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J U LY CONTENTS 2019 • VOLUME 16 • NO. 8
features
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The Coolest Places for Milkshake Madness
Space Walking Through the South
Memphis & The Peabody Celebrate Anniversaries
departments 12 Living Well Summer Safety for Kids
34 On the Road Again Pickwick Lake
14 Notables Pierre Ferrari
37 Greater Goods 60 Homegrown Delta Sunshine Brewing
18 Exploring Art DeSoto Arts Council
64 Southern Gentleman Asking Forgiveness
22 Exploring Books Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds
66 Southern Harmony Jasmine Cain
26 Southern Roots Healthy Summer Parties
70 In Good Spirits Distillery on the Beach
28 Table Talk Hernando Golf & Racquet Club 30 Exploring Destinations DeSoto National Memorial Park
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72 Exploring Events 74 Reflections Remembering Tarzan
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editor’s note | JULY
Celebrating Summer What a significant year 2019 is for anniversaries. The DeSoto team struggled to narrow down our choices for this celebratory issue because so many events affecting local, national, even world history are being remembered this year. I’m often asked why DeSoto Magazine explores the South, and not just DeSoto County. Our namesake is Hernando DeSoto, who was the first European to explore this region and to cross the Mississippi River. This spring marked the 480th anniversary of DeSoto’s landing in Tampa Bay and his subsequent journey through 10 Southern states. I was fortunate to witness the 80th annual reenactment of the landing last spring and even tried on a cuirass, the heavy armor for the torso that Spanish explorers wore. Read more about the DeSoto National Memorial Park near Bradenton, Florida, in Exploring Destinations. Closer to home, both the city of Memphis and The Peabody Hotel have reached important milestones. All year long, Memphis is celebrating its 200th birthday and the party continues this fall as Shelby County marks its 200th. And what would Memphis be without its iconic Peabody Hotel, which opened its doors in 1869. Writer Jill Gleeson provides a rundown on all the upcoming festivities. The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing is in the news this month, but many people
JULY 2019 • Vol. 16 No.7
PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Adam Mitchell PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paula Mitchell MANAGING EDITOR Mary Ann DeSantis ASSISTANT EDITOR Andrea Brown Ross ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Bridgett Jordan
do not realize the crucial role space centers around the South played in the extraordinary event. One of the closest – the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama – established the first space camp so ordinary citizens could experience space walking like writer Verna Gates recently did. Finally, summer celebrations should include milkshakes, and writer Pam Windsor found some of the best frozen concoctions in the South. We wish you a spectacular summer of fun and celebrations. Happy reading!
Mary Ann on the cover
Souvenir jars and delicious toppings have made The Yard a social media sensation among milkshake connoisseurs.
Photo by Chelsea Hoffman of The Yard Milkshake Bar.
CONTRIBUTORS Robin Gallaher Branch Cheré Coen Mary Ann DeSantis Jackie Sheckler Finch Verna Gates Jill Gleeson Jason Frye Karen Ott Mayer Andrea Brown Ross Karon Warren Kevin Wierzbicki Pam Windsor PUBLISHED BY DeSoto Media 2375 Memphis St. Ste 208 Hernando, MS 38632 662.429.4617 ADVERTISING INFO: Paula Mitchell 901-262-9887 Paula@DeSotoMag.com SUBSCRIBE: DeSotoMagazine.com/subscribe
DeSotoMagazine.com ©2019 DeSoto Media Co. DeSoto Magazine must give permission for any material contained herein t o b e re p ro d u c e d i n a n y m a n n e r. Any advertisements published in DeSoto Magazine do not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s services or products. DeSoto Magazine is published monthly by DeSoto Media Co. Parties interested in advertising should email paula@desotomag.com or call 901-262-9887. Visit us online at desotomagazine.com.
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desoto getaway | SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
You have so many great reasons to get away. Maybe it’s celebrating a major life event like a wedding, escaping for a well-deserved family vacation or a romantic getaway. The good news is Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the perfect solution for all the right reasons. Unlike a hotel, the 2,400 acre resort’s collection of over 1,250 vacation rentals includes studios to 4-bedroom units, condos, homes, villas, penthouses, and luxury rentals, giving you an enticing array of options. You also have four resort areas to choose from including Beachside, Bayside, Lakeside and the Village stretching from postcard-perfect beach to tranquil Choctawhatchee Bay. GOLF Names mean something on the links. In particular, those of iconic course designers like Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Rees Jones and Tom Jackson. All have contributed their design talents at Sandestin, helping to create an unrivaled experience for golfers. SPA When you’re ready to get pampered in paradise, head to Spa Sandestin for specialized treatments that are pure delight. The extensive menu includes favorites like de-stress, deep tissue and sports massages, body treatments including the head-to-shoulder Sandestin Splurge, and facials to cleanse, tone and relax. SHOP If some retail therapy is on the agenda, look no further than the shopping experience offered at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Recently voted Best Place to Be Seen on the Emerald 12 DeSoto
Coast and Best Local Attraction, Baytowne Wharf features 16 retail shops, 11 activity and entertainment establishments, and 20 award winning restaurants and night clubs. DINE At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, they pride themselves on making dining an experience both on and off the plate. You’ll find more than 20 restaurants and casual eateries to choose from, with restaurants serving everything from Florida coastal cuisine to authentic Mexican and everything in between. PLAY Where to begin? At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, how you enjoy your day is only limited by your imagination. Golf, tennis, biking, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, parasailing and riding Wave Runners might give you an idea of what’s in store for you here. This makes Sandestin perfect for pursuing your passion or maybe trying something new. Our 2,400 acre resort, broad bay and seemingly endless stretch of beach are designed for you to explore -- with a new lake, section of beach or trail waiting to be discovered. sandestin.com 800-622-1038
Register to win a vacation getaway to the #1 resort on the Emerald Coast! Enjoy a 3 day/2-night stay in luxurious accommodations, daily beach setup, spa treatments for two, and dinner for two at Marina Bar and Grill. Known for its beautiful and clear emerald green waters, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort invites guests to experience a world of 2,400 acres, more than 1,250 accommodations, seven miles of beach and bay front, four championship golf courses, world-class tennis, marina, fitness center and spa. Be sure to plan time to discover the Village of Baytowne Wharf -- a beautiful 28-acre waterfront town center peppered with a
collection of unique shops, charming eateries, lively nightclubs and year-round special events. Explore our unlimited Florida golf resort amenities and activities. The perfect destination for your vacation, Sandestin packs in the value with complimentary amenities, resort events and activities for everyone. From the beach to the bay, it’s all at Sandestin. www.desotomagazine.com/desoto-getaway
Package Includes: • 3-day, 2-night stay in a beachside one-bedroom (Luau) • Dinner for two at Marina Bar & Grill • Beach chairs for two each day • Couples Swedish massage and couples pedicure • Two (2) complimentary 4-hour bicycle rentals each day of your stay • One hour of free kayak rentals and one hour of boogie boards, weather permitting • 1 hour free of tennis court time • Free access to Sandestin Fitness Center • Free seasonal transportation tram service • Preferred Beach Parking Black-out dates: 3/15-4/28, 5/23-8/11, 8/29-9/2, 10/10-10/14 and 12/29-1/2
Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number___________________________________________________________________ Email___________________________________________________________________________ Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Must be 21 years or older. Void where prohibited. Entrants release DeSoto Magazine/DeSoto Media from all claims/liability arising from this Sweepstakes or acceptance/use of any prize. Copyright 2019 DeSoto Magazine. All rights reserved.
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living well | SUMMER SAFETY
Summer Safety for Kids By Karon Warren | Photography courtesy of ewg.org
Keep these tips in mind to make your children’s summer adventures as safe as possible. School is out, the sun is shining and the temps are on the rise, which means summer has arrived. While pool parties, neighborhood games of tag and family vacations are on the horizon, don’t get so caught up in the fun and merriment that you throw caution to the wind. It’s important to take care while you are out and about with the kids, so everyone stays safe and enjoys their time in the sun. Slather on the Sunscreen Although it doesn’t usually pop to mind when someone says “cancer,” skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. It also is easy to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer just by applying sunscreen. 14 DeSoto
Most people remember to apply sunscreen before hitting the beach or jumping in the pool. However, sunscreen should be applied before you head outside, even if you plan to be in the shade or there are clouds overhead. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays are strong and have no problem penetrating through clouds, leaves and tree branches. The American Academy of Der matolog y recommends using board-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) with a SPF of 30 or higher that is waterresistant. Remember to reapply often, too, especially if the kids are sweating a lot. Other ways to protect kids from the sun is by outfitting them in swimwear made of sun-protection fabric with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Swim Safe Diving into the pool, floating down a creek, or splashing in the waves at the beach offer fun ways to cool off each summer. But both kids and parents must remember to play safely any time they are in or near the water. The first best step to swimming safety is teaching your kids how to swim. This goes beyond learning how to move in the water; it also includes learning how to tread water, how to float, and how to respond when they are caught up in a riptide. Check your community for providers offering swim lessons, like the courses offered by the YMCA of Memphis and The Mid-South in Olive Branch. You can register online for group or private swim lessons at www.ymcamemphis.org/ micro-site-olive-branch-family-ymca/swim-lessons. Also, as children become acquainted with the water, it’s not uncommon for parents to implement such floatation aids as arm floaties, inflatable swim vests, and toddler swim rings and floats. While these all are good for helping kids feel comfortable in the water, they are no substitute for adult supervision. An adult should be within arm’s reach of all children in the water. When swimming in pools, remind kids to avoid drains and suction outlets, which can lead to entrapment. Staying vigilant while children are in the water is the best step parents can take to keep kids safe. Beware the Wildlife When swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers, swimmers are at risk — although a low level of risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — at contracting Naegleria fowleri, an ameba that leads to infection. To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends that you hold your nose closed or use nose clips any time you swim under water. In addition, per the CDC, swimmers should not dig in or stir up the sediment when swimming in shallow, warm, freshwater rivers and lakes. For those swimming in the ocean, keep an eye out for jellyfish sharing those same waters. If swimming on a beach
with lifeguards, check with them to see if they have any jellyfish warnings and avoid those areas. In the event of a jellyfish sting, do not apply an icepack. Instead, rinse the area with vinegar. Also, do not rub the area; instead, use tweezers to remove any tentacles on the skin. If your child experiences symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing, a swollen tongue or lips, nausea or vomiting, muscle spasms, or is dizzy or has a headache, call 911. Everybody Out While temperatures can get quite hot in the summer, those temperatures are exacerbated inside a vehicle. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure all children exit a vehicle when you do. Most parents firmly believe they would never leave their children behind in a hot vehicle, but it happens. Michael Braunold, creator of eClip, a Bluetooth device that alerts parents to check the car for their children, offers several tips to help parents avoid “Forgotten Baby Syndrome.” The first is to eliminate distractions; this includes putting down your phone until after your children are removed from the car. Running a quick errand, such as dropping a package off at the post office, should only take a few minutes. But you never know when someone may hold up the line or the post office is short staffed, stretching out a quick task into long minutes. Those minutes could seem like forever for kids stuck in a quickly heating car, so bring them inside with you. While summer should be a season filled with fun, there are dangers that affect the safety of our kids. By taking a few precautions, though, we can keep those dangers to a minimum, ensuring everyone has a great time.
