Venture South Magazine by Digital Publisher

October 2017

Up, up and away at the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race Local artists redefine lives by inspiring others Hub City restaurant dishes out world-class cuisine

In this Issue 6

Enjoy the Adventure

Phantom of the Opera

Good Eats & Treats

Upcoming Events

Marina Cottage

34 Family Field Trip 40

Anderson Square

Outdoor Adventures

Sunday Drive

4 Q Venture South Magazine

Paid for by Donnie Scoggin

Enjoy the Adventure

by Lacey Slay

Inexpensive vacations create a lifetime of priceless memories

KHQ WKLQNLQJ DERXW D YDFDWLRQ WKH Â¿UVW WKRXJKWV WKDW XVXDOO\ RFFXU GHDO ZLWK WKH FRVWV $QG WUXH WR IRUP YDFDWLRQV FDQ EH UDWKHU FRVWO\ *URZLQJ XS P\ SDUHQWV W\SLFDOO\ WRRN XV RQ D \HDUO\ YDFDWLRQ 'DG ZRXOG WDNH KLV ZHHN RII IURP ZRUN WKH FDU ZRXOG EH ORDGHG GRZQ DQG ZH ZRXOG KLW WKH URDG ZD\ EHIRUH GD\OLJKW , FDQÂ¶W VD\ WKH ODWWHU ZDV D MR\ EXW LW ZDV GDGÂ¶V UXOHV RU VWD\ KRPH 0\ PRP LV D WUXH SHQQ\ SLQFKHU DQG ZKHQ LW FDPH WR IDPLO\ YDFD WLRQV VKH ZDV D PDVWHU DW VWUHWFKLQJ D GROODU 0\ IDPLO\ QHYHU WRRN H[ WUDYDJDQW YDFDWLRQV :H QHYHU ZHQW WR 'LVQH\ DQG ZH GHÂ¿QLWHO\ QHYHU JRW RQ DQ DLUSODQH RU FUXLVH VKLS 2XU GHVWLQDWLRQV ZHUH DOZD\V ZLWKLQ D GD\Â¶V GULYH DQG W\SLFDOO\ FRQVLVWHG RI URDGVLGH VWRSV DQG VWDWH DQG QDWLRQDO SDUNV 0RP DOZD\V SDFNHG D FRROHU IXOO RI VDQGZLFK Â¿[LQJV VQDFNV DQG GULQNV $QG IRU VRPH UHDVRQ KDP VDQGZLFKHV DW D URDGVLGH SLFQLF LQ WKH 6PRN\ 0RXQWDLQV WDVWHG IDU EHWWHU WKDQ WKH RQHV ZH DWH DW KRPH *URZLQJ XS ZH YLVLWHG *DWOLQEXUJ DQG 3LJHRQ )RUJH 7HQQHVVHH QXPHURXV WLPHV , UHPHPEHU D WULS WR 0DJJLH 9DOOH\ DQG &KHURNHH 1RUWK &DUROLQD :H VSHQW YDFDWLRQV RQ WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL *XOI &RDVW 9LFNVEXUJ 1DWFKH] DQG , HYHQ UHPHPEHU D IHZ GD\V VSHQW LQ -DFNVRQ 0\ SDUHQWV QHYHU VSHQW D WRQ RI PRQH\ RQ YDFD

6 Q Venture South Magazine

WLRQV EXW , GRQÂ¶W IHHO FKHDWHG EHFDXVH WKH\ QHYHU WRRN PH WR 'LVQH\ 7KH PHPRULHV RI RXU WLPH WR JHWKHU IDU RXWZHLJK WKH ORFDWLRQV 'DG JHWWLQJ VLFN VHFRQG GHJUHH VXQEXUQV DQG VLEOLQJ Â¿VW Â¿JKWV DUH LQFOXGHG LQ WKRVH UHFROOHFWLRQV EXW WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH 6PRNLHV DW WKH KHLJKW RI DXWXPQ WKH JUDQGHXU RI WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU DQG WKH IHHO RI WKH *XOIÂ¶V VDOW\ DLU DUH PHPRULHV WKDW ZLOO ODVW D OLIHWLPH %XW PRUH LPSRU WDQWO\ WKRVH PHPRULHV LQFOXGH WKH ORYH RI WZR YHU\ GHYRWHG SDUHQWV 6R QH[W WLPH WKH WKRXJKW RI VDYLQJ IRU D IDPLO\ YDFDWLRQ EULQJV VWUHVV DQG DQ[LHW\ SODQ D GD\WULS D ZHHNHQG WULS D WULS WKDW LQFOXGHV VWDWH RU QDWLRQDO SDUNV D JRRG WRXU LVWÂ¶V FRXSRQ ERRN DQG D FRROHU IXOO RI VDQGZLFK Â¿[LQJV 7KH WLPH VSHQW WRJHWKHU LV PRUH LPSRUWDQW WKDQ ODYLVK ORFDWLRQV DQG EXGJHW EXVWLQJ DWWUDFWLRQV 7R WKLV GD\ P\ IDYRULWH SKRWR RI P\ GDG DQG PH ZDV WDNHQ DV ZH ZDONHG WKH WRS RI WKH 866 Drum VXEPDULQH DW WKH 866 Alabama %DWWOHVKLS 0HPRULDO 3DUN LQ 0RELOH )RU ZKDWHYHU UHDVRQ , ZDV WHUULÂ¿HG RI WKH KROHV DQG VSDFHV LQ WKH Ã€RRU EXW GDG WRRN P\ KDQG DQG ZDONHG PH DFURVV 7KDW PHPRU\ ZH VKDUHG ZDV PXFK PRUH LPSRUWDQW DQG LPSDFWIXO WKDQ WKH ORFDWLRQ LW WRRN SODFH 'DG MXVW EHLQJ D ORYLQJ IDWKHU DQG WKH IDP LO\ VSHQGLQJ TXDOLW\ WLPH WRJHWKHU DUH WKH LPSRUWDQW SDUWV RI WKH PHPRU\ DQG WKRVH DUH SULFHOHVV 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 Nkrumah Frazier Rebecca Garris Cecile Thompson Amanda Hargrove Dr. Mike Lopinto Engitshun Magee Jason Niblett Lacey Slay Grant Staples Jann Tuten Contributing Writers Nkrumah Frazier Engitshun Magee Jason Niblett Lacey Slay Grant Staples Jann Tuten Advertising Kevin Dearmon kevin@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 ÂŠ All rights reserved. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from publisher. Venture South Media LLC/Venture South Magazine cannot be held liable for errors and omissions. Copies are available at locations throughout south Mississippi.

