Cullman, AL June 2022

First Edition LI F E + C U LTU R E

CU LLM AN WAREH OUSE DISTRI CT

PREMIERE ISSUE

J U N E 2 022

Jeff Roberts ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA®, AEP®

Private Wealth Advisor | Founder and President MavenCross Wealth Advisors®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC (205) 313-9150 * jeff.roberts@ampf.com * mavencrosswealth.com

Financial Planning for 30 Years

Ranks Among Alabama's Top Leaders in Financial Planning

Dedicated to being "the obvious choice for guiding clients to joyfully steward their resources."

Barron's® Top 1,000 Advisors, 2009-2011 Barron's® Top 1,200 Advisors, 2014-2022 CA Insurance #0G34699 Barron's® generates its rankings from a formulaic analysis of surveys answered by candidates regarding assets, revenue, and quality of practice, including an advisor's regulatory and compliance record. Barron's® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. This award is not indicative of this advisor's future performance. Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its advisors pay a fee to Barron's in exchange for the ranking. The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Hello Cullman!

June 2022 PUBLISHER S

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Melissa Curtis | melissa.curtis@citylifestyle.com

Hello and Welcome to our FIRST EDITION of Cullman City Lifestyle— from our homes to yours!

We love our city and community— we find inspiration here. We hope this magazine inspires you too. Cullman is a small town with a huge heart and we definitely want to showcase that. We are so thrilled to be your source for all things local here in Cullman.

As you turn the pages, we hope you will enjoy reading our stories about the sweet people and amazing businesses that make up this community.

Beautifully crafted food and cocktails served up from local restaurants and skilled culinary artists to our “best in class” health and wellness providers, our pages will bring local artists, leaders, and entrepreneurs, together. It is our goal to tell everyone about all that Cullman has to offer and the things that matter the most to you, our readers. Smith Lake is so near and dear to our hearts that we want to tell you about it as well!

If you know of a story that needs to be told, events coming up, or have photos from a fabulous event, share the news with us. #cullmancitylifestyle Thanks for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us, and we can’t wait to see you next month and around our town!

Love local, live local, and spend locally!

Our best, The Melissa’s

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Lauren Smith | lauren.smith@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Chad Jensen LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Jennifer Murphree, Amanda Myers, Ashlea Chance

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

M E L I S S A “ M I S S Y ” G U R L E Y, P U B L I S H E R @CULLMAN_CITYLIFESTYLE_

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/CULLMAN |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cullman City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cullman area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Cullman City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

4

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Building Docks Together Since 1996 Dan & Justin Hogan FREE STATE BOAT DOCKS

205.489.8100

Sales 205.272.0504

justinfsbd@yahoo.com

COVERING SMITH LAKE www.freestateboatdock.com

JUNE 2022

inside the issue The Premiere Issue

20

16

28

26

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Rumors’ Newest Addition— Hank’s Sports Bar

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Local Experiences

16

Eat Right

20

Culinary Creations

22

Hot Spot

26

Giving Back

28

Decor Trends

32

Events

34

Happy Hour

An Interview With Aaron Coombs, the owner of Rumors Deli and Hank’s Sports Bar

20 Pickled Strawberry Crostini & The Bee and Flower Cocktail

Ashlea Chance with Mavens & Makers is serving up some sweet Southern recipes for us

26 A friend of the community - John Riley

He is the President of Cullman Savings Bank, but also a true Cullman historian.

28 Interior Design with White Willow Owner, Libby Crider A beautiful home decorated by Libby Crider, the owner of White Willow

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Missy Gurley Warehouse District located on 1st Ave SE at night

6

FO O D + B EV ER AGE FO O D + B E V E R AG E

FO O D + B EV ER AGE LI FE + C U LT U R E HO ME + DES I GN

A RTS + C U LT U R E

Thank you to all of my Founding Partners.

Missy Gurley & Melissa Curtis City Lifestyle Cullman, Publishers

Budget Blinds

Local Kraving

Bugs Be Gone

MavenCross Wealth Advisors Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Cullman Furniture Market Cullman Savings Bank Doug Doggett Jewelers Elements Health & Wellness Spa Fox and Hound Photography Free State Boat Docks, Inc Granite South, Inc. HydroHoist of Alabama JenJen Photography Lake Home Realty - Justin Dyar Lake League Real Estate

Mavens & Makers One Source Heating, Cool & Electrical Smith Lake Republic Traditions Bank Trident Marina & the Grille at Trident Marina White Willow

