Matthew McConaughey revealed that an undisclosed family emergency prompted their move from Los Angeles to Texas in 2014, with his wife Camila Alves eventually embracing the change. The move brought them closer to their Texan roots and allowed for stronger family traditions, benefiting their children. The Hollywood star also provided an update on his resilient 91-year-old mother, Kay, known as Ma Mac, praising her optimism and forgiveness.
Southern Living's 2024 South's Best Awards for barbecue joints in every state reveal a trend towards traditional, tried-and-true establishments, with many older winners this year. The survey, conducted among over 20,000 respondents, showcases iconic barbecue spots such as Big Bob Gibson's in Alabama, Wright's Barbecue in Arkansas, and Franklin Barbecue in Texas, among others, each celebrated for their unique regional styles and flavors.
The U.S. Census shows that the South is the most populous region in the country and accounted for 87% of the country’s growth in 2023. Southern Living's Best Cities On the Rise list features reader-selected cities with excellent food scenes, quaint downtown districts, natural beauty, and thriving arts communities. The list includes cities like Wilmington, North Carolina, Franklin, Tennessee, and Spartanburg, South Carolina, each with exciting new projects on the horizon, such as a minor-league baseball stadium and mixed-use developments. The survey was conducted among Southern Living consumers, and the result is a diverse mix of large and small cities, offering plenty of options for new places to live or fun to visit.
The Beacon restaurant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been named one of Southern Living's "Most Beloved Burger Joints," with the article praising its longstanding history, iconic status, and consistently great food, particularly recommending the Chili Cheese A-Plenty and the massive iced teas.
2fiftybbq, a barbecue joint in Riverdale Park, Maryland, has been ranked #19 in Southern Living's Top 50 "Barbecue Joints Of 2023" list. Known for their personal spins on Texas-style barbecue, owners Fernando González and Debby Portillo offer slow-smoked meats, including prime and American wagyu brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, and poblano and cheese-laced sausages. Their Central American-inflected side dishes, such as fried plantains and red Central American kidney beans slow-simmered with brisket, have also garnered attention. 2fiftybbq expressed gratitude for the recognition and thanked their family, team, community, and the restaurant industry for their support.
