Dive Bars & Music

Our Own 'Rolling Stone': Musician Cuz Covington

You never know who you’ll run into along the Alabama coast—maybe even a member of the Rolling Stones.
People & Business Profiles

Chris Nelson, Bon Secour Fisheries, Bon Secour, Alabama

The small community of Bon Secour has seen generational changes throughout its history, especially regarding the rich bounty of seafood harvested, processed, and shipped to restaurants and consumers, first locally, then regionally, and now nationally.
Community Endeavors

Stem for Kids Mobile Bay

When Grandchildren visit during their summer vacation, besides swimming in pools, the bay, and the Gulf, an educational activity is a good balance. (This also gives grandmother 3 hours to catch her breath!) My 6-year-old grandson spent a week with Ashton Crist, owner of Kids Stem for Kids Mobile Bay. For the unfamiliar, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The camp he attended in Fairhope had a Minecraft theme which means it is based on a top-rated video game that every kid I know is obsessed with. Needless to say, he was psyched to go!
Epicurean Delights

Delta Grocery

Throughout June, the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature works by four Mobile-based artists. The exhibitions, titled “Figures of Imagination” and “Ethereal,” have contrasting themes, but are compatible in their focus on figures, extreme detail, and surreal imagery.
Day Trippin'

Road Trippin’ to North Alabama

Throughout June, the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature works by four Mobile-based artists. The exhibitions, titled “Figures of Imagination” and “Ethereal,” have contrasting themes, but are compatible in their focus on figures, extreme detail, and surreal imagery.
Artsy Side Of Life

Featured Artists Exhibits in June at the Mobile Arts Council Gallery @ Room 1927!

Throughout June, the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature works by four Mobile-based artists. The exhibitions, titled “Figures of Imagination” and “Ethereal,” have contrasting themes, but are compatible in their focus on figures, extreme detail, and surreal imagery.
People & Business Profiles

Debbie Williams, WKRG Baldwin County Reporter, Foley

“I’m Debbie Williams reporting…..” - a familiar refrain for anyone who has lived in the Scenic 98 Coastal area for even a minute. I’ve watched and heard Debbie Williams report on all matters for many years. With stints in Dothan, Montgomery, and Birmingham in both radio and television, she’s covered it all. 
Epicurean Delights

Ed's Drive-In in Jackson (AL) is Standing Out and Branching Out!

Earlier this year, upon learning that AL.Com had named Ed's to its list of Twelve Classic Alabama Burger Joints We Can't-Wait to Revisit, and to Southern Living's, The South's Most Beloved Hamburger Joints, I made the hour trip north to Jackson to have lunch there and to meet the current owners. ‍
People & Business Profiles

Krupinski Farms and Market , Generational Farming, Foley

I am completely devoted to Devotion, Corn that is. I went to Krupinski Farms in Foley yesterday and bought a half bushel. I cut the kernels off the cob and sauteed them in a pan with butter, salt, and pepper for about 2 minutes. Summer is officially here when the sweet corn comes in and I will eat it for every meal, in fact, I just microwaved an ear for my lunch!
People & Business Profiles

South Meets South Wine Dinner Partners

Scenic 98 Coastal held its first-ever Sip into Summer Wine Dinner last Thursday evening at Crown Hall in Mobile. The idea was to showcase many of the small businesses we have featured in our weekly newsletter since we launched two years ago. By all accounts, it was a great success!
Events That Inspire

Top 5 Things to Do in June brought to you by Dharma Blue, Pensacola!

Summer is in full swing throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal community, although it doesn’t officially start until the Summer Solstice on June 20th. The extra daylight hours are a welcome opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of our community whether it's biking, fishing, sailing, playing sports, or just relaxing on the beach! 
Epicurean Delights

Suzaan Laing, South to South Wine Importers, New Orleans

Our South Meets South Wine Dinner on Thursday evening, May 30 is inspired by the rich cultural history of South African flavors found in Southern cuisine. We have found that besides the food, beautiful South African wines complement Southern cuisine.
People & Business Profiles

Fairhope Tea Plantation: The Oldest in the US!

