Southern Tatler

AUBURN/OPELIKA, AL MARCH/APRIL 2015

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.

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

AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER AT GRAND NATIONAL 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801 Phone 334.741.9292, MarriottGrandNational.com A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

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CONTENT

VISAGE

VISAGE

town

EVENTS AROUND

OYSTER SOCIAL Acre

14 BOURBON, BITES, & BLUEGRASS Shamrock Loft

20 FRENCH WINE DINNER Maestro 2300

22

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD Auburn University Hotel,

24

LARRY BLAKENEY BENEFIT DINNER Opelika Event Center

26

CONTENT

FEATURES

LOCAL FOCUS

FACES

Will Herring

32 LOCAL EVENT

Dancing Stars of East Alabama

40 LOCAL FEATURE

The Hotel at Auburn University

46 CULINARY CORNER

John Emerald Distilling Company

64 SPORTS FEATURE PGA’s Tour Barbasol Championship

86 HOME

Legends of Magnolia

96

T R AV E L

Singapore 106

FEATURE STORY

74

DENA LITTLE

LETTER

the

from

PUBLISHER the

TAT L E R T E A M PUBLISHER Matthew Tse OVERSIGHT Danielle Sands

A D V E RT I S M E N T D I R E C T O R Michelle Grenier GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cicily Williams Mia Wilson Shelby Reister Matthew Tse PHOTOGRAPHERS Nicole Degree John Denney Issac Leverett

The heart of a community reverberates through the efforts of its people.

In this issue, we learned about life’s simple treasures and the importance of showing love and empathy to all living things from Dena Little, founder and executive director of Storybook Farm.

We embraced the Southern ‘Spirit’ as we took a journey through the barrel laiden cellars of John Emeralds Distilling Company, the father and son duo who both have a deep passion for what they do and believe in providing an authentic product that is rich in history and vigor.

We saw a local legend, John Blakeney honored for 24 years of service as a Troy University football coach.

Southern Tatler sat down with the legendary Will Herring and explored his world and the dynamics that shape his life from day to day.

Each person’s story left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds

WRITERS Gwen Bishop Michelle Grenier Danielle Sands for questions or comments concerning advertising or general inquiries: 334.539.1780 customer.relations@southerntatler.com

-Matthew Tse

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VISAGE OYSTER SOCIAL

OYSTER SOCIAL ACRE, AUBURN AL

January 30th, 2015

“One night, award winning chefs, southern charm, smiling faces, delectable drinks, fabulous food and you...this is the Alabama Oyster Social.” Acre Restaurant hosted prestigious chefs from across the Southeast to celebrate the state’s Gulf Coast oyster farmers and help raise money for an Auburn University Scholarship fund for the School of Fisheries & Aquaculture students in sustainable Gulf oyster research efforts.

VISAGE OYSTER SOCIAL

OYSTER SOCIAL ACRE, AUBURN AL

January 30th, 2015

VISAGE OYSTER SOCIAL

OYSTER SOCIAL ACRE, AUBURN AL

January 30th, 2015

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VISAGE FRENCH WINE DINNER

FRENCH WINE DINNER MAESTRO 2300, AUBURN AL

February 2nd, 2015

Maestro 2300 hosted an elegant evening of fine dining and exquisite wines. The wine dinner featured French wines and wild game.

VISAGE WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD AUBURN UNIVERSITY HOTEL, AUBURN AL

February 24, 2015

This years Winter Workshop Luncheon featured five women entrepreneurs who shared their life stories, experiences, and advice. The panelists included Stacey Brown, founder of Chicken Salad Chicks, Karen Sawyer, founder of Ida-clair Accessories, Nonet Reese and Tricia Peterson, founder of Three Sixty Real Estate.

“As women actively seek to fulfill their philanthropic potential, a new model of giving is emerging that builds on their tradition of service, current leadership roles and capacity for financial giving. Indeed, in the 21st century, it will be women who will play a significant role in shaping the future of the world in which we want to live.”

The Women’s Philanthropy Board, was organized in Spring 2002. Historically, women have always been philanthropic in giving of their time and talents. Today, women are building on this traditional humanitarian role with a newly discovered capacity for independent financial giving as they acquire wealth, assume positions of leadership and combine their legacy of service to others.

VISAGE LARRY BLAKENEY BENEFIT DINNER

LARRY BLAKENEY BENEFIT DINNER OPELIKA EVENT CENTER, OPELIKA AL

January 16th, 2015

VISAGE LARRY BLAKENEY BENEFIT DINNER

Fans of both Troy University and Auburn joined together to celebrate the life and career of Coach Larry Blakeney. The event was a joint effort through the Auburn University Football Letterman’s Club, the East Alabama Alumni Chapter of Troy University and the Kiwanis Club of Opelika. The gala was a semi-formal affair highlighted by an elegant dinner. The evening was filled with good times and fond recollections from several of Blakeney’s former players and coaches.

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BREATH

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

FACES: Will Herring

LOCAL FOCUS: Dancing Stars of East Alabama Auburn Univerity Hotel

CULINARY CORNER: John Emerald Distillery 31 M ARCH/ APRI L

2015

FACES WILL HERRING

True Football Stats Will Herring

It is a given that in Alabama most everyone has one of “those” friends. You know, a friend who can tell you every stat on every player for every year they have been a fan of that team. If they really like the player (or the team), they may even be able to tell you high school stats as well and if they have a lot of time on their hands, they may be able to give you little league stats, too.

There may be some Auburn University football fans out there who can tell you every stat during Opelika native and Auburn alumni Will Herring’s long football career, but there are other stats that make Will a standout in the big world outside of football.

Stat: Will is grounded in reality and hasn’t let his time in professional sports change him.

“I’m grounded because of who my parents are,” he said. “I’ve tried to remain humble and not let football change who I am. I am no different than anybody else”.

“I’ve learned a lot, seen a lot, but I’m still the same. I see my parents and my old buddies.

They’re still the same and we all came from the same background.”

Anybody who watches or reads any news will from time to time hear about an athlete’s or other celebrities “antics.” Will doesn’t believe any human is immune, but that anybody can make mistakes. “I think it’s human nature. There are a lot of problems in society and we all have our own battles and struggles, pride is one of them.

