Christian Stanfield
- Digital Marketing Manager, Sunshine Mills Inc
Huntsville
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Articles by Christian Stanfield
Centuries of history are tied to one Tribe in Alabama—what you need to know about the Poarch Creek Indians - Hville Blast
Sponsored Despite a scattering of indigenous peoples in the 16th century, the Poarch Creek Indians (PCI) have lived together for almost 200 years around the land where the current reservation is in Poarch, Alabama—less than one hour from Mobile. They became federally recognized in 1984 and remain the only Tribe in Alabama with this designation. They have reinvested in 40+ businesses across a range of industries like OWA Parks and Resort, Wind Creek Hospitality and more.
Weather expected to cooperate for South Star Festival (for now)
Weather is always one of the many considerations when holding an outdoor event, and as the South Star Music Festival approaches — which is expected to bring masses of people to the area — the effects of Helene in the Gulf of Mexico is certainly a consideration. According to local meteorologists, Helene is bringing rain to North Alabama, but by the time the festival starts, festival-goers should remain relatively dry.
11 popular outdoor dining spots in Huntsville to enjoy this fall
With fall (and cooler weather) just on the horizon, it’s a great time of year to take advantage of Huntsville’s fantastic outdoor dining spots. If you’re looking for places with great outdoor dining, here are some of our favorite choices we think you should check out: Outdoor dining spots highlights: Rosie’s Cantina has all of your Tex-Mex favorites, an extensive drinks menu and delicious desserts.
Trash Pandas, HCFC seasons wind down as Havoc's new season nears
Two of the Huntsville area’s pro sports teams are getting close to the end of their 2024 seasons, while another is close to beginning its new season. The Rocket City Trash Pandas have only a couple of weeks left (and have finished their home schedule), while the Huntsville City FC is less than a month away from its final game of the season. The Trash Pandas finished their home schedule this past weekend and will finish out the season on the road.
3 underrated restaurants in Harvest you need to try
Huntsville’s restaurant scene has greatly improved over the past few years and only continues to grow. However, you shouldn’t forget about these restaurants in Harvest, all of which have been mainstays in the local community. For those in Harvest, you’ve probably heard of or tried these restaurants.
High-dollar building permits this week include new Food City
Of the 10 new building permits issued across the state this past week for projects exceeding $1 million, two are for projects in the Huntsville area. One of those is for a new Food City location on Governors Drive. Here’s what we know about these new building permits: The grocer will invest $90 million to build six new stores and create 1,350 jobs over the next five years. Developers broke ground on the Hampton Cove store — off US 431 and Taylor Lane — in July of last year.
5 great Asian Markets in Huntsville you need to check out
Huntsville is one of the most diverse cities in Alabama, and (thanks to the large military and space industry presence) attracts people from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for something that offers a selection of goods from back home or want to try something new, here are 5 local Asian markets in Huntsville: This store is perhaps the largest on the list and the closest option for those in Madison. They have a wide array of goods and a great produce section.
Annie Merts Condos among new high-dollar building permits this week
Among the 13 new building permits issued this past week across the state for projects exceeding $1 million, six are for projects in the Huntsville area. Of those, a permit for part of the Annie Merts Condos project is among the priciest. Here’s more info: The Historic Annie Merts Center building — at 200 White Street SE — which once served the Huntsville City Schools system, will become a new condo project.
7 Huntsville-based bands our followers told us to check out
We asked our followers who your favorite Huntsville-based bands are, and you delivered with countless recommendations. Huntsville’s music scene is alive and well—here are 7 local bands that rose to the top as favorites of many. Your local band recommendations One highly repeated recommendation is Them Damn Dogs. As an Athens native, even I have heard the name around Huntsville for years. Them Damn Dogs are a spunky, upbeat alt rock band that formed in 2012.
5 exciting Oktoberfest events happening in Huntsville
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the Rocket City is gearing up to celebrate Oktoberfest in style. Whether you’re looking to enjoy traditional German music, savor hearty bratwursts and pretzels or raise a stein with friends, Huntsville has a variety of events inviting you to join in on the festivities.
Here's the new Health Score Honor Roll for August 2024
The Madison County Health Department has inspected more than 150 restaurants in the area during the month of August. As a public service, Hville Blast reports monthly Madison County Health Department restaurant scores, featuring those eateries with health scores of 95 or better on their inspection (we excluded private eateries like school or business cafeterias and private clubs and limited food service establishments).
New hotel + parking garage approved by Huntsville City Council
The City of Huntsville has approved a project agreement for a new hotel and parking garage in the City Centre development. The City of Huntsville entered into the agreement with City Centre IV, LLC and City Centre I LLC — the developers responsible for the AC Hotel, the Eclipse and the Bartley Building within the City Centre mixed-use development located immediately south of Big Spring Park.
