Culture

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

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“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

It’s here! The entire Alabama family has the opportunity to come together and lift up the next generation of legends. The University of Alabama explains Bama Blitz as “an inspiring […]

Bama Blitz offered opportunities to support The University of Alabama’s passion projects

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April 18, 2023

  For years, a giant sign reading “It’s nice to have you in Birmingham” greets people crossing the Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard bridge toward downtown. A distinctive landmark, the mural […]

John's City Diner exterior

John’s City Diner: Leaving a lasting legacy

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April 15, 2023

Every culture has its own special crowd-pleasing baked sweets such as cookies, cakes, pastries, and breads. In Mexico, and to people worldwide with Mexican roots, these treats are collectively known […]

Mexican breads in glass display case

These 6 bakeries are bringing Mexico’s favorite sweets to the South

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April 14, 2023

  The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, most often referred to as The Kelly, is a cultural gem in the heart of Wetumpka. With a vision to “engage, inspire, […]

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts gallery wall

The Kelly breathes new life into Wetumpka’s historically artistic community

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April 12, 2023

  As Alabamians and as Southerners, tradition is a huge part of our culture. And no one knows that better than Temple Bowling, part-owner of one of the state’s oldest […]

Alabama-made Golden Eagle Syrup nears 100 years in business

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April 10, 2023

Spring is in full swing and for those making their way to The Plains to catch some spring football action, there will be plenty of things to do surrounding Auburn […]

Auburn football player during game

The best way to spend a weekend in Auburn for A-Day

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April 6, 2023

If you want the freshest locally grown vegetables for your family, there’s no easier solution than joining a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture programs give small family farms a crucial economic boost […]

Produce on white table

Farm to Table: The CSA programs bringing farm fresh produce to Alabama

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April 6, 2023

Sustained warmth, blooming flowers, and singing birds all are welcome indicators that winter is ending in Alabama. But for me, the appearance of locally-grown strawberries – all juicy, sweet, and […]

Chocolate dessert with strawberries and silver fork

8 Alabama strawberry festivals to enjoy this spring

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April 4, 2023

  Well-known throughout the country for its fan-favorite football program, The University of Alabama is an increasingly well-loved university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama steeped with history. The campus takes on a […]

The University of Alabama's Presidents Mansion

Springtime Beauty: Exploring the picturesque campus of The University of Alabama

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March 31, 2023

In early spring, when the weather grows warmer and the rain picks up across southern Louisiana, the farmed and wild crawfish that grow there reach a perfect balance of size and flavor. Whether you call them crayfish, crawdads, crawdaddies, ecrevisse, mudbugs, or crawfish, these small lobster-looking freshwater crustaceans reach their peak around then in Louisiana, which produces up to 95 percent of the nation’s harvest. Crawfish season in bayou country generally runs from November into early summer, but spring time is prime time. By Easter, farmed and wild crawfish are abundant through the Southeast region, including restaurants and markets across Alabama. But while crawfish is a popular protein for those observing Lent, most Alabamians really don’t need much of an excuse to fill a plate, pop out some tail meat to eat, and then repeat. No surprise, then, that April is the month for crawfish-themed festivals across Alabama. Whether or not you opt to suck the crawfish heads is your choice.

Eat all the crawfish you want at these Alabama festivals

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March 30, 2023

Peggy Allen Towns has always had a natural inclination toward history and uncovering stories that need to be told. She recalls walking from her home on Church Street with her […]

Peggy Allen Towns: An interview with an Alabama Historian to celebrate Women’s History Month 

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March 27, 2023

Barbecue is so integral to the diet of average Alabamians it might as well be considered its own food group. Several festivals scheduled through May pay tribute to our favorite smoked meats, cooked low and slow. Some of the events double as competitions—for bragging rights as well as cash. Others serve their ’cue with a side of tunes (blues music seems to pair particularly well). All support worthy causes. Here are 6 barbecue festivals that will get you fired up for spring.

6 barbecue festivals to attend this spring in Alabama

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March 17, 2023

Craig Underwood, better known as Craig Legg, grew up listening to rock ‘n’ roll in Homewood in the 1960s. More than five decades later, he’s paying tribute to his favorite bands and artists with an art show all about Birmingham’s rock ‘n’ roll history. The multidisciplinary artist is well-known as a spoken word artist in Birmingham, but about 10 years ago, Legg says he got bored of writing and decided to take on a new pursuit—painting. Since then, Legg has been creating and showing his unique style of neo-realistic paintings across the Magic City. 

Local artist showcases collection on the history of Birmingham rock ‘n’ roll

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March 4, 2023

Our team recently had the opportunity to sit down with “home-grown” students from The University of Alabama to learn more about their thoughts on staying in-state for college. These aspiring […]

A student’s perspective on The University of Alabama’s global experience opportunities in their own backyard

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March 4, 2023

“Showcase the good.” Three simple words with profound meaning were spoken by Olympic Gold medal winner and track and field superstar Jesse Owens. These words, however, encapsulate that reality that […]

Visit the Jesse Owens Museum & Park in Oakville, Alabama for Black History Month

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February 21, 2023

New Orleans may be considered the Mardi Gras capital of the world, but did you know that the first Mardi Gras celebration actually happened right here in Alabama? In 1703, French pioneers at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, the first settlement of Mobile, threw the first official Carnival celebration. The Azalea City has been rocking and rolling with weeklong Mardi Gras celebrations ever since. If you can’t make it down for the parades and parties this year, don’t fret. Local businesses and restaurants all over the state let the good times roll all month long. Here are seven places in Alabama to visit when you’re ready for a little Cajun revelry. 

7 places in Alabama to put you in the Mardi Gras spirit

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February 21, 2023

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning something special for the lucky guy or gal in your life. This year, skip the tired old dinner reservation and surprise your sweetie with a completely unique date idea. Here are 10 great Alabama date ideas guaranteed to sweep your partner off their feet. 

10 fun and unique Alabama Valentine’s Day date ideas

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February 11, 2023