When we started this venture called Scenic98Coastal.com, I talked it out with lots of people I know and respect. The best advice I received was from a friend’s son visiting Fairhope from New York during the pandemic. We were having lunch at Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek when I told him about our idea to launch a newsletter for the area between Mobile and Pensacola. 

Having launched several online products, he had a wealth of information to share. I remember two things he told me. First, don’t write a business plan; your readers will tell you what they like. Second, be prepared to work your butt off. That one gave me pause. When my son, Matthew, said he was interested and would handle the technology side of things, that was the green light to move forward.

The idea was to explore this playground we call Scenic 98 Coastal between Mobile and Pensacola, and venture beyond for fun things to do and good places to eat. The goal was to help promote the small businesses in the area, raise awareness of the conservation efforts to help preserve and protect this special place, and call attention to the non-profit sector that we feel is the glue that keeps communities strong.

The rest is just fun: live music and performances, festivals of all manner, outdoor activities, especially those along the water, road trips, artsy stuff, and, of course, epicurean delights. Now and then, we get what I call just a good pirate story. These are some of my favorites, and we place them in a catch-all category, Musings from the Cove (Pirate's Cove). It doesn’t have to be about a pirate. A good tale is a good tale.

I never considered myself a writer, and didn’t begin this venture intending to write a word. I’ve spent most of my life in some sort of business development capacity, but whatever writing skills I have are from writing reports, which is a bit like storytelling. My dad told great, long, drawn-out stories, always tickled to death while telling them, so I came by it honestly. If my writing seems a bit self-reflective, it’s because that’s all I know.

I’m very fortunate to have good friends who offer sage advice and have pitched in graciously to make Scenic 98 Coastal what it is today, now in its fourth year of publication. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m long-winded. It’s who I am, and I can’t help it. Fortunately, Gina Lanaux, a lifelong friend of Linda and mine, couldn’t stand by and let me butcher the English language and offered to edit my work. What a godsend she has been.

Another unfortunate situation was quickly resolved when Justin Parrish redesigned our website and offered to help design the newsletter and keep everything up to date each week. He has made a huge difference in our presentation and our face to the public. I’m not sure where we would be today without Justin.

This has been a shoestring operation. Publishing a weekly newsletter takes a lot of time and effort, so much so that we've been reluctant to add new features for fear that execution would suffer. Our sponsors have kept us going, so we are paying the bills, but we don’t have the resources just to throw money at new ideas without careful consideration. The process of producing the newsletter is less helter-skelter than when we first launched, so I’m sleeping better at night.

We’ve tried to always stay positive, informative, and to offer a peek behind the curtain for the people, places, and things we think our subscribers will enjoy. When we started, I was told nobody reads anymore. Fortunately, that’s not true. We’ve had lots of encouragement along the way. Thanks to all of you!

We live in a world where it’s never been easier to create content using AI, YouTube, or TikTok videos, as well as other platforms. We strive to be highly innovative and create something of an oasis for escapism in a noisy world. It is an old-school way of interviewing, constructing a story, and capturing information that we hope you enjoy. Most of our story ideas come from our readers.

The process of finding stories to tell begins with the idea that everyone has a story to tell. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering, but interesting. I love hearing people’s stories. I find them fascinating. A lot of you do, too, based on the comments we received from our 3rd anniversary survey. We thought you might like to learn what your fellow Scenic 98 Coastal readers had to say.

3rd Anniversary Reader Survey Results

First, the reader comments were very positive, and we thank those of you who took the time to respond. Responses came from 41 total zip codes, 26 from the Scenic 98 Coastal area. 42% discovered Scenic 98 Coastal through family and friends, 36% from Facebook or Instagram, and 22% from people familiar with the Gulf Coast through an internet search. A few found our website and subscribed after seeing our logo sticker.

Most people, 90%, read the newsletter via Wednesday’s email newsletter. Others see stories on Facebook and Instagram, or go to the website at Scenic98Coastal.com to access content. 85% of the subscribers who responded read the newsletter weekly, while another 10% read twice monthly. 70% click “Continue Reading,” which takes you to the website for the full story.

