Travel is healthy for your mind and body; closer to home or farther abroad, get inspired for your next trip here.
Jack & Jill of America
Cabinet Depot
from the editor
There are two kinds of travelers — the ones who seek out unique things to do and eat, and the ones who look for McDonald’s in every city because they just don’t like “foreign” things. You’re going to find stories in this issue about the first kind, thank goodness!
My family had the great good fortune to live in the Netherlands for three years when our first two kids were tiny. My husband and I made a pact that we were not going to let two small humans stop us from seeing everything we could in the time we were there. Before moving to Europe, I had never even BEEN to Europe, and I was thrilled to do it all.
We traded trips — him to play golf with his best friend in Scotland and me to take in Paris with my mom — each of us taking our turn to stay home with the kids while the other traveled. Every time guests flew into Schiphol Airport to visit (and we had LOTS of visitors), one of us would take the two-hour trip south to meet them and spend a day or two showing them around Amsterdam.
And we did so many other trips while we were there! Our parents flew over to keep the kids, and we had Dutch babysitters who we trusted for weekend trips as well. Without children, we went to Cinque Terra in Italy (mussels straight from the Mediterranean to our seaside table — divine!) and London (fish and chips of course!).
With children, we explored our host country and beyond — Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland. We sledded down a mountain, hiked and rode bikes through ancient woods, ascended the winding stairs of cathedrals, visited every historical site and museum we could find. And we ate whatever interesting thing was available: homemade Mexican and Norwegian cuisine at our international club; haggis, neeps and tatties at a Scottish dancing gala (after taking dance lessons for weeks); reindeer in Sweden.
Since then, this previously untraveled Southern girl has enjoyed more trips, incredible experiences and unique meals.
My advice: Let this month’s Bella inspire you. Take the trip. Do all the things. Eat the food. Vacay away!
— Lisa Player
PUBLISHER / Kelly MacLeod
EDITOR / Lisa Player
ART DIRECTOR / Elizabeth Meyer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Liz Biggs, Alice Crann Good, Sharla Gorder, Allison McCrory, Chelsea Owens, Leslie Peck, Leah Seacrest, Magi Thomley Williams
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Toni Sparks, Kate Treick
ADVERTISING
Jennifer Harrison, Magi Thomley Williams
bella staff
Liz Biggs, writer/columnist
Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career, but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.
Alice Crann Good, writer
Award-winning writer Alice Crann Good spent 20 years with USA TODAY and Pensacola News Journal; accolades include the Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award. She was also a state college PR specialist and is author of Betsy the Bookworm children’s book series.
Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist
Sharla Dawn Gorder is a Pensacola Beach resident and columnist for the Island Times newspaper. She is the author of “My Vices Collide; a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up,” and is currently working on her next book, entitled “Crayon Dawn,” due out in October 2024.
Jennifer Harrison, advertising
Jennifer Harrison is a Pensacola native (via the Navy). She is very involved in the Pensacola community through IMPACT 100, Pensacola Navy Days, Food Distributions for Representative Salzman, Leadership Pensacola, ECPS Foundation, Achieve Escambia, ECCPTA and more. Making an impact is what drives her to do more.
Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist
Allison McCrory is almost a Pensacola native who has worked in writing and editing since 1984 when she started with The News, an afternoon newspaper that later merged with the morning Journal. The mom of two adult kids, Allison suffers from a tennis addiction, practices yoga and loves to cook.
Magi Thomley Williams, advertising/writer
Magi Thomley Williams, ACB, ALB is a business and nonprofit consultant, writer, trainer and speaker. Dedicated to improving her community by helping nonprofits build their boards, improve their media presence and attract donor funding,Magi enjoys writing about impactful nonprofits, thriving businesses and the women who lead them. Magi@ThomleyConsulting.com
Chelsea Owens, writer
Chelsea Owens grew up in Gulf Breeze and received degrees in communications and art from the University of West Florida. She has a lifelong passion for style and art, and over 10 years of social media and marketing experience. She is also a pilates instructor who enjoys both staying busy and relaxing at the beach.
Leslie Peck, writer/beauty expert
Leslie Peck is a local aesthetician, makeup artist, lash artist and brow specialist. She has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles and 11 seasons of NYC Fashion week. Leslie was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007 for her work at Fashion Week.
Leah Seacrest, writer/fitness expert
Leah Seacrest, a seasoned fitness industry veteran with over 30 years, experience in group fitness and personal training, coowns REGYMEN Fitness Pensacola and is the SVP of REGYMEN Fitness overseeing operations and franchise growth. She is a mother of three and loves spending time outdoors.
Sonshine, writer
Sonshine is a Northwest Florida media personality, currenting hosting “Sonshine’s Corner” on BLAB TV. She is a business consultant, author, motivational speaker and fitness consultant. Sonshinemoorer@gmail.com.
Toni Sparks, photographer
Toni Sparks is a proud Pensacola native. As the visionary behind Short Story Studios. Toni is dedicated to creating magazine-quality images with unparalleled elegance and style. Her experiences infuse her photography with a unique perspective that celebrates and elevates every moment.
Kate Treick, photographer
Kate Treick is a professional photographer, writer, speaker and publisher who has called Pensacola home since 2012. She and her husband, Joel, have two teenaged kids and two funny little dogs. Kate loves spending time with friends, leading music at her church, reading and traveling. kate@katetreickphotography.com
Teresa Torres Zwierzchowski, social media
Teresa Zwierzchowski has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, including more than 15 years working for the Pensacola News Journal. She is a lover of all things communication including brand, culture and social media as well as community and public relations.
Elizabeth Meyer, art director
Elizabeth Meyer spent her early career as a designer and design director at newspapers across the country. She is currently an adjunct instructor and director of The McKinley Avenue Agency at Ball State University. Betsy was born in Pensacola while her father was in the U.S. Navy.
inside this issue
CAUSES
Jack & Jill of America Page 22
LOCAL FARE Planettrekker travel Page 36 OUT & ABOUT Fiesta All Krewe Ball Page 58
10 SPEND OR SAVE
12 FASHION: Fresh retro summer vibes 24 BEAUTY: Vacay makeup
26 COVER: Travel! It’s healthy for you!
32 LOCAL FARE: Bucket list destinations
38 WORTH THE TRIP: Let’s go to Italy!
42 WORTH THE TRIP: Road tripping in Arizona and Utah
50 LOCAL FARE: Cabinet Depot, where quality meets community
54 OUT & ABOUT: Favor House Roundup
62 OUT & ABOUT: 3rd Annual Juneteenth Event
64 HER PERSPECTIVE: Marry me, fly free
66 HER PERSPECTIVE: Who does it better? America vs. Europe
On the cover: Model Tana Tomey looks cool in a timeless striped tank by Miou Muse and a Blu Pepper skort from SoBo Boutique. Story on Page 10.
Photo by Kate Treick Photography
• Bottega Veneta large drop earrings, $1,350, bergdorfgoodman.com
• A.L.C. Holden linen drawstring pants, $325, saksfifthavenue.com
• Khaite Pim cascading-ruffles sleeveless maxi dress, $1,800, neimanmarcus.com
spendorsave
BY CHELSEA OWENS / BELLAMAGAZINE.COM / PHOTOS PROVIDED
where to shop
Target: multiple area locations; target.com
• Teardrop classic gold 20mm stud earrings, $59, wanderlustandco.com
• A New Day high-rise wide leg linen pull-on pants, $25, target.com
• Cascading ruffle maxi dress, $130, abercrombie.com
fashion
Fresh retro SUMMER VIBES
Accessories & nods to the ’90s
By Allison McCrory /
Bows, stripes, polka dots, baby blue, brights and neutrals — all that and more are in the late summer fashion forecast.
