Huntsville, AL February 2026

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Love is a verb

We often think of love in terms of romance - a breathless kiss, an intense gaze, a special gift. And even though those things can certainly make our heart flutter, love is so much more. It is how we live, how we treat others, how we lift each other up. Each day we get to choose what we put out into the world. Will we choose complaining, will we choose gossip, will we choose dismissiveness, we will choose indifference, will we choose judgement, will we choose those 'low hanging' negative actions that do not put light into the world or will we choose the light within each of us to help lift up our friends, our family, our coworkers, strangers?

We place God in church pews, in the bible, in service to others, but can our minds grasp that God is all around us and in us. We have the power to love and see love in others. We all have hard days and hard times when a call or a hug from the right person can remind us that we do have great value and that life is really worth living. Words are love, presence is love, encouragement is love. We all stress and strain and struggle. And in those moments when we feel lost and down, it is love that can see us through. It is love that gives light to all the goodness that shines in each of us. The best part is - it is free. It is a choice to show love over the negative bias we are so prone to as humans. Don't you want to be that person? That person who lifts someone up? That person who helps someone see the greatness in themselves. And the really magical thing about it - when we become that person who shows love and sees it in others, it multiplies.

Get ready for an issue filled with love - love in presence, love of community, love letters and more. May we choose to love beautifully.

Long. Live. Print.

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Amy Bailey | amy.bailey@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Casey Creque | casey.creque@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Susan Rogers | susan.rogers@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Mary Nell Cole

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Coggins, Martha Lynn, Coon, Stephanie Cashin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Tamika Watford

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how

PILATES REDEFINED PILATES REDEFINED

Some of Huntsville's finest showcase style and sophistication across the city

LIKE FINE WINE

“EVEN THOUGH STYLES change AND evolve , YOUR OWN STYLE WILL set you apart FROM OTHERS.”

POPPY AND PARLIAMENT

Linda: Gold and black brocade coat dress @ shopsilhouette ; Valentina Pearl Drop Earrings $66.00  @serendipityhouseofstyle ; French Kande Angélique Triple Strand Pearls Silver Necklace Gold $392.00  @serendipityhouseofstyle

Pat: Peter Cohen Paris Plisse

Parachute Pant $792 @shopcarriage house; Peter Cohen Paris Plisse Wed Top -Zinnia $648 @shopcarriagehouse; 18kt Yellow Gold and Pearl Necklace with yellow, chocolate and traditional diamonds @emmettblevinsjewelry; Pearl earrings encircled by threads of 18kt gold and yellow and white diamonds @ emmettblevinsjewelry; 18kt Yellow gold two finger ring with yellow and white diamonds @emmettblevinsjewelry

Sonja: Sadie Sequin Mini Dress $218.00 @hemlinehuntsville; Susan Shaw La Mer Chain Bracelet $74.00  @serendipityhouseofstyle

STAR MARKET

Sonja: Cariss Pink Mini Dress $169.00 @hemlinehuntsville; Alexander McQueen pink bag Queen Bee of Beverly Hills @luxuryfinders; 18 kt gold ring pink kunzite, blue zircon, diamond ring $6300 @emmettblevinsjewelry

Linda: Joseph Ribkoff Leatherette Pull-On Pencil Skirt $195 @serendipity houseofstyle; Joseph Ribkoff Puff Sleeve Satin Top $235 @serendipityhouseof style; Leopard Coat @shopsilhouette; French Kande Angélique Triple Strand Pearls Silver Necklace Gold $392.00 @serendipityhouseofstyle

POPPY AND PARLIAMENT

Pat: Peter Cohen Paris Plisse

Parachute Pant $792 @shopcarriage house; Peter Cohen Paris Plisse Wed Top $648  @shopcarriagehouse; 18kt Yellow Gold and Pearl Necklace with yellow, chocolate and traditional diamonds @emmettblevinsjewelry; Pearl earrings encircled by threads of 18kt gold and yellow and white diamonds @emmettblevinsjewelry; 18kt Yellow gold two finger ring with yellow and white diamonds @emmettblevins jewelry; Queen Bee of Beverly Hills burgundy fur and bag @luxuryfinders

CONTINUED >

I FULLY embrace THE FACT THAT I AM particular NOT PATTERNED. THERE IS ONLY ONE me AND GOD HAS A unique plan FOR MY LIFE. - Pat

THE JEFFERSON HOTEL

Pat: Peter Cohen Blouse Wrap Dress $1824  @shopcarriagehouse; Margaret Ellis Bronze Wide Bangle Bracelet $575

earrings @shopcarriagehouse; Queen Bee of Beverly Hills Gucci Lion Ring @luxuryfinders

Linda: Navy Blazer Dress @shopsilhouette; Luxe Bangle $48  @serendipityhouseofstyle;

Susan Shaw Gold Double Loop Chain Bracelet $89 @serendipityhouseofstyle; French Kande Lea Necklace: Lourdes Crystal G $462 @serendipityhouseofstyle

The new, freestanding Coachcella tub redefines bathing as an ethereal experience. Inspired by California’s prolific mid-century modern design found in the desert, its fluid form unfolds like butterfly wings on both sides for optimal comfort. Integrated lumbar support cradles the body, while a seamless integral pedestal elevates the bath to new heights.

ARTICLE BY MARTHA LYNN COON

LANGUAGE

of LOVE

“ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF HER MYSTERIOUS PROFILE IS THAT, THOUGH SHE IS ALMOST SIXTEEN, SHE STILL DOES NOT SPEAK.”