When you become successful it just gives you more opportunities. It’s easy to listen to everyone tell you how great you are and all that. My goal is to remain true to myself and stay humble”.

“No one is exempt from making mistakes,” Will said. “There have been times I have been guilty of being too prideful. Maybe I felt entitled

to whatever it was. I’m not perfect in my walk, but people, such as my wife, will tell me to keep a level head.”

Stat: The big, bad, testosterone-filled football player lives with a houseful of women.

Will and wife Ashley have been married for seven years, tying the knot after she graduated from Auburn. The young couple moved to Seattle when he was signed with the Seahawks.

Since then, they have added more estrogen to the mix: Madi and Reese, ages three and one, respectively.

It wasn’t always that way. “Before I was married, it was just me and my mini-dachshund Turner. Seven years later, we’re surrounded by a bunch of women,” Will said laughing.

“There is no shortage of love, I can tell you that. Of course, Madi can flex her own muscles, too. I’m not the only one who can run a household,” he said smiling. Early in the Herring marriage, the couple had discussed adopting a child.

Not because they had to, but because they knew there was a need for it and Ashley was passionate about giving an unwanted child a home with loving parents. Turns out this desire to adopt would become a reality when they discovered there were problems with conceiving. After a failed attempt at in vitro fertilization, the young couple began the process that can sometimes take years - the adoption of a newborn baby.

“Where some couples have nine months to pre-

33 M ARCH/ APRI L

2015

“

tell you how great you are...

“

The GOAL is to

remain true to yourself.

“ “

“

“ everyone

It’s easy to listen to

Playing team sports helps you realize that

life is not all about just you. pare, we had three weeks,” Will said laughing.

“There was no time to read any books or visit a pediatrician, we got thrown right into it, but it’s been great,” he said of Madi.

When Will and Ashley decided it was time for child number two, Ashley had gone ahead and made her appointment for the in vitro treatment again. The visit was not necessary, three days later Ashley’s pregnancy test came out positive. About nine months later, the couple became proud parents of Reese.

“We have been blown away by the love that we have for this child that God gave us through adoption. So much so that we’re excited about adopting another child in the near future,” Will said.

Stat: Will is part owner of Auburn University Club.

In early 2012, Will, his father-in-law Mike Thompson and a third partner purchased AUC, located at Yarbrough Farms Road near the university knowing that most football careers are short lived Will had been looking for a business opportunity.

“Mike and another partner were in the process of buying this development.” he said. “They were open to a third partner and it sounded like a good opportunity”.

“It’s been a good investment. We’ve done several things to improve the club and we are trying to make the club the best we can.” With the economy on an upswing across the country, and especially in Auburn, Will and his partners have seen a growing demand for quality houses.

The development surrounding the golf course had about thirty houses when they purchased the property three years ago. Today, there are sixty-seventy homes with an additional four hundred more to be built in the next seven years. Local builder, Michael Dilworth has been the main builder at AUC, and Will said the site plan is similar to Moore’s Mill, allowing for fast or slow housing growth while still retaining the overall beauty and privacy.

AUC is home to the Auburn University Golf Team, and is also a private golf club with a public restaurant. Will enjoys playing golf, but as the old saying goes he should “stick with his day job.”

“The golf course is pretty, but I spend more time in the woods hunting balls than actually playing golf. Once the fairways are surrounded by houses, it will be easier for me to find my golf ball,” he said laughing. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to shoot a lower score.”

34 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

Stat: He is OK with retiring from football.

“I’m an old man in the locker room,” Will said laughing. “Some of these kids were in the second grade when I graduated high school. I have some nicks and bruises, but my body feels good and I know that I can still play.”

Like the 2014 season, Will is once again a free agent and may or may not be signed. “My thought process last year was to stay in shape through the season and if nothing happened I would officially retire. In early October, God opened a door and I was asked to come work out for the St. Louis Rams,” he said. Will was signed by the Rams and played the remaining eleven games with his primary role being on special teams.

Although he has not been signed for the upcoming season, there is a chance he may still play this year. He is currently recuperating from nerve surgery in his left foot and he said, he will continue to train, stay in shape and “be ready for a call”.

Will takes his professional football career in stride because as a youth, he never thought he would be playing for a living.

“When I was young I loved playing any sport, but I never dreamed of playing this long, doing what I love this much. To me, this dream

wasn’t even worth noting in my head,” Will said.

“I grew up thinking college football is IT. The (National Football League) was like hockey, it’s just not around here. The (Atlanta) Falcons are close, but we just didn’t pay attention to them”.

“In college, I started following some of my (Auburn) teammates who went on to play professionally. Once I got drafted, I realized just how big it is in other parts of the country,” he said.

During his time in the NFL, Will has played for three teams, Seattle Seahawks, four years; New Orleans Saints, three years; and the St. Louis Rams for one season.

“The NFL is strictly a business,” he said “sometimes you have little control of your career path. It’s not uncommon for players to play with five or six teams throughout their career. I have many great relationships with people in Seattle, New Orleans and St. Louis, but when my career is over, one thing is for sure, I will always be an Auburn Tiger.”

“You play college four, or five years if you’re red shirted, but when you leave you’re still a part of Auburn the rest of your life,” Will said. “I’ll always be a part of Auburn, I’m part of the family.”

And so the business of professional football

35 M ARCH/ APRI L

2015

goes on. The trades, the contracts, the moves, and Will, with his head set on his shoulders firmly and looking to God for guidance and answers, knows he can’t take any of it personally.

“I have played Seattle four times since I left,” he said, “every time I’ve played them it’s been easy to get extra motivated. I just wanted to prove they made a mistake by not resigning me.”

“I am grateful that God made this opportunity for me, although it didn’t happen easily. I never dreamed of doing what I’ve done as far as football goes.”

Stat: Will gives God the credit for everything that has happened to him.

“For some reason, God has allowed me to play football longer than I ever imagined,” Will said. “He has blessed me with an incredible wife and two beautiful little girls. Whether it be Seattle, New Orleans, St. Louis or Auburn, He has met our needs. I don’t know exactly what lies ahead, but I’m confident in His plan.”

