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Articles by Ally Engleman
4 apple picking orchards just in time for fall + the easiest apple galette recipe ever!
I finally managed to dig out my cardigan from the depths of my closet this week, which means fall is here! Apple season in Alabama is around the corner, and you can pick your own at these orchards just an hour or two from Birmingham. Read on to find an easy apple galette recipe to make after you’ve gone apple picking. Steele Orchard has been growing apple trees since 1985. It’s a family-owned business with produce at low prices.
2025 college football schedules for Auburn, Alabama, UAB, Samford + insider tailgating tips
Hey Birmingham, we know you’ve been waiting for this: College football is back! In Alabama, it’s safe to say fans take football every bit as seriously as the players on the field. We’ve got you prepared with some tailgate tips, all the schedules and gameday essentials.
Shop local with these summer farmers' markets in + around Birmingham
Shopping at farmers’ markets is one of my go-to summer activities, and fortunately Birmingham offers some incredible spots to access fresh, local produce from Alabama farmers. Read on for some of our favorite farmers’ markets in the Birmingham area, and why we love them. The Market at Pepper Place has been ongoing since June 2000. That’s right, 25 years! Here you can expect a large crowd and live music. You’ll find local makers like Hinkel’s Bakery, Ireland Farms, Magic City Mushrooms and more.
7 U-pick farms within an hour’s drive of Birmingham that have ripe + ready produce
There’s still a lot of summer left in Birmingham, so grab your friends and have fun picking your own produce! From fruits to vegetables, Birmingham and its surrounding areas have a variety of u-pick farms. We’ve gathered some spots within an hour’s drive where you can turn this activity into a delicious recipe or snack. Side note: Birmingham has some pretty unpredictable weather. This can affect crops, so it’s best to contact each farm before you go.
Your go-to guide for all things kayak + canoe this summer
Any paddling enthusiasts out there? This one’s for you. With all the beautiful rivers we have near Birmingham, paddle sports are a go-to for adventurers in our area. Or if you’re ready to road trip, we’ve also gathered additional Alabama opportunities. Here’s our guide to make a splash in the water this summer! For all ages, Tree Line Expeditions will float down the beautiful Cahaba River. The float will begin at 7:30, so you can enjoy it without the harsh sun beating down on you.
Your guide to can't-miss wine bars in Birmingham
Who doesn’t love a bar that’s dedicated to all things wine? Luckily, we’ve got plenty of them here in Birmingham. Grab your friends and make your next wine night plans at these local spots. Freddy’s, a Highland Park staple located on the ground floor of the Highland Towers Apartments, has the perfect wine night waiting for you. Every Tuesday, the bar offers specials at $20, $30, and $40 a bottle. And don’t forget to check out their Homewood location now, too.
9 outdoor movies to see this summer at City Walk BHAM, Vulcan + more
Outdoor summer movies are kicking off around Birmingham. Check out our list of where to watch and what’s playing at City Walk BHAM, Vulcan Park and Museum, the Trussville Entertainment District and more. Nothing beats a drive-in movie. This summer, hop in the car and head to the Grand River Drive-In in Leeds. The box office opens daily at 5PM with a variety of films for all ages. Be sure to hit up The Snack Shack for film-friendly eats like nachos, popcorn and chips.
Springbrook Park reopens in Tuscaloosa with $1.7M upgrades
The City of Tuscaloosa + Elevate have been planning to improve Springbrook Park since September 2024. Now reopened to the public, the new park features two playgrounds, a walking track, an emergency blue light + more. On April 15, the City of Tuscaloosa held a ribbon-cutting to announce the reopening of the park. It was funded by Elevate, a strategic investment plan to help uplift the city of Tuscaloosa through education, transportation, recreation + public safety.
Jalen Hurts named to Time100 List of world's most influential people
Jalen Hurts got benched during Alabama’s win over Georgia in the 2017 National Championship Game but his response to that decision has been a story resonating across the world. And two months after his first Super Bowl title + MVP performance, Hurts has been named to the Time100 list, celebrating the most influential people in the world in 2025. Keep reading to see why Hurts was selected + learn all about his journey to this point in his career. The Time100 list started just over two decades ago.
