Fairhope has been the subject of many history books, but Alabama author Leslie Anne Tarabella offers a fresh perspective of her hometown in her latest release. Blending humor, travel, and memoir, her fourth book, We Don’t Push in Fairhope, has become an instant success, hitting Amazon’s #1 spot for Southern Travel book and a top spot in Southern humor categories. When asked about this unique mix of genres, Tarabella laughed and said, “Well, that’s Fairhope for you—a little bit of everything and beyond explanation!”

Imagine walking outside at sunrise and seeing forty thousand zinnia blooms in your backyard. Ben Trione, descended from one of the first Italian families to come to Daphne, experiences this spectacular sight every morning from May through November. His ancestors were farmers, and he has the innate ability to grow hundreds of thousands of zinnias and sunflowers, which he generously delivers to 15 different Nursing Homes on the Eastern Shore. 

The train depot in Foley was the first stop for many of the city’s earliest residents and visitors. It’s still a great place to start when you want to learn about Foley’s history and the people who have made the place what it is.

If you drive by the Weeks Bay Visitor Center and see a school bus or two parked out front, just know that it’s a field trip that’s not just fun and games. There’s probably some serious learning happening, too, and it could even be life-changing.

For Dharma Blue in Pensacola and Chuck’s Fish in Mobile, good deeds are always at the forefront of their restaurant's mission plan. This also includes the original eatery, Harbor Docks in Destin, Florida. On a recent Moon Crush music festival weekend in Miramar Beach, Florida, Charles Morgan, Harbor Docks’ founder, invited our group to experience their 29th annual Take A Kid Fishing Day on Sunday, November 3. We loved it! 

At Scenic 98 Coastal, we love promoting good causes, and there are many opportunities to get involved. We encourage people to support these causes when they are the right fit.

The Fall Festival Season is upon us, and the November calendar is overflowing with chances to get out and enjoy the cool weather. It’s a great opportunity to relax before the hectic holiday season begins. There is something for everyone, with festivals of all sizes and themes offered across the Scenic 98 Coastal Area.

The GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL is about to take off again on November 1-3 in downtown Pensacola as it has, almost uninterrupted, since 1973. As always, the all-volunteer committee will put their heart into organizing a beautiful 3-day event and the fine artists who grace Historic Seville Square will provide the soul with their amazing creativity.