Alabama tourism

Restaurants & businesses in the Magic City are getting a digital dose of fame! Birmingham native and foodie LaDarrius Hutcherson, a.k.a. LHUT, talks with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about the power of social media. Plus, hear about his process for crafting creative content— and the collab with Jake's Soul Food Cafe to release his very own LHUT Meal!

The fourth of July Holiday has come and gone. And, that means Alabama is into the second half of the lucrative summer tourism season. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area points to new rental units to judge how much the visitor economy is growing.

Sandy Stimpson is the 108th Mayor of Mobile and a proponent of the Port City's history, museums, art and, of course, Mardi Gras! Now in his final term in office, he talks to Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about what lies ahead after public service. Plus, how his wife of 50 years, Jean, is always the boss!

In a state where snow is a rarity, thousands of winter sports enthusiasts and savvy shoppers will descend to Scottsboro for the 43rd Annual Ski Sale Event at Unclaimed Baggage. A tradition since 1981, this event has become one of the most unique winter shopping experiences in the U.S., an experience that's part treasure hunt and part winter celebration.

The inaugural South Star Festival is set for Sept. 28 and Sept. 29 at the John Hunt Park Festival Grounds, where crowds of thousands of people are expected to attend. Gates open both days at 1:00 p.m. and the music will end at 11:00 p.m.

The lineups and schedules for two stages at the 53rd Kentuck Festival of the Arts is being announced. The event will have its Tuscaloosa debut on Oct. 19 and 20 at Snow Hinton Park.

Governor Kay Ivey is announcing that Innovate Alabama is set to receive nearly $98 million to continue its support of Alabama small businesses. The funding is made possible based on Act 2024-74, a piece of legislation passed through the Alabama State Legislature earlier this month and signed into law.

Memorial Day marks the start of the summer tourism season, but not just along the Alabama Gulf coast. But, the State’s visitor industry is bigger than that.

One of the State’s highest-flying festivals is coming to Decatur on Memorial Day weekend.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey says tolls on the Foley Express Bridge to the community of Orange Beach will be cancelled as soon as the State takes ownership. That’s supposed to happen at twelve noon Thursday.