Southern Tatler issue 16: 2016 September/October

16

OKTOBERFEST OKTOBER BREEZE, OKTOBER BREWS

FULL MOON BARBEQUE

SOUTHERN RIBS

STACEY JORDAN

FAITH, FAMILY & DESIGN

AUBURN / OPELIKA, AL SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

GREAT ESCAPE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Enjoy some of Marriott’s top golf in Alabama and play where the PGA pros will compete in July during the Barbasol Championship. Plunge into three tropical pools. Experience the new tennis center complete with pickleball courts or hike along miles of natural trails. Sip on signature cocktails while sitting around outdoor firepits. Stay in style and savor American cuisine at the Lakeview Room. No passport or long drives required for this escape. Just head to the Marriott at Grand National in Opelika and enjoy a world-class retreat closer than you think.

For information or to make reservations, call 800.593.6456 or visit MarriottGrandNational.com.

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CONTENT

VISAGE

VISAGE

town

EVENTS AROUND

PEACH DAIQUIRI & CORN Auburn AL

22 10th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Variations Dance Studio, Auburn AL

30 LCAC ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER Auburn AL

32 SOUTHERN SOIREE Oliver Henr y, Auburn AL

38

8 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

CONTENT

FEATURES

LOCAL FOCUS

FACES

Justin Mur phy

48

LOCAL FOCUS

Berkshire Hathaway Gift

58

LOCAL FOCUS Oktoberfest

62

FEATURE STORY

S TA C E Y J O R D A N

90

LOCAL FOCUS

Lauren & Melissa Wedding

70

CULINARY CORNER Full Moon Restaurant

80

FASHION Studio 3:19

104

T R AV E L

COLUMBIA

CARTAGENA

118

10 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Dr. Charles Veale Local Family Physician PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Over

35 YEARS experience Former Auburn University Team Physician

2160 Moores Mill Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 | 334-826-1704

SOUTHERN TAT L E R THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN SOCIETY

PUBLISHER Matthew Tse

O peratio n S

Savannah Simpson

A D V E R T I S e M E N T & M ar k eti n g Amy Jessica

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Anisa Patel Anthony Zigal Kenneth Ngo

P hotographer Glenn McCarley Isaac Leverett Tracy Young

W riters

Amy Hudson Caroline Lentz Jelani Moore Sierra Lehnhoff for questions or comments concerning advertising or general inquiries: 334.539.1780 customer.relations@southerntatler.com Southern Tatler is a bi-monthly magazine by Raw Conceptual, LLC. All material published remain the property of Raw Conceptual, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or copied without Raw Conceptual, LLC consent.

Comprehensive financial planning done LOCALLY

Serving the Southeast for over 40 years.

1800 Airport Road

|

Opelika, AL 36801

|

(334) 749-5001

w w w. s m i t h - k a s t n e r. c o m

Roth IRAs Traditional IRAs Education Savings Plans Investment Accounts Employer Sponsored Plans Retirement Income Planning Medicaid Protection Special Needs Trusts Advanced Healthcare Directives Family Partnerships & LLCs Charitable Gifting Plans Insurance

Securities offered through ValMark Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory service offered through ValMark Advisers, Inc. an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. 130 Springside Drive, Suite 300, Akron, OH • 44333-243 • PH: (800) 765-5201. Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, LLC. is a separate entity from Valmark Securities, Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc.

LETTER

the

from

PUBLISHER It’s hard to believe that 2016 is now more than halfway over. It seems like were were opening the new year just a few weeks ago. In reality, Christmas is now less than four months away. The heat and humidity is finally fading into what will be a beautiful Fall.

What does this colorful season mean to you? Are your dreams made of football, yummy southern food, time with friends, and the holiday countdown? My own nighttime musings are composed of all of these things and more.

In assembling this issue, Southern Tatler paid homage to these Autumn dreams. First, we met with Full Moon Barbecue. They smoke their savory, hickory-smoked pork and turkey, beef brisket, and barbecue chicken for football tailgates. Theirs is a new spot in Opelika’s Tiger Town, already a huge hit.

We also had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Justin Murphy, an Auburnite with more friends than he can count. You might recognize him as the guy who has helped you bag your groceries at Publix in Moores Mill. We heard he was great, but we didn’t realize the gravity of the impact he has made on all who have met him. Just look up the word “friend” in the dictionary and you’ll probably see his face.

We’ve got the details surrounding one of Auburn’s most exciting annual events as well. Oktoberfest, presented by The Hotel at Auburn University, APR, and AlaBev, will draw hundreds of brewers and beer connoisseurs from all over the southeastern United States and beyond. Read our story to find out more about how the festival will bring new relationships to our community.

Ms. Stacey Jordan, owner of Oliver Henry, is our featured East Alabama resident this month. We hope you will enjoy reading about how she has made the very best of living and loving on the plains alongside her gorgeous family.

Finally, we turn back time to April and June, when two sisters, Lauren and Melissa Reynolds, married their sweethearts only two months apart. in the same church where their father and mother, Mike and Robin Reynolds, were married twenty-eight years ago, Lauren became a Faulkner and Melissa became a Rhodes.

While they took some intense planning, these dream weddings were something to behold! Thank you, Lauren, Melissa, and family, for letting us be a part of your very special year!

Thank you, readers and sponsors, for your continued support. My hope is that you all enjoy this issue of Southern Tatler Magazine so much that you go out and introduce yourself to some of these good people.

Happy Fall!

-Matthew Tse

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THE FLAGSHIP DIVISION OF THE CARY CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PHILANTHROPY AND NONPROFIT STUDIES PROUDLY FEATURES ITS MEN’S AUXILIARY

The Phils are men who believe in the importance of PHILanthropy and support the work of the Women’s Philanthropy Board: striving to educate and enable individuals to become financially sustainable and philanthropically engaged.

The Phils are husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and friends. They are philanthropic leaders and mentors, dedicated to investing in the next generation and giving for a quality of life.

The Phils are joining forces for the greater good and invite all men to share in this commitment.

THIS IS SHAPING THE FUTURE. THIS IS PHILANTHROPY. THIS IS AUBURN. For more information about The Phils or the Women’s Philanthropy Board, please contact (334)844-9156 or wpbchs1@auburn.edu.

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Comprehensive financial planning done LOCALLY

Serving the Southeast for over 40 years.

1800 Airport Road

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44 SOUTHERN

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TAT L E R

BREATH FACES: Justin Murphy

LOCAL FOCUS: Berkshire Hathaway Oktoberfest Lauren and Melissa Wedding

CULINARY CORNER: Full Moon Barbeque Restaurant

FACES JUSTIN MURPHY

He is always kind, uncommonly thoughtful, and most importantly, refreshingly genuine.

Justin Murphy We have all probably used or considered the phrase:

“It’s the little things in life that matter,” or, “Happiness is in the little things.”

A small surprise from a special friend, breakfast in bed prepared by three bouncing kiddos, or a stranger’s undue, friendly gesture like a healthy handshake or an opened door- these are the things that make a bad day better. There is one Auburn man, Justin Murphy, who is known by his friends and neighbors to be the sweet spirit they can count on. He is the kind of guy that believes in the

POWER OF THE SMALL STUFF.

Chances are good you have encountered Justin at Publix Supermarket on Moore Mill Road. He may have helped

you find a special ingredient for the family dinner, or he may have bagged your groceries at checkout. If he stuffed your buggy full of recently purchased goods, you probably shared a memorable conversation on the way to the car in the parking lot. Justin’s job at Publix has helped him make acquaintance with thousands of Auburnites, young and old.

In recent months, Southern Tatler’s readers have made a point to sing Justin’s praises in hopes that we might shine a spotlight on a guy who is the embodiment of the Auburn spirit, a guy they have come to know and love.

I met Justin at Toomer’s Cooffee after he had just completed his eight-hour shift. From the moment I shook his hand I knew this man was the real thing, every bit as good as he was cracked up to be. He has one of those mile-wide smiles that is quite literally contagious. I was excited to sit down and hear about the life and times of the Justin Murphy.

Justin ordered a smoothie and gave me the story of his life thus far from the very beginning. He was born in a small town near Dothan called Abeville, Alabama on the twenty-first of March, 1986 (That makes him thirty-years-old).

His hometown is and will always be near and dear to his heart. The hospitalless Abbeville has a population of only about 2500, so its inhabitants stay close.

Life took the Murphy family elsewhere, however, and they moved to Beauregard, a little town in the country just east of Auburn, when Justin was twelve. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy (Lee and Nancy), Justin, and his siblings Julie and Josh became avid fans of Auburn life and Auburn football.

Justin entered his sixth grade year at Beauregard. It did not take long for his peers to show him the ways of Auburn football fandom. He had been a sports fan throughout his childhood, but newfound friends meant he had a reason to fall in love with football all over again. He adopted two Auburn quarterbacks as all-time favorite players a few years later, Dameyune Craig and Ben Leard. Justin served as Beauregard High School’s football manager, too. “My dad was football manager at his high school.

I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He really enjoyed it, so I thought I would too,” Just said. This interest cultivated in Justin a passion for being healthy and playing sports, so much so that he would

go on to win several titles in Special Olympics Powerlifitng and Basketball. Justin wanted to devote some time in our conversation to his involvement in the Special Olympics, so we decided to save that dialogue for the end of the interview.

