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CONTENTS AUGUST 2016
28 HOME With design help from builder Danny Simpson, Alice and Jim Nunn now live in a welcoming French style dream home in Brownsville, TN.
38 DESIGN: Local designer Anna Lattimore outlines the best ideas for children's play spaces. ON THE COVER – HOME FEATURE | p. 28
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CONTENTS 40
AUGUST 2016
F O R YO U 18 healthy you What to eat before and after working out
98 on a good note Make-A-Wish
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HOME & DESIGN 24 at home with Angela Schelp 38 design Smart Designs for Children's Spaces 44 style marketplace Kids' Rooms 46 home trends Central Gardens Home Tour
T R AV E L & C U L T U R E 52 getaway Charleston, SC 56 travel Amazing Winter Destinations 66 experience this Natchez, MS
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70 social pages Mid South Happenings 78 arts Violinist Joy Wiener
FOOD & DRINK 80 entertaining Alice in Wonderland Tea Party 92 in the kitchen Veggie Stack 88 dining out Loflin Yard 94 happy hour Oxford Blues
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IN EVERY ISSUE 12 | PUBLISHER'S NOTE 97 | SOURCES
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AUGUST 2016 • VOL. 15 NO. 5 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com
ART DIRECTOR ANNA LEPPERT | aleppert@athomemms.com
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION MANAGER GINNI JONES | gjones@athomemms.com
COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY MCDONALD | brmcdonald45@gmail.com CINDY SEMMES | c.semmes@aol.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com
INTERNS ELLIE SIMMONS, MEAGHAN FOGARTY, SADIE TOMES -
HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athomemms.com
At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to— Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.
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publisher’s note I’m back! Well, I never really went away. I know you have all enjoyed Lesley’s letters each month but she has decided to take on a different role. Don’t worry, you can still read her work each month in our “Entertaining” article and I am hoping to talk her into taking on a couple more articles as well. In one of Lesley’s first letters, she reminisced about when we first started working together 13 years ago. She was pregnant with Harmon and my son Duncan was 10. So was Ginni Jones, who just graduated from Ole Miss with Duncan and has joined our AT HOME family this month as our new Editorial and Production Manager. They grow up and become adults in a blink. In the past three months alone, Duncan has gotten engaged, graduated from college, paid taxes for the first time and is preparing to start physical therapy school, all of which he is very excited about—except the tax thing. I think that caught him off guard a bit. In this August issue, you will notice we will be highlighting a Mid South couple’s wedding each month. From our beautiful home feature to the precious Alice in Wonderland-themed first birthday party featured in “Entertaining,” I hope you will find something in this issue to make you smile. God knows we could all use a little more “wonderland” these days.
Publisher
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healthy you
What to Eat Before and After Working Out Text by Kristi Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC
Whether you participate in long-distance running, swimming, cycling, weightlifting or group exercise classes, understanding the impact nutrition has on physical activity will help you to fuel each workout. The right timing and combination of nutritious foods can enhance your performance and contribute to lasting energy, as well as aid in the rebuilding and repairing of your muscles. Timing
Some examples of a pre-workout snack might include: • Whole grain toast with fruit and peanut butter (potassium drops when you sweat, so banana slices are a good option) • Greek yogurt and almonds • Fruit and yogurt smoothie (can add granola) • Oatmeal with fresh strawberries, blueberries or banana slices (whole rolled oats are a better choice than instant oatmeal) • Apple wedges with almond butter • Half a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread
Type
Composition: Post-Workout
The amount of time you have between eating and exercising will determine the size of the meal or snack you consume. A smaller meal or snack should be consumed one to two hours before exercise to allow time for the food to empty from the stomach, while a larger meal may be consumed three to four hours before exercise. In addition, aim for a post-workout meal or snack within 20 minutes of completing your exercise for optimal muscle recovery. The type of workout may determine the size, composition and frequency of meals or snacks you eat prior to and during activity. For example, long-distance runners may benefit from a greater number of carbohydrates consumed the night before a run as well as snacks and fluids during the run.
Composition: Pre-Workout
A meal or snack before a workout should include both protein and carbohydrates. Choose a mix of both simple and complex carbohydrates, especially if the workout will last longer than 60 minutes. Your body will burn the simple carbohydrates first, and the complex carbohydrates will provide you with energy for the duration of the workout. Simple carbohydrates include things like fruit (fructose), milk (lactose) and table sugar (sucrose); fruit and milk are the healthier options. Complex carbohydrates include whole grains, legumes (i.e. lentils), rice, pasta and starchy vegetables (i.e. corn and potatoes). 18 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
A 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein is best for after a workout. Evidence suggests consumption of carbohydrates and protein after a workout aids in the building and repairing of muscles, providing a more rapid recovery. Look at nutrition labels and determine the total number of grams of carbohydrate and protein you are consuming (be sure to look at the serving sizes). Aim for a 3:1 or 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio. For example, a slice of whole grain bread topped with two tablespoons of almond butter and slices of banana (1 medium banana), in addition to one ounce of raw almonds (23 kernels), provides your ideal ratio. Here is the breakdown: Food Carbohydrates 1 slice whole grain bread 20g 2 Tbsp. almond butter 7g 1 medium banana 26.9g 1oz. raw almonds 5.6g 59.5g Total This provides a 3.25:1 ratio (59.5 ÷ 18.3 = 3.25).
Protein 5g 6g 1.3g 6g 18.3g
healthy you
Other examples of healthy post-workout snacks include: • Apple and banana slices with a nut butter • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole grain bread (Two tablespoons peanut butter) • Fruit and yogurt parfait with granola (unsweetened yogurt is best) • Deli meat and veggies (i.e. onions, lettuce, peppers) on whole grain bread Consume your post-workout meal or snack within 20 minutes of completing exercise for optimal replenishment and recovery.
Hydration, hydration, hydration!
It is important to drink healthy beverages before, during and after exercise in order to stay adequately hydrated. For physical activity lasting an hour or more, replacing electrolytes in addition to fluid is recommended. Tomato juice is packed with sodium and potassium and is an excellent choice for replacing electrolytes. A sports drink or electrolyte drink will also help to replace lost nutrients. For workouts which last less than an hour, water is best. You can weigh yourself before and after the workout to see how much fluid you have lost. As a rule of thumb, for every pound lost, drink 2 ½ cups of water.
