Huntsville, AL March 2026

Award Winning Chef Opens New Restaurant in Huntsville

in March and

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Carry Home With You

We often think of time as passing us by. As we drove past fields of lavender and poppies, rows of grapevines and olive trees and wound up hills past Provençal villages, I wondered if maybe we were just looking at it wrong. Maybe instead of thinking of time as something that we lose, maybe we should think of it as something we collect. With every passing day, with every memory, with every birthday, we are gathering more time in our basket. We are collecting moments that will become a part of us. With every drive, every hike, every meal, every sunset and sunrise, every new face, every laugh, every cry we are collecting moments. Time goes by, but what a beautiful thing to collect such memories and build a life.

While we tend to think of home as a singular place, there are places we travel and people we meet that tend to feel like home. As we build our lives sometimes we find this sense of home not just in a street address, but in watching the sunset over a mountain range, in hearing the laugh of a dear friend, in a meal shared with new friends, in visiting a French market and taking in all the sights, sounds and smells, or in the quiet peace of a morning walk by a still lake. We carry and collect pieces of home in the places we've traveled and the memories we've made.

In this issue you will find beautiful homes, a DIY kitchen, spring home must haves, home-grown Susan Gordon Pottery as well as the thriving Persian community in Huntsville and an article on finding a sense of home in travel. And in some very exciting news for our city, acclaimed chef of Bottega and Highlands Bar and Grill, Randall Baldwin, finds a new home at Dolce Amore in Huntsville. Long. Live. Print.

AMY BAILEY, PUBLISHER

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Amy Bailey | amy.bailey@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Casey Creque | casey.creque@citylifestyle.com

SALES MANAGER

Susan Rogers | susan.rogers@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenny McRae, Stephanie Cashin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Joe Davis

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

First Horizon Bank is bringing together Huntsville’s most influential leaders on our new Advisory Board. This powerful alliance combines our strength with deep local insight to drive strategic growth and community impact. Together, we’re building the future of North Alabama.

Living in LUXE LENDON

This Black Crow Masterpiece is what kitchen dreams are made of

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

Soft bluish toned paint, antique brass inspired hardware, marble countertops, free standing tub, wallpaper panels, and textured wood elements, these are the key design elements to creating an old world European inspired home and what sets this beautiful addition to Huntsville’s Lendon neighborhood apart.

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The Eleanor was the vision of Black Crow Building and design firm Elle Du Monde. Their goal was to design a home that honored timeless style while creating a space that lives beautifully today. Landon Dalton of Black Crow states, “With all of our designs, we strive to create a home that is truly timeless, one that has all the modern features and amenities of a high level custom, modern home, but that also looks 100 years old and has the craftsmanship and quality of old construction that has become lost in recent times.” The Eleanor is also a nod to Landon’s daughter, Ellie.

Landon adds, “We chose to do this home in the Lendon of Huntsville community located in Jones Valley. Lendon is an architecturally controlled community that features historic homes situated in the heart of one of the best areas of Huntsville adjacent to Jones Farm. It boasts a downtown feel with a close knit community of neighbors and people outside the neighborhood who come in to enjoy the lake walking trails surrounded by mountain landscapes.” He continues, “Lendon is surrounded by a great retail district, but it still holds a private, secluded, old community feel which partners well with the vision we had for our custom homes.”

The kitchen is heart of the Eleanor home with its openness and airiness inviting guests to linger and converse around the large wood kitchen island accented by three large Visual Comfort pendant lights from Huntsville’s multi-generational run Richard’s Lighting.

“Carrying white oak flooring through out the home with a coordinating white oak island that is free standing, designed to look like an old table, helped bring in the classic historic feel of old school carpentry,” says Landon. “Modern high-end kitchen appliances with euro panel custom painted cabinetry helped keep the home modern and stylish.”

The Taj Mahal marble countertops by AJ Stone and Company add to the Eleanor’s timeless sophistication. While the Top Knob brass along with Delta faucet in champagne bronze add a vintage feel to accent the cabinetry by SCS Cabinets. But perhaps the star of the show is the gorgeous SCS Cabinet’s designed oak hood, a focal point as soon as you enter the room. The Bedrosian tile backsplash by Big Cove Decorating creates a seamless look with the wood and marble. And for a pop of color in a muted French inspired hue, Elle Du Monde chose Sherwin Williams Silver Gray. A true work of art, this kitchen isn’t just calming with its various textures

and tones, but the utmost functional space for cooking and entertaining with its large island, GE appliances and the smart addition of a pot filler above the range.

The wood elements do not stop at the kitchen. You can find oak cabinetry in the master bath as well. A free standing tub by the window invites for a nightly bubble bath ritual. The marble shower with Delta fixtures in champagne bronze takes this bathroom to another level of refinement.

Another favorite room in the home - the laundry room. Sherwin Williams Silver Gray paint ties this room into the rest of the home while thoughtfully designed cabinets and nooks provide the type of storage every family dreams of.

But it is the House of Hackney Plantasia wallpaper in the formal dining room in which the whole house was designed around. Landon states, “All elements including paint colors, stains, and trim profiles were chosen around a particular scene displayed in the formal dining room wallpaper.”

House of Hackney’s Plantasia pattern is inspired by ancient woodlands and botanical illustrations, representing old world design and reverence for the natural world. Much like the thought process behind Lendon itself, a community with historic design that embraces nature.

The Eleanor home’s facade is based on 1800s-1900’s Italianate architecture and features clean vertical massing with ornate cornice and porch column detailing. A nod to the architectural history of downtown Huntsville’s Twickenham district, where Italianate architecture dates back to the 1800s. With homes like the Morgan-Neal House (1823), The Historic Lowry House (1818), and the Goldsmith-Donovan House (1887) still standing in all their brackets, cornices, and arches today.

Multigenerational land owner and developer Peter Lowe III speaks on what Lendon means to their family legacy, “Lendon was the next step in bringing a high-end residential neighborhood that blends historic architecture with modern living as our family continues to develop the Jones Valley area. Planned as a 68-acre mixed-use development, Lendon will include a blend of residential and boutique commercial uses, with up to 250 homes of varying sizes and styles, outdoor cafés, and community gathering spaces.” Lowe continues, “With the adjacency to Jones Farm Park, the project fosters a close-knit, family-friendly environment which reflects the character and appeal of Huntsville.”