JUNE 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1

3

6

MISSY GURLEY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

4

MISSY GURLEY

2

7 MELISSA CURTIS

5

1: Hank’s Sports Bar’s mascot, Roy, on Ribbon Cutting Day. 2: Everyone enjoying a beautiful day at the Bloomin’ Festival. 3: Cullman Savings Bank Easter Egg Hunt hosted at Werner’s Trading Company! Congratulations, Madison Robertson! 4: The 2022 Strawberry Festival Pageant Winners. Congratulations! 5: The Photo Booth at the Cullman Chamber Annual Meeting and Black & White Gala. 6: The Strawberry Festival has the best strawberries and brings in a crowd! 7: Cullman High Baseball team - we love our Bearcats!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @cullman_citylifestyle_

8

C I T Y SC E N E

JUNE 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Good Hope Medical, Inc.

Wake the World Alabama

Good Hope Medical is now open! They are the newest occupational medicine and urgent care practice in Cullman. Good Hope Medical has a friendly and experienced medical team that is committed to providing you and your family with premium, up-to-date medical care. This facility can perform CLIA Waived lab testing and X-rays on the premises, allowing them to promptly diagnose and treat injuries. www.goodhopemedical.com or FB - Good-Hope-Medical

Wake the World Alabama is back! We are ecstatic to announce its arrival to Smith Lake again on Friday, June 10th!

WTWAL is a fun event that never fails to put smiles on the Big Oak Ranch kids’ faces. The 2021 event was the largest to date with 175 guests and 75 volunteers. You can donate by going to their site waketheworldal.org. We hope to see you there!

Poor Man Poker Run Smith Lake’s Poor Man Poker Run is in a few months, so mark August 6th on your calendars!

This annual event, hosted by Alabama Lakewide Charities, raises money for area search, rescue & recovery efforts, and local charities. You can register to join in the fun by visiting their website lakewide.org. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook page as well!

Photography Jennifer Murphree

Photography Cullman Savings Bank

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Cullman

10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

JUNE 2022

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

It’s summertime here in Cullman, Alabama, and we couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming seasonal activities! Days at the pool, wake-surfing at the lake, family cookouts— what’s not to love about summer in Cullman? We recommend taking advantage of the commodities in downtown Cullman; the Warehouse District itself is a hot summer day’s dream. We want to share with you a few cool spots to visit on a hot Alabama day…

(The Warehouse District is also the picture of our cover this month.)

Photo Credit: Melissa Curtis

Cullman - Warehouse District FAR MER S MAR KET: First stop is our local farmers market: Festhalle Farmers Market. Here you’ll find Cullman’s finest fruits and vegetables. 209 1st Ave SW Cullman, AL KAR MA’S COFFEE HOUSE: Our next stop has everything from a hearty meal to an energizing drink: Karma’s Coffee House. Their cold coffee and açaí bowls are the best! 103 1st Avenue NE, Cullman , AL KER NEL KULLMAN: Need a treat from a quaint, vintage-themed popcorn and candy shop? Kernel Kullman is the perfect shop for you! Bring the entire family. 113 1st Ave NE Cullman, AL FLAVOR : Flavors Bakery pumps out the most scrumptious baked goods. They are the answer for any sweet tooth! 101 1st Ave NE Cullman, AL FR IOS GOUR MET POPS: Frios Gourmet Pops can supply that frozen snack needed to cool off. So many delicious flavors… and be sure to check out their Frio’s truck. 112 Clark St. Cullman, AL FESTHALLE

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Flavor

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

12

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A HOME ON SMITH LAKE?

2 69 COU NTY ROAD 201 1 C R A N E HILL , A L 35 05 3

4 Beds | 4 Baths | 3,800 sqft (on 1.25 acres)

Justin Dyar, the leading Realtor® on Smith Lake with over 1 Billion in Wate rfront Sales.

Smith Lake Alabama | (205) 468-6375 | justindyar.com

14

Cullman’s Only Professional Nutrition Response Testing Practitioners

Alternative & Holistic Health Spa Homeopathic Supplements Contouring | Slimming | Toning We can do all this plus use any of our health Spa therapies to get you better results today! elementshws.com | 256.841.6151 | 111 A 1st St NE Cullman, AL 35055 | V elements_health_wellness

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO CHOOSE? Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

S E T YO U R SCHEDULE

«

LOW FRANCHISE FEE

W O R K- L I F E BALANCE

START YOUR OWN PUBLICATION CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FRANCHISE

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

15

RU

M

S’ OR

NEWEST AD DIT IO N

AN INTERVIEW WITH AARON COOMBS

HANK’S SPORTS BAR

So delicious!!!