Many people along the Eastern Shore know him as a top-notch drummer, but there’s a lot more to Craig Riches than meets the ear. For almost a quarter-century, his love of making music has usually taken a back seat to his main gig, creating eye-catching art that is recognized around the country.
Events That Inspire

Craig Riches' Metal Art Dazzles the Senses

Many people along the Eastern Shore know him as a top-notch drummer, but there’s a lot more to Craig Riches than meets the ear. For almost a quarter-century, his love of making music has usually taken a back seat to his main gig, creating eye-catching art that is recognized around the country.
Events That Inspire

The Story Behind American Magic's Move to Pensacola

The 37th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup, the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting competition which predates the modern Olympic Games (which began in 1896), will be held from late August to October in Barcelona, Spain. Many of our Scenic 98 Coastal friends will be in attendance, and for good reason!
Epicurean Delights

Rise Breakfast and Tacos, Spanish Fort

When we entered Rise Breakfast and Tacos on Highway 31 in Spanish Fort, we were greeted by Krystal, the owner’s sister, who brought out her magic bag of wonders and told us to pick out a treat. I couldn't imagine what it would be … it was a sticker, and then she instructed us to put it on the wall. The whole place is covered in stickers and I got a cat that was apropos because I'm a cat lover. Krystal says it's magic because everyone picks something meaningful to them. Zeb got a sexy devil superhero girl. Hmmmm.
Epicurean Delights

Ben's Jr. Original Barbecue: Story of a Comeback King in Fairhope

Throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, graduating high school seniors celebrate the end of their primary education and make plans for the future. It is an exciting time for all involved, but a bit of trepidation and separation anxiety is thrown in, too. Our next-door neighbor, Jake Prati, a recent St. Paul’s Episcopal School graduate, is off to Auburn in the Fall. 
Epicurean Delights

Favorite BBQ

Throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, graduating high school seniors celebrate the end of their primary education and make plans for the future. It is an exciting time for all involved, but a bit of trepidation and separation anxiety is thrown in, too. Our next-door neighbor, Jake Prati, a recent St. Paul’s Episcopal School graduate, is off to Auburn in the Fall. 
Sports & Fitness

Pressure is a Privilege, Maysie Douglas, Bayside Academy Volleyball

Throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, graduating high school seniors celebrate the end of their primary education and make plans for the future. It is an exciting time for all involved, but a bit of trepidation and separation anxiety is thrown in, too. Our next-door neighbor, Jake Prati, a recent St. Paul’s Episcopal School graduate, is off to Auburn in the Fall. 
Epicurean Delights

South Meets South Wine Dinner, May 30 at Crown Hall, Mobile

What happens when South African cuisine and wine meet creative Southern chefs? An amalgamation of flavors and fun that’s sure to please the palate! That happens on Thursday evening, May 30 when Scenic 98 Coastal hosts its first Summer Splash Wine Dinner series at Crown Hall, Bay Gourmet Catering and Events space in Mobile. ‍
People & Business Profiles

The Plant Fairie, Fairhope

I know a woman who rides a Softail Harley, races a 22’ Lindenberg, is the Alabama Master of Shorinji Kempo with a 4th-degree black belt and is also a fairy, a plant fairy. She is a plant fairy because she can magically grow anything: ageratum, begonia, coreopsis, and that's only the first of the plant alphabet. Terri Loftin is her name, and is one of the hardest-working, toughest girls I know. I have the privilege of seeing her in action at her nursery in Fairhope, where I sometimes work for her. 
Dive Bars & Music

Fairhope's Fayland Guitars

Just the sight of an electric guitar can make someone dream of being a rock star, but it sent Chris Fayland down a different path. 
People & Business Profiles

Admiral Shellfish Company, Oyster Farming in Baldwin County, Ft. Morgan

I find oyster farming fascinating. No two farms are the same, and the flavors differ depending on several location-related factors. One size does not fit all. If you are an oyster lover, you probably have your favorites based on where they came from. 
Day Trippin'

A Lot Goes on at the BLUEGILL Restaurant on the Causeway!

On May 18, the First Wooden Boat Show will be held at the BLUEGILL Restaurant on the Causeway in Spanish Fort. The Facebook marketing for the event caught my eye and I decided to learn more. Wooden boats have reached a nostalgic level in today's modern world, and many are still being used.