“Bows are here to stay and they are transitioning into fall. We are also seeing vests being used as tops,” said SoBo Boutique owner Alicia Taylor-Prinz. “The resurgence in the vests as tops is due to many ’90s trends and silhouettes coming back.”
Speaking of the ’90s, the wide leg pant still rules. Go for midi and maxi lengths in skirts and dresses.
“Linen, lightweight fabrics, metallics such as satins, polka dots and stripes. Stripes are having a huge moment because stripes give a sporty look,” noted Taylor-Prinz.
With a movement away from fast fashion, accessories are dominating as a more environmentally conscious way to reinvent a wardrobe.
“Right now, accessories are having a huge moment. You can dress up any outfit with the right accessories and make a huge statement. You can wear a simple neutral color dress and accessorize it with delicate jewelry that can go with just about any outfit,” said Taylor-Prinz, who loves to add a large woven tote bag to summer looks.
In footwear, ballet flats, sandals with large buckles and platform shoes are big. And while channeling the ’90s, don’t forget to keep a claw clip handy for balmy days and nights as well as a lightweight fanny pack to store essentials.
Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Shopping list: Maybe it’s Beyonce’s chart-topping Cowboy Carter. Whatever the reason, Western influences are hot this summer. Jump on the wagon with this mosaic dress, $82, by Paani.
Shopping list:
Be nautical, classic and cool in one of the season’s favorite hues — soft blue. What’s not to love about this duo of a striped tank by Le Lis, $42, and wide-leg white pants, $89, by Miou Muse?
Shopping list: Maxi dresses are an easy, classy, comfortable summer option that travel beautifully and adapt to many settings. This slit maxi by Mustard Seed, $62, embraces the shades of sunsets and mountain ranges — perfect for vacation adventures.
Tana Tomey
Illinois native turned Air Force spouse Tana Tomey often feels like she is on vacation in her new Gulf Coast home. And so does her preschool daughter.
“She is obsessed with going to the beach and I understand why. The white sand and blue water are truly breathtaking,” Tomey said. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful sunset than here on the Gulf Coast.”
There’s more than that making her love it here.
“The atmosphere here is incredible, the people are lovely, and the view is spectacular. I’ve never been happier than I am today.”
In Tomey’s tiny Midwestern hometown, she excelled at numerous sports and loved art. At the end of the school day, the television came on and the dreaming started.
“As a young girl I always dreamed of being a model and would rush home after school to watch the Tyra Banks show along with America’s Next Top Model.”
College followed, but Tomey never found her passion until she ventured into modeling.
“I currently work with IZON Models & Talent, and it’s been a huge step forward into the modeling world. I feel like I’ve finally found something I truly feel passionate about.”
One dream accomplished yet Tomey has many more, including visions of travel destinations.
“I would love to go to Santorini. Or Italy to try all the pasta!”
Shopping list: Pristine white is making waves this summer and bows are big! With fashion trending eco-friendly, this pretty, neutral dress by Endless Blu, $88, is a perfect staple that will morph into many looks with simple accessory changes.
Shopping list: Timeless black and white is current with 2024’s favorite pattern — stripes! Team this cool tank by Miou Muse, $46, with a black skort by Blu Pepper, $32.
About the Location
Hilton Pensacola Beach
12 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach; 850-916-2999; hiltonpensacolabeach.com
Hair & Makeup Compliments of Trends Salon
5018 Grande Dr., Pensacola; 850-477-6911; trendssalonpensacola.org
Hair: Breyanna Chapron Makeup: Tonya Laumann
Clothes Compliments of SoBo Boutique
512 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 850-434-0258; thesoboboutique.com
Model Compliments of Izon Models & Talent LLC
301 N. Barcelona St., Suite E, Pensacola; 850-433-2099; izonmodels.com
stylingthe shoot
Flaura by Laura moon earrings, $42
Flaura by Laura sweet yellow clover necklace, $32
Anarchy Street box chain bracelet, $12
Anarchy Street round small braid tote bag, $44
Golden Stella triple knot earrings, $16
Journee Collection ivory Kenneth strap pumps, $66
Anarchy Street straw weave cowboy hat, $34
Photography: Kate Treick / Fashion styling: Allison McCrory Where to shop: SoBo Boutique
Fame Accessories square straw belt, $12
Rag Company blue Andrea knotted heel, $64
Golden Stella dual pearl necklace, $16
Anarchy Street rectangular straw braid tote bag, $48
Flaura by Laura round ring with flowers, $42
Jack and Jill of America is committed to strengthening area children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty, said Pensacola chapter President Christina Hawkins.
Opening New Worlds causes
Jack and Jill of America
By Allison McCrory /
Spring and summer mean vacations for some lucky people.
But for others barely making ends meet, getting out of town is typically an unattainable dream.
Thanks to the hard work of Jack and Jill of America’s Pensacola chapter, a break from school also meant a trip throughout Florida to visit college campuses for high school students who may never leave the area otherwise.
Recently, 26 area students, 17 of them fully sponsored, toured Florida State University, Florida A&M University and the University of Florida, spending the night in a hotel in Tallahassee during their spring break.
“This was the first time for some they’ve been outside of Pensacola,” said Jack and Jill member Donya Charles. “It gives them a good chance to see the different things and opportunities that are out there.”
They listened to a charge from Pensacola native and FAMU student body president Lauren May. They sat in on an African American studies class at the University of Florida. They soaked up guided campus tours, possibly envisioning college life for the first time. And they took home t-shirts and backpacks to commemorate the trip.
Prior to the trip, students submit essays on why the tour is important to them. Jack and Jill offers workshops teaching writing, public speaking, college and ACT/SAT prep to students applying for the tour as well as others interested in sharpening their skills.
Charles took a college tour trip herself in the early ‘90s as a student at Pensacola High and wanted to offer a similar vision to today’s students.
ALMOST 70 YEARS STRONG
The program is one of many organized by Jack and Jill, a family-centric organization launched in Pensacola almost 70 years ago by Martiel McCray Watson, a teacher at Booker T. Washington, then a junior and senior high school.
“During these times of segregation, there was a strong communication network within the Black community and a strong sense of pride in the achievements and
accomplishments of parents and children. Friendships, neighborhoods, churches and communities linked us together,” explained president Christina Hawkins.
Eager to strengthen her community, Watson invited about 15 like-minded mothers to her home to share her vision, and the 76th Jack and Jill was created. It’s one of 262 chapters in the nation.
Almost 70 years later, the local chapter is thriving. Composed of 21 mothers with children ages 2 to 19, the whole family gets involved in nurturing and strengthening the youth in their fold. Once a member’s child graduates or turns 19, the member becomes an associate, supporting the younger families. They recently chaired a successful mental health summit.
