May22MudandMag

Mud&Magnolias October.

November 2013 July 2020 May 2022

Travel

Issue

DAY TRIPS

LAUREL | IUKA | HUNTSVILLE

ELVIS AIRBNBS WORLD TRAVELER

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www.westside-hardware.com

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Candice Knowles, Founder & CEO Our Mission: To advocate for individuals with a focus on strengthening lives, building relationships, educating our communities and delivering change where it’s needed.

There is hope. You do Matter!

For updates an information, including how to qualify - go to youmattertupelo.org

To volunteer or to make a donation, contact Candice at (662) 679-0767 (662) 679-0767 | youmattertupelo.org a non profit organization

YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY Serving New Albany and North Mississippi for almost 50 years

Creekmore Clinic prides itself on treating our patients with expert care, common respect, and with an encouraging, family atmosphere. Our focus is on the whole family. We want to build relationships that last through generations!

216 Oxford Rd., New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-9042

Monday - Thursday: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. Friday: 8 A.M. - 3 P.M.

creekmoreclinic.com

Congratulations to the New Tupelo High School Principal

DR. MELISSA THOMAS

Tupel

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Follow us on

tupeloschools.com M&M

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CONTENTS

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34 14 21

RECIPES

Travel to the Old World with Italian cuisine.

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Iuka may be small, but it offers up plenty to do during a quick visit. There are two massive state parks, plenty of antique shops and unique eateries, and the world’s only museum dedicated to the humble apron.

DIY: BEACH BAG

Beach, lake or backyard pool, our handy bag picks will get you ready for any watery travel plans.

IUKA: SMALL TOWN, BIG ADVENTURE

46 HUNTSVILLE - DAY &

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May 2022 vol. 10 no.9

ON THE COVER

NIGHT

25

ELVIS-THEMED AIRBNBS

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STOPS ALONG THE NATCHEZ TRACE

Spending the day in Huntsville? You’re in for a treat. The Alabama city — just a short jaunt from Northeast Mississippi — has plenty to offer, and e’ve got a day-tonight guide for how you should spend your time in the Rocket City.

Andi Nolan’s pair of Airbnbs offer the pe fect lodging for any Elvis fan visiting Tupelo for a night or two.

The Natchez Trace Parkway offers 444 miles of adventure … if you know where to begin. Fortunately, Mandi Toy, acting chief of interpretation at the Natchez Trace, is here to help.

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TIPS FROM A TRAVEL AGENT

The world is slowly opening again, and people are taking those long-delayed trips to destinations across the world. Want to take one of your own but don’t know where to start? Tupelo-based travel agent Keisha Gholston is here to help.

Travel with us to South Mississippi and see beautiful Laurel. Cover Photo

by Adam Robison.

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n 2017, long before anyone had heard of COVID-19, my husband and I were fortunate to travel to Italy for our 25th wedding anniversary.

For 10 glorious days, we ate our way across Rome, enjoying all manner of pasta, pizza, appetizers, pastries and gelato – all washed down with a crisp glass of Prosecco. In this issue, we’ve replicated some of those delicious recipes for you to try at home.

My husband and I haven’t had a vacation like that since and probably won’t for a while. In the meantime, we’re enjoying smaller day trips and overnight visits to Southern cities nearby.

A few hours of driving will get you to Laurel or Iuka, both in Mississippi, or Huntsville, Alabama, where you can enjoy a variety of museums, boutiques, parks, antiques shops and restaurants, and in this issue, we’ll show you some spots we visited when we were there.

For those who are feeling adventurous and are ready to head out a bit farther, we spoke with a travel agent who’ll give you tips on what to expect when you pack your bags this summer.

Remember that travel is all about making memories – and you don’t have to go very far to do that.

Happy trails to you and yours!

If you have any thoughts about this issue, please email us at editor@mudandmag.com.

1242 S Green St. Tupelo, MS 38804 662.842.2611

ISSUE EDITOR Ginna Parsons

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Adam Armour Brooke Bullock Burleson John Luke McCord

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shannon Johnson

FEATURED SALES CONSULTANTS June Phillips Sonja McCord Teresa McDonald John Turner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allie Allsup David Hitt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Thomas Wells Adam Robison

subscriptions@mudandmag.com advertising@mudandmag.com info@mudandmag.com mudandmag.com

Like what you see? Sign up for our weekly newsletter at www.mudandmagnolias.com 8

This magazine is a monthly publication of Journal, Inc.

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L TUPE O SMA

L, P PITA .A. OS

ANIMAL H LL

Tupelo Small Animal Hospital “We treat them like our own.”

2096 S. Thomas St. • Tupelo • 662-840-0210 Glenn S. Thomas, D.V.M. • Stephen K. King, D.V.M. James L. Yates IV, D.V.M. • Krystle D. Clayton, D.V.M.

CAMP TUPELO BOARDING

Interested in hosting your wedding amidst beautiful sun-dappled trees? Look no further than The Woodlands of Farmington. John and Brenda Hayes constructed The Woodlands in 2019 just 10 minutes away from downtown Corinth. Their goal was to offer a venue with a classic southern ambiance and all the amenities to ensure a less stressful approach to wedding planning. The Woodlands offers an outdoor chapel surrounded by towering trees and an indoor reception hall equipped with a caterer’s kitchen and enough round tables with white chairs to comfortably seat up to 180 guests. Bridal parties can prepare for the day in the privacy of their own suites. White linen tablecloths and the recording of your wedding ceremony are available upon request. Is this beginning to sound like the perfect place to host your next special event? Call John and/or Brenda at 662-255-2626/662-415-1602 to schedule a tour.

Booking

• WEDDINGS • ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS • CHRISTMAS PARTIES (FAMILY OR BUSINESS) • BRIDAL SHOWER • BABY SHOWER • CORPORATE MEETINGS • REUNIONS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Book Your Special Event NOW!! 662-255-2626 or 662-415-1602 https://www.thewoodlandsfarmington.com 387 County Road 218 | Corinth, MS 38834 (Farmington Rd to Central School Rd 2nd driveway on the right)

HOT OR COLD WE CAN HELP!