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BY AMY BAILEY

CHEZ MOI FRANCAISE

We often think of time as passing us by. As we drove past fields of lavender and poppies, rows of grapevines and olive trees and wound up hills past Provençal villages, I wondered if maybe we were just looking at it wrong. Maybe instead of thinking of time as something that we lose, maybe we should think of it as something we collect. With every passing day, with every memory, with every birthday, we are gathering more time in our basket. We are collecting moments that will become

a part of our patina. With every drive, every hike, every meal, every sunset and sunrise, every new face, every laugh, every cry we are collecting moments. Time goes by, but what a beautiful thing to collect such memories and build a life.

While we tend to think of home as a singular place, there are places we travel and people we meet that feel like home. As we build our lives sometimes we find this sense of home not just in a street address, but in watching the sunset over a mountain range, in hearing the laugh of a dear friend, in a meal shared with new friends, in visiting a French market and taking in all the sights, sounds and smells, or in the quiet peace of a morning walk by a still lake. We carry and collect pieces of home in the places we’ve traveled and the memories we’ve made. And sometimes there’s a place that from the moment you first set foot in it - it feels different, it feels special. It isn’t just a bucket list destination or a trendy resort, it isn’t just a girls’ trip or an agenda heavy family vacation - it captures your heart and your mind and something deep inside beckons you to return again and again.

Maybe it was the ease of life, maybe it was the beauty of lavender rows as far as the eye could see and haystacks curated like a painting against the countryside, maybe it was the nuns you could hear singing

“MAYBE INSTEAD OF THINKING OF TIME AS SOMETHING THAT WE LOSE, MAYBE WE SHOULD THINK OF IT AS SOMETHING WE COLLECT.”

in the afternoon in the mountainside chapel, maybe it was the turquoise blue waters of Lake Sainte-Croix, or maybe it was the friendliness of market vendors, whatever it was, this tiny Provencal town named Riez captured a sense of belonging that was more than just a trip, more than just memory making.

I have a rule of leaving large gaps in my agenda when traveling. I want to be able to ask locals once I am there what their favorite places are. I want to be able to turn down a road that looks particularly beautiful or make a pit stop for a photo or road side farmers market. I want to be open to whatever curiosity or happenstance the universe throws my way. And so when we first visited Riez in the Alpes-HauteProvence region of France that’s exactly what I did. We had four days with the only things on the agenda - check into our bed and breakfast and hike at some point. This flexible schedule ended up being the best decision, as the bed and breakfast owner, Geraldine, gave us her recommendations on where to eat, secret spots to enjoy the lake, and lavender fields not bustling with tourists. We also found out that market days in Riez were on Wednesday and Saturday, so we got to live like a local and peruse the freshest most beautiful produce and food the region had to offer. And after our few days in Riez, it was time to go, but something was different about this tiny treasure of a town and I knew I would be back. So the next year I returned for longer, and then again in 2022 and 2024.

The magic of Provence is hard to capture in words - you see it, you feel it, you live it. It’s in its scenery, its culture, its people, its daily life. People ask, “Why so much travel just to Provence?” I thought for a moment, “Because it settles my soul.”

Although it is the extraordinary that made me want to return to Provence, it is the ordinary that I fell in love with and keeps me coming back. It is the day to day moments - the moment I felt less like a tourist, the moment relaxing became just as satisfying as exploring, the moment a freshly baked baguette from my favorite boulangerie became just as delicious as a Michelin rated meal, the moment the nervousness and restlessness of being a stranger faded away and peacefulness set in. It is the simplicity

“IT IS THE SIMPLICITY, THE SUSTAINABILITY, THE NATURAL BEAUTY, THE CONNECTION TO THE LAND AND EVERYTHING IT PRODUCES, THE WAY TIME SEEMS TO STAND STILL, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE PEOPLE THAT CAPTURES YOUR HEART.”

of enjoying petit dejeuner (breakfast) in the garden of Hotel des Colonnes. A breakfast filled with some of my favorite things - fougasse, apricot juice, and white nectarines. A breakfast of freshly baked bread picked up that morning from the best boulangerie in town, locally made jams, local honey, and even goat cheese from a nearby farm - nothing imported, everything from the area. It is the simplicity, the sustainability, the natural beauty, the connection to the land and everything it produces, the way time seems to stand still, and the fellowship of the people that captures your heart.

Maybe there is a place you have traveled that feels more like home. Or maybe you are wondering how to make places feel less touristy so that you can live more like a local?

Solo travel, even if it is only for a portion of the trip, makes a place feel more like home. I remember sitting at Hartsfield with my family as our flight to Huntsville kept getting delayed. Next to me, a woman from Johannesburg struck up a conversation. She became fascinated by my travels, in particular that I was willing to travel by myself for part of my time in Europe. She commented on how important solo travel is for women and she used a word that many have said to me before that I’m not entirely comfortable with, ‘You have courage to travel by yourself.’ So I looked up the definition of courage, ‘Courage is the willingness to confront pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.’ Of course I do not think I am confronting pain or danger necessarily by solo traveling, but there is uncertainty, there is the unknown.

Solo travel allows you to look inside yourself to rely entirely on your instincts and ‘know-how’ when it comes to going to new places, seeing new sights, driving new roads, conversing with strangers. There is a commitment not just to doing new things but in trusting yourself enough to believe that you can do it, you can figure it out.

From the first time I traveled to Europe alone I found a tremendous sense of empowerment when I accomplished even the smallest of tasks - renting a car, going through toll booths in a foreign country, turning down an unfamiliar road to discover a beautiful vista. Not to mention the place that solo travel takes your brain - a place where creativity, solitude, self reliance, wonder and boredom all converge and swirl into a beautiful, (unattainable in normal situations), level of mental clarity, peacefulness, and awareness of your place and surroundings. And in that is the ultimate luxury of not answering to anyone but yourself - you eat what you want, you go to sleep when you want, you do what you want to do. In today’s world I cannot think of more needed respite than time to ourselves, true one-on-one with our soul.

There are moments of discomfort in being alone, but I’ve learned that every monumental time of growth has been preceded by discomfort, so I welcome it. Another key to making travel feel more like home, not setting a strict agenda. Leave holes in your time to learn from locals, do unexpected things, and time to just simply be.

Have a daily routine. Go to a local coffee shop to people watch, read, and relax, visit the same boulangerie again and again, peruse a local bookstore, and get outdoors. Make hiking or a stroll through town a priority. Don’t just hike, take time to stop and enjoy the view, pick flowers, take photos, and watch sunset.

