When the 2024 edition of the Birdsong Farmers Market begins January 13, Andrew Kesterson will pile his Belle Meadows Farms stand with just-picked baby carrots and leafy greens grown near Moundville, while other vendors offer exotic mushrooms grown in Tuscaloosa and handmade goods like Nepalese samosas and gourmet granola. For food lovers, one of the […]

Few places in the world hold men’s health and skincare in such high regard as South Korea. Seoul is a wellness haven known as the “Skincare Capital of the World.” With innovative formulas and ingredients, Korean products set the global standard for effective skincare. Further, it’s not only the products that differ but also men’s […]

One of Alabama’s most popular local parks holds a history that few of its thousands of visitors may know about. See below from Red Mountain Park about their fascinating history as a former mining hub: While Alabama was achieving statehood, native hunters and travelers encountered a fine dust that stained all with which it came […]

Whether it’s a stunning bouquet of dahlias, a spread of farmstead cheeses, or small-batch skincare, Stone Hollow Farmstead is well-known across the state and beyond for its quality products. The farm itself, which has been in business since 1999, is managed by a mother-daughter duo whose family comes from a long line of Alabama gardeners […]

Mike J Rosato was a man of legend to those who knew him best. Born in Ensley in 1941, Mike J was known for his genuine spirit and kind demeanor. The sixth child of an Italian immigrant and a second-generation Birmingham-born Italian, Mike J and family came to know Birmingham as their home and place […]

In honor of the holiday, we are stepping back in time to take a look at how Alabamians celebrated Christmas around the state in the early and mid-1900s. Downtown Birmingham at Christmas, 1950s   Montgomery, First National Bank Decorated for Christmas, 1950s Downtown Cullman at Christmas, 1940s Gadsden, Christmas Shopping Crowds, 1940s Decatur, Santa Arriving […]

I’ve always been in awe of makers. It started with the admiration I had for my grandaddy John, an engineer who devoted his retirement years to his backyard shop in rural Mississippi where he refined his carpentry skills. His son, my dad, is just as good with his hands and claims more than my admiration; […]

Alabama Houses recently shared the fascinating history behind the Mobile property known as the Murray Forbes Smith House: This house was completed in 1851 for Murray Forbes Smith, and his wife Phoebe Ann Desha. The house was demolished in 1930 and is at present the site of Government Plaza on Government Street. Despite the house […]

The triumphant feeling of crossing a finish line does not know the boundary of age. For many, running provides the perfect opportunity to experience this feeling – even kids. From an early age, we experience feelings of motivation and achievement when completing a task or reaching a goal. For runners, completing a marathon is a […]

The beloved collectibles store What’s on 2nd has been an unmissable stop for Alabama treasure hunters for nearly two decades. When you walk through the door, you’re immediately enchanted by an eclectic array of vintage trinkets, toys, vinyl albums, postcards, and virtually every odd-and-end imaginable.  The shop was owned and operated by collector Steve Gilmer, […]

One of the most important landmarks in Mobile is the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Thousands of visitors come to learn about the battleship’s incredible history and USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park shares their fascinating story below: After the end of World War II, Battleship USS ALABAMA and hundreds of warships used to win the […]

Gift-giving can be challenging and stressful, but it can also be an art and an incredible message of love, sentimentality, and storytelling. So while the numbers from sales and the red and green bundles can be motivators for purchases, the story behind each gift – and gift maker – can mean even more. Each state […]

Nominated by Garlan and Heather Gudger, Megan and Shannon Brantley were honored at our 2023 Soul of the South Awards as our Artists & Makers category winners. Biography Megan and Shannon Brantley, the husband-and-wife artist duo behind Flannel and Floral are a creative force known for their distinctive blend of artistry and nature-inspired aesthetics. With […]

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in partnership with the Smoot Harris family, City of Wetumpka, and sponsors including the featured “Top Dog” sponsor Regions Bank, delivered a successful second annual “Art Gone Wild” exhibit and Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA), during the month of November 2023.  With Historic Downtown Wetumpka and the beautiful […]

For decades, the Hontzas family has fed Birmingham. A few branches of the family tree still do. But their numbers are thinning, after Theo Hontzas announced that his Smoke House Steak and Seafood Restaurant, which he bought in 1960, was closing in late December. The story of how Greek immigrants in the 1900s came to […]

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 […]