Venture South Magazine

November 2017

Magazine

A season of thankful giving Lott Furniture celebrates century of serving Laurel Steel Magnolias enjoy weekend getaway to movie’s sites

In this Issue 6

Enjoy the Adventure

10

Lott Furniture

18

Good Eats & Treats

24

Upcoming Events

28

Steel Magnolia Weekend

34 The Glory House 42

Outdoor Adventures

48

Sunday Drive

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Enjoy the Adventure

Thankful for Thanksgiving and all things fall

by Jason Niblett W¶V ¿QDOO\ IDOO 6XPPHU KHOG RQ VRPHWKLQJ ¿HUFH WKLV \HDU ODVWLQJ DOO WKH ZD\ XQWLO PLG 2FWREHU DQG WKH VWDUW RI WKH 6RXWK 0LVVLVVLSSL )DLU %XW DODV D EUHH]H IURP WKH QRUWK KDSSLO\ DUULYHG EULQJLQJ ZLWK LW JRUJHRXV DXWXPQ FRORUV DQG VXPPHU ¿QDOO\ ORVLQJ LWV JULS RQ WKH WKHUPRPHWHU :LWK IDOO FRPHV ZKDW FRXOG EH WKH SHUIHFW KROL GD\ 7KDQNVJLYLQJ LV D WLPH WR FHOHEUDWH OLIH DQG HYHU\ WKLQJ JRRG WKDW FRPHV ZLWK LW IDPLO\ IULHQGV VXFFHVVHV DQG KRPH 7KHUH¶V QR QHHG WR VSHQG D WRQ RI PRQH\ RQ JLIWV RU ¿JKW FURZGV JHW WLQJ ODVW PLQXWH VWRFNLQJ VWXIIHUV <HV WKHUH LV WKH H[SHQVH DQG SUHSDUDWLRQ RI D JLJDQWLF PHDO EXW WKDW LV FHUWDLQO\ ZRUWK WKH HIIRUW WR VSHQG WLPH ZLWK WKRVH \RX ORYH , DEVROXWHO\ ORYH DXWXPQ DQG 7KDQNVJLYLQJ , DP LQ QR ZD\ QRU KDYH , HYHU FODLPHG WR EH D VXPPHU SHUVRQ 2QFH WKH HQG RI $XJXVW JHWV KHUH HYHU\ \HDU , VWDUW ORRNLQJ DW WKH ORQJ UDQJH IRUHFDVWV RQ WKH )DUPHU¶V $OPDQDF DQG $FFXZHDWKHU ZHEVLWHV ORQJLQJ WR ¿QG D GD\ ZLWK WHPSHUDWXUHV EHORZ GHJUHHV DQG KXPLGLW\ OHVV WKDQ SHUFHQW RND\ WKDW¶V DQ H[DJJHUDWLRQ

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EXW QRW E\ PXFK , VXSSRVH WKDW KDV D ORW WR GR ZLWK P\ ORYH IRU WKLV WLPH RI WKH \HDU 3HRSOH RIWHQ VHHP WR EH LQ EHWWHU PRRGV ,¶P QRW VXUH LI LW¶V EHFDXVH RQH VHHPV WR KDYH PRUH HQHUJ\ ZKHQ WKH ZHDWKHU LV FULVS DV RSSRVHG WR EH LQJ WLUHG RU DJJUDYDWHG ZLWK KHDW DQG VWLFN\ DLU RU LI LW¶V EHFDXVH RI VR PDQ\ DQQXDO HYHQWV DQG KROLGD\V SDFNHG LQWR D VKRUW SHULRG RI WLPH (LWKHU ZD\ ,¶P WKDQNIXO IRU WKLV VHDVRQ 7KLV \HDU ZH DUH DOVR WKDQNIXO IRU RXU JUDFLRXV UHDGHUV DGYHUWLVHUV DQG GLVWULEXWRUV ,I VRPHRQH WROG PH ODVW DXWXPQ WKDW RYHU WKH QH[W \HDU ,¶G EH ODLG RII DQG VWDUW D EXVLQHVV ZLWK WZR IULHQGV , ZRXOG¶YH UHVSRQGHG ZLWK D FRXSOH H[SUHVVLRQV 1RZ WKHUH DUH VRPH ZD\V WKDW , FDQ¶W EH OLHYH WKLV LV DOUHDG\ RXU WKLUG HGLWLRQ DQG RWKHU ZD\V WKDW VHHP OLNH ZH¶YH EHHQ GRLQJ WKLV IRU \HDUV :H FHOHEUDWH \RX DOO ZLWK WKDQNVJLYLQJ Jason Niblett is the publisher of 9HQWXUH 6RXWK 0DJD]LQH. He may be reached at jason@myventuresouth.com or by calling (601) 909-0990. 8

Publisher Jason Niblett jason@myventuresouth.com

Get your free copy from fine locations including hotels, hospitals, airports, clinics, businesses and more.

