The advent of the Airbnb concept has redefined travel for many. Previously, travel could be experienced in a very limited number of ways—hotels, resorts, friends’ homes. Airbnb has given travelers the ability to experience trips in a way that adds a distinct layer of depth and understanding of the area. By being given the option […]

Hers was the voice of a generation, and this year marks the 40th year of her passing. Karen Carpenter left us much too soon on Feb. 4, 1983, at age 32. A music critic early in her career called her “chubby,” and this began a life-long struggle with her self-esteem. By the time she sought help […]

It’s no secret that Alabama is full of beautiful places. Whether you’re visiting the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in its north, the gorgeous, white sand beaches of its coastline or one of the dozens of one-of-a-kind forests, parks or noteworthy spots in between, the state is known as “Alabama the Beautiful” for a very […]

Sometime in the early ‘90s Mother’s Day fell on May 10. That sounds like a rather mundane fact that can be verified by looking back at calendars from the period. There is really no reason anyone would remember Mother’s Day falling on the 10th of May unless it was your birthday; or maybe your child’s […]

One recent Faulkner grad student did not have the graduation day that he expected. Jay Tunstill, who was set to receive his MBA, left his Tennessee home with his family  around 3 a.m. last Friday for his graduation ceremony at Faulkner University. He planned to arrive in time for the ceremony which was scheduled for […]

When spots for summer vacations come to mind many people don’t think of Mobile, Ala., as a top destination. However, according to USA Today, that could be changing. The publication, on its 10Best shortlist, recently named Mobile as its No. 2 summer vacation destination, trailing only Mackinac Island, Mich. The rest of the 10Best are […]

The owners and chef behind the Magnolia Springs landmark Jesse’s Restaurant are dropping anchor at Fort Morgan with a new casual fine dining concept. Every table has a view of the water at Jesse’s on the Bay, which opened April 26 on Crosswinds Court along the stretch leading to the historic fort and tourist attraction. The […]

Joseph Thompson was an average 22-year-old college graduate. He enjoyed hanging out with friends on the weekend, going to work, attending music concerts and watching every sport that was on his television screen. But on March 3, 2022, he received news that would change life as he knew it. A dizzying diagnosis One day while […]

May 14 marks the confluence of two major events on our calendars. It’s Mother’s Day and National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. Don’t get nervous wondering to yourself, “But how can I fit both into one short day?” The solution, to borrow a bit from the hit Apple TV+ show “Ted Lasso,” is biscuits with the boss. What […]

Comedian Jerry Lewis remarked that his greatest wedding present was a home movie of the ceremony. “When things get tough in the marriage,” he said, “I run the movie backwards and walk out a free man!” It’s true that all marriages face challenges, despite the idealism of the dating years. In those years we may […]

Former Auburn and NFL quarterback Cam Newton will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Leaders & Legends Dinner to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama. The event is July 13 in the Von Braun Center North Hall. Newton has become a living legend for Auburn fans who saw the Heisman Trophy […]

Festival season is in full swing, and Alabama has an exciting few months ahead. From electronic to country music, the Yellowhammer state has something to offer everyone. We have put together a list of four music festivals taking place this spring and summer that cannot be missed. Sol Fest (New Brockton) May 4-7 Sol Fest […]

I honestly don’t remember the last time I was ecstatic over anything. Maybe life has a way of sucking the exuberance out of the little things we used to enjoy so much. As a child, the greatest joy was building a dam in the ditch when a spring rain fell. Later it was the joy […]

I’ve always heard it said that we seniors have several distinguishing traits, including talking about our surgeries. I used to roll my eyes in pastors’ meetings when “the old guys” told us about their latest procedures, but more recently I’ve begun to listen intently. My latest medical escapade ended on a hopeful note. A norovirus […]

Take a trip around the world at The Anvil Pub, where the oft-changing menu travels to Great Britain, India, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond—but still speaks with a Southern accent. The Anvil’s European-inspired paella risotto made with saffron, sofrito, and English peas might be served with shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico. […]

Fairhope is one of Alabama’s most charming towns. Situated along Mobile Bay, the city is a fabulous destination for Alabama locals to spend a day or weekend. Rich with amazing food, stunning views, and welcoming residents, Fairhope proves the perfect escape from the hustle. We have put together a guide for the perfect day trip […]

I think the problem with our nation right now has something to do with gas cans. Neither my 1961 Chevy Apache 10 nor my 1985 Jeep CJ7 have functional fuel gauges. That means that most of the time I have a gallon or so of fuel tucked away in the back. Today I made a […]

Troy Serena had never taken a single acting, dance or voice lesson when he visited the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Theatre as a high school senior. But in four short years, Serena learned a lot. And while he may have had a late start, he has more than made up for it. Birmingham Broadway World […]

A single flower can be worth a thousand words. Whether a first date rose or a Mother’s Day bouquet, flowers are a great way to show that you care. No matter the occasion, they have a way of saying what you might not be able to. If you are anything like me, there might be […]

The church should always have open doors, but I’ve had two battles over this. In one church we replaced the heat and air conditioning system, but never seemed to get the right temperature. We had an energy audit and the tech suggested our rear parking lot door was so large and stayed open so much […]

On hot summer nights in West Texas, with her eyes wide and heart racing, Grace Coppinger learned how to capture rattlesnakes. She joined Dr. Jason Strickland, a biology professor at the University of South Alabama, and two graduate students on a field trip near Big Bend National Park. After sundown, they drove through the desert looking for […]

Golfers, it’s time to swing into action for a great cause! The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) is gearing up for the Drive-Out Breast Cancer Golf Tournament, their signature fundraising event, taking place on Monday, May 15, at the picturesque Old Overton Club in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Since its inception in 1996, the […]

Colorful and intricately designed boards filled with thinly cut meats, cheese chunks, bread, nuts, olives, fruits, preserves, and other accompaniments are now common on restaurant and market menus. Morsels of the best delights a chef can source or create, these boards are parties on a platter, culinary creations for sharing with family and friends. A […]

How many businesses do you know of that have occupied the same location and provided the same service for over 80 years? This week, Amberson’s Clothing store in Boaz was recognized for meeting that criterion. They opened in 1939 and are currently operated by the third generation, Phillip Amberson. The massive oak roll top desk […]