Birmingham, AL July 2023

Se lf–care isn’t selfish.

Immerse in a restorative setting of self-care with personalized treatment for exceptional skin health. Because healthy is a feeling we should all indulge.

Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been

Around mid-spring, as the redbuds are hitting their peak and the temperature confirms we can put our sweaters away for a minimum of seven months, my mind always drifts to one particular harbour...

When I was in 3rd grade, my grandparents finished building their dream beach house on Ono Island. We had been going to Orange Beach since I could remember, always arriving late at night. I'd fake sleep so my dad would carry me inside. It’s easy to recall that distinct, muggy condo breezeway smell—a welcome and enveloping aroma.

Salt air it ain't thin

It can stick right to your skin, and make you feel fine

I remember an older cousin convincing me to use sand as toothpaste. Another cousin supposedly (I don’t remember this) saved me from drowning in the pool. We watched wicked storms roll across the beach, got painful sunburns and were amazed (I still am) at how much sand a swimsuit can accumulate. Nights were spent eating popcorn shrimp and guzzling Shirley Temples, hunting for crabs and—if we were lucky—arcade games and go carts at The Track. Paula Abdul and Exposé were the soundtrack of those early years.

Looking back, our big family beach house summers were idyllic and active (despite a few moody teenage years where I spent half the day in my room). Sometimes I’d join my dad on one of his epic half day bike rides. Other days all of us cousins would take turns throwing each other off the jet skis while our mothers screamed for us to slow down and stay away from barges.  At night, we played tennis under flood lights and came home to swim in the dark. The soundtrack started to skew more Jimmy Buffett and Sublime (and Jim Croce when mom played DJ).

Mom got dad a little Laser sailboat for his 40th birthday; sometimes my sister and I would join for what was usually a very waterlogged adventure. Capsize! I remember sliding off the boat and dad circling me while I tried to hoist myself back onboard for what seemed like forever while screaming, convinced there were fins to the left, fins to the right…

As everyone got older, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses and babies came; that generously proportioned house now necessitated blow up mattresses and more advanced planning. A couple years ago, my grandmother sold the house.

All told, five generations were blessed to enjoy that house on the harbour. As kids we think everything lasts forever and time doesn’t go fast enough. At some point, years grow shorter, not longer and that’s when our appreciation for decades of memories, fuzzy old photos and (most importantly) the people in them, grows stronger.

And there's that one particular harbour

Sheltered from the wind

Where the children play on the shore each day

And all are safe within Wishing you a summer of adventure!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Denise K James, Ashley Cirilli Farlow, Kali McNutt, Clay Byars

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca Wise, Graham Yelton, Mary Fehr

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn

Proverbs 3:5-6

RED, WHITE & YOU (in a new HOME).

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: The 2023 Rey of Hope Gala was recently held at The Club. This year’s event raised more than $714,000 for Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School. Located in Titusville, Holy Family Cristo Rey (HFCR) is an independent, Catholic school committed to providing students with a college preparatory education and real-world work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Birmingham.Lifestyle

Land and Sea

THE NATURE

CONSERVANCY OF ALABAMA PROTECTS OUR SWEET HOME

Mitchell Reid, state director of the Nature Conservancy Alabama Chapter, believes nature and people are part of a greater whole, and by protecting nature, we protect ourselves. “Our organization’s mission is to protect the land and water upon which all life depends,” he says. “When you break that down, you realize all life means humans, too — it encompasses everything.”

This philosophy is one that Judy Crittenden embraced some time ago. The great outdoors called to Judy throughout her childhood – and it didn’t take long for her to notice the smallest moving parts. “I grew up in a family that didn’t belong to a country club, and my mother didn’t drive,” she says. “I had a bicycle, and I rode it everywhere. At my grandparents’ house, I would be out in the woods, building little structures out of limbs and leaves. When you’re doing things like that, you notice what’s going on with the birds, insects and flowers.”

Her love for birds, insects and flowers would greatly influence her life. Judy married her late first husband, Dick Crittenden, who also revered nature and inspired his wife to birdwatch, leading the two of them to become avid members of the Audubon Society. In Judy’s words, as her involvement with worthwhile causes grew  – any cause that tugged at her heart – the Nature Conservancy became a seamless fit.