Karon Warren is a freelance writer based in Ellijay. Georgia. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Karon also writes for FamilyVacationCritic.com as well as her blog, ThisGirlTravels.com.
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notables | PIERRE FERRARI
Pierre Ferrari at a Heifer International project in India.
A child enjoys fresh fruit in Luzaa Nibani.
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Heifer International trainees share their knowledge in Cambodia.
Passing on the Gift By Jackie Sheckler Finch | Photography courtesy of Heifer International
Leading Heifer International was meant to be for Congo-born Pierre Ferrari, who believes people need a ‘hand up, not a handout.’ Before he became president and CEO of Heifer International in 2010, Pierre Ferrari’s sons asked friends to honor their father’s 60th birthday with gifts of yaks for Tibet through the Heifer International program. As a result of that gracious request from Ferrari’s sons Peter and Oliver, Tibet received three yaks to help fight the country’s pervasive poverty and hunger. In Ferrari’s mind, leading the Little Rock-based organization was meant to be. “Talk about the universe talking,” he says. “It seems like kind of a coincidence, but I think I am where I am supposed to be.” For Ferrari, Heifer International is a link to his childhood and what he saw growing up. It is also a way to help people “who need a hand up, not a handout.”
“If people are not emotionally committed to solving their own problems, it doesn’t happen,” Ferrari says. “Heifer International helps them actually take charge of their own lives.” Born in the Belgian Congo in Africa (today called the Democratic Republic of Congo), Ferrari says “most Americans don’t understand how deep the poverty is in those areas.” What he witnessed growing up, Ferrari says, “is soul destroying. It is generational and sometimes I wonder how people stay alive. It is a testament to the human spirit that they survive.” Living in the Congo during the country’s revolution in the 1950s and 1960s, Ferrari says he is lucky that he and his family escaped to England. Although he was educated in British high schools and graduated from the University of Cambridge DeSoto 17
with a master’s degree in economics, Ferrari says, “I didn’t feel English. I thought what am I going to do, where am I going to live?” Ferrari knew America was the land of opportunity, so he applied to become an American citizen at 24 years old. He went to Harvard University to study business and quickly got a job with the Coca Cola Company in Atlanta. But Ferrari yearned to help solve social issues. “I spent more than 20 years in the corporate business world. At some point, I was not happy with the way we were peddling so much sugar. My children and my wife, Kim, got me out of that.” Instead, Ferrari joined CARE in the mid-1990s and worked to help distressed communities. Then a friend told him about a possible position with Heifer International. He applied and got the job which seems a perfect fit for him. “I had a wonderful grandmother who influenced me deeply towards this work,” he says. “My grandmother had a wholesale and retail vegetable business in Elizabethville (now Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo). She developed a plan to help others grow fruits and vegetables to supply her business. “I remember going to the villages to buy the produce they had grown for her to sell. I saw how important this was and how much it helped the farmers. I think that experience always stayed with me.” An important part of Heifer International’s program is a simple, yet powerful, act called “Passing on the Gift.” Families share the training they receive and pass on the first female offspring of their livestock to another family. This extends the impact of the original gift, allowing a once impoverished family to become donors and full participants in improving their communities. “We have a ceremony when they are passing on the gift,” Ferrari says. “It is a major milestone in their lives that not only are they helping their families and community but they are also helping others. The joy in people’s faces… it makes me cry every time.”
Heifer International Fights Worldwide Hunger for 75 years
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Heifer International was founded in 1944 by Dan West, a Midwestern farmer and Church of the Brethren member. West had recently returned from volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War where his job was to provide weary refugees with a single cup of milk. However, West understood that a cup of milk was only a temporary solution. He began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to help the hungry – why give a cup of milk to provide short-term relief when a cow would offer a long-term source of nutrition? West knew that American farmers had resources that many hungry people around the world did not – cows and a steady supply of nutrition from cow milk. And American farmers were willing to share their heifers with those less fortunate. “A cow, not a cup,” became the driving force when West founded Heifer International. In the aftermath of World War II, Heifer’s seagoing cowboys delivered boatloads of livestock to Germany. The animals provided a source of nutrition for German people literally starving in the ruins of war. That “teach a man to fish” philosophy is still the goal that inspires Heifer International and has transformed the lives of 33 million people in more than 100 countries around the world, including Appalachia and the Arkansas Delta. Today, Heifer International also teaches communities how to use environmentally friendly farming methods, how to create and operate businesses and how to support themselves and others. heifer.org
An award-winning journalist, Jackie Sheckler Finch loves to take to the road to see what lies beyond the next bend.
“If people are not emotionally committed to solving their own problems, it doesn’t happen.” Pierre Ferrari 18 DeSoto
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exploring art | DESOTO ARTS COUNCIL
DeSoto Arts Council
An Artful Start By Karen Ott Mayer | Photography by Adam Mitchell
From artist to community arts leader, Angee Montgomery’s career has come full circle as the director of the DeSoto Arts Council. An artist views life through a different lens, moving through each chapter hopefully as a means to a creative end. When Angee Montgomery put her name in the hat for the executive director position with the DeSoto Arts Council in Hernando, Mississippi, she wasn’t just applying for a job but taking one step closer to the idea of her life’s pursuit. From a young age, this native Mississippian knew her own heart. Originally from Sardis, Montgomery has worked and lived around Senatobia, Como, north Mississippi and Memphis her entire life so she knows the area well. 20 DeSoto
“I’ve always wanted to do art.” And so, she did. At 12, she began studying oil painting with the well-known north Mississippi landscape artist Carol Roark, developing her own talents during her adolescent years. After high school, however, life took an unexpected turn in 2007 when she found herself a young, single mother. Like so many artists faced with the realities of life, she switched gears searching for a practical career path. She enrolled in the Baptist College of Health Sciences sonography program only to discover health care wasn’t her calling. Like earlier in life,
Angee Montgomery
Montgomery turned to Roark for guidance. “I decided I wanted to go to art school and Carol helped me build a portfolio, which in turn landed me a scholarship to the Memphis College of Art.” When she entered art school, Montgomery knew she wanted to do something different than painting. “I just wanted to try everything I could. There were pottery classes, kilns, printing presses and screen printing among many other classes.” She found she liked to do installation work both in outdoor spaces and interiors. She tried her hand at mold making, body casting and videography. It would take another five years and a program switch before Montgomery finally earned her degree in fine art from the University of Memphis. Following graduation, Montgomery found herself in another new work environment that continued to build upon her creative skills. As a pre-press artist for a Memphis printing press and media company, Montgomery had the opportunity to hone her graphic design skills, eventually taking on a position as a senior graphic artist who also recruited interns. “I enjoyed it and learned a lot. I also traveled to help recruit interns,” says Montgomery. She eventually moved into
another position where she learned more about bookkeeping and finances. Despite working in different fields, Montgomery joined the council in 2014 to get involved in the local art scene. Montgomery comes to the Desoto Arts Council on the heels of former executive director Margaret Yates who retired. She officially began in February, the start of a busy season for the arts council. Since her arrival, the DeSoto Arts Council has held a wine-tasting fundraiser, the Bloomin’ Art event, and Brushes & Blossoms, their first spring festival. Reserved and thoughtful, Montgomery smiles readily and seems quite at ease despite stepping into the busy position. “I feel like this role is a work-in-progress for me because there is so much to learn. I had the opportunity to spend February shadowing Margaret, and she’s still only a phone call away!” Since its early days in the late 90s, the DeSoto Arts Council has grown from a collection of friends who wanted to show art together to a full-fledged arts council with a group of enthusiastic volunteers and more than 200 members. Early pioneers like potters Joe Echols and Jim Anderson can still be found creating, working and showing after two decades. Today, artist members can submit to any of the 10 shows or exhibits held throughout the year. DeSoto 21
Montgomery believes the council brand is finally maturing but has evolved depending on its location. Once located in “the little house” on the Banks property, the organization then moved into the grand Banks Home itself until the property passed into private hands. Now, the council’s gallery and offices are located on the square in downtown Hernando in a city building, although the DeSoto Arts Council has no affiliation with the City of Hernando. “Our looks have changed from the upscale elegant Banks house to this new, hip highly visible brick building. It used to be the jail house and there’s still a jail in the basement!” she says. While Montgomery has plenty of ideas about what she’d like to see happening, her humble nature drives her thinking. “It’s not up to me but the members. We did a survey and a few of the responses from the community is they’d like to see more classes for children and public art.” The studio space today invites artists and makers to come “make art” for free. “In the past, DeSoto Arts Council has had artists teaching bonsai, soap carving as a prelude to wood carving, and knitting on our Saturday craft day.” A decade later, Montgomery has come full circle in her own career, ending up in the arts where she always wanted to be. And whether talking canvas or community, it’s clear she’s already made her mark.
Karen Ott Mayer is an independent copywriter, contributor, and editor, specializing in commercial writing and rural living.
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exploring books | LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES & TINY SHEDS
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Take a Book, Share a Book By Jason Frye Photography courtesy of Crystal Liepa and Shutterstock
Now in its 10th year, the Little Free Libraries movement has spread to 85 countries and every U.S state. A new book makes it easier than ever to create your own free library. There’s a walk I take near my home, and on this walk I pass by three Little Free Libraries (LFL). You’ve probably seen them in your hometown or in a place you’ve visited: overgrown birdhouses chocked full of books, often with a plaque that reads “LittleFreeLibrary.org / Take a Book Share a Book.” That’s the whole concept, “take a book, share a book,” spread a little literacy, share some knowledge, pass your favorite stories on to someone else. It’s simple and it’s brilliant and at a time when we’re so consumed with our screens – the television, our computers, our phones – it’s desperately needed. But how do these structures get there? Who stocks them with books? Can I have a Little Free Library in my yard? These questions – along with designs, plans, and installation instructions – get an answer in the new book, Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds: 12 Miniature Structures You Can Build by Phillip Schmidt and Little Free Library.