Justin graduated from Beauregard in 2005 and transitioned right into the working world, an environment he has always loved. Justin has always understood the impact that helping others can have, and working hard in the customer service industry meant that he could use his talents for good. He was a door greeter at the Auburn University Bookstore on campus until 2011 and even worked at Chick-Fil-A for a short stretch. “I also maintained kennels and cleaned at 4 Paws Boutique in Auburn when I was in high school. Everyone needs to take a job like that at some point in life,” he laughed. “It was hard but I learned a lot about working with people.”

It was not until 2009 that Justin heard about a new Publix Supermarket being built in Moores Mill. “My dad told me about it, and I began researching the company. It seemed really great, so I applied,” he said. Naturally, Justin was the perfect guy for the job.

Justin talked at length about what he believes is the South’s best kept secret, Auburn. He believes that his position at Publix has afforded him unique opportunities to know some of the Plain’s residents in a very personal way.

“I can’t think of any other city where family, unity, tradition, and generosity are so important. My job has helped me better understand what Auburn is, and how wonderful the people are here.”

It would not be a stretch to say that Justin has become acquainted with the majority of regular shoppers at the Publix location in Moores Mill. A photo posted on his Facebook page shows him pushing two children out of the store in their mother’s grocery-filled cart. “That’s one of my favorite things about my job. There are so many moms that bring in their children. They love me and I love them!” he smiled. At Southern Tatler, we have been told several times that Justin is the man to meet because of his impactful attitude and excellent character. He blew us away.

Not only because of his dynamism, but also because of his humbleness:

51 S EP TEM BER/ OCTOBER

2016

“

My dad was football manager at his high

I wanted to follow in his footsteps. school.

Justin is good friends with Auburn’s own Brad and Susie Litkenhous, Publix shoppers who also attend Justin’s church.

Thanks to the Litkenhouses, Justin got to attend Dancing Stars of East Alabama last year.

Justin also specifically thanked Gabe Gottthelf, a member of the board of director’s for Auburn’s Krewe of Aetos.

“Gabe invited me to his organization’s annual Mardi Gras Ball last year. It was a blast,” Justin said. Only a few months ago, in March, Justin celebrated his thirtieth birthday with several “Publix moms” and their children at Louie’s Chicken Fingers in Moores Mill. Justin beamed, “Four or five moms got together and surprised me at the restaurant one afternoon. I still cannot believe those ladies planned a birthday party for me. That’s the kind of people I get to see everyday. I am so thankful.” Justin was also a model for the 2015 Wine, Women, and Shoes Fundraising event benefitting East Alabama Medical Center.

In April of this year, Justin was awarded the first ever Auburn Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Crown for his outstanding character and impeccable customer service. He was thrilled to tell Southern Tatler about the experience: “I saw my mom walk into the store, and I wasn’t expecting her. I thought she had other things to do that afternoon. Then I saw Dad’s car in the parking lot. I thought to myself, ‘this is interesting. Why are my parents both here at the same time?’ Soon after that the lady from the Chamber of Commerce presented me with the award, a thank you

Justin has a lot of fun working and operates under the theory that when an employee is pleasant and happy, so is the customer. “There isn’t any reason to have a bad attitude,” he said. He is an early riser, usually waking up at 5:30 or so, and generally reports to Publix Monday through Friday.

“

Of course, Justin is not always bringing smiles to familiar faces at the grocery store. He does have some free time, and he spends it well. He enjoys traveling, and has his sights set on expanding his travel horizons in the future. A recent trip with his friend, Kyle, to Chicago was a great time. He got to see the Cubs play (even though he is a Braves fan) and ate tons of yummy food. Justin has journeyed to the Republic of Panama three

times with his church, Auburn United Methodist, for mission work. He was lucky enough to help individuals in impoverished regions by laying concrete for municipal structures. Justin also fondly remembers trips to New York and South Florida, calling them highlights of his life. Because he loves to spend time outside, there is really no place he would rather be than tubing on Lake Martin or soaking up the sunshine in Panama City, Destin, or Orange Beach.

He does have a travel “bucket list,” however, which includes Las Vegas, Boston, and several tropical paradises.

Justin also likes to deer hunt on his family’s land in Abbeville.

A couple of Publix customers have even invited him to hunt on their own property near Auburn.

At home in Beauregard, he is the “chicken guy,” feeding and watering the birds and gathering their eggs. His three dogs, a black lab named Levi, a chocolate lab named Loretta, and mutt named

“

card, and a gift card. I was the first person ever to receive the Customer Service Crown. I was so surprised.”

I just want people to know that I am so thankful for their friendship,” he explained. “I appreciate the small things customers do for me more than they know. There are several people who have welcomed me into their families and asked me to join them for a meal or an events out in the

community. I want to say ‘thank you.’

I hope they know I would do the same things for them. Anything they ever need, I am here.

I think in most jobs you eventually get burned out. I’ve never felt burned out at Publix. I

love it, and I am there to stay.�

Happy keep him busy as well.

Now, if Justin really plans on taking it easy, he can be found in one place and one place alone: the blue chair. “When I was a senior in high school my parents bought me a blue recliner,” Justin laughed. “I don’t know what I will do when it wears out because it is my favorite place to be if I am inside. I have kind of a ‘man cave,’ with my bed, my Playstation 3, my television, my books, and my desk. It is decorated with sports memorabilia, medals and awards I’ve won, pennants and autographs. I can see it all from my blue chair.” After a lazy Saturday reading and playing video games from his treasured blue recliner, Justin enjoys going out for a delicious Auburn dinner at The Hound, Amsterdam, or Hamilton’s on Magnolia. “My favorite meal is a meat and three and a sweet tea,” but Auburn has so many great places,” he said. Perhaps you will see Justin at your favorite Auburn restaurant

and give him a wave.

Finally, we cannot forget to mention Justin’s involvement with Lee County Special Olympics.

In 2011, Sam Edwards and Caleb Ficken began coaching him in deadlift and bench-press for a Special Olympics event. Not only did Justin form an everlasting friendship witb these men who were already brothers of his in the Farmhouse Fraternity ( Justin holds an associate membership), he also grew to admire powerlifting.

Justin has competed for the past five years and has won gold at the state level twice. When Sam and Caleb graduated last year, Chris Harris of All In Crossfit agreed to become Justin’s new coach. They, too, have a wonderful friendship as a result. This October, Chris and Justin will travel to Mobile for the State Special Olympics Powerlifting Meet. He wanted to recognize his coaches and mentors:

“Meeting with Chris twice a week is great exercise, and most importantly it’s something I really like to do.

I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. I want Sam, Caleb, Chris, and their families to know that their support means a lot to me.

I couldn’t do this without them.”

Justin also plays basketball. The season will start this month.

We hope you will join us in wishing Justin the best of luck at his Powerlifting Competition this October.

The Auburn family is better because of this guy. We know you will agree if you get the chance to meet him.

“

“Again, thank you to everyone in Auburn, including my friends, family, coaches, and coworkers at Publix, for supporting me and loving me, and just for all of the little things you do. I am so lucky. Make sure everyone knows I am there for them, too. The people here are so great.

LOCAL FOCUS BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

The offices of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Auburn were abuzz with excitement recently as the office was chosen to present $50,000 to one lucky family who had been drawn as the Grand Prize winners in HGTV’s “Love Your Home” sweepstakes.

Presenting the check to the Villari family was Stacy Williams Jordan, Owner and CEO of BHHS Preferred Real Estate along with corporate executives from the Berkshire Hathaway home office as well as local dignitaries, agents and guests. After the official ceremony, the huge crowd was treated to a delicious gourmet lunch catered by Christine’s.

The “Love Your Home” sweepstakes winner, Todd Villari, a father of four and an HGTV enthusiast, was drawn from among more than 3.3 million contest entries. The entrant total set a record for similar contests held on HGTV, and more than doubled the total of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ first sweepstakes a year ago. “My initial reaction was ‘no way!’” said Villari.

“I immediately called my wife, Keely, and her first reaction was the same, ‘no way!’”

$

$

50,000

SWEEPSTAKES

The Villaris live in a historic neighborhood in

Trussville, AL. They recently started renovating their home and said they’ll use a portion of the winnings to pay for those upgrades. The balance will go toward additional home projects, such as a new garage or kitchen remodel. “Choosing which project is still under discussion between my wife and I,” Villari said. “We’re excited, no matter which way we go.”

“The Villaris were just the most gracious family,”

commented Stacy Williams Jordan. “Our entire team had so much fun getting to know them and we are ecstatic that such a huge cash prize is going to a family from right here in Alabama!”

take a few minutes and enter the contest. It can pay off.”

The Auburn office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was chosen because of their top performance amongst other BHHS offices in the state, region and nation. BHHS Preferred Real Estate has also outsold competing real estate companies throughout Lee County for six consecutive years.

The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices family will announce another creative national promotion that will debut sometime in spring of 2017. This year’s contest proved very successful for both the company and the sweepstakes winners. The hope is that next spring’s contest will encourage

Todd said he registered for the contest late one

even more positive interaction between Berkshire

night while watching Love It or List It, one of his

Hathaway and consumers. Keep an eye out for the

favorite shows. “Someone has to win so it may as

next promotion, and just remember, someone has

well be you,” Todd said. “My advice to anyone is

to win! It may as well be you.

Huff Smith Law Protecting Your Future

We are Here to Protect Your Future.

The mission of Huff Smith Law, built by the two partners Haley L. Huff and Brett A. Smith, is to protect the future of our community.

