COVER
contents
JUNE 2012
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52 46 16 16 | special: FATHER’S DAY
An eclectic selection of perfect gifts for Dad this month
30 | community: LYNCHBURG AND JACK DANIEL’S DISTILLERY Catching up with Tennessee’s legendary export town
44 | at home with: PAM TILLIS
The singer-songwriter dishes on everything from Dolly Parton to her dad
46 | cuisine: FROM PULASKI TO THE HUNGER GAMES
Food stylist Jack White talks about his incredible journey from Tennessee to Hollywood
A visit to actor David Keith’s home in Knoxville. See page 52
6 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
52 | home feature:
RETURNING HOME TO TENNESSEE ROOTS
Longtime actor and Knoxville native David Keith – at his home and on location
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
contents
38
20 | fashion:
74 | in bloom:
Great ideas to accentuate your summer wardrobe, featuring Katie Kalsi purses.
Showing off this summertime favorite.
SEASONAL ACCESSORIES
24 | beauty:
SUMMER SKIN CARE Products to keep you and your skin safe in the sun this season.
26 | health:
KEEPING A YOUTHFUL SMILE Using orthodontics to prevent and slow the signs of facial aging.
28 | lifestyle:
STAYING IN SHAPE ON VACATION Great tips for exercise and fitness on the road this summer.
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38 | travel:
VISIT THE GULF COAST
OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA
82 | entertaining: BRIDAL SHOWER 101
From themes to menus, great ideas to please the bride-to-be.
88 | cooking:
A RASPBERRY SUMMER Reflections on childhood summers picking raspberries, along with a delicious cobbler recipe.
89 | chef ’s corner:
VISITING THE JAMES BEARD HOUSE Hutton Hotel executive chef Charles Phillips.
90 | finance:
CREATIVE LOAN TACTICS FOR A TOUGH ECONOMY
From Rosemary Beach to Biloxi, we’re spotlighting great summer getaways on the Gulf.
Securing big bucks through high-end antiques, jewelry and autos.
48 | arts:
94 | roadtrip:
Randal Martin’s special presentation to Gov. Bill Haslam.
Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to the late, great King of Pop.
50 | technology:
98 | books:
Breaking down your utility bill based on personal choices.
From sister Dolly to her childhood in the Smokies, Stella Parton’s inspiring memoir and interview.
TENNESSEE ARTIST MAKES HIS MARK ON THE CAPITOL
HOME NETWORKING
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JUNE 2012
THE MICHAEL JACKSON IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR
“TELL IT SISTER, TELL IT”
62 | design:
CELEBRITY TOUR BUSES An inside look at Nashville’s biggest tour bus company to the stars.
70 | pet talk:
ON THE ROAD WITH FIDO
12 | PUBLISHER’S NOTE 14 | CONTRIBUTORS
Pet expert Harrison Forbes gives pointers on
68 | STYLE MARKETPLACE
traveling with pets this summer.
76 | BY INVITATION —
72 | garden:
THE BEST OF PUBLIC GARDENS Bring home inspiration from across the state and the South. 8 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
IN EVERY ISSUE
the social pages 92 | HAPPENINGS 97 | SOURCES
JUNE 2012 • Vol. 11 No. 3 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Margaret Monger | mmonger@athometn.com
EDITOR janna fite herbison | jherbison@athometn.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
BRITTANY WALLER | bwaller@athometn.com
EDITORIAL COPY EDITOR TerrI Glazer
SOCIETY EDITOR
Lesley Colvett | lcolvett@athometn.com
IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT Charles Reynolds | cr@colorretouching.com
ADVERTISING SENIOR REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melissa Hosp | mhosp@athometn.com
senior ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Hilary Frankel | hfrankel@athometn.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES SUZANNE BOYD | sboyd@athometn.com ONEAL LEATHERS | oleathers@athometn.com donna roland | droland@athometn.com
BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Trip Monger | tmonger@athometn.com
OFFICE AND PRODUCTION ASSISTANT LAURIE SUMMERS
CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Linda Benton, Michelle Hope, Jordana White, Kristen Waddell, Andrew Pulte, Carol Reese, Simms Rogers, Scott Fueling, Rachel Holder, Harrison Forbes, Jane Gaither, Charles Phillips, Rob Hoskins, Ruth Bozeman, Dr. Monica Maden and Dr. Erin Cohen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ben Finch, justin holder, mark larson, kim lancaster-brantley, ed rode, tony baker
INTERN Jenna sampson
HOW TO REACH US 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200 | Cordova, TN 38018 TOLL FREE 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886 WEBSITE: athometn.com BEAUTY INQUIRIES: beauty@athometn.com WEBSITE INQUIRIES: web@athometn.com At Home Tennessee does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Tennessee: 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe online at athometn.com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Tennessee is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Tennessee, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, 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 Tennessee, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or by e-mail to tmonger@athometn.com
10 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
publisher’s note
Beach Wisdom W
elcome to summertime! This time of year reminds me of traveling to one of my favorite retreats, the beach. For as long as I can remember, our family has spent time playing and relaxing on the Gulf Coast. There is just something about the beach that calms the soul and brings out the childlike spirit in each of us. I have a book that sits on my desk that I flip through on stressful days and although it’s not as relaxing as actually being there, it does let my mind wander to a more peaceful setting if only for a minute or two. The book is BEACH WISDOM: Life Lessons from the Ocean. It’s a very simple book with great photos and quotes. Some of my favorites are, “Go in the water, even if it’s cold. Just when you think it’s getting too deep, you’ll find a sandbar. When you catch a wave, ride it. Eventually, the sun will come out from behind the clouds. The shells you find are the ones meant for you. Sand is part of the deal. Fear of sharks is generally exaggerated.” A trip to the beach doesn’t just revitalize me, it also makes me take time to breathe, relax and just enjoy the moment. Those things, I will have to admit, are not my strengths at times. In so many of the places we have visited, the Internet and phone service can be a bit scarce, to say the least. It has taken years for my stubborn brain to realize that surely it can’t be that hard to improve those services there. Maybe those folks know a little secret I forget at times. Is the world going to end if I don’t get that phone call from the office or will they simply figure it out for themselves?” “Do I really need to check all 900 of our friends’ Facebook statuses in order to truly enjoy the day?” Unread emails will be there when I return. Prior to the invention of all these devices that many of us find so necessary to function, our parents and grandparents traveled for years, and their places of business went on without them for a week or two. They survived without even knowing via Facebook that little Johnny lost his first tooth or that someone is going to the airport to pick up their BFF. That email I received from Sir Omaha, the prince of a small island who wants to wire me a billion dollars will still be there for me to delete when I return. The beach even forces me to let my curly and sometimes unruly hair go. It all looks the same under a baseball cap! Along those lines, we are excited about our first summer issue of 2012, featuring everything from Gulf Coast getaways to summer skincare to a great Father’s Day gift guide. It’s also our annual celebrity issue, and we caught up with actor David Keith (at his Knoxville home), singersongwriter Pam Tillis, Hollywood food stylist Jack White, and even actress Holly Hunter. We’ve had fun putting it together – and we hope you’ll have just as much fun reading it (on vacation, of course). Thank you, Beach, for the many things you have taught me. Thanks for the great memories and please don’t improve your cell and Internet service, as I am slowly realizing that the world will go on without me. Happy summer and remember to jump in the water – it feels great!
12 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
contributors LESLEY COLVETT
attends some of the most fabulous parties throughout the state as social editor for At Home Tennessee Magazine. Colvett’s 10-year career in magazines began promptly after she graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism with her first job as editor of Memphis’ RSVP magazine. If you would like At Home Tennessee to attend your upcoming event contact Lesley at lcolvett@athometn.com.
PHOTO BY ED RODE
JANE GAITHER
is as entertaining as the dishes she prepares. Columnist, kitchen guru and quite possibly the next Food Network Star, Gaither shares insightful columns and inventive recipes each month to bring us one step closer to mastering the Julia Child in all of us. This month, Jane shares a delicious recipe for Raspberry Skillet Cobbler on page 88.
ANDREW PULTE
is a gardening expert and internationally certified arborist who teaches at the University of Tennessee, contributes to several gardening publications and hosts a radio show, “Garden Talk.” Originally from Nebraska, Pulte now gardens and resides in Knoxville with his wife Beccy and son Theo. Pulte details some great public gardens to visit on page 72.
KRISTEN MYERS WADDELL
highlights a nationally acclaimed artist’s gift to Gov. Bill Haslam on page 48. She is a member of the MidSouth Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, MPACT Memphis and the Arts Memphis BRAVO Memphis program.
Jordana White
is a freelance writer living in Houston, TX, with her husband and son. She graduated in 2005 from Princeton University and has since written for Life & Style Magazine, ParentsConnect.com by Nickelodeon, NFocus Magazine and At Home Tennessee Magazine. Jordana talks about securing loans through high-end collectibles on page 90.
