The end of each year provides us with the perfect time for reflection and as we do each year (although not 2020 because…2020) the editors of Rocket City Mom use this as an opportunity to share our favorite posts of the year ICYMI. The following articles are a showcase of sorts for what we do and why we do it. Making Parenting in Huntsville Easier is the mission and these articles have us feeling pretty accomplished. 🙂
P.S. We onboarded several new writers (and a new Managing Editor) in 2021 and each one has brought a fresh perspective on parenting in Huntsville. We are so pleased to have them on the team. Of course, several of our more seasoned contributors also shared their adventures, tips, tricks and insights this year and we feel honored to have them here too. Check them all out here and click on their picture or name to see their respective articles.
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Sand Mountain Water Park
This review of the newly opened Sand Mountain Water Park was the most viewed post of 2021. Proving two points. #1 - Huntsville families love a good lazy river and #2 - maybe we need one just a bit closer? #HintHint
Rocket City Mom's Big Spring Scavenger Hunt
We've been doing this parenting thing for a while now and we've got a good handle on what parents are looking for right now. Outside (and off screens). Family-friendly for all ages. Free. Our Big Spring Park Scavenger Hunt checks all the boxes.
Download and print from home or pick up a copy at several downtown locations and then go have fun! Pro-tip: if your kids are slightly older and this scavenger hunt is too easy, make it a race!
Climb to New Heights at Johnson Legacy Center
New RCM contributor Latoya Binford came out of the gate swinging with this fabulous FULL family review of the newly opened Johnson Legacy Center and in doing so helped share this new facility with thousands of area families. #DoingWhatWeDo
A Letter to the Baby I Haven't Met Yet
Our new managing editor Lauren Lee had a big year in 2021. She not only started at Rocket City Mom but she had her first baby in June. This letter she wrote to Oliver right before he was born gives you pretty good insight into why we wanted her to join the team.
Source: © Clem Photo Co.
Huntsville's Family Friendly Drag Brunch
This parent review of Straight to Ale's drag brunch was just a *bit* controversial among some of our readers but for every comment we got asking why we'd choose to cover this event we had three comments thanking us for sharing. Yes, family-friendly drag brunches exist even in Alabama and that means we're here to share the details and let parents know what to expect. If it's happening in Huntsville, we're covering it.
Dinosaur World Roadtrip
Here's a riddle: What goes together better than kids and dinosaurs? Not much is the correct answer because this road trip write-up about Dinosaur World just north of Bowling Green, Kentucky, was a huge hit with Rocket City Mom readers. Check out Laura Barnard's tips for how to enjoy this surprisingly close road adventure.
A Lady's Guide to Her Postpartum Bits
Every woman who has ever birthed a child knows that while there is plenty of info out there about preparing for a baby, there are some things NO ONE TELLS YOU about preparing yourself for after the baby and Taina is here to share the 411. This post published early in 2021 helps future mothers by telling them the cold hard facts and giving great advice for how to get through that postpartum period.
A Trash Panda Game with Kids
2021 was a year of many firsts for the Huntsville area but none was bigger than the very first year you could attend a Trash Panda game. We've been hanging out at the stadium watching movies on the lawn and checking out the Xmas lights but finally we could attend a game! Obviously we had to scope it out and report back. This post was filled with tips on how to make the most of your family outing.
New Libraries in North and South Huntsville Open
Huntsville got itself two new libraries this year, one in North Huntsville and one in South Huntsville and both were quite the talk of the town among Rocket City Parents. Sallie Keene, with young daughter in tow, got a sneak peek of the South library and their Reel for the article is beyond adorable.
Local Ice Cream Man Receives a New Van
During Covid we started a new series called Good News and this article about a beloved neighborhood ice cream man whose customers helped him make improvements to and eventually afford a new van is EXACTLY the kind of news of which we need more in this world.
