In the nearly four decades we’ve been married, my husband and I have made countless compromises. That’s not at all a bad thing; that’s life. We share lots of things, but we also have our own interests. Our most recent road trip is the perfect example. Rick was racing his gravel bike in Arkansas, and … Continue reading In Consideration of a Great Road Trip … and Diamonds
Novi means new, and there’s a lot of newness at Novi Vineyards in Alpine. For one thing, owners Lee and Lisa Moffett are taking Alabama wine in a new—dry—direction. (This wine is not sweet, y’all.) It’s also worth mentioning that creating this place took their lives—and those of their family—in a new direction, too. That … Continue reading Raise a Glass to Alabama Table Wines
Some of the best and most beautiful Thai food in Alabama (perhaps in the Southeast) is in a small restaurant in tiny Greensboro. Ruan Thai, which means “Thai House,” is new, but it has a decades-long history. It’s also reason for a day trip to the Black Belt part of our state. I went recently … Continue reading Deep South Thai
I rarely train for vacation. But Iceland was different. Between the two of us, my husband, Rick, and I hiked for miles and miles (including a steep sheep trail up a mountain); he competed in a 100k gravel bike race; I snorkeled between continents; and raced up hills on a spirited, but sweet, Icelandic horse. … Continue reading Iceland Adventures
Adjectives abound for The Waverly Local. “Seasonally inspired, simple Southern fare” served in a “beautifully repurposed garage” amid “mid-century modern décor.” Add to that delicious, imaginative dishes; inventive craft cocktails; a genuinely friendly staff; and the occasional thrilling sports-celebrity sighting. Chef-partner Christian Watson, whose approach to food at The Local is “less is more” just … Continue reading Hyper Local
Wherever you visit, it’s almost always a great idea to eat where the locals eat. In the artsy, tourist-friendly town of Fairhope on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, locals eat at Locals. So, you should, too. Locals Fairhope is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Wade and Ashley Peryer. After managing other people’s restaurants … Continue reading Eat Local
On a recent visit to Chicago for the American Library Association conference (I am a trustee for the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest), I spent four big, long days learning about trends in publishing and programing (inclusiveness is key in all kinds of ways) and how to be a better advocate for our library. … Continue reading Work & Play in Chicago
It all started with muffins. Sarah Jones, who, along with her husband, Howard, owns Wild Flour Bakery in the ultra-cool Standard Deluxe compound in Waverly, Alabama, says, “The business was really born at home through years of home baking.” In December 2021, a friend asked Sarah to bake some muffins. “She only needed about six, … Continue reading All the Right Ingredients
There’s a saying on the Domestique Coffee website: Beyond the mountains, more mountains. It’s a Haitian proverb about perseverance, resiliency and hope in the face of challenges—no matter how many challenges arise. Domestique's newest location is inside Cahaba Cycles in Homewood. Nathan and Michael Pocus are not intimidated by mountains of any sort, or even … Continue reading Domestique is Serving Coffee and Communities
There’s a lot that’s unique about Magnolia Springs. But two things come to mind immediately. This small town in south Alabama is the only one in the entire United States that gets mail delivered by boat year-round. (There are nearly 200 boxes on the Magnolia Star River Route.) And Magnolia Springs is the home of … Continue reading Delicious Food, Historic Space in Beautiful Magnolia Springs
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