For the complete list of locations, visit: www.myventuresouth.com /find-a-copy

Editor/Design Lacey Slay lacey@myventuresouth.com Advertising Design Anna Griffing anna@myventuresouth.com Contributing Photographers Bethany Byrd Nkrumah Frazier Keri Rowell Lacey Slay Lydia Walters Contributing Writers Nkrumah Frazier Keri Rowell Grant Staples Jann Tuten Lydia Walters Advertising Kevin Dearmon kevin@myventuresouth.com Jill Deakle jill@myventuresouth.com

www.myventuresouth.com

Debra Jefcoat debra@myventuresouth.com Venture South Magazine is published monthly by Venture South Media LLC. Laurel, Mississippi Pine Belt: 601-909-0990 Meridian: 601-453-1377 Gulf Coast: 228-207-1606 email: info@myventuresouth.com facebook.com/myventuresouth Â&#x2039; $OO ULJKWV UHVHUYHG &RQWHQWV RI WKLV PDJD]LQH PD\ QRW EH UHSURGXFHG LQ DQ\ PDQQHU ZLWKRXW ZULWWHQ FRQVHQW IURP SXEOLVKHU 9HQWXUH 6RXWK 0HGLD //& 9HQWXUH 6RXWK 0DJD]LQH FDQQRW EH KHOG OLDEOH IRU HUURUV DQG RPLVVLRQV &RSLHV DUH DYDLODEOH DW ORFDWLRQV WKURXJKRXW 0LVVLVVLSSL

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Volume 1 Edition 3 Cover photo by Jason Niblett Photo taken at The Glory House, Laurel

Q

Laurel’s oldest retail store celebrates centennial

100 years strong

by Keri Rowell photos by Keri Rowell & Bethany Byrd

rmed with a just a truck and a dream, Reuben Lott couldn’t have predicted the impact he would make on the furniture industry in Mississippi or Downtown Laurel. Mr. Lott was undoubtedly a great innovator for his time with a completely unique business model that out-survived him. Now 100 years later, Lott Furniture Co. is still keeping the legacy of Mr. Lott alive by practicing handwritten records, maintaining personal connections with generational customers, and serving the Laurel community.

In October of 1917, 20-year-old Reuben Lott opened a small furniture store in his namesake on Front Street between a hardware store and Laurel’s only butcher shop. Beginning with sales primarily to the logging camps, Mr. Lott soon branched out over the state during the years to come. Located across the street from the train depot and lumber yard, Lott Furniture fell right into the hub of regional commerce. Little did Mr. Lott know, his store’s reputation would explode quickly and exponentially to spread all throughout the state. World War II and The Great Depression took a huge toll on the economy and morale in Laurel. Many jobs were lost, leaving families penniless and mom-and-pop businesses abandoned all around the city.

0U /RWW¶V PHWKRG RI ¿QDQFLQJ DOORZHG FXVWRPers to pay their bills in small amounts and kept the store alive during some of the nation’s most GLI¿FXOW \HDUV y

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z The storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest ledger shows a sale of two iron bedsteads to a Viola Brooch with a bill of just one dollar per week. Sometimes, customers even paid as little DV ÂżYH WR FHQWV SHU SD\PHQW %\ WKH ODWH V WKH VWRUH FODLPHG WKH WZR QHLJKERUing businesses to expand into a space three times its original size. Sales broadened to neighboring counties, and Mr. Lott began hiring traveling salesmen to collect SD\PHQWV DQG VHOO ZDUHV GRRU WR GRRU 7KH ZRRG ERGLHG GHOLYHU\ WUXFNV EHFDPH WUDYHOLQJ V\PEROV RI /RWW Furniture and were soon recognizable all over town.

During this time, Front Street was the â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Orleans RI /DXUHO ´ :LWK DOO W\SHV RI VKRSV DQG VHUYLFHV PXVLF DQG FXOWXUH LW ZDV WUXO\ WKH PRVW HFRQRPLF SODFH WR GR business and most interesting to shop and live. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Front Street was the place to be because it ZDV WKH FLW\ÂśV ZLGHVW VWUHHW ZLWK LWV FDIpV EDUEHUVKRSV shoeshine parlors, and furniture shops.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Frog Blues & Jazz Annual y

Address:

320 Front Street Downtown Laurel

Hours:

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - noon

Phone:

(601) 428-5782 https://lottfurniture.co facebook.com/lottfurniture

z During this boom on Front Street, Blues vanguard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blindâ&#x20AC;? Roosevelt Graves, and his brother, Uaroy, performed right in front of Lott Furniture Co. daily. Not letting his blindness or his brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mental disability slow them down, he and Uaroy drew massive crowds of locals and travelers just to hear them sing and play guitar and tambourine. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been said that 5RRVHYHOW ZDV D ELJ LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFH RQ WKH 'HOWD Blues musicians who would stay to listen between train stops.

A few years later, Nellie Rowell moved to Laurel from her hometown of Newton, MissisVLSSL WR VHHN DQ\ ZRUN VKH FRXOG ÂżQG ,Q KHU early 20s, unexpectedly left by her husband and a newly single mother of two children, Nellie came to Mr. Lott with just a high school diploma and a promise of devotion to her job.

6KH ZRUNHG VWHDGIDVWO\ DQG XQĂ&#x20AC;LQFKLQJO\ IRU \HDUV EHFRPLQJ D ÂżJXUHKHDG DQG D GRJ eared page in the Lott Furniture story, as well DV D Âż[WXUH WR WKH GRZQWRZQ /DXUHO FRPPXnity.

By 1965, there were 11 stores that scattered Mississippi. Longtime employee Henry Smith left to open Smith Furniture around 1960, but remained friendly with Mr. Lott. After Henry passed away, W.J. Rowell, Nellieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband, bought Smith Furniture and worked there until he retired in 2004.

