Our South Meets South Wine Dinner on Thursday evening, May 30 is inspired by the rich cultural history of South African flavors found in Southern cuisine. We have found that besides the food, beautiful South African wines complement Southern cuisine.

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.

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.

The 37th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup, the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting competition which predates the modern Olympic Games (which began in 1896), will be held from late August to October in Barcelona, Spain. Many of our Scenic 98 Coastal friends will be in attendance, and for good reason!

When we entered Rise Breakfast and Tacos on Highway 31 in Spanish Fort, we were greeted by Krystal, the owner’s sister, who brought out her magic bag of wonders and told us to pick out a treat. I couldn't imagine what it would be … it was a sticker, and then she instructed us to put it on the wall. The whole place is covered in stickers and I got a cat that was apropos because I'm a cat lover. Krystal says it's magic because everyone picks something meaningful to them. Zeb got a sexy devil superhero girl. Hmmmm.

Throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, graduating high school seniors celebrate the end of their primary education and make plans for the future. It is an exciting time for all involved, but a bit of trepidation and separation anxiety is thrown in, too. Our next-door neighbor, Jake Prati, a recent St. Paul’s Episcopal School graduate, is off to Auburn in the Fall. 

Throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, graduating high school seniors celebrate the end of their primary education and make plans for the future. It is an exciting time for all involved, but a bit of trepidation and separation anxiety is thrown in, too. Our next-door neighbor, Jake Prati, a recent St. Paul’s Episcopal School graduate, is off to Auburn in the Fall. 

Throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, graduating high school seniors celebrate the end of their primary education and make plans for the future. It is an exciting time for all involved, but a bit of trepidation and separation anxiety is thrown in, too. Our next-door neighbor, Jake Prati, a recent St. Paul’s Episcopal School graduate, is off to Auburn in the Fall. 

What happens when South African cuisine and wine meet creative Southern chefs? An amalgamation of flavors and fun that’s sure to please the palate! That happens on Thursday evening, May 30 when Scenic 98 Coastal hosts its first Summer Splash Wine Dinner series at Crown Hall, Bay Gourmet Catering and Events space in Mobile. ‍

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. 

Just the sight of an electric guitar can make someone dream of being a rock star, but it sent Chris Fayland down a different path. 

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. 

On May 18, the First Wooden Boat Show will be held at the BLUEGILL Restaurant on the Causeway in Spanish Fort. The Facebook marketing for the event caught my eye and I decided to learn more. Wooden boats have reached a nostalgic level in today's modern world, and many are still being used.

On June 27, 1972, my girlfriend at the time, now my wife, Cathy, my lifelong friend, Greer Radcliff, and other friends attended The Rolling Stones's “1972 American Tour“ concert at the Mobile Civic Center. After finishing our freshman year in college at our respective schools, we gathered for a night of “It’s Only Rock n’ Roll, but We Like It! We Like It, Yes We Do.“

There’s often a lively crowd at Manci’s Antique Club, but now they have one more reason to raise a glass and smile—and it’s a big one. The building that houses the popular bar and restaurant has reached the century mark.

Our dear friend, writer, editor, and former dance studio owner, Gina Lanaux, epitomizes the creative energy that resonates throughout Fairhope’s history. Like many others who chose to make Fairhope their home, she embraces the arts, the unusual personalities, and the free-flowing lifestyle that brings a community together. 

The second annual Gulf Coast Home and Outdoor Expo will be held at the Daphne Civic Center on Saturday, May 4 from 9 AM until 3 PM. This is an opportunity for homeowners thinking about improving their indoor or outdoor space to meet and ask questions to over 40 vendors who are experts in the business. It is a one-stop shop of everything you need to know to get those home improvement projects off the ground. 

The second annual Gulf Coast Home and Outdoor Expo will be held at the Daphne Civic Center on Saturday, May 4 from 9 AM until 3 PM. This is an opportunity for homeowners thinking about improving their indoor or outdoor space to meet and ask questions to over 40 vendors who are experts in the business. It is a one-stop shop of everything you need to know to get those home improvement projects off the ground. 

The saying “April Showers bring May Flowers” comes from the United Kingdom, and although spring flowers are already blooming throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area, May still brings a lot of change. Students will soon be free for the summer, traffic from the weekly beach migration is ramping up, and rising temperatures remind us to take advantage of the weather before the dog days of summer commence.

Growing up in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, all beaches along the Central Gulf of Mexico were fair game. The Jewels of the Mississippi Coast to the far reaches of Mexico Beach, Florida were considered our playground. We often found ourselves at Dauphin Island, Sand Island, Ft. Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Pensacola Beach. But there was a special affection for Orange Beach and the Perdido Key area.

Andy MacDonald has a particular vision for his guitar shop in Stapleton, the iconic Picker’s Paradise. It should have a warm and welcoming vibe, for sure, and a strong focus on vintage instruments and traditional music.

Andy MacDonald has a particular vision for his guitar shop in Stapleton, the iconic Picker’s Paradise. It should have a warm and welcoming vibe, for sure, and a strong focus on vintage instruments and traditional music.

In March, Linda and I attended the annual Saunders Yachtworks Boatyard Bash party held at their facility in Gulf Shores. They host the party annually in conjunction with The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show each year. I’ve always been intrigued by Saunders Yachtworks.

With two years of publications and plenty of good meals under our belts, we are thrilled to announce the exclusive launch of Scenic 98 Coastal’s 1st Annual Summer Splash Wine Dinner Series. Our first event, a truly unique experience, will be held in Mobile at Crown Hall on Thursday, May 30.