Put Rich Justice in Your Beach Bag

Heading to the beach this summer? I’ve got the perfect addition for your beach bag. Robert Bailey’s, Rich Justice, is a “can’t put down” legal thriller that starts with a bang (literally), then twists and sizzles until it ignites into another explosion at the end. It’s the third and final installment of Bailey’s Jason Rich series about the trials and tribulations of an alcoholic billboard attorney as he battles his own personal demons and a growing meth trade in and around his hometown of Guntersville, Alabama. The stories take place in the beautiful northeast corner of the state, where the mountains meet the lakes. So pour yourself an Alabama Slammer, dig your toes into the sand and spend a couple of ideal beach days with Jason Rich and friends. 
 

A Big Thank You, A Big Step Forward

 When you travel, what kind of towns do you like to visit? Do you prefer drab, sprawling downtowns that are broken up and require driving from place to place or would you rather visit attractive places with wide sidewalks that are easily walkable? Do you visit towns with few shops, restaurants and activities? Do you ever say, Let’s visit this town because I hear they have lots of places to park? Or, maybe,  you say, Wow! Let’s build our vacation around this town because it has fast food and a Dollar General on its parkway.

If you are like my friends and me, you like towns that are easily walkable, towns with lots of shops and restaurants, towns that capitalize on their history and towns that have attractive green spaces that invite you to come in and stay a while. It’s not that parkways and parking aren’t important, but those aren’t the things that attract visitors to come to your town, the things that invite people to DRIVE TO your town instead DRIVE THROUGH. 

Since 2014, Downtown Scottsboro has been working towards giving people a reason to come spend time in our downtown, to make it a place for people to eat, play, shop and live. In 2018, we took a big step forward when we earned Main Street designation. We’ve hosted events that have grown in attendance, worked hard to improve the appearance of our square by planting flowers, weeding flower beds, and hanging flags and strings of twinkling lights on our light poles. Our latest big project has been to design a pocket park with public restrooms, a stage, a water fountain and tables all set in an inviting green space so our community can really enjoy and spend time on our beautiful square. It is a big project and at times we’ve felt we might have bitten off more than we can chew. We’ve gotten a Bynum grant, for which we are really grateful, but we are still a long way from having the money to complete the project. 

Last night, however, we got a big shot in the arm. Our city council voted to allocate $125,000 towards the project. This is huge and not only does it get us closer to our goal, it gives us incentive to keep trying. These council members proved last night that they are forward thinking and dedicated to building a better Scottsboro. Please remember them when it comes time to vote. They want a dynamic downtown, just like we all do. They want thriving businesses, attractive spaces and vibrant events and activities that make people want to come to our town to spend their money and their time, just like we do. So, thank our council members, Richard Bailey, Nita Tolliver, Ralph Dawe, Mike Ashburn and Donna Frederick. We can’t do anything without effective leadership and this council deserves our appreciation. They make hard decisions everyday and with this decision they showed their commitment to building a better and more dynamic downtown. And if you, like us, think a downtown park is something that our town needs, Main Street is happy to accept any donations towards this endeavor. Leadership is vital, but they can’t do it all by themselves. They need our help. We appreciate your support.

Spend a Day in Fairhope: 5 Uniquely Fairhope Things to Do

Welcome to Fairhope, You've Arrived! Arrived in paradise, that is, if your version of paradise is live oaks dripping with Spanish moss in a flower covered slice of heaven overlooking Mobile Bay. Fairhope is arguably on of the most picturesque small towns on the Gulf Coast. Here are five Uniquely Fairhope things to do in this sunshine covered hamlet. 

1. Let's start with The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa. With a private beach, two 18-hole golf courses and a slew of high-end, exclusive experiences and events designed to cater to the needs of its discerning clientele, The Grand is, well, bliss. If you are looking for a memorable getaway, this beautiful resort is a wonderful place to start. 

2. Love a good book? Then you have to visit Page and Palette, a Fairhope landmark for over 40 years. With creaky wooden floors, shelves packed with amazing books and gifts and a bar and coffee shop in the back, Page and Palette is the kind of place where you can get lost for hours. 

3. For quirky and unique history, you must visit the handmade Hobbit hole, Henry Stuart House. Known as Tolstoy Park, the Henry Stuart House sits in the middle of a parking lot that was once the 10 acre woodland home of Henry Stuart, the Hermit of Montrose. In 1923, diagnosed with tuberculosis and living in Idaho, Stuart was advised to move to a warmer climate. He chose Fairhope and spent two years fashioning his own bricks to build his tiny round home. Finding Tolstoy Park can be challenging, but it is so worth the effort.