Haley L. Huff

We aspire to provide exemplary legal services and counseling for a variety of legal matters:

• Criminal Brett A. Smith

• Non-Profit • Real Estate • Small Business

Brandon Poticny

Even if you don’t currently have a need for our services, we’d love to meet you and get to know you. Give us a call, or stop by our office just to say “Hi.” Our office is located in downtown Auburn, at the corner of College Street and Samford Avenue, in the historic Cullars-Conner Home.

Contact

(334) 329-5596 www.huffsmithlaw.com info@huffsmithlaw.com

• Family Law

Address

• Charitable Organization

369 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36830

“No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

S O U T H E R N TAT L E R Your C I T Y Your M A G A Z I N E

LOCAL FOCUS OKTOBERFEST

2016

Where will you be the evening of October 8th?

The air will be crisp, the leaves will be changing, and downtown Auburn will be hopping in more ways than one! If you already have plans, change them.

If you don’t, make them. Join The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, APR LLC, and AlaBev for its yearly Oktoberfest. It is a rain or shine event, so there are no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts.” The seventh annual Oktoberfest will be a wonderful time.

T

he original Oktoberfest, one of the most famous parties in history, and the world’s largest beer festival, is an annual tradition in Munich. It lasts about sixteen days and attracts more than six million tourists to Germany each year. The party started in 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married his princess, Teresa of SassoniaHildburghausen. In celebration of their union, Ludwig invited the citizens of Munich to attend a rousing party among royals in the fields outside the city gate. To commemorate the closing of the celebration, a horse race and and an enormous feast was enjoyed by all of Bavaria. Each year since then, save for occasions in which wars prevented it, that race and feast which came to be known as Oktoberfest has been a permanent fixture in the lives of German citizens. The horse racing ended in 1960, but the tradition of enjoying good brews lives on. 2016 marks the 206th anniversary of the historic Oktoberfest.

Auburn’s festival first began seven years ago, a much smaller celebration. Only ten to twelve

breweries attended, each one setting up its station by the hotel pool or inside the conference center’s Terrace Room. Festival guests were invited to sample a beer or two from each vendor. At that point in time, each brew was paired with a complementing hors d’oeuvre.

As the festival evolved, however, the number of craft brews available surpassed one-hundred, and a smaller, simpler, and more traditionally German hors d’oeuvre menu became more appropriate. Popular festival snacks like Lager Braised Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Grilled Onions, Smoked Kielbasa, Grilled Knackwurst, Chicken Legs, Giant Pretzels with Beer Cheese, and Bavarian Cream Puffs will be the stars this year. But do not forget- Oktoberfest is all about the BEER! At the 2016 Oktoberfest, around thirty breweries will man tents in the hotel parking lot along College Street, showcasing more than 100 beers and several German wines. Brewers will offer handpicked, seasonal selections for Oktoberfest tasting, a couple of them even specifically created for the festival under limited release. Guests will have the opportunity to taste many beverages which are prides of both the Yellowhammer State and the greater Southeast, but there will be selections from beyond as well. Just to

Blue Pants Brewery, Madison, Alabama Cheaha Brewing Company, Anniston, Alabama Fairhope Brewing Company, Fairhope, Alabama Red Clay Brewing Company, Opelika, Alabama Yellowhammer Brewing, Huntsville, Alabama Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, California Stone Brewing, Escondido, California Left Hand Brewing, Longmont, Colorado Oskar Blues, Longmont, Colorado Monday Night Brewing, Atlanta, Georgia Red Hare Brewery, Marietta, Georgia Sweetwater Brewing Company, Atlanta, Georgia Boston Beer Company, Boston, Massachusetts Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan Lazy Magnolia, Kiln, Mississippi Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, Pennsylvania Total Beverage Solution, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina Duvel Moortgat, Breendonk, Belgium Merchant du Vin

This event has earned itself quite the stellar reputation among Auburnites and visitors to the Plains alike. So much so, in fact, that last year, attendees from twelve states bought tickets. Once you attend Oktoberfest, we promise you will be back for a second go ‘round. Adam Keeshan, Executive Director Food and Beverage at The Hotel at Auburn University says he is excited about growth the festival has experience in recent years: “Our Executive Chef, Leo Maurelli, has established some great relationships with breweries both local and beyond. As a result, very little promotion has been required on our part to recruit them. So many have emailed us asking to be a part. It’s really neat to be able to transform the food and beverage scene in Auburn where small, local breweries have not had a huge presence in the past.”

Just a few years ago, only a few people sold their local brews in area restaurants and stores. That number has since grown tremendously.

Not only does Oktoberfest promote and grow tourism in Auburn and surrounding areas, it also brings something new to local life and culture

that has gone unmatched for many years. It is worth mentioning that very few Southeastern cities or towns have beer festivals so large and so well-loved as our Oktoberfest. Local business owners and downtown merchants are thrilled with the public’s response to the festival as well. It gives them the rare chance to gain exposure among individuals who might not otherwise venture to the downtown district.

Marketing and Social Media Manager at The Hotel at Auburn, Allison Duke, was happy to share that many downtown businesses plan to stay open late on the night of the 8th, and that some might even offer promotions and discounts to those enjoying Oktoberfest. “It’s a non-home game, the weather will be nice, and the location of the festival will give people a chance to have some really good brews and a few hors d’oeuvres before walking downtown for dinner or strolling through campus,” she said. “In the past, it’s really been a hit.” Allison added that you do not have to be a beer connoisseur to take advantage of Oktoberfest fun, and that you can sample as little or as much as you like. “There will be more than just beer. We’ll have hard cider from Angry Orchard and other brewers and the wines will be fantastic as well.

Televisions will be set up so that ticketholders can watch the Auburn at Mississippi State game, too.”

Oktoberfest also enriches relationships between The Hotel at Auburn University and the brewing companies, themselves. “We are thankful that we get to know these individuals, become familiar with their products, and bring what they have to offer to our community. We’re a small town, but we have a lot to bring to the table. We are unique in that way, and the brewers know that I think,” Keeshan said.

Several special guests will be attending this year’s festival, including musicians Tim Chambliss and Kidd Blue. They will be entertaining ticketholders for the duration of the festival. Sam Adam Brewing Company will be hosting a Stein Hoisting Competition as well, which will be an official qualifier for the national competition later this year in Las Vegas. Sam Adams will also crown the 2016 Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest.

Local home brewers will have a chance to show off their finest concoctions in a special contest called “Homebrew Alley.” Ten participants will be chosen to provide samples of their own craft beer to festival goers. One home brewer will be selected as the crowd

favorite, called the “People’s Choice,” and will go on to to be presented with his title and a special prize on the Oktoberfest main stage. He will then be paired with an Alabama brewery to create a one-off beer using the winning recipe. The Hotel at Auburn University’s A.T.- Ariccia Trattoria, will feature the beer on draft until its supply runs out during the fall season. The winner of Homebrew Alley and fifteen guests of his choosing will also be invited for a congratulatory reception featuring the winning brew and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Oktoberfest’s presenting sponsors are already gearing up for a monumental event. This year’s festival should be the best one yet! So, you want to join in on the fun yourself, but you’re now sure how? It’s easy to find a ticket, but get yours fast, because they sell out quickly and none will be sold on the day of the festival. First, visit www.auhcc.com/oktoberfest and scroll down the page until you see “Ticket Information.”

You may then select the ticket or package you would like to purchase and enter your payment information. Presale ends on the first of October. Until then, general admission tickets are $45 each. General admission includes entry into the event and a tasting glass on a lanyard for sampling the various beers and wines. For $55, enjoy the “Eat, Drink, and Be German” Package which includes entry into the event, a tasting glass for sampling beer and wine, an event t-shirt, and two food tickets

to use during the event. Tickets are also available for Designated Drivers. These are available at no cost and include entry into the event and two non-alcoholic drinks.

Want to make the 7th annual Oktoberfest a weekend vacation (or staycation)? You can book the Oktoberfest Hotel Package, which includes overnight accommodations in one of The Hotel at Auburn University’s luxurious rooms, entry into the event, a tasting glass, an event t-shirt, and two food tickets, plus breakfast in the hotel’s award winning restaurant, A∙T the following Sunday morning. Rates start at just $219 for a single occupancy Superior Room. The hotel package is a great option for those festival attendees who would like to retire to a comfortable bed after a night on the town without worrying about finding transportation back home.

It is also a great choice for those who want to make the event a weekend-long retreat.

The Hotel at Auburn University would like to thank the festival’s presenting sponsors, APR and AlaBev, for their continued support. The hotel is grateful for such valuable partnerships and is excited about what they can accomplish together. “It’s going to be cool,” Keeshan smiled. “Sampling great beer and looking at racecars- what could be better?”

Safety has always been and will continue to be a priority at Oktoberfest. The Auburn City Police Department plays an

integral part in ensuring the safety of everyone involved, and will be on the premises throughout the entirety of the event.

In closing, we remind you of a popular song traditionally played at the “real” Oktoberfest in Munich. It might be familiar to you:

“ Ein Prosit” Ein Prosit, ein Prosit Der Gemütlichkeit Ein Prosit, ein Prosit Der Gemütlichkeit.

OANS! ZWOA! DREI! G’SUFFA! In English:

“A Toast” A toast, a toast To cheer and good times A toast, a toast To cheer and good times.

ONE! TWO! THREE! DRINK UP! As a side note, we encourage you to enjoy yourself, but be sure not to enjoy too much!

