Join host Melea Hames as she dives into the history and hidden gems of Decatur’s crown jewel with Nicole Belcher, Marketing and Events Coordinator for Point Mallard Park. Nicole shares the wild history of how the first wave pool in the U.S. ended up in North Alabama, the "unexpected" winter activities at the park, behind-the-scenes secrets of the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, and why Point Mallard remains a multi-generational tradition for families across the South.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Muscle Shoals singer-songwriter Bay Simpson — fresh off his run on Season 29 of NBC's The Voice. Bay shares what it was like growing up in the studios of the Shoals with a songwriter stepdad and drummer dad, why he chose Tom Petty over Elvis for his blind audition, the surprise family tree that makes him Elvis Presley's second cousin once removed, the story behind his new single "Too Good to Be True," and what it means to carry the torch for the next generation of North Alabama music.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.
To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Scott Black, President of LawLers Barbecue — a North Alabama institution that has been firing up hardwood smokers since 1978. Scott shares the story behind this beloved regional brand, what it takes to run 13 locations across the Tennessee Valley and why slow-smoked barbecue built on community and tradition will never go out of style.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.
To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames as she visits the beloved Morgan Price Candy Company in downtown Decatur. Guest Lee Anne Smith, the store's new owner, shares the journey of carrying on a 35-year North Alabama tradition, what it means to take the reins from the previous owner, and why handcrafted candy made in small batches will never go out of style.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Host Melea Hames hits the trails at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont. Co-owner LaBreeska Ponder shares how she and her husband transformed 4,700 acres of reclaimed mining land into a premier off-road destination, the unique wildlife you'll find on the trails, and the importance of preserving private property rights for outdoor recreation. 

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.
To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames as she visits the historic U.G. White Mercantile in downtown Athens. Guest Derrick Young, owner and commercial pilot, shares the journey of saving this 100-year-old landmark, the creation of Merchants Alley, and why the "general store" experience is more relevant today than ever.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames for an inspiring journey into one of North Alabama’s most important natural spaces — Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Guest David Young, Park Ranger and Visitor Services Manager, shares what makes the refuge a must-visit destination, from seasonal wildlife spectacles and educational programs to conservation efforts and unforgettable visitor experiences. Learn how Wheeler NWR plays a vital role in tourism, environmental education, and connecting people to the natural beauty of North Alabama.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames as she steps inside "3614 Jackson Highway," the legendary studio that helped put North Alabama on the global musical map. Guest Debbie Wilson, Executive Director, shares the "unexpected" stories of the Swampers, the restoration of this historic landmark, and how the "Muscle Shoals Sound" continues to draw music lovers from around the world to Sheffield, Alabama.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.
To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames for a mouthwatering journey into one of North Alabama’s most beloved barbecue institutions — New Market BBQ. Guest Libby Webb, co-owner and operator, shares the story behind the restaurant’s legacy, what makes North Alabama barbecue so special, and how New Market BBQ has become a community gathering place for locals and travelers alike. From pit-room traditions and family recipes to hospitality, tourism, and community leadership, discover how great food creates unforgettable, unexpected adventures.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].

Join host Melea Hames for a creative journey into one of North Alabama’s most inspiring cultural landmarks — the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur. Guest Kim Mitchell, Executive Director of the Carnegie, shares the story behind the historic Carnegie Library’s transformation into a vibrant arts hub, the role visual arts play in community identity, and how the center creates unexpected experiences for locals and visitors alike. From exhibitions and education programs to festivals and fundraising events, discover how the Carnegie continues to shape Decatur’s creative spirit.

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The Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melea Hames and produced by Brand Revolt.

To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit https://thedmpn.com/. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email [email protected].