As an English teacher, there are few things I love more than precise language. Every day, I open my high school classes with a one-word check-in, a small but mighty challenge for students to determine exactly how they feel that day. What one word reflects the multitudes that young people hold at any given moment? It’s hard to sum up anything with just a word, but the attempt is always valiant.

MARTHA LYNN COON’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HER NON-VERBAL DAUGHTER HENNY IS ONE LONG EXPERIMENT IN PRESENCE

My love of language extends back as far as I can remember, with a passion for reading and writing that was baked into my bones. As a teacher and writer, language remains a central fascination in my life. But something significant happened in my relationship with language when, almost 16 years ago, I became a mother. I learned the limits of language when it comes to love.

My daughter, Henny, was born with a neurological condition that makes communication difficult. Her life has been a slow unfolding of medical mysteries, with at times murky diagnoses and, over the years, every attempt we could muster to improve both her health and ensure her quality of life. She has autistic-like tendencies, though she is not autistic. She has intractable epilepsy and mobility issues. She is, as Southerners say, sweet as pie unless she’s madder than a wet hen; when that happens, take cover. But one of the most significant features of her mysterious profile is that, though she is almost sixteen, she still does not speak.

I became her mother through the grace of God, and parenting a special needs child is the spiritual journey of a lifetime. Her little brother, Thomas, was born 3½ years later. He is a giant of a kid with a heart as big as his now adult-sized, 12-year-old body. He spoke early and never stopped. Parenting him is not any easier, because all parenting seems to be the hard work of managing a deep well of love for your child with the challenge of guiding them into the best versions of themselves.

Yet in a relationship with a non-verbal child, even these parameters become tricky. No one is ever “right,” no one wins an argument, and no one has the last word. There are painful limits to what I can offer her in every domain; beyond medical care and occasional therapeutic interventions, I cannot change her existential condition. The most I can do is show up each day, opening myself with a generous heart, curious spirit, and determined faith that she, like all of us, was born with a distinct and beautiful sense of purpose.

“I KNOW FOR SURE: IT IS LOVE.”

My relationship with my non-verbal child is one long experiment in presence, and in this, it has challenged and grown me completely. We don’t talk on the phone or text, and we never will. Every bit of information I get from her is through full, physical presence with her every single day. It’s magical, it’s brutal. It is so many things that as I write this, my hyper-verbal self struggles to find language that accurately describes the experience.

But there is one thing I know for sure: It is love.

CONTINUED >

One of my favorite writers and teachers is a Quaker man named Parker Palmer. In his book Let Your Life Speak, he describes going through a deep clinical depression during mid-life. Though many people tried to show up for him during this dark time, he writes about the tender experience of one friend who came daily but often would not speak, showing up as a quiet, loving presence in his life instead of trying to fix, advise, or encourage him out of his depression. Palmer writes that “one of the hardest things we must do sometimes is to be present to another person’s pain without trying to ‘fix’ it, to simply stand respectfully at the edge of that person’s mystery and misery.” My inability to change much about the fundamental condition of my child is one of the most difficult challenges and one of the greatest gifts of both loving and being loved by her. She has such an eager heart, and a strong desire to be present and engaged regardless of her lack of language, which has turned my own sense of worth upside down and humbled me immensely. Palmer goes on to write that we often say so many “pious words about God’s presence in our

lives but believing, on the contrary, that nothing good is going to happen unless we make it happen.” Accepting my own limitations and learning to trust God in her care has expanded my sense of love manyfold. When I surrender my desire to fix, I am free to show up, to sit down, and to listen beyond words.

One of my favorite Alabamians, Helen Keller, once said “You cannot touch love, but you can feel the sweetness it pours into everything.” Though she could not see or hear, the feeling of love was as real and present to her as to anyone. Her words are a testament that love has a language all its own; a language of presence, of humility, and of surrender if we can slow ourselves down enough to give and receive its sweetness. The greatest lesson I’ve learned from my daughter is the enduring quality of love. As people I love pass on from this physical plane, it’s clear to me that the true, distilled, present energy that is love between people never dies. It may morph and evolve, but enduring love will not fade, doesn’t die, and never withers. Love does not diminish with time or space. It is palpable energy that is born again and again.

Your Smile is Our Passion!

At Dental Professionals on Whitesburg, Dr. Sonya Wintzell, DMD and her dedicated team believe every visit to the dentist should be a positive, empowering experience. From the moment you walk through our doors, you will feel cared for—whether you are here for a routine cleaning or a complete smile makeover.

Your smile is one of a kind—let us help you love it even more.

Come see why patients look forward to their visits.

Huntsville local actress Haddie Mac comes home to perform for the city that built her

COMING HOME

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

When we asked ten-year-old Haddie Mac about her dreams just a few short months ago, she quickly responded that one day she hoped to perform in her hometown, sharing her love of theatre with friends and family in real time. Now, as a young actress who has performed across America and Asia in Broadway productions, that dream has come full circle. Haddie is heading home to Huntsville as the Broadway Theatre League presents The Sound of Music.

“It was completely unexpected,” recalls Haddie. “We were middrive to New York City for a final callback for a different role when we got the news, and I cried the biggest, happiest tears.”  In the midst of all of the emotions Haddie remembers thinking “Now I get to be one of the reasons Huntsville audiences smile, and maybe I’ll even turn a few new people into theatre lovers!” The Sound of Music is already close to her heart, but now it carries an even greater meaning as her first hometown performance.

