From the glittering landscapes to the world-renowned cuisine, there’s something uniquely special about France that captivates even the novice traveler. The French are experts in living well—and celebrating well—so when it comes to the holidays, it’s only natural to look to their expertise for inspiration.  If you’re unable to catch a flight to belle France […]

Nominated by Tim Gothard, Freddy Padilla was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as our Sports & Outdoors category winner. Biography Freddy is the Federal Affairs Manager at Alabama Power Company. His primary responsibilities are the company’s federal governmental relations efforts in Washington., and throughout the state. Freddy has worked for Alabama […]

Editor’s Note Meet our newest column beginning this month on the SoulGrown site and socials, Alabama Things Worth Knowing with Jennifer Kornegay. Here are a few things worth knowing about Jennifer. Jennifer Stewart Kornegay is a freelance writer and editor living in Montgomery. Her articles have been published in and on Garden & Gun, Southern […]

Nominated by Anna Brakefield, Karah Skinner was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as our Farming & Agriculture category winner. Biography Karah Skinner and The Skinner Family are the owners of Rock House Farms, LLC. in Fruithurst, Alabama. They started their journey wanting to feed their growing family with the healthiest meat […]

Kristin Farmer has found a way to harness hardship to create a brand focused on careful curation and cultural expression. One of the most pivotal moments of her life, and a defining moment for her future brand, took place among the stark and sterile four walls of a doctor’s office. She left with two distinct […]

Maybe your holiday gift list includes an Alabama food lover or someone curious about state spirits. Here is your guide to giving a taste of Alabama this year, with goodies grown or made by farmers, fromagers, brewers, distillers, and specialty food producers across the Yellowhammer State. Gift baskets If you ever want to share a […]

Warm wishes and festive cheer to all our dear readers! As the holiday spirit wraps around us like a cozy blanket, we find ourselves immersed in the magic of the season. In the heart of this enchanting time, ‘A Man About Town’ becomes your personal haven for all things merry and bright. Are you curious […]

Nominated by Dr. Michele Kong, Uma Srivastava was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as our Humanitarianism & Philanthropy category winner. Biography Uma Srivastava was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and started volunteering for KultureCity in 2015 where she now operates as […]

From rubble will rise EARTH. The East Alabama Rural Innovation & Training Hub (EARTH), which will be constructed on the historic Avondale Mills site, will offer the same promises as its predecessor. “The site years ago is where people originally found opportunity, hope, work, and learning. Today’s world still begs for the same things. EARTH […]

As the 1940s gave way to the optimism of the 1950s, a family settled into their home in a small Tennessee town. The sign out front read CD Mobley’s, a mercantile selling the usual wares, “overalls and moon pies” in the words of CD. A quick walk through the home and one found themselves next […]

An area praised for its charming historical architecture, Decatur is a lovely Northern Alabama city with a bevy of traditions and celebrations during the holiday season. The homes found within Decatur’s historic districts are steeped in a rich history with some boasting broad historical significance, and the winter season brings with it the opportunity for […]

Nominated by Jim Cavale, Isaac Cooper was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as our Innovation & Entrepreneurship category winner. Biography Isaac M. Cooper’s trek to Birmingham began by being recruited by Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan at Samford University. Immediately, Isaac transitioned into financial services with the goal of helping clients […]

The Iron Bowl is one of the South’s most iconic sports events of the year bringing with it a deep history dating back decades. An annual college football game between the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers, the rivalry reaches its peak each year at this much-anticipated event. But, where did […]

Many Alabama residents are deeply involved in the culture of the state and its many traditions, including the ones enjoyed on Thanksgiving Day, but few know the origin of the state’s name and the associations with Thanksgiving’s beginnings. The name “Alabama” finds its roots in the indigenous Creek language as the name of the original […]

Nominated by Billy Reid, Savannah Yarborough was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as our Fashion & Textile Design category winner. Biography Savannah Yarborough, a sartorial British-trained menswear tailor and designer, founded SAVAS in 2015. Her goal was to bring the Savile Row approach to the world of leather, opening first in […]

‘A Man About Town’ is constantly curating sensational listicles that go beyond the ordinary and with the holidays sneaking up on even the savviest among us, we’re turning up the present hunt to eleven with this holiday gift guide.  From the discerning relative to that mysterious friend, we’re here to unveil hidden gems from smaller […]

As Giving Tuesday approaches, the heartbeat of Alabama’s communities resonates through the tireless efforts of its nonprofits. From fostering education and supporting local artisans to aiding in environmental conservation and championing social justice, these organizations exemplify resilience and dedication. These are Alabama nonprofits worthy of support. In this list, we highlight their impactful initiatives and […]

Nominated by Ryan Murphy of The Orion Ampitheater, Wanda Wesolowski was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as our Music & Entertainment category winner. Biography Wanda Wesolowski has been performing professionally since age 14. Growing up in Huntsville gave Wanda a lot of opportunities to play as a teen between all-age events […]

Down an unassuming avenue in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale Neighborhood sits the home of a couple whose writings brought the Roaring Twenties to life. The single-family home was once the retreat of none other than F. Scott and Zelda Fitzerald, literary giants of the early 20th century and key members of the artistic cohort known […]

Nominated by Ashley Gilbreath of Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design, Mary Lauren McBride was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as one of our Architecture & Interior Design category winners. Biography Mary Lauren McBride remembers dreaming of designing and decorating spaces as a child. She would think of what might look best in […]

Nominated by Chris Reebals of Christopher Architecture & Interiors, Mack Braden was honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as one of our Architecture & Interior Design category winners. Biography At an early age, Mack was fascinated with Legos and houses, which naturally guided him to a career in architecture. A native of […]