Today, after years of being a board member, she is co-chair for the Conservancy’s fundraising campaign with a mission to raise $25 million. The funds from this ambitious goal have myriad purposes, from maintaining

Alabama’s beautiful coast to protecting 23 million acres of forests, including controlled burning. “The burns are important because certain animals depend on them,” Judy notes. “An Eastern Indigo Snake, for example, uses the tortoise’s chamber — the tortoise does the work of creating it. But the tortoise can’t create those caverns without us burning the ground.”

Everything is connected, notes Mitchell, adding that Alabama is unique because it connects the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The rivers and forests of Alabama are teeming with life, some of it rather exclusive, all of it depending on this fertile environment to thrive and on us to protect it. The Nature Conservancy has been leading these efforts worldwide since the mid-twentieth century, and the local Alabama chapter is a key to maintaining the beauty of the state for years to come.

“We wouldn’t have these amazing river systems in Birmingham if we didn’t have abundant, forested land sheltering and protecting those systems,” he says. “All the water from Birmingham flows to Mobile bay, and Mobile’s coast is special because of that. If we can’t protect the top of the mountain, we can’t protect the coast. Birmingham is the beating heart of an amazing system.”

Judy’s enthusiasm for the Nature Conservancy, along with her influence in Birmingham, have made her an important part of the mission. Even before her role as fundraising co-chair, Judy pursued potential members and donors with zeal, insisting they learn more about the Conservancy’s importance. “I always love walking into a room with Judy because it’s like walking in with your own cheerleader for the work we’re doing,” Mitchell laughs. “She is a fearless progressive.”

Protecting underdogs comes naturally to Judy, as does changing minds and hearts on weighty topics. The tragic bombing of 16th street Baptist Church happened right before she went to college, inspiring her to think deeply

“I always love walking into a room with Judy because it’s like walking in with your own cheerleader for the work we’re doing,” Mitchell laughs. “She is a fearless progressive.”

about racial relations. “I didn’t grow up in a progressive home,” she admits. “But when I spoke about the equal rights amendment in Florence, Alabama, my daddy came to hear me speak. He came up to me afterward with tears in his eyes and said, ‘I had no idea.’”

So, does Judy feel similarly drawn to protecting the land, the water and the plants and animals? “You betcha,” she says, without missing a beat. “We don’t have a choice. I love it, and it’s so important.”

To her, truly loving nature is not just loving outdoor activities but also its quiet, mysterious ways. “We have a house in Mentone, and when we go there, I love seeing the flowers peeking out — I just love looking for them,” she beams. “My husband, Philippe, says to people that he married me because I’m a birdwatcher. And now, he’s one too!”

To learn more about the Nature Conservancy’s work in Alabama, visit nature.org/en-us/about-us/ where-we-work/united-states/alabama/.

Remarkable Views in Redmont Park

When ARC Realty’s Lynlee Hughes came across a listing of a historic midcentury home in Redmont Park with remarkable views, a particular family came to mind. “It had so much potential with the yard and views they were looking for, so many windows, set up perfectly for a pool and panoramic city views out of pretty much every space in the home,” says Lynlee. “The home was part of the historic Herbert Stockham estate built in 1957. With its midcentury modern vibe, this family envisioned themselves spending time with their family and making memories in this home.”

Lynlee and her clients brought along interior designer Alima Deneke for the first walk through. In this Q&A, we learn more from Alima, best known for her warm minimalist and modern designs, on how she brought this Redmont Park gem into its full glory.

Q: WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS UPON SEEING THE HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME?

A: The minute I saw it, I thought – yes, yes, yes. I had worked with the clients before, and they are the nicest people. I honestly thought they would stay in the home we did together for a very long time, but in 2021, I got a call from them asking if I would come look at a house that [Realtor] Lynlee Hughes had brought to their attention. [The client] said to me, “I can’t say yes until you see the property!” It is such a unique property for Birmingham. It feels so secluded; it’s a large, wooded lot up on a hill with amazing views of downtown. Not only that, but it was also actually very sentimental to my client because she grew up playing at her best friend’s house next door.

