Much like the legend of the immortal Phoenix's powers to regenerate by bursting into flames just as it reaches the end of its life and then rising from its ashes toward the sun, the GulfQuest Maritime Museum has risen to become the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico.
The month of July always kicks off in high gear with Independence Day celebrations across the country. Communities and venues throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area are hosting events to commemorate the holiday, so be sure to check out the Tidbits & Best Bets section at the end of the newsletter for all of this weekend’s events.
My husband is an avid reader, usually reading several books at once. When he meets a new person he always asks “What are you reading?” because it gives him an idea about his or her interests. I’ve heard young mothers say Clifford the Big Red Dog and others say The Bible but with the plethora of book club members and other bibliophiles in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, a new favorite book is always part of the conversation.
The small community of Bon Secour has seen generational changes throughout its history, especially regarding the rich bounty of seafood harvested, processed, and shipped to restaurants and consumers, first locally, then regionally, and now nationally.
When Grandchildren visit during their summer vacation, besides swimming in pools, the bay, and the Gulf, an educational activity is a good balance. (This also gives grandmother 3 hours to catch her breath!) My 6-year-old grandson spent a week with Ashton Crist, owner of Kids Stem for Kids Mobile Bay. For the unfamiliar, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The camp he attended in Fairhope had a Minecraft theme which means it is based on a top-rated video game that every kid I know is obsessed with. Needless to say, he was psyched to go!
“I’m Debbie Williams reporting…..” - a familiar refrain for anyone who has lived in the Scenic 98 Coastal area for even a minute. I’ve watched and heard Debbie Williams report on all matters for many years. With stints in Dothan, Montgomery, and Birmingham in both radio and television, she’s covered it all.
Throughout June, the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature works by four Mobile-based artists. The exhibitions, titled “Figures of Imagination” and “Ethereal,” have contrasting themes, but are compatible in their focus on figures, extreme detail, and surreal imagery.
The spirit of Jim Eddins is strong at Perdido Vineyards, and so is that of his wife, Marianne. Without them, this one-of-a-kind winery wouldn’t exist, and neither would the landmark law that gave it the green light 45 years ago.
I have always been fascinated to learn how business people got their start and the roads they traveled to get where they are. Most are lessons in perseverance, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Very few, I’ve found, just stumbled out of the gate and succeeded on pure luck. A positive mental attitude is a common trait.
When Jeremiah Litwack first dreamed up the concept of Jeremiah's Italian Ice in 1988, he was a high school student hustling Italian ice in front of the Philadelphia Mint. By 1993, after honing his cool craft, he set out to create a market for Italian Ice in the Southeast.
What I love most about a wine dinner is that I don't have to make any menu decisions. I just sit down and have delicious food and wine brought to me by a courteous server. I always enjoy interesting conversations with my table mates and also learn something new about wine. The Red, White, and Rose` dinner hosted by Scenic 98 Coastal, held at Char 32 in Point Clear was no exception. With five courses paired with French wines from Seth Hargett’s ABM Wines, it was a delightful Thursday evening.
I love to meet people who grew up on the Eastern Shore. It’s fun to compare experiences and talk about the old days. This is not to say progress hasn’t been a good thing, it’s just different.
“I have lived on the buffs of Montrose for 40 years, and it is my inspiration to make things that reflect the geological wonder of where we live.” - Shelley Leigh
I went to a lovely engagement party in Fairhope and the most fun thing happened. A Sno Ball truck arrived in the backyard and all the guests had made to order Sno Balls for dessert. How cool is that?! It was such a novel and delicious idea that I had to learn more.
The 2024 High Hopes 4 Autism will take place at Pirates Cove Yacht Club in Josephine, Alabama the weekend of July 19, 20 & 21. This fundraiser includes live music, features lots of artists, and a drawdown for a 2024 Jeep. The music starts on Friday at 7:00 PM.