Category: Monthly

  • You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know—Homesteading Reveals That Pretty Quickly

    You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know—Homesteading Reveals That Pretty Quickly

    Featured Image: Sharon Brandwein

    But there’s an app for that…

    Over the last few years, a renaissance of sorts has been quietly happening across America. A growing number of people are leaving city life behind and returning to nature through farming – my husband and I among them. Enter the era of homesteading.

    According to Business Insider, this exodus is fueled by a growing “skepticism of the companies and systems we rely on to sustain us.” That’s another topic for another time, but I will say that for many of us, homesteading and small-scale farming aren’t about building an agricultural empire — not even close. Instead, it’s more of a hard lean-in to self-reliance (which has been lost for so long). Personally, it’s also a move to disconnect and reclaim a slower, steadier life. 

    And slow and steady it is. There’s a rhythm to farming and caring for animals that feels good for the soul, and in many ways, this life really does feel like stepping backward in time. We wake with the sun instead of an alarm. We collect eggs from the coop and watch our cattle graze in the pasture, confident in the knowledge that someday, we’ll know exactly where dinner came from. 

    Yes, we’re disconnecting — but maybe not entirely. 

    In the 13 months since we began this journey, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is: I don’t know what I don’t know. I wasn’t raised on a farm, so there are cosmic gaps in my knowledge, many of which I can’t even see until it’s too late — like the fact that donkeys will try to kill tiny intruders, newborn lambs included. 

    Admittedly, I also have what might be the worst brown thumb known to man. I started carrots in July (they don’t like that). I started those carrots in tiny pots (they really don’t like that). And my okra harvest amounted to 3 whole pods — even though okra is supposed to be idiot-proof. 

    Close-up of young okra plant with green leaves and stems in a garden setting.
    Image: Sharon Brandwein

    Knowing that success and failure hinge on information, research has become a daily habit. And while I invested a small fortune in books about farming, most of that research happens online (blasphemy—I know). 

    Over the last year or so, my husband has done some pretty deep dives into pasture management techniques, cattle nutrition, and fencing solutions — none of it from books. I, meanwhile, have spent countless hours at “YouTube University,” watching expert gardeners explain how to start onions from seed and that Swiss chard should be started in January (yes, January), all of them speaking with the kind of confidence that only comes from years of never having sabotaged a seed packet. 

    But learn I did. It’s March in Alabama, and I have my carrots directly sown in their outdoor planting beds, as well as my lettuces, peas, and kale (for the cows, not me). Indoors, I have onions sprouting and seeds for tomatoes, cabbages, and all members of the brassica family (cauliflower and broccoli — didn’t know that either) planted in starter pots for spring transplanting. I did the research, and I’m off to the races — sort of. 

    I had all the information, but planning my outdoor garden was another kettle of fish. 

    The sheer amount of information I collected left me feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed. Instead of getting out there, turning up dirt and sowing my seeds, I did what any committed procrastinator would do: I bought a book on gardening and then another (because that’s what I needed, more information). I hid behind planning and put off the actual “doing” —  my empty plant beds judging me more with each passing day. 

    A raised garden bed filled with brown mulch and various small green plants, with wooden labels indicating the types of plants.
    Image: Sharon Brandwein

    How much room does a head of cabbage really need? (I don’t know.)

    Which plants make good companions for onions? (Don’t know that either)

    How do I save myself from having 10 heads of lettuce that must be used now? (Nope)

    Are snow peas direct-sown, or should they be started indoors? (What?)

    So, more videos it is… and that’s ok, because here’s another lesson (we’ll call this #363). Things don’t have to be all-or-nothing, black-or-white. There’s usefulness in the in between. We started this farm to return to a simpler way of life, but that doesn’t mean we have to throw the baby out with the bathwater; using technology doesn’t make this lifestyle any less authentic. I need help, and in the absence of a community or older generations to show me, I have to use the tools available to me, YouTube and Facebook reels included. 

    The fact is, farmers have always used the best tools available to them. Historically, that meant steel plows, tractors, and irrigation systems. Today, those tools have gone digital, and if the World Wide Web helps me avoid planting broccoli with my tomatoes, while harvesting fewer failed batches of Swiss chard — I’ll take it because it allows me to spend more time on the things that matter — hugging donkeys, rocking lambs in my arms, and letting Maple give me sweet cow kisses. 

    For more stories about life in the South, click here.

  • Hannah Dasher is Bringing Sexy Back to the Kitchen

    Hannah Dasher is Bringing Sexy Back to the Kitchen

    Featured Image: Jeremy Ryan Photography

    The Hannah Dasher cookbook is coming.

    “Stand by your pan,” country artist Hannah Dasher croons to the tune of the famous Tammy Wynette ballad “Stand by Your Man,” as she stands in her retro kitchen that looks like it smells of Sunday lunch at your grandmother’s house. Dasher begins most of her TikTok cooking videos with this clever wordplay. When her dedicated followers — all 1.6 million of them — hear the familiar melody in Dasher’s signature alto, equal parts sultry and soulful, they know the Nashville starlet is about to impart some bona fide, old-school cooking wisdom.

    “I’m splitting my time right now between Fender and frying pan,” Dasher quips, referring to the constant balance between her two passions: music and cooking. She goes on to tell me that she’s even cooking as we talk, while her videographer waits downstairs to shoot a music video in her home’s honky-tonk bar.

    With more than a million streams on Spotify and recognition as a CMT Next Women of Country honoree, fans can’t get enough of the Savannah, Georgia-born artist’s vintage country sound and larger-than-life personality. Now, with the release of her cookbook this month — aptly named “Stand by Your Pan” — Dasher’s cast iron is getting a turn in the spotlight.

    A woman in a red dress and an apron is lying on a fluffy surface surrounded by an array of comfort food dishes, holding a spoon and playfully posing. The image features the title 'Stand By Your Pan' and the tagline '100 easy & affordable comfort food recipes so good they'll hurt people's feelin's'.
    Image: Courtesy Hannah Dasher

    Named after her viral TikTok series, in which she demonstrates tried-and-true Southern classics from cathead biscuits to “Getchyo’ Man Beef Roast,” “Stand by Your Pan” showcases all the recipes her fans salivate over. True to her unique charm, Dasher puts a modern twist on classic dishes and features flavors that are so good, as the book proudly states, “they’ll hurt people’s feelins.” Taught by her mother how to hold her own in the kitchen when she was 10 years old, and shaped by her Lowcountry roots in Savannah, it wasn’t until Dasher left home to tour the world as a musician that she learned the sanctity of a home-cooked meal.

    “All soul food isn’t created equal,” she says. “[I realized] it’s just really hard to beat what I can make in my kitchen in my own home.”