CONTINUED >

Q: THIS WAS PRETTY MUCH A TOTAL RENOVATION, CORRECT? HOW DID THE HOME’S STARTING POINT AFFECT YOUR PROCESS AND THE OUTCOME?

A: I see a lot of 1920s Tudors, craftsman bungalows and traditional homes, but this was a true midcentury modern ranch style — and that plus the incredible views was our jumping off point. The house was built in 1957 and originally lived in by the architect who designed it. These clients had always liked midcentury, and this home checked so many boxes for them. We didn’t change the shape of the house or the square footage, but we did take every bit down to the studs. The home had endured some unfortunate updates from the 1980s and ‘90s—we took down walls, vaulted the ceilings, added dormers and reconfigured many of the spaces, such as the kitchen that was made more secluded in the ‘50s.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO WORKING WITH CLIENTS ON BIG PROJECTS LIKE THIS ONE?

A: Every client is different, and I know these clients so well; I know their children and their pets, so that was easier for me. My immediate vision was a California casual, indoor/outdoor vibe that took full advantage of the beautiful property and midcentury style. They loved that direction and trusted me and the process. I knew we were on the same page and leaned into the midcentury vibes. In a big project like this, I start with the bathrooms and the kitchen designs, and that lays the groundwork. I create a “design direction document” that covers everything we’re going to do, with inspiration photos, color palettes and more to get feedback on what they’re drawn to.

Q: WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO THESE CLIENTS IN A DESIGN PLAN?

A: They felt certain that this was their forever home, so they wanted to do it right. If that meant tearing things down, getting all new furnishings, whatever—they had a holistic and long-term viewpoint, from small details to the pool design and landscaping. We wanted everything to feel seamless together, and they wanted to invest in this house. And they invested almost two years of their time for the renovations from February 2021 to its completion in October 2022.  CONTINUED >

Q: WHAT INSPIRATION MOTIVATED YOU THE MOST?

A: Midcentury modern is my favorite architectural style, so that plus the property’s natural inspiration of being so secluded and private. The lot and just the original layout were begging for a pool, and I was shocked it didn’t already have one. So especially with them having three kids, we knew we wanted to do a pool. I could envision it right away with the large accordion sliding doors giving the indoor/outdoor Palm Springs feel with views of downtown Birmingham.

Q: THE HOME FEELS SO CALMING AND BEAUTIFUL WITH SUCH A COHESIVE PALETTE. HOW DID YOU ACCOMPLISH THAT MINIMALIST BUT WARM FEEL?

A: Being able to design the whole house from scratch, it made it easier for consistency. Finding furnishings that fit just right instead of making things fit that they already had was helpful. It has tons of windows and amazing natural light, so we painted the walls a nice crisp and clean white then let those outdoor views be the focus. We brought in beautiful blonde white oak in the flooring, cabinetry and beams for warmth, then layered easy, minimalist furniture with lots of texture to make it feel casual, comfortable and welcoming.

Q: WE KNOW THREE CHILDREN, PETS, (AND WET SWIMSUITS!) LIVE AT THIS HOME. HOW DID YOU INCORPORATE PRACTICAL FUNCTION WITH THE HIGH-STYLE ESTHETIC?

A: Super functional layouts, ample storage and accessibility that fit the way they live.

We used so many great performance and indoor/outdoor fabrics for pretty things with high durability, and I love vintage rugs for how they hold up to anything and last forever.

Q: WAS THERE SOMETHING YOU INCORPORATED IN THIS HOME YOU HAD NOT USED PREVIOUSLY IN OTHER HOMES?

A: The terrazzo! For so long I have wanted to use it and just haven’t had the right place. We worked with Concrete Collaborative on a custom design for the terrazzo flooring in the pool house, as well as the pool coping and pool deck. Collaborating with the landscape architect was also so fun!

Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR PASSION FOR BRINGING A MODERN DESIGN TO HOMES IN THE SOUTH.

