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.