    Dasher’s finesse in the kitchen, much like her music, is influenced by the nostalgia of years past. She cites female country music forces like Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn as major influences — wives and mothers who were expected to cook dinner for their families as well as they could perform on the Opry stage. Dasher aims to inspire women and men alike to take a page from these country legends’ playbook and be rock stars in and outside the kitchen. Throughout the cookbook, Dasher encourages readers to find empowerment in their inner domestic goddess, whether it’s through cooking dinner for a loved one or hosting the perfect Southern soiree. Because, as Dasher declares, the kitchen is sexy.

    “Your food is love, and anyone who knows how to hold their own in the kitchen is very attractive,” she says. And the number one tip to making the kitchen more seductive for this chef? Keep it clean.

    “Because you never know where you may wind up,” she says cheekily.

    A woman in a pink blouse sets the table with various dishes, including a salad, jello, and desserts, with lit candles in the background.
    Image: Courtesy Hannah Dasher

    But perhaps even more alluring than a clean kitchen or achieving the perfect meringue is staying true to oneself, something Dasher also happens to be a pro at. Preferring a homey kitchen with retro oak cabinetry to any modern luxury kitchen, never leaving the house without her signature retro-chic style — often featuring bell-bottom jumpsuits and perfectly hot-rolled hair — and exuding a warmth that makes you feel like she is your favorite glamorous auntie, Dasher is always authentically herself, a quality she credits to her faith and her love for people.

    “I’m me 24/7, and God anoints us with different gifts — and I think my love for people is evident on screen, and I hope it continues to show through my work.”

    Hungry for more? Click here.

  • The Surprising Music Scene Thriving in Fort Wayne, Indiana

    The Surprising Music Scene Thriving in Fort Wayne, Indiana

    Featured Image: Visit Fort Wayne

    The Midwest never gets enough credit for its role in building American music. Odd, considering how much of the country’s sound came out of factory towns, church basements, garages, and long flat stretches of land people were forever trying to leave. No Jackson 5 without Gary, no Motown without Detroit. For generations, the region has turned out songs, scenes, obsessives, and lifers, and Fort Wayne belongs to that lineage more than you’d expect. 

    The groundwork here was laid long before anyone arrived to call it a “scene,” and we’re digging into exactly what gives the town its tune.

    Interior view of a modern lobby featuring a large slide, with a colorful wall displaying various brand logos and the word 'Sweetwater' prominently featured.
    Image: Heather Herron for Visit Fort Wayne

    Sweetwater Sound, Inc.

    Start at Sweetwater–the largest music instrument retailer in America. It’s hard to understand Fort Wayne’s musical life without reckoning with the sheer scale of the campus here, which I imagine as the last scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark, rolling into that sky-high warehouse the size of the ocean. Sweetwater has that magnitude paired with a sense that an absurd quantity of human fixation has been gathered in one place and carefully arranged. 

    The difference is you’re not walking into a CIA black site, but instead, you receive a warm greeting and are reminded that Midwestern music culture has always depended on places that treat ordinary musicians like humans rather than a dollar. Just behind the campus sits the Sweetwater Performance Pavilion, a covered outdoor venue. Summer concerts here feel like a logical next step of the place, the instruments, the expertise, and the audience finally converging.

    Interior view of a grand theater with ornate architecture, featuring a stage set for an orchestra performance. The audience is seated in a semi-circle, illuminated by decorative lighting and vibrant colors.
    Image: Visit Fort Wayne

    The Embassy Theatre

    From there, the Fort Wayne music venues sprawl. The Embassy Theatre remains the grand old room, and it still feels the way an old theater should. Opened in 1928 as the Emboyd, it retains the aura of the movie palace era; you feel its grandeur the moment you step in. For Bach or Handel’s Messiah, the place can feel almost ecclesiastical, in the broadest sense of the word. The room has a quiet, it sharpens your attention. It reminds you that architecture once aspired to awe.

    The Brass Rail

    Then, once your soul is full, you can walk half a mile to The Brass Rail and dirty it up a bit with a punk show. That contrast tells you nearly everything you need to know about Fort Wayne. As any good music city should, Fort Wayne balances elegance and abrasion in the same evening, or velvet and sweat, or a vaulted ceiling and a low stage. 

    The Brass Rail has been around for decades and remains one of the city’s essential rooms for original music. Just don’t go in expecting the same time-honored polish you’ll find at the theatre up the road.

    A live performance by the band Sum 41, featuring colorful stage lights and large beach balls floating above a cheering crowd.
    Image: The Clyde Theatre for Visit Fort Wayne

    The Clyde Theatre

    The Clyde Theatre is where a medium-sized room does its best work: you can see the sweat on the guitarist’s forearm and feel the kick drum in your chest simultaneously. The Clyde began life as a movie house in the 1950s, drifted for a while, then returned as a renovated music hall (done so by the owners of Sweetwater themselves, in fact).

    A vibrant street art festival scene with artists creating chalk art on the pavement. People of various ages are engaged in artwork, showcasing colorful designs such as a cat's face and a slice of pizza. In the background, spectators gather, while some are sitting on the grass and others are near tents.
    Image: Rachel Von Art for Visit Fort Wayne

    Art Beyond Music

    Music is only part of the picture; Fort Wayne’s broader arts scene gives the city a greater depth. The Arts United Center has undergone major work focused on accessibility and function, a far more convincing expression of civic values than any slogan could proclaim. The accessibility-focused renovations make the point cleanly; a city can praise the arts all day long, but it only means something when the doors are built wide enough for everybody to come through them.

    On a walk throughout town, you’ll encounter more than 150 public artworks. Murals, sculptures, and installations are dropped directly into the grain of daily life; you might catch one on the way to dinner or one might serve as a welcome distraction while running errands. 

    The Fort Wayne Museum of Art adds another register through its stunning glass collection, while The Bradley (a nod to Vera Bradley, which is also headquartered in Fort Wayne) folds local art into the experience of staying downtown with artwork in the guest rooms, the lobby, and a rotating gallery.

    So whether you’ve come as a Sweetwater superfan (as I am), to catch a show in a storied venue, or to immerse yourself in public art, you’ve chosen the right destination all of the above, and then some.

    Keep exploring above and beyond with us here.

  • The New Kentucky Trail That Turns Southern History Into a Treasure Hunt

    The New Kentucky Trail That Turns Southern History Into a Treasure Hunt

    Featured Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourist Commission

    Georgetown, Kentucky, sits at the center of horse country, so it’s no surprise the town is riddled with classic Kentucky trails for horses and humans alike. But this spring, the city added a new reason to visit: a geocaching trail built around one of the more overlooked chapters in Southern history.

    Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt, and in this one, the treasure comes in the form of history lessons and a commemorative coin upon completion.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the new trail, and others you should check out while you’re in town. 

    A red Southern Railroad caboose displayed on a wooden deck, surrounded by green grass and flower pots, with steps leading up to it.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Historic Sadieville Geotrail: Legacy of the Mules

    The Historic Sadieville Geotrail launches April 11 at Veterans Park in Sadieville, covering ground that most people drive right past. But those that do miss out on some interesting Southern history that’s now being put at the forefront. 

    Sadieville was incorporated in 1880 as a railroading town on the Cincinnati Southern Railroad line — it was originally called “The Big Eagle” due to its location on Eagle Creek. The route

    became the country’s largest market for shipping yearling mules and colts. The town itself is named for Mrs. Sarah “Sadie” Emison Pack Burgess, a livestock dealer who helped shape the community and supported railroad construction crews during the heyday.

    Today’s geotrail hits nine historic sites that include the Sadieville Rosenwald schoolhouse built between 1917 and 1920, two cemeteries, a puzzle tied to the town’s railroading and mule-shipping origins, and the site of a 30-year-old unsolved mystery. The route also takes you past a restored Norfolk Southern caboose and the Historic Train Depot, where you’ll come across a colorful mural that covers more of Sadieville’s history. When you complete the trail successfully, you’ll receive a free commemorative coin (while supplies last).

    To participate, download the free geocaching.com app to your phone, then hit the trail. Check-in at Veterans Park begins at 9 a.m. on April 11, with geocaches going live at 9:30.

    But beyond geocaching, Georgetown and the surrounding county have enough trail options to fill a full weekend and beyond.

    | Planning your trip? Here’s everywhere to eat, stay, and play.

    A mountain biker riding through a lush green forest trail filled with white wildflowers.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Skullbuster Trails

    Built for mountain bikers and hikers looking for a workout beyond getting steps in, Skullbuster is a wooded, technical network that earns its name. This course is more challenging than leisurely, bringing adventurers past limestone rocks, hidden meadows, and agility challenges like climbs, descents, and more. You’ll want to bring extra water for this one. 

    A woman with red hair smiles and gently touches the face of a brown and white horse while standing outdoors in a natural setting.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Whispering Woods Riding Stables

    Obviously, horse country is best experienced on horseback. Whispering Woods is, unsurprisingly, wooded, offering guided trail rides through tucked-away Kentucky landscape. If you want to participate in a ride, it’s best to book ahead. 

    Toyota Biodiversity Trail

    A collaboration between Toyota’s Georgetown manufacturing plant and local conservation efforts, the Toyota Biodiversity Trail winds through native plantings and natural habitat. It’s much more mellow than Skullbuster, and is a good option for families or anyone who wants to spend time outside while looking at beautiful things. 

    A woman and a child interact with two horses at a fence in a green pasture setting.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Old Friends

    A retirement farm for thoroughbred racehorses, Old Friends runs guided tours that bring you up close and personal to horses who ran at Churchill Downs, Saratoga, and beyond. The grounds are steeped in tranquility, giving these hard-working legends the second act they deserve. Tours start at $30 per person and go up to $150 if you want to see all the horses on the farm.

    Bluegrass Country Driving Tour

    The rolling farms and white fences along Georgetown’s back roads are reason enough to recharge in Scott County. The Bluegrass Country Driving Tour maps the best of the backroads, winding past horses, rolling hills, and more, perfect for experiencing Georgetown and Scott County trails in the comfort of your car.

    A young girl with pigtails smiling while holding lavender flowers, standing in a lavender field with a clear sky in the background.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Lavender in Bloom

    Georgetown’s Lavender in Bloom farm draws visitors from across the region during peak season (summer) thanks to their beautiful blooms and delightful fragrance. It has u-pick options, art classes, photography options, and a year-round online shop. Bloom timing varies, so check schedules before you plan a whole trip around this one. 

    A man and a woman converse by a pond surrounded by lush greenery and a large tree, under a partly cloudy sky.
    Image: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission

    Yuko-En on the Elkhorn

    This Japanese friendship garden on the banks of the Elkhorn Creek was built to honor Georgetown’s sister city, Takamatsu, Japan. Yuko-En is a five-and-a-half-acre garden with something for every season, constructed as a Japanese-style stroll. It’s perfect for meandering or meditating in a setting you wouldn’t expect in central Kentucky. 

    This article is presented in partnership with Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission, a Modern South Founding Partner. 

  • Be Prepared: How to Stay Safe During Tornado Season in the South

    Be Prepared: How to Stay Safe During Tornado Season in the South

    Featured Image: Lucas Pezeta on Pexels.com

    Picture this: you’re on the way to Nana’s house, only on hour three of six on the open roads, and suddenly see the sky fill with a spooky, greenish tint. Being a lifetime resident of the South, you know exactly what that means: twister (cue Bill Paxton or Glen Powell voice, depending on your generation). 

    Suddenly, you realize that perhaps you are not quite as prepared as you should be. As we find ourselves on the precipice of tornado season, it’s time to review all the best tips, tricks, and safety measures you can take to make sure you get through the spring safely. 

    lightning and tornado hitting village
    Image: Ralph W. lambrecht on Pexels.com

    Don’t Underestimate Mother South 

    Apart from the understood knowledge that the South stays hot, hot, hot, it’s easy to blow off the South as a major weather region. We may not receive winters fit for the abominable snowman (though this year came pretty close), but there are plenty of reasons to stay vigilant. Like many other aspects of the South, the weather is diverse, ever-changing, and ready to take names thanks to our vulnerable infrastructure and geography–not to mention nature deals from a full deck down here. 

    With sweltering summers featuring faint-worthy heatwaves, hurricane-ridden autumns, and winters glazing the streets in ice, there’s not much reprieve. And threading through it all, spring and summer partner up to bring the emulsion of cold, dry air and warm, wet air to create tempestuous cyclones. For Southerners, extreme weather should be expected and prepared for accordingly. 

    canned goods and bottle of water in a carton box
    Image: cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

    Tornado 101: What You Need to Know

    When a tornado threatens (often unannounced, like certain relatives), the best course of action is to have already taken action. Have a go-bag ready with shelf-stable food, water, a first aid kit, medications, and any other day-to-day items that are essential to your family and identify the safest place to situate in your home. Experts advise you to find a location away from doors, windows, and outside walls–this could be a basement, bathroom, closet, or hallway. 

    When conditions shift from a tornado watch to a warning, it’s important that you immediately grab your go-bag, get to your point of safety, and cover your head. Stay keen-eyed and remain vigilant after the storm passes. A little preparation, research, and awareness can mean the difference between widespread panic and a story you actually get to tell. 

