When you hear the words Alabama and reggae music, you might not think the pair has much to do with one another. But, believe it or not, the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was instrumental in reggae music’s popularity in the United States. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is home to some of the most iconic […]

There is an expression in French—chair à vif—which loosely translates to “flesh exposed.” It is the notion of being laid bare to life and light, to uncover a wound to the sun in order to be healed. It is raw, with oxygenated blood still running through—it is alive in the deepest sense. Tender and sensitive, […]

In a South Alabama town of roughly 5,000 lies a stunning, secluded escape. Originally opened in 1932, Bellingrath Gardens and Home was the loving offering of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath. While many have enjoyed moments amongst the architecture and seasonal blooms, few may know the love story that laid the foundation for the Gulf […]

If you’ve been to Lake Martin, Alabama, you have probably visited the beautiful Kowaliga area. Whether to eat, boat around, or visit the marina, the area is a mainstay of Lake Martin and is held dear in the hearts of many. But beneath the favorite vacation spot of many Alabamians lie the ruins of a […]

Regarded as one of Alabama’s most charming towns, Fairhope, Alabama sees thousands of visitors each year. While many Alabamians enjoy the small town for its undeniable charm, its origin story remains unknown to many. Quaint and unassuming, few would venture to guess how the lovely city by the bay got its name.   Origin Story […]

June marks the celebration of both Black Music Month and Pride Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of Black musicians and honor the LGBTQ+ community. This piece shines a spotlight on the remarkable journey of Stevo Blaque, a talented painter and DJ from Birmingham, Alabama, and the vital work of the Magic City […]

Where fire alarms once rang loud and clear over the streets of the Magic City now stands a place full of fresh air—perfect conditions for the embers of creativity to be set alight. Nestled inside of the historic fire station in South Avondale is the Firehouse Community Arts Center. Founded by creative visionary Eric Wallace […]

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to take time to show appreciation for the father figures in our lives. While there are a number of ways to treat your loved ones this holiday, creating a local experience to remember will leave a lasting impression. We have created a guide to seven unique ways to celebrate […]

Mentone is one of Alabama’s most charming mountain towns. While much of the city’s history is recorded, there is a local legend that lives on. Despite the implausibility posed by many historians, the legend of a visit by Welsh prince Madoc still intrigues locals. A Mentone Myth The Encyclopedia of Alabama‘s reference assembles much of […]

North Alabama’s Singing River Trail is much more than a greenway—it is a community builder that strengthens regional bonds while offering educational, economic, tourism, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The 200+ mile trail system will offer a myriad of benefits and opportunities to North Alabamians.  One such opportunity is Singing River Trail’s Launch Tank, a Shark Tank-style […]

Last month, a new experience opened on Lake Tuscaloosa. The vision of renowned photographer and entrepreneur Miller Mobley and his development partners Andy Turner and Kenny Short, and the dedicated teams of Mobley & Partners, Pfeffer Torode, Elite Building, and Poole and Company, Captain’s Club is bringing a new, exclusive lake experience to the Tuscaloosa […]

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s The Caring Foundation seeks to give back to communities by supporting initiatives to improve the health and wellness of Alabamians. One such organization that works to build happier and healthier communities in our state is Freshwater Land Trust.  “Freshwater Land Trust works toward two main objectives: the conservation […]

When I was a kid, my grandfather would drink glass after glass of water he’d collect from an artesian mineral spring at his family’s old homeplace in rural Mississippi. He consistently touted its distinct, slightly salty taste and its ability to boost wellness. I wasn’t impressed. Stained a rusty brown by its mineral content, it […]

Across Alabama, temperatures are rising and thousands are feeling the pull of late spring into early summer. This transition provides the perfect time to visit Alabama’s botanical gardens. While there are gardens and arboretums across Alabama, we have selected one for each region that is sure to impress.   North Alabama Huntsville Botanical Garden Huntsville […]

Lewis Smith Lake, commonly known as Smith Lake, is a favorite local getaway for thousands of Alabamians. With a convenient location and over 500 miles of shoreline, it is considered by many as a prime destination. Known primarily for its deep waters, reaching a startling depth of 264 feet, the lake is also a hotspot […]

Known for literary giants, this South Alabama town is bustling thanks to community support and a wave of youthful entrepreneurs. The Main Street Now Conference’s annual gathering was held in Birmingham, Alabama, May 6-8, bringing in leaders from across the country.  Monroeville Main Street was just named one of the three national winners of the […]

When driving through Birmingham, there is one ever-present landmark that creates a stark silhouette against the city’s skyline. The subject of speculation, rumors, and numerous ghost stories, Sloss Furnaces is one of Birmingham’s most seemingly sinister features. While locals differ in their degrees of knowledge around the local landmark, Sloss Furnaces has a deeply interesting […]

“I won’t be able to be there. My family and I are going to the festival back home,” he said plainly. She paused then began, “I thought you said that you grew up in a town with one red light and less than 1,000 people.” “I did. But this festival is a tradition for us. […]

The Gulf Coast is a place of magic for many, but few places hold quite as many memories as the well-known Flora-Bama. While thousands of beachgoers stop by the iconic beachside location each year, few may know the history of how Flora-Bama came to be. According to Flora-Bama, a number of origin stories have been […]

The 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival (Sidewalk) presented by Regions Bank proudly announces its initial lineup, spotlighting the power and creativity of women in film. For the first time in the festival’s history, Sidewalk is leading with six captivating titles, all directed by, led by and focused on women. For more than two decades, Sidewalk […]

In a world where TikTok trends go viral overnight and Gen Z sets the tone for what’s hot and what’s not, our fashion choices have never been more intertwined with our sense of self. Last year, I took a deep dive into the world of fashion and style, exploring how what we wear impacts how […]