Venture South Magazine by Digital Publisher

September 2017

Restoration, Friendship & Hometown Life Hotelâ€™s history includes Hollywood stars & mobsters Italian eatery sees small town success

In this Issue 6

Enjoy the Adventure

10 Hometown Proud 18

Good Eats & Treats

Upcoming Events

The Human Touch

Elvisâ€™ Summer Digs

Family Field Trip

Outdoor Adventures

Sunday Drive

4 Q Venture South Magazine

Paid for by Donnie Scoggin

Enjoy the Adventure

Welcome to our adventure: Venture South Magazine by Jason Niblett “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV) Life happens faster than we care to admit. Goals and dreams come and go. Daily actions cause us to adapt, sometimes stumbling and other times excelling. I began my professional journalism career in Magee during the summer between my sophomore and junior years at Simpson Academy in Mendenhall. Gwen Creel, one of my fourth grade teachers at Taylorsville Elementary School, gave our class the assignment of creating a “newspaper,” and I’ve been hooked on the printed word ever since. After experiencing three layoffs from three closing newspapers over my career, my adventure in newspapers may be over, but I still love the printed word. No, my column isn’t going to be a written sermon or devotion every month. I’m certainly a long way from being perfect in my walk with Christ. I fail daily, and I’m so grateful for the love He shows; however, Romans 8 explains that everything happens for a reason for those who love God. That’s powerful. As we - a group of a few family and friends - began planning for the launch of Venture South Magazine and Venture South Media LLC, we had some goals that have underlain our decisions every step of the way. There are already some beautiful magazines serving our region. They serve their target audiences well, and bring much needed attention to the subjects of their coverage. y

6 Q Venture South Magazine

“With the help of friends, family, readers, advertisers and God’s direction, I am confident Venture South will become a beloved magazine that will help you and your loved ones find great things to do while learning more about our piece of the world.” social magazine, but something that would embrace regionalism, connecting the dots between the towns and cities across the area, while offering tips on fun things to do for girls/guys nights out, weekends with family, or date nights with a special someone. Romantic weekend getaways to charming towns? Exciting concerts, festivals and day trips with the family? A rejuvenating Saturday to refresh the mind and spirit? You’ll read about the places to visit that make our state such a unique place. We are based in Laurel, and there will be plenty of coverage about America’s “Home Town,” but we also commit to work with writers and advertisers from communities in our coverage area from the hills of Meridian to the glistening waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the bluffs high above the Mighty Mississippi to the deep forest of the Piney Woods. We want to work with people excited to be from where they have roots. People passionate about their hometowns are the very best ambassadors in helping show readers what makes their special corner of the South special. We’ll also share experiences and adventures from places outside Mississippi, but close enough for a quick trip packed with a lifetime of memories. I recently lost my job after the newspaper for which I was working closed. It’s a season of change, and it’s time to make this dream become a reality. With the help of friends, family, readers,

advertisers and God’s direction, I am confident Venture South will become a beloved magazine that will help you and your loved ones find great things to do while learning more about our piece of the world. We welcome story ideas, and you may share them by contacting us at info@myventuresouth. com or by finding us on Facebook by searching for “My Venture South.” If you’re interested in writing an occasional article, submitting photos or helping businesses or groups reach our readers, you may shoot an email to the same address. We’d also love to hear from our readers about what you think about this first edition. On to the next Venture!

z We didn’t want to produce another lifestyle or

myventuresouth.com Q 7

Publisher Jason Niblett jason@myventuresouth.com

Get your free copy from fine locations including hotels, hospitals, airports, clinics, businesses and more. Email info@myventuresouth.com for a location nearest you!

Editor/Design Lacey Slay lacey@myventuresouth.com Advertising Design Anna Griffing anna@myventuresouth.com Contributing Photographers Jason Niblett Lacey Slay Jann Tuten Grant Staples Contributing Writers Jason Niblett Lacey Slay Jann Tuten Grant Staples Nkrumah Frazier Advertising Kevin Dearmon kevin@myventuresouth.com Shelley Piazza Shelley@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: media@myventuresouth.com facebook.com/myventuresouth.com 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 Cover photo courtesy of Erin Napier Photo taken at the Laurel Mercantile Co.

Hometown Proud

Friends create legacy for Laurel by Jason Niblett

ometimes people hope to leave a legacy that’s around long after they’re gone, something that beneﬁts others, a place or a community. Something that children and grandchildren can have, remembering those before whom tirelessly worked for something to make their little corner of the world better. Downtown Laurel, like some other places in Jones County, is experiencing exceptional growth. Although some of downtown’s recent growth can be attributed to “Home Town” — the hit HGTV series featuring Laurel — energy dedication and investments in Laurel’s historic district began before the series premiered. It was actually Erin’s public profession of her love for Laurel and its downtown area that gained the attention of the show’s producers. Even before Laurel’s international spotlight, a certain group of friends and family knew they must do something for their hometown that would last for generations. It was through this dream they created the Laurel Mercantile Co. Owned by Erin and Ben Napier, Emily and Josh Nowell, and Mallorie and Jim Rasberry, the Mercantile is not only a full-hearted commitment to Laurel, it has become an anchor, drawing visitors to a corner that was once surrounded by blight with few customers. “Josh, now a historic real estate developer, closed on the old Smith Furniture building last summer for a couple of reasons,” Erin explained.y