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at home with
ANGELA SCHELP – EXECUTIVE SPEAKERS BUREAU
Tell us a little about your background, both personally and professionally. I’m a native of Memphis, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Soon after, I went to work in sales for IBM, where I met my husband Richard. After we married and began to expand our family, we were doing a great deal of travel for our jobs. I decided to look for other opportunities with more flexibility, and something I could grow. The speakers bureau concept was a great fit because it involved interacting with clients and gave me the opportunity to utilize the top-notch sales and customer training we had received through IBM. I took a benefits package from the company, left and then created the Executive Speakers Bureau in the early 90s. When I first started, the company was literally run out of our home. I had one speaker back then, my stepfather Gordon Jackson, who was instrumental in helping me get the company off the ground. I cold-called companies in the Memphis area, attended National Speakers Association conferences, and even did research at the library on notable authors. Richard stayed at IBM as I grew ESB brick by brick, speaker by speaker. Then the Internet came along, which made an unbelievable difference in my work! Eventually, when the time was right, Richard came on board with ESB and we became official business partners; things really took off after that.
What are the benefits of having an international company based in Memphis? Who are some of your local clients? We were blessed to work with the international companies already based here initially and later to springboard that to a global level with our own business. Richard and I are also both from Memphis, so it was important to keep our company here and support the corporate community. We take such pride in this city, and constantly talk with people all over the world about Memphis. With companies like FedEx and International Paper that call it home, the fact that it’s so centrally located within the U.S., plus the friendly people and legendary entertainment, Memphis is in the middle of it ALL. A few of our local speakers include Food Network’s Gina Neely, sales expert Don Hutson, and Bill Courtney of Classic American Hardwoods, who famously transformed Manassas High School’s football team. We work with 24 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
Memphis-based clients from FedEx, AutoZone, Youth Villages, Lipscomb Pitts, the Women’s Foundation, CBU, Service Master and Medtronic. They are great clients, and we are very fortunate to have them in our own backyard. As we’ve expanded over the years, Richard and I have taken that experience and home base to a larger stage, and now work with clients and speakers all over the world.
You recently added a management division. How did that affect ESB’s position within the industry? It positioned us as one of the biggest players in the speaking industry overall now. We needed to take on that role, and this new division actually places us within the top 10 speakers bureaus in the world. We have been fortunate that our growth has continued every year, and that we continue to build the business, with both national and international clients.
What advice do you give women in business these days who aspire to become leaders in their respective fields? I think as a woman, you just need to have the confidence and truly believe you can do whatever you set your mind to do. I had parents who really believed in me and told me I could do anything growing up. As women, we are so busy, but sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough credit. We need to support and encourage each other! It also helps to have a strong network of women who are great at their jobs and can serve to encourage and brainstorm with you. Who just get it. It’s very important not to be intimidated and to always believe in yourself and your ability.
at home with What are some of your favorite places around Memphis and the Mid South? Of course, we frequent local eateries like Gus’s Fried Chicken and the Rendezvous! We are also huge Grizzlies fans. Our family loves to go downtown whenever possible, especially when the weather is nice. The top of Bass Pro Shops is the best view of Memphis! We also love Overton Square and Harbor Town. I actually kayak on the Wolf River on weekends…it’s so peaceful and beautiful!
When you aren’t working…? Well, Richard and I have four kids, ages 16, 18, 21 and 26. We are getting close to an empty nest! That is one reason we love to take family trips and travel together, especially internationally. One of our sons recently did a study abroad in London, and we’ve taken the kids to Europe on several occasions. It is so important to expand their horizons and let them see other cultures. We also serve in our church and participate in community events here at home whenever possible, with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude, Union Mission and Le Bonheur. We love to run 5ks as a family and give back as much as possible. It’s really important to do that, especially when you have been blessed with so much.
What are some of your goals for the future? We hope and plan to continue our business expansion: manage more speakers, hire additional sales reps and potentially add locations. We love our work, and are blessed to make a difference by connecting people and organizations. One event can actually plant a seed and develop relationships for years to come. We have seen so many examples where lives have been changed by a speaker’s message. At the end of the day, that is what it’s all about.
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home feature
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wedding
A Welcoming Atmosphere Text by Ruthie Hall, photography by Steve Roberts August 2016 • athomemms.com | 29
home feature
W
hen Alice and Jim Nunn decided to build a custom house, they knew that they wanted it to have the warm and inviting ambiance of a French home. They worked with builder Danny Simpson to design the house with an open floor plan. Location was also important, so the Nunns chose to situate their dream home in a 100-acre wood just north of Brownsville, TN, that had been in Jim’s family for generations. The house sits on a beautiful ridge, nestled among oaks, hickories, yellow poplars and native dogwoods. Nature’s beauty flows in through the many windows and the peaceful setting serves as a wonderful escape from the everyday business of the world. The couple enjoys their house and property together with eight beautiful rescue dogs that are quite literally part of the family. The untamed landscape posed a little difficulty at first. Alice remembers, “Because we built on an undeveloped piece of land, several obstacles had to be overcome. Opening the woods, removing selected trees, building a drive to the house site, digging a well, all these issues had to be dealt with before we could lay the foundation. Also, Jim decided to bury the electrical wiring from the road to the house, which took longer but makes for an uninterrupted view of the beautiful woods and the adjoining countryside.” The great benefit of the home’s open floor plan is that it maximizes the flow from the living room through the dining room to the den. A pair of Roman Tuscan columns supports the large opening on the main floor. “In 1987, this was an unusual floor plan,” says Alice. “My mother-in-law objected to a home with no halls, but we love it. Over the years, the space has suited us well with two growing sons, a host of friends and a multitude of dogs.”
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home feature
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home feature
“Our many rescued dogs think of the den as theirs, but they make room for us most of the time.” - Alice Nunn
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home feature The open floor plan allows for plenty of space when the Nunns host guests. Situated in the middle of the house, the den has become a focal point for family and friends to congregate. Alice jokes, “Our many rescued dogs think of the den as theirs, but they make room for us most of the time.” Through the years the Nunns changed the exterior paint colors and replaced the roof and shutters, but their house remained virtually the same until 2013, when they decided to incorporate the back porch into the den. Alice worked with local contractor Queron Fuqua to design the addition. It took months since the porch floor had to be raised. Workers installed triple casement windows on either side, and painted walls in shades to mirror the home’s front rooms. Ultimately the hard work paid off because the addition looks as if it has always been there.
