Happy Friday!

I hope everyone has had a good week! Looks like the weather is finally going to warm up this weekend! 🙌

I’ve been busy this week gathering prizes for our upcoming bingo night on February 23. If you haven’t got tickets yet, you can get them here!

Let’s get to it!

P.S. We are giving away 2 VIP tickets to the Rocket Chef competition on our Instagram. Here’s the link to enter!

A new elevated birding platform has opened at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve, giving nature lovers a fresh vantage point to spot birds in the open pine forest.

Accessible via the Moonshine Trail, the 10-by-10-foot platform is an easy walk from the parking lot and was designed to blend naturally into the mountain landscape. The addition also helps reduce congestion at the preserve’s main bird blind, allowing more visitors to enjoy the experience.

Made possible through support from Iron Mountain Solutions and dedicated volunteers, the platform strengthens Chapman Mountain’s role along the Alabama Birding Trail, where birds can be seen year-round.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or just looking for a peaceful outdoor stop, the new perch offers a front-row seat to North Alabama’s wildlife.

If privacy, space, and mountain living sound like your dream, this Green Mountain home is worth a look. Sitting on nearly 3 wooded acres, 13390 S Shawdee Road offers the peaceful feel of a retreat while keeping you minutes from shopping and dining.

Inside, you’ll find over 4,100 square feet with 5 bedrooms, a bonus room, a spacious kitchen with an oversized island, and a welcoming family room with a coffered ceiling and fireplace.

The primary suite features a custom glass shower, spa tub, and generous closet space. Step outside to a large deck and a two-zone swim spa built for relaxing or exercising.

Want to schedule a tour? Give Donna a call at (251) 243-1591 or click below to learn more.

P.S. Heading to The Dog Ball this weekend? Donna will be there with her pup Diesel. Be sure to say hi!

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is opening its second North Alabama location this spring at Clift Farm, bringing its signature Brooklyn-style pizza to Madison.

The restaurant is known for its coal-fired pies, featuring crisp crusts and classic flavors that have built a loyal following. Known for its coal-fired pies and welcoming, neighborhood feel, Grimaldi’s is setting up shop with the goal of becoming another go-to spot for everyone in Madison to enjoy a one of a kind pie.

While you wait for the opening, you can visit the Jones Valley location in the Target plaza!

Construction is officially underway on the Brownsboro Pool and Splash Pad, bringing a new community gathering space to families in Brownsboro and Maysville.

The $1.6 million project will feature a 25-yard swimming pool, a splash pad for younger kids, and a public walking track. Designed with years of community feedback, the facility will offer an affordable option for summer fun while also providing dedicated practice space for the Madison County High School swim team.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of May, just in time for warm weather.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really swimming beneath the surface at Lake Guntersville, one angler just gave North Alabama a jaw-dropping reminder.

A Birmingham fisherman recently pulled an enormous blue catfish from Holt Reservoir, tipping the scales at a whopping 84.3 pounds. While the monster catfish didn’t break the state record, it still puts the sheer size of local freshwater fish into perspective, especially considering the Alabama record was set in the same reservoir back in 2012 with a 120-pound blue catfish.

Here’s a picture of the fish if you need to see it for yourself!

Our Big Spring Park puzzles have been flying off the shelves (AKA my garage) and I’ve only got about 60 of them left before they’re gone.

If you haven’t grabbed one yet, you may want to get one before they’re gone. If you enjoy puzzles, I promise you’ll love it!

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

A big shoutout to all the Premium Explorers that help make this newsletter possible! If you’d like to support us, click here to join!

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! Don’t forget to order your puzzle!

Have a great weekend!