A: I grew up in Florida and around a lot of midcentury modern homes. I also spent summers as a kid visiting California and just love that indoor/outdoor casual feel. The minimalist modern style just speaks to me. It feels sort of opposite to a lot of the traditional style in most of the Deep South. Early in my business, I wasn’t sure my style would resonate with Birmingham homeowners. It’s been refreshing to find so many who love it like I do and who seek me out for my aesthetic.

Builder: Kelly Watson, Bluestone Building

Architect: Thompson Architecture

Pool Builder: Carlton Rushton

Landscape Architect: Go Lightly, John Wilson

“I could envision it right away with the large accordion sliding doors giving the indoor/outdoor Palm Springs feel with views of downtown Birmingham.”

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 400 transactions totaling over $155 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

GET IN TOUCH

Colorful Inner Landscapes

Annie Kammerer Butrus captures fleeting moments both bittersweet and breathtaking

The first thing one notices upon entering Birmingham artist Annie Kammerer Butrus’ light-filled downtown studio are stacks of brightly colored films cut into abstract shapes.

The shapes are the result of Butrus’ practice of tracing shadows; the concepts of time, contrast and change are enduring themes throughout her work. Butrus captures fleeting moments in time by tracing shadows and then keeps only the shadow's shape.

As the youngest of seven kids, Butrus has always been aware of time and space. Each piece within a series, she muses, is like a sibling. “One of the things we were taught in art school is to always know your

why,” she states. And while she does allow room for play and creative detours, overall, Butrus' why can be described as “taking a lot of bittersweet ideas and trying to communicate them through color and shape.”

Since relocating to Birmingham from the Midwest, Butrus has always created landscapes. “The landscape here is much more developed than I anticipated. I was always getting lost—so I would just look up,” she laughs. The idea of looking up, through the trees—or looking through the debris in the case of water—continues to inspire Butrus as she contemplates how place defines us. Studying how we change when the surrounding landscape evolves continues to push Butrus to create.

COLOR RESPONSE

"I like figuring out how to show strong emotions via color," Butrus says. "One day joy may be yellow, the next day anxiety may be yellow."

Color Response is a new community-based project developed a year and a half ago; during the pandemic, Butrus began visiting hospitals and schools and having doctors, teachers and students respond to the question: “how do you feel today?" by selecting two paint colors that most match their current emotional landscape. “I paint one for them and one for me. They are all signed and numbered. The idea is to see over time what colors were chosen,” Butrus states. Her ambitious goal is to create 100,000 pieces over 10 years.

Participants are asked to simply trust their creative instincts. At its completion, the Color Response collection can be installed and exhibited by location, timestamp or color.

PROCESS

Butrus paints using latex resist and flat acrylic paint. Like the change she captures by tracing shadows, one important change to her process came when she was forced to switch from oil to acrylic when pregnant with her first son after developing an oil allergy from doing murals. In addition, Butrus uses gouache and watercolor in her works.

AS SEEN IN

Butrus recently participated in a group show at Ground Floor Contemporary entitled EURYTOPIC and was a featured

artist in last summer’s inaugural Alabama Triennial, hosted by the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts. From October 4 until November 18, she will exhibit at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment in Huntsville. Birmingham Lifestyle readers should expect news of Butrus’ inclusion in a major international exhibit by the end of this year.

INSPIRED BY

Josef Albers is a go-to inspiration, as are the paper cutouts made by Henri Matisse in the last decade of his life.

Butrus recalls hearing a recent interview with Emmylou Harris, where the singer spoke about being drawn to things so bittersweet—so syrupy and painful—to be rendered heartbreakingly beautiful. This place of contrast is the “sweet spot” Butrus works to uncover and portray.

BACKGROUND

Butrus earned her MFA from the University of Notre Dame in painting and printmaking and her undergraduate degree in studio art from Wellesley College. She has exhibited nationally and has work featured in many prominent public and private collections across the country.

REPRESENTATION

Annie Kammerer Butrus is represented by Thomas Deans Fine Art in Atlanta and locally by Canary Gallery. She is also a member of Ground Floor Contemporary in Birmingham: canarygalleryllc.com/ annie-kammerer-butrus

“I like figuring out how to show strong emotions via color,” Butrus says. “One day joy may be yellow, the next day anxiety may be yellow.”