Ask about our TVA partnership - Financing Available 118 Metts Road Nettleton, MS 38858 customerservice@current-online.com

Tel (662) 963-1163 Fax (662) 963-1165 M&M

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WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS

A S S O C I AT E S P. A .

TUPELO STONE CO. Natural and architectural stone highest quality stone and installation

Comprehensive Women’s Care Pap Smears, Contraception 3-D Mammograms & Incontinence Menopause & Hormone Therapy

Obstetrics Complete Prenatal Care High Risk & Twin Pregnancy

Infertility Laparoscopy & Endometriosis Artificial Insemination Tubal Reversal

Gynecologic Surgery Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Female Incontinence & Pelvic Support Robotic Surgery

Wayne A. Slocum, MD Mark J. Kellum, MD Ronald A. Young, MD D. Eric Webb, MD Rachel C. Garner, MD

Women’s Health Specialists www.obgynassociatespa.com

Laura L. Marion, MD Emily C. Orgler, FNP-BC Melissa L. Barnett, WHNP-BC JennaGrace C. Earnest, NP-C Elesha P. Tidwell, FNP-BC

1793 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801 • 662-842-1161

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3050 McCullough Blvd | 662-840-6800 | www.tupelostone.com

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Spring has Sprung!

It’s never too early or too late to think about college! Give us a call today to see how we can help you!

Call Class 101 Tupelo for more info. 662-213-1361.

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Come visit us for all your

Mother’s Day & Graduation Gifts!!

Golden Dreams Jewelry 361-C 2nd St. Hwy 25 • Belmont, MS • 662-454-3158 Mon, Tue, Thur, & Fri 10am-5pm • Sat 10am-2pm

MILLWORK

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177 CR 1758, TUPELO, MS | 662-844-7007

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We design & build custom cabinets, countertops & special millwork.

FINE FURNITURE • FABRICS • FLOORING 903 VARSITY DR. I TUPELO, MS I 662.842.1292 | staggsinteriors.com | MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00am - 5:00pm

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Buon Appetit

Traveling overseas by air is expensive. Traveling overseas by dinner table is far less so. Italian food is some of the simplest and freshest to prepare. As we celebrate the joys of travel this month, let these recipes carry you to Italy without ever leaving your kitchen.

Mussels Italiano 14

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Spaghetti Alla Carbonara M &M

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Tomato Bruschetta

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Tiramisu M &M

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Aperol Spritz

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By GINNA PARSONS Photos By THOMAS WELLS

MUSSELS ITALIANO INGREDIENTS 1 1 ⁄4 pounds mussels 2 tablespoons butter 1 1 ⁄2 tablespoons minced onion 1 garlic clove, minced 1 small tomato, chopped 1 ⁄4 teaspoon oregano Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 ⁄4 cup dry white wine DIRECTIONS Discard any mussels that are chipped, broken or otherwise damaged; discard any mussel that is open.

If you are not using right away, cover with damp paper towels in a container that can be tightly closed and store in the refrigerator.

Just before cooking, wash the mussels in several changes of cold water. Using a small knife or a dry towel, remove the beards by pulling out towards the hinged side of the mussel.

To remove any remaining sand, soak mussels for about 30 minutes in cold water containing a handful of salt and a handful of our.

Take each mussel from the bowl and using a rm brush, remove any barnacles before placing into another bowl of clear water.

Melt butter in a medium sized pot; saute onions until clear. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato, oregano and salt pepper to taste and cook until tomato is soft. Add wine and bring to a slow boil.

Dry the mussels with a clean towel, place in pot, cover and steam for 4 minutes; remove the lid and stir the mussels. At this point, most of the mussels should be open; replace the lid and steam for another 2 to 4 minutes. Discard any mussels that don’t open.

Divide mussels into serving bowls and cover with broth. Serves 2.

SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA INGREDIENTS 6 ounces spaghetti 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 slices bacon or pancetta, sliced into small strips 2 garlic cloves, nely chopped 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper Fresh at-leaf parsley, chopped DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender yet rm. Drain the pasta well, reserving

1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water to use in the sauce if you wish.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium ame. Add the bacon and saute for about 3 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the fat is rendered. Toss the garlic into the fat and saute for less than 1 minute to soften.

Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the pan and toss for 2 minutes to coat the strands in the bacon fat. Beat the eggs and Parmesan together in a mixing bowl. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the egg/cheese mixture into the pasta, whisking quickly until the eggs thicken, but do not scramble. Thin out the sauce with a bit of the reserved pasta water, until it reaches desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Mound the spaghetti carbonara into serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serves 4.

TOMATO BASIL BRUSCHETTA INGREDIENTS 1 pound Roma tomatoes, chopped 6 fresh basil leaves, nely slivered 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons nely ground pepper 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 French baguette DIRECTIONS Combine the tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, vinegar, kosher salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour or longer.

Mix remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil with granulated garlic in a small bowl. Slice the baguette diagonally 1/2-inch thick. Brush the slices with the olive oil mixture. Grill or broil until lightly toasted. Top with the tomato mixture to serve. Makes 20.

CLASSIC TIRAMISU INGREDIENTS 4 large egg yolks 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided 3/4 cup heavy cream 1 (8-ounce) tub mascarpone cheese 1 3/4 cups good espresso or very strong co ee, cooled 2 tablespoons cognac or rum 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided 24 lady ngers 1 to 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, for shaving (optional)

DIRECTIONS Using an electric mixer in a medium bowl, whip together egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until very pale yellow and about tripled in volume.

A slight ribbon should fall from the beaters (or whisk attachment) when lifted from the bowl.

Transfer mixture to a large bowl, wiping out the medium bowl used to whip the yolks and set aside.

In the medium bowl, whip cream and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until it creates soft-medium peaks. Add mascarpone and continue to whip until it creates a soft, spreadable mixture with medium peaks. Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the sweetened egg yolks until combined.

Combine espresso and cognac in a shallow bowl and set aside.

Using a sifter, dust the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish (an 8x8-inch dish, or a 9-inch round cake pan would also work) with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.

Working one at a time, quickly dip each lady nger into the espresso mixture • they are quite porous and will fall apart if left in the liquid too long – and place them rounded side up at the bottom of the baking dish. Repeat, using half the lady ngers, until you’ve got an even layer, breaking the lady ngers in half as needed to ll in any obvious gaps (a little space in between is OK). Spread half the mascarpone mixture onto the lady ngers in one even layer.