Again, the 7th annual Oktoberfest, presented by The Hotel at Auburn University, APR, and AlaBev, will take place on October 8th from four until nine p.m. There are no rules. This event is going to be a blast, but be sure to drink responsibly! Throw on your Lederhosen, grab a date, and prepare to enjoy a night in downtown Auburn sampling some of the region’s (and the nation’s) most delicious brews, as well as a few that are authentically German! We are sure you will make it an annual tradition. Who knew you could attend one of the world’s best Oktoberfests right here in Auburn, Alabama?

LOCAL FOCUS MELISSA & LAUREN WEDDINGS

Melissa and Lauren

Weddings

It all starts with a proposal,

... And the list goes on.

√√ The guest list.

But what if all of these details had to be tended to within only nine short months- twice?

√√ The invitations.

Planning a wedding is truly a family affair. After all, it takes a village to coordinate such a special day. It is supposed to be the most magical day in a couple’s life. No detail may be forgotten, everything must be perfect. For much of the preparations, Mom and Dad are typically the organizers. As Auburn’s own Mike Reynolds and his wife, Robin, prepared to give away their girls this past Spring, they were faced with the busiest months of their lives- a year seemingly consumed by thoughts of two fairytale weddings!

√√ The colors. √√ The cake. √√ The decorations. √√ The dress. √√ The wedding party’s attire. √√ The flowers. √√ The food.

Lauren and Melissa Reynolds were born 28 months apart, but became engaged just three months apart some twenty-four years later. The apples of their daddy’s eye, they were raised by parents who modeled a love-filled marriage. Mike and Robin wanted nothing more than for Lauren and Melissa to find their perfect husbands on the Plains, two men who would be for them what their father had been for their mother. They found these men in Morgan Rhodes and Will Faulkner.

Melissa, the younger of the two siblings, first met her husband, Morgan, when she and Lauren moved into an apartment near Auburn’s campus her sophomore year of college. Mike relived that afternoon just like it was yesterday:

√√ The rehearsal dinner. √√ The reception. √√ The photographer…

“Robin and I dropped the girls off, thrilled that they wanted to live together after all of those years at home. Our oldest, Lauren, had been in school for two years already, and she was excited to have a roommate she could count on. We got the girls settled in, and as we were coming down the stairs I noticed a couple of guys grilling on the porch. Being daddy to my two little girls meant I just had to tell those guys who I was. I looked at them and said,

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2016

“

I’ve just dropped off my two most precious commodities. I need to know you will watch out for them.”

The boys replied with a simple, “yes sir, we will.”

Little did Morgan know that he was promising to take care of Melissa not only for the duration of her lease, but for the duration of their life together. As it turned out, Melissa and Morgan did not begin dating until more than two years later when they ran into each other in downtown Auburn. From then on out, though, they were inseparable. On August 8th, 2015, while overlooking the iconic Perdido Pass on a boat ride in Orange Beach, Morgan asked Melissa to be his wife with friends and family watching.

Lauren and Will met through mutual friends Melanie and John-Michael Roehm. Will and JohnMichael met while both were undergrads at Auburn University. Lauren and Melanie worked together at The Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies at Auburn University. Will had recently joined The “Phils,” a men’s auxiliary group of the Women’s Philanthropy Board at the Cary Center. Melanie introduced the couple soon after at a reception for the group. After they met, everyone could tell that they were meant to be together, and a romance quickly ensued. Will asked for Lauren’s hand at Toomer’s Corner last October 29th after several months of dating. It just so happened that the proposal coincided with the annual downtown trick-or-treating event, something Will did not realize until his plans were set. Mike, who is the Executive Director of Financial Services at the university, also serves as Aubie’s advisor. He felt it was natural that Lauren’s feline “big brother” should be in attendance for the proposal. “Will really wanted Aubie to be there since he was part of the family,” Mike laughed.

“It seemed like that was the night people were the

pushiest to get to Aubie, so we had to make sure he was there without drawing too much attention.” Just as Will got on one knee, Lauren picked up a family friend’s child who happened to be terrified of Aubie.

Oblivious to what was happening, Lauren was shocked when Will put a ring on her finger.

Now, there was a dilemma to be resolved. Who would get married first, and when? After much discussion and many circled calendar dates, it was settled. Lauren would be wed first, on April 16th, while Melissa’s special day would be June 11th. With the weddings fast approaching, the family hit the ground running when it came to making important decisions.

“When a young lady gets engaged, it’s supposed to be her time to shine,” Mike smiled. “Robin and I wanted to make sure that both Lauren and Melissa got the weddings they had always dreamed of without either event overshadowing the other. It was hard at times to juggle both, but the fact that the girls are so close and were so excited for each other really helped.

Plus, they have different styles and personalities, so we got to tailor each wedding to exactly what they wanted.”

Mike talked about how different his daughters really are, but also about how close they became over the past year planning their respective weddings.

Melissa, an event planner, had no problems organizing the details of her big day. Not surprisingly, Melissa had her wedding planned before Lauren even got engaged a little more than two months later. It did not take long for the sisters to realize how special this time was- how much they would cherish it, and what a huge help they would be to each other. Lauren and Melissa were sure of one thing; they would stand together at the alter, but each big day would be unique, and they would have very different but equally beautiful ceremonies. They’d take special care to include elements that reflected a personal style and

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vision. Both were also adamant that they would marry their husbands at Auburn United Methodist Church, in the same sanctuary where Mike and Robin married on July 9, 1988.

Next came the buying of the dresses. Melissa found hers first at Elegant Bridal in Auburn. “Seeing my little girl in that dress was overwhelming,” Mike said. “I think she thought I didn’t like the dress at first because I didn’t say much. It was just a lot to take in. I didn’t mind writing the check for that dress. It was the ‘daddy thing’ to do, and she looked beautiful.”

Shortly after, Mike, Robin, Will, Lauren, and several bridesmaids drove to Denson’s Bridal in Montgomery to find bridesmaids’ dresses. While they were there, the owner of the shop convinced Lauren to try on a few gowns herself.

“Of course the girls made Will and me leave,” Mike laughed.

“I think they were a little embarrassed to call us back less than an hour later to tell us they’d found ‘the dress.’” While Mike and Will walked down the street to have a drink in preparation for what they thought would be a long afternoon of waiting, Lauren placed a binder with pictures of potential wedding dresses on the counter and opened it to her favorite gown. “Oh!” the owner said. “We have that dress, and no one has even tried it on!” It was truly meant to be. When Lauren slipped on the gown, it fit perfectly. “In fact, it came home with us in the trunk that same day,” Mike said. “I let my wife write the check for that one!”

Finally, April 16th rolled around, a long awaited day for the Reynolds family.

The time had come for Mike and Robin’s oldest daughter to say “I do”. Lauren’s vision of a simple and elegant ceremony came to life in the form of a beautifully decorated sanctuary filled with the people she loved the most. Lauren waited anxiously with her dad for the double doors to swing open. It seemed to take forever.

“I’d never experienced anything like that before,” Mike said. “I am so thankful that our photographer, Jeff Etheridge told me to look at him the whole time. That helped me hold it together. He let me know there wasn’t any time to get emotional! I just remember Lauren squeezing my arm. It felt like a vice grip.”

As the church bells chimed, Mike escorted Lauren down the aisle. She wore a stunning, lace-embroidered A-Line dress with a soft sweetheart neckline and a beaded bodice overlay. She held a bouquet of pastel peonies and white roses wrapped in fabric from Robin’s wedding gown and adorned with lockets remembering loved ones passed. Lauren realized as they were walking to the alter that her dad was on her

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2016

right side.

“I guess I was so worried about walking down the aisle without getting emotional that I stood on her right instead of the left as I prepared to give her away, but that was okay.

Looking back at pictures from my wedding, Robin’s dad stood to her right as well. It was just one of the little things that made Lauren’s day special,” Mike told us.

The bridesmaids wore floor length lilac chiffon dresses, while Will and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos.

The traditional ceremony, officiated by Dr. George Mathison, was punctuated by a beautiful rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer,” sung by Evan Thomas and Hayden Johns. The blushing bride was brought to tears.

The reception was held at Creekwood Castle, a French Norman style estate in Auburn. The venue presented a timeless romantic ambiance with a flair of southern charm.

Guests enjoyed an enchanted evening under a star lit sky filled with love, laughter, and dancing with music and entertainment provided by the “Dr. Feelgood” band of Montgomery, Alabama. The night concluded with fireworks overlooking the lake. “It was the most fun I’ve seen her have in her twenty-six years of life,” her dad said. “Everyone enjoyed the live band, loved the food, and we had a wonderful time celebrating Lauren and Will.” Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner drove off in a vintage gold Mercedes to the chanting of “Bodda Getta.” They spent the next week at a resort in Cancun, Mexico.

During that week, Mike and Robin instituted a rule: no more talk of weddings until Lauren and Will’s return!

Just a week later, though, the countdown for Melissa’s big day continued and all talk turned again to wedding preparations.

On June 11th, Melissa slipped on her Sophia Tolli A-line gown. She was a vision in the dress, which featured a neckline and bodice trimmed with layers of decadent, hand-beaded lace appliques and a dazzling crystal belt. She put on her mother’s veil and shoes, her hand-beaded Anne Barge headband, a custom crafted diamond necklace made from the engagement ring and wedding band of her departed aunt and grandmother, and prepared to stand where her sister had stood just two months earlier. Unique to her day, the ceremony opened with a sounding of the bells playing the Auburn University fight song. Melissa began the walk down the aisle with her father. She carried a bouquet of hydrangeas and coral roses wrapped in fabric from Robin’s dress, her initials monogrammed on the wrap in navy blue. Her

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bridesmaids wore floor length chiffon dresses in a lovely shade of sage green. The men wore handsome navy suits, classic white shirts, and bowties. The Auburn United Methodist Church was once again adorned exquisitely.