MEMORIES OF SUMMER AND A SCHWINN

During the summers of my second through fifth grade years, my twin brother and I participated in a recreation program at our school, Crestline Elementary. It was called, or at least it was known as, Summer Rec, and it was organized by the P.E. teacher, David Key, whose son was our friend and also in our class. We were pretty familiar with Coach Key — he used to take a bunch of us in his Suburban on an annual tour of some of the city’s haunted houses the weekend before Halloween.

My time at Summer Rec would have been 1980 through 1983. I remember being embarrassed that our bicycles still had banana seats, which a lot of bicycles in the 1970s

came with — I wanted to be more with-the-times than our heavy red Schwinns would allow. Bicycles were lighter and sleeker by that point, with the kind of seats you still see today. More importantly, all our friends had the more updated kind of bike.

Despite being held at school, Summer Rec was actually fun, and whatever misgivings I may have initially had about returning to the very place I’d just been freed from quickly dissipated. There were games and activities all day long. And, looking back, it did what I’m sure the parents wanted— it tired everyone out.

Each morning, we were randomly divided into groups depending on the number of kids in attendance. Each group was assigned one or two of the high-school age counselors.

I think the only games we played within a group, as opposed to against another group, were Four Square and Pom-pom Pullaway, which is a game like tag and Red Rover combined. This was usually played on the tennis court without a net. We made do in the gym on rainy days, but the activities were severely limited.

Games of wiffle ball were also played on the net-less court. These often lasted for hours and had the intensity of professional matches. Hitting the ball over the fence seems easy — you only had to hit it the length of a tennis court — but was actually very hard. It was like hitting a home run over the Green Monster at Fenway Park in Boston, and it was something we all strove for. Softball — played with a limited number of gloves — and kickball were also played on the fields below the courts.

Lunch was either brought from home, or you could go on the short walk with one of the counselors to eat a hotdog at Gus’s in Crestline Village. Not only was Gus’s close to the school, it was a place a lot of us had been going our entire lives. A few of us got jobs there in high school. Going to Gus’s without parental supervision made us, or me at least, feel unattached and independent — older. You had to get written permission to be able to do this, but adults weren’t physically present.

After lunch, they set up a projector in the air-conditioned auditorium, turned out the lights and played family-friendly films.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Pippi Longstocking are two I remember. You could also stay outside and do whatever on the playground during this time; it was basically unacknowledged naptime for the kindergarten kids.

Every session of Summer Rec ended with an all-ages game of Dodgeball — which we called Bombardment — in the gym. What I remember most about these games was that the older kids didn’t just annihilate the little kids, which they easily could have done. No one would have called this a sense of responsibility, but that’s exactly what it was. I remembered when I was one of the older kids and a year’s difference felt like a decade.

The unspoken metric that governed these games was that however much you wanted to win equaled how hard you got thrown at, and most of the little kids mainly just tried to get out of the way. The same principles of healthy competition governed everything at Summer Rec — the same sense of at the end of the day everyone was in it together.

Afterward, my brother and I either rode our red Schwinns back to our house — something else that required written permission — or our mother came to fetch us in her wood-paneled station wagon. We would return the following day and do many of the same things, but through the lens of childhood wonder, they never felt the same.

Soaking Up the

SUNSCREEN

SKIN CARE

MEASURES FOR SUMMERTIME

We’re all for summertime nostalgia, but when it comes to skin care, we draw a line in the sand. Don’t settle for those gooey, tropical-scented sunscreens of yesteryear — take better care of your skin. We spoke to the experts at Birmingham’s Total on 1st to find out the best way to enjoy the sun safely, and they had plenty of advice.

First of all, basics are necessary — every day, not just on a vacation, though at that point, it’s critically important. Bring sun-protective clothing such as wide-brim hats and sun shirts — and bring along sunscreen that you are not reluctant to slather on every two hours. “I recommend a zinc oxide-based sunscreen for the face, neck, ears and the ‘V’ of the chest daily and for all other exposed areas,” says Dr. Melanie Appell. “For beach and pool sunscreen, I like EltaMD UVSport.  It stays on great for active use.”