The Little Free Library movement started in 2009 when Todd Bol built the first, stocked it with books and stepped back to see what happened. He built the inaugural LFL in memory of his mother, an avid reader and lifelong educator, and when he saw neighbors stop by to take a book or leave a book, he knew he was onto something. That’s when he made a mistake and decided to sell LFL kits. It didn’t work. Or rather, it worked, but dismally. After six months he’d sold three or four and was ready to walk away. That’s when he heard a National Public Radio story about Martin Luther King Jr.’s response to the question, “What would you do if you were going to die tomorrow?” The answer: plant a seed because a seed can grow, change, and produce a better future. Bol knew the LFL idea was a brilliant seed, he just needed to help it grow. He decided to give away the LFLs, to spread them far and wide, and they began to spring up across DeSoto 25
the U.S. like windblown seeds. Today, a decade after Bol erected the first LFL, they’re in every state and 85 countries, and they number more than 75,000. With the publication of Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds, Bol’s vision of expanding the LFL movement has been realized and soon there will be even more of these book-sharing stations at home and abroad. In Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds, you’ll find a dozen plans with diagrams, cut lists, and step-by-step instructions for putting your library together; tips on selecting where to put your LFL; advice on common maintenance and repairs; and the many uses for your LFL. As someone who’s handy (I built cabinets and furniture for years), I look at books like this with a skeptical eye. The instructions are often vague, the photo illustrations incomplete, the techniques too advanced for novice woodworkers or too simple to challenge hobbyist builders. To my surprise, Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds delivered thorough instructions, clear illustrations, even exploded diagrams (showing a threedimensional representation of the LFL design and how it’s assembled). Building your LFL is even easier thanks to the cut list and thorough list of tools and materials required to complete each design. There are a dozen plans in the book, ordered from least-to-most-complex. It’s easy to find the right match for your skill level and workshop, and allowing you to strengthen your own woodworking skills if you were to work your way through the book and build all 12. 26 DeSoto
When it comes to skill level, the book is unintimidating and strikes a tone that’s familiar but authoritative (like a good middle school shop teacher), drawing readers in and giving them the confidence needed to take on a Little Free Library project. To this end, chapter two covers building basics, detailing the best materials, screws and nails, window and roof components, and even finishing techniques for your project. Included here are writeups on how to use tools like jigsaws, circular saws, and other tools novice builders may not be familiar – or comfortable – with. Each plan is well-illustrated, with bright color photos demonstrating different techniques and stages of the build. Again, Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds strikes the right balance of having enough photos of the building process without overwhelming the reader. The same holds true for the finishing stages of the project as you set your LFL on a post or mount it to a wall. Here, directions are again clear, easy to follow, well-illustrated and thorough. And at the very end they provide instructions for one of the most important parts: registering your LFL and getting your official LFL plaque. All told, it’s a book that will give woodworkers another project or two to tuck up their sleeve, and it gives those with a love for reading a way to share their passion, after a day or two in the woodshop, that is. From the first time he was asked, all Jason Frye ever wanted was to be a writer. Now he writes about food, travel and culture across the South. Look for his travel guides – Moon North Carolina, Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more – in Little Free Libraries and bookstores near you.
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southern roots | HEALTHY SUMMER CELEBRATIONS
Healthy Summer Celebrations By Andrea Brown Ross | Photography courtesy of shared.com and recipeland.com
Creating healthy menus for your summer celebrations is no sweat when you choose fresh garden produce. It’s summer in the South. It’s hot. Really hot. But never let it be said that Southern hospitality wanes, whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July celebration for friends and neighbors, potluck, or back-to-school swim party. And what makes our get togethers so divine during the hellish heat is the fresh produce grown in our region. Fortunately, foodies in the South have several options to access fresh garden goodies whether it be from their own garden, local grocer, roadside stand, or farmer’s market. With more than two decades experience as a nutrition education specialist and currently retired from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Nelda Starks offers suggestions for being a healthy, hospitable hostess. 28 DeSoto
FOURTH OF JULY “Fourth of July parties are ideal for showcasing the bounty from our gardens or your local farmer’s market. Lima beans, peas, okra, tomatoes, cucumber, squash of all kinds, green beans, peppers in all colors, and corn are all at their peak mid- summer, along with berries, peaches, figs and melons,” says Starks. All offer the hostess a wealth of ideas for entertaining as these colorful fruits and vegetables make great centerpieces and edible decorations according to Starks. “And don’t forget the summer herbs like basil, mint, thyme and oregano,” she suggests. Starks recommends an American Caprese salad and an edible melon centerpiece.
Garden pie
“Make a basket from a watermelon and fill with assorted fruit. Or, carve the watermelon to look like a fish or other characters. I did one last year for our class reunion to resemble a bulldog,” shares Starks. “If you don’t want to go to this much trouble, make fruit kabobs and stick them into a fresh pineapple. Use pineapple halves for dip, or use cantaloupes cut in half with scalloped or pointed edges to hold fresh fruit and dips.” Many kinds of fruits and veggies can be grilled. One of Starks’ favorite is pineapple. She also suggests okra pods. “They are great on the grill! Just brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt,” recommends Starks. POTLUCK DINNERS “Family reunions, company picnics, church dinners on the ground, and eventually tailgating, all these events require food for an army that can be easy to make and take, hold up to the hot, humid summer temps and appeal to a variety of tastes,” says Starks. While traditional comfort foods – such as fried chicken or homemade macaroni-and-cheese – seldom disappoint, today’s party hosts tend to offer less labor-intensive dishes that can be quickly prepared. Plus, comfort food often does not meet the nutritional standards of health-conscious guests. “This is where the bountiful summer produce comes into play. Fruits and vegetables can add color, texture, ease of preparation, nutrients without the high calorie count, and still be delicious. These plant-based foods can add balance to a meal that might otherwise be high in unwanted calories and processed foods,” she says. Starks suggests creating a new, healthier tradition for potlucks, such as a tomato or garden pie.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SWIM PARTY Summer’s end is drawing near, and it’s time to have one last hoorah for the kiddos. “Parties for kids can often present a challenge, especially if you are the health-conscious parent hosting the party and trying to maintain some balance between healthy eating and food that kids actually eat without complaining,” admits Starks who is a mother of three and grandmother to six. “Break the habit from the traditional hotdogs, chips and soft drinks by providing some fun fruit and vegetable treats for that end-of-summer pool party. Involving the children in preparation will encourage them to eat the what they might ordinarily turn up their noses at,” she suggests. Starks recommends veggie boats, watermelon popsicles, and “bugs on a log” using celery, peanut butter, and raisins. “An easy dessert idea is to mix sliced strawberries or peaches with or without banana slices and sprinkle with sliced almonds and coconut chips,” she says. Visit DeSoto Magazine’s website for more recipes and ideas from Nelda Starks.
Andrea Brown Ross is the assistant editor of DeSoto Magazine and lives in Como, Mississippi.
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table talk | HERNANDO GOLF & RACQUET CLUB
Chef Terry Maultsby
Family, Food & Fun Karen Ott Mayer | Photography courtesy of Hernando Golf & Racquet Club
Updated renovations, a new menu, and creative energy have transformed Hernando Golf & Racquet Club into a family friendly destination for dinners and events. A quiet renaissance has been taking place in Hernando, Mississippi, at a place long-known as Hernando Hills. Just more than a year ago, a pair of investors decided this local 140-acre country club had outlived its previous chapters, and the timing was right to turn a bright, new page into the future. Opened in 1989, the former Hernando Hills offered members a private golf club with pool and tennis. Despite several ownership changes and dwindling membership over the years, the club managed to survive for more than three decades as a staple in the community. As other clubs in the region have either closed or grown, Hernando Hills simply existed as amenities faded. Today, however, it’s clear a new concept is in play that matches the vibrant, youthful Hernando community. 30 DeSoto
“We want to be family friendly. Families are our priority,” says General Manager Buck Matheny. Matheny, a 25-year Professional Golf Association member who spent time managing courses at Tunica National and at Senatobia’s Back Acres, joined the newly-named Hernando Golf and Racquet Club not long after the 2018 acquisition. Since then, a massive renovation has resulted in the construction of a new swimming pool and tennis courts, the complete remodeling of the clubhouse, locker rooms, pro shop, and dining areas. Clean, bright and welcoming, the club now welcomes three times as many members as it did just one year ago. But the club conversation wouldn’t be complete without checking out what’s on the dining tables and even at the poolside. Eating, especially for families and friends, has
taken on a whole new dimension. Feel like dressing up for a white-table cloth night out? Chef Terry Maultsby has built a fine dining menu that gives anyone a reason to don a collared shirt and khakis rather than jeans and flip flops. On the other end of the spectrum, the mom and dad who prefer to watch their kids in the pool never have to leave their lawn chairs to enjoy lunch. The fully-stocked bar adjacent to the pro shop feels like the perfect spot to cool off after a hot game of tennis – without the kids. While dining is open to members only and their guests, the new team makes it abundantly clear that anyone interested in a new membership is encouraged to visit and dine. “We definitely want people to come eat and see what’s new,” says Chef Terry. Faith Maultsby, the chef ’s wife, serves as events coordinator and brings more than 20 years of culinary-event experience from Asheville, North Carolina, to Hernando. Her creative energy has resulted in recent happenings that combine community and kitchen. This past year, kids enjoyed ‘Breakfast with Santa’ while moms indulged in their own Mother’s Day brunch. Even non-member teens had the chance to step inside the club during a prom dinner open to the public. “We really wanted to be a safe, family-friendly place for teens on prom night – even if they weren’t members” she says. For $40 per couple, the prom-goers chose appetizers, entrees and desserts from a set menu. During the holidays, Hernando Golf & Racquet Club can help lighten the cooking load. Last year, Chef Terry whipped up a list of side dishes and desserts that could serve up to eight. “He offered a key lime pie that was such a hit we continued it after Thanksgiving,” says Maultsby. Chef Terry has been in the kitchen for more than 20 years. “I love cooking, especially Creole and Lowcountry
cuisine,” he says. “We’re striving to use only the freshest ingredients and maintain a certain high-quality standard. I like to change the menu seasonally.” Some of the specials include stone-ground grits, blackened grouper, grilled salmon and primal beef cuts like standard filets and ribeyes. “One of our favorites is a pasta dish with blackened chicken, mushrooms and a blue cream cheese sauce,” he says. Even kids benefit from a full menu that is available all day long. “What kid doesn’t love chicken tenders? Ours are made from sliced breast meat, soaked in a buttermilk marinade, hand bread and fried,” Maultsby adds. Hernando Golf & Racquet Club holds dear a vision of what it means to gather as a family – without huge expense or stress. Whether it’s a family buffet or board games in the clubhouse, the idea is that parents can relax and socialize as much as the kids. Even single folks will find a home. “We have a social membership that’s designed for individuals to come out, eat and socialize with their friends,” says co-owner Drew DePriest. DePriest, owner of All-Star Chevrolet who has lived in north Mississippi for 26 years, believed in the inherent potential of the club despite the large investment. As a parent, he fully understands the challenges of finding relaxing, affordable family time. “We really believe in the idea of entertaining the whole family. Here, the kids can swim and the parents can enjoy their time with friends, too,” says DePriest. “With so many families traveling for sports or to the coast, it’s nice to find quality, local downtime that’s not so expensive. It’s how we were all raised.” Based in Como, Mississippi, Karen Ott Mayer is an independent copywriter, contributor, and editor, specializing in commercial writing and rural living.