The women and their families inject a lot of good into the community with involvement in too many charitable causes to list. A few include Communities Caring at Christmas, March of Dimes, Food Raising Friends, Ronald McDonald House and Gulf Coast Kid’s House. They’ve donated coats to Boys and Girls Club, hosted a blood drive and sickle cell testing and made gift bags for families of babies at Sacred Heart’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
GROWING A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS
They do all of that while hosting workshops, social and educational events to grow their own children as well as others in the community. Monthly activities for Jack and Jill children are broken into four age groups, with the teen group operating its own executive board.
Hawkins describes the goal of the organization as growing future African American pillars of the community by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
Hawkins’ son, Justin, is a shining example of a Jack and Jill teen. The 17-year-old Pace High rising senior is the teen president of Jack and Jill’s local chapter and feels equipped for success given the leadership, oratorical and community service opportunities the organization afforded.
“Jack and Jill has helped me learn more about myself and given me invaluable cultural and educational opportunities. And I believe it has strengthened my foundation to truly succeed and excel,” he explained.
Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Vacay MAKEUP
Keep it neutral and simple
Story & photo by Leslie Peck
Getting ready to sail, fly or zoom away? Packing your beauty brigade can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Think ahead so you can keep life simple on the road. The point of vacation is to relax, right? First, don’t forget the sunscreen. Your future self will thank you for it.
• If you want no-fuss gorgeous lashes, consider trying lash extensions or a lash lift and tint. Both are great ways to cut your get ready time so you can be in the water, heat, cold or anywhere without having to wear as much eye makeup. Just be sure to try any lash services weeks before leaving town in case you have a reaction to the process.
• Long-wear concealers, foundations and powders are great to last all day and stay on well when the temps are high.
• Find an eyeshadow pallet that is neutral enough to go with your vacation attire. Some blush or bronzer pallets can sometimes double as eyeshadows too!
• Take three different lip colors to change your look instantly.
• Make sure to use a primer and setting spray for a longlasting look that won’t require a lot of touching up. You have places to be and things to see!
• Most of all, keep it minimal to cut down on time and maintenance throughout the day. The natural glow of downtime is going to look stunning on you, I promise.
• Cobalt
• Lash extensions and makeup
Natasha Sluder was born in Texas and raised in Pensacola. She is an employee communications specialist at Navy Federal. Natasha is married and has a 13-year-old son. Some of her favorite vacation spots are anywhere in the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and NYC. She loves to go on cruises to see multiple places in one trip, especially Alaska. In her downtime, she loves boating, fishing, exploring and spending time with her family and friends.
MODEL / NATASHA SLUDER
strapless romper from Bluetique
by Leslie Peck
TRAVEL!
By Alice Crann Good / Photos by Kate Treick Photography and Getty Images
Start packing! Whether it’s a blow-it-out-of-thewater vacation of a lifetime or a weekend getaway, travel is good for our health.
Long trip. Short trip. It doesn’t matter. But the farther you travel from home, the better.
Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s easy enough to check out research by Good RX Health, WebMD, the Framingham Heart Study or Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and confer with physicians, mental health and wellness professionals.
Many worldwide are talking about travel’s wide range of benefits for mental and physical health.
For example, in the famous and widely cited Framingham Heart Study, researchers monitored female participants (45 to 64 years old) free of coronary disease for 20 years and found that women who took the least amount of vacation time (about one vacation every six years) were about two and a half times more likely to have a heart attack than women who vacationed once a year.
In addition to lowering your risk of heart disease, research shows travel can also increase brain function, boost your immune system, promote physical activity, lower stress and anxiety and increase happiness and creativity.
“When it comes down to it and you’re considering whether or not to take that next trip, do it, go see the world,”
said Dempsey Rupe, a licensed clinical social worker/
“There are many different trips that we take that vastly improve our mood because of overall life-enriching activities.”
— Dempsey Rupe, licensed clinical social worker/therapist at Bayou Wellness, owner of Fisher’s PlayHouse, and adjunct professor at the University of West Florida
therapist at Bayou Wellness, owner of Fisher’s PlayHouse, and adjunct professor at the University of West Florida.
“As a licensed clinical social worker, one of the questions I typically ask in my intakes with clients is ‘What is something you do as a family that you enjoy doing together?’ And almost every response is about some kind of trip. So much so, that when they think about their happy memories of being a family unit it comes back to a trip that they’ve taken.”
In part, Rupe’s scientific take is this: Traveling releases dopamine and serotonin, two chemicals in our bodies that relieve stress and anxiety, which increases happiness.
“Our brain creates dopamine based off of experiences that we have, and serotonin is made in our gut,” Rupe explained. “So, when we tie these two together, they show up more when we travel.
“Because we fill our trips with things that bring us joy or things that we look forward to doing, this releases dopamine, and then when we go out to eat at restaurants that we spent weeks looking up, the serotonin is created after dining.”
And the chain reaction continues, Rupe explained. Due to traveling and the serotonin and dopamine we created while traveling, we mend our mind and body, feeling peaceful and relaxed.
“We return home and go back to work rejuvenated with less stress and anxiety in our lives,” added Rupe, who said she benefited from her recent honeymoon on the island of Oahu and other parts of Hawaii.
Because we all live different types of lives, we may not be able to travel as much as others, but no worries. Simply anticipating our next vacation can release the happy chemicals in our bodies, Rupe said.
“First and foremost are the mental health benefits of taking a break from the daily grind that can offer stress relief from day-to-day pressures,” agreed Beth Clark, a prime-time wellness coach and owner of Emerald Coast Wellness.
“New environments and experiences can be refreshing and rejuvenating,” she said. “Encountering different cultures and navigating new places help build mental resilience and problem-solving skills. Experiencing new cultures and environments can also stimulate creativity and innovation by exposing your brain to different stimuli.”
Referring to cognitive health benefits, Clark said travel is an excellent way to learn about history, geography and other cultures firsthand.
“This can be more engaging and memorable than classroom learning,”
she explained. “New experiences stimulate the brain and can improve memory and cognitive function.”
Also, exposure to different cultures and ways of life can enhance empathy and cultural awareness, and navigating through different languages and customs can improve communication and social skills, Clark added.
Whether you travel with friends or family, regular travel can strengthen relationships, broaden your social circle and improve overall life satisfaction and quality of life by providing enriching and memorable experiences,
she said.
“My husband and I recently returned from a last-minute cruise,” Clark shared. “We made sure to enjoy the sea air with walks around the decks after each meal aboard, and we enjoyed the cultural enrichment of the shore-side excursions. We got in plenty of walking and mild exercise while learning history and enjoying other cultural experiences.”
Clark said after three weeks away, she and her husband “both came home relaxed, rejuvenated, enlightened and ready to go again this fall.”
PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY
Urine or fecal leakage throughout the day or during exercise
Urinary urgency or frequency
Inability to empty bladder completely
Frequent trips to the restroom at night
Pain during or after intercourse
Persistent low back or hip pain
Postpartum weakness & discomfort
Rectal pain
Abdominal separation or weakness
Recurrent abdominal pelvic symptoms after surgery
Pubic bone pain during pregnancy
— Beth Clark, prime-time wellness coach and owner of Emerald Coast Wellness
ABOVE: The hill inlet at Whitsunday Island, off Airlie Beach in Queensland, is one of Australia’s most photographed landmarks. The pristine blue waters of the Great Barrier reef are interrupted by the world’s purest-grade silica, which creates mesmerizing shades!
Atop American Falls from an observation deck at Niagara Falls State Park in New York.
