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CONTENTS 2017 • VOLUME 14 • NO. 6
features 47 Introducing the “I do” couples
72 The First Year Experiencing the ups and downs
62 Round Romance Sea-filled islands and resorts
80 Sterling Silver Continuing old traditions
departments 14 Living Well Keeping barefoot beauties
42 On the Road Again Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
18 Notables Kallen Esperian
44 Greater Goods 88 Homegrown Nashville’s Colts Chocolate
22 Exploring Art New Orleans’ WWII museum
92 Southern Gentleman Cultivating the taste of cigars
26 Exploring Books Running with the Bulls
96 Southern Harmony 45th Bentonia Blues Festival
30 Into the Wild Swimming with sealife
100 In Good Spirits Wedding cake martini
34 Table Talk Kepler’s Italian Grill
102 Exploring Events
38 Exploring Destinations Celebrating Dirty Dancing
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104 Reflections Something Blue
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editor’s note } june Finding Favorites
It’s quite possible I sound like a broken record but I can’t help it. Every month as I sit down to write this letter, I reflect on the current issue, the content and our general theme and I usually want to write, “this one is my favorite!” While it may ring rather hollow, it’s true…for that month. When I saw the cover of this issue, I thought…how can you not love the idea of, well, love? And this image so captures the beauty and spontaneity of young love. So I’ll just get it out of the way now and say I love this issue. We’ve often heard that millennials value a different lifestyle than their parents and grandparents, eschewing the heavy antiques or traditional trappings. Even so, Alex takes an interesting look at silver and how young brides are choosing to use or incorporate this ageless tradition into their new homes. And speaking of new homes, Robin interviewed newlyweds to get an idea of how living together their first year taught them more about each other. It’s insightful reading on page 72. For those interested in exploring cigars, Eric helps clear the smoke. If you’re a novice or a collector, he helps us grasp this cultured smoking affair and how people approach cigar smoking in today’s non-smoking world. I have a feeling more than a few Cubans or Hondurans will find a light this season.
JUNE 2017 • Vol. 14 No.6
PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Adam Mitchell PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Paula Mitchell EDITOR-AT-LARGE Karen Ott Mayer ASSISTANT EDITOR Andrea Brown Ross One story this month may hit more than a few heart strings, especially for those like me who lived through the original “Dirty Dancing” days. What could be more fun at any wedding or vacation than to relive Baby’s dance steps? T his month, we’ve gone from Florida to Nashville to bring our readers and brides a few new ideas. We hope your summer begins with your own celebrations--and ends with new traditions. Our congratulations to all the brides and grooms! Until July,
Karen
CONTRIBUTORS Robin Gallaher Branch Mary Ann DeSantis Alex Jacks James Richardson Debra Pamplin J. Eric Eckard Chere Coen Charlene Oldham Kathryn Winter Andrea Brown Ross PUBLISHED BY DeSoto Media 2375 Memphis St. Ste 205 Hernando, MS 38632 662.429.4617 Fax 662.449.5813 ADVERTISING INFO: Paula Mitchell 901-262-9887 Paula@DeSotoMag.com DeSotoMagazine.com Get social with us!
on the cover There’s nothing better than a romantic, beach kiss for the cover of our June wedding issue! Alex Schell & Kyle McKinney were married in Sandestin Florida on Oct 22, 2016. Read more about their big day on page 60. Photography by Jennie Tewell Photography
©2017 DeSoto Media Co. DeSoto Magazine must give permission for any material contained herein to be reproduced in any manner. Any advertisements published in DeSoto Magazine do not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s services or products. DeSoto Magazine is published monthly by DeSoto Media Co. Parties i n t e re s t e d i n a d v e r t i s i n g s h o u l d email paula@desotomag.com or call 901-262-9887. Visit us online at desotomagazine.com.
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living well } foot care
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Best Foot Forward By James Richardson. Photography courtesy of mybaresandals.com and aviespa.ca
“How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of him that brings good news...” So the prophet Isaiah said. But whether on the mountain, on the beach, or in the flat lands of the Mid-South, our feet take a beating all year long. Now that summer is almost here, it would be wise to take a little time to care for our often-taken-for-granted feet. As Dr. Ami Herbstrith recommends, “We all know when our feet hurt, everything can hurt! Our feet are our foundation so it is important to take care of them.” Dr. Ami Herbstrith practices with Mid-South Foot and Ankle Specialists (MSFAS) in Memphis. She is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Summer means being outside. Whether it is playing in the water at the pool or on the beach, hiking in the mountains or riding bikes around the neighborhood, or simply sitting at a baseball game, it is easy to get caught up in the fun and often overlook the importance of protecting our feet. Summer offers a variety of activities that can cause harm to our feet. “If you have neglected your feet, now is the time to get them into shape,” said Herbstrith.
“While vacationing this summer, many of us will be hiking, biking, golfing, swimming, and going to the amusement parks. It is important when you are on your feet during these activities that you choose a good, supportive shoe. You do not want to plan a day at an amusement park wearing non-supportive flip flops or shoes. You need to wear a good supportive athletic style sandal with straps to hold your foot in place or even better, athletic shoes,” she said. “Likewise, a day of hiking or a lot of walking on the golf course could lead to blisters. Prevent these by making sure you have tested your shoes. There are many over the counter products to help with blisters, such as silicone blister pads or moleskin. If you develop redness around the blister, infection could be a risk.” Summer also means going barefoot to a lot of people. DeSoto 17
“Many of us kick our shoes off and go barefoot, however you should never go barefoot!” admonished Dr. Herbstrith. “Protect yourself from injury. You do not want to step on something, such as glass, a rock, nail, or even a snake! You also want to protect yourself from insect or spider bites.” She notes that all of these can be painful or even lead to infection, recommending instead a good supportive sandal. For diabetics, she suggests avoiding a ‘thong’ sandal with something between the toes. This can cause irritation and problems down the road. “Going to the beach or the lake this summer? We all use sunscreen, however many of us forget to lather up the tops of the feet. The skin on the top of your foot is delicate and can sunburn very easily. Make sure that you apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, just as you do the rest of your body.” Dr. Herbstrith also recommends wearing water shoes if vacation plans include visiting a water park or a public pool “because plantar warts and athlete’s foot are both contagious, and can be spread through direct contact of a communal type surface.” For the most part, women take care of their feet better than men and consequently visit a spa or nail salon for pedicures. If you get pedicures make sure you check into the cleanliness of the salon and sterilization of the instruments. Fungal infections on the feet and nails can spread very easily. “All of us should take care of and monitor our feet on a regular basis. However, certain individuals should take extra 18 DeSoto
care and precaution. If you are a diabetic, you should avoid the salon and should check your feet on a daily basis. Look between the toes and check the bottom of your feet. You can also feel for any rough spots which could indicate a callus or corn, or even worse, a sore. A diabetic should have a foot exam at least once a year, and certain diabetics may be at higher risk for more frequent visits. Children can also be prone to develop foot trouble. Most young children have flat feet which is a normal growing process. However, as a child matures, complaints of pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, or knees are not normal. “Proper shoes with good arch support is very important, and sometimes special inserts can be made to help with discomfort,” said Dr. Herbstrith. With summer fast approaching, taking a little extra care of our feet can make time in the sun more fun and less problematic. Checking your feet on a regular basis is key.
“If you have neglected your feet, now is the time to get them into shape,” Dr. Ami Herbstrith
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notables } kallen esperian
Photography by Haily Humphreys
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Kallen with distinguished artist award recipients, Amy Grant and Vince Gill.
Hitting the High Notes By Robin Gallaher Branch. Photography courtesy of Kallen Esperian
Kallen Esperian has a large painting above her piano. Colorful in red and gold, it contains the single word, hope. That word resonates throughout the decades of her life lived in the limelight as a world-renowned opera star but also in the recent years of less public prominence and private struggles. However, wonderful things are happening right now in her life and career as a soprano. In March she was among those honored by Bill Haslam, governor of Tennessee, with a Distinguished Artist Award. The other two honorees were Amy Grant, the singer/ songwriter, and Vince Gill, the country singer. All were invited to perform at the Nashville ceremony, but only Esperian did. She sang several arias, including the beloved “Habanera” from “Carmen”. Esperian, a Memphian, laughs that she never gets used to the honors she receives. “I always feel humbled,” she said. “I just thank God. His gift has allowed me to see the world and to give and receive so much joy.” Esperian has a merry sense of humor and her eyes sparkle when she talks.
Another significant event is a documentary on her life, “Vissi D’arte.” Directed by Stephen John Ross, it premiered at the Indie Memphis Film Festival in May 2016 and has been shown in Palm Springs and several other American cities. The Italian phrase meaning “I have lived for art” comes from an aria in Tosca by Puccini which Esperian has sung many times. The documentary chronicles her career with its whirlwind years of international stardom and acclaim, its period roughly from 2006 until recently when she was largely away from the public realm, and its steady upswing since 2015. “Her great humanity and truthfulness come out in her singing,” said Gary Beard, her accompanist for the last three years. “God gave her an incredible talent that she had nothing to do with. She’s done everything she can to perfect it.” DeSoto 21
At the Governor’s Mansion, after receiving the Tenneesse Arts Commision 2017 “Distinguished Artist Award”, with Governor Bill Haslam, and cousins Jennifer and Ed Sargent.
As a child, Esperian’s talent was not particularly recognized. At age 16, she knew she loved to sing and, more importantly, knew she could sing. Later on she realized she wanted to sing. An early role was with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis as Jenny Diver in “The Beggar’s Opera” by John Gay. She graduated from the University of Illinois. She has played key roles in 13 Verdi operas like Desdemona in “Otello” and Luisa Miller in the opera of the same name. She has starred as Cio-Cio-San in “Madame Butterfly” and Mimi in “La Boheme” by Puccini. Her bel canto repertoire includes Bellini’s “Norma” and Donizetti’s “Maria Stuarda”. Notable tenor costars have been Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo. She has sung at The Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, and Royal Albert Hall. Her La Scala debut was as Luisa Miller. “I feel the happiest when I am singing and using what God gave me,” she said. Esperian jokes that she chooses her roles in two ways. First, she’ll take the role if the opera is named for her character. If it is not, she’ll take a role if her character dies in the end. If the opera does not meet at least one of those bars, “I don’t do it.” she smiled. When asked about her favorite costume, she chuckled. Most of the best soprano roles depict women in difficult times. “They were usually very poor. I don’t get to look really pretty,” she laughed. “However, I have many beautiful concert gowns.” Espirian’s life has had hard times. She divorced in 2006. In 2009, she was in a car accident; a routine brain scan because of the accident unexpectedly found a colloid cyst. Within two weeks she had major brain surgery. “The doctors said the cyst had been there for 20 years or more and was growing,” she said. In 2010, her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Adjustments in her life curtailed her career. Assessing those years she said, “Life is like opera. But life is stranger than opera.” About two and a half years ago, “the sun came out,” she beamed. Her life took a turn. “The documentary concentrates on the support of great friends and their help in getting me to sing again,” Esperian said. Beard believes the decision to rest her voice for several years was a good one; the stress of pursuing a career and the stress of personal difficulties can ruin a voice. “Frankly, I think her voice has come back better than it ever was,” he said. 22 DeSoto
Esperian keeps to a training regimen. “Opera singers are athletes. We’re not models. You have to be strong,” she said. She works with a personal trainer three times a week; Pilates strengthens her core muscles. Over the years, she lost 65 pounds. She loves teaching voice and passing on “the art of singing.” When asked to describe her voice, she said, “I have depth and a brightness. People tell me that it’s velvet-like.” Then she laughed and explained that they add, “It doesn’t hurt their ears!” Dabney Coors, her good friend, describes Esperian’s voice as one heard once every 100 years. “She sang for four people in my house and her voice was ringing the chandeliers!” Coors exclaimed. That painted word above her piano, hope, remains pivotal in this new season in Esperian’s life. What does she want to do professionally in the next few years? Esperian, her expressive face showing she enjoyed the question, replied, “Norma. Because you cannot do that role unless you are totally at the top of your game.”
