Crossroads Outdoors Magazine 2021

Crossroads 2021 Outdoors Edition

Magazine

Chuckwagon

cookin’ for causes A PRODUCT OF THE DAILY CORINTHIAN

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Crossroads

What’s Inside

Magazine

On the Cover

2021 OUTDOORS EDITION

Chuck wagon master Jeremy Jones loves helping others, so he serves food cooked over an open fire to help church groups and non-profits.

EDITORIAL Publisher

Photo by Mark Boehler

Reece Terry

Pages 8-15

Editor Mark Boehler Contributor

Lisa Essary waters some plants inside her Bent Willow Greenhouse in the Hightown community near Kossuth.

Mark Boehler

Bent Willow Greenhouse Kossuth woman builds the ultimate ‘she shed’ out of old salvaged windows

Pages 18-23, 26-27

Hunting Safety Safety measures all hunters should take

ADVERTISING Advertising Manager

Derinda Nunley

Family Fun Budget-friendly family fun ideas

Advertising Representative Kenny Carson

Creative Designer Susan Good

Page 28

The chef makes sure his pork spare ribs are on point.

Page 29

Full Lunar Culinary Eclipse Moondog founder creates dishes to fire up any hungry crowd

Pages 32-33; 36-39; 42-43

The Quake Lake Act of nature in 1811-12 creates Tennessee’s largest freshwater lake off the Mississippi River in northeast corner of the state

Pages 46-51; 54

How To Make your camper travel more comfortable

Page 55 Jones fries up some Chuckwagon cook Jeremy wood fire. n ope an sliced potatoes on PAGE 4

A boardwalk trail near the Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitors Center remains a great place to view the lake and its Cypress forest.

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S

F

c d

w fi i

Chuckwagon cook Jeremy Jones fries up some sliced potatoes on an open wood fire.

f s PAGE 8

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Cooking for causes Chuck wagon master loves helping others

Kossuth native Jeremy Jones prepares an outdoor meal on his replica Springfield covered chuck wagon.

Story, Photos By MARK BOEHLER For Crossroads Magazine

His 1866 Springfield replica chuck wagon remains his backdrop.

It’s the outdoor kitchen.

A cast iron grate on an open wood fire and adjacent woodfired cookstove are his cooking instruments. And they are hot.

The wagon master is cooking fried sliced potatoes and little sausages in a large pan on the

wood fire like cowboys on the open range.

There is a message behind the menu.

It’s about giving back.

The man under the cowboy hat and behind the blue apron admits he’s no chef.

But he has sure cooked up a great message with the motto, “Cooking for God and Country.”

His brand is J.C.W. Chuck Wagon. His name is Jeremy Jones.

And this is his story.

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“It’s in my heart to cook for causes,” said the 43-year-old Jones, a native of Kossuth and a 1997 KHS graduate. “Especially helping veterans.”

Since his late “Grandpa Austin” was a veteran of the Korean War, Jones is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 6. He assists with fundraising efforts for the American Legion, but it doesn’t end there.

Wagons for Warriors and Wagons for Veterans are two efforts

CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

he has joined with other chuck wagon cooks to feed large groups of people with proceeds going for the organizations helping veterans.

He has attended and/or cooked at six separate events for those two groups.

Employed for the past nine years as a welder at TK Elevator Manufacturing in Middleton, Tenn., the resident of Eastview, Tenn., is also an active member of Cowboys for Christ.

PAGE 9

“I enjoy doing it. People are always really nice and grateful. God has blessed us, so we are proud to give back.”

JEREMY JONES Jones has always loved to cook after getting his first Dutch oven when he was 23-years-old. He became a chuck wagon cook about three years ago.

His love for cooking and interest in the outdoor chuck wagon style has expanded to any non-profit group or church seeking ways to raise funds.

Jones has cooked in Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi for various groups besides the veterans’ causes. Senior citizens, churches and children’s homes have also benefited.

He lets the groups decide the menu and he will cook just about anything, but chicken and dumplings or fried potatoes with little sausages and a side of pinto beans have been popular dishes cooked over an open wood fire.

He also likes cooking desserts such as cobblers.

“Most groups just say cook what you like,” said the wagon master. “We can cook just about anything.”

His wife of 14 years, Brandy, is his assistant in the one-family wagon train. She helps prep and serve the meals. “Can’t do it without her,” said the husband.

The family also includes their two daughters, 11-year-old Mazie and eight-year-old Shelby, when they are not students at Selmer Elementary School.

Local folks may recall seeing the family at the Jacinto Fourth of July Festival as $356 was raised for Sons of American Legion Post 6.

Jones has plans to cook at the American Mule and Bluegrass Festival in Shelbyville, Tenn., in mid-September, while a Wagons for Veterans of the Crossroads for the American Legion event will be held in the fall of 2022 in Corinth for Post 6.

Brandy Jones serves up meals for the public when her husband is cooking at events.

PAGE 10

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Jeremy Jones likes to cook for non-profits and church groups with the motto, “Cooking for God and Country.”

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All of Jeremy Jones’ dishes are cooked over an open wood fire.

Daughter Mazie Jones likes to help at events.

“It’s all about giving back,” said Jones. “It’s not about bragging rights. It’s about helping others.”

Along with other chuck wagon cooks at the various events just this year, over $70,000 has been PAGE 14

Daughter Shelby Jones likes to help her mom and dad at outdoor chuckwagon events.

raised for various causes, including veterans’ organizations.