FAR RIGHT: This photo of the Northern Lights was taken outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, during a strong Aurora storm in January 2016.
RIGHT:
Photos by Getty Images
local fare Bucket list TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
This month, we asked a few of our readers, “What travel adventures have you had on your bucket list? Tell us about the once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination you have experienced or look forward to enjoying.” Here are their responses. Visit our Facebook page to share your favorite bucket list vacation destination. We can’t wait to hear from you.
I would like to go on an Alaska cruise with an excursion to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights.
—Mandy Bills, CFO, Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
My most favorite bucket list experience was off the coast of Australia. The Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. My husband and I with another couple charted a bareboat. In bareboating, you are the skipper and the crew. It was the best five days and four nights that I have ever experienced. We had storm drama, great first-time snorkeling, abundant fishing and beautiful scenery. There were so many fish we tried knocking them out with a bucket and scooping them up. (Needless to say, that didn’t work.) We anchored in protected waters, checked in every night, never got lost and never without a daily adventure. The water was so clear and tropical fish were everywhere. Sleeping with the waves rocking the boat and the sound of the sea life all around was so relaxing.
—Linda Bowers, retired
Definitely, Niagara Falls. I have seen so many beautiful pictures. It looks amazing. And also, the Grand Canyon. A helicopter ride over the Canyon would be awesome.
—Rachael Meyer, Restaurant Manager and mom of four
One of my favorite bucket list trips was touring Australia. My husband, Lauren, and I enjoyed the people! The Climate! The scenery! The food, not so much.
—Tanya Nelson, Women’s National Senior Games javelin champion
— Compiled by Magi Thomley Williams
Treks with purpose
By Alice Crann Good / Photos provided & by Kate Treick Photography
Pumped up! That’s Mari Seith after her recent Dallas trip to an American Society of Travel Advisors conference where she immersed herself in morning-to-twilight sessions and limitless networking.
ASTA is the global advocate for travel agencies, the travel industry and travelers, Seith explained as she fueled her natural excitement with a latte at Fosko Coffee Barre in downtown Pensacola.
“This was my first time at an ASTA conference as a business owner, and I had two amazing sessions — one about marketing and the other about building financial success,” continued Seith, owner/president of Pensacola-based Planettrekker.
“I love these conferences and will always attend; they are so inspirational and educational. They are over the top. I am going to the next one this month in Curaçao, a Dutch island in the southern Caribbean.”
With decades of travel consulting experience in their past, world travelers Seith and her husband, military veteran Thom Seith, moved from Mobile to Pensacola in 2020 and opened Planettrekker in 2023.
It’s a travel consulting agency with an above-and-beyond mission, a concept that was born during a trip to Ireland many years before Planettrekker was created. Tapping her bank of amusing travel episodes, Seith shares the story about endless “sitting” during an Ireland bus tour excursion to the Cliffs of Moher when she decided enough of this and got off the bus to “trek” back to the hotel.
And that’s how she rolls today.
Planettrekker is “a vehicle to enlighten travelers with revelatory experiences” via exceptional human interaction, intracultural integration per informational emails, travel blogs, educational webinars and customized, authentic travel adventures, Seith explained.
“With intra-cultural integration, we strive to educate travelers to some aspects of the culture they will experience in advance of their travel and encourage travelers to immerse
themselves in the culture when they are in destination,” said Seith, who has visited more than 25 countries and works personally with contacts in the travel industry in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond.
Also, the website’s blog page has developed into a testimonial site where Planettrekker clients can share reviews of their travel with photos and tales of their experiences. And educational webinars will start this fall for current and prospective Planettrekker clients.
“I love what I do, and that probably explains why I have been in the business for 39 years and will help all types of people,” Seith said.
“If somebody comes to me, and their budget is really, really low, and they can’t afford to do what they want to do, I take it upon myself to say, ‘OK your budget is $1,000 but your dream trip costs $6,000. Let me make your travel experience the best I possibly can within your budget.’’’
Planettrekker offers four categories of service: The Grandfather Plan, The Savvy Traveler, The Planettrekker and The VIP Subscriber. Check out the details and cost at planettrekker.me.
Travel is for everyone, Seith happily repeated.
“What has evolved is that a ‘Planettrekker’ may not always be a walker or even able to walk,” Seith said. “The vehicle by which you opt to travel, be it by ship, train, plane, car or bus, is not important. What matters is the actual experience you gain along the way.
“Hence, our motto ‘Embrace Your Journey’ means that your travel experience isn’t about the destination. It’s about your entire travel experience, from the point you leave the comfort zone of home until you return home again.”
Finally, chilling out a bit to enjoy her latte at Fosko’s, Seith added, “For Thom and me, travel is an education. We believe in travel and making it the best it can be for everyone, so much so that it consumes our lives.”
Finishing our coffees, we said farewell and “Happy trekking!”
“At Planettrekker, we consult with you and explore your imagination together as partners in the vacation planning process to cultivate your personal travel experience, thereby enabling you to embrace your journey.” — Mari Seith, Planettrekker owner/president
WANT MORE INFO?
Planettrekker is accredited by the International Airlines Travel Agent Network.
• Visit: planettrekker.me
• Call: 850-824-0080
• Email: mari.seith@planettrekker.me
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa; Vatican City at night; the Roman Colosseum; the Fountain of Neptune in Florence. FAR RIGHT: The Trevi Fountain in Rome.
worth the trip
Let’s go to Italy!
After spending two weeks in Italy, my best advice is to forget Fodor’s and follow Rick Steves. He is the rock star of travel guidebooks, and I can personally attest that his advice is current and accurate. We ran into him at the Spanish Steps as he was updating his chapter on Rome, and he was as kind as he was knowledgeable. Here is a sample of his sage advice combined with lessons we learned along the way.
THE COLOSSEUM
“For many, the most frustrating sight in Rome is the Colosseum,” Steves says on his Facebook page. “Everyone wants to go there, and a reserved and prepaid ticket is essentially required. After huddling with my favorite Roman guides, their (and my) advice for people wanting to avoid crowds (especially important in 2025, which is a Jubilee Year and will be doubly crowded) is this: See the Colosseum from the outside, do the adjacent Forum with more gusto, and then lace up your sandals and walk 15 minutes to the Baths of Caracalla. Here, you’ll have more space (and more silence) to appreciate the gargantuan engineering marvels of the ancient city.”
I took his advice even further. I walked with my family to the Colosseum, took a quick pic, left them there to do their pre-paid tour, and continued walking to the Piazza Madonna in the bohemian Monti neighborhood.
Sitting outside at an old café, I ordered some drinking chocolate (it comes with fresh whipped cream and delicious cookies, who knew!) and listened to German students, locals and expats speak excitedly in their languages as they gulped down multiple Aperol Spritzes. For every Aperol Spritz they ordered, the server brought them little bowls of peanuts, potato chips and pretzels. They didn’t even order any food – Aha! That’s how students eat on a budget. One of
the German girls had her backpack on the back of her chair and the server raised his voice and scolded her. I couldn’t understand a word of their conversation but then he pointed to a seedy-looking dude eyeing her backpack as he pretended to shop at the store next door, and I understood exactly what he meant.