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exploring art } national world war II museum
WWII Courage Pavillion
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Higgins Boat
German Camo
Freedom on Display World War II Museum transports through time By Mary Ann DeSantis . Photography courtesy of Tony & Mary Ann DeSantis
New Orleans may seem like an unlikely venue for the National World War II Museum, but once inside you will think you’re in wartime Europe or the South Pacific. “All aboard,” the conductor bellowed at the door of a vintage-looking Pullman train car inside the National World War II Museum. I quickly grabbed a digital dog tag and headed to join the line. Missing the train in 1941 could have resulted in a court-martial. Today, it means passing up an interactive journey through history as a narrator describes scenes that new recruits experienced when they left home to fight in foreign lands… and what they felt. Once the train was “moving,” I learned a few brief facts about the serviceman whose dog tag I received. Doris “Dorie” Miller from Waco, Texas, was a Messman Third Class in the U. S. Navy. He was also the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross, the third highest honor awarded by the Navy at the time. It was my duty to follow him throughout the museum’s interactive kiosks to learn what happened to him. Did he survive the war and return home? Or was he one of the more than 400,000 killed serving his country? Only at the end of the day did I learn his fate.
Open since June 6, 2000, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans covers six acres in the city’s Central Business District. Founded by the late historian and author Stephen Ambrose, the museum was originally known as the National D-Day Museum. In 2003, Congress officially designated it as America’s National WWII Museum. Today, five state-of-the-art pavilions contain more than 100,000 artifacts that tell the story of “the war that changed the world.” Hundreds of photos and exhibits help visitors understand why and how the war was fought and what it means today. Why New Orleans? Ambrose, a University of New Orleans professor, spent decades researching and writing about the war. After collecting more than 2,000 oral histories from veterans, he realized the U.S. had no museum on the homefront to honor them. He also knew New Orleans had been home to Higgins DeSoto 25
Pacific Theater
Industries, a small boat company owned by entrepreneur Andrew Jackson Higgins, who originally built boats designed to operate in Louisiana’s shallow bayous. Higgins modified his design to produce a unique collection of amphibious boats, which became known in the war as Higgins boats. Without those boats, war strategy would have been different, General – and later President – Dwight D. Eisenhower said. Planning your visit The National WWII Museum is so large and the exhibits so compelling you’ll need more than a couple of hours, especially if you plan to see the films and enjoy the excellent on-site restaurants. A second-day pass is available for $6 when you buy a regular admission ($26, adults; $22.50, seniors; and $16.50, students and active military). World War II veterans always get in free. Buy tickets online (nationalww2museum.org/visit) to be assured of getting a ticket for the highly recommended “Beyond All Boundaries” 4D film, produced and narrated by actor Tom Hanks. Screenings in the Solomon Victory Theater are hourly but advance tickets are recommended, especially for early showings. The extra $5 for the 45-minute film is worth the price. Start your day at the museum’s 1940s-era Soda Shop on the Magazine Street side, where you can build your own biscuit for breakfast. The towering creation certainly will last you most of the day, or until you can grab authentic seafood gumbo at the American Sector restaurant next door to the Solomon Victory Theater. The Campaigns of Courage Pavilion across Andrew 26 DeSoto
Higgins Drive is the heart of the museum and where visitors spend the most time. The Road to Berlin: European Theater Galleries recreates the drama, sacrifices, and personal stories of the U.S. campaign to defeat the Axis powers. Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries opened in late 2015 and is a chronological journey of the war in the Pacific, where American troops faced overwhelming obstacles. Dog tag stations are located throughout the galleries, and in the Road to Tokyo galleries I was able to follow the whereabouts of Petty Officer Miller. He survived Pearl Harbor and was a hero for grabbing a .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun and firing until he ran out of ammunition. He then helped carry injured soldiers through oil and water to safety. He became an iconic figure for African-American soldiers during the war. Unfortunately, his luck ran out. Two years after Pearl Harbor, Miller was killed in action when the USS Liscome Bay was hit by a Japanese submarine during the Battle of Makin. Miller’s story – as do thousands of others – live on in the National World War II Museum. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
The National WWII Museum is located near Lee Circle where the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line stops on its journey between the Garden District and Canal Street. If the museum is the primary focus of your trip, you may find it convenient to stay nearby at the small, but charming Hotel Modern [www. thehotelmodern.com]. Access from there to New Orleans’ major tourist attractions is just a streetcar ride away. www.nationalww2museum.org
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exploring books} hemingway
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Running with the Bulls By Karen Ott Mayer. Photography courtesy of Karen Ott Mayer and remezcla.com
When Valerie Hemingway was a 19-year old woman in Dublin, Ireland she wanted to be a journalist. A local professional told her, “then go out in the world and get some experience.” Over 50 years later, sitting with a group of writers at the HemingwayPfeiffer museum in Piggott, Arkansas, the young Hemingway could never have imagined the road her life would take when she left Ireland. Author of the recently-released “Running of the Bulls”, she served as Ernest Hemingway’s personal secretary during the last years of his life, eventually also marrying his youngest son Gregory. More importantly, Hemingway worked closely with Ernest Hemingway’s wife Mary after the famous writer’s death, sorting through his private papers and unpublished manuscripts at the Finca in Cuba. She is truly one of the last living links to the real Ernest Hemingway and her decision to write her own memoir came only after years of careful consideration. “I decided it was time to put my side of the story down. Truth is so much more benign and biographers started to really just invent stories,” she said. Reserved, yet charming, she holds privacy dear in a world that has often helped create a mythical Hemingway. Her memoir is a fascinating, first-person glimpse into the daily life, struggles, joys and confusion that characterized her entire time with the Hemingway family. “People create their own personal Hemingway and they tell me with great conviction who Hemingway was,” she said. She has witnessed countless movies, books, and other media created about Hemingway and unfaltering beliefs most of them to be near fiction. Looking back, her personal friendship and professional working relationship with Hemingway came about in the most serendipitous circumstances. “I left Ireland and went to Spain to work in 1959. I met a couple in Madrid from a
Belgian news service who needed an English writer to interview famous people. I learned Hemingway was in town and went to interview him.” Her accounts are both poignant and humorous. She recalls with humiliation her first interaction with Hemingway,”My first question was a total gaff.” Instead of dismissing her, however, she said Hemingway asked her what she wanted to do. “I told him I wanted to be a journalist and he told me to forget about Ireland and get to know the country I was in.” Hemingway invited the young Irish girl along for a summer of raucous, crazy fun and frenetic travel across Spain and France. The group spent the next four months following the bullfighters, and she, at the center of a rather exotic pace, living a lifestyle she never even imagined back home. “My primary job requirement was to be able to sleep little and drink and eat copious amounts,” she said with a laugh. And she said this was a very Hemingway trait to include a young person. “He loved showing young people new things and teaching, especially if they were interested in his work.” By the end of the summer, however, she began to weigh her career options. When Hemingway approached her about a formal working relationship as his assistant, she didn’t exactly jump at the opportunity. “Why would I want to go to Cuba? Frankly, I knew nothing about Hemingway’s life. Prior to meeting him, I was unfamiliar with his writing because his DeSoto 29
Ernest Hemingway at the Finca Vigia, Cuba. 1946
books were banned.” She eventually decided to accept the position, and for the next two years, worked in Cuba, living at the Finca with Mary and Ernest. In Cuba, her primary duties consisted of reading manuscripts, helping with correspondence and letters, and fitting into the family’s schedule. Despite the romantic view of grand parties and endless guests, Hemingway reports, life in fact was private and only close friends were invited to the Finca. “He really had a joie de vivre and loved reading, eating and drinking. Remember, by the time I met him, he was an old man. He was fiercely competitive but his lifelong ambition was to be the best writer he possibly could be. But he was also shy in social situations, too.” And yes, his affection for cats held no bounds. “Being a cat was the ultimate sign of acceptance to Ernest.” They eventually parted, and at the time of Hemingway’s death, she had a tepid relationship with Mary---yet had developed a relationship with Gregory Hemingway, her future husband. When Hemingway died, Mary asked Valerie to return to Cuba with her and begin sorting out the massive amount of papers. Her memoir details those months the two spent, burning certain material, sorting others and even meeting Castro to arrange for the collection to return to the United States. Eventually, Valerie would sit in a 5th Avenue New York office for four years, sorting through the documents and helping Mary decide their fate. 30 DeSoto
“He didn’t want anything, manuscripts or books, published after his death,” she said. But three novels, “A Moveable Feast”, “A Dangerous Summer” and “Islands in the Stream” were all eventually published. Mary also donated a substantial collection to the Kennedy Library in New York. Today, Hemingway splits time between her home in Montana and the road. Keeping a brisk schedule of interviews and book signings. With “Running with the Bulls”, her hope is simply to share her Hemingway years and change the public narrative. Or, at least all these years later, offer a glimpse of truth.
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into the wild } marine life parks
Crystal River, Florida
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To Swim with the Fishes By Debra Pamplin. Photography courtesy of Discover Crystal River Florida and Gulf World Marine Park
Vacations throughout the southern states are full of adventure and oneof-a-kind opportunities. At the top of some families’ list might just be the desire to swim with marine life. Here are some places to keep in mind the next time you want to swim with Flipper or Moby! Gulf World Marine Park - Panama City Beach, Fla. Guests of this marine life park have four different options to swim with dolphins. Each category offers a different experience. Each category includes the dorsal tow, kiss, hand target, hugs, handshakes and free time.
Royal Swim
The Royal swim is listed as the most unique and most fun, because it offers the foot-push. Within this trained command, the dolphins will push you up from the soles of your feet, rising you above the water.
Swim Adventure
This is probably the most common method for swimming with dolphins. Guests hold onto the pectoral fins and are taken on an exciting and fast-paced ride.
Dolphin Encounter
This program is open to all ages, and is setup to be a fun learning and meeting experience. In this session, guests will learn how to use their hand as a target for the dolphin to jump into.