While Haddie Mac’s work allows her to travel the world and experience so many amazing things, especially at just eleven years old, she always seems to find her way back to Huntsville. She recognizes that the values instilled in her upbringing by her family and friends, and also the community, have made her the person

that she is today. Hard work. Kindness. Inclusivity. Leadership. These are all characteristics that she carries deep within her from the interactions she has had with people around her since she was a little girl. “I know that a lot of my success is because of these traits, which all lead back to the city of Huntsville and the people who make it wonderful,” explains Haddie.

Since her last interview, the milestones have only grown. Haddie Mac celebrated her 300th professional performance of The Sound of Music in Toronto, having now performed three roles in the show across three countries and two continents. She also filmed her first Netflix project, briefly stepping away from the tour before jumping right back in.

Even with major dreams already realized, her vision for her future continues to grow. Broadway in New York City is next, alongside aspirations for a lead role in film and television, especially comedy. Her journey continues, grounded in hard work and gratitude, and fueled by a hometown that believed in her first. Purchase tickets to see Haddie Mac live in The Sound of Music January 31st-February 1st 2026 at ticketmaster.com or at the VBC Box Office.

Fall in love with your next neighborhood

Falling in love with a home often starts with falling in love with a neighborhood—the tree-lined streets, the morning coffee spots, the way neighbors wave as you pass by. A community that feels like home.

Downtown Huntsville

Charming historic homes with modern luxuries like fine dining, greenspace and great local shopping.

South Huntsville

Welcoming, friendly neighborhoods loved for easy commutes to Downtown and Redstone Arsenal, abundant outdoor amenities like the Aldridge Creek Greenway and Green Mountain trails. Home styles range from well-built classics to thoughtfully designed new construction.

Owens Cross Roads

Just outside the city, Owens Cross Roads offers convenient access to Downtown and Jones Valley shopping. Buyers are drawn to its quiet, outdoor-focused lifestyle, schools, and growing amenities. Most neighborhoods have a panoramic mountain view plus opportunities to live on beautiful, idyllic ponds.

Madison

This highly desirable community is known for schools, convenient Research Park and Redstone Arsenal access, and diverse housing options. With ample parks, shopping, and dining, it offers suburban living with lasting value.

A LOVE STORY THAT BEGAN WITH A LETTER

FOREVER IN A LETTER

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE AND SUSAN ROGERS

Before text messages, before email, before love could be reduced to a glowing screen and phrases like “Netflix and chill,” there were letters. Real ones. Written by hand, folded with care, sealed with hope.

WHAT BEGAN AS AN EXCHANGE MEANT ONLY FOR ENCOURAGEMENT SOON BECAME SOMETHING DEEPER.

Love letters were once the quiet architecture of romance, carrying longing across oceans and time zones, and sometimes across an entire lifetime.

During World War II, young girls and college-aged women were encouraged to write letters to soldiers stationed overseas. These were not meant to be declarations of love, but gestures of humanity, simple notes meant to lift morale and remind young men that they were remembered.

One such letter came from a sixteen-year-old girl in Huntsville, Alabama named Dorothy Patterson. Along with her words, she enclosed a small photograph of herself, never imagining what would follow. When the soldier received her letter, he showed the photo to a friend and made a bold declaration: he was going to write her back, and one day, she would be his wife. His name was Buford Whitt.

What began as an exchange meant only for encouragement soon became something deeper. Buford and Dorothy wrote to one another faithfully for four years during the war, their relationship built entirely on ink and paper, shared stories, quiet confessions, and the slow unveiling of dreams. They fell in love without ever sharing a meal, holding hands, or hearing each other’s voices in real time.

When the war ended and Buford returned home to Hazel Green, Alabama and the distance that had defined their relationship vanished almost overnight. Three months later, they eloped. Soon after, they moved to Auburn, where Buford pursued his studies in veterinary medicine, later becoming Dr. Buford Whitt, and then opened a Veterinary practice here in Huntsville where they worked together until retirement. Their life unfolded not in grand or dramatic gestures, but in the same quiet commitment that had been present from the very first letter. “It was like a storybook romance. He was my knight in shining armor until the day he died,” Dorothy reminisces.

Together, they shared a love that spanned nearly seven decades before Buford passed away in 2013, leaving an irreparable void in Dorothy’s heart. She now resides in Fleming Farms Retirement Community, and not a day goes by where she doesn’t reminisce on her beautiful life with Buford.

There is something profoundly moving about a love story born not of convenience or proximity, but of intention. Love letters required time. They demanded thought. They left room for anticipation and interpretation, for rereading and remembering. Each letter was proof of effort, a tangible reminder that someone had paused their life to reach across distance and say, I Love You.

In an age of instant communication, the love letter still has something to teach us. Love is not rushed. Words carry weight when they are chosen carefully. And sometimes, a lifetime can begin with nothing more than a pen, a piece of paper, and the courage to write back.

THERE IS SOMETHING PROFOUNDLY MOVING ABOUT A LOVE STORY BORN NOT OF CONVENIENCE OR PROXIMITY, BUT OF INTENTION. LOVE LETTERS REQUIRED TIME.

May Jesus light your path with wisdom, courage and peace as you enter the New Year.

HOW WE SPEAK TO OURSELVES MATTERS

TALK LOVELY TO ME

You talk to yourself more than anyone else ever will. The question isn’t whether you’re listening- it’s whether the voice sounds like love.