Melissa chose to decorate with taffeta-hung drapes down the center aisle, flowers, candles, and ferns. Melissa and Morgan also remembered loved ones passed with wooden crosses built by Morgan’s grandfather, Bobby Rhodes, on two tables near the altar. The ceremony was classic in style with personal touches laced throughout.

A reception followed at Lazenby Farms. The venue, nestled in the middle of a pecan orchard, boasted an elegant, yet rustic atmosphere. Lazenby Farms was a fitting backdrop for Melissa and Morgan’s love for the outdoors. Guest enjoyed custom food stations and a signature cocktail called the “Aubie Paw-MAR.” The cocktail paid tribute to both their love of Auburn and their shared initials. Morgan shared with guests a delicious Red Velvet groom’s cake. That being said, it is worth mentioning that Morgan’s Red Velvet was not actually red. Because no self-respecting Auburn gentleman would have a groom’s cake in any shade of crimson, it was baked in bright Auburn orange and topped with a big “AU.” It was shaped like a tree stump and decorated with shotgun shells, as he is an avid duck hunter. Sitting next to the groom’s cake was an exquisite and delicious four-tiered cake adorned with flowers and Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes’s initials. Its cutting was a special time. The two drank champagne from etched glass flutes hand-made by the bride. Then, Melissa gave Morgan his wedding gift, a bridal portrait of herself sitting with a photo-shopped image of Morgan’s dog, Gunner, who had passed away during the couple’s engagement.

On Melissa’s opposite side sat their new puppy, Belle.

“Melissa and Morgan’s wedding was so different, but it was equally as beautiful,” Mike reminisced. “Their ceremony and reception fit them perfectly.” The Rhodes traveled to Jamaica for their honeymoon. Meanwhile, Mike and Robin spent time together reflecting on past weeks and relaxing in relief that no more wedding plans were left to organize.

“To sum it all up,” Mike told us, “these past several months have been tiring. Even then, every bit of sweat we poured into this was worth it. I am proud of my girls and the men they have chosen to spend their lives with.”

Mike showed us a picture of Lauren and Melissa as little ones in his lap at a friend’s wedding, no more than four years old. “Isn’t it appropriate that I’ve got both

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2016

girls in white dresses again?” he asked. Jeff Etheridge Photography recreated that treasured image, a sweet memory brought to life again.

“Of course, things went wrong,” Mike said. “The morning of Lauren and Will’s big day, the company that rented us the tables for the reception informed us that they weren’t available to set them up. You should have seen me trying to hurry to get tables on the ground. Morgan and his friends were nice enough to help out, too. We made it.”

But while bumps in the road like these presented temporary problems and small disruptions for both the Faulkners and the Rhodes, no one attending their gorgeous ceremonies caught wind of any trouble behind the scenes. Priceless moments dotted each bride’s memorable day, like when Aubie showed up for their receptions, or when they turned to their flower girls and ring bearers and saw what a fantastic time they were having. Mike believes everything came together for good:

The family wishes to thank Tiger Dining and Jeff Etheridge Photography, and Susan Brown and Beverly Godwin for the Faulkner Wedding flowers, as well as Ann Hovey for the Rhodes Wedding flowers.

“When Robin and I woke up on June 12th, it was such a blessing to be able to look at each other and say, ‘we did exactly right by both of them.’ I’ve always been very frugal, so much so that my brother used to call me ‘Jack Benny,” but I can honestly say that every cent we spent was worth it for our girls. They’ll never forget how they felt those nights in April and June, and we won’t either.”

While it was a challenge, and while it was more than slightly outside the norm, the Reynolds, Faulkner, and Rhodes families pulled off two beautiful weddings that took place just two short months apart.

At times, their reality looked like something from Father of the Bride. It was hectic, it was stressful, and it was tiresome. Most of all, however, it was lifechanging, breathtaking, even surprising. In talking with Mike and his family, we are confident that they would not change a thing. Robin laughed, “to be honest, I can’t imagine that doing these weddings any other way would have been better. The thought of waiting six months or a year between ceremonies would have been overwhelming. Celebrating our girls’ new lives two months apart was a blessing.”

“So many people helped us make these weddings beautiful. We are forever grateful!”

Auburn United Methodist Church, Creekwood Castle, and Lazenby Farms were gracious hosts, as well as The Woman’s Club and Greystone Mansion where rehearsal dinners was held.

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MELISSA SERVED AS LAUREN’S MAID OF HONOR. LAUREN’S OTHER BRIDESMAIDS WERE BECCA HILL, ANN BURGWIN FAULKNER, MARY BETH BUGG, KELLEY CASKEY, AND MOLLY COLLINS. KAITLIN MAYFIELD WAS A JUNIOR BRIDESMAID. WILL’S BEST MAN WAS HIS BROTHER IKE FAULKNER, AND HIS GROOMSMEN WERE MORGAN RHODES, JUSTIN HILL, JD JESKE, DOUG THOMPSON, AND SAM POTEAT. FLOWER GIRLS WERE EVIE WINFREE AND AZLIN WINFREE, AND TANNER WINFREE WAS THE RING BEARER. MELISSA’S MATRONS OF HONOR WERE HER SISTER, LAUREN, AND DEVAN SADETSKY. BRIDESMAIDS WERE MADISON COTHRON, MCKENZIE WARNOCK, MALLORY EDWARDS, BROOKE STARLING, MAGGIE DEAN, KATIE MCKINLEY, ANN MARIE GENTRY, BRITTNI BOLTON, SARA SOWDER, AND LISA LAMORTA. MELISSA ALSO HAD KAITLIN MAYFIELD AS A JUNIOR BRIDESMAID. MORGAN’S BEST MAN WAS PRESTON WALLACE. CORY STEPHENS, TYLER FROST, KEVIN MOSLEY, CAMERON CARLI, MICHAEL PERRIGIN, DALTON EDWARDS, HAPPY GREGG, TODD HOLLEY, ZACH GIBBONS, TREY GOODSON, AND JOSH SEAMON WERE GROOMSMEN. THE COUPLE’S TWO BEAUTIFUL FLOWER GIRLS WERE SCARLETT WOOD AND HAYDEN YEARGAN, AND GRAYSON WOOD AND PEARCE YEARGAN WERE RING BEARERS.

The Fighter

Will O. (Trip) Walton, III 2011- 2014 Super Lawyers 334.321.3000 www.waltonlaw.net waltonlaw@waltonlaw.net

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CULINARY CORNER

FULL MOON BARBAQUE

y l i m a F n o o M l l u F e a h t k i l g e n i p g O n i r n B r u b u to A

I enjoy seeing customers taking pictures of the food or stopping to take pictures in front of our big moon sign on the side of the restaurant…

“

“

Some people think it is strange to post pictures of your food to social media, but Opelika’s Full Moon Bar-B-Que owner Scott Maluff views it differently. “When I see someone taking pictures of my food, I know we’re doing something right.”

It’s a sign we are making a difference.

Full Moon Bar-B-Que has been gaining in popularity since it’s opening in February 2015. Maluff likes the challenge of breaking into the Auburn-Opelika restaurant landscape. “It’s fun here. In Birmingham, Full Moon is an institution. We have been building [our reputation in Opelika] one customer at a time,” he said.

The Opelika location of Full Moon is the twelfth location of the franchise. It is located in the Tiger Town shopping center, in front of Kroger. During the lunch rush, you can smell the delicious barbecue throughout Tiger Town.

Full Moon has its roots in Birmingham and, surprisingly, University of Alabama football.

In 1986, the original Full Moon Bar-B-Que restaurant was opened in Birmingham. The Full Moon founders were former University of Alabama assistant football coach, Pat James and his wife, Eloise. James was on the football staff during two of Alabama’s national championships under Paul “Bear”

Bryant. After leaving college football, James entered the business sector and eventually opened Full Moon Bar-B-Que with his wife.

Full Moon’s menu was largely created from Pat and Eloise’s personal recipes and those recipes are still used today.

Pat and Eloise James ultimately sold the business in 1998 to two brothers David and Joe Maluff. The Maluff brothers transformed the restaurant into a franchise chain. Full Moon now has eight restaurants in the Birmingham area, as well as Jasper, Dothan, Tuscaloosa, and now Opelika. Full Moon Bar-B-Que has always wanted to be known as a family restaurant, and, despite the restaurant expanding into a chain franchise; it has retained that family atmosphere by keeping business “all in the family”. David and Joe Maluff’s cousins, Scott and Ken Maluff, own the Opelika location of Full Moon.

Ken Maluff manages the accounts for the restaurant, while Scott manages the day-today operations at Full Moon.

The Maluffs have been in the restaurant business since the 1950s. Scott Maluff’s father owned the Kopper Kettle Cafeteria, a restaurant in Birmingham, and grew up helping out there. After high school, Scott Maluff went to Auburn University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.

After graduating from college, he returned to operate one of his father’s restaurants for fifteen years. “[Then] I got involved in banking, but I have always been looking for a reason to come back to Auburn,” Scott said. After working for twelve years in the financial sector, he wanted to return to the restaurant industry.