Swim Journey
An exclusive program to Gulf World, guests can experience interactions with both the rough-toothed dolphin and a bottlenose dolphin. Activities include handshake with both dolphins, slide out photo, double dorsal, mimics and high energy. This experience is approximately 30 minutes, and in a group. Three Sisters Springs - Crystal River, Florida Three Sisters Springs is an ideal location to go swimming with manatees. Three Sisters Springs provides perfect elements that prompt the manatee populations to migrate to the area. The most popular times to see these majestic gentle giants is mid-November through late March. Swimming with the manatees in their natural habitat can be exciting and fun, but there are a few rules of respect that should always be followed. Here are some manatee manners to keep in mind: While Manatees are laid back and calm, they can get stressed if they feel targeted. While it is okay to swim above them, they should never be chased. DeSoto 33
When snorkeling, it is recommended that swimmer’s feet should stay near the top of the water, as feet dangling toward the bottom of the river could scare the manatees. The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act has deemed it illegal to harass, disturb or hug a manatee. The species is listed as vulnerable on the International Conservation of Nature’s Red List. Manatees in general are friendly and curious. It isn’t uncommon for swimmers to be nuzzled and nudged by the gentle manatees. Allowing them to approach you is key. A short video is mandatory before the adventure begins at Three Sisters Springs, which outlines all the rules and guidelines for a fun and healthy interaction with the manatees. In Mississippi, there is a different adventure available. Gulfport allows visitors a variety of interactions with the cute Bottlenose Dolphin. The Institute of Marine Mammal Studies, ‘IMMS’, offers year-round meet-and-greets with their dolphins. This is a shorter program, but allows guests to stand on the dock of the pool and feed, touch and obtain a posed behavior with one of the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The Dolphin Interaction Program allows guests to enter the dolphin pool and get up close and personal with the playful mammals. While in the water, guests can interact with, feed and touch the dolphins. This program runs about an hour long, and guests must be eight years of age or older, and must be 48 inches tall. For those seeking something a bit bigger, this next place might be the perfect adventure. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta allows participants to swim with sharks. Not the 34 DeSoto
Great Whites, of course, but the Whale Sharks. The Whale Shark is the largest fish in the world, so this opportunity is just as ‘great’. Guests enter the Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager exhibit, and swim along the surface with a flotation device and snorkel. The swim lasts about 30 minutes, with total participation time running for about two hours. A behind-thescenes look at the aquarium is also included. If it’s more interaction with the whale sharks you prefer, you might want to choose the diving program. Dive with whale sharks and get as close as your comfort level will allow. Georgia Aquarium is the only destination worldwide that guarantees the option of diving with the largest fish on earth. Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in either event. No matter your adventure level, these places throughout the South will provide the perfect chance to dive in for some summer fun.
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table talk } kepler’s
Pork smoking
Lunch Plate
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Italian, Delta style By Andrea Brown Ross. Photography courtesy of Kepler’s
What does a German astronomer, Italian food, and the Mississippi Delta all have in common? “Not much,” laughed Donnie Martin as he explained the namesake behind Kepler’s in Greenville, Miss. “Kepler is actually my son’s first name,” said Martin, “and I have been asked that question more than once.” While his son, Kepler, is about 400 years too late on the laws of planetary motion, he has created an Alfredo sauce that has been pleasing the palates of customers since 2010. “Kepler was approached back in 2010 by the building owner about opening a restaurant here. McGarrh, the owner, knew of Kelper’s experience in the restaurant industry having worked his way up from a bus boy as a young man in Tyler, Tex. Once my son agreed, Kepler asked me to come aboard as kitchen manager.” Taking into consideration there were few options in the way of Italian dining in the area, they decided that would be their niche and got busy remodeling the building. Seven years later, this family-owned and family-
friendly restaurant continues to satisfy the craving for Italian food along with now steak and seafood. “Our sauces and pastas are made from scratch,” elaborated Martin. “A lot of our recipes we’ve created ourselves or have been passed down in our family although we are not Italian.” As a young boy, Martin said his family often gathered and ate together on Sundays. At the age of 12, he took a real interest in cooking. Since then, he has always cooked at home and has been willing to try new things in the kitchen. The menu, while highlighting Italian dishes, offers some variety as well. Steak, seafood, Cajun, and homecooking are popular menu choices. “Our chicken and dumplings are always a lunch favorite,” he said. Chuck Dawkins, of Starkville, Miss., travels North Mississippi for his job, and often eats at Kepler’s when he is in the Greenville area. DeSoto 37
Catfish Salad
“I’ve had the ribeye and filet. Both were excellent. The plate lunches are very good, too, and the service is excellent,”said Dawkins. Daughter-in-law Kim Martin, shared, “There are so many good things on the menu, but one of my absolute favorites is the blackened salmon with angel hair pasta and Alfredo sauce.” Speaking of homemade sauces, Martin said they have a few customer favorites. “Our marinara, a meatless red sauce, is popular. Our meat sauce is also very popular. It’s not uncommon for us to go through 10 gallons of it on pasta night. Our pesto sauce and crawfish etouffee are also in high demand.” Another, perhaps surprisingly, popular dish is a lima bean soup. The recipe Donnie got from his father. Admittedly, jalapenos and sausage are not ingredients that first come to mind when thinking of lima beans for most folks, but it’s popular nonetheless. Martin also credits their culinary success to taking their time in preparing and cooking their signature dishes along with using fresh vegetables and locally-sourced catfish. “We cook our steaks on an open flame. We like them to be juicy and tender. If you order one well done, it’s going to take a minute, but it’s well worth it,” he suggested. “We also smoke our pulled pork barbecue, brisket, and chicken wings.” And although reservations are not required, Martin suggested calling ahead for parties of six or more to help decrease waiting time. “Our Sunday lunches are often busy,” he shared. 38 DeSoto
For those with a large party and looking for an extended dining experience, The Delta Room located next door can accommodate. This event space is a popular location for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and business meetings. “We cater events at The Delta Room. Our barbecue and wings are popular choices, but we can also do special requests for lunch and even breakfast,” explained Martin. With a full bar and extensive collection, Kepler’s offers 12 varieties of craft beer, domestic beer, and wine. “If our customers want something we don’t usually have in stock, like a particular wine for a special occasion, we do our best to accommodate them.” From fancy to casual, Martin said “One of the great things about the restaurant is that we may have one table of guests in tuxedos sitting next to a table of guests in shorts and flip flops. We are also trying family nights during the week. We want to offer nutritious and budget- friendly options to families.” Tuesday nights are $5 pasta night. Wednesdays are half-pound burger nights for five dollars. Thursday nights are vegetable plate nights. With four vegetables, cornbread, and a drink, five dollars is hard to beat.
Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday –Friday and Sunday. Dinner 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They are closed on Mondays. To view the menu and daily specials, visit them on facebook or at keplerssteakseafoodandpasta.com.
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exploring destinations } 30th anniversary of ‘dirty dancing’
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Mountain Lake Lodge , Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
“Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner” By Cheré Coen. Photography courtesy of Dirty Dancing, mtnlakelodge.com and dirtydancingfestival.com
It’s 1963 and, as Bob Dylan would sing the following year, “the times, they are a changing.” Frances “Baby” Houseman and her family travel to a resort nestled in the New York Catskill Mountains for a summer vacation. Her physician father expects his little girl to go to college, do a tour in the Peace Corps and marry a doctor. But Baby has other ideas, mainly the resort’s dance instructor Johnny Castle, who listens to edgy music and hangs out with what Baby’s father calls “those people.” As Baby becomes more involved in Johnny’s life, she stretches her comfort zone and rebels against what’s expected of her in the film, “Dirty Dancing” starring Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze and Jerry Orbach. Baby volunteers to take the place of Johnny’s dancing partner in a competition and the two grow close. The modest production film premiered on Aug. 21, 1987, and made almost $214 million worldwide. “Dirty Dancing” won an Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy, among
other awards, for its song, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” sung by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The soundtrack raced up the charts and went platinum numerous times, plus produced several hit singles. This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the popular film, as well as what would have been Swayze’s 65th birthday; he died in 2009 from cancer. In honor of both, Southern locations where the film was made are hosting “Dirty Dancing” special events. Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, DeSoto 41
Dirty Dancing Festival
Va., for instance, doubled as Kellerman’s resort in the film and will offer “Dirty Dancing” weekends from June through September. Guests will arrive on Friday and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner in the resort’s Harvest restaurant, which was used in the dining scenes of the movie. “It looks the same as it did in the movie,” said Josef Koefer, Mountain Lake’s marketing manager. Also on Friday evening, there will be dancing to music from the film at the gazebo, also used in the film, followed by a screening of “Dirty Dancing” on the front lawn. “Everyone will come as their favorite character from the movie, so there’ll be lots of Johnnys and Babys,” said Koefer. Saturday will feature lawn games after breakfast, events such as sack and watermelon races like in the film. “It’s all the lawn games you would have seen in the movie,” Koefer said. Later on Saturday, there will be a film location tour and a dance party at Mary’s Barn. After Sunday breakfast, guests will enjoy a scavenger hunt with a “Dirty Dancing” theme. The package includes all events and meals. Mountain Lake Lodge rests in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and is located within a 2,600-acre nature preserve. Accommodations range from historic rustic cabins dating back to 1912 and cozy cottages to guest rooms at the Main Stone Lodge and Chestnut Lodge. 42 DeSoto
Like in the film, the lodge offers numerous recreational activities, including disc golf, tennis, badminton, bocce ball, and hiking or mountain biking along 22 miles of trails. There’s an outdoor pool and fitness center and special events such as movie night and arts and crafts are offered as well. Other dining options besides Harvest are the Stony Creek Tavern and Mary’s Market and Café. For more information, visit www. mtnlakelodge.com. Over in North Carolina, where parts of the movie were filmed at an old Boys Camp at Lake Lure (now a residential community called Firefly Cove), there’s the Eighth Annual Dirty Dancing Festival Aug. 18-19 at Morse Park Meadows in Lake Lure. The festival includes a lakeside screening of the movie on Friday as well as live entertainment. Saturday’s events include music, dance performances, games for all ages — those lawn games again — and the Asheville Ballet performs and teaches dance moves from the film throughout the day. There will also be a Dirty Dancing After Party lakeside at Rumbling Bald Resort. One of the highlights of the Dirty Dancing Festival is the Lake Lift Competition, where participants recreate the film’s famous scene where Johnny teaches Baby a lift move that they will perform in an upcoming dance competition. That scene was filmed in Virginia — when the water temperature was 40 degrees! Scenes filmed in North Carolina were Baby practicing dance moves on stairs, Johnny’s cabin and the scene where Baby asks her father for money to help Johnny’s friend. For more information, visit www.dirtydancingfestival. com. Ironically, the remake of “Dirty Dancing,” that aired May 24 on ABC, was filmed at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, also just outside Asheville, not far from Lake Lure. The adaption stars Debra Messing, Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes.
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on the road again } bay st. louis, ms
, s i u o L Bay St. i p p i s s i s s i M
9:00 Breakfast at Buttercup on Second Street located in Old Town. This delightful cafe specializes in homemade muffins, omelettes and other traditional breakfast favorites. 10:00 After breakfast stroll around Old Town. Quaint gift shops, art galleries, antique and boutique stores line the streets. Take an historic walking/biking tour to explore this 300-year-old town. Be sure to visit the train depot built in 1928. This Mississippi landmark houses the Mardi Gras Museum and Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. 1:00 Lunch at The Blind Tiger on Beach Blvd. Beautiful views, friendly atmosphere, refreshing cocktails and delicious food are some of what make this a favorite spot. Most popular items include burgers, fish tacos, and Royal Reds. 2:00 Drive through downtown to view the carved wooden angels. These once live oaks, destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, have been transformed into works of art by chainsaw sculptor Dayle K. Lewis. 3:00 Hit the sand and soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches or rent a paddle board for some calorie burning fun. Mississippi Gulf Coast Paddle rents stand up paddle boards Thursday - Sunday. Visit msgulfcoastpaddle.com for more info. 6:00 Dinner at The Sycamore House. This historic restaurant is also home to owners and chefs, Michael Eastham and Stella LeGardeur. Their passion for food and family makes for mouth-watering culinary creations set in a friendly atmosphere. Dishes include scallops with a coconut-lime butter sauce, aged black angus NY strip or Cuban style beef brisket. They also serve desserts made from scratch. Open Wed- Sat and Sunday brunch.