8 Q Venture South Magazine

www.myventuresouth.com Volume 1 Edition 2 Cover photo courtesy of Amanda Hargrove Photo taken at the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, Natchez

The Southern Opera & Musical Theatre Company presents

Phantom of the Opera by Jason Niblett photos by Jason Niblett & Dr. Mike Lopinto

here will be fantastic music, performed by a live orchestra. There will be amazing acting and singing, performed by some of the nation’s most talented. There will even be a falling chandelier. One of the world’s most popular productions, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera will arrive in southern Mississippi at the end of October with performances continuing into early November. Presented by The Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company at the University of Southern Mississippi, performances will be held at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center. “This is the Mississippi premiere of The Phantom of the Opera,” Southern Miss student Ezekiel Andrew said. Performing as the Phantom in four of the shows, he said extreme hours and intense rehearsals are 100 percent worth the effort. “We’re pretty excited about it,” the native of Greenwood said. Gabrielle Richardson, of Rodney, said audience members should expect exceptional performances with music and lyrics familiar to many people, but with some small tweaks to put their own styles on each character. She’s honored to be one of two students cast as Christine Daaé. y

10 Q Venture South Magazine

z “It’s a big show, and it’s an iconic show,” Richardson said, noting the challenge of acting in a show that is so well-known by so many people. “We are treating it as a professional role and that’s what the audience is going to see.” Wesley Saunders, from Idaho, is performing as Raoul in some of the double cast shows. He explains that each cast member has freedom to bring personal traits to their characters while respecting what audience members familiar with the iconic Broadway show expect. Sanders said they’re working extremely hard to present a wonderful show worthy of the reputation. “I’m excited for the character development,” he said. “It can be hard to make it your own with so many examples from other performances.” “You cannot imitate someone else’s performance,” Richardson added. “It’s quite fun, and it’s a challenge.” Richardson said she’s been a fan of The Phantom of the Opera as long as she can remember. y

If you go: The Phantom of the Opera Mannoni Performing Arts Center University of Southern Miss

Showtimes: Oct. 26, Oct. 27, Oct. 28, Nov. 2, Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $15 - $35

z â€œI got a recording as a child of three on a cassette and wore the tape out,â€? she added. â€œAnd the book, there is something new youâ€™ve never seen every time you read it. You donâ€™t get that with every musical.â€? It was the complete opposite for Andrew, who was not familiar with this type of production until high school. Âł7KLV LV WKH ÂżUVW PXVLFDO , ZDV HYHU H[posed to,â€? he said, noting he transferred to the Mississippi School of the Arts in Brookhaven for high school. â€œI had never seen musical theater before. I didnâ€™t enjoy the WLWOH VRQJ DW ÂżUVW 7R VHH LW FRPH EDFN DURXQG is funny. â€œWeâ€™re going to give them a great show DQG KRSH WR H[FHHG H[SHFWDWLRQV <RX ZLOO EH entertained and hear a great story. People are so familiar (with Phantom), I want to relieve myself of the pressure and make this my own.â€? â€œWe want to make this mean something,â€? Richardson added. â€œShow empathy for the characters, tell a story. I want to see people moved in empathy.â€? Director Dr. Mike Lopinto, who also serves on the faculty of Southern Miss, said the University is thrilled to be able to present The Phantom of the Opera +H H[SODLQHG WKH students not only complete the full cast and orchestra, but also build the set and perform other supportive and backstage duties. All those must be done around class schedules and other college student requirements. As Lopinto provided a backstage preview RI WKH VKRZ KH H[SODLQHG WKHUH ZLOO EH VRPH very nice surprises for the audience members. These include... never mind, readers must wait to see and hear those during a live performance at USM. Âł:H ZLOO EH ZLSHG RXW RQ WKH Ă€RRU DQG SHRple nudge you with a toe,â€? Richardson said. â€œItâ€™s like a freight train,â€? Saunders added. â€œYou just have to hold on and not let go.â€? Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Oct. 27, Nov. 2, Nov. 3, and Nov. 4 with a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 29. Tickets range from $15 to $35. For more information, visit www.usm.edu/music/phantom. 8 myventuresouth.com Q 13

16 Q Venture South Magazine

Good Eats & Treats

by Grant Staples

Jutamas Thai restaurant offers exceptional flavor, presentation

f youâ€™re looking for an impressive dining experience ZLWK LQWHUQDWLRQDO Ã€DLU ORRN QR IXUWKHU WKDQ -XWDPDV Thai Restaurant in Hattiesburg. I know that sounds like VXFK D SLWFK EXW , FDQ SURPLVH \RX ZLOO KHDU WKH VDPH types of comments from those who frequent this worldclass eatery. My social media inquiries had me excited to give this place a try with comments like â€œI would eat WKHUH IRU WKH UHVW RI P\ OLIH LI P\ ZLIH ZRXOG OHW PH Â´ DQG Â³WKH IRRG LV DOPRVW WRR SUHWW\ WR HDW EXW LW LV DZHVRPH Â´ :LWK WZR GLVWLQFWLYH ORFDWLRQV LQ WKH +XE &LW\ DUHD thereâ€™s no reason not to add this place to your dateQLJKW OLVW RU HYHQ \RXU PXVW OXQFK OLVW :H GLQHG LQ WKH original location at 910 Timothy Lane and we were not DORQH 7KH SODFH ZDV SDFNHG EXW WKH RZQHUV %RUGHDQ Â³'HDQÂ´ 3LHQSHUPSDW DQG 1LWFKDNRPRO Â³.LWW\Â´ 5LVH PDGH XV IHHO ZHOFRPH FRPIRUWDEOH DQG FHUWDLQO\ ZHOO IHG 7KH VHUYLFH ZDV IULHQGO\ SHUVRQDO DQG VWHDG\ EXW ZH WRRN our time and enjoyed this adventure of Thailand tastes. It was clear to see why this restaurant had garnered so PDQ\ YDULRXV IRRG DZDUGV IURP ORFDO VWDWH DQG QDWLRQDO YHQXHV 7KH\Â¶YH HDUQHG HYHU\ RQH RI WKHP )URP WDEOH VHWWLQJV WR KDQG FDUYHG JDUQLVKHV -XWDPDV FUHDWHV D Â¿QH GLQLQJ H[SHULHQFH 7KH QHZHVW ORFDWLRQ DW Hwy. 98 serves the exact same menu with the staff rotating between the two locations. The sauces are made to VSHFLÂ¿FV VR WKDW QR GHWDLO LV PLVVHG DQG WKH FRQWLQXLW\ RI Ã€DYRUV LV FRQVLVWHQW EHWZHHQ ORFDWLRQV DFFRUGLQJ WR .LWW\ The owners were gracious to not only explain their ORYH RI 7KDL FXLVLQH EXW WR DOVR PDNH VXUH ZH ZHUH DEOH to make our selection from the vast and broad menu. y