The 70s were a time of technological innovation that replaced traditional bookkeeping in many businesses. Manual typewriters and calculators were now obsolete, and computers became record keepers rather than ink written by careful hands in ledger books.

Although aging, Mr. Lott was determined to keep his records by hand even though updating to computers would have been much quicker and easier. He was unwaveringly certain that personally writing a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name EXLOW D UHODWLRQVKLS WKDW VKRXOGQÂśW EH VDFULÂżFHG IRU HIÂżFLHQF\ 6R ZKLOH ZH GLG DGRSW VRPH PRGHUQ RIÂżFH HTXLSPHQW ZH FRQWLQXH WR WKLV day to write all account information by hand.

Mr. Lott had no children; therefore, he sold each of his stores to its respective employees when he retired. The stock percentages were determined by position and seniority, giving Nellie Rowell the most sizable part of the main store. y

myventuresouth.com Q 13

z Other stockholders retired, were paid out, and

eventually Nellie became the sole owner of Lott Furniture.

By the late 70s, urban renewal was in full swing, and the promise of growth for downtown Laurel was soon lost as the once crowded streets became barren.

In 1983, three of Nellieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children became reguODU HPSOR\HHV ÂżOOLQJ UROHV VKH FRXOGQÂśW E\ KHUVHOI Her sons, Bobby and Rodney, made deliveries and worked as outside salesmen, and Rodneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ZLIH $QJLH DVVLVWHG KHU LQ WKH RIÂżFH 1HOOLHÂśV ROGest daughter, Pat, also spent many hours through the years doing interior design. Reuben Lott and his wife, Blondie, both passed away in the late 80s, leaving a new family to be protectors of the Lott legacy.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated downtown Laurel and much of the Southeast. The storefront was destroyed and the metal façade installed in the 50s was blown away. Thankfully, the original building was mostly intact underneath. The current caretakers repainted the brick and installed a canopy inspired by the early 1900s, restoring the storefront to something reminiscent of an earlier era.

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Today, Nellieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youngest daughter, Candy; Rodney; Angie; and I, her granddaughter, remain at 320 Front Street. With careful management, Lott has been able to stay true to its original roots and customers while sustaining business and carrying on as a part of the community.

We look forward to Laurel returning to its former glory with the rise of a younger generation of entrepreneurs and creatives. We take pride in our little town and the recent surge of â&#x20AC;&#x153;hopefulsâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;doersâ&#x20AC;? that are emerging around every corner. We see families and newcomers of all kinds settling into new and old houses alike, and we just want to help make those houses feel like home.

Our Centennial Celebration was October 3, 2017, and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier to be Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest retail business. Our vision, business model, and high hopes for â&#x20AC;&#x153;The City Beautifulâ&#x20AC;? remain never-changing. We hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve our community for 100 years more.

Please join us as we achieve brighter days for our little hometown, and help support those who are making it happen. Shop in the local shops, eat at the local eateries, and perhaps, bring your own dream alive here alongside us. 8

Good Eats & Treats

by Grant Staples

Deli Diner’s popularity leads to more locations around Mississippi

ust off Highway 11 in Ellisville sits a quaint little metal building that houses one of the city’s best kept secrets, the Deli Diner. Rob Walters works very hard to let his food do the talking, and, believe me, it does! With a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers, salads, burritos and sides, you’ll get every bit of the “bang for your buck.” Rob laid out a great lunch for us on our visit, and, nothing was less than amazing!

Rob grew up in New Mexico and that south ZHVWHUQ ÀDYRU FHUWDLQO\ FRPHV WKURXJK LQ VHYeral of his dishes. Deli Diner boasts some of the best burgers and sandwiches around. We’re not talking about a chain sandwich experience here.

Rob’s success in the food business has given way to three locations of The Deli Diner. The original location is in Collins at 704 Fir St., followed by the Ellisville location on Highway 11, and the soon-toopen Seminary location at 201 W. Main St. One of the many things that stand out about the Deli Diner is the non-traditional sides they offer. A lot of places don’t put any “love” into side dishes, but that’s not true at the DD! The coleslaw alone stands above anything normal with the addition of pineapple tidbits that give this a tenderness and a sweetness that’s worth trying! If you like coleslaw, you’ll eat every bite of this one. The other sides are pintos and cheese along with chips and salsa or potato chips. These compliment the food very well and offer something unique that’s a cut above normal. y

J

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z Well, enough of the small talk. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about the entrees! We started our lunch experience with an outstanding piece of seared salmon laid across a bed of greens with a house-made lemon-dill sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bacon and croutons. This was as good as any highdollar entree Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ever had, and better than plenty ,ÂśYH KDG *RRG VDOPRQ LV KDUG WR ÂżQG DQG '' knocks this one out of the park. Their grilled salmon sandwich on fresh-made rosemary-parPHVDQ EUHDG LV QLFH DV ZHOO 'UHVVHG ZLWK WKH VDPH Ă&#x20AC;DYRUV WKDW FRPH RQ WKH VDODG WKH DGGLtion of the fresh-baked bread sets this far above anything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get for lunch anywhere!

