Table Talk Rodeo Cafe in Holly Springs

With these research and learning concepts in mind, landscape architects Robert Poore, Rob Anders, and others developed a “living building” themed around a sensory landscape based on author and storyteller Sherry Norfolk’s concept poem. “The Literacy Garden is a magical space where [children] can use their imagination to create stories, visit new or old worlds, climb the Tall Tale Tree House to survey the countryside, dance among the pylon sculptures, discover the secret reading rock, serve tea at the fairy table, or build a castle in the sand,” says Charley Frye, director of facilities for the Mississippi Children’s Museum. “I have especially enjoyed seeing adults in the rocking chairs telling their own stories to the children.” Organized as an outdoor forest, hundreds of children each week can explore, taste, hear, touch, and feel each “chapter.” They may pretend to be a talking monkey like Curious George when climbing the Tall Tale Tree House and splashing and sliding are encouraged at the Dancing Waters Word Fall. Kids may listen to stories read aloud in the Fairytale Mushroom Forest or write out skits to perform at the Act It Out Amphitheater. Visitors may also sample basil, rosemary, dill, mint, sage, oregano, strawberries, and baby tomatoes in the Jack and the Beanstalk Edible Garden — and play with the butterflies that flock to them — or clap along to the beat at the Rhythmic Sound Story Sculpture. A Topsy-Turvy Pathway weaves its way throughout the entire garden and is emblazoned with the words of the concept poem “The Enchanted Land of Story.” Despite the name, it’s easy to find your way out of the A-Maze-ing Hedge Maze. A Creativity Wall allows children to get in touch with their inner artist, and sun-loving toddlers will adore the Desert Island Exploration area. Work of Art writing station tables in the shapes of giant flowers offer a quiet opportunity to sit and color, draw or write.

The outdoor literacy garden is just one of the exhibits available at the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Inside, children of all ages can discover the World of Work, a sampling of the industries and jobs available in Mississippi; Wild About Reading, which offers literacy-related games such as a giant Scrabble board, a playhouse and puppet theater; and the Public Broadcasting Service’s Between the Lions center. The Healthy Fun area focuses on a healthy body and takes children on a lifestyle tour to the Farmer’s Market and Little Cook’s Corner, and climb through a giant model of the digestive system starting at the mouth, winding through the stomach and intestines, and ending with a “whoosh!” Little kids and big kids alike will enjoy the Exploring Mississippi section’s giant map of the state, pine tree maze, underground cave, digging for fossils, “fishing” with magnetic poles in a lazy river, and kid-sized tug boat. For more information, visit MSChildrensMuseum.org.

Michele D. Baker is a freelance travel writer and blues music lover in Jackson, Miss. She also loves cats, books, and puttering around in gardens. Visit her website at www.MicheleDBaker.com.

The Rodeo Life

By Tracy Morin | Photography courtesy of Rodeo Cafe

Rodeo Cafe wrangles up hearty home cookin’ for families in a unique rodeo-themed environment on the historic Holly Springs square.

When Rodeo Cafe opened its doors to the locals of Holly Springs, Miss., in January 2020, no one could have predicted the tumultuous months just around the corner. But for this budding restaurant, the rocky pandemic period became a blessing in disguise — it allowed co-owners Kent Holt and Barry Thomas to refine and perfect their concept. “Both Barry and I are interested in and involved in rodeo and equestrian events — he’s into barrel horses, and I have children in rodeo,” Holt explains. “I’ve been in the restaurant business 26 years, and we decided to start out as a lunch concept with a rodeo theme.” After closing for six months last year to regroup, the duo reopened in November with expanded meal service. On Thursdays through Saturdays customers can enjoy lunch and dinner, while Saturdays offer up hearty breakfasts, too. The rodeo theme permeates the entire environment, from TVs that play horse- and rodeo-themed events round the clock to a water-trough chandelier. Pictures on the wall show off local folks with their prized horses. Luckily, Holt also owns a construction company with his sons, working on commercial concrete and metal buildings, so he was well-versed in updating and maximizing the layout. “Barry owns the building, and it didn’t have a basement, so we dug one out and now we have downstairs seating,” Holt explains. “We did all of the design ourselves; Barry, me, and our wives put in our own interior design.” Though the unique environment is a surefire draw, the food remains a major focus — and no one leaves hungry. The lunch menu consists of hot sandwiches, salads, and pasta, while steak filets and ribeyes highlight the dinner service. Best sellers include the Get a Long Doggie, a footlong hot dog with brisket, slaw, and barbecue sauce, and The Rodeo, its take on a traditional Reuben sandwich. Holt’s wife, Shannon, even makes nightly yeast rolls that are irresistible