    Image: Schumacher Electric

    The Only Unplanned Stop Should be for Snacks 

    At Modern South, we are enthusiastic advocates for road-trips–or any kind of travel, for that matter. As it happens, spring break and the debut of summer–both heavily traveled times of year–occur in tornado season (March, April, May). It’s just as important to be prepared while you travel as it is to be prepared while you are at home. 

    Before departure, the easiest way to prepare is to check up on your car’s maintenance. Tire pressure, fluids (oil, brake, coolant), lights, and battery are the things I check–or rather what I have my husband check. The last thing you want to be worried about is a smoking engine or a flat tire during one of the South’s, albeit beautiful but infamous, rural stretches of road and limited reception. I also like to keep a small organizer in my car with all my essentials: extra shoes, clothes, a mini go-bag, and my Schumacher Electric 4-in-1portable jumpstarter. With the ability to start even low-voltage batteries, this simple road trip staple has saved my hide more times than I can count. 

    After the winter storms that hit the South this year, my husband’s car battery was running on prayer and crossed fingers. After spending hours getting ready for our Valentine’s Day dinner and city staycation, we hopped in the car we had driven just hours before to find the battery completely dead. With just minutes to spare before we were set to lose the reservation we had made months earlier, we were elated to pull out our jump starter, flip it into override mode because our battery was that dead, and get on our way. Did I mention it also comes equipped with a wireless charging pad, USB charging ports, and an LED flashlight? 

    P.S. If you’re looking for a wedding party, birthday, or Christmas gift that says “I care about you more than a gift card or a koozie with my last name on it,” this is the way to go. 

    If you’re not a Southern native, please don’t let this deter you from coming down to our neck of the woods. Our region is always worth showing up for–the hospitality, charm, food, rustic beauty, and showstopping landscapes are well worth the visit. So, charge your devices (and jumpstarters), pack your snacks, check the radar, and come on down, y’all. 

    Take your newfound knowledge and implement it with travel inspiration found here.

  • Behind the Apron: Phillip Ashley Rix

    Behind the Apron: Phillip Ashley Rix

    Featured Image: Phillip Ashley Rix

    For Phillip Ashley Rix, becoming a master chocolatier literally was a dream come true. While pondering his career path in his late 20’s, he had a vivid dream that he was in a chocolate shop with his mom and Willy Wonka. Rix had been a fan of the eccentric fictional chocolatier since reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and watching the movie in his childhood.

    “I woke up at 3 a.m. and thought ‘I’m going to make chocolates for a living,’” he said. It was a sharp pivot from his earlier plans of studying chemistry and maybe going to medical school.

    The Memphis native began reading, researching, and teaching himself how to make chocolates, eventually launching Phillip Ashley Chocolates online in 2012.

    Rix views chocolate as a format for storytelling. His Soul Food Collection pays homage to Sunday suppers with his family, with confection flavors like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac ‘n cheese.

    He remembers fondly spending time in the kitchen with his grandmother, Earlean “Jean” Word, as she made sweet potato pie and crafted her own hot sauce. She put Rix to work shucking peas and cleaning greens, instilling the importance of hard work.

    But she also taught him cooking techniques and allowed him to experiment with unconventional combinations. This time in the kitchen together sparked his culinary creativity. He even named a chocolate after her: The Mama Jean, a sweet potato-flavored chocolate ganache bonbon that emulates her famous pie.

    A close-up of freshly baked cookies with chocolate chunks on a wooden plate, surrounded by slices of dried orange and chocolate pieces.
    Image: Phillip Ashley Rix

    Rix was also surrounded by art growing up, going to museums and galleries with his family. Music and books also played a role, as Rix sought to infuse his chocolates with sophisticated layers of flavor and texture, like an artist creating a painting. He describes the process as “chocistry,” the art of making chocolates.

    “I didn’t want to just make dark chocolates. I wanted to build chocolates with things you wouldn’t expect, like barbecue sauce and miso and French bleu cheese. I wanted to translate my experiences into chocolate,” he explained.

    Rix credits Memphis with providing a platform for success. The city is small enough to be supportive and friendly, yet large enough to be famous for its rich history, music scene, and eclectic vibe that welcomes visionary thinking. Much of what he loves about the city has been cultivated by Black men and women like his grandparents and their parents, he said.

    “I learned the rules so I could break them,” said Rix, who had to understand the science of chocolate making, like tempering and liquid ratios, so he could push the boundaries with ingredients like hot sauce, bourbon, chilies, and cheese.

    His innovative creations earned him the nickname of Willy Wonka, who was also famous for transforming ordinary candies into fantastical confections. As a contestant on the Food Network’s Chopped Sweets, Rix’s unorthodox style served him well when he was faced with incorporating fish sauce and tamarind paste into chocolates for the judges’ approval.

    From serving chocolates at the 2017 Emmy’s Governor’s Gala to wooing celebs at the Oscars after parties with his sweets, Rix was making a name for himself in Hollywood. That momentum landed him on Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2020 with his nut and caramel Perfect Turtle Set.

    “Going viral (with Oprah) was amazing,” he said. “It’s not something you can really be prepared for.” The accolades continued with James Beard nominations in 2023 and 2024.

    A vibrant cookbook cover titled 'For the Love of Chocolate' by Phillip Ashley Rix, featuring a slice of black chocolate cake, colorful chocolate bonbons, and a cocktail. The design includes bold typography and a light blue background.
    Image: Phillip Ashley Rix

    Last September, Rix reached another milestone when his book “For the Love of Chocolate: 80 At-Home Recipes from a Master Chocolatier’s Imagination” hit the market. Rix strives to arm readers with the tools to level up their chocolate-making skills, impress friends with a new dessert, or try out a new chocolate-inspired cocktail.

    “The recipes are all based off of chocolates I’ve made,” Rix said. From Chocolate Sweet Potato Pie with Brown Sugar Meringue to “Bollywood” Cashew Coconut Curry Truffles, there’s a story behind each tempting recipe accompanied by mouthwatering photos.

    Rix is spreading his chocolate love language even farther in 2026. When he’s not promoting his new book or tending his online chocolate shop, he’ll be hosting chocolate tastings across the US. Look for pop-up shops and tasting events in Atlanta, Houston, Washington D.C., and beyond.

    “Chocolate is my love language – I’ve been saying that for a long time,” said Rix, who named his online shop www.chocolateismylovelanguage.com. “Giving them as a gift is more than just giving chocolate; it’s communication.”

    When asked about his personal favorite, he replied, “I haven’t made it yet. That’s why I continue to make chocolates and think and dream up new things.”

    Meet more inspiring Southern chefs here. This post contains an affiliate link.