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exploring destinations | DESOTO NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK
Re-enactors at DeSoto Memorial site
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Oceanside Sign
The South’s First Explorer By Mary Ann DeSantis Photography courtesy of Mary Ann DeSantis and National Park Service/DeSoto
Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto came ashore in Tampa Bay with 700 men, women, and children 480 years ago. They began a 4-year, 4,000-mile journey through what would eventually become the American South. Make no mistake – Hernando DeSoto was not a kind man. He was ruthless in his quest to discover gold, the primary reason for his ill-fated journey. DeSoto’s own men hated him so much that he hired German mercenaries for protection. He enslaved the natives to be his guides and inflicted punishment when things didn’t go according to his plan. Despite his atrocities, DeSoto is still remembered and honored for his contributions to the New World. The name, “DeSoto,” is a common one in the Southern states where the expedition journeyed – Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Towns, cities, counties, lakes, forests and one national memorial park pay homage to the Spanish explorer who was the first European to discover the Mississippi River. Each spring, re-enactors from as far away as Spain assemble on the shores of the DeSoto National Memorial Park near Bradenton, Florida, to mark the anniversary of DeSoto’s landing. This year, the 80th re-enactment took place at the park, which was established as a national memorial site in 1948 some nine years after the park opened. DeSoto 33
Timothy Burke has played DeSoto since 2001
Hands-on exhibit
National Park Ranger Daniel Stephens is quick to point out that this park named for DeSoto isn’t exactly the precise point where the explorer landed on May 25, 1539. “We think DeSoto landed 10 miles north of us around what is the Port of Manatee today,” Stephens clarifies. “And that is why we have the memorial designation.” When the word ‘memorial’ is included in the U.S. National Park name, it means an historical event occurred near the area but not on the site. The designation can recognize a historic person or event. The annual re-enactment ceremony of DeSoto’s landing is only one small part of the DeSoto National Memorial Park’s mission. From May through October, park rangers lead free kayak tours and provide the kayaks, gear, and safety equipment. The mangroves around the park’s shoreline are a perfect place for families doing their own explorations. Living history demonstrations and programs are held from December through April at the onsite Camp Uzita village. Throughout the summer, the park offers the DeSoto Rancho Fishing Clinics and single day Junior Ranger minicamps, which teach children about fishing, history, ecology and conservation. An award-winning Junior Ranger Activity Book is available free and will keep youngsters of all ages busy as they wander the walking trails and museum. The year-round highlight of DeSoto National Memorial Park is the nature trail that winds along the beach shoreline and through several Florida ecosystems, including a mangrove forest like the one that DeSoto’s men would have encountered. Trails include interpretive signage and waysides that tell the story of the DeSoto Expedition and the natural history of the area. Park rangers offer 45-minute guided trail walks, depending on staff availability and weather. And, of course, what would a memorial park be without a museum? The small museum on the park’s grounds 34 DeSoto
Javier Sanchez from Spain
features several hands-on exhibits, including opportunities to try on a Morion helmet or a cuirass, a heavy piece of defensive armor for the torso. A brief film about DeSoto’s expedition is shown throughout the day inside the museum gallery and offers details about DeSoto’s route. The park rangers as well as the re-enactors strive to create authenticity. “I hope we make history rich for the young people who come here,” says Tony Lenari, a Sarasota resident who participated in the DeSoto “landing” last spring. History may have turned out differently if DeSoto had been able to stick to Spain’s plan to build a colony on the shores of Tampa Bay. However, he was aggressive and hoped to increase his fortune by discovering gold. He also was fearful that his men would revolt and leave on the ships, so DeSoto pushed northward. He died in May 1542 from a fever, and his body was secretly deposited into the Mississippi River near the Louisiana side. His successor Luis Moscodo ordered the army to cut down trees and melt their armor for nails to build seven boats. On July 2, 1543, the last of the conquistadors – only 311 or the original 700 survived – set sail down the Mississippi River and eventually arrived at a Spanish colony in Mexico. “To this day, DeSoto’s expedition is controversial,” says Stephens, who played a Spanish priest in the re-enactment ceremony. “But it provided unique and valuable insight to the land.” DeSoto’s men chronicled their journey with diaries and maps. The expedition also introduced pigs, horses and dogs into the New World and opened the region for future explorations. nps.gov/deso
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on the road again | PICKWICK LAKE
e k a L k c i w k c i P ake L e h T t a r e t t e B Life is
Pickwick Lake, one of the South’s premier resort destinations, is located on the beautiful Tennessee River where the Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi state lines meet the Tombigbee Waterway. Offering something for everyone, Pickwick is a favorite destination for boating, fishing, golfing and family fun. 9:00 Grab a delicious and hearty breakfast at R&B’s Bar-B-Q on Highway 57 in Counce, Tennessee. Pancakes and bacon or piled high hash browns, eggs and sausage provide the energy you need for a day of outdoor fun. 10:00 Grand Harbor Condominiums and Marina has everything to set up your day on the lake. Rent a pontoon for a relaxing tour of the lake, fishing for bass and crappie, or any other water sport you can imagine. Noon Stop to refuel the boat and enjoy lunch at Eastport Marina and Grill. Menu items include cold sandwiches, appetizers, or shrimp basket, but it’s the cheeseburger that locals and visitors love. After lunch get back on the boat for more fun and exploring. Check out Rainbow Falls, Pickwick Landing State Park, or J.P. Coleman State Park. 3:30 Before dinner, relax at Grand Harbor’s lakeside pool or spa. If you would prefer more activity, plan a game of golf or tennis. 5:00 Dinner at Freddy T’s offers great food and fun at this “tropical” oasis. The large menu has everything from starters and salads to steaks, seafood and chicken dishes. Some favorites include Bang’n Shrimp, Cedar Plank Salmon, or Bone-in Ribeye. After dinner enjoy a cocktail and gorgeous sunset on the rooftop or dance to live music at Club 50 and the Parrotthead Bar. There is also an arcade for the little ones.
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To plan your visit: pickwicklake.info gograndharbor.com epmarina.com freddyts.com
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e k a L k c i w PicLkife is Better at The Lake Shiloh National Military Park
While in the area, make time to visit Shiloh National Military Park. The park was established in 1894 to preserve the scene of the first major battle in the Western theater of the Civil War, which occurred in April 1862. Nearly 110,000 Confederate and Union troops fought in a bloody battle that resulted in 23,746 casualties – more casualties than in all of America’s previous wars combined. In addition to the 5,000-acre Shiloh Battlefield, the park contains a separate unit at Corinth, Mississippi. Located within the boundaries of Shiloh Battlefield is a U.S. National Cemetery, which contains the graves of 4,000 soldiers and their family members. The Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark is also located within the Shiloh Battlefield and preserves the remnants of a Mississippian-era Native American village. For more information visit nps. gov/shil or call 731-689-5696.
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Confederate Memorial
greater goods | SUMMER FUN
Summer Fun
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1. Men’s swim suits, SoCo Apparel, 300 W Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 2 Beach blanket and bag, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 3. Nora Fleming Napkin holder, Paisley Pineapple, 6542 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS 4. Vera Bradley beach towels, The Pink Zinnia, 134 West Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 5. Beach tote, Ultimate Gifts, 3075 Goodman Road E, Southaven, MS 6. Summer dresses and earrings, Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS 7. Bandeaus, The Bunker, 2631 McIngvale Road #106, Hernando, MS 8. Pool sign, Crossroads Vendor Market, 8804 Caroma Street Suite 140, Olive Branch, MS 9. Tees and tumblers, Merry Magnolia, 194 E Military Road, Marion, AR 10. Summer fashions, Upstairs Closet, 136 Norfleet Drive, Senatobia, MS 11. Large beach tote, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS
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e k a h s k Mil ! s s e n d a M By Pam Windsor Photography courtesy of Annabella Charles, Pam Windsor, Chelsea Hoffman, Chelsea Green,Velvet Cream and Amy Whidby.