Repeat with remaining espresso-dipped ladyngers and mascarpone mixture.

Dust top layer with remaining tablespoon of cocoa powder. Top with shaved or nely grated chocolate, if desired.

Cover with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (if you can wait 24 hours, all the better) before slicing or scooping to serve.

APEROL SPRITZ INGREDIENTS 3 ounces Aperol 3 ounces dry Prosecco 1 ounce (a splash) club soda or un avored sparkling water Orange slice, for garnish DIRECTIONS Add ice to a glass until it is nearly full. Pour in the Aperol, then the Prosecco. Top the drink off ith a splash of club soda and add a slice of orange. Makes 1. M

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SALES • SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

In House Service Deptartment

505 Cliff Gookin Blvd • Tupelo, MS (662) 844-0308 517 HWY 7 South • Oxford, MS (662) 380-5073 20

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Beach Bag 101

By BROOKE BULLOCK BURLESON Photo by THOMAS WELLS

Summer just isn’t summer without a trip to the beach, lake or nearest body of water.

However, a beach trip can be stressful even without the must-have, fully loaded beach bag for your visit to the water.

Read along to see how you can pack the most affordabl , resourceful bag for your family’s day in the sun.

Must Haves:

- Sunscreen for you and your kids (the higher the SPF the better for your skin) - Face sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - Beach blanket - Beach towels - Insulated bag for food and drinks - Large beach bag to carry all belongings - Beach chairs - Sunglasses, sandals and hats

- Swimsuit coverups and light clothing - Floaties, goggles and sand toys for your kids (or you) - Plenty of snacks and water

A Few Extras:

- Your choice of beer, seltzer or other refreshing 21+ beverages - Portable speaker for your beach playlist - Portable phone charger - A book to enjoy

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the Perfect Gift

PHILIPS GARDEN CENTER “The Growing Place to Be” 5119 CLIFF GOOKIN BLVD TUPELO, MS • 842-1267 CLOSED ON SUNDAYS

128 West Main St. • Downtown Tupelo • (662) 205-0351 Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm • Sat 10am - 3pm

407 Short 7th Ave. • Laurel MS • (601) 342-5129 Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm • Sat 10am - 3pm NOW SHOWCASING MISSISSIPPI ARTISTS IN TWO LOCATIONS.

PLEASE VISIT US SOON!

THECARONGALLERY.COM 22

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TUPELO’S PREMIER RUG CLEANING PLANT • We clean rugs from around the world • 20+ Years Experience • Certified & Highly Trained • Guaranteed Urine/Odor Removal

EST B 1 # D VOTE EANER L C G U R Joshua Garrison (Owner) & JourneyMay

419 Crossover Road • Tupelo, MS

(662) 610-8650

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Cold...Hot?

WE CAN HELP

120 Snyder Street • New Albany, MS

662-534-9611 www.riddleair.com

OUR NEW STORE IS NOW OPEN!

Come see our NEW Barnes Crossing District location!

Convenient parking for that same old home town shopping experience.

BARNES CROSSING DISTRICT | 868 MISSISSIPPI DRIVE | 842-5287 Historic Downtown Tupelo 842-6453 | Historic Downtown Starkville 323-2684 www.reedsms.com

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A Place Fit For A King Elvis-themed lodging takes off in King of Rock and Roll’s birthplace

By BROOKE BULLOCK BURLESON Photos ADAM ROBISON

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upelo local Andi Nolan never expected to own and operate one Airbnb, let alone two.

But the well-known Tupelo native promised herself that she would pursue her dreams after her three children were grown, and that’s exactly what she’s doing. Since July 2021, Nolan’s duo of Airbnbs have been popular lodging spots for travelers dropping by Tupelo for a few hours to a few days.

The location has a lot to do with the rental homes’ success.

Situated behind Veterans Park, the properties are within walking distance of the city’s most popular tourist destination: The Elvis Presley Birthplace.

The short-term abodes are intended to make guests feel like they’re at home while visiting, even if just for one night. And when they fall asleep in Nolan’s Airbnbs, they can dream within

Above: Andi Nolan stands inside the living room of one of her two Airbnb properties, located near the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo.

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yards of where Elvis Presley once did.

Most of the traveling tenants stay between a single night and an entire week. Some travel for work, others for leisure. No matter their reason for staying, Nolan’s goal is to expose guests to as much of Tupelo as possible in the little time they have to explore.

She strives to make her cottages feel like home the moment a guest steps inside. The walls are decorated with local art and everywhere you look, you’re bound to see Tupelo’s native son within eye-shot.

Many of the pictures hanging in the houses are from Nolan’s family, including an original by her mother.

The hostess makes it a point to advertise local restaurants and activities to guests with pamphlets and handouts available in the front of each home.

Upon special request, Nolan will provide Queen’s Reward mead, baked goods from Simply Sweet by Margarete and flowers from Fresh Farm among other products that are unique to Tupelo.

Hosting a place for visitors to stay a night or two may seem like a natural fit for Nolan, but it wasn’t until her children were grown that she even considered it.

“I always told myself, ‘You’ll have your time,’” she said. “So here I am.”

Nolan’s husband works in the

rental business, so she was able to join him in creating her own unique Airbnb projects.

“I wanted to do something bigger,” Nolan said. “I tacked onto what he does already. That’s literally as simple as how it started.”

Nolan purchased her first property on Elvis Presley Drive and got to work converting the home into the kind of place that would catch a visitor’s attention. Soon after, however, she noticed the house next door was up for sale.

“I called my husband, and we thought, if we’re going to do two, we should grab the one right next door fast,” she said.

Nolan and her husband verbally bought the house within hours so they could have neighboring rental locations.

As for the stroke of luck, Nolan thanks God for the chance realtor sighting.

“I honestly thought it was a God thing because I had been praying about it," she said. "That’s kind of how it all started.”

When asked what prompted her to pursue this new career path, Nolan said she wanted to embrace the spirit of Mississippi.

