It was a glorious weekend along the Scenic 98 Coastal beaches this weekend. The weather was warm, the sun was out, and it was one of those December days that makes you appreciate where we live.

When I met Justin Parrish, my first impression was that he was a tall, pleasant, unassuming guy who possessed quiet confidence and listened more than he talked. We were discussing website issues which he wanted to help resolve for me. Shortly after our meeting, he sent me a proposal that literally saved our two-week-old budding Scenic98Coastal newsletter.

If you haven't heard about Osteostrong and the many health benefits the “ bio-hack “ incurs, you are missing out on a cutting-edge health and wellness franchise with 170 centers in the USA and more located in 13 countries around the world. I've been going to the Fairhope Osteostrong for almost a year with 360 others who are young and old, those combating osteoporosis, (me), and high-performance athletes (not me!).

After a long day touring the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta with friends from Tuscaloosa last week, we were tired and hungry. Luckily, we had planned and made reservations at Char 32 Restaurant and Bar located at the Point Clear Swim and Tennis Club. It is such a popular dining spot that reservations are required.

Summer in south Alabama often seems like it is never going to end and then one day, fall shows up for one morning and you experience the turning of the season. I love that first feeling of fall, and while the boys are out preparing their deer fields, I have found myself thinking about…now don’t judge me….but I am thinking of Mardi Gras!! It is the best cure for me to survive those last lingering days of hot and humid weather!

If you have traveled down Baldwin County Highway 104 between Fairhope and Robertsdale, you have passed by Brodie’s Cream and Bean. It sits prominently on the south side in the heart of Silverhill. Silverhill is one of those quaint, charming, rural communities with enough interesting shops and restaurants that entice people to stop and see what’s going on. So I did!

Julienne “Jule” Roach owns Fairhope Chocolate in downtown Fairhope. This is her 9th year in business and she’s now in a new, larger location on Fairhope Avenue. Born in San Francisco, she lived on the West Coast until she was four years old when the family moved to Nicaragua, Oregon, Virginia, Washington DC, and later, Ethiopia. Her father worked with USAID and the World Bank helping to advance U.S. national security and economic prosperity throughout the world.

Need I mention anything about the holidays: added stress, or overindulgence? Of course not! So, let’s just put a stop to any guilt-mongering and say we’ve all been there. However, you might be interested to learn that when you are ready, the Power G Health and Wellness program coached by vivacious Ginger McNamara is just a message away.

Julian MacQueen has been wildly successful in the hotel business with Innisfree Hotels. An adventurer of sorts, he decided at an early age that the beach is where he wanted to be. Much has been written about his hotel management and development company, flying exploits, and religious sojourn. He’s quick to point out that the best thing he’s ever done was marry his wife of over four decades, Kim. They are truly a team.

Ever heard of Record Store Day? It happens twice a year, once in April and once on Black Friday. Record Store Day began in 2007 as a way for artists and record labels to support independent record stores. Musical artists put out exclusive editions and work to promote the importance and value of indie record stores.

Jack McCown grew up in the design world in Mobile. His grandfather, Tommy McCown, a well-known builder in Mobile and the Eastern Shore was known for his creative, architecturally inspired homes. His father, Vance McCown, is a commercial and residential contractor, and his brother, Robert McCown, is a local architect who designs beautiful custom-built homes regionally. To say Jack comes by it naturally is an understatement.

Tim Thompson and Ellis O’Neal, Pensacola natives, met playing disc golf. They both worked in the food industry; Tim was a line cook for Global Grill and Peg Leg Pete’s while Ellis worked in kitchen and equipment sales for restaurants. They tossed around the idea of opening a food truck business while playing disc golf together.

The craft brewery business is booming and that’s great news for us beer lovers. First thought to be a fad, but like so many things, it’s here to stay. I’ve stopped by the Alga Beer Company in the East Hill area of Pensacola several times and was interested to hear their story.

Several of my foodie friends have recommended a small, neighborhood establishment called KItchen on Main in Daphne; the Main being Main Street across from Manci’s Antique Club. It was my daughter’s birthday, so we made reservations and had a wonderful dining experience!

Don Rhodes, owner of Ahi Seafood Market in Fairhope, is more than a purveyor of fresh seafood. He is a seller of all things his customers want. Literally. That drives his business, making sure his customers get exactly what they desire, not just seafood. “I’ve been slowly building a specialty market based on my customer’s request. It’s also an education of sorts,” he says.

At this time of Thanksgiving, we encourage you to remember the organizations in the Scenic 98 Coastal communities that are making a difference and serve as the glue that holds our towns and neighborhoods together.

We love what’s going on in entertainment districts along the Scenic 98 Coastal area. Revitalization among downtown areas in Mobile and Pensacola is attracting excellent new food offerings, bars, shops, and music venues making life along the Gulf Coast better and better each year. One venue we notice each week is Vinyl Music Hall, so we dug a little deeper…

Do you need elevated, one-of-a-kind decorations for an event, a private party, a wedding, a birthday, a bridal, or a baby shower? Do you hope to find special gifts? Maybe you’re searching for unique table decor, eye-catching balloons, delightful party favors, all the accessories… Pop & Pour Party Company is your one-stop shop for an all-things party supplies extravaganza.

Last weekend, The 10th annual Fairhope Film Festival was held in Fairhope. I worked as a volunteer for the event for the first 4 or 5 years and still feel connected to it. Walking to venues throughout the town with stops for drinks and meals in between showings is my version of a perfect weekend! 4 Days, 40 films, is the tagline of the festival, so it's often hard to choose what to screen. I opted for six movies, four that I loved and two not so much…. I also attended the Red Carpet Party Saturday night which is always fun.

Robert Burns wrote, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” When that happens it's best to be nimble and quick on your feet. That scenario was repeated often when Covid hit. The rules changed, especially in the restaurant industry.

Linda and I had the pleasure of a quick, mid-week trip to Birmingham to see Bonnie Raitt in concert last Wednesday. We had early dinner reservations at Automatic Seafood and Oysters before heading to the Birmingham Civic Center Theater for the show.

Last week we made a quick trip to Grayton Beach, Florida with friends. It’s an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive from Fairhope. This time of year is our favorite time to visit and two days is never enough. The weather was perfect, and the crowds were easily managed. That first night's sunset was spectacular!

What brings Jessica Alford, General Manager of the Avenue Pub from Cincinnati, Ohio to Orange Beach, Alabama? Two things. First, she says that in 2015, both she and her mom had a bit of a mid-life crisis, and second, it coincided with the cold weather in Cincinnati. They moved to Pensacola and fell in love with the area.

I recently met Michelle with her mother-in-law and son at Page & Palette during the Fairhope Witch’s Ride. Her mother, who doesn't drive, was thrilled to be out and about. “I feel like this is my calling, my ministry,” says Michelle. One day, she was on the way to the beach with a friend when her friend suggested that she take seniors on day trips. Michelle liked the idea and in September of this year, she started Driving Daisies.