May is upon us and the dog days of summer are not far behind. There are still plenty of exciting outdoor events to take advantage of the weather throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area and across the Gulf Coast. If you fancy a road trip, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival cranks up again Thursday for the 2nd weekend of festivities.

This is more than a story about Moe’s Original BBQ. It’s a story about perseverance, leadership, music, finding your calling, faith, survival, being knocked down repeatedly, getting back up, and a big dream finally coming to fruition. Attitude and reflection are also a big part of this story.

Food is a big part of what we do at Scenic 98 Coastal. Our approach is to write about places we enjoy, where the experience is always satisfying. We don’t consider ourselves food critics, but we enjoy all kinds of options from no frills to fancy. It’s all about the experience, and a good dining experience comes in many flavors.

If you've seen John Tony Grubbs on stage playing harmonica in his wheelchair, you may have wondered what his story is. He's got a good one, that's for sure, and he's happy to share it with anyone who wants to sit down with him and have a chat.‍

From accountant to butcher shop owner, Lenore’s journey is one you’ll want to hear! Visit The Blind Butcher for fresh meats, mouthwatering meals, and a taste of her amazing story.

Gulf Shores Out-of-Town Volunteers Join Forces with Eco Clean Marine for Coastal Cleanup in Gulf Shores!

Pat Pearce is bringing fresh energy and new opportunities to the Eastern Shore Art Center! Learn how he plans to connect Baldwin County’s growing communities with visual and performing arts for all ages.

Dharma Blue’s inaugural wine dinner, Five Flags Over Pensacola, will be a historic event. After 29 years, founder Charles Morgan and General Manager, Diana Mills are excited to explore the history of Pensacola through elevated food and wine next Thursday, April 10 from 6 - 9 PM.

Mobile Ballet Artistic Director Katia Garza is known for her demanding approach and high expectations from her dancers. She believes that certain traits are essential for success in the world of ballet and beyond, and she instills these values in her performers.

If Kathy Hicks had better vision, we might never have gotten to see the stunning images of what she sees on her nature walks. And it would certainly be our loss.

It’s hard to believe that Dharma Blue, the iconic restaurant in historic Pensacola known for its outstanding fresh local seafood and sushi, opened 29 years ago on February 15, 1996, and is just now hosting its first-ever wine pairing dinner on Thursday, April 10. The theme for this event is Five Flags Over Pensacola, and it should be interesting, educational, and a whole lot of fun!

Just about four hours’ drive from the Fairhope area will find you transported to what Old Florida used to be like. The port town which borders Scipio Creek and Apalachicola Bay is a distinct 180-degree difference from the bustling and crowded cities of Palm Beach, Miami, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. 

This is an amazing story. I’m in awe. We love talking about food. We love experiencing food, whether discovering a new eatery, a tried and true favorite, or a new recipe using fresh, local ingredients from the land or the sea. Scenic 98 Coastal has a big appetite when it comes to good food.

On a recent Friday evening during the Fairhope Art Walk, Linda and I met a friend downtown to hear The Modern Eldorados. The band was playing on the sidewalk across the street from Pearl Seafood + Raw Bar, a small but popular restaurant that opened three and a half years ago in the space that used to be R Bistro. After a little while, we decided to settle in at the bar and ordered one of their specialty cocktails and a dozen oysters.

Mah Jongg is taking South Alabama by storm! But here’s the thing—it’s not exactly a new craze. This tile game, which can be traced back to China in the early 19th century, has a rich history. In fact, Confucius is credited with inventing it. His aim? To teach students discipline, strategy, and calculation.

When so many of us were focused on the arrival of the famous ocean liner, the SS United States, a couple of weeks back, I started thinking about another big ship on our horizon. I decided to take a drive over and revisit the USS Alabama.

On Tuesday evening, March 25, Scenic 98 Coastal is excited to bring its South Meets South Wine Pairing Experience to Orange Beach, benefitting The Nature Conservancy of Alabama. For The Love Of Nature is the theme of this event co-hosted by Frank & Co Jewelers and Saunders Yachtworks and will take place at the 8-Reale Speakeasy at The Wharf. 

It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to getting on the water. Spring is the season for those clamoring to see what’s new in the boating world, to shop for a boat, or perhaps trade up or down. A while back, Linda and I were looking for a center console to putter around in. My hardcore fishing days are behind me, but nothing beats cruising around exploring the waters in the Scenic 98 Coastal area.

If you’ve ever read James Lee Burke and enjoyed the escapades of Dave Robicheaux, and his cast of entertaining characters, you might want to meet Ace Gonzalez. Ace is the main character of a recent book release, The Lost Republic by Woody Speed, or W.J. Speed, his pen name.

When the vastly accomplished Chef Rich Lee decided to open a restaurant of his own, he had the perfect partner in mind. His wife, Pam, had been in mortgage banking for 35 years but always had a strong culinary interest.

I don't know what I expected when I scheduled an interview with Chip Herrington to talk about his band. Still, I really didn't expect him to arrive at the Bluegill on his motorcycle, dressed in a coat and tie, just coming from the Courthouse where he had an arraignment. An attorney and a musician, with an easy demeanor, I knew this was going to be fun!

Collaborations are fun. Different people and organizations unite for a common cause, making a difference in our communities. Collaborations are also important. When progress and growth encroach on the natural beauty of our coastline, some unintended consequences happen. Mother Nature plays her part as well.

For many people, arriving at Jordan Beech Farms and Venue is something like love at first sight. Donna Beech, one of the owners, understands that because she experienced it herself. 

From the years 1889 to 1950, the only local high school for Black students’ education was located at 1000 Main Street in Daphne. As the first school built to educate African American children, The Eastern Shore Baptist Academy (its original name) was built on 18 acres of land purchased by the Eastern Shore Missionary Baptist Association. This was back in 1882; in 1892, the Association constructed a dormitory to house Black children who lived throughout the county, as well as those attending from surrounding counties.