Personal food preferences and traditions seem stronger at Thanksgiving than at any other time of year. Heaven forbid we introduce any new side dishes, desserts, or versions of the dressing (a.k.a. stuffing) to unwitting family and friends. It’s a bold move » Read More
This month, The Groundhog proudly celebrates Rand Hall as our Volunteer Hero. Originally from New York, Rand spent 35 years in Florida, where she served as editor and publisher of The Gazette, a news magazine on Florida’s west-central coast. For the » Read More
A new business is brewing on Highway 117 in Mentone — one that aims to blend energy, relaxation, and community all under one roof. Café Pilates, currently under construction, will combine a coffee shop and yoga studio. The vision belongs to » Read More
When I worked at the newspaper in Little Rock in the late 80s and early 90s, a bunch of us got together to go to the Razorbacks games that were played just down the street from my house, at War Memorial » Read More
Go on a Mentone Excursion Thanks to cousins Casey Harp and Kyleigh Thomas, visitors have plenty of new ways to immerse themselves in the exciting natural beauty of Lookout Mountain. Their company, Mentone Excursions, launched last May, offers guided outdoor experiences on » Read More
October in Mentone is postcard season. The leaves turn, the mountain air sharpens, and visitors and photographers alike pause to snap photos of the little red boathouse on Little River just above Desoto Falls — one of Alabama’s most recognizable landmarks. » Read More
I couldn’t interview Colleen Duffley without politely begging for a couple of her recipes and photos. Many thanks to her for her time and generosity. I’m adding these two dishes to my favorites folder! To read about Colleen and Steve’s journey, » Read More
Andiamo Lodge isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a sanctuary that defies categorization. The name, Italian for “Let’s go!” signals a call to action: let’s go rest, let’s go create, let’s go connect. Born from the boundless energy and » Read More
I finally laid my hands on my mother’s recipe for a casserole she served at many of her “hat parties.” In an upstairs closet, under the slanted roof of a guest room, she kept all kinds of hats — some with » Read More
This month, we recognize the efforts of Lyle Nicely for helping make Mentone a lot cleaner. Lyle has lived in Mentone since 1986, and he’s been participating in the Mentone Area Annual Community Cleanup & Cookout for many years. In fact, » Read More