Will’s strong belief in God has taken him through times and experiences that would change many a man and he knows God will take him through the rest of his life. It’s his faith that guides him and gives him assurance that the next phase of his life will come along and that he will “find something” to replace football as his means of supporting his family.

“I know I have to find something. I love my kids, but I’m not a stay-at-home kind of dad, he said laughing. After only a few hours in the morning, I’m pacing. Maybe it’s the athlete part of me that’s used to a scheduled regiment.”

“When I find something else I’m passionate about, I’ll dive in one hundred percent, just like football.”

Stat: Will has a few volunteer positions he’s equally passionate about.

He and a buddy of his from high school started an annual Youth Football Camp at Opelika High School. “Fifteen to twenty former Opelika Bulldogs come back every year to help with the camp,” he said, “with the Opelika Rotary Club handling the organizational part”.

Other than teaching the boys the basics of football, there are other life lessons he and his coaching buddies try to get across to them.

“We try to teach them what it means to be a true man, not what society tells them, but that men are meant to be leaders. They should treat women the same way they want their mom treated, and they need to respect authority because authoritative figures are in place for our well-being” he said.

“One day these boys will grow up to be leaders and we try to give them a picture of what that looks like.”

The fact that the boys are involved in a team sport, also gives Will and the coaches a chance to teach them about other life lessons. “Team sports teach children at a young age that life is not about ‘me’, but that it’s about others. When you work in a group you learn about self-sacrifice and that a team is something bigger than you can ever become by yourself ’. Even as a family, you are constantly making sacrifices for the well-being of the group.” Will said.

Will is on the local board for both Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Youth for Christ, Will also participates in several charity tournaments such as the Jason Dufner Gulf Tournament (that partners with the Blessings in a Backpack program, feeding more than elementary school children in Lee County) and the Swing for Diabetes Golf Tournament, held by Kendall Simmons.

No matter what image folks may have about professional athletes, there are people in the world such as Will Herring to remind us on a daily basis that life is what you choose to make of it. Even with an unknown future, Will keeps himself grounded and takes whatever role he has in life and performs it to its fullest potential, giving well more than one hundred percent of himself. He also keeps on his walk with God, knowing that through faith and hard work, he can make a difference in other people’s life.

“God has given me a platform and I want to use it to glorify Him.” Will said.

36 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

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LOCAL FOCUS DANCING STARS OF S T A R S O F ALABAMA EAST EAST

DANCING

ALABAMA

Businesses and local residents throughout Lee County are coming together in an effort to help the community. Some contribute food, some give financial contributions, then there are the brave few who cast all of their nerves aside, throw on a pair of tights and unabashedly participate in the annual Dancing Stars of East Alabama Competition.

T

he first Dancing Stars of East Alabama was successfully put together in a few short months, and has since transformed into one of the top fundraisers in the local area.

Even its committee members are astonished, but excited, by the amount of money that is being raised as a result of this wonderful event. They quickly realized that Dancing Stars of East Alabama could help more children in Lee County and decided to make it a true community effort by joining with the Community Foundation of East Alabama, a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping the people of East Alabama.

This year’s event

three

will benefit non-profit organizations

in our area

Dancing Stars of East Alabama is an all volunteer dance competition and fundraising event that was created to provide funding and bring awareness to local charities. The ultimate goal is to collectively raise funds for the children of Lee County who face life’s toughest challenges every day. The heartfelt motto of the competition is, Heal the children...Break the cycle.

Dancing Stars of East Alabama pairs local civic and business leaders with local dance instructors. These teams train for approximately six months leading up to the competition and all give generously of their time, talents, and resources to make this event a huge success.

Many individuals fear the concept of dancing in front of hundreds of viewers, but Dr. Brad Litkenhous of Auburn Dental Spa, Kathy Powell of State Farm, Chef David Bancroft of Acre, Assistant Superintendent of ACS, Christin Herring, Jay Jones of the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office, have all courageously risen to the occasion and took on the challenge for a great cause.

In 2011, Sheriff Jay Jones showed amused onlookers how to rock and roll, while executing a pretty impressive split, while Dr. Litkenhous took home the trophy in 2012, after learn-

42 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

ing how to tap dance, during the competition.

Kathy Powell, would not be out performed, and tapped her way into everyone’s heart in 2013.

Over the past four years, Dancing Stars of East Alabama has been able to raise over $280,000 for local non-profit agencies throughout Lee County, such as the Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama, Haddie’s Home, and Storybook Farm.

This year is slated to be a captivating show that will feature guest appearances by a few past Dancing Stars and include ten teams who will compete for the coveted trophies of top fundraising team and best dance skill.

The dance competition winner is determined by a panel of judges based on skill and crowd appeal, while the winner of the fundraising team is determined by the team who acquires the most votes. Votes are only one dollar each and gathered from friends and family online at DancingStarsofEastAlabama. com.

April 23, 2015. marks the fifth season of Dancing Stars of East Alabama. This year’s event will benefit three local non-profit organizations in our area; BigHouse Foundation, which is a Christ centered ministry dedicated to improving the quality of life for children in foster care. By Our Love, a local non profit program that has weekly after school sessions, mentoring programs, and fellowship meals for kids of all ages and the Lee County Literacy Coalition, which offers free tutoring.

All great causes.

This years contestants are Susie Litkenhous, Cornelius Benson, Dr. Glen Puckett, Casey Simmons, Pat Bennett, Christian Rockhill, Timothy Boyd, Jamila Turner, Toni Holt, Taylor Holt, Emily Ann Tatum, Doc Waller, Dr. Rain Anglin, Carmen Cantrell, Brian O’Neil, Sarah Hoggle, Jennifer and Joel Lovvorn, Ebiye Udo-Udoma and Beth Oliver.