Alabama destination takes top spot in USA Today's 10Best recreational trails
It first happened in 2023. Then again in 2024. Now, it’s officially a three-peat and I think it’s safe to call it a dynasty. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park has been selected as the nation’s best recreational trail by USA Today for the third straight year. “This year’s win is especially exciting as we celebrate the Year of Alabama Trails. We are honored that USA Today’s readers chose the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail for a third straight year.
3 Alabama players selected in 2025 WNBA Draft
There were just four college programs that saw three of its players selected Monday night during the 2025 WNBA Draft. That list included the national champion UConn, runner-up South Carolina, Notre Dame and… Alabama. It’s another sign that the Crimson Tide women’s basketball program is growing under coach Kristy Curry.
What you need to know ahead of STAR ID deadline
You’ve heard about it for years but after multiple delays in the state’s official enforcement, it seems like the STAR ID era is finally about to begin. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding Alabama residents that the REAL ID Act of 2005, will officially go into effect on May 7.
New $60M 'Jubilee Park' proposed in Mobile County
Earlier this month, Leisure Sports & Recreation LLC revealed a proposal for a 90-acre multi-use development to the Mobile County Commission. The Louisiana-based company’s proposal for Jubilee Park includes: Outdoor/Indoor Waterpark Multi-use sports facilities Festival grounds + amphitheater Public park RV + bungalow stays Retail shops + restaurants The proposal would put the water park and rec center on Halls Mill Road, nearby the $19 million aquatic center that’s already under construction.
2025 A-Day provides new format, same excitement
The spring tradition of A-Day is a favorite for Bama fans. With the Walk of Fame induction, autographs, and even just a Denny dog, A-Day reminds us how excited we should get for the next football season. This year, the University decided to try out a different format for the day and while it resulted in a smaller crowd, the fans in attendance had the same excitement. Read below for more details. Usually, A-Day involves the team playing against each other.
NEW: U.S. Space Command reportedly set for move to Huntsville
There have been whispers throughout North Alabama for over a year since it was announced that Huntsville was a potential location for Space Command’s headquarters. After a Congressional back-and-forth over placing the agency permanently in Colorado Springs or Huntsville, we may have our answer. In a recent interview, Representative and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers stated that Space Command’s move to Huntsville may be more imminent than we thought.
Pinhoti Trail to benefit from Talladega National Forest 50K acre expansion proposal
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Mike Rogers have introduced legislation expanding the boundaries of the Talladega National Forest by 50,000 acres. Called the Talladega National Forest Expansion Act, the bill will enable the U.S. Forest Service to purchase land within the expanded boundaries from willing sellers in three East Alabama counties. One of the goals of the expansion is to enhance Alabama’s longest hiking trail — the Pinhoti Trail.
11 u-pick strawberry farms in Alabama you won't want to miss this summer
Strawberry season in Alabama begins from early March and usually runs to early June. The peak season is in April and is when you’ll find the ripest, juiciest strawberries to pick right from the vine. Make sure to head out early, since the best time of day to pick is in the morning, when the strawberries are fresh and cool. If you’re looking to enjoy the warm weather and grab some sweet strawberries, check out these 12 u-pick farms around Alabama.
Tuscaloosa celebrates 14th annual Druid City Arts Fest
Have you ever driven by the Government Plaza on a spring evening and seen a crowd + dozens of tents? That’s Tuscaloosa’s Druid City Arts Fest. The annual festival features several live performances, art vendors, food trucks + more. Read further to see more from this year’s event. DCAF started with a few University of Alabama freshmen who saw a gap in the community. They wanted something to celebrate art, culture, + the people. Thus, creating the first Druid City Arts Fest in 2010.
Barberitos expanding with 3 more locations coming to central Alabama
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Barberitos is opening its first storefront in Wetumpka, with locations in Pratville and Alexander City in the works. From tacos to quesadillas, Barberitos is sure to make an impact in Alabama. Anyone else craving a burrito? Barberitos offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order Mexican-inspired dishes in a fun atmosphere. This is the perfect lunch spot, and their grand opening gave us a chance to get queso for a full year.
