What are Recommendables? It’s a new feature from the folks at Scenic 98 Coastal for discovering businesses, restaurants, services, things to do, places to see, and expert advice that we feel comfortable recommending to our subscribers based on our personal experiences. 

When you step into the MAX in downtown Meridian, you may have an urge to look up toward the sky. The high ceilings of the two-story rotunda help draw attention to huge, eye-catching portraits of many of Mississippi's greats in the arts, music, and other creative disciplines.

On a recent visit to Mobile’s Museum of Art, as I entered from the picturesque lobby overlooking Municipal Park, I was taken aback by the immersive experience of the two main exhibits on display. The hallway leading into the main gallery begins the journey. Cryptic Underwing is a glass and mixed-media exhibit created by local Fine Arts Professor at the University of South Alabama, Rachel Wright.

Like so many little girls, Barbara Haines dreamed of becoming a ballerina. At the age of 6, after seeing a ballet performance on TV at home in Budapest, Hungary, she asked her mother for ballet lessons. The ballet master at the Kálmán Nádasdy Conservatory, Adél Orosz, gave her a one-month trial, and with a natural gift, she excelled. A fun fact I learned while having coffee with Barbara: Budapest is divided into two sides, which are connected by seven bridges. She was born on the ‘Buda’ side, which she described as scenic and natural, while the ‘Pest’ side, on the other hand, is more urban and industrial. The Conservatory was on the ‘Buda’ side.

Inspiration comes from many places. We are often inspired by people’s stories, places we visit, or experiences we have. Inspiration provides the drive to take action. Passion, on the other hand, is a different level of inspiration. It grows in our heart into something unstoppable. Passion is a strong and often uncontrollable emotion. 

Mardi Gras traditions are meaningful to many of us, but they gave Gary Brady an epiphany that put him on his path as a full-time visual artist. 

If you’ve been driving or strolling around the towns and hamlets of Alabama, you may be suddenly and delightfully surprised by murals just about everywhere you look.

Without question, we have some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. I challenge anyone, anywhere, to prove me wrong. I’ve seen many beautiful sunsets in other places, but consistently, the spectacular Scenic 98 Coastal sunsets are incredible.