My family learned a great deal about Roman history and engineering that day, but I learned about language, culture, crime and food. The bruschetta pomodoro at that café was the best I’ve ever had, and with a bottle of water, and of course the dreamy hot chocolate, my total bill was 12 euros. The vintage stores were super cool in that neighborhood too; I bought my son a groovy ’50s Hawaiian shirt.
But if you must do all the big things in Rome, here are some tips.
VATICAN CITY
According to Steves, schedule your tour late in the day; mornings are insanely crowded. Also, spend the money and book a small private tour in advance for less waiting time. Even then, you will be prodded through like cattle, so Steves doesn’t even include the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum on his tours. We attempted a morning visit but the crowds were freakish, so I snapped a few pictures and we walked to a castle instead. We walked back at night, after it was closed, and it was much more peaceful and beautiful. However, there were dozens of homeless camped out in tents where the crowds had been, so it didn’t
Story and photos by Liz Biggs
seem very safe. I was glad to have my two boys with me. I watched a YouTube video of the Sistine Chapel tour while drinking wine and it was fantastic.
THE PANTHEON
Our VRBO was near the Pantheon, a perfect location in the center of Rome. We were able to walk to every attraction and restaurant; the only cabs we took were to and from the airport. We chose a rainy day to enter the Pantheon — less crowded and it was fascinating to see it rain inside through the hole at the top. We were going to pay the five euros to enter, but were offered a guided tour for only 15 euros. Well worth it — it was short but very informative. (FYI: The absolute best gelato in Rome is at Giolitti, near the Pantheon.)
BORGHESE GALLERY AND VILLA BORGHESE GARDENS
Tickets to the gallery must be purchased well in advance and you must be present at your allotted time slot, or
your spot will be given away. Lucky for us, we complied with these rules and were treated to a wonderful experience viewing breathtaking sculptures and art. The gardens are free to the public and were a welcome respite after all that art. Four of us rented a pedal car which was hilariously fun, but a walk in the park works wonders too. The park spills into Piazza del Popolo which is a great place to listen to street musicians and people watch.
VICTOR EMMANUEL MONUMENT
Splurge and ride the glass elevator up to the top for the best view of the city. A must-see, even if you skip the museum and just go for the view. We discovered an M.C. Escher gallery/exhibit across the street that blew our minds — it was so fantastic.
TREVI FOUNTAIN AND PIAZZA NAVONA
Plan to go in the evening. The fountain is breathtaking but crowded. Piazza
Navona is less crowded and a great place to have dinner al fresco.
CAMPO DE’ FIORI
Walk through the historical Jewish Ghetto, stroll along the Tiber River, eat the best fried artichokes in Rome at Da Giggetto, or grab the best pizza in town at Forno Campo de Fiori. Buy your souvenirs, flowers, fresh produce and bakery items at the fabulous Campo de’ Fiori Market, open every morning except Sunday.
SPANISH STEPS
This is a very crowded, posh area but hey, Rick Steves asked us to take his picture there and that’s how we met him. Worth the trip — you may meet someone famous there. If you have big bucks to spend on high-end shopping, do the “Dolce Vita Stroll” along Via del Corso.
FLORENCE
Florence had such a different vibe than Rome — smaller and less crowded.
Where Inspired Days Begin
Our beautiful VRBO was high up on a hill near the Piazzale Michelangelo with a magnificent view of the city. One of my favorite nights was when we hired a private chef to come and cook Tuscan specialties for us and we ate outside on the back patio overlooking the city. We used Lalli’s Private Chef but there are plenty to choose from.
Once again, follow Rick Steves for a detailed itinerary. The absolute must-sees are: the Uffizi Gallery (finest paintings), the Accademia (David!) and the Duomo Museum (great bronze work). All of these require a reservation and tickets purchased in advance. You would be wise to plan your entire trip to Florence around these three attractions. Once you have these tickets and times, fill in the blanks with wandering, sightseeing and delicious food. The boys also enjoyed the Galileo Science Museum.
The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens as well as the Church of Santa Maria Novella did not require advance tickets and were easy to get into. We enjoyed
them. San Miniato al Monte is worth the climb for the frescoes and unbeatable views. Oltrano, just across the river, offers plenty of vintage shops, boutiques and cool cafes. And of course, make sure you take a picture on the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge. We had cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, and it’s my fondest memory of Florence.
SIENA AND PISA
Florence is a great location for side trips. Beautiful Siena is only 1.5 hours away by bus or train. When you tour the Cathedral, be sure to upgrade your ticket to climb upstairs for the best view of the city. Pisa is another easy train ride. We did both and highly recommend — that leaning tower is all that and a bag of chips.
Day trips to Tuscan vineyards and wineries are also a great idea. We traveled to the Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano regions and tasted some amazing wines.
CRIME
Last but not least, be careful in Italy. Where there are crowds, there is crime. Don’t ever leave your backpack or purse on a chair in a restaurant. Keep it in your lap or under your feet. Never leave any valuables in your rental car. We witnessed a frantic British tourist who left his luggage in the back seat of his car briefly while he carried his wife’s suitcase up to their Airbnb. A thief smashed his window and took his suitcase in a matter of minutes. In Rome, luggage is very valuable to thieves. If they are homeless, they can store their tent and all their belongings in it and wheel it around, attempting to look like a tourist.
Even with crowds and crime, ancient Italy is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places on earth. Do your research, plan your trip, buy your tickets in advance and then GO! And don’t forget to just wander. Sit in a café alone for a while and take it all in. The best things happen when you leave time to wander.
CUSTOM ROLLER SHADES, BLINDS,
SHUTTERS, WOVEN GRASS,
worth the trip
Epic scenery and hidden
As my husband and I rounded the sharp corners, the ground seemed to rise, enveloping us in a breathtaking landscape of vivid colors and foreign terrain. Each turn revealed towering rocks presenting scenery straight out of a storybook. After 25 years of marriage, awkward silences don’t really exist. In this case, our silences were contemplative, rendering us speechless by our surroundings. The music on the radio not only served as the ode to times gone by, but also as the perfect soundtrack to our current dramatic backdrop.
It was nearly impossible to capture the beauty through my iPhone camera; I was torn between seeing it with my own eyes and documenting it to remember the splendor. Let’s be honest, pictures and videos rarely do justice to the beauty surrounding us. I didn’t want to blink, hoping to memorize the majesty of nature and these moments
Our rental car served as a trusty tour guide (How did we travel before without GPS?), a relief for us Florida drivers as we encountered all types of weather and terrain during our 10-day adventure. Driving in the snow isn’t something we experience much, especially in April! Although the snow only lasted a couple days, the changes in elevation, twists and turns through the peaks and valleys were unfamiliar. We put nearly 1,200 miles on our car in a variety of environments between Phoenix, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona. The weather kept us guessing — we went from shorts and tank tops to gloves, scarves and hats within sometimes hours
While each day was packed with activity, we did allow ourselves some down time to simply relax if needed. The different scenery was my favorite part of our entire trip. It felt at times like being on another planet!
It is hard not to highlight each place we visited; however, here are the travel hacks and highlights to create a memorable trip of your own.