On market days, actually shop. Buy food that looks delicious for a picnic or something you can take back and prepare at your place. Talk to the vendors, learn about the food they are selling, strike up conversations with locals on what their favorite market stops are.  Take a cooking class. There is no better way to learn about a location than learning about the food. With a cooking class you will have one-on-one attention

from a local who has most likely lived in the area for a long time. They will have deep knowledge of the region’s food, traditions, and customs.

Learn from the locals. It never ceases to amaze me how you can meet new people sitting at a table next to you at a restaurant or how willing a local boutique owner is to recommend the best restaurants or a secret place to explore that ends up being a favorite memory far beyond anything you will read in a travel book.

Make friends. Over the years I have made friendships that are so dear to my heart. My French friends are older and have so much wisdom and advice as well as a joy and zest for life that is infectious. I have been invited into their homes to cook, dine under a 400 year old chestnut tree, and swim in their spring fed pool. We have dined, danced and sung late into the night. Their friendships have deepened my love and sense of home in Provence more than anything.

When you are open to the world around you, have a curiosity for life, see beauty even in small ordinary moments, and find value in meeting new people and their stories, you realize home isn’t just a dot on a map, home is in your heart.

DRIVE A LITTLE SAVE A LOT

Family owned and operated, we’ve built our reputation on something simple : Doing right by our customers. Just a short drive from Huntsville and Madison, you’ll find a full lineup of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, paired with transparent pricing, personalised service, and a buying experience that feels refreshingly straightforward. From refined luxury to rugged capability, our team is here to help you find the right car for you.

Neighbors Who Care

At Dental Professionals on Whitesburg, care is more than a service. It is a commitment to our neighbors, our community, and every patient who walks through our doors. We live here, we serve here, and we value real relationships built on trust, comfort, and consistency. Our team brings warmth, experience, and attention to detail to every visit, creating a space where patients feel calm, welcomed, and at home. Your smile has a home here.

LEVEL UP Your Kitchen

A LOOK INSIDE DECORATOR

JENNY MCRAE’S FRENCHINSPIRED KITCHEN DESIGN

ARTICLE BY JENNY MCRAE

Decorator Jenny McRae has a flare for design. So when it came to renovating her kitchen, she took the project on herself. With a love for Schumacher’s Citrus Garden wallpaper and Cafe Appliances, she knew what she wanted to splurge on and what she needed to be more conservative with.

Black cabinets set the tone for a modern look while the wallpaper and appliances combine for a vintage cafe twist. If you’ve ever thought of taking on a Do-It-Yourself project, but the thought has seemed daunting, Jenny gives her best advice on bringing a gorgeous redo to life with a big impact on design while still cutting corners and being cost conscious.

1. WHERE DID YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM?

We live in a historic home in Huntsville’s Five Points neighborhood near downtown. I love blending old and new style. My personal style is very colorful and feminine, but I always want the design to be appropriate with the age and style of my home.

I love European (specifically French) design and architecture. I wanted my kitchen to have a French bistro, timeless feel, while still being very colorful and bright, and functional.

2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CITRUS GARDEN?

I love that a citrus print is a very classic motif, while still being a little quirky and fun. For Citrus Garden specifically, I love the colors and the fact that it’s an historic print almost the exact same age as our home. It was the perfect fit in my kitchen with the bright background, fun colors, and hint of black to match my cabinets.

3. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR CABINETS AND NARROW IT DOWN TO THIS SHADE OF BLACK?

Our cabinets are actually from IKEA! We had to do a lot of foundational work and did not have room left in our budget for custom cabinets. They are the Sektion cabinets in the Lerhyttan stain. I eventually settled on black cabinets, knowing that it would give that timeless French bistro look when paired with zellige tile and glass and brass accents. Zellige tile is a popular choice for kitchens due to its ‘perfectly imperfect’ look. They are glossy and moisture resistant. Our kitchen also receives a ton of natural light, so I was not worried about the room being too dark.

4. WHERE IS YOUR HARDWARE FROM?

The cabinet hardware is also from IKEA. Our custom glass shelving is from Brass Hardware, a fabricator out of Savannah, GA.

5. ALL IN ALL HOW MUCH DID THIS KITCHEN REDO COST?

In total, our kitchen renovation was about $40,000. However, the majority of that was foundational and electrical work.

6. WHAT DID YOU SPLURGE ON?

Our biggest splurges were the Schumacher Citrus Garden wallpaper and the appliances. Our refrigerator and oven are by Cafe Appliances. I had been dreaming of owning their products for years! I love how they blend in so well with our cabinets and have a sophisticated, vintage feel.

7. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW NOW?

Actually, I do not think so. I love the way our kitchen looks and feels. We added so much more functionality to it with more cabinets and the peninsula - my favorite part!

8. ANY TIPS FOR DIY KITCHEN REMODELS?

Live in your kitchen for a while before renovating to really know where you like to keep things and what you need more of. Think about creating a space that is beautiful, but also very functional. You do not have to go fully custom with everything to have a nice kitchen. Our IKEA cabinets saved us a ton of money. We were able to assemble ourselves, though we did have professional help with the installation. The cabinets are holding up very well.

KITCHEN

RENOVATION SOURCES:

• Schumacher’s Citrus Garden can be found online at decoratorsbest. com. The high end wallcovering company also just opened a storefront in Birmingham’s Pepper Place District.

• Black Sektion cabinets in the Lerhyttan stain from Ikea.com

• Cafe Appliances from Bob Wallace Appliance 3005 Bob Wallace Avenue bobwallaceappliance.com

• Hardware from Ikea.com

• Glass shelving from Brass Hardware out of Savannah, Georgia, brasshardware.com

• Zellige tile can be found at Robert F. Henry Tile 4700 Commercial Drive NW, henrytile.com .

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

SUSAN

Gordon POTTERY

“I FIND MY BEST, MOST TRULY ‘ME’ IDEAS FROM JUST CREATING - PHONE/LAPTOP PUT AWAY, WORKING IN THE CLAY OR PAINTING, AUDIOBOOK PLAYING IN MY AIRPODS. THAT’S MY FLOW STATE.”

Although Susan Gordon had a wonderful art teacher at Grissom High School, it was purely by accident that she started making pottery.

“The first time I ever touched clay was my sophomore year of college,” she remembers. In the fall of 2001, Susan enrolled in wheel-throwing 101 because it was one of the required studio courses for a Graphic Design degree at Auburn. And she fell in love with it.