Total on 1st is an advanced clinical spa, which means it is backed by a full-service dermatology center with more than 45 years of expertise in treating skin conditions and using a holistic, individualized approach. For certified physician assistant Margo Maples Plagenhoef, working at Total on 1st was a great fit for her career goals. “My first job out of PA school introduced me to the world of cosmetics and lasers, and, from that point forward, I knew this was my passion,” she says. “I have always felt a strong pull to Total, and

when they offered me a position in spring of 2021, it felt like it was finally all coming together.”

Not only a great source for premium skin care products, Total on 1st offers treatments such as Dermaplane, laser hair removal, Coolsculpting and more. Instead of waiting until the last minute before your vacation, however, Margo recommends starting early. “Treatments such as these may require a series to achieve optimal results, so starting early is key,” she notes.

Pampering yourself can yield great results as well — the hydrafacial is popular in the summer and can be customized for any kind of skin. “It uses vortex technology to simultaneously combine cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection,” Margo points out. “Topped off with the signature Total on 1st neck and shoulder massage, our Hydrafacial treatment is the epitome of self-care indulgence.”

For those who want to level up their routine at home, summer is a fine time to do so. The main points are to find a good vitamin C serum, to make sure your makeup doesn’t clog your pores,  to switch to a lighter moisturizer and to definitely find a sunscreen that you love for daily use, not just the beach or pool.

“Find a sunscreen you love; if you don’t love it, you won’t wear it,” Margo insists. “For instance, a powder sunscreen that brushes on for easy application might be something you didn’t know existed, but something you need! Or perhaps an SPF compact is more your speed. Try ColoreScience SunForgettable Total Protection and SkinBetter Tone Smart compact.”

For Birmingham Lifestyle readers, Dr. Appell and Margo offer their favorite skin care secret. While it’s not at all an excuse to skip sunscreen, the skin supplement HelioCare Ultra is a daily oral supplement derived from, believe it or not, a fern.

“Heliocare Ultra is an awesome oral supplement that helps protect against the burning rays of the sun,” adds Dr. Appell. “It is an antioxidant that is extracted from a South American fern.  It is not a replacement for sunscreen but an addition to it.”

As for consulting social media on skin care solutions, the team at Total on 1st advises to proceed with caution, as each person’s skin has different needs. “It is important to consider that these people are being paid to promote a brand,” Margo says. “Be cautious, be discretionary, do your research and entrust professionals to help you along the way. Remember, at the end of the day, skincare is not one size fits all. You are unique, and your skin care routine should be customized to you.”

The Inside Scoop

TIPS FROM IN-THE-KNOW TRAVELERS

We asked the team at Gulf Coast City Lifestyle and Huntsville Lifestyle, plus our friends Lynlee Hughes and Brooke Wahl, to give us their best insider travel tips for a few summer destinations. Whether you’re headed to the mountains or to the beach, let them inspire you to make the most of vacation this season.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

“Originally from South Louisiana, my family has been fishing and vacationing the Emerald Coast of Florida since the early ‘80s. We started coming to Coastal Alabama in the late 1990s, when more marinas were available. I always wanted to live here, and I am so blessed to call it home. I love where I live, and I hope you will love it, too.”

IS THERE A MUST-VISIT BED & BREAKFAST OR BOUTIQUE HOTEL?

The Lodge at The Gulf State Park is new and amazing — the website doesn’t do it justice. It is beautiful and pristine without any high-rise condos around. And for those seeking the solitude of Fort Morgan, The Beach Club Resort & Spa is an oasis of comfort and charm with everything you need on site.

WHAT GREAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU SUGGEST FOR SUMMER LUNCHES AND OUTDOOR PATIO DINNERS?

We have two new, amazing restaurants. Coastal Orange Beach was featured in my March issue, and

Cocktails at the Perch in Gulf Shores

this is THE place for a chill lunch and dinner, plus it has the best view. Perch restaurant at The Lodge at Gulf State Park serves small plates and craft cocktails and a million-dollar view!

