By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On August 19, 2011
Labor Day weekend is almost upon us. Here are some fun things to do in the Huntsville area.
Sept. 2-5, Luverne: World’s Largest Peanut Boil Festival
In addition to the 17 tons of cooked peanuts, sample arts, crafts, children’s activities and more. Admission charged; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Details: 334-335-4468.
Sept. 2-3, Pinson: Alabama Butterbean Festival
Besides honoring the humble butterbean, this event includes a cornbread cooking contest, arts and crafts, food, greased pig contest, tail-waggin’ dog contest and Mr. and Miss Butterbean. Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; free. Details: 205-572-2041, alabamabutterbeanfestival.com.
Sept. 3, Guntersville: 41st Annual St. William Seafood Festival
This popular seafood festival includes Creole-style gumbo, Cajun boiled shrimp, fresh crawfish, catfish and barbecue from 10:30 a.m. until it’s all sold out. Details: 256-455-4133, stwilliamchurch.com.
Sept. 3, Montevallo: Cars by the Creek and Catfish Rodeo
Prizes go to the top cars and the child who catches the most fish. Call 205-665-1519.
Sept. 3-4, Decatur: Battle for Decatur
Civil War re-enactors fight it out in mock battles each day at 2 p.m. Camps are also open for viewing. Admission’s free; 800-524-6181, decaturcvb.org.
Sept. 4, Alexander City: Annual Labor Day Weekend Concert
Blues Traveler will perform in an evening concert on Lake Martin. Details: 256-212-1479, lmat.org.
Sept. 4, Guntersville: Labor Day Dog Show
Categories include biggest, smallest, best dressed, most talented, fluffiest, youngest and oldest. Sign up at the nature center inside the main campground by 12:30 p.m.; the show starts at 1. Details: 256-571-5445, visitlakeguntersville.com
Sept. 4, Scottsboro: First Monday Arts Sunday
Artists and craftsmen show off their works of art in this juried show. Children’s activities, music and food vendors are also included in the event, held in conjunction with the First Monday flea market around the Jackson County Courthouse Square. Call 256-259-1056.
Sept. 4-5, Crane Hill: Sweet Tater Festival
The annual event in Dowling Memorial Park features great arts and crafts, door prizes, a flea market, rides, games and entertainment Sunday and Monday; 256-531-7916, sweettaterfestival.com.
Sept. 5, Ider: Ider Mule Days
A tradition for more than 100 years, with mules, horses and carriages, plus antique cars, arts and more. Details: 256-675-4184, discoverlookoutmountain.com.
Sept. 5, McCalla: Labor Day Celebration & Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest
Spend time at the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park for a festival with crafts, music, barbecue and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: 205-477-5711, tannehill.org.
Sept. 5, Montgomery: Labor Day at Old Alabama Town
Return to the days before Labor Day was established in 1894 to see how early Americans lived in 19th century Alabama. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 334-240-4500, oldalabamatown.com.
Sept. 5, Section: Annual Section Labor Day Festival
An all-day musical festival with gospel, bluegrass, country, rock and more, plus volleyball and homemade ice cream. Call 256-228-3414.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On July 22, 2011
If you are looking for something to do with the kids on these hot summer days, consider checking out the dinosaurs at the US Space and Rocket Center. A T. rex Named Sue combines thrilling science, engaging educational activities, and blockbuster appeal in one of the most successful traveling exhibitions ever.
At a heart stopping 42 feet (12.8 m) long and 12 feet (3.66 m) high at the hip, Sue is remarkable because of her size, completeness, and quality of preservation. A spectacular full-sized skeleton cast is the centerpiece of this exciting bilingual exhibition. Family-friendly interactives encourage visitors to explore Sue, T. rex, and dinosaur science.
The exhibit runs from until through September 5, 2011.
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
New treehouses have been designed by local architects and the 2010 treehouses have been updated to add even more opportunities for kids’ imaginations to run free. In addition, new permanent water features have been added to the Garden to create 2011’s Treehouses with a Splash!
Treehouses debut on Saturday, April 2nd with splash features opening on Saturday, April 30th.
New for 2011:
Timber Tent: An organic lean-to of cedar trees built on a child’s scale. Includes a tire swing, regular swing, rope swing and slide!
Bird’s Eye View: Catch a whole new view of the Garden from this clubhouse on stilts!