18 Q Venture South Magazine

z Dean Pienpermpat got his start in the United States as a server for a popular burger joint in New York City. He started from the bottom of the restaurant ranks and worked his way up to owning Jutamas with Kitty Rise. Both are native to Thailand, and have a XQLTXH Ã€DLU DQG ORYH IRU WKH IRRG LQGXVWU\ %RWK ZRUN very hard using their distinctive gifts to create what is RQH RI WKH Â¿QHVW GLQLQJ H[SHULHQFHV ,Â¶YH HYHU KDG IRU D OXQFK VHUYLFH , FDQÂ¶W ZDLW WR KHDG EDFN RQH QLJKW IRU GLQQHU .LWW\ 5LVHÂ¶V Ã€DLU DQG Ã€DYRU FDPH IURP KHU ORYH of Thai cuisine and her attention to detail. Her creative talents and love for fresh and healthy IRRG FRPELQHV ZHOO ZLWK 'HDQÂ¶V EDFNJURXQG DQG H[perience in the restaurant world. This duo creates and serves such a variety of items that the menu touches a broad spectrum of tastes. We sampled dishes that ZHUH WUDGLWLRQDO DV ZHOO DV VRPH UHLQYHQWHG Ã€DYRUV that reach beyond where Asian food tends to roam. We started with fresh rolls made with chicken, shrimp, egg noodles and veggies wrapped in a rice pastry served with a rich peanut sauce. This was a clean dish with a distinctive crisp, sweet and classic Ã€DYRU :H DOVR WULHG WKH VSULQJ UROOV ZKLFK ZHUH IUHVK and crispy and served with a homemade sweet and VRXU VDXFH WKDW VHWV WKHVH DSDUW IURP DQ\ SODFH ,Â¶YH ever eaten, not to mention the beauty of how they ZHUH VHUYHG DQG WKH DWWHQWLRQ WR SUHVHQWDWLRQ ,WÂ¶V been said we eat with our eyes, and Jutamas takes WKLV WR KHDUW ZLWK HYHU\ GLVK WKH\ VHUYH , DOZD\V SD\ FORVH DWWHQWLRQ WR JDUQLVKHV DQG VLGH GLVKHV ZKHQ , eat at a restaurant. y

Grantâ€™s Picks:

Appetizers: Fresh rolls made with chicken, shrimp, egg noodles or spring rolls Entrees: Mixed grilled seafood or grilled beef tenderloin Desserts: Mango sticky rice

Hours:

Monday â€“ Thursday: 11 a.m. â€“ 2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. â€“ 9:30 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. â€“ 2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. â€“ 10 p.m. Saturday: 11:30 a.m. â€“ 10 p.m. Sunday: Noon â€“ 9 p.m.

Locations:

910 Timothy Lane (601) 584-8583 6156 U. S. Hwy. 98 (601) 402-7973 www.jutamasthai.com

myventuresouth.com Q 19

Good Eats & Treats

z It says a lot about quality when an establish-

ment serves dynamic side dishes that could stand on their own if the main course were removed. With every dish we sampled, each side item was prepared with excellence and not to be taken for granted. We sampled the red curry, Phad Thai, shrimp and chicken fried rice. All were amazing. My two favorite dishes were the mixed grilled seafood and the special of the day, the grilled beef tenderloin. The seafood consisted of grilled jumbo shrimp and sea scallops topped with a spicy Merlot and herb sauce and served with Thai fried rice. The shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked and seasoned and the sauce and rice in this dish were as good as it gets. Just the fried rice at Jutamas stands above any other I have ever eaten. It is ULFK ZLWK ¿UH DQG ÀDYRU DQG NHHSV \RXU IRUN YHU\ busy. The beef tenderloin was served on a bed of steamed vegetables and topped with a sautéed sweet garlic sauce and garnished with baby mixed greens tossed in a basil/ginger vinaigrette. It was perfectly cooked and tender and simply beautiful. y

Good Eats & Treats

z The mixed greens seemed â€œnormalâ€? until you tasted the â€œpopâ€? from this fresh and zingy vinaigrette. It was one of those sides that you might have taken for granted, until you tried it and realized it had plenty of passion behind its creation. The other specials featured that day were a lobster Phad Thai and a roasted lamb chop. Both looked spectacular and made the specialâ€™s board one of the top lunches in the Pine Belt on any given day. Our meal ended with mango sticky rice for dessert. This course was special to me because I had a similar dish in the Philippines. This really took me back to WKRVH VLPSOH Ă€DYRUV DQG WKHQ DGGHG WKH Ă€DLU RI 7KDLlandâ€™s tag team - Dean and Kitty. The dish combined ripe slices of mango with sweet and sticky Asian rice topped with thick coconut milk and accented with a rich chocolate sauce, a raspberry and a kiwi sauce. The dish was artistically presented in the shape of a EXWWHUĂ€\ DQG ZDV DV WDVW\ DV LW ZDV EHDXWLIXO Jutamas works very hard to cater to the eye as well as the palate. We tried plenty of dishes, but really only scratched the surface of a menu that will keep me coming back for more. Iâ€™m already plotting my next visit to the new location on Hwy. 98 that has an amazing atmosphere. It was as enjoyable meeting the owners as it was tasting their creations. Their passion for the culture and heritage come through in every bite. Grant Staples, a founder of The Glory House and Sweet Daddyâ€™s Kettle Corn, is a food columnist for Venture South Magazine. He can be reached at grant@myventuresouth.com 8

22 Q Venture South Magazine

Upcoming Events

October

Festivals and Fairs

Loblolly Festival The Loblolly Festival celebrates Laurel’s heritage as a sawmill town with vendors from several states, artists, crafters, demonstrations, live music and food. Downtown Laurel Free admission www.laurelmainstreet.com/events/loblolly-festival (601) 433-3255

Meridian

9-15

Heritage Arts Festival The 2017 Heritage Festival celebrates Mississippi’s Bicentennial with a free family event featuring live music and art-centered activities. There will be exhibitions of homemade quilts and woodwork, with free pizza and sodas served at 11:30 a.m. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art 565 N. Fifth Ave., Laurel 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. www.lrma.org

Laurel

Ole Brook Festival The 43rd Edition of the Ole Brook Festival is known as Mississippi’s premier family festival held in downtown Brookhaven. Check website for more information. http://brookhavenchamber.org/wp/events/ole_brook

