanconcierge.com
Instagram instagram.com/coleman_concierge
Instagram instagram.com/conciergecorner
Facebook facebook.com/colemanconcierge
Twitter twitter.com/ColemanConcierg
Pinterest pinterest.com/colemanconcierg
Jenn Coleman and Ed Coleman are the creative force behind the website Coleman Concierge. Jenn is both a nationally syndicated travel writer and an award-winning landscape photographer.
Ed is also a nationally syndicated travel writer who has garnered numerous awards for his writing, with his work featured in Business Insider, HuffPost UK, and numerous state tourism boards.
Jenn and Ed deeply believe in the transformational power of travel, and their website, Coleman Concierge, encourages everyone to step outside their comfort zone and seek adventure, even if it’s in their own backyard. You can follow Jenn and Ed on Instagram, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter (X).
Ashlee Crosby
Hi, I’m Ashlee Crosby, the General Manager of SpringHill Suites Huntsville Downtown and a proud North Alabama ambassador. I’ve called North Alabama home since 2008 after coming for a visit and completely falling in love with the scenery, the people, and the sense of community.
I’m a mom of three and a grandmother to one, and my youngest daughter, Samone, who is 7, is one of the biggest reasons I’m so passionate about accessible and family-friendly travel. Through both my career in hospitality and my life as a mom, I believe travel should feel welcoming, easy, and enjoyable for everyone.
I love traveling, being outdoors, and spending quality time with my family, and I’m excited to share the places, experiences, and hidden gems that make North Alabama such a special place to visit — and to call home.
Matthew Crowell
https://www.facebook.com/MattCrowellPhotography
https://www.instagram.com/yonderman
https://www.tiktok.com/@yonderman52
Beautiful landscapes and moments point to the beauty of Creation, reflecting the goodness of God. I do my best to capture that beauty from my corner of the world, which is north Alabama. Everyone deserves beauty.
Josh Dingler
Facebook: www.facebook.com/josh.dingler/
Instagram: @bhs00
TikTok: @joshdingler5
Outdoors Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/864615844345970
I’m an IT professional who found a deep appreciation for the outdoors during the pandemic. What started as a way to get outside turned into a passion for hiking, photography, and exploring nature—especially chasing waterfalls and sunsets.
Photography is how I slow things down and see the world more clearly. I enjoy capturing nature as it feels in the moment, blending a technical mindset with creativity and patience.
Most of my adventures include my son, Connor, and our dog, Lola. Whether we’re on a trail or stopping to catch the light just right, those moments together are what make it meaningful. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find us outside somewhere, camera in hand, enjoying the quiet and the beauty that comes with it.
Jacob Guffey
Instagram @southernflyproductions
YouTube @SouthernFly
Father. Outdoorsman. Storyteller. I’m a North Alabama native with a deep respect for the water, the land, and the natural beauty that makes this place special. Much of my time is spent outdoors fly fishing local waters, camping in the mountains, and exploring the back roads and public lands that define our region. Through photography, film, and storytelling, I work to highlight the natural beauty of North Alabama while encouraging conservation, family connection, and time spent outside. I’m raising my children to appreciate wild places, simple moments, and the values that come from growing up close to nature. It’s an honor to represent North Alabama and share the stories that make it home.
Airelle Harley
Instagram @theairelleview
Airelle Harley is a North Alabama native and lifestyle creator behind The Airelle View, where she shares local experiences, travel inspiration, food, and everyday moments that reflect life in the region. Through thoughtful storytelling and community focused content, Airelle highlights the people, places, and small businesses that make North Alabama a welcoming and vibrant destination to explore.
Cody Hood
Instagram @ensaneoutdoors
YouTube https://youtube.com/@ensaneoutdoors77
I'm a 48-year-old husband, father, and love being outdoors. I live in Addison, AL, just a few miles from Bankhead National Forest. I love hiking, camping, backpacking, biking, and kayaking in Bankhead and the Sipsey Wilderness Area (no biking there). I love getting out and finding the waterfalls in and around Bankhead and Sipsey and love to hear or read about the history of those places and also pass along what information on them that I know. This year I'm hoping to explore more of Alabama and to get our kayaks in the water more. I'm also a baseball fan (Go Angels) and we try to catch a few Trash Pandas games during the season. Follow along for adventures from all over North Alabama.