  • Southern Hotels Where the Music Isn’t Just Background Noise

    Southern Hotels Where the Music Isn’t Just Background Noise

    Featured Image: Hilton

    Every few years, the travel industry invents a new word for “vacation.” Slowcation. Bleisure. Set-jetting. The buzzwords change, but the desire doesn’t — sometimes you just want to go somewhere that feels good, looks good, sounds good. This month, Modern South is digging into Southern music culture, and we’ve uncovered that some of the best hotels in the region have been dancing to a rhythm all their own. 

    These are the Southern hotels where the music doesn’t stop in the elevator, but instead, keeps music history at its heart. 

    A DJ wearing sunglasses performs with a microphone in front of a turntable and floral arrangement, set in a stylish room with bookshelves and decorative elements.
    Image: Hutton Hotel

    Hutton Hotel | Nashville, Tennessee

    There’s a little secret hidden at the Hutton. The hotel has an onsite venue, Analog, plus a two-story suite running more than $10,000 a night that’s soundproofed, connects directly to the green room and the stage. The alleyway has utility hookups for tour buses. Two onsite writers’ rooms are available for both local and touring artists to rent. What does this mean? It’s a hotspot for touring musicians, so if you’re in town for a show, you may just catch your headliner in the lobby. For the rest of us, rooms come with a record player, and electric guitars and amps are available to borrow. Nashville is full of hotels that nod to music, but the Hutton is literally built for it.

    Modern dining room with a wooden table set for a meal, featuring flower centerpieces, glassware, and decorative placemats. The wall has a blue design and a TV displaying 'THE REVERBERY'. A stylish bar area with shelves of liquor visible in the background.
    Image: Hilton

    The Reverbery at Hilton Austin | Austin, Texas

    Austin is known as “the Live Music Capital of the World,” so if you’re coming here, odds are music is on the itinerary. The Reverbery is the perfect place to lay your head–the lounge channels the energy of an old recording studio with an actual stage, with an outdoor flow and a menu rooted in the city’s food culture.

    Interior of a modern lounge area with seating, a bar, and a staircase, featuring decorative bookshelves and large windows.
    Image: Hilton

    Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton | Memphis, Tennessee

    Central Station sits right on the train tracks in a restored 1914 rail station, and the old bones of the building drew me in first before I learned about the music of it all. The listening lounge, 8 & Sand, has a 30-foot record wall holding 500 Memphis-connected albums pumped through EgglestonWorks speakers, which are made in the city. A dedicated Listening Room behind the bar is built for real sound quality, and guest rooms come with a custom speaker loaded with playlists from the hotel’s in-house DJs. Memphis has a lot of hotels. Read more about this piece of Memphis’ restored history here.

    A wooden plaque with the inscription 'LET MUSIC TOUCH YOUR SOUL' surrounded by musical motifs, displayed on a polished wooden surface with art and decorative items in the background.
    Image: Olde English District, SC

    Inn Upon Moon River Plantation | Chester, South Carolina

    Built in 1904 in South Carolina’s Olde English District, this Chester B&B might as well be a Blues museum you can sleep in. Innkeepers David and Elizabeth Claytor — founders of the legendary Florida blues juke joint Dave’s CC Club — have filled every surface of the historic house with blues memorabilia, artwork, and collectibles climbing 10-foot walls, plus a proper Blues Museum with guided tours. Themed rooms, a full Southern breakfast, and gardens round out the stay. The families behind it have deep roots in Blues history, including some notable connections to Diana Ross.

    Rooftop lounge with modern seating, tables, and decorative lighting against a city skyline backdrop at dusk.
    Image: Hilton

    Hotel Fraye Nashville, Curio Collection by Hilton | Nashville, Tennessee

    Hotel Fraye is built around a character: Lady Fraye, a young woman who leaves a rural horse farm for Nashville. Her story shows up in leather journal excerpts pressed into the walls of Gathre restaurant, a 13-foot aluminum chain drape that slowly reveals her silhouette as you walk past it, and a rooftop bar called Eddie Ate Dynamite — a reference to E-A-D-G-B-E, the standard guitar tuning mnemonic.

    A stylish bar interior featuring a marble countertop, illuminated shelves lined with various liquor bottles, and comfortable leather chairs.
    Image: Madden Media

    The Study at Morrison House | Alexandria, Virginia

    Morrison House is a 45-room Federalist boutique near the waterfront, and its bar, The Study, runs a Banned Books speakeasy Thursday through Saturday, complete with live jazz and cocktails inspired by prohibited literature. Washington, D.C., is just 20 minutes up the road.

    Interior view of a modern lobby with a staircase, comfortable seating areas, plants, and decorative lighting.
    Image: Gemini

    The Balladeer Hotel | Mount Airy, North Carolina (Opening April 18)

    Everyone knows Mount Airy as Andy Griffith’s hometown, but there’s a music story, too. The Balladeer will open this April inside a converted tobacco factory, a block from the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and a short walk from the Historic Earle Theatre—this is the home of the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round, the second-longest-running live radio music program in the country behind the Grand Ole Opry. There’s a recording booth on property, Griffith won a Grammy in 1997, and Donna Fargo grew up here. 

    A hallway featuring a large portrait of a woman with a microphone, flanked by a wall filled with framed album covers and photographs.
    Image: The Dollywood Company

    Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Lodge & Resort | Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    It’s no secret that Dolly Parton is a class act, but was a surprise that both of her mountainside properties reflect that. DreamMore has her instruments on display, an album cover corridor, a tour bus on property you can book as a room, and a sealed “Dream Box” holding a song she wrote for her 100th birthday in 2046 that only she’s seen. HeartSong is quieter and more personal, built around the Smoky Mountains that shaped her songwriting — an Acoustic Lobby with instruments, photographs, and outfits, a chandelier made from acoustic guitars, and a name pulled from her song about her mountain home. Read more about these Dolly and her empire here.

    A cozy living area featuring a dark sofa adorned with decorative pillows, surrounded by a gallery wall filled with framed artwork, vintage records, and memorabilia. A wooden side table holds a lamp and a small plant, while a colorful patterned rug adds warmth to the space.
    Image: Noelle Nashville

    The Ryman Vinyl Suite at Noelle Nashville | Nashville, Tennessee

    Noelle Nashville partnered with the Ryman Auditorium on an extra-special, extra-Music City hotel. The centerpiece is a Washburn guitar built from the Ryman’s original 1890s oak pews and signed by B.B. King — one of 243 ever made. Add 100-plus playable albums on vintage Crosley turntables, a Bluetooth gramophone, archival photos of Cash, Parton, and Minnie Pearl from the Ryman’s private collection, and stained-glass windows mirroring the 1892 facade, and you’ve got yourself a pretty memorable stay in the heart of it all. 

    Looking for more Southern travel inspiration? Click here.