SHARE A FEW MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS THAT VISITORS SHOULD NOT MISS.

The Surfside Shuttle just won an award for "The Original Bushwacker Tour” — hands down the coolest tour going. Try a different Bushwacker at 4-5 stops, each with a unique waterfront view. It's one of the best things I have ever done as a local.

OUTDOOR SPOTS TO TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF ‘BAMA?

Gulf State Park and our 32 miles of white sand beaches. One of our Gulf State Park trails just won an award! Also Anonyme Cruises — it’s an electric boat, very upscale and covered. Captain DD can take you in the back bays and canals and show you Osprey and Bald Eagle nests. I have been five times now, and I love that the dolphins always find us! The Anonyme is known for mimosa cruises, birthdays, engagements, anniversaries or just chilling with friends, enjoying our amazing sunsets.

HOW ABOUT SOMETHING KID-FRIENDLY?

OWA Amusement Park has a new indoor- outdoor water park called Tropic Falls!

AND SOMETHING OFF THE BEATEN PATH?

Gulf State Park’s Learning Campus isn't wellknown, but it's fun and educational about our unique ecosystem. Families love it. Another unique experience is chartering a yacht for fishing or cruising our island. My favorite charter yacht is FEELING NAUTI.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK A VISITOR SHOULD BE AWARE OF BEFORE A TRIP?

It's turtle nesting season May 1 through October 31, so be careful of these precious nests when you visit!

“Another unique experience is chartering a yacht for fishing or cruising our island. My favorite charter yacht is FEELING NAUTI.”

Nantucket, Massachusetts

“My husband and I went on a trip in 2017 that included Boston and Nantucket, and we fell in love with Nantucket. We loved the East Coast, all of the houses and the general vibe. It was so laid-back with amazing food, scenery and great shopping. We love beach towns that are quaint, walkable, and kid-friendly so our kids can enjoy it as well. It's a beautiful place, and we now go 3-4 times a year!”

IS THERE A MUST-VISIT BED & BREAKFAST OR BOUTIQUE HOTEL?

We love the Greydon House or White Elephant.

WHAT GREAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU SUGGEST FOR SUMMER LUNCHES AND OUTDOOR PATIO DINNERS?

Cru on the harbor right on the water is a must! We also love The Nautilus for dinner. It is so hard to get into because it is tiny, but it’s worth it!

SHARE A FEW MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS THAT VISITORS SHOULD NOT MISS.

Cisco Brewers, Jetties Beach and Brant Point Lighthouse.

GREAT PLACES TO GRAB A DRINK?

Sister Ship, Galley Beach Restaurant and The Chicken Box!

OUTDOOR SPOTS TO TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF THE AREA?

Sconset Bluff Walk, Steps Beach, Cisco Beach, and the village of Wauwinet.

SOMETHING PARTICULARLY KID-FRIENDLY?

The Nanpuppets Show — public shows usually twice a week. We love taking our kids to get an ice cream at the Juice Bar, then to play on Children's Beach, which is a kids playground on the beach. Also the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium and The Critter Cruise are so much fun!

SOMETHING OFF THE BEATEN PATH?

Visit Bartlett’s Farm for strawberry picking or tomato picking. They also have wonderful breakfast sandwiches.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK A VISITOR SHOULD BE AWARE OF BEFORE A TRIP? Wear comfortable shoes! And layers!

“My husband and I went on a trip in 2017 that included Boston and Nantucket, and we fell in love with Nantucket. We loved the East Coast, all of the houses and the general vibe.”

Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket

Huntsville, Alabama

“Huntsville is a very special place. Although it is bustling with growth and amenities, it somehow retains small-town charm. It's a place where people are friendly, down to earth, and truly love where they live. I am so grateful to call it home. If you take a day trip or weekend excursion, here are some 'must dos.'”

IS THERE A MUST-VISIT BED & BREAKFAST OR BOUTIQUE HOTEL?

The AC Hotel is located downtown with an incredible view of Big Spring Park. There's also The Jefferson, another downtown choice located right next to our historic Square.

WHAT GREAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU SUGGEST FOR SUMMER LUNCHES AND OUTDOOR PATIO DINNERS?