Cyle Augusta
Instagram @rocketcitywriter
Cyle Augusta is a storyteller, content creator, and marketing consultant. A southerner who doesn't like sweet tea, Cyle grew up on the Georgia coast, riding bikes on the beach, reading Anne of Green Gables, and attending church camp. Though she started her career in the classroom, she found freelance writing allowed her the family flexibility needed as a ministry wife and mother of four. With over 160 published articles in magazines under her belt, Cyle recognized the shifting landscape of content and pivoted into social media management, video storytelling, and content creation. She now turns stories into clients through strategic social media, video, copy, and consulting at Cyle Augusta Marketing. A passionate advocate for Huntsville and the surrounding areas, Cyle shares local reviews and hidden gems on her Instagram account, Rocket City Writer, celebrating everything the Rocket City has to offer.
Amy Mayfield and Hector
Instagram @hectortheenglishmastiff
I've lived in Huntsville for so long that as a child I visited Miss Baker at the US Space and Rocket Center.
I love exploring, and showcasing, the best of North Alabama with a dog-friendly spin. From camping to restaurants to events to breweries and more, we enjoy taking Hector everywhere we can. So many people want to take their dogs places and include them in their everyday life and we're glad we can help them find the fun. People are often surprised by some of the offerings we have here and I delight in letting them know that yes we have that and so much more.
Hector is an almost 6 year old 200 pound English Mastiff who loves to spend time with his people. When we aren't out and about, we volunteer our time as a therapy dog team at a preschool. I work from home for the Southeast Region of a national non-profit. Hector spends his days sleeping under my desk and somehow he's always employee of the month.
In 2024, we were honored to be named Ambassador of the Year for Visit North Alabama and, in that same year, Hector won his weight class in the Pawgeant at the Alabama Strawberry Festival. We hope you'll follow along with his pawventures and if you see us out, say hi! Hector loves meeting new people!
Victoria McCool
Instagram @Blendd.fam.adventures
TikTok @Blendd.fam.adventures
Snapchat @chevyvicut89
Pinterest @MrsMcCool0427
YouTube @Blendd.fam.adventures
Hey everyone, I am Victoria the main person behind all of our travels we do as a family! I am 36 yrs old, married to my best friend that loves adventures as much as I do, and fishes the MLF Choo-Choo Division! We have three kids, and we love outdoors so much that we moved from Tuscaloosa County all the way to the Heart of DeKalb Co. I also homeschool in the midst of our everyday life! We love outdoors year round from kayaking, fishing, hiking, walking trails, to parks, searching for wildflowers and chasing waterfalls!!! Outdoors is where you will find us!
Katiya McKinney
Instagram @theKultureKat
Meet Katiya Mckinney, a vibrant wife and mother of two young children, who has lived in North Alabama for the past 19 years. Nestled in the heart of family life, Katiya's world revolves around creating cherished memories and fostering a sense of adventure. Her passion for international foods takes her family and friends on a culinary journey around the globe, experimenting with flavors and introducing them to diverse tastes and experiences.
Beyond the foodie obsession, Katiya is an avid traveler who thrives on exploring new cultures. Whether it's strolling through bustling markets in Thailand or immersing herself in local cultural events, she finds joy in the rich tapestry of traditions that the world and our area has to offer. Her enthusiasm for travel extends to the great outdoors, where she and her family embark on frequent escapades to state and national parks.
In the midst of her bustling family life, Katiya balances her marketing career and community service with a zest for exploration. She shares her love and insights of international foods, cultures, travel and family through her Instagram @theKultureKat.
Erika Mitchem
Instagram @rocketcitynewbie
Originally from the Seattle area, Erika is now based in Huntsville and exploring North Alabama through the lens of community, culture, and everyday discovery. She is the creator behind the Instagram account @rocketcitynewbie, where she shares the people, places, and experiences that give the region its character.
