Sweet Grown Alabama Blogs

Meet Hope Nunnely, another one of our 2025 Sweet Grown Alabama Ambassadors and the creative mind behind @livingandlocal! Hope joins the Sweet Grown Alabama family to champion Alabama farmers and locally grown products. With a passion for supporting local communities and showcasing the beauty of farm-to-table living, Hope is here to shine a light on the people and produce that make Alabama special. Stay tuned as we get to know Hope better and together promote local products!

1. Who is Hope Nunnelley?

I’m Hope Nunnelley—a wife, mom, and storyteller with roots in Fredericksburg, Texas, now calling Auburn, Alabama, home. Growing up in a town famous for peaches and wineries, I developed an appreciation for local flavors and small-town charm. Today, I’m a travel and lifestyle blogger passionate about connecting people to the beauty in their own communities and highlighting the best that Alabama and the Southeast have to offer.

2. How did you begin your social media/influencer journey?

It all started back in Fredericksburg, Texas. Friends constantly asked me for local recommendations—Fredericksburg is regularly featured on lists like Southern Living's "Cutest Small Towns"—so I decided to turn those conversations into an official blog. What began as winery and food recommendations grew into weekend travel guides and beyond. After moving to Auburn, my blog expanded as I explored the Southeast, continuing to share hidden gems and unique experiences.

3. What is your all-time favorite meal?

I’m all about comfort food. My absolute favorites are my Mimi's homemade biscuits and gravy and my mom’s chicken pot pie—both bring back the best memories of home. And if there’s chocolate involved, that’s always a win, too.

4. What drives you to promote your local community and local products?

Growing up in Fredericksburg, I saw firsthand how small businesses and local farms shape a community. It’s about so much more than the product—it’s the stories, the people, and the pride that make these places so special. Sweet Grown Alabama’s mission resonates with me because it aligns perfectly with my belief that supporting local creates deeper connections and a stronger sense of home.

5. Where is your favorite spot in Alabama?

It’s tough to pick just one, but I’d say Auburn holds a special place in my heart. From the charm of downtown to the community spirit on game days, it’s a town that’s easy to love. That said, I’m also a huge fan of Alabama’s beaches—they’re perfect for family getaways and soaking up the sun.

6. If you had to pick just ONE of the following to keep, which would you choose and why? Local wineries, u-pick flower farms, or roadside produce markets?

Local wineries, hands down. I grew up in Fredericksburg, where wineries are part of the culture. My dad and I used to spend weekends winery-hopping together—it was our father-daughter bonding time. That connection to wine and the memories it holds makes local wineries a truly special experience for me.

Follow @livingandlocal on Instagram to see her posts promoting locally grown this year!