“I enjoy doing it,” said the chuck wagon cook. “People are always really nice and grateful.

God has blessed us, so we are proud to give back.”

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The chuck wagon is equipped with items which would have been used in the late 1860s. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

e .

All of the meals at J.C.W. Chuck Wagon are cooked in an outdoor kitchen.

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Bent Willow Greenhouse

Lisa Essary waters some plants inside her Bent Willow Greenhouse in the Hightown community near Kossuth.

Windows on the north side corners have hinges so they can be opened to help with air flow.

Kossuth woman builds the ultimate ‘she shed’ out of old salvaged windows facts to back her lack of tending to plants.

The Essary family hosted their HIGHTOWN — Lisa Essary daughter’s – Lacy Lindsay – admits she has no green thumb. wedding on their 80-acre horse The 16-year bookkeeper and farm off CR 547 last fall and the secretary at the Alcorrn Career mother of the bride was hopeand Technology Center has the ful to use post-wedding plants Story, Photos By MARK BOEHLER For Crossroads Magazine

www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

for other uses.

Unfortunately, the plants did not survive the winter.

“I just did not have a suitable space to overwinter those plants that I had cared for so diligently the entire spring and summer before,” said Essary.

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Her husband of 28 years, Tracy, would get news from his wife when he returned home from his job as owner and operator of Kossuth Service Station.

“If I had a greenhouse, this would not happen again,” Lisa PAGE 19

Fresh herbs dry inside the greenhouse. Lisa Essary plans to plant lots of fresh herbs to be used in her cooking.

told her husband in reference to all those plants she gave special attention, only to see them all become a victim of cold weather.

“We will get you a greenhouse,” Tracy told his wife.

It’s the understatement of the year in Alcorn County greenhouse lore.

An 18-feet tall, 12 by 18 greenhouse has been constructed on an 18 by 30 slab of concrete just behind the Essary barn-style home.

Made from 40 old salvaged wooden windows and three aged salvaged wood doors, the new “she shed” completed this spring remains a real piece of country conservatory showmanship.

PAGE 20

The new greenhouse owner can now develop that green thumb she says she never had.

It’s been an interesting journey so far, ever since Essary told her husband, “I just don’t want a sheet of plastic and some PVC pipes … I really want a permanent structure.”

Lisa was inspired by a greenhouse she saw online made from old house windows.

Family friend and expert local builder Aaron Rorie was called upon for his services.

“Thankfully, he was up for the challenge,” said Essary, a longtime Kossuth native, 1987 KHS graduate and 1991 Mississippi State University degree holder.

Rorie’s first mission was to locate salvaged windows and

the contractor was a master at the deed, collecting 120 glass and wood frame windows of all shapes, styles and sizes.

“For the design, I told Aaron I didn’t really care for the patchwork quilt look,” explained Essary. “So he was able to come up with a more symmetrical look for each wall, even though each wall has its own unique layout.”

It took the builder about a month to complete the greenhouse, then Essary spent about another two months painting the structure in her backyard just a few steps away from their back-door patio.

“I painted every afternoon when I got off work in May,” she said. “Then I painted about

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every day in June when I was off for the summer.”

Although painting each window took some time, she could see the character going into her new creation.

“Each window had a different character,” she said. “Different smells. Different styles. Different colors.”

Some had chew marks created by dogs, others were covered in some wild colors, while another was covered in stickers.

The Alcorn School District employee even learned a new word during the project – fenestration – a noun in architecture which means a pattern of windows in a building.

It was important for Essary to have a few amenities inside

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The sky will be the limit when the greenhouse owner begins planting next spring.

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her new outdoor transparent experience.

An exhaust fan with three speeds was installed to help with ventilation. With double doors on the front, single door in the rear and two hinged windows on the north corners, “plenty of air can flow through,” she said.

A water system was also installed to assist in watering of plants. “It has come in handy,” said the gardener. “There is no need to drag a hose from the house.”

Cooper gutters will soon be installed to catch rain water in a catchment tank.

An old farm sink once used as a quirky flower box on a patio has a permanent home in the greenhouse.

Finishing touches inside the structure include an 8 to10inch deep pea gravel floor, rustic work bench in the center and interior benches around every wall.

Essary’s favorite feature is a ridge crest at the top of the roof. It was made by Jesse Potts’ metal fabrication class at the technology center. “They made exactly what I had in mind,” she said.

The greenhouse owner has a name for her new hangout.

Inspired by a big willow tree in her backyard and not far from the structure, Bent Willow Greenhouse is the name of her new baby.

The area around the willow tree was recently cleared of undergrowth and heavy vines caused the willow tree’s main trunk to bend into a curve, hence the name.

“I just love to hear the wind blowing through that willow tree,” she said. “It’s a special sound.”

Since construction wasn’t complete in time to begin the seed process for this year’s planting season, Essary is looking forward to 2022 when she grows her own vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Husband Tracy loves hot peppers, so there will be some heat packed in future plants. Lisa loves tomatoes, so they will be a must-plant. She also loves to

Lisa Essary has plenty of decor inside her new “she shed.”

PAGE 22

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Lisa Essary placed a rustic work bench in the center of the greenhouse and double doors are the front entrance which faces an outdoor patio.

