Culture

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

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The River Region’s biggest party is back and meatier than ever. The Druids Charity Club is thrilled to host the highly anticipated 6th Annual BBQ & Music Festival, “The Hog Days of Summer.” This charity event will be held on August 26, 2023, at the Union Station Train Shed in Montgomery. This festival aims to […]

Get Fired Up: The 6th Annual Hog Days of Summer BBQ & Music Fest is happening this weekend

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August 24, 2023

Whether you dressed in pink for the premiere of Barbie or you had black coffee at 6 A.M. to see Oppenheimer this summer has been one for the blockbusters. The “Barbenheimer” craze was a showstopping weekend in which three highly anticipated movies released. According to the New York Times, Barbie and Oppenheimer together brought in […]

Beat the Alabama Heat: 3 unique local movie theaters to visit for this summer’s blockbusters

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August 23, 2023

Birmingham’s David Diodate is responsible for some of the city’s most enticing artistic works. An incredibly talented photographer with a unique eye, Diodate brings a new perspective to the photography world, utilizing ancient Greek art methods to create memorable must-have modern pieces. “I constantly am doing photography of a variety subject matter that mostly is […]

Meet Birmingham Artist David Diodate

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August 22, 2023

Late-summer celebrations of food and drink in Alabama showcase beer, wine, barbecue, seafood, steaks, and sweet potatoes. It’s the start of a busy festival season across the state. Here are gastronomic gatherings set for August and September. Dauphin Street Beer Festival (August 26) Mobile Celebrating its 25th year, this roving party in the LoDa entertainment […]

7 upcoming Alabama food and wine festivals that you won’t want to miss

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August 20, 2023

Every bite from the multi-course meal at the 1856 restaurant delivers not only a gourmet pleasure for diners but also educational lessons for the Auburn University students who prepare and serve the food. The flagship at the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at the university, 1856 – Culinary Residence, provides a unique dining […]

Auburn’s 1856 – Culinary Residence: Nurturing the next generation of top culinary experts

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August 18, 2023

According to a recent press release, nonprofit Birmingham Talks will be presenting ‘Storytime’, “an inaugural annual fundraiser that celebrates the power of words and supports early literacy. About Birmingham Talks “Birmingham Talks supports the future stability and prosperity of our city by focusing on our most precious resource—our children. The organization’s innovative programs use cutting-edge […]

Birmingham Talks: Moving literacy forward in the Magic City with exciting new opportunity

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August 18, 2023

One of the best ways to experience the charm of Alabama’s Black Belt is by embarking on the Arts & Antiques Trail. This trail takes you on a captivating journey through many distinct areas, each boasting its unique artistic treasures and antique gems. From awe-inspiring galleries to hidden antique shops, let’s delve into ten of our favorite wonders of this trail.

Top 10 stops to make along the Alabama Black Belt Arts & Antiques Trail

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August 16, 2023

The year is 1939. It’s a sweltering day in mid-August, but you’re set on making the most of it. You’ve spent your whole life in the town of Tuscaloosa. It’s grown up around you as you’ve grown up within it. Each eager step sends you further down what will one day be known as University […]

The Gatsby: The historic Tuscaloosa building turned must-visit destination

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August 15, 2023

Auburn University has announced that fans will be able to roll two Auburn Oaks at Toomer’s Corner this upcoming fall. See below for the announcement that can be found on the Auburn University website: “For the first time in several years, the famed Auburn Oaks at Toomer’s Corner are again ready to roll. The decision […]

Auburn Fans Can Roll New Toomer’s Corner Oaks

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August 10, 2023

It’s a bright Saturday morning in late fall, and I wake up to a call from my sister. Checking the clock and rubbing my eyes, confusion turns to panic as the clock reads 6:45 AM. Something must have happened. “Hello?” I stutter, trying to maintain composure. “We have to go!” It’s pure excitement on her […]

Club Duquette: Behind the creative vision of Birmingham’s coolest couple

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August 7, 2023

Alabama students can “adopt” a calf from a dairy in Pickens County and spend the upcoming school year learning about how cattle are raised on the small family farm, how milk is produced, and even how the business runs. Adopt a Cow pairs classrooms with farms, providing students with insight into where foods like milk, […]

