When Jarrod Jones went to work for Auburn’s Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, he also found a new home. Starting in 2007, he and his family have lived a uniquely rural life on 800 acres in Fairhope.

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.

“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. 

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!

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!

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.

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. 

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.