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Decor lines shelves placed high around the greenhouse.

“I really don’t know much about gardening at all.”

LISA ESSARY

A farmhouse sink once used as a planter has been moved inside the greenhouse.

PAGE 26

cook with fresh herbs, so the greenhouse will have an aroma.

Flowers are also planned.

“Can’t wait to have some pretty flowers,” she said.

Essary admitted she “never had a green thumb,” but she now looks at the new greenhouse as a place for inspiration.

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“I really don’t know much about gardening at all,” said the proud owner of Bent Willow Greenhouse. “But I am looking forward to learning as my new greenhouse provides me with the inspiration I need.”

(Follow Lisa Essary on Instagram at @bentwillowgreenhouse.)

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The Bent Willow Greenhouse offers great views of the Essary horse farm.

Millions of people across the globe enjoy hunting. Avid hunters know that no hunting trip is successful if safety is not the utmost priority.

SAFETY MEASURES

P

all hunters should take

Hunting draws millions of people into the great outdoors every year.

Many avid hunters feel hunting is a great way to actively participate in nature while also taking responsibility for procuring one’s own food.

Hunting requires discipline, dedication, patience, and, perhaps most important, a commitment to safety. By prioritizing safety on each hunting trip, seasoned and novice hunters alike are acknowledging the potential dangers of this beloved outdoor activity while doing everything they can to ensure the trip is as safe as possible.

Because safety plays such a vital role in successful hunting trips, hunters of all experience levels can benefit from a refresher course on the safety measures PAGE 28

they should take each time they go on the hunt.

• Treat all firearms as if they’re loaded.

Treating all firearms as if they’re loaded ensures hunters won’t be tempted to engage in the kind of fooling around that can contribute to tragic accidents. This approach can reduce the risk of firearm-related accidents or injuries, and can be an especially effective way to teach youngsters about the dangers of firearms and the correct ways to mitigate those dangers.

• Keep your finger off the trigger and only point at what you plan to shoot.

Keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot ensures you won’t accidentally discharge your firearm. In addition, never point your firearm

at anything other than what you plan to shoot.

• Know the forecast and dress appropriately.

Firearms are not the only risk to hunters’ safety. Inclement weather can put hunters at the mercy of Mother Nature. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia, which occurs when the human body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, can affect hunters who are unable to get out of wet clothes or move to warm, dry locations as their bodies lose heat.

In addition, hunters may be at risk of hypothermia even if temperatures are hovering around 50 F. Before embarking on a hunting trip, hunters should read the forecast of the areas where they will be hunting and dress accordingly.

Outer layers that repel water can help keep hunters dry, and

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hunters also should avoid wearing cotton, which retains moisture and can increase their risk for hypothermia. Clothing made with moisture-wicking fabrics is a great alternative to cotton.

• Share your plan with others.

Returning home safe is the ultimate goal for hunters, and that’s more likely to happen when hunters share their hunting plans with others. Let someone, ideally a spouse, parent, roommate, or sibling, know when and where you will be hunting and when you expect to return by.

Direct this loved one to call the local authorities if you do not call by a predetermined time. This can dramatically reduce the time it takes to find you if you become injured on your hunting trip and prove unable to get back to your vehicle safely.

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e

S e a $ t t t d fi

b m a t

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Parents know raising a family can be expensive. Thankfully, there are many ways families can have fun together without breaking the bank.

Budget-friendly family fun ideas Raising a family is an expensive endeavor.

A recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture estimated that the cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is $233,610. Though parents know that’s a small price to pay for all the joy their children bring into their lives, those same moms and dads also wouldn’t mind a little financial relief from time to time.

Family outings can be great bonding experiences, and parents may be happy to learn that there’s a host of budget-friendly activities that are fun and affordable.

• Movie night under the stars: For the relatively low cost of a mini projector and accompanying

screen, parents can host routine outdoor movie nights in the backyard. Though parents might expect some sticker shock when they begin looking for an outdoor mini projector, it’s worth noting that seven of the 10 projectors that make up Amazon’s best sellers list are less than $100. Some of those products even come with their own screens at no extra cost.

• Picnic in the park: Some families may be experiencing some sticker shock as they begin dining out again after eating their meals at home throughout the pandemic. Soaring food and supply costs and labor shortages have forced restaurant owners to raise prices.

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Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average American household was already spending $3,000 a year dining out. Families can cut those costs considerably by having homemade meals, or even takeout, away from home. A picnic in the park can make for a wonderful family outing and won’t cost nearly as much as dining in person at a favorite restaurant.

• Find “yourselves”: Families are finding that digging into their own histories is a great way to learn more about who they are. A 2020 report from Transparency Market Research estimated that the market for global DNA test kits, which help people learn

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more about their ancestry, is expected to expand by nearly 25 percent between 2019 and 2027.

Test kits typically cost around $100, and families can then use the information they glean from test results to conduct their own free research on the history and culture of the countries their ancestors called home.

• Exercise: Exercising together is a great way for families to get healthy and feel good. Traditional workouts with weights and time on a treadmill may not be everyone’s idea of a fun time, but families can go for a hike, kayak in a nearby lake, take up jogging, or even play a favorite sport together.

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Moondog Makers & Bakers founder Joey Thompson smokes beef brisket and ribs, pork butt and spare ribs, baked beans and whole chickens as he prepares an outdoor feast. Each meat is seasoned differently.