Alice, an interior decorator and owner of Alice Nunn Interiors in Brownsville, describes the house as French on the outside and English on the inside. “I do like to add contemporary pieces to my furnishings,” she admits. “I have used a rustic column for a table, or added an iron bench to formal seating, or placed unusual lamps that catch your eye. In the living room, two large wooden candlesticks were made into lamps with drum-shaped shades that were covered with metallic strings. They are beautiful when lit, and offer a warm glow that bounces off the gray-blue strings.” One of Alice’s favorite aspects of the home is its custom millwork. “The dentil molding under the roof, our fireplace, and all the interior moldings were handmade by a local artisan, Aubrey Sills. If you look closely, the spacing is not always identical on the woodwork, but we like it that way,” she says. The Nunns love that they were able to bring together the histories of both their families in the house. Everywhere you look there are pictures, paintings, engravings, maps or furniture that belonged to the Nunn, Bond or Williams families, including a family Bible dating from the 1600s, a sugar chest brought from North Carolina in the 1700s, a Pier mirror, a partners’ desk from Jim’s great uncle’s cotton office, heirloom silver, and a handmade walnut pegged dining table that Alice’s mother used in her dining room. All these things constantly remind the couple of people they knew and loved. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 33
home feature
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“When you have a detailed plan that everyone agrees on, redoing a room or a whole house becomes easier,” says Alice. “As an interior decorator I have helped many clients decide on every aspect of redoing their homes. Especially in the South, our homes take on our personalities. Styles, tastes, colors and textiles all combine to make our homes unique.” It is clear that Alice’s experience helped to bring her own home’s design together smoothly and with a warm and welcoming elegance in every aspect. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 35
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design
Ready, Set, Play Smart Designs for Children’s Spaces
Text by Jordana White | Photography by Mike Boatman 38 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
D
esigning children’s rooms can be challenging: while you want every space in your home to be beautiful, you also want places where kids can just be kids. And let’s not forget that children’s interests and needs change as quickly as their shoe sizes! What’s a homeowner to do? At Home Memphis and Mid South sat down with local designer Anna Lattimore to sort through the ins and outs of creating kids’ spaces.
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design
“The best part of designing for children is their genuine appreciation and excitement.”
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design At Home Memphis & Mid South: What is your top rule when designing a space for children? Anna Lattimore: When designing a space for children, my number one rule is to use furnishings, fabrics and finishes that are durable and low maintenance. I want their spaces to cultivate lots of play for them and peace of mind for their parents. AHMMS: What are the biggest challenges in designing a child’s bedroom or hang-out space? AL: The greatest challenge is balancing mom and dad’s aesthetic and pocketbook with their kids’ grand plans. I am often called in to consult with tweens and teens when they have come to an impasse with their parents in terms of their vision. I always strive to work out win-win solutions, and it’s incredibly rewarding. AHMMS: How can you make a space childfriendly without sacrificing design flow from the rest of the house? AL: I take cues from the rest of the home and its architecture when designing kids’ spaces. If the furnishings in the rest of the house are contemporary, for example, I will suggest clean-lined furniture for the kids, too. We might cover a mid-century modern chair in a performance fabric or vivid color suitable for a kids’ space, but the style will stay consistent. (For the lavender nursery, I purchased a vintage 1960s chair. An upholsterer added a glider base and upholstered it in a durable fabric to match the room’s color scheme.) AHMMS: What tips can you share for incorporating an older child’s interests/ personality into a design concept? AL: Planning a design scheme around an older child’s favorite colors is the simplest way to incorporate his or her personality into the room. From there, I include items that can be changed as easily as their interests. If it’s a favorite soccer player, for instance, I might suggest a temporary wall decal of that player. Kids are natural collectors, so I recommend displaying their accumulated treasures creatively, to honor what they love. Over the years, I’ve displayed cars, footballs, purses, rock collections, baseballs and horse show ribbons, just to name a few. I love to frame and hang their art, as opposed to buying framed prints that match a certain theme. I find that original art has a longer shelf life than wall décor designed for kids.
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I am willing to depart from the flow with paint colors and fabrics. Kids tend to love bolder, clearer colors on their walls than their parents prefer in other areas of the home. If I’m designing a shared space such as a playroom or media room, I am more sensitive to what pleases all parties. AHMMS: How can you update a growing child’s room without completely overhauling the design? AL: With thoughtful planning, you can start with window treatments, furniture and light fixtures that look sweet enough for a nursery but timeless enough for older kids and pre-teens. Select window treatments that will transition to an older child’s room. Plan ahead and have pillow shams and bed skirts made for future big-boy or big-girl beds. That forms a foundation from which he or she can add special sheets or pull in the latest favorite color, while the room hangs together enough to please mom and dad. AHMMS: What must-haves do you recommend for a children’s area of the home? AL: I love bulletin or magnet boards, the bigger the better, for kids’ spaces. I make upholstered memory boards in coordinating fabrics and I make magnet boards from framed sheets of galvanized metal. Other necessities include bookshelves to display their treasured reading material, plenty of wall hooks and baskets and bins for easy tidying up. AHMMS: What is the best part of designing for children? AL: The best part of designing for children is their genuine appreciation and excitement. Several years ago a client’s daughter wore a purple dress to see her newly painted purple bedroom. She threw up her arms and shrieked with joy when we opened the doors to reveal her favorite color. Her mom and I were beaming as she was giggling and exploring.
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styleMARKETPLACE
Fun Finds for Kid's Spaces
DARLING NURSERY WALL ANIMALS
BLUE AND CREAM STRIPE DRESSER
Itty Bitty Bella, $99-$155 Collierville, TN
Nadeau Furniture with a Soul, $619 Memphis, TN
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CAPEL RUGS Sizes & price varies Cordova, TN
PINK JODI TWIN BED Ethan Allen Starting at $1,319 Cordova, TN
BUNNY CHAIR More Than Words, $98.95 Germantown, TN August 2016 • athomemms.com | 45
home trends
40th Annual
Central Gardens
Home & Garden Tour Text by: Meaghan Fogarty | Photo courtesy of Kathy Ferguston
Mark your calendar for the 40th Annual Central Gardens Home and Garden Tour. Set for September 11 from 1 to 6 p.m., the event will include beautiful historic homes, an antique car show and many more exciting activities. Attendees will even be able to choose their mode of transportation between the homes. Free shuttle service will be provided by Revolutions Bicycle Co-Op will be operating the event’s first ever bike tour. 46 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
Participants will get a close look at seven featured residences in the Central Gardens National Historic District including a house that appeared in an Oscar-nominated film and the home of a former mayor of Memphis. The tour will dig deep into the history and architecture of the featured homes.
