BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Bella’s Bridal is opening a new location in Opelika in the early spring of 2026 — bringing private suites and dedicated stylists to local brides, helping them say “yes” to the dress.“Bella’s offers a carefully curated selection of top bridal designers, with gowns that range from timeless and classic to modern and fashion-forward,” said Co-Founder and Owner Carol Riney. “We pride ourselves on having...
BY HANNAH HERRERAFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — In the winter of 1943, Charlie Plott was in Italy, receiving wine from locals grateful the U.S. soldiers were running “the Germans out of their towns and homes." He had recently arrived in the country after basic training at Fort McClellan and was about to enter into a deadly land offensive in which most of his company would die.Nine months before, he and his wife were running Plott’s Grocery on...
BY JOHN ATKINSONFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — You meet people in a number of ways. Through school or work. Through church or friends. Through speeding tickets or flat tires.My friendship with Woody Ross began through an index card on a bulletin board.Always one to do more with less, Woody had planted the index card right there between the “Roommate Needed” and “Used Sofa for Sale” signs on the bulletin board at the old Southern Union on Waverly...
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER “I’ve had moms literally break down in tears because their child had never been able to get a full haircut before.”Jarvet Matthews OPELIKA — Catering to guys, young and old, Family Fades is a space where men can enjoy their haircut, and families can feel comfortable while freshening up.“If you look it up, statistically, the least touched spot on a man is their head, so [we’re] giving them a place to sit and relax,”...
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — Southern Signature brings southern charm to gift giving and provides boutique items for local shoppers — with custom embroidery and monograms for every occasion.“We offer a lot of custom birthday items, like cupcake toppers, banners, birthday hats for your little one,” said Owner Amanda Estes. “We have towels, the hem stitch linen towels that can be great for wedding gifts. During the spring season, we focus...
BY MICHELLE KEY | PUBLISHER Read about the monks trip to Chambers County here. OPELIKA — The Walk for Peace, organized by approximately 24 Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, began Oct. 26. After walking for 61 days, the group arrived in Opelika a little after 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 25. The Foundry in Opelika hosted the monks for the night, providing shelter, food and gifts. “Tonight is a...
Community
BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA — UAB Health System recently announced the appointment of Terri Poe, formerly of Opelika, as its inaugural Chief Nursing Executive following a competitive national search.According to the press release from UAB, Poe...
BY MICHELLE KEYTHE OBSERVER AUBURN — Registration is now open for spring and summer camps at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC), offering a variety of nature-based programs designed to engage children of all ages in hands-on outdoor...
BY KADIE TAYLORTHE OBSERVER “I’ve had moms literally break down in tears because their child had never been able to get a full haircut before.”Jarvet Matthews OPELIKA — Catering to guys, young and old, Family Fades is a space where men can enjoy...
Want to Advertise with us?
