Pepper place

Volume 1, Issue 2

Holiday Issue

BRING HOME THE HOLIDAYS

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Photos by 205 Photography/Jana Sobel

A MAGICAL SPACE On any given evening you’ll find the crowd from Idie and Chris Hastings’ new restaurant, OvenBird, spilling from the open doors into the stunning gardens. “The garden is a magical space,” says Chris. “You don’t feel like you’re in Birmingham.” The restaurant’s energy can be felt the moment you step inside the gate. The setting invites guests to view the gardens and the kitchen where you can see the food being prepared over the wood fire oven.

The one-page menu matches the casual atmosphere of the restaurant with a selection ranging from “shared snacks” to “oceans + estuaries.” “The Beef Fat Candle has been a popular menu item,” says Chris. “And I have been pleasantly surprised that folks have 2

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also taken to the Braised Goat.” The Smoked Mackerel Salad and Smashed Beef and Carrots are also proving to be favorites.

Both the atmosphere and menu of OvenBird reflect Chris’ longtime love of the outdoors. “I learned long before I was a chef how nature provided moments,” he says.

“How the moon affects different tides and fishing opportunities. How certain types of weather affect how animals move and how they are available to hunt.” His relationship with nature has informed him about the foods of the season and how to find the best local ingredients. Chris believes in celebrating things available to you when they are available. For instance, he can’t chase turkey except from March 15 through April 30, and, likewise, can only use local tomatoes from May through the end of September.

Because so much of his time is spent working

ent,” says Charlie. “In the winter we’ll add camellias

at his restaurants or on other projects, Chris enjoys

and conifers.” There’s a nod to the culinary scene

spending time with his family or escaping to the

with vegetable gardens planted around the gardens

outdoors whenever he can. “I enjoy hunting and

that showcase what’s available in season. Right now

fishing wherever I can go,” he says. “Whether it’s a

the planters are filled with Bok Choy, Swiss Chard,

local brim pond, going salmon fishing in Canada, or

Nasturtiums, Texas Tarragon, Oregano, and Rose-

to striper fish in Boston.” Chris enjoys hunting turkey

mary. “We planted the Texas Tarragon thinking it

all over the South, duck hunting in Nova Scotia, and

would be used for cooking,” says Charlie. “But the

dove hunting in Argentina.

bartenders have been using it in the drinks, which

Chris and Idie created OvenBird as a place that

has been great.”

OvenBird is perfectly

folks could relax and enjoy a meal with friends and

suited to accommodate

family. It’s an oasis away from the everyday stresses

Crepe Myrtles instead of multi-trunked selections

your large parties,

of life where a great meal of local, seasonal ingredi-

so that they could work around them with vari-

celebrations, and

ents can be celebrated.

ous plantings and vignettes. The garden’s fence is

corporate events with

And one of the best places for relaxing is in the

Some focal points of the garden include standard

lined with Climbing Pink Roses, which make a great

five areas and multiple

garden space, which is a public area of Pepper Place

addition because they’re thornless and bloom from

combinations avail-

created by Charlie Thigpen. “We wanted to cre-

April to December. There were also four bird nests in

able for private dining.

ate small vignettes similar to outdoor rooms,” says

the roses, including a bunch of mocking birds. And

If you’re looking for a

Charlie. The vignettes have seating areas surrounded

there’s nothing more peaceful then sitting in the

place to eat well on a

by fountains, outdoor lights, and pots filled with

garden enjoying the vignettes and listening to the

Monday night, look no

seasonal plantings.

mocking birds sing.

further than OvenBird!

“Each season in the garden will be very differ-

As for special events, watch for OvenBird’s Punch and Porron Social to debut in early 2016!

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A DAY AT PEPPER PLACE Sample some of the best in local dining and design that the city has to offer. Escape for a day at Pepper Place to experience some of the charms that can only be found in this one-of-a-kind district.

Breakfast at Red Cat: With its in-house roasted coffee and tempting selection of pastries, Red Cat provides the ideal setting to ease into your morning. Relax with friends or a good book in one of the many Dessert at OvenBird.

seating areas among the ambiance of the exposed brick and sacks of coffee.