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To plan your visit: baystlouisoldtown.com theblindtiger.biz thesycamorehouse.com
Upcoming Events: Second Saturday Artwalk
Through December Old Town 4:00pm - 8:00pm Held in historic Old Town Bay St. Louis the second Saturday of every month! Art, fun, music, food and shopping will be yours to enjoy in a pedestrian-friendly event sponsored by the Old Town Merchants Association. Admission is free. Call 228-463-2688 or visit baystlouisoldtown.com for more information.
Crab Festival
June 30 - July 2 Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church 10:00am - 10:00pm Celebrate the Crab! One of the biggest and best festivals on the MS Coast. Exhibits, vendors, carnival rides, live entertainment and Crabs, Crabs, Crabs. Bring your appetite and the kids. Admission is free. Call 228-467-6509 for more information.
Cruisin’ The Coast
October 2 - 8 Downtown Don’t miss one of Cruisin’ The Coast’s best events…the Bay St. Louis venue (Thursday Oct. 5-7) of this week-long, coast-wide event. FREE to the public. Call 800-466-9048 or visit cruisinthecoast.com for more information. DeSoto 45
greater goods } wedding gifts
wedding gifts
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1. Wedding cake topper, Center Stage, 324 W Commerce St., Hernando, MS 2. Vagabond House serving platter, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 3. Hanging By a Thread Kitchen Towels, The Wooden Door, 6542 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch, MS 4. Picture frames, The Pink Zinnia, 134 West Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 5. Decorative glasses, Frank, 210 E Commerce St #7, Hernando, MS 6. MudPie “Our Nest” pillow, Paisley Pineapple, 6542 Goodman Rd #115, Olive Branch, MS 7. Arkansas cutting board, Merry Magnolia, 194 E Military Rd., Marion, AR 8. McCarty Pottery, Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS 46 DeSoto
greater goods } father’s day
father’s day
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1. Costa sunglasses, SoCo, 300 W Commerce St, Hernando, MS 2. Bottle opener caps, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 3.Dad coffee mugs, Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS 4. Ozone men’s socks, Bon Von, 214 W Center Street, Hernando, MS 5. Maple Leaf At Home Cutting Boards, The Wooden Door, 6542 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch, MS 6. Booties BBQ Sauces, Merry Magnolia, 194 E Military Rd., Marion, AR 7. Ala Carte Alice Rubs, The Wooden Door, 6542 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch, MS 8. Daddy & Me frame, Cynthia’s Boutique, 2529 Caffey Street, Hernando, MS DeSoto 47
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“i do ” A
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DeSoto Photo by Jennie Tewell Photography
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Olivia Brame & Mark Utley, Jr.
THE BIG DAY
September 24, 2016 Big Sky, Montana at Soldier’s Chapel
ELEVEN POINT PROPOSAL Mark and Olivia both grew up canoeing the Eleven Point River. In June 2016 they went back to this favorite spot. This time Mark had a ring tied to a string in his pocket, and he jumped out of the canoe and proposed. Both their families were secretly watching. They all celebrated with a picnic on a sandbar before floating dow the river together.
HOME TOWN CONNECTION The bride and groom’s hometown pastor, Bill Beavers, From Getwell Church in Southaven, MS. officiated the ceremony. Bill’s wife, Becky, gave a special prayer blessing for the couple.
PARTIES AND PARACHUTES After the reception dinner guests were shuttled to the Gallatin River Lodge. The Rocky Mountain Pearls Band announced the couple and performed their own rendition of Chris Stapelton’s “Parachute” for their first dance. Mark twirled Olivia around to a cheering audience. Bride’s Gown: All lace strapless gown fitted to a tee with a scalloped sweetheart neckline and scalloped bottom. The gown was worn with cowboy boots which was a surprise to her mother! Flowers: Wild cut Montana flowers. The matron of honor carried wild cut Lavender. Photographer: Danny K Photography from Oxford, MS. (His wife and kids also attended the big day.) The Honeymoon: Mark and Olivia spent two days driving through the Montana mountains together before flying to Honolulu and Maui. Both the bride and groom have an affinity for the mountains. 50 DeSoto
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Brittany Riley & Chris Griffith THE BIG DAY November 12, 2016 Home of Dr. Jason Coleman, Hernando, MS Reception held at 1 Memphis Street, Hernando, MS
A SWEET ENGAGEMENT To the complete shock of the bride, the groom planned a dinner date downtown to celebrate two years of dating. He insisted that they should visit the top of the Peabody because “it had been forever since they had been at the top.” A beautiful scene of rose petals and candles lined the ground leading to a table full of flowers, champagne, a picture of the two, and a plate of chocolate covered strawberries that had the words “Will You Marry Me” written in chocolate.
THE FIRST DANCE The bride and groom shared a first dance to “Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” by Stoney LaRue. They exited under a tunnel of gold pom poms and climbed into a yellow antique car. Bride’s Gown: A sweetheart lace gown with button embellishments lining the back of the dress and train made by Justin Alexander. Photographer: Bethany Veach Photography did a fantastic job of capturing each special moment of the day. The Food: Scotty’s Smokehouse catered a delicious assortment of pulled pork and chicken sliders, spinach dip, cheese and sausage, and a mashed potato bar with all the fixings. The Music: D.J. Twinkie kept the crowd entertained. The Flowers: Jennie’s Flowers, Gifts, and Events of Holly Springs The Honeymoon: The newlyweds honeymooned in Maui and Oahu, Hawaii.
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Jena Parker & Reynolds Willis
THE BIG DAY
July 9, 2016 The Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, TN
ENGAGED IN A NEW YORK MINUTE Reynolds planned a surprise Christmas trip to New York. On the second day of the trip, he asked Jena to take a walk through Central Park. While walking over the beautiful bow bridge, Reynolds got down on one knee and asked Jena to be his wife in front of many surprised onlookers. He had friends secretly take pictures and meet them with a big bottle of champagne. It was perfect!
Bride’s Gown: The bride wore a vintage-inspired lace Martina Liana gown from Maggie Louise Bridal that featured a sweetheart neckline, scalloped lace hem, and a chapel length train. A cathedral length veil completed her look. Photographer: Elsy Photography The Food: The food was prepared by chef Andrew Adams of Acre Restaurant in Memphis, TN. It featured a variety of southern choices including oysters, shrimp and grits, and Delta tamales. The Honeymoon: After saying their vows, the couple headed bright and early to the tropical island of St. John in U.S. Virgin Islands where they spent the week relaxing and exploring some of America’s most beautiful beaches. The trip was filled with snorkeling and enjoying the amazing seafood.
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Amber Reaves & Ryan Ladner THE BIG DAY April 9, 2016 Hernando Baptist Chapel
SUPERHEROS & TEA PARTIES Romantic English Garden Tea Party with a touch of whimsy added by the comic book superheroes themed groom’s table.
BEHIND THE SCENES SURPRISE Ryan took Amber to the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis for a “behind the scenes tour” as a birthday gift. At the end of their tour they ended up on the second floor landing in front of the grand lobby chandelier. While Amber was taking pictures, Ryan had given his phone to Mrs. Joy, the guide, and gotten on one knee with ring in hand. Amber turned and saw him kneeling there and he asked her to marry him. With shock and elation, she said yes! They are thankful to Mrs. Joy for making their proposal story possible and for being a part of the Orpheum’s history.
Bride’s Gown: Oleg Cassini through David’s Bridal Photographer: Elsy Photography Cake: Ann Olivia’s Sweet Shop The Honeymoon: The night of the wedding they drove down to Vicksburg to the Baer-Williams House Inn. The next day, they woke up and spent the rest of the honeymoon in romantic New Orleans at the Le Pavillion Hotel. The couple cherishes the memories of their week together.
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Jamie Taylor & Grant Hosfield THE BIG DAY May 21, 2016 Hernando United Methodist Church
OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN On May 10, 2015, the day after Grant graduated from Ole Miss and was commissioned as a USMC officer, a graduation party was held at No Drowned Cows Ranch. Grant had previously made a clearing in the woods just for the proposal where he got down on one knee and asked Jamie to marry him.
THEIR WEDDING Jamie and Grant spent their big day surrounded with love, the United States Marine Corps, family and friends.
The Reception: 1 Memphis Street Photographer: Southern Snapshots Photography owned by Kristen Cooper The Attire: The men: Those in service wore their USMC dress blue alfas. Those not in service wore tuxedos from Men’s Warehouse. The bridesmaids wore an assortment of floor-length coral dresses from David’s Bridal. The Cake: The Brown Baguette The Food: Ladye Kathryn Catering The Music: DJ Mark Anderson First Dance: Jamie and Grant’s first dance was to Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”
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Katie Massey & Taylor Stacks
THE BIG DAY
March 3, 2017 Sea Breeze Point at Walt Disney World
POPPING THE QUESTION Taylor made reservations at the Terrace restaurant in downtown Memphis overlooking the Mississippi river. Flowers graced the table as a sweet touch. They ordered champagne and strawberries, ate dinner and dessert. Taylor then got on one knee and proposed.
FAIRLY TALE DISNEY WEDDING Katie and Taylor wanted a Disney inspired wedding. A white gazebo overlooking the water on a beautiful spring day at Disney World made the event perfect and intimate. A Disney limo took the couple from the resort to the boardwalk where white chairs and a rose petal walkway waited.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW Katie carried beautiful red roses adorned with crystal Mickeys. The bouquet was held together by a ring pillow that was stitched by her great grandmother
Bride’s Gown: The bride wore a gown with a classic lace bodice and flowing white skirt. Photographer: A wonderful photographer that Disney provided. Cake: Gold Mickey’s Delight The Honeymoon: Walt Disney World! There’s nothing like waking up the next day as husband and wife and kissing at Cinderella’s Castle while enjoying the happiest place on Earth.
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Alex Schell & Kyle McKinney
THE BIG DAY October 22, 2016 Sandestin, Florida
A SURPRISE IN THE SAND While Alex was on a weekend beach trip with her sisters, her boyfriend, Kyle, was driving down to surprise her with a wedding proposal. Before dinner that night, the girls took a walk down the shoreline where they came across a message written in the sand - “I love you, Alex. Will you marry me?” An immediate “YES” followed and the wedding planning began. It was only fitting for Alex and Kyle to be married on a beautiful beach on the Gulf coast!
Bride’s Gown: Stella York Photographer: Jennie Tewell Photography Cake: Holy Cakes in Miramar Beach, Florida Flowers: Alyce’s Florist Music: Sonata Strings out of Fort Walton Beach, Florida The Honeymoon: Alex and Kyle traveled to Miami Beach and Naples for an exciting honeymoon. The newlyweds then visited the Everglades where they spent a day fishing and exploring the wetlands. They even took an airboat tour through the Everglades swamps!