The show will also feature guest appearances by past Dancing Stars in the All Star Dancing Star Reunion portion of the show. for more information on Dancing Stars of East Alabama, visit www.dancingstarsofeastalabama.com

43 M ARCH/ APRI L

2015

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LOCAL FEATURE

THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Where Business

and Academia Meet

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center’s Managing Director of Hotel Operations and Educational Initiative, Hans van der Reijden, is proud of the relationship the hotel has with Auburn University and the Auburn community. On a day-to-day basis the hotel team is searching for the best ways to keep guests happy, which includes everything from exceptional customer service, a warm and caring staff, and delicious cuisine at Ariccia and Piccolo located inside the hotel.

he Hotel at Auburn University’s relationship with the community is deeply rooted in the ownership and multiple partnerships that come from Auburn University. For instance, Hans and his entire executive team teach and lecture for classes pertaining to the hotel and food industry. They also strive to provide students with hands on experience such as the hotel’s new lobby renovation.

The Hotel at Auburn University partnered with Auburn University’s interior design program to set up a semester long project where students worked directly with the hotel, Auburn University’s interior design program, the hotel’s architects (F.A. Hunter & Associates) and Auburn University’s facilities division. Students broke into groups and created their own design boards, which had to work within the parameters set by F.A Hunter & Associates.

“The hotel is generally called the ‘front door to Auburn University.’ When people come into the lobby, they are entering through the threshold of a world class University and a hotel that reflects that,” Hans said.

On the last day of the interior design class, each group did a real-life design board pitch in front of the hotel, Auburn University Facilities Division, architects and construction teams just like a fulltime interior designer would. The presentations take all day, Hans said, and it’s exciting to see the amount of thought, talent and creativity that goes into each student’s work.

“During these projects we unleash a level of creativity that we have never seen before.

These students are our future guests. They learn through this assignment, but we also learn from them,” said Hans. “We have a special opportunity to look into what the hotel industry will become.”

At the conclusion of the student’s presentations, three student groups’ designs were chosen for an unprecedented and collaborative overall design. Once the designs were chosen, there were many other details which had to be taken care of during the final conceptualization of the new lobby.

“Twelve years ago when the lobby was first remodeled it was a darker ambiance and feel, which was conventional hotel design then.”. It was a place of serenity where you could sit quietly in a corner with a book,” said The old registration desk required emHans. “Today, a hotel lobby needs a comployees to go through a curtain in the back to pletely different feel. We wanted it to be alive greet and interact with guests in front of the and to be an extension of Ariccia’s design.” desk. The new design has taken down that A hotel lobby also has to be multi-funcbarrier providing walkways for employees tional. Guests should not only feel comfortto more easily enter into the lobby as guests able sitting alone, possibly working on their arrive. laptop or conducting business calls, but they The lobby needed a “statement piece,” also should feel like the lobby is a gathering a decorative focal point, Hans said. This spot. Guests should have space for small gathpiece needed to be at the registration desk, so erings, to relax with a drink and even wait on everyone could see and enjoy a reflection of other visitors.

Auburn University.

“If our guests just pass through, we have “We looked online for a photo that best missed our goal,” Hans said. “If they stop by represented Auburn University and the Auand enjoy the space, we have succeeded to burn community. Dave Merryman, Executive provide a southern contemporary feel that Assistant Manager, Rooms Division found a brings a true sense of place and comfort.”

48 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

The other focal point in the lobby is a large, sculpted eagle that was donated to the hotel in 2003. “We designed the center point of the lobby around it,” Hans said. “Before the redesign, the eagle got lost in the center of the lobby, but with the new location it’s The image was made by Dr. Luke the first thing you see when you get off the Marzen, Professor of Geography at Auburn University, and graduate student Tyler Jones. elevator.” Hans also pointed out that there is an area on the eagle’s head that is lighter In 2011, the two used a laser scanner to than the rest of the piece because that’s where capture every part of one of the live oaks at Toomer’s Corner, and the very same weekend people tend to touch the sculpture, as though it was discovered that the trees were poisoned. they are petting it.

The old grid-style ceiling was removed, Luckily, Dr. Marzen did the 3D renderings, as well as the recessed lighting and replaced and the hotel has been able to capture the essence of this beautiful tree at their registra- with a ceiling and fixtures that give the lobby more light and depth. The main ceiling light tion desk. fixture just in front of the registration desk is “This piece of artwork is very recognizdefinitely eye-catching. “We were looking for able. In 1978 a student drove into the tree one striking piece from all angles,” Hans said. and this mark became an indentation of a bumper hitting the tree,” Hans said of a large The fixture was custom designed and is in the horizontal mark on the print. “Those with an center of other grand fixtures which instincaffiliation to Auburn University will recognize tively will draw your eye to the main fixture. photo of an oak tree that everyone immediately fell in love with,” said Hans. “With more research, it turned out that the tree was one of the beautiful Auburn Oaks that had been poisoned a few years ago.”

the tree as an iconic anchor for the university, and those who aren’t familiar with Auburn Oaks can still enjoy the beautiful artwork when they check in.”

“The idea was to create more space and light, not intimidation,” Hans said. The spacing and size of the new, large, white, square columns actually opens the entire area up,

50 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

proud “ We aretoextremely be able to manage this special hotel

for Auburn University serving the Auburn community.

We are privileged to be a part of the

Auburn family.�

52 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

tween and academia and the business world,” Hans said.

giving the impression of a larger space.

Even the elevators were completely redesigned with a lighter feel. The dark wood was replaced with white marble and mirrors were added to each. “The mirrors lighten it up as well and make it feel more open and airy,” he said.

Even with the ongoing renovations, Hans is not fooled into thinking that a beautiful building will draw or keep customers. “A beautiful renovation means nothing without the warm and caring service our guests have come to expect,” said Hans. “We are proud to be in Auburn because of the true sense of southern hospitality here. We strive to emulate that hospitality to all of our guests and our community.”

The original redesign called for the complete removal and replacement of the lobby flooring. Once the carpet was removed, they discovered 1-inch thick hardwood that had not been touched for more than 26 years.

“You just can’t find wood floors like that anymore,” Hans said. After staining the original floors to match the chocolate brown wood wall accents, the floor became a decorative piece in its own right.