4. Eat the world's best beignets at Panini Pete's. Yes, New Orleans gets all the attention for Mardi Gras and beignets, but Alabama is home to the first Mardi Gras in the country and the most divine beignets. The powdered sugar pastries at Panini Pete's are airier and lighter than their Louisiana cousins. They come with a squeeze of lemon and they are delicious!

5. Visit the Fairhope Tea Plantation, the only tea farm in the state of Alabama. Savor a cup of the house tea and sit under the covered porch while you enjoy learning about one of the oldest tea plantations in the country. 

And there you are, five reasons to visit beautiful Fairhope. These five will get you started, but don't stop there! There is so much more to do and see and eat in this fair village. Once You've Arrived, be sure to come back and tell us what you discover.  

 

My Book Trips: Coming Home with Robert Bailey’s, Rich Waters

 

Several years ago I was at the Red Rooster in Cullman at a scrapbooking retreat with several of my girlfriends. We were all having a lazy good time making scrapbooks, eating, laughing, talking, reading and working on any other creative projects we might have brought with us. My friend, Deborah, whose aunt and uncle owned the Red Rooster, was engrossed in a book, The Professor by Robert Bailey, so I asked her about it. She told me it was written by one of the attorneys in the law firm, Lanier Ford, where she works. I remember asking her if it was good and she told me it was very good. At the time, I thought she was probably just being nice because she worked with the guy, but I was intrigued enough to add it to my ever growing, “to be read” list, if for no other reason than Deborah knew him. So imagine my surprise when I finally began reading The Professor and found myself hooked from the very first page. A lot of the book was set in Tuscaloosa and was clearly written from an Alabama football fan’s point of view. I am not an Alabama fan. Our family is dug so deep into the Auburn Plains we bleed orange and blue. But, the point is, none of that mattered. The story was so good, the characters so interesting and real, and the setting so familiar, I could not put the thing down. My friend Dede has accused me of liking books set in places with which I’m familiar. She’s right. My bookstagram is called My Book Trips, after all. I love visiting the places where books I’ve read are set. But Dede was only partly right. The setting is no good if the story isn’t well written, the plot falls flat and, most importantly of all, if I can’t make myself care about the characters. I am truly a character-driven reader. I loved Hannibal Lecter, for goodness sake! Not because he was a good guy, he was horrible. But he was interesting! The Professor ticked off all the boxes from page one and before I knew it, I was onto the next book and a bonafide Robert Bailey fan. Bailey has mastered the legal thriller and, maybe I’m prejudiced, but I think Alabama’s legal thriller master gives the one from Mississippi a run for his money.

Last year, when the newest Robert Bailey book was released, I was excited to hear it was set in my neck of the woods, primarily Guntersville and Scottsboro. Rich Blood was centered around a recovering alcoholic billboard attorney, Jason Rich (1-800-GET-RICH), called home to Guntersville to defend his estranged sister who’s been accused of murdering her husband. I was all prepared to not like Jason Rich, thinking this time maybe Bailey’s character would fall flat for me. Boy, was I wrong! I love Jason Rich. He’s flawed, he’s even broken at times, but he’s growing, he’s real and, most importantly, he’s interesting!

This year’s sequel to Rich Blood is Rich Waters and, once again, Jason Rich finds himself defending a client in a case that seems to be cut and dried. And he’s back in Guntersville, Scottsboro, Birmingham, Cullman, the Gulf Coast, Huntsville and even my hometown of Arab! I kind of geeked out over that. Plus, Bailey puts the cherry on top by bringing back one of my favorite characters from one of his earlier books, the imposing attorney from Pulaski, Tennessee, Bocephus Haynes.

 If you haven’t discovered the books by Alabama’s own, Robert Bailey, what are you waiting for? Grab one and start your own book trip today. I can’t wait to see where my next Robert Bailey book takes me!

ROCK ‘N ROMANCE: A BOOK TOUR OF TEN NORTHWEST ALABAMA COUNTIES

 

Alabama Book trip #2 travels through the northwest corner of the state. It’s a Rock ‘n Romance tour of  Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Walker, Winston, Lawrence, and Limestone counties. There’s a book to read, something to see and a recommendation of a place to eat at each stop. The stops are numbered, but the trip is a loop, so you can begin at any number on the trail. 