Self-affirmations aren’t about lying to yourself or pretending everything is fine. They’re about choosing a tone.  The same way you’d never speak to someone you love with cruelty, urgency, or contempt, self-talk asks us to offer that same tenderness inward.

And still, self-affirmations have been oversold.  Turned into slogans slapped on mirrors and mugs. So if you’re rolling your eyes right now, I get it. Stay with me.

A book I recommend to nearly every client of mine is Soundtracks by Jon Acuff. Not because it promises a shiny fix for overthinking, it doesn’t, but because it offers a relatable way to notice how we talk to ourselves.

Acuff uses a simple metaphor: your thoughts are soundtracks. And whether you realize it or not, you wake up every morning with something already playing.

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE CASHIN

Your brain is waiting for you each day. Waiting to be told what to think. Waiting to see which tracks you’ll replay.

The surprising part isn’t that our thoughts shape our lives, we’ve known that for a long time. The surprising part is how automatic those thoughts become… and how gently they can be changed.

Of course, this idea isn’t new. Long before “neuroplasticity” became a buzzword, psychologists noticed something quietly powerful: when people return to core truths about who they areespecially during moments of stress the nervous system softens.  Heart rate slows. Stress hormones like cortisol decrease. The body shifts out of threat mode and into a state where reflection becomes possible and perspective widens. Rather than collapsing into self-defense or shame, people become more resilient, more flexible, more able to respond instead of react

This is the heart of self-affirmation. Not self-praise. Not hype. But reminders of what already matters.

Affirmations are easy to dismiss because we’ve seen them used poorly. Offered too quickly to people who are actually hurting. When used detached from reality it’s no wonder they can feel hollow.

But when affirmations are grounded in truth and practiced as relationship rather than performance, they become something else entirely.

If your thoughts were a song, would you put it on repeat for someone you love?

On October 7th, 2024, I started an almost unremarkable practice. Each day, I write three “who I am” statements.

Not goals. Not mantras I shout into a mirror. Just truths.

I am resilient.

I am courageous.

I am a learner.

I am loving.

I am joyful.

Some days they change. Some days they repeat. There are a few I come back to again and again… the ones I most need to remember and the ones I seem to forget precisely when I need them most.

What surprised me is how this practice became both a healing companion and a skill. It didn’t erase hard days or silence every critical thought. But it gave me somewhere to return when my mind got sharp, or small, or loud.

These sentences became familiar. Steady. Patient. Trustworthy. Companionship offered in hard moments.

That’s the quiet power of talking to yourself with care. It doesn’t demand perfection. It builds relationship.

So here’s the invitation I’ll leave you with:

You don’t have to change every thought.

Just choose one kinder sentence today. Say it again tomorrow. Let it become familiar.

Love, after all, is rarely loud. But it is consistent. And it always starts with how we speak to ourselves.

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

Sweet Treat Trail

A TREAT GUIDE FOR SWEET LOVERS

Red Velvet CheesecakeOld Town Stock House

Old Town Stock House has a revolving list of desserts that are a real treat for the senses, and close to the top of that list is the Red Velvet Cheesecake. It is beautifully crafted and so rich and decadent, and it is the perfect Valentine’s Day, or any day, treat!

Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookie- Moon Bakeshop

This is no ordinary shortbread cookie. Made with creamy butter,  rich chocolate chips, and crusted with granules of raw sugar and sea salt, this is a staple treat in my weekly lineup. These make the perfect gift or treat for yourself!

The French know what they’re doing when it comes to pastries, and Le Macaron is no exception. For a light snack to satisfy your sweet tooth grab this crispy, flaky croissant filled with frangipane and topped with toasted almonds.

Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like a fresh tiramisu. Mazarra’s Vinoteca has perfected this Italian dessert, and you just can’t go wrong with coffee soaked lady fingers and creamy mascarpone to top off your date night meal.

Cutes & Cakes takes cupcakes to a new level from traditional flavors to more creative creations. Their Biscoff cupcake is possibly one of my favorite cakes, with Biscoff buttercream, a drizzle of cookie butter, and even a Biscoff cookie on top.

Treehouse IN THE CLOUDS

Discover Bolt Farm Treehouse

luxury resort nestled in the mountains of Tennessee

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

Imagine the most dreamy treehouse you would have loved to play in as a child, now imagine this treehouse situated on a secret bluff immersed among mountains, trees, and nature. In Irish folklore tales of an enchanted glen known as Tirnanog, hidden from the prying eyes of the world became lore told by storytellers and grandparents, reminding

the people of Ireland of the enduring magic that dwells in the heart of nature. This enchanted glade was home to a variety of magical creatures, each living in harmony with its natural surroundings. Although across the pond from Ireland, the mountains of Tennessee are home to such an enchanting place. Bolt Farm Treehouse luxury resort captures your imagination and sets the stage for a travel experience immersed in childlike wonder, romance, magic, and time for your soul to settle.

Sometimes we travel to do, to experience, to explore, and others we travel to simply be still. Located only an hour and a half from Huntsville, Bolt Farm invites you to do just that, be still. This 5-star adults-only luxury resort that hovers above the valley below, far from any city lights, is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and breathe. With only 18 options for lodging from magically decorated treehouses to mirrored cabins to cliff perched domes, the only other people, besides the friendly woman at check in, I saw during my stay were my massage therapist and one couple at the spa area on the bluff. Even with the lodging in close proximity, each is positioned to where you are absolutely secluded from each other. Once you are settled in there is really no reason to leave nor will you want to. So get cozy, take a soak in your own private hot tub, turn on the fireplace, and do the one thing we all need to do more of - relax.