The Hotel at Auburn University is managed by the Capella Hotel Group, an Atlanta-based company that manages ultra-luxury hotels and spas around the world. The lobby renovation was but one project in which employees were encouraged to find solutions A plethora of historic photos adorn the to what could have been a major issue. In walls near two of the seating areas. Students were given access to Auburn University’s pho- keeping with their sense of superior customer tographic archives and chose several photos to service, special steps were taken during the renovation to lessen customer disruption and reproduce. The historic photos are a combiadded unexpected fun to the project. nation of both local and campus landmarks.

Most of the renovation took place in the Near the photos, the hotel has small signage winter months, mostly before Christmas 2014. that takes guests to a landing page on the Tunnels had to be constructed that would website providing detailed descriptions of not only protect customers from the ongoing each photo.

Because the seating areas not only had to construction, but would get them where they needed to go. They were festively lit to make fit with the overall look, and also be inviting it look like they were part of the hotel. Someand usable, a lot of thought and research went into the selection of the furniture. “The one on staff suggested a fun alternative as seating areas are furnished with movable piec- well. Vintage, holiday directional signs were added around the construction area such as es allowing guests to make adjustments for multiple uses,” Hans said. A few seating areas “North Pole,” “Lobby” and “Gingerbread are more private and the areas that can hold Village.” groups have the most multi-functional pieces.

The design and purchase of the pieces became a learning experience for the senior students. “They had to really learn what works in a hotel lobby,” he said. “They had to look at how many rubs the fabric could withstand to be considered commercial grade.

They had to seek out commercial furniture manufacturers versus residential, which was a new experience for them.”

“We just had fun with it,” Hans said.

“We had reindeer prints leading to the village and restaurants as well. Our humor was well received by guests.”

Many times, Hans said hotels won’t tell customers they are undergoing renovation and the guests won’t know about it until they get to the hotel. Hans and his staff decided to take another route. “We called all our customers, let them know on social media, put it “When you infuse the classroom with real on our website and uploaded updated photos world sensibilities it is a beautiful marriage be- on Instagram. We wanted to be as open and honest as we could,” he said.

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54 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

The hotel is currently planning its next renovation project, which they hope to start in May 2015. Construction will start for a porte cochere which is a roofed structure from the front door to the curb and suspended over the driveway to provide shelter during rain or other bad weather as customers are getting in and out of their vehicles.

and we want to position ourselves as a leader in the meeting industry for the state of Alabama,” said Hans. “We are here to serve the University and love the partnership we have created between students in the hospitality program as well as other programs such as interior design. We are privileged to be a part of the Auburn family.”

“This will create a completely new sense of arrival,” Hans said, “and will allow us to offer valet parking.” The area will have space for four cars at a time. The project is expected to take four months and should be completed before the 2015 football season.

Located across the street from Draughon Library on campus, the hotel is situated in historic downtown Auburn, within walking distance of shopping and dining. Local cultural attractions and events are nearby, including football and other sporting events.

The hotel has 236 newly renovated and nicely furnished guest rooms, including a two-bedroom Presidential Suite, 10 spacious Executive Suites and 15 oversized Executive Rooms. There is also the large event and meeting space, which will be renovated in the “We are extremely proud to be able to near future. Other amenities include access to manage this special hotel for Auburn Unithe private Auburn University Golf Club and versity serving the Auburn community. We a fully equipped fitness center with an outwant the hotel to be the social center in town, door swimming pool.

After the porte cochere construction, guests can expect the next project to be the area to the far right of the registration desk.

The hall leading to the conference center and the center itself will be the next renovation.

for more information on The Hotel at Auburn University visit www.auhcc.com

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2015

ELEMENT

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

The Petiole Hammock The luxurious Petiole Hammock, made by Hammacher, is an exquisitely crafted lounge accessory that is designed with unmatched elegance and is a masterpiece to behold. One of the world’s most expensive hammocks, the artful piece of outdoor furniture sells for thirty five thousand dollars.

Its slick, futuristic appearance is due to the precision in which it was designed and manufactured.

The Petiole is entirely crafted in steel and has a protective canopy that blocks out the sun. The hammock is easy to set up and can be kept anywhere it’s user wishes, no trees are needed. Most residents of sea side villas use this designer hammock as an outdoor accessory near their beach side oasis. What a wonderful way to get away from it all and lounge in the open air.

The Petiole has been recognized as a must have product around the world and has won the coveted Les Decouvertes award for innovation at the pres-

tigious Maison & Objet design show. Designed in Sweden, the hammock took twenty years of research and design but is craftily made over a span of four weeks. Two skillful artisans are required to make the entire hammock by hand. The hammock itself is supported by an eletropolished, nine and a halffoot stainless steel pole that is then curved to form a semi-circle. This innovative design allows each individual structure of the hammock to support itself while creating the relaxing sensation of swaying under the canopy of a tree.

With the heightened risk of sun exposure, the canopy successfully blocks the ultra violet radiation by eighty six percent without obstructing the scenic view. The sturdy design can bear the weight up to a quarter of a ton, giving it a high tensile strength.

The best part of the Petiole is that it is built for two and is a great accompaniment for a couple wanting an evening lounge.

CELEBRATE

all the tastes of Easter!

Taste the HoneyBaked difference!

The leanest, most flavorful, moist and tender ham and turkey you’ll find anywhere. The perfect choice for Holidays, Mother’s Day, Graduation, lunch… or to make any simple gathering a memorable event!

Opelika • 1451 Gateway Drive, Suite C • 334-741-8411 Yes, We Cater! Yes, We Deliver! Order Catering online at: MyHoneyBakedStore.com/opelika/1525

ELEMENT

SUMMER DELIGHT

Frozen Haute Chocolate Spring into Summer with this delectable desert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The dynamic Frozen Haute Chocolate is served at the Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City. Founded by Stephen Bruce in 1954, Serendipity 3 is a popular restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan that has been featured in a number of Hollywood movies.

This cooling, sensational desert that leaves each taste bud refreshed, pampered and mesmerized is priced at a cool twenty five thousand dollars per cup.

What is a $25,000 desert made of? The Frozen Haute Chocolate is created from a blend of twenty eight exotic cocoas from across the world. This decadent delicacy is then infused with five grams of edible twenty three karat gold leaves and then served in a goblet lined

with edible gold. Designed by the fame jeweler Euphoria New York, this is definitely an edible masterpiece.