  • Ridgeland, Mississippi, Is One of the South’s Best Birdwatching Destinations (Everything You Need to Know)

    Ridgeland, Mississippi, Is One of the South’s Best Birdwatching Destinations (Everything You Need to Know)

    Featured Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Have you ever heard of a Flyway? As it sounds, it’s a major route (a la highway) for migratory birds as they make their way south for the winter. And guess what Southern city sits right along the Mississippi Flyway—the largest bird migration route in North America? Ridgeland. 

    If you’re keeping score, that makes it the Magnolia State’s ultimate shopping destination, the Steakhouse Capital, and *checks notes* one of the best places for birders looking to steal glances of their favorites. 

    Whether you’re coming to town with a serious life list and a long-lens camera or just looking for a slow, peaceful walk that happens to involve a lot of wildlife, Ridgeland has the infrastructure to support it. And this year, the city will unveil new trails, new educational signage, and new parks, much to the delight of travelers and avifauna alike.

    We’ve gathered absolutely everything you need to know. 

    A great blue heron standing on the shore of a calm body of water, with a rocky barrier in the background during sunset.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Where to Go

    Freedom Ridge Park and the Purple Creek Basin

    Freedom Ridge Park is Ridgeland’s main city park, and it’s currently undergoing a notable transformation. The city recently completed a major first phase of improvements along Purple Creek on the property, including drainage work, erosion control, and new trail extensions. The next phase will include new fishing sites, observation decks, and benches, but birders pay attention: they’ll also unveil educational signage identifying wildlife, plant life, and more. Five trail markers throughout the property will highlight our darling birds, including geese, ducks, and blue herons.

    Barnett Reservoir and Reservoir Overlook

    The Barnett Reservoir and its overlook are prime time when it comes to spotting waterfowl, wading birds, and migratory species in droves. Spring and fall migration bring species like yellow-rumped warblers, dark-eyed juncos, and purple finches—while the resident population includes red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, and belted kingfishers.

    This is a good place to pack a picnic alongside your binoculars; you’ll want to plan to sit a while. 

    Chisha Foka Trail

    Chisha Foka is a multi-use trail running through some of the more interesting terrain in the area. The name itself is Choctaw, meaning “long trail,” and it winds through woodland habitat that draws birds like brown thrashers, Carolina wrens, eastern towhees, and a lineup of woodpeckers—red-bellied, downy, and the occasional red-headed (bright crimson head, black and white body in contrast). The trail also records painted buntings seasonally: these small birds steal the show with their rainbow feathers! 

    Old Trace Park

    Old Trace follows a section of the original Natchez Trace, and the forest provides cover for species that need deeper woodland. This includes scarlet tanagers, summer tanagers, and Baltimore orioles moving through in spring (don’t tell them we’re in Braves Country). 

    Wildflower Field and Art Park: Revamping this Spring

    One of the most interesting things happening in Ridgeland right now is the Wildflower Field and Art Park, which is currently being seeded and will fully bloom around early June, according to the city’s PR Director, Kim Cooper. The park combines blooming native wildflowers with public art sculptures, and the whole thing was designed specifically with pollinators, butterflies, and native birds in mind.

    An official marker is being installed this spring, with an unveiling planned for early April. The marker will include information on native birds identified in the field, along with the wildflowers, pollinators, and butterflies that use them.

    A close-up of a young gosling walking on green grass, with soft feathers and a curious expression.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    What To Keep Your Eyes Peeled For

    Ridgeland’s bird list is long and broad. Residents you can likely spot year-round include northern cardinals, Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, Carolina wrens, and eastern bluebirds—all a reliable cast of characters you’d expect in the Southeast. Plus, there’s that robust woodpecker lineup we mentioned earlier. 

    Spring migration brings the warblers: pine warblers, yellow-rumped warblers, and orange-crowned warblers moving on through alongside summer tanagers and scarlet tanagers. Unsurprisingly, the mockingbird, Mississippi’s state bird, is everywhere.

    Those rainbow-clad painted buntings are Ridgeland’s celebrity sighting. They winter along the Gulf Coast and pass through the region during migration, so plan accordingly if this is your big goal (they come north April through May and head south when the weather cools off – a timing wildcard in Mississippi). 

    A white bird with a long yellow beak flying against a cloudy sky.
    Image: Explore Ridgeland

    Tips & Tricks

    The early bird gets the… bird. Activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise, especially during spring migration. Bring water, wear layers (Mississippi spring mornings can be cool before they’re not), and download the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab if you haven’t already. It will identify bird calls in real time using your phone’s microphone.

    Ridgeland’s parks are free and open to the public. For current trail conditions and more information, visit exploreridgeland.com.

    This article is presented in partnership with Explore Ridgeland, a Modern South Founding Partner.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

  • Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Panama City, Florida

    Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Panama City, Florida

    Featured Image: Destination Panama City

    Wondering where you can catch a live songwriter round, sip a craft cocktail under twinkle lights, slurp fresh Apalachicola oysters, and stumble into an indie film screening—all within a few walkable blocks? Good news: Panama City delivers all of that, plus a few surprises locals like me love to keep to ourselves.

    Set along St. Andrews Bay and just across the bridge to Florida’s award-winning Gulf-front beaches, Panama City is where the city’s creative pulse lives loudest, especially during favorites like the Panama City Songwriters Festival and the FLLUXE Arts Festival. Between the boutiques, murals, and new-school spots like Revival House General Store, the downtown district feels both historic and in motion. And when you need a breather, just a short bike ride away along Beach Drive, Oaks by the Bay Park offers a breezy waterfront escape, complete with the Old Sentry Tree and a timeline mural that quietly tells the story of the city.

    Add in family-friendly Mardi Gras fun, holiday celebrations that light up the streets, and an oyster trail that begs you to eat your way through town, and you’ve got a destination that’s equal parts laid-back and lively.

    Here’s everything you need to eat, stay, and explore in Panama City.

    Exterior view of History Class Brewing Company featuring a brick wall, outdoor seating with umbrellas, and a vintage airplane on the roof.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Eat

    Fun Fact: Nearby Apalachicola once supplied 90% of Florida’s oysters and 10% of all oysters eaten across the country. The oyster beds closed in 2020 because of decimated populations, but reopened in 2025 with limited harvesting. Check out Panama City’s Oyster Trail to slurp some of these iconic bivalves.

    History Class Brewing Company

    Part restaurant, part bar, part storytelling session, History Class pairs delicious pub food with a deep appreciation for Florida’s past. The space harkens back to Panama City’s past with Letterman jackets from Bay High School, the original Marie Motel sign, and historical memorabilia donated by locals—it feels nostalgic yet hip, and the drafts on tap are as thoughtful as the decor, often inspired by local legends. It’s an ideal first-night stop to settle in and get a taste of the city’s personality.