“This is the hospitality state. I love the hospitality industry,” Nolan said. “It makes me happy when people are happy with their stay in Tupelo.” M

Clockwise from left: The kitchen of Nolan’s first Airbnb eatures a breakfast table with room for four as well as a full-service kitchen. • The living areas of each Airbnb highlight local art and knick knacks from all over Tupelo. • The second Airbnb location, just next door to the first, has a similar kitchen la out as the neighboring home. • Elvis Presley isn’t hard to find in each of Andi Nolan’s Airbnbs, especially with the music sensation’s birthplace only yards away. • The bedrooms for each home are functional and decorated with mostly local art and furnishings.

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The solution to your Fire Ant problem. Produced & packaged in Tupelo.

TAKE THE

STING

OUT OF YOUR SPRING

200 West Main Street Baldwyn, MS 38824

662-365-1050

POP-UP MARKET

Buy online at www.ritekem.shop, or purchase at a location near you: Tupelo Hydro-Hose Corp.

Newell Paper Co. Phillips Garden Center Tupelo Hardware Co. Baldwyn Griffin Feed & Seed Belmont MTS Safety Products Red Bud Supply

Corinth Long Wholesale Golden Best Way, Inc. Mooreville Edge Horse & Tack Hussey Sod Farm Tishomingo Fairless Hardware Verona Monts Paper & Packaging

Pop-Up Market Days for May 21st and June 18th from 10-2.

Featuring art/crafts and handmade vendors, this market is located in Downtown Baldwyn at City Hall. Vendor information can be found on our website at www.baldwynliving.com.

Email chamberdirec@gmail.com or call 662.365.1050 for more info.

SATURDAYS ON THE TOWN SQUARE APRIL–OCTOBER from 8 AM–1 PM

It’s a place to shop. It’s a place to gather.

But more importantly it’s a rare chance to experience the rich simplicity of a Mississippi small town.

It’s truly a fresh, local experience.

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OBE L G

TROTTER Colin Maloney shares stories of his adventures around the world

By ADAM ARMOUR Photos ADAM ROBISON M &M

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Above: Colin Maloney of Tupelo stands in front of a world map – its surface dotted with mementos of his travels across the globe – posted on the wall of his office inside Century Construction in upelo.

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here’s a map of the world on the back wall of Colin Maloney’s office, roughly 5 feet tall and a few feet wider than that.

To it, Maloney has pinned mementos of his journeys around the globe, bits of currency and brochures and photographs spread across the surface of the earth. Each keepsake is a reminder of a place he’s visited … an adventure he’s undertaken.

There have been so many: Argentina and Peru. Costa Rica and Morocco. Canada. Cuba. Spain. Vietnam.

The room is filled with relics. As the 58-year-old Tupeloan tells his stories, he consults them – pulls a photo from the wall or nods toward a brochure or motions to some item in the corner.

He speaks of his adventures in no particular order, just as they come to him, his memory sparked by a question or word or another story. They flow together, one after another.

“It’s all about the adventure, you know,” he says of one his trips to the Baja 1000, a hundreds-mile-long off-road motorsports race through the sands of Mexico. He’s participated eight times, the

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first in 2003. That first year, he rode a Kawasaki Brute Force, a massive four-wheeler designed to tackle just such terrain. As long as the rider can do the same, of course.

Organizers open the trail up to a pre-run two weeks before the actual race. Most years Maloney’s tackled the Baja 1000, that’s what he’s run. He’s run the actual race twice, but didn’t finish either time. In both, his bike broke down.

One year, he and his friends journeyed through Copper Canyon, Mexico, a massive, 25,000-mile range of canyons that together dwarf the scale of the Grand Canyon (which he’s also hiked).

They were on bikes for 10 days. The entire trip took about 14.

“It’s so remote and so hard to get to, that some of the cities down there … are like a step back in time,” he says of the adventure.

The canyon is home to the Tarahumara, a group of indigenous people known for their long-distance running abilities. They are often called “The Running People.”

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“And they really do run everywhere,” Maloney says.

Maloney almost always travels with friends, in groups of seven or eight. Most of their adventures are on two wheels (sometimes four; occasionally none, if it’s a water-based adventure). They’ll often fly to where they’re going. If they’re planning to bike through Mexico or somewhere else that isn’t overseas, they’ll send the bikes via trailer, then meet up with the truck.

Traveling in groups is not only safer, it’s a way to build camaraderie.

“I know them, they know me,” he says of his fellow adventurers. “There’s one guy in the group – he packs everything down to the sewing needle. If you need it, he’s got it.

So everybody has what they do best. When you travel with a group like that, it makes the challenges a whole lot easier to handle.”

Sometimes, that support is tangible – like when Maloney’s bike broke down in Mexico, and one of his fellow travelers had to tow him for a day. Other times, it’s more about encouragement.

On one of the Baja trips, one of Maloney’s fellow travelers, weary from the sun, heavy sand and the physical toll the journey had taken on him, said he didn’t know how much further he’d be able to go.

“We were sitting there in the sand, watching this little ant try to push a grain of sand up a hill,” Maloney says. “I said, ‘See that little ant right there? He’s going to make it up that hill. That’s just like us. We’re going to make it out of this desert.’ He laughed. We got back on our bikes, and we took off.”

On a trip across Argentina, one member of the group got food poisoning. Again, there was nothing to do but to push through it.

“Southern Argentina is just a vast nothingness,” Maloney says. “It’s not like you can just stop; there is nowhere to stop … You could drive 200 miles, and there’s a gas station, hotel and hardware store. You’d drive another 200 miles, and there’d be another one. There’s just nothing down there.”

When asked where they sleep on these adventures, Maloney shrugs.

“There are places,” he says. “They aren’t the Holiday Inn Express, but there are places.”

Occasionally, they’ve spent the night in a local’s house.

“Usually, the people are really nice,” he says. “People really are.”

But not always.

“I saw a guy get shot in Guatemala,” he says, almost casually, while describing some of his more harrowing journeys.

The tire on his bike had just blown out, so he and his traveling group were on the roadside.

“It’s a four-lane road," he says. "These guys pull up to a Bob Truck – the guy had pulled off – and they start firing. They drug him out of the truck. And we’re sitting on the side of the street.”

Top left: Photographs of some of Maloney’s adventures hang on the wall of his offic Bottom left: A photograph of a motorcycle trip Maloney undertook with his friends in South America is pinned to a map in the 58-year-old’s offic

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It’s a memory burned into his mind.