Built on love, dreams, and imagination, Bolt Farm began in 2015 when Sam Bolt and his father built a unique treehouse for his and his new wife Tori’s honeymoon. The business expanded to become a luxury resort in 2021 to the mountains of Tennessee, not far from Chattanooga.

by

Perched on a bluff high above the hustle and bustle of the world and all its noise, the resort beckons romance, a relaxing girls’ weekend, or solo respite. Setting foot on the property also unleashes your inner child. Everything about the design of Bolt Farm unlocks all the whimsy and magic of childhood, it’s you surrounded by nature in the most fairytale like lodging your mind could ever dream up.  The treehouses are the most luxurious of the lodging. A chandelier hangs above the bed with a wall of windows facing sunset. A large copper tub is positioned in the main room as well as an equipped kitchen. There is also a large bathroom with shower and a sitting room with a vanity and closet adjoining. Although the kitchen does not have a stove, it does have a burner or you can use the outdoor grill and pizza above to cook meals. Your stay at

Bolt Farm comes with 3 meals a day you can prepare. (Or I would suggest bring your own groceries too for snacks, picnics, or if you plan to grill steaks, etc.) Outside you will also find a large hot tub on the deck and a gas fire for sitting out on a cold night and enjoying the view. There is also an outdoor shower.

There are also domes perfect for star gazing and mirrored cabins nestled in the woods. These lodging types also come with hot tubs and fire pits.

The most stunning bluff on the property is where you will find the Haven Spa with an outdoor hot tub built into rocks, a cold plunge, a sauna, a steam room with a stunning view, and various sitting areas with fire pits. A must do while at Bolt Farm is to book a spa treatment with one of their talented massage therapists or facialists.

CONTINUED >

Choose a 50 minute single massage or couple’s massage and dive into a session where every touch is tailored to your needs. The LVV Deluxe Hydrafacial transforms your skin targeting the face, neck and decolletage to resurface, brighten and hydrate. A tailored peel and concentrated booster are infused for optimal results while LED lights and a cryotherapy mask reduce inflammation promoting healthy skin. Includes LVV’s signature shoulder, face, scalp and hand massage.

On the property you will also find hiking trails for a day spent among the trees. Offering over 2.5 miles of private, scenic hiking trails on their 55-acre mountain property, these trails feature creeks, waterfalls, and panoramic

views, perfect for couples or individuals seeking gentle activity with breathtaking sights.

So if you are looking for peace, if you are looking for quiet, if you are looking for magic in simplicity, or if you are looking to simply breathe, Bolt Farm Treehouse is just a short drive away and a place to get away from it all and just be.

For reservations contact:

Bolt Farm Treehouse Luxury Resort

600 English Cove Road Whitwell, TN 37397

423.556.3365

boltfarmtreehouse.com

PRIMARY CARE THAT MAKES YOU PRIMARY

Empowering individuals to take control of their health with tools tailored to their unique needs and goals. From advanced genomics to innovative longevity therapies, an approach rooted in science and compassion.

Dr. Lemley, whose experience spans decades, invites Huntsville to discover a practice that goes beyond conventional care—a place where wellness is nurtured, potential is unlocked, and care of the person is primary.

PRO DUCTS AT YOUR SERVICE

Landman

HUNTSVILLE’S MAYOR BATTLE TALKS LAND ACQUISITIONS, SPACE COMMAND, ELI LILLY, ART, AND HIS LOVE FOR THIS CITY

ARTICLE BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMIKA WATFORD

“If you are not growing, you are dying.”

And Huntsville is definitely growing.

The city has grown more than 3,011 acres in 2025, annexing more acres than in any year since 2008. The largest of these land acquisitions in July included more than 1,000 acres in Morgan and Marshall counties, as well as a 686.46-acre site north of Little Cove Road, east and west of U.S. 72 East.

Growth is nothing new for Huntsville. The 1980’s brought growth to South Huntsville, the 1990’s to Hampton Cove, and in 2000, growth occurred with the acquisition of Zierdt Road. It’s growth spurts like this that helped Huntsville eclipse Birmingham as Alabama’s largest city.

“IF YOU ARE NOT GROWING, YOU ARE DYING.” AND HUNTSVILLE IS DEFINITELY GROWING.

“Every city has to grow. Over the years, we have always had growth quarters. And that is what annexation does for you,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “It gives you growth quarters for the future. We grow for specific reasons of making sure that we can meet the needs of our population in the future.”

And that population is also growing.

Since 2020, the city’s population has grown by roughly 18 people per day. With the relocation of Space Command, Battle says the area expects to welcome 1,400 people over 5 years. But it is the recent announcement by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly that will not only boost Huntsville’s population but also add another dimension to the city’s already high-tech portfolio.

Known as the Horton property, the land where the pharmaceutical facility will be built was acquired five years ago and has been held for a key development, such as Eli Lilly. Battle says several industries were interested in the property in Greenbrier and the 5-65 area, but those industries didn’t feel like they would reflect the essence of Huntsville.

“Eli Lilly gives you an idea that you are in a progressive city as a city that is made for high tech, a city that is made for education, a city that is made for growth,” Battle said.

Eli Lilly aligns perfectly with HudsonAlpha’s mission and work, providing the city with a new skill set to recruit people for. Battle says the average pay at Eli Lilly is $138,000 a year.

“We already have a very good aerospace sector. We have a good space sector and missile defense sector. So this adds to the mix of what our jobs are here in Huntsville,” Battle said.