By Grace Toohey andJessica Garrison, Pat Byington Verified, Ally Engleman, Caleb Turrentine Verified
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The Bama Buzz
Troy women to make first ever NIT championship appearance
For the first time in program history, the Troy women’s basketball team is playing for an NIT championship. The Trojans won a second straight road game Wednesday night, this time defeating Illinois State, 99-96. The victory sends Troy into the National Invitational Tournament championship game.
Alabama Women's Wheelchair Basketball wins 5th consecutive title [PHOTOS]
The University of Alabama’s women’s wheelchair basketball team won their 5th consecutive national title this past week. Led by tournament MVP Bailey Moody, the Tide defeated the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) 67-52 in the championship game, which was played at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The win over UTA avenged the team’s only three losses during the regular season. “We have had some great battles with UTA throughout the season.
Auburn fans gather for Tiger Walk as men's basketball team heads to Final Four [PHOTOS]
The Auburn men’s basketball team is set to appear in the Final Four for the second time in program history. The team already has a program-record 32 wins this season + hopes to add to that tally by making its first every national championship game appearance. Here’s what you need to know before Saturday: Who: No. 1 Auburn Tigers (32-5) vs.
Spring sports are in full swing at Alabama
As basketball comes to a close, UA fans flock to spring sporting events. Here’s what you need to know game day dates, tickets, parking + more. Alabama baseball draws a crowd, but not just from students. Sewell-Thomas was packed with families last Tuesday in support of the team. Fans can bring in their alcohol as long as it’s a 6-pack in cans. If you plan on sitting in the grass area, remember to bring lawn chairs on something comfy.
Recently, the Jefferson County Commission unanimously approved the $13.5M sale of Hallmark Farms, the iconic estate in Warrior visible from I-65. The new owner, Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation (AECC), will be overseeing the upcoming Alabama Farm Center, an agricultural center planned for the property. Developed by Ted and Mary Hallmark in 1976, Hallmark Farm is an iconic 567-acre estate located roughly 30 minutes north of Birmingham in Warrior, AL.
'The Jubilee City': Learn the history behind Daphne's unique nickname
There are very few places in the world where the Jubilees occur — one of which is Tokyo Bay in Japan, while Alabama’s own, Mobile Bay, remains the other. A “Jubilee” is a rare, natural phenomenon where large numbers of marine life swim from the depths of the bay to shallower waters along a shoreline. In Daphne, commonly known as “The Jubilee City,” this phenomenon brings blue crabs, shrimp + fish to the Eastern Shore — into the readied hands, and ice chests, of the city’s locals.
The World's Smallest City Block: a unique Dothan landmark
Dothan is commonly known as “The Peanut Capital of the World,” but did you know it’s also home to a world-record holding landmark? Keep reading to learn about the history of The World’s Smallest City Block. The World’s Smallest City Block is located at the intersection of North Appletree Street, North College Street and East Troy Street—marked by a granite monument.
Tuscaloosa's 39th annual Sakura Festival: celebrating Japanese culture + cherry blossoms
Every spring, Japan celebrates the blossoming of cherry blossoms nationwide. And we have the opportunity to do the same right here in Alabama. Across the nation, you can find Sakura Festivals popping up acknowledging the beauty of the cherry blossoms including an annual festival in Tuscaloosa. Keep reading to see what Tuscaloosa’s Sakura Festival has to recognize Japanese culture and cherry blossoms. This year’s theme for the festival was “tomo ni hagukumu,” which means harmony.
Cullman nominated for USA Today's best small town cultural scene + how you can vote
Our state is filled with culture. From the biggest cities to the smallest towns, different cultures have shaped our state. So it’s no surprise to see an Alabama city nominated for USA Today’s latest 10Best list featuring the best small town cultural scenes across the country. The City of Cullman qualified for the list with a population of under 25,000 people. And now it needs your help to make the top 10. Keep reading to see how you can vote for Cullman + why it was selected.
Airing of the Quilts Festival tour coming to 3 Alabama cities
The Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy is holding a three-city tour this spring to celebrate the artistry and history of the Gee’s Bend Quilters.
Hummingbirds return to Alabama for spring
Yesterday marked the first day of spring, which means warmer weather, blooming flowers and hummingbirds! These fast-flyers are making their way back to Alabama, so keep reading to learn about their journey + how to attract them to your home. Hummingbirds have two migratory seasons: fall and spring. You’ll commonly see ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Alabama mid-March to mid-April and leave in September-October when the weather cools down. “They’ll overwinter in Mexico and Costa Rica.