ARTICLE BY LAUREN SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISSY GURLEY

16

EAT R IGH T | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

Since July of 2000, Rumors Deli has been a prominent restaurant in Cullman, all thanks to its inviting atmosphere, amiable crew, and mouthwatering meals. Rumors has recently expanded to accommodate the new Hank’s Sports Bar. We interviewed one of the owners, Aaron Coombs, to ask about Rumors and its newest modifications.

HOW LONG HAS RUMORS BEEN AROUND? WHO CURRENTLY OWNS RUMORS? “Rumors Deli was founded in the year 2000 by the Harris Family. It was purchased by the Coombs Family in March of 2021. The previous owner, Annette Harris, made the transition super smooth and trained the Coombs family for six weeks. We are still very good friends with Annette and still look to her for advice. We even have a plaque on one of the barstools that say ‘Reserved for Annette Harris.’ She was part of a lot of our taste-testing for the night menu.”

ESPECIALLY WITH THE ADDITION OF HANK’S SPORTS BAR, WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING THAT RUMORS IS BRINGING TO CULLMAN?

The amazing people of Rumors Deli and Hank's Sports Bar

My personal favorite drink - the Hanky Panky

“On May the 5th we are having authentic jambalaya! And in June we are having a comedy night.”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU GUYS TO CULLMAN OUT OF ALL PLACES? AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BUY RUMORS? “My parents decided that Smith Lake was where they wanted to retire. I came out here with them when they purchased their home and instantly fell in love with the area. All of my siblings live twelve or more hours away from here, so I also wanted to be close to my parents as they grow older. We always dreamed of having our own family sports bar, and when the opportunity with Rumors came about, we went for it... and we are so glad that we did! We love it here, and the deli and sports bar theme go so well together. We absolutely love every single day at the deli. It’s been an amazing experience with my parents and our staff. We love it here and we are saving as much of Cullman’s history within the deli as we can.”

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT CULLMAN? “One of my favorite things about Cullman is how people are big on supporting local businesses. We work with many of the other restaurants in town and actually trade with and help each other out. If someone is out of utensils or anything, and they don’t have a shipment for a few days, we’ll trade and help each other. And it’s always kind words and support towards each other.”

Check out their Live Performances

CONTINUED > JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

17

Lots of great choices

Loaded Fries - one of the many new menu items

I HEAR YOUR PARENTS LIVE ON SMITH LAKE. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO THERE? “I love to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors on the lake. We like to go on boat rides too.”

CAN YOU SHARE ANY FUN DETAILS ABOUT THE STAFF AT RUMORS? ANY STAFF MEMBERS WITH INTERESTING STORIES OR HOBBIES? “The staff at Rumors is so family-oriented. We call each other our work family and we like to celebrate holidays at the deli. We had an awesome Halloween party and everyone had a great time. We feel the employees deserve to let loose after working so hard. They’ve been so patient with us throughout the whole process. Our assistant manager— my best friend and brother Kendrick— and his brother Ramsey moved up here with me and they both also work at the deli. A few of our Cajun recipes actually came from their mom and Mawmaw.”

WHAT ARE YOUR NEW HOURS? “Our new hours are 10 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday!

We are hoping to eventually be open on Sundays for NFL games.”

18

EAT R IGH T | FOOD + BEVE RAGE

Love their photo wall

WHICH NIGHTS WILL FEATURE LIVE MUSIC? “We will mostly be doing music on Fridays, Saturdays, and some Thursdays.”

TELL US ABOUT HANK’S SPORTS BAR! “The bar was taken out of a city pub in Ireland, and then was sent down to us after being restored in Philadelphia. There are even cigarette burns on the countertop that are decades old, and give the countertop its beautiful color! Our foot rail was a twenty-foot pipe found in the basement of our restaurant. It is a very, very old piece, original to the building. We re-purposed it!”

Be sure to go and check out Rumors and Hank’s Sports Bar at their new location!

601 4th Street SW, Cullman - Alabama 35055

Financing Available!

Keeping Bugs at Bay We’re so confident in our MistAway® Systems that we guarantee a 90% pest reduction rate on your property within three months. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, there’s no risk in trying the wonders of a MistAway® installation.

Our technicians prioritize craftsmanship and quality, so you can be sure this installation won’t mar your landscaping or disrupt your outdoor space.

Cl ick or Call Today!

205.955.PEST | BugsBeGoneAL.com 4400 PINSON VALLEY PKWY.