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Paradise Found By Mary Ann DeSantis Photography courtesy of Mary Ann DeSantis, Little Palm Island Resort and Greyfield Inn
The wedding festivities are over, and now it’s time to get lost in a romantic escape. These secluded destinations offer the ultimate honeymoon hideaways where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other. DeSoto 65
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
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“Snuggler’s Paradise” Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Little Torch Key, FL littlepalmisland.com No passport is needed for this exclusive tropical paradise located on a 5.5acre private island, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa features only 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites with luxury and privacy being of utmost importance. A well-kept secret among CEOs, politicians, and celebrities – including Drew Barrymore and Michael Jordan – this Noble House Resort in the Florida Keys features secluded beaches and cloistered lounge areas surrounded by lush landscaping and mangroves. Relax in your own West Indiesinspired suite, but make time to enjoy everything this full-service resort has to offer, including snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, and touring the Lower Keys. For the ultimate in relaxation, the onsite SpaTerre offers a variety of treatments incorporating Eastern and Western styles and traditions to promote health and inner peace. Plan to “unplug” because Little Palm Resort intentionally omitted telephones and televisions from the suites to enhance the remote island experience. Complimentary wi-fi access is available only in the resort’s Great Room. Follow one of the crushed shell walkways to the award-winning Dining Room for a vibrant blend of seasonally inspired French and Pan-Latin cuisines. Private dining options are also available, including a romantic dinner with a private wait staff on a sandy beach at Harbor Point. From the parking area on Little Torch Key, guests board the resort’s “Truman” motor yacht (named after former guest President Harry S. Truman) for the 20-minute boat ride to the island. Seaplane service from Miami or Fort Lauderdale is available via Tropic Ocean Airways Seaplane Service [flytropic.com]. In fact, Little Palm Island Resort offers a special “romance” package for couples traveling by seaplane, complete with champagne upon arrival. The designated romance suite features a private outdoor shower, large deck with a whirlpool tub, a sand lounge area with fire pit, and – of course – stunning ocean views. Romance packages start at $1,576 per night. DeSoto 67
Turks & Caicos Islands
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“Picture-Perfect Romance” Ocean Club Resorts – Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands (British West Indies) www.oceanclubresorts.com “This will be your screen saver shot,” tour guide Michael Williams announced as a group trekked up a rocky path, known as the King’s Road, on North Caicos, the second largest and lushest in the string of 40-plus islands in the Bahamas archipelago known as the Turks and Caicos. A little while later, the native islander proudly proclaimed another potential screen-saver picture as he stood on a cliff overlooking the turquoise blue waters surrounding Dragon Cay on Middle Caicos. Indeed, almost every scene in the Turks and Caicos is a potential computer screen saver, including the grounds surrounding Ocean Club Resorts on the gateway island of Providenciales. Ocean Club is situated on Grace Bay, the 2016 Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice for the No. 1 beach in the world. Coupled with last year’s “Travel & Leisure’s Readers” Choice award for the Caribbean’s top resort, Ocean Club Resorts is indeed paradise where the white sand is lined with pink umbrellas and lounge chairs. Ocean Club has two properties – Ocean Club and Ocean Club West – and guests can use restaurants, beach amenities, and swimming pools at both locations. Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, kiteboarding, sailing, and horseback riding are among the most popular activities for tourists, and several companies offer charter fishing trips for anglers. Nearby is the Provo Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course surrounded by natural flora and fauna. Newlyweds can revel in special pampering with a seven-night honeymoon package that includes champagne, an evening sunset cruise, a candlelight dinner at the award-winning Opus restaurant, couple’s massages and lodging in spacious condominium studios or deluxe suites. Honeymoon packages start at $2,765 for seven nights (summer rates). “Old South Charm” Greyfield Inn Cumberland Island, Georgia greyfieldinn.com C o u p l e s w h o l ov e h i s t o r y, nature, and secluded beaches will find the historic Greyfield Inn meets all their expectations along with a large helping of DeSoto 69
Greyfield Inn
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Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Southern charm and elegance. Located on Cumberland Island – the southernmost coastal island on Georgia’s Golden Isles – Greyfield Inn is accessible only by a ferry boat and has been a refuge for the rich and famous for decades. The island was the 19th century retreat of Thomas and Lucy Carnegie who built Greyfield in 1900 for their daughter, Margaret Ricketson. The home was converted to an inn in 1962 by Margaret’s daughter, Lucy R. Ferguson. The Carnegie lineage still oversees the daily operations of Greyfield Inn, ensuring that the property exudes the hospitality and charm of a family home. It embodied fairytale romance in 1996 when John F. Kennedy Jr. and his bride, Carolyn Bessette, chose Cumberland Island for their wedding. Today’s guests grab picnic lunches before heading off to bike on tree-lined trails, swim and sunbathe on a secluded 18mile beach, or kayak through picturesque low-country marshes. At the end of the day, they unwind on the giant porch with a cocktail before the dinner bell rings, inviting everyone in for a gourmet meal locally sourced on the island. DeSoto 71
Costa Rica
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Rates include ferry transportation to the island, three seasonally inspired meals a day, an afternoon cocktail, complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas, fishing gear, and naturalist-led tours of the island. Rates for suites with private bathrooms begin at $595 per night with a two-night minimum. “Finding Pura Vida” Hacienda AltaGracia Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica altagracia.aubergeresorts.com Not all honeymooners are looking for a seaside retreat. If lush, green rainforests and mountain views are your idea of a secluded getaway, Hacienda AltaGracia may be just the place to find pura vida – the Costa Rican philosophy of enjoying life slowly and appreciating nature. Named as one of the world’s best new hotels on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2016 Hot List, this Auberge Resort offers an authentic Costa Rican experience amid luxurious surroundings. Guests have their own spacious “casita” or private hacienda at the mountain-top resort near the town of Perez Zeledon in the southern part of the Central American country. Hike to a yoga pavilion, ride horses at the resort’s equestrian center, enjoy a lavish day at the world-class spa, or simply enjoy lounging on your own sprawling terrace overlooking the mountains or San Ysidro Valley. Nature lovers will stay busy with tons of activities, including tours to the onsite organic coffee farm and swimming in natural spring water pools. The resort also has three excellent farm-to-table eateries, including the signature Ambar restaurant. Hacienda AltaGracia is located three hours from the San Jose International Airport via a scenic mountain road. The resort also offers a charter air package to its own private landing strip where guests arrive only minutes away from the lobby, where they are greeted with traditional Costa Rican welcome drinks. Summer rates begin at $575 per night.
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That first year 74 DeSoto
of marriage The extremes of fun and learning to fight fair
By Robin Gallaher Branch. Photography courtesy of caseyimafidon.com, rd.com
The first year of marriage does not come with instructions; it’s an unchartered learning experience, unique to each couple. In this story, several brides recall the fun of settling down, the joy of being known by another, the sudden arrival of babies, those inevitable differences of opinion, and the challenging, daily work marriage takes. Counselors chime in with on-going tools (probably discussed during courtship) and ways to re-negotiate them over life. DeSoto 75
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Kate Lindsey Kate Lindsey and her husband Sean make laughter a priority in their marriage “My husband is very funny. His humor is cheesy at times, ‘punny’, and delightful,” she said. “It’s one the greatest blessings that God has given me.” The Lindseys have been married about a year and a half. Humor helped smooth an initial crisis. “He is very precise about things like the bread tie (to keep out mold) and the toothpaste tube. I am not. And that was a surprise to him,” Kate said. They quickly learned that “the other” saw and did things differently. “On the surface I seem to be the uptight one. But the processes of how we operate are different,” she said. “We now have separate toothpaste tubes.” Both Lindseys are in service professions, she as a social worker for World Relief Memphis and he as an internal medicine/pediatric physician. They have chosen to live in a neighborhood of a lower economic status in order to serve that community. “We regularly eat with other people in our neighborhood and have them in our home; many of them are youth,” she said. Because of the many demands on their lives, they struggle to spend quality time with each other and carefully schedule it. The future looks bright for this young couple. They anticipate a summer move to Atlanta’s Clarkston area, a neighborhood with many refugees. Sean will be involved with a clinic and Kate with the refugees themselves. “It’s a fusion of what we feel strongly about,” she said. Brittany Presson Brittany Presson has been married for almost four years. She and her husband Chase work for a non-profit Christian organization. They got to know each other a bit during a ten-week training session in Orlando and their friendship quickly progressed over additional months. Then they dated for two months, were engaged for six months, and got married. Their wedding and reception were at the Memphis Train Station. “We danced and celebrated. We had a lot of help from friends, with flowers and decorations, and it was an elegant wedding,” she recalled. Within four months, “we were pregnant,” Brittany said. The family now has two boys, one of them a nursing baby. DeSoto 77
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Brittany laughs that marriage has its surprises. “I used to love being the life of the party and now I’m with babies all day. I’m tired all the time. I’d like to go to bed at 8 p.m. if I could,” she smiled. Besides multiple changes in four years and a growing family, another unexpected delight has been this: “Marriage is so much fun!” Brittany exclaimed. “Getting to know someone else is really sweet. To be known in a way no one else knows you is sweet.” Their shared Christian faith is crucial. “I have to say that faith is the foundation of our marriage,” she said. And their future? “We want to adopt kids of different ethnicities,” Brittany said. “We want a large family.” Michelle Catalano Laughter marks the seven years of marriage of Michelle Catalano and her husband Denny; they have three children. “I love being married,” she said. She laughs now about some inevitable first adjustments. “I didn’t know how hard it was to do somebody else’s laundry and to go grocery shopping for a man.” The couple also laughs at their role reversals. “I hate to do the dishes! I love to mow the yard!” Michelle exclaimed. “Denny will do the dishes. He relieves me, and it works really well for us.” For her, the learning curve came in their second and third years because their first year was really easy. “Communicate,” she summarized. “We had to learn we were on the same team and working toward the same goal. We figured out how not to assume the worst.” Michelle learned to use affirming words. “I started referring to him as my hero. He puffs up. ‘Yeah,yeah! I know!’ he says.” Denny worked on making quality time and becoming more emotionally vulnerable. “For me what’s important is he wants to know me, to know my heart, to know what’s going on,” Michelle said. Father Bruce Cinquegrani Fr. Bruce Cinquegrani, pastor at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Memphis and Assistant Visiting Professor of Catholic Studies at Christian Brothers University, emphasized the importance of the beforemarriage courtship period. “Courtship is an essential discovery DeSoto 79
time in which a man and a woman learn if they can be compatible,” said this priest of 38 years who has counseled many couples. He defined a marriageable relationship as “being able to be oneself and giving love and being loved.” He advises against sexual intimacy during courtship because having sex may overwhelm “the emotional and psychological intimacy that can develop during a courtship.” Marriage’s first year is “learning to become vulnerable and accepted by the other,” he continued. “It’s a year or longer of unpacking the internal images that everybody brings into a marriage.” During that time, the couple develops patterns of how to relate, argue, and make up. “There’s a give and take; they learn when to give the other person room,” he said. Neither person can be the totality of the emotional support for “the other” in a marriage. “It is not good to put that much pressure on a relationship,” Fr. Bruce said. Most marriages get better with time. “In the second year, there’s a plateau. You probably have gotten over the shock of having the other person always there. You begin working on ways to keep your marriage fresh and alive. You have to continue the romantic things—notes and gifts,” he said.
