I first met J. Willoughby about 25 years ago at a little dive bar in Pelham, Alabama, that I was part owner of called The Mug Shot Saloon. The Mug Shot was known to have customers dancing on the bar and was a favorite hangout for motorcycle "enthusiasts."

I love visiting with creative people in the advertising business. Their minds work differently, and they are good at getting your attention. It’s what they do. I appreciate cleverness and was excited to sit down with Tim Dozier, CEO of Mobile, Ala.-based Hummingbird Ideas, a few weeks ago.

Leadership is important to any organization’s success. I felt like I hit the motherload when I sat down with Collier Merrill, Maria Goldberg, and David Bear at The Fish House Restaurant in Pensacola a few weeks ago. There is so much to learn about the Scenic 98 Coastal area from these movers and shakers. They are part of the equation that is changing and fortifying the Scenic 98 Coastal area, especially downtown Pensacola. 

Leadership is important to any organization’s success. I felt like I hit the motherload when I sat down with Collier Merrill, Maria Goldberg, and David Bear at The Fish House Restaurant in Pensacola a few weeks ago. There is so much to learn about the Scenic 98 Coastal area from these movers and shakers. They are part of the equation that is changing and fortifying the Scenic 98 Coastal area, especially downtown Pensacola. 

The Happy Olive, located on De La Mare Avenue in Fairhope, is a fun shop with fun people working there. Sue Rusyniak is the new owner, who purchased the store three years ago from Richard and Vickie Bailey, who founded the shop 11 years ago. The staff works hard, but they love what they do. 

You have to get up pretty early in the morning to catch John Nodar, meteorologist for WKRG News 5. He’s the first one to tell you what you can expect from today’s weather. There’s a lot behind the person standing in front of that weather map. 

Carmen’s Lunch Bar is always on the top of my list when visiting Pensacola. It’s a favorite little neighborhood place that is always inviting, warm, and friendly. In addition to featuring a different take on lunch, and a superb meal, I seem to enjoy ordering the same outstanding things each time. I know I should branch out more because my lunch companions are always oohing and aahing about their selections too.

‍I already appreciated a few things about Baldwin County’s Magnolia Springs before I got a close-up view of her community. Over the years, whenever we’d visit the area, in my humble opinion, Jesse's Restaurant – Magnolia Springs, AL, has outstanding food, service, and atmosphere. Then I read Fanny Flagg’s charming novel, A Redbird Christmas, with my West Virginia book club before I relocated here. The author shows how a northerner can relocate to the community of “Lost River,” i.e., Magnolia Springs, and find a welcoming community.