Happy Friday!

Welcome to the first official day of spring! The sun is out and hopefully the warm weather is here to stay!

Also, for those who celebrate, happy March Madness! My bracket is still mostly in-tact, but I have a feeling it’s not going to last long. 😅

Let’s get to it!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🏫 New $17 Million Student Building Underway at Calhoun

Construction is picking up momentum on a major addition to the Calhoun Community College campus, as city officials in Decatur have officially approved a building permit for the school’s new Student Union Building.

The permit marks a significant milestone for the roughly $17 million project, which broke ground in late 2025. Once complete, the two-story facility will serve as a hub for students.

The first floor is expected to feature more active areas like a coffee shop, bookstore, and dining options, while quieter study rooms and computer spaces will be located upstairs. The project will also introduce the campus’s first full commercial kitchen, opening the door for future culinary programs and courses.

College leaders say the new Student Union will create a more engaging, student-focused environment for years to come.

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 Spring Enrollment Bonus! 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.

Families must enroll within 30 days of the tour to receive the enrollment bonus. Be sure to mention Huntsville Explorer when you apply. Offer ends April 30, 2026.

P.S. Want to put your business in front of 25,000+ Huntsvillians? Fill out this form!

🚀 Taking Flight

The Ultimate Huntsville Summer Camp Guide

It’s officially spring which means summer is just around the corner… and that means it’s time to start thinking about camps!

To make it easy for you, I rounded up all the North Alabama summer camps I could find and put them all in one place. From outdoor and adventure camps to STEM and sports, this guide is the only one you’ll need.

🪐 Rocket Center Unveils New Mascot Names

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has officially named its new mascots, Apollo and Artemis.

The names were revealed during a special event this week, following a public naming contest that drew more than 2,000 participants. Inspired by NASA’s historic Apollo program and the current Artemis program, the mascots are connecting Huntsville’s past and future in space exploration.

You can expect to see them at community events, student programs, and special appearances throughout the year! If you haven’t seen them yet, here’s a picture!

🪦 Explore Huntsville’s Past on the Civil War Bones Tour

A new unique walking tour is giving you the chance to step back in time and experience the spookiest side of Huntsville.

The Civil War Bones Tour at Maple Hill Cemetery offers a two-hour guided experience highlighting the lives of those who played a role in America’s most pivotal conflict. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about notable figures buried there, including a Union general and even a relative of President Abraham Lincoln.

Hosted by Huntsville Ghost Walk, the tour runs every Saturday and Sunday through the end of May. Learn more and see upcoming dates here.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

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!

🎵 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

Saturday, March 21

Sunday, March 22

  • Bunny Hops Tea at Botanical Garden: Spring tea party with treats, artisan teas, florals, and adorable adoptable bunnies!

  • Vinyl Record and Retro Show at the Jaycee Building: Shop 40 tables of vendors!

  • Cooking Class at Bravo Italian Kitchen: Hands-on cooking class making Chicken Parmesan with pasta!

  • Heritage in Her Hands at The Curated Gallery: Hands-on workshop creating personalized whipped body butter!

Monday, March 23

  • Bingo Night at Field Day: Grab your crew and enjoy some free bingo!

  • Tackle Your To Do List at Downtown Huntsville Library: Finally get rid of those small tasks that you keep putting off!

Tuesday, March 24

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

Thanks for making it to the end!

Have a great weekend!

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