Enjoy your time on your deck without the bugs.

No more spiders on your boat dock!

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35215

Your Residential & Commercial Heating, Cooling, and Electrical Experts.

205-509-1929

|

ONESOURCEAIR.COM

GENERATORS FOR HOME FINANCING AVAILABLE

Serving Birmingham for 24 Years!

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

19

Pickled Strawberry Crostini & The Bee and Flower Cockta il ASHLEA CHANCE WITH MAVENS & MAKERS IS SERVING UP SOME SWEET SOUTHERN RECIPES FOR US A few sweet Southern treats created by Ashlea Chance. We are so honored that she is sharing these delicious recipes with us…

P I C K L E D S T R AW B E R R Y C R O S T INI INGREDIENTS • 8oz Goat Cheese, Room Temperature • 4 TBSP Honey • French Baguette • Olive Oil • Pint Fresh Strawberries • 1/4 C. Rose Balsamic • Fresh Basil DIRECTIONS 1. Hull and chop strawberries, add to bowl with 1/4 c. Rose Balsamic Vinegar. Cover and allow to pickle for a minimum of one hour & no more than four hours.

2. Whip goat cheese and honey until well combined and fluffy; set aside.

3. Preheat the grill pan to medium heat.

4.Slice the baguette on the bias and drizzle both sides with olive oil, then grill until charred on both sides.

5.Strain pickled strawberries, reserving the liquid.

Over medium-high heat, reduce balsamic until barely starting to thicken. Remove from heat.

6.To serve, spread or pipe whipped goat cheese on each grilled slice of bread. Top with strawberries, drizzled balsamic reduction, and finish with fresh basil. (*Recipe tested with Fiore Rose Balsamic, but any high quality, white balsamic vinegar will work well.)

20

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ASHLEA CHANCE

THE BEE AND F L O W E R C O C K TA I L INGREDIENTS • 1/2 oz Lavender Honey Syrup* • 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice • 1.5 oz Gin DIRECTIONS 1. Combine ingredients with ice, and shake to combine. Strain into glass. Embellish with fresh, wild violets or lavender stems.

2. *To make Lavender Honey Syrup, combine equal parts Lavender Infused Honey and Water over low heat until combined.

Alternatively, you can use 1/2 tsp dried lavender for every 1/4 c honey. This can be made ahead and refrigerated.

3. Enjoy!!!

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

21

Maven and Maker s is a M us t ASHLEA CHANCE IS THE OWNER OF MAVENS & MAKERS AND SHE IS SO CREATIVE AND TALENTED.

Ashlea Chance, owner of Mavens & Makers

22

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Mavens & Makers has a vast variety of so many products

ARTICLE BY MISSY GURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISSY GURLEY AND ASHLEA CHANCE

Boucherie is Butcher in French

Mavens & Makers is the newest addition to Cullman! Let me tell you about this amazing place that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with!

First off, the building is breathtaking! Built in 1928, it was a center for assembling Model Ts, owned by Ford Motors. The current owners have carefully retained the building’s original architecture and design, only adding the most necessary modern details.

Upon entry, I was met with the most delicious smell. The owner, Ashlea Chance, was making sandwiches for the customers and her four boys, and let me tell you, that was the best sandwich I have ever tasted. Ashlea, who homeschools her boys and loves to cook, is a ray of sunshine.

CONTINUED > JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

23

DeBuyer pots and pans

Ashlea and her husband Chase own a farm in Baileyton, AL. The focus of the farm is on the conservation of heritage breed animals. Many breeds are difficult to source since their populations have dwindled due to the demand for bigger, quicker, and less expensive sources of meat.

Mavens & Makers also carries a selection of small-batch, artisan foods, local cheeses, cured meats, and quality kitchenware. This includes lines from Staub, Messermeister, de Buyer, Demeyere, and Rosle. They are also excited to highlight other local creatives by stocking their handcrafted gifts and home decor.

Be sure to check out Mavens & Makers on Facebook and Instagram, but I highly recommend you go ahead and visit the gorgeous store and its delightful owner!

Mavens & Makers 609 US 278- E Cullman, AL

24

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

25

Cullman Savings Bank at Wallace State

A friend of the community - John Riley ARTICLE BY LAUREN SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARA VENT AND MISSY GURLEY

He is the President of Cullman Savings Bank, but I consider him to be a true Cullman historian.

Visiting Kenya

26

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

John was honored at Military Heroes Dinner

Nothing is more admirable than the combination of generosity and humility, and John Riley displays such qualities.