Scott and his brother Ken approached David and Joe Maluff about opening a Full Moon in Auburn or Opelika, and they were interested in expanding the franchise into this area of the state. Scott and Ken Maluff opened Full Moon Tiger Town in February of 2015.

Scott Maluff said that he enjoyed his time spent on the Plains. He was a college student at Auburn during an exciting time for Auburn

athletics during the early to mid-1980s. The Auburn University football and basketball teams were having a lot of success, and Scott was there to cheer them on with his college buddies.

“I liked following sports. [During college] the football team went to the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando and won. [Another year], we travelled to the Sugar Bowl and watched Auburn play. The best part of college was the friendships I developed.”

Full Moon’s college football roots are evident when you step into any of their locations.

The Opelika Full Moon location has a collage of iconic football images adorning the restaurant walls, including Auburn University football coach Gus Malzahn, University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban, and spirited Auburn and Alabama cheerleaders leading their teams to victory.

The restaurant has large, flat screen televisions, making it an ideal venue to watch the game with family, friends, and great food.

Full Moon Bar-B-Que patrons enjoy perusing the collection of framed pictures in the restaurant. Customers will be surprised to see how many sports icons have been to Full Moon. Lining the booths are photographs of the Maluff brothers with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, former Auburn football head coach Pat Dye, former University of Alabama and NFL football player Joe Namath, “Voice of the Auburn Tigers” announcer Rod Bramblett, and many, many others. Maluff happily said, “It is good to see former players come in and say, ‘hey, I’m on the wall!”

Scott Maluff would like to add even more photos and memorabilia to the restaurant. He personally hopes Bo Jackson will come visit the Opelika Full Moon and sign his Auburn jersey that is hung on the wall.

Bo Jackson may need to come visit Full Moon Bar-B-Que soon because their barbeque has been nationally recognized as outstanding.

The Huffington Post and Gayot.com has ranked Full Moon as one of the top 10 barbecue restaurants in the United States.

The secret to Full Moon barbecue’s great taste may be the way it is cooked. At Full Moon, they smoke their barbecue in hickory wood-fired pits, as opposed to the traditional smoker most people use to cook barbecue.

Full Moon Bar-B-Que proudly proclaims itself as the “best little pork house in Alabama”.

Aside from the great barbecue, Eloise James’ Half Moon cookies and vinaigrette slaw are customer favorites. These two dishes have been included in the legendary list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die”.

The Half Moon cookies are crispy chocolate chip and pecan cookies halfway dipped in melted chocolate, giving its “half moon” appearance. Another customer favorite is “chow chow”, a sweet and spicy relish that Full Moon pairs with all of its barbeque plates and sandwiches. Scott Maluff also recommends the “Big Baker” to first-time Full Moon visitors. The “Big Baker” is a gigantic potato topped with your choice of barbecued meat, cheddar cheese, scallions, sour cream, bacon bits, and Full Moon’s famous barbecue

sauce.

Full Moon’s original barbecue sauce is tomato-based and they have added a white sauce that pairs well with poultry. If you love Full Moon’s original sauce, white sauce, and “chow-chow” relish, Publix now carries these products in their grocery stores.

Full Moon has an extensive menu, expanding beyond most barbecue restaurants. Full Moon serves Southern favorites such as fried green tomatoes, other home-style veggies, salads, catfish, and smoked chicken. Full Moon can quench your sweet tooth with Key lime pie, chocolate pie, coconut pie, carrot cake or their famous Half Moon cookies.

Maluff said the carrot cake has earned rave reviews, adding, “Customers will come in and say, ‘I hate carrot cake but I love Full Moon’s [version]’.”

Full Moon has a firm commitment to fresh ingredients. All of the vegetable dishes and desserts are made on location, which is impressive for a “quick service” restaurant.

At Full Moon, customers order at the counter and the Full Moon staff will bring out the meal. With the busyness of a “quick service” restaurant, Scott Maluff strives to not lose the art of personal touch between staff and customers. “I bring in extra staff to greet customers and check on them to make sure the customers have everything they need,” he said.

Customer satisfaction is the top priority to Scott Maluff. “The first thing I do when I come to work is ask the assistant manager on duty, ‘did we have any complaints?’ If we did, I want to know if we addressed it to the best of our abilities.”

“We like to say we can cater for ten to 10,000 people.” Full Moon Bar-B-Que will deliver to catered events for orders over ten people or if the bill totals to more than $100.

“My mantra to people is go to Tiger Town and just follow your nose to Full Moon.�

Full Moon has catered for many businesses in Auburn and Opelika, including various Auburn University administrative departments and athletic teams. Full Moon also has its own food truck and they have begun selling on campus during football game days. They even worked the last Alpha Psi rodeo in April. Maluff was amazed at their popularity at the event. He said, “The line just kept getting longer and longer.”

Scott Maluff hopes Full Moon will expand its catering services and dreams of eventually opening a location in Auburn. The franchise is currently working towards developing Full Moon Bar-B-Que restaurants in Montgomery, Mobile and Huntsville.

For now, he is enjoying developing relationships with the community. News station WRBL hosted their canned food drive at the restaurant. A few weeks ago, Full Moon Bar-B-Que sponsored a meal for the football boosters before the Auburn v. Opelika high school football game.

“I like getting to know the repeat customers. Some of them come for lunch and dinner on the same day.

Just getting to know the community is the best part of my job.”

Full Moon Bar-B-Que is a family restaurant that has found its home among the Auburn family. With the Maluffs’ passion for college football, fresh food, and commitment to the community, Full Moon Bar-B-Que will soon be the barbecue favorite in the Auburn-Opelika area. Owner Scott Maluff may put it in the best way. He laughed, “My mantra to people is go to Tiger Town and just follow your nose to Full Moon.”

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FEATURE 90

_________________________

Stacey Jordan

FEATURE

STACEY JORDAN

Stacey

JORDAN We all hope to someday make a difference in a person’s life. Stacey Jordan impacts a family’s life in a rare way. As an interior designer and owner of IE Designs, she helps make a new house a home for her clients. Dreaming with clients about what they want their future home to become and the big reveal of the finished project is Stacey’s favorite part of her work.

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tacey Jordan’s prominence in the Auburn area as one of the top interior designers is in large part due to “word of mouth”. These happy repeat customers and newly referred clients are also what have propelled her successful opening of her interiors boutique, Oliver Henry, in June 2014.

“I was always told not to do retail,” said Jordan. Opening a retail store is somewhat of a risky venture. However, Stacey’s husband Andy Jordan believed in her. “Everyone may say ‘there’s no way it will get done’ but she will get it done,” said Andy. Stacey Jordan’s tenacious personality paired with her passion for design is what has made her a successful designer and businesswoman.

Some may call Stacey a “natural”, and it is a fitting description.

You could even say Stacey was born with a creative streak in her DNA. Stacey’s grandmother owned a greenware shop in Montgomery, Alabama. Greenware is a pottery clay object that has been shaped, but has not yet been bisque fired. Bisque firing then converts the clay to ceramic pottery.

With access to a greenware shop, Stacey’s mother had a love for pottery. “My mother always did pottery and ceramics. She used to do it for living, and she currently teaches ceramics at a community center in Montgomery.

So, you could say I have that creative gene in my family. We have just used it differently.”

Stacey Jordan grew up in Eclectic, Alabama. Eclectic is about thirty miles north of Montgomery.

Jordan describes it as a “one caution light town” with a strong sense of community.

Growing up, she participated in gymnastics, took dance classes, and played the saxophone in her high school band. With her family’s passion for art, she also took art classes and learned how to make pottery from her mother.

Stacey said she discovered that, “Pottery was not my expression of creativity.”

Stacey soon found her niche for design when she was in high school.

She eventually made a name for herself in her small town because of her creative abilities. She was the girl to call during

IT'S ABOU CREAT T I N NEW G A SPACE FOR A FAMI LY

the holiday season---people would ask her to decorate their Christmas trees and fashion a homemade wreath for their door. Along with encouragement from her home economics teacher, Ms. Jordan, Stacey was directed towards a career in design.

Stacey was also motivated to study design by her then-boyfriend (and now husband), Andy Jordan. They met while Stacey was still in high school. Stacey met Andy through mutual friends while country line dancing in Wetumpka. Andy asked Stacey to dance during a slow song, and, since then, the two have been inseparable. Andy said, “I spent every spare moment with Stacey.”

The couple managed to stay together while Andy attended Troy and Stacey lived in Eclectic while commuting to Auburn University. In college, Stacey came to a crossroads. She had an interest in finance and worked as a bank teller during school. However, she always knew she had a passion for creative design and photography. “(I thought to myself ), do I want to go into accounting, or do I want to do what is natural for me?”

Andy encouraged her to follow her heart.

Jordan joked, “He’s financial also, so two financial brains in the house probably wouldn’t have been good anyway!” Stacey majored in interior design and minored in business. She credits her business minor for helping her with successfully running her two businesses, IE Designs and Oliver Henry.

After deciding to follow her natural passion and talent, she began working in interior design while in college. She eventually earned an internship with renowned interior designer, Phillip Sides. His interior design business is based out of Montgomery, Alabama. Phillip’s work has been featured in Traditional Home, Coastal Living, and Southern Accents.

Through this internship, Stacey Jordan saw a glimpse of a career she would love to have.