“Switching from a more promising career path in Graphic Design to pottery/ceramics wasn’t exactly great news for my wonderfully supportive, but absolutely terrified engineer parents,” she laughs. Her parents encouraged her to pursue teaching and create work to sell on the side. Then after graduating from Auburn with a B.F.A. in ceramics, Susan went on to get her Master’s in Art Education at Montevallo. That’s how she ended up in Birmingham. Susan remarks, “I loved my experience at Montevallo, but teaching in the context of public education wasn’t for me.”

In 2007, Susan landed a unicorn full time job as a Director of Arts and Education at the Shelby County Arts Council. There, as the only full-time employee, she ran all of the day-to-day operations of their active gallery, robust education program and monthly events. In the afternoons and evenings, she taught their beginning pottery classes for kids and adults.

Working at Shelby County Arts Council and having a growing career on the side was extremely challenging. Susan says, “For years, I worked six or seven days a week, creating my own work on the weekends and selling it at Pepper Place market, or various local and regional art festivals.” She continues, “It was a grind but my desire was to be a full-time artist. If working six or seven days a week is what it takes, that’s what I was determined to do.”

Susan practices art journaling to find inspiration. “The Artist’s Way journaling method has helped me put any idea, whether good or bad, to paper.” Although she loves Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, many times those can drown out her own voice. “I find my best, most truly ‘me’ ideas from just creating - phone/laptop put away, working in the clay or painting, audiobook playing in my AirPods. That’s my flow state.”

Through many years of what felt like an uphill battle to thrive as a creative entrepreneur, there was a moment, in 2019, when things seemed to take off. “It felt like I had been strapped to a rocket ship. My team and I were producing as fast as we could, but we could never meet demand.” She continues, “I opened my brick and mortar store on November 7, 2019 in downtown Homewood and by early December, during Christmas, we had almost nothing left on our shelves to sell. That was equally thrilling and embarrassing.”

HOW TO BUY SUSAN GORDON POTTERY

You can find Susan Gordon Pottery online www.susangordonpottery.com or on instagram @susangordonpottery. Or if you’re in Homewood or Birmingham, you can visit the store at: Susan Gordon Pottery 1910 28th Ave S, Suite 108 Birmingham, AL 35209 Store Hours

Tuesday - Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm. SGP also takes orders over the phone call 205.968.1096.

Part of Susan Gordon’s success was being an early adapter to Instagram. Susan remarks, “I think the success we began seeing was a combination of the timing of Instagram’s popularity, tenacity, and hiring well. I really could not have done this on my own.” She smiles, “Oh also, my husband, he is the total opposite of me and works in finance. He has been an unpaid, but the most appreciated, unofficial employee of SGP since day one.”

Her encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs, “If you have started your own business or creative outlet, that is a huge step. It takes a ‘humble audacity’, as one of my favorite authors, Allen Levi, says, ‘to put yourself out there.’ It took me over 7 years to build up the courage to take the plunge.”

Whether you are just starting out or have been in it for years, Susan asserts two main pieces of advice, “Firstly, there is an African proverb that I love and it says: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

The first thing I did when I started SGP was to hire help. It probably wasn’t the wisest financial decision considering I did not pay myself for the first few years, but I knew what I wanted to build could not be accomplished without help. It can feel daunting to train new help but if you hire well, your load is lightened quickly.”

She continues, “Secondly, delegate your weaknesses. Can you do it all yourself? Probably. Can you do it all yourself well? Probably not. What is your genius zone? What area do you feel you give your best work? Focus on that. Delegate the rest.” For Susan, her best work is time spent in creative problem solving, developing new products, improving systems, and visioning for the business.

As far as challenges, she says, “I have really stumbled through knowing when to

grow and when to run lean. Mistakes and experience have been my best teachers.”

Susan loves visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art which has the largest collection of Wedgwood Pottery outside of England. “I visit it frequently. Josiah Wedgwood,  Founder of Modern Marketing, is one of my heroes. Josiah was a brilliant businessman and a gifted artist. He proved that one person can simultaneously be intensely creative and have a genius business mind.”

Legacy is a word that a lot of artists and business owners think about. Thinking about the legacy of her work, Susan remembers visiting Pompeii a few years ago, “Near the entrance to see the ruins, there is a tall open air building that houses pottery salvaged from the ruins. I was stunned to see how well-preserved it all was, surviving an enormous volcanic eruption and thousands of years of wear and tear. The idea of creating art objects that could be part of my children’s children’s lives…and beyond, gives me a deep sense of satisfaction.”

After all these years, it is still the wavy bowl that she loves to make most. “It is trickier than it looks,” she remarks. “It takes over a year for any new maker to become proficient in forming the clay in the greenware (raw clay) stage.”

When asked about why she loves the South, she says, “One of my favorite things about the South is how much pride we take in creating beauty when hosting in our homes. We go all out, pull out our best pieces, and serve our guests with love.” She, herself, loves creating and upholding beloved traditions, “Living in the South has given me so much inspiration. We southerners also love to pass down heirlooms and that has tremendously influenced how I create.”

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE DAVIS

A CHEF’S NEW HOME

HUNTSVILLE RESTAURATEURS BRING CHEF RANDALL BALDWIN TO THE ROCKET CITY TO OPEN TWO NEW CULINARY MASTERPIECES

It is no secret that if you have lived in Huntsville more than 10 years, you know we have come a long way when it comes to our restaurant scene. It is also no secret that the most noted culinary gem of our state and popular foodie destination not just in this state, but in this country, is due South. Birmingham has long been home to chefs like Frank Stitt, Chris Hastings, Adam Evans, and Becky Satterfield, known not just for creating elevated cuisine, but also known for consistently being nominated for the prestigious James Beard Awards and other culinary accolades.

Huntsville foodies have long waited for the day that a restaurant like Frank Stitt’s Bottega might open in our own city. That day is on the horizon as Stitt protege Chef Randall Baldwin opens Dolce Amore in Providence, an Italian inspired restaurant committed to using locally and regionally grown seasonal food.

Working at award winning restaurants like Bottega, Chez Fonfon, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Dyron’s Low Country, Chef Randall is no stranger to culinary excellence. After working 24 years at Birmingham restaurants he then opened an acclaimed restaurant

Vintage 2298 in Auburn, Alabama. He now comes to Huntsville to open two locations for Italian restaurant Dolce Amore.

