Tara Massouleh McCay, Author at Soul Grown

SoulGrown’s Alabama-made gift guide has something for everyone on your list

2022-11-22T14:13:25-06:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Living|

With the holidays heading toward us faster than you can say “season’s greetings,” there are sure to be more than a couple shopping trips in your future. And while it can be difficult to find the perfect gift for everyone on your nice list, you can narrow down the options by choosing to buy local. Alabama has a host of talented makers, artists, and artisans who create everything from handmade earrings to gourmet food products. Here’s our 2022 Alabama-made gift guide.

Learn about German holiday traditions in Cullman, Alabama

2022-11-19T12:36:08-06:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Travel|

They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but few places in the world know how to celebrate the season quite like Germany. Alabamians can get the best of both worlds—with traditions near and far—during Christmas in Cullman. The monthlong celebration pays homage to the Southern town’s German heritage with a series of events designed to help locals and visitors alike get in the Christmas spirit.

7 questions with David Fleming, CEO of REV Birmingham

2022-11-07T09:48:42-06:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Culture|

Downtown Birmingham has changed a lot just over the last year. In the past five years, new restaurants, attractions, hotels, and apartments have popped up all over town. And 10 years ago, it was an entirely different place altogether. A major catalyst for the Magic City’s incredible transformation is REV Birmingham, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing the city by creating vibrant commercial districts and supporting local business owners. At the helm of REV is David Fleming, a native of Bessemer, Alabama, who has spent the last decade leading the organization. We sat down with Fleming to learn more about REV’s mission and how he’s seen Birmingham change over the years.

How to spend a weekend in Scottsboro, Alabama

2022-11-06T15:10:22-06:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Travel|

It’s an unfortunate consequence of air travel. Somewhere along their journeys, suitcases get lost in transit and sometimes they’re never reunited with their owners. If you’ve ever wondered what becomes of all those long-lost bags, you need only to look to Scottsboro, Alabama. This tiny town in northeast Alabama is home to Unclaimed Baggage, the country’s only retailer of lost luggage, where you can buy everything from designer clothing and jewelry to brand-new electronics, beauty products, and even art.

New dog park and bar concept brings pup-friendly entertainment to Alabama

2022-11-05T13:03:25-05:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Living|

We’ve all been there—your pup has the zoomies, you’re looking forward to a night or afternoon out, and you have nowhere to take them. Good Dog, a new dog park and bar with locations in Auburn and Birmingham, has the answer to all three problems. The new concept combines everything dog owners love about bringing their pups to a brewery—the cold brews, ample outdoor seating, and open space—and makes it even better by gearing the space specifically toward dogs. This way, instead of being tied up to a picnic table, your dog can frolic off leash and play with other pooches in an environment that’s safe, welcoming, and fun for everyone.

The 5 best scenic fall drives to take in Alabama

2022-10-19T16:37:59-05:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Outdoors, Travel|

There’s something about cruising down a backroad with the windows rolled down and your favorite song turned up. As the world blurs by you in a rush of color, you can exhale and let go of the week’s worries. When the weather begins to cool and the leaves begin to turn, it’s the beginning of fall drive season. Alabama is blessed with dozens of gorgeous backroads and stunning scenic byways that show off the state’s beauty. And they’re best visited in that sweet spot when the leaves have begun lighting up in brilliant crimson, gold, and orange and have only just begun dusting the ground. Ready for a weekend adventure? Here are some great places to start.

The 8 yummiest fall sweet treats in Alabama

2022-10-20T10:13:18-05:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Food & Drink|

Baked goods taste better when there’s a slight chill in the air; it’s practically a scientific fact. When the leaves begin to turn, and the days get shorter, spooky season descends. And with it, pumpkin spice season begins. While there’s no denying the absolute magic of a warm pumpkin spice latte or fresh-baked piece of pumpkin bread, pumpkin treats are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our favorite fall-flavored fancies. From decadent apple donuts to ooey gooey pecan rolls, these are our favorite treats to indulge in throughout October and November.

10 Ways to Celebrate Halloween in South Alabama

2022-10-14T16:25:34-05:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Culture, Festivals|

Get in the spooky spirit in South Alabama with [...]

How to Spend a Music-Filled Weekend in Florence, Alabama

2022-10-05T16:14:03-05:00By Tara Massouleh McCay|Lifestyle, Travel|

With a population of 40,000, Florence is the largest of the four cities. It’s small enough to maintain a quaint community feel, but large enough to offer plenty to do, from hip restaurants and unique boutiques to hiking trails and wine bars. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Florence.