10 Q Venture South Magazine

z “It’s on the edge of the historic business district

where little foot traffic went at the time. It was plain and sad, left vacant since the early 1990s.” “Have you seen the before photo? Yikes!,” Mallorie joked when asked her initial thoughts of the building before renovation. “I don’t think I’d describe it as love at first sight. We definitely had to see through the lens of restoration! We have all renovated several other downtown buildings over the years, so it didn’t take long for us to see the potential, and we are so glad we did!” The decision was easy once the group let faith take control. “We felt like God called us to this building because of its remote location and hoped it would help expand the shopping footprint downtown,” Erin said. y

How to get there: Laurel Mercantile Co. 414 Front Street Laurel, Mississippi From I-59, take the Leontyne Price Blvd. exit. Follow signs to downtown. Located across from the Amtrak station/Laurel Train Depot.

Phone: (601) 651-0016

z “It was also the perfect size for the amount of inven-

tory we were comfortable launching with in the beginning. Real estate is becoming so limited downtown we are lucky we got it.” Faith is an important element of the trio of couples’ innovation and dedication. So is family. How much so? Credited to divine intervention, something or someone certainly worked through a maze to bring this group of six people together. Erin (Rasberry) and Ben fell in love in college and “have been attached at the hip ever since.” Erin and Mallorie (Magee) were roommates at Ole Miss, and Erin introduced her to her cousin, Jim, and soon Mallorie and Jim were married. Erin and Josh were high school friends, and then Ben and Josh were roommates at Ole Miss. After graduation, Josh and Emily (Bowman) met and married. Before the Laurel Mercantile Co., or the series, the group started their young professional and married lives committed to helping do their part during an earlier effort to revitalize downtown Laurel. “We all renovated lofts in downtown Laurel and were next door neighbors, so it’s like college never really ended,” Erin said. “We all owned and operated national and international businesses in downtown Laurel, and soon bought and renovated historic homes in the neighboring historic district. We have the same passions for historic preservation, small town living, Americana and eclectic, traditional home design, so it was a natural decision as best friends and family to open the Laurel Mercantile Co. together.” Although the building itself had fallen into disrepair over its quarter century of being empty, there were still people who loved and respected her history and underlying beauty. The old Smith Furniture building had been held by a neighbor’s family for many years. “The old Smith Furniture safe still sits in our store and Josh has the combination to unlock it as it has been passed down from owner to owner through the years,” Erin reflected. “We learned all we could about the building from Rodney Rowell at Lott Furniture since his family owned the building for so many years.” After countless hours of design and construction, money invested, and stages of planning, it might have been more difficult to settle questions on the retail side of the business. “We realized we all had such specific gifts and skill sets, the only way ErinAndBen.co, mine and Ben’s little home goods online shop, could grow to what we really hoped for, we could never do it alone,” Erin explained. y

Favorite Items: Erin’s favorites are the candles and handmade LMCo. platters. Ben really loves the flannels in the cold months and the vintage hatchets and axes. Mallorie loves the casserole totes. “I mean, who doesn’t carry a covered dish to a party?! Not only is it extremely utilitarian and makes life easier, but it’s also pretty dang cool looking, too.”

myventuresouth.com Q 13

z “We partnered together on business because

14 Q Venture South Magazine

we’ve been friends and family for so long, it felt like the natural step to take. Jim and Mallorie have a background in finance, accounting and purchasing, Josh and Emily are the operations and management side of things after running huge teams doing mineral rights oil work in the Northeast for years, then Ben and I are the creative direction and marketing side of things.” One thing was certain for the Napiers, Nowells and Rasberrys: Offerings in the store must have a story, must be premium quality, and must be American made. “As the main buyer for the store, I see firsthand how much time and effort and thought and work goes into every single product we manufacture,” Mallorie said. “It’s so incredibly difficult to take an idea to a product on the shelf. And to challenge ourselves even more, every product we source is manufactured in the USA, which is a lot more difficult than you’d think, sadly. We only want to sell things that matter, things that have a story, things that our grandparents used, things that our kids will be using long after we are gone. y

