You may have recently heard or read about the new Fairhope Art Alley that’s being created between the public parking garage and the rear of the buildings lining the north side of Fairhope Avenue behind Bone and Barrel, Sage Restaurant, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, among other establishments. The alley has always been there, and the city is just dressing it up to make it more user-friendly.

At David Gibson’s suggestion, I reached out to Corbett Davis, III, the third-generation owner, CEO, and President of Jewelers Trade Shop on Palafox Street in Pensacola. It’s a beautiful store with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. As I waited for Corbett to finish his conversation with a customer, I perused the cases of beautiful watches, gemstones, and gold and silver jewelry.

A Sunday afternoon drive to pick up friends from Pensacola International Airport resulted in an epicurean pleasure by way of George Bistro + Bar on 9th Avenue in “The City of Five Flags.“ Very close to the airport, I did the right thing by making a reservation because, at 5:30 p.m. on a Sunday, it was bustling!

Southwood Kitchen is one of the top restaurants along the Eastern Shore, and Chef/Owner Jeremiah Matthews has some new concepts in store. Imagine my surprise when I sat down with Jeremiah and he told me he was friends with my late nephew. I always enjoy meeting people who knew De, or Ben as he was known to his friends.

I caught up with Chris Andrews, owner and operator of Bienville Bites and Taste of Fairhope Food Tours, to discuss his upcoming book release party at The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile on Monday, October 23. Who better to write about the City’s rich culinary history dating back to before the French laid claim to the area?

Several people have mentioned how much they love going to Blakeley Park, and how it’s thriving under the leadership of Mike Bunn. While I’ve visited Blakeley Park on several occasions, I’ve never taken full advantage of all it has to offer. We have noticed the many Delta and Mobile Bay tours they offer each week, and try to include many in Tidbits and Best Bets in the newsletter.

Many old-timers who grew up in Baldwin County and the surrounding area have fond memories of hanging around Judge Roy Bean’s place. A proverbial “hole-in-the-wall” on a spit of land between Fairhope and Daphne (actually, in Montrose), it was owned by the late Jack West and was the go-to spot for people to gather with friends, play with the resident goat (Billy) in the backyard, listen to music and perhaps rub elbows with Jimmy Buffet, who oftentimes stopped in unannounced.

Right here in Little Ole’ Fairhope, we have somewhat of a musical legend. His name is Roger Fritz, and for 60 years, he’s been making custom guitars. And not just any guitar, but guitars played by some of the best artists who have ever taken the stage.