    El Weirdo

    What started as a beloved food truck tucked in the alley behind History Class has grown into a colorful brick-and-mortar brewpub from the same team. With more than $100,000 invested in local art alone, El Weirdo doubles as a gallery of Panama City’s creative community. Come for the murals and bold energy; stay for the Brussels sprouts tacos and a side of queso so good you’ll be tempted to drink it.

    Wild Root Coffee & Tea

    Fresh, vibrant, and veggie-forward, Wild Root leans into wholesome bowls, salads, and smoothies. They also have an entire menu devoted to tea with tasting notes for each blend. And their coffee, elixirs, and shrub selections cover everything from a traditional Cubano to kombucha. It’s a bright, easy breakfast or lunch option that fuels an afternoon of exploring historic neighborhoods.

    Captain’s Table Fish House Restaurant

    A longtime local favorite, Captain’s Table keeps things classic and coastal. On the patio, live music drifts over plates of fresh Gulf oysters, fried mullet, and coveted grouper throats. Inside, it’s all Southern hospitality and seafood done right—generous portions, cold drinks, and the kind of menu locals return to week after week.

    Insider tip: Ask about the catch of the day. Menus shift with the boats.

    FINNs Island Style Grub (Little Village)

    Tucked inside Little Village’s palm-thatched palapa, FINN’s channels laid-back island energy with bold tacos and craveable house-made sauces. Grab a seat on the back deck where live music hums most nights, browse the eclectic boutique filled with local art, and settle in—the sign says it best: “No strangers… Only friends we haven’t met yet.”

    Tarpon Dock Seafood Market

    This no-frills seafood market is the place to grab a tub of smoked fish dip, a local staple best enjoyed with crackers and a bay view. While you’re there, scan the fresh catch and chat with the crew about what’s in season. It’s a quick stop that tastes unmistakably like the Gulf.

    Alice’s on Bayview

    Rustic and relaxed, Alice’s pairs fresh seafood with one of the prettiest dining courtyards in town,  perfect for sunny afternoons. Start with their legendary deviled eggs, then order the grouper piccata and linger awhile. 

    Insider tip: Say hello to the Salty Cats of St. Andrews, often lounging along the boardwalk just across the street.

    A modern hotel building by the waterfront with palm trees, a pool area, and a serene view of the water under a cloudy sky.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Stay

    Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina

    Anchoring the end of Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Panama City, this five-story boutique property offers sweeping views of St. Andrews Bay and design touches inspired by the area’s coastal heritage. The hotel is pet-friendly and perfectly positioned for walking to locally owned restaurants, bars, and shops. Even if you don’t book a room, it’s worth stopping in for dinner at Tarpon’s, where locally caught snapper arrives with smoky maque choux, or heading up to Steam on 5—the only rooftop bar in Panama City—to sip a St. Andrews Bay Punch as the Gulf Coast sunset turns fiery overhead.

    Insider tip: Grab a blanket to claim a spot on the Marina Lawn for Backstage Pass (Thursdays Sept. 17–Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.), and enjoy live music steps from Hotel Indigo on the shores of St. Andrews Bay.

    Hilton Garden Inn Panama City

    Set in the business district off Highway 231, this property balances convenience with polished comfort. It’s an easy 10-minute drive to downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews, with Panama City Beach and St. Andrews State Park just over the Hathaway Bridge. After a day antiquing or paddling the St. Andrews Bay, unwind at the outdoor pool or recharge in the 24-hour fitness center. Perks like an on-site restaurant, EV charging stations, free parking and WiFi, pet-friendly rooms, and digital key access make this a seamless stay for business and leisure travelers alike.

    Holiday Inn Panama City

    At the intersection of Highway 231 and 23rd Street, this spot to rest your head puts you close to all Panama City has to offer. Downtown’s galleries and waterfront boutiques are 10 minutes away.  Back at the hotel, relax in the heated indoor pool and hot tub, squeeze in a workout at the fitness center, or settle in at Bellini Café & Cocktail Lounge, where kids under 12 eat free. Free parking and WiFi, and a 24/7 market add ease for families, teams, and business travelers.

    A family stands on the deck of a sailboat, excitedly observing a dolphin swimming alongside in a calm blue ocean.
    Image: Destination Panama City

    Play

    See the Sites on Foot

    The best way to understand Panama City is at walking pace. In Historic St. Andrews, a half-mile trail traces Native American roots, fishing-village grit, and 1887 churches before opening onto bayfront parks where locals still cast lines at sunset. Downtown adds enamel-brick banks, the Martin Theatre, and a 1926 Old City Hall, while Glenwood’s narrated stops dive into cultural legacy and neighborhood resilience. Or follow the Mural Trail with more than two dozen large-scale works across historic neighborhoods. The Welcome Wall bursts with color from multiple local artists, while beneath the Visitors Center, 19 compact murals transform concrete pillars into a playful 24-hour outdoor gallery.

    Take a Class (and Leave With a New Skill)

    At Somethin’s Cookin’, you’ll chop, sauté, and plate a full meal under expert guidance. The Panama City Center for the Arts hosts hands-on painting and mixed-media workshops inside historic Old City Hall. At The Portal, learn Mahjong over handcrafted sodas and vintage board games, or try glassblowing at Panama City Hot Glass, shaping molten color into a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

    Hit the Farmers Markets

    Come early for the best selection and linger over conversations with growers and makers at the St Andrews Farmers Market or the Panama City Farmers Market in Historic Downtown. Pick up a jug of Register Family Farm honey, admire hand-turned wooden bowls, stock up on handmade soaps, fresh produce, and small-batch baked goods. It’s equal parts shopping trip and Saturday morning ritual.

    Shop Local

    Historic Downtown and St. Andrews reward slow browsing. Duck into antique stores for weathered coastal furniture and vintage glassware, flip through shelves of regional books, and discover original paintings, pottery, and handcrafted jewelry by local artists. These aren’t souvenir-shop finds; they’re pieces with stories.

    Get on the Water

    The bay is the city’s backyard. Book dolphin tours or fishing charters with Papa Joe’s Bayside, paddleboard or kayak with Bayside Rentals, glide through bioluminescent glow tours with Glow Float, or sail into the breeze with Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions. However you launch, expect salt air, open horizons, and a deeper appreciation for life on the Gulf.

    Find more Southern travel inspiration here.

    This article is presented in partnership with Destination Panama City, a Modern South Founding Partner.

  • Spring Produce in the South: What’s in Season (March–May)

    Spring Produce in the South: What’s in Season (March–May)

    The transition from winter to spring is an extra special one. The stores fill with bright colors and floral prints, and farmers markets transform from jarred jams and hearty crops to vibrant fresh produce. Seasonal sniffles may arrive, but that just means beautiful blooms are coming.