From the moment you step inside Dolce Amore, the decor and ambiance set the stage for something special. The dining room feels both formal and celebratory. Modern lighting, lush seating, gorgeous wood panel ceilings, marble countertops, table top lamps, and mural walls set the stage for a true dining experience. A tiled bracket wall showcases the high end wine selection that will be served. A large deck for outdoor seating creates an al fresco experience perfect for warmer nights watching the sun go down. These design elements are the first impression to what will become a very fine meal.

Restaurateurs Grupo De Familia explain the concept behind Dolce Amore, “We like to think of Dolce Amore as a sophisticated Italian restaurant where traditional Italian culinary techniques meet the best of steakhouse and seafood fare, often sourced with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients — a dining experience that’s elegant, memorable, and deeply flavorful.”

“WE CREATED DOLCE AMORE TO HAVE A REFINED YET WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE SUITED FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, DATE NIGHTS, OR BUSINESS DINNERS.”

A curated wine list featuring Italian classics (like Barolo, Brunello, and Vernaccia) crafted cocktails, as well as regional pairings will enhance the rich flavors of both steaks and seafood. The group adds, “We created Dolce Amore to have a refined yet welcoming atmosphere suited for special occasions, date nights, or business dinners.”

Chef Randall discovered a love of cooking at an early age from his mother, Nancy Baldwin. She taught him how to make biscuits when he was 9 years old, and they cooked Southern dishes together. He began cooking more using her recipes as a teenager when his mother became ill.

After attending the University of South Alabama for a stint, Randall joined the Marine Corps. Unsure of what exactly he wanted to do after his time in the corp ended, he says, “One day it just clicked. I was standing in the kitchen cooking for fun. I wanted to see if I could make a living doing it.”

From working at the Adams Mark Hotel in Mobile cutting vegetables and learning knife techniques to attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY to gaining an internship with Chef Frank Stitt in Birmingham, Chef Randall’s culinary path was laid.

Chef Stitt hired Randall and the crash course in culinary execllence began. “With Frank you learn the techniques,” he says. “He was a great teacher. You learned how to cook, and he also teaches you how to conduct yourself as a professional in the kitchen. You learn how to humble yourself, be patient and learn.”

Chef Randall worked at Bottega, Chez Fon Fon and became kitchen manager at Highlands Bar and Grill where he worked for five years. “I always tell people working for that many years with Frank Stitt was like graduate school,” Chef Randall says.

He left Stitt’s restaurants after many years when he was offered the position as executive chef at Dyron’s Lowcountry in Mountain Brook. After 12 years at Dyron’s, Chef Randall and his wife Laura opened Vintage 2298 in Auburn. Vintage 2298 was among the first elevated restaurants to open in what has become quite the culinary scene in Auburn and Opelika.

Grupo La Familia approached Chef Randall about becoming the executive chef of Dolce Amore, knowing his extensive knowledge and experience in award winning restaurants.

What can you expect from this team? Cuisine that is executed to perfection, a balance of flavors, unique dishes that

you cannot find at any other restaurant, and ingredients that are grown locally and regionally to showcase seasonal dining. Food you will admire for its presentation and taste that you will want to devour again and again.

The investment in bringing Chef Randall to Huntsville along with the attention to detail that has gone into the design, menu, and wine list have all combined to bring our city a new level of fine dining.

Dolce Amore will open in March with a location in Providence at 20 Town Center Drive, and soon after another location in Huntsville’s Jones Valley neighborhood.

Our dinner menu rotates seasonally, and is designed to encompass all of our local produce from multiple farms in the surrounding area. We strive to accommodate each guest with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Our house cocktails are intricately curated with balance, flavor, and seasonality at the forefront. Staying true to our southern roots, we provide fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients in each drink.

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.

A CELEBRATION FULL OF JOY WITH NONSTOP DANCING, SINGING, AND DINING

PERSIAN

YEAR

“MANY OF US DO NOT HAVE EXTENDED FAMILY IN HUNTSVILLE OR EVEN IN THE UNITED STATES, SO OUR FRIENDS HAVE BECOME OUR FAMILY.”

Fatemah Maleknia was 14 years old when she left Iran, her now husband Donny Maleknia was in his twenties. They would find themselves building a life in Huntsville, Alabama. And in this new life in a new land away from their homeland, friends became family and a thriving Persian community was birthed.

“Many of us do not have extended family in Huntsville or even in the United States, so our friends have become our family,” says Fatemah.

And every year around this time, Huntsville’s Persian community comes together for one of the most joyous celebrations, Persian New Year. Called Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a 3,000-year-old celebration of spring. It begins on the first day of the Iranian calendar, usually on or around 20 or 21 March, or Spring Equinox, and lasts for 13 days. There is dancing all night, beautiful music, laughter and stories, and delicious, home cooked food.

Mrs. Zari Montasseri established this Persian tradition in Huntsville in the 1980s. Fatemah praises Zari, “The multi-talented Mrs. Zari Montasseri is whom we affectionately call the Mother of all Iranians in Huntsville. She is also the owner of Fashion by Z.”

“FOR OUR NEW YEAR, WE DO NOT EXCHANGE GIFTS. INSTEAD, PARENTS BUY EVERYONE BRAND-NEW CLOTHES AND SHOES, WHILE ELDERS GIVE CASH OR GOLD COINS TO THE KIDS. I LOVED USING MY EIDY TO TREAT MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO A MOVIE.”

Zari remarks, “Since we don’t have time to visit everyone during the Persian New Year, celebrating together allows us to connect and pay our respects to our community’s elders.” During their annual celebration multiple generations gather to dance, sing, and dine. From grandparents to babies, this is a time to reconnect with friends you may not see often, spend time with family members, and celebrate all life’s blessings.

Pegah Niakossary says, “It also gives our children a taste of our traditions and evokes nostalgia for those who spent their childhood in Iran, where the New Year is the most important holiday.”

Fatemah adds, “We miss our homeland and families, and this celebration helps us recall memories and connect with those who understand our experiences. It allows us to showcase our culture to our adopted country.”

When asked what are some of her favorite memories of Persian New Year, Fatemah remembers, “I loved getting fancy clothes for the new year, having a thirteen-day break from school, having out-of-town visitors, visiting our family and elderly relatives, and my mom hiring someone to come and make my favorite pastry in our house.” She continues, “Also, Sizdeh Bedar, which is a big picnic on the 13th day of the New Year.”

Fatemah’s husband Donny adds smiling, “Definitely getting new clothes, visiting my grandma, who gave me Eidy !” He explains, “For our new year, we do not exchange gifts. Instead, parents buy everyone brand-new clothes and shoes, while elders give cash or gold coins to the kids. I loved using my Eidy to treat my brothers and sisters to a movie.”