z When someone buys something from the

Mercantile, I hope they know how much love and time went into that product, not only from the partners, but from every single person that had a hand in the process.” “We work hard to design and manufacture as many of our products in the USA as possible because if we’re going to be serious about revitalizing small town America, then we have to be serious about American manufacturing and the small towns that depend on it,” Erin added. “That’s what Laurel was founded on, and that’s what’ll keep her strong. LMCo. is the only place to find our signature collection including Scotsman Co., the store’s flagship brand of Ben’s handmade reclaimed furniture and gentlemen’s workwear, American-made heirloom wares and durable goods for home and life. “Since we design and manufacture our own goods, virtually everything we offer is unique to our store: butcher blocks, shirting, rolling pins, handmade LMCo. platters and pie plates, Erin’s original artwork, candles with custom Laurel-inspired fragrances, furniture built by Ben, pottery made by local friends, along with vintage quilts, axes, hatchets, dishes and silverware. There’s so much more!” Although real estate in downtown Laurel is becoming a rare commodity, there is still room for more offerings within and near its footprint. The Laurel Mercantile owners have some advice for new shop owners that can also apply for restaurants, coffee shops or other businesses. “I would love for anyone opening a business to gear it toward the locals who will always be here, not just the tourists who will be here for a season then move on when the show ends,” Erin said. “For us all to have a lasting impact, we have to think long term. I would also say: Laurel is not Waco even if we share a similar (albeit much smaller) spotlight. Let’s let Laurel be Laurel!” Mallorie also said there’s plenty of room for new neighbors, and encouraged businesses to work together in partnership. “Come downtown — we are at your service!” she said. “Seriously, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better business partner than Laurel Main Street. The promotion, the facade grant program and the sense of community are invaluable to a new business/building owner.” 8

myventuresouth.com Q 15

Good Eats & Treats

by Grant Staples

South’s best Italian fare may be in east Mississippi

hiffs of garlic, oregano and simmering tomato sauce tempt the nose at the front door. Giant smiles greet their guests, just before a plate of some of the most delicious homemade bread is placed on the table, right next to a deliciously rich dipping sauce. Soul-warming cream sauces or sweet, but tangy, tomato sauces covering a favorite dish are on their way very soon. One might think a trip to New York or Chicago is required to ﬁnd authentic Italian fare this delectable, but Mississippi restaurateurs never cease to amaze. Tucked inside downtown Quitman is a little piece of heaven known as Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria. This has been one of the city’s best kept secrets since 2015, and is owned and operated by Mimmo Rendina, a native of San Martano, Italy. If one is searching for true authenticity, look no further! This place has a well-rounded selection of traditional and creative dishes to suit any palate. From appetizer to dessert, the food speaks for itself the story of a man and his family and their passion for good food. I did a little social media research before I traveled to Mimmo’s to eat and, with hundreds of “likes” and plenty of comments and recommendations, I felt armed and ready to go and enjoy some great food. I loaded my wife and friends up into the truck and we headed to Clarke County. We started our meal with Italian garlic knots in a garlic butter sauce along with the bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, roasted garlic, fresh basil and olive oil. y

18 Q Venture South Magazine

z We also tried the house salad with Mimmo’s Italian

dressing. Let me just say that this dressing was one of the most unique I’ve ever experienced, and nothing like anything I’d ever eaten. Having traveled to several countries all over the world, I can attest to the unique ﬂavors Mimmo works to put into his dishes. If you haven’t tried this simple salad, you should, and with this interesting dressing. Each of us ordered a different main dish, and we all shared. The reasonably-priced menu items and large portions guaranteed we’d all be full by the time we were done, some of us with enough for lunch or dinner the next day. You will get plenty of food for your money at Mimmo’s! We enjoyed eggplant parmegiana and cheese ravioli topped with Bolognese sauce and a very interesting seafood dish called Spaghetti Pescatora that had Gulf shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari sautéed in a garlic wine sauce. If you like seafood and mussels, this is the dish to try. It packs strong seafood ﬂavor that is complimented by the wine sauce. You can also enjoy this with a savory tomato sauce. There were several dishes that were the highlight of our night. For me, the spaghetti gamberi is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s a classic spaghetti topped with large Gulf shrimp with a choice of sauce (I recommend the tomato for this one). The Sicilian veal was the blackboard special of the night and was served in a traditional gravy along with a braised spinach. This one had a classic taste not usually enjoyed in a commercialized Italian restaurant. y

Grant’s Picks: Appetizers: Garlic knots, salad with the house dressing, or Focaccia Papa Luigi Entrees: Spaghetti Gamberi, Sicilian Veal, or Pizza Rustica Desserts: Chocolate rum cake, tiramisu, or Limoncello cake Beverages: Italian cappuccino

Hours: Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday: Closed

Phone: (601) 557-9006 Location: Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria 110 Main St. Quitman, Mississippi

myventuresouth.com Q 19

Good Eats & Treats

z The gravy was mild and rich and complimented

the veal very well. This was a down-home ﬂavor that was deﬁnitely a step-up from southern steak and gravy. The meat lover’s pizza was loaded with pepperoni, sausage, Genova salami, meatballs and cheese! If you’re a meat lover, you can’t go wrong here. These fresh toppings arrive on a freshly made homemade crust, tossed by a chef or Mimmo himself. Mimmo also treated us to an appetizer called Focaccia Papa Luigi that was named after his father. It comes topped with imported prosciutto and shaved Parmesan cheese. This simple appetizer rivaled the garlic knots many had suggested on social media. I would certainly suggest this to folks, as it was simply delicious! The dessert course was no less than amazing. Our table had a split decision between chocolate rum cake and tiramisu. Let me say that the rum cake might have been illegal in a dry county, but was quite tasty! The tiramisu was authentic and rich. I enjoyed both, but I’m a sucker for a good tiramisu, so it gets my vote this time. I’m open for cheesecake next time, too. y

