Home

Explore the art of living in Alabama with exclusive SoulGrown stories

view all stories

So often, the spring season is associated with “spring cleaning,” a time where we deep clean homes, spruce up our landscaping, and refresh our decor. However, we often forget that our body and mind could use a TLC, too.

1818 Farms

A simple spring reset with 1818 Farms

read more

March 25, 2026

Five Alabama shopping districts have earned national recognition after being named among the most “envied” retail destinations in the country, according to a new ranking from financial media company MarketBeat.

Pepper Place Market

These Alabama shopping districts are getting national attention

read more

March 24, 2026

As dress codes disappear, one Alabama tie maker argues that what we wear still says something about how much we value the people around us.

Nathan Green with neckties

The case for the tie: why one Birmingham entrepreneur wants you to dress for other people

read more

March 17, 2026

Just off bustling Valleydale Road in Hoover sits Equip, a nonprofit that serves as a community, school, and workplace for adults living with disabilities.

Exceptional Baits products

Meet Equip, the Alabama nonprofit creating opportunity for adults with disabilities

read more

March 16, 2026

The wait is over — Little Betty Sea Bar is now open. The newest concept from Revival Restaurant Group officially welcomed guests on March 10, 2026, in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

tablescape at little Betty sea bar

Little Betty Sea Bar brings seafood and showmanship to Mountain Brook

read more

March 11, 2026

Gulf State Park stretches across more than 6,000 acres, extending right across the street from the shoreline I’d spent years claiming as my happy place. Turns out, I’d been robbing myself of a part of the coast that would bring me more joy than I ever expected.  

Gulf State Park

Beyond the beach chair: rediscovering Gulf State Park

read more

March 10, 2026

Long before the name appeared in Madison, the “Donut Dollies” were a familiar sight to American troops stationed in war zones. During World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam […]

donuts in box

Madison’s ‘Donut Dollies’ carry on historic tradition of serving veterans

read more

March 9, 2026

As always, this week is full of unique and lively events for Alabamians with interests of all kinds.

BBQ on grill

SoulGrown Roundup: What’s Happening in Alabama This Week (March 11-15)

read more

March 6, 2026

In Alabama, honey isn’t just a pantry staple—it’s a product deeply tied to the state’s farms, wildflowers, and of course, its people.

Bees on hive

Why buying local honey matters in Alabama

read more

March 5, 2026

Craftsmanship, heritage and entrepreneurship took center stage in the recent episode of Afield with Christiana Roussel, featuring Luke Kolbie — founder of Kingfisher Leatherworks, Avontuur, and CEO of Russell Moccasin. […]

Kingfisher leatherworks

Afield with Christiana Roussel: Luke Kolbie

read more

March 5, 2026

Cullman is ready to celebrate its agricultural heritage as the 87th annual Alabama Strawberry Festival returns to Depot Park and the Festhalle Farmers Market on April 24–25. Officially recognized by […]

Strawberry baskets on table

The 87th Alabama Strawberry Festival returning to Cullman

read more

March 4, 2026

As a student of language, I love learning the “untranslatable” words when I travel. These are words that don’t have direct correlation with a word in English, and to me, […]

Holly Swafford in Tokyo

Alabama Abroad: sacred moments in Tokyo

read more

February 28, 2026

As spring peeks just around the corner, the calendar for Alabamians is anything but quiet. This week’s event lineup proves there’s no shortage of ways to gather, celebrate, and explore […]

Spring lantern festival

SoulGrown Spotlight: Things to Do in Alabama This Week (March 4–7, 2026)

read more

February 27, 2026

There is something about spring in Alabama that almost feels sacred. It’s soft pink and white azaleas in bloom, and Easter dresses pressed and ready. It’s patio dinners that stretch […]

Clothing rack at Hemline Boutique

What Alabama women will be wearing this spring

read more

February 25, 2026

Samford University has been working on some major renovation and expansion projects to help the school make an even bigger impact in the 21st century.  One of the priorities of […]

Samford Brick

The Samford Blend: recreating the iconic brick color

read more

February 24, 2026

On a quiet Alabama morning, before emails and meetings begin to pull at the day, Tom Adams finds clarity in the field. Quail hunting has been part of Tom’s life […]

Father and son hunting outdoors

Lessons from the Alabama outdoors: how quail hunting shapes leadership

read more

February 19, 2026

Before the chants, before the speeches, before history was written into law, the Civil Rights Movement was sung. Music moved through churches, jail cells, and city streets, carrying grief, faith, […]

Sam Cooke on guitar

The sound of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama

read more

February 18, 2026

Winter in Alabama has a way of keeping us guessing. Just when the afternoons start to feel like spring, another cold snap rolls through and reminds us March hasn’t quite […]

Latte art

Warm beverages for cold weather + one cold drink you’ll want all year

read more

February 17, 2026

One of the most underrated aspects of Alabama is the state’s remarkable capacity for ecotourism. Ranking fourth in the nation for biodiversity — and first among states east of the […]

Cheaha State Park

Our top Alabama outdoor experiences for nature lovers

read more

February 17, 2026

You might already know Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, a staple in Hoover since opening in 2014 — the kind of place that smells like warm dough and simmering sauce as […]

Vecchia Owners

An inside look at Hoover’s Vecchia Gelato & Café

read more

February 16, 2026

Alabama is a state full of surprises, offering something for everyone — from colorful Mardi Gras parades along the Gulf Coast to quiet stretches of protected land for hiking, fishing, […]

Rent musical

SoulGrown Spotlight: Alabama Events This Week (Feb 16–17, 2026)

read more

February 15, 2026