Providence Cafe, The Village Of Providence, Jazz & Wine Tasting, Huntsville Alabama, 35806 One of my favorite areas to write about is the Village of Providence and for good reason.  There is a special atmosphere here that doesn't quite resemble any other neighborhood in Madison or Huntsville Alabama.  The Village of Providence is popular for several reasons and most important to me are the restaurants, homes and physical location of the Village of Providence itself. I've written about every restaurant in this area lately and I've given a little more attention to the Providence Cafe, first because it offers locally roasted coffee (I need coffee) and secondly I like how they're running the Providence Cafe.  They've hired all the right people, friendly, courteous and they really like what ... 12/26/2011

December's Season Of Celebration & Sharing, Sci-Quest Science of the Holidays, Huntsville Alabama December 12,2011 to January 6, 2012Location: Sci-Quest 102-D Wynn DriveHuntsville Alabama, 35805(256) 837-0606 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Saturday-9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Sunday-11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (256) 837-0606 for admission fee schedule  Sci-Quest Science of the Holidays is an interactive great way to spend some time learning about some of the science behind one of the most popular times of the year.  At Sci-Quest you will learn about snowflakes; the weather, chemistry and physics behind them, make your own and take it home.  Ornaments; why tinsel sticks to everything, Origami, its application to math.  Reindeer;  the  principals of flight and in the Rocket City, d... 12/23/2011

December's Season Of Celebration & Sharing, "In Company With Angels" Huntsville Museum Of Art, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Huntsville Alabama If you've ever marveled at the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany this is an opportunity to see seven recently discovered and nearly lost stained glass windows.  These stained glass windows were stored in basements, garages and a barn when a church in Cincinnati, Ohio was scheduled for demolition in 1964 making way for an interstate highway.  The windows were discovered in 2001 and subsequently restored by "In Company With Angels" a non-profit organization formed specifically to restore and exhibit the windows on a nationwide tour insuring all a chance at viewing and knowing the beautiful craftsmanship of an artist we've herd so much about, Louis Comfort T... 12/23/2011

December's Season Of Celebration & Sharing, New Year's Eve Skate, Benton H. Wilcoxon Ice Complex, Huntsville Alabama Are you looking for something special to do this New Year's, maybe with the family, a group of friends or a fun night out for just the two of you?  Even if you're all by your lonesome...you won't be for long as skaters take to the ice for a different kind of way to spend New Year's Eve.  You might consider a New Year's Eve Skate night at the Benton H. Wilcoxon Ice Complex in Huntsville Alabama. It's a little late for the Nutcracker, but thought you would enjoy this annual event from the Benton H. Wilcoxon Ice Complex Huntsville Alabama. Location:  Benton H. Wilcoxon Ice Complex3185 Leeman Ferry RoadHuntsville, AL 35801Phone:  (256) 883-3774  Admission is $7 per person and... 12/22/2011

December's Season Of Celebration & Sharing, Santa's Village Huntsville Alabama Early Works Museums Santa's Village at Earlyworks Museums is the place to be this time of the year expecially if you want to get up close and personal with the big man in the red suit like this youngster below. There are actually 3 museums at Earlyworks; Alabama Constitution Village, Earlyworks Childrens History Museum & the Huntsville Depot & Museum all geared towards a truly fun and educational experience for the areas children.  However, Santa's Village on the Museum grounds gets most of the attention this time of the year.  Created with family fun and entertainment in mind for children of all ages. Visit the Claus' house, see Santa's Reindeer, talk with his elves direct from the North Pole or tackel a cra... 12/21/2011

December's Season Of Celebration & Sharing, Toys For Tots, Huntsville Alabama, 35806 I've shared a couple of posts recently about the Providence Cafe, a new restaurant and coffee shop here in the Village of Providence.  For quite some time now they've had a collection box for Toys For Tots and I've watched that box go unfilled for weeks and decided to do something about that by delivering a few unwrapped presents to an otherwise empty box in hopes that other patrons would follow suit and fill the box to the top.  Unfortunately that hasn't happened yet, but there's still time to pick up a gift for a child, who might not find anything under the tree this Christmas.  If you live in the Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why not stop by with a gift for a child...lets fill this box to the t... 12/21/2011