Healthy Morning: Restore and energize while you strength train with a total body workout in an aerial yoga class at Aero Joe. Afterwards rent a zyp bike from the 29th Street bikeshare station to take a leisurely ride around the streets of Pepper Place and surrounding areas and enjoy the charm of the old buildings. Then feel refreshed when you stop by Click Salon for a great new hair style.

Dream Up A Home Makeover: Whether you want a few refreshers for your home or a complete overhaul, a visit to one of the Ferguson showrooms will inspire you with the latest in kitchen, bath, and lighting design from some of the best-known manufacturers in the country. Cross 2nd Ave S and head into Cantley & Company to discover some of the best in custom cabinetry, furniture, and décor to create your own kitchen masterpiece, and complete your look with beautiful contemporary lighting from illuminations. Don’t forget about the living room – Atmosphere has some of the best finds in town for accessorizing the modern home.

Late Lunch: Tucked along the pedestrian spine of Pepper Place, the fresh flavors and atmosphere of Cantina give an authentic taste of

Breakfast at The Red Cat. 4

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Strolling to Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery.

Mexico. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon meal with a prickly pear margarita and your favorite tacos.

Afternoon stroll and shop: Experience quintessential Southern design with a visit to King’s House, where you’ll uncover great accessories, lighting, and one-of-a-kind furniture finds from Europe. Schedule an appointment with Christin or Claire to help you select from one of the hundreds of Oriental and Persian rugs on display in one of the most unique renovated warehouses in the city. Walk next door to Interiors at Pepper Place to see more treasures from some of the area’s finest antique and home furnishings dealers. Step into Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Shop for inspiring pots, plants, and garden structures to create your own backyard oasis or holiday decoration. Stroll over to Richard Tubbs to tour the showroom and see the latest trends Aerial yoga at Aero Joe.

in interior design.

Dinner: Located in the Martin Biscuit Building, Bettola offers signature Neapolitan pizzas baked in an authentic brick oven from Naples and a variety of house made pastas and locally sourced cured meats. Chef James Lewis cures his meats inhouse and hangs them on display in the kitchen. Try one of their specialty cocktails or suggested Italian wines with your meal.

Dessert: End your day in one of the most beautiful parts of Pepper Place, the garden outside of OvenBird with a scrumptious dessert. Choose from a number of favorites such as the Apple Crostada, Almond Cake, or Beignets.

Dinner on the patio at Betolla.

Afternoon shopping at King’s House.

Late lunch at Cantina. pepperplace.com

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE 2

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING Discover great finds for everyone on your list with great gifts from Pepper Place.

AERO JOE (PHOTO 3) Fight the indulgence that comes this time of year with yoga and pilates packages. Special group packages and parties make staying healthy even easier. www.aerojoepilates.com ATMOSPHERE HOME ESSENTIALS (PHOTO 1) The “Corvo” sofa by Lazar available as sectional or armchair makes the perfect spot to relax or visit with holiday guests. www.atmosphereHomeEssentials.com

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B. DOT (PHOTO 2) The handcrafted Spare-O made from wood spared from the junk heap makes a unique gift for teachers and neighbors. www.bdota.com CANTLEY & CO. INC. (PHOTO 4) Update your kitchen for holiday gatherings with unique drawer pulls and knobs. www.cantleyandcompany.com CHARLIE THIGPEN’S GARDEN GALLERY (PHOTO 5) Looking for festive gifts or decorating ideas? Check out their large collection of holiday plants and accessories. www.charlie-thigpen.squarespace.com

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YOU COULD WIN A $1,000 SHOPPING SPREE! See page 8

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DECEMBER 2015

Festive wreaths page 80

IDEAS FOR A HAPPY

DECEMBER 2015 FUN IDEAS FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY

Holiday

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AMAZING

Gifts Under

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$

TREES, STOCKINGS, CRAFTS , MORE!