We followed our salmon with a sample trio of pimento and cheese, chicken salad and cranberry tuna salad. Each one of these was great and stands alone with no need for bread or salad Âż[LQJV EXW HDFK RQH JHWV ERRVWHG LQ WKH EURDG and thoughtfully planned menu! Rob made me a new burger called the armadillo burger topped with cream cheese and jalapenos on jalapenocheddar bread. These burgers are huge, and one will feed a big guy like me with hardly any room for sides, but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let that stop me! We sampled the gorillinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; burger, as well. This one is topped with pimentos and cheese and dressed with bacon, lettuce and tomato on a cheddarjalapeno bun. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason this one is WRXWHG DV 'HOL 'LQHUÂśV VLJQDWXUH EXUJHU 7U\ WKLV if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a burger lover, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bet youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back for more. y

myventuresouth.com Q 19

Good Eats & Treats

z Truth is everything we tried was worth a return

visit! My wife had a turkey, avocado and bacon wrap and loved it.

Rob says any sandwich can be turned into a wrap or even a salad. His kitchen works hard to please every customer. We also tried a variety of sides: the shrimp nachos and the pesto artichoke and chicken panini, all of which were worth ordering. My favorites were still the burgers. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a sucker for a good hamburger, but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rule out that amazing salmon, salad or sandwich (but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also a sandwich guy). Rob says some of his top-sellers are the fajita salad, the crunchy Asian salad and the chicken salad sandwich on rosemary-parmesan bread (at all locations).

Several of my friends on social media keep UDYLQJ DERXW WKH TXHVR EXUJHU WKH Ă&#x20AC;\LQÂś +DZDLLDQ panini, the Philly cheesesteak (sandwich and salad) and the seeds salad with sweet onion dressing.

One of my friends said the dressing is so good she could drink it, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say it might be worth a try. y

Good Eats & Treats

z Deli Diner also offers catering services of their menu items on trays served with sides and brownies or cupcakes. Rob says he stays fairly EXV\ ZLWK EXVLQHVV PHHWLQJV DQG RI¿FH RUGHUV and, with this kind of quality, I can understand why. These sandwiches raise the bar on the typical sandwich tray.

So, next time you’re in Ellisville, Collins or Seminary, you should visit the good folks at Deli Diner. You won’t regret it…well, you might regret it if you eat everything they bring you!

Haha! For me, leftovers were as good at home as it was in the restaurant, and you’ll be sure to visit again!

Grant Staples, a founder of The Glory House and Sweet Daddy’s Kettle Corn, is a food columnist for Venture South Magazine. He can be reached at grant@myventuresouth.com 8 Grant’s Picks:

Gorillin’ burger Seeds salad Salmon sandwich Queso burger

Hours:

Ellisville Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Collins Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Locations:

801 Hwy. 11 South, Ellisville (601) 800-8095 704 S. Fir Ave., Collins (601) 765-4359 Coming soon to Seminary! www.thedelidiner.com

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Upcoming Events

November

Festivals and Fairs 4

Taylorsville

8th Annual Grillin’ n Chillin’ BBQ Festival A barbecue competition, car and truck show, food, entertainment, arts and crafts await guests at this year’s festival. Headline entertainment is James Otto with special guest Travis Clark.

Downtown Taylorsville 9:45 a.m. – until with concerts beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Admission: $5 adults; $3 ages 3-10; free under 3. www.taylorsvillechamber.com

4-5

Ocean Springs

39th Annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival honors potter Peter Anderson, original potter of Shearwater Pottery, founded in 1928. Find entertainment, food, vendors and art at this wonderful festival.

Downtown Ocean Springs 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Free admission.

Quick tip: Park at several schools for easy shuttle service.

Check the website for locations: www.peterandersonfestival.com

Lucedale

The Gingham Tree Art & Crafts Festival Food, family and fun are what draw people to this arts festival in Lucedale each year. Sponsored by the ladies of the Lucedale Fine Arts Club, money raised is given to George County Schools for students.

Features more than 300 vendors.

George County Fairgrounds, 9162 Old Hwy. 63 South, Lucedale Free parking and free admission 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.ginghamtree.org

Laurel

The Mission Market A wonderful holiday shopping experience where proceeds help support local and world ministries. Features food, arts & crafts and more. This event provides a JUHDW RSSRUWXQLW\ WR ¿QG XQLTXH KROLGD\ JLIW LWHPV DQG PRUH Downtown Laurel behind Fred’s 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. http://themissionmarket.wixsite.com/home

11

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17-18

Picayune

15th Annual Piney Woods Heritage Festival Celebrate the early days of the Piney Woods with historical-themed presentations, music, exhibitions and demonstrations such as blacksmithing, quilting, spinning, basket-making and more.

Friday: Senior Center of South Pearl River County 45 El Patch Pkwy., Picayune Saturday: Crosby Arboretum 370 Ridge Rd., Picayune Friday, free admission.

Saturday, $5 for adults; $2 for children. Free for Arboretum members. www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu

18

Stringer

Stringer Alpaca Festival Enjoy a day with animals, activities, vendors and food at this relaxing country fesWLYDO 0HHW WKH DOSDFDV ZKLOH OHDUQLQJ KRZ WKHLU ¿EHU LV VSXQ LQWR \DUQ 383 County Road 155, Stringer Free parking and admission 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Laurel

Christmas at the Village The 34th annual Christmas at the Village is an old-fashioned celebration that’s fun for the whole family. Enjoy food, photos with Santa Claus, hand-made craft vendors, civil war re-enactments, farm animals, gem mining, live entertainment or a wagon ride through the beautiful nature trails. Thousands of twinkling Christmas lights are sure to bring on the holiday cheer.

