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...

Food + Beverage

Welcome to 412 Public House

Have a seat at one of the best restaurants in north Alabama, right here in Cullman Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Joelle Brooks Photography, 412 Public House One of the best restaurants in north Alabama began as an idea in a local fitness club almost 10 years ago. 412 Public House is one of those unique places that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weekly date. “It started as an idea in late 2016,” explained Owner Stephen Gannon. “I met our chef/partner, Rico (Ricardo Nishimura)...

Home + Design

Following dreams, framing memories

With One Floral Touch, local artisan is doing both Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Madison Abernathy Photography Ever wish you could follow your dreams?   Keri Lann took that wish and made it reality last year, launching One Floral Touch. “After my wedding in June 2024, I searched locally for someone highly skilled in floral preservation to press my bouquet, but I struggled to find an expert I could fully trust with something so meaningful,” said Lann. “That challenge planted the idea...

Home + Design

Cullman holiday tradition

Share Club of Cullman Christmas Tour of Homes Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Share Club of Cullman The Share Club of Cullman’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes has been a favorite since 1986. This year’s tour is Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1-5 p.m. Share Club Tour Chair Priscilla Henshaw said proceeds benefit various charitable organizations. This year’s beneficiaries are Curt’s Closet, First Source for Women, Good Samaritan Health Clinic, Hospice of Cullman County and Restoring Women...

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...

Home + Design

Make the season sparkle!

The joy and nostalgia of holiday lights Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Alabama Outdoor Lighting Nothing makes the season sparkle quite like some quality holiday lights! Nick Payne, who owns Alabama Outdoor Lighting with his wife, Kelley, shared some illuminating thoughts on the topic. “My favorite thing about heading into Christmas is seeing the lights glow everywhere. They carry such a nostalgic magic, instantly taking me back to childhood when everything felt full of wonder,” he...

Food + Beverage

‘Karma’s bougie sister’

Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar: Dining destination and gathering place Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar Ten years ago, Katie Fine opened what would become a Cullman favorite: Karma’s Coffee House. This year, she and her husband, Jacob, opened a new venture, which is well on its way to joining Karma’s as a local staple: Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar, located below the new Flying Fifty Hotel. “Jubilee started after we were approached about opening a second location...

Food + Beverage

Share a bottle!

Bloom Winery Owner Bella Cornelius Tripp dishes on Good Hope location Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Madeline Isbell and Bloom Winery Bloom Winery in Good Hope, an offshoot of Bloom Winery and vineyard in Rogersville, has been open for almost a year now, and Owner Bella Cornelius Tripp said the experience has been wonderful. “It has been more than we ever expected — and so much fun!” she said. “We feel tremendously blessed to have the opportunity to serve the Good Hope/Cullman...