CHRISTMAS New Favorites to COOKIES! Make and Share

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CLICK SALON (PHOTO 5) Create a bouquet of scent and style with mix-andmatch hair product gift sets. www.clicksalon.com COUNTRY LIVING (PHOTO 6) Know someone who loves great recipes, crafting, and decorating? Give them something they will enjoy all year long––a magazine subscription. www.countryliving.com

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FERGUSON GALLERY (PHOTO 7) Invite your guests to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays with their wine bathtub tray. www.ferguson.com FRONTERA (PHOTO 8) Deck the halls with one of their handcrafted iron Christmas trees. www.fronterairon.com HEIDI ELNORA (PHOTO 9) What better way to celebrate a holiday engagement than to design your dream wedding dress? www.heidielnora.com ILLUMINATIONS (PHOTO 10) Light up the season with the FollowMe portable and rechargeable lamp that can be taken wherever you go. www.illumco.com

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11 INTERIORS AT PEPPER PLACE (PHOTO 11) Set a bold holiday table with antique silverware and serving pieces.

KING’S HOUSE ANTIQUES (PHOTO 12) The possibilities are endless with these 19th c apothecary bottles perfect for seasonal decorating and gift-giving. www.kingshouseantiques.com KING’S HOUSE ORIENTAL RUGS (PHOTO 13) Give your room a fresh look with a handcrafted rug

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just in time for drop-in company. www.kingshouseorientalrugs.com

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MENTAL FLOSS (PHOTO 14) Give the gift of amazing & interesting facts, quizzes, and more with a yearlong subscription to this smart publication. www.mentalfloss.com RICHARD TUBB INTERIORS (PHOTO 15) Discover just the right home accent or one-of-a-kind

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gift from their wide collection of accessories. www.richardtubbinteriors.com

13 SCENE (PHOTO 16) If you’re looking for a special gift this season or want to add some new artwork before a holiday party, visit Scene for pieces that will look great in any home. www.artgallery1930.com TERRIFIC NEW THEATRE (PHOTO 17) Everyone will love the unique theatre experience that comes with tickets to one of these incredible shows. www.terrificnewtheatre.com 8

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HOLIDAY DINING GUIDE 20

DINING Whether you’re looking for a relaxing place to eat with friends or a holiday get together, Pepper Place is the place to go for food and drinks this holiday season.

OVENBIRD (PHOTO 18) Drop by OvenBird after a holiday party to enjoy one of our many specialty desserts such as the Dulce De Leche Flan served with a Black Pepper Cream and Marcona Almond. Treat yourself after a busy day of

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shopping to an OvenBird signature cocktail such as the Rufus Horneros made from sorghum and aromatic bitters. www.ovenbirdrestaurant.com RED CAT (PHOTO 19) While you warm up with a cup of your favorite coffee and treat, pick up a few packages of one their specialty blends to give as gifts or to serve Christmas morning. www.theredcatcoffeehouse.com

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CANTINA (PHOTO 20) Host a holiday happy hour at Cantina complete with fiesta favorites such as margaritas, chips and dips, and tasty tacos. www.cantinabirmingham.com BETOLLA (PHOTO 21) House cured meats are the centerpiece of many of the tasty appetizers found at Bettola. Make the season merry and bright with one of the bar manager’s refreshing cocktails. pepperplace.com

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CURING CAMP Nothing against industrial-raised meats, but it’s hard to top the fresh flavor you get from dishes made with house-cured meats. That’s why Chef James Lewis of Bettola has spent the past seven years perfecting his skills in this ancient craft. “There’s an old-fashioned art to curing meat that can only be learned from folks who have been doing it for a long time,” he says.

James and two other friends and experts in the field, the French Master Butcher Marc Pauvert of the Four Seasons in Baltimore and Butcher Michael Sullivan, formerly the butcher at Blackberry Farms, had the idea to host the first in a series of Curing Camps. The three of them spent three days in October at Bettola with twelve other restaurant owners and chefs from all over the Southeast to master the art of meat curing. The class in this old-style butchering process involved everything from the breakdown of different fats and muscles to the curing times for various meats.

“The three of us were excited to do the event,” says James. “There’s such an art to this technique that it’s almost like a brotherhood.” The curing camp was such a success that they plan to do it every six months. The next one will be in Charlotte, North Carolina.