“I’ll never forget, the guy had that gun, and he turned and saw us,” he says.

“We headed off down the ditch.”

They took the truck and the driver and took off.

“They wanted the truck,” Maloney says. “They weren’t necessarily interested in us. But we didn’t need to be in their business.”

When in dangerous situations, and Maloney’s been in a few, he said it’s important to stay calm, pay attention, and react appropriately.

“Once you’re in it, you’re there,” he says. “You can’t call Mama. Nobody’s going to come get you.”

But Maloney says he’s observant, and that’s the key to both staying safe and having stories to tell upon a safe return home. No matter where he travels, Maloney has seen beauty and ugliness, good and bad.

The former, he says, far outweighs the latter.

“In all the places I’ve traveled, I can tell you, people are mostly good,” he says.

Reminiscing in a room full of relics, Maloney says he’s always eager to begin the next journey, to see where his sense of adventure will carry him next. He’s planning a two-wheel ride up to Anchorage, Alaska, in the coming months.

And next year, he plans to tackle the Great Loop, a 6,000-mile circle around the eastern third of the United States and Canada via a system of natural and man-made waterways, including the Tennessee-Tombigbee.

He’s also planning a trip to Burning Man – the annual art festival in the desolate wilds of the Nevada desert. He’s been twice already.

“It certainly gives you something to talk about,” he says when asked about how travel has changed him – how it’s made him who he is.

“It’s not about the trip itself,” he says. “It’s about getting back and reliving the adventure. All the things that happened.”

He grins, then says, “They make great stories.”

And no matter how many trips he takes, there are always more places to see, and more stories for Colin Maloney to tell. M

Top right: Over the years, Maloney has had countless adventures. Reliving them through pictures and stories is what he most enjoys about his experiences. Bottom right: A helmet, signed by a group of Maloney’s friends and fellow adventurers, is perched atop the antler of a deer head mounted in Maloney’s offic

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Laurel

Welcome To

By GINNA PARSONS Photos ADAM ROBISON

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efore 2016, Laurel, Mississippi, was just another sleepy small Southern town, a place most people drove past to get to the Gulf Coast.

Today, it’s a thriving tourist destination, teeming with people visiting from all over the world, thanks to the hit HGTV show, “Home Town.” Ben and Erin Napier, both Laurel natives, star in the home-renovation series, which first aired in January 2016.

If you take a day trip to Laurel - it’s a three-hour drive from Tupelo – you can park downtown and spend hours strolling past some of the homes and businesses the Napiers have renovated, visiting small boutiques, restaurants, churches, bookstores, antique shops and the crown jewel of Laurel the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. There’s plenty to do downtown, and something for just about every taste. Restaurants offer everything from Italian food at Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria and New Orleans-style fare at Cafe la Fleur to a plate lunch at Pearl’s Diner and a hamburger sack lunch from The Knight Butcher. Many locally owned restaurants are closed on Sunday and Monday, so be sure to check before you travel.

Don’t forget to take a look at all the murals in downtown Laurel – there’s one on just about every block. And when you need to rest, there are a several public parks sprinkled around with plenty of benches for people-watching.

To plan your perfect day, go to www.visitjones.com, which has complete lists of places to shop, eat, stay and play. In the meantime, here’s an idea of what a day trip in Laurel looks like.

Left: A young family visiting town enjoys the outdoors in front of a mural near Lauren Mercantile. Below: A shopper checks out the jewelry selection at Laurel Mercantile.

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Lauren Rogers Museum of Art The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art opened in 1923 as a memorial to Princeton-educated Lauren Eastman Rogers, who was primed to take his place with the Eastman Gardiner Lumber Company when he died in 1921 at the age of 23 from complications of appendicitis.

Rogers’ family built the museum in his memory as a testament to the promise of his future. Their goal was to create a place for the advancement of learning and to never charge an admission fee.

Ninety-nine years later, the museum still holds true to its ideals.

It serves as a welcome center of sorts, where visitors can pick up brochures for places to visit and recommendations for restaurants.

“Because of the TV show, the number of visitors is up a good bit,” said George Bassi, the museum’s director. “We probably average 700 to 800 people a week. For a town our size, it is really a major institution.”

Building additions and renovations completed in 1925, 1983 and 2013 have brought the museum to its current size: 30,000 square feet. It features seven galleries for its permanent collections, three galleries for temporary exhibitions, an art studio and an art reference library with more than 10,000 volumes.

“We’re known for our Native American Basket Collection,” Bassi said. “It’s one of the most representative collections for that time frame in North America.”

The Georgian Silver Gallery, featuring more than 80 British Georgian silver objects used for high tea, is also popular, as is the Japanese Print Gallery, Bassi said.

The museum also has an American Gallery, with works by artists like Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt, and a European Gallery, which features 19th century French Barbizon paintings and English landscapes.

Every Friday in the spring and fall, Bassi takes visitors on a 90-minute walking tour of a two-block area around the museum.

“You learn about the people, the history of Laurel, the timber indus-

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try and the railroad,” he said. “It’s not a long distance, but it’s a lot of history.”

The museum, located at 565 N. 5th Ave., is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Caron Gallery South One of the newest businesses to open in downtown Laurel is Caron Gallery South, located at 407 Short 7th Ave. It’s open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We opened the first of March, and we have 40 artists represented,” said Laura Otis Zumwalt, the gallery manager. “Most of the artists are either from Mississippi or live in Mississippi.”

Adam Trest, whose work has been featured on “Home Town,” has a studio in back of the gallery.

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Opposite page clockwise: The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art opened in 1923. A visitor browses in the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. The stunning centerpiece of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is the glass “Chandelier” created by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly. This page clockwise: The snack board at Bird Dog Cafe features a selection of meats, cheeses, nuts, fruit, crispy bread and other small bites. Diners enjoy lunch at Bird Dog Cafe. Laura Otis Zumwalt, who manages Caron Gallery South, arranged artwork on a wall.

“There was a need for an art gallery in Laurel, a void to fill,” Trest said. “People are excited to see original art from Mississippi artists and take a little bit of Mississippi home with them.”