home trends
Arguably the most iconic home in Central Gardens is included in the tour. The grand limestone mansion named Hillcrest was initially the home of two widows, Mrs. Walter Goodman and her daughter, Mrs. John M. Richardson. The ladies contracted Jones and Furbringer, the well-known architectural firm, to design this Colonial Revival style home completed in 1907. Built on an elevated corner lot, the mansion features ashlar cut stone and a tiled hip roof. Karen Sands Bridge and her husband Tyson Bridge are the current owners of Hillcrest. The Long-Sellers House is another stop on this year’s Home and Garden Tour. This two-story brick modified American Foursquare house, a subtype of the Eclectic House movement, boasts a full-front porch and hipped roof. The contractor, builder and real estate firm Overby and Saunders, sold the property to Kate Long and her husband E.A. Long in 1907. The house is believed to have suffered a fire in November of 1908, and the Longs sold the home to whisky sales rep Isaac Samuel Sellers, who repaired it. Hollywood came to the LongSellers House in 2002, when it was used in the Oscar-nominated film 21 Grams starring Sean Penn and Naomi Watts. Current owners Elizabeth and Matthew Domas acquired the property in 2005. The Smith House is named after the architect who designed the remarkable home. Smith’s signature style was Colonial Revival, as he was deeply interested in the history of early 19thcentury plantation architecture. The Smith House reflects developments in architecture during his time while still keeping elements of Southern plantation architecture. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 47
home trends
The two-story building is trimmed with brick veneer wall cladding and includes an incised front porch with a center entry. During the Great Depression the property was rented as a duplex. Walter C. Chandler and his family inhabited one side of the home when he was elected mayor of Memphis in January 1940 and re-elected in 1943. Dr. Shawn Hayden currently owns the property, included in the tour this year.
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home trends Other tour stops include the Work House, a brick Colonial Revival style home built in 1925, and the Crosby House, which evokes the Queen Anne style and includes an Italian Renaissance tiled hipped roof. The Strong House was once home to a partner in the Strong and Cartwright Cotton Company located on Front Street and later owned by a women who pursued her lifelong passion for fine arts in New York. This light-yellow Mediterranean villa is constructed in a palazzo shape with a center entrance hall and includes beautiful landscaping. The Oliver House features a magnificent garden including a chaste tree with lavender foliage, a Japanese maple, a rose arbor and a fountain that is home to Flash the koi fish.
Tickets are available in advance through the Central Gardens web site and will also be sold at the Hospitality Center on the day of the tour. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 49
home trends
30 Days of Opera by Opera Memphis
Plans for the Hospitality Center include:
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Food trucks
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Beverages
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Live music
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Home tour ticket sales (these are also sold at the homes), CGA merchandise sales and information table
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First ever bike tour, managed by Revolutions Bike Co-op
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Revolutions Bike Co-op will have an information table
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Taste of Cooper-Young will be selling tickets to their event (Oct. 13)
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Shuttles will stop here
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Located on Belvedere and Peabody
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getaway
Step into the Past in Historic
Charleston, South Carolina
Text by Claire Peeler | Photos courtesy of Charleston CVS Photo Library and FIG. 52 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
getaway
F
lorida beaches are always popular destinations for vacationers, but other spots along the Atlantic coast are just as rich in sun, fun, history and food. Charleston, South Carolina, is the ideal destination for a family getaway or couple’s retreat. This city can provide any kind of trip, from highenergy activities for family fun to romantic dining for two. Charleston’s rich history makes a visit like stepping into the past. Gaslight lanterns illuminate cobblestone streets lined with stunning 18th-century homes. Children and adults alike can enjoy the rich antiquity, culture and cuisine the city offers. Historic Downtown District Charleston is known for its beautifully preserved downtown that boasts diverse activities for all ages, including tours of historic homes and churches, museums, and the Charleston City Market. Individual vendors come to sell products in this open-air marketplace that stretches from the city center all the way to the waterfront. Stop by and pick up a sweetgrass basket, a signature Charleston souvenir. Take a stroll down to one of the many docks that line the shoreline just to have a long look at the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. This span arches over the Cooper River and connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Walk the cobblestone streets of the historic district of Charleston and get lost in this beautiful city’s architecture. It seems there is always another little nook to uncover with a quiant shop or an alleyway that leads to a moss-covered garden. No trip to Charleston is complete without seeing Rainbow Row, a line of 14 vibrantly painted houses along the west side of East Bay Street. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a small traffic jam as passersby snap photos of this iconic Charleston landmark. End your day with the Sunset at Fort Sumter Tour; you’ll learn Civil War history over a glass of wine with a beautiful view of the city, the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Take the guided tour of the fort any Friday night now through October. Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase, and the ticket price includes complimentary light hors d’oeuvres. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 53
getaway Soak Up the Sun at Folly Beach
Just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is a quaint coastal town filled with souvenir shops and small eateries including Lost Dog Café. This laid-back restaurant is just a few blocks from the coastline and serves breakfast all day. Order anything from a huge breakfast burrito to mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and enjoy your meal while gazing at the “Dog Wall of Fame,” a collage of hundreds of canine images that covers the entire restaurant wall to wall. After breakfast head to what Folly is best known for, its Fishing Pier. Look out over the Atlantic Ocean from this 1,045-foot-long span and then enjoy the soft, white sandy beach that lies below.