The Gnome Dome: Discover a hidden world of gnomes in this magical hideaway. But be careful, those mischievous little gnomes like to play tricks!
Fairy Forest: Enjoy the sparkly, mystical land of fairy rings, fairy wings and giant fairy wands!
New permanent Garden feature:
Pollywog Bog: a brand new wading pool located in the Children’s Garden!
Treehouses with a Splash runs through the end of September. This summer, you can climb, swing, splash and play your way through the Garden. And remember to bring your towel!
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On May 15, 2011
Alabama Shakespeare Festival, in partnership with Red Cross and WSFA-12 News, will present a “pay-what-you-can” performance of its hit comedy “Moonlight & Magnolias” at 7:30 p.m. May 25 in Montgomery. All proceeds will be donated to Red Cross tornado relief efforts in Alabama.
Tickets are on sale. The suggested donation for the special performance of “Moonlight & Magnolias” is $20, but for the first time ASF will conduct a pay-what-you-can opportunity in which any donated amount will be enough to purchase a ticket. The regular ticket costs $38.
“All of us at ASF want to help our fellow Alabamians affected by the horrific storms of April 27,” ASF artistic director Geoffrey Sherman says in a news release.
Twenty-dollar tickets for the May 25 event can be purchased online at www.asf.net. “Pay-what-you-can” tickets are available by calling toll-free 1-800-841-4273 or by visiting the ASF box office during regular office hours. Tickets also will be available at the box office on the night of the performance. (more…)
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On April 29, 2011
Our North and Central Alabama neighbors have been devasted by deadly tornadoes in the last few days. Below are ways you can help and donate to the relief effort:
To make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, visit its online donation page.
You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is responding to the deadly tornado activity throughout the South, mobilizing feeding units and providing support to the victims.
To donate to the Salvation Army’s tornado disaster response, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org, click on their donation page and designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.”
You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and donors can text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Checks can be made out to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, Ga., 30384-0339.
Feeding America: Feeding America helps food banks provide food to communities affected by the recent tornadoes.
Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund: The Fund, part of the Alabama Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, provides additional recovery assistance to Alabama residents who have exhausted all other coverage provided by relief organizations, government programs and insurance. To donate, visit the online donation page.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On April 17, 2011
It’s that time of year again. Time for bunnies, colored eggs, jelly beans and Easter baskets. So gather up the whole family and have fun at Huntsville Alabama Easter Egg Hunts and Breakfasts.
Fee for participants only ($2 for ages 10 & under). Chester Freeman Park–Come to the Field of Miracles at Chester Freeman Park at 7 pm(dusk) to take part in a unique egg hunting experience where children get to hunt 20,000 eggs in the dark with the Easter Bunny. For more info, call (256) 734-9157.
Toddlers through 3rd grade are invited to attend the Easter Egg Hunt. Fun starts at 10:00 am in Wesley Hall for instructions and ends at 10:30 am. Bring your camera for photos with the Easter bunny.
Harvest/Monrovia Community Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by CrossWinds Church, 8089 Wall Triana Highway, Harvest (1 mile north of Mac Davis Rd) on April 23rd from 2-4 pm. Egg Hunt, inflatables, giveaways, food Join us for an afternoon of community fun!
For Botanical Garden members only (why not join?). Over 9,000 eggs will be waiting to be found! There will be games, refreshments and the Easter Bunny for the little ones to enjoy. Steve from Metropolitan DJ will also be here to lead games and make sure everyone stays on course. Please see the egg hunt schedule and plan to arrive well in advance of the scheduled times. Attention Egg Hunters: This is such a popular event, that we are offering tickets in advance! Come by the Garden gift shop to pre-purchase your ticket. Be sure to bring your membership card for this Members Only event. If you wish to bring non-member guests, regular Garden admission applies in addition to the $5 Bunny Bonanza ticket.
Calling all children! Come enjoy our giant Easter Egg Hunt, PAWrade and hat making on Saturday, April 23, from 10:30 a.m. until noon. The morning begins with lite refreshments in the Trillium Room. The egg hunts begin promptly at 10:45, starting with the 3-and-younger age group. Join us as children are grouped by age level to hunt thousands of eggs on our green space. This will be followed by the much anticipated Easter PAWrade led by our Burritt Bunny and some of our barnyard animals. For more info, call 536-2882.
10:00-11:00 am Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt for families and children. (toddlers through 5th grade) 5003 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville. For more info, call (256) 881-4811.