1 and 2. The trip starts in Colbert County with two books. The first book is Muscle Shoals Sound Studio about the famous music studio where an estimated 400 gold records have been recorded. The other is The Story of My Life by Helen Keller. While you are in Colbert County, visit the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Muscle Shoals and Helen Keller’s birthplace, Ivy Green, in Tuscumbia. Before you leave grab a burger at Rattlesnake Saloon, a unique outdoor restaurant nestled under a natural stone bluff.

 

3. Next, head south to Phil Campbell in Franklin County. Read Cotton Was King by Butch Walker. The book tells the story of Chickasaw Chief George Colbert who owned a cotton plantation before white planters began moving into the area to claim land for themselves. Phil Campbell is home to Dismals Canyon. The walls of the canyon are lined thousands of bioluminescent creatures called dismalites. At night the walls of the canyon glow from the light of the tiny glow worms. If you plan to visit The Dismals at night, you can stop at Sheffield on your way to the canyons and have dinner at George’s Steak Pit, where Colbert County residents have been eating for the last 60 years. 

4. Now visit Haleyville in Winston County, the home of the first 911 call. Read Black Hawk by Darrell Brock, which is based on the life of the author’s real life great grandfather who was a Winston County farmer during the turmoil leading up to the Civil War. While in the area, visit Natural Bridge, AL where you can see the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. If you’re looking for a place to eat, try Chef Troy’s Talk of the Town in Houston. 

5. From Winston County, we’ll head to Hamilton in Marion County. Our book here is Of Mules and Mud about Jerry Brown, a famous potter from the area. You can visit the pottery which is the only known mule-powered pug mill still operating in the United States and you can even purchase your own pieces. Try eating at Frosty Front in Guin. It’s been in business for over 70 years. 

6. Up next is Sulligent in Lamar County. Our book here is Deep South Dynasty about one of Alabama’s most prominent families, the Bankheads. While you’re here, you can ride by and see the Greer Bankhead House, built in 1850 by James Greer Bankhead, father of John H. Bankhead, who served in the United States Congress for 33 years. John’s sons William B. and John H. Bankhead II were both born in the house and also served in Congress. William B. Bankhead’s daughter was the famous American actress, Tallulah Bankhead. For a bite to eat, J’s Country Squire has steaks, catfish and caramel pie.  Or you can mosey over to nearby Fayette in Fayette County and enjoy some barbecue at Sam’s Smokehouse on your way to Walker County.

7. Our next stop is Jasper, in Walker County and our book is The Well and the Mine. The book, written by Gin Phillips, is set in Walker County in the 1930’s. Here you can shop around Jasper’s historic downtown square, tour the home of William B, Bankhead and hike in the Bankhead National Forest. While you’re on the square, grab a bite to eat at Black Rock Bistro. 

8. From Walker County we’ll head north to the tiny town of Mooresville in Limestone County. Since part of the 1995 movie, Tom and Huck was filmed here, our book is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. While you’re in Mooresville, you can tour the town in your own or schedule a tour guided by one of the town’s 53 residents.  1818 Farms is in Mooresville and they make wonderful hand creams and lip balms.They also schedule tours and special events that you might be able to sign up for. Stop by Dogwood and Magnolia Bakery for something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

9. Driving north from Mooresville, we have to stop in Elkmont to tour Belle Chèvre Artisan Creamery to learn how goat cheese is made and taste some yummy goat cheese. If you need more than samples, the Tasting Room at Belle Chèvre has sandwiches, salads and ice cream. While there you can probably pick up the book, Tasia’s Table. It is a collection of stories and recipes from the award winning cheese maker who started Belle Chèvre.

Finally, because this is a loop and you can actually start at any point on the tour, we end up back almost where we started in Lauderdale County. Read If the Legends Fade by Tom Hendrix, about the author’s great great grandmother, a Cherokee woman who, forced leave her home for Oklahoma on the trail of tears, walked all the way back home to the singing waters of the Tennessee River. You can see the memorial Hendrix built to honor his ancestor, the largest un-mortared rock wall in the Inited States and the largest memorial to a Native American woman. After you walk the tranquil, meditative mile long path, drive to downtown Florence and enjoy a delicious and creative lunch at YUMM Thai Sushi. Then dash across the street to Trowbridge’s for an orange pineapple ice cream cone

There you go! Enjoy your books and your Rock ‘n Romance trip through beautiful northwest Alabama. .