MICHELLE HOPE, JAIME NEWSOM & KARIN WOODWARD
give insightful tips and ideas for bridal luncheons on page 82. Hope and Newsom are the owners and lead designers of Social Butterflies, LLC, and have a combined 19 years of experience in the wedding and special events industry. They have planned numerous notable events including celebrity weddings and Super Sweet 16’s for the hit show on MTV. Woodward works closely with Hope and Newsom through her floral design business, Haute Horticulture, and has been featured in various magazines and national wedding blogs. 14 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
special
The Best Gifts
For Dad An eclectic selection of perfect gifts for Dad this month
Golfer’s BBQ Set $25, www.uncommongoods.com Gold/Silver Cufflinks $450, Andrea Candela www.andreacandela.com
Two Tone Natural Wooden Watch $120, www.redenvelope.com
Someone Special Grandpa/Dad Frame $20, www.personalcreations.com
SWIMS Lace-up RubberPenny Loafers- Navy $149, SWIMS www.lanskybros.com
Man Cans in Fresh Cut Grass, New York Style Pizza and Sawdust $10, Man Cans www.man-cans.com
Memphis Grizzlies/University of Memphis Tigers Cufflinks $60, Lansky Brother www.lanskybros.com
16 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
special Artful Winemaker $150, www.artfulwinemaker.com
Dad Clock $30, www.personalcreations.com
Robert Graham Thomas Sport Shirt $228, Lansky Brother www.lanskybros.com
Luxury Shaving Brush & Razor Set $295, Molton Brown www.moltonbrown.com
SousVide Supreme Demi $329, SousVide Supreme www.sousvidesupreme.com
Aussie Dogs Indie $100, Aussie Dogs www.aussie-dogs.com
June 2012 • athometn.com |17
fashion
Seasonal Accessories
Great ideas to accentuate your summer wardrobe, including purses by native Memphian Katie Kalsi
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1) Sterling Silver Layered Multi-Chain Heart Necklace, $225, Taryn Reed Jewelry, www.tarynreed.com 2) Lacey Lane Scarf in Taupe, $19, Lace Affair, www.laceaffair.com 3) Natural Raffia Braid Fedora with Bone Stitched Leather Band, $80, www.hatattack.com 4) Varanear Browline Shades, $42, Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 5) Cut It Out Belt, $17, Lace Affair, www.laceaffair.com 6) On The Plains Belt, $17, Lace Affair, www.laceaffair.com 7) Four Row Multi-Bead Tassel Stretch Bracelet, $27, Express, www.express.com 8) Wristwise Bangle, $48, Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 9) Genuine Leather Travel Flats with Carrying Case, $60, City Slips, www.cityslips.com 10) Katie Kalsi Sophie Large Interchangeable Strap Shoulder Bag, $198, Belk, www.belk.com 11) 14k Yellow-Gold-Plated Black Leather Station Necklace eighteen inches plus two inch extender, $75, House of Harlow 1960, www.endless.com & www.amazon.com 12) Troup in Pink, $84, Charleston Shoe Co, www.charlestonshoecocom.ipage.com 13) Katie Kalsi Liam Crossbody, $398, Belk, www.belk.com 14) Gigi Sandal, $65, Sam Edelman, Belk, www.belk.com 15) Katie Kalsi Fuchsia Sadie Medium Interchangeable Strap Shoulder Bag, $188, Belk, www.belk.com
June 2012 • athometn.com | 21
beauty
SUMMER SKINCARE Products to keep you and your skin safe in the sun this season
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The Wrinkle Prevention Pillow
About Face, $99, www.wrinklepreventionpillow.com
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Elite Premier Créme: Clinical Skin Therapy
Elite Therapeutics, $65, www.elitetherapeutics.com
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SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen
Bare Minerals, $28, www.bareescentuals.com
Kids Sun Stick Blue SPF 30
Kiss My Face, $9, www.kissmyface.com
After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe Clinique, $21, www.clinique.com
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Alpha Beta Glow Pad
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, $18, www.dgskincare.com
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Spa Indulgence Exotic Retreat Body Cream
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Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser Aveda, $21, www.aveda.com
24 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
Champneys, $12, www.target.com
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Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 Fresh, $23, www.fresh.com
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This rich concentration of nature's most rare vitamins, botanicals and extracts is perfectly formulated to produce an incredible lotion. This all-powerful treatment will literally transform ravaged skin upon application. The About Face Wrinkle Protection Pillow lifts and cradles your face so you do not develop permanent sleep lines and wrinkles on your face, neck and chest while you sleep. This super-portable SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen is sheer and weightless, and it can be used from head to toe without clogging pores. Mineral sun block for lips, nose, cheeks & ears. This convenient and 100% natural sunblock provides extra protection for sensitive, over-exposed areas.
An anti-aging self tanner in the form of a single step pre-soaked towelette containing Active Vitamin D, Microencapsulated DHA and Soy Proteins that delivers color deep into skin to prevent fading through surface exfoliation. Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids exfoliate, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help fade existing sunspots for an even, streak-free glow.
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An oil-free, ultra-moisturizing balm for face and body with soothing aloe that helps calm sun-exposed skin. Provides a post-sun "repair" to help prevent today's sun exposure from becoming tomorrow's visible damage and also helps minimize peeling. A color-safe formula that gently and effectively removes chlorine, salt and product build-up, while helping to maintain moisture balance. The light tropical aroma blend with 100% certified organic essences of neroli, ylang ylang and wild-crafted citrus will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more outside fun.
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Indulge yourself with a luxurious spa treatment at home with this body glow from Champneys. This body glow formula allows you to retreat to your own relaxing happy place and enjoy the finer things in life. Featuring coconut oil, mango butter, brown sugar, and even Bora Bora sand, this body glow not only enhances your natural beauty but also leaves you smelling divine.
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Sugar RosÊ Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 moisturizes, protects, and smoothes the lips while leaving a rosy tint with a proprietary blend of moisture-preserving sugar, nourishing precious oils, antioxidant-rich polyphenols, and essential SPF protection. It is proven to provide 6 hours of significant moisture for soft, supple, and youthful lips. The unique formula also offers buildable coverage to customize a sheer or rich hue and is the perfect partner to the best-selling Sugar Lip treatment SPF 15. June 2012 • athometn.com | 25
health
keeping a youthful smile Orthodontic care for beauty and anti-aging Text by Monica Madan DDS MS and Erin Cohen DDS founders of Beverly Hills Orthodontics
Have you ever thought about why we strive for perfection? Why do we look for beauty, balance and symmetry? I would assert that our strong need to seek out and achieve beauty is deeply rooted in our physiology and psychology. As a species, we are drawn to symmetry and balance. One aspect of facial beauty is the smile. If you look to the silver screen, actors have many different types of smiles. Almost all have straight, white teeth and a smile that exudes confidence. The job of an orthodontist is to idealize the position of your teeth from an aesthetic standpoint and to idealize your occlusion, or “bite,” as much as possible. Orthodontics can greatly enhance the appearance of a smile, making it more balanced and aesthetically pleasing. An orthodontist analyzes smiles in a few different planes of space — anterior-posterior (is the jaw too far forward or backward?), vertical (a very long face or really gummy smile), transverse (is the jaw too narrow?), and crowding of the teeth — while also evaluating how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other. Together, these aspects contribute to the balance or imbalance of the face and smile. Addressing the skeletal structure using braces or clear aligners, sometimes in conjunction with jaw surgery, orthodontists strive to achieve a beautiful smile. In addition to producing a better-looking smile, one of the goals when straightening teeth is to idealize the occlusion or bite. Correcting the bite helps protect the teeth while functioning, specifically when chewing. Protecting teeth gives them greater longevity, slowing down the process of breakdown and tooth loss. This is often achieved in conjunction with the patient’s general dentist and other dental specialists. Sometimes patients need restorations, bone and gum procedures and night guards, as well. The orthodontic placement of the front teeth and how these teeth relate to the lip and chin positions greatly influence the smile. When possible, the front teeth should follow the contour of the lower lip, which is known as the smile line. 26 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
Timing of treatment is also important, because most of the time form follows function. If a child has a narrow upper jaw, the lower jaw will find a comfortable place to close and will likely shift to one side. If this goes untreated, the jaw will grow asymmetrically and the chin may appear off center. This can only be treated surgically as an adult if untreated as a child. Straightening your teeth can make you feel more beautiful. It gives harmony and balance to your face and many patients feel more confident after orthodontic treatment. The confidence alone is therapeutic and permeates through all facets of life. It’s like finally starting a workout regimen that you’ve been planning for months or eating just a little healthier — you get excited that you’re actually doing it. Early treatment can go a long way in counteracting the effects of aging on our mouth — and subsequently, our smile. Smiling daily and often is most important regardless of your teeth. The act of smiling itself has a positive effect on the brain and mood. It lightens your day and someone else’s, too!
lifestyle
plan time to
exercise on vacation Text by ruth bozeman, certified personal trainer, germantown athletic club
Each time I prepare for a vacation I pack my workout clothes, resistance bands and other workout gear wondering, “Will I really exercise on vacation?” Isn't the point to take a break from real life? Getting away from reality is good for the soul, and getting away from the usual workout routine can be good for the body. However, a vacation can be the perfect time to exercise. By ditching your routine, you open your mind to new ways to move your body, have fun and stay fit while you're on vacation. The first thing I would recommend is to make a plan and be realistic with your expectations. Just as you would prepare ahead to go sightseeing or to visit an amusement park, you need to make a plan to exercise. You can work it in around your vacation activities. The most obvious thing to do is to make sure you are staying at a hotel with a fitness center or pool and use those amenities each day, planning set times to do so. This way, you can pretty much do what you normally do at home. There are many other opportunities for exercise while on vacation. For example, many cities, such as New York or San Francisco, lend themselves to walking. You can sightsee and work out at the same time. If you are staying near the ocean, walking along the beach is a perfect way to get exercise. Walking on soft sand burns more calories than walking on a hard surface. Try going for a swim, or get adventurous and do something out of the ordinary, like surfing. Many resorts have tennis courts. Check out your destination amenities and think outside the box — it’s all in the planning. 28 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
Finding fun cardio activities is easy when you're on vacation. Lifting weights, however, presents more of a challenge. You don't have to do much to maintain your strength level while you're out of town. A quick workout with body-weight exercises, resistance bands or full water bottles will keep you strong and fit until you get back home to your usual routine. Following this ultra-quick workout targets the major muscles of the body for an efficient vacation workout. To do it you only need a light-medium weight resistance band and a chair. Push ups
shoulder and hold onto a chair. Bend knee and lower into a one-legged squat (butt back, knee behind toe). As you press back up, push the right arm up in an overhead press. Do about 16 and switch to the other side. Dead Lift with Band Row
Stand on band and pull it tight, hands in front of thighs. Keeping back flat, tip from the hips and bring hands down the legs to mid shin. At the bottom of the movement, bend elbows and pull them up to your ribcage, contracting the back. Lower the arms and stand back up. Repeat for one minute. Tricep Dips
Push ups work your arms, chest, abs and back and don't require any equipment. Do them on your knees (easier) or toes and keep your back straight (no sagging) and your head in neutral alignment. Keep abs tight as you lower and exhale as you push back up. Do as many as you can for one minute.
Find a chair or solid object and sit on it with hands next to hips. Move hips in front of chair and, keeping butt close to the chair, bend the elbows and lower a few inches. Don't sink into the shoulder or lower past 90 degrees. Push back up. Repeat for one minute.
Plié Squats with Bicep Curls
Side Plank Ab Twist
Stand with feet wider than shoulders, toes turned out and resistance band stretched under your feet. Keeping the band taut, lower into a plié, keeping knees in line with (and behind) toes. Curl arms up. Lower the arms and push into the heels to stand up. Repeat for 1 minute.
Lie on your right side and push up so that your body is supported by right hand (or bent forearm), feet stacked. Straighten left arm and sweep it down, twisting your body and turning shoulders towards the floor (hips don't move). Do it on the other side and then hit the beach.
One-legged Squat with Shoulder Press
This workout won't take the place of a total body program, but it's great for maintaining fitness while allowing you ample time to have a fabulous vacation!
