Mobile Bay’s Top 10 Stories of 2019

Pat McDonald on the grounds of The Grand Hotel // Photo by Matthew Coughlin

1. “Turning a Space into a Place,” March 2019
An artist and a developer combine forces to reimagine Judge Roy Bean. Text by Maggie Lacey

2. “Atlanta Family Creates Dream Home in Fairhope,” March 2019
One family-centric Fairhope home is filled with special touches that unite parents and children, making the most of their precious time together. Text by Jill Clair Gentry

3. “Meet the Grand Hotel’s Full-Time Resident,” May 2019
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. Text by Breck Pappas

4. “Dauphin Island’s Shifting Sands,” May 2019
Alabama’s barrier island is in a constant state of flux, with shorelines — and property lines — threatened by storms and rising sea levels. Text by Joshua Givens

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5. “Peek Inside this Beachy Fixer-Upper,” May 2019
A home that no one wanted was scooped up by a designer with vision, finding new life and a bright new look on the shores of Perdido Bay. Text by Catherine Dorrough

6. “Meet the Movers & Shakers in Gulf Shores,” June 2019
Five Gulf Shores business owners talk shop on the shores they call home. Text by Amanda Hartin

7. “Day Trip: Pensacola,” July 2019
Spend the day in our neighbor city, Pensacola, where charming boutiques, original eats and family fun are waiting. Text by Amanda Hartin

8. “A Spring Hill Home Built for Entertaining,” July 2019
When two hospitable hearts collide, the resulting home becomes a haven for hosting. Text by Hallie King

9. “They Call the Captain Hollywood,” October 2019
A grizzled veteran of the sea has tall tales to tell. Text by Sonny Brewer

10. “Chef Jim Smith Opening New Oakleigh Restaurant,” December 2019
From the governor’s mansion in Montgomery to Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” competition in Charleston, Jim Smith has never been one to shy away from a food challenge. Now, the champion for Alabama food is opening up his first-ever restaurant, The Hummingbird Way, in a familiar Oakleigh location. Text by Breck Pappas

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