Happy Friday!

Thanks for letting me drop into your inbox this morning!

Before we get started, I have an idea I want to run by everyone. What do we think about a Snail Mail Club? With everything turning digital, I love the idea of keeping physical mail alive.

Basically, we’d put together a mailer with 6 or 7 (😉) items in. It’d be around $10 and would be packed with things like local stickers, historical prints/stories, community recipe cards, event lists, and more.

I love getting stuff in the mail, so I thought it'd be fun to put this together for the community. So, let’s put it to a vote. If it passes, I'll get to work. If it doesn’t, you’ll never hear about it again.

Let’s get to it!

Shoppers from across North Alabama and beyond poured into Huntsville this week as IKEA officially opened its doors, marking the brand’s first-ever location in Alabama.

Crowds began lining up well before the 8 AM festivities on Wednesday. The 46,000-square-foot store sits between IKEA’s traditional warehouse-style footprint and its smaller planning studios, reflecting the company’s strategy to expand into fast-growing mid-sized cities like Huntsville.

Inside, you can find more than 5,000 products showcased in fully designed room displays, with roughly 2,000 items available in-store for purchase. Larger furniture items can be ordered for pickup or delivery, giving you more ways to shop.

The store also features IKEA’s signature Swedish food offerings, including its iconic meatballs, plant-based options, hot dogs, and sweet treats, all available to enjoy on-site or take home.

If you'd like to swing by, the store opens at 11 AM every day of the week and is located at 6125 University Dr NW.

TOGETHER WITH URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN

Flu cases are on the rise in Huntsville, and it’s spreading fast in schools and daycares! When symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or fever show up, it’s best to get your child seen early. Quick care can make a big difference for flu, COVID, and RSV.

Urgent Care for Children makes it easy for families to get help when they need it. With locations in Huntsville and Madison, they offer walk-in visits, after-hours pediatric care, and the option to book online so your child can be seen faster without a long lobby wait.

When your child isn’t feeling their best, Urgent Care for Children provides trusted pediatric care close by.

P.S. Want to feature your business in our next ad slot? We are now booking for Q2. Fill out this form for more info!

Following the passing of beloved blues musician and educator Microwave Dave Gallaher, the Huntsville community is rallying in support.

A GoFundMe organized by longtime friend and bandmate Rick Godfrey has raised more than $12,000 to help cover end-of-life expenses. Known for leading Microwave Dave and the Nukes and for his generosity off stage, Dave spent decades supporting local causes and mentoring young musicians.

Organizers say any remaining funds will be donated to the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation, continuing his lasting impact on the community.

Sprocket, the lovable mascot of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, is once again in the running for USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Minor League Baseball Mascot, and he needs your help to take the top spot!

Known for hyping up crowds and supporting local students through his Reading with Sprocket program, this furry fan favorite already proved he belongs among the best after finishing third last year. Now, he’s looking to climb even higher.

Fans can vote once per day through March 16, with the top 10 mascots announced March 25. Let's help Sprocket claim the crown! Click here to vote.

A Huntsville family recently stepped out onto the national stage, and walked away $20,000 richer!

The Whittle family (owners of Turbo Coffee) appeared on three episodes of Family Feud, which aired last week! The family secured a major win, proudly representing the Rocket City in front of a nationwide audience!

Next time you’re near Lincoln Mill, swing by Turbo Coffee and tell them congrats!

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 gorder your puzzle before they’re gone!

Have a great weekend!