The Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope has served as the cornerstone of the art community for as many years as I can remember. Since 2017, Bryant Whelan has been its Executive Director. Bryant has announced her retirement at the end of May, and a search for her replacement has recently been completed. Hers are indeed big shoes to fill!

Who ever heard of a 7-day visit to New Orleans? Especially when you live less than 3 hours away. Bob, our elderly chihuahua, and I recently spent seven days dog-sitting for our son and his wife while they took their toddler to Walt Disney World. There are so many historical sites we never take the time to see, so I researched and scheduled our seven days with mostly new restaurants and sightseeing.

A few months back, I was driving from the Weeks Bay area into Fairhope for an afternoon coffee break and noticed a new spot, Jubilee Java, had opened up along Greeno Road. Looking to shave a few minutes off my drive, I decided to give it a shot and went inside. This turned out to be a great decision as the staff was extremely nice and served me a delicious cappuccino.

Linda and I attended Arbor Day in Fairhope at Coastal Community College a few weeks ago. We had parked across the street in front of the Sugar House, and it was the first time I had ever noticed it. We poked our heads in and found the owner, Brittney Hill, hard at work. Yet it was the cupcakes in the display case that got my attention… a beautiful array with a sign on the wall that said, “Custom Cakes Orders Booked thru June.” That was interesting.

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.