John is a man who loves Cullman and the people who make up this community. He is the President of Cullman Savings Bank, but I consider him to be a true Cullman historian. He moved to Cullman in 1990 from Tampa Florida to manage the Sherwin-Williams paint store in the south shopping center. While attending a training course for his new job, John met a beautiful young lady— she has been his wife for 30 years now. John and Rhonda started their new lives here in Cullman and have three wonderful children together.

I enjoy hearing John talk about Cullman and hearing the excitement in his voice when he speaks about how Cullman continues to grow. German roots deeply influence the city we know today, and John loves to showcase many historical items in the Cullman Savings Bank. In the lobby, you will find some of the first-ever bank transactions. In the conference room, all of the bank’s former presidents are featured on the walls. John has also portrayed the bank’s founder George Dinkleberg, in a historical reenactment.

John moves behind the scenes, working with a network of like-minded individuals to provide aid to those in need. Although he refuses to spread knowledge of his charitable work, others in the community love to sing his praises and brag about his role in the city. He has a step-by-step approach to improving the community, preferring to address problems that most overlook. For

example, the Cullman Savings Bank Foundation provides financial assistance to students in our community who want to go to college, but lack the financial ability. This year, Cullman Savings Bank awarded scholarships to fifty students at Wallace State Community College, the largest number to date.

John Riley also plays a major role in non-profit organizations. One of the newest he has become associated with is Kenya Relief. It truly touches your heart to hear founder, Steve James, tell his story about why he went to Kenya and what he has been able to accomplish over the last 20 years.

It is amazing the number of lives the organization has been able to save. Riley was impressed by James’ mission and instantly wanted to give everything he could to help. He is now a board member of Kenya Relief and has recently taken his family to visit the orphanage, school, and medical facilities that Steve has built with a lot of support from the people of Cullman. Steve James has made unbelievable progress building what is now an international medical team that provides a wide range of medical services to the Kenyan people. John stated, “Steve has made this all possible and they are now announcing the building of a new hospital.”

John doesn’t want any recognition or attention; when it comes to his generosity, he favors the unwitnessed, backstage role. However, I wanted him to know how much we appreciate him, and to show a little recognition for his endless hard work.

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

27

INTERIOR DESIGN WITH WHITE WILLOW OWNER, LIBBY CRIDER ARTICLE BY LAUREN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIBBY CRIDER

“I learn something every day and try to evolve with the various designs and styles thrown my way,” Crider said.

White Willow, one of our favorite shops in Cullman, provides everything you need for your house to feel like a home. From supplying big pieces of furniture to catering to the tiniest of details, White Willow is more than a furniture store; it’s a design studio.

The owner, Libby Crider, had been designing for her friends and family years before she started doing it professionally in 2016 when she opened the store. “I learn something every day with it, and try to evolve with the various designs and styles thrown my way,” Crider said.

Most of White Willow’s work is in Cullman and on Smith Lake, but they also do house calls for people in Tennessee, Florida, and other locations.

Libby Crider initially started White Willow as a hobby and she found herself needing something to do with her time. “I still just can’t believe that it’s turned into what it is,” Crider said when asked about her growing success.

White Willow’s most recent project was refurbishing a house for a couple from Decatur. While touring the house, the wife stated that she “just wanted to bring her toothbrush.” WW provided everything— decor, dishes, sheets, and even stocked their pantry— all within three days. “We took all of the old furniture out and donated it, and they were just in awe when they came back to view it. Crider said. “That’s the best part of the job; it’s wonderful to finish a house and see how appreciative they are.”

28

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

The White Willow team is: Crider, her daughter Sydney, and three other women. One of the staff members, Amanda, has been with Crider since 2017. “We’ve been together for so long that, at this point, we read each other’s minds,” Crider said. Crider described her team as passionate, smart, and eager to work.

The team stays on top of current trends by going to the Atlanta furniture markets, as well as going to the Highpoint in North Carolina. WW has developed a timeless style and provides a base layer of furniture that can stay classic and beautiful.

Last year, White Willow was featured in the Alabama magazine after winning Best of Bama. They won Best in Furniture and Interior Store.

White Willow does its best to support the community around it, specifically by supporting local schools and establishments. Crider herself is involved in the Cullman Womens’ League. They meet once a month to sponsor different charities around town. Once a year, the Womens’ League hosts a fundraiser; this past year they raised $24,000 in donations!