Milkshakes have been around a long time, but the cool, creamy drink is having a resurgence of popularity thanks to new flavors and old favorites at these iconic soda shops around the South. DeSoto 41
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Milkshakes are an American classic and a longtime summer favorite. They became especially popular during the soda fountain days of the 1950s and ‘60s (although they were around long before that) and have remained a part of our culture ever since. Old time diners and drugstore restaurants continue to serve those muchfavored traditional milk and ice cream drinks, while a new wave of businesses now offer people a chance to create their own milkshakes with a wide range of syrups, toppings, and different flavors. Milkshakes, as we know them today – containing a mixture of ice cream and milk began in the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until the invention of the drink mixer, and later the electric blender in 1922, that they began appearing on restaurant menus. It was during that same year that Ivar “Pop” Coulson of Walgreen’s added ice cream to the malted milk drink and invented the malted milkshake. Shakes have been around ever since. For some, there’s a special kind of nostalgia in having a shake at a place that’s been serving them for decades. Nashville’s Elliston Place Soda Shop first opened in 1939 and remains the city’s oldest, continuously operating restaurant at the same location. “It started out as a pharmacy and a general store with a soda fountain,” says General Manager Linda Melton, who has worked there for 27 years. “The original owner convinced the pharmacist that this could become a stand-alone restaurant. So they subdivided it. We serve a great burger and fries, excellent meat-and-3s (a meat and three sides), and milkshakes. We have people come in just for the shakes.” She says the way they make them differs slightly from a lot of other places. “Most people use vanilla ice cream, but the vanilla ice cream kind of takes away from the actual flavoring because vanilla has a flavor of its own. So, we use a shake base which has no flavoring and we add our flavors like chocolate or strawberries, and all the fresh toppings.” They’re thick and creamy and people like them that way. Based in a city known for music, Elliston Place has seen a lot of artists use its soda fountain backdrop for music videos, and many stars often drop by to eat. Guests have included Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Toby Keith, John Schneider, DeSoto 43
Hattie Jane’s Creamery. Columbia, Tennessee
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Jimmy Buffett, and many others. The food, and those milkshakes, keep people coming back again and again. Brent’s Drugs is a similar, muchloved hometown spot in Jackson, Mississippi, that opened in 1946. “After the pharmacy left about 10 years ago,” explains General Manager Sarah Friedler, “the soda fountain had been such a part the community’s history that a group of partners got together and said, ‘We can’t let this go.’ So, they bought it and kept the soda fountain and restaurant.” Brent’s has a strong customer base that comes for the burgers, its signature egg-and-olive-salad sandwich, and the milkshakes. “What makes a great milkshake is its thickness,” says Friedler. “That’s very important. We like to be innovative, but we don’t put too many things in a milkshake. We may have a banana Nutella shake, but it’s not going to have more than the bananas, the Nutella, and the vanilla ice cream. We also make fresh whipped cream every day.” To keep things interesting, Brent’s does specialty shakes every month. For Mardi Gras there’s a King Cake Shake, when Girl Scouts are selling cookies there’s a Thin Mint Shake, at Easter look for a Cadbury Shake, and so on. And while shakes are definitely a big draw, people also come in for malts. “People ask me the difference between a malt and a shake all the time and it’s hard to explain. It’s a powder and it’s what’s in a malted milk ball like a Whopper. So, it’s a bit thicker and creamier and has kind of that malt ball taste.” If Brent’s looks familiar, scenes from the movie “The Help” were shot here. The film made use of the period furniture and booths that have remained through the years. Tommy Flinn owns Velvet Cream, also known as The Dip in Hernando, Mississippi. It’s been around since 1947. He began working there as an 11-year old boy in the late 1960s. His son, daughter, nieces and nephews, and even his parents, now in their 80s, still help with the family run business. “We’re here because of the car culture basically established after World War II,” Flinn says. “It was where everybody would get in their car and come get a milkshake, because they could ride around and drink them. It was made for drive-thru, DeSoto 45
The Yard
driving around, and just sitting around and talking.” Those milkshakes still draw crowds today. “We do a very creamy milkshake which is made from 10 percent butter fat. We use the mix that we make our ice cream with to make our milkshakes, so it’s really creamy.” They’re served with huge straws and come in all kinds of flavors. “We do whatever flavor you want. We can combine anything with anything. If you like cherry with pecans or with chocolate ice cream and sprinkles, we can absolutely do that. ” While older restaurants that have served milkshakes for years are still bringing in customers, so are many new ones. The Yard Milkshake Bar opened its first location in Gulf Shores, Alabama, two years ago and has since opened others in Panama City Beach, Florida; Fairhope, Alabama; and D’Iberville, Mississippi. Chelsea Green owns the business with her husband, Logan, and says she had an ice cream shop in Gulf Shores and wanted to open a second location that didn’t compete with the existing store, so they decided to do milkshakes instead of ice cream. “We wanted to do something different, so we decided to do crazy milkshakes,” she says. “And we got the name from the song that says, ‘My milkshake brings all the boys to the 46 DeSoto
yard.’” Each milkshake comes with a souvenir jar and many different toppings. “They come with a ton of toppings and syrups,” says Green. “We have things like chunks of cheesecake or brownies, cookie dough sandwiches, and we add stuff on top. You can choose from shakes we already have predesigned or you can build your own if you like and make your milkshake exactly like you want it.” She says people love the variety, the way the shakes look and have a lot of fun posting photos on social media. Lokalani Alabanza, who created the Unicorn Shake at Hattie Jane’s Creamery in Columbia, Tennessee, says milkshakes tend to make people happy and often spark memories. She says there’s nothing better than watching both kids and adults enjoy her special concoction of ice cream, cereal, marshmallows, sprinkles, French macarons, whipped cream, cotton candy, and a waffle cone. “It’s true. It makes people happy; they get excited. And the biggest compliment I can get is when someone says I remember that; I didn’t think I’d have that flavor again or it reminded me of this. That means a lot.” The Milk Dessert Bar in Memphis just celebrated its first anniversary. It, too, has enjoyed the recent wave of people
Brent’s Drugs
who like crafting their own shakes and desserts. Madison Kolonis, the director of marketing, says the key to a great milkshake is striking the right balance. “I think it’s your ratio. You’ve got to have the perfect amount of each ingredient. We’ve got basic shakes with any ice cream flavor, whipped cream, and a cherry on top, and most adults usually get those. Then the kids’ eyes get big when they look at the menu and see all of our funky shakes.” She believes the popularity of milkshakes has a lot to with bringing people together. “I think it kind of allows even adults to feel that joy of being a little kid again and going to soda fountains with their parents when they were kids, and now bringing their own kids to experienc that, too.” Pam Windsor is a Nashville-based freelance journalist who writes about food, travel, music, culture, and extraordinary people.
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You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby. Memphis & The Peabody Celebrate with Style
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Peabody Lobby from Mezzanine
The City of Memphis and The Peabody Hotel are marking significant anniversaries this year, and both have a lot to celebrate.
By Jill Gleeson Photography credits: Memphis CVB Memphis photo of bridge: Jack Kenner Other Memphis photos: Phillip Van Zant Peabody photos: Peabody Hotel Pink Palace: Bill Walsh
Doug Browne, president of Peabody Hotels and Resorts, remembers the event well although it happened back in 2003, the year he began working at The Peabody Memphis as general manager. Former President Jimmy Carter was in town for a book signing, and he was extremely excited to see the hotel’s famed waterfowl waddle down the red carpet and into the lobby fountain. “The first thing out of his mouth when he arrived was, “When is the duck march?” Browne recalls. “And at 5 p.m., sure enough, he’s there watching the duck march. Of course I’m thinking, “This is huge, we’ve got the ex-president of the United States at our duck march!”
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Main Street Skyline
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“But Michael Jordan was standing over to the right of him,” Browne continues, “and he’s watching the duck march, and I’m thinking, “This is huge, we’ve got the ex-president of the United States and unquestionably the most famous athlete in the world watching the duck march!’ But then I look up, and sitting on the mezzanine level is Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley and they’re watching the duck march. I remember I turned to our director of sales and saying, ‘Wow, this is a great day at The Peabody!’ And he said, ‘No, Doug, this is a typical day at The Peabody’.” And so it goes at Memphis’ grandest hotel, which turns 150 years old this year. The iconic landmark celebrated with a massive renovation that was completed at the beginning of the year. Along with the spectacular Grand Lobby, all 464 guest rooms and suites were remodeled. Come August, Feathers Spa will shut down for the month for a $300,000 facelift. That project will include the addition of three more treatment rooms and a Vichy spa table that will make getting a body scrub and other services even more wonderful than it was before. If The Peabody’s ability to retain its legendary elegance and beauty is a result of the commitment its owners, the Belz family, have shown toward the property’s upkeep, its continued charm comes courtesy of its employees, says Ken Nelson, director of catering and conference management. “Everyone who works here, we’re more like a family,” he says. “That’s something you don’t find in many hotels, where normally there is a lot of turn over in workers. When we have guests here, it’s like you’re not at our hotel, you’re in our home.” It could be said that Nelson, a Peabody employee since 1982, is as crucial a part of the hotel’s history as Elvis, who so famously signed a recording contract in its lobby. Certainly he’s made as big a mark on the lives of its guests. “I’m into multigenerational wedding planning now,” he says. “Brides who were married here in the 80s have children who I’m now doing weddings for – it’s wonderful! But what’s really amazing is how many people have met during one of our rooftop parties. People find relationships here, they fall in love here, and they celebrate that love here.” It seems a safe bet that at least a few relationships will be born at the festive affairs The Peabody is hosting in honor of its DeSoto 51
Peabody Duck March
big year. The most sumptuous will take place on Sept. 5, with a party in the Grand Lobby, the annual Duck Walk Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and a Continental Ballroom dinner; these events will be followed on Nov. 7 by a Jack Daniels tasting and dinner. Couples who want to really indulge can book the 1869 Package for $1,869. It includes a one-night stay in a Peabody suite, dinner for two at Chez Philippe, a couples massage in Feathers Spa, room service breakfast, a 150th anniversary keepsake of branded Dom Perignon and more. The Peabody is offering other anniversary goodies, too, like a special Wagyu beef burger with caviar; lobster Chez Philippe is selling for $150. If that still seems a little too rich for your blood, perhaps just think about feteing the Peabody by watching those beloved ducks make their web-footed way into the lobby fountain. Because, as Jack Belz likes to say of his hotel, “The Peabody is the place where people come to relive old memories and make new ones.” peabodymemphis.com
Memphis on the Move Grind City may be two centuries old this year, but it’s got even more to celebrate in 2019 than its bicentennial. Once known nearly as much for economic struggles and a less-than-ideal crime rate as it was for blues and barbecue, Memphis is currently enjoying a renaissance so golden it might 52 DeSoto
well be making Tennessee’s other booming music metropolis green with envy. Just last year The New York Times reported that tourism in the city had increased a dramatic 13 percent, or by 1.3 million visitors, between 2012 and 2017, while also noting Memphis has seen “$13 billion in over 250 revitalization projects in the past four years…” If Memphis has a lot to look forward to, it also has some fascinating history to look back on, according to The Pink Palace Family of Museums Marketing Manager Bill Walsh. A number of the institutions are serving up special exhibits in honor of the bicentennial, including the recently renovated Pink Palace itself. “Making Memphis – 200 Years of Community” touches on five different facets of the city’s history including Art and Entertainment, Migration and Settlement, and Commerce and Entrepreneurialism. “One of the most significant early events we explore is the Yellow Fever epidemic in the early 1800s, which almost wiped Memphis off the map,” says Walsh. “We lost our charter because of it.” Other exhibits tell the story of Memphis by shining a light on residents like Robert Church, one of the country’s first African-American millionaires, and Madame McCleave, a famed black opera singer back in the day. There is space dedicated to the motel chain Holiday Inn, which got its start in the city, and a display that analyzes the role geography and
Memphis Skyline Showcasing the Hernando DeSoto Bridge
Memphis Skyline Showcasing the Hernando DeSoto Bridge
Pink Palace
climate has played in enticing corporations like Fed Ex to base their operations within city borders. It’s an ambitious, fascinating exhibition, and a must-see for any proud Memphian. Speaking of proud, while Memphis in May already threw the city’s big bicentennial birthday bash, there are still plenty of good times ahead – and in more ways than one, promises Kevin Kern, vice president of communications for Memphis Tourism. “From festivals celebrating local innovation and civic pride, to cultural events and community service activations, bicentennial celebrations will continue throughout 2019. In Memphis, the party never stops,” says Kern. “At 200, Memphis and Shelby County have even more momentum as we continue to innovate and change the world.” memphismuseums.org Jill Gleeson is a freelance travel and adventure journalist. Find her at gleesonreboots.com.