Laurel

Brookhaven

6-7

Jackson

4-15

Mississippi State Fair The 158th Edition of the Mississippi State Fair is one of the South’s major fairs with hundreds of thousands of people from across the region enjoying a mile-long midway, free major entertainment, livestock shows, and 120,000 sq. ft. of exhibits. Fairgrounds: 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson Check website for admission prices, ride specials and various hours. www.msfair.net

Queen City Fair The 2017 Queen City Fair returns with more rides, games, food, contests and attractions than ever before! Enjoy the petting zoo, comedy dog show, racing pigs, live music, chainsaw woodcarving, and all your favorite midway rides. Lauderdale County Agri-Center 1022 Hwy. 19, Meridian www.queencityfair.net

24 Q Venture South Magazine

The ARC Annual Fun Day Festival Presented by The ARC of the Pine Belt Region, this festival includes wrestlers, a DJ, photo booth, carnival games, food and a Halloween theme with costumes encouraged. This is an event for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but the public is invited to enjoy this free event. A.B. Howard Gymnasium, Jones County Junior College campus 900 S. Court St., Ellisville 10 a.m. â€“ 2 p.m. (601) 433-3852

Soso

The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race Dubbed the best festival in Mississippi, the 32nd Great Mississippi River Balloon Race is held on the grounds of beautiful and historic Rosalie on bluffs high above the Mississippi River. Featuring a carnival, vendors, culinary treats, local craft beers, the highlight of the three day event is the enchantment of more than 60 EDOORRQV Ă€RDWLQJ RYHUKHDG 'RQÂśW PLVV WKH EDOORRQ JORZ RQ )ULGD\ QLJKW Rosalie Mansion 100 Orleans St., Natchez Check website for various admission prices and parking info. www.natchezballoonrace.com

Ellisville

Rails to Reels Film Festival 7KH 5DLOV WR 5HHOV )LOP )HVWLYDO VKRZFDVHV D YDULHW\ RI ÂżOPV DGGLQJ WKH DUW RI ÂżOPPDNLQJ WR 0HULGLDQÂśV PXVLFDO DQG WKHDWULFDO KHULWDJH 2320 8th St., Meridian (601) 479-5094

Natchez

20-22

Meridian

19-21

Laurel

13-21

South Mississippi Fair Each of the nine days of the 98th Edition of the South Mississippi Fair are packed with live acts, concerts, food, rides and shows! There is something to see and do for everyone at the South Mississippi Fair! 1457 Ellisville Blvd., Laurel Check website for admission prices, ride specials and various hours. www.somissfair.com

The Cotton Gin Market at Rasberry Greene Vendors from all over Mississippi and the south come together deep in the Piney Woods for a celebration of craftsmen, artisans, makers, purveyors of vintage and antique goods, delicious southern food and the sounds of south Mississippi. 179 Bernis Hill Rd., Soso 9 a.m. â€“ 4 p.m. Admission: Adults, $5; active military ID, $1; Kids 12 & under, free www.rasberrygreene.com (769) 208-3802

myventuresouth.com Q 25

Upcoming Events

Magee

Crazy Day A 5k run/walk, car show, pageant, carnival, vendors, food, live music, and an allaround great time invite folks to enjoy Downtown Magee. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission (601) 849-2517

Music & Theatre

Johnny Sansone Johnny Sansone will perform live at Slowboat Brewing Company. The brewery opens at 3 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. The event is free for all ages and the venue is pet friendly. Slowboat Brewing Company 318 W. 5th St., Laurel www.slowboatbrewco.com

Hattiesburg

Cary Hudson & Katrina Miller Cary Hudson, singer-songwriter and renowned guitarist from Mississippi, will be joined by the talents of Katrina Miller at Slowboat Brewing Company. The brewery opens at 3 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. The event is free for all ages and the venue is pet friendly. Slowboat Brewing Company 318 W. 5th St., Laurel www.slowboatbrewco.com

Laurel

Richton

Praise 2017 Praise 2017 is an annual praise event in Richton sponsored by community churches. The goal is to bring the community together in worship. This year’s event features Natalie Grant along with Austin and Lindsey Adamec. This is a rain or shine outdoor event, so remember your lawn chairs! Richton City Park 500 Front St. South, Richton Admission: $10 - $35. Children under 6, free. www.richtonpraiseinthepark.com

Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie Night With a jump to the left and a step to the right, the Rocky Horror tradition continues! Catchy songs and thrilling dance numbers are completed with audience interaction. You wear the costume, and we’ll provide the props! Saenger Theater 201 Forrest St., Hattiesburg 7 p.m. Admission: $10 www.hattiesburgsaenger.com

26 Q Venture South Magazine

Tours & Exhibitions 1-8

Gulf Coast

21st Annual Cruisin’ the Coast America’s Largest Block Party, Cruisin’ The Coast celebrates antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, nostalgic music and related events with approximately 8,000 cars from 41 states and multiple countries. There are designated stops all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with each venue set as a mini-festival with live bands, vendors and food. Mississippi Gulf Coast See website for schedules, various locations and other details: www.cruisinthecoast.com

13-4

Meridian

Bailey Haunted Firehouse Oct. 13 - Nov. 4 In its ninth year, Bailey Haunted Firehouse was selected as 2015’s Top Haunted House in Mississippi by FrightFind.com and 2016’s Top Rated Haunted Attraction by MississippiHauntedHouses.com. 10116 Hwy. 495, Meridian Friday & Saturday nights, plus Oct. 30 & 31 Admission: $10 baileyhauntedfh@comcast.net

Vicksburg

Haunted Vicksburg Ghost Walks Ongoing through 11/25/17 Take a walk on the dark side with Haunted Vicksburg’s Ghost Walk, a 12-block, 90-minute stroll through Vicksburg’s oldest and most haunted neighborhood. The Trail of Tears, antebellum duels, yellow fever epidemics, and a 47-day siege have OHIW ROG 9LFNVEXUJ ZLWK TXLWH D OHJDF\ RI ³XQ¿QLVKHG EXVLQHVV´ DQG UHVWOHVV VSLULWV Fridays and Saturdays Tour begins at 8 p.m.; guests should arrive by 7:45 p.m. Corner of Monroe and Grove St., Vicksburg For the walking tour, meet at the corner of Monroe and Grove Streets behind the Old Court House Museum. For the driving tour, meet at the Outlets of Vicksburg off I-20, exits 4A or 4B. Reservations are required. Call: 601-618-6031 Tickets: $20 adults; $15 12 and under; 5 and under are free (601) 618-6031 www.HauntedVicksburg.com

Ellisville

Deason Home Halloween Open House Step back in time and learn about the infamous shooting of Major Amos McLemore by Newt Knight during the Civil War. The Deason Home is the oldest standing home in Jones County. All proceeds go to the upkeep and restoration of the home. 410 Anderson St., Ellisville 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. Admission: $5 www.deasonhome.org

ongoing

myventuresouth.com Q 27

Marina Cottage Soap Co.

