Lindsey and Blake Walters are not afraid to take risks, and each has pursued their own dream while building thriving businesses on their own terms. They are acutely aware of how blessed they are, but it's clear that their mutual support, combined with a shared vision of what matters to them, is the key to their success. 

While summer signals a season of fun—days at the beach, trips to the mountains, family vacations, and a calendar full of activities—it also serves as a reminder that we have entered warm-water storm season, bringing with it the possibility of tropical storms and the ever-dreaded hurricane. 

Mikey famously said, “Try it. You’ll like it.” That sentiment certainly applies to the latest local specialty food products created and distributed by Bays to Bayous in Fairhope, Alabama. The inspiration for the products originates from Mobile family matriarch Ann Bridgeman, an epicurean legend around these parts. The products include West Indies Salad ready-mix marinade, Spicy Bloody Mary mix, Creole Lemon dressing, Lemon-stuffed olives, and Spicy Pickled asparagus. 

After reading that the Nevada-based airline Allegiant was adding a route between Gulf Shores and Huntsville, I was ecstatic: the Rocket City is where many of my family members live.

Wade Wellborn, the owner of Dr. Music Records, says he doesn't often take time to think about his legacy, but he probably sees it every day he's in his little shop in the heart of downtown Fairhope. 

50 years ago, in 1976, Fairhope had a population of about 6,600 people. It was a sleepy little town where everybody knew everybody, and Fairhope Avenue was where the residents did most of their shopping. Jeanne Byrd opened a store, Jeanne’s, and later called Fantasy Island Toys, with an inventory of primarily dolls and dollhouses. I moved to Fairhope in 1977, and I remember that the store was small, quaint, and charming, just like Fairhope!

Today marks the beginning of our 5th year of publishing Scenic 98 Coastal. It seems like yesterday that we started on this adventure. On April 14, 2022, we launched the first issue without a clear path to what this newsletter would become. “Your readers will let you know what they want,” we were advised. And that’s exactly what has happened. Baby steps.

Lexi Angeles’ shop on West Cervantes Street creates a space for vintage lovers and local vendors to grow together.