The food has a featured role in the new year celebration. In Iran, typical dishes include Kookoo Sabzi (a herby frittata), Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi (rice with herbs and fried fish) and Reshteh Polo (aromatic rice and noodles with chicken). Plov, the ricebased national dish of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, is at the heart of most Nowruz gatherings, with countless variations on meat, vegetables and spices.

Fatemeh’s favorite? “Baghala Polo ( Rice with Lima beans and dill weed served with chicken stuffed with raisins, onions, and walnuts).” While Donny loves, “Sabzi Polo ba Mahi.“

The anticipation of the New Year starts weeks in advance with what is called Khone-Takoony, aka spring cleaning. This involves thoroughly cleaning the entire house from top to bottom, cleaning/washing Persian rugs, painting the walls (if needed), and beginning preparation for the Haft Seen table.

The preparation continues by purchasing new clothes, coloring eggs (similar to Easter tradition, though this custom dates back to 550 B.C. during the Persian Empire), and either making or buying sweets. There is a sense of joy in the air, and family gatherings become frequent. “Each day, we visit a family member or welcome a visitor,” Fatemah adds. “It’s a delightful time for children and adults.”

As the day of the celebration arrives, you can feel the joy. Hundreds gather at the Round House in downtown Huntsville - smiles radiate throughout the large building, the smell of food fills the air, and music permeates from floor to ceiling. There is no denying that this gathering is one of the most joyous celebrations you could ever witness. Hugs, laughter, and dancing continue all night long.

The love Huntsville’s Persian community has for their culture, their family, and this city, is something I wish everyone could experience. It is an elation about life that makes you happy to simply be alive and witnessing such pure gratitude and joy, and that is hard to find in today’s world.

On Huntsville, Fatemah and Donny’s daughter, Anahita Maleknia says this about her hometown, “There is a highly educated community here who have traveled to different countries and are aware, understanding, and respectful of other cultures.” She smiles, “Huntsville is a perfect mix of urban and rural settings, with very, very friendly people, making it a great place to grow up.”

“IT IS AN ELATION ABOUT LIFE THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY TO SIMPLY BE ALIVE AND WITNESSING SUCH PURE GRATITUDE AND JOY, AND THAT IS HARD TO FIND IN TODAY’S WORLD.”

Home, A Place To Rest

If the body learned what home felt like through experience, it relearns home the same way.

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE CASHIN

Life is good . The boxes are checked. Nothing is technically wrong. And yet there’s a constant lowgrade hum you’re trying to ignore as you move from meeting to carpool to swim team, back home for dinner, bath time, and one more thing before bed. It’s the unease that follows you—not loud enough to name, but persistent enough to feel.

Hear me when I say-

You’re not falling apart.

You’re not failing at gratitude.

And you’re not doing life wrong.

This feeling isn’t a personal flaw, it’s not a scheduling problem, or a lack of discipline.

It’s your nervous system, doing exactly what it was designed to do: staying alert because it never learned where it was safe to rest.

I have the joy of working with high-achieving women who are building full, impressive lives without a place to land inside themselves. They know how to function, contribute, and hold everything together—but not how to settle. And when the body doesn’t experience a place to rest, it does what bodies have always done.

It stays alert.

This isn’t a mindset issue. It isn’t a lack of resilience or insight. It’s biology.

Our nervous systems are wired to stay on guard when safety feels uncertain. Long before we can think our way through stress, the body is scanning—inside us, around us, and between us—for cues of security. When those cues are missing, even capable, successful women can feel constantly on edge, unsure why rest never quite arrives.

To understand why this happens, we must stop treating this restlessness as an emotional problem and start noticing what the nervous system is actually doing beneath the surface.

Long before we have language for stress or safety, the body is already making decisions. It gathers information about our internal state, our environment, and our relationships to determine whether it can soften or needs to stay ready. This process happens automatically, beneath awareness, shaping how we breathe, how we connect, and how much energy it takes to simply exist.

When the nervous system consistently encounters cues of safety, it learns that rest is available. Muscles relax. Breathing deepens. Attention widens. Connection feels nourishing rather than draining. This is what it means to land inside yourself.

But when safety has been inconsistent—especially in close relationships—the body doesn’t assume rest is coming. It remains alert. Not dramatically. Not consciously. Just enough to keep you scanning, adjusting, and bracing.

This is where the restlessness so many women describe actually begins—not as a thought or an emotion, but as a pattern of readiness in the body.

Only later does it take on names like anxiety, burnout, or loneliness.

There is a name for this constant scanning, and it’s not a diagnosis. It’s neuroception.

Neuroception is the nervous system’s ability to detect safety and danger without conscious thought. You don’t turn it on or off. Your body is doing it for you—quietly, continuously, all day long.

Your nervous system isn’t asking, Is this objectively dangerous?

It’s asking, Does this feel safe enough to rest?

When the answer is yes, the body softens.

When the answer is unclear, the body stays ready.

One of my favorite ways to make sense of this is to imagine your nervous system as a smoke detector.

A smoke detector doesn’t wait for flames to explain themselves. It doesn’t ask questions. Burnt popcorn and a house fire trigger the same alarm— loud, immediate, urgent. The system responds based on familiarity, not logic.

CONTINUED >

Your nervous system works the same way, it doesn’t ask whether danger makes sense. It asks whether it feels familiar.

Familiarity doesn’t come from nowhere.

It’s learned—most often in the context of close relationships.

Long before we understand our patterns, our nervous systems are taking notes. They’re learning what closeness costs, what distance means, and what it takes to stay connected. Over time, those lessons become familiar—and familiarity, for the body, can feel like safety, even when it hurts.

This is where attachment is formed.

When emotional safety is inconsistent—when care is unpredictable, conditional, or quietly unavailable—the body doesn’t protest. It adapts. Not because anyone failed, but because nervous systems are designed to survive the environments they’re given.

Children are remarkably creative in this way. They work to preserve closeness by becoming what feels safest in that environment…easy, useful, hyper-aware, or self-controlled. These strategies work. They reduce conflict. They maintain connection. And because they work, the body keeps them.

Those adaptations don’t disappear in adulthood.

They mature.

They become the type of woman others rely on.