Full lunar culinary eclipse

Moondog founder creates dishes to fire up any hungry crowd Moondog Makers & Bakers has fired up his large smoker to serve a celebration for a party A friend calls local grillmaster of about 20 hungry visitors. and catering chef Joey ThompThompson checks on some son, asking for directions to smoking hot hens, touches the the professional cook’s north bounce of a beef brisket, turns Corinth home. some pinkish pork spare ribs to The 37-year-old founder of check for doneness, then jabs Story, Photos By MARK BOEHLER For Crossroads Magazine

PAGE 32

some tongs into a pork butt to discover it’s close to falling off the shoulder bone.

“Oh man,” says the culinary captain of the barbecue ship.

“This bad boy is about to be done to perfection.”

The culinarian closes the lid on the huge black smoker so he

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can relay those directions via cellphone to the invited guest to the mid-week feast.

“Take North Madison to Peachtree Street,” says the cook, who first made food for the public at age 13 at J & J Grocery in Ingomar. “Look for the little white church.”

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The caller appears stumped.

Perhaps a GPS might be necessary for the guest to attend the celebration of a friend coming home.

“When you get to Walnut Street,” adds Thompson, smiling while wearing his favorite Tabasco brand apron, “just follow the smell.”

And so, the directions are to follow the aroma in the air.

Where there is smoke, there is meat. And where there is smell, there is taste.

Thompson sits down under the shade of a front yard tree on his property not far from where he grows fresh herbs for his dishes. Today’s “On Site Cooking” experience by Moondog will be a sample of what the chef ’s business can do since he started it six years ago.

A couple of kitchen friends have been summoned to help

pull off the outdoor dinner – Bradley Davis and Zach Yarbrough.

The Corinth-based culinary creator “who will go anywhere to cook” has also requested the assistance of his father, Carol Jean “C.J.” Thompson of New Albany.

The elder Thompson gets some laughs about his full name. “My parents wanted a girl,” explains C.J., who has spent a career in sales and therefore, the gift of gab.

Son Joey has to exit the rest stop area of lawn chair lip to take care of the business at hand – homemade slaw, homemade mustard-based potato salad, dad’s recipe smoked baked beans, angel food cake tiramisu and … those smokeis-in-the-air monster meats – fowl, swine and steer.

Daddy Thompson decides to

spill the baked beans under that truth or dare maple tree.

“When he was in high school, I couldn’t get him to make mac and cheese,” says C.J., “but look at him now. He’s a great chef.

Successful. People love him. I am so proud.”

The now grandfather admits he drives from New Albany to do more than just help around the grill and sample Joey’s que.

“I love those babies,” he says, looking at the little cooks in the Thompson family.

Joey and wife of 10 years, Kaylin, have happily provided three grandkids for C.J. and the rest of both families.

They include nine-year-old Gordon and two sweet Thompson daughters, five-year-old Elliott and two-year-old Adalyn, who on this entertainment day has tried to stay close to the cooking action as to not miss

anything.

The little blonde bundle of energy even chases the resident yard hen, the source of eventual boiled eggs for the potato salad.

“Be sweet,” says the dad, as Adalyn gets a bird’s eye view of the hen.

The time has come to remove the meat from the heat and get it prepped for the crowd.

A smorgasboard awaits as Bradley, Zach and Joey cut the brisket and spare ribs and pull the pork butt and whole chickens.

Visitors can’t wait for the call to jump in, so they sample. The tender samples all seasoned with different rubs get some ohhs and ahhs.

The Moondog master smiles.

He loves to feed folks.

“Grab some dust,” Joey tells Bradley. “Let’s give these ribs a shake.”

s

Two-year-old Adalyn Thompson watches her dad make Country Potato Salad in the family’s kitchen. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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Grace Grace Chapel Chapel Pickwick Pickwick is is a come come as as you you are are gathering gathering of of believers believers where where everyone everyone is is welcome welcome.

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Ephesians 2:8

Sunday worship begins at 10:00 am with praise music led by Worship Leader David Duncan, then Pastor Don Elliott brings the Word. Ministry for children and youth is provided during the worship service.

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Joey Thompson stirs his baked beans on the smoker as pork spare ribs reach a pink level of perfection.

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Bradley sprinkles the dust over the pulled pork and a foil pan full of spare ribs cut into single bone servings.

More fingers arrive for samples. There are groans of approval. The guests for now ready to fill some plates. These invitees have smelled their way through the neighborhood and now have sampled this brisket buffet.

The dust is Joey’s signature Moondust All Purpose Seasoning & Rub with its own label and available in Corinth boutiques and regional stores.

Moondust predates Thompson’s catering business of days when he would set up at the Green Market with free samples.

“It’s a quality rub,” says Thompson. “It’s my go-to. We put it on a lot of things. It’s our beginning and remains our calling card.”

But Moondust is more than the signature rub.

“I try to do something a little different than normal,” admits the cook. “I will try something new.”

He hesitates for a thought as he thinly slices the brisket, its juices oozing from the blackened perfection.

“While barbecue may be my focus – especially today – I feel like my cuisine is a marriage between Italian and southern food,” says the personal chef and on-site caterer.

“That’s a good description,” adds Joey’s proud father. “I haven’t heard it said that way. But I see it. He makes a fine steak.

But his pizza? He makes a darn good pizza.”

