Culture

Discover the soul of Alabama through exclusive SoulGrown stories about its rich culture

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The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama is well-known throughout the state, but few know the story behind the foundation’s co-founder Dolly O’Neal. We had the incredible opportunity to sit down […]

Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama: Dolly O’Neal’s Lasting Legacy of Love

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July 10, 2023

Alabama is home to many acclaimed artists and makers that have impacted culture with their craft. From musicians like Lionel Richie, to Gee’s Bend Quilters and renown historical figures such […]

The University of Alabama, Where Legends Are Made, in the studio

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July 8, 2023

Alabama is well known for a number of geographic traits, from the rolling foothills of Appalachia to the lakes winding throughout the state, and, of course, its famous white sand […]

The story behind one of Alabama’s most significant historical landmarks

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July 5, 2023

  Alabama is home to cities and counties that utilize their resources to support and uplift their communities, and Decatur Morgan County is no different. They are known for their […]

Decatur Morgan County: 7 upcoming summer sporting events

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June 27, 2023

Alabama is home to incredible architectural talent. With amazing residential architects throughout the state, many of Alabama’s neighborhoods are full of marvels of taste and style. While it is difficult to […]

5 architects bringing aesthetic excellence to Alabama

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June 21, 2023

Juneteenth has a rich historical significance. The Smithsonian Institute give insight into the historical legacy of the national holiday. “On ‘Freedom’s Eve,’ or the eve of January 1, 1863, the […]

The historical significance of Juneteenth

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June 19, 2023

Alabama’s state parks, greenways, historical trails, riverwalks, and hundreds of thousands of other acres ready to enjoy will soon be connected by a common thread: Sweet Trails Alabama. These spots […]

Sweet Trails Alabama: Connecting the gulf, mountains and everywhere in between

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June 15, 2023

Mid-June normally is high time for blueberries in the Yellowhammer State, peaking with the annual Alabama Blueberry Festival in Brewton, set this year for Saturday, June 17. The rabbiteye variety—native […]

5 U-pick blueberry farms across Alabama

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June 14, 2023

The roots of Appalachia run deep in the life of Nick Saban. He praises the region’s service-oriented spirit as one that uplifts the richness of its culture. Saban said there […]

Nick Saban’s Appalachian roots span from Alabama to West Virginia

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June 7, 2023

Mastering the ratio of excitement to exercise, a contender in the workout space has arisen in the South. Battle Republic is a Birmingham-based boxing-inspired gym that is shaking up the […]

Battle Republic: A strong contender in Alabama’s fitness scene

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June 2, 2023

The University of Alabama continues to invest in a legacy of home-grown talent, providing youth programs beginning at the age of four. Parents can find information about all summer programs […]

The University of Alabama is Cultivating the Next Generation of Legends through Youth Summer Programs

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May 30, 2023

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Alabama announced earlier last month that it was awarded more than $27 million of $265 million in transformational habitat restoration and coastal resilience funding from […]

$14.6M Coffee Island Restoration: Protecting coastal communities and keeping oysters on our plates

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May 22, 2023

Through an enormous greenway initiative, the Singing River Trail continues to blaze a path that will eventually connect the towns in North Alabama with over 200 miles of outdoor trail […]

Planting seeds in the “good soil” of the Singing River Trail

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May 21, 2023

One of the biggest hot air balloon events in the southeast, the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, is returning at the end of this month. On Memorial Day […]

Up, Up and Away: The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is back

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May 20, 2023

It’s a new day at Homewood Gourmet, which has moved to a new home in the heart of Homewood after 26 years wedged into a narrow storefront at a nearby […]

Homewood Gourmet’s new location sparks excitement among locals

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May 18, 2023

It’s been a great year so far for Nathan and Michael Pocus, the Birmingham brothers and founders of Domestique, a decade-old coffee-roasting company with a growing roster of cafes and […]

Domestique Coffee: Reinventing the coffee experience

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May 17, 2023

Beauty is a highly subjective concept that is constantly being reshaped and reworked over time. With certain beauty standards and ideals seeming to find themselves in nearly all aspects of modern society, many have tired and shifted their focus away from rigid concepts of what makes one beautiful, instead opting for a focus on inner beauty and how one feels versus how one is perceived.

Transforming Tastes: Verde Lusso owner is reshaping the way Alabamians view beauty

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May 8, 2023

“That can’t be true,” a young girl from Cullman insists. The year is 1957 and her mother has just told her of the latest band of optimists that have come […]

The story behind Alabama’s healing spring

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May 6, 2023

Festival season is in full swing, and Alabama has an exciting few months ahead. From electronic to country music, the Yellowhammer state has something to offer everyone. We have put […]

4 Alabama music festivals you won’t want to miss this spring and summer

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May 1, 2023

  Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama and offers over 11,000 acres. Oak Mountain is home to “more than 100 miles of trails, an 18-hole […]

Oak Mountain’s Lunker Lake Trail opens just in time for Alabama’s spring weather

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April 26, 2023

If you’ve ever asked yourself “How do they do that” after devouring a slice of Ashley Mac’s signature strawberry cake, Ashley McMakin’s new cookbook is for you. Ashley Mac’s Kitchen […]

From Cakes to Cookbooks: A conversation with Ashley McMakin

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April 24, 2023