Topped with whipped cream, more gold and a side of La Madeline au Truffle from the Knipschildt Chocolatier, which sells for a twenty six thousand dollars a pound. The Haute Chocolate comes with an 18K gold bracelet with a carat’s worth of diamonds that rests at the base of the goblet and a gold spoon set with white and chocolate-colored diamonds.

This decadent treat has secured a spot in the Guinness World Records as The World’s Most Expensive Dessert. We can definitely see why.

801 COLUMBUS PARKWAY OPELIKA, AL 3347498113 WWW.OPELIKAFORDCHRYSLER.COM

BEAUTY

loves “ making women beautiful and feel good about themselves She

“

ELEMENT

-Stephanie Holloway

Mary Kay, Inc is an American privately owned mulit-level marketing/direct sales company that sells cosmetic products. When purchasing these products you are also helping Breast Cancer and the fight against Domestic Violence.

Everybody is planning a trip to the beach for Spring and Summer months and with the Tropical Delights line adorning newest color palette of 2015 included are, Spring Lake, Seafoam, Tiki Hut, Exotic Orchid, Sunbaked and more. Everyone needs Spring feet with a new line of Nail Lacquer like Tropical Mandarin, Exotic, Orchid, and Lagoon.

Independent beauty consultants are trained to assist in grooming tips for a flawless face along with the very best skin care to fit your skin type.

It is no secret that woman everywhere want to look and feel beautiful! We feel Mary Kay may be an overlooked product that can help you do just that. It is rare to find a true American privately owned company and gives so much back to woman with a significant portion of sales going to fight against Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer. It is an older company and some may have the perception it is for the old. This is not the case. When is the last time you have taken a look at Mary Kay? They are very current and mindful of what woman want and need. for more information contact: Stephanie Holloway snorwood_26@yahoo.com www.marykay.com/stephanienholloway set up an appointment: 334.663.3918

ELEMENT

Dark Chess “Shadow Black v Gloss White”

DARK CHESS This Purling London Dark Chess Board, hand-made in England, brings together a beautiful, classical design with a new and innovative playing experience. The cutting-edge, designer illuminated board technology casts an exquisite glow over the edges and curves of the hand-turned Boxwood pieces.

Each individually piece is hand painted by British based contemporary artists including Olivia Pilling, Joanna Scislowicz, Richard Morrissey, Darren MacPherson and Thomas Dowdeswell.

The board’s cool white border allows the players to compete at sunset with a striking atmosphere of light and shadow. With a luxurious matt white coat and hardwood, triple-weighted Staunton playing pieces, this set will be a beautiful addition to any room. The deep shadows and light graduations along the contours and ridges of the chess pieces create an amazing optical illusion that the pieces are floating

above the board.

The Purling London concept is a contemporary, luxury set that contrast traditional handcarved Staunton pieces against abstract, modern art and light. The Dark Chess products juxtapose hand craftsmanship, bold color and deep shadows whilst glowing with cutting-edge board technology.

Couture Chess products aspire to be the ultimate expression of chess and art.

The set sells for $3,000 and includes, 34 handcarved, triple-weighted, lacquered boxwood chess pieces, real leather, and Purling London branded felts. The chess comes with a power adapter, dimmer and a unique certificate personally signed by the designer. This board would have definitely made Bobby Fisher proud.

CULINARY CORNER

John Emerald Distilling Company

Father and son duo choose Opelika, Alabama to begin a dream. After traveling around various locations in Alabama and two years in training, Jimmy Sharp and father, John select the historic brick streets of Opelika to open doors of John Emerald Distilling Company.

Downtown Opelika is Alabama’s second legal distillery since prohibition, John Emerald Distilling Company opened its gates in early 2014. “We here at the Sharp Family are proud of our heritage. From the original three Sharp brothers who ventured to America from Scotland to the namesake of our company, John, the Sharps have lived lives of integrity and honor for God, their fellow man, and their family. When it came time to name our new venture, the idea to honor our forefathers rang true. So our company carries John Emerald’s name and our products bear homage to the great men and woman of our family.”

Family is evidently a driving factor in the distilling company’s business model.

John Emerald is Jimmy’s grandfather and John Emerald’s wife Sarah is the only living namesake among all the flavor profiles. Sarah’s Silver Rum which is also used as the base for their barrel aged and spiced rum. When Sarah came to visit over the holiday she had the pleasure of partaking in a Mojito made with her own namesake rum.

The interior design and labor that went into the décor was also a family effort by the father and son duo. They did all they could within the law by themselves. The interior aesthetics are rustic with a combination of brick, wood pallet walls, and barrels for tables and décor. A well matched combination for the product paired with an Opelika setting. All the wood was obtained through scavenging. Along with being expert Spirit makers, they are extremely resourceful. The bar is also custom made by the two from a design idea pulled from the internet. Needless to say a lot of heart, labor and thoughtful planning and execution has gone into the fruition of their dream.

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It does not start nor end with the aesthetics, after all we are talking about a distilling company. Vodka, Gin, Rum, Brandy and Whiskey are where their true talents lie. This distilling company in fact makes its own liquor. There are some that may appear to be a distilling company and label their goods as Found Spirits, which those who may not know better, perceive as made in house, but this is not the case. At John Emerald Distilling Company goods are made in house with the exception of the Elizabeth Vodka which is brought in house distilled again and blended to be recreated as their own. All other spirits are created in house from scratch with many ingredients brought in from the local area.

Cane Syrup for rum is from Headland, Alabama. Gin has wild harvested Alabama Juniper Berries which are hand-picked. Local friends and fans come into the distillery to partake in the spirits, socialize, and assist in plucking the berries off the vine. Pecans used for Spiced Rum and Gin hail from Walker Farms in Hurtsboro. Cucumbers literally come from neighborhood gardens for purpose of Gin. Peach and Pecan Wood come from East Alabama and West Georgia, depending on demand.

Another interesting source of a main ingredients is from Whippoorwill Vineyards in Notasulga, Alabama. Leslie’s Muscadine Lees Brandy is like no other in the world. It matters not if you like or dislike Muscadine

found it to be useful as a crucial ingredient to make their unique brandy. It is also unique as they are the only distillery producing Muscadine Brandy commercially, as far as they know.