Stand with right foot on band and left foot lifted a few inches off the ground. Hold one end of the band in the right hand just over the
June 2012 • athometn.com | 29
community
Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg: Taking Tennessee to the World Text by rob hoskins | photography courtesy of ed rode
We are revisiting Tennessee's biggest export town this month, thanks to its legendary distillery. 30| At Home Tennessee • June 2012
June 2012 • athometn.com | 31
community
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JACK DANIEL'S DISTILLERY
32| At Home Tennessee • June 2012
People often wonder why Jack Daniel built his now world-famous whiskey distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The fact of the matter is that he didn’t pick his spot based on any town or county; he was after good water. Near Lynchburg, he found a cave spring. The water was cool, clear and it tasted good. It was virtually iron free, and made for good whiskey. So in 1866, Mr. Jack founded his distillery at the mouth of the cave spring. He didn’t pick Lynchburg, but Lynchburg picked him. Today, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is known worldwide, and so is the tiny town where every drop is still made. Folks find it hard to believe, but a quick walk around the distillery makes a believer out of every skeptic. "Every drop of Jack Daniel's is made in Lynchburg – this small town in a dry county where you're not even allowed to buy a drink of the hometown product," says Jeff Arnett, master distiller. "We make enough whiskey here to satisfy the thirst of more than 135 countries…all in a town with one stoplight." That global thirst has made Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 the top-selling whiskey in the world. But don’t think for a second that the amount of whiskey flowing from the Jack Daniel’s Hollow has turned Lynchburg into a hustleand-bustle, workaday sort of town. Quite the contrary. Lynchburg is the county seat of Moore County, dry since before National Prohibition. The closest liquor store is in Tullahoma, about 12 miles, five steps and one screen door away from the distillery.
things to do If you make it to Lynchburg, chances are you’re there to see Mr. Jack’s distillery. And that’s a trip worth making. It’s part history lesson, part modern marvel, with nostalgia to spare. And thanks to some of the best tour guides anywhere, you’re bound to learn a lot about Old No. 7, all the way from grains to gold-medal whiskey. The tour includes a stop at Mr. Jack’s old office, built near the cave spring. Inside you’ll find the safe that took his life. One morning the combination left Mr. Jack. In a fit of anger, he gave the safe a swift kick, breaking his toe in the process. Infection and eventually blood poisoning set in and before long, Jack was gone. He didn’t go far. His grave is in Lynchburg’s public cemetery. June 2012 • athometn.com | 33
community
Everyone knows that the Jack Daniel Distillery makes whiskey. But not everyone knows that they also produce quite a bit of charcoal. You learn about that at the rick yard. Hard sugar maple ricks are burned to create the charcoal used to mellow Jack Daniel’s. As the un-aged whiskey filters slowly, drop by drop, through 10 feet of charcoal, impurities and offflavors are removed. This step is known as mellowing and it’s what makes Jack Daniel’s what it is – a Tennessee whiskey. Remove this step and you have an excellent bourbon whiskey. Mellowing is a time-consuming process but the distillers at Jack Daniel’s believe it’s well worth the extra work and expense. The tour shows you every step of the process from the spring to a bottling line. And at the end of the tour, you can sip a cool glass of lemonade while you browse the White Rabbit Bottle Shop for a souvenir. After you tour the distillery, the town square is a must-see and is within walking distance. The Lynchburg Hardware & General Store has miles of memorabilia. Lem Motlow, Jack’s favorite nephew, owned it as a means of supporting the family while the distillery was closed during Prohibition. Today the store serves as the primary outlet of Jack Daniel’s logo items of all kinds – from guitars to grills, pool tables to barrel tables. And if you’re feeling hungry, you won’t be for long. On the Lynchburg square you’ll find some of the best Southern food and barbecue around. For lodging, we recommend experiencing Southern hospitality at a local bed and breakfast, but there are plenty of places to call it a night from nearby hotels to RV parks.
people to know Lynchburg holds few joys greater than finding yourself seated for lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House. The proprietress is none other than Mr. Jack’s great-grandniece, Lynne Tolley. She serves up regional staples like country ham, chicken with pastry, fried okra and a blackberry cobbler that words fail to describe. “Miss Mary was a wonderful lady who loved to laugh,” says Tolley. “She wasn’t the greatest of cooks, but her talent was always hiring great cooks to work in her kitchen.” When Miss Mary died in 1983 (at the age of 102), the locals worried that the boarding house would close. The Jack Daniel Distillery purchased the boarding house to preserve the tradition. It’s not a stretch to assume they also wanted to preserve their seat at the table. 34| At Home Tennessee • June 2012
Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House serves midday dinner (what some folks call lunch) Monday through Saturday, but it’s a good idea to call ahead for reservations at this local eatery. If you happen across Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, shake his hand. He’s only the seventh person to hold that position in 142 years of Jack Daniel’s history, Mr. Jack having been the first. So it’s up to Jeff to make sure that every step is performed to satisfaction: milling, yeasting, fermenting, distilling, mellowing and maturing. He gets to taste a good bit of whiskey, too – to ensure quality and consistency for the rest of us.
when to come Distillery tours are given from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the year aside from Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. And since the tour is largely outdoors, it’s best experienced on a sunny day, although, as locals like to say, it never rains in Lynchburg…it’s just a delivery of raw material for whiskey making. If you make it to Lynchburg around Christmastime, you’ll see a tree made of 187 white oak barrels lighting the night sky. Another highlight of the year happens on the fourth Saturday in October. That’s when folks come out by the thousands for the Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue Cook Off. “The Jack” is no small contest. To qualify for entry U.S. teams must have already won either a competition in which 50 or more teams participated or a “state championship.” The final field will also include 20-some international teams. Regardless of who comes to compete, the real winners are the visitors who get to take in the sights, smells and flavors of truly world-class barbecue. “This was, of course, Jack’s hometown,” Arnett says of Lynchburg. “While we like to believe that Jack helps to make Lynchburg special, it’s working both ways. Lynchburg is a wonderful place with some wonderful people. Those people are as essential an ingredient in the Jack Daniel’s recipe as our cave spring water. They make Jack Daniel’s special.” The Jack Daniels Distillery attracts upwards of 200,000 visitors each year. It’s located about 75 miles southeast of Nashville. To start planning your trip, visit www.JackDaniels.com June 2012 • athometn.com | 35
travel
Southern Revitalization at its Best The New Gulf Coast of Mississippi
TEXT BY JANNA Fite HERBISON | photography courtesy of MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Catching up with Mississippi's beautiful destination that has come a long way in recent years 38| At Home Tennessee • June 2012
travel
June 2012 • athometn.com | 39
travel
One of my very first visits to the Mississippi Gulf Coast was in August of 2005, but it wasn’t for a vacation. My trip was in honor of something much more special. I traveled to Kiln, MS, near Gulfport to visit an amazing addition to my family – my niece Katie, who was at the ripe old age of one week. During my stay, my mother, sister and brother-in-law gave me the grand tour of the area, especially Old Town in Bay St. Louis. I fell in love with the quaint yet sophisticated shops and restaurants full of character from long ago, the smell of the salt water in the nearby bay, and the beautiful, sprawling oak trees all around. Exactly one week later, however – all of that would change. Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Louisiana, destroying in its path almost everything I had 40 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
seen and looked forward to seeing again. My niece became what’s now known as a “Katrina baby” two weeks into her life. She, along with her parents and mine, fled from Kiln all the way back to Tennessee. It was a devastating blow to my sister’s new family and the entire region as well. Thankfully, their home (that has been passed down for several generations) was spared, but the damage was done to far too many others. In spite of their world literally collapsing around them, however, the natives of the Mississippi Gulf Coast weren’t going down without a fight. Soon after the cleanup and with the generosity of many across the nation in the wake of Katrina’s aftermath, a new light began to shine on this little area. Even though it was a tough battle and not without controversy,
the rebuilding finally began. Residents and business owners bonded together, with the contributions of many concerned Americans to help make it possible. The light was starting to look like a very bright one at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Now, seven years later, there is evidence all around that the Mississippi Gulf Coast and its residents eventually won the battle. The loss was great but the rebuilding efforts showed the strength of so many communities in this area. The shops and restaurants are a little different, but they’re back – in a big way. Some actually survived the storm, miraculously. In other cases, owners either rebuilt their businesses or started new ones. Little by little, the tide finally turned.
On a recent visit during Mardi Gras, I was thrilled to see just how far the Mississippi Gulf Coast has come. All down the shore and the bay, there are endless places to stay, dine and visit once again – but now with evidence of little miracles interspersed between them. My trip this time was also filled with celebrations, parades and the grand traditions of Mardi Gras, which made it that much more special. The three counties that comprise this portion of the coast are Hancock, Harrison and Jackson, with towns including Gulfport, Biloxi, Kiln, Waveland and Pass Christian, just to name a few. I was fortunate this trip to stay at the renowned Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, with all of its upscale boutiques, shops, and restaurants (such as the Memphis Q Smokehouse & Barbeque). One fun fact: Beau Rivage is the largest private sector employer in Biloxi with more than 3,000 employees, and recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the country’s top resorts. Casinos are prominent throughout Biloxi, and are now grounded stateside (postKatrina) instead of being afloat as they were for many years prior to the storm. Two remarkable restaurants in the area are the Half Shell Oyster House in Biloxi and the Jourdan River Steamer in Kiln. I try to always visit the Steamer during trips to my sister’s house, to experience its wide array of fresh seafood selections and great family atmosphere. I had already heard rave reviews of the Half Shell when I finally dined there on my recent trip, and its eclectic menu, small plates and fabulous drinks did not disappoint. Steak lovers looking for a more traditional meal will also love Lookout Steakhouse in Gulfport and Mignon’s at Palace Casino. For
breakfast or brunch, Harbor View Restaurant in Long Beach and McElroy’s in Ocean Springs offer delicious seafood twists on classic morning fare. The historic monuments and art along this Gulf Coast region aren’t just a reminder of Katrina, but of the area’s rich cultural past. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi features internationally recognized architecture and a plethora of exhibits along with the Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center. The 100 Men D.B.A. Hall in Bay St. Louis is a longtime center of African-American entertainment and society. In 1922, the One Hundred Members Debating Benevolent Association built the hall that has seen such legends as Etta James and Big Joe Turner grace its stage over the years. Other attractions in the area that epitomize the coastal region include: Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis home and Presidental Library; the Bay St. Louis Depot; St. Rose de Lima Church; Biloxi Lighthouse and of course, the inspirational Hurricane Katrina Memorial at the Biloxi Town Green. Initially after Katrina hit, visitors came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast mostly to offer help, assess the damage or see the aftermath with their own eyes. Thankfully, things are a lot different these days. Now they come once again as they did before the storm; to experience the delightful shops and restaurants, watch a sunset on the beautifully restored shore of the bay, and to admire the vast, glorious oak trees that continue to mark this region. Oak trees that can – along with the resilient residents of the area – be considered survivors. June 2012 • athometn.com |41
travel
Florida’s Gulf Coast: Rosemary Beach and Beyond TEXT BY RACHEL HOLDER | photography courtesy of JUSTIN HOLDER
42 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
travel
For many Tennesseans, a favorite summer vacation destination remains the pristine Gulf Coast of Florida. With a shorter drive time than most of its Southern coastal counterparts, the Gulf is an easy choice. Nestled between the bustling commercialized cities of Destin and Panama City, you’ll find a row of quaint beach communities known affectionately as “30-A” for the highway they follow. Rosemary Beach is one of several eclectic and unique communities along this stretch, just past its beachfront counterparts like Watercolor, Seaside and Alyce.
