🍽️ 3 New Restaurants

Happy Friday!

What a strange week it’s been. We went from potential for a lot of snow and ice to just some rain and maybe ice. Who knows what will happen at this point, but I hope everyone stays weather aware and safe!

On another note, congrats to Rob A. on winning the Brick & Tin gift card!

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🏥 Huntsville Hospital to Acquire Crestwood Medical Center

The Huntsville Hospital Health System has entered into an agreement to acquire Crestwood Medical Center and its facilities, signaling a major shift in the region’s healthcare landscape.

The $450 million deal includes the purchase of most of Crestwood’s assets and is expected to close early this year, pending regulatory approval. Both organizations say Crestwood will continue operating as usual during the transition, with no immediate changes to patient care, staffing, or services.

The move comes as the Huntsville area continues rapid growth, with the region expanding by nearly 16 percent over the past five years. Officials point to increased demand for coordinated healthcare as a key factor.

Crestwood includes a 180-bed hospital, a Harvest emergency department, and outpatient clinics across North Alabama. Crestwood employs about 1,000 healthcare workers, while Huntsville Hospital operates facilities in more than a dozen communities across North Alabama and Southern Tennessee.

TOGETHER WITH ARDENT PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

🧠 A Smart Start For Little Learners

Looking for a preschool or daycare that helps your child grow, learn, and thrive?

Ardent Preschool & Daycare offers a nurturing, engaging environment that combines a proven early learning curriculum with a strong focus on character and confidence.

Right now, families can take advantage of Ardent’s Winter Enrollment Bonus at their Town Madison, Clift Farms, and Redstone locations. Enjoy your first week free, your waitlist fee credited during week two, and a $30 weekly tuition credit for the first two years of enrollment.

Be sure to mention Huntsville Explorer when you apply. Offer ends January 31, 2026.

🚨 Want to put your business in front of 23,000 Huntsvillians? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

🍷 Cooper’s Hawk Set to Open Next Month Before Valentine’s Day

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is opening its first Alabama location in Madison on February 9, adding a new dining and wine destination along Highway 72.

The restaurant features a tasting room, retail wine shop, and a full menu for lunch, brunch, happy hour, and dinner. Each dish is paired with recommended wines, making it easy to find the right match.

As the Highway 72 corridor continues to grow, the opening adds another spot to gather with friends, celebrate special occasions, or enjoy a relaxed night out close to home.

You can find Cooper’s Hawk at 8228 Highway 72 West and can see the menu here.

🍽️ Good Company Café Expands to Five Points Alongside New Restaurant

Good Company Café is expanding into Five Points with a second café location and a new dinner concept, Etta’s Tavern.

Both will open inside the former 1892 Building on Pratt Avenue, with the café taking half the space and Etta’s Tavern opening in the building’s dining room. The new café is expected to open in late spring, with Etta’s Tavern following about a month later.

The expansion brings new life to a familiar neighborhood space and gives Five Points a fresh spot to gather for brunch and dinner alike.

🐖 City BBQ Opens First Alabama Location Next Month

City BBQ is opening its first Alabama location in Huntsville on February 9 along Memorial Parkway.

The Ohio-based chain is known for its old-school approach to barbecue, smoking meats low and slow over hickory wood and carving them to order. Diners can expect tender brisket, signature bark, and a true smoke ring that reflects traditional barbecue techniques.

The opening adds another national brand to Huntsville’s growing dining scene and gives locals a new spot to grab classic barbecue made the traditional way.

You can find the new location at 11544 Memorial Parkway SW and can check out the menu here.

🧩 Don’t Forget Your Puzzle

Our Big Spring Park Puzzles have arrived and they look AMAZING! I couldn’t help myself, I had to take it down to the park and get a picture of it on the red bridge.

So many of you have already sent me messages telling me how much you’ve enjoyed them and it makes me smile every time!

If you haven’t grabbed one yet, you can get it here. If you enjoy puzzles, I promise you’ll love it!

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

A big shoutout to all the Premium Explorers that help make this newsletter possible!

I’ll be sending out a recap of this weeks City Council meeting on Sunday. If you’d like to get it, click here to join!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

We are looking for a local business that’s interested in sponsoring our Live Music Lowdown section. This is a great opportunity to get your business in front of 23,000+ locals every single week!

If you’re interested, just hit reply and let’s talk!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Saturday, January 24

• Birding at Burritt at Burritt on the Mountain: Family-friendly birding day featuring falconry, guided hikes, crafts, and live presentations!

• Murder Mystery Dinner Show at DoubleTree Huntsville South: Interactive comedy dinner where guests solve a hilarious hidden-murder mystery!

• Brick Galaxy at the Madison Public Library: Come check out LEGO displays, including town and moonbase as well as Minecraft-themed building sessions!

• OneGenAway Mobile Pantry at Toyota Field: Drive-thru food pantry offering fresh produce, dry goods, and more to anyone in need!

• Southeast Family YMCA Health Fair at Southeast Family YMCA: Free wellness event offering health resources, screenings, and community connections!

• Botanical Bookworms at Botanical Garden: A unique blend of book discussions, educational experiences, and guided walks through the Garden!

• Homeschool Show & Share at Jaycee Building: Connect, explore resources, and gain inspiration for successful homeschooling!

• Photography 101 Workshop at Around the Curtain Children’s Theatre: Learn photography techniques, master light and focus, and capture inspiring images!

• Long Run Saturday at Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison: Group runs with 4, 7, or 8-mile options!

• Funny How Careers Work Comedy Show at Downtown Huntsville Library: Family-friendly educational comedy combining humor and career insights for all ages.

• That's What She Said! at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Comics voice over wild clips as the audience votes on who did it best!

• Cosmic Charlie at VBC Mars Music Hall: High-energy tribute performance celebrating Grateful Dead classics!

Sunday, January 25

• Drew Lynch at VBC Mars Music Hall: Enjoy a nigh of laughter with the America’s Got Talent star!

• Sunday Funday at Campus Grounds: Enjoy breakfast, coffee, hot chocolate, board games, and nostalgic cartoons!

Monday, January 26

• Stranger Things Paint Party at High Ground Hobbies: Step into the Upside Down and paint a Stranger Thing’s themed miniature!

• Bingo Night at Field Day: Enjoy an evening of bingo and prizes!

• Seniors Trip at Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a relaxed stroll through the various gardens at your own pace!

Tuesday, January 27

• The Sound of Music at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall: Beloved musical brings iconic songs, romance, family, and resilience to stage!

• AI Symposium at U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Explore the AI Agents that are the next wave of enhancing productivity and operations!

• Wine 101 with Sharon Haughton at The Wine Cellar: Interactive class covering wine styles, grapes, tasting, and enjoyment tips!

• Marvel Trivia at The Casual Pint (Huntsville): Test your MCU knowledge with fast-paced, team-based trivia fun!

• A Thousand Miles or More Exhibit Reception at HSV International Airport: Come check out the new “A Thousand Miles or More” art exhibit!

Want to see more upcoming events or add an event to the calendar? Click here.

Thanks for making it to the end! Don’t forget to order your puzzle!

Have a great weekend!