Landrum’s Homestead & Village 1356 Hwy 15 South, Laurel Gates open Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.

Fast tip: Expect to spend a couple of hours, or more!

Admission: $10 per person; free under three years old 601-649-2546 www.landrums.com

Gulfport

Harbor Lights Winter Festival Nov. 24 – early January Amazing light show right on beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Open nightly except for Christmas Eve and Christmas, a Christmas Market and Santa Claus welcome visitors through Dec. 23 with lights continuing into early January. Enjoy the Ferris Wheel, live music, rides, and activities.

2250 Jones Park Dr., Gulfport Gates open 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. nightly with show ending at 10:30 p.m.

Admission: $5 per person. Fast tip: cash only.

Best beat: Park at the 15th Street and 20th Avenue garage and take the shuttle or trolley.

(228) 868-5700

25-26

ongoing

myventuresouth.com Q 25

Upcoming Events

Leakesville

25

Tree Lighting and Movie in the Park Enjoy the community Christmas tree lighting celebration and the classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Town Park, Leakesville 6 p.m.

601-394-2383

Music & Theatre

Straight No Chaser - The Speakeasy Tour Straight No Chaser are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase, numerous national TV appearances and proven success with CD releases.

Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense... and with a sense of humor.

IP Casino Resort 850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $39 (888) 946-2847

Hattiesburg

14

Biloxi

11

Long Beach

5

7th Annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade & Concert Free refreshments will be served as the community comes together to thank the nation’s veterans. Military veterans and veteran service organizations will be in the parade. Musical choirs, bands, and soloists will perform following the parade.

Downtown Long Beach 1:30 p.m.

Free.

(228) 332-1083

Moscow Ballet’s “The Great Russian Nutcracker” Moscow Ballet presents an incredible performance of this extravagant Christmas show as part of the Ballet’s 25th anniversary tour and features some of the world’s best performers in an amazing production.

Saenger Theater 201 Forrest St., Hattiesburg 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $32 - $76 per person Visit www.nutcracker.com to purchase tickets.

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Holiday Peppermint Pops This family-friendly holiday celebration features the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Youth Orchestra, guest artists and Santa Claus.

Saenger Theater 170 Reynoir Street, Biloxi 3 p.m.

Tickets: $35 adults; $15 students and military (228) 896-4276

Ellisville

30

Moscow Ballet’s “The Great Russian Nutcracker” Moscow Ballet presents a one-time performance of this extravagant Christmas show as part of the Ballet’s 25th anniversary tour and features some of the world’s best performers in an amazing production.

Temple Theater 2320 8th St., Meridian Tickets range from $15 - $32 7 p.m.

For telephones orders, call (601) 693-5353 weekdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.nutcracker.com

Biloxi

26

66th Annual Songfest Presented by the Chi Omega sorority at the University of Southern Mississippi, this family friendly event raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi. Find a silent auction and hear Christmas music.

Reed Green Coliseum 112 Coliseum Dr., USM Campus in Hattiesburg 5:30 p.m.

Free, but donations accepted.

(601) 266-4823

Meridian

20

Hattiesburg

17

Biloxi

17

Gladys Knight Gladys Knight, known as the “Empress of Soul,” is an American singer–songwriter and actress. A seven-time Grammy Award-winner, Knight is best known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, for both the Motown and Buddah record labels.

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 875 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $49.95 (888) 566-7469

A Jingle Jazz Christmas Benefit Concert Enjoy an evening of glorious Christmas music performed by Jones County Junior College student performers while helping to raise money to buy gifts for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Ronald E. Whitehead Advanced Technology Park, 72 Technology Blvd., Ellisville 7 p.m.

Admission: One new unwrapped toy

myventuresouth.com Q 27

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Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Weekend Getaway

Four Steel Magnolias journey to Natchitoches

Story by Lydia Walters. Photos by Lydia Walters, Kristy Boone, Jodi Cranford and Leighan Griffin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know I love you more than my luggage.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clairee our lively ladies from south Mississippi visited Natchitoches (Nack-a-tish), Louisiana to enjoy the sights and sounds from their favorite 1980s-era movie Steel Magnolias.

With our favorite luggage in hand, Kristy %RRQH -RGL &UDQIRUG /HLJKDQ *ULIÂżQ DQG , started the Christmas season with a weekend visit to the beautiful homes and Christmas festival featured in the movie.

Steel Magnolias is unique. Author Robert Harling wrote the story as a play about his sister who died of complications from diabetes, leaving behind a two-year-old son. The Harling family ZDV IURP 1DWFKLWRFKHV VR WKH PRYLH ZDV ÂżOPHG in the city where the true story took place.

Our entourage of four arrived in Natchitoches on a Friday evening and stayed at the Chateau Saint Denis, a beautifully renovated hotel in downtown within walking distance of restaurants and the Christmas festival activities. The rooms were comfortable, and the hotel provided a continental breakfast.

The city of Natchitoches provides a lovely setting with Christmas lights along the Cane River Lake. Fans of Steel Magnolias will remember Shelby coming home for the Christmas festival.

7KLV DQQXDO HYHQW LV KHOG WKH ÂżUVW 6DWXUGD\ LQ 'Hcember; however, there are numerous Christmas DFWLYLWLHV IURP PLG 1RYHPEHU WKURXJK WKH ÂżUVW weekend in January. y

F

28 Q Venture South Magazine

z Any weekend during this season is perfect for a getaway.

