As winter settles over North Alabama, Cullman transforms into a place where Christmas comes to life. Each year, this small Southern town of just 20,000 people transforms with remarkable intention into a storybook-worthy European village, home to the beloved Cullman Christkindlmarkt. What has emerged is one of the nation’s most authentic German-style Christmas markets, a place […]

In a Southern food landscape overflowing with chicken joints, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer has broken through the noise and built a steady following.   Behind the fast-growing brand is founder Mark Waldo, a Birmingham native whose people-first philosophy and scratch-made standards are turning a casual chicken spot into one of Alabama’s most exciting culinary success stories. […]

One of my earliest connections to Southern food was in my great-grandmother’s kitchen, on a chicken farm in rural Alabama.   We’d make the drive up from Birmingham and arrive in time for breakfast. My great-grandmother, who we lovingly called Ma Cash, was usually still elbow deep in White Lily flour.   We’d open the […]

In the heart of downtown Decatur, The Princess Theatre stands as a beacon of history, culture, and community. Over a century old, the Princess has grown from a humble livery stable into one of North Alabama’s most treasured performing arts centers, a place where generations have gathered to celebrate the magic of theater, music, and dance.   […]

The day after Thanksgiving marks a moment of pure Birmingham magic. Families bundle up, food trucks line 5th Avenue North, and the city gathers at the base of the Regions Center as twilight settles in. This Friday, November 28, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a switch will be flipped — and suddenly, downtown is glowing with two 30-story […]

A new chapter in Auburn’s culinary story begins today as Olivine, the city’s newest rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge, opens atop the AC Hotel Auburn. The concept brings together the warmth of Alabama hospitality and the vibrant coastal flavors of Southern Europe. The space feels elevated without being pretentious, and certainly hosts the charm that […]

Birmingham’s music history has never looked quite like this. This month, Sealegs Press releases A History of Birmingham Rock & Roll, a hardback art book featuring every piece from Craig Legg’s legendary 350-painting exhibition—a project that stunned the city when it debuted at East Village Arts in 2023. The original show was the kind of […]

A new chapter in Birmingham dining begins today as Lapeer Steak & Seafood opens its doors at The Hardwick on First Avenue South. The restaurant, led by Co-Executive Chefs Blake Hartley and Andy Long, reimagines the timeless joy of dining through the lens of a modern steak and seafood house—where prime cuts meet pristine fish and oysters, […]

At The University of Alabama, Anna Grace Baker has distinguished herself as both a nursing student and a Crimsonette. Her days are long, filled with clinical rotations, classes, and hours of dance practice, yet she moves through them with focus and purpose. Balancing academics, athletics, and leadership, she has embraced every challenge as an opportunity […]

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce is bringing back one of its most beloved gatherings this fall. On Sunday, October 19th, from 4:00–8:00 p.m., Crestline Village will once again transform into a lively dining destination for the second annual Harvest on Hoyt. Presented by Finch Fine Wines, the event brings neighbors together for a seasonal evening of food and […]

Margot Shaw has spent her career turning a passion for flowers, design, and lifestyle into a platform that inspires, educates, and uplifts. As Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine, she has created a publication that celebrates not only flowers but also the artistry, spaces, and stories that surround them. With a readership of over a quarter-million across […]

Betsy Holloway has spent her career demonstrating that true leadership blends strategic vision, purposeful service, and a commitment to nurturing others. As Vice President for Advancement and Marketing at Samford University, Holloway leads all philanthropic, branding, and marketing initiatives across the institution. She oversees fundraising, corporate partnerships, charitable foundations, annual giving, and capital development, while […]

Wendi Boyen has dedicated more than three decades to shaping communities through banking, leadership, and service. Today, as Executive Vice President of Community Development Lending & Investments at Regions Bank, she leads with both professional expertise and a personal sense of purpose. Her career reflects a consistent theme: using financial tools not just to drive […]

Pam Swanner’s career is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a deep love for connecting people to place. For more than four decades, she has worked at the crossroads of tourism, economic development, and cultural preservation. Today, as president of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA), she leads efforts to showcase one of Alabama’s […]

Eliza Maxwell’s career is a testament to vision, compassion, and determination. As the founder of homeRN, she has reshaped what it means for families to receive care at home–combining expert medical support with the comfort, dignity, and security of familiar surroundings. Her work goes beyond traditional nursing, creating a model where every patient and family […]

Anna Laurie McKibbens is a native of Alabama coming from a family with deep and historical ties to the state. She is and has been involved in a diverse set of business interests that span a multitude of industries from banking, construction materials, farming, leasing, insurance, petroleum product distribution and trucking. The family-owned businesses in […]

Melinda MeGahee’s career is a testament to the power of faith, vision, and an unwavering commitment to others. As Executive Director of The Lovelady Center, she has devoted herself to transforming the lives of women and children affected by incarceration, addiction, and poverty. Under her leadership, the Center has grown from a small ministry in […]

Alabama foodies, rejoice: Birmingham Restaurant Week is back for another year, and it’s more delicious than ever. This annual culinary celebration brings together nearly 50 local restaurants, food trucks, bars, and catering companies, offering exclusive, limited-time menus and special pricing to highlight the best of Birmingham’s food scene. From upscale dining experiences and international flavors […]

The Michelin Guide, the prestigious series of guidebooks that rate restaurants around the world, is finally coming to sweet home Alabama. Last month, the Michelin Guide publishers announced that they would move beyond larger urban centers and venture into other territories to better uncover the authentic food culture of the American South: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North […]

Alabama has a diverse and expanding trail system. From greenways and natural surface trails to gravel and paved roads, Alabama trails cater to hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts. Now more than ever, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive and interconnected trail network that supports communities, stimulates local economies, and enhances overall quality of […]

The hectic work day is winding down, and the last task on your list has been checked off. There’s a beautiful sunset out of your window, and you’ve just sat down in your favorite chair with a beverage and a brand-new book and the one you’ve been dying to read. It’s a familiar feeling—a hard-earned […]

If the travel bug has bitten you, but you only have a weekend to spare, don’t fret–there is an abundance of quick getaways for every type of traveler in our state. Whether you prefer the coziness of a small town, the fresh air of the outdoors, or a rooftop surrounded by city lights, these Alabama […]

As spring arrives in Alabama, so does an exciting lineup of music festivals that celebrate the state’s diverse music scene. Whether you enjoy blues, country, bluegrass, or rock, these festivals draw in music enthusiasts far and wide with unforgettable experiences featuring prominent musical talents and a shared love of music, food, and the arts. Take […]

It’s a chilly and overcast morning in the Magic City, and I’m on a mission to find the best pastry in Birmingham.   I will be the first to admit that this was a self-assigned mission, but who could blame me? Birmingham boasts a wide selection of world-class bakeries, many of which deserve more recognition […]