Pickleball is for all ages, all levels of athleticism, and every socioeconomic group. It has been described as a combination of ping pong and tennis. Scenic 98 communities have more than 50 pickleball courts that we know of plus more in process, all built within the last five years. In fact, it is difficult to even find pickleball players that have actually played the sport for more than five years.

Pickleball is for all ages, all levels of athleticism, and every socioeconomic group. It has been described as a combination of ping pong and tennis. Scenic 98 communities have more than 50 pickleball courts that we know of plus more in process, all built within the last five years. In fact, it is difficult to even find pickleball players that have actually played the sport for more than five years.

Have you ever had a professional chef come into your home and cook for your party or family gathering? Or be able to enjoy entertaining your guests and not have to worry about getting dinner ready or what wine to serve? If not, let me tell you about my nephew, Chef Seth Hargett.

Alan Alford, his wife Kathy, and their son Taylor co-own (with Coby Lake) and operate Ferus by the Bay, a new brew pub and restaurant on the corner of Church Street and De La Mare in the heart of downtown Fairhope. If you’re not familiar with the place, that’s understandable. Church Street has been closed and under construction since Ferus by the Bay opened six months ago. With construction now complete, it’s as if they just re-opened. And it’s good!

Noell Broughton and Mark Strickland are at it again. They opened Grace Restaurant and Rooftop Bar at 555 Dauphin Street at the end of October, and I’ve been eager to check it out. So, I did, on a Friday when the weather was nice and pleasant, and people were in a holiday mood.

Anne Dorman is a ball of energy! She first caught my attention on Facebook as the co-founder and administrator of Fairhope Now. I admired the group for its quick, witty promotions of small businesses in the area, entertaining photos of beautiful sunsets, and consistent content without the… let’s just say, unnecessary catty responses that often ruin the moment.

If you have someone in your life who loves the outdoors, enjoys hunting and fishing, is a runner, or just needs something casual but high-quality to wear daily, McCoy Outdoor is your place. The store is chock full of everything you can think of for enjoying all that the Scenic 98 Coastal area has to offer. I sat down with Dubby Hannon to discuss the latest trends at McCoy Outdoor Company.

Therapy Dogs of South Alabama opens with a major impact. Seven registered Therapy Dog Teams are already visiting Mobile Infirmary in Mobile, and three Teams are registered to visit Thomas Hospital in Fairhope and Daphne.

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.