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Julia Johnson Julia Johnson, a counselor at the Christian Psychological Center in Memphis, listed seven issues most couples face in their first year of marriage.
1. Managing conflict 2. Combining incomes 3. Self-care while taking care of the other in the relationship 4. Managing chores 5. Putting the needs of others before one’s own 6. Reaffirming dedication to each other 7. Managing holidays with extended families
“Despite how long a couple has been together, the first year is a big reality check,” Johnson said. “It’s the first time somebody has had to put someone else’s interests first.” It’s good to work out household rules before the wedding and during an amicable time in the relationship. Johnson advises talking about subjects like fighting. ”How do we fight? What is off base in fighting? What words are acceptable and are not acceptable?” she began. “There must be a determination and agreement to treat each other respectfully. It’s impossible to take back words.” Johnson calls a successful marriage a great
accomplishment and differentiated between a happy marriage and a successful one. Happiness often is based on circumstances. “A successful marriage has navigated the changes in life and done it in partnership, even when there have been disagreements,” she said. “A successful marriage may have had many periods of unhappiness in it and still be successful.” Closing words Johnson: “Marriage is a learned skill.” Cinquegrani: “The first year of marriage requires a huge amount of patience and the core of this is a deep generosity.” Catalano: “Continue to focus on the commitment you made to each other.” Presson: “Date nights are essential.” Lindsey: “It’s wonderful to have a partner who makes me feel that I don’t have the weight of the world on my shoulders.”
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A
Sterling Tradition By Alex Jacks. Photography courtesy of Alex Jacks and silvermagpies.com
The months leading up to a wedding prove to be a time of preparation for most Southern brides, as well as a time to reflect on past traditions. These traditions include wearing a wedding dress passed down through generations or registering for a specific silver service set or silver flatware pattern.
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Despite the fact that some brides have moved away from purchasing new or used silver sets, a large number of brides are interested in acquiring them. “It’s turned into the market where people buying silver actually want it,” said Tom Phillips, owner of A Coin and Silver Shop in Memphis, Tennessee. “They really like it, and most of the time it’s normally a family tradition that is motivated by the parents or grandparents. They grew up around it and enjoyed it.” Younger couples registering for silver flatware sets usually know they will inherit certain pieces or sets, making them more passionate about purchasing something to add to it, Phillips said. “They generally have stories about the sets from their childhood,” he said. “They want to carry on the tradition.” Assistant manager of Batte Furniture and Interiors in Jackson, Mississippi, Sarah Ann Perry said many of the brides who inherit certain pieces aspire to have 12 to16 full flatware sets — one set has four pieces — in order to serve a number of people. Another category of couples that Phillips and Perry both observe are those who could not afford silver sets when 84 DeSoto
they were first married. “Besides new couples, I see a lot of people who have dreamed of having a silver flatware set since they were married,” Phillips said. “I sell complete sets to many of them.” In general, bridal registries tend to carry the more traditional Southern silver flatware and service ware patterns, like Francis I by Reed and Barton, Burgundy by Reed and Barton, Strasbourg by Gorham and Chantilly by Gorham, said Brooks Terry, owner of Babcock Gifts and Bridal Registry in Memphis, Tennessee. “We are so traditional in the patterns we carry,” Perry said of Batte Furniture and Interiors’ bridal registry. “We are so Southern, we squeak. My brides are inherently attracted to the older patterns. Even if they don’t know the pattern, they are attracted if it is more traditional.” As an antique silver dealer, Phillips also sees the attraction between brides and patterns that have been popular since the 19th century. “They tend to gravitate toward popular, antique patterns,” he said. “Some even prefer the patterns that are not produced anymore in a large part because of their traditional style.”
Babcock Gifts carries most patterns made, whether they are new or old, Terry said. “We carry a little bit of everything, but probably 80 percent of what brides are buying are the traditional patterns,” he said. “One of the reasons they do this is because they want their patterns to be close to the pieces they will inherit from their parents or grandparents.” Perry said most brides purchase and use the silver flatware for frequent use, but will also purchase decorative pieces. “We do sell quite a few antique wedding baskets, napkin rings and wine holders,” she said. “A certain group of modern customers love to buy and use those pieces for decorations in their homes.” Silver set trends are not just determined by the bride and groom, but also by what the wedding guests like and can afford. DeSoto 85
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“A lot of times the pattern, piece or set is not determined by what the bride is gravitating toward, but what the wedding guests like,” Terry said. As a sales representative, Perry said she has to work to please the guest and bride when it comes to picking out silver pieces. “We have to work with the customers and wedding guests as much as we work with the bride,” she said. “We want to make both happy, but the customer almost always has a price limit.” Brides also have to consider the size of the silver flatware set they choose, Perry said. “There are two sizes — the dinner and the place,” she said. “The dinner is larger than the place. In the past, dinner was used for the most formal occasions, where as the place size was used for luncheons. It costs approximately $100 more for the dinner pieces compared to the place pieces. The place size is the most popular.” Phillips, Perry and Terry agreed that the modern brides, who choose to register for silver sets and use them, prefer them over any other flatware. “Those that have them now tend to use them frequently,” Phillips said. “They like the taste of their food on the silver. They view their sets as a tradition with real value that can be passed down through generations.” On the flip side, certain brides, even in the South, have strayed away from registering for the traditional flatware and silver service sets, opting for a less expensive type of flatware and serving ware that can be easily maintained. Fifty years ago when a man asked a woman to become his wife, the couple registered for a silver flatware set, Phillips said. “That’s just what you did,” he said. “Today, that’s not the case. Not as many people are interested, partly because of price and partly because millennials are a little bit different. They don’t entertain as much in their home. Some of them don’t want to polish it.” Perry believes brides may have a more practical reason for not entertaining with silver. “Brides today don’t have the storage for a full silver flatware set or the hollowware that accompanies it,” Perry said. “They don’t have anyone to polish it. Most brides now work full time, unlike other DeSoto 87
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generations. Their lifestyle is forced to be more casual, preventing them from being able to maintain silver.” Brides who register at Batte Furniture and Interiors have access to an array of new silver flatware sets and antique hollowware items, but in many instances choose intermediate fine china sets instead, she said. “It is easier to use an intermediate fine china set — that is not real casual and not real fine — than a silver set,” Perry said. “When you use silver, you need white linen napkins and the whole works. That takes too much time for a young bride. Our casual lifestyle has diminished our interest in beautiful things.” The price of silver also proves to be a deterrent for the modern bride looking to purchase silver service or flatware sets. “Right now, the elevation in silver prices have made an entire set pretty expensive,” Terry said. After being a professional coin and silver dealer for 38 years, Phillips said he still cannot figure out why the cost of new silver pieces are so high. “The new price is extremely expensive,” he said. “To be honest with you, I don’t even know why they want so much for it. To give an example — Francis I is probably the most popular pattern in this area. To buy a four piece place setting new is nearly $800. I can sell you a vintage one for $189.” The basic silver market has an impact on the price of new and antique silver flatware sets, but according to Phillips and Perry the gap between the two should not be as large as it is today. For this reason, Phillips prefers to carry and sell antique silver items. “I acquire most of my inventory through vintage or estate sells,” he said. “I don’t deal much in the new silver because from my experience, it’s easier to find something unique that people can afford.”
“Our casual lifestyle has diminished our interest in beautiful things.” Sarah Ann Perry DeSoto 89
homegrown } colts chocolates
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Sweet Obsessions By Charlene Oldham. Photography courtesy of Colts Chocolates
When she was growing up, Mackenzie Colt remembers her family cooked out of practicality, not passion. So her romance with recipes didn’t begin until when she was a teenage newlywed. “I just kind of got into the kitchen to cook for my husband. But then I realized how much I loved making dessert,” she said. “So I would read cookbooks all the time, take a cookbook to bed instead of a novel, and then get up the next day and experiment in the kitchen.” Colt was a young mother by the time she landed her first restaurant job at 17. But she was wielding a guitar rather than a rolling pin. She’d always loved playing, singing and writing songs, and found the perfect niche performing at happy hours around St. Louis. Hoping to be heard by big stars, Colt often booked gigs at a hotel lounge when singers she admired were playing
the ballroom. She got a tiger by the tail when Buck Owens saw her perform and asked her to be his opening act. “I went right from a lounge in a Ramada Inn to a concert for 8,000 people at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City,” she said. “It made me so nervous but … it was a wonderful experience.” Owens, who was co-hosting the country-infused variety show “Hee Haw” by that time, didn’t tour heavily. So Colt would be home for months at a time between short stints on the road. After opening for Owens for a few years, he asked her to audition for the spot on the show being vacated by Barbi Benton. Colt landed the role as a “Hee Haw” Honey. DeSoto 91
Dessert lovers can buy Colts products at its Nashville store, directly through the company’s website and through other sellers including Taigan, which strives to provide an e-commerce platform for a curated selection of unique, high-quality products, according to its website. Colts Chocolates proved a “good fit because they are a ‘small voice that deserves to be heard,’ which are the types of vendors we aim for,” said Nicole Tate, a Taigan spokesperson. “Mackenzie is very passionate about her brand, as are we, and that is what makes her a good candidate for Taigan.”
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Hee Haw was filmed in Nashville, and Colt would often take over a local cast or crew member’s kitchen to cook for everyone. Favorites included Colts Bolts, a confection that combined layers of chocolate, peanut butter and almonds, and her gooey butter pie. The pie was inspired by gooey butter cake, a St. Louis specialty, but was Colt’s original recipe. She left the show after six seasons and moved to Nashville full time to pursue her songwriting career. Colt was born in Memphis when her father managed the semi-pro baseball team, the Memphis Chicks. Although she left Tennessee as a young child, she felt at home in the state and has hazy recollections of seeing one of her early idols perform. “My memory is of watching Elvis in the main auditorium of the fairgrounds and just being mesmerized. I just fell in love.” Despite her country music credentials, she couldn’t break into the industry. “I found that having been on ‘Hee Haw’ worked against me because no one took me seriously. It was a totally different town in 1984. It was an all boys’ club.” So Colt decided to pursue her other passion -- cooking. She’d make cold calls on restaurants with her gooey butter pie. But she quickly exhausted her savings and could only afford to offer a single slice at each stop. “So when I got to HoneyBaked Ham, they called the store manager over and all kind of tasted this one piece, loved it, and said ‘You’ve got to send a pie to corporate office in Atlanta.’” HoneyBaked ordered 500 pies. Soon, she found her own space and founded Colts Chocolates, which now produces more than 40 products, including Colts Bolts and versions of that gooey butter recipe, now in bar form. She still creates each recipe and designs the packaging herself. “Some people call it micromanaging. I call it overseeing and I think that’s what you have to do. Nobody’s going to care as much as you do ... if you’re name is on it and you’re the owner and the creator,” said Colt, who plans to turn the business over to her son, Rob Noerper, in coming years. “So I am very diligent about making sure everything that comes out of here is how it’s supposed to be.” Colt remembers fielding phone calls in the company’s early days from customers complaining they’d only gotten three nuts in their Colts Bolt. So someone stocks each Bolt with at least four roasted almonds by hand. Juggling the demands of entrepreneurship while maintaining that kind of attention to detail has been far more challenging than performing on stage and screen. But, even after 30-plus years of cooking professionally, Colt’s love affair with the kitchen is still going strong. “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I did not realize how hard starting, owning, running, sustaining a business would be because it all just kind of happened. But when I come in and the gooey butters are baking or the chess pies are baking, it just makes everything almost meditative. It’s just lovely.” Mackenzie Colt on “Hee Haw”
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southern gentleman } cigars
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A Good Cigar
More than just smoking By J. Eric Eckard. Photography courtesy of The Country Squire Pipes & Cigars
Henry Ford’s assembly line approach to building cars in the early 20th century helped push the United States into a mass produced society. Today, everything from plastic cups to faux wood furniture is built in some far-off factory. But in the past few decades, there’s been another trend afoot – an almost anti-automation movement. “The world’s technology is changing so fast that people are looking for something to anchor themselves,” said Jon David Cole, owner of The Country Squire is Jackson, Miss. For many people, Cole said, that anchor is a nice cigar. “Cigars represent an opportunity to slow down and connect with another way of life,” Cole said.