Trest’s wife, Lily, co-owns the gallery with Kim Caron, who opened the original Caron Gallery in Tupelo in 2010.

“The two galleries share a website and the same artists,” Zumwalt said. “We’ve added several South Mississippi artists since we opened our doors. It’s exciting for people in Laurel and South Mississippi to see artists’ work in person, rather than online.”

Bird Dog Cafe Across the street from Caron Gallery South is Bird Dog Cafe, which was featured in Season 4 of “Home Town” when it opened in 2020.

Elliot Bell co-owns the restaurant with his brother, Connor. The eatery is located at 412 Short 7th Ave., and is open Monday-Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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“We’ve kind of been all over the place to find our identity,” Bell said. “We made a big list of things we thought Laurel needed, like breakfast and wine.”

The breakfast menu offers grits, potatoes, homemade sausage, waffles, homemade pastries, and coffee roasted on site from Manuscript Coffee Roasting Company. You can also order a mimosa or a bloody mary.

Best-selling lunch items include the Bird Dog Club on thick wheatberry bread, the salmon Caesar wrap, and the tarragon chicken salad on a croissant. Dinner options include seafood, steaks and burgers.

Popular appetizers at Bird Dog include tomato bruschetta, peach-almond bruschetta, and marinated mushroom bruschetta; and the snack board, which features a selection of meats, cheeses, nuts, fruit, crispy bread and other small bites.

“So far, we’ve been really successful with our wine selection and cocktails,” Bell said. “We really want to be the wine spot in Laurel.”

Next door to the restaurant is Bird Dog Goods, which offers souvenirs, gifts, curated antiques and bagged coffee from Manuscript.

“We also have five Airbnbs on Short 7th Avenue,” Bell said. “Our next move is to push Short 7th as our next identity. The street has not been part of downtown before, but when road work is complete, we will be.”

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Laurel Mercantile The Napiers, along with Mallorie and Jim Rasberry and Emily and Josh Newell, opened Laurel Mercantile in 2016, before the first episode of “Home Town” even aired.

“Their hope was to build a lasting brand, even if the show didn’t last,” said Hayley Raines, general manager of Laurel Mercantile and the Scotsman General Store, where many “Home Town” episodes are filmed.

“For someone like me, who was born here – these buildings downtown were empty in the 1980s,” said Jacque Odom, a sales associate at Laurel Mercantile. “Ben and Erin are responsible for the buildings being full, the restaurants, the small businesses. On the show, they’re always promoting other businesses. They want this area to grow.”

The mercantile offers T-shirts, cookbooks, Erin Napier’s candle line, textiles, butcher blocks, charcuterie boards, stoneware and products from Rifle Paper Co. “We offer an extensive Jadeite collection,” Odom said.

“Customers come from all over the U.S. and the world and say they just don’t see it anywhere anymore.”

Work by local artists like Adam Trest and Erin Napier are also featured in the store, along with Cavallini posters and a collection of vintage quilts.

“One of the reasons I’m proud to work for them is because all the products here are made in America, and many are made in Mississippi,” Odom said.

Laurel Mercantile is located at 414 Front St. Scotsman General Store, which offers everything from glass-bottle sodas and cast-iron skillets to flannel shirts and hardware, is located at 1 Spec Wilson. Both stores are open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar Alise Mathews opened Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar in September 2017.

“I’d been out of school for a year – I was 22 – and I decided I wanted to come back home and be part of the revitalization of Laurel,” Mathews said. “In my lifetime, to see how far downtown has come – that’s been real special.”

Mathews’ mother is a caterer, and her grandmother taught her how to make pralines, so sweet treats are in her blood.

Mathews said when Laurel was in its heyday, all the downtown department stores had candy counters.

“So, I feel like this place is the trifecta – we have a candy bar, we use family recipes, and we have cookie dough,” she said.

The cookie dough is made without eggs and uses pasteurized flour. Everything is treated with heat before it’s turned into cookie dough, so it’s safe to eat raw.

Shug’s offers eight cookie dough flavors, and they’re sold in scoops: chocolate chip; sugar cookie; pucker up buttercup (a nod to Reese’s); s’mores; brown sugar; red velvet; strawberry; and runaway bride, which tastes like birthday cake.

“Runaway bride and chocolate chip are by far the most popular,” Mathews said.

For those in a hurry to get dinner on the table, there’s a freezer filled with casseroles-to-go that Mathews’ mom prepares. Three favorites are lasagna, chicken pot pie and chicken spaghetti.

“We stay busy here,” Mathews said. “We’ve been really blessed. I don’t see us going anywhere anytime soon.” M

Top left: One of several murals in Laurel. Bottom left to right: Laurel Mercantile stays busy with shoppers. • Laurel Mercantile offers s veral hand-crafted items, like these headbands. • Artist Adam Trest painted the artwork at Trustmark Art Park. • Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar offers cookie dough scoops, candies, macarons and other sweet treats as well as frozen casseroles-to-go. • Chocolate chip and runaway bride are the two most popular fla ors of cookie dough at Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar.

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4/20/22 1:18 PM

Mandi Toy Acting Chief of Interpretation at Natchez Trace Parkway

Q&A:

By ALLIE ALLSUP Photos courtesy of NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

With more than 10,000 years of human history connected to the area, the Natchez Trace Parkway is among the top 10 most visited National Parks in the country.

Stretching from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounded by lush greenery and wondrous views, this stretch of land holds myriad activities and adventures alike.

From camping to horseback riding, hiking, and everything in between, there’s no lack of excitement to be found along the 444-mile Parkway.

As Acting Chief of Interpretation at Natchez Trace Parkway, part of Mandi Toy’s job is to help people plan through their visit to the Natchez Trace Parkway. She recently spoke with Mud & Magnolias to provide readers with some tips and her thoughts on the top places to visit along the Trace.

If coming to this Parkway for the first tim , where would you suggest people start?

What I would guide people to do to help them pick and choose is to first do a little pre-planning. In order to do that, they can either grab a map, which folks can request from the Main Visitor Center, or download the National Park Service app which has a list of those must-see sites.

What would you recommend for those who are here for a shorter trip versus those who want to travel the whole Parkway?