Located in the heart of Madison this impeccably maintained home is ready for move-in. Come on in to the inviting foyer with soaring ceilings and gleaming floors. We are sure you will be impressed. An elegant formal dining room with French door access is ideal for private entertaining or a home office. A grand family room boasts dual ceiling fans, a striking trey ceiling, an abundance of natural light plus a toasty fireplace. Cooking will be delightful in this beautiful kitchen featuring sun-drenched views plus cabinet and counter space galore. A main level master suite with a pampering bathroom is a nice place to unwind after a long day. The additional bedrooms are sized generously and share a lovely hall bathroom. A spacious recreation room is perfect for stashing the kids or kids at heart. The ultimate relaxation awaits you on the soothing screened porch with private backyard views. Relax in the bubbly hot tub submerged in privacy. Bring all your toys as there is a two car attached garage plus a huge detached garage. Play a game of tennis then cool of in the community pool. There is something for everyone in Ashley Greens. Call us today for your private tour.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On January 21, 2011
If you are relocating to Huntsville or just love sports, you MUST get your hands on the All-Star Sports Pass! It offers an opportunity to buy one ticket get one FREE (of equal or lesser value) to the Dixie Derby Girls roller derby, Huntsville Havoc hockey, Huntsville Stars baseball, Rocket City Titans football, and Rocket City United soccer. The Pass is valid for all of 2011, and is available at the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center® open 7 days a week, Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Need a Huntsville relocation package with lots of great info about Huntsville and Madison County? Simply complete the form and I’ll get your complimentary package in the mail.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 23, 2010
At this time of year, we typically don’t think a lot about safety. We’re all too busy running around shopping and decorating our Huntsville homes.
Have a fun, merry and safe holiday this year by implementing these 10 safety tips:
1. Never use lighted candles on a Christmas tree, whether it’s an artificial or live tree.
2. Purchase artificial trees with a Fire Resistant label. This label doesn’t mean the tree can’t catch fire; it means the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
3. Check for freshness when purchasing a live tree. Needles that are hard to pull away from branches and that do not break when bent indicate a fresh tree. Sticky resin on the tree’s trunk is another sign that a tree is still fresh. Old trees can be fire hazards in Huntsville homes.
4. Chop a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Water your tree regularly.
5. Avoid sharp or easily breakable decorations and small, removable items that children can swallow. Eliminate decorations that look like food or candy. Children may try to eat them.
6. Limit the number of standard-size light sets plugged into one extension cord to three.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On December 20, 2010
To find the perfect holiday gifts for new Huntsville home owners, consider gifts that will keep on giving efficiency, convenience and luxury for years to come. To help with your shopping, here’s my list of seven great holiday gifts for new Huntsville home owners:
1. Gift card to a local home store. This is the easiest gift to give, and often the most popular with home owners. It can help finance their bathroom remodel or purchase of a large item like a riding lawn mower.
2. Fireproof safe or lockbox. A small fireproof safe is the perfect place to store important items such as mortgage papers, home owner’s insurance information and receipts for home repairs.
3. Luxurious bath towels. You can never have too many big, thick bath towels. Consider getting them monogrammed if you want to do something a little extra special.
4. Green cleaning products. You can buy green cleaning products at just about any store. Or, you can make non-toxic cleaning products, put them in nice spray bottles and include the recipes so the home owners can make more when the bottles are empty.
5. Subscription to a home-related magazine. There are magazines about decorating, cooking, entertaining, and home repairs. Consider Family Handyman Magazine for those who want to learn the basics of home repair, Real Simple Magazine for those who love to organize, or Do It Yourself Magazine for, guess what, the do-it yourselfers.
6. Luxury showerhead. Give the gift of daily luxury with one of the spa-style showerheads. You can find showerheads that provide a wide variety of sensations from an energizing massage to a relaxing rain shower.
Sept. 2-5, Luverne: World’s Largest Peanut Boil Festival
If you are relocating to Huntsville or just love sports, you MUST get your hands on the All-Star Sports Pass! It offers an opportunity to buy one ticket get one FREE (of equal or lesser value) to the 
While at the Visitor Center you can also pick up Passport Coupons. The Passport program provides visitors an opportunity to visit the area’s many attractions while saving on admission prices. Attractions included are: 
Never use lighted candles on a Christmas tree, whether it’s an artificial or live tree.
2. Fireproof safe or lockbox. A 
