GREAT GOODS

goodsgreat

Long-time customers and vendors of the Curb Market are part of its charm. New vendors and advocates like Preston Williams and Phillip Carter (shown right) are working to make it even more shopper-friendly.

SHOP FRESH, LOCAL & A LEGACY

For almost 75 years, the Montgomery Curb Market has been offering area residents a diverse array of locally grown and made foods in the same location on the edge of downtown. Today, it’s the oldest continually operating curb or farmers market in Alabama. The secret to its longevity is simple: It gives customers a one-stop shop for the freshest and highest quality locally and regionally grown produce as well as baked goods, bedding plants, cut flowers, canned and preserved goods, farm-fresh eggs, butchered meats, plus handmade crafts from 12 to 30 different vendors on any given day. A recent offering — two local chefs providing take-home meals — ramps up the market’s appeal.

But Curb Market enthusiasts find a lot more than homegrown tomatoes and decadent layer cakes at the historic spot. For decades it’s been a gathering place, offering a real sense of community while preserving a legacy, inviting new generations to carry on the tradition of coming down to Madison Avenue and picking up fruits and veggies or finding the perfect (or perfectly imperfect!) pumpkin in the fall.

Watch the Curb Market's social media (Instagram: @montgomery_curb_market; Facebook: @montgomerycurbmarket) for details on special events. And visit the Curb Market year-round every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5:30am - 2pm.

IMAGES BY JONATHON KOHN/SERQUEST.

Image by Erika Tracy

OUR AMAZING STATE

The recently published book “An Amazing Alabama” showcases our great state, spotlighting some of its most popular places as well as its hidden gems, all through the lens of author and retired United Methodist minister, Dr. Karl K. Stegall.

Part personal travelogue and part trivia book, “An Amazing Alabama” invites readers to travel the byways and backroads of the state to discover the aspects — natural beauty, great diversity, rich history and much more — that make it so amazing. On this journey, Stegall shares stories, lesserknown facts and interesting tidbits from his deep well of knowledge, putting emphasis on the state’s most valuable resource, its people.

For Stegall, a lifelong sports fan (who is currently the President of the Central Alabama Sports Commission), this focus includes many of Alabama’s legendary sports figures. This book makes a special effort to find and highlight the origin stories and notable accomplishments of greats in University of Alabama and Auburn University football lore, Alabama-born Olympians and hall-of-fame record-setters, as well as national treasures with Alabama roots like Hank Aaron.

He also delivers interesting information about the state’s iconic political figures and the cultural contributions of other Alabama natives, including musicians, artists and more. In each chapter, Stegall’s thoughts are accompanied by beautiful color photography; most of the images were captured by his wife and travel companion, Brenda.

“An Amazing Alabama” is available in select spots around the state and can be ordered through Amazon.com.

Images courtesy of Chirpwood.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

About seven years ago, retired teacher Scott C. Moody was looking for a creative outlet, and the lover of all things wood decided to start making hand-crafted frames from oak and other woods in his garage in Opelika. His company Chirpwood was born. But the custom work proved time intensive, and Moody realized he needed to venture outside the frame's four sides to find a more successful and sustainable business model.

The first addition to his traditional frame offerings was the innovative TwoStick frame. Two sleek rails handmade from Alabama oak and pine subtly outline the top and bottom of a photo or print, allowing customers to elegantly and easily (and affordably) hang their art but also putting the focus on the work itself. The TwoStick system is now patented. During the pandemic, Moody pivoted again, riding the wave of “paint by number” kits popularity but elevating the concept with Chirpwood’s “Paint by Shadows” kits. They include a greyscale image of licensed art printed on a canvas, paint and brushes, plus detailed instructions suitable for beginners, allowing every customer to unleash their creativity while also getting guidance. Chirpwood just launched a "Paint Your Pet by Shadows" kit too. And the purchase of a frame or paint kit doesn’t just benefit the Chirpwood business; Moody also uses his company to support a program in Africa called Bridge2Rwanda that’s helping educate resident students and create a talent pipeline that will allow them to tackle the issues Rwanda is facing.

Find Chirpwood products at The Local Market, The Maker and Merchant in Auburn and online at chirpwood.com.