Did you know that Mobile’s Virginia’s Health Foods and Fairhope Health Foods also have a sister restaurant, the Sunflower Cafe, adjacent to both store locations? The health food stores feature numerous organic, vegan, and non-gmo products, including vitamins and supplements, and we have always found their staff knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to answer questions. 

There is a new speakeasy in Orange Beach tucked away behind a vault door by Frank & Company at The Wharf. You don’t see many speakeasies these days. They are thought to have been created during prohibition-era days when illicit hidden bars with alcohol had to be quiet to stay undiscovered. ‍

When I first heard about the local Newcomers Club, my neighbor was out walking her dog and noticed my “West Virginia” license plate. I had just stepped outside and saw her wave. She said, “Hi, I’m Nancy. I’m from Huntington, West Virginia.” (Such a small world we live in!) Then she asked if I’d like to join the Newcomers of Eastern Shore. “It’s $25.00 for the year, and I’m the treasurer, so if I’m not home, just set your check under my welcome mat.” This was within weeks of our arrival in Fairhope.

I first met Rich Sullivan when he was a student at the University of Alabama. Rich is one of the brightest people I’ve ever known, and we seem to hit it off. A native Mobilian, Rich entered his senior year of college with the intention of attending medical school after graduation. 

If you head up to Diana Rell Dean’s art show, Threads, this weekend, you might want to stop by the Stagecoach Café in Stockton, especially if you are hungry. The Stagecoach Café has been a staple in the area for years and serves a meat and three-style country buffet seven days a week.

The Ice Box in Mobile has just celebrated its third birthday by growing a little larger, a little wiser, and even more fun, if that’s possible. The brainchild of Taylor Atchison and Stoney Boatman, this local watering hole has been a surprise waiting to happen ever since it opened its doors in February 2020. And it’s not over yet! More surprises are cooking as we speak.

Since I never had children of my own, which was likely a good thing considering what a problem child I was, I have adopted my grand nieces and nephews to fill that grandchildren position. They were one of the deciding factors that landed me in Fairhope. I have four grandchildren in Mobile and three grandchildren in Pensacola whose parents are more than willing to share with me anytime. 

No doubt, this job has its benefits. Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Maria V. Goldberg over lunch at the Fish House Restaurant located on Pensacola’s waterfront. Maria is the Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Events for Great Southern Restaurants which owns the Fish House.