Happy Friday!

I hope everyone has managed to stay warm this weekend! It sounds like it’s going to be pretty cold this weekend, so make sure you stay bundled up!

Tickets for our February 23 Bingo Night will be in the Tuesday newsletter, so make sure you’re on the lookout for that! It’ll be a fun night for our community and there will be plenty of prizes!

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🏥 Celebrating 20 Years of Athens Main Street

Just a short drive from Huntsville, Athens is marking a major milestone this year, as Athens Main Street launches a yearlong recognition of 20 years spent shaping Downtown Athens into the vibrant community hub it is today.

The milestone reflects two decades of partnerships with local leaders, businesses, volunteers, and residents who helped guide that growth.

Throughout the year, Athens Main Street will host special events, share stories, and highlight the people behind downtown’s success. Community favorites like the Athens Farmers Market, seasonal festivals, Merchants Alley, and public space improvements have played a key role in drawing visitors and strengthening the local economy.

As Athens Main Street enters its third decade, the focus remains on preserving the heart of downtown while continuing to grow with the community.

TOGETHER WITH THE ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER

🏥 Get Back On Your Feet Faster

Injured and need care fast? TOC Urgent Ortho offers specialized orthopedic care for strains, sprains, closed fractures, joint or muscle pain, and sports injuries. No appointment needed.

TOC Urgent Ortho is perfect for injuries that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening, helping you avoid long ER waits while still seeing highly trained orthopedic providers you can trust.

With multiple convenient locations across the Tennessee Valley and extended hours at select clinics, getting expert care is easy.

Walk in today and get back to what you love with TOC Urgent Ortho.

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

🚀 Taking Flight

🍜 Kyuramen Set to Open Next Week

A new go-to spot all for you noodle lovers is almost here. Kyuramen is opening its Huntsville location on Monday, February 2 on University Drive.

This will be the chain’s second location in Alabama, bringing warm bowls of Japanese ramen to the Rocket City. Kyuramen began in New York City over a decade ago and now has spots all over the country.

As Huntsville’s food scene continues to grow, this new addition gives you another option when you’re craving something warm, savory, and spicy! You can see the menu here.

🥨 2 New Stores Headed to Parkway Place Mall

Parkway Place Mall has announced that Auntie Anne’s and Miss A’s are coming to the mall in early 2026.

Auntie Anne’s is best known for its freshly baked soft pretzels, from classic salted twists to sweet and savory favorites, making it a go-to stop for a quick treat while shopping.

Miss A brings an affordable beauty and lifestyle concept, offering trendy makeup, skincare, accessories, and home items, most priced at just a few dollars. It’s a budget-friendly spot to try new looks or stock up on everyday essentials.

We’ll keep you updated as soon as project leaders announce opening dates!

New Nonstop Flight Coming to Huntsville Airport

Breeze Airways is adding a new nonstop route from Huntsville International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, giving travelers a new low-cost option for summer trips.

The route is set to begin in June, with fares starting as low as $40. Airport officials say the announcement reflects growing demand for air service in Huntsville, while Breeze points to Fort Lauderdale as a popular destination for vacations and visiting friends or family.

🚀 Grow Your Business With Huntsville Explorer

On an average day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomes about 23,000 guests. Imagine your business being seen by that many people.

That’s the size of the Huntsville Explorer audience. Every Tuesday and Friday, 23,000 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 to get the ball rolling.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

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

I’ll be sending them our February event calendar this weekend. If you’d like to get it, click here to join!

🎵 Live Music Lowdown

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!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Click the image for more shows at The Orion!

Saturday, January 31

Sunday, February 1

  • The Harlem Globetrotters: 100 Year Tour at VBC Propst Arena: Celebrate 100 years of the Globetrotters with basketball tricks, dunks, and family-friendly fun!

  • Homesteading Pantry Swap at Lemon & Lavender: Share and exchange homemade pantry goods while connecting with local homesteaders!

  • Sourdough 101 Workshop at Lemon & Lavender: Hands-on sourdough workshop where you make a loaf, learn techniques, and leave with a starter to take home!

  • Babies First Rave at Madison Public Library: Wear your brightest outfit and dance to toddler-techno beats!

  • Matcha Experience at Nitro Tales: Hands-on matcha workshop with whisking, custom drinks, and mochi treats!

  • Musical Improv Jam at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre: Participate in musical improv games and sing along with keyboard accompaniment!

  • Vision Boarding at Booklegger Used Books: Create your own vision board, set intentions, and hang out with some goats!

Monday, February 2

  • Ground Dog Day at Huntsville Animal Shelter: Watch Cosmo predict winter or spring during a fun canine-themed celebration!

  • Disney Trivia Night at PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub: Test your Disney knowledge, enjoy pizza, and win fun prizes!

  • Bingo Night at Field Day: Gather the crew for a night of bingo and prizes!

  • Seniors' Trip to the Botanical Gardens at the Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a relaxed stroll through the gardens, followed by lunch at the Gardens Café!

  • District 1 Millennial Meeting at Johnson Legacy Center: Millennials are invited to meet with Council Member Watkins and share perspectives and thoughts!

Tuesday, February 3

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!

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