Story and photos by Leah Seacrest
Road tripping in Arizona and Utah gems
TRAVEL TIPS
Do your research. I spent nearly nine months doing extensive research, planning an itinerary that promised adventure and relaxation. We wanted to experience the local flair, immerse ourselves in the outdoors and eat great food. While driving around Arizona and the surrounding areas, gazing at a million twinkling lights from what seemed like the middle of nowhere, isn’t a bad way to vacation, ensuring we maximized our time was important in stamping those treasured memories in our love story
Researching itineraries from fellow travelers on social media was priceless. It started as a wish list then copious notes until our final itinerary began to take shape. Travel group pages, local foodie pages and tips from friends served as a foundation. The tips, tricks and restaurant and tour recommendations took the guess work out of planning. Google Maps helped to make the plan efficient. YouTube also was a great resource to view the hiking trails we were interested in attempting.
Reservations are key. When it comes to restaurants and excursions in a world-renowned tourist area, it’s important to figure out where you’d like to dine and tour so you can familiarize yourself with their reservation policies. Many popular restaurants will require you to make reservations far in advance. Once you’ve nailed down your “must-eats,” then seek out restaurants where the locals eat. You won’t be sorry!
For any tours or excursions, book early to reserve the best time as an anchor to your day. Then plan any other activities around it.
Organize. Keep a solid itinerary which includes dates/ times, reservation numbers, and any other notes that would be helpful. I kept mine on my phone, so it was handy at all times. Keep in mind travel and wait times when planning. Google Maps again played a key role in estimation of arrival between activities.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive: The drive between
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Edge of Devils Kitchen, Sedona; kayaking Antelope Canyon; hiking Antelope Canyon; morning coffee at Under Canvas; Grand Staircase.
Flagstaff and Sedona, the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (Route 89A), is ranked the most scenic drive in the U.S. for a good reason. It’s a must-see when you’re in the area. My husband and I navigated it a few times during our trip and each time appreciated the opportunity to do so. The drive is absolutely breathtaking.
Rock Spring Cafe (35900 Old Black Canyon Hwy., Black Canyon City, AZ): About 45 minutes from the Phoenix airport, the Rock Springs Cafe, a dusty, side-road restaurant, served as a great welcome to the west. With its origin dating back to the turn of the 20th century, its decor was a cross between a western saloon and general store, and they served up a selection of worldfamous pies and homestyle American cooking. It was a great solution to fuel us for our day of driving to Lake Powell. Fry bread at Cameron’s Trading Post in Navajo Nation (466 US-89, Cameron, AZ): The landscape between Phoenix and the Flagstaff area is mostly
desert, with tall saguaro cactus, winding canyons and incremental elevation. As you make your way into the Navajo Nation, the terrain shifts again with massive mesas and buttes standing like skyscrapers. We were in search of fry bread, a traditional food tradition of the Navajo community. The perfect combination of airy, soft, and chewy goodness, it’s eaten as-is, as a base for Navajo tacos or with a little cinnamon honey and butter. We found ours at the Cameron Trading Post. Established in 1916, Cameron Trading Post is a great stop with a large gift shop featuring Native American art, jewelry, pottery and more. There is a gallery onsite as well as the restaurant.
Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase (555 S. Jacobs Tanks Rd., Big Water, UT): Stepping outside of our comfort zone, we wanted to glamp under the stars. Under Canvas Lake Powell is the world’s first DarkSkycertified resort, perched on a Canyon Rim Plateau with its own on-site slot
canyon and sweeping views right outside your tent. Our tent was cozy with a wood-burning stove that kept us toasty in the sub-20-degree night. It was true glamping with en suite bathroom and comfy beds with nice linens. The resort boasted a cute base camp for meals providing healthy dining options. We loved the fire pits, complimentary coffee and s’mores. This was a place great for families as well.
Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks (836 Vista Ave., Page, AZ): We booked an Antelope Canyon kayaking and hiking excursion as a fun way to see the canyon’s beauty. This tour by water was a fantastic way to experience the outdoors. With the majestic canyon walls and incredible slot canyons, Antelope Canyon is unlike anywhere else on earth. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made it a morning to remember.
Toadstool Hoodoo (Kanub, UT): In Utah, the Toadstools are a really cool site to see. We hiked quickly at sunset
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The beautiful sanctuary of Chapel of the Holy Cross; hundreds of tourists visit each year; the view of the Grand Canyon from Shoshone Point; taking in the scenic views of Sedona with Pink Jeep tours.
for our view. This beautiful hike, located conveniently between Kanab and Lake Powell, is a must-do next time you are driving along Highway 89, with easy parking. It’s a stark difference to the red rock formations of Sedona.
Shoshone Point (Desert View Dr., Grand Canyon Village, AZ): We aren’t fans of crowds, and Grand Canyon with all its beauty was definitely packed with other tourists. Because of the crowds, we weren’t thrilled about hiking the most popular Grand Canyon trails (although we did a couple). However, we found a trail off the beaten path (and not on the brochure map given to us) called Shoshone Point. It offered the same breathtaking, epic views with solitude away from the congestion. It was an easy trail with great parking at the trailhead. You wander through beautiful pine woods and are rewarded at the end with incredible panoramic views. The trail features picnic areas, shelters and restrooms. We enjoyed the serenity as
we explored the surrounding areas. El Tovar Restaurant (1 El Tovar Rd., Grand Canyon Village, AZ): Located in the historic El Tovar Hotel, the dining room is majestically rustic upon entry with large stone walls and murals depicting customs of Native American Tribes. Pro tip: Especially in high tourist season, you’ll want to make sure you book early. El Tovar opens their reservations 30 days in advance, and they go fast. The menu is traditional, and it is the premier fine dining restaurant in Grand Canyon Village.
Mariposa (700 W. Arizona 89A, Sedona, AZ): This is a must-eat restaurant in Sedona. We considered this our anniversary celebration meal. Rated as one of the most romantic restaurants in the U.S. and owned by Chef Lisa Dahl, one of the country’s leading female chefs and restaurateurs, it did not disappoint. Upon reserving a table, we told them it was our anniversary, and they treated us with
an exceptional table with wonderful views, delicious food and the top-notch service they are known for. Mariposa is extremely popular, and you must make reservations well in advance unless you’d like to eat at an off time. Sunrise hike at Devil’s Bridge: The time change from Central to Mountain time can serve as a benefit when you’d like to hike some of the popular trails around Sedona. It wasn’t a big deal to be ready before sunrise. Most will encourage you to go early in the morning to avoid crowds, secure parking and experience the best views. Devil’s Bridge was a bucket list hike for Bill and me. The moderately difficult 4.2-mile hike begins easily but the final mile is more difficult as you approach the bridge. Once you arrive at the bridge, there’s a line of fellow hikers waiting to get their obligatory picture. Pro tip: Parking at the Dry Creek Vista and the Mescal trailhead is very limited. Sedona offers a free shuttle service to the Dry Creek
FROM TOP
LEFT: Delectable dishes served at Mariposa are a must; side tripping for a possible paranormal encounter at the Haunted Hamburger in Jerome, AZ; fry bread at Cameron’s Trading Post; Rock Springs Cafe was a great first stop to immerse ourselves in the area.
CLOCKWISE
Vista and Mescal trailhead from a designated park-and-ride within central Sedona. For more information on shuttle schedules and locations, visit sedonashuttle.com. As with all the hikes, don’t forget good hiking shoes and water!
Pink Adventure Tours (204 N. State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ): If you need a reprieve from hiking yet want to take the opportunity to still see more of Sedona, take a Pink Jeep tour. You won’t miss these jeeps around town with their signature pink color! This off-road adventure takes groups over the rough terrain of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations. The ride is bumpy, but the local guides are full of interesting information about the area. This is another tour you will need to make sure you book well in advance. Sunset is a fabulous time to go for a ride!