BALANCE CAN BE A STRUGGLE. I TRY TO FIND THE MOST TIME TO SPEND WITH THE BOYS." 96

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Stacey fondly remembers her first project. “My internship was very glamorous because Phillip Sides is highly published. So, the very first project I did with him was a home in Rosemary Beach, Florida. That’s pretty awesome for an internship to do a large beach home, and it was being published in Southern Accents as a showcase home. Just to be in that as a beginning to my career was amazing---to see that whole process, to see photo shoots take place and to see what it is like to meet with all the vendors.”

“dream home” changes with it.

“We create new spaces for (our clients). I have realized that when I am in my twenties, an 8,000-square-foot house is my dream home. But, as I get into my thirties, my dream house accommodates my family and who we are right now.”

“I have seen with my clients that as they get into their fifties and sixties, they want a bigger home because now they have grandchildren. They want to house everyone on game days and holidays. Later in life, you are downsizing again. You want a garden home, or a house with no yard. I think what we do changes so much throughout the phases of life, and that is why we stay so busy.”

“It kind of led me to where I wanted to be and it showed me what all was out there (in the field of interior design). If you’re not exposed to all that, you don’t even know it is there.”

After graduating with a degree in interior design from Auburn University, Stacey returned to a commercial design firm in Auburn that she had previously worked for in college. She learned a lot from the experience because the design firm owner was a strong woman running her own business in Auburn.

Stacey eventually found work as a furniture buyer in Montgomery as she began establishing her own firm, Interior Environments (IE) Designs, in 2001.

Working in interior design often involves being comfortable with the adjustments that life sometimes requires us to make. A client’s ideas for their home may become more expensive than their proposed budget, or local craftsmen are not capable of performing the required work on their home. This is when it is time to “tweak”.

“Sometimes, not everything happens the way you planned on it happening, and it is out of your control.

You have to adjust. If I have an awesome idea in my head and the client shows me a picture of what they want, but it is out of budget; we have to tweak this. We have to adjust to be in budget, but also give the clients something similar to what they wanted. There are a lot of variables in what we do, so it may not always turn out the way we started.”

Work for IE Designs has taken Stacey everywhere from the Gulf Coast to Atlanta. At first, she received clients through simply “word of mouth”. Stacey said, “I had to be selective on who I could take on because I was working by myself, along with a student assistant.”

Fifteen years later, Stacey has continued the tradition of hiring one to two student assistants from the university to work alongside her. She is proud to be able to give back to her alma mater in this unique way.

She provides interior design students an opportunity to actively learn through working on her team. “It is important to identify the students’ comfort zones and push them beyond it,” Stacey said. Interior design is a competitive field, and hands-on experience is critical in order to succeed in the business.

To be a successful designer, one must be creative, independent, decisive, organized, and friendly. “You have to be personable. You have to be able to talk to people because you are either talking with a client, or you are talking with the painter. You have to be approachable.”

Stacey Jordan has an easygoing demeanor, another important asset in the field of interior design. “This is a job where you have to be flexible, which is sometimes hard for a creative person,” Jordan said.

Stacey describes work at IE Designs as walking alongside her clients as they navigate the decisionmaking process of “creating a new space” for their family. Creating a new space is needed because as the plan for our lives continuously change, the idea of our

Stacey has also learned the importance of flexibility and balance as she and Andy raise their two sons Oliver, 6, and Henry, 4. “Balance can be a struggle. I try to find the most time to spend with the boys and I hope

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it is enough.” Stacey and Andy, a Wells-Fargo financial planner, intentionally make time to be with their children, whether it is cheering them on at soccer games or hanging out with the boys at home.

Currently, Oliver and Henry enjoy playing soccer and golf. Stacey’s oldest son Oliver also likes to play tennis and chess. When asked if she sees the creative streak in Oliver and Henry, Jordan said, “I don’t know, it is hard to tell right now. We will see where they go! With Oliver, we can see (an interest) in engineering, he loves figuring things out and things have to be a certain way. I was like, ‘maybe he will be creative and be an architect!’”

Most importantly, Stacey and Andy want their children to grow up loving each other and to raise them to love God. Stacey grew up going to church in her hometown of Eclectic and Stacey’s faith has continued to be instrumental in her life. She owes all of her success to God’s glory. Through her knowledge of home renovation, she has been able to give back to her faith community.

Stacey and her family attend First United Methodist in Opelika. Her Sunday school class had organized service projects for the group to serve. Andy is passionate about food deficiency and began serving at the local food bank and community market. Stacey had not found a project to become involved with and she prayed that she could find an organization where she could make a difference.

“Shelly Tufts, founder of Exodus Ranch, came and spoke to my Sunday school class. Exodus Ranch is a home for children in need, and they were renovating a house for the children to live in. I came up to her after class and asked how I could help.”

With Stacey’s knowledge of construction, she helped with the home renovation. She learned the project was “so much more than a house”. This new home provided a safe environment for the children to receive support, love and healing.

Stacey’s faith and her business have intersected once before. As IE Designs grew, Stacey was compelled to

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WE HAVE TRAVELLED A LOT, BUT WE STILL LOVE AUBURN. IT IS HOME.

branch into retail, but she had reservations. Her faith inspired her to pursue her dream of opening her own store despite her fears.

some of her mentors had advised against it. The costs of running a business were too high, and gaining a customer basis is extremely difficult.

“It got to a point (with my IE Designs clients) that everyone said, ‘Stacey, I really want to see the finish in person’ or ‘I really just want to sit on the sofa.’ So, I would have to call past clients and say, ‘Hey, can I bring Ms. Smith over to see how comfortable the sofa is?’

Luckily, once I’m working with a client on building a home, it takes six to eight months, so you get to know people.”

However, God intervened. Stacey’s Bible study began a study curriculum that focused on living your life as if you only had thirty days left to live. The Bible study class challenged her to live boldly, and it inspired her to open the store, Oliver Henry (named after her two sons). In less than twelve weeks, Oliver Henry was open.

“I woke up one day and realized I needed to open a retail shop that showed a sampling of everything we have to offer. (For instance), I have one to two lamps from every company that we carry. People get to see a sample of their finish or a sample of their comfort level.

It was really driven by the clients.”

When she is not meeting with clients and contractors for IE Designs or running her retail store Oliver Henry, Stacey enjoys spending time at home with her husband and sons.

“People would be surprised to see the inside of my house! It is very traditional, very warm, lots of color. My home is European-influenced because we traveled over there a lot when we were first married and building the

Stacey had initial concerns about opening her own boutique. She was anxious to open a retail store because

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house. I still love it! It’s what I’m comfortable in, it makes me happy to be in my house.”

Stacey and Andy still love to travel and recently visited Europe again. Stacey laughed, “We must be ‘college-town people’ because our favorite places were Oxford, England, and Heidelberg, Germany!”

Stacey admits, “We have travelled a lot, but we still love Auburn. It is home.” For the Jordan family, Auburn is the perfect combination of a small town with the conveniences of great restaurants, shopping, and an outstanding school system for their children.

Auburn is close to their family, and family is very important to Stacey Jordan. Andy and Stacey’s parents do not live far from Auburn, allowing them to visit often. The Jordans are very close with their church’s Sunday school class, as well as their personal friends.

Andy said, “Family is the people you love spending time with, great friends who are nurturing and caring, and the people who will go the extra distance for you.” Stacey added, “They are the people you belong with.”

Stacey Jordan’s firm foundation in her family and faith is what her business has been built upon. She believes good customer service is established through honesty, being attentive to clients, and responding to feedback.

Her family enjoys being involved with her business. Andy assists with delivering and putting together furniture when help is needed. Oliver enjoys touring construction sites with his mother and it has fueled his interest in construction.

Stacey and Andy hope to teach their children the importance of faith, family and education. Stacey Jordan is the embodiment of someone who has found their God-given, natural abilities, pursued her passions through education and is now using these skills to help her community and make the world a more beautiful place for her clients.

FAMILY IS THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE SPENDING TIME WITH, GREAT FRIENDS WHO ARE NURTURING AND CARING, AND THE PEOPLE WHO WILL GO THE EXTRA DISTANCE FOR YOU. THEY ARE THE PEOPLE YOU BELONG WITH."

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There’s a cup for everyone. for more information on Nepresso, visit: www.nespresso.com

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LATEST ISSUE

A new start at Southern Tatler means newer and better online content and to prove our point, we provide all of our past issues, and behind the scenes of each of our past cover feature.

Coming soon, Southern Tatler Dining will be the new dining guide for local citizens, as well as those visiting, the East Alabama area.

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>>MORE ONLINE SOUTHERNTATLER.COM -Online Version of Southern Tatler -Weekly Pictures of Local Events -Newest Business Additions to Local Area & MORE

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TRAVEL

Cartagena,

CARTAGENA COLUMBIA

C O LUM B IA

- Blending the old and new -

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Cartagena is a scenic jewel settled in Colombia

on the

Caribbean coast.

Main Plaza, Cartegena

The colorful streets and architecture of Cartagena, Columbia

Cartagena is a scenic jewel settled in Colombia on the Caribbean coast. The town possesses a blend of old and new. The central element of Cartagena, old town, is the colonial center that houses the history of the town’s beginning. The cobblestone streets are lined with a vast array of colorful buildings, fragrant geraniums tumbling over their verandas to meet the streets, taking visitors back in time to Spain in the late 1500s as they settled on what is modernly known as Cartagena. When you travel out of old town and past the fortress walls they built around them to protect the town from pirates and raids, the suburbs are vast.