NEW: 25 more pickleball courts coming to John Hunt Park Recreation Center
Pickleball is seemingly taking Huntsville by force, with more and more new developments centering around the game. The latest to incorporate the budding sport is the new John Hunt Park Recreation Center which will start construction later this year. Read on to learn more about the recreation center and what will be included in it: As part of the ongoing development of John Hunt Park, a new $18.5 million recreation center will be constructed.
Meet the 2 local startups who just won $75K at the latest Alabama Launchpad competition in Huntsville
Sponsored On August 15, two startups—NephSol and Zone Protects—won a combined total of $75,000 at the Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 Finale in Huntsville. We spoke to this cycle’s winners to learn more about how Alabama Launchpad set them up for success. Click here to read the full story. Applications for the next Cycle of Alabama Launchpad open on Wednesday, August 21. Tag @alabamalaunchpad on Instagram to let them know when you apply! Sponsored by:
Immerse yourself in cuisine + culture of Birmingham with the FOOD+Culture Festival September 19-22
Foodies, this one’s for you. Plan a getaway to immerse yourself in food and culture with the Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival happening in just one month. Read on to learn about lively events like a community street dinner, sprawling farmers market + more. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the Birmingham food scene, now is the time. Taste test countless local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, dessert shops and more in the heart of the Birmingham cityscape.
The Huntsville Police Department is hosting a free family fun night
The Huntsville North Police Precinct is hosting a free family fun night for families to bring their kids and enjoy free food and games while meeting those serving their community. On Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 5-7 PM, you and your family can join the HPD North Precinct for a night of family fun and community building at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center on Sparkman Drive.
5 Space Themed Restaurants in the Rocket City
Huntsville and space go together like peanut butter and jelly. The history and culture around space have seeped into every aspect of our city, from schools to restaurants. Here are 5 space themed restaurants in Huntsville: The Moon Bakeshop serves a unique blend of Southern and European-inspired baked goods and some of the best coffee drinks in town. Their menu changes all the time, so you’ll never know what baked goods are awaiting you on your next visit.
THEN AND NOW: Von Braun Downtown
Wernher von Braun is one of Huntsville’s most influential citizens, both in terms of what he’s done for the city and his impact on the world. During the 50s and 60s as the space race was in full force, von Braun called Huntsville home and would hold press conferences and events outside of the Madison County Courthouse and join in on parades through the square. NASA has an archive of every published piece of media they have released that is public domain and viewable by anyone online.
Local expert weighs in on social media's new role in commerce + more business news
Sponsored What started as a way for college students to stay in touch with each other has exploded into a multi-faceted phenomenon, as social media has grown to play a part in a bevy of everyday faucets of life — including business. Love it or hate is, social media’s role in business today are significant — from job creation to finding new customers — and we were able to get some deep insight into those roles from the University of North Alabama’s Sanders College of Business & Technology .
Restaurant Week in Athens is now underway—here's what to know - Hville Blast
This week is a special one for foodies in Athens, as the Downtown Athens Restaurant Week is now underway. During Restaurant Week, the city’s finest eateries will offer new menu items, special offers and more as they showcase the city’s bright culinary scene. From August 11-25, 2024, restaurant enthusiasts will have the chance to indulge in a delectable array of dishes and explore downtown Athens’s diverse culinary offerings.
NEW: Additional park to be added to MidCity
MidCity is in the final stages of development, with multiple new projects starting construction later this year and early next. The newest announcement is the addition of a small park and pavilion which will be located between Stax and Sanderson Street. Read on to learn more: Within the next two weeks, construction will begin on a new park and pavilion area at MidCity. This project is one of the last to be announced for the area formerly home to Madison Square Mall.
Microwave Dave to kick off reopening of The Lumberyard
This year will be the 10th for Microwave Dave Day, a celebration of local musicians, educators and of course- Microwave Dave. This year’s event will take it back to where it all started, The Lumberyard. Microwave Dave & The Nukes have been performing and preserving the Blues since their formation in 1989. They’ve since become a staple of North Alabama and gained international recognition.
WATCH: Huntsville Foodies Favorite Restaurants!
One of McCarley’s favorites BeezR. (Hville Blast) We often ask our followers for their thoughts on local spots around town when we post guides on places to eat or things to do. But now it’s our turn, the Hville Blast team is sharing their favorite restaurants in and around Huntsville: Our Favorite Restaurants VIDEO Be sure to like, comment and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Want to keep up with all the growth happening in Huntsville?
NEW: 'Skybridge' project contracts approved by City Council
The much-discussed Pedestrian Access and Redevelopment Corridor — or PARC — project took a major step forward this week when the Huntsville City Council approved engineering contracts for what is commonly deemed the “Skybridge” plan. Here’s what we know: The Huntsville City Council approved multiple engineering design contracts for the PARC project that meet state and federal grant requirements.
