Walking into Ben’s Bread feels like settling into a grandmother’s kitchen: it radiates cozy. Some customers chat with each other as they eat sourdough croissants on lush couches by a fireplace, and others sip home-brewed coffee on a long wooden dining table, a half-forgotten bagel beside them as they escape into a book. Last time […]

After seeing the small outdoor “Mice on Main” animal sculptures displayed in downtown Greenville, SC, Lucy Orr, a junior in high school at the time, wanted a similar attraction for Decatur. While doing research, Lucy discovered that the state of Alabama is #1 in the number of different freshwater turtle species, and they are a […]

For 40 years, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival has stood as one of the South’s most enduring cultural institutions—a place where language, imagination, and community converge in Montgomery, the state’s capital. Fully professional and nationally respected, ASF produces world-class theatre year-round, anchoring its work in Shakespeare while embracing musicals, American classics, children’s productions, and new works […]

Given that the town of Tuscaloosa predates the statehood of Alabama, the city’s seen some things—and so have its buildings. Among them, the historic Drish House stands as a remarkable example of the city’s past. With more than 40 properties and multiple districts on the National Register of Historic Places, Tuscaloosa houses a great deal […]

While I have plenty of family from The Gulf Coast who I’ve enjoyed a basket of crab claws with, I’m hesitant to admit that I never tried West Indies Salad until quite recently. My first taste was at Dyron’s Lowcountry in Mountain Brook. Led by Chef Chris Melville, the Dyron’s team makes a version that […]

“There’s so much to do!” Emma Gilbert responds when I ask how the new year is going for her–and that, she believes, is a good problem to have. Gilbert has been painting for as long as she can remember, from the time she was able to hold a brush. Once she learned what paint was, […]

Tucked away in the charming city of Cullman, Alabama, lies a site that inspires awe in visitors from near and far: the Ave Maria Grotto. This peaceful and artistic destination offers a unique experience for travelers looking to connect with art, history and spirituality. Known affectionately as “Jerusalem in Miniature,” the Ave Maria Grotto is […]

In this memoir, Alicia Varnedoe traces her journey back to the woods of her childhood, where family backpacking trips in the Sipsey Wilderness became an early education in resilience—and a foundation for the writer she would become. My dad had a different idea for the ideal family Fall Break outing. While our friends napped on […]

Need a getaway for just the two of you? How about a rustic, romantic weekend in North Alabama? There are many lakeside cabins, mountaintop chalets, and bluff-top rooms all across the region to spend getting away from it all. Sip champagne and admire the view from your balcony or curl up fireside under a cozy […]

When The Noble South opened its doors in downtown Mobile in May of 2014, chef Chris Rainosek wasn’t chasing awards or accolades. He was chasing relationships with trusted farmers, quality ingredients, and an honest expression of Gulf Coast flavors. Nearly a decade later, that commitment would earn the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand, making it […]

A new chapter in Alabama’s outdoor story is unfolding in the heart of the Black Belt. The new Blankenship Event Center was unveiled with an unexpected honor during a ribbon-cutting at the M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area in Hale County. The 5,000-square-foot facility was named for Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural […]

For many Alabamians, New Year’s Eve is less about countdowns and more about a memorable meal. Across the state, chefs are marking the end of 2025 with thoughtfully crafted prix fixe dinners: multi-course menus designed to celebrate the season, the moment, and the people gathered around the table. Each of these four restaurants is offering […]

Born and raised in Mobile, I had a unique childhood. How many kids grew up watching ships in the bay and military planes at Brookley Field, all while playing on the beach in front of their house? As idyllic as that was, the most exciting time of year was when we travelled to my dad’s […]

There is something special about the way Decatur celebrates Christmas. When the holiday season arrives, the historic neighborhoods of Old Decatur and Albany glow with warmth. Homes are decorated with care, neighbors welcome visitors with genuine hospitality, and the entire community comes alive with a spirit that feels nostalgic and joyful. Each year, the Decatur Christmas […]

From historic riverfronts to growing workforce pipelines and strategic development along major corridors, west Alabama’s cities show how local leadership and citizen involvement can shape lasting progress. Through the Alabama League of Municipalities’ Live Locally Alabama campaign, municipal leaders are highlighting the ways residents, businesses and governments work together to strengthen the places they call […]

Tucked away in the heart of Florence, the Rosenbaum House is an architectural treasure designed by none other than the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. This home is more than just a historical structure—it’s a storybook woven from modernist dreams, community pride, and the creative spirit of one unforgettable couple. We had the pleasure of speaking […]

When you arrive at Jubilee Suites on the Eastern shore of Mobile Bay, you feel it immediately: a sense of being welcomed. Dana and Jim Maloney have filled the inn with warmth and hospitality, from the vine-covered courtyard to the made-to-order breakfast, every detail shows they deeply care about their guests.  The name Jubilee itself […]

At The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, traditions are enthusiastically celebrated year-round. Each day, the resort honors the military with a lobby procession ending in the firing of a Civil War replica cannon. Easter brings a sunrise service on Julep Point, and Thanksgiving features the Grand Turkey Buffet. However, it’s the Christmas season where […]

If you’re wondering where to stay in Fairhope, Alabama, your search ends here. Nestled along Mobile Bay, just a short drive from downtown, this family home effortlessly blends character with exquisite design. Described by its owners as “European elegance with coastal calm,” it’s the perfect SoulGrown Stay—a bay house full of soul, charm, and its […]

Decatur, Alabama, offers a little bit of everything–shops, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and more–with plenty of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re planning a relaxed day outdoors, a culinary outing, or an evening of live music and craft spirits, the Charming River City offers plenty to explore. With a thoughtful mix of recreation, local flavor, and nightlife, here’s […]

For a small city, Dothan, Alabama, has always had an impact on the live music scene. Ask any longtime local and you’ll hear about the time a young Garth Brooks played the National Peanut Festival–or the countless acts that have taken the stage over the decades, from Jimmy Buffett and Bob Dylan to 3 Doors […]