There is new design-inspired energy taking place in Pensacola, and it’s unfolding before us with great anticipation. Local power couple Lauren and Rafael Simpson are behind the upscale renovations and developments in both furniture and interior design and boutique restaurant offerings. Their story is one of fast-paced vision and a sense of place, where giving back to the community is at the top of their mind.

Shoulder Season is described as the time between peak vacation seasons. Along the Scenic 98 Coast, many off-season events take place that capture the great weather and attract crowds for the hospitality industry. Foo Foo Fest in Pensacola, starting soon, was designed to do just that; attract visitors for a good time spread over several days.

Finding a nice place that is open for dinner on a Monday night on the Eastern Shore is often a challenge. I am lucky to have found a jewel in Le Bouchon, Wine and Tapas Bar in Daphne. On old Highway 98, just past Manci’s Antique Club, it's a destination all its own. I am a big fan of Caitlin Horne, chef at Kitchen on Main, and I heard that she cooks on Monday nights at this Bar, so I checked this off my to-do list.

Roman Street is the creation of two brothers, Noah and Joshua Thompson, who grew up on the Eastern Shore. Noah, now 39, picked up the guitar at the age of 15. He started taking classical guitar lessons in Mobile and auditioned for a scholarship to Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee after graduating from Daphne High School.

Meet Courtney Dombroski, a self-described environmentalist who found a business she would love to own, and made it happen.. Born in Mobile, she spent three to four weekends a month during the summer with her parents in Gulf Shores at the beach, boating, and riding jet skis.

Linda and I have occasionally done business with Eastern Shore ACE Hardware in Spanish Fort over the years. Linda first discovered it while looking for nice wharf chairs for friends in Point Clear. I remember her telling me how nice the owner was, She did indeed have some chairs made and delivered, and they were a big hit, and are still in use today.