Good Eats & Treats

z One thing that sets Mimmo’s apart from other Ital-

ian dives is the simple tradition put into every dish. Everything is made fresh, including the hamburger buns, pizza dough and bread. Mimmo spends much of his time making dough that has to rest and rise for 72 hours! That’s right folks, three days of doughloving to get to your table. Mimmo said it takes about 86 hours to make bread for the restaurant. Think of all the times you’ve taken your hamburger bun for granted. Not Mimmo. When asked what his favorite dish to cook was, he responded, “I work to be in love with everything I cook.” I’d say it shows from every dish on the menu, along with exceptional service. You will certainly be back for more! Mimmo, his wife Jeannie, and their son, Elijah, Luigi will be adding an addition to the family in September, along with an addition to their clientele with the opening of a new location in Laurel in late October. I can’t reveal too many secrets, but I will say his passion for wine will be on full display for diners in the Laurel location. Mimmo expressed a lot of excitement in the new venture describing what was sure to be one of the most unique dining experiences in town. The original location is open six days a week and closed on Sunday. 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

How to get there:

22 Q Venture South Magazine

Mimmo’s can be reached by Exit 126 off I-59 between Laurel and Meridian. Go east on Hwy. 18 past Pachuta and then take a left onto Miss. Hwy. 512 East. Once in Quitman, take a left onto Railroad Avenue and drive two blocks to West Church Street (because Main Street is one way). Make the block to South Archusa Avenue and finally to Main Street. It’s also easily accessible from U. S. Hwy. 45 by taking Hwy. 18 West across the Archusa Lake dam, following the same directions through downtown Quitman.

Upcoming Events

September

Festivals and Fairs

Reveille: Mississippi’s Bicentennial Bash Celebrate Mississippi’s Bicentennial with historic Jefferson College with Chickasaw dancers, food, cash bar and music. 16 Old North St., Natchez Free admission to college grounds (601) 442-2901

Diamondhead

2nd Annual Mermaids Arts & Crafts Show An arts and crafts show with artists from across the south, celebrate one of America’s most beautiful towns during this two day event. Historic Train Depot, 1928 Depot Way, Bay St. Louis Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: Free (228) 342-9232

Natchez

15-16

Biloxi Seafood Festival Celebrated for 36 years, this festival features live entertainment, arts, family activities and plenty of fresh Gulf seafood. Biloxi Town Green at 710 Beach Blvd., Biloxi Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: $15 all inclusive (come and go all weekend, plus gumbo championship); $5 most other times (no re-entry); $10 Saturday evening (228) 604-0014

Bay St. Louis

9-10

Biloxi

9-10

Pelahatchie

Muscadine Jubilee 2017 Live music, food, vendors, activities and even a grape stomp. 714 2nd St., Pelahatchie Admission: $5; children 5 and under free. Gates open at 10 a.m. (601) 854-5224

Diamondhead Hummingbird Festival Enjoy seeing hundreds of hummingbirds and hearing live music with vendors, food and beverages, presentations, videos, and more. 2356 Airport Dr., Diamondhead 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.hummingbirdfest.org

24 Q Venture South Magazine

Wing Dang Doodle Festival From one of the world’s largest poultry-producing communities, this festival celebrates the chicken wing with food, games, activities and entertainment. Gaddis Park 835 Park Rd., Forest Admission: Free (601) 469-4332 www.wingdangdoodlefestival.com

Quitman

2nd Annual Gulf Coast Oyster Cook-Off and Festival Oyster cook-off, plenty of food, games, entertainment, and more! Biloxi Town Green at 710 Beach Blvd., Biloxi Friday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (228) 348-2646 www.gulfcoastoystercookoff.com

Forest

Biloxi

29-30

Beaumont

29-1

Mississippi Pecan Festival Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 More than 250 booths, incredible food, music, historic displays and a gorgeous setting invite visitors to enjoy the weekend. 510 Wingate Rd., Beaumont (between Beaumont, New Augusta and Richton) Admission $10; children 4 and under, free (601) 964-8222 www.mspecanfestival.com

Forestry and Wildlife Festival The Clarke County Forestry Festival features live music, games, food, vendors and more. Archusa Creek Waterpark, 540 County Rd. 110, Quitman 601-776-5701

Music & Theatre Laurel

Laurelpalooza This event has been a passion for presenter Chad Knight since his teenage years playing on the Laurelpalooza stage in front of his peers. All ages welcome. Slowboat Brewing Co. 318 W. 5th St., Laurel 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. Admission: Free (601) 651-2054 www.slowboatbrewco.com

myventuresouth.com Q 25

Upcoming Events

Grand Funk Railroad American 1970s rock band that’s still drawing huge crowds across the country. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi Time: 8 p.m. Tickets: $9.99 and up 228-374-7625 www.hrhcbiloxi.com/

Meridian

Nine to Five A stage adaptation of one of the top 20 highest earning comedy ﬁlms produced. Bay St. Louis Little Theatre 398 Blaize Avenue, Bay St. Louis 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Tickets: $18 for adults; $10 for seniors 65+, military, veterans, or students; $8 for children under 12 (228) 467-9024 www.bsllt.org

