I recently visited with Susan Sizemore in Orange Beach to learn about a Scenic 98 Coastal eatery, bar, and entertainment staple. It turns out they are unsure when Tacky Jacks first came to be. Was it in 1980 or 1979? No official records exist since Orange Beach wasn’t even a city when Tacky Jacks opened.

Bob and I bought a new car a couple of weeks ago. It’s a Tesla that Bob has been wanting and researching for months, so we headed out for a short road trip with our elderly chihuahua, Emma Claire. 

If you live in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, you are probably familiar with Rose Ann Haven, who anchors the WKRG Channel 5 News in the evenings. I recently sat down with Rose Ann at Provision in Fairhope to learn more about her “Off Air” personality. I found her delightful and very down-to-earth. She’d be a fun person to hang around with.

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.