Dining Out
A delicious way to start a day in Charleston is at Poogan’s Porch, located on Queen Street in the heart of the historical downtown. This restaurant encompasses the best Southern traditions, including front porch sitting, delicious homemade biscuits, gracious hospitality, and of course, an old tale about a dog. The previous owners of the Victorian home moved away but left behind their family pooch, Poogan. The restaurant owners came to love this porchsitting pup, so much so that they named their establishment Poogan’s Porch after the dog passed away. It’s a perfect spot to stop by and enjoy some unique history and delicious sweet tea. Located on Meeting Street in the middle of downtown lies FIG, a retro neighborhood eatery that tourists and locals enjoy. The menu includes an assortment of seafood plates and locally grown produce that will have your mouth watering. Seafood is a popular dish at most restaurants in Charleston, but it seems that 167 Raw has mastered the art of this cuisine, and customers are willing to wait just to get a taste. Although this small eatery is known for its oysters, 167 Raw serves all seafood and does it well. Although rich cuisine abounds in Charleston, the city is also famous for its wide variety of flavorful cocktails. The Gin Joint is an oldfashioned bar tucked away on East Bay Street with an extensive cocktail menu. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the Bartender’s Choice; choose two words that describe your perfect drink and the mixologist will attempt to delight your taste buds with a special cocktail designed just for you. 54 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
A Good Night’s Rest
One of the best lodgings in town is the Hyatt House Charleston. Located in the historic district, at the end of King Street, this hotel is just a short walk from all that Charleston has to offer. The Hyatt House offers daily complimentary breakfast, a pool, a fitness center and a bar/lounge area. If Charleston is your choice for a couple’s getaway, Wentworth Mansion is the perfect option. Nestled within the charming historic district, amenities include a luxury spa, an in-house restaurant, Circa 1886, and close proximity to King Street’s shops and nightlife.
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travel Maybe the travel bug has bitten you, or it could be due to the intense office air conditioning with all the Memphis heat. If you’re feeling the need for a winter vacation, now is the perfect time to start planning. Before you know it, it will be time to hit the snow!
Amazing Winter Destinations Text by Barbara May, owner of Travel Leaders Photography courtesy of Travel Leaders
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travel When the snowflakes begin to fall, Colorado, Wyoming and British Columbia, Canada, offer winter wonderlands to those seeking outdoor adventure. From hiking and sledding to ziplines and more, travelers enjoy an active vacation experience. These locations provide the latest in action-packed winter travels.
Breckenridge, Colorado Breckenridge is known as one of the best ski destinations in Colorado. It is the perfect blend of world-class skiing for all levels, a hopping night-life scene, a range of lodging options, great restaurants, and of course, its historic downtown area. The resort has more than 2,200 acres of terrain including world-renowned terrain parks and half pipes, and a state-of-the-art ski and snowboard school. Beginner skiers can learn comfortably at the base of Peaks 8 and 9, while intermediates have their pick of pristine groomed runs. Challenging runs off of the summit of Peak 8 as well as five terrain parks beckon experts to test their skills. Downtown Breckenridge has been called “the perfect mountain town” and for good reason. Full of charming shops, art galleries and historic Victorian buildings, the area boasts a variety of restaurants, taverns, pubs, bars and even arcades. The town’s event calendar is packed with concerts, contests, races, competitions, arts and crafts shows and more. Where to stay: Options for Breckenridge lodging include everything from ski-in/ski-out condos to quaint Victorian bed and breakfasts in town. Luxury accommodations to affordable digs, there’s something for everyone. 58 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
travel
Activities for children include a mountain roller coaster, a children’s museum, and hills to sled or tube down. In downtown Breckenridge, kids can run freely along Main Street and jump in shops or candy stores, or head to the arcade to play video games. Getting there: Breckenridge is just two hours from Denver International Airport (DIA) via Interstate 70. The town is centrally located near two regional airports, Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and Colorado Springs Airport (COS). Fun Facts: Some of the most decorated X Games athletes in history—like Bobby Brown, Simon Dumont and Keri Herman—call Breckenridge home because of its first-rate terrain parks. It’s common to see professional skiers and snowboarders training in one of the five terrain parks. Breckenridge’s annual snowfall is 353 inches. The resort has 2,908 skiable acres and 34 lifts! Other popular Colorado ski resorts include Copper Mountain, Aspen, Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, Keystone, Powderhorn/Grand Junction, Snowmass, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Vail and Winter Park. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 59
travel
Jackson, Wyoming First-time visitors to Jackson Hole are awed by the breathtakingly rugged Teton Mountains, and wooed by the authentic and welcoming wild west atmosphere that pervades both Teton Village and downtown Jackson, which are 15 minutes apart. Not only does Jackson Hole exude refreshing cowboy character both on and off the slopes, but its new allblue terrain off Casper chairlift is a game changer for intermediate skiers. The area provides dozens of wide-open trails for beginners and picture-perfect cruisers, progressive bump runs and much more. Jackson Hole also offers guided dog sled tours through some of the area's most stunning countryside, horse-drawn sleigh rides through the Tetons’ beautiful landscapes and views of wild animals in their winter range on a wildlife safari. Where to stay: The town of Jackson is centrally located and is surrounded by multiple ski resort areas. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Resort and also the Grand Targhee Ski Area are all accessible from Jackson. Within walking distance of town, Snow King Resort is
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located at the base of Snow King Mountain Ski Area and offers night skiing, lunchtime hourly tickets, great terrain and tubing parks all on one very skiable consistent pitch. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts one of the longest and steepest continuous vertical descents in North America, with 4,139 leg-burning vertical feet from 10,450 feet down to 6,311 feet. This is a very popular ski resort area with mostly intermediate and advanced terrain. Downtown Jackson: The pervasive cowboy vibe in downtown Jackson predates the ski resorts. This rustic pureness is part of the draw, from the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a museum and watering hole all in one, to the many western wear shops and antique stores. Little ones love perusing through town, homemade ice cream in hand, pretending they’re cowboys or cowgirls. Jackson is truly a magical ski destination for kids age three to 99. Getting there: The newly renovated Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is well equipped to handle the area’s everchanging weather conditions. Once landed, the resorts are an easy 30-minute drive from the airport by taxi, rental car or shuttle.