Too busy preparing the downhome barbecue and all the traditional southern fixings, Thompson admits his “have grill, will travel” wood-fired pizza oven should soon be getting a good workout as word spreads the Moondog magic has expanded to pizza.

Moondog and company recently sold 130 wood-fired pizzas in one day at an event in Jackson, Tenn., encouraging Thompson to include pizzas to the on-site catering options.

The Ruxin has been a crowd pleaser, he says. Although the www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

Bradley Davis, Joey Thompson and Zach Yarbrough prepare smoked meat for serving.

name remains an inside chef ’s joke, the end product is no laughing matter. A pepper jack cheese and cream cheese base is topped with bacon and Moon Dust, then fresh pineapple slices and fresh jalepeno pepper slices are added as sweet meets some heat.

The Ruxin unique experience continues with fresh mozzarella cheese on top with a drizzle of Captain Rodney’s Original Boucan Glaze.

“It’s a really good pizza,” says Thompson, as guests are now serving up some of the day’s hard work. Most are going for

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samples of all meats and spoons of potato salad and slaw.

The grillmaster thanks the crowd for coming to the appreciation dinner and for the volunteers answering the call of his dear friend in need.

After nods of approval, guests load down carry-out trays with

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Joey’s creations, not having to be told twice to “dig in.”

These visitors followed the smell.

Thompson follows his evolving dream, creating exciting culinary experiences for all who wish to take a trip to the moon.

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Pork spare ribs are cut for serving and sprinkled with Moondust.

Moondog shares recipes: C J’s Baked Beans 32 oz can Van Camp Pork and Beans (Joey has used dry beans, but Pops insists on Van Camp’s) 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained tbs yellow mustard One diced onion One sliced jalapeno (Use two for more heat) ¼ cup barbecue sauce (Joey uses Sweet Baby Ray’s) 2 tbs brown sugar 1 tbs Moondust Saute onion and pepper until softened.

Combine all ingredients in a pan. Mix well.

Bake at 300 degrees for one hour without PAGE 38

stirring then pull from oven and stir.

Joey’s Tip: Cook the baked beans in the smoker under barbecue to catch the drippings and get a nice smoky flavor. Add more barbecue sauce, if necessary.

J & J Coleslaw 1 head cabbage, shredded 2 carrots, shredded ¼ cup mayo (Joey prefers Duke’s) 2 tbs pepper vinegar 1 tbs sugar salt and pepper, to taste Place shredded cabbage and carrots in a mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients, then salt and pepper to taste.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

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y to be sampled. www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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Hardin County’s scenic river/lake front views, century-spanning historical sites, and fun-filled events offer both residents and visitors alike a lifetime of memo memorable experiences.

Rich in history and bursting with activities, get on board in Hardin County Tennessee!

TOURHARDINCOUNTY.ORG PAGE 40

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EST. 1998

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A smoked beef brisket oozes with flavor as it is sliced for serving.

Country Potato Salad

The chef makes sure his pork spare ribs are on point.

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Vanilla extract Fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueFive pounds red potatoes, cooked and diced berries (Joey says do not peel.)

Prepare your cake, bake, and cool. Slice 1 cup bread and butter pickles, drained and in ½ inch slices. In a stand mixer, whip chopped heavy cream with ½ cup powdered sugar.

Half yellow onion, finely chopped Transfer to another bowl, and add cream Three hard boiled eggs, chopped cheese, remaining powdered sugar, three ½ cup yellow mustard eggs and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix 1 cup mayo (Joey says Duke’s) with a paddle until all ingredients are inMoondust, to taste corporated and mixture is smooth.

Let potatoes cool completely. Combine all Combine cream cheese mixture and ingredients in mixing bowl and mix well. whipped cream and fold with a rubber Joey uses a hard wire whisk. Refrigerate for spatula. Starting with your cake, fill the one hour prior to serving. Garnish with a bottom layer of a trifle bowl with the sliced sprinkle of Moondust. cake. Pour 2-3 ounces of coffee over the cake, careful not to over-saturate. Spread the cream mixture over cake and repeat Pound Cake Tiramisu until you have reached the top. Garnish 1 box pound cake mix, or your favorite home- top with fresh berries or incorporate them made recipe within each layer.

16 oz cold brew coffee (Follow Moondog Makers & Bakers on 16 oz cream cheese Facebook and Moondog Making & Baking Pint of heavy whipping cream on Instagram. Moondust remains avail1 cup powdered sugar, divided in half able in Corinth at Ginger’s and Kate’s and Three eggs Company.)

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The Quake Lake

A boardwalk trail near the Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitors Center remains a great place to view the lake and its Cypress forest.

The Reelfoot Lake State Park office remains a good place to start a lake tour and get a map.

Act of nature in 1811-12 creates Tennessee’s largest freshwater lake off the Mississippi River in northeast corner of the state sive quake, providing a unique eco-system not found anywhere else, hence, a Natural Wonder TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. — of the World, National Natural Birding. Fishing. Camping.

Landmark by the U.S. DepartHiking. Canoeing. Kayaking. ment of the Interior or enter Relaxing. Dining. Festivals. any other descriptive adjective.

Photography.

What exists today is a great In the list of Top Ten things fishing lake, about 70 nesting to do on Reelfoot Lake in the pair of bald eagles and migratnortheast corner of Tennessee, ing birds galore such as white these activities would make any pelicans and ducks. visitor’s list.