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By Verna Gates & Mary Ann DeSantis Photography courtesy of Kennedy Space Center, Huntsville US Space and Rocket Center Verna Gates and Mary Ann DeSantis
As 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing approaches, space centers around the South are launching programs and events to mark the occasion. DeSoto 55
Apollo Saturn V Center - Saturn V Rocket and engine bells
Apollo Saturn V Center - Treasures Gallery Space Suit designs
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On July 20, 1969, millions of people around the world watched as Neil Armstrong emerged from the Apollo 11 “Eagle” lunar module and took a giant leap for mankind. Back on Earth, a surprising number of Southern space centers had played a crucial role in America’s journey to the moon. This is the summer to visit one of these historic – yet still vital – centers to learn what it’s like to be an astronaut, beginning with a spacewalk at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Travel a little farther to see the actual launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center or get an insider’s look at the International Space Station Gallery at Space Center Houston. And closer to home, NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County offers a behind-the-scenes tour through the rocket-engine testing complex. U.S. Space and Rocket Center® Huntsville, Alabama rocketcenter.com Bouncing around in a one-sixth gravity chair delivers the kind of joy that banishes all thoughts of dieting. Just one touch of the toe on the ground sends you high into the air, free from earth’s pull. The landing is gentle, like dancing in bunny shoes. It feels like you could break all records in the high jump, possibly in the pole vault. Next stop, the Multi-Axis Trainer (MAT) is designed to train astronauts to deal with disorientation. It works. As I spun freely in all directions, my greatest hope was that my stomach would soon catch up with me, as it did on this thrilling ride. The MAT separates the wanna-be astronauts from the land lovers. Welcome to Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1950, a group of immigrants descended on this tiny Southern burg, ready to launch a whole new era of exploration. By the end of the first day, each of them possessed a library card and a place at the new Redstone Arsenal. Wernher von Braun and his German rocket team moved to Huntsville to help America convert rockets of war into vehicles to travel the solar system. His Saturn V rocket launcher propelled man to the moon. As director of the NASA’s Marshall Space Rocket Center, DeSoto 57
Huntsville US Space and Rocket Center Outdoors
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he pushed presidents and citizens alike to reach for the stars. His Redstone-Mercury Rocket sent Alan Shepherd into space as the first American astronaut. Ten years later, the Apollo 11 mission made a giant leap for mankind and fulfilled the lifelong dream of von Braun. In my “rocket mission,” I joined a group of intrepid space travelers on a replica of the space shuttle bound for the moon. Others made their way to Mars. From the list of positions, ranging from the captain of the ship to the control center, we divvied up jobs. Sitting in the capsule, I was handed a booklet filled with instructions for my station. Everyone had a job to do on lift off. The captain also read out all of the instructions, step by step. Even reading along and listening on my headset, I still managed to flip the wrong switches, demonstrating the wisdom of pursing a career that doesn’t have the potential to send me into a black hole. Along the way, problems are presented to solve, from weather to engine problems. The emergency binder was smudged with sweaty thumb prints. Once the launch commenced, sound effects and all, we moved out of the command capsule into the second pod of the space shuttle. Lots of switches got flipped before I entered my station, where we were growing plants as part of an experiment. As I left the main area, I put on a space suit, and yes, it does make one look fat. But feeling cool is well worth it. That night, we slept well in our pods. There is the option to stay in an adjoining hotel, but when else can one sleep in an astronaut bed and use waste management instead of the bathroom? Expect several coworkers in the 12-person bunk rooms. You can also hear children giggling in adjoining pods. American citizens can also request a bus tour of the Marshall Space Flight Center, where scientists and engineers are preparing for NASA’s next out-of-this-world mission. Adult Space Camp consists of three days and two nights. The $599 fee includes the camp and all of its activities, meals and pod space for sleeping. You may be randomly assigned the lunar or Mars mission, depending on the weekend you select. For more information, visit spacecamp.com/ space/adult. Back on Earth, freelance writer Verna Gates is based in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Merritt Island, Florida kennedyspacecenter.com The KSC Visitors Complex has done a remarkable job balancing history with its theme park attraction, which delights kids of all ages. Lest you forget it is still a working facility where scientists and engineers are developing new projects, a bus tour takes you throughout the working spaceflight center. On the way to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, you will get a drive-by of the historic Launch Pad A, used for both Apollo and Shuttle missions and now Space X; the modified Launch Pad B, which is used for NASA’s Space Launch System, and the massive Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations the Apollo center itself will be relaunched on July 15 with new interactive and immersive exhibits. And on July 16 – the anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch date – visitors can relive the launch sequence in real time and experience the atmosphere of the historical moment. Space Center Houston/Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas spacecenter.org The ears of the world were listening as Neil Armstrong reported from the lunar surface, “Houston, the Eagle has landed.” But no one was listening more closely than the controllers at Houston’s Manned Space Center (renamed the Johnson Space Center in 1973). Former Public Affairs director Hal Stall saw the need to share the JSC story, especially with youth. He approached community leaders and formed the non-profit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, Inc. The foundation hired experts from Walt Disney Imagineering to generate the concepts that would become Space Center Houston. The center includes several unique exhibits and experiences, including a chance to tour the astronaut training facilities or to take a dynamic look inside the International Space Station Gallery. John C. Stennis Space Center/Infinity Museum Pearlington, Mississippi visitinfinity.com Since the 1960s, NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center has been America’s rocket engine test complex. The first and second Saturn V rocket stages for NASA’s Apollo Program, including those used to carry humans to the moon, were tested there. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was a saying in the communities surrounding the center, “If you want to go to the moon, you first have to go through Hancock County, Mississippi.” Today, the center is doing ground-breaking scientific work, including testing for the Space Launch System (SLS), which will carry man even farther into space. The Infinity Science Center, a non-profit museum at the NASA Stennis Visitor Center, offers a blend of space, Earth science, engineering and technology content, and innovative programming that is accessible to everyone. In addition, a guided 20-mile guided tour from the Infinity Center takes visitors through the restricted gates of the research facility at the heart of the 125,000-acre Stennis buffer zone.
Although she wanted to be an astronaut, Mary Ann DeSantis chose a journalism career instead and now serves as managing editor of DeSoto Magazine.
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Apollo Saturn V Center
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homegrown | DELTA SUNSHINE BREWING CO.
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Delta Sunshine founder, Todd Paden
Blues, Beer & the Delta Sunshine By Verna Gates Photography courtesy of Delta Sunshine Brewing Company
Restaurants across the region are turning to the food friendly beers from the Delta Sunshine Brewing Company. The Mississippi River flows deep in the blood of Todd Paden. With four generations of his family born on Mississippi soil and his own rearing near its waters in Memphis, he thrives on its rich culture. When it came to crafting his own taste in craft beer, he recalled his favorite place to be – in the delta sunshine. The Delta Sunshine Brewing Company (DSBC) bows to the beauty of the delta – from sunrise to sunset. In
the sunshine, the hops grow along with the grains that produce delectable flavors. After sundown, the blues emerge, telling the soul story of muddy waters floating past. Hot afternoons and sultry nights call for a cold beer to cool down and tell tales of life and love on the guitar. As part of his promotions, blues festivals often pour the elixirs he created from his life with music, food and plenty of sunshine. “The blues are woven into the delta. You can’t get DeSoto 63
Nate Carter, Todd Paden and Sunny Higi
away from the blues. They are easily incorporated in what we do,” said Paden, founder of the Delta Sunshine Brewing Company. Before founding the brewing company a year and a half ago, Paden worked for food service manufacturing companies. Growing up in restaurants with his chef father, kitchens are a second home for him. While he was providing food, it was the beverages on his mind. “I love great beer,” Paden said. Leveraging his relationships with restaurants across the Southeast, Paden built a brewery to provide the kinds of beers that pair well with the foods being served – from white table cloths to paper napkins. The challenge in making restaurantready beers is to create a complementary flavor that opens the taste buds, without competing with what is on the plate. Starting with a three-beer concept, he set out to make three crowd-and-cook pleasers. Focusing on creating an approachable beer, complex in flavor, that finishes clean without lingering in the mouth, he studied the most commonly ordered beers. The results are three beers rapidly sweeping across the South. Highway 61 Pilsner honors the blues highway, where so many blues artists traveled from gig to gig, and sometimes from troubles to fresh starts to troubles again. With a golden color and crystal-clear finish, the pilsner is a preferred beer 64 DeSoto
found in coolers on hot days. While one of the most commonly consumed beers, it is also the most difficult to brew. It takes twice as long to brew and any variation can make a deep dent in the taste. As Paden says, “there is nothing to hide behind,” in this uncompromising flavor. It is a beer that invites you to have another. The Toll Booth Amber, Paden’s go-to beer, brings full body to the glass. The smooth taste is described as a mixture of toasted biscuit, roasted coffee and toasted caramel. The complex mix of ingredients delivers flavor without a hoppy bitterness. Using different hops and malts than the average craft beer, the result is a beer that doesn’t bog you down with a full feeling. In Room 414, the shy super talent, Robert Johnson, recorded his first record. With a nod to this musical classic, this beer brings a bitterness straight from the Southern piney woods. The traditional India Pale Ale (IPA) ramped up the hops to survive the long journey from Britain to the heat of India. DSBC blends in a delta touch in its extra hops with a whiff of grapefruit in the bitter. This beer stimulates the palate but leaves room on the taste buds to enjoy a fine meal. The brew master is now cooking up recipes for new seasonal beers to add to the menu. This fall and winter may see the addition of a couple of new in-stock beers, however the focus will remain on the three flagship offerings.
