The Magic City Art Connection (MCAC), Birmingham’s long-running spring arts festival, returns for its 42nd year from April 25 to 27, 2024. Set against the striking backdrop of Sloss Furnaces, this three-day event brings together more than 150 juried fine artists from across the region and country. Visitors can expect a weekend filled with art, […]

Do you know a retailer in the Yellowhammer State who has demonstrated commitment to their communities, customers, and employees? If so, the Alabama Retail Association wants you to consider nominating the business for the organization’s 2025 Alabama Retailer of the Year award. Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association, explained that nominees should have […]

Whether you enjoy it as a crunchy topping for yogurt, paired with milk for breakfast or as a grab-and-go snack, this granola is the perfect way to fuel your body and keep you satisfied throughout the day. Why protein is essential in your diet Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in […]

In the digital age, information spreads quickly, and as more studies and information gain attention online, the cultural shift toward clean eating continues. Clean eating has many definitions, but the intention is to maintain health and promote longevity by eating whole foods and prioritizing key nutrients. While clean eating may be a worthy effort, it […]

There is nothing better than a beautiful spring weekend spent along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is the perfect excuse to book a trip. From May 1st to 3rd, attendees can enjoy a range of activities and see more than 50 hot air balloons from across the […]

As we move into 2025 and with the landscape of Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery rapidly evolving, we sat down with Birmingham’s premier Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Blake Raggio, to gain his perspective on aesthetic trends shaping the future of facial aesthetics. Let’s dive in.   The Modern-day Aesthetic Consumer: Smart and Savvy One of the […]

On Wednesday nights for the past 20 years, musicians have gathered in local pubs in and around Opelika, Alabama to play traditional Irish music. Surely some barroom philosophy, late-night romance, and beer-fueled legends have been born of these sessions, but the most exciting thing to emerge from this scene is the Southeast’s most eclectic new […]

With awareness of the link between alcohol and adverse health effects becoming more widespread, the world of mocktails is expanding rapidly. What began as a way to make a simple swap for those uninterested in drinking has become a movement all its own. Non-alcoholic drinks can now be found on menus across the state, and […]

The Jefferson County Commission last week approved the $13.5 million sale of Hallmark Farm, the iconic estate in Warrior visible from I-65. The deal closed on Friday. The 567-acre site will be the future home of the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm and run by the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corp., a group with a number of […]

The hectic work day is winding down and the last task on your list has been checked off. There’s a beautiful sunset out of your window, and you’ve just sat down in your favorite chair with a beverage and a brand-new book and the one you’ve been dying to read. It’s a familiar feeling—a hard-earned […]

Music lovers in Birmingham are in for a treat this year as the city’s entertainment venues prepare to host an impressive lineup of concerts. With the grand opening of the Coca-Cola Amphitheater, a host of major acts hitting the stage at historic theaters, and intimate indie performances at Saturn, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re […]

Birmingham-based vocalist Kathleen Farrar Buccleugh has performed classical music on stages across the country and around the world. The soprano has wowed audiences across Alabama, New York, and Vermont. She’s performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/Alliance Theatre and with the Bassi Brugnatelli Chamber Orchestra in Italy, and in summer 2017, she was in residence with […]

As spring arrives in Alabama, so does an exciting lineup of music festivals that celebrate the state’s diverse music scene. Whether you enjoy blues, country, bluegrass, or rock, these festivals draw in music enthusiasts far and wide with unforgettable experiences featuring prominent musical talents and a shared love of music, food, and the arts. Take […]

TechBirmingham just announced the launch of its first-ever Southeast regional pitch competition. The new competition, set to take place in downtown Birmingham, is designed to spur regional business growth and job creation. The competition will kick off the expanded three-day Sloss Tech conference beginning Wednesday, June 25. As part of the competition, innovative startups from […]

In exciting news, the city of Birmingham is set to welcome its first-ever country music festival this fall. The 1st annual Iron Hills Country Music Festival will be held at the historic Sloss Furnaces. Major names in country music will take the stage alongside promising new talent the weekend of October 11th and 12th. See […]

The city of Dothan witnessed a vibrant celebration on Saturday, March 1, as the Krewe of Kolosse (KOK) hosted its landmark 10th annual Mardi Gras Parade. This highly anticipated event, which has grown exponentially over the past decade, brought together thousands of spectators eager to participate in the bead-catching and MoonPie tossing. Featuring an impressive […]

At SoulGrown, we hold a deep passion for showcasing the beauty of Alabama. From bustling city centers to peaceful natural landscapes, there is a story to be told from every corner of our state. We seek to highlight all our state has to offer through series like our State Parks Passport, which explores the diverse […]

The Wilcox Historical Society’s annual Tour of Homes will feature appearances by Luke and Julie Montagu, the 12th Earl and Countess of Sandwich. This 2025 Tour of Homes, set for March 21-22 in Camden, includes visits to seven beautiful, historic homes, a church and the law office of Benjamin Meek Miller, who served as an Alabama Supreme […]

Overlooking the Alabama River in Montgomery, the Equal Justice Initiative’s Freedom Monument Sculpture Park stands as a powerful tribute to the millions of Black people who endured slavery in America.  The 17-acre site, the newest addition to Montgomery’s Legacy Sites, is situated along the very river where tens of thousands of enslaved people were trafficked. […]

When picturing The Alamite Hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa, one of the first things that comes to mind is the eye-catching artwork found throughout the space, from the lobby to the rooftop bar. Curated largely by Blair Plott, a member of The Alamite’s ownership group, the collection features works by many talented local artists and each […]

What may come as a shock to those outside of the distinct world of Alabama restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, has come as welcome news to locals. Four Alabama coffee shops were just named among The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops. Our state is home to an impressive assortment of stunning spaces serving up incredible […]