Culture

The only thing that can improve a gorgeous day at our beaches is the right stuff! This round up of the cutest beach duds and best gear from local shops will guarantee a sandy good time.

Local book fanatics share their must-read summer selections.

CEO/President, Stewart Steelwood Investments, dba “The Stewart Lodges”

Lisette Normann of The Fairhope Store and The Orange Beach Store reflects on her journey from candy vendor to lifestyle brand curator.

Meet Mackenzie and Matt Kelly, the brains behind Mobile’s party bike.

When Chappell Brady moved to Mobile, she recognized that a common concern with local ladies was a lack of shopping. Coincidentally, opening a ladies’ boutique had always been one of her dreams. The stars aligned, and Brady opened her happy place, Hemline, in 2012, where she loves the sweet customers and, of course, the clothes.

Cindy Zebryk has been the No. 1 agent for Coldwell Banker for the past five years, joining the company only six years ago. The Fairhope native has 27 years of experience in the real estate industry, and she knows the local market like the back of her hand.

The historic community of Africatown proves its future is as rich as its soil.

After two years, a long-term resident prepares to leave the “theater of the real” that is the Grand Hotel. But if you know Patrick McDonald, don’t rule out an encore.

Alabama’s barrier island is in a constant state of flux, with shorelines — and property lines — threatened by storms and rising sea levels.