    A quick note on timing: the South’s spring produce season has two gears. Early spring (March through mid-April) still belongs to the cold-weather crops—leafy greens, radishes, peas. But once things warm up, roughly mid-April through May, that’s when the excitement begins. Strawberries. New potatoes. Vidalia onions, all the best Southern seasonal produce sprouts to life and takes over our tables just as the days grow longer.

    If you’re like me, cooking with seasonal produce is a new skill that we’re here to help with. Here’s what’s coming to farm stands near you this season, how to pick the best, and a few recipe ideas to add to your repertoire.

    Check out these Southern farmers markets worth traveling for.

    fresh strawberries in woven basket outdoors
    Image: Dursen

    Strawberries

    Southern strawberry season is one of the best things about living here. The window varies—parts of the Deep South are already picking in March while Middle Tennessee doesn’t hit peak until late April—but when it’s on, it’s on.

    Look for deep red coloring all the way to the stem with no white or green shoulder (that means it was pulled early). Produce picking involves all the senses, so channel your inner blood hound and get to sniffin’. You should be able to smell strawberries before you even pick up the basket. Also, ignore the perfect-looking ones; the slightly funky, almost too-soft berries are usually the sweetest. That being said, a soft one is fine, but a mushy one should go straight to jam.

    We may have just left chocolate-covered strawberry season, but springtime welcomes a new wave of fun berry-forward eats. Enjoy a handful plain with a little flaky salt. Macerate some in sugar for about 20 minutes, and you’ve got a sauce for shortcake, pound cake, yogurt, pancakes, or (and) ice cream. For a savory application, blend some with olive oil, a shallot, and a splash of white balsamic for a pretty pink salad dressing.

    Hosting an event this spring? These Deviled Strawberries are our favorite dainty appetizer.

    close up photo of bunch of asparagus
    Image: Douglas Miller

    Asparagus

    Fresh-cut asparagus from a farm stand and asparagus from the grocery store in January are not the same. Word to the wise: get these at your local farmers market.

    To pick the best, the tips should be tightly closed, and the cut end should look moist as opposed to dried out. The thickness, however, is a matter of personal preference—thinner cooks faster and tends to be more tender, thicker has more bite, but both are great in their own regard.

    Roasting at 425°F for about 12 to 15 minutes with olive oil and salt is an easy, foolproof side for just about any dish. But shaving it raw with a vegetable peeler into long ribbons and tossing it with lemon, good olive oil, and parmesan makes an impressive seasonal salad. If you’ve already got the grill going, pop them on there for a few minutes to char the edges.

    fresh green peas in baskets at farmers market
    Image: Frank Minjarez

    Snap Peas and English Peas

    One of my very favorite snacks, snap peas and their buddy, English peas, peak in March through May. Snap peas are eaten whole (pod and all), they taste sweet and crunchy, and have little to no prep required. English peas need shelling; you pop them out of the pods and get a pile of small, sweet, delightful peas.

    For snap peas: a good one bends and snaps… a bad one just bends. Look for bright green, firm pods with no wrinkles. For English peas, tap into those senses again. Hold the pod up to a light or the sun, and it should reveal peas silhouetted inside. Avoid pods that are flat or sparse.

    Snap peas eaten raw, dipped in ranch or your dip of choice, are, again, one of my favorite snacks. English peas need a few minutes in well-salted boiling water, then finished off with butter and some mint if you have it growing out of control somewhere. They’re also excellent in spring pasta, paired with some ricotta and lemon zest.

    display of radish
    Image: Natalia S

    Radishes

    Farmers markets in early spring are often overrun with radishes, and they go for almost nothing, making this a win-win for taste and budget. Firmness is the most important criterion; if they’re soft, they’re past their prime. If the greens are still attached and perky, that’s a good sign the radish was pulled recently. It’s best to avoid any with noticeable cracks.

    They’re delicious sliced thin and layered on top of good butter and a baguette. But, as with most other veggies on the list, don’t forget to try them roasted on high heat for about 20 minutes. Finish them with a little butter and honey for a surprisingly delicious side dish. And don’t forget, the greens are edible too. Sauté them like spinach or throw them in a salad.

    man in blue and white plaid button up shirt using a garden trolley
    Image: Greta Hoffman

    Spring Lettuces and Greens

    Once summer heat arrives, these are harder to come by, so enjoy them now. Arugula should smell peppery when you inhale. Butter lettuce leaves should be crisp, not floppy. Baby spinach should be small and very dark green—larger leaves mean it’s older.

    For spring greens, keep it simple with a little olive oil, acid, and salt. Pair arugula with shaved Parmesan and lemon; douse spinach in a warm bacon dressing; pile chicken salad on top of butter lettuce cups.

    fresh brown onion close up on wooden surface
    Image: William Bradshaw

    Vidalia Onions

    Georgia’s sweetest export, technically. Vidalias can only be grown in a specific 20-county region of the state to legally carry the name, and their season runs from late April through the warm months. The low-sulfur soil found in this region is why they’re mild enough to eat raw without making your eyes water. This is how Courtney Cook does it.

    Look for firm bulbs, dry papery skin, and a mild smell. The flatter the onion, the sweeter it tends to be, and if there are any soft spots, pass on that one.

    Use Vidalias raw on burgers, in slaw, or on your favorite sandwich, or go the other direction: caramelize them low and slow, give it a full 45 minutes over medium-low heat, and add them to pizza, pasta, grilled cheese, steak, or scrambled eggs. Or, consider making my grandma’s signature dip with Vidalias as the star.

    bundles of white vegetables
    Image: Natalia S

    Ramps

    Ramps are wild-harvested, part of Appalachian tradition, and available for maybe four weeks a year in early spring, so you’re lucky if you find them. They’re a little funky, a cross between garlic and onion which offers a delightful flavor to most any dish. They’re best treated as simply as possible: sautéed in butter, pickled to keep them on hand longer, or folded into grits.

    potatoes on transparent veil in field
    Image: Mariam Antadze

    New Potatoes

    Showing up at Southern markets from late April through early summer, new potatoes are just young potatoes harvested before the skin sets. They’re still thin and papery, but creamy enough to star in salads and on their own. They’re easy to pick out, too, just keep your eyes peeled for any with a green tinge and toss those.

    Southern potato salad is divisive and personal, so we’ll leave it up to you on how you want to prepare it. Just know that new potatoes are the perfect base. Alternatively, halve them and roast them cut-side down at 425°F until they’re golden for a crispy side dish option.

    What are you cooking with this spring? Tag us on Instagram at @modernsouth.co—we want to see your hauls!