STAY Perhaps it’s fitting to save the best for last in this strip of paradise, because Rosemary Beach is truly that. While you may want to venture over to Seaside for shopping, and Watercolor for a nature hike (or perhaps a wine tasting), plan to spend the bulk of your time enjoying all that Rosemary has to offer. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an entire week of family fun, the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Program can provide you with any type of accommodation from an ocean-front beach house to a carriage house, loft, or flat located throughout the community in a variety of price ranges. Any location you choose will be within walking distance of one of Rosemary’s four stunning pools.
definitely a walking and biking town, so head over to Bamboo Bicycle Company to pick up your transportation. Spend some time enjoying all of Rosemary’s amenities including the onsite fitness center, pools, playgrounds, Vivo Spa and Salon, and the many shops and boutiques (Tracery Interiors and Pish Posh Patchoulis are two you don’t want to miss). Once you’ve explored all the community has to offer, head out of town on the bike path that follows scenic 30-A to Deer Lake State Park. Be sure to take your camera for a photo at one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes that are only found in two other spots in the world — remote regions of Africa and Australia. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try a Yolo Board class on Western Lake. This hybrid water sport combines traditional surfing with kayaking and canoeing, all in a stand-up position. Another plus is the fact that it affords an excellent view of local wildlife. Other fun options include yoga classes offered beachside, or a tennis lesson with a pro from the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club. After a long day of biking, hiking, or boarding you’ll want to stop by the Sea Oats Beach Service to rent a comfy chair and umbrella so you can soak up the salt air and the gorgeous Rosemary sunset.
DINE
Some of the country’s best restaurants are located along 30-A, so aim to arrive with PLAY When you arrive, plan to park your car for the an empty stomach and take full advantage duration of the trip. Rosemary Beach is most of what’s in store. On your way in, stop by
Modica Market in Seaside. At this familyowned gourmet grocery, you’ll find all kinds of treats to stock your cottage as well as fresh salads, pastries and a great wine selection. Once in Rosemary, you’ll want to plan breakfast at Cowgirl Kitchen; don’t miss their specialties including breakfast tacos and the chipotle bacon breakfast sandwich. Once you’ve worked up an appetite for lunch, head over to Wild Olives Market, Deli and Bakery on the north side of the town square. Here you’ll find mouth-watering dishes like the fried green tomato BLT or goat cheese salad. Finally, make plans to enjoy an upscale evening at Restaurant Paradis. Although you can’t go wrong with the grouper or filet mignon, try branching out with the Stuffed Shrimp Paradis — grilled jumbo wild shrimp, crabmeatstuffed and pancetta-wrapped. Save room for dessert and split the Chocolate Mousse Cake...a perfect way to end your day in Rosemary.
GOING ON NOW June 9 and 10 mark the dates of the annual West Indies Market in Rosemary Beach. This popular, open-air event features booths filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, wood carvings and other handcrafted items. Throughout the summer you’ll also want to grab a blanket and catch one of the “Moonlight & Movies” events happening on Thursday nights. For more information or to plan your stay, go to rosemarybeach.com or visitsouthwalton.com. June 2012 • athometn.com |43
at home with
At Home Tennessee: What would you say are some of the major highlights of your music career to date?
Pam Tillis: Winning CMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” in 1994 put me in some excellent company. Also, my induction into the Grand Ole Opry, and having my first album go platinum, along with the second and third!
AHT: If you had to pick a favorite recording, what would it be?
PT: I think “Maybe It Was Memphis” was really special. Though I have to say, “All the Good Ones Are Gone” just comes off great, still to this day. AHT: What inspired your hit “Maybe It Was Memphis?” PT: (Songwriter) Michael Anderson wrote it about a summer fling. Of all the songs I recorded that I wish I’d also written, that one is it! AHT: Describe the influence your father (Mel Tillis) has had on your career over the years.
At Home With
Pam Tillis interview by janna fite herbison | photography courtesy of TONY BAKER
The veteran singer-songwriter talks about her musical inspirations, her legendary father and what makes Tennessee so special 44 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
PT: It’s hard to put that into a short reply. So many ways — some obvious, some subconscious, some genetic! First of all, he has a great work ethic, but it’s not a grind-it-out kind of work ethic. He has so much love and joy about what he does. He treats people with respect and charm. He uses humor as the shortest bridge between himself and an audience. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. AHT: Which artist have you most enjoyed performing with, either on stage or in the studio? PT: Dolly Parton. I’ve sung on two or three of her albums and she sang on one of mine. She is a genius– and funny as hell. Her voice gives me goose bumps goose bumps! It’s even better standing right beside her; no microphone, no nothing. That is a God thing.
"My favorite song (to write) is usually the one I just finished.” AHT: Which is more rewarding for you as a musician — songwriting or performing? What songs have been your favorites to write? PT: I would hate to give up either one. Love them both. My favorite song is usually the one I just finished.
AHT: What made you transition into acting roles? PT: People called and asked! AHT: Tell us about your new and upcoming projects – including the musical film The Goree Girls (with Jennifer Aniston) and your WSM radio show in Nashville.
PT: The Goree Girls is on the shelf currently and that’s all I can say. The radio show was 48 shows for WSM, and I called it the “Lettin’ My Roots Show.” Every show had a theme and I played a very broad range of country music from eight decades. It was eclectic for sure, but that’s my taste. AHT: What type of music would we find on your iPod? PT: A little bit of everything, seriously… from bluegrass to alternative, old country, singer-songwriter stuff, soundtracks and jazz. I’m not big on rap or techno but I can appreciate it all, as long as it’s not degrading to women or promotes drugs.
AHT: In your opinion, what makes Tennessee a great place to call home? PT: Tennessee is one of the prettiest states to me. It’s a deciduous rain forest, in other words, green but with four seasons. I love green and rolling hills. We’re blessed with some beautiful waterways. Close to home I have an enduring love affair with the Nashville skyline; I can’t quite explain it but every time I regard it from a distance it makes my heart happy. June 2012 • athometn.com |45
travel cuisine
ADAM SANDLER IN SPANGLISH PHOTO COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES
ON SET OF HBO’S LUCK PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK WHITE
THE HUNGER GAMES PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE STUDIO
From Pulaski
to HOLLYWOOD BY janna fite herbison
JACK WHITE WITH PULASKI MAYOR DAN SPEER PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK WHITE
46 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
JACK WHITE WITH LASSIE PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK WHITE
cuisine An interview with Hollywood food stylist and Tennessee native Jack White At Home Tennessee: What are some of the more challenging aspects of food styling for film that most people would not realize? Jack White: There are several things most people don’t think about when they see an actor eating in a scene from a movie or a television show. The two major challenges are continuity and dietary conditions. Each time the director says “cut” and goes back to first position, every plate on every table has to be reset exactly the way it was before the scene started. Another challenge: many times it’s scripted that actors have to eat things that aren’t in their personal diet plan. In these cases, we have to figure out ways to create food items that look like what’s scripted, but may be something completely different. A great example of this is the smoked rabbit in The Hunger Games where we used the legs of Cornish game hens for the actors, rather than rabbit. AHT: In a nutshell, how did you end up going from Pulaski, Tennessee, to the Grand Ole Opry to Hollywood? JW: I graduated from the University of North Alabama with a degree in broadcasting. I had always dreamed of working at WSM radio as child growing up in Pulaski. I went to apply and the only job opening was as a ride operator at the theme park. Later I was promoted to tour guide for the Opry House and drove a tour bus around the Nashville homes of the stars. From the Opry, I went to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Nashville, to a local theater on the Belle Carol riverboat, which took me to the Hyatt Grand Central Station in New York. I started auditioning for acting jobs there, which led to my role on The Guiding Light. I was later invited back to the Grand Ole Opry and introduced on stage as the former tour guide working on a soap opera. AHT: What made you transition from actor to caterer in your career? How do you manage both in the same movie (i.e. Iron Man 2)? JW: I moved to LA to pursue an acting career after working as an actor in New York for several years. Things didn’t happen too quickly here, so I went back to cooking to help pay the bills. While prepping for an event with a caterer here in LA, I met a food stylist who was using the catering kitchen and she offered me a job (even though I didn’t know what a food stylist was back then). I’ve been working as a stylist ever since. As far as juggling two jobs on
one set – in Iron Man 2, for example, by the time the food gets to the set, I am usually able to just walk over to my mark and get ready to film. After each take, I run to my food station and help my assistants reset everything. I only had one major scene that involved both acting and food prep at the same time. The other days it was either working as an actor or working as the food stylist.
first, and I hope last, time to ever have to cook squirrels. Getting them cooked and then mounted onto a stick was very challenging.
AHT: What are some of your more memorable food moments over the years in styling these films?
JW: I guess I should’ve saved the Holly Hunter story for this one. I was also fortunate enough to work on the short-lived HBO series Luck with Dustin Hoffman. He is not only a master of the craft, he makes everyone around him feel very appreciated for the work they do. In Iron Man 2, I was so excited to get to work as an actor again with Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell. Both of them were so supportive of my character. Most of the scenes were improvised and it was like playing with two old friends.
JW: One of my favorite experiences was the opportunity to work with the most famous chef in the country, Thomas Keller of the French Laundry and Per Se. He was the inspiration for Adam Sandler’s character in Spanglish. We were able to recreate, under his supervision, several of his famous dishes for the movie. Working with him changed the way I looked at my job. I also have to add that that every day in which I had the opportunity to work on Saving Grace alongside actress Holly Hunter was like attending a master’s level class on how to work on a set. To me she is the epitome of a consummate actor, and always reaching to get the most out of every second.
White acted as “myJackco-conspirator on Saving Grace, because it seemed like he was often fixing me food to eat onscreen. He used his vivid imagination to come up with incredible tasting food to eat take after take. His pancakes were still some of the best I've ever had, and Jack was just fun to be around. – actress Holly Hunter
”
AHT: The Hunger Games revolves so much around the concept of food – what were some of the most challenging scenes with regard to food styling for the film? JW: I think the biggest challenge was trying to create things that may not have been seen before for the Capital scenes. It was also my
AHT: You have worked with many actors during your career – have any of their personalities surprised you? Who has been the most enjoyable to work with over the years?
