Last summer, when my 7-year-old grandson, Will, was down from Birmingham for his annual two-week visit with me, he saw a bunch of sailboats out on the bay and asked what was going on. When I explained it was a sailing camp held at the Fairhope Yacht Club, he said, “ I want to do that next summer!”

Boat building has a rich history around Mobile Bay. As in most communities that rely on the water, boats were built to serve practical purposes. They were tools. Lawrence Stauter, whose Stauter Built Boats are synonymous with Mobile Bay and the Delta, designed and built his boats to be optimal fishing boats for our local waters. Nothing more, nothing less. 

There is plenty to keep you entertained throughout the Dog Days of Summer, so take advantage of these main events coming our way in August. Thanks to our good friends at Chuck’s Fish and Dharma Blue for supporting our efforts to keep you informed of all the Scenic 98 Coastal happenings each week in Tidbits and Best Bets. Let’s get started!

Summer is a time for scattered showers and scattered people. As we move into August, I hope you are enjoying changes of scenery and routine and the last fluid activities that the end of summer often brings.

If you think you’ve had the best seafood ever, think again: if you haven’t tried dining at Felix’s, you haven’t had the full-fledged experience of dining like a royal.

Sometimes the creative dreams people set out to accomplish in their lifetimes don’t quite pan out as expected. But those with perseverance find other outlets, and sometimes it takes until retirement for one of those endeavors to find the right audience. 

Lindsey and Blake Walters are not afraid to take risks, and each has pursued their own dream while building thriving businesses on their own terms. They are acutely aware of how blessed they are, but it's clear that their mutual support, combined with a shared vision of what matters to them, is the key to their success. 

July represents the peak Summer Season. The beaches are packed, the fish are biting, and there is plenty to look forward to all along the Scenic 98 Coastal waterfront. Here are Five July events worth considering. Of course, after the 250th celebration of our nation’s birthday, the Blue Angels will provide a spectacular weekend July 16 - 17 in Pensacola. It’s terrific!