Her children are grown now, and she’s navigating the quiet aftermath of a marriage that once held much of her life together. The logistics are settled, but emotionally, she feels unmoored. Conversations feel fragile. Decisions feel heavier than they should. There’s a persistent vulnerability she can’t quite shake.

She would tell you she has abandonment issues. What’s harder to see is how often she abandons herself first…minimizing her needs, softening her truth, staying emotionally available even when she’s depleted. Disagreements leave her anxious for days. She replays conversations, searching for what she did wrong.

And still, she shows up as a mother, an executive, a friend. From the outside, her life looks intact. From the inside, she’s bracing trying to stay connected and losing herself in the process.

What she’s carrying isn’t a lack of strength.

It’s the quiet weight of having learned that closeness requires effort and that safety is something to manage, not something to rest inside.

Many people learned early that closeness came with conditions: Be easy.

Be impressive.

Don’t need too much.

Don’t feel that way.

So the nervous system learns a brutal equation: connection = self-erasure.

It’s a survival strategy.

Humans are biologically wired for stable, lasting bonds because survival once depended on them. Belonging isn’t sentimental— it’s essential. As essential to our well-being as food and safety.

When that need goes unmet, the nervous system doesn’t interpret it as sadness.

It interprets it as danger.

This is why vigilance shows up in relationships. Why people oscillate between over-giving and withdrawing. Why closeness can feel both deeply desired and quietly exhausting.

But here’s the hopeful part… If the body learned what home felt like through experience, it relearns home the same way.

Not through insight.

Through repetition.

Repair happens when the nervous system has repeated experiences of safety over time. Consistency. Boundaries that don’t equal rejection. Care without control. Closeness that doesn’t demand performance.

These experiences don’t create dramatic breakthroughs. They create subtle shifts. Shorter recovery after conflict. Less urgency to explain. A growing tolerance for stillness. One day, you realize you rested without guilt.

That’s repair.

Over time, the body learns a new truth: I can stay connected and stay myself.

And when the nervous system finally has a place to land, something changes everywhere else. You become more discerning. Less reactive. More present. You stop reenacting the past and start responding to what’s actually happening now.

Home, in this sense, isn’t a place you arrive once life is finished.

It’s a state your body recognizes.

A place inside yourself where you don’t have to brace.

A place where rest is allowed.

A place where connection doesn’t cost you yourself.

Make the Most of Q1—Before It’s Gone

256-801-8022

jlanders@keelpoint.com

100 Church St, Ste 500 Huntsville AL 35801

March is more than the close of Q1—it’s a pivotal moment for smart tax and financial planning. At Keel Point, we help individuals and families align investment strategy, tax efficiency, and long-term goals before opportunities slip away. From proactive tax planning and retirement strategies to wealth preservation and legacy planning, our advisors bring clarity to complex decisions. Don’t wait until April to think about taxes—planning now can make a meaningful difference all year long.

If you are considering a change with your financial advisory team, please contact us for an introductory meeting to see how The Findlay and Landers Group serve families wealth management needs.

Finish Q1 with confidence. Plan with purpose with The Findlay & Landers Group.

Compassionate, Comprehensive

THERAPY

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

The stories behind the unique charm of Preservation Company doors

IN WITH THE OLD

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

In a world where modern construction often overshadows the past, Jason and Christa Butler founded Preservation Company out of a deep-seated love for old architecture. They’re driven by a shared disdain for seeing valuable heritage go to waste. Their business is a blend of treasure hunting adventures and the sheer joy of breathing new life into forgotten relics. “We thrive on the thrill of discovery and the stories embedded in each piece,’ says Jason. “And we love watching the treasures we find integrate into contemporary spaces.”

He continues, “You never know what you’re going to find... for instance, imagine my surprise when we stumbled across majestic cast iron columns from the original Union Station in Nashville while looking for other architectural pieces.” These 24-foot-tall pillars had been removed in the 1980s during renovations and sat languishing in a demolition company’s yard for decades, waiting to be rediscovered.

Their hunts often yield unexpected treasures beyond the obvious. In 2019, while reclaiming lumber, tin ceilings, and flooring from the historic Hale Brothers Furniture building in downtown Huntsville—now transformed into the 106 Jefferson Hotel—they uncovered wartime posters still adhered to a wall that once bordered an alley. This space had been enclosed by a later addition, preserving these artifacts like time capsules.

As you wander through Huntsville, you’ll spot historic charm from Preservation Co. woven into the city’s fabric. From the tin ceilings at Del Chuco to the cast iron columns outside the Corner office on the square—originally from downtown Kansas City—the revival is palpable. Places like Revivalist boast reclaimed wood floors and brick, while Stove House, Mid City, and even spots as far as California and

Canada feature their inventory. These preserved pieces of history span the globe, sourcing from France, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Turkey, India, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, and across the United States.

One standout piece is a door recovered from a bank south of Chicago, now gracing the entrance of Blue Oak BBQ right here in Huntsville. This sturdy portal, with its vintage charm, bridges the industrial Midwest to Southern hospitality, proving how architectural elements can transcend geography and time.

One of their rare finds was an exquisite door hailing from a small palace south of Egypt. Dating back to the early 1800s, this door boasts intricate carvings that reflect the opulence of a wealthy, prominent family. Its size and detail make it a standout, a testament to Egyptian craftsmanship that blended functionality with artistry. “We don’t come across such exotic pieces often,” says Jason. “But when we do, they reignite our passion for history.”

Equally enchanting are the doors from a quaint chateau in France. Unlike many stripped-down salvages, these retain their original patina, promising to become statement pieces once restored. The elegant designs evoke the romance of French countryside estates, where every hinge and panel tells a story of elegance and endurance.

For the Butlers the search is as exhilarating as the revival. They cherish the travel, the haggling with seasoned salvagers, and the moment when a neglected artifact finds its second act. In an age of disposability, their work preserves the soul of the past, ensuring that these treasures continue to inspire and endure. Whether it’s a colossal column or an ornate door, each piece carries forward the legacy of human ingenuity, ready for its next chapter.

Once you’ve found it, you know you’re home. Banking and mortgage loans are the same way.

SPRING HOME Must Haves

As the days get longer and the light starts pouring in, spring has a way of making us see our homes with fresh eyes. Suddenly, everything feels ready for a reset. Lighter textures, brighter spaces, and simple upgrades can make everyday living feel easier and more joyful. Not all of us are up for the challenge of tackling a full seasonal refresh, but by swapping in a few thoughtful touches, the right essentials can completely change the

mood of your space. From airy fabrics and clever storage solutions to small design details, spring is all about balancing beauty and practicality. We’ve gathered the spring must-haves that help you shake off winter, streamline your routines, and welcome the fresh, new season ahead.  So open your windows, enjoy the sunshine, cut some fresh flowers, and pause to enjoy that unmistakable springtime energy.