Soap doesn’t have to be “gnaughty” to your body by Jann Tuten

t may have been my curiosity and need of Gnaughty Gnats that brought me to Marina Cottage Soap Company in Ocean Springs, but there was so much more that piqued my interest. I had heard that, along with their organic soaps, Gnaughty Gnats had also spent evenings in swag bags at the Oscars, the Golden Globes and MTV movie awards. Really? Gnaughty Gnats? Hmmm, sounds like some secretive, risqué Hollywood Rendezvous, doesn’t it? However, the only thing secretive about Gnaughty Gnats and the healing properties of the soaps, body washes and butters at Marina Cottage Soap Company are their formulas. Owner Vanessa Mueller has invested much time and research into creating perfect combinations for her line of sensitive skin care products. Her soaps and butters bring relief to those with problematic skin. For the rest of us, it’s an ooh-la-la of rich moisturizing goodness! Although Vanessa had a successful career as a registered nurse, her daughter’s severe eczema was not healing with over-the-counter and prescription medications. “We tried everything for my daughter. All the lotions and soaps that promised relief and healing and none of it worked. It broke my heart to see her suffering day to day. That is when I decided to take matters into my own hands,” Vanessa said. Her daughter’s need for soothing products was the catalyst that drove the determination for this mother. y

28 Q Venture South Magazine

z Not only was her determination for her daughter, but for the vast number of patients she saw through the years who had complained about having sensitive skin issues. There were no soaps or body washes that did not irritate their skin. Equipped with a background in chemistry, Vanessa did extensive research on essential oils and carrier oils and their healing properties. In her home kitchen, she began creating formulas targeting combinations that would bring solace to her daughter. Her persistence and knowledge paid off. Gradually her daughter began experiencing relief from the itching and blisters that characterize severe eczema. Slowly, healing began. That is when Vanessa knew she was on to something far greater than any promises from prescriptions and the ingredients listed on over-the-counter lotions and soaps. Coupled with her deep desire to help others with skin conditions, and her faith in God to provide, Vanessa left her nursing position. With moral support from her husband and encouragement from her friends and her daughterâ€™s healing, she took the leap of faith and Marina Cottage Soap Company was launched in 2012. :LWKLQ WKH ÂżUVW WZR \HDUV KHU FRPSDQ\ EHFDPH D successful retail business, with her products in over 700 stores throughout the United States and Canada. The products speak for themselves: they work. Certainly, healing is a gradual process, but, with relief attainable, patience can easily become oneâ€™s worthwhile friend. The base in Vanessaâ€™s soaps is goatâ€™s milk. Goatâ€™s milk is alkaline, with a pH balance of seven, which aligns closest with the optimum pH balance of 7.4 for our own bodies. Because of this, it is absorbed by the skin with less irritation and keeps bacteria at bay. Goatâ€™s milk is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E and an abundance of nutrients. It is more like humanâ€™s milk than cowâ€™s milk, thus providing many healthy and KHDOLQJ SURSHUWLHV $QRWKHU EHQHÂżW RI JRDWÂśV PLON LV LW washes off clean, with no oily residue. Her creamy soaps contain gluten free oatmeal. Oatmeal nourishes the skin and is soothing for not only sensitive skin, but also bad cases of poison ivy, oak or sumac breakouts. All of Vanessaâ€™s products are made with organic materials from nature: essential oils, herbs and goatâ€™s milk. They are made to order and are handcrafted in house. They are all natural and free of chemicals, parabens, perfumes and dyes. y

z Colors are made using natural minerals and oxides. Marina Cottage Soap products cover all aspects of everyday life: from bath products to laundry detergent; from facial and body butters to hair care; from belly butter for pregnant moms to baby creams and powders. And for the men folk, they make a “Cuppa Joe” soap that gets you ready for the day. It is made with goat’s milk and coffee grounds that increases circulation and provides a rich lather that rinses clean. They also carry a deluxe lathering shaving soap that won’t irritate your skin and shaving blades. For you guys with beards, Marina Cottage Soap Company has all you need. They carry the supplies for beard care: beard combs, beard brushes and beard shavers. To keep your beard looking and feeling good, she carries the Beard Supply products with their vast array of beard oils and beard loofa soaps. They are equal in strategic quality to Vanessa’s own products. Let’s not forget Fido or Prissy: there’s a special blend soap just them. So often dogs have irritating reactions to the chemicals used in dogs soaps. The eight ounce paw-shaped goat’s milk bar is infused with shea butter for a shiny coat and tea tree oil, lavender, peppermint and cedar wood organic essential oils. Remember those Gnaughty Gnats that literally brought me into Marina Cottage Soap in search of relief? Best stuff ever! The Gnaughty Gnat slogan is “It’s like a screened porch in a bottle.” Believe it. The military uses it, as do sports enthusiasts of all outdoor activities. It’s great to have for camping, too! It’s all natural and safe for all ages, even our four-legged kiddos. It has been promoted in sportsman magazines throughout the southeast, and, in 2014, it was voted the most effective all-natural insect repellent. y 30 Q Venture South Magazine

Marina Cottage Soap Company Address:

3420 Bienville Blvd. Suite B Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Phone:

(228) 215-1250

Web:

www.marinacottage.com

All-Natural Products:

Soaps, body creams & washes, shampoo, laundry detergent, dryer balls, bath salts, insect repellent, pet shampoos, men’s products, face cleansers, bath bombs, lip balms and more!