You may not be aware but sugar is a critical ingredient and the quality of sugar used lends to the quality of the end result. Do you want top shelf or well? Top shelf it is and top shelf you get with John Emerald Distilling Company. The sugar is imported from Mauritius Islands in the Indian Ocean and is called muscavado which happens to be the oldest way in the world to make rum and makes it a premium product.

Jimmy found and old saying in a manuscript on rum production that goes, “If you are making rum for sailors you use white sugar, if you are making for the queen then only muscavado.”

The process of distilling at John Emerald is accomplished mindfully and strategically right down to the barrels. They use small barrels only which boost things from a monetary standpoint but on the other hand decreases the aging process for a quicker finished spirit. A small barrel takes an average of six months and a large barrel will take five years, a vast difference. The barrels receive special treatment in the prepping process, they get a spa treatment of sort, with a bath soaking process. The wood chips get an even more enticing spa treatment and are soaked in Cynthiana Wine from Whippoorwill Vineyard.

This wine can be compared to a cabernet in taste.

The process adds complexity and extra notes of flavor.

“If you are making rum for sailors you use white sugar, if you are making for the queen then only muscavado. " wine, what it brings to the flavor of this Brandy is a highly unique quality. When making the Muscadine wine, Lees is at the bottom of the wine fermenter left over after bottling. It is cloudy and although palatable it is too thick to bottle and often times wasted.

John Emerald Distilling Company has

All this effort is not just to serve up at the physical address of the John Emerald Distillery.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings the public can come partake in the array of spirits, created either by shot, a sampler of mini shots from all varieties, or choose from a mixed drink menu; anything from a bloody mary to a mojito.

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We here at the Sharp Family

are proud of our heritage ...our products bear homage

to the great men and woman of our family.

�

�

On Thursday evening all drinks are a modest five dollars. The intent is not to make a profit from in house offerings from the bar, but to get first hand feedback from face to face contact with the consumer. Jimmy Sharp states, “it helps with spreading awareness and educating the public about offerings and learning all they can first hand, so they can produce a top quality product and see what works and what does not”.

They are also set up to entertain your guests with fun and informative distillery tours that can be arranged by renting facility. Music can be live or recorded and catering can be arranged by your own, or selected from a list of local catering companies.

Another way the distillery interacts with the public is by soliciting help in bottling their products. To make this activity fun for volunteers they have a bottling party, which is normally held in the evening during a weekday.

They supply music, food and beverages and the public supplies the super-fun free labor.

You might be the person who puts the cork in the bottle or you might be running the bottling machine. It is great fun and fellowship.

You can go on their website to sign up for the event.

After sampling these fine spirits you are sure to find a favorite. Jimmy and John’s objective is that local venues and beyond will carry the brand. It is already in some other local favorites, Irish Bred Pub, Niffers, Jefferson’s, Ma Fia’s, Acre, The Hound, Finks, AU Hotel and abroad in Atlanta. The spiced rum and gin have also been approved as offerings in ABC stores, and more will be available as approval process gains momentum.

Another area that is gaining momentum is the Elizabeth line bringing you John Emerald Vodka. From the current vodka, a blend of Peach and Blueberry will soon be added to flavor profiles specific to Elizabeth Vodka, adding liqueur to the menu. Liqueur is different from Liquor. Liqueur is a lower proof of alcohol, 40 to 45% and an increase of sugar.

Increase in customer satisfaction, boost in sales and production rates is the goal for this father son duo. Doing what they do best and enjoying it from the relationships they build at their handmade bar, or out into the brick paved streets of Opelika, neighboring Auburn community, and abroad is what they have worked so hard to bring to their bar, your personal bar and bars in other venues. for more information on John Emerald Distilling Company, visit www.johnemeralddistilling.com

F

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

EATURES Dena Little

........... 74

PGA Tour’s Barbasol Champhionship Tour

86

FEATURE

DENA LITTLE

Horses

that Heal Separating the person Dena Little, owner of Storybook Farm in Opelika, from what she does daily is impossible.

With a lifelong love of all things equine, her passions run like this: 1) God; 2) her daughters Maggie and Emma; 3) horses; 4) and the families she serves through Storybook Farm.

rom her first waking breath in the early morning, to lights out late in the evening, and many times well into the night while everyone else on the farm sleeps, Dena lives for these four most important things in her life. At the center of this, her love of horses ties everything together giving her a complete, fulfilling life doing what she believes she was meant to do. Her story can’t be told without understanding how she got to Storybook Farm in the first place.

Dena attributes her love of horses mostly to her grandfather, who introduced her to the majestic creatures at a young age and gave her a lot of encouragement by telling her “you are perfect,” she said. “These horses are a part of who I am and how God made me.” She also believes that spending so much time with horses at a young age shaped her in a way many other life experiences can’t. Horses must be cared for daily, often several times a day, so even as a child she was caring for her horses and learning empathy and love for living things that couldn’t care for themselves. “Horses are a lifestyle. Kids learn discipline, empathy and compassion,” she said. “I traveled daily after school to take care of my horses. I probably spent more time with the animals than with my family.”

Although Dena grew up in an urban area - Buckhead in Atlanta - the family managed to not only keep horses, but they also participated in shows most every weekend during the riding season. Some Fridays she would miss school to travel to a show where the family would spend the weekend.

During the years Dena spent in college, she grew away from her horses to focus on her adult life. She also ended up changing her major four times. Her third choice was veterinary school.

“Two fails at chemistry told me I didn’t need

to be a vet,” she said laughing. She finally decided on English Literature. This choice would prove helpful when she began formulating how she wanted Storybook Farm to operate and its underlying theme. One of the major reasons Dena kept flip-flopping her major was public speaking. “As soon as I saw speech was required, I would change my major,” she said.

“I absolutely did not like speaking in front of people,” Dena said. And in a strange twist of fate, one of the main jobs of having a non-profit such as Storybook Farm is fundraising - something that requires public speaking if the owner plans on being successful at securing funding.