Battle sees this next step as being as successful as the Cyber Huntsville push that started 12 years ago. In this push, the city grew to 15,000 people working in the geospatial field. This led to AI Huntsville, where people began working in the field of artificial intelligence. Battle says the next step in following the biotech industry is quantum computing.

“If you put all of these specialties together, we have a really great group that pushes each of their areas, and helps each of us be able to grow a little bit, to have a competitive edge,” Battle said. “This competitive edge will keep Huntsville growing.” CONTINUED >

The growth is undoubtedly changing Huntsville’s landscape and its once-small-town feel. Battle says that where we once knew everyone we met, today, there is always someone new to meet. This makes the once conversation of “we are a small, big city” a little different.

“The city is a very forward learning educational city. We moniker ourselves a smart place, more engineers and degree professionals than anywhere else in the U.S. We have the second largest research park in America,” Battle said. “When you put it all together, we have a very welcoming city. We have a quality of life that is second to none, and our cost of living is always in the bottom ten of where one wants to be in terms of cost of living.”

But Huntsville is not just about the technology; it also has a thriving art scene, which Battle says makes Huntsville very unique. In 2012, Huntsville became the first city in Alabama to enact a Public Art Master Plan, a collaboration with Arts Huntsville. The city hired the nation’s first-ever music officer, a role dedicated to enhancing and promoting the area’s music scene. And added new developments like the MidCity Arts Plus Innovation Subdistrict, a large mixed-use project featuring venues like The Orion Amphitheater, further underscore the city’s commitment to integrating arts into its identity. All of these projects add to the city’s overall entertainment options.

But it is the changes made to the downtown between 2008 and now that have made Battle a fan of that area of the city. He cites that downtown no longer rolls up the streets at 5 p.m. It is now vibrant with people at all times.

“They are in the park, they are running on the streets, they are enjoying a leisurely walk and they are taking their dog out,” Battle said. “The idea that we have people who actually live in downtown Huntsville, and the apartments and the residential units we have been able to add. I think that is the thing that I am proudest of because we’ve been able to resuscitate an area and make it into something that is very, very special.”

For some Huntsvillians, the growth is not welcome. It brings the headache of traffic, overcrowded schools and restaurants, and changing ideas. Battle is aware of these feelings, and in fact has had frank conversations with those in the community who view growth as too much change, too quickly.

He recently spoke with a gentleman at a soccer match. The man looked at Mayor Battle and said, “Too many people, too much traffic.”  Battle’s response was to engage the man in what he liked about the city–Trader Joe’s, Cheesecake Factory, and the fact that the man’s grandson recently landed a job that allowed him to move back to the area.

CONTINUED >

“I told this gentleman that you don’t have these things without growth. You don’t have the opportunity for your young people or others to move into your town and be part of our city. You don’t have Trader Joe’s, the Cheesecake Factory, an amphitheater, or Mars Music Hall without growth. You don’t have the Trash Pandas,” Battle said. “If he had stopped at 160,000 people back in 2008 and said, ‘Hey, we are done. We are not going to grow anymore,’ we would still be the same town we were in 2008, where the streets rolled up at night after 5 p.m. in the downtown area. Growth fuels that.”

With Battle at the helm since 2008 and the team he has put in place, decisions about land acquisitions, annexations, and overall growth have been made with the mentality that Huntsville doesn’t grow just to grow; it grows with purpose. This mantra will not change as the city moves into 2026.

“The fun thing about all of this development and all of this recruitment and everything else is making the announcement. And now that we have made the announcement, the real work begins.” Battle said. “We will be working with Redstone Arsenal on how to make Space Command move as quickly as possible and how to make sure that the folks in Colorado Springs know about our community so they can choose their lifestyle. Road plans have to be addressed. We will spend a good bit of time in Washington, D.C., and in Montgomery over the next year. But it’s all going to be good.”

He is aware of the infrastructure issues that have come with growth, but urges citizens to be patient as the list is roughly $750 million worth of roads.

“Three-quarters of a billion dollars is a lot of money. But it is a necessity for a growing community. It will take 10, 12 or 15 years to get them all done,” Battle said. “But in the 10, 12 or 15 years, we will look back saying ‘wow, we have made some progress, but we still got more to do.’ You never end when it comes to your road systems.”

For Battle, who is in his fifth term as mayor, the thrill of being in the Mayor’s office is never dull, and these changes only fuel the passion he already possesses for making Huntsville one of the best places to live in the United States.

“Some days, the great thing about being mayor is you can look at some things and say, ‘Hey, maybe I had a hand in that.’ You can look them in the eye, where there is a vacant lot at one time, and now it is apartments, retail space, a hotel, offices, and everything. And you go again, “Wow, maybe I had a hand in that.’ And we’ve been able to make some real progress.”

If you’re tired of holding everything together, you’re not alone. You’re capable, but overwhelmed. When burnout keeps circling back and “I’ll figure it out” no longer works, it’s time for support. You deserve a therapist who sees the full picture... your hormones, trauma, sleep, cycles, and emotional health. Together, we’ll help you find lasting peace so you can feel like yourself again.

therapyhuntsville.com

256-701-5292

@thehuntsvilletherapist

2327 Pansy Street SW

VALENTINE’S DAY

GIFT GUIDE

Local gifts for the ones you love

1.DAVID YURMAN BLUE TOPAZ FROM LORING&CO @LORINGANDCO

This 18k gold Blue Topaz and Diamond ring is an iconic design, making it a show stopper for your special someone this Valentine’s Day. Shop Loring&Co for a large selection of David Yurman and more specialty brands.