After leaving her corporate career and relocating to Alabama with her family, Erika arrived without a built-in community and set out to intentionally build one. Drawing on years of experience connecting people to local culture, she now highlights North Alabama through food, small towns, outdoor spaces, and the conversations that happen around them.
Her work focuses on places that feel lived-in rather than manufactured and experiences worth slowing down for. Whether spotlighting a neighborhood restaurant, a creative space, or a weekend escape, Erika’s storytelling centers on connection, curiosity, and what it truly feels like to explore North Alabama.
Kristin Ott
Instagram @naturesfanpage
TikTok @naturesfanpage
Facebook www.facebook.com/NaturesFanPage?mibextid=ZbWKwL
I was born and raised in North Alabama. I have lived here for 53 years. I currently live in Madison, but I grew up in New Market and Huntsville. I am married to my best friend, Matt, and we have two wonderful children in college, Baily and Riley, along with our many pets. I enjoy swimming, camping, gardening, collecting rocks, kayaking, hiking, photography, chasing waterfalls, and basically anything outdoors. I also help take care of my family's farm, which has been in our family for 200 years; that's where I developed my love for nature. I've been playing in the same creeks and climbing the same mountains my whole life. Exploring North Alabama is one of my favorite things to do. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes to discover, from mountains and lakes to insects and wildlife.
David Parham
Instagram @huntsvilleadventurer
Facebook facebook.com/HuntsvilleAdventurer
Twitter twitter.com/HSVadventurer
Website www.huntsvilleadventurer.com
Bio: I grew up in Birmingham, went to college in Tuscaloosa, and currently live in Huntsville as an engineer. I grew up climbing. I was driven outdoors by finding anywhere I could go climb. Climbing quickly turned me into a camper as we would go climbing for a weekend and needed a place to sleep. Camping turned me into a waterfall hunter as I often needed a place to cool down while camping during summer. Waterfall hunting turned me into a hiker as I learned to enjoy the process of finding waterfalls. When I'm not at home, at work, or at Jiu Jitsu, I love exploring the outdoors with my 2 daughters and wife. We love spending our time exploring North Alabama and seeing all the different views, caves, and waterfalls that it has to offer.
Robert Posey
Instagram @therobertposey
Tiktok @theposeph
I'm Robert Posey and I'm a photographer, writer, and explorer from Arab, Alabama. I'm not so much an "influencer" as I am just a wildly passionate and enthusiastic person. If I enjoy a particular adventure or food, I tend to make sure everyone knows about it. I enjoy sharing my experiences with other people. When I'm not taking photos of my favorite beautiful Alabama landmarks and attractions I'm usually running, coaching soccer, or dispatching 911 calls.
I started early with the ambassador program and took 2023 off to work on some other projects including publishing a book on urban exploration in North Alabama, and then worked to complete my first marathon(and my second!) I'd like to bring new stuff to the table as an ambassador this time around. I'll never pass up a good hike or a waterfall but I'd like to highlight a lot of the other things our state has to offer such as our unique runs and another thing that keeps me fascinated, our amazing people! Add me on Instagram, Tiktok, or the slightly more personal Facebook page!
Savanna Shilt
Instagram @TryHuntsville, @savvysomewhere_
TikTok @TryHuntsville, @savvysomewhere
Facebook facebook.com/TryHuntsville
Website https://savvysomewhere.com
Savanna is relatively new to Northern Alabama, but that has not stopped her from exploring! She immediately fell in love with the beauty of North Alabama and the community of Huntsville where there is always something to do. Being new to the area, she created her social media page TryHuntsville where she tries all things Huntsville and beyond including food, fun, adventures, events and nearby travel.