Chapel of the Holy Cross (780 Chapel Rd., Sedona, AZ): Completed in 1956, the Chapel of the Holy Cross
is one of the most beautiful churches in the world and a top attraction in Sedona. It sits atop red rock formations and serves as a place for prayer and reflection. Make sure to look up their hours before going and don’t stop at the first parking lot! Deceivingly, there is more parking as you get closer to the chapel itself. Because of the winding and steep entrance, attendants on golf carts provide a ride to and from the top.
Side trip to Jerome (Jerome, AZ): About 30 miles from Sedona, we took one afternoon to explore the small historic ghost town of Jerome. Founded in 1876, Jerome at one time was a booming copper-mining town. Its intriguing hillside downtown boasts quaint shops and restaurants. We dined at the Haunted Hamburger. While we didn’t experience any paranormal activity, we did eat a great hamburger!
Flagstaff for shopping and eats: Flagstaff served as our home base for a majority of our trip. We found a
fabulous Airbnb close to town and easily accessible to the highway. Flagstaff is a vibrant, little city with a thriving mountain culture and lifestyle. We enjoyed wandering its downtown area offering a variation in vibe, food and shopping. Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, serves as a backdrop with its snowy summit.
As big fans of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” we had to try Fat Olives in Flagstaff. Owned by John Conley, Fat Olives has been featured in many publications and touted by Food Network as a “Top Place to Eat.” They serve authentic Italian food including their famous wood-fired pizza. To stay true to Triple D’s recommendation, we ordered their specialty pizza, the Belgio Dolce — a white base, mozzarella, pecorino romano, oregano, shaved Brussel sprouts, Calabrian chili oil, Molinari soppressata, local honey and crushed pistachios. It was delicious!
local fare
Cabinet DEPOT
Where quality meets community
By Magi Thomley Williams / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Cabinet Depot isn’t just a place to purchase cabinets; it’s a small business with transforming care and dedication to community. Leading this thriving business are Mandy Wilkes and her husband, Brendan. Mandy’s career — spanning from administrative assistant to business owner — is as inspiring as the quality of the products Cabinet Depot provides.
“I actually worked for the previous owners when they had a sister store to Cabinet Depot in Destin,” Wilkes shared. “I worked there as their administrative assistant. That’s how I met Brendan. He worked for the Cabinet Depot here in Pensacola. That was 26 years ago.”
The intertwining of their professional and personal lives set the stage for a remarkable partnership both in marriage and business.
Eleven years ago, the opportunity to purchase Cabinet Depot, located at 4109 North Davis Highway, presented itself; the couple jumped at the chance.
“From an early age, I knew that I never wanted to work for any type of corporation. I enjoyed working in a small business setting and wanted to
Primarily focused on kitchen and bath remodeling, Mandy Wilkes and her team offer cabinets, countertops and hardware installation like the exquisite products shown here.
Crafters at Cabinet Depot create custom-made furniture pieces and more. They pride themselves on their design expertise, including complimentary measurements.
be a part of something that meant more than just a number to a company,” Wilkes said.
The vision for Cabinet Depot was clear: a family business, where the focus was on helping people.
“We tell people, ‘We’re not in the cabinet business.’ We’re in the people business and cabinets are what we do. Helping people is really our goal,” she said.
Wilkes handles the softer side of the business, including marketing, HR and design, while her husband manages the technical aspects. This complementary partnership ensures that everything they sell is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
One of the unique aspects of Cabinet Depot is the adherence to what the Wilkes call the “immutable laws” — a moral compass guiding their business decisions and interactions that can be summed up in the Golden Rule.
“It’s basically how we want to deal with situations in the thick of it, so not emotionally. It’s really part of what we’re trying to create here, which is a good experience for our customers, employees and subcontractors,” Wilkes said.
She emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect and care from customers to employees.
“I’ve said from the very beginning, I have to spend more time with the people here than my own family, so it’s really important to me, the energy that’s in this building and the way people are being treated.”
Their meticulous approach extends to product selection as well.
“We’re extremely selective about the products that we carry because we want people to have a good quality product. We don’t take lightly that people are spending money with us,” Wilkes asserted. A few of the tried-and-true
lines include Kabinart, Mouser, Dura Supreme and Top Knobs.
While primarily focusing on kitchen and bath remodeling, the business offers countertops, hardware installation, even custom-made furniture pieces and more. They pride themselves on their design expertise, including complimentary measurements and designs.
“We love the design aspect. It’s one of our favorite parts of what we do, helping customers choose how they want their space to feel and look,” she said.
Ultimately, Cabinet Depot is about more than just cabinets.
“We want to make sure that anybody we’re coming into contact with feels like they’re cared for and that they’ve been seen and helped regardless of the outcome,” Wilkes concluded.
Cabinet Depot isn’t just selling cabinets — it’s about building a community.
CULINARY dream
out&about
Favor House Roundup
Everyone at the Favor House Roundup on June 21 kicked up their heels to live music, dancing, hayrides, food and games. The event took place at the Escambia County Equestrian Center. All proceeds went to giving domestic violence the boot and helping survivors heal.
Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios
Brittany Zazueta, Cindy Zazueta, Amanda Romero, Mary Caldwell, Trish Stephens, Raquel Wasilausky, Jennifer Schade, Michelle Hedman, Deb Vallia, Amy Jo Baron, Vicki Walborn, Wendy Kramer
Randy Ball, Jennifer Wells, Kara Wood Luckett, Beth Clark, Jodi King, Glenda Jones
Charmain Sutherland, Donna Dollen, Mike Dollen, Nora Dollen, Jodi Rossi, Susan Craig
Michele Cole, Kathy Hough, Lindsay McDonald, Hannah Hancock
Erin Crumbley
Khaliah Williams, Kali Brigham
Heather Harriot, Alicia Tappan
Ashlee Hoffberger, Stefanie Watson
Amber Sanders, Kathy Andrade
Victoria Shaw, Katie Scheuch
LEFT: Jackie Camacho-Bevilacqua, Eric Charles,Jennifer Wells, Erin Crumbley, Delayna Blankenship
ABOVE: Melanie Collins, Angela Gather
out&about
Fiesta All Krewe Ball
Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios
Cristina Broxson, David Sweet, Natalie Hollar, Cara Vickers, Jeff Vickers
The Fiesta All Krewe Ball is an annual celebration of all the Mardi Gras krewes, with live music, amazing table decorations and contests. This year’s ball was on June 6 at the Hadji Shrine.
Kim Bonner, Kathy Sherwin, Jayne Senkbeil
Pat Davie, Audrey Preston, Jennie Pistole, Tracy Hornbrook
Patti Mohan, Janet Penrose, Cheryl Howell, Toni Swann, Chuck Swann
Darlene Richards, Julie Abercrombie
Jackie Luecht, Brenda Williams
Susan Kelly, Kelly Kelly
Kat Winch, Andrea Comeau
West Florida Roller Derby girls Wicked, Soul Snatcher, Punky Bruiser
Deb Vallia, Feleshia Ard
Lila Yami
TJ Nelson, Kim Polk
Cristine Landau, Tracy Johnson
Susan Carter
Lisa Chardon, Roxy Garcia
Diana White
out&about
Watson Family Foundation 3rd Annual Juneteenth Event
This year’s Watson Family Foundation Juneteenth event was held on Saturday, June 15, at Museum Plaza. It was a day of joy, unity and celebration honoring the rich history and culture of Juneteenth. There were live performances, vendors, speakers and games for everyone to enjoy.