December's Season Of Celebration & Sharing, Galaxy Of Lights 2011 Huntsville Alabama Huntsville Botanic Gardens The Galaxy of Lights is held every holiday season at the Huntsville Botanic Gardens in Huntsville Alabama.  The Galaxy of Lights first began in 1996 and has gotten to be one of Huntsville's most popular attractions ever since.  The Galaxy of Lights is the largest and most successful fundraiser that the Huntsville Botanic Gardens sponsors and raises up to 20% of their operating budget.  Success of the Galaxy of Lights is due in large part to the dedicated volunteer staff of over 84 participants including the “Galaxy Guys” who are the core staff of volunteers ensuring that the “Galaxy of Light’s” is never the same two years in a row. The Galaxy of Lights is composed of six miles... 12/20/2011

Microsoft Phone Scam This was take directly from the home page of the Northern Alabama Multiple Listing Service.  I have heard of this scam as I'm sure many of you, but thought it was worth keeping in front of as many eyeballs as possible. BBB of North Alabama Warns Accredited Businesses & Employees of Microsoft Phone Scam How does the scam work? The caller impersonates a Microsoft representative and claims there is a serious virus or issue with the consumer's computer. The caller may warn that if the problem is not solved, the computer will become unusable. In more recent calls, they have claimed that the individual receiving the call has had their account hacked into and bogus messages with viruses attached are being sent out to others in their name. To "fix" the problem, the consumer... 12/10/2011

Woodridge West Subdivision, South Huntsville Alabama, Back Yard Earlier today I had the pleasure of showing a new client around South Huntsville Alabama.  The photos below are of the back yard at one of the homes we visited.  South Huntsville as you can see has the character of the hills with its many rock outcropping and outstanding views.  This is much different than Madison or North Huntsville which is flatter and where newer subdivisions are built on former cotton plantations.  I like the character of South Huntsville and in many areas buyers pay a premium for lots like this. The home below in Woodridge West is a very affordable $138,500 offering 3 bedrooms and two baths, the interior has been completely updated.  For photos and details of homes available in this subdivision click o... 12/09/2011

Video About Buying American Made Building Products. This video was forwarded to me and it seemed to make a lot of sense.  For all the Realtors and Stagers out there perhaps this information should get passed on to some of the builders and vendors you work with if for no other reason than a starting point for a discussion about buying American, supporting our country and quite possibly helping to reduce the unemployment rate. Click on the Made In America flag below to view a video about buying American...gives you something to think about the next time you visit a Home Depot or Lowes or any large home improvement store. If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also know outstanding agen... 12/04/2011

MidTowne On The Park, Huntsville Alabama, New Construction, 35806 For details and photos of all available single family homes in this great community please follow the link to MidTowne On The Park Homes For Sale. MidTowne On The Park in the Madison and Huntsville Alabama area is  a newer subdivision that's growing fast.  Hidden away between Research Park and the University Drive shops and restaurants this subdivision is easy to miss and tha't part of its charm.  you could drive up and down University or many of the side streets and never know MidTowne On The Park was there.  Cummings Research park is next door making it an easy bike ride or walk to work...how cool is that to ride your bike to work!  Bridge Street Town Centre for upscale shopping and dining is just a few minutes farther ... 11/27/2011

Lake Forest Community, Huntsville Alabama, 35824 Homes For Sale The Lake Forest community in area zip code 35824 south of Martin Rd. and west of Zierdt Rd in Huntsville Alabama is a newer community with a variety of home styles to satisfy many preferences.  Lake Forest is well located for those working at the Redstone Arsenal as the commute is only minutes away.  A well organized Home Owners Association keeps the community in top shape and the dues are very reasonable at $600 annually including, clubhouse, pool and common grounds maintenance.  Lake Forest community is in the Williams Elementary, Williams Middle and Columbia High school system and the included link will take you directly to the Huntsville city schools website. As with most Madison and Huntsville Alabama communities Lake ... 11/26/2011

Huntsville Alabama, Providence Cafe, Village Of Providence, 35806 Living and working in the Madison and Huntsville Alabama area has it's perks and of them is being close to the Village of Providence.  Back in September I did a post about a new restaurant that opened in the Village of Providence called the Providence Cafe.  At that time the Providence Cafe had just opened and like any new business was in the middle of working the kinks out of the system and in this case also waiting on their liquor license.  I'm happy to say that things are running smoothly and more importantly they now have their liquor license. The menu below shows a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches as well as the caffeinated product that I'm very much tuned into.  A note to the coffee drinkers:  Provi... 11/25/2011