What do people like to read? A bit of everything, it seems. Day Trippin’ led the way with 70% of readers listing, followed by People & Business Profiles at 60%. Ranging from 58% to 50% in order were Artsy Side of Life, Epicurean Delights, Water Side of Scenic 98, Community Endeavors, Dive Bars and Music, and Events That Inspire. Musings From the Cove and Sports & Fitness rounded out the favorite categories at 32% and 17%, respectively.

Readers shared what they like best about Scenic 98 Coastal: that it is positive, and they especially enjoy learning about the area, what’s happening, and where to explore.

A few of the general comments that support our mission:

“I like how the articles connect with my life experiences.”

“I enjoy the people you write about and learning their background, and how they got where they are. I enjoy hearing about upcoming events.”

“I’m new to the area, so anything that will help inform my choices.”

“I enjoy reading about community happenings, epicurean delights, and things inspired by local traditions.”  

“I like free stuff to do and local artists' profiles.”

“Outdoor activities and adventures.”

“It’s interesting and informative concerning drivable short trips in the area. I love being informed of “goings-on” and free festivals, new places to grab a bite to eat, new boutiques, free music concerts, and everything coastal.”

“Arts and events.”

“I want to know about where I live.” 

“Learning about different areas and the people that make it great to live here.”

“It’s very informative and off the beaten path.”

“I love the Gulf Coast and enjoy reading about 'not-so-well-known' places and sometimes quirky people that inhabit the area.”

“Fun, local knowledge, good writing, be in-the-know.”

“Something always catches my attention. I enjoy reading about the area. When my family comes to town, I get ideas about things to do. I like the look of the publication. I like that you are interested in nature and share information about problems.”

“I grew up in Daphne but now live in Massachusetts, your articles keep me connected. I miss it so much.”

“Great source of local events and information.”

“Love the human interest stories featuring everyday people. Love the restaurant history and reviews.”

“Keeps us up to date with what’s going on in the area. I grew up here and still have a home in the area. When we visit, I know what’s going on and don’t feel left out.”

“I enjoy the local flair. Even though I’ve lived here all my life (and traveled extensively), I still love hearing about events happening and the amazing people living here.”

“ I like the local information and coverage of places and events that I wasn’t fully aware of.”

“Very informative about the local scene across the board.”

“I read it because I know I will find something new and interesting.”

“I simply enjoy it.”

“It’s a wealth of information when planning a trip. I look forward to it every Wednesday.”

“I read it to acquaint myself with my new home.”

“I enjoy the local focus the best.”

“Lifestyle stories unique to the area.”

“I like to see what’s going on in the community that is positive.”

“It relates to local events and people.”

“Definitely the local flavor.”

“It’s informative and fun.”

“It keeps you up to date on activities around our area, and the articles are interesting.”

“I really enjoy the personal interest stories and information on new and unique events.”

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A few readers' comments on specific categories they look forward to:

‍Road Trippin’ 

“I thoroughly enjoy travel experiences that can be followed by anyone. I often share these with friends.”

“I so enjoy day trips, leaving the coast and visiting small towns to enjoy the food and the people.”

“I enjoyed the visit to Boligee and the stories on Jimbo Meador’s life.”

“Discovering under-the-radar destinations.”

Epicurean Delights:

“I love hearing about the restaurants and shopping areas, and new features at the beach.”

“It helps me plan where to dine out and events to attend.”

“Restaurant reviews, profile pieces about interesting locals.”

“I love the dining stories.”

People and Business Profiles:

“There are so many locally owned boutiques and shops. I love reading about their history and the owner profiles.”

“I love the business highlights and current activities on the coast.”

“Human interest stories about people’s lives.”

Tidbits and Best Bets:

“I like it for the unique content, but probably most for the Tidbits and Best Bets to see what’s going on on the Gulf Coast that weekend.”

“To get Tidbits about what’s happening in my area.”

“I look for the event postings for what to do on the weekends.”

“The live music schedule.”

“I read it to know what’s happening locally.”

“Entertainment and Happenings of upcoming events.”

“Ideas for things to do.”

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Two comments that inspire us:

“I love it just the way it is.”

“Thank you for the 'heart and soul' nature of this publication.”