And there’s no doubt that patrons of Bettola will continue to reap the benefits of James’ talent, as the cured meats are one of the most popular menu items. “People really love the salami and prosciutto,” says James. “They’re delicious slow-cooked in duck fat and then spread onto breads.”

Photo by D. Paul Jones III

NEW SCENE “It’s fun to sell work that you love,” says Laura Vogtle, owner of Gallery 1930 and Scene. Laura opened Gallery 1930 in English Village several years ago with her mother, Kathryn Keith as a place to showcase and sell her sister Meredith Keith’s artwork. As they learned more about the business, they began to commit to selling other artists’ work.

In October they chose Pepper Place to open their second location, Scene. “We didn’t have enough room in the English Village location,” says Laura. “We had a lot of customers who were redoing a home or corporate space who needed to look at a lot of pieces.”

Laura and Kathryn were looking for a space where they could have more storage, but could also work out of and, most importantly, it had to have the right image. “We were drawn to Pepper Place because of the look of the building. It was artsy and fun––and it had great parking,” she says.

The space that they rented for Scene previously had a jazz bar.

They painted the walls white, removed the carpet and polished the concrete floors, moved a wall, and installed lighting in order to better show their artwork. Because the location had a bar, kitchen, and plenty of space, they’re also going to rent it for parties in the evening. People can get their own caterer and buy their own alcohol, which they think will be a big draw to their location.

The big space will also allow them to host more artist events, 10

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which is one of their goals for the coming year. Laura plans to have shows with a single theme that can showcase more artists. They typically have about 300 people attend their current shows in English Village, but haven’t been able to have as many this year because that space was being renovated. “My idea of a successful art show is people coming,” she says. “Our community supports art enough that they’ll even come if they have no intention of buying.” In fact, one thing Laura loves most about Birmingham is the amount of creativity that can be found in the city––whether its gardening, cooking, art, or music, there are lots of talented people here.

HERE’S TO THE NEXT 15!

With the market season winding down, we think it’s a good time to look back over The Market’s 15th Anniversary year.

At the top of our list is a hearty “thank you” to everyone who supports our local Alabama growers and ranchers. Your support makes all the difference! Because of you, our loyal customers, Alabama growers can continue to do what they do best – sow and grow the best fresh produce in the country.

Your support means our farmers can work their fields over the winter and spring and bring fresh vegetables and fruit back to The Market in 2016.

As we look back over this year, we can’t help but smile and celebrate. This year brought bigger crowds to Pepper Place and new customers for our farmers, artisans and food producers. While we know that farmers markets are more than just a place to find fresh, local food, the large turnouts we saw Saturday after Saturday tells us that more folks in the area are learning this, too!

Not only did we see new customers, we also celebrate the new vendors added to the market this year. 40 new food businesses and artists joined The Market at Pepper Place, in addition, six new farmers and two local non-profits joined us this year, too!

We are proud of our farmers and value-added vendors!

Because of your support, many of our vendors have opened brick and mortar shops in the area and several are placing their products in local grocery stores. Harvest Roots Farm & Ferment is expanding operations regionally and will soon be able to produce more of their best-selling fermented products.

Heron Hollow Farm just purchased acreage in Chilton County and will now call the Maplesville area home. There is no doubt that local farmers markets contribute to the community in a big way!

Our 15th Anniversary year was the best ever – here’s to the next fifteen!

OPENED BRICK AND MORTAR SITES:

NOW AVAILABLE AT LOCAL SUPERMARKETS:

• Baking Bandits • JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies • Bare Naked Noodles • Big Spoon Creamery • Birmingham Breadworks • Sprout & Pour

• The Hummus People • Southern Foothills Farm • Spoon & Ladle Soup Company • After Midnight Salsa • Southern Sweet Treats

(new location)

• Steel City Pops (new location)

• Original Bham.

CELEBRATE THE FARMERS OF THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE. A COFFEE TABLE BOOK WITH PHOTOS BY D. PAUL JONES III; ESSAYS BY TANNER LATHAM; INTRODUCTION BY FRANK STITT. KNOW THY FARMER ($50) AVAILABLE AT PEPPERPLACEMARKET.COM/KNOWTHYFARMER

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BEHIND THE

SCENES

DESCRIBE THE SPECIALIZATION OF SCHILLECI & TORTORICI, P.C.?