A great resource before a visit A rank order is necessary for is to go on-line and visit the anyone who would want to Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council explore the lake created by a website at reelfootlaketourism. series of earthquakes over 300 com. Go to “more information,” years ago. scroll down to “Brochure,” and The body of water is a recreeither read the information ational gem with wildlife view- on-line or print it. Click on the ing platforms, private resorts, brochure to view. The Reelfoot restaurants, boat ramps, fishing Lake Visitors Guide can be a piers, canoe and hiking trails – tool for planning the visit. A all scattered in basins, along the guide can also be ordered via shoreline and in the lake area. mail.

And so, a mighty river With the lake being home to flooded a forest after a masa popular state park, 10 varied Story, Photos By MARK BOEHLER For Crossroads Magazine

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private experiences for overnight stays in “camps,” “inns,” “lodges” or “resorts,” a massive U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge with four different sections – a visit can be overwhelming.

It can especially be said for the first time visitor.

The best place to start is Reelfoot Lake State Park and all it has to offer.

R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum and Nature Center is a neat experience to begin the lake journey as it’s next door to the park’s visitor’s center, where maps and information are available.

The center’s attractions include non-releasable raptors, snakes, fish and other wildlife.

Admission is free. Seasonal interpretive programming is available by a park naturalist.

Located next to the center is a beautiful boardwalk which

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Reelfoot Lake By the Numbers 5.5 – feet – average depth 7.5 – Estimated magnitude of the main shock earthquake that created the lake 10 – names of sections or segments around the lake 14 – rare bird species which can be seen 18 – feet – maximum depth 22 – miles of shoreline in the state park 50 – species of fish 200 – species of birds which be seen at various times of year 404 – acres in the state park 15,000 – acres of lake 18,000 – acres of wildlife habitat PAGE 47

R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum and Nature Center is a neat experience to begin the lake journey. The center’s attractions include non-releasable raptors, snakes, fish and other wildlife.

winds its way first through a swamp area and then along the lake shore, offering great views of the cypress trees and massive lake. It is one of four short hikes offered around the lake.

Also located at the state park center are pontoon boat cruises depending upon the time of year, from fall color cruises in October, to bald eagle and waterfowl tours in January and February, then tours throughout the spring and summer.

Many tours are available over the weekend, but peak visitation times offer tours on weekdays as well. Reservations are required by calling the park office.

For those wanting to explore the lake on their own for photography, waterfowl and eagle watching, many resorts offer jon boats for rent. Be advised that with the shallow waters PAGE 48

Reelfoot is called a sportsman’s paradise for its excellent fishing – and depending upon the time of year and the species sought – people from all over travel to the quake lake with the chance to land the next lunker. and cypress knees, Reelfoot is a lake to slow down, relax and take some time.

The state park also offers a deep swamp canoe float through the lake’s cypress swamp. It’s offered at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. on Sundays and reservations are required. September remains a popular time for a float trip

as the water flowers are in full bloom.

Reelfoot is called a sportsman’s paradise for its excellent fishing – and depending upon the time of year and the species sought – people from all over travel to the quake lake with the chance to land the next lunker.

September is the best time to

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catch yellow bass and top water bass fishing is good. Reelfoot is a crappie lake and October is a great time to land those great sport fish.

The best time to visit Reelfoot for crappie fishing is April, while March brings good chances in deep water and early bass fishing begins.

Most fishermen will agree that Reelfoot is the place to be for sunfish fishing, called bream in the south and bluegill in the north. Whatever a fisherman calls the sport fish, Reelfoot is the place to be in May through mid-June when fishing is rated excellent. Catfish can also be caught throughout the year.

There are nine public boat launch ramps and four public fishing piers. Boating requires a public use fee, while fishing requires the use fee and proper licenses.

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,

Wildlife can be seen from a boardwalk at the visitor’s center.

A barred owl is part of the wildlife exhibit at the state park’s wildlife center.

Although swimming was allowed at Reelfoot through the 1970s, it is no longer allowed due to safety concerns.

Campers from the roughing-it tent pitchers to RVs of all sizes will be glad to know the state park has excellent campgrounds – a large 86-site area on the south end of the lake and a much smaller, 14-site campground on the north end.

The north campground called Airpark also has 10 primitive tent sites. Cypress Point, PAGE 50

Sportsman’s Resort and Eagle Nest Resort are at least three private resorts which offer campgrounds with RV hookups.

Festivals: When planning a trip to Reelfoot, there are many events to consider depending upon the time of year.

The popular and heavily attended 50th Annual Reelfoot Lake Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Oct. 1-3 with hundreds of crafts vendors in the south shore area. The 9th

annual Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival will be held Oct. 22-24 with canoe floats and pontoon tours.

The 18th Annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival will be held Feb. 4-6. Call the visitor’s center now for reservations on the pontoon tours as they get booked. The Second Annual Reelfoot Lake Osprey Festival follows on July 15-17 next year with pontoon tours and vendors.

Tip: Get the state park map

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and take a driving tour around the entire lake using State Routes 22, 157 and 78 in Tennessee and State Route 94 in Kentucky. The four wildlife observation towers are along the way and the map is also marked with bald eagle nesting areas.

Don’t miss the Grassy Island Auto Tour. There are also five short hiking trails to get out and stretch the legs.