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

z It repels not only gnats, but, also mosquitoes, VDQG Ã€LHV JUHDW IRU WKH EHDFK DQG \HOORZ Ã€LHV 6SHDNLQJ RI WKH EHDFK RU VLWWLQJ LQ WKH EOHDFKHUV IRU EDVHEDOO RU VRFFHU JDPHV XQGHU D EOD]LQJ VXQ *QDXJKW\ *QDW FRPHV LQ D QDWXUDO VXQVFUHHQ WRR Marina Cottage Soap Company employees are perVRQDEOH ZLWK D GHVLUH WR VHUYH \RX (DFK RQH ZDQWV WR PDNH \RXU VKRSSLQJ H[SHULHQFH SOHDVXUDEOH Â³,I LWÂ¶V D UDLQ\ GD\ RU D FXVWRPHU KDV D VOHHSLQJ FKLOG LQ WKH FDU ZH ZLOO WDNH \RXU FDOOHG LQ RUGHU WR \RXU FDU VR WKDW \RX GR QRW KDYH WR JHW RXW :H SXW WRJHWKHU JLIW EDVNHWV RI \RXU FKRVHQ SURGXFWV DQG ZH RIIHU PLOLWDU\ GLVFRXQWV Â´ HPSOR\HHV VD\ 2Q WKH ZKLPVLFDO VLGH RI OLIH IDYRULWH VRDSV LQFOXGH Â³$ZNZDUG 0RPHQWV 6PHOOV /LNH <RXU (QWLUH /LIH Â´ RU Â³2ND\ 0RPV 6PHOOV /LNH 7UXWK DQG ZLQH 3UREDEO\ ORWV RI ZLQH Â´ $QG WKHLU FDQGOHV Â³*RRG 7LPHV )HHOV /LNH D )ODVN LQ <RXU 3RFNHW Â´ Â³%HLQJ $ZHVRPH 6PHOOV /LNH D &RRO 6WRU\ Â´ DQG Â³7KH 0LGGOH &KLOG /DUJHO\ ,QYLVLEOH 6FHQW Â´ 7KLV WKULYLQJ EXVLQHVV KDV VR PDQ\ ZRQGHUIXO SURGXFWV $QG WKH EHVW SDUW LV HDFK SURGXFW LV PRUH WKDQ MXVW DQ LWHP RQ WKH VKHOI (DFK RQH KDV D SXUSRVH WR EULQJ UHOLHI DQG WR JLYH \RX WKH EHVW RI VNLQ FDUH 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW WKHLU JUHDW DVVRUWPHQW YLVLW WKHLU ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ PDULQDFRWWDJH FRP <RX FDQ RUGHU RQOLQH RU FDOO DW %HWWHU \HW ZKHQ \RX YHQWXUH VRXWK VWRS E\ WKHLU VKRS DW %LHQYLOOH %OYG DOVR NQRZQ DV +LJKZD\ (DVW 6XLWH % LQ 2FHDQ 6SULQJV <RXÂ¶OO ZDQW WR JHW *QDXJKW\ *QDWV DV \RXU RZQ VHFUHW ZHDSRQ DJDLQVW LQVHFWV IRU XVH GXULQJ DOO RI \RXU YDFDWLRQV DQG RXWGRRU DGYHQWXUHV 8

myventuresouth.com Q 31

Family Field Trip

The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race by Jason Niblett photos by Amanda Hargrove & Rebecca Garris

KH ZRUOG PD\ EH D QLFHU SODFH Ă€\LQJ KLJK DERYH in a beautiful balloon, but the bluffs of Natchez DUH VXUH WR EH MXVW DV QLFH IRU VSHFWDWRUV GXULQJ WKH QG $QQXDO *UHDW 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU %DOORRQ 5DFH 7KUHH GD\V RI DFWLYLWLHV Âą D KRW DLU EDOORRQ JORZ SOHQW\ RI PXVLF IRRG EDOORRQ Ă€LJKWV DQG FDUQLYDO ULGHV Âą DZDLW YLVLWRUV 2FW Âą RQ WKH JURXQGV VXUURXQGLQJ WKH KLVWRULF 5RVDOLH 0DQVLRQ LQ GRZQWRZQ 1DWFKH] Âł,W LV E\ IDU WKH ELJJHVW HYHQW WKDW KDSSHQV LQ WKLV UHJLRQ Â´ 7UHYRU %URZQ H[HFXWLYH GLUHFWRU RI WKH *UHDW 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU %DOORRQ 5DFH VDLG Âł%DFN LQ , GRQÂśW WKLQN WKH\ HYHU HQYLVLRQHG D WKUHH GD\ IHVWLYDO DQG EDOORRQ UDFH DQG FDUQLYDO DQG DOO LW HYROYHG LQWR Â´ %HVLGHV EHLQJ D IDQWDVWLF HYHQW ZLWK D ORW RI RIIHULQJV IRU PDQ\ GHPRJUDSKLFV SDUW RI WKH UHDVRQ RI WKH JURZWK LV WKH XQLTXH ORFDWLRQ IHDWXULQJ EOXII YLHZV RI WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU LQ GRZQWRZQ 1DWFKH] Âł,WÂśV XQLTXH EHFDXVH WKHVH XVXDOO\ WDNH SODFH DW IDLUJURXQGV DQG DLUSRUWV ZLWK ZLGH RSHQ VSDFHV Â´ %URZQ H[SODLQHG Âł7KLV LV LQ WKH KHDUW RI GRZQWRZQ 3HRSOH FDQ ZDON GRZQWRZQ DQG WKH IHVWLYDO VLWH Â´ %URZQ H[SODLQHG WKDW WKH HDUO\ EHJLQQLQJV RFcurred when a couple of local hot air balloon pilots WUDYHOHG WR D UDFH LQ $OEXTXHUTXH 1HZ 0H[LFR He said the pilots returned to Natchez and started EUDLQVWRUPLQJ LGHDV 'XULQJ WKH ÂżUVW FRXSOH RI \HDUV WKH\ VWDUWHG RXW ZLWK ÂżYH RU VL[ EDOORRQV DQG D VWUHHW GDQFH y

34 Q Venture South Magazine

If you go: The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, Natchez

Parking:

Anywhere around downtown is fine, especially if open to walking to take in sites along the way. Or, paid event parking is available at a lot two blocks away on D.A. Biglane Blvd.

What not to take:

Pets, coolers, food, drinks, etc. Youâ€™re welcome to take bags (but may be searched) and chairs. For a complete list, visit www.natchezballoonrace.com

Admission:

Varies throughout the event.

Food:

Vendors are on site, but there are also some great restaurants downtown and â€œUnder the Hillâ€?

z â€œThat began the evolution,â€? he explained. â€œWe try

to do as much as we can with limited space.â€? And, according to organizers and attendees, there is plenty to do, even with space at a premium. There is even an arts and crafts fair with 30 or so vendors and a carnival for children. â€œAll the things that spin around,â€? Brown said. Friday night offers a balloon glow. Saturday, thereâ€™s a festival inside a festival, featuring the Third Annual Blufftoberfest. While many activities are for kids and families, this part of the event features craft beers from three brewers from Mississippi and Louisiana. Thereâ€™s even a special craft beer brewed especially for this one day of the year. There is also some great live music to entertain all ages. â€œThe level of talent coming to a town of 15,000 is just incredible,â€? Brown said. In addition to everything else offered, there is even a giant sports tent, complete with four 70-inch televisions showing NFL and NCAA football games. If a visitor from out of town had to choose just one

