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1 month ago | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeAlabama is the kind of place that surprises you. It’s a state where history and innovation collide, where natural beauty meets deep culture, and where small towns hold some of the South’s best-kept secrets. From the Gulf Coast to the Black Belt, Alabama’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and adventure. It’s the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, the launching pad for space exploration, and a home for musicians, artists, and makers.
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1 month ago | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeMississippi is more than just a place on the map—it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a story that unfolds at every bend in the road. It’s where blues legends were born, where literary giants found their muse, and where history has been both made and reckoned with. It’s where towering live oaks shade antebellum mansions, where the Gulf breeze carries the scent of salt and seafood, and where roadside diners still serve up biscuits like your grandmother used to make.
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2 months ago | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeDavid Bancroft’s culinary journey reads like the ultimate Southern success story, but his impact resonates far beyond the kitchen. This year, Bancroft, chef-owner of Acre and Bow & Arrow in Auburn, Alabama, has been named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South, a testament to his influence on the region’s food culture.
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Nov 12, 2024 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeLooking for holiday gifts that are way more exciting than another pair of socks? We’ve got you covered with experiences and treasures straight from Alabama’s Black Belt! Whether your loved one is an adventurer, a foodie, or a lover of all things local, these gifts hit the sweet spot between fun, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Got a bird hunter in your crew?
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Nov 3, 2024 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockePhotos by Alabama Black Belt AssociationAlabama’s Black Belt is more than just a spot on the map—it’s a crossroads where nature, history, and culture collide to create one of the most diverse and ecologically rich regions in the South. Stretching across 23 counties, this area takes its name from the rich, black soil that once fueled Alabama’s agricultural boom. But today, the Black Belt is known for so much more.
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Oct 10, 2024 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeIn the small town of Cullman, Alabama, a widespread and often overlooked issue is being tackled by a proactive community group. Period poverty, the struggle many women and girls face in accessing menstrual products, affects an estimated 500 million individuals globally, limiting their ability to manage their menstrual health with dignity and comfort. Period poverty is more than an inconvenience, posing significant barriers to education, health, and economic opportunities.
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Sep 22, 2024 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeIn a world where trends often come and go with the seasons, vintage home decor is making a comeback. From funky mid-century furniture to retro kitchen gadgets, it's like everyone's raiding their grandma's attic for inspiration!So, why the sudden obsession with all things vintage? In today's fast-paced world, there's something comforting about surrounding yourself with things that remind you of simpler times.
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Apr 23, 2024 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeVishwesh BhattThe narrative of southern food is changing. A recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award and the title of 2019 Southern Living Southerner of the Year, Chef Vishwesh Bhatt is on the forefront of defining a new era of Mississippi dining. Bhatt's love affair with Southern cuisine began in the most unassuming way—cooking rice and beans in a college dorm room to save a few bucks. Little did he know, this simple act would set him on a path to become a culinary icon.
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Feb 29, 2024 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockePhotos by Jackie OsborneFinding a born-and-raised Nashvillian can feel like discovering a rare vinyl at a yard sale. Nashville, the thriving metropolis that's become a must-visit destination in recent years, is constantly reinventing itself. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of progress and growth, one place stands as a timeless gateway to old Nashville—the legendary Sperry's Restaurant.
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Feb 8, 2024 | 
goodgritmag.com | Ashley Locke
Words by Ashley LockeIn Northwest Florida, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) has been making waves in its journey to uplift the lives of at-risk girls through its annual Galentine's Day Fundraiser. The event, which started in 2022 with a modest goal of $30,000, has exceeded expectations, signaling a community's resounding commitment to empowering young women. The inaugural Galentine's Day Fundraiser in 2022 was an extraordinary success, raising over $64,000.