Mike Mando, purchaser and inventory specialist for The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, Miss., said nostalgia also plays a big role in the resurgence of cigars from its heyday in the 1990s. “Younger people today might remember their grandfather or uncle smoking cigars, and that’s what attracts them,” Mando said. The cigar boom peaked in 1997 when imports topped 400 million, but then the market was inundated with inferior DeSoto 95
products, and imports dropped below 250 million just two years later. The cigar industry has been slowly making a comeback, and in 2012, cigar imports topped 300 million for the first time in more than a decade. In 2014, the U.S. imported 310 million cigars, according to the Cigar Association of America. “A lot of folks are beginning to appreciate the small batch artisan creation,” Cole said. “In some cases, hundreds of people might work on one cigar.” Opened in 1970, The Country Squire is the oldest tobacco shop in Mississippi, said Cole, who ran the Jackson business for six years before buying it in 2016. He said he has about 300 different cigars in the shop. “Folks who enjoy cigars are not people who are smoking to get a fix,” Cole said. “They’re enjoying the complex flavors and the nuances of the blends.” And if this sounds like what happens at wineries, craft breweries or boutique distilleries, that’s not a coincidence. “Cigars can be as complex as wines,” Mando said. “And we want to educate cigar smokers – especially new ones. “Different countries have different flavor profiles.” The Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras make up most of the imports to the U.S., but numerous other countries throughout Central America and South America ship cigars to the U.S. 96 DeSoto
Both Mando and Cole said they would typically introduce a novice cigar smoker to something from the Dominican Republic because those usually are milder. Nicaraguan cigars tend to have a fuller body, so they would steer more experienced smokers in that direction. Many cigar shops hold events to educate those in the cigar smoking community – and those who want to join that club. Pairing events with chocolates, coffees, liquors and food are common events throughout the country. “For example, Scotch has such a nuanced taste, you don’t want to pair a robust cigar with it,” Mando said. “And there are certain foods that a robust cigar would overshadow.” A premium, hand-rolled cigar typically will fall in the $8-$15 range. But some can cost as little as $2, while the price for others, such as Davidoff from the Dominican Republic, could soar to $100 or more. The cigars at the bottom end of the price range usually are reserved for grooms looking for groomsmen gifts or new fathers wanting to announce whether it’s a boy or girl. As the price goes up, the quality rises, as well. Mando said his average sale price in his shop, which has about 900 different cigars, is about $12.
But what about the Cuban cigar? Does its storied reputation have any validity? Since the 1960s, an embargo prohibited Americans from getting Cuban cigars in the U.S. But for years, many people smuggled them into the country illegally. “The mystique behind Cuban cigars is that they were hard to get,” Mando said. “I don’t think they’re better; they’re just different. A Cuban (cigar) does have a unique flavor. The problem is the lack of consistency in production.” Cole said many of the other cigar-producing countries caught up with Cuba after the embargo was enforced. “The hype about Cuban cigars might have been accurate 30 years ago, but modern farming technology is so much better now,” Cole said. “But in Cuba, those modern farming techniques never materialized. So without things like crop rotation, Cuban soil is not what it used to be.” The allure still is alive for Cuban cigars though, and now that the embargo has been partially lifted, many American cigar smokers can smoke these once-illegal stogies out in the open.
Cuban cigars still can’t be imported for resale, but travelers to Cuba can bring back an unlimited assortment of cigars for personal use. Mando said cigar smokers typically make up a closeknit community, especially at his shop, where a regular group frequently comes to enjoy cigars. Cole said his shop also has its own regulars. “Cigar smoking builds a unique community,” Cole said. “Cigars can be really meaningful to people. A lot of them feel like they can recover a sense of humanity with cigars.”
“The mystique behind Cuban cigars is that they were hard to get, I don’t think they’re better; they’re just different. A Cuban (cigar) does have a unique flavor. The problem is the lack of consistency in production.” Mike Mando DeSoto 97
southern harmony } bentonia blues festival
Jimmy Duck Holmes
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Playing the Bentonia Blues By Kathryn Winter. Photography courtesy of the Bentonia Blues Festival, thebluegrasssituation.com
The Bentonia Blues Festival all started with one man- the legendary Jimmy “Duck” Holmes. Holmes is known as the last of the Bentonia Bluesmen. His café, Blue Front Café, sits on highway 49, about 30 miles northwest of Jackson. The festival will be celebrating its 45th year and is now the oldest blues festival in the country. Holmes Blue Front Café, established in 1948, is the oldest surviving juke joint in the United States. His new album, “It Is What It Is”, was rated the Best Blues album of 2016 and the 19th Best Album Overall for 2016 by Paste Magazine. Holmes is featured on the new Forever stamp, released March 31 from the U.S. Post office for Mississippi’s bicentennial. He is also nominated for Best Acoustic Blues Artist and Best Acoustic Blues Album by the Blues Foundation for the Blues Music Awards 2017.
Appearing at numerous festivals across the US and Canada, Holmes will perform at favorites including the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, Juke Joint Blues Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, Vancouver Island Blues Festival, Paramount Blues Festival, King Biscuit Blues Festival, Delta Blues Festival, and many others. The annual Bentonia Blues Festival is always held the third Saturday of June in downtown Bentonia. Additionally, the festival’s Blues Stage is set up in front of the world-famous Blue Front Cafe which is still operated by proprietor Jimmy DeSoto 99
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“Duck” Holmes who, as a young man, largely learned the local style from Bentonia Blues master Jack Owens. Bentonia was also the hometown of Henry Stuckey, founder of the Bentonia style of Blues, and his two famous students, Skip James and Jack Owens. Sometimes Holmes will break out an impromptu performance at his café. Blue Front has received a historical marker by the Mississippi Blues Commission commemorating its importance in the history of developing blues in Mississippi. It is also officially on the Mississippi Blues Trail. In 1972, Jimmy and his mother started a family reunion that quickly grew into the Bentonia Blues Festival. People just started coming, he knew a lot of musicians and by 1974 they started advertising it. This year the festival will be held June 12 through the 16th, at the Blue Front Café. Die-hard fans come back every year to celebrate the blues, eat barbecue and enjoy each other’s company. Sean Ardoin, a musician who played last year said it’s a “Down home festival with good locals running it. It’s like a big backyard party in a huge field! Jimmy Duck Holmes is a blues legend and it’s in his backyard. If you’re into culture and authenticity, this is your festival.” Crafts, music, food, water slide and jump house for kids are all part of the festival. They also raffle off various items- last year it was a quilt, in the past it’s been items like passes to the BB King museum. The festival is free, there’s no admission price. “It’s for people who love the blues. There’s no big rock acts or anything, it’s pretty much the real blues,” Michael Schulze said. “It’s one of those things where people enjoy and feel apart of it. This isn’t a business transaction where you see music and leave. It’s a real communal kind of comfortable downhome event.” Schulze is an attorney in New Orleans and also Holmes’ manager. He was a fan of Holmes and when he went to get his CD signed, they ended up chatting for two to three hours about different things. Then Schulze expressed interest in learning how to play, and pretty soon he had developed a relationship with Holmes, including lessons and attending the festival. People come to meet the musicians-who are available and accessible to fans, including Jimmy. “If someone is talking to a musician, you don’t have to worry about him running off because you can come back and talk to them,” according to Schulze. Schulze said what makes the festival unique is that it’s an extension of Holmes. “It’s very laid back, people bring blankets and sit on the grass. He really wants his fans to enjoy the festival. I usually don’t like festivals, but this one is my favorite because it’s a best-kept secret. It’s a relaxed enjoyable afternoon for all.” Holmes has a huge following, even in Europe, because he is the last person to play the particular style of blues. The last guys who played this style died in the 1960s and 70s. People from the local community who have moved away return for this event, planning family reunions during the time. Fans from all over the world including Finland, Sweden, Japan, Germany, Canada and all across the United States, come to hear Holmes. Schulze said usually around 3,000 to 4,000 people attend. One year there were 10,000 attendees. “It started as a community event and I think he has been careful to maintain that feel. It’s almost as if you’re a welcome guest at a large family barbecue. Musicians who play will show up early to chat and sign autographs. Even though there are several hundred people, it seems intimate.”
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in good spirits} wedding cake martini
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Wedding Cake Martini By Cheré Coen. Photography courtesy of food.com
Weddings call for champagne and royal punch but sometimes a cocktail is in order. The Wedding Cake Martini offers a sweet and colorful libation that’s perfect for the wedding reception, or better yet, for those bachelor and bachelorette parties beforehand. The Spaghetti Warehouse in Memphis created an Italian Wedding Cake Martini consisting of Pearl Wedding Cake Vodka, Amaretto di Amore and pineapple juice with “a splash of grenadine to float to the bottom,” said Kayla Shanno, bar manager. “It’s sweet and you can’t really taste the alcohol due to the pineapple juice.” The restaurant doesn’t carry the drink on its menu anymore, but mixologists will create the drink upon request, Shanno said. Wedding parties routinely visit the restaurant and ask for the sweet drink, she said. Other wedding cake martini recipes involve coconut rum or vanilla vodka to give the drink that sweet cake-like flavor. For those who love milk-based drinks, Pearl offers “Something Borrowed” — Pearl Vodka, Half-and-Half and dry vanilla cake mix shaken with ice and strained into a shot glass and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. Pearl’s Irish Wedding cocktail incorporates Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream with Halfand-Half. Martini purists may prefer Pearl’s basic Wedding Cake Martini, three ounces of Pearl Wedding Cake Vodka over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass that’s rimmed with blue sugar crystals. Pearl Wedding Cake Vodka can be found in select Memphis liquor stores. Vanilla vodka and coconut rum are created by several distilleries and are easy to find.
