Food + Beverage

Farm-to-table Thanksgiving

Tips from Mavens & Makers Owner Ashlea Chance Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Ashlea Chance Yearning for a farm-to-table Thanksgiving? Mavens & Makers has a wealth of wares and advice. “We opened in April 2021, and recently moved downtown next to Southern Accents,” said Owner Ashlea Chance. The store is known for its farm-raised meats and veggies, quality kitchenwares, artisan foods and gifts, and, said Chance, “We’re in the process of opening our demonstrative kitchen for cooking...

Health + Wellness

For the love of seniors

Visiting Angels caregivers aren’t just helpers; they’re extended family Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Visiting Angels Cullman Thanksgiving and the holiday season are a time for family, and the heart of a family is oftentimes the older generation — our seniors, those who raised us and are parts of the family traditions we cherish so much. But our seniors need love and care every day of the year, and sometimes that includes special caregivers. That’s where agencies like Visiting Angels...

Arts + Culture

Experience the magic: ‘The Nutcracker’

Cullman Ballet Company's holiday favorite returns Dec. 6-7 Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Cullman Ballet Company Can you tell us a little about this year's production of "The Nutcracker?" This will be the fifth season of "The Nutcracker" story ballet presented by the Cullman Ballet Company, with a community cast of children who audition and adults who volunteer.  The Cullman Ballet Company, the official pre-professional ballet company of The Cullman Ballet Theatre School, has...

Shopping

Heirlooms, heart and Southern roots

Ashley Mercantile is a nod to family traditions Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Ashley Mercantile Ashley Mercantile was born out of family traditions, and it began with a red-and-white vintage enamel brownie pan. “That’s where the idea for the store started,” explained Owner Ryne Ashley. “We were out of town and our bigger family was with us and we went to a really cool store that I knew about, and both of my grandmothers brought this pan to me together and told me, ‘Ryne, we would do...