Crider’s advice “Just be yourself! “Always trust your gut instinct instead of being trendy. When you’re trying to form a style, stay true to who you are, what you love, and what makes you comfortable.” Crider said.

White Willow has established itself as the go-to furniture boutique in Cullman. The staff and its owner are wonderful and extremely helpful, and the decor is absolutely to die for!

T O P : Neutral shades calm this sitting room

B O T T O M : This bedroom looks comfortable and stylish

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

29

I F YO U A R E READING THIS...

S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OU T OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE™ LEARN MORE AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CULLMAN

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

31

JUNE 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

TIME - TBA

Wake the World Alabama

Join us at Wake the World - this is a fun event and volunteers are needed! 75 Smith Lake Community volunteers will create a day our guests will remember for years.

Explore all the opportunities this event has to offer via the website: https://www.waketheworldal.org/ JUNE 4 TH

Trident Marina’s Summer Concert Series

T R I DE NT MA R I NA | 7 :0 0 P M Trident’s Summer Concert Series is back! Come sit lakeside, have a delicious meal and a cocktail, and listen to the Overtones at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. JUNE 10 TH

Parade of the Bulls City of Hanceville

DOWNTOWN H A NC E V I L L E | 5 :0 0 P M This is a free event - there will be a Parade of the Bulls in Downtown Hanceville. After, at 6 PM, there will be a BBQ Dinner with Cowboys at the Civic Center. Dinner Tickets are $12, presold at City Hall.

JUNE 10 TH

2nd Fridays Cullman

1 ST AV E NUE I N DOWNTOWN C UL L MA N | 5 :0 0 P M 2nd Fridays is a Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Cullman Downtown Merchants, and Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports

32

EVE N TS

Tourism coordinated event sponsored by Alabama Farm Credit.

Downtown merchants bring in exciting rides and activities throughout 1st Ave. This event is from 5 PM to 10 PM, and takes place on the 2nd Friday of June, July, and August.

JUNE 11TH

Hanceville Bull Bash

C . W. DAY PAR K | 7:00 PM The City of Hanceville and Double Creek Rodeo Company present the Hanceville Bull Bash! Gates open at 5 PM. Tickets are $12 presale and $15 at the gate. There will be vendors, food, drinks, and a free concert by American Idol Contestant Brandon Elder.

JUNE 11TH

Trident Marina’ Summer Concert Series

TRID ENT M ARIN A | 7:00 PM Enjoy drinks and food by the water while listening to Rock Candy. This event will be from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and you will not want to miss it!

J U N E 1 8T H

Trident Marina’s Summer Concert Series

TRID ENT M ARIN A | 7:00 PM Join us to hear Street Kar perform. While you’re there, stop by the newly built Grille, check out the menu, and enjoy a drink on the shores of Smith Lake. The event begins at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Cullman

JUNE 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

33

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA CURTIS

The Melissa’s ALL STEAK LOUNGE IS ONE OF THE PLACES AROUND TOWN WHERE YOU CAN FIND US Missy and I love Cullman and Smith Lake and we feel those two go hand-in-hand. Cullman is such a fast-growing city but still manages to retain its small town appeal. That is why we are so excited about bringing our Cullman magazine to you all. We have lots of ideas and great stories to share with you each month.

We live, work, shop, and eat here, and our families love being part of Cullman and Smith Lake. We want to share our favorites with you guys. All Steak has been around for many years and is a long-time standing favorite. Did you know that they opened their doors in 1938? People travel from near and far to dine here for the amazing, mouth-watering food. Prime rib, seafood, pork chops, and many more main courses are All Steak’s crowd favorites.

All Steak’s menu is jam-packed with delectable appetizers, soups, sandwiches, main courses, and sides. And the lounge is our favorite little nook for a

quick lunch or a quiet meeting. The crew behind the bar is so creative and skilled. Their handcrafted drinks will keep you coming back for more.

Garrett, the bartender, made a beautiful cocktail, slid it over to me, and asked me to try it out. The drink was out of this world! The refreshing flavors of strawberry and cucumber blended so well and really hit the spot after a long day. I loved the cocktail so much that Garrett decided to name it the “Cullman City Lifestyle” cocktail!!!

Please stop by All Steak— don’t forget to let them know that we sent you, and relax with our very own Cullman City Lifestyle. Share your photos with us! #cullmancitylifestyle See you around town, the Melissa’s

South Alabama West Indies

All Steak’s Orange Rolls are a classic must “Cullman City Lifestyle” Cocktail

34

H AP PY H OU R | A RTS + CULTURE

Moscow Mule is another of our go-to drinks