36 Q Venture South Magazine

event out of the three days, Brown said people VKRXOG GHÂżQLWHO\ FKRRVH WKH )ULGD\ HYHQLQJ IHVWLYLties. â€œFriday night is really pretty special,â€? he said. â€œWhen the balloons are glowing on our site, they arenâ€™t taking off so you can be close and personal. If youâ€™re only going to make one, that is it.â€? Also important to note is that the balloons arenâ€™t Ă€\LQJ WKH HQWLUH WLPH RI WKH IHVWLYDO Âł7KH\ Ă€\ UHDOO\ UHDOO\ HDUO\ LQ WKH PRUQLQJ RU ODWH LQ WKH GD\ Â´ KH FDXWLRQHG Âł7KH\ MXVW GRQÂśW Ă€\ LQ WKH middle of the day in this part of the world.â€? For the best chances of seeing balloons taking RII Ă€\LQJ RU ODQGLQJ SODQ WR EH WKHUH DERXW D P RU Âą S P %XW Ă€\LQJ GHSHQGV RQ WKH weather and wind direction. Brown said following the raceâ€™s Facebook page is the best way to keep up with last minute changes. That page can be found by going to Facebook and searching for the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. There will, however, be tethered hot air balloon rides available at the festival site. 8

GO ON AN

ADVENTURE

Anderson Square

Local artists redefine lives by inspiring others by Engitshun Magee

ereâ€™s a trick question. What do a geologist, psychologist and a teacher all have in common? â€Ś Still thinking? â€Ś Give up? Okay, Iâ€™ll tell you, or, better yet, read more and youâ€™ll discover the answer yourselfâ€Ś For Suzanne Boyd of Laurel, geology had made its mark in her life, but, in 2005, an unexpected injury rocked her world into a million unpredictable pieces. Instead of losing herself and allowing her injury WR FRQÂżQH KHU OLIHVW\OH D IULHQG RI %R\GÂśV UHFRPmended she try pottery as an escape route. â€œI had been a geologist and I had got hurt at work and could no longer practice geology and I couldnâ€™t sit at home and be depressed any longer,â€? she said. â€œSo, I started taking pottery classes at JCJC, but I wasnâ€™t strong enough to play full time with clay because clay comes in boxes that weigh 50 pounds apiece. But, the man that was teaching the class loaned me some pottery magazines and I learned about the precious metal clay.â€? After reading dozens of magazines, watching online videos and participating in days of practice with the Craftsman Guild of Laurel, Boyd began a journey of self-teaching that resulted in beautifully crafted pottery and handmade jewelry. <HDUV DIWHU VXIIHULQJ WKH LQMXU\ DW ZRUN DQG ÂżQGing strength and determination through pottery and jewelry making, life threw another curve ball that Boyd never saw coming: a serious, rare form of cancer. y

40 Q Venture South Magazine

Susanne Boyd

Trina Holifield

z But even still, those same pieces of jewelry would later brighten up the days of complete strangers. â€œWhen I had cancer, I kept making earrings through the process of radiation to give to caregivers and nurses. I realized that I had a better attitude than most of the patients and wanted to credit it back through creativity. I thought there was a healing through creativity that you just didnâ€™t get from anywhere else,â€? she said. After recovering from stage three cancer, Boyd decided she wasnâ€™t going to sit at home anymore and GHFLGHG WR RSHQ KHU ÂżUVW UHWDLO ORFDWLRQ RQ +Z\ in Laurel. Boyd later relocated to Anderson Square in the North Laurel Shopping Center, and soon met other educated, retired women also dealing with different disabilities. The ladies quickly formed a friendship and a partnership that has helped each of their businesses grow. â€œI originally started the paint parties. My daughterâ€™s birthday is December 27th and what do you on December 27th? You canâ€™t go swimming and you want to do something different than other friends, so we did the party just for us and other parents started asking me to do it for their kids and churches as ZHOO Â´ VDLG 7ULQD +ROLÂżHOG D UHWLUHG HGXFDWRU ZKR VXIfers with Crohnâ€™s Disease. After launching Striped Sheep Art Parties, the party UHTXHVWV EHJDQ UROOLQJ LQ DQG +ROLÂżHOG UHDOL]HG WKDW she had an entire mobile paint store business in the back of her car. She saw an ad for an art camp at Anderson Square that Boyd posted. $IWHU %R\G PHW ZLWK +ROLÂżHOG DQG UHDOL]HG KHU VNLOO set in painting, she hired her at Anderson Square and together they formed a masterpiece of their own. y

Liz Ables

Anderson Square Address:

North Laurel Shopping Center 3176 Audubon Drive Laurel, MS 39440

Phone:

(601) 340-3153 (601) 498-6905

Services:

Painting, Pottery, Parties, Workshops, Classes & More!

Hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays: by reservation or events

z â€œAfter I met Suzanne at the art camp, she told me

I had a background in embroidery,â€? Ables said. All three women keep busy at Anderson Square she was looking for someone with my paint skills and their unique stories are inspiring others to and asked if we could be partners. So now we go pursue passions in the face of adversity. Whether out and do parties within the community to give back. I have a fundraiser part of my business where itâ€™s organizing a paint party for a local charity, selling pottery and jewelry to the locals, or designing I give 50 percent to anyone wanting to raise money IRU WKLQJV VXFK DV FKXUFK HYHQWV FDQFHU EHQHÂżWV RU the latest hats for businesses downtown, they utilize their talents to bring joy to others. These extraordiVSRUWV HYHQWV Â´ +ROLÂżHOG VDLG nary women have a story to tell and donâ€™t want their For some, threeâ€™s a crowd, but if you ask Boyd DQG +ROLÂżHOG WKH\ ZLOO UHVSRQG WKH PRUH WKH PHUULHU GLVDELOLWLHV WR GHÂżQH WKHP EXW SUHIHU IRU WKHLU H[FHStional abilities to do the talking. at least thatâ€™s what Iâ€™m sure they said after meeting They also agreed that none of their work would Liz Ables. be possible without the constant assistance from Ables, who has congenital hip issues, was a WKHLU RIÂżFH PDQDJHU 6DPDQWKD 7KRUQWRQ ZKR LV childrenâ€™s therapist for 15 years and one day dethe glue that holds them together. cided that she couldnâ€™t do it anymore after dealing Contact these amazing women for more informawith childrenâ€™s court and other unsettling things. She tion concerning different festivities hosted at the later launched her own business, Out of the Hoop shop at (601) 340-3153 or their Facebook page Designs, after her daughter met Boyd and began @AndersonSquareLaurel. People may also simply painting. With Ablesâ€™ daughter now one of Boydâ€™s students, the two reconnected after being childhood drop in for a visit for loads of fun at 3176 Audubon Drive at the North Laurel Shopping Center. 8 friends. â€œMy daughter is dyslexic and also very artistically talented and, after being here while she painted on myventuresouth.com Q 43 a regular basis, Suzanne offered me a job because