Biloxi

Grayson Capps & Corky Hughes Hailing from South Alabama and spending over a decade in New Orleans, revered singer-songwriter Grayson Capps has found listeners the world over enthralled by his stinging tales of the Southern Gothic. Slowboat Brewing Company 318 W 5th St., Laurel Time: 7 p.m. Admission: Free www.slowboatbrewco.com

Bay St. Louis

15-24

Laurel

Jackson

12-24

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None Ten strangers are summoned to an island, each one tagged for murder. New Stage Theatre 1100 Carlisle St., Jackson 7:30 p.m. Tues. – Sat.; 2 p.m. Sunday Ages 12+ Ticket pricing available soon. 601-948-3533 http://newstagetheatre.com

How I Became a Pirate Riley Center Children’s show: Presented by the Dallas Children’s Theater, when a real, live pirate ship interrupts a day at the beach, young Jeremy Jacob joins Captain Braid Beard’s scurvy but not so fearsome band of musical buccaneers. 2200 5th St., Meridian Time: 2 p.m. Tickets: $12-$20

26 Q Venture South Magazine

Tours & Exhibitions

Antoinette Badenhorst art exhibition Jones County Junior College’s Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery will have Antoinette Badenhorst’s Porcelain Ceramics on exhibit from August 28 through September 22, 2017. For more information and for an appointment, call Melanie Eubanks. (601) 477-8401 900 S Court St., Ellisville http://jcjc.edu

Natchez

22-9

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 left old Vicksburg with quite a legacy of “unﬁnished business” and restless spirits. 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

through Sept. 22

Vicksburg

ongoing

Port Gibson

ongoing

Port Gibson Haunted Historical Tours First Friday of September, ongoing Ages 10+ Take a stroll down historic Church Street in Port Gibson for a brief history of homes and discuss the spirits that still linger in the beautiful town. Wear comfortable shoes and take your camera! Port Gibson Chamber of Commerce, 1601 Church St. Time: 7 p.m., arrive early to buy tickets 1 – 1.5 hours for six blocks $20 weekdays; $30 weekends (601) 437-4351

Natchez Fall Pilgrimage Sept. 22 - Oct. 9 Experience the beauty of Natchez’s famous pilgrimage, now offered twice a year to share the gorgeous settings with fall-leaf backdrops. Natchez, various addresses Various tour packages available. See website for details. (601) 446-6631 www.natchezpilgrimage.com

myventuresouth.com Q 27

The Human Touch

Sometimes handmade just means more by Jason Niblett

weat and grit can give a sense of hours of hard work. Warmth and a ﬁrm grip can give a sense of an emotional connection. A friendly wave and salute can give a sense of friendship. When human hands come into the equation, there isn’t much that can’t be done. It’s that connection between humankind that’s important for Stephen and DeShawn Clairmont. The pair’s brand, Clairmont Designs, has developed an exceptional national reputation, while a new concept is quickly gaining attention in Jones County. HAND+made by Clairmont & Co. launched recently, but is gathering a loyal following. That’s because the hybrid of a retail shop blended with a “Do-It-Yourself” concept draws a great audience blend. “We’re in an integrated DIY retail experience,” Amy Thames, who helps lead retail operations, said. On the retail side, there are items made by Clairmont & Co., but also so much more. Even though not everything is made in Mississippi or even the United States, every item does have meaning, often linking back to some sort of ministry or charity. For instance, there are some amazing metal items from Zimbabwe, handmade by women who escaped from sex trafﬁcking and prostitution. People who purchase the items are helping former victims achieve independence through employment. Similar stories can be seen on description cards throughout the former Marcus Furniture building location. Still, most of the offerings in the retail side are made in Laurel. y

28 Q Venture South Magazine

z “Not only do we share in their crafts, but 80 percent

of what’s in here is manufactured by us,” Stephen said. And, throughout every phase, items are touched by local people. “There’s a personal connection with everything,” DeShawn said. On the DIY side, there is a project for every age and every level of talent. From candles to picture frames children and adults visit HAND+made to complete a one-of-a-kind gift or keepsake. Ranging from $6 to $40, there is also something that can be handmade for every budget. Although HAND+made offers group classes, birthday parties and girls’ nights out, there are no reservation requirements for people wanting to paint or make an item during business hours. There is always someone available to help get a project started when the door is open. “It’s an open studio,” Thames said. “You don’t need an appointment. Everyone can be creative no matter what their skill level is.” As if that’s not enough to offer some great entertainment or gift ideas, there are plans for even more classes from calligraphy to embroidery to canvases to quilting. “We want to add some generational trades,” Thames said. “The challenge is finding individuals to do the classes. We’d also love for them to be local.” The beginnings of Clairmont Designs go all the way back to a former generational gift shop. Stephen’s mother, Brenda Clairmont, owned BB’s Gifts. “He grew up in the industry,” DeShawn explained. “She was a florist. He was always entrepreneurshipheaded. He was always at arts and crafts shows.” After Stephen and DeShawn met and started dating, she joined the traveling team. She quickly learned the skills behind a successful show and marketing for handmade items. After transferring from Jones County Junior College to Mississippi State University, the couple kept doing weekend shows, making their own items, while trying to make some money while completing intensive coursework for architecture and teaching. After a while, stores started asking for products to be available as wholesale. She graduated in elementary education one December, and had difficulty finding a job since it was during the middle of a school year. They kept working with their own brand. “After that, we never really turned back,” DeShawn explained. Stephen added, “Doors opened and God gave us a vision for what we wanted to be. y