“Right after I had started Storybook Farm, a civic club in Auburn asked me to speak to them during their meeting. I think at the time I had maybe two or three kids who would come to the farm. What? Me? Talk? At the time, I thought I had to write the whole speech down and memorize it. There were 140-150 people there; I was so nervous! You know how they usually serve chicken at those meetings? And they put me at the head table where everyone could see me. I was so nervous I couldn’t eat. They would stop and ask if the food was OK,” she said laughing.

“I could barely put two words together, let alone eat, and I was shaking.

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“

I thought about the opportunity to reach out to other kids,

particularly terminally ill children,

“

and I knew I could provide them with something that was dear to me.

“I remembered something I had learned in school that if you focused on just one person in the crowd it would calm you, so I started looking over the group trying to find someone I could focus on. I see a table of older men - eight or 10 of them at a round table - and there’s a man there who reminds me of my grandfather. My grandfather was so pivotal in my life and my love of horses, I knew that man would be the one to focus on. ‘I’m going to draw strength from this table,’ I thought to myself.

“When I got up to speak I massacred everything I had to say. I remembered the men at the table, so I looked over at them and they were all dead asleep! This threw me off more and I when I sat down, I thought ‘I just crushed Storybook Farm.’ It was a colossal disaster,” Dena said.

“Storybook Farm was sort of a novelty at the time, so people were interested, and as bad as my speech went I did get a few calls off of it,” she said laughing. “When you have something like Storybook Farm, you have to keep putting yourself out there. If I wasn’t outgoing, I would have to be to do this!” Luckily for Dena, her speaking skills have improved, she doesn’t even use notes anymore, and she has been able to successfully fundraise - which is especially important for the farm because no child, family or group who participates ever has to pay.

Years before Dena’s infamously bad speech and years before she decided to move to Opelika, she ran a successful bakery in Atlanta that her mom had started. The bakery was so successful they also sold baked goods to some of the larger, better-known chain restaurants. Dena operated that store for about 12 years after graduating from college. “I sold it in 1996 right before the Olympics,” she said. “I left the brownies and batter behind. I missed the horses, it had been eight to 10 years since I’d spent anytime riding or just being around them. I knew I wanted to do something more fulfilling and rewarding.”

It was at this point she decided to sell her home and began the search for a smaller town for her daughters to grow up in. She began looking in the Auburn University

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and University of Georgia areas - two major universities with exemplary veterinary schools.

“After looking at UGA, I thought Atlanta would grow that way,” Dena said. It was this thought that had her looking more seriously at Auburn.

Dena and her girls had already spent some time in the area after her mom bought a condo near Dadeville on Lake Martin. “Maggie was only two years old when we began traveling to the lake,” she said. Dena had also previously been acquainted with the Auburn Veterinary College, so the area was not completely new to her when she chose to make it her home.

“I fell in love with Auburn. It had the feel of a small town,” and was the perfect place to raise two young girls, she said.

Most people might find it difficult or have a huge shock moving from a metropolitan area such as Atlanta to the suburbs of Auburn. Not Dena. “It wasn’t a big jump to move to Auburn at all,” she said, “and I will never go back to Atlanta.”

After a year of house hunting, Dena found

the perfect place for her and her girls. Ten acres near campus, and none of the houses were close to each other. “When I get my mind set on something, I do it. I wanted to raise my girls in a different environment than Atlanta. I had no idea of Storybook at the time. When I was moving the girls, I was just excited about living in a smaller community,” she said.

“Once we were settled, I built a little barn, similar to the one here, and bought a few ponies for my daughters,” Dena said. It was during this time she also began training a few other children to ride, but her focus was still on raising her girls.

Enjoying her new life in her new setting, Dena rocked on for a while in this slower pace until she happened upon an article in Practical Horseman, a general equestrian magazine that covers all the basics of life with horses from English riding, to showing, to grooming, and so forth. “I had been away from the life for over 10 years,” Dena said. “I had started receiving several horse magazine subscriptions including Practical Horseman. On the very back page of

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the one I was reading there was a story called ‘My Story.’ In the course of about seven paragraphs my life completely changed.”

The story was about Elizabeth, a woman from Fairfax, VA who ran an equine-based program for children who were either terminally ill or had emotional problems. “Something about her teaching them to ride and her objective love of children resonated with me,” Dena said. “I thought about the opportunity to reach out to other kids, particularly terminally ill children, and I knew I could provide them with something that was dear to me.”

Hence, the creation of Storybook Farm. Using many of the characters from her much-beloved literary classics, Dena decided everything should have a fairy-tale theme. All of the animals - from the horses to dogs to cats to goats are named after fairy tale characters. Before each riding season, a new theme adorns the main barn and riders have their photos placed on the walls among the decorations. “It’s one of their favorite things. Kids love seeing their pictures on the wall,” she said. Currently, the barn walls

are decorated in anticipation of the upcoming riding season, only awaiting the addition of the riders’ photos.

As the popularity of the program continued, it didn’t long for Dena to reach another crossroads. “I vastly under-estimated the interest level. I thought something that would just be part time became 110 percent full time. It’s an all-consuming deal,” she said smiling. “When I started the farm, I didn’t know what I was doing.

“At this point I had to decide: Did I really want to go all in? Would I be willing to sacrifice what I thought my life was to service other families?

“It was the best decision I ever made.

“I’m a different person than I was 13 years ago. Watching those families battle hardships they face with grace and perseverance; and the families are grateful to us. They don’t realize the impact they have had on me and my girls, and in our walk with God,” Dena said. “It’s also harder than I thought it would be - emotionally and the amount of work. Sometimes it’s hard for me to get the stories and kids out of my mind.”

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Along with the hard work and emotional toil Storybook Farm can take on Dena and her family, they continue to dig deeper within themselves and ask even tougher questions. “What if I faced the challenges they did?” Dena questioned.

“I’ve always been for the underdog and these kids don’t have a voice. Many of our riders are so young they don’t understand what lies ahead of them. At least Storybook Farm gives them a place to go as a family.” Many of the families return year after year, and some of the riders are now in their twenties.

“Society goes in such a fast pace that it just passes (these families) by. Sometimes people get