Southern Living June/July 2022

WHEN WE WERE living in Charleston, South Carolina, about a decade ago, one of the best things we ever did was join a half dozen families on an overnight camping trip to Capers Island. This wild barrier island just northeast of Charleston is accessible only by boat and is known for its “boneyard beach,” a dramatic assortment of oak and palmetto trees that have been stranded in the sand and bleached by the sun. This gives the whole coastline an otherworldly effect, especially when all of those bare trunks and branches start throwing long shadows at dusk. For us parents, it seemed like just the ticket for a bunch of little kids who had overloaded on screen time—and we needed the escape as much as they did. We pulled up on…

Mary Katherine Morris PHOTO EDITOR Mary Katherine Morris has been part of the Southern Living team since 2016. Based in Birmingham, she produces photo shoots for a variety of our stories, from flowers (“Here’s to Hydrangeas,” page 13) and travel destinations (“The Perfect Beach Towns,” page 108) to inspiring Southerners (“Key to the Magic City,” page 20). Kelly Alexander WRITER A native Atlantan, Kelly Alexander lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She holds a doctorate in anthropology, teaches food studies at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is a James Beard Award winner for journalism. She wrote “Peach Wars” (page 76) and is the author of Peaches: A Savor the South Cookbook.…

WHAT WE’RE LOVING, SHARING, AND CELEBRATING “EVERYONE SEEMS to like hydrangeas,” says Carolyn Chen, owner of Birmingham flower shop Wild Things. “They’re a great garden flower; you see them outside people’s houses all the time. They’re just big fluffy bundles of happiness.” Beyond their familiarity, there are plenty of practical reasons to embrace them. “You get a lot of bang for your buck,” says Chen. “Because they are such large blossoms, they can fill a lot of space.” Hydrangeas are also easy to find at the grocery store and don’t require much skill to arrange. “Cut the stems, throw them in a vase, and they’re good to go. They’re a no-fuss flower,” she notes. Even so, she admits that hydrangea arrangements can sometimes lack excitement. Her solution to sleepy centerpieces? Use…

WHEN VALERIE Collins Thomas’ husband first asked her to consider moving to Birmingham, her reply was a resounding no. “I was really stuck on 1960s Birmingham,” recalls Valerie. “Unfortunately, what makes national news about the city isn’t typically [award-winning chef] Frank Stitt or the other good stuff. It’s often something a little unsavory that somebody says.” A recruiting visit didn’t do much to assuage her concerns; it was pleasant enough but failed to showcase the city’s diversity. Even so, the job was a good opportunity for her husband, so they decided to take a chance and make the move. Shortly after arriving in Alabama, Valerie joined the gym at the Jewish community center. “I met four or five women, and they folded me right in,” she says. “This hasn’t happened in…

Fresh Raspberry-Cream Cheese Frosting Process 1 (6-oz.) pkg. fresh raspberries (1 ½ cups) in a mini food processor or blender until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour through a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl; discard seeds. Beat 8 oz. cream cheese and ½ cup unsalted butter (both at room temperature) with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add berry puree, beating on low speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Gradually add 2 lb. powdered sugar, beating until combined, about 2 minutes. Add ⅛ tsp. kosher salt, and beat on high speed until smooth and fluffy, 45 seconds. ACTIVE 20 MIN. - TOTAL 20 MIN. - MAKES ABOUT 5 CUPS Berry Patch Cocktail Place ¼ cup fresh raspberries, 2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) gin, and 2 Tbsp. (1…

NICKNAMED THE “Two Face Cat” by her fans, Venus is anything but double-dealing—and people just adore her. The popular feline, who currently has 2 million Instagram followers (and counting), was named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. “She needed a special name because she’s as sweet and lovable as she is beautiful,” says her owner, Christina. This unique cat first caught her attention when a friend posted a photograph on Facebook. At the time, Venus was a stray kitten living on a dairy farm in North Carolina. Christina contacted her friend asking to adopt the cat. After receiving a clean bill of health from a veterinarian, this feline left the farm for her new home—and a taste of fame. Coincidentally, she looked like a perfect split between the…