I recommend picking and choosing a few of those with each visit. If you’re local, and you’re planning a visit for the weekend, maybe pick a couple of different sites. For fol s that are going to do the whole Trace, I might plan a couple of days to be on the Parkway and try and hit all of the highlighted spots that you’ll find on the app or the park ma .

What stands out to you the most about the Parkway?

When I first came here from out est, one thing that really stood out for me is how much there is to do and see and experience along the Parkway. There’s really something for every interest.

Some of the big things that I would recommend that people do or take advantage of would be to just drive the Parkway; just take a nice leisurely drive. You can take in the scenery, and on a roadway that has less traffic, kind of meander along the la scape. As you’re driving along, I recommend people stop at one of the pullouts and just stretch their legs and take it all in.

What’s something you can do if you decide to pull o at a stop?

If you’re going to take a leisurely drive, pack a nice picnic.

There are many pull outs that offer picnic tables along the way, and you can sit and enjoy a picnic lunch and listen to the sounds of the birds. If you happen to be at one of the picnic areas by a creek, you can listen to the water flow and just have a nice relaxing afternoon.

Do you have any must-see sites to recommend?

Stop by and see some of those large, historic wooden signs that tell you a little bit about each location. We have probably around 18 or 20 sites that we highlight as the must-see locations along the entire length of the Parkway. Those can be found on the Parkway map, as well as the Parkway app.

It’s hard to narrow down which to see among those. But I might say, if you’re interested in nature, there are a number of waterfalls that people can stop at. For those who are more connected to history, we have a wide range of historical locations too. Mount Locust down near Natchez, Mississippi, is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the state of Mississippi.

Another important historical point, up in Tennessee, is the location of the death and burial of Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark.

There are also several American Indian mound sites that are available to visit.

What about if you’re wanting to be more active? Are there activities to do for that?

Yes, if you’re active and really like hiking or traveling on the trails, the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is encompassed within the Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s about 60 miles of trail, broken up into five sections throughout the length of the wa , making it a great place to get out and hike. Whether you want to hike just a few miles or go a longer distance, depending on where you are on the National Scenic Trail, there are opportunities for both.

What is your favorite part about the Parkway?

There’s so much to do it’s hard to choose. But every few months, I try and pick something different to d . For instance, I try to pick different hi es on each trip, so I actually still have a lot of the National Scenic Trail to experience. One of my favorite stops to stretch my legs going north bound would be Rock Spring. Not to be confused with Rocky Springs. Rock Spring is an area where there are these large stones in the creek for people to walk across. It’s really beautiful. M

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IUKA

Small Town, Big Adventure!

By ALLIE ALLSUP Photos by C. TODD SHERMAN, DESTE LEE, and THOMAS WELLS

Bored at home? Looking for a bit of fun? Need a change of pace?

Look no further than Iuka.

The small town, located just about as far northeast in Northeast Mississippi as you can get, sits encased in miles of natural beauty and unique destinations – museums, drive-in theaters, and state parks, all loaded with historic meaning and ready for adventure.

Above: Canoers navigate the waters of Tishomingo State Park. Right: A pavilion in downtown Iuka.

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Top left: Downtown Iuka. Top right: A rock climber rappels down the face of a rock at Tishomingo State Park near Iuka Middle left: The Swinging Bridge at Tishomingo State Park. Above: Downtown Iuka has many unique and historic buildings. Left: The Apron Museum in Iuka may be small, but it’s packed with aprons from throughout history.

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Apron Museum If you’re looking for history with a unique twist, the Apron Museum on West Eastport Street has you covered.

Although small – the entire collection is confined to a single room – the “world’s only apron museum” brims with thousands of aprons, some of which date back centuries. The aprons on display come in all colors and styles, making for a quirky, fun and wholly unique place to visit.

Iuka Drive-In Theater If you like both the movies and the great outdoors, the Iuka Drive-In Theater is for you.

Located on Quitman Street, this theater is one of the few remaining driveins in the state of Mississippi. So, if you want to take a step – or a drive – back in time and bask in the nostalgic glory days of drive-in cinema, load up your car with some blankets, grab a bucket of popcorn and enjoy the show.

Outdoor activities Prefer heading out to driving in? Iuka’s got all the nature you could want.

J.P. Coleman State Park is located approximately 10 miles north of Iuka.

Located off Mississippi Highway 25 on the banks of Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River, the park offers sweeping views and plenty of opportunities for fun water sports. Whether

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it’s skiing, fishing, sailing or just swimming, it’s the perfect spot for a sunny day.

And for those too work out after a long day of having fun outdoors, the park offers plenty of room to sleep under the expansive night sky. J.P. Coleman State Park has more than 60 campsites, several motel rooms, and a few townhouses.

Haven’t gotten your fill of the outdoors yet? Be sure to drop by Historic Mineral Springs Park in downtown Iuka. This unusual park has several flowing springs, a pavilion, areas to picnic, a children’s playground, and much more. If you’re looking to relax or spend time with family, this is the spot.

More to see and do For such a small town, Iuka is absolutely loaded with places to see and things to do. This area is packed with parks, antique shops, delicious restaurants, and the opportunity to visit one of the highest natural points in Mississippi: Woodall Mountain, which reaches 806 feet high.

With so much to see and do, Iuka is the perfect spot for a day full of adventure. M

Top left: RVers enjoy a water view from their campsite at J.P. Coleman State Park. Top right: Downtown Iuka Above: Iuka’s Apron Museum (which claims to be the only one of its kind) is one of the small town’s quirkier attractions, and well worth a visit.

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HUNTSVILLE

>>>

Day & night stops in the Rocket City

By DAVID HITT

<<<

All Photos Courtesy of HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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4/21/22 10:28 AM

You can’t visit the Rocket City without seeing the rockets – the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to Space Camp, is a national treasure.

But there’s much more to Huntsville, Alabama, than its role in space history. It’s a city brimming with museums, local eateries and plenty more to see and experience.

Here’s how we recommend you spend a packed day in Huntsville enjoying amazing food, incredible arts, the beautiful outdoors, and, yes, a bit of awe-inspiring space.

Morning Stop >>> Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment

Housed in a historic textile mill, Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment has become a Huntsville icon. Its signature water tower is a fixture of the city skylin , and with more than 150 studios housing over 200 artists, Lowe Mill is the largest privately owned arts facility in the South. Check out the work of hundreds of artists under one roof, and pick up some unique gifts you’ll find nowhere els .