Here are 15 cool events for you to check out this weekend in Huntsville
We are approaching the weekend, and the next few days are full of cool and exciting stuff to do in and around Huntsville. This weekend includes some cool live music, markets, outdoor activities and more. Check out these suggestions for this weekend: Get over to Athens to welcome this new antique shop to the North Alabama business community. This weekend-long event features live music, family fun and of course — tons of cool stuff to buy. When: Aug.
New historic marker commemorates former high school as AAMU 'communiversity'
The campus that once was Paint Rock Valley High School in Jackson County has been donated to Alabama A&M University for use as a “communiversity” facility for AAMU, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the residents of north Alabama. A new historic marker was erected at the campus this week as AAMU prepares to transform the former high school. Paint Rock Valley High School – which closed its doors in 2018 — was a K-12 school in the Jackson County School District.
Saturdays for the boys—5 activities for guys to hang out - Hville Blast
For guys, it can be hard to get out there and be social. Are you itching for a catch up day with some of your friends? Here’s a list of activities to do in Huntsville that’ll be sure to get you off out of the house and into a fun and friendly spirit. It should go without saying that none of these activities are for men exclusively. But sometimes, we need a guide to push us into being active because of a lack of creativity. Here’s some ideas for a guy’s day in Huntsville.
Arab's Putnam Park among new high-dollar building permits
Of the nine new building permits issued in Alabama this past week for construction projects exceeding $1 million, two are for projects in North Alabama. One of those is for sidewalks to be built around Putnam Park — now under construction — in Arab. Here’s more: Thanks to a donation from the Putnam family in Arab, a new park is under construction, and one of the new building permits issued this past week is part of the first phase of the project.
New head coach announced for the HCFC
Huntsville City Football Club (HCFC) has just brought on a new head coach. Read more to find out who he is, where he came from and what he’ll bring to the table this season. Chris O’Neal served as Inter Miami U-17 (under 17 years old) coach, and was just announced by the HCFC as their new head coach. The HCFC has experienced a lot of changes this year, with their two previous head coaches leaving the team only three months apart.
New fire station opens in West Huntsville
Huntsville Fire + Rescue (HFR) recently opened a new station in the West side of the city in response to the area’s rapid and consistent growth. Read more about its location and features below. Fire Station 20 is the second station established in Limestone county, located at 13175 Burgreen Rd, Madison. This area is reportedly one of the fastest growing sections in Huntsville, which was the main incentive behind its construction.
WATCH: Huntsville life hacks you should know about according to Reddit
Check out these hacks to help “navigate” the Rocket City. (Christian Stanfield / Hville Blast) We scoured the Huntsville Alabama Subreddit for the best life hacks you should know about and found some great tips.
New WorldAtlas list names Athens one of Alabama's best small towns to visit
Athens has been getting a good bit of attention lately, and an international publication has taken notice. WorldAtlas recently released its list of the Most Historic Small Towns in Alabama to Visit, and Athens made the list.
Did you know Huntsville has 11 space-inspired schools?
Huntsville is known as the Rocket City for a reason. Our culture and history are more intermingled with the space industry than any other city in America. It should come as no surprise that many of our schools share the same name as the people and objects that left their mark on our understanding of the universe. Read on to learn about the origins of the names of Huntsville’s space-inspired schools: The largest section of space-inspired schools in Huntsville are the Shuttle schools.
UAH placed in top 10 for international rover challenge
A student-led team from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) recently competed in an international rover competition held in Utah. Keep reading for more details on the competition and where UAH was ranked. The University Rover Challenge (URC) is held annually in Hanksville, Utah, because of its similarity to Mars. The URC Invited 100 student-led teams to compete.
Check out these cool August events in the Huntsville area
August is upon us, and as the summer vacation for kids comes to a close, that does not mean the fun in Huntsville has to end. IN fact, we dare say it is in full force. Here are a few August events here in the Rocket City you may want to check out: Established in 2012, Huntsville Restaurant Week is actually a 10-day event that features a variety of special menu items, events and deals at dozens of Huntsville eateries.
Expect some more steamy days here in the Rocket City
We realize that no one needs us to tell them it is really darn hot here in the Huntsville area these days. And while that is somewhat normal for Alabama summers, the excessive heat and daily heat advisories are no joke. Unfortunately, the Rocket City will not get much relief from the heat any time soon. Half of Alabama was under a heat advisory today from the National Weather Service, and we can likely expect the advisory to extend through at least Thursday here in the Rocket City.
JuVaughn Harrison
The Olympics are often seen as the pinnacle of athleticism and talent. Athletes work their entire lives to make it to the games for a chance to represent their country. This year among the 592 athletes representing Team USA is one Huntsville-born and raised native: JuVaughn Harrison. Next week, JuVaughn Harrison will take the stage and make his second Olympic appearance representing Team USA.