2. CASHMERE AND AMBER 2 IN 1 LOTION CANDLE FROM FAVORITE THINGS @FAVORITETHINGS

If you’re looking for a unique gift that is also useful, this 2-in-1 candle is the gift you need. The candle melts into warm, nourishing lotion, combining cozy fragrance and skincare for an indulgent gift that pampers beautifully at home anytime.

3. KRISTI HYDE JEWELRY AT THE LITTLE GREEN STORE @THELITTLEGREENSTORE

Inspired by her North Alabama roots, Kristi Hyde jewelry features handcrafted designs with organic textures and artistic flair, offering distinctive pieces that feel personal, wearable, and effortlessly unique everyday treasures. This double ring botanical is just one of many pieces found at The Little Green Store on Monte Sano.

Treat your special someone to relaxation featuring soft fragrances and rich bubbles that turn an ordinary soak into a calming, spa-like self-care ritual at home moments.

The ShopMoss Charm Bar allows you to build a custom piece with meaningful charms, creating a stylish, personal keepsake perfect for layering everyday with ease. This is a thoughtful, personal gift that will be cherished and can be added to as your relationship reaches new milestones.

From soft pastels to timeless whites, each bouquet is thoughtfully designed to capture life’s most beautiful moments. With the option to add a treat or gift alongside flowers and a personal love note of your own, this is a complete, thoughtful way to send love to your Valentine anywhere in the country.

Congratulations to our 2026 Directors

RECOGNIZING ADVISORS WHO EXEMPLIFY OUR CORE VALUES, LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE.

Each year, Engel & Völkers recognizes advisors whose performance, leadership and dedication reflect the very best of our global brand. Our 2026 Directors are trusted experts who enrich the Engel & Völkers' experience across North Alabama guiding clients with professionalism, local insight and mastery within their specialty fields. Their continued contributions strengthen our shops, elevate our service offering and uphold our reputation for luxury service throughout the region.

BRIAN MAY • MRP Advisor Director of Regional Sales brian.may@evrealestate.com

SHALU HOLMAN • CLHMS

Associate Broker Director of Luxury Sales shalu.holman@evrealestate.com

MIKE FLEMING • SRES

Associate Broker Director of Commercial Services mike.fleming@evrealestate.com

CHARLIE WELLS

Associate Broker Director of Luxury Historic Properties charlie.wells@evrealestate.com

CONNOR BROOKMAN

Qualifying Broker Director of Development Services connor.brookman@evrealestate.com

3 Ledge View Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35802

8 BD / 11 BA / 13,716 SQ.FT. | Experience elevated living in The Ledges, Huntsville’s premier gated golf community. This private estate offers stunning bluff views, refined architectural details, multiple suites, elevator access, and access to resortstyle amenities for true luxury living.

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262 County Road 664, Coffee Springs, AL, 36318

26 Acre Estate in Southeast Alabama

$2,995,000

3 BD / 4 BA / 2,582 SQ.FT. | This remarkable 26-acre property features five distinct buildings, including a main house, historic cabin, boathouse, workshop, and art studio. Thoughtfully designed and privately set, the estate blends craftsmanship, creativity, and space for living, working, and retreating

Connor Brookman +1 (256) 7

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118 Creekmound Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35806

Convenient Living on Large Lot

$1,400,000

5 BD / 4 BA / 4,304 SQ.FT. | Beautiful 1-acre property with open-concept living, vibrant interiors, wood floors, cozy gas FP, and a well-appointed kitchen with quartz, island, and walk-in pantry Primary suite w/ huge closet + laundry Loft, family room, and great outdoor space backing to Indian Creek.

Brian May +1 (256) 497-6780 | brian may@evrealestate com

Newly Developed RV Park in Troy, Alabama

$789,000

19.86 ACRES | Trojan Station RV Park in Troy, Alabama is a newly developed hospitality asset opened in November 2023 The 19 86-acre property offers 76 RV sites with highway frontage, strong visibility, expansion potential, and demand driven by Troy University and the Troy Sportsplex.

$1,800,000

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 1ST

Harlem Globetrotters

VBC Propst Arena | 3:00 PM

100 Years of Thrills. 100 Years of Laughs. 100 Years of Joy. This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of Jaw-Dropping "No Way!" moves, 100 Years of "Wow!" and 100 Years of Heart-Pounding Thrills! The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Huntsville with their most LEGENDARY TOUR EVER. Get tickets at ticketmaster.com or at the VBC Box office.

FEBRUARY 5TH

All-Star Salute to 90's Country

VBC Propst Arena | 7:00 PM

Take a trip down memory road as 90's country hit artists like Tracy Byrd, Deana Carter, Tanya Tucker and Mark Chesnutt gather to perform their greatest hits live in this Honkey Tonk Time Machine concert. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or VBC Box Office.

FEBRUARY 7TH

Black Jacket Symphony Orchestra- Pink Floyd

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 5:00 PM

This tribute concert promises to deliver a stunning and immersive experience, meticulously recreating the celebrated album’s haunting melodies and profound lyrics. Fans of classic rock will not want to miss this extraordinary performance. Buy Tickets at eventsticketcenter.com or VBC Box Office.

FEBRUARY 7TH

36th Annual Dog Ball

VBC South Hall | 7:00 PM

The Dog Ball, the largest annual fundraiser held on behalf of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, is an exciting and fun event that raises money to help defray the cost of caring for animals in need. Tickets available at thedogball.org.