Explore Moundville + it's deep archeological roots
What once was a Native American village is now the town of Moundville. This town, located in Hale County, has a history dating back to the 12th Century. Keep reading to learn how it got its name + became what it is today. Before Moundville evolved into what it is, it was a thriving Native American settlement. The people who lived here built 26 earthen mounds around a central plaza, with the larger mounds for the leader’s homes and smaller ones for mortuary purposes.
See Alabama-made 2026 Honda Passport launch at Lincoln plant [PHOTOS]
Last week, The Bama Buzz was on hand to see Honda roll out the new 2026 Honda Passport—exclusively made in Lincoln, Alabama . The celebration with the Associates at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) marked the official start of production for the popular vehicle. Joining the special event was ESPN Band of the Year, the Purple Marching Machine from Miles College.
Mobile Mardi Gras sees 1.3M attendees in 2025
More than 1.3 million people attended Mardi Gras parades in downtown Mobile during the Carnival season, according to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and the Mobile Police Department. The 2025 numbers were about 250,000 more than 2024. This year’s parade season was the highest attended since 2019. 2025: 1,367,141 2024: 1,103,235 In his Wednesday, March 5th nightly email to Mobile residents, Stimpson said there were only around 30 arrests and no major incidents reported.
Gunnar Henderson becomes second AISA star to make cover of MLB The Show video game
This year’s premier baseball video game comes out in less than two weeks and a familiar face is on the cover of this year’s game. Gunnar Henderson, who was named Mr. Baseball in Alabama in 2019, has been in the spotlight several times already in his young career. Now, he’s one of three players to grace the cover of MLB The Show 25.
Annual Selma Bridge Crossing to commemorate 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday
March 7, 2025 will mark the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday when a group of activists crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, marching for voting rights, and were brutally attacked by state troopers. Each year, people return to the site on the first full weekend in March to commemorate Bloody Sunday + the march on Montgomery that followed shortly after the attack. This year, the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee schedule includes four full days of events, finishing up with the rally and march on Sunday.
Feeling lucky? Here’s where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Alabama
No plans for St. Patrick’s Day yet? Read below for our list of what’s happening around Alabama following St. Patrick’s Day activities, from parades to pub crawls. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a nonprofit organization that began as a relief organization for Irish immigrants, runs the parade and has evolved to perform other charitable acts and provide scholarships. The nonprofit started in Philidelphia in 1771, and has now branched out all over the nation.
South Alabama, Troy split Sun Belt men's basketball regular season title
Four teams finished tied on top of the Sub Belt men’s basketball standings, including in-state rivals Troy and South Alabama, causing a split regular season championship. The Trojans and Jaguars both finished with a 13-5 record, tying with James Madison and Arkansas State for the top spot in the league. After the tiebreaking procedures, South Alabama will be the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament while Troy earned the No. 3 seed.
Auburn coach Hugh Freeze diagnosed with early form of prostate cancer
The Auburn football team announced Friday coach Hugh Freeze has been diagnosed with an early form of prostate cancer. Auburn posted to social media Friday afternoon, saying Freeze would continue his normal coaching duties while receiving treatment. “Thankfully, it was detected early and his doctors have advised that it is very treatable and curable. He will continue his normal coach duties and responsibilities, and with forthcoming proper treatment, is expected to make a full recovery.
How to win $100 to your favorite Alabama restaurant or bar
Spring is around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start getting out and about to explore our state even more. Read on to learn how to enter our newsletter giveaway for a chance to win $100 to your favorite local restaurant or bar. Ready to enter our giveaway? Here’s how it works: You sign up for our newsletter. After signing up, you’ll be asked to confirm your email. We’ll run the giveaway for one week, randomly selecting the winner and contacting them by Thursday, March 6.
Bama women defeat Auburn in annual Power of Pink basketball game
Have you ever driven past Coleman Collesium and wondered what those pink lights lining the street are? Those lights are for the University of Alabama’s Power of Pink games. Once a year, women’s gymnastics and basketball show off in their pink to help DCH’s cancer fund. Read below for more details. The events started in 2005 with Sarah Patterson, the former gymnastics coach. Patterson wanted to create an event to stand out, so she picked Alabama vs Auburn.