The town is booming with industrial life and modern high-rise architecture that spreads to their Caribbean neighbor’s water.

Old Town The colonial-era town is bustling with activity.

Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a friendly atmosphere and a lot to offer. The bright, flowered buildings and charming architecture beckons visitors to step out on to the cobblestone streets to

explore what this historic part of Cartagena has to offer. As you navigate through the cobblestone street, past the many vendors peddling their wares, you will come upon the Santo Domingo Church. The Santo Domingo Church is the oldest church in Cartagena.

Step inside and take in the vibrant yellow walls, lavish blue ceiling and absorb the history of Cartagena.

After taking a few moments of reverence in Cartagena’s oldest church, continue back out to the cobblestone streets and down to the Museo del Oro Zenu. The small gold museum displays the history and artifacts of Colombia’s indigenous goldsmiths, the Zenu. Glass cases housing precious gold artifacts with stories to tell line the walls, taking visitors on a trip back in time when the Zenu still inhabited Colombian land. Cartagena’s history isn’t confined to its museums and churches. The streets have much more to offer than vendors. As you step back out to admire the historic architecture, Cartagena’s charming metal statues, made by Eduardo Carmona, come in to view at the Plaza de San Pedro. Grab a bite of cocadas or a piece of fruit from the vendors and step in to the local modern art museum for some shade.

Larger colonial towns had plazas, places of life and interaction. Some only had one, but larger towns such as Cartagena had multiples. The next one to see is Plaza San Diego. The first thing to do is to treat your self to an arepa con huevo, or egg-stuffed corn cake.

Sit back and watch the local street musicians from rappers to classical musicians. From there tourists can travel to the Institute of Arts and Sciences and the Teatro Heredia to hear classical music in plush red seats, surrounded by 22-carat-gold-plated walls. If you are taken by the old city and want to stay the night there are many options available to stay the night.

On the upscale end is Hotel Casa San Augustin. It tends to fall on the pricier side, but the service will not fall short. This hotel was awarded the 2016 Travelers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor and hosts hundreds of great reviews. Step in to the old stone building’s courtyard; graceful archways housed in stone walls that frame an open air, blue sky ceiling. Take lap around the azure tiled, u-shaped pool that goes through part of the courtyard. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, the mini bar that is included in the room price and concierge services from helping you schedule your evening to getting someone to come up and do your makeup and hair for a night on the town. If

you’re the type of traveler who just sees the room as a bed to sleep on, a more affordable option is Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia. While the amenities are lacking luster, the staff is great, breakfast is delicious and the hotel is close to the city center and Getsemani.

If you are sensitive to sound or a light sleeper, it is recommended to request a room on a higher floor, away from the street and the kitchen.

Outside the Walled City The colonial, walled area of Cartagena has even more to offer as visitors travel out of the city center to the surrounding neighborhood areas. If you leave out of the city center through the wall harboring the famed clock tower, you will happen upon Muelle del Pegaso, dock of Pegasus, which connects the old city’s center to the hip neighborhood of Getsemani.

There are many Pegasus statues on display there, an entertaining sight for all ages. If you decide to visit Cartagena around Christmas time to beat the heat, your visit to Muelle del Pegaso will be a treat. Every

Overlooking the Cartagena skline from the Popa

year around Christmas-time Cartagena holds the Festival de Pasteles, a popular Spanish dish typically wrapped in banana leaves, in the Parque Centenario right across the street from Muelle del Pegaso. The most talented pastel makers in Cartagena come together to decide who is the reigning pastel champ for the year. There are many ways to prepare the savory dish and the options visitors and locals have are as varied as the pastel experts who come to show off their craft.

Continue in to Getsemani, a barrio once overrun with seedy stores, prostitution and sketchy clubs. Now, Getsemani is a hip neighborhood in Cartagena that boasts beautiful street art, delicious restaurants and hip clubs. This area is flocked to by the local Cartagenians that call this neighborhood home. If you’re a fan of street art, take a stroll down Calle de la Sierpe, a street peppered with colorful images reflecting the moods and history of Cartagena’s locals. For those who desire a little guidance, This Is Cartagena offers a three-hourlong guided art tour through Getsemani, from street art to local studios and all the inspiration the city cultivated between these spaces. If you’ve had your fill of the local arepas being vended on the street while you were in the city center, stop in on Donde Pepina for a bite to eat during your stay in the Getsemani neighborhood. Order delicious Caribbean-Colombian cuisine from the chalkboard menu. Savor the delicious seafood ceviche, sweet coconut rice, plantains, fresh avocados and empanadas. For those looking for late night adventure can head to Café Havana for salsa, mojitos and authentic Latin dancing. If you catch the bug for dancing, then your haven for a get down in to the night is at Bazurto Social Club.

Fritanga - locally grown and caught fried food

Local Columbians selling fresh fruits and veg

If you consider yourself to be a foodie of sorts, there are many tasty tour options to enjoy during your vacation in Cartagena. You can treat yourself to a ceviche tour in the Centro neighborhood through This Is Cartagena. After trying three different restaurants and their ceviche, you get the chance to sit with a ceviche maestro and learn how you can make your own at home. After touring around with your guide and learning about some of the most delicious dines in town, you can wander depart on your own with three ceviche recipes as a souvenir of the experience.

Fried Red Snapper, fried plantain, rice and tomato

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Church: Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Cartagena

Beaches For the traveler who desires to get away from the inner-city life, Cartagena is also known for it’s vast and luxurious beaches. You can start your trip at the popular Bocagrande beach and stay in one of the modern high-rise buildings. This beach is a popular spot for vendors and tourists, so there is still a bit of bustle and not too far off the beaten path. If you are more of a fan of old school charm, Hotel Caribe is a beach side hotel that was build in the 1950s to accommodate the arrival of American oil executives.

The design models old Hollywood glamour and modern amenities, such as a beachfront restaurant and a super-sized swimming pool.

Some travelers are creatures of habit that stick to what they find familiar. If a beach cabin, foreign highrise or older hotels tend to make you nervous, then you can travel right next door to El Laguito beach and check in at the Hilton Hotel. Most of El Laguito beach is maintained and ran by the Hilton, but where

El Laguito and Bocagrande meet is a popular spot for watersports enthusiasts and surfers. If you decide to stay at the Hilton, you will not be let down. Praised as one of the most popular hotels in Cartagena, Hilton offers a variety of luxuries beyond a private stretch of pristine beachfront. At the Hilton, guests can rent out watersports equipment, helpful concierge to aid planning your excursions around Cartagena, four pools with slides and swim-up bars, tennis courts, wellbeing center with a sauna and massages and a wide range of delicious, local food options. Staying at the Hilton can be a great option for families. It is a 10-minute taxi ride to Old Town Cartagena and booking at the Hilton can offer many discount benefits for families.

There are plentiful alternative beaches that have times of isolation, away from the tourist ring in Cartagena, such as Playa Blanca. The turquoise beaches and sumptuous sands are a haven- a piece of heaven attached to the Cartagena mainland. The trip via land is about two hours on a bus, or you can take a one hour boat ride to cut your travel time shorter and make it more scenic. You will have to share your

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Panorama view of Castillo San Felipe Barajas, impressive stretch of sand with tourists, day-trippers, vendors and speedboats from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but if you stay near Playa Blanca then you can easily find isolated beach time. For the thrifty traveler, you can stay at Playa Blanca in a simple seaside cabin for $10-$15 USD a night. For even less, you can hang your hammock, bug net and grab yourself a can of bug spray. This leaves room for fun expenses, such as boat rentals to escape the rush of tourists to quitter spots on the island. For those who don’t want to drive their own boat, but want a unique experience in the water, PADI diving offers a pick up point at Playa Beach.

You can do an open water dive for a certificate to dive

anywhere up to 18 meters. This is one of the most popular and affordable ways for people to obtain their beginning divers certification.

If you find yourself itching for adventure, there are many options to depart off of the mainland on to many of the islands surrounding Cartagena. The most popular of these options are the Rosario Islands.

Although a lot of the islands are privately owned and rented out, travelers can find affordable and enjoyable beachside on Isla Grande. The island can be reached on public boat, or you can rent your own speedboat, sailboat or travel in style in a yacht. Gente del Mar

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fortress - Lazaro hill, Cartagena de Indias is another popular island to visit. Visitors can spend their time enjoying a drink and the view and lounging on the island beaches. PADI diving and a few other companies also offer to take you out on a few of the Rosario Islands to get your diving certificate as well.

Extended Stay Immerse yourself in Cartagena’s rich culture and you will leave with memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Wander down the cobblestone streets, gazing at local art and try new cuisine at Cartagena’s restaurants. Whether you dive into the Caribbean or spend your days on food and art tours, you will learn so much from this city on the sea.

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C O N C I E R G E

ARMCHAIR The world’s most expensive chair is a luxury armchair created in 1971 by Irish designer Eileen Gray.

At Christie’s auction house, it was expected to sell between $2-3 million. Instead, surprising everyone, the chair was sold to fashion brand founder Yves Saint Laurent for $27.8 million. Gray’s Dragons Chair has brown leather with a lacquered wooden frame. The chair earns its name from its two dragons featured on it. The dragons’ eyes are composed from black lacquer on a white background and their bodies are depicted as being among the clouds. The dragon is an important figure in Chinese iconography, symbolizing strength and goodness. value: $ 30 million

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