AHT: What are some of your recent projects? JW: I have two films that are coming out soon: The Amazing Spider-man and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. AHT: You recently opened an event and meeting space in Pulaski – how does it feel to share your talents and expertise with your hometown? JW: It’s funny that I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years and it seems to have taken that long for people to figure out what my job is – lol. The Hunger Games was shot in North Carolina, so I was able to use my space in Tennessee to create the recipes and samples for the movie. Lots of locals stopped by to see what we were doing. I think that was the first time people in town were able to get a real idea of my job, and seeing the movie with the food also helped, of course. AHT: Finally, in your opinion, what makes Tennessee special and unique (especially compared with the entertainment world of Hollywood)? JW: “There’s no place like home,” to quote Dorothy. It’s really nice to get in a car and drive somewhere and not be stuck in hours of traffic. Los Angeles is a difficult town to work in. I love that Nashville has the same feel of LA at times, but is actually a much nicer place to be. We just need to figure out how to convince the film industry to do more work in Nashville – and in Tennessee overall. June 2012 • athometn.com | 47
arts
Tennessee Artist Expands His Repertoire to
State Capitol TEXT BY KRISTEN MYERS WADDELL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF RANDAL MARTIN
Gov. Bill Haslam recently accepted a oneof-a-kind sculpture of the official state bird of Tennessee from nationally acclaimed fine artist Randal Martin. The lifelike work depicts the mockingbird, perched on a carved branch of the tulip poplar, which is the official state tree of Tennessee. The sculpture also includes the state insect, the ladybug, as well as a baby mockingbird, all intricately shown in their native habitat. After expressing his awe of the sculpture, asking how long it took to carve and what materials were used to create such an amazing piece of art, Gov. Haslam went on to say, "On behalf of all of the citizens of the Volunteer State, I want to thank Randal Martin for this one-of-a-kind sculpture of the state bird of Tennessee. It is a stunning piece of art to add to the Capitol's collection, and I will proudly 48 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
with clay and Meerschaum pipes recently did he find his true passion — wood. Carving only since 2001, Martin has received awards and commissions from around the globe for his carvings and illustrations and his work has been displayed in galleries from coast to coast. Other notable commissions include an album cover painting for the Charlie Daniels Band “Road Dogs” album, the cover illustration for a Merle Haggard Christmas album, a red-tailed hawk carving for Billy Ray Cyrus, an original illustration of Earl Scruggs’ likeness on “The Earl” banjo for Gibson Bluegrass Guitars, which was displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville as well as a hummingbird carving for the vice president of Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Company An outdoor enthusiast and nature lover, (NTT) in Japan. Now, he has made his artistic Tennessee native Randal Martin began drawing contribution to his home state official. at an early age, but only after experimenting display it in my office for all to see!" He added, "I understand the White House also has one of Randal Martin’s sculptures as part of its permanent archival collection, and we want you to know it is with great honor that we join their ranks." Martin boasts that his greatest honor to date was being selected to carve an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree. First Lady Laura Bush invited him to create an ornament exclusively for the White House Christmas Tree in 2004. In a tradition begun by Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960's, Christmas themes have been selected annually, and Mrs. Bush selected "All Creatures Great and Small," for which Martin chose to carve a bluebird.
technology
Home
Networking The New Utility Text by SCOTT FUELLING President, Phoenix Unequaled Home Entertainment, memphis
that doesn’t offer some form of bundling. They want you to use their services and to charge you for as much as possible. Each level of content or service has a specific benefit that may interest you, whereas the rest of what you pay for in that package may not. The question becomes whether there is a way to pay for only the features you want. The literal answer is yes and no. More and more specific content services are cropping up on the Internet. There are also media players you can purchase to drive this content to your home. Some of the more recognized media players are the Apple TV, Sonos, Roku and Squeeze Box. Some of the content providers you may have heard of or used are NetFlix, Hulu, DirecTV, YouTube and iTunes. Additionally there is a voluminous amount of free high-resolution content available on the Internet that can be brought into your home. The ability to access these options and even branch into home control, security or distributed audio/video content relies on your home network. Every time you open your utility bill, you probably notice you pay for water, electricity and gas from the local utility company for your area. Then you open your cable, phone or satellite provider’s bill and become aware of your costs for telephone, Internet access and entertainment. The truth of the matter is these are driven by personal choices. For example: • If you have a pool or irrigation system, you expect to have a higher water bill. • If you have a lot of refrigeration to cool your home or if there are a lot of inefficient lamps or light fixtures in your house you can expect a higher electricity bill. • You might want to consider replacing older home entertainment gear or computers. Newer, more efficient or green certified (such as Energy Star) components can greatly reduce electrical consumption. • You can expect higher gas bills if your home has exterior gas lanterns, a built-in gas grill, a gas range, cooktop or oven or if you regularly use a fireplace with gas logs. These are all personal decisions in terms of budget, desires and knowledge of the currently available options. However, times are changing for phone, Internet and cable/satellite. Everybody wants you to bundle. I cannot think of one major provider 50 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
This is often an overlooked component of your home’s construction. Chances are your home network is probably a mismatch of components — some were likely installed by the service provider, some by someone not familiar with the ultimate demands placed on a home network or installation may have been a DIY project. The bottom line is without a strong, robust, reliable network, everyone in your home suffers at one point or another. Here is a point to consider: Every smart phone, iPad, tablet, PC, Mac and even the new generation of smart televisions requires access to the Internet. In fact, they pretty much DEMAND it! So what do you do? It is imperative to allow for a robust network in your home. Most home networks have many demands on them already, and if you add streaming entertaining content, performance speeds will suffer if the delivery system isn’t big enough to handle it. Where to begin… That’s a tough call. A home network is best installed by someone who has a solid understanding of systems, proper installation practices and proper certification practices for both the hardwired and wireless networking components. You want the network to be hefty enough to prepare you for the next few years and the increasing demands ahead. All of this requires a professional’s touch to ensure you will not be constantly rebooting hardware or dealing with networking down time or the frustration that comes from having to figure out where the problem exists. This is the delivery system for the new utility in today’s home and for the future yet to come.
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David Keith Returning Home to Tennessee Roots: Catching up with Knoxville’s own
TEXT BY LINDA BENTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ben finch
June 2012 • athometn.com | 53
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“ IF I LOVE IT,
I ADD IT TO THE DECOR ” - DAVID KEITH
54 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
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Actor David Keith may play a tough guy on screen, but a recent visit to his West Knoxville home revealed a much different side to the Golden Globe-nominated actor from East Tennessee. While other celebrities with similar success might measure their worth in showy displays of wealth, Keith prefers to measure his life by the people who have made a difference in it and the places that mean the most to him. His home is like a tapestry: rich in color and texture and overflowing with sentimental reminders of everything he loves. His eclectic collection of furniture, books, memorabilia and art reflects Keith’s personality to a “T” — Well, let’s make that a UT! A native of the Knoxville area and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Keith left town in 1977 with a degree in theater and an unquenchable desire to become an actor. His dream was realized when his film career took off in the late 70’s with notable roles in The Rose, The Great Santini, Brubaker, Lords of Discipline, Firestarter and more. Then in the early 80’s, his breakthrough performance as Richard Gere’s best friend in An Officer and a Gentleman earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2001, though, Keith left the Hollywood spotlight and returned home to Knoxville to settle down and raise a family. “L.A. is great but it’s not home,” says Keith. “I shoot all over the world, from Bulgaria to Honolulu, where I have a reoccurring role in Hawaii Five-0, but I keep my family life anchored here.” His work with Law & Order, CSI and NCIS also involved travel coast-to-coast. Keith’s approach to life proves that he can play any role — both on screen and off. From displaying his culinary skills in the kitchen to driving carpool for his daughter and talking to his agent about upcoming roles, Keith moves in and out of character seamlessly. He laughs when he admits he really doesn’t want a man cave. “I want to be right in the middle of the chaos with my wife and kids.” His spacious and sun-filled home is nestled in a thicket of lush green hardwoods, with a naturalized landscape all around. The thick woods surrounding the home allow for bare windows that frame the beauty of nature. Constructed of wood and natural mountain
stone, Keith’s contemporary home is filled with reminders of days gone by. From his grandmother’s Blue Willow china display to the hall gallery of family photos, Keith and his wife Nancy have created a home that reflects love above all else. In the entry hall is a shadow box collage which includes a photo of his Uncle David, his uncle’s Air Force Medal and his Purple Heart. “My uncle was a decorated flight engineer in World War II who was killed in action. I’m so proud to be his namesake,” shares Keith. On the baby grand piano over 20 framed photos feature family and friends. Tables hold stacks of books with well-worn pages. Artifacts from his world travels bring interest to every room. “If I love it, I add it to the decor,” shares Keith. Clearly, his “loves” are many. Though family is always front and center, Keith also has an affinity for music and all things orange — UT orange, that is. Throughout the home, an occasional wall is painted a rich shade of orange, and with a mix of Asian, East Indian, Moroccan, French, Czechoslovakian and American pieces, the rich-toned walls provide a common theme that pulls the look together. June 2012 • athometn.com | 55
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“ When a shoot begins, if I’m using my native
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accent, I try to work some reference to the Tennessee Vols into the scene. It’s my way of promoting a school that provided such a great foundation for my acting career.
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June 2012 • athometn.com | 57
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Nowhere is orange more prominent than in Keith’s University of Tennessee room. Filled floor-to-ceiling with photos, newspaper clippings, framed magazine articles and autographed memorabilia, the room reflects Keith’s lifetime of involvement with the his alma mater. “Even when I’m on location, my heart is always here,” he confesses. “When a shoot begins, if I’m using my native accent I try to work some reference to the Tennessee Vols into the scene. It’s my way of promoting a school that provided such a great foundation for my acting career.” The room is also filled with other treasured pieces, like an autographed hockey stick from the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team and the car bumper from one of Kyle Petty’s NASCAR races. In another room, Keith proudly displays items that exhibit his love of music. An avid blues fan, Keith plays guitar by ear for his own personal enjoyment. His collection of more than 20 acoustic and electric guitars fills the room. The walls are covered with photos of his favorite musicians, most notably Johnny Winter. His eyes light up when he shares the story of meeting the music icon. One of Keith’s prized possessions is a 1932 National Steel Dobro guitar, autographed by Winter. Keith is fiercely protective of not only his own children, but all children. He is actively involved in PROTECT, a national non-profit organization dedicated to shielding children from physical, sexual and emotional abuse. A spokesperson, fundraiser and lobbyist for the group since 2004, Keith recently hosted a PROTECT event in Memphis to further promote the cause. We’ve got to stop child abuse at the source by putting tougher laws in place for the offenders,” he urges. Since its inception, PROTECT has worked with state governments and agencies to adopt such policies and laws. In Tennessee alone, PROTECT has worked to pass new legislation which includes the full disclosure of evidence in child abuse cases, tougher penalties for child torture, tougher sentences for offenders, and expansion of services and support to child victims. Indeed, Keith lives a full and rewarding life that personifies the old adage “home is where the heart is.” Clearly, his heart is and always will be in Tennessee — and his home state is all the richer for it. 58 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
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Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Courtesy of David Keith
Clockwise from top left: Keith and Richard Gere in 1983’s An Officer and a Gentleman; Keith and Jimmy Buffett on the set of Hawaii Five-O; with actors Terry O’Quinn and Scott Caan (background) from an episode of Hawaii Five-O; Keith speaking on behalf of PROTECT; close up of Keith in his Tennessee Vols shirt on Hawaii Five-O episode.
screen grabs, CBS Productions
Courtesy of PROTECT
screen grabs, CBS Productions
June 2012 • athometn.com | 59
design
62 | At Home Tennessee •June 2012
design
CELEBRITY TOUR BUSES An inside look at Hemphill Brothers: Nashville’s tour bus company to the stars TEXT BY JANNA FITE HERBISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK LARSON & KIM LANCASTER-BRANTLEY
Nashville brothers Joey and Trent Hemphill started out traveling with their family on a tour bus singing gospel music as kids. Today they own and run Hemphill Brothers, one of the biggest tour bus companies in the country, and their client list reads like a Who’s Who in Hollywood. The two recently talked with At Home Tennessee about their business inspiration, unusual celebrity requests, and the right way to run a coast-to-coast enterprise.
Trent Hemphill: My Dad owned our are very hands-on when it comes to their bus and began to buy additional buses to lease out to other artists. When my older brother Joey turned 21 and I turned 20 in 1980, we decided to start buying and leasing buses on our own. My Dad sold us our first two buses after getting out of the business himself and the rest is history.
