Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone has had a great week and is enjoying the beautiful weather!

Has anyone ventured out to IKEA yet? My wife and I are going by later today and I have no idea what to expect!

Let’s get to it!

A fresh taste of Italy is headed to Huntsville as Dolce Amore prepares to open its doors in Providence.

The new restaurant will spotlight traditional Italian flavors with an Alabama twist. It’s all the brainchild of Chef Randall Baldwin, a Mobile native who cut his teeth working at some of Birmingham’s best restaurants.

You can expect a menu centered on premium ingredients and well-balanced dishes designed to feel both refined and inviting. While an official opening date has not yet, you can follow their progress on Instagram!

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has unveiled two brand-new mascots, and are inviting the community to help choose their names!

You can cast your vote for one of three dynamic duos: Apollo and Artemis, Percy and Celeste, or Nano and Nova.

By voting, you’re not just picking a favorite, you also have the chance to win a family pack of museum admission tickets. Voting is open now through March 10.

The $220 million, 11-acre mixed-use Front Row development has officially opened its doors and is inviting locals to move in!

The newly launched leasing website allows future residents to browse floor plans, check pricing and availability, and reserve one of the planned 545 upscale apartments ahead of projected move-ins later this year.

Front Row will combine high-end apartments with more than 34,000 square feet of office space, and nearly 47,000 square feet of retail space. Of course there will also be plenty of amenities including pools, lounges, and hangout spots.

TOGETHER WITH THE ORION AMPHITHEATER

Spring means festival season at The Orion, and March and April are packed with fun, community festivals for all ages!

On March 21, Rocket City Reading Festival celebrates National Reading Month with book swaps for kids and adults, story time with local authors, the HMCPL Bookmobile, and more than 40 local writers signing books.

Then, on March 28, Taste of Soul takes over with live music, food trucks, local eateries, craft beverages, shopping, and kid-friendly activities!

Finally, on April 12, Pup Palooza returns with a pet costume contest, live music, vendors, and plenty of four-legged fun!

There’s something for everyone this spring at The Orion!

P.S. Want to partner with Huntsville Explorer and reach 24,000+ locals? Fill out this form.

🎨Trinity Market Place Craft Show

March 6–7 | 9 AM–4 PM | Trinity United Methodist Church | Free | More Info

Browse more than 70 craft and art vendors all under one roof. From handmade décor to unique gifts, this two-day market is the perfect place to shop local!

👗The Boutique Closet Spring Sale

March 6–7 | Target Shopping Center (University Drive) | Free | More Info

Score deals on thousands of boutique brands during this popular consignment event!

🛍️Youth Rummage Sale

March 7 | 6 AM–12 PM | First Christian Church | Free | More Info

Go bargain hunting while supporting a great cause. You’ll find gently used clothes, books, toys, and household items. Swing by and help fund this year’s mission trip!

🎆Fire on the Mountain

March 7 | 10 AM–3 PM | Burritt on the Mountain | $12 | More Info

Step back into the 1800s with open-hearth cooking, blacksmith demonstrations, and fires burning throughout the historic park. Watch (and smell!) historic recipes come to life over cast iron stoves while skilled smiths work their forges in this immersive, family-friendly experience.

🪁Community Kite Festival

March 7 | 11 AM | John Hunt Park | Free | More Info

Look to the skies as colorful kites take flight at this free community festival hosted by Chicago Kite!

🎤Jake Owen: Dreams to Dreams Tour

March 7 | 8 PM | Mars Music Hall | $20+ | More Info

Country star Jake Owen brings his Dreams to Dreams Tour to Huntsville with special guest Kendell Marvel!

🤸NCAA Gymnastics: Elevate the Stage

March 8 | 3 PM | Von Braun Center | $32+ | More Info

Catch elite collegiate gymnastics as Clemson, Auburn, Georgia, and Pittsburgh face off in a thrilling showcase of strength and skill!

On an average day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes about 24,000 guests. Imagine your business being seen by that many people.

That’s the size of the Huntsville Explorer newsletter. Every Tuesday and Friday, 24,000 locals who have chosen to hear from us open our newsletter to discover what’s happening around town and which businesses to support.

If you want your business in front of a trusted, engaged local audience, fill out our partnership form (takes 30 seconds) and I will reach out with some more info!

Thank you to our friends at the Huntsville Music Office for sponsoring this section! The Huntsville Music Office exists to support the growing live music scene in Huntsville. See more upcoming live music with their free music calendar!

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday!