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Fire Pit or Patio Heater? Four Ways to Stay Warm Outdoors This Fall

The Madison Memo

Compare propane, traditional wood, smokeless wood and infrared heaters for smoke, smell, s'mores, cost and convenience.

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Dirty Pumpkin? The Fall Gift Exchange That Might Save Your Christmas Sanity

The Madison Memo

A playful twist on Dirty Santa could give friends and family a reason to gather before the December rush.

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Finding Your Faith Community in Madison, Alabama

The Madison Memo

A practical guide to churches, mosques, synagogues, Hindu temples and other places to explore religion around Madison and Huntsville

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Where to Pick Pumpkins Near Madison, Alabama in 2026

The Madison Memo

Pumpkin patches near Madison with slides, corn cribs, tractor trains, hayrides, animals and plenty of fall fun for the whole family

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No HOA? Here’s What to Check Before Building in Your Backyard

The Madison Memo
1 Comment

Sheds, workshops and detached garages may still be subject to permits, setbacks and other rules in Madison and Madison County

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Renaissance Faires Near Madison, Alabama: Where to Go in 2026

The Madison Memo
5 Comments

Experience Renaissance faires close to home including the Alabama Renaissance Faire and regional festivals worth the trip

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Did You Know You May Be Able to Use HSA or FSA Funds for a Litter-Robot?

The Madison Memo
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Some cat owners may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for a Litter-Robot with a Letter of Medical Necessity. Here is how the process works and what to verify first.

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Takeout Tipping: Should You Tip When Picking Up Food?

The Madison Memo
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Should you tip on takeout? A look at tipping etiquette, missing orders, service expectations and when leaving 5% to 10% may make sense.

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How To Use Uber and Lyft: A Beginner Guide for Parents and Older Riders

The Madison Memo
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New to Uber or Lyft? Learn how rideshare works, how to request a ride, check safety details, share your trip and use rideshare around Madison and Huntsville.

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Why Hawaiian Restaurants Serve So Much Asian Food

The Madison Memo
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Many Hawaiian restaurants serve dishes like teriyaki, katsu, musubi and chow fun because Hawaii local food was shaped by Native Hawaiian culture and plantation-era immigrant communities.

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Fall Colors Near Madison: Trees, Timing and Easy Drives

The Madison Memo
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Learn when fall colors usually start near Madison and Huntsville, which trees turn red, yellow and orange and where to drive for North Alabama foliage.

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Common Grass Types in North Alabama Lawns

The Madison Memo
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Learn the common grass types around Madison and Huntsville, including Bermuda, zoysia, tall fescue, centipede and St. Augustine grass.

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Kids Eat Free Near Madison: Local Deals Worth Checking Before Dinner

The Madison Memo
25 Comments

A few Madison and Huntsville restaurants offer kids-eat-free deals, but call ahead before promising the kids.

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Fall Break 2026: School Dates and Travel Ideas for Madison-Area Families

The Madison Memo
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Madison City, Madison County and Limestone County families share the same fall break week in 2026, which makes early October a good window for a road trip, a quick getaway or a bigger family vacation.

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How To Donate Money After a Disaster Without Getting Scammed

The Madison Memo
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Want to help after a local or overseas disaster? Learn how to check charities, avoid scams, understand fees and give money where it can help.

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Where The Madison Memo Fits Into A Local Advertising Strategy

The Madison Memo

Learn how The Madison Memo can help local businesses stay top of mind with Madison-area readers alongside Facebook, Google, direct mail and TV advertising.

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5 Ways to Experience Dolly Parton's Legacy

The Madison Memo
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Remember Dolly Parton's life through her songs, movies, Imagination Library, Dollywood and books that families can experience together.

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Are Home Warranties Worth It for Homeowners?

The Madison Memo
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Home warranties can help with covered repairs, but they also come with limits, service fees and exclusions. Learn what to check before buying or renewing one.

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Did You Know Your Phone Could Be Messing With Your Pinky?

The Madison Memo
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A small hand habit can start to feel strange when your phone turns your pinky into a shelf.

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Pre-K Options Around Madison AL That Can Help Reduce Parent Stress

The Madison Memo
12 Comments

Looking for pre-K around Madison, Alabama? Here are five Madison-area programs to check, plus Huntsville and private child care options parents may want to know.

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Did You Know You Could Create a Home Gym in Your Garage or Spare Bedroom?

The Madison Memo
6 Comments

A few smart pieces can turn unused space into a workout spot you will use more than you think.

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Airport Options for Madison and Huntsville Travelers

The Madison Memo
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Huntsville International Airport is the easiest choice for many trips, but Nashville, Birmingham and Atlanta can open up more routes when price, schedule or nonstop flights matter.

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Did You Know There Is a Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher?

The Madison Memo
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There is a right way to load your dishwasher. Learn simple tips for cleaner plates, better-draining cups, less stuck-on food and fewer re-washes.

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Family-Friendly Places To Bring Visitors Around Huntsville

The Madison Memo
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Hosting family with kids in Huntsville or Madison? Here are five easy places to bring visitors, including the Space & Rocket Center, EarlyWorks, Big Spring Park, Huntsville Botanical Garden and Toyota Field.

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Tennessee Valley Festival Guide: Monthly Festivals Near Madison and Huntsville

The Madison Memo
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Plan ahead with this month-by-month guide to North Alabama festivals near Madison and Huntsville, including art shows, food festivals, hot-air balloons and holiday events.

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Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Garage Cool in Alabama Summer Heat

The Madison Memo
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Alabama garages can get brutally hot in summer. Here are five practical ways to cool your garage, protect storage and make the space easier to use.

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What To Do When You Get Mail for a Previous Homeowner

The Madison Memo

Getting mail for the previous homeowner? Here is how to handle it, what to write on the envelope, when to talk to your mail carrier and what not to throw away.

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Did You Know: Beating the Summer Heat Starts Before You Walk Outside

The Madison Memo

A little planning can save your afternoon, your power bill and maybe a trip to urgent care.

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How to Find the Right Person for a Home Service Job

The Madison Memo

Hiring for HVAC, roofing, plumbing, electrical, concrete or lawn care? Use this neighbor-tested guide to pick the right person using proof, communication and clean expectations.

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Termite Bonds in Alabama: What They Cover, What They Do Not and What to Ask Before Renewing

The Madison Memo

A termite bond is a service agreement with inspections and coverage that varies by contract.

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