Where to eat: It’s a true step back in time, but a visit to Reelfoot Lake is not complete without a visit to Boyette’s Dining Room, home of the family style meal which has been around for 100 years since the late Red and Nannie Boyette started the tradition in 1921.

Located across the street from the state park visitor’s center, the all-you-can-eat, servedat-your-table meal of country ham, fried southern catfish, fried chicken, onion rings, french fries, hushpuppies, slaw, white beans and homemade dinner rolls will be an experience to remember. However, the menu is varied with steaks, sandwiches, salads and various dinner plates to sample their famous country ham, catfish or fried chicken or other dishes like frog legs or quail.

Another stop worth mentioning is the Blue Bank Resort’s Fishhouse and Grill, which offers lakeside outdoor deck dining and and an extensive craft beer, special drink and wine list. The menu remains traditional, yet sophisticated with offerings such as bacon-wrapped pork loin, cajun grilled catfish, chicken monterey, blue bank burger and grilled buttered shrimp over an open flame.

For those on a limited budget, grab some to-go orders at the Dairy Queen in Tiptonville and head to one of the state park’s picnic areas.

Where to stay: The state park’s stunning, spacious lakeside cabins just opened and are a real showpiece. The seven cabins accommodate 6-8 people depending upon design, have spacious living, dining and full kitchen areas, two full bathrooms and lakeside views

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P i l

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with patios. Two cabins are pet friendly. There is a two-night minimum stay. Reelfoot Lake’s 10 resorts are varied from rustic camps, rooms, lodges and small cottages up to more upscale houses which can sleep 15 people. Most all offer some type of fishing package and fishing guide services and many offer duck hunting packages.

When researching places to stay, remember Reelfoot is most known for its fishing, so don’t expect a five-star Hilton property.

Other attractions: Discovery Park of America – a fascinating museum and heritage park located in Union City, Tenn.

Directions: Although many folks in the Crossroads area may not have heard of Reelfoot, it’s ironic for a place so easy to reach. Get on Highway 22 at the state line in Corinth and go north on the highway which ends at Reelfoot. It’s a scenic route, going through (or around a by-pass) Lexington, Parker’s Crossroads, Huntingdon, McKenzie, Dresden, Martin and Union City. Another route is U.S. 45 north to just north of Jackson, then U.S. 45 West to Trenton, Highway 104 west to Dyersburg, then north on Highway 78 to Tiptonville.

This route goes through the heart of Dyersburg.

For more information: Contact the Reelfoot State Park office at 731-253-8003, the visitor’s center at 731-253-9652 or the tourism office at 731-2532007. Visit www.reelfoottourism. com or www.tnstateparks.com/ reelfoot.

The Tennessee State Parks system offers a passport which can be stamped at every park, where visitors record the date and experience.

Bald eagles which can’t be released back into the wild greet visitors at the wildlife center.

Tip: Get the state park map and take a driving tour around the entire lake using State Routes 22, 157 and 78 in Tennessee and State Route 94 in Kentucky.

The four wildlife observation towers are along the way and the map is also marked with bald eagle nesting areas. Don’t miss the Grassy Island Auto Tour.

There are also five short hiking trails to get out and stretch the legs.

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A special place in the heart of northern Mississippi, Tishomingo County is home to museums, historic parkways, and waterways. Often referred to as the Gateway into Mississippi, Tishomingo County’s cultural heritage, natural splendor, and friendly communities flow throughout the region.

Discover the wonder of Mississippi Appalachian history at the Mississippi Hills National Heritage area or explore the path of the area’s early settlers and inhabitants on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Experience the scenic beauty, rugged terrain, and peaceful woodlands of Tishomingo at one of its two state parks, Tishomingo State Park and JP Coleman State Park, perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. Climb to the highest point in Mississippi at Woodall Mount and feel on top of the world or spend the day exploring the outdoors hiking, biking, rock climbing, and more.

tishomingofunhere.org

Tishomingo’s charming towns wel-

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come visitors and locals to embrace the eclectic with their annual festivals including antique car shows and the

multi-state, highly attended, Trash and Treasure along the Tenn-Tom Yard Sale, happening the first Friday and Saturday of October in 2021. Experience Mississippi from a whole new perspective while playing on its more than 50,000 acres of waterways, like the Tombigbee Waterway, Bay Springs Lake, and Pickwick Lake. Hop on a boat and enjoy time on the water. Get the heart pumping with a spin around the lake waterskiing, waterboarding, and wakeboarding. Or kick back and relax, while catching some of the best large and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, and catfish in the state.

D

iscover the history of the Civil War Battle of Iuka or learn about the indigenous people of the region at one of Tishomingo’s incredible museums, beautiful churches, and centuries-old cemeteries. With a wide variety of activities and locations to explore, like Tishomingo County’s Quilt Block Trail, adventures await every guest of Tishomingo County. Making every visitor feel at home in the northeast corner of the Magnolia State, Tishomingo County is full of possibilities, entertainment, and heartwarming hospitality.

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The plate at Boyette’s Dining Room is delivered empty, followed by an unlimited supply of cole slaw, green beans (or white beans), fries, onion rings, homemade rolls, country ham, fried southern catfish and fried chicken.

