Culture

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

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From the careful sourcing of ingredients to the artful presentation on the plate, the culinary world is undeniably a form of artistry–and this year, Birmingham Restaurant Week is celebrating that by adding a fresh dimension to the table: visual art. This year’s theme, Legacy of the Southern Table, is brought to life through a special […]

From Plate to Palette: Arden Upton brings Alabama’s culinary scene to life

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July 24, 2025

Qadeem Hassan doesn’t just know how to make a good cocktail—he understands how to craft an entire experience like finding the perfect song to add to a curated playlist. This fall, Hassan and his business partner Justin Speegle are set to open Ralph’s Listening Room, Birmingham’s first listening bar, which will showcase a soulful collision […]

The vision behind Birmingham’s first-ever listening room experience

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July 22, 2025

Red Mountain Theatre presents ‘Waitress’ Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, the Tony-nominated musical “Waitress” offers a special recipe for finding happiness in unexpected places. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the […]

Can’t Miss Alabama: Summer sports, concerts, festivals, and more

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July 17, 2025

For Southerners, food is not only a major part of everyday life, but it is a culture in and of itself. While the South is synonymous with soul food, there are creative chefs and cooks throughout the region who bring something unique to the table. For Alabamians, one of the best-known of these is James […]

James Beard Award-winning Alabama chef stars in new series

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July 15, 2025

The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market in Foley has once again drawn national recognition, this time being named one of the Top 10 Best Farmers Markets in the U.S. in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The year-round market, located at 781 Farmers Market Lane in Foley, has previously been honored as a USA Today Top 10 Readers’ […]

This South Alabama farmers market ranked number two in the country

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July 9, 2025

Each summer, Dothan, Alabama, springs to life as the Press Thornton Future Masters returns to Dothan Country Club, welcoming hundreds of the world’s top junior golfers. Now in its 76th year, the 2025 tournament took place from June 21 to June 28, continuing a tradition that began in 1950 and has become a cornerstone of […]

Future Masters 2025: Dothan’s enduring junior golf legacy

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July 6, 2025

Pray First. Read Genesis 31:3 and 33:1-4. When we vacationed in Yellowstone National Park, which I highly recommend, we saw many warnings not to approach the animals. This was especially true of momma bears with her cubs. Those mommas would have no mercy when protecting their little ones.   As a mom myself, I understand that […]

Water for the Soul: Be Reconciled

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July 6, 2025

To speak with someone who lives a life of impact is a rare and priceless experience, and we had the honor of recently interviewing one such standout individual. A Purple Heart and Bronze Star veteran as well as the currently longest-serving chief executive of a public university in the U.S., Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., gave […]

Veteran to Visionary: How an Alabama leader helped heal a divided history

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July 3, 2025

Independence Day events Here are some holiday celebrations taking place around the state: July 3: Alexander City Celebrate Freedom. July 3: Wetumpka’s Independence Day Celebration. July 3: Fire on the Water, Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. July 4: Shark Run 5K, The Wharf in Orange Beach. July 4: Celebration on the River in Tuscaloosa. July 4: Independence Day 1776, American Village […]

Can’t Miss Alabama: Fourth of July ideas, summertime favorites

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July 3, 2025

As you plan your travels to the Gulf Coast this summer, consider making a meaningful stop at the Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center in Atmore, Alabama. Located just off I-65 at Exit 54, this inviting destination offers an educational and enriching experience for all visitors—whether you’re on a family road trip, a teacher […]

Discover a Deeper Experience at the Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center This Summer

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July 1, 2025

Thomas Rhett and Jason Isbell in concert Enjoy back-to-back concerts this weekend with Thomas Rhett: Better In Boots Tour and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Rhett will perform Friday, June 27, and Isbell Saturday, June 28. Both concerts will be at the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater on the site of the former Carraway Hospital in Birmingham. Rhett, a country […]

Can’t Miss Alabama: Coca-Cola Amphitheater Concerts

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June 26, 2025

In recent years, the South has seen incredible individuals across industries take their rightful place among the region’s top talent. Adrianne Bugg and Brandeis Short of Pillar & Peacock bring an eye for beauty and excellence to interior design projects that are impeccably imagined and flawlessly executed. We had the exciting opportunity to speak with […]

Meet the interior design duo reimagining Southern living

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June 25, 2025

Mobile and Montgomery are earning national attention for how they manage city budgets, according to a new report by WalletHub ranking the best- and worst-run cities in America. The financial website analyzed the efficiency of local leadership in 148 of the nation’s largest cities by comparing the quality of public services against per-capita spending. The result: a ranking highlighting […]

Two Alabama cities have been ranked among best-run in the country

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June 23, 2025

A museum, a memorial, and a monument visually document the country’s history of racial injustice.  The trio of sites in Montgomery are known as Legacy Sites, comprised of The Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.  The Legacy Museum acts as the heart of the three sites, and […]

The Legacy Sites: A look into the stories that shaped the South

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June 19, 2025

There is nothing more satisfying than a Southern seafood dish in summer. While there are traditions and thoughtful takes on familiar favorites, few satisfy while staying light. We have put together three clean and coastal Southern seafood recipes to try this summer.   Shrimp & Cucumber Summer Salad Ingredients: 1 pound peeled and deveined cooked […]

3 clean and coastal Southern seafood recipes for summer

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June 18, 2025

Tucked along the fields of North Alabama, La Famiglia Vineyards and Winery is more than a vineyard, it’s a living tribute to family, tradition, and the art of growing something lasting. The name means “the family,” and for owners Tom Fitzgerald and Bev Massa, it’s the heart of everything they do. Fitzgerald and Massa come from Italian […]

La Famiglia: An Alabama vineyard rooted in heritage

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June 17, 2025

There’s an art to Southern culture that must be experienced to be appreciated. From spending slow mornings smelling the sweet fragrance of fresh produce cooked into a family favorite dish to summer nights spent setting tables for supper, there is something unmistakable about simple Southern moments. It is the comfort that comes with these experiences […]

The Clubhouse Fairhope: A new generation of Southern gatherings

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June 16, 2025

For Lauren Duesing of LA Free Film, photography means more than capturing memorable moments; it’s a calling. Her earliest memories live on within candid snapshots taken on film. The film camera, an ever-present fixture of her younger years, is something that she gravitated toward from the start. “I grew up with my parents always having […]

LA Free Film: Meet the visual storyteller using her gift for good

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June 14, 2025

Alabama is not a state that is historically synonymous with tech and innovation. That’s changing—rapidly—as Sloss Tech stirs the heart of a hidden hub. The event has brought thousands from in and out of state to hear from top talent and thought leaders, such as technology entrepreneur and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, CEO, author, speaker, […]

From Steel to Startups: How Sloss Tech is transforming Alabama’s image

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June 11, 2025

Through Chisel & Wood, Zach Burandt is bringing both an impeccable eye and impressive talent for creating timeless furniture to Alabama. In his woodworking studio near Lake Martin, Zach carefully crafts pieces that serve as meaningful extensions of a home. The result of a journey of self-discovery and self-realization, Chisel & Wood is a standout […]

Meet the talented Alabama woodworker behind Chisel & Wood

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June 9, 2025

Alabaster CityFest Alabaster CityFest is set for Saturday, June 7, with Parmalee, Maddie and Tae, Five for Fighting and Eric Essix. Click here for the complete list of performances. The festival includes a car show, vendors and KidsFest. Admission to all musical acts is free. For updates and more information, visit alabastercityfest.com. The festival will take place on the grounds […]

Can’t Miss Alabama: 3 Festivals to Attend

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June 5, 2025