z We were 21 when we started the

business, and we had great mentors along the way.” There were 30 gift shops and the Mississippi Market. Everything was made by hand. Stephen was still majoring in architecture at MSU, and the couple still lived in Starkville. To complete his degree, he had to transfer to Jackson. There was a lot of time spent in a portable building to ﬁnish orders. “It didn’t look like it was going to be a possibility, but God kept opening doors,” DeShawn said, remembering when a great deal on a mini-storage complex became available. They eventually moved back to Laurel, where they found the former Marcus Furniture building for rent in downtown Laurel. “The ceiling had fallen in,” DeShawn reﬂected, and there was “crazy wallpaper, but we saw a vision.” Then there was a Lifeway Christian Stores purchase order for 130 stores. “This building had been given to us for a reason,” DeShawn said. There were two weeks of no power in the new location and four weeks to prepare orders. Trial and error helped perfect their offerings, and there were plenty of people to share advice. Morgan Brothers helped with knowledge in woodworking. Now, the company has grown to nearly a dozen employees. After a few years of rapid, controlled growth, a former parts supply building in downtown Laurel became available. That building is now the home for the manufacturing side of the business while the former furniture store site is for the retail and DIY operations. Even with the growth and expansion, items are still touched by Clairmont & Co. team members. “Every single one,” Stephen said. “Everything is touched by our hands in one way or another. We don’t use a lot of machines. They don’t have the personal connection.” 8

How to get there: HAND+made 313 W. Oak St., Laurel From I-59, take the Leontyne Price Blvd. exit. Follow signs to downtown. Located in the block behind the Laurel Mercantile Co.

Phone: (601) 342-8232 If you go: Normal business hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. Extended nights for girls’s nights out, etc: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. — 8 p.m. (BYOB welcome for evening sessions) Children’s birthday parties also available. No appointments necessary for walk-in projects, but reservations recommended for evening sessions and parties

myventuresouth.com Q 31

4954 Space Center Dr., San Antonio, TX 78218 210.804.0390 | www.shweiki.com

Gulf Hills Hotel

History, Hospitality, Mobsters & Elvis by Jann Tuten

hen considering a place to stay for a getaway that is secluded, yet close enough to the hum of nightlife to have the best of both worlds, Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center is a perfect choice. Located in the quaint coastal town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Gulf Hills is a boutique hotel steeped in southern charm with history and hospitality. The relaxed pace at Gulf Hills is personable and welcoming. The hotel even welcomes small pets as guests. Guests will feel the hotel’s charm as they drive the winding roads that were once former horse trails that follow alongside the golf course and lead to the hotel’s entrance. Pine trees and mossladen oaks, egrets on the bayou, cardinals scampering across the road and squirrels watching on hind legs, can be seen along the drive. Visitors will feel they have stepped back in time to the bygone era where Gulf Hills Hotel ﬁrst began. The Branigar Brothers out of Chicago built Gulf Hills Resort – as it was known in the earlier days – as an exclusive, private resort for wealthy northerners. It may have been the mature, unharvested yellow pine trees that brought the Branigar Brothers straight down the rail line from Chicago to Ocean Springs, but it was the intersecting rail line from Pensacola, Florida to the east and New Orleans, Louisiana to the west that piqued their interest. It was the mid 1920s – the Prohibition Era – and bootlegging was the name of the game. y

34 Q Venture South Magazine

z Al Capone, the protégé of Johnny “The Fox”

Torrio, the top crime boss in Chicago, was a mastermind at bootlegging. Gulf Hills was the perfect hideaway. What is now the 18th hole of the golf course is said to have once served as the place for roundtable talks with mob gangsters and their outﬁts. Its higher elevation served well as a secluded lookout point for federal agents. To the east and west were trails for escape routes, should the feds come in by water. And should they come in by land, Fort Bayou skirted the property. Though no direct connection seems available between the Branigar Brothers and Al Capone, it is purported that Gulf Hills Resort and Golf Course was built with laundered money as a hideout for the notorious crime boss. Gulf Hills, appropriately named, opened in 1927. On site was the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Jack Daray of Chicago’s Olympian Fields’ fame, the hotel and 13 upscale homes. Just how upscale? The homes were built without kitchens or laundry facilities. Meals were served at the clubhouse, and laundry was picked up and returned clean and folded by clubhouse employees. In the hotel was a fabulous lounge called “The Pink Pony.” It was a secluded place, where movie stars like Judy Garland and Jayne Mansﬁeld are said to have frequented, along with gangsters and members of higher society. Here, it is said they enjoyed drinks, dancing and entertainment. In 1950, new owners enlarged the Gulf Hills Resort and Golf Club and changed the name to Gulf Hills Dude Ranch and Country Club. y