Fun Facts: Many ski legends have been born on the slopes of Jackson Hole. Early icons like Doug Coombs and the founders of ski movie production team Teton Gravity Research (TGR) cut their teeth and established a reputation by attacking the gnarly runs of Jackson Hole. Iconic black runs like Corbett’s, Once is Enough, Pucker Face and Central Couloir still are featured in ski movies because they are timeless. Jackson Hole's average annual snowfall is 459 inches. The resort has 2,500 skiable acres and 13 ski lifts. Another great destination in Wyoming and less publicized is Grand Targhee. It’s the perfect choice for a laidback ski vacation with virtually guaranteed powder. Located in the heart of the Teton Mountains, the area boasts a whopping 500 inches of legendary powder a year. Grand Targhee consistently ranks as one of North America’s top resorts for powder hounds; in fact SKI magazine once called it “a place that dumps.” Grand Targhee sits on the border of Wyoming and Idaho, on the western side of the Tetons, opposite from Jackson Hole. This hidden gem rarely sees crowds or extensive lift lines, and is close to Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Big Sky and Salt Lake City. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 61
travel
Whistler, British Columbia If the biggest and the best are high on your list of winter getaway “must haves” then a ski trip to Whistler Blackcomb is for you. Even though the resort is the largest in North America, getting around is quite easy thanks to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It’s the world’s largest unsupported cable car. Where to stay: The village is conveniently located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Activities include skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking, hiking and golf in summer. The Village Stroll, a pedestrian-only causeway lined with shops, restaurants, hotels and other accommodations, provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Whistler Blackcomb has over 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, world-class terrain parks and half pipes and 200+ marked trails for all ability levels. A major lift expansion in winter 2013/14 made the resort the ultimate in big mountain experiences. 62 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola links the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It’s the longest unsupported lift span in the world at 3.024 kilometers (1.88 miles) and is the highest lift of its kind at 415 meters (1,361 feet). The trip across takes just 11 minutes and opens up a whole new world of skiing and snowboarding possibilities. Whistler has world-renowned slopeside luxury hotels, unique boutique hotels and affordable lodges and condos ideal for families, large groups or those on a budget. You will meet people from around the world while enjoying live music, slopeside bars, gourmet cuisine and specialty shopping here. Getting there: Whistler Blackcomb is extremely easy to get to from anywhere in the world. From the Vancouver International Airport the area is about a two-hour drive, approximately 84 miles.
travel Fun Facts: In 2010, Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The mountains were the site of the alpine technical and speed events and all the Paralympics events except the opening ceremony, sledge hockey and wheelchair curling. The Olympic Village housed over 2,400 athletes, coaches and trainers. The site has now been turned into a residential neighborhood. Whistler Blackcomb's average annual snowfall is 459 inches. The resort has 8,171 skiable acres and 37 lifts. North American ski season usually opens the middle of November and runs through the first to the middle of April each year. Whether you are looking for a couple’s getaway, a family holiday or a luxury vacation, Travel Leaders can help you plan the perfect ski trip. For more information, call 901.377.6600 or 800.264.1824 or stop by their office at 2765 Wolf Creek Pkwy., Ste. 104, Memphis.
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A Tricentennial Celebration Natchez, Mississippi TEXT BY ELLIE SIMMONS | PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARATOCK.COM 66 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
Natchez, an eclectic yet charmingly picturesque city in southwestern Mississippi, celebrates its 300th birthday this year. The city is marking the milestone with a Tricentennial Celebration which will entail 366 days of events memorializing its rich heritage and historical impact on the South. Natchez is the oldest settlement along the banks of the Mississippi River. “Our goal with 2016 is not to create a one-time series of events separate from what Natchez is about any other year,” says the Natchez Trucentennial Celebration Executive Board. “We see this landmark anniversary as an opportunity to further develop our heritage tourism, leveraging our profile regionally, nationally and internationally to attract audiences looking for authentic experiences that are meaningful and relevant.” Programs throughout the year like the Natchez History Minute and Natchez Legends and Lore create a unique forum in which local residents can participate in presentations by sharing with attendees the story of how their hometown came to be and spreading local customs and culture with tourists as well as with their fellow community members. While these daily and weekly presentations will take place throughout the year, Natchez plans to commemorate the day of the city’s official 300th anniversary on Aug. 3 with the birthday bash of a lifetime. The festivities are set to kick off at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians with an opening ceremony led by the Principal Chief Hutke Fields of the Native American Natchez Nation. Later in the day, authors and historians Erin Greenwild and Emily Clark will speak and sign their books at the Natchez Visitor Center.
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experience this
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Artifacts will be on display at Fort Rosalie and at 4 p.m., the city will host a ribbon cutting to dedicate the Fort Rosalie site as the Natchez National Historic Park. The fort marks the site where the French first established the Natchez township in 1716. Despite the fact that it was already inhabited by the Natchez tribe of American Indians, the French took the land for themselves due to its immediate proximity to the Mississippi River. The tricentennial celebration will wind down in the evening on the bluff with soul food, live music, games and activities for children, artists and craft vendors, and fireworks against the backdrop of the mighty Mississippi River at sunset. USA Today named Natchez one of its “10 Best Bucket List Locations,â€? due in part to the over 1,000 nationally registered historic structures that stand within city limits. Many of these properties have been restored to their original condition and are open to the public as bed and breakfasts, museums or a combination of the two. Several of the historic mansions in the area offer daily walking tours and some may be rented for weddings and other events. Stanton Hall and its adjacent Carriage House Restaurant are among the most popular of these local properties. The breathtaking palatial Greek Revival home constructed in 1857 occupies an entire block and is open daily to visitors for 30-minute walking tours. Also situated on the estate is the Carriage House Restaurant, which is nationally recognized for its fine Southern cuisine. Dozens more historic houses have been renovated by the owners and restored with authentic or original features and furnishings to accommodate guests overnight. The genuine charm that is so unique to each individual property, paired with a heaping helping of Southern hospitality, creates an experience that is truly unmatched by any other, which is why Natchez is known across the United States as the bed and breakfast capital of the South. For more information on upcoming events and accommodations in Natchez, visit www. NatchezMS300.org or www.VisitNatchez.org. August 2016 • athomemms.com | 69
social
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Carnival Memphis Carnival Memphis, the party with a purpose for 85 years, has contributed over $2 million to local charities since 1999. This year, Jay Keras served as King of Carnival, Carnival Queen was Sarah Williamson, and Carnival President was Jim Taylor. The 2016 Carnival Memphis and the Grand Krewes raised $126,000 for local charities Best Buddies, The Exchange Club Family Center and Stax Music Academy.
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1. Queen Sarah with the campers at Camp Love and Learn. 2. Queen Sarah and friends at Martha's Manor 3. Rev. Colenzo Hubbard, Queen Sarah Williamson & King Jay Keras 4. Carnival visits the Bodine School
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social
Germantown Fountain of Youth Ribbon Cutting The city of Germantown warmly welcomed the "Fountain of Youth" to its' new home on June 24. The fountain now resides at Germantown Civic Plaza at 7771 Poplar Pike at the entrance of C.O. Franklin Park. The Germantown Leadership class of 2016 raised $22,000 for Germantown schools and the refursbishing of the foutain. The money raised went to eight Germantown schools, each recieving $2,750.