Domaine South is one of my favorites. It is a French-American bistro with a lovely atmosphere that overlooks Big Spring Park. Also, La Esquina is a high-end Mexican restaurant with incredible food and refreshing cocktails and mocktails. For a healthier lunch of delicious local fare and fresh seasonal ingredients, try Mason-Dixon. Also Poppy & Parliament for fish and chips or Alabama staple Moe’s for BBQ.

SHARE A FEW MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS THAT VISITORS SHOULD NOT MISS.

Any of the LandTrust Trails are great for morning or evening hikes when the heat isn't sweltering. From Alum Hollow to Bankhead, the North Alabama terrain is always fun to explore.

Huntsville Museum of Art is also a MUST. Featuring incredible regional artists and weekly events for adults or kids, our museum is a treasure. Being positioned next to Big Spring Park allows for a nice stroll, feeding the ducks and live music from one of our troubadours.

SOMETHING KID-FRIENDLY?

Huntsville Botanical Gardens is the best place to take the whole family. The gardens have lots of interactive exhibits for children, and it has so much green space, it is a great option to just let the kids run free and roam. Wednesday nights feature Golden Hour, a lawn event with live music where you can bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic.

SOMETHING OFF THE BEATEN PATH?

Huntsville Revisited Museum is an interesting stop. Although this is a small museum, it is full of

cool Huntsville artifacts, and the curator, William Hampton, is one of the most resourceful Huntsvillians—his stories will intrigue and delight you.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK A VISITOR SHOULD BE AWARE OF BEFORE A TRIP?

Huntsville's downtown area is gorgeous and will make you fall in love with our neck of the woods. Take time to spend an afternoon or morning sipping coffee at Honest, walking around the Square, grabbing lunch and doing a little shopping at Caley Paige, Elitaire, Roosevelt & Co., In Bloom, Rivenbark & Roper Antiques, and, of course, the historic Harrison Brothers Hardware.

Cashiers, North Carolina

“I grew up going with my grandparents and developed a love for this area and spending time with family. As soon as I had children of my own, I knew that’s where I wanted to get away and enjoy time together! Of course, being in real estate, we wanted to to invest in a second home. High Hampton fit the bill perfectly!”

IS THERE A MUST-VISIT BED & BREAKFAST OR BOUTIQUE HOTEL?

High Hampton Inn!

WHAT GREAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU SUGGEST FOR SUMMER LUNCHES AND OUTDOOR PATIO DINNERS?

The setting at Canyon Kitchen cannot be matched for dinner. Cocktails while sitting in the canyon on a breezy summer evening are a winning combination for me. My kids love Slab Town Pizza — the menu is great, and there's great outdoor space for kids to run around. And I love the club sandwich and a crisp glass of rosé at Cornucopia.

SHARE A FEW MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS THAT VISITORS SHOULD NOT MISS.

Hiking the many trails around Whiteside Mountain is an activity with routes for all desired levels of intensity. The area is known for incredible golf courses, and, while I much prefer to be on the tennis courts, the mountain terrain and 70° temperatures can get me on a tee box.

GREAT PLACES TO GRAB A DRINK?

The bar at High Hampton Inn has fabulous cocktails and specifically leans into seasonal ingredients without overdoing it. I love the Lakeside Lemonade.

OUTDOOR SPOTS TO TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF THE AREA?

Lake Glenville and the surrounding views are worth the stop! They really capture the essence of Cashiers being enveloped by nature's beauty.

SOMETHING KID-FRIENDLY?

My children love Cashiers as the ultimate playground. Their usual agenda is to swim, hike, play tennis, bike and eat their weight in the Cashiers Farmers Market blueberry pie.

AND SOMETHING OFF THE BEATEN PATH?

The area has wonderful antique stores and local art. One of my favorites is the Not All Beige summer pop-up, curated by one of my favorite tastemakers, Molly Blankenship, @notallbeige.

“Lake Glenville and the surrounding views are worth the stop! They really capture the essence of Cashiers being enveloped by nature’s beauty.”

Lake Glenville, Cashiers

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