Gulf Hills Hotel & Conference Center Address:

13701 Paso Road Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Phone:

(866) 875-4211

Web:

www.gulfhillshotel.com

Amenities:

Saltwater Pool Golf Course 52 Spacious Rooms Luxury VIP Suites Meeting Spaces Tennis Courts Continental Breakfast Wi-Fi & more

myventuresouth.com Q 35

z They built four-to-eight room villas that sprawled

along Fort Bayou. In addition, they created a dude ranch with 20 riding horses. The resort was a popular place for hayrides, square dancing and swimming in the Olympic sized pool. And the hotel continued to be known as a perfect hideaway of southern charm. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons Elvis Presley is said to have chosen Gulf Hills Dude Ranch and Country Club as his summer base from 1951 to 1957. Each summer he brought his mom and dad, his band and a handful of close friends. Gulf Hills was possibly the perfect location to live in proximity to the juke joints he played between Galveston, Texas and Pensacola, Florida as a part of the Louisiana Hayride. It is told that his summers at Gulf Hills provided a canopy for enjoyment where he enjoyed the guests, often going to The Pink Pony lounge, where he loved to play the piano and relax in its comfortable atmosphere. At Gulf Hills, Elvis is said to have taken advantage of the amenities afforded him. It was a

36 Q Venture South Magazine

place where he could safely get away from the publicity as a rising star. To honor the memory of Elvis, the hotel has the 2,000 square foot “Love Me Tender, Love Me Suite,” which is comprised of three bedrooms, four full baths and a parlor that includes a wet bar. This suite is often used for brides and their bridesmaids, small families or a group of friends, who want to share in a weekend getaway. Donna Brown, the general manager said, “The suite overlooks the famed 18th hole golf course and is fashioned in Elvis style with 50s era furnishings, including oversized headboards, glass top furniture and artifacts from his time at Gulf Hills.” Brown, who has been the general manager for 16 years, says her most frequently asked question is, “Where did Elvis stay? Which room?” And her answer is simple: “Wherever he wanted to.” Brown says it best: “For Elvis, it was his summer home away from home. For Al Capone, it was an entirely different kind of hideaway…” Today, Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center is locally owned and operated. y

“For Elvis, it was his summer home away from home. For Al Capone, it was an entirely different kind of hideaway…” Donna Brown, general manager

myventuresouth.com Q 37

z The rich southern charm and hospitality that

has blanketed the property through the years still remains. The Gulf Hills Golf Course is a stone’s throw away from the hotel’s front door. Hotel guests and the public are welcomed to play the course. Setting a tee time can be arranged by calling the Gulf Hills Clubhouse at (228) 872-9663. Or perhaps, after a day of shopping or beach lounging, one would like to take advantage of the lighted Rubico tennis courts, which is an amenity of Gulf Hills Hotel. Guests can also enjoy relaxing by the Olympic-sized saltwater pool that feels much like an open-air spa with waters warmed by sunlight and cooled by a bayou breeze. For those other special occasions, like an anniversary or birthday celebration, the hotel has the 1,000-square-foot VIP suite. This suite has a large bedroom, two full baths and separate parlor with a wet bar. Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center has become known as a place “where you arrive as guests and leave as family.” Call the front desk at (228) 875-4211 to make a reservation. Venture south and experience hospitality, history and charm, making memories you will want to experience year after year. 8

38 Q Venture South Magazine

Family Field Trip

Jackson museums host Mississippi Science Festival by Jason Niblett

rom making human-sized bubbles to traveling through a larger-than-life digestive system, there are plenty of enchanting activities for all age groups planned during the Mississippi Science Fest. Not only will the day be a rocket-blast of fun for each member of the family, there’s a special discount of a $10 coverall admission fee to soar into each museum in Jackson’s LeFleur Museum District during the special day. Set for 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, four museums – the Mississippi Children’s Museum, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Mississippi Ag Museum and Mississippi Museum of Natural Science – have partnered again to present the festival, aiming to increase knowledge of STEM concepts: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Don’t let education and Saturday wrestle against each other like oil and water (a concept that can be explained by STEM knowledge). Each of the museums has hands-on demonstrations, information displays and engaging lessons planned. There will be plenty of food, snacks and refreshments available for purchase throughout the day, and shuttles will provide transportation between locations. We recommend parking in the large lot next to Smith-Wills Stadium and taking advantage of shuttles to each museum. It’s easy to ﬁnd. Just take I-55 to Jackson and exit Highway 25 North/Lakeland Drive. The museum district is just off the interstate. 8

40 Q Venture South Magazine

Mississippi Science Festival September 23, 2017 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.mssciencefest.org

LeFleur Museum District: Mississippi Children’s Museum Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Mississippi Ag Museum Miss. Museum of Natural Science

The Mission: The mission of the Mississippi Science Festival is to promote awareness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce development through a fun, hands-on event for all ages.