Alabama Appalachian Adventures: A Book Tour of Nine Northeast Alabama Counties

 How about a book trip through northeast Alabama, with something to read, something to see and someplace to eat? Here are your Alabama Appalachian Adventures.

1. Starting in Jackson County, read Scottsboro by Ellen Feldman, about the arrest and trial of the falsely accused and convicted Scottsboro Boys. Check out the newly redesigned Scottsboro Boys Museum, go on a treasure hunt at Unclaimed Baggage and see the Scottsboro Boys Mural by the famous artist, Don Howard, on Scottsboro’s historic courthouse square. Grab lunch at Alabama’s oldest soda fountain, the delicious Payne’s Sandwich Shop. 

2. Next, head to Huntsville in Madison County. Read Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans. Visit Constitution Hall Village and learn about the early days of the state that was the first to make Christmas a legal holiday. Enjoy an afternoon tea at Poppy and Parliament on Huntsville’s  Madison County Courthouse Square. 

3. For Morgan County, read What Happened to Mary Faye Hunter by Glenda Yarbrough, a novel based on the true story of a Decatur woman who went missing in May of 1967. Her remains were found 5 months later in nearby Flint Creek. Visit Cook’s Natural Science Museum and Morgan Price Candy. Have some pulled pork with Alabama White Sauce at Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ. 

4. Now let’s visit the city of Cullman in Cullman County, the birthplace of the Godfather of Southern Cuisine, Frank Stitt. Read Frank Stitt’s Southern Table. With a foreword by author Pat Conroy and Stitt’s beautifully written food stories, it’s more than just a book of recipes, though the recipes are masterpieces. Drive over to Smith Farms for smoked meats, cheese and wine. You’ll know you’ve arrived by the heavy and delicious smell of the smoked meats in the air. Choose your favorites and navigate to Clarkson Covered Bridge, built in 1904. There are picnic tables nearby where you can enjoy your snacks and the beautiful bridge, too. You won’t find a Stitt restaurant in Cullman County, but you can have some great food and drinks at 412 Public House. 

5. From Cullman, we’ll head to Blount County. Our book there was a surprise to me. Maybe it will be to you as well. It’s really a short story instead of a book and it was written by one of the most famous short story writers of all time, O. Henry. The Ransom of Red Chief takes place in the Blount County community of Summit. In this county, check out the beautiful limestone formations at Rickwood Caverns. If you enjoyed the Clarkson Covered Bridge, you can see three more in Blount County: Horton Mill, Swann and Easley. Try eating at Charlie B’s in Oneonta if you’re craving a meat and three.

6. Up next is Guntersville in Marshall County. Our book here is a legal thriller by Alabama’s own, Bob Bailey. Rich Blood, his latest twisty nail-biter, is set in Guntersville. While you’re in the lake city, check out the brand new Guntersville City Harbor, where you can shop, relax in their amazing swings and eat. Try Big Mike’s for Steak or La Esquina Cocina for Mexican. There’s a brewery, The Brewer’s Cooperative, too.

7. Our next stop is Gadsden, in Etowah County and our book is Gadsden, Stories of the Great Depression by Robert Wilbanks. The book is one man’s memories of what it was like to live through the greatest economic depression in American history. Shop for locally made gifts at downtown Gadsden’s Alabama Gift Company, eat at The Rail Public House and visit beautiful Noccalula Falls.

8. Centre, in Cherokee County, is our next stop. Our book is a story about one of Cherokee County’s native sons, Cherokee Chief John Ross. The book, Toward the Setting Sun by Brian Hicks is about one of America’s saddest tragedies, the Cherokee removal on the Trail of Tears, and the famous chief who led his people for 40 years. Visit Orbix Hot Glass and blow your own glass Christmas ornament, catch a movie at a real drive-in, 411 Drive-in and go exploring in Little River Canyon. Grab a delicious bite at the Mountain Parkway Grill in Sand Rock..

Our final destination is the beautiful mountain town of Mentone in Dekalb County and our book is Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber. Though the town in this book is fictional, it has all the Mentone vibes. While you’re there, stay at beautiful Poet’s Paradise. It’s right near the entrance to Desoto Falls, where you can hike and explore. Then eat at either The Wildflower Cafe, Elevation Bistro or the Mentone Market. 

There you go! Enjoy your books and your Appalachian Adventures while visiting beautiful northeast Alabama. .