An engineer by day, and content creator in her spare time. Savanna loves to travel and shares her travels @savvysomewhere on TikTok and Instagram. She is the queen of finding all the cool spots and hidden gems everywhere she goes. With her fresh perspective, she’s made it her mission to show locals, transplants and visitors what North Alabama has to offer! Follow along with her adventures @TryHuntsville on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Laura Smith
Instagram @smithsandsmores
TikTok @smithsandsmores
Hi! I’m Laura Smith and I was born and raised in Huntsville. It wasn’t until my husband and I had two adventurous little boys that we realized the beauty surrounding us in this area. We love spending time outdoors and exploring new towns in our camper. Our boys ask all the time if we’re going camping for the weekend! I love sharing our adventures with others in hopes they can have the same fun and memories we are creating along the way!
Zenovia Stephens
Instagram @blackadventurecrew
Facebook blackadventurecrew
Zenovia is a dynamic force with a passion for bridging the gap between nature, outdoor adventure and underrepresented communities. A proud double alumna of Alabama A&M University, holding both a B.S. and M.S. in Biology, Zenovia's journey has taken her from being a Regulatory Affairs Specialist in the Pharmaceutical Industry to her current roles as a freelance writer and content creator. Not stopping there, she is the driving force behind Black Kids Adventures, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring Black and Brown families to embrace the wonders of nature together.
Originally hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago, Zenovia, alongside her adventurous husband and three sons, has called Huntsville, AL home since 2008. Their love for exploration knows no bounds – from traversing the diverse landscapes of Alabama to infusing creativity into their home adventures. Zenovia is also a co-founder of Black Hikers Week, a social media movement celebrating and advocating for Black hikers. Her impactful presence on platforms like @blackadventurecrew has garnered attention from national media outlets, including Kelly & Ryan, PBS, and WAFF, showcasing her dedication to encouraging black families to embrace the great outdoors.
Paige Watts
Website: https://paigemindsthegap.com
Instagram: @paigemindsthegap
Tiktok: @paigemindsthegap
Twitter: @paige_travels
Pinterest: @paige_travels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paigemindsthegap
Hi y'all! I'm Paige, a travel blogger who specializes in Southeast destinations. I was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and I absolutely love exploring and sharing about all the incredible things to do in North Alabama. On my travel blog, Paige Minds The Gap, I share unique historical sights, hiking trails, delicious restaurants, and budget activities. My writing has been published on Matador Network, The Culture Trip, MSN, and Epicure & Culture, and I recently published my first book "What's With Atlanta?" with Reedy Press. When I'm not traveling and writing, you can find me on the ice, coaching figure skating.
Chelsea Webster
All Platforms @fishingwithchels
Hey y’all! My name is Chelsea, I was born and raised in North Alabama. I am married and have two kids. I am currently a stay at home mom. Prior to that - I worked in the defense industry. I earned my masters degree from The University of Alabama in 2021.
I love being outdoors! I enjoy fishing, hiking and running. Getting out and exploring North Alabama is one of my favorite things to do. Our area has so much to offer and I am thankful to have the opportunity to share our local community with the world through social media. Follow along as I explore the best spots in North Alabama!
106 Jefferson, Curio by Hilton
- 106 Jefferson Street South
- (256) 288-0128
106 JEFFERSON offers an exceptional hotel experience rooted in the spirit of the community. Our connection to…
1818 Farms
- 24889 Lauderdale Street
- (256) 714-3220
Located on three acres in the northwest corner of the historic village of Mooresville, AL (pop.58), 1818 Farms is named…
1818 Farms
- 24889 Lauderdale Street
- (256) 714-3220
1818 Farms combines small-town charm with hands-on farm experiences, from flower fields and gardens to sheep, chickens…
50 Taters
- 1497 County Park Road
- (256) 259-3222
Comfort Food -Casual Dining. Offering beef, barbecue, and chicken, loaded "Taters", "Way Too Big" sandwiches, salads…
Covered Bridges of Northern Alabama
Covered bridges are scattered all around North Alabama and remind us of the way things used to be.
Waterfalls in Northern Alabama
Thanks to the flowing waters of the Tennessee River, North Alabama boasts the most beautiful waterfalls either side of the Appalachians.