My friends and I enjoyed strolling along Front Street. The piped-in snow and Christmas decorations made wonderful photos to send home to our families, making our children a little envious.

We enjoyed dinner at the Pioneer Pub, located on Washington Street. The Pub featured a great menu with Cajun and Southern style foods. I recomPHQG WKH EODFNHQHG UHG ¿VK ZLWK VZHHW SRWDWR IULHV For those new to Southern food, try the gator bites.

“I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” – Shelby Saturday morning brought a quick breakfast and walk down Front Street to the visitors center where we acquired a map and outline of the homes and VLWHV XVHG LQ WKH ¿OPLQJ RI WKH PRYLH 0RVW RI WKH houses are not open to the public because they are private residences, so we drove by and snapped a few photos. The St. Augustine Catholic Church, once lined with blush and bashful tool for the wedding scene, is open for the public.

We also stopped by the Melrose Plantation, a pre-Civil War home that became an educational and artist haven throughout the 1900s. Natchitoches is a wonderful place to visit for those interested in French Colonial or pre-Civil War history.

The home of M’Lynn and Drum Eatenton and the scene of the wedding reception in the movie is now a bed-and-breakfast. Fans will be happy to know that it hasn’t changed since the 1980s. It is a popular place to stay, so book a room early. :H VSHQW 6DWXUGD\ QLJKW RQ WKH WKLUG ÀRRU LQ WKH Annelle suite. The bedrooms are named for characters in the movie. Of course, the pink room with the pink bathtub is Shelby’s room. For this Steel Magnolias fan, it was more than 30 minutes of wonderful, walking through the house where Julia Roberts, Sally Field and Dolly Parton spent time.

“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” – Clairee Front Street would certainly meet Clairee’s expectations with numerous shops, displaying clothes, KRPH DFFHVVRULHV DQG MHZHOU\ 7KH .DI¿H )UHGHULFN General Mercantile provides an old fashion general store experience with modern cookware, toys and gift items. y

myventuresouth.com Q 29

Steel Magnolia House Address:

320 Jefferson St. Natchitoches, La.

Phone:

(318) 238-2585

Web:

steelmagnoliahouse.net

Chamber of Commerce Phone:

1-800-259-1714

Web:

www.natchitoches.com

Natchitoches Christmas Festival Christmas Festival Date: December 2, 2017

Christmas Parade:

Dec. 2, 2017 at 1 p.m.

Christmas Season Dates: November 18 - January 6

Web:

natchitocheschristmas.com

30 Q Venture South Magazine

z In addition to boutique shops, Front Street is home to several restaurants, including the jointly-owned Mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oyster House and Papaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar and Grill.

Order a Bloody Mary from Papaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. I affectionately named it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;lunch in a glass.â&#x20AC;?

A stroll through the downtown requires a visit to the corner of Second Street and Rue St. Denis where Natchitoches created a Walk of Honor, featuring the cast of Steel Magnolias.

While on Second Street, stop by Lasyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meat Pie Kitchen. A meat pie is a golden-brown, deep fried meat casserole in a crust. Go early for lunch because the line is out the door, and the seating is limited. Lasyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s serves other Cajun dishes like red beans and ULFH SRER\V DQG FUDZÂżVK HWRXIIHH Natchitoches boasts more than 35 bed-and-breakfasts and inns, which is a testament to its Southern charm.

Dolly Partonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character Truvy says it best: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smile! It increases your face value.â&#x20AC;? A weekend in Natchitoches will certainly do that!

Lydia Walters loves her hometown of Laurel, Miss. where she is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, a public relations professional, trip planner, wife and mother. Her friends, Kristy, Leighan and Jodi, are Steel Magnolias that know that laughter through tears is the greatest emotion. 8

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Q

The Glory House

Locals plan season of holiday giving & outreach

by Jann Tuten

hen Grant Staples and his wife, Hope, decided to return to their hometown of Laurel, they began to pray about an old house located in town and how it could be used to glorify God by reaching out to their community. Having served as foreign missionaries in eight countries, they now wanted to ¿QG D SODFH DQG D ZD\ WR VHUYH WKHLU KRPH FRPPXnity.

After considerable prayer, and circumstances shifting into place, they stepped out in faith, and that is where the story of The Glory House begins.

The old Laurel Inn was closed and had been on the real estate market several years. It went into foreclosure. The lawn was overrun with weeds, and the building was in desperate need of repair. Located in the heart of Laurel, across the street from Gardiner Park, the location was ideal.

Grant and Hope were able to purchase the house, and, on June 8, 2015, they moved in. Three days later, The Glory House opened its doors and transformations of bringing an old home back to life were set into motion. The weeds were cut back and a few outdoor repairs were made. Since the house had been vacant for seven years, inside there was much cleaning that had to done.

For Hope and Grant, their intention was concentrated in creating a place of outreach for community missions - a place to serve God by serving others.

“We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus by reaching out to our community with love, Grant said. “We seek to show God’s love, particularly to those in need of love and care.” y

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34 Q Venture South Magazine

z Bible study is held every Tuesday night from

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is open to whoever would like to be a part of learning more about Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word. Because men and women have different issues in daily life, they meet separately.