We are a full service boutique business law firm focused on helping start up and grow businesses. Generally our clients are in the manufacturing business and we represent a large number of food and dietary supplement companies. Jason handles a large number of bar, nightclub, musician and artists in litigation. Jody’s focus is heavy on trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement and food industries.

Your firm has offices here and in California.

EXPLAIN HOW THAT CAME TO BE THE CASE? Having lived in Los Angeles, Jason has a large number of clients on the West Coast and continues to service those clients. With the new trend of multi-jurisdictional firms and our commitment

ZYP

to developing lasting personal relationships with our clients, having the capability to service

AROUND

Whether they’re looking for a

from coast to coast gives us a leg up on many other firms who are limited with only one office.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO PEPPER PLACE? We are not interested in the traditional model and Pepper Place speaks to that in its history

quick way to get to a meeting down-

as well as its architecture. Our office space feels like the type of space any number of our

town without the hassle of parking

clients would want for themselves. There is a wonderful scene in The Godfather where they

or a leisurely lunch hour bike ride,

are in the conference room of the Genco Olive Oil Company and we wanted our office to feel

folks around Birmingham are taking

the same.

advantage of the new Zyp Bikeshare

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT WE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW.

program in large numbers. Since

We are first cousins. Growing up, we both wanted to be attorneys and it has been an ongoing

coming to the city in October, the

source of ribbing in our family that we are both attorneys and now working together.

Pepper Place station has seen some

WHAT ARE YOU READING AND LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

of the most activity. Many folks are

Jody: I am reading Memory Man by David Baldacci and Gray Mountain by John Grisham and

heading to Pepper Place from their

listening to Hair Nation on Sirius XM Jason: I am a metal head so right now I am listening to

downtown offices to shop or dine

the new Machine Head album, Bloodstone and Diamonds, as well as the new Danko Jones.

during their lunch hours. To learn more about the program, visit the website www.zypbikeshare.com

Jody Schilleci and Jason Tortorici of Schilleci & Tortorici, P.C.

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SAVE THE

DATE

Be sure to check out these and other great Pepper Place Market District goings-on at www.pepperplace.com

THE SCOUT

GUIDE The

Scout Guide Birmingham

(TSG) celebrated the release of Volume 4 by hosting a cocktail party at OvenBird with the help of their Volume 4 member Pepper Place. “It was fun to offer a sneak peek of the new restaurant to all of our members,” says Editor Courtney Pigford. Chris and Idie Hastings prepared a special menu. TSG supports local, independently owned businesses by celebrating the unique and talented artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs.

ON THE

MOVE

We are pleased to welcome all

of the following new tenants to the Pepper Place Market District: Scene: A sleek, modern art gallery and perfect venue for receptions, corporate events, parties and more.

OvenBird: Chris and Idie Hastings’ live fire, casual restaurant.

We are also happy to have the following tenants renew their leases for an additional term: iCantina Context A3 Live Design Southern Environmental Law Center

Dec. 22, 2015 Aero Joe Winter solstice: FREE Myofascial Release Class 5:30 p.m. www.aerojoepilates.com Jan. 9, 2016 Market at Pepper Place Mid-Winter Meeting for Artisans / Food Vendors 8:30 a.m. at Cantina www.pepperplacemarket.com Jan. 14, 2016 Terrific New Theatre New Play Begins – “Bad Jews” www.terrificnewtheatre.com for tickets Feb. 6, 2016 Market at Pepper Place Mid-Winter Meeting: Farmers and Ranchers 8 a.m. at Cantina www.pepperplacemarket.com March 2-3, 2016 Momentum Leadership Conference Sheraton/BJCC www.momentumleadershipconference.com March 10, 2016 Terrific New Theatre New Play Begins – “Outside Mullingar.” www.terrificnewtheatre.com for tickets April 9, 2016 Market at Pepper Place 16th season of the Market begins 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. www.pepperplacemarket.com