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social
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The Main Street Mixer 3 1. Betty Burkeen, Gerrit Jernigan & Sandy Barrios 2. Emily & Brett Pilkinton with daughters Evilyn & Camille 3. John Barrios, Dawn Waxler & Joe Sarrio 74 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
Hot weather didn't stop Main Street Collierville members as they gathered June 23 for The Main Street Mixer, held at Bazaar, a crazy little food shop located on the west side of the historic square. Members enjoyed tasty dishes prepared with Bazaar's wonderful olive oils and balsamics before attending the Bryan Hayes concert.
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wedding
Kelsea Johns Bryce Rader May 28, 2016 Memphis, TN
Parents of Bride: Michelle & William Johns Parents of Groom: Welissa & Greg Rader 76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
wedding
SOURCES: Venue: Annesdale Mansion Planners: Gracie Leathers & Kelly Vandervoot Photographer: Maddie Moree Videographer: Camilla Buoni with Snap Happy Florist: Paula DeClerk Florist Catering: Wade & Company Baker: The Flour Garden Band: Bluff City Soul Collective Rentals: White Door Events Invitations: RSVP Stationers Hair: Katharine Chaffin of Gould's Makeup: Leesa Goodwin of Trish McEvoy at Oak Hall Dress: Martina Liana from Ivory & White in Mountain Brook, AL
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arts
The Sounds of Joy Around the World
Text by Ellie Simmons | Photos courtesy of Martha Horton
I
nternationally acclaimed violinist and local legend Joy Wiener has performed alongside dozens of the most highly respected classical musicians of the century. Joy Brown began making a name for herself in 1936 at only six years old when nationally famed concert violinist Joseph Haber saw her playing for the first time alongside her older twin sisters. After the recital, Haber pulled Joy’s mother aside to discuss the talent he saw in her little girl and to ask if she would be interested in having Joy take lessons while he was in town temporarily visiting his sister. He ended up moving to Memphis and working with Joy for the next eight years. At age 10, she claimed top prize at a national competition performance attended by 5,000 in Daytona Beach, Florida. That summer she was invited to appear on WQXR Radio in New York City. Despite getting lost in the big city with her mother and missing her spot, the station was so excited to feature her in the program that they allowed her to reschedule. During her junior and senior years at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Wiener was asked to play with the St. Louis Symphony. She says the school’s headmistress at the time, Helen Loomis, was very accommodating of her unique situation and made sure she received all the extra time and attention she needed from both teachers and tutors. “She made me pass tests just like everyone else. It wasn’t
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Joy Wiener and Cecile Skaggs
easy, but it worked,” Wiener remembers. Her perseverance paid off when she graduated in 1947 and moved to New York City to attend Juilliard for four years. She also played with the New York City Symphony as a soloist in Central Park, in front of a crowd of 10,000. Wiener’s career took her on a tour of Europe in the mid1950s where she participated in prestigious competitions including the Long-Thibaud in Paris, and George Enescu’s Master Class in Sienna, Italy, which she cites as a most treasured performance. She played one of her favorite pieces, the Brahms Violin Concerto. Afterwards she was approached by the Queen Mother of Belgium and invited to play in the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels. Her talents brought Wiener international recognition again in the early 1980s when she began touring the world with Diane Bish for tapings of internationally televised program The Joy of Music, which is still running today after 37 years. Although Wiener retired from her 40-year career as concertmaster of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra in 1992, she still enjoys playing as much as ever. Now that she has more time on her hands, she is able to channel the majority of her creative energy towards sharing her gift with the next generation. “If you don’t get kids to play, you’re not going to have a future of music-making. You’re not going to have a future audience. It’s the teaching that has kept me playing— period,” says Wiener. “I would say that’s the thrill that I have now. It keeps me going, keeps me young.”
Although she has worked with students up until their high school graduations, Wiener believes at about six or seven years old, children typically are able to focus enough to begin developing a sense of understanding for the instrument. Her students hold recitals in the auditorium at The Village at Germantown, where Wiener’s friends and fellow residents have enjoyed watching them grow up over the years and refine their talents as musicians. Many of her proteges have gone on to experience great success, both musically and academically. “Of course, you like kids that already play, but you’re trying to get beginner students to be able to play anything and everything, too. I have been blessed with wonderful kids,” says Wiener. “What is thrilling is to try and be able to help those coming along and seeing them really go to the schools they want or get the teachers they want or the careers they want—what a thrill that is!” Wiener still performs occasionally for special occasions and charity events. Most recently, she performed in the third annual Summer Music Series at Mullins United Methodist Church alongside pianist André Duval. She also played for her neighbors recently for the benefit of the Village at Germantown Foundation, which was a huge success. As for how she sustains the energy to continue playing and sharing her passion for music with the city of Memphis and beyond, Wiener says, “If you’re going to do something the way it needs to be done, there are no real shortcuts.”
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entertaining
First birthday parties are so special, and event designer Angela Mazanti created a magical tea party to celebrate Greenley's first birthday. The event took place in the family's backyard, where beautiful trees, vintage teapots and decor in pastel colors reflected the fantasy world of Alice in Wonderland.
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entertaining
Text by Lesley Harris Colvett Photography by Michael Allen Photography Event Design/Styling by Angela Mazanti Event Design August 2016 • athomemms.com | 81
entertaining The Theme
The theme of the event was a vintage Alice in Wonderland Tea Party.
Set the Scene
“I set the scene in Greenley's backyard. It was the perfect spot for a tea party underneath all of the beautiful, mature trees,” Mazanti says.
Décor
The decor consisted of a variety of vintage dining tables and chairs painted in soft pastel shades. Mazanti used pretty and feminine patterned fabrics to cover the chair cushions. The tabletop decor included vintage books, teacups, bunnies, bird cages and floral arrangements in vintage teapots. The spreading trees made it easy to suspend chandeliers over the tables. “I used a beautiful antique buffet to display the cake and custom cookies. I had replica of the invitation painted and framed, and I displayed it on an easel between two topiaries as guests entered into the tea party,” Mazanti says.
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entertaining
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Color Scheme
The design focused on pastels with a few bright pops of fuchsia.
Menu
The food was typical tea party fare—finger sandwiches, cookies and cake.
Host Your Own
Mazanti says that a reader could easily host a similar tea party. She recommends keeping the guest list small and focusing on details that make a party like this special. Alice in Wonderland-themed elements like rabbits, vintage books, clocks, etc. make perfect additions to the decor. To take the theme to the next level, she suggests adding vintage dining tables and chairs. “They don't necessarily have to paint them and recover the cushions like I did, but it really adds a whole new dimension to the look,” says Mazanti.
