The Wharf in Orange Beach has become a central part of the town’s budding community where people come to shop, dine, listen to great music, and participate in all manner of sportfishing tournaments. I sat down recently with Jim Bibby, Owner Representative at The Wharf, and Mary Kate Lantrip, Social Media Manager, to learn more about The Wharf’s impact on tourism and residents in the area.

The story of Bellingrath Gardens and Home is fascinating, and I plan to catch up with the Museum and Home Director, Tom McGeheet this spring to explore its auspicious beginnings when the gardens are in full bloom. His reputation as the area’s preeminent historian is legendary.

The October Newcomers luncheon, held at the James P. Nix Center, was replete with catered, individual charcuterie boards by the relatively new kitchen business called Rouxsters. Newcomer members and their guests listened attentively to the presenter, Fairhope Film Festival’s executive director, Mary Riser, who announced the details of the weekend-long event, being held in several areas around Fairhope November 9-12.

There is a new event production company in the Scenic 98 Coastal community, and the largest 3-day RockaBilly Music Festival, Car Show, and Pin-Up Pageant in Alabama are set to take place June 30 through July 2 at the Robertsdale Coliseum, Arena, and Fairgrounds.

For the thrill seekers among us, maybe you’ve always wanted to travel to faraway places, see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, swim with the manatees, or even compete on a game show.

Since I never had children of my own, which was likely a good thing considering what a problem child I was, I have adopted my grand nieces and nephews to fill that grandchildren position. They were one of the deciding factors that landed me in Fairhope. I have four grandchildren in Mobile and three grandchildren in Pensacola whose parents are more than willing to share with me anytime. 

Lily Hall Lodging House and Brother Fox Restaurant are the latest in Pensacola’s chic boutique hotel/restaurant scene. Located at 415 N. Alcaniz Street, the property has been beautifully and painstakingly renovated to offer a unique combination of lodging, dining, and entertaining in a historic part of Pensacola. It is truly another feather in the cap for Pensacola’s vibrant revitalization.

Growing up in Mobile, a big little city where everybody knows a guy who knows a guy who it turns out is your cousin, it’s easy to think you know it all, have seen it all, and have done it all. To be sure, that’s at least what local travel writer and small business owner Amy Delcambre thought. It wasn’t until 2015 when Compass Media contracted Amy to write copy for the annual Visit Mobile visitor’s guide that Amy realized how little she knew about the city she was born and raised in.