Located across the street from the state park visitor’s center, the all-you-can-eat, served-at-yourtable meal of country ham, fried southern catfish, fried chicken, onion rings, french fries, hushpuppies, slaw, white beans and homemade dinner rolls will be an experience to remember.

Visitors to Reelfoot Lake have been enjoying dining at Boyette’s for 100 years.

The Boyette’s menu is varied, but the favorite experience remains the family style dinners It’s hard to say no to the country ham at Boyette’s Dining Room, featuring up to three meats. especially when paired with a homemade roll.

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Campers may not be made for comfort. But travelers can take various steps to make their campers more comfortable prior to hitting the open road.

How to make camper travel more comfortable

The open road beckons millions of people across the globe every year.

People’s idea of the ideal getaway varies depending on the individual, but few can deny the appeal of a road trip that allows travelers to move at their own pace.

Campers can give road trips a more liberating feel. When taking to the road in a camper, drivers are not beholden to checkout times or many of the other restrictions that can govern how people spend their time on vacation. Campers may not have all the creature comforts of a five-star hotel room, but travelers can take steps to make their campers more comfortable.

• Furnish the floors.

Few drivers give much thought to the floors in their cars and trucks. But camper floors deserve a little more attention. Camper rugs and runners can ensure your first step out of bed in the morning isn’t a frigid one. Many camper carpets and runners are built to withstand heavy traffic and take on all the dirt your hiking boots track in after a day enjoying the great outdoors. Custom-made carpets and runners may be a tad expensive, but budget-conscious travelers can find durable mats to warm their toes each morning for around $20.

• Take stock of the mattress.

Much like that fold up cot that

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only comes out of the closet when your in-laws visit, a camper mattress is an afterthought until drivers go to bed on the first night of their trips, only to remember their factory-installed mattress is less than welcoming.

Upgrading a factory camper mattress won’t cost as much as replacing the mattress on the bed inside your home. In fact, the most popular RV mattress sold by the custom mattress retailers at MattressInsider® will cost travelers less than $1,000. That’s an investment well worth making for the promise of a more restful night’s sleep on the road.

• Warm it up.

Weather is unpredictable, and

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that can make nights in a camper uncomfortable. A portable camper/RV space heater can help travelers combat cold nights when the mercury unexpectedly dips. Most portable electric space heaters are compact, meaning they won’t take up much space inside the camper cabin.

The market for portable camper heaters is flooded, so drivers may want to spend some time researching all their options before purchasing a new heater.

Some heaters feature an adjustable thermostat. Safety features like overheat protection and cooltouch exteriors can provide some added peace of mind when going to bed at night.

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Mi Toro #4 - 2600 S Harper Rd, Corinth, MS 38834 (662) 287-9740 PAGE 56

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Dave Fenley

Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER

1-30 16-18 23 24 25 25 25 25

Walt Disney Archives www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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Walt Disney Archives exhibit, Graceland, Memphis Alcorn County Fair, Crossroads Arena Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Soundstage at Graceland, Memphis Glow for Hope, Corinth-Alcorn County Airport Founder’s Day Festival, Bay Tree Park, Red Bay, Ala. Fall Festival, Michie City Park, Michie, Tenn.

Rock N Wrestling featuring Saliva, The Slag at Furnace Hill, Sheffield, Ala. Kane Brown, BancorpSouth Arena, Tupelo Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth

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OCTOBER

1-31 1-31 1 2 2

4-5

7 8 8 9 13 14 14 15-16 15 16 16 21 22 23 27 28 28-31 29 30 PAGE 58

Walt Disney Archives exhibit, Graceland, Memphis Coliseum Pumpkin Patch, The Coliseum Theatre ZZ Top, BancorpSouth Arena, Tupelo Green Market, Crossroads Museum Reconnect 4 Autism Car Show & Buddies Not Bullies Glow Run, Crossroads Regional Park Auditions for Corinth Theatre-Arts’ A Christmas Story, Crossroads Playhouse

Green Market

Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Slag at Furnace Hill, Sheffield, Ala. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Soundstage at Graceland, Memphis Battle of the Bands, The Coliseum Theatre Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Soundstage at Graceland, Memphis Dave Fenley, The Coliseum Theatre Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth Booneville Fall Festival, downtown Booneville Swayer Brown with Little Texas and Addie Pratt, Crossroads Arena A Band of Jones, VFW Post 3962 Booneville Fall Festival, downtown Booneville Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth Alice Cooper, BancorpSouth Arena, Tupelo Alley Nights, The Corinth Coliseum Haunted Mansion Panel and After Hours Tour, Walt Disney Archives exhibit, Graceland, Memphis Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth Corinth Theatre-Arts’ Three Murders And It’s Only Monday, Crossroads Playhouse Chris Janson with Joe Nichols, Crossroads Arena Coliseum Trunk or Treat, The Coliseum Theatre CROSSROADS MAGAZIN E

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Making pets feel right at home

Medicine/Surgery Complete Diagnostics Boarding

NOVEMBER

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4

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Walt Disney Archives exhibit, Graceland, Memphis

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Graceland Gospel Music Festival, Graceland, Memphis

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Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth Holiday Open House, downtown Corinth Merry & Bright Holiday Open House, downtown Booneville Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth The Lion King, Orpheum Theatre, Memphis Pickin’ on the Square, downtown Corinth Red Green Market, Crossroads Museum Small Business Saturday Diamond Rio and the Kentucky Headhunters, Crossroads Arena

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