New community farm near AAMU campus has an official name
A new community farm near the Alabama A&M University campus has an official name now. The farm, now dubbed the People’s Patch Community Farm, is a joint project between AAMU and the Madison County Commission. The farm aims to address food insecurity and strengthen research and local food systems in Madison County.
NEW: The Flying Biscuit Cafe Coming to Huntsville
Huntsville is getting another high-profile breakfast joint, this time in the form of The Flying Biscuit Cafe! The new restaurant opens next year, here’s what you need to know: The Flying Biscuit Cafe has been baking biscuits since 1993 when they opened their first location in Atlanta.
AAMU's Otis Hughley named new Senegal Women’s National Team coach
Alabama A&M’s men’s head basketball coach Otis Hughley is tuning up for the Summer Olympics, but not as the Bulldogs coach, but as the head coach for the Senegal Women’s National Team. Hughley was tapped to lead the Sengal Women’s National team into international play leading up to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The announcement of Hughley’s appointment to the Senegal WNT was made last week.
Here's who made our Health Score Honor Roll for July
The Madison County Health Department inspected more than 150 restaurants in the area during the month of July. As a public service, Hville Blast reports monthly Madison County Health Department restaurant scores, featuring those eateries with health scores of 95 or better on their inspection (we excluded private eateries like school or business cafeterias and private clubs and limited food service establishments).
Here are 15 ways to have an amazing weekend here in the Rocket City
The last weekend of July is approaching, and while the hot weather still prevails here in the Rocket City, we have some cool events happening this weekend to tell you about. Check out these options: The monthly event at Big Spring Park features live music, vendors and of course, delicious food truck fare.
'Light up the Night' returns to glow up Big Spring Park this weekend
Huntsville Parks + Recreation will glow up to celebrate the end of the month with a special “Light up the Night” event in Big Spring Park this weekend. Want to know the details? Find them below. July was Parks + Recreation month for the city of Huntsville, and they’ve been hosting events throughout July to promote parks and outdoor activities in the city. For their final event, they’re hosting an exciting night from 6PM – 9PM with live music and dancing with concessions from food trucks.
Ditch fast food- 4 great local restaurants with drive-thrus
Today is National Drive-Thru Day! Yes, that’s a real thing (today is also National Tequila Day), so to celebrate we’ve visited a few local restaurants that have drive-thrus for you to enjoy. Bubby’s Diner is a retro 50’s-inspired diner with the modern convenience of a drive-thru for those in a rush. They have breakfast-dinner options, but we recommend the hybrid donut burger. We previously featured Bubby’s in our local Huntsville diners guide.
Celebrate National Tequila Day with these 4 amazing drinks
This week I visited BarVista for National Tequila Day in downtown Huntsville to ask for recommendations on tequila drinks that were not margaritas. Their friendly staff crafted four insanely good drinks for me that were very unique from each other, and made me appreciate tequila’s versatility in taste. Read about these drinks, recipes and tasting notes below. Everyone knows the Old Fashioned, traditionally made with American bourbon.
5 of the best spots for an espresso martini in Huntsville
We asked our Instagram followers where we could find the absolute best espresso martinis in Huntsville, and they delivered. From Downtown Huntsville to South Huntsville, we ventured throughout the Rocket City and got a closer look at what was recommended.
5 great french restaurants in Huntsville to get you into the Olympic spirit
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are beginning later this week in Paris France. With so much attention on the games and the region surrounding them, we wanted to create a guide to help you get a taste of the games here in Huntsville. Here are 5 great French restaurants you can find around town: For great authentic French baked goods, L’Etoile Patisserie is your best bet. With great food and a charming atmosphere, all their pastries are baked fresh in-house each morning and affordably priced.
New: breaking ground in Stoner Park this week
The City of Huntsville is breaking ground at Stoner Park to start construction on an eclectic new amenity. Keep reading to find out about the intention and updates for this exciting project. The project is for a spacious 19,000 sqft open-air pavilion that will serve as a recreational skating rink complete with restrooms and picnic facilities for the public. The directors of Huntsville Parks + Recreation intends for it to enhance Stoner Park as a catch-all recreational space.
Free summer sports you can enjoy in Huntsville
If you’re looking for a way to stay active that won’t break the bank we’ve put together a list of free (or cheap) sports and activities you can do around Huntsville. Most of these sports require having your own gear but are otherwise free to enjoy. Huntsville is home to a bunch of great disc golf courses including one of the oldest in the country.
Know your meme: Huntsville memes and inside jokes
Like any major city, Huntsville has had its share of meme-worthy moments. From massive cultural memes to local inside jokes we’re covering all the Huntsville memes you should know about. Antoine Dodson is a Huntsville local who gave a news interview that went insanely and suddenly viral in 2010. With his sudden celebrity status, Dodson made several television appearances and developed a brief music career.
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