Outdoor Adventures

by Nkrumah Frazier

Mississippiâ€™s Petrified Forest brings a sense of awe and wonder

estled in the heart of Mississippi is a jewel that nearly every Mississippian has seen the billboard for yet not everyone has actually visited. The MissisVLSSL 3HWULÂ¿HG )RUHVW LV FKRFN IXOO RI VXUSULVHV IRU WKH HQWLUH IDPLO\ ,W LV GHÂ¿QLWHO\ ZRUWK D GD\ WULS WR FKHFN out. You enter through the gift shop, which is a quaint little space. Despite its size, the gift shop has tons of LQWHUHVWLQJ WKLQJV <RXÂ¶UH JXDUDQWHHG WR Â¿QG VRPHWKLQJ for every member of the family. They offer a variety of unique gift items and mugs. You can even buy a piece RI SHWULÂ¿HG ZRRG DV D VRXYHQLU 7KH\ DOVR KDYH XQLTXH crafts made of gems and minerals as well as jewelry. )RU WKH SULFH RI DGPLVVLRQ \RX JHW DFFHVV WR WKH SLFQLF DUHD PXVHXP WKH SHWULÂ¿HG IRUHVW QDWXUH WUDLO QDWLYH ZLOGOLIH GLVSOD\ DQG D EODFN OLJKW GLVSOD\ RI Ã€XRrescent minerals. Once you leave the gift shop, youâ€™ll YHQWXUH RXW LQWR WKH SHWULÂ¿HG IRUHVW 7KLV LV QRW D IRUHVW RI SHWULÂ¿HG WUHHV VWDQGLQJ XSULJKW /RRNLQJ IURP DIDU LW ORRNV YHU\ VLPLODU WR DQ\ RWKHU IRUHVWHG DUHD RI 0LVVLVVLSSL $V \RX ZDON WKURXJK WKH ZLQGLQJ WUDLOV \RX ZLOO VHH WKH EHDXWLIXO SLHFHV RI SHWULÂ¿HG ZRRG WKDW DUH QRZ HVVHQWLDOO\ URFN What can now be seen on top of the ground are UHPQDQWV RI DQ DQFLHQW Ã€RRG WKDW GHSRVLWHG WUHHV RQ the land that was then covered by silting from conseTXHQW Ã€RRGLQJ GXULQJ WKH WLPH ZKHQ PXFK RI 1RUWK America was covered by glaciers. As the years passed, WKH ZRRG ZDV SHWULÂ¿HG DQG WXUQHG LQWR URFN 0RUH UHcently the silty soil, called loess, has eroded exposing WKH SHWULÂ¿HG IRUHVW LQ LWV SUHVHQW GD\ FRQGLWLRQ y

44 Q Venture South Magazine

z Walking slowly along the shaded

paths, you can take your time and slowdown from the fast pace of everyday life. In my opinion, everyone should take a little “me time” and unplug from all digital devices and allow yourself to exist in the moment without much thought to responsibilities and future tasks to be completed. This form RI VHOI FDUH FDQ EH JUHDWO\ DPSOL¿HG LQ QDWXUDO VHWWLQJV OLNH WKH SHWUL¿HG IRUHVW Recent research has suggested that V\PSWRPV RI DWWHQWLRQ GH¿FLW GLVRUGHUV in children can be reduced by spending time in nature. ,I ZDONLQJ WKH SHWUL¿HG IRUHVW QDWXUH trails isn’t quite enough nature immersion for you, there is also camping available on site. The campsite has 11 full RV-hookup sites with water, sewer and electricity. There is also a primitive camping area with showers and restrooms. 7KH 0LVVLVVLSSL 3HWUL¿HG )RUHVW offers a unique experience that can’t be found in many other places, especially here in Mississippi. Mississippi has some really wonderful natural resources that when experienced can cause a sense of awe and wonder. Awe changes our perspective of the world. It causes us to feel smaller and as though we are in the presence of something greater than ourselves. Awe stimulates curiosity, expands creativity and leads to kindness and generosity. I think we all could use a little more of all of these. If you’re interested in learning more DERXW WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 3HWUL¿HG )RUest you can visit their website at www. PVSHWUL¿HGIRUHVW FRP 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

myventuresouth.com Q 45

Sunday Drive

Wiggins, Mississippi A city of history & charm

WRQH &RXQW\ LV EHVW NQRZQ IRU )OLQW &UHHN 5HVHUYRLU :LWK QHDUO\ YLVLWRUV HDFK \HDU HQMR\LQJ FDPSLQJ Â¿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Â¶V KLVWRU\ ,Q WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL /HJLVODWXUH GHVLJQDWHG 6WRQH &RXQW\ DV Â³0LVVLVVLSSLÂ¶V 0XUDO &RXQW\ Â´ &XUUHQWO\ HLJKW PRVDLF PXUDOV FDQ EH VHHQ DURXQG 6WRQH &RXQW\ y

48 Q Venture South Magazine

by Lacey Slay

7KH WUDLQ GHSRW ZKLFK QRZ VHUYHV DV DQ RIÂ¿FH VSDFH ZDV FRQVWUXFWHG LQ WR UHSODFH WKH RULJLQDO GHSRW WKDW ZDV GHVWUR\HG E\ Â¿UH $IWHU WKH GHSRW ZDV QDPHG D 0LVVLVVLSSL /DQGPDUN WKH EXLOGLQJ ZDV PRYHG WR LWV FXUUHQW ORFDWLRQ DQG UHVWRUHG WR WKH EHDXWLIXO VWUXFWXUH LW LV WRGD\

7KH 6WRQH &RXQW\ &RXUWKRXVH QRZ \HDUV ROG LV LQ WKH UHJLVWHU RI KLVWRULFDO SODFHV DQG ZDV WKH VLWH RI FHOHEUDWLRQ ZKHQ ::, HQGHG 2YHU WKH \HDUV LW KDV VHHQ UHQRYDWLRQ DQG SUHVHUYDWLRQ DQG LV VWLOO LQ XVH WRGD\

myventuresouth.com Q 49

Sunday Drive

For Wiggins, the downtown is known as Pine Hill. Currently, the area is seeing a revitalization effort led by the Stone County Economic Development Partnership. Like many downtown areas, Pine Hill has seen its share of change. In the early, to mid, 1900s, Pine Hill was the center of commerce for Wiggins.

Just to the left of the courthouse is a War Memorial. The memorial stands “in memory of all veterans – living and dead – and a special memory to the ones that gave their lives for their country from Stone County.”

50 Q Venture South Magazine