JH: We have learned by personal trial and error what works and what doesn’t on a bus.
At Home Tennessee: Tell us about Little things make a difference and we go how your childhood inspired you to start a the extra mile in the details. We take great tour bus business. pride in hiring knowledgeable people who also understand this importance. Joey Hemphill: Our first memory of a custom coach is from grade school. Our AHT: You represent many big-name clients mother’s family was a group of gospel singers from Hollywood to Nashville. How do you from Madisonville, KY, named the Happy handle that in terms of logistics? Goodmans. Occasionally, they would come to our small town of Bastrop, LA, with their JH: Very carefully (smile). We are blessed bus. Even then, we remember being in awe. to work with a great roster of clients. They
transportation. When we build a new bus or remodel their current one, either the client or their designer comes in to pick out colors and materials.
TH: With logistics, both the conversion and the mechanic shops are in close contact with us on a daily basis. Our experienced and highly qualified drivers also do a great job keeping up with maintenance and issues on the road. Our vice president, Mark Larson, along with Valerie Bell and Steve Hoker, also do a great job in our leasing department keeping in constant contact with tour managers and other management personnel to arrange drivers, routes and number of buses to best fit the needs of the artists. We know with the Hemphill name on each and every bus, we are responsible for the client having the best experience possible on the road. June 2012 • athometn.com | 63
design
“ WE HAVE INCLUDED EVERYTHING
FROM AN UPRIGHT PIANO IN THE FRONT LOUNGE FOR HARRY CONNICK JR., TO A TREADMILL IN THE BACK LOUNGE FOR TAYLOR SWIFT...
”
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AHT: What are some of the most interesting requests you have received from celebrity clients?
JH: We have included everything from an upright piano in the front lounge for Harry Connick, Jr. to a treadmill in the back lounge for Taylor Swift to three rolling television studios for ABC news. We have also managed to create an indoor fireplace, tanning beds, a mobile museum complete with display cases, recording studios and numerous other requests that are “outside the box.” Additionally, we have worked extensively with the Secret Service to provide vehicles for Presidential detail for more than a decade.
AHT: What features are normally most important to clients?
TH: It has always been comfort for the artist and dependability for the tour. Whether it’s a baby bed with a monitoring system or an extra thick mattress, we strive to make sure our clients always feel safe and comfortable on their journey. AHT: Describe some of your more elaborate and/or favorite bus features.
JH: All of our bus interiors are handmade and custom designed. We create our buses with top-of-the-line materials such as genuine leather, hardwood flooring, granite, marble and onyx. The combinations of these items produce a gorgeous bus interior. We also go the extra mile with what you don’t see to make the bus more elaborate. Heated marble bathroom floors, steam showers, Apple televisions, Wi-Fi, powered blinds, air pocket doors and HDTVs are a few of our favorite upgrades.
AHT: What is the average distance a bus travels during a tour?
TH: It honestly depends on the tour and the client. We have clients who live in Tennessee, in California and others who come from different parts of the world to tour in the US. Collectively our buses traveled over 5.7 million miles in 2011. Website: www.hemphillbrothers.com Phone: 615-876-9000
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styleMARKETPLACE
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Coolpix S30 10.1-Megapixel Digital Camera Nikon, $120 www.shop.nikonusa.com
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Mini Paris City Journals Cavallini & Co, $12 www.cavallini.com
WaterSeals Multipurpose Waterproof Pouch – Medium Lewis N. Clark, $13 www.travelproducts.com
June 2012 • athometn.com | 69
pet talk
Pet Talk with Harrison Forbes, celebrity pet expert
On the Road with Fido
Summer is here! There has never been a better time to be a pet owner and spend time traveling with our furry friends! Let's face it – traveling with a pet can be a dicey proposition. I think it is important first to assess whether your pet is one of those that travels well or is best suited to stay home and stick to his or her normal schedule. Pets thrive on routine. However, some pets do cope with the upheaval of travel well and we enjoy keeping them close, even on vacation. Try and make the decision based on THEIR best mental health, not what you or your family wants. Does Fido stress in the car? Does he bark when left in a hotel room? There are many reputable pet sitters who will come to your home and walk or play with Fido or the kitty. While it doesn't replace you, the normal home and routine will keep him happiest. Check locally with a vet or friends for references. For travel, there are now over 30,000 petfriendly hotels! From one-star motels to fivestar resorts with a pet concierge and in-room pet menus, the choices are endless, depending on your budget. Always check out the destination's web site beforehand just to be sure they are pet-friendly. Getting there can be a challenge as well. 70 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
Most airlines allow pets, but each has different rules so check with your carrier. For travel by car, be sure and take along some familiar bedding, toys, water, bowls and ALWAYS take your same brand of food! Nothing will ruin a trip quicker than a dog with diarrhea. Make sure and have your pet restrained in a carrier or seat belt system for everyone’s safety. Visit sites such as Kurgo.com or Petco for a wide selection of good products. I also love TAGG the pet tracker from Quallcomm, for monitoring your pet’s location if he does stay behind at home (you can actually check to see his route and location to ensure pet sitters are doing their job). This device is also good to have on the road. In the event he escapes from the car or hotel, you can track him on your Smartphone! There is so much to do and see this summer with your pet, so do your research and prepare well for a pet-perfect vacation! Harrison is a celebrity pet expert and host of a nationally syndicated radio show. He has also appeared on several television shows including Live! With Regis and Kelly, Larry King Live, The Today Show and Fox’s Red Eye. www.harrisonforbes.com
garden
Yew Dell near Louisville, KY is young but inspiring.
The University of Tennessee Gardens include an area maintained by staff and students showcasing some of the best roses for Tennessee.
My Big Backyard Children’s Garden at the Memphis Botanic Garden takes outdoor play to a whole new level.
garden
Be Inspired! text by ANDrew PULTE | photography courtesy of YELLOW DELL
in Nashville, and the family later bought 100 acres of property in West Nashville. Fastforward to 1960 and Cheekwood opened its doors to the public. Today it is a premier destination for plant lovers from across the U.S. As part of its mission, “Cheekwood exists to celebrate and preserve its landscape, buildings, art and botanical collections and…. provide an inspiring place for visitors to explore their connections with art, nature and the environment.” For all of these reasons and more, put Cheekwood on your list this year. Memphis Botanic Garden – Memphis (www. memphisbotanicgarden.com)
This area of the county is rife with public gardens! This is the best time of the year to get out and bring home inspiration for your own home garden. Here are a few places in our region you might consider visiting this year. In Tennessee: The University of Tennessee Gardens – Jackson/Knoxville (utgardens.tennessee.edu) With locations on either end of the state, the University of Tennessee Gardens are great places to see some cutting-edge plant material. The gardens, located in Knoxville and Jackson, are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. Some 4,000 annuals, perennials, herbs, tropicals, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses are evaluated on the grounds each year. Established in 1983 by UT’s Department of Plant Sciences, the UT Gardens are recognized as one of 34 official All-American Selections (AAS) test sites in the United States. Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art – Nashville (www.cheekwood.org) In the 1880’s Christopher T. Cheek and his son Leslie founded a wholesale grocery business
It wasn’t officially called the city’s botanical garden until 1966, but Memphians have been enjoying this land since the late 1940’s. A unique Japanese garden, urban orchard, conifer garden, butterfly garden and rose garden are all outstanding features here. However, the crown jewel of the MBG is My Big Backyard Children’s Garden. This attraction is quickly becoming known as one of the top sites of its kind in the country. The facility’s staff presents educational programs for over 43,000 students each year. The next time you’re in the Bluff City, check out the Memphis Botanic Garden and bring the kids. Out of State: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – Belmont, NC (www.dsbg.org) In 1991, Daniel Jonathan Stowe set aside nearly 400 acres of prime rolling meadows, woodland and lakefront property. His vision was for a garden that would rival some of the best in the world. Located in Belmont, NC — which is about 220 miles from Knoxville, this is a great day trip for those in East Tennessee. Beautiful water features and a toprate conservatory move the Stowe to the top of any regional list of great gardens. Fall is a particularly inspiring time to visit as sweeps of plume-filled grasses and late-blooming perennials abound.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens – Crestwood, KY (www.yewdellgardens.org) Plant lovers have plenty to see and do in and around Louisville, KY. A short three hours north of Nashville there is more than enough to fill a hortiholic’s day. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, just east of Louisville, would be an ideal first stop. Recently listed by Horticulture Magazine as one of the top 10 gardens to open in the last 10 years, Yew Dell is young but inspiring. Sixty years ago, this 33-acre garden was Oldham County farmland. Theodore and Martha Lee Klein, who lived on the property, spent a lifetime devoted to horticulture. The result is one of the best places in the country to marvel at all things green. Atlanta Botanical Garden – Atlanta, GA (www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org) Many in our state are very familiar with the well-traveled roads between Tennessee and Atlanta, GA. If you haven’t taken the time to visit the Atlanta Botanic Garden you are missing out. In 1977, a double-wide trailer was assigned for office space to this new garden that was blooming near downtown Atlanta. In the ensuing 35 years ABG has become one of the premier gardens in the United States, boasting conservatories, conservation programs and world-class educational opportunities. Other Good Day Trips: • Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis (www. dixon.org) • Shelby Farms Park, Memphis (www.shelbyfarmspark.org) • Knoxville Botanical Garden, Knoxville (www. knoxgarden.org) • Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, AL (www.bbgardens.org) • Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville, AL (www.hsvbg.org) • Biltmore, Asheville, NC (www.biltmore.com) • The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, NC (www.ncarboretum.org) June 2012 • athometn.com | 73
garden
IN BLOOM:
Plant of the Month: Oakleaf Hydrangea TEXT BY CAROL REESE
UT EXTENSION HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST, WESTERN REGION
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People are drawn to hydrangeas for the showy flowers. While oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) produces those abundantly, it doesn’t stop there. This native shrub goes on to warm the autumn landscape when the foliage turns shades of wine red, orange and deep burgundy. Once the leaves fall, the bark on mature specimens is showy, peeling in papery layers of tawny browns and cinnamon. Flowers appear late spring or early summer, depending on region or variations in weather and the onset of spring. The creamy white flowers are borne in showy cone-shaped panicles, some fading to respectable pinks as they age. ‘Alice,’ ‘Snowflake,’ and ‘Snow Queen’ are a few of the selections known for their especially spectacular floral displays. Oakleaf hydrangea can be grown in full sun in cooler parts of the state, but in most areas it is happier in partial shade. Too much deep shade may reduce the number of blooms, though. Good drainage is essential. While some cultivars may reach 10 to 12 feet with age, a good average is six to eight feet tall and wide. Dwarf cultivars about half that size are available, such as ‘Pee Wee’ and ‘Sikes Dwarf,’ but the most exciting compact forms are ‘Munchkin’ and ‘Ruby Slippers.’ These are noted for their white flowers that dry to a rosy pink, providing color for several months. If you find yourself drawn to plants with golden foliage, ‘Little Honey’ will be your tastiest cup of tea. This dwarf form’s brilliant leaves will stay golden throughout the summer if placed in at least half a day of sun. In deeper shade, you will have to content yourself with a few weeks of golden glow through the spring months. Flowers and fall color are dependable as well. A display of ‘Little Honey’ can be seen at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. Make plans to see the display and other beautiful ornamental plantings next month during the center’s Summer Celebration on July 12. For more information, visit west.tennessee.edu/ events/ and click on the link for the Summer Celebration. Carol Reese is the Western Region Ornamental Horticulture Specialist for University of Tennessee Extension. Her office is located in the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. June 2012 • athometn.com | 75
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entertaining
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entertaining
t o a Bridal Shower! You're Invited...
