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.
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. Of course, some of her favorite places to write about are the hidden gems that make North Alabama so special. 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.
Jennifer Clark
Instagram @wherewillwegonext
Facebook www.facebook.com/wherewillwegonext
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com › @wherew...wherewillwegonext
Hi everyone, I’m Jennifer Clark. Along with my husband, Kyler, my two daughters, and our very spoiled beagle, I love spending time camping and exploring new places. My favorites are small towns, campfires, coffee shops, festivals, and Alabama State Parks. I love sharing my adventures and I hope to inspire you to get out and explore too. Follow along to see Where Will We Go Next.
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).
Matthew Crowell
https://www.facebook.com/MattCrowellPhotography
https://www.instagram.com/yonderman
https://www.tiktok.com/@yonderman52
I love photography and the emotions it releases. Beauty captured through the lens. Extreme beauty lies amidst these trying times, wrapping our hearts with joy and reminding us that love and hope never die. My part is to capture that beauty with a lens.
Josh Dingler
Facebook: www.facebook.com/josh.dingler/
Instagram: @bhs00
TikTok: @joshdingler5
Outdoors Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/864615844345970
I am an IT professional with a passion for photography, hiking, and exploring nature. I discovered my love for hiking during the pandemic, when I began exploring the outdoors and capturing stunning waterfalls and sunsets. I love trying to capture the beauty of nature from my perspective, blending my technical expertise with a deep appreciation for the world around me. My 14-year-old son and my dog, Lola, are often by my side, joining me on these adventures. When I'm not working, you can usually find us out exploring, with camera in hand, seeking the perfect shot and enjoying the great outdoors together.
Chasa Fulkerson
Instagram @Chasafulkerson
Tiktok @chasaf
Youtube @chasafulkerson
I did not always love the outdoors. It started in my late 20's with small walks, adding in some birding, then reptiles, and bugs! We have always been taught in the south to be afraid of snakes. So running from snakes has turned into running towards them. I love a good waterfall but the reptiles, amphibians, and bugs are what keep getting me outside.
I consider myself an amateur naturalist. I want to show off as much of Alabama as possible. I want people to see the best parts of the state. It is a great place for the outdoors, and I always find something new and I hope to share that with others as well.
Cody Hood
Instagram @ensaneoutdoors
YouTube https://youtube.com/@ensaneoutdoors77
I'm a 47 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 hike on a few different trails and to get our kayaks in the water more in various locations of North Alabama. 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.
Sarah Kerr
Instagram @sarah.kerr
TikTok @sarahokerr
Hi everyone! I’m Sarah Kerr, 22 years old and live in Florence, Alabama! Being born and raised in North Alabama, I have been blessed to get to explore this beautiful region! I have my bachelors in digital marketing, and I have always enjoyed photography, videography, and writing! Currently, I am working at Florence-Lauderdale Tourism as their Data & Digital Media Manager. I am so grateful for the chance to align my passions in my professional journey, and I look forward to what this year brings as an ambassador! Follow me on socials to see my latest endeavors!
Jill Lynn
YouTube @WanderingWinds https://youtube.com/@wanderingwinds?si=tUixFKbpNygpuGOx
Instagram wanderingwinds_1 https://www.instagram.com/wanderingwinds_1
Facebook Jill Lynn https://www.facebook.com/share/1Behs1yTZ4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
TikTok @wanderinwinds
We all have heard stories of a secret harmony, a song that only those who truly listened could hear. The trees and the birds, the flowers and the wind—they all had a song. Nature is filled with so much life, beauty & wisdom. They said..
I’ve learned from experience that being in touch with nature is good for the body, mind & soul and I want to share that love with friends and family, in hopes they will also find a new peace & strength. I want to encourage others to respect and connect with this organic wonders created for us. Listen to the presence of singing birds, study the bends & roots of trees and how they will “find a way to survive”, and how moss, fungi are works of art. Be still, listen to what is before us, it has changed my life and I hope it does yours as well.
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
Snapchat chevyvicut89
Vero blenddfamadventures
Hey y'all, for those who don't know me, I am Victoria who is 33yrs old, happily married to my best friend of 5yrs Josh! I am a mother to an 11yr old son, an 8yr old son, and a 2yr old daughter!!! I was born, raised, and stil reside in a small community called Sandtown in Tuscaloosa County. As a child I grew up in nature from the time I started walking with my now almost 90yr old grandfather that I carried the passion for nature from.
In 2021, I gave up my job to become a stay at home mom with the kids full time and little did I know I would become a traveling mom and sharing nature with them as much as we do....but it's become our way of getting away from electronics and learn more about what nature has to offer us and hopefully one day they will carry on the tradition on as well. Hope to inspire a family to get out and adventure more with their kids in nature more!!!
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.
Wesley Miller
Website: thealabamaramble.com
Socials: @thealabamaramble, Instagram and Facebook
I grew up around the world, but I have always considered Alabama home. In 2020, my wife and I moved back to AL to raise our son near family. We live in Birmingham, and we make regular weekend trips to north AL.
Moving back taught me a new appreciation for Alabama. It's an incredible, underrated place. So I created The Alabama Ramble, a website dedicated to sharing lesser-known sights and stories from around the state.
Kristin Ott
Instagram www.instagram.com/natures.fanpage?igsh=OGJuYjJsM2c4cTBs
Facebook www.facebook.com/NaturesFanPage?mibextid=ZbWKwL
I was born and raised in North Alabama. I have lived here for 52 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!
Anthony Poston
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084458056909
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-poston-b75b7952
Instagram: @anthonyrposton
X: @woveninlight
Hello, I'm Anthony an avid photographer and outdoor enthusiast. My work has been featured in many statewide and national magazines, along with websites, venues and exhibits.
My journey and love for the outdoors started at an early age when my two brothers and I ran and played in the woods, mountains and streams behind my childhood home. I first became interested in photography at an early age as well when my parents won a 35mm camera from a contest and gave it to me. My love of art and composition was captured by watching my mother paint landscapes and as I tried my hand at painting, I found later in life that photography was my true passion. Coupled with my love and connection to nature, I try to capture an impression of the natural world around us. In these moments of peace, we can truly re-connect with ourselves in a way that only nature can provide.
I am very excited for the opportunity to share the beauty and culture that makes North Alabama a truly unique place here in the State and Nationwide.
Savanna Shilt
Instagram @TryHuntsville
TikTok @TryHuntsville
Facebook facebook.com/TryHuntsville
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. 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.
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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.