Lunch >>> Stovehouse

Stovehouse is a food hall without the hall. Instead, it has so much more. Like Lowe Mill, Stovehouse is a repurposed classic Huntsville building. It opened originally as a stove factory, but today, it’s home to a collection of local restaurants, with options to suit everyone in your group. Ramen? Yep. Barbecue? Of course. And for those with more international tastes, there’s authentic Mexican, French crepes and much, much more. Indoor seating is available, but on even a decent day, you’ll want to sit outside. An entertainment venue with multiple stages for live music, Stovehouse also offers unique shops once you’ve finished eating

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Afternoon Stop >>> The U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Huntsville’s space museum is a must-do, and it’s a lot to pack into a one-day itinerary.

“It’s easy to spend the entire day at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and still not see everything,” said Pat Ammons, senior director of public and media relations. “If they’re short on time, however, I would send visitors straight to the Saturn V Hall to see the National Historic Landmark Saturn V moon rocket.”

Ammons said it’s difficult to describe the space tha houses the 363-foot-long rocket.

“Awe-inspiring is one word that gets used a lot,” Ammons said. “The Saturn V Hall also displays the Apollo 16 capsule that went to the moon and many other exhibits that showcase one of humankind’s greatest achievements – space exploration – and Huntsville’s role in making it happen.”

If you have time left before supper >>> Campus 805

If you’ve never been to a speakeasy in a middle school, your opportunity has arrived. Continuing the trend of great Huntsville spots repurposed from classic buildings, Campus 805 was a high school and middle school before becoming a collection of local breweries, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

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Supper

>>> Downtown Huntsville

If you’re in a hurry and want a specific recomme dation: Get dinner at Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria on the courthouse square. The pizza’s great, and odds are on any given night, their gelato options include a flavor you’ve never seen befor .

If you’ve got time, stroll around downtown until you find something that stri es your fancy. Chances are, something will. On just one side of the square, for example, you’ll find orean, French and English eateries within a few yards of each other. Or walk down a few steps to Huntsville’s beautiful Big Spring Park and have an outdoor dinner waterside.

If you need more ideas, stop by the Visitor Center where they’ll be glad to help with dinner recommendations or provide attraction coupons.

“With so much to do and see in Huntsville, especially downtown, I encourage everyone to come to the Visitor Center,” said Judy Ryals, President/CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our friendly and knowledgeable Visitor Information Assistants will help you make the most of your time in The Rocket City.”

Too late to head home?

If you find that ther ’s too much to see and do in Huntsville in a single day, you should spend the night in one of the city’s new downtown hotels, like 106 Jefferson or the C Hotel. The next morning, you can visit the Huntsville Botanical Garden on your way out of town! M

M &M

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Q&A

Keisha Gholston, Global Travel Services

By ALLIE ALLSUP Photo by THOMAS WELLS When it comes to travel, Keisha Gholston knows the ins and outs.

With 25 years as a travel agent under her belt, Gholston values loyalty with her clients above all else. As a travel agent for Global Travel Services Inc. out of Tupelo, Gholston strives to give her clients their perfect trip.

Whether it be for regular travelers or those seeking to book their first big tri , Gholston is eager to share some quick tips looking to venture out into the world.

What is travel looking like now?

I’d say it’s starting to pick up speed again.

Because a lot of the restrictions for traveling places are getting dropped, people have been encouraged to travel again. It’s really boomed back this year, and it’s a promising start to a big travel year.

What does a big travel year look like for you?

Is it different then how it used to b ?

So, we are seeing very large packages being booked, whereas in the past, things might have been more of an average size. But now, we’re seeing people booking much more expensive trips, with many trying to do some bucket list trips.

Why do you think that is?

It might be because people didn’t travel for two years, and having been cooped up for so long, they are just ready to get out and go.

Or it may be because they’re just seeing the importance of going and enjoying a vacation versus having regrets that they didn’t get to go at all.

Do you think these bucket list trips will be more of the new norm now?

I think so. For a time, anyway. I think people don’t want to take these trips for granted anymore.

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As a travel agent, how would you normally get your customers started on planning a big trip or a lengthy adventure?

There are several qualifying questions to get a client started. For example, we will ask whether you are a beach person or more of a scenic route type? Are you more on the go, or a sit-back-and-relax kind of person? Then, of course, we like to find out what kind of budget we are working with.

Those are just a few, but depending on the qualifying questions, we can map out certain trips that will work for each customer or group.

Do you have any tips for traveling right now?

Book early. That’s the biggest one. Don’t go without hotel reservations or without any tours pre-booked, because you’ll get there and have your feelings hurt.

How early is early?

Six to nine months. If you’re planning on doing a trip out of the country or a honeymoon, etc., you’ve got to start early.

Why do you need to figure it out so earl ?

You’ve got to book early because airfare sells out for one. For you to get the seats together or get any type of hotel or flight deal or sp cial, then booking early is a must.

What are some ways to save money while traveling?

There are always ways to cut costs. It’s just going to come down to how long you want to be gone for and what’s most important to you on your trip.

There’s a lot of different ways to still save money, especially when it comes to where you’re staying. Just the location can save you tons, and sometimes even get you an extra night for the same price. For example, a threestar hotel versus a five-star hotel. Or figurin

out how much time someone is going to be spending at their hotel.

On top of that, are they considering using the hotel amenities like the spa or are they just looking for a place to sleep? Do they need a beach view, or would garden be fin ? It all relies on what that person is willing to spend or part with.

So, it seems like you really tend to take the stress out of things.

Yes, we can definitely ta e the stress out of travel. We like to say without a travel agent, you’re on your own, which sometimes means spending hours taking care of a problem. But if you book through a travel agent, they’ll take care of those problems for you.

What do you think people have taken away from these past years where travel has been restricted?

I think the pandemic has taught people to realize that life isn’t certain, and that one day, it’ll be too late to take a trip like this. So, I think people are taking these big bucket list trips in order to make lasting memories with friends and family.

People aren’t taking their time for granted anymore, realizing it’s better to go ahead and go while their health is still good. M

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