The city of Helena was awarded the first Healthy Alabama Community designation in the state of Alabama at the Alabama League of Municipalities’ 2024 Graduation and Awards Ceremonies at Perdido Beach Resort on October 30. The Healthy Alabama Communities program was developed in 2022 in partnership with Alabama Communities of Excellence, the Alabama Department of […]

A new clinic in Alabama is offering hope and healing to those who suffer from debilitating mental and physical pain.  Southern Ketamine and Wellness is a specialized clinic offering ketamine therapy to address conditions that are often resistant to traditional treatments. With locations in Birmingham and Auburn, the clinic provides ketamine infusion treatments for various […]

Standing in front of one of the most famous churches in America, Robert Birmingham gazes up the street to where the Alabama state capitol sits atop Goat Hill. Birmingham is the market executive for Regions Bank and a native of Montgomery, Alabama. In front of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where a young, firebrand […]

Nominated by Heidi Elnora of Heidi Elnora Atelier, Allie Gipson was honored at our 2024 Soul of the South Awards as our Fashion & Textile Design category winner. Biography Born in Huntsville, AL and raised in Cullman, AL Allie Gipson always knew that she wanted to do something transformative and different. She first stepped out […]

On October 19 and 20, the 53rd Kentuck Festival of the Arts, an event that artists near and far look forward to annually, will be held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the first time. Previously taking place in Northport, the festival will be held in the newly remodeled Snow Hinton Park. “The 52nd Kentuck Festival was […]

Something new and exciting has just arrived in Birmingham. With interest in facial cosmetic surgery and aesthetic enhancements at an all-time high, Dr. Blake Raggio hopes to introduce Alabama to top-notch innovation in the facial aesthetic space. A double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Raggio is uniquely equipped to move Alabama’s cosmetic industry into the […]

Feast on shellfish, mushrooms, smoked sausages, and macaroni and cheese at food-related festivals set for October and the beginning of November. A busy fall season comes to a close in early November at the National Peanut Festival in Dothan and the Experience the Oyster festival at The Hangout in Gulf Shores. Here is what’s on […]

Our 2024 Soul of the South Awards was held last week at the stunning Barber Motorsports in Birmingham. The event recognized some of Alabama’s most talented creators, innovators, and leaders. It also gathered an inspiring crowd of notable guests to honor the contributions of those shaping the state’s cultural and creative landscape. Our CEO, Courtney […]

When the rankings came out, it was further validation of the work Regions Bank has done. Trade publication American Banker recently reported Regions Bank has the second-highest reputation among banks – in the entire nation. No other bank with a branch network serving Alabama ranked higher. And the only higher-ranking bank doesn’t have the same […]

Envolve has emerged as a beacon of hope and support for communities across Alabama (and throughout the country). This vertically integrated multifamily real estate company is engaged in management, ownership, and investment—taking this responsibility a step further through beneficial programs.  Launched during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Envolve Wellness was designed to foster […]

The third annual Airing of the Quilts celebrates the tradition of outdoor quilt displays in the historic community of Gee’s Bend and gives visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique artistic community that produced internationally acclaimed African American quiltmakers. “This is an artistically advanced community,” said Kim V. Kelly, executive director for Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy, […]

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is dedicated to giving back to the community with the goal of making Alabama a healthier state – both now and in the future. One of the many ways they support organizations and nonprofits throughout the state is through The Caring Foundation. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama’s […]

We are only weeks away from this year’s Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival, and as the excitement continues to build, it is time to take a look at one of the most highly anticipated events at this year’s festival. The Floral Design Workshop with Sybil Sylvester, Founder of Wildflower Designs, and Margot Shaw, Founder of Flower […]

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said,  ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”  Genesis 1:1-3 The earth was […]

  Sweet Trails Alabama, a unique collaborative initiative to create a master trail plan for the state, offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience Alabama’s natural beauty. The project represents just over 7,800 miles of trails across our great state, and a Public Draft of the Sweet Trails Alabama (Statewide Trails) Plan was […]

Food lovers across the state can taste the transition to fall at festivals celebrating a late-season legume, barbecue, and other delectable delights. Wine and cheese lovers can explore downtown Opelika, Hoover restaurants will strut their stuff, and shrimp will show off their appeal. Even local honey—the sweet byproduct of the insects who pollinate our edible […]

Considering it’s the Year of Alabama Food, the third annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) is amping up its flavor game as it again celebrates the beauty of wildlife and one of the South’s most historic pastimes—field sports—through the arts. What began as an idea between the Smoot Harris family, which has deep roots in […]

Sharon Valverde has researched moose in Alaska, elk in New Mexico, and mule deer in Texas. However, nothing in her extensive experience in deer ecology and management prepared the University of West Alabama assistant professor and researcher to dip her toes into the study of bats. Before focusing on bats, Valverde set up 26 game […]

Small Magic, a leading nonprofit dedicated to maximizing early literacy and school readiness for Birmingham’s youngest children, is excited to announce its annual Storytime fundraising event. Following the incredible success of last year’s gathering, this year’s event, themed “Chapter 2: Surprises,” promises an evening filled with captivating performances, heartwarming stories, and delightful surprises.   Event […]

Designer, humanitarian, entrepreneur, author, and mother of five, India Hicks is traveling the world, from London and Milan to New York City, Texas, DC, and soon, Mentone, Alabama, for a weekend of stories, style, and one truly spectacular supper—all at Andiamo Lodge, a creative retreat specializing in curated experiences. The daughter of renowned decorator David […]

Few people in the South would offer a questioning look when asked if they knew of local music legend Hank Williams. Impressively, his music and legacy have lasted throughout the ages and are still known to younger generations of Southerners today. But, where did it all begin and how is he connected to Lake Martin? […]