On-going ministries include the third Sunday community meal and worship service, food pantry, Power Kids Club, Glory Kids discipleship outreach and more. The monthly community meals are held in Gardiner Park. Food is provided and served by gracious donors, such as various church groups and organizations, who simply want to reach out to help others.

For the food pantry, the Glory House relies heavily on donations to prepare boxes of food basics: rice, beans, and canned vegetables, fruits, tuna and chicken. Along with food, they also include a bag of personal items like shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, a hairbrush and a comb.

Along with all of their regularly scheduled events, they have several special holiday events and are seeking assistance with donations and volunteers throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Volunteers are greatly needed to help make these joyous times of celebration extra special for the community.

On Sunday, November 19, the Thanksgiving Community Meal and Worship will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Gardiner Park. Afterward, the Glory House box distribution will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. y

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The Glory House Address:

803 N. 2nd Avenue Laurel, MS 39440

Phone:

(601) 262-5555

Web:

facebook.com/thegloryhouselaurel www.thegloryhouse.org 7KH *ORU\ +RXVH LV D QRQ SUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ WKDW VHUYHV XQGHU WKH ¿QDQFLDO XPEUHOOD RI *,:2 *UDFH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO :RUOG 2XWUHDFK D QRQ SUR¿W & PLVVLRQDU\ RUJDQL]DWLRQ 7D[ GHGXFWLEOH GRQDWLRQV PD\ EH PDLOHG DQG PDGH SD\DEOH WR *,:2 ZLWK *ORU\ +RXVH QRWHG LQ WKH PHPR WR 3 2 %R[ /DXUHO 06

36 Q Venture South Magazine

z Volunteers and donations are needed to assure that there will be a Thanksgiving meal for those who are truly struggling to make ends meet.

A new and exciting event that will add an extra special touch to the holiday season is 7KH *ORU\ +RXVH &KULVWPDV 6WRUH D GLJQLÂżHG shopping experience for families in need. Lots of help will be needed to buy and donate gifts, to help set up the store, to be a Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helper to the parents as they shop, and then to assist in wrapping the presents for the children who will be referred by local partner agencies and schools that work with The Glory House.

Area retail shops will be toy and gift dropoffs for The Glory House. The locations will be listed on The Glory House Facebook page and website. New and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at The Glory House on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment before December 4.

The week of December 4 - 9, the store will be prepped and stocked with the gift donations. The following week, beginning on Monday, December 11 to Saturday, December 16, the parents will begin shopping.

Upon entering the Christmas Store, every family will be prayed for and have the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ, then volunteers will guide parents to pick out three major gifts per child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were three wise men, who came and gave gifts to the Christ child,â&#x20AC;?

Grant said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three. It is perfect for Christmas giving.â&#x20AC;? And, of course, there will be stocking stuffers that add to the delight and warmth of Christmas morning. Volunteering to help with and donating to the Christmas Store is a great way to get caught up in the excitement and to recapture the child-like wonder of the Christmas season.

If you have an upcoming trip planned to venture south, take an afternoon or morning and venture to The Glory House and volunteer a portion of your time. This is something that can be done as a family, a group of friends, student organizations, or church group mission projects for adults and kids. There are opportunities for all ages. Your desire to help with these service activities would be wondrously welcomed! Venture beyond your comfort zone. You will be glad you did! 8

myventuresouth.com Q 37

Outdoor Adventures

by Nkrumah Frazier

Black Creek Hiking Trail perfect for cooler weather adventures

lthough abnormally warm weather held strong deep into October this year, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to begin thinking about and preparing for cold weather activities.

There is no shortage of outdoor recreational activities that can be done in the winter time. With proper preparation venturing into the great outdoors in the colder months can and will be rewarding. Activities like huntLQJ ÂżVKLQJ KLNLQJ DQG FDPSLQJ FDQ DOO EH HQMR\DEOH during this time. In fact, there is at least one advantage WR HQMR\LQJ WKHVH DFWLYLWLHV GXULQJ FROG ZHDWKHU DQG WKDW is the absence of most, if not all, biting insects, which can be particularly maddening here in Mississippi.

In honor of all the activities I mentioned earlier, this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition of Outdoor Adventures features one of Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nationally recognized gems. If you wantHG \RX FRXOG GHÂżQLWHO\ VWHS DZD\ IURP WKH HYHU\GD\ hustle and bustle, unplug and reconnect with yourself for a weekend or more. The Black Creek Hiking Trail (BCHT) is nestled within the piney woods of south Mississippi. At around 40 miles, it is one of Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest trails and offers many different types of outdoor recreation within the DeSoto National Forest. It features south Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive rolling pine hills and bottomland hardwoods habitat. This trail has been desLJQDWHG IRU IRRW WUDIÂżF RQO\ DQG QR DOFRKRO LV DOORZHG The BCHT originates at Big Creek Landing in Forrest County and culminates at Fairley Bridge Landing in Perry County, following the path of Black Creek; Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only federally designated Wild and Scenic River. It meanders through the DeSoto as if it were lost at times. y

A

42 Q Venture South Magazine

z Though the trail parts from the creek

on several occasions, the trail always ¿QGV LWV ZD\ EDFN WR WKH ZDWHU¶V HGJH DQG SDUDOOHOV WKH FUHHN IRU D ZKLOH EHfore turning away again, often offering picturesque views of the water.