TEXT BY MICHELLE HOPE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANNABELLA CHARLES
June 2012 • athometn.com | 83
entertaining
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One of my favorite reasons to entertain is when I have someone special to honor with a shower. A bridal shower is one of those parties that are both fun and practical. One of the many reasons to host a shower is to help provide the couple with gifts for establishing a home together. A bridal shower can be very special for the bride — and it’s the details that make it so memorable for her. There are many great themes you can use for a bridal shower: Kitchen, Around the House, Table Top, Bed and Bath and Stock the Bar, to name a few. Once you choose a theme, get creative with ways to integrate the theme throughout the event. Here are some fun ideas from the recent Kitchen and Bath shower we designed for a special bride-to-be: As guests arrived, they were greeted with a glass of pink Moscato, which set the perfect tone for the celebration. The colors of the shower were pink and green, with every detail coordinated. A pink KitchenAid mixer and mixing bowls doubled as vessels for floral arrangements and centerpieces; spatulas and whisks provided a special touch. A custom banner embellished with rosettes made out of cupcake liners and printed with the bride’s name graced the mantle. A pair of pink oven mitts tied with a bow adorned the guest of honor’s chair. The menu was a trio of salads (pasta, green and fruit), along with tea sandwiches and an assortment of dips. Traditional petit fours decorated in pink and green were displayed on white tiered cake stands as the centerpiece of the dessert station. Last but not least, our take-home favor was “bath tea,” freshly made bath salts comprised of lavender, orange oil and sea salt. see page 97 for sources.
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cooking
Raspberry Summer TEXT BY JANE GAITHER
My family’s farm, Cliffview, is located on the very edge of the Great Smoky Mountains and shadowed by the bona fide Rocky Top mountain which rises to the east above a bend in the French Broad River. This is a special place where my ancestors have lived for over seven generations. We are genuine hillbillies descended from the north of Scotland and blood-tied to a large piece of mostly uncultivated land whose two most reliable crops are wild raspberries and rocks. When I was a child, I spent long, lazy weeks at Cliffview, where activities like throwing sticks in the river and eating speckled green apples comprised the bulk of available amusements. This, I think now, was a conspiracy between my mother (a librarian) and her sister (a librarian) to induce me to read through the torpor of those hot summer days. A trip to town meant a stack of new library books I greedily tore through, after which I would sneak one of
my aunt’s more lurid selections like Danielle Steel’s Season of Passion. Her book choices both baffled my 10-year-old sensibilities and inexplicitly left me ravenously hungry. When I grew three inches taller that summer and my mother told other mothers it was from the good mountain air; I secretly knew it was really from the influence of reading those forbidden books.
FOR MORE RECIPES, GO TO GOURMETGADGETGAL.COM
to pick berries until we were so scratched and bitten we looked like we’d wrestled with barbed wire. As we drove home on rutted dirt roads, the shallow pans of berries lined the edges of the truck bed, (covered with old pillowcases to protect them from dust) the fruit so fragile that more than two layers would crush the berries beneath.
When we returned home in the afternoon, we It is possible, though, that the wild raspberries would pick over the berries, removing the stray beetle or unripe chokeberry, and my aunt would also had something to do with it. make jam and freeze berries for future dishes. At The raspberry brambles skirting the edge of the the end of that sweltering, sweet day she would shadowy forest where wildcats still live today make platters of raspberry-filled pancakes with continue to be covered with berries that burst fresh whipped cream and spoonfuls of syrupy with dark juices, attracting wasps, Japanese berry jam. After tepid baths, we’d pull on linebeetles, black bears and my aunt, who on a dried cotton nightgowns, sit quietly on the hot June morning would pull me into stiff front porch overlooking the river and swing to blue jeans and my uncle’s worn-out denim the sounds of the rusty porch swing chain and work shirt and haul me and my cousins up the the water lapping the riverbank below. mountain in the back of the Ford cattle truck
SIMPLE RASPBERRY SKILLET COBBLER Serves 6
(My recipe calls for raspberries but this recipe can use any type of berry or fresh peaches. Be sure to serve it warm with vanilla ice cream.)
Ingredients:
1 pint fresh raspberries (or 10-ounce package frozen) 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter ¾ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup milk Directions:
Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together the raspberries, ½ cup sugar, brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons flour, lemon juice and nutmeg in medium bowl. Melt the butter in the skillet until it starts to brown around the edges and foam. It is IMPORTANT to have the butter sizzling hot! While the butter is melting, stir together the remaining ½ cup flour and sugar, the baking powder, salt and milk in a large bowl, just until combined. The batter should be about the consistency of pancake batter. Pour the batter over the butter in the hot skillet. Do not stir. Immediately spoon the berry mixture over the top of the batter. Bake until the crust looks golden and crisp, 30-35 minutes.
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chef ’s corner
House Guests TEXT BY CHARLES PHILLIPS EXECUTIVE CHEF, HUTTON HOTEL, NASHVILLE
As we hit the front door of the James Beard House a gentleman greeted us who has welcomed guests into the home as part of a tradition for decades. “Good morning, Chef, so glad to have you here, we are excited to have you and your team cooking today”. Several members of the JBH staff started arriving and all stopped to say hello and offer assistance. Any edge of anxiety quickly fell away and everyone made us feel at home. Mr. Beard was all about food, wine, cooking, teaching and bringing people together around the dinner table. The bottom level of his NYC Greenwich Village brownstone was actually set up as a cooking school. The day progressed as we prepared our fivecourse dinner for 60 guests and before we knew
ESCOLAR NUOC CHAM
it they were passing through the kitchen on their way outside for the reception. One of the dishes we prepared was Escolar Nuoc Cham, purple sweet potato velvet, micro bok choy, and coriander blooms. I’m hoping you will share a bit of our experience this summer in your home.We also served a Tennessee Julep at the reception to bring a bit of our state to New York City; I’ve included the recipe. With that I’d like to propose a toast – to making time to enjoy some food, cocktails, and above all else, house guests. EAT WELL & BE WELL – CP For more information go to www.jamesbeard.org
and fold in butter (or olive oil for a healthier choice). Add rice wine vinegar and mirin. Season with salt and pepper. NUOC CHAM SAUCE
3-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced 15 cloves garlic, sliced 1 red onion, diced 15-ounce jar sweet chili sauce 1/2 cup lime juice 1 tablespoon salt 1 1/2 ounce fish sauce 1 1/2 bunches cilantro, chopped Brown ginger, garlic and onion. Add salt, sweet chili sauce, lime juice. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add cilantro. Puree in blender. FOR THE FISH
TO PREPARE THE FISH
Source a good quality white fish – halibut would Drain excess marinade and sear in a non-stick be good. You can use salmon, sword or tuna as pan. Cook until medium doneness. well. Lightly coat six five-ounce portions with the nuoc chum sauce and marinate for three TO ASSEMBLE – SEE PHOTO hours. TENNESSEE JULEP FOR THE GREENS
8 ounces Sweet Lucy Bourbon Liqueur Check out the farmers market for some petit 2 ounces simple syrup greens. Mizuna , frisee, bok choy etc. 20 ounces club soda 18 mint leaves FOR THE PURPLE SWEET POTATO One lime, halved 7 med purple sweet potatoes, peeled cut into med cubes INSTRUCTIONS: 2 large white onions, rough chopped Place mint leaves and simple syrup into glass ¾ cup mirin pitcher with flat base and muddle into small ½ rice wine vingar fragments, pour in the Sweet Lucy and add ¼ pound butter crushed ice if available, stir well and finish with club soda and two halves of lime squeezed Boil peeled potatoes and onions until potatoes on top, stir again and serve in Old Fashioned are tender. Strain. Puree onions and potatos glasses if available. Serves Four. Cheers! June 2012 • athometn.com | 89
finance
NEW LOAN TACTICS FOR A TOUGH ECONOMY An innovative lending alternative for small business owners and high net-worth individuals TEXT BY JORDANA WHITE
One cannot turn on the television or open a newspaper these days without discovering some mention of the current lending crisis in the United States. In the wake of the housing market crash and foreclosure rate explosion banks are taking caution when lending out money, making it almost impossible for some individuals or companies to obtain shortterm financing for special projects. British entrepreneur Paul Aitkin recognized this as a problem in the business community and sought to remedy the issue with his new lending alternative business called borro. Aitkin started borro in the UK in 2008 as a personal asset lending corporation. Personal asset lenders provide loans to individuals or corporations that are secured by high-value personal assets, like luxury watches, jewelry, fine art, antiques and high-end vehicles. Aitkin’s borro offers loans ranging in size between $1,000 and $1,000,000. After experiencing tremendous success with borro in Europe, Aitkin saw a need for his services in the US and opened an office in New York City in February of 2012. “Our experience in London over the past three years proves the need and value of the borro model,” he explained. While borro is based in New York, the company’s business model also allows it to grant loans either online or through a 90 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
include: a $140,000 loan secured by a Rolls Royce; a $100,000 loan secured by a Picasso print; a $96,000 loan secured by a collection of Cartier watches; and a $58,000 loan given against two gold bars. Other assets entrusted to the lenders have included three-carat diamond With the efficiency of the business model, earrings, silver bars and a Riley RMB classic the borro method is able to offer small business car, joining the Rolls in the appropriate storage owners and entrepreneurs competitive lending facility. rates with no penalty for early loan payoffs. In the current economic environment it may take Of course, not all borrowers are looking several months or up to a year to secure a more to capitalize on a new business opportunity. traditional loan, however, the turn-around Many have used borro’s method of loans to time involved in borro’s asset-secured loans is help manage cash flow, refinance high interest much faster. rate loans secured through more traditional methods, purchase stocks, pay tax bills or The process involves taking physical possession perform any number of other tasks requiring of the borrower’s high-value personal assets a quick cash influx. The model’s restrictionfor the duration that the loan is outstanding, free, no credit check loans make all these eliminating a need for credit checks. While the transactions possible while presenting clients loan is in effect, personal assets are stored in with zero risk to their credit history. In short, secure vaults or in specially designed holding this alternative lending method is a strong premises. The nature of the asset determines business model for a floundering economy in the type of facility where it will be held: art which people have still managed to hold onto and antiques are stored with specialists in the their precious personal property. field; luxury cars are kept in dehumidified and climate-controlled premises. Borro also For those who are exploring new investment carries insurance on every secured item for the opportunities or looking to expand the reach of duration of its stay in the company’s care. their small business, personal asset lending may offer necessary funds without the hassle and In the few short months since borro brought possible rejection often faced when exploring the model into the US market, the company more traditional borrowing routes. has lent over $1 million through this alternate method. Some examples of recent transactions courier. Specialized appraisers from respected companies like Sotheby’s and Christie’s evaluate the proposed asset through a convenient method; loans are generally secured within hours of an appraisal.