Cow to Classroom: Alabama students embrace ‘Adopt-a-Cow’ program

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July 31, 2023

Alabama has been a part of a number of innovative initiatives over the last several years. Utilizing new technology for the improvement of homes and neighborhoods is one of these initiatives. Alabama Power now offers Smart Neighborhoods with a variety of impressive innovative features that utilize new technology to make living simultaneously more connected and […]

Inside Alabama’s Smart Neighborhoods

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July 28, 2023

Over the past several years, North Alabama has seen an incredible amount of growth. With a long and fascinating past, places like Florence and Muscle Shoals have brought an impressive degree of historical significance and depth to the North Alabama region. With a recent renaissance, its ongoing transformation bears a striking resemblance to that of […]

The New Nashville: North Alabama fosters music industry growth and tourism

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July 27, 2023

  What is your favorite summer dish?  Hey Doll, Chef Lindsey Noto of Sysco Central Alabama and bestie of mine have shared the best summer salad recipe. It has become a favorite of mine. This recipe is an ode to the Southern summer cookout with her Alabama Summer Salad made with: arugula, honey cornbread, local peaches […]

A Man About Town: Ask Randall Summer Edition

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July 25, 2023

Singing River Trail is a 200+ mile greenway initiative that seeks to “strengthen regional bonds, and creates new health and wellness, educational, economic, tourism, and entrepreneurial opportunities for the people and communities of North Alabama.” Having seen incredible success over a number of years, they continue to gain momentum in their efforts toward small-town enhancement […]

Reconnecting and Revitalizing: Singing River Trail brings exciting new opportunities to North Alabama

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July 17, 2023

  Sweet Grown Alabama is a beloved non-profit that works to promote Alabama farmers by connecting both consumers and retailers to foods and agricultural products produced within the state. Each year, Sweet Grown Alabama hosts Sweet Grown Alabama Day, a day dedicated to promoting the amazing work local farmers are doing in our state. Locals […]

Sweet Grown Alabama Day: The best way to support Alabama’s local farmers this summer

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July 17, 2023

The summer edition of Birmingham Restaurant Week returns with an extended-play 10-day event offering opportunities to try a variety of Magic City restaurants, cafes, and food trucks for a nominal price. In its 14th year, the current session of the showcase for Birmingham’s diverse culinary scene is set for Thursday, July 20, through Saturday, July […]

Birmingham Restaurant Week set to highlight the city’s impressive culinary scene

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July 13, 2023

  The Move Montgomery Color Run/Walk will combine art with motion as participants begin the race wearing white – only to be covered in a rainbow of color by the time they reach the finish line! This event is a fun run/walk and will NOT be timed. Other activities will include Total body workout, Yoga […]

Annual Move Montgomery Color Run to take place this weekend

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July 12, 2023

  The mayors of Alabama’s 10 largest cities launched a statewide photography competition to showcase the distinct character and beauty of the state. Photographers welcome: A $500 Visa gift card and recognition is in it for the top pic. The competition runs until Sept. 4, following Labor Day weekend. Residents from Auburn, Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, […]

Statewide photography competition to showcase Alabama’s character and beauty

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July 12, 2023

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama is well-known throughout the state, but few know the story behind the foundation’s co-founder Dolly O’Neal. We had the incredible opportunity to sit down with her son and daughter, Camper O’Neal and Amy Stevens to discuss Dolly’s inspiring legacy. SoulGrown: We would love to know, from your perspective, how it […]

Dolly O’Neal’s Legacy at BCRFA

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July 10, 2023

Alabama is home to many acclaimed artists and makers that have impacted culture with their craft. From musicians like Lionel Richie, to Gee’s Bend Quilters and renown historical figures such as painter Clara Parrish, the state has provided fertile soil for creativity from within. This artistic presence continues to flourish at The University of Alabama. […]

The University of Alabama, Where Legends Are Made, in the studio

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July 8, 2023