Two Alabama wildlife refuges nominated for USA Today's 10Best
Two national wildlife refuges here in Alabama have been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best reader’s choice awards. The outlet’s panel of experts nominated 20 protected areas across the country before opening up the voting for the public to choose which one should take the top spot.
Alabama sees surge in Big Lots store lease sales: Updated list of locations
More Alabama Big Lots store leases are up for sale. 15 Big Lots leases are up for sale across Alabama indicating those particular stores might close in the near future. The number of stores up for sale in Alabama has almost doubled since January. According to USA Today, the embattled national discount retail chain added more than 200 locations to its sale site. Most offers to purchase the leases were due February 17.
Alabama hosting Auburn in basketball, gymnastics for Power of Pink weekend
It’s time for the annual Power of Pink weekend in Tuscaloosa with the Crimson Tide hosting Auburn in both gymnastics + women’s basketball across three days. Here’s what you need to know about both events: What: #11 Auburn at #17 Alabama gymnastics When: 7:30PM | Friday, Feb. 21 Where: Coleman Coliseum | 1201 Coliseum Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Watch: SEC Network Tickets | More info What: Auburn at #18 Alabama women’s basketball When: 4PM | Sunday, Feb.
Your guide to Alabama's severe weather preparedness tax-free weekend
Alabama is having a tax-free holiday this weekend. Beginning at 12:01 AM on Friday, Feb. 21st, and ending Sunday, Feb. 23rd at 11:59 PM. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about it here, so keep reading to see what is eligible. So, what exactly can you get on this tax-free holiday?
Severe weather possible for entire state over the weekend
Note: This forecast is for the weekend of February 15-16, 2025. The first half of this week featured plenty of rain in Alabama with several areas receiving at least two inches of rain Tuesday and Wednesday. Now it seems like even more is on its way. The entire state of Alabama is under at least a marginal (1/5) risk with some areas in the enhanced risk (3/5) of severe weather Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.
Alabama BBQ joint lands on USA Today's Best Restaurants of 2025
Whether you are a regular or just a visitor making a stop in Selma, Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot will treat everyone the same. And that treatment is highlighted by some great food. And the historic restaurant is no stranger to getting a little bit of the spotlight. Most recently, Lannie’s was included on USA Today’s annual list of best restaurants around the country, being the state’s only representative on the list.
The newest addition to Tuscaloosa's nightlife, Cafe Haven
T-Town’s newest coffee shop has a bit of a twist: it’s open until midnight. It’s more than coffee for this community. Read below for more details. Haven is more than coffee; it’s a cozy spot for hanging out. They offer a new nightlife alternative to Tuscaloosa. Haven wants to create your new go to spot. Haven can also double as a small event space. Call them up if you want to host your next gathering.
Pair of multi-million dollar projects approved for Auburn's agriculture program
Two transformational projects for the Auburn University College of Agriculture were approved by the Board of Trustees at its meeting on Friday, Feb. 7. The projects include a new children’s garden at the university’s Transformation Garden + a newly established Bee Center which will focus on conservation and research. Keep reading to learn more about each project. During the meeting, the Board of Trustees approved phase one of a new children’s garden at the Transformation Garden.
Opelika's newest cultural hub, Boxcar, set to open in April
At the beginning of April, Downtown Opelika will see the establishment of Boxcar, a non-profit cultural hub. Here’s a quick breakdown: Tentative grand opening date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 Address: 706 1st Ave, Opelika, AL 36801 Open: Wednesday – Sunday Website | Instagram | Facebook Keep reading to learn more about this upcoming establishment! Before moving to Opelika, Jeff Bennett and Bay Kelley had previously lived in college towns where indie cinemas were present.
NEW: Alabama Shakes announces reunion tour with stop in Birmingham
It turns out the Alabama Shakes reunion in Tuscaloosa in December 2024 was a sign of things to come. After a week of teasing something on social media, the band sent out a text message for fans who signed up with a simple message: “The Wait is Over… 2025 Tour is here.” The band is getting back together for their first tour in nearly a decade, announcing 30 stops across the country including one at a new venue here in Alabama.
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