June 2012 • athometn.com | 91
happenings
June
SUN
MON
TUES
WED
THUR
3 4 5 6 7 June 2-3 Sycamore Shoals 22nd Annual Native American Festival Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethtown 423.543.5808
June 4-5 National MooFest Downtown Athens 423.746.9041
June 4-8 Orpheum Summer Institute The Orpheum Theatre
www.nationalmoofest.com
education@orpheum-memphis.com
901.529.4242
June 5-9 Germantown Charity Horse Show Germantown Horse Show Arena
June 5-10 Mama Mia! The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000
www.orpheum-memphis.com
www.gchs.org/
tn.gov/environment/parks
10 11 12 13 14 Love Lavender Festival Historic Jonesborough 423.753.2351
www.historicjonesborough.com
June 11-15 Jr. Ranger Camp Burgess Falls State Park, Sparta 931.432.5312
June 8-16 Riverbend Festival Chattanooga Riverfront 423.756.2211
Donnie Darko The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000
www.orpheum-memphis.com
www.riverbendfestival.com/
tn.gov/environment/parks/ BurgessFalls
17 18 19 20 21
24
June 8-19 Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival Carthage 615.774.3230
June 20-23 2012 Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant Carl Perkins Civic Center 731-425-8590
www.smithcountychamber.org
www.misstennessee.org
25
26
June 1-30 Nashville Humane Association: Feline Frenzy Challenge www.nashvillehumane.org
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27
Dinner on Stage The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com
28
To submit an event to be included in At Home Tennessee Happenings, please email editorial@athometn.com
FRI SAT 1
Firefighters Benefit Concert with the Association
Chattanooga
www.chattanooga.gov
423.899.4990
Breakfast at Tiffany's
The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000
www.orpheum-memphis.com
2
June 1-2 2012 Elvis Presley Car Show at Graceland Memphis 901.332.3322 www.elvis.com
www.bonnaroo.com
heck@orpheum-memphis.com
Riverbend Festival
Free Fishing Day Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville 931.484.6138 www.tn.gov/environment/ parks
15 16 Ken Sossaman Memorial Golf Tournament Cottonwoods Golf Course, Harrah’s Tunica 901.529.4280
Elvis Presley Car Show at Graceland
8-16
8 9 June 7-10 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester 931.728.7635
2
June 15-16 10th Annual Secret City Fest
AK Bissell Park, Oak Ridge 865.425.3610 June 15-16 Jefferson St. Jazz & Blues Festival
Nashville www.JumptoJefferson.com
615.726.5867
22 23 Edmons Family Farm Bluegrass Festival Pikeville 423.533.2720
O Brother, Where Art Thou? The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000 www.orpheum-memphis.com
29
Raiders of the Lost Ark- Orpheum Summer Movie Series The Orpheum Theatre 901.525.3000
June 21-23 Frontier Days 50th Year Celebration Public Square/Wiseman Park, Lynchburg 931.759.4111
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
15-16
Secret City Festival
www.lynchburgtn.com
30
Fire on the Water Sequoyah Marina on Norris Lake, Andersonville 865.494.7984 www.sequoyahmarina.net
www.orpheum-memphis.com
June 2012 • athometn.com | 93
roadtrip
Michael Jackson the immortal World Tour Text by simms rogers | photography courtesy of cirque du soleil
In Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, the creative and unique style of Michael Jackson meets the fantastical ingenuity of Cirque du Soleil in an incredible display of the King of Pop’s everlasting legacy. Starting in North America in the fall of 2012, the tour will then move across Europe picking up international momentum in an attempt to deliver Jackson’s message of love, peace and unity. This message comes to life in the show by way of theatrics, vibrant music and acrobatics in everything one would expect from a Cirque du Soleil performance. With 22 high-powered scenes, the show serves as an unmistakable reminder of Jackson’s energy and love for performing. The first scene, Childhood, brings to life the gates of Neverland and introduces the audience to the magical home while also setting the tone for the rest of the show. Moving forward, Jackson’s most memorable songs featured in the performance include “Wanna be Starting Something,” “Dancing Machine,” “Ben,” “This Place Hotel,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Dangerous,” “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” “Billie Jean,” “Scream” and many more. The last act fittingly culminates with “Man In The Mirror,” the song that Jackson used to end many of his concerts. The set design, props and video projections are one-of-a-kind, and are sure to impress any 94 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
audience. Set designer Mark Fisher explains that it is especially difficult to design a rock show without a living artist, so in this situation, the goal of the performance is to evoke Jackson’s presence. The props are storytelling devices, used to help transport the audience to a different time and place. These props serve as reminders to the audience of Jackson’s vivid acts and his ever-present talent.
and musical director Greg Phillinganes, who worked with Jackson for over 25 years. As a result, the music remains true to Jackson’s style and originality, while also carrying a new and fresh approach to his many hits. Furthermore, Phillinganes put together a band of people who had a personal relationship with Jackson, including Jonathon “Sugarfoot” Moffett, who played drums for Jackson for 30 years. Each member of the band has a personal connection Technically speaking, THE IMMORTAL is to Jackson himself. as advanced and detailed as a stage production can get. With multiple lifts for scene changes, This show is more than a performance, but an LED screen with multi-purpose functions, rather it is an experience. Antunes incorporated conveyor belts, enormous props, different levels audio tracks so the audience can hear Jackson for performing and a video projection surface snap his fingers and stomp his feet, and also of more than 5,300 square feet, this show is included previously unreleased audio segments unconstrained and simply out of this world. that Jackson recorded throughout the course of The combination of such advanced technology his career. This, in effect, brings Jackson to the and the movements of the Cirque du Soleil audience in a real way, and imbues new ideas, performers gives the show a well-rounded and original twists and different styles into his hits. unique approach to performance. THE IMMORTAL, utilizing over 1,000 Even with the superior technology, world- costume pieces, including accessories, head class performers and high-energy production, pieces, shoes and clothing, as well as incredible the show is grounded in Jackson’s inspirational technology and audio segments, represents the music. The emotional aspect of Jackson’s legacy of Jackson and celebrates his many artistic music and his own concerts is not lost in THE accomplishments. When the King of Pop IMMORTAL, but rather upheld, revered and meets the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, celebrated. Each scene celebrates one song, if the audience can only expect perfection, and not a medley of Jackson’s music, and honors Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour the legendary performer’s talent. Director Jamie delivers. King contacted musical designer Kevin Antunes
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sources 52 | Home Feature: Special thanks to — CBS Productions, Hawaii Five-O associate producer Peter Tassler, and Hawaii Five-O post-production editor John Pensky
62 | Design: Hemphill Brothers Coach Company, 615.876.9000, www.hemphillbros.com Photography — Mark Larsen and Kim LancasterBrantley
82 | Entertaining: Party Planner/Invitations/Favors — Social Butterflies, LLC, www.sb-events.com Photography — Annabella Charles, www.annabellacharles.com Flowers — Haute Horticulture, www.hautehorticulture.com Rentals — Mahaffey Tent & Party, www.mahaffeytent.com Petit Fours — Oh My Ganache Bakery, www.ohmyganachebakery.com Catering — Ziparo’s, www.ziparos.com Paper Details — Natalie Chang Designs, www.natalie-chang.com
corrections May 2012 issue page 20, Fashion Feature Joe’s The Skinny Jeans, $158, Indigo, The Shops of Saddle Creek, Germantown, TN page 34, Community Feature The American Queen riverboat was listed as the Mississippi River Queen page 44, At Home With At Home With Susan Wilson, photography by Jackie Jones
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books
Tell it Sister, Tell it BY STELLA PARTON TEXT BY JANNA FITE HERBISON
At first glance, one might think this is a “tell-all” book about the Parton family, namely a cetain famous sister of Stella’s named Dolly. This memoir, however, is far from it. Instead, Stella uses her book to embrace and celebrate her family, along with her tremendous faith through many trials in her life. Stella’s inspiration and complete honesty run throughout the book, as she describes her life from early childhood in the East Tennessee mountains to a successful career in music and on stage, to the miracle of motherhood. She writes, “One of the most incredible blessings has been to see my life come full circle. I believe life is a wheel and we go around it many times.” The book is told through a series of short chapters and opens with the death of her father several years ago, reflecting on his life and what his family meant to him. “His home, family, country and community were what he cared about most.” In her early days growing up in the mountains, Stella was one of many brothers and sisters in her family, and money was very tight. Through helping her parents and family on their farm and through some very rough times (including the loss of her newborn baby brother), Stella developed a humble spirit, deep faith and a strong work ethic. In reflecting back, she adds, “I am the kind of person I am because of growing up so close to nature.”
advantage of her.” One of the more poignant lines in her book says it all: “I don't hide the fact that I am Stella Parton. After all, I was given that name at birth...it belongs to me.” In fact, Stella went on to record very successful albums and win numerous awards in the country music industry. She also toured on stage in musicals such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, among others.
With all the success, Stella also saw a dark side of celebrity. She talks about being attacked twice by men while on tour. Thankfully, she was able to get away before she was harmed physically. The events took a great emotional toll on her, however, and led several times to severe depression. Still, she During the onset of her music career, Stella got a job singing in a club in says, her faith once again got her through it. She also refused to pose nude Washington, D.C., a job that she initially worried would conflict with her in one publication despite major pressure, staying true to her family and her strong Christian upbringing. Weeks later, though, when she was singing on Christian morals. stage, a patron suddenly collapsed on the floor after a heart attack, Stella held his hand and prayed with him when no one else would. He survived, The underlying theme of this book from beginning to end, however, has and later thanked her for her kindness, leading her to understand the nothing to do with fame, the music industry or success. Stella talks about importance of making a difference in any setting. “I discovered I could be a the many miracles and blessings throughout her life, and how she has always blessing no matter where I was. Maybe that was my missionary work even felt that God and the angels led and protected her at every turn. Her most though it was a beer joint. God needs foot soldiers on the streets just as well awesome miracle came when she was only 19, when she became a mother – to son Tim. She talks about how he inspired her not only as a single mom as He needs choir folks in robes,” she adds. doing the best job she could, but also convinced her to write her memoir, Stella spent a great deal of time performing with her older sister Dolly, and which eventually brought great support from her family. talks about their close bond to this day. As Dolly’s career later blossomed into fame and great success, others began to question Stella’s work ethic and Stella’s sweet, yet tough spirit and unfailing faith permeate this entire choices to continue singing and recording. One performer even commented book. When you finish reading it, you will likely assess your own life and that Dolly was the only reason for Stella’s success in the music industry. Her be inspired by Stella’s humility and strength. You may even feel the same simple response: “People have always assumed that I relied on Dolly’s help. way about her as her friends describe in the book’s foreword – an “angel on earth.” I imagine her sister Dolly does, too. I have always respected and loved my sister too much to take 98 | At Home Tennessee • June 2012
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