FEBRUARY 8TH

Huntsville Murder Mystery: Death in the Shadows

Huntsville Museum of Art | 10:00 AM

Breaking News: Another Murder in the Streets of Huntsville! Gather clues, dig out the truth, and stop the killer before they strike again! Grab a group and your phone to set out on the streets of Huntsville to solve this murder mystery. There is no group number limit and you can begin any day on your own time. Begin your adventure now at www.questoapp.com.

FEBRUARY 12TH

Candlelight Concerts Valentine's Day Special

The Royal at Stovehouse Event Center, 3414 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805 | 6:00 PM

This month's candlelight concert takes intimacy to another level as a band of strings plays love songs by classical musicians under stunning candlelight in The Royal at Stovehouse. Tickets available at feverup.com.

CONTINUED

FEBRUARY 13TH-14TH

The Choir of Man

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 7:30 PM

THE CHOIR OF MAN comes to Broadway Theatre League! Known across the globe as “the ultimate-feel good show,” The THE CHOIR OF MAN offers up one hour of indisputable joy for all ages. Visit broadwaytheatreleague.org for tickets.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Rumours ATLFleetwood Mac Tribute

Mars Music Hall | 8:00 PM

This tribute act captures the essence of Fleetwood Mac's timeless hits, paying awe-inspiring homage to the iconic band. Expect a night filled with beloved classics and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the magic of Fleetwood Mac. eventticketscenter.com

FEBRUARY 22ND

Heart in Concert

VBC Propst Arena | 7:00 PM

Rock out to classic 80's band Heart right here in Huntsville. With popular hits like "Alone" and "Barracuda" they'll have you reliving your glory days on this special night. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or at the VBC Box office.

FEBRUARY 24TH-28TH

Huntsville Museum of Art’s 35th Annual Gala: A Celebration of Art and Community

Huntsville Museum of Art | 11:00 AM

The Annual Gala consists of three separate events which each offer unique cultural activities to attract a variety of patrons, both young and old. These three events are tied together by the month-long  Gala Art Exhibition! This year’s featured artist is Catie Radney.  Tickets on sale January 27, 2026 at hsvmuseum.org.

FEBRUARY 24TH-MARCH 1ST & JULIET

The Musical

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 7:00 PM

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or VBC Box Office.

FEBRUARY 26TH-28TH

Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party

VBC Propst Arena | 7:00 PM

Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco with Miguel, brave the ocean with Moana, marvel at Belle's enchanted chandelier, and sing with Elsa. Watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises. Featuring spectacular ice skating, daring aerial stunts, and memorable moments from Aladdin, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid, this all-out celebration delivers nonstop music, mischief, and memories. Visit DisneyonIce.com for more information.

Want to be featured?

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ HUNTSVILLE

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, chopped

• 2 tablespoons  unsalted butter

• 1 1/2 cups frozen or thawed kataifi, cut into small shreds (about 3 ounces)

• 1 (3.9 ounce) package chocolate instant pudding and pie filling

• 1 cup pistachio cream (such as Flora® pistachio crunchy spread)

• 3 tablespoons  tap water

• 1/2 cup chopped lightly salted pistachios, plus more for garnish

• 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini

• 1 quart whole fresh strawberries with tops

• flaky sea salt (optional)

Dubai Chocolate STRAWBERRY DIP

ARTICLE BY ANNIE CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBBY LOZANO

This Dubai chocolate strawberry dip mimics a Dubai chocolate bar. Velvety chocolate pudding, intensified with the addition of melted chocolate chips, is topped with a crunchy, toasted kataifi and pistachio layer, and served with whole strawberries for dipping. This is the perfect Valentine's Day treat whether you're staying in for date night, girl's night at the house, or even if you just want to sit on the couch and indulge all on your own.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Heat milk in a saucepan over low until steaming, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate chips until smooth.

3. Pour melted chocolate into a large shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap with wrap touching the surface of the chocolate mixture. Freeze until mixture is thickened and chilled, about 30 minutes.

4. While chocolate mixture chills, melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add kataifi and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; set aside 3 tablespoons for garnish.

5. Pour chilled chocolate mixture through a finemesh strainer set over a large bowl with instant pudding. Whisk mixture constantly until slightly thickened and pudding mix is dissolved, about 4 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to use.

6. In a separate bowl, stir together pistachio cream and water until smooth. Gently fold in kataifi, pistachios, and tahini until combined.

7. Transfer kataifi mixture to a shallow serving bowl; spread in an even layer. Then, top mixture with chocolate pudding in an even layer.

8. Garnish with reserved kataifi, pistachios, and flaky salt, if desired. Serve with strawberries.

Home Is Where The Park Is

Yes, literally!

Imagine living INSIDE a 500-acre city park

Not near it. Not next to it. Inside it. At Hays Farm, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s your front yard, backyard, and everyday escape. With over 10 miles of scenic trails, lush green spaces, and a city-maintained 500-acre park, you get all the beauty without the upkeep.

But there’s more than just nature—Hays Farm is designed for the way you want to live, with resort-style amenities and two distinct neighborhoods offering a variety of lot sizes and price points. And when you’re ready for shopping, dining, or entertainment, everything is just minutes away.

Come experience life inside a 500-acre city park—yes, we really mean inside the park. Contact us today to find your dream home, perfectly nestled in nature at Hays Farm.