Vendors
Cake and cookies—Sparkle Cakes by Darla Photography—Michael Allen Photography Painted sign—Zazu Designs Florals, planning, furniture and decor— Angela Mazanti Event Design
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dining out
A New Haven in Downtown Memphis
Text by Ruthie Hall | Photography by Frank Chin
A new restaurant is changing the food scene in downtown Memphis. The dining options at LoflinYard reflect the unique space itself—straightforward, even a little bit rustic, but still casually elegant. hen the restaurant opened in April it would have been easy to sit back and rely on the draw of the Yard, but the seven-member ownership group wanted Loflin’s food and barrel-aged cocktails to be stars in their own right. Brisket and pork tenderloin shared plates, prepared in the screened-in Smoke House, anchor the menu. The Smoke House is the heart of the property and the menu, impacting nearly everything that the restaurant serves. Even the salads include grilled ingredients. The Safe House (lunch) menu boasts these smoked specialties po-boy-style, with an optional add-on of pimento cheese made in-house. A side of street corn is a crowd pleaser; the grilled romaine salad provides a refreshing vegetarian option. Chef Andy Knight adds daily specials depending on what he finds freshest at the farmers market.
W
Loflin Yard’s distinctive name draws from the building’s history. The original building, now dubbed the Safe House, had many identities over the last century, but its most recent and most memorable was as Loflin’s Safe and Lock Company. The property’s most unique draws include its large grassy yards, Gayoso bayou waterfall, covered patio deck and the Coach House, once home of downtown’s carriage fleet.
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dining out
Hours Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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dining out While Loflin Yard is a restaurant, bar and event venue, the owners and staff strive above all else to make it a haven in the heart of Downtown. The multiple indoor and outdoor spaces provide several different experiences, but they all unite to create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Guests can order a bottle of wine or one of the many specialty cocktails and enjoy exceptional food while sitting in the Safe House, on the back porch, in either yard, or on the Coach House patio. Ping pong tables, bag-toss sets and a ring game keep folks busy, and there’s also a good chance live music will be playing. The restaurant presents live music every weekend, curated by Beale Street Caravan producer Kevin Cubbins. The yard itself, though, is the feature that makes Loflin completely distinctive from other restaurants in the area. When first-time visitors see the waterfall, the trains beyond the Back Yard, or the lawn bustling with people, they’re often shocked to find this retreat is in the middle of an urban area. Loflin Yard hosts community gatherings and is available for a variety of private or semi-private rentals.
For more information, visit their Facebook page, Loflin Yard, or www.loflinyard.com.
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in the kitchen
Veggie Stack Excerpted from Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler
Two of my favorite summer vegetables are at their best right now: eggplant and tomatoes. When produce is at its peak, there is no better way to enjoy it than with a simple presentation that lets its flavor take center stage. This Veggie Stack is a prime example of such a recipe. One of the things you will love most about this recipe is its versatility. This dish can be served as an appetizer, a vegetarian main dish or a side. And don’t let looks fool you; this beautiful dish is simple to make. 92 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
Ingredients • 1 medium eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices • Kosher salt • 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided • 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar • 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced • Vegetable oil, for the grates • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 large tomato, cut into 1/4-inch slices • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices • 12 fresh basil leaves Place the eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let the eggplant drain in the colander for 1 hour, rinse, and then pat dry. In a large bowl whisk together 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the red wine vinegar, and the balsamic vinegar. Add the onions and toss to coat. Set aside and marinate at room temperature while grilling the eggplant. Preheat a clean grill to medium-high with the lid closed for 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly brush the grates with oil. Lightly brush both sides of the eggplant with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the eggplant slices on the grill. Close the lid and cook, turning once, until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. To assemble, place 2 slices of the eggplant on the plate. Then add a tomato slice and a spoonful of the marinated red onion over the eggplant. Next add a slice of the fresh mozzarella and top with some basil leaves. Drizzle with extra balsamic vinegar and olive oil if desired. Serves 4 to 6.
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happy hour
Oxford Blues
• 1 1/2 oz. bourbon • 3/4 oz. blueberry syrup • 1/2 oz. honey • dash of bitters • pinch of cinnamon Shake and strain. Garnish with orange peel.
from the Green Roof Lounge (rooftop bar of the Courtyard Marriott on Jackson Ave., Oxford, MS) 94 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • August 2016
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on a good note
Giving Hope, One Wish at a Time
Text by Meaghan Fogarty | Pictures courtesy of Amanda Wiig
Make-A-Wish Mid-South is celebrating 30 years of giving hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. The chapter recently granted their 5,000th wish. Over the years the wishes have impacted not only the children but their families as well. As they battle illness the hope of a wish can give kids and their families the strength and encouragement to follow through with treatment. Whether a child dreams of riding in a helicopter, meeting their favorite celebrity or traveling to a special destination, Make-A-Wish makes it happen. The hope of a wish is more powerful than one may think. Granting children’s wishes is statistically proven to keep them healthier longer as it gives them something to look forward to. Make-A-Wish goes above and beyond to make the wish experience something the children and their families will never forget. Recently, in an exciting reveal, Zachary learned that his wish to see the New York Yankees play would be granted. He attended the Memphis Redbirds game where he got a custom jersey and threw out the first pitch. However, before he took to the mound, a video from the players appeared on the big screen announcing that his wish would come true. Make-A-Wish Mid-South is always looking for new volunteers. The chapter works with 500 volunteers across the area, and offers volunteer training a few times a year. Volunteers can be involved in many different facets of the organization. Some visit with wish kids, others help plan reveals and events. Make-A-Wish relies on volunteers to donate time and energy to make a difference in kids’ lives. The average cost to grant of a wish is around $8,000, and Make-A-Wish runs completely off of donations and sponsorships. Of every dollar donated, 82 cents go toward granting wishes. Every donation made locally stays within the local chapter. Although airfare costs typically make up about 75 percent of the cost of a wish, the Wishes In-Flight campaign allows frequent flyers to donate their airline miles. Donated miles never expire. Make-A-Wish Mid-South hosts a number of fundraisers and events including a 5k glow run scheduled for September 10. Make-A-Wish Mid-South serves Arkansas, the northern third of Mississippi and the western third of Tennessee. For information on volunteer training, upcoming events, and to donate locally, visit midsouth.wish.org or Make-A-Wish MidSouth’s Facebook page.
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