Along the trail, there are many SRLQWV RI LQWHUHVW WKDW LQFOXGH DQ ROG DEDQGRQHG &LYLOLDQ &RQVHUYDWLRQ &RUSV FDPS QXPHURXV SODFHV RYHUORRNLQJ %ODFN &UHHN WKH %ODFN &UHHN :LOGHUQHVV $UHD DQG VHFOXGHG VDQG\ EHDFKHV DORQJ WKH VKRUHV RI %ODFN &UHHN $QG DV ZLWK DQ\ IRUHVW WKHUH are countless things that can grasp \RXU VHQVH RI ZRQGHU :KLOH KLNLQJ WKH WUDLO \RX FDQ ¿QG ORFDWLRQV VXLWDEOH IRU KXQWLQJ ¿VKLQJ RU FDPSLQJ &DPSLQJ LV D IDYRULWH DFWLYLW\ IRU PDQ\ LQGLYLGXDOV VHHNLQJ WR VORZ WKLQJV GRZQ D ELW DQG OHDYH WKH ZRUULHV RI WKH ZRUOG EDFN DW KRPH HYHQ LI MXVW IRU D GD\ RU WZR :KHQ GRLQJ PDQ\ W\SHV RI RXWGRRU DFWLYLWLHV LW LV SRVVLEOH WR VORZ GRZQ DQG FRQQHFW ZLWK WKH ODQG 7KLV FDQ EH GRQH E\ VLWWLQJ VWLOO DQG TXLHWO\ REVHUYLQJ WKH ZRUOG DURXQG \RX 6ORZO\ \RX PD\ VHH WKH IRUHVW ³FRPH DOLYH´ DURXQG \RX <RX PD\ EHJLQ WR KHDU RU VHH ELUGV LQ QHDUE\ WUHHV ,I \RX ORRN FORVH enough, you might notice that the JURXQG DURXQG \RX LV WHDPLQJ ZLWK LQVHFWV &RQQHFWLQJ ZLWK WKH ODQG LQ WKLV ZD\ KDV EHHQ VDLG WR EH GHYHORSLQJ DQ intimate sense of place, or a somewhat GHHSHU XQGHUVWDQGLQJ DQG ³NQRZLQJ´ of the space that you quietly immerse \RXUVHOI LQWR DQG HYHQ LI IRU D EULHI DPRXQW RI WLPH EHFRPH D SDUW 7KH 'H6RWR 1DWLRQDO )RUHVW OLNH DOO national forests in Mississippi, is open WR KXQWLQJ DQG ¿VKLQJ ZLWK WKH SURSHU OLFHQVHV DQG ZLWKLQ OHJDO KXQWLQJ VHDVRQV $Q\ KXQWLQJ VKRXOG EH HQMR\HG ZHOO DZD\ IURP WKH HVWDEOLVKHG KLNLQJ WUDLO 3ULPLWLYH FDPSLQJ LV SHUPLWWHG QR closer than 100 feet to the trail. y

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace: 1. Plan ahead and prepare 2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces 3. Dispose of waste properly 4. Leave what you find 5. Minimize campfire impacts 6. Respect wildlife 7. Be considerate of other visitors

z In some places, recreation areas can be found a

44 Q Venture South Magazine

VKRUW GLVWDQFH IURP WKH KLNLQJ WUDLO <RX PD\ ÂżQG DPHQLties like showers, restrooms and picnic tables at these recreation areas. Use of some recreation areas requires a day use fee while there is no fee for primitive campLQJ KLNLQJ KXQWLQJ RU ÂżVKLQJ LQ RWKHU DUHDV 3OHDVH check with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife )LVKHULHV DQG 3DUNV ZZZ PGZIS FRP IRU UHJXODWLRQV regarding the enjoyment of public lands in Mississippi.

When out enjoying nature, please remember that if you pack it out, pack it in; meaning that you should leave with everything you take out onto the trail. Trash DQG IRRG VFUDSV DUH QRW WR EH OHIW EHKLQG 3OHDVH SUDFtice the seven principles of Leave No Trace.

To learn more about the Black Creek Hiking Trail including access points and parking areas, please visit http://bit.ly/BlackCreekHikingTrail.

Nkrumah Frazier is a husband and father who loves all things outdoors. He likes to share his passion for the great outdoors with others. He can be reached at nkrumah_frazier@yahoo.com. 8

Sunday Drive

Q

Magee, Mississippi: Historic charm, poised for growth

by Jason Niblett

agee could be a tale of two cities: One, the quiet tree-lined established neighborhoods leading to an historic downtown area; the other, a bustling and exploding commercial district along one of Mississippi’s busiest highways.

Although still having the feel of a small town in many aspects, a vibrant commercial district along U. S. Highway 49 offers a perfect rest stop for weary or hungry travelers. Even with the growth of so many shops, hotels and restaurants along the highway, Magee offers some great homegrown restaurants, boutiques and other businesses downtown and other areas, including the world famous Zip burger at Zip’s Café. There is also a vibrant medical community to serve the people of the Magee-based region.

The history of Magee, once known as Mangum, stretches back to around 1820, just three years after the formation of the 6WDWH RI 0LVVLVVLSSL 7KH YLOODJH RI¿FLDOO\ formed around 1900. The city has grown from fewer than 700 residents in the early 1900s to nearly 4,500 people now with many people deciding to call Magee home while commuting to the Metro Jackson area. 8

M

48 Q Venture South Magazine

myventuresouth.com Q 49