Springtime essentials to freshen up your space

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

Spring is arguably one of my favorite times of year, with the warm weather and varieties of green hues that represent new life after a cold, brown winter. As someone who stays busy with two small children and who is easily overwhelmed by design decisions, I still love to rotate decor to create a new creative flow and flush out the previous season. I consider roundups like these a fool-proof guide to freshening up the look and feel of my home without the added stress .

Accents of the South

SCALLOPED WICKER BASKET Design Theory $52

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless. At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”

PROJECT CREDITS

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.

|

26 Acre Estate in Southeast Alabama

$2,995,000

262 County Road 664, Coffee Springs, AL, 36318 Connor Brookman +1 (256) 7

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

|

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

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

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

MARCH 2026

EVERY MONDAY

Meowy Mondays

Huntsville Botanical Gardens | 9:00 AM

Huntsville Botanical Garden is opening their lush, vibrant garden paths to feline friends and their humans every Monday. To join in the fun, make sure your kitty companion is either safely leashed or cozily tucked into a pet-approved carrier, stroller, or backpack.

MARCH 6TH-8TH

Elevate The Stage 2026- NCAA Gymnastics Tournament

VBC Propst Arena | 6:00 PM

Back for its 6th year, this event will feature over 1,500 youth gymnasts and four NCAA Women’s Gymnastics teams; Auburn, Clemson, UGA and Pitt. NCAA teams will compete on Sunday afternoon at 4pm.  Tickets available at the VBC Box office or online at ticketmaster.com

MARCH 7TH

Cigar Box Guitar Lessons

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment 2211 Seminole Drive Huntsville, AL 35805 | 12:00 PM

Visit The Cigar Box Guitar Store every Saturday from 12-2 pm for free cigar box guitar lessons, where instructors Jeff and Tara Mello can teach anyone a song in one minute. No experience required, loaner guitars available and there’s no obligation. Visit lowemill. art/series/free-cigar-box-guitarlessons/ for more details.

MARCH 14TH

Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Downtown Huntsville | 11:00 AM

Downtown Huntsville will transform into a sea of green for the Annual Ellen McAnelly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Plan on being downtown all day for festivities and celebrations!

MARCH 14TH

Dirty Dancing in Concert

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 8:00 PM

Dirty Dancing in Concert offers an unparalleled experience as you revisit the love story of Baby and Johnny. Shows will feature a screening of the digitally remastered movie while a live band and vocalists perform the hit songs in sync with a full-size screen on stage. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com

MARCH 15TH

Market at Midcity

The Camp at Midcity | 12:00 PM

Back for its 8th season, Market at Midcity features local vendors from all over North Alabama offering produce, meats, artisan goods, and more! midcitydistrict.com

MARCH 15TH

Rocket City Blues Festival

VBC Propst Arena | 6:00 PM

The 3rd Annual Rocket City Blues Festival presents “Blues is Alright” Tour with featured artists, King George, TUCKA, J-Wonn, Mike Clark Jr., West Love, Tonio Armani, and EJ Jones, with host Henry Welch. Tickets available at the VBC Box Office and online at ticketmaster.com

MARCH 21ST

Dancing With The Stars Live

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 7:30 PM

The 2026 Dancing With The Stars Tour is making a stop in Huntsville! Get an up close seat to see popular stars and hosts from DWTS at vividseats.com For more info visit dwtstour.com

MARCH 22ND Jazz Jam

Valley Conservatory 5732 U.S. Highway 431 Brownsboro, AL 35741 5:00 PM

Bring your own instrument to jam or just listen to the entertainment at this Jazz Jam session. Admission is a $5 donation!

MARCH 26TH

Margaret Ellis Trunk Show

Carriage House 115 Johnston St SE # 101, Decatur, AL 35601 | 10:00 AM

Don’t miss the timeless handcrafted jewelry at the Margaret Ellis Jewelry Spring 2026 Trunk Show hosted by Carriage House. margaretellisjewelry. com shopcarriagehouse.com

MARCH 27TH-29TH

Annual Women’s Expo and Conference

The Westin at Bridge Street Town Center | 6:00 PM

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in Huntsville, Alabama, where women from all walks of life come together to connect, celebrate, and grow. For more information on event lineup and tickets visit thewomensexpohsv.com

MARCH 27TH-29TH

BTL Presents: Mrs. Doubtfire

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 7:30 PM

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Huntsville in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny.” For more info visit  info@broadwaytheatreleague.org

Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or at the VBC Box Office

CONTINUED Want

Songs That Bring You Home

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A SONG TO TAKE YOU HOME IN YOUR HEART

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

There’s nothing quite like music to take us back home or to a memory that lives in our mind. Maybe its an old country song that makes you think of childhood or a new melody that speaks to your soul. Here are publisher Amy Bailey’s favorite songs that feel like home.

Songs That Feel Like Home

This Must Be The Place Talking Heads

This playful, catchy song is the perfect pick me up to make you grateful for home.

On My Knees Red Clay Strays

The Mobile rooted band Red Clay Strays are the talk of the music world for their talent and their soulful Southern sound that blends country, gospel and rock.

Tonight We’ll Be Fine Leonard Cohen

One of Cohen’s first notable songs, it takes me back to living in New York and listening to his velvety voice in my Upper East Side apartment. The lyrics make one think of youth, love, and sensuality.

Deeper Well Kacey Musgraves

A beautiful song that embraces the beauty of getting older and outgrowing things that do not serve you.

Crimson and Clay Jason Isbell

North Alabama’s own sings about the lure of the crimson and clay and how he can’t seem to keep himself away. I think many of us can identify with this feeling.

Born To Run Bruce Springsteen

This song was before my time, but I remember discovering it in high school and listening to it nonstop. Everything about it makes you feel alive. Finding your people, feeling that sense of belonging, and grabbing life by the horns.

MUSIC LOVER

Amy Bailey, Owner and Publisher | Huntsville City Lifestyle

Even as a kid, I remember knowing all the words to so many songs. I loved riding around listening to my parents’ music, hearing my grandmother sing in church, or unboxing my new cds from Camelot Music. Certain songs seem to speak to me, they didn’t just sound nice, they evoked a deeper feeling.

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.