Here are a few recipes for Wedding Cake Martinis, depending upon one’s alcohol, strength and color preferences. Wedding Cake Martini 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka 1/2 ounces coconut rum 1.5 ounces pineapple juice 1 splash grenadine syrup Ice cubes Directions: Combine all ingredients with ice and and shake well. Strain into glass. Top with whipped cream if desired. Pearl’s Something Blue 2 ounces Pearl Wedding Cake Vodka 1 ounce Arrow White Crème de Cacao 1 ounce Half-and-Half Splash of Arrow Blue Curacao Direction: Shake with ice and strain into a chocolate cookie-rimmed martini glass drizzled with chocolate. Top with whipped cream. www.pearlvodka.com Pearl’s Wedding Cake Martini 3 ounces Pearl Wedding Cake Vodka Directions: Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with blue sugar crystals. www.pearlvodka.com
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exploring events } june The Taylor Swift Experience Through August 13 The GRAMMY Museum Cleveland, MS The Taylor Swift Experience gives visitors and fans an in-depth look at the 10-time GRAMMY®-winning artist as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer through personal photographs and home videos, interactive experiences, handwritten lyrics of Taylor’s topcharting hits, and iconic performance outfits. For more information, call 662-441-0100 or visit www.grammymuseumms.org. Tupelo Elvis Festival June 1 - 4 Downtown Tupelo Tupelo, MS Tupelo’s festival season culminates in the town’s celebration of all things Elvis. From the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition at the BancorpSouth Arena and live national music acts entertaining on the Fairpark Stage, to the Running with the King 5K and annual Elvis Look-a-Like Pet Parade, the festival pays homage to Tupelo’s favorite native son. For more information call 662-841-6598 or visit www.tupeloelvisfestival.com. Memphis Italian Festival June 1 - 3 Marquette Park Memphis, TN The Memphis Italian Festival is a community celebration, demonstrating the values of family, faith and fellowship in the Italian-American tradition, for the benefit of the children of Holy Rosary Parish School. The festival will present family-oriented fun in music, food, events, games, arts & crafts. For more information call 901-219-1674 or visit www.memphisitalianfestival.com. Sunset on the Square Summer Concert Series June 1 - Rustenhaven June 8 - Andrew Hancock & His Band June 15 - Luther Lewis & White Lightning June 22 - Almost Famous June 29 - Erek Stone & The Fabulous Steeler Band Hernando Courthouse Lawn Hernando, MS 7:00 - 9:00pm Each Thursday in June enjoy Hernando’s “Sunset on the Square” Summer Concert series presented by First Tennessee Bank and Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce. It will be a fun-filled evening of music for the whole family. A variety of musical acts will appear on the stage and don’t worry about supper as there will be food vendors around the square too. For more information visit www.hernandoms.org or call 662-429-9055.
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Potters’ Guild Spring Show & Sale June 2 - 4 Botanic Garden’s Goldsmith Civic Center Memphis, TN Featuring the work of the best ceramic artists in the Mid-South: locally made tableware, hand-thrown pottery, hand-modeled sculpture, jewelry and more. Opening reception: Friday, June 2nd, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm; Saturday, June 3rd, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday, June 4th, 11:00 am 5:00 pm; Admission is free. For additional information call 901.636-4100, or visit www.thememphispottersguild.com. 5th Annual National Trails Day “Less Litter More Beauty Hike” June 3 Tishomingo State Park Tishomingo, MS For more information call 662-438-6914. Warfield Riverfest June 3 Warfield Point Park Greenville, MS 10:00am - 5:00pm Benefitting Camp Looking Glass. Art, food, music, BBQ competition and more. For information call 662-335-3371 or visit www.warfieldriverfest.com. Memphis Area Master Gardeners Present the 8th Annual Garden Tour June 3 Memphis, TN 9:00am - 4:00pm Features 7 gardens each with a distinct personality and special features. Free admission - donations welcomed. Rain or shine. For information visit www.memphisareamastergardeners.org. 5th Annual South Branch Lions Club Crawfish & Music Festival June 3 Old Towne Olive Branch, MS 5:00pm - Midnight Food vendors, music and more! Bring your lawn chair. Coolers allowed for $20 per cooler. Kids under 13 are free. Free parking. For more information visit southbranchlionsclub.org. FedEx St. Jude Classic June 5 - 11 Southwind Memphis, TN Past winners include Daniel Berger, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Woody Austin and Justin Leonard. This annual PGA Tour golf tournament has raised more than $33 million for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For information call 901-748-0534 or visit stjudeclassic.com.
69th Annual Germantown Charity Horse Show June 6 - 10 Germantown, TN This all-breed event showcases over 800 horses, including hunter/jumpers, American Saddlebreds, Roaster and Hackney ponies, and Tennessee Walking Horses. All-day event with evening ceremonies starting at 5 p.m. Food and other vendors on site. Evening tickets are $5.00 For information call 901-754-0009 or visit gchs.org. Movie Night in the Park Presented by First Financial Bank June 6 - “Miracles From Heaven” June 13 - “Homeward Bound” June 20 - “Angry Birds” June 27 - “The Jungle Book” Gabbert Park Senatobia, MS Cooler, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome. Concessions will be available. Movie starts at dark. Delta Soul Celebrity Golf and Charity Event June 8 - 10 Greenville, MS True to its Delta roots, the sixth annual Delta Soul Celebrity Golf and Charity Event promises to be filled with the southern hospitality and laidback good times that has become the signature of this epic fundraising event for the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation (SASCF). This 3 day-3 night event which begins with a celebrity dinner at the legendary Doe’s Eat Place is a fun-filled music and golf extravaganza that you don’t want to miss! For more information visit www.sascf.org/delta-soul-event. Chris Stapleton June 9 BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove Southaven, MS 7:30pm Chris Stapleton is coming to the BankPlus Amphitheater Friday, June 10 as part of the C Spire Concert Series with Anderson East and Brent Cobb. Tickets can be purchased at BankPlus Amphitheater box office 662-892-2660, www.ticketmaster.com or call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. For additional information, visit www.bankplusamphitheater.com. Juneteenth Family Fun Festival June 10 Latimer Lakes Park Horn Lake, MS 10:00am - 7:00pm Juneteenth Family Fun Celebration, hosted by the North Mississippi Cultural Foundation, is celebrating their 5th annual festival. Celebrate our Community, our Heritage and most importantly, bring your family to have Fun! There will be a wide range of activities planned for that day, including various food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, a Kid’s Zone and more. For more information call 901-481-3968.
GPAC Food Truck & Music Festival June 11 Germantown Performing Arts Center Germantown, TN 11:00am - 8:00pm Celebrate Memphis music with performances by Jason D. Williams, Memphis Jones and Proud Mary. Admission is free and the event is family friendly so bring your blankets and camp chairs (no coolers please) and head over to THE GROVE at GPAC. Online Auction items will be on display in the Black Box on the day of the festival. Bidding opens Tuesday, May 30th and runs through 7:30 pm on June 11th. For more information visit gpacweb.com or call 901-751-7500. Book Signing and Reading with Carolyn Brown - “Artist’s Sketch: A Biography of Painter Kate Freeman Clark” June 16 TurnRow Book Company Greenwood, MS 5:30PM The Artist’s Sketch shines a light on Clark, finally bringing her out of obscurity. This book also introduces Clark’s art to a new generation of readers and highlights current projects and important work being done in Holly Springs by the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery and the Marshall County Historical Museum, the two institutions that, since her death, have worked hard to keep Kate Freeman Clark’s legacy alive. For more information, visit www.turnrowbooks.com or call 662-453-5595. Live at the Garden Summer Concert Series: Little Big Town June 23 Memphis Botanic Garden Memphis, TN Order tickets online or at the box office at 901-576-4107. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Come early and get your picnic spread on the lawn or purchase your food from vendors offering tempting Garden treats. Call ahead and pre-order food from one of the caterers. Upgrade your lawn ticket for reserved seating at the box office the day of the show. Sorry, no pets or recording devices. Visit www.liveatthegarden.com for more information. Hill Country Freedom Fest June 24 Park Along the River New Albany, MS Enjoy music, food, a carnival midway, a makers’ market, as well as a fireworks show and more on the banks of the beautiful Tallahatchie River in downtown New Albany! Nightime Concert by Sam Mosley and the Muscle Shoals horns and special guests. For more information call 662-534-1047 or visit www.facebook.com/freedomfestNA. Stars and Stripes Festival and Community Picnic June 29 Greenwood, MS Held at the arboretum area between the two downtown bridges on the Yazoo River, the festival features live entertainment, a veterans tribute, games, and a splash pad for kids, a boat parade on the Yazoo River and a giant fireworks show at dark from Veterans Bridge. The park opens at 6pm. For more information, please call the Chamber office at 662-453-4152. DeSoto 105
reflections} something blue
Something Blue Story and photography by Karen Ott Mayer
On a recent morning at the farm, I opened the cottage door to see Marco and Gilles enjoying breakfast on the patio. A rather bucolic scene perhaps, if not totally disrupted by neurotic chickens perambulating about the area and Walter, my black Heinz 57 road dog whose friendly disposition takes him wherever the party is happening. “Bonjour! Ca va?” I hear them call. “Mais oui, je vais bien!” I respond. Walking closer to them, I notice Marco drinking coffee…out of a small bowl. In that moment, I am taken back 30 years to southern France where coffee seems to come in either impossibly small espresso cups or small bowls. The bowl Marco has chosen, however, is ironically one no person has ever noticed or used in years. Sitting somewhere in the cabinet, the small white bowl is imprinted with flowers and shapes…dark purple, pink and dark green colors remind me of the pieces made during the 1950s and 1960s. “My grandmother made that bowl,” I said. Surprised, he picks it up and looks at it with fresh eyes. “Really?” “Yes, she made ceramics for awhile during her life.” He points to the bowl. “I love this bowl. It reminds me of the dishes we have at home.” Home for these folks is central France with Marco hailing from Clermont-Ferrand and Gilles from the infamous Loire Valley just further north. It’s hard to compete with someone whose home is only ten kilometers from the chateau Chenonceau. Mississippi, at the moment, is slightly bereft of any chateaus. As we chat, I muse over the fact that my grandma 106 DeSoto
probably would never have expected to see a Frenchman enjoying his morning coffee from her bowl. I’m quite certain she never traveled outside of the country. What I don’t explain to Marco or Gilles on that hurried morning in my world is how much a bowl can mean to someone. Sitting on the shelf of my cottage is a simple French pottery set that I picked up on a beach somewhere in southern France. With two plain bowls, a creamer and sugar bowl, the set has literally followed me across the globe and country numerous times. It’s a subtle mix of blues and grays with only a slight chip in the sugar bowl. Every time I look at the set, I travel somewhere back in time to a sunny day in France. Call me selfish, but no one uses the set but me...even true, blue Frenchmen. I keep it close and eat soup, cereal or fruit out of it. It reminds me of how much a few meaningful possessions really can symbolize an individual’s home. It’s June again and wedding season. We’ve seen a few brides at the farm and each excited about their own future paths. They are starting their own households, receiving gifts and building their own domestic traditions. What will be on their shelves or in their cupboards 30 years from now? Will it be a special bowl from their honeymoon? A favorite grandmother’s silver? It’s an exciting mystery few will ever know or solve. Marco and Gilles are gone now and Grandma’s bowl is safely back in the cabinet. “I love that bowl!” Marco’s words echo in my brain even now. I understand, Marco. I love my French bowls, too.