Photos by Toni Sparks/Short Story Studios
Alyssa Tucker, Sunni Rayy, Cambri Gui, Tamika Brooks, Kandis Mckenzie
Chelsea Hannibal, Pearis Davis, Kimberly Lawson
Aaleigah Knight, Rameca Leary, Marlee Warner
Janesha Thomas and Daughters
Nenplenseh Wahkeleh
Michele Anthony, Tonya Morris
Mercy Arday-Eiwuley
By Sharla Gorder
Marry me, fly free her perspective
I simply didn’t know what I didn’t know. How could I?
Well, I was barely 16 — so there’s that. I lived in a tiny island town in the Deep South. I was also “in love” and utterly self-absorbed. Did I mention I was 16?
So, when my English teacher, Mrs. Webb, announced that she would be taking a group of students to Europe that summer — would I like to go? — I declined. How would I live without my boyfriend for a whole two weeks?
But the following year, Louis and I had broken up, and the summer break loomed lonely before me. Sure, why not? I’ve got nothing better to do.
Ha! Of course, now I cringe when I think about my cavalier attitude toward travel, but like I said — I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
But that trip changed everything — perhaps the entire trajectory of my life.
Travel became a passion — if not an obsession — and like most obsessions, the more I had of it, the more I wanted.
members flew free as well. Pan Am actually sold t-shirts that read, “Marry me, Fly Free.” I still have mine. (Incidentally, I met my husband 35 years ago on a flight to Sydney.)
All that travel came to a screeching halt in the 1990s. Once again, I blame a boy.
I found myself suddenly restless and frantic to get out of Dodge. I took the fast track through high school and college. At 18, I decided to move to Costa Rica with my friend, Karen. And at 19, I came home and applied for a job with the most romanticized company on the planet at the time — Pan American World Airways.
At 20, I was seated on the jumpseat of a 747 winging my way to Warsaw, or Nairobi, or Rome. For nearly 20 years, travel was my life — not just when I was working, but on my time off. The world was my oyster. I could fly anywhere on the planet for free. And I did.
I was a fearless traveler. I sometimes ventured out alone — to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or to the beaches in Hawaii. I once flew all the way to Korea one weekend to go shopping on the famed Itaewon Street in Seoul.
But my fondest memories of that time involve exploring the world with others: my flying partners and the friends and family I would vacation with. Immediate family
Or two. Our first son, Myles, was born in ’93 (Taylor in ’95). Both Ted and I had careers that required extensive international travel. One of us needed to stay home, and since I was the only one of the two of us who was any good at lactating, it kinda seemed like a no-brainer. I cried as I tendered my resignation. My supervisor did too.
But of course, a whole new world opened up to me as a new mommy, a different exciting (exhausting) adventure. Eventually, we began to take family vacations closer to home, mostly Caribbean cruises and West Coast family reunions. It wasn’t until the boys finished college that we resumed big international jaunts. As graduation gifts, we let each of them choose a dream destination. Myles chose Australia and New Zealand; Taylor chose England and Scandinavia.
And the travel bug bit us again. We’ve taken some amazing trips this decade — London, Dubai, the British Virgin Islands. We even did a nine-thousand-mile, six-week road trip across the country. So. Much. Fun.
And now? What thrilling trips do we have planned today? Chipley. We’re going to Chipley, Florida. A day trip. To visit a sinkhole. And a waterfall, that will or will not actually be falling, depending on the precipitation this month. With airfares and hotel costs at an all-time high, we’re getting creative with our travel plans.
Maybe next month we’ll dare to venture even further from home and visit the world’s biggest (only?) Boll Weevil Monument in Enterprise, Alabama.
Why not? I’ve got nothing better to do.
By Liz Biggs
Who does it better? AMERICA VS. EUROPE her perspective
While walking to the Pantheon from our Rome VRBO with my two sons, one of them asked, “Hey Mom, name three things that are better in America.”
Hmmm, I was surprised when nothing came to mind. “Definitely not artichokes,” I responded. Roman artichokes are the best thing I’ve ever tasted — garlicky and herby, they melt in your mouth. Definitely not strawberries either — the wild strawberries we bought at the Campo de’ Fiori market tasted like Skittles. The ones I buy here taste like cardboard. Produce in Italy and France is better than ours. Sorry, but it’s true.
Definitely not chocolate. Order hot chocolate over there and it is decadently rich. Carnation and Swiss Miss are water with brown dye and who-knows-what. Gross. And gelato, oh the gelato — banana, pear, lemon, mango, salted caramel and dark chocolate are my favorites. Grocery store ice cream tastes like cold puffed air compared to the richness of gelato. (Gelato tip: For authentic gelato, look for banana. If it is yellow, leave — it’s fake. Banana should be grayish like a mashed ripe banana. This also goes for peach and mango — if it is bright orange, walk away.)
into the Tiber River, making it unsafe for swimming. “And we have environmental regulations attempting to prevent pollution of our waterways so we can swim in them,” I added. Although, two of my kids got impetigo (a severe skin infection) from tubing/wakeboarding in Bayou Texar so maybe that doesn’t count.
Speaking of walking — Paris, Lyon, Florence and Rome are mind-blowingly walkable cities. Wear your walking shoes, even with your fine evening attire. (The locals do!) The only cabs we took were to and from the airport. The public transportation systems are excellent too. My son says the rail system in Amsterdam is the best ever. And there are more bikes than cars.
With only one solid answer which included poop, I posed the question back to my son.
His reply was nature — national parks and wide-open spaces. Yes, every proper European city has a fancy park and gardens but in America you can drive for miles and seemingly get nowhere. Good answer, son, now we have two.
I don’t eat much meat, but the Florentine aged-toperfection steak beats our flavorless, chewy meat any day of the week. Even the convenience store in Rome had a full-service deli dude custom slicing prosciutto, salami and all the things you charcuterie board people love.
And bread, oh the bread. Flaky light croissants, crusty baguettes and rustic Italian loaves served with the most delicious olive oil. It’s hard to go back to Nature’s Own.
“We scoop and dispose of our dog poop better in America,” I finally responded. Walking five to 10 miles a day in Florence and Rome, we yelled poop alerts a lot. (It’s really bad in Spain too, especially Granada.) And all that dog poop, as well as big city litter and runoff, flows
Take a guess at what we do WAY better than Europe. Public bathrooms! Theirs can be nasty holes in the ground that may not flush (bring your own TP!) and be prepared to pay a euro for that nastiness. Never underestimate the value of clean, available toilets, my fellow Americans.
So, our intellectual discussion came down to this: Europe has amazing art, architecture, history, museums, fascinating ruins, breathtaking sculptures, delicious food, markets, bread, wine, gelato, vibey piazzas, walking routes, affordable user-friendly public transportation, beautiful bike paths…but it is hard to enjoy all that if you are constantly stepping in poop, looking for a clean bathroom or craving wide-open spaces. It’s the simple things, y’all.
Now don’t get me started on recycling. They win, hands down.
BY BERÉ