Mobile Bay’s Top 10 Stories of 2025

The numbers don't lie! According to the analytics, these are the stories Mobile Bay readers couldn't get enough of this year.

The SS United States // Image courtesy Pensacola Vibes

1. Faded Glory: The Story of the SS United States

Text by: John Sledge | Issue: May 2025

The SS United States’ Port City arrival generated widespread curiosity about her history. Follow the ship’s long journey to Mobile and find out where it will finally come to rest.

Photo by Bailey Chastang

2. Tour this Breathtaking Country Estate in Fairhope

Text by: Lawren Largue | Issue: August 2025

A blended family of six builds a classic country estate from the ground up — with plenty of room to grow — in the breathtaking equestrian fields of Baldwin County.

Isle Dauphine Club, July 5, 1957 // The Alec and Roy Thigpen Photography Collection, the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama.

3. The History and Heyday of the Isle Dauphine Club

Text by: Lawren Largue | Issue: May 2025

The legendary mid-century modern social club has long been a beacon of fun in the sun by the sea for generations of locals.

Photo by Summer Ennis Ansley

4. Inside the Kelleys’ Dream Barn in Elberta

Text by: Mary Ryan Kirsch | Issue: January 2025

A barn built from the heart becomes a space where a family gathers, makes memories and honors the past.

Photo by Chad Riley

5. Treasure Hunting on Fairhope’s Secret Beach with Ben Gibson

Text by: Catherine Dorrough | Issue: July 2025

One person’s trash is Ben Gibson’s treasure — and the beginnings of new works of art.

2025 MAMGA Queen Kierstyn Nicole Johnson // Photo by Matthew Coughlin

6. The Leading Ladies of Mobile Mardi Gras 2025

Text by: Maggie Lacey | Issue: February 2025

Celebrate eight of Mardi Gras’ lovely leading ladies and queens, poised to represent our fair city with frivolity.

7. Reliving the Ultra Lites Earring Era

Text by: Mary Ryan Kirsch | Issue: March 2025

Fairhope artist Joe Miller transformed aluminum into bold, sculptural accessories that defied gravity and defined a fashion era.

Georgia Cottage // Photo by Chad Riley

8. Georgia Cottage: The House that History Built

Text by: Mary Ryan Kirsch | Issue: June 2025

From novels to memoirs, Mobile’s Georgia Cottage is an archive of stories that withstand the passage of time.

Photo by Laura Rowe

9. Two Master Gardeners Create a Stunning Fairhope Retreat

Text by: Virginia Kinnier | Issue: March 2025

Master gardeners Ann and Lee Tacon tend a property on the shores of Mobile Bay that was tailor-made for the generations to enjoy.

Photo by Chad Riley

10. Step Inside Rick Morgan’s Zillow-Famous Gumbo House

Text by: Emmett Burnett | Issue: December 2025

Collector Rick Morgan gives us an inside look at the viral treasure trove of antiques, oddities and religious artifacts on display in his Daphne home.


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