A brewing company designed for the restaurant industry, Delta Sunshine beer can be found in more than 100 eateries in its home town of Memphis. A rapidly expanding business, the beer is being shipped into Mississippi markets including Greenville, Tunica, Clarksdale, Tupelo and Oxford. Its newest market is Louisiana, where restaurants in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport are serving the beers on tap. “If a restaurant is pouring draft beer, that is where we want to be,” said Paden. Another place to search for Delta Sunshine beers are events and music festivals. A keg company, they may be pouring somewhere in the South. Committed to the music rising from the delta, the company plans to sponsor events, such as the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, which they sponsored last October, or the Pour Mississippi Beer and Music Festival in Memphis. The blues and beer, it doesn’t get better than that.
“The blues are woven into the delta. You can’t get away from the blues. They are easily incorporated in what we do.” Todd Paden Verna Gates is the author of 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die. She recently won a first place in Travel Writing from the National Federation of Press Women
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southern gentleman | ASKING FORGIVENESS
Know what’s in that little blue box? Forgiveness. Whether you remembered her birthday or not, just the sight of this box is gift enough; wait until she sees what’s inside. It’s the thought that counts, unless you forgot the big day, in which case you’ll need what’s inside to get you out of the dog house.
Asking Forgiveness By Jason Frye | Photo by Jason Frye
Hopefully, you will never need this guide to a forgotten birthday or anniversary, but in case you do, here are some tips to make amends. Not to brag, but after 17 years of dating and marriage, I have yet to forget my wife’s birthday or our anniversary. Not once has either slipped my mind. It’s not like I have some astounding memory for numbers; I don’t. I’m a writer, of course I don’t. Numbers make me feel like I have my hand in a bowl of crickets. That creepy feeling associated with numbers is the reason I prefer a crossword to the sudoku, the reason I remember every Wi-Fi password with a weird word combo but have to ask my in-laws’ for their password every single time (it’s their phone number, how bad is that?) and the reason my checkbook has been balanced twice in 10 years. So how do I do it? How do I hold so firmly in my mind two dates that are critical in keeping any relationship in good standing? Simple: they’re all in October. 66 DeSoto
October? You ask. Why October? Well, my birthday is October 10 and my wife’s is October 1. All I have to do is drop a number – 0 – from my birthday and I have hers. And our anniversary – October 20 – is even easier. 1 + 1 = 2, so October 1 + October 10 = October 20. I told you I’m not good at math, but whatever, it works for me. There have been a few times I’ve come close to forgetting something – the card, dinner reservations – and I’ve found myself at Target picking out a card on the way home from work, then scribbling a note from the passenger seat one red light at a time (fortunately, my normal handwriting is also a scribble, so it’s hard to tell if I jotted down a last-minute note).
What do you do when you actually forget? When the world keeps you distracted and Monday becomes Tuesday becomes Wednesday becomes, wait, Wednesday? That’s your anniversary. You’ve got no card, no flowers, no nothing. What now? In two words, you’re screwed. Or rather, you’re not, but that’s another topic. But you are in hot water, and sometimes hot water is hard to get out of. That’s why I’m here. Not to brag about the cabalistic math that allows me to remember that October is a Birthday, Birthday, Anniversary, Birthday extravaganza (where’d the third birthday come from? It’s my mother-in-law’s and in the memory of dates, these are the most important: your birthday, spouse’s birthday, your anniversary, your mom’s birthday, your mother-in-law’s birthday; none of the other ones matter – sorry dads, but you know your place), but to help you out of a jam. If you forget. Boy, those are heavy words. If you forget, you must make amends and fast. What can you do? Cards aren’t enough. Flowers won’t cut it. You need to go deep. Tiffany.com is loaded with gift ideas, and depending on which anniversary or birthday you forgot – the amend making escalates with the importance of each – you might be in the market for their $115,000 ruby, diamond and platinum necklace; though the sterling silver crown charm with matching chain for $210 may be enough to keep your queen happy while you make last-minute weekend plans (BIG weekend plans, by the way). Ok, fine, a gift of jewelry – even if it comes in that gorgeous little blue box – for a missed birthday is a little old fashion, but old-fashioned works. Anniversary
Traditional Gift
Modern Gift
Honey I Forgot Gift
1
Paper
Clock
Definitely a card, possibly the business card of a divorce lawyer because you can’t forget the first one
5
Wood
Silverware
A silver-handled rolling pin so she can knock a few cartoonish lumps on your head
10
Aluminum
Diamond Jewelry
Surely you didn’t let your 10-year anniversary slip your mind, but if you did, maybe buy her an aluminum baseball bat as a reminder that you just really shouldn’t forget another one
15
Crystal
Watch
Buy yourself a watch with a sapphire crystal (that’s the clear part over the face, you savages) and a calendar so maybe next time you won’t forget
20
China
Platinum
Pull out that Platinum AmEx, old buddy, because it’s time to book two first-class tickets to China. (Note: if you’re getting gifts exclusively from this column, make that a single one-way ticket to China)
25
Silver
Silver
You’re taking a trip to New York to visit the Tiffany flagship; she’s got the card and the only thing you can say is, “It looks great, dear” and “Why don’t you go ahead and buy two, love of my life”
Beyond 25, you’re on your own as long as you’ve set a reminder on your phone for your 50th Anniversary. If you forget the 50th, I suggest a healthy dose of thoughts and prayers along with modifying your will to leave everything to your wife’s prison commissary account because you’re a dead man walking.
Jason Frye writes about food, travel, and Southern culture form his home base in Wilmington, North Carolina. Follow his far-flung adventures and see what he’s eating next on Instagram where he’s @beardedwriter.
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southern harmony | JASMINE CAIN
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Music, Motorcycles & Coffee By Kevin Wierzbicki | Photography Courtesy of Brooke Kelly Photography
Once a mainstay on the Memphis rock scene, Jasmine Cain has moved to Nashville where her career encompasses not only making music but also creating original coffee blends. With each conveying a sense of feral freedom, motorcycles and rock ‘n’ roll have long had a special relationship. For the Tennessee-based rocker Jasmine Cain, there may be a cosmic reason why she feels an affinity for motorcycles. Not only was Cain born in Sturgis, South Dakota, home to one of the world’s most notorious motorcycle rallies, but little Jasmine also made her earthly debut while the annual event was in progress. “I’ve always been fascinated by biker culture,” says Cain. “It made my gypsy wanderlust impossible to ignore. I got
my first bike a couple of years ago and started learning to ride, but touring has left me very little time to get home and practice. I have a ’99 Harley Davidson Sportster. I also have a Honda Twinstar, which is so ridiculous because you almost can’t wreck it. It’s low-centered and low-powered. I run it up and down the block and have considered building a ramp, just to see how stupid I can be!” Clearly the late motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel won’t have any of his records broken by Cain; she’s too busy having a ball with her career in music. A singer, guitarist, bass DeSoto 69
player and songwriter, Cain has previously released many fulllength CDs, including Modern Day Gypsy and White Noise. Those efforts are full of songs Cain wrote or co-wrote, like the swampy Southern rock of “Help Me,” the bright, made-forradio rocker “Break Even” and “Hole,” a cut full of seething self-doubt that is not unlike one of Melissa Etheridge’s hits. Cain possesses a powerful voice that often recalls Ann Wilson of Heart, and Jasmine and her band have been known to romp through Heart favorites like “Barracuda” on stage. While Cain now lives in Nashville, she for many years lived about 90-minutes outside Memphis in Dyersburg, and during that time she was a mainstay on the Memphis rock scene. “Memphis is so different from anyplace else I’ve ever been,” says Cain. “There’s a heartbeat that it has that no other place really does. My favorite memories of being there come from performing shows at Stage Stop and hearing stories about the other rock bands that played there from (club proprietor) Nita Makris.” Memphis was also the scene of another memorable event for Cain, although not a positive one. “I was playing at the Easyrider Bike Show at the Convention Center and my purse got stolen from backstage,” Cain relates. “I had no money, no ID, no credit cards, nothing. While I was sitting there bummed out a guy comes up and hands me two tickets to see Bob Seger, who was playing across the street at The Pyramid. He was my absolute favorite and I was dying to see the show, but I couldn’t afford it. It was like the lowest and highest I’ve ever been within a few minutes of each other.” In light of her recording and touring schedule, it is a little surprising to find out that Cain also has time to run a thriving beverage business. And considering that Cain is a guitar-slinging, Harley-riding modern-day gypsy, you might think that the beverage her company purveys would be whiskey. It is, however, coffee, and the idea was born out of necessity and goes back to Cain’s Sturgis origins. 70 DeSoto
“With my involvement in the motorcycle community and performing at events, we would often camp out onsite in a trailer or RV and be out in the field for a week,” Cain says. “I noticed that you couldn’t get any good coffee out there anywhere; everyone had Folgers and powdered creamer and it was gross. I need my coffee in the morning; it gets my mood right.” She worked with the Sturgis Coffee Company to develop her own blends to take on the road. Those blends include Coffin Coffee, which has a super-bold flavor and is her favorite. Suicide Blonde is a lighter roast and is more caffeinated and, she says, “will get you raging from the first cup.” Then, there’s Whiskey Kiss, a blend that reflects her South Dakota roots and Tennessee home. “For this we aged the Coffin Coffee blend in dry Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrels for two months, and it absorbs all the flavor of the wood,” she describes. “Whiskey Kiss is a limited edition; I’m hoping we can do another batch this year, but as it stands right now, when it’s gone it’s gone.” Cain has recently finished work on her new album, her seventh overall and appropriately titled Seven. The singer says, “What I love about this album is that it’s really fun and has a ton of attitude. The first single is called “Be Brave.” Once the record drops we’ll be touring, touring, touring!” Purchase music and coffee and find tour dates at jasminecain.com
Kevin Wierzbicki is a freelance music and travel journalist based in Phoenix. His passion for music began with the Motown Sound and a transistor radio; about the same time the travel bug bit him when dad took him to Malawi for two years.
