These books will get you going—perhaps inspiring some walks in the woods or allowing you to travel the world from your armchair (or beach chair). I shared them this month on Good Day Alabama on WBRC Fox 6. How to Suffer Outside By Diana Helmuth with illustrations by Latasha Dunston I have a group of female … Continue reading Local Hikes and Armchair Travel
A few years ago, in early June, my husband, Rick, and I hit the road and headed out West to visit the five big national parks in Utah—Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion. We also found some state park gems like Dead Horse Point near Moab and Snow Canyon near St. George. And … Continue reading An Epic Road Trip in the American West
These two books and one podcast are what I shared this month on Good Day Alabama on WBRC Fox 6. They kept me entertained during a long week away, relaxing and resetting and reading at a remote farm in Virginia. The Book of Doors By Gareth Brown This debut novel of science fiction and fantasy is … Continue reading Just for Fun
Cinco de Mayo is traditionally celebrated in the town of Puebla, where Mexico’s victory over the French empire happened in 1862. Here in Birmingham, José Medina Camacho and Jesús Méndez are celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Adiõs and Salud Taqueria. Both men are originally from Mexico, having immigrated to northern Alabama in the early ‘90s, and they’ve … Continue reading Cinco de Mayo 2025 in Birmingham
If you build it, turns out, people will come. It happened in Opp when local resident Merrill Culverhouse decided his hometown needed a nice place to eat. So, he teamed up with chef Jon Gibson (a friend since childhood) and together, they built Wheelhouse. Today, the restaurant is thriving and, just as importantly, providing jobs … Continue reading Great Food & Warm Hospitality are in Their Wheelhouse
I love a place that makes me feel like I'm somewhere else entirely. Current Charcoal Grill in downtown Birmingham is only minutes from my home, yet it seems a world away. The beautiful restaurant is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month, and Executive Chef-Partner Luke Joseph has brought back some delicious favorite dishes--perhaps most excitingly … Continue reading Staying Current
These three books—a couple new ones and another I’m finally getting around to reading—are what I shared this month on Good Day Alabama on WBRC Fox 6. The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson By Ellen Baker This page-turning novel blends historical elements with a coming-of-age story. In 1924, 4-year-old Cecily Larson’s mother drops her off at … Continue reading Immersive Reads
It's time to get outside! Here are some of my favorite places for al fresco drinks and dining in and around Birmingham.
The former Crystal Ice manufacturing building in Mobile is cool in a whole new way these days, as the husband-and-wife team of Max Donaldson and Mackenzie Klyce are honoring the past and creating a fun, delicious future. Their Velvet Pig eatery in the Ice Box bar (21 and over) offers Chef Mackenzie’s delicious, inventive dishes … Continue reading Globally, Regionally, Locally Cool
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