When looking for the first signs of spring, some folks point to early flowers—blooming peach and cherry trees, daffodils, hyacinths, and the lot. For me? The first fresh-picked, perfectly ripe Alabama strawberries mark the transition from dreary winter to the bounty of spring and summer. From south to north, strawberry plants are now in full […]

Once upon a time, people routinely raised all or part of their family’s food at home. Today, supersized groceries supply 65 percent of the calories we consume. The problem is those supermarkets, as well as specialty and international food stocking fresh vegetables and meat, concentrate in upper-income areas, making it harder and harder for people […]

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, A Man About Town joyfully shifts its focus to spotlight remarkable women who have defied stereotypes and excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through a series of enlightening interviews, we delve into the inspiring narratives, profound insights, and delightful anecdotes shared by nine trailblazing women at […]

Driving along Highway 98 on an early spring afternoon, a conversation breaks out. “I think there’s an amazing restaurant right over here,” offers the self-professed tour guide. The driver looks around and finds himself surrounded by the trees, shrubs, and pavement of a small town. “Here?” he questions. Reluctant but curious, the driver makes a […]

Teacher appreciation, like the different love languages, has unique ways of being expressed. A shelf of gifted coffee mugs in excess. A purple crayon because a student discovered it’s their favorite color. A succulent gifted 10 years ago that endures. Signatures, notes, and HAGS inscribed in a yearbook. Handwritten notes overflowing from an old shoebox. […]

Spring festivals celebrating Alabama food and brews start up at the beginning of March, with events in Theodore, Evergreen, and Birmingham. March food festivals will celebrate collard greens, German sausages, barbecue, and Cajun food. Folks are cooking chili for a cause at another fest. A couple provide the chance to decide what goes better with […]

Through thick pine forests dotted with early spring daffodils, I made my way up Highway 195 this weekend to the Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell. The school had its start in 2007, but the current director, Caitlin Lollar, took over in early 2020. It’s clear from the enthusiasm in her voice that she cares […]

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) is excited to announce its 16th annual Pink Palace Casino Night, a night of fun and fundraising in support of local breast cancer research. The event will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Soiree Event Gallery in Hoover. The fun begins at 7:00 PM. Guests […]

If you pick up any book by USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren K. Denton and read a chapter, you’ll quickly see her love and appreciation for the beauty of Alabama. All of her novels are set in Alabama, with many featuring her hometown of Mobile. Growing up, Denton often found herself at Page & Palette, […]

Tucked away on the second floor of a historic Forest Park home is a bright and welcoming yoga studio that seeks to provide students with mindful instruction and inner awareness. Kind Roots Yoga is a space “created for magical humans,” and the goal was, and is, to create an environment where both new and skilled […]

A profound deficit requires an extraordinary solution. The deficit: according to Mental Health America’s “2022 State of Mental Health In America,” Alabama ranked 50th out of 51 states and US territories in access to mental healthcare. So, what’s the solution? Longleaf Recovery and Wellness, parent company of the renown Birmingham Recovery Center, is expanding its […]

In March of 1931, nine Black youth traveled on a Southern Railway train headed for Memphis, Tennessee. Crossing into Alabama, a vicious fight broke out between Blacks and whites who had hopped the train. After decidedly on the less fortunate side of the excursion, the whites got off of the train and shortly after filed […]

Rock The South has become one of the nation’s most anticipated annual festivals. Affectionately known as the “Biggest Party in the South,” thousands will flock to Cullman, Alabama to experience Pepsi® ‘s Rock The South 2024 festival. The three-day festival will take place from Thursday, July 18th through Saturday, July 20th. “Crafting the lineup for […]

Thousands of Alabamians gathered in the fall of 2021 for the wildly successful Rock The South festival, and it has been a highly anticipated event ever since. In an exciting development, the producers of the Rock The South festival have just announced their most recent venture, Rock The Country – a festival for the people. […]

A launch is scheduled for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, but it won’t include a countdown or engine thrust or separations. Launch, a decades-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to strengthen the North Alabama region through entrepreneurship, land use, and workforce initiatives, is offering entrepreneurs in North Alabama a chance to turn their business dreams into […]

They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But I’ve found that works both ways. For your love this Valentine’s Day put together food gifts of Alabama-made products, such as the award-winning soft goat cheese that Belle Chevre has made in Elkmont since 1986. Or take a couples’ cooking class […]

This Valentine’s, it’s all about you! Prepare to be swept away in a love fest unlike any other as we journey into the enchanting realm of self-love with a twist that sparkles like never before – jewelry that truly celebrates your essence. Discover the art of self-cherishment with a special Valentine’s gift to yourself. From […]

The University of Alabama’s new Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center was unveiled earlier this month featuring a state-of-the-art attraction that visitors can’t stop talking about: the Roll Tide Room. UA President Stuart R. Bell said, “The Randall Welcome Center illustrates the rich history of The University of Alabama, our unwavering commitment to student success […]

When someone’s passion turns into a business, that passion acts as an intrinsic motivator to grow, endure, and produce only the best, high-quality products. That’s what happened when Marina Caycedo decided to transform her passion for beauty and skincare into a business that aims to help women look and feel their best. Caycedo founded MyRainBerry […]

At the start of class, a group of adults pick up ballet barres and move them to the center of the dance studio. They begin stretching on the floor, some with their hair in neat ballet buns and leotards, others in workout leggings and t-shirts. The class represents a group of people from all walks […]

When given the keys to someone’s vision, few are able to execute flawlessly. For interior designer Whitney Brown, this skill comes naturally. In 2017, Brown worked on a residential remodel in Homewood with the talented Tyler Franklin of Franklin Homebuilding. The pair found a synergy on the project and the result was incredible. After a […]