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in good spirits | DISTILLERY ON THE BEACH
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Moonshine’s Wild Flavors Story and photography by Cheré Coen
A new career path leads to a different kind of mixology for a Jackson, Tennessee, distiller. Samuel T. Bryant knew he had to change his arborist career after hip replacements made it difficult to climb ladders. His background in chemical engineering came in handy when Carl O’Cain of neighboring Century Farm Winery showed him a new career path. “He taught me how to make wine and that turned into moonshine,” Bryant explains. Bryant began distilling spirits in 2014, opening Samuel T. Bryant Distillery with his father in Jackson, Tennessee, in July 2016. They’ve been going great guns ever since, adding to the inventory which now includes 21 products. “We try to do the best we can for our customers,” Bryant says. “We try to make the best product.” All the corn used in his production of moonshine comes from Madison County farms, as well as flavoring products, such as blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. “We try to use as much local as we can,” Bryant adds. Moonshine products include everything from traditional apple pie and fruit flavors such as peach to more exotic flavors like coconut, cinnamon and “Marrita” moonshine, made with agave. Some “shines” mixed with cream, such as pumpkin spice creamer and cinnamon moonshine or Italian sweet cream with coffee moonshine, make for delicious specialty drinks. Moonshine production dates back decades in western Tennessee where the distillery is located, Bryant explains. Farmers used surplus corn to make moonshine because it preserved the leftover crop and brought in extra money. “There wasn’t a farm around here that didn’t make money from moonshining,” he says. “It used to be how farms operated.”
Visitors at the distillery’s tasting room can taste the many flavors of moonshine, plus the distillery’s amaretto liqueur, whiskeys, an after-dinner brandy called Grappa and TNKilla, the first agave-based spirit produced in Tennessee. The spirits are sold at the distillery but are available online to 47 states through a distributor. Because the spirits aren’t easily accessible, a spirited road trip may be in order. The tasting room at Samuel T. Bryant Distillery, about an hour-and-a-half northeast of Memphis, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays; and noon to 6 p.m., Sundays. Remember that informative neighbor at Century Farm Winery? It’s just up the road — both are located on Lower Brownsville Road outside the heart of Jackson — offering a tasting room on a working farm that’s been in the family for the past 150 years. Visitors may tour the winery and taste a number of award-winning wines. We’ll leave you with one of the many Bryant cocktails served at the distillery’s tasting room, the perfect refreshing combination for a summer’s day. It incorporates two moonshine flavors that harken images of Gulf waters and sandy beaches. Bryant’s Distillery on the Beach 1 ounce Peach Moonshine 1 ounce Coconut Moonshine Pineapple juice Directions: Add the first two ingredients into a 9-ounce glass with ice. Add the pineapple juice to fill the rest of the glass and stir.
Cheré Coen is a food and travel writer and author living in Lafayette, Louisiana. She is always on the lookout for interesting cocktails.
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exploring events | JULY
4th of July Events July 3 Southaven Annual Patriotic Parade City of Horn Lake Fireworks Display & Festival Hernando, MS Fireworks Collierville, TN Holly Springs, MS July 4 Olive Branch 20th Annual Fireworks & Festival BankPlus Amphitheater Fireworks Celebration Oxford, MS Germantown, TN Mud Island Memphis, TN Natchez, MS Tupelo, MS
Spirits of the Passage: The Story of the the Transatlantic Slave Trade Through August 11 Two Mississippi Museums Jackson, MS Explore rare, firsthand accounts of loss and resilience from the unlikely discovery of a sunken slave ship. For more information visit twomississippimuseums.com/spirits.
Cedar Hill Farm Pick-Ur-Own Through July 31 Cedar Hill Farm Hernando, MS Cedar Hill Farm is open during produce season every Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm. Visit the farm and pick some of the crops yourself or you can call ahead and CHF can pick an order for you. Depending on the weather blackberry picking is first of June to first of July and blueberries end of June to end of July. Always call ahead at 662-429-2540 to verify picking times and availability or visit gocedarhillfarm.com.
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Unknown Child Holocaust Exhibit Though August 31 DeSoto County Museum Hernando, MS This exhibit tells the story of the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust, as seen through the eyes of the local students who collected 1.5M pennies – one for each child. Free admission. For more information call 662-429-8852. Hernando Farmer’s Market Through September 29 Courthouse Square Hernando, MS 8:00am-1:00pm The Hernando Farmer’s Market is ranked number 1 certified farmer’s market and ranked 30th in the nation by the American Farmland Trust. For more information, visit cityofhernando.org/farmersmarket or call 662-429-9092.
Fireworks and Movie in the Park July 4 CC Shook Park Belmont, MS For more information call 662-343-3381.
In the Park After Dark Movie Night Latimer Lake Park July 6 - “Aquaman” Come enjoy a free movie under the stars. Bring your lawn chair, blankets and snacks. Alcohol not permitted. For more information, call 662-342-3468 or visit hornlake.org/parks.
Hamilton July 9 - 28 Orpheum Theatre Memphis, TN For more information visit orpheum-memphis. com or call 901-525-3000.
32nd Annual Slugburger Festival July 11 - 13 Main Street Corinth, MS For more information call 662-287-1550.
Kudzu Playhouse Presents Mamma Mia! July 12 - 21 Hernando Performing Arts Center Hernando, MS Mamma Mia! is a 2008 jukebox musical romantic comedy film directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Catherine Johnson based on the 1999 musical of the same name, also written by Johnson, which itself is based on the songs of pop group ABBA, including the title song, with additional music composed by ABBA member Benny Andersson. For more information call 662-429-4170.
Hernando’s Summer Sidewalk Sale July 18 - 20 Hernando, MS Shop the sidewalks of Hernando and find amazing deals on antiques, fashions, accessories, shoes, art, home decor and more. For more information call 662-429-9055.
Neshoba County Fair July 26 - August 2 Philadelphia, MS The Neshoba County Fair has grown from a two-day meeting of local farmers and their families to an eight day Giant House Party in over 600 cabins and over 200 RV campers. The traditions of the Fair continue today. Families still gather for reunions and friends, old and new, visit every summer as they have since 1889. For more info visit neshobacountyfair.org or call 601-656-8480.
Live at the Garden Presents The Doobie Brothers July 13 Botanic Garden Memphis, TN Picnic baskets, law chairs and coolers welcome! For more information visit liveatthegarden.com.
Creative Aging’s Senior Arts Series July 17 Theatre Memphis Memphis, TN 1:30pm Featuring a special presentation of Theatre Memphis’ Ladies & Legends with Musical Director Gary Beard, followed by a complimentary reception. More information and advance general admission tickets available at creativeagingmidsouth.org/senior-art-serieslink. Tickets are also available at the door for a minimum donation of $5 (cash or check). Limited wheelchair seating is available; to reserve a wheelchair space call 901-272-3434. Neshoba County Fair
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reflections | SUMMER MEMORIES WITH TARZAN
Summer Memories with Tarzan By Robin Gallaher Branch | Photography courtesy of Gold Key Comics
“KREEGAH!” My cry echoed in the small space. Tarzan of the Ape’s familiar victory shout instantly made me again a five-year-old girl acting out a story her father had read to her. The memories tumbled together as I looked at old comics divided among my brothers and me. My 100plus Tarzan treasures, based on the stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs, are in remarkably good condition, considering their use by two generations of children. The covers show Tarzan in impossible situations: atop a tyrannosaurus rex and armed with only a spear; rescuing travelers from turbaned raiders; fighting off (on foot and singlehandedly!) horsemen armed with rifles; and saving his friend, Bolgani the gorilla, from a python’s stranglehold. Gold Key edition prices were 12 and 15 cents. Now, decades later as an adult, I’m able to analyze Tarzan stories. Each dealt in absolutes, something children need. Tarzan knew right from wrong (something I was learning) and immediately decided what to do. Anyone standing against a mob deserved his protection. Friends trusted him. Nestled in my father’s lap, I learned to read via Tarzan’s adventures. Pictures linked texts; imagination made transitions. Exclamation points punctuated dialogue. Italics and bold face type differentiated ape language. Tarzan loved animals and spoke their language. His shout beckoned his friends, Tantor the elephant and Argus the giant eagle. Most touchingly for me was his love for his foster mother, Kala, the she-ape. She nursed him and taught him how to forage in the jungle; smell nearby danger; and (most exciting for me) swing through the trees. Tarzan never killed for enjoyment. He forgave quickly, often letting malefactors go. “Nature deals her own justice,” he said. 76 DeSoto
Tarzan loved Jane, his beautiful mate. She spent most issues kidnapped and (yet again!) tied up. Talking defiantly to her captors, Jane awaited certain rescue. I liked her attitude. Tarzan’s attributes of strength, courage, and intelligence made him a realistic hero. Ahead of their time, the Tarzan writers/illustrators honored diverse Africa. A page about the Kalahari bushmen commended their survival tactics. A side feature, the Brothers of the Spear, showed how white Dan-el and black Natongo and their queens ruled Aba-Zulu, a peaceful, happy country, and fought off conquering nomadic tribes. Tarzan’s ape language became a secret code among us children. Because my front lawn was the neighborhood’s greenest and flattest, children gathered there, assured of my parents’ sincere welcome. We went barefoot (like Tarzan) and played endless jungle games. We talked ape language. “VANDO!” (Good!), we shouted. “BUNDOLO!” (Fight!), someone commanded. “TAND PANDA!” (Silence!), another hissed. “TARMANGANI!” (People coming!), a scout warned. Marching together, sometimes we said to my mother, “TARZAN PO!” (Tarzan hungry!). She seemingly knew ape language because she had ice water, cookies, or orange juice popsicles ready. While running barefoot, I often stepped on a sticker. Mom brought out tweezers and disinfectant and started the removal operation. Hemmed by friends, I couldn’t cry. Once the sticker was out, I shouted, “KREEGAH!” and ran back to play. Tarzan inspired bravery. Freelance writer Robin Gallaher Branch, a Fulbright scholar, teaches adjunct classes in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Christian Brothers University in Memphis.
Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret. - Oscar Wilde
The 2019 Highlander Hybrid Limited
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