Cost: Deeply discounted! Enjoy all four museums for only $10.

Science

Technology

Engineering Mathematics myventuresouth.com Q 41

Outdoor Adventures

by Nkrumah Frazier

Son of Mississippi respects, enjoys her natural beauty

y name is Nkrumah Frazier. I am a husband and father currently residing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I work full time for the city of Hattiesburg as the city’s sustainability officer. I’m an outdoor enthusiast that loves anything that will get me out of the house and into the great outdoors. I grew up on a farm in rural Jones County where my family raised cows and had several gardens. Summers were spent preparing for the winter by cutting, bailing and hauling hay and harvesting and preparing food from our gardens. My father taught me that if you take care of the land it would in turn provide all that you need to live. It was my father that first peaked my curiosity about nature. He taught me how to hunt, fish and grow my own food. From him I learned not to be afraid of animals, but to respect them and give them their space. He didn’t believe in hunting or fishing for sport and taught me to take only what I needed to survive. It was my father that first took me walking through the woods for no other reason than enjoyment. We walked our land, often through heavily wooded areas; where he would encourage me to become familiar with every hill and valley and to pay attention to the natural processes that occur. He was the first person to point out the predictable patterns in nature; that if you look just a little closer you can see more than just the plants changing with the seasons.

42 Q Venture South Magazine

Over the years, I’ve gotten married and now have children of my own. Living in an urban environment, I wanted to ensure that they were exposed to many of the things that my father taught me. They are getting older now, but when they were younger, we would go hiking or just go and sit in one of our favorite outdoor places. I’ll readily admit that I haven’t been a perfect parent, but it is my hope that my children have fond memories of experiences with their family in the great outdoors of Mississippi as well as the many other places we’ve traveled. By highlighting some of the beautiful and aweinspiring places throughout the state, I intend to galvanize support for all of the places that Mississippians like to visit. We should work to secure protections for them so that these places are here for all future generations of Mississippians to enjoy. In his 1971 book “The Unforeseen Wilderness: An Essay on Kentucky’s Red River Gorge”, Wendell Berry wrote the following: We can learn about it (preserving natural areas) from exceptional people of our own culture, and from other cultures less destructive than ours. I am speaking of the life of a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children; who has undertaken to cherish it and do it no damage, not because he is duty-bound, but because he loves the world and loves his children… What natural legacy will we leave for our children? y

z I hope that legacy does not include trash piles

and toilet paper blossoms strewn throughout the woods. I am proud to be from and to live in the South and especially Mississippi. I am her son and a product of all (good and bad) that has happened on her fertile soil. Yes, we have a “colorful” past and we still have our issues that must be worked out but for the most part we love our neighbors, care for the sick AND we have sweet tea! As long as we continue to argue and throw allegations at our “perceived” opponent/ adversary we will never get to a point of mutual

understanding and respect. Our goal should not be to yell across the aisle at one another, but to sit down and have a conversation in which we listen intently seeking to understand our neighbor’s points of view. We should also seek to learn from the mistakes of our forefathers and use that knowledge to build a greater more inclusive community for everyone. 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 43

44 Q Venture South Magazine

Sunday Drive

Brookhaven, Mississippi “A Home Seeker’s Paradise”

slow-paced drive with the sun shining and the windows rolled down is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s also a great way to explore the state and see the beauty at every turn. Brookhaven, Mississippi is a quaint town ﬁlled with unique sites and historic architecture that is sure to please. Founded in 1818 and incorporated in 1879, the “Home Seekers Paradise” is full of rich history that the Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society has worked tirelessly to preserve. Known for its beautiful downtown that includes a well preserved Victorian District, the Haven Theatre, Railroad Park and much more, Brookhaven is a great place to explore. There are plenty of places to eat and shop with ﬂavor and style as unique as the town. Pictured are a few of Venture South’s favorite stops. y

46 Q Venture South Magazine

by Lacey Slay

Sunday Drive

The Foster-Smith Log Cabin, originally constructed in Copiah County in the 1820s, was relocated to Railroad Park for visitors to explore. The hand-hewn logs and craftsmanship are reminiscent of a bygone era when times were much different than today.

Probably the most iconic site in Brookhaven is the “A Home Seeker’s Paradise” sign located in the heart of downtown. According to the Lincoln County Historical and Genealogical Society, the light on the sign was ﬁrst illuminated in November 1915 when the Liberty Bell made its way through Brookhaven. During WWII, the sign was taken down to assist with the war effort and a replica was installed in November 1996.

48 Q Venture South Magazine

The beautiful downtown train depot is now home to the townâ€™s Military Memorial Museum. The museum is home to artifacts and photos dating back to WWI. The depot is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The historic Whitworth College Campus, constructed in the mid-1800s, was home to an all-womenâ€™s college, and now features prominence in the National Register of Historic Places. In 2003, after serving numerous roles in the collegiate realm and being abandoned for a time, the campus reopened as the Mississippi School of the Arts. The residential school for artistically gifted 11th and 12th graders features areas of study in dance, music, theater and the visual arts.

myventuresouth.com Q 49

Sunday Drive