Go ahead and roll your eyes. You’re thinking “best of” and “2020” do not belong in the same headline. Despite a global pandemic, record hurricanes, economic collapse, fires, floods, civil unrest and even murder hornets, good things still happened in spite of – or even in response to – the calamities. So, as 2020 draws to an end, let’s look back on the “Good News from Home” stories readers clicked on the most on Alabama NewsCenter.

The pandemic put a halt to many things this year. One of them was our popular Alabama Maker series where we focus on those craftsmen, artisans, creators and producers making amazing products in the state. We have sporadically brought the series back, and we hope as the pandemic ends we will be able to share these great stories on a more regular schedule. Because we only had 11 Alabama Makers this year and because all small businesses are in need of your assistance, we’re sharing all of them in this recap of 2020. Please support these makers if you have the opportunity and the means.

Black G.R.I.T.S. is an Alabama Maker of the Southern experience and ‘black unicorns’

Black G.R.I.T.S. is an Alabama Maker that’s decidedly Southern from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Louise’s Sweets and Treats is an Alabama Maker with traditions baked in

Louise’s Sweets and Treats is an Alabama Maker of delicious desserts from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Reney’s Honey Butter is an Alabama Maker churning delicious flavor

Reney’s Honey Butter churns a variety of flavors from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

CahaBones is an Alabama Maker of treats for your four-legged friends

CahaBones is an Alabama Maker of dog treats worth fetching from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Tony’s Tejas Salsa is an Alabama Maker crafting fresh flavor

Tony’s Tejas Salsa is produced in Mobile and handcrafted with fresh ingredients from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Goat Island Brewing is an Alabama Maker concocting interesting beers

Goat Island Brewing is an Alabama Maker of interesting beers from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Eleven86 is an Alabama Maker of heavenly H2O

Eleven86 Real Artesian Water is an Alabama Maker from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Spoon & Ladle is an Alabama Maker of superb soups

Spoon & Ladle is an Alabama Maker of tasty soups and spreads from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

The Paper Petals Co. is an Alabama Maker delivering beautiful flowers that won’t wither

The Paper Petals Co. is an Alabama Maker of second nature from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Alabama Maker CakEffect bakes amazing creations for your special occasions

CakEffect Bakery’s work is both jaw-dropping and mouth-watering from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Alabama Maker Stately Made creates stationery that leaves a flavorful impression

Stately Made is an Alabama Maker that reaches across state lines from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.