Village Of Providence, Huntsville Alabama, Luxury Homes, 35806 The Village of Providence is one of the more unique, well known and prestigious areas in Madison and Huntsville Alabama.  Located in a very convenient, in town, but out of the way location with professional offices, casual and upscale dining, the Village of Providence is a must see if you're new to the area or just starting your new home search and wanting affordable luxury.  The Village of Providence is just north of University Drive shopping and restaurants and mere minutes from Bridge Street Town Centre, the Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park. There's always something going on in this great little community.  Whether it's a night of Jazz at the Providence Cafe, car shows in the Green Space or 5K runs through the ... 11/19/2011

All The Leaves Have Fallen Except Mine I just got back from Woodstock Illinois, full of Chicago style pizza and Italian Beef, but the one thing I didn't get nearly enough time with was my long time friends...next time. On my trips back to the Chicago area I try to plan for regular maintenance on my home in Woodstock and a visit to my Volvo mechanic (people still make fun of me for traveling 1300 miles to service my car).  My Volvo mechanic's Randy & Lester of Swedish Car Specialist, Inc  always accommodate my schedule when I come to town, but mother nature isn't always so agreeable.  I've seen posts lately of the changing colors of the season and dropping of leaves but apparently my two maples didn't get that memo so I have to wait a little longer to schedule fall clean up. The first ph... 11/16/2011

Moon Over The Hill, Huntsville Alabama On the out skirts of Huntsville Alabama while waiting at a short sale listing for a client I decided to walk around the property to familiarize myself with it.  The home is in a very hilly area and fairly remote.  When I got to the back yard and  looked up one of the many hills...there just above the hill in the backyard hung the moon.  The time was around 3:20 so it was bright and the moon wasn't that easy to see, but there it was.  I thought I might share an Alabama afternoon with you. If you are reading this in Birmingham Alabama or are moving to the Birmingham real estate market and are interested in short sale properties or any home in the Birmingham area you might find this Birmingham real estate, short sale link helpful.  If you need a knowl... 11/11/2011

Veterans Day 2011, Huntsville Alabama Is your flag on display? The intent of Veterans day is to honor all who served in the United States military in all wars.  Veterans Day is observed every November 11th because of the armistice between Germany and the allied nations which came at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 and because of the time of the armistice many observe two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. Is your flag on display and have you thanked veteran for their service to our country?  Huntsville Alabama is all about the military and we support our troops...I know I'll have many opportunities to thank a soldier. If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also ... 11/11/2011

Twickenham Historic District, Huntsville Alabama, 35801, Historic Homes Architecture-Part 2 Twickenham Historic District: Historic Homes and Architecture. Twickenham Historic District Part 1 Madison and Huntsville Alabama are not lacking for a variety of home styles and I'd be glad to help you tour any home in the area that meets your needs when you're ready to move up or downsize.  One area of Huntsville Alabama that's particularly protective of its architecture is the Twickenham Historic District.   The Twickenham Historic District is recognized for its beautiful homes, most of which are, of course, historic. The homes in the district have played various roles throughout Huntsville’s history. Some were used as soldiers’ quarters during the Civil War; some are the birthplace of recogni... 11/09/2011

Several weeks ago, I attended an Economic Summit sponsored by the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors.  Mayor Tommy Battle was there, as well as Ethan Hadley, VP of Economic Development for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsvile/Madison County.  Also present was Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior VP of Research for the National Association of REALTORS.  It was an amazing couple of hours with a lot of information on this wonderful area of Huntsville, Madison and Madison County! Did you know that Cummings Research Park in Huntsville is the second largest Research Park in the United States, and the fourth largest in the world?  What an amazing statistic for Huntsville!  There are 290 companies offering 25,000 jobs in Cummings Research Park! More impressive facts about Huntsvill... 11/08/2011

Madison County, Huntsville Alabama Meet & Greet, 2011, District Commissioner Phil Riddick, The Ledges Phil Riddick is a Commercial real estate agent and the current District 5 Madison County Commissioner representing South Huntsville Alabama.  He is a candidate for District 5 County Commission 2012 election.  For those in Madison County Alabama, this is your opportunity to meet and speak with Mr. Riddick to learn his view of the Counties future and share your thoughts. This event is held at The Ledges in Huntsville Alabama a beautiful and very upscale community, check out these posts I did a while ago about the area:  The Ledges, Huntsville Alabama.  If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison Alabama or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for y... 11/08/2011