“I have lived on the buffs of Montrose for 40 years, and it is my inspiration to make things that reflect the geological wonder of where we live.” - Shelley Leigh

I love to meet people who grew up on the Eastern Shore. It’s fun to compare experiences and talk about the old days. This is not to say progress hasn’t been a good thing, it’s just different. 

Daneen Buck is a staple around these parts. Born and raised in Fairhope, she and her family have been immersed in some kind of restaurant or food business all their lives. Her father was a meat salesman for Armour Meats and sold to many of the local restaurants in the Baldwin County area. Daneen’s parents were comfortable in the kitchen and passed the love of cooking, creating, and entertaining on to their kids.

The search for a cheap, easy summer getaway led to the Blackwater River State Park and an overnight canoe trip with a friend who visits often. After a hectic work week, and hitting the road without even Googling the Blackwater River, what awaited was far different than expected.

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 2024 High Hopes 4 Autism will take place at Pirates Cove Yacht Club in Josephine, Alabama the weekend of July 19, 20 & 21. This fundraiser includes live music, features lots of artists, and a drawdown for a 2024 Jeep. The music starts on Friday at 7:00 PM.

‍My husband is an avid reader, usually reading several books at once. When he meets a new person he always asks “What are you reading?” because it gives him an idea about his or her interests. I’ve heard young mothers say Clifford the Big Red Dog and others say The Bible but with the plethora of book club members and other bibliophiles in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, a new favorite book is always part of the conversation.

The month of July always kicks off in high gear with Independence Day celebrations across the country. Communities and venues throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area are hosting events to commemorate the holiday, so be sure to check out the Tidbits & Best Bets section at the end of the newsletter for all of this weekend’s events.