DESIGN WEEK

The city of Birmingham has long been one of

the best-kept secrets in the South. The talent brimming from architects, graphic artists, landscape and industrial designers, and more produces a hub of creativity. That was celebrated during Design Week Birmingham held October 19-24. Three events took place at the former Birmingham Blueprint building, which is one of the newest additions to the Pepper Place District. Twenty firms participated in the Design Agency Open House on the opening night, including BW&Co, Bdot Architecture, Krumdiek A+I, and Cayenne Creative, all of the Pepper Place District. A fashion event followed where several fashion designers displayed natural and ethnic capabilities of the Southern identity. On Friday night twelve creatives from art and design communities gathered together to share their inspiration, thoughts and ideas. Pepper Place’s Heidi Elnora was a guest speaker. Design Week Birmingham ended on Saturday with a farm to table dinner catered by Heron Hollow Farm where presentations were made on the design challenges facing the city and how we might expand learning opportunities. As one of Birmingham’s primary design districts, Pepper Place was honored to be part of such a forward thinking event. pepperplace.com

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DISTRICT DIRECTORY 1ST AVENUE SOUTH

1ST AVENUE SOUTH

2

P 2ND AVENUE SOUTH

3 P

P

4

6

29TH STREET SOUTH

28TH STREET SOUTH

2ND AVENUE SOUTH

5 P

7

P

8

3RD AVENUE SOUTH

3RD AVENUE SOUTH

Zyp Bike Station

P

Parking

RETAIL & SHOWROOMS

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

3. Aero Joe Pilates

5. Bettola

6. Atmosphere Home Essentials

5. Cantina

6. Cantley & Company

6. OvenBird

5. Aq2 Technologies

3. Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery

5. The Red Cat

5. Battle & Winn LLP

4. The Collective

6. Terrific New Theatre, Inc

6. Bdot Architecture, Inc

5. Dekalb Office

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

5. Chip Rewards Inc

1. Eisys, Inc

3. About Town

4. Epic

2. Ferguson Enterprises

3. Black Benak, LLC

8. Frontera

6. BW&Co, Inc

www.aerojoepilates.com

www.atmospherehomeessentials.com www.cantleyandcompany.com

www.charliethigpensgardengallery.com www.clicksalon.com www.dekalboffice.com www.eisys-inc.com www.ferguson.com

www.fronterairon.com

4. Heidi Elnora LLC www.heidielnora.com

6. illuminations

www.illumco.com

6. Interiors At Pepper Place www.interiorsatpepperplace.com

3. King’s House Antiques

www.kingshouseantiques.com

www.bettolarestaurant.com www.cantinatortillagrill.com

www.ovenbirdrestaurant.com www.theredcatcoffeehouse.com

www.terrificnewtheatre.com

www.abouttownsite.com

www.blackbenak.com www.thinkbw.co

4. Context A3

www.contexta3.com

5. Country Living

www.countryliving.com

4. Hodges and Associates www.thehighroad.com

4. Mental Floss

www.mentalfloss.com

3. King’s House Oriental Rugs

6. Murphy Media, Inc

4. Richard Tubb Interiors

4. Peppermint Photography

www.kingshouseorientalrugs.com

www.richardtubbinteriors.com

3. Scene

www.artgallery1930.com

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31ST STREET SOUTH

1

pepperplace.com

www.murphymedia.com

www.apeppermintphoto.com

Jones Valley Trail

4. Urban Coding

www.urbancoding.net

4. Peritus Pr, LLC www.perituspr.com

OFFICES www.aq2tech.com

www.battlewinn.com www.bdota.com

www.chiprewards.com www.epicbrokers.com

4. Haskins Jones, LLC www.haskinsjones.com

6. Kahn South, Inc

www.albertkahn.com

6. Krumdieck A+i Design www.krumdieck.com

3. Live Design Group

www.livedesigngroup.com

6. MOMENTUM

www.momentumleaders.org

6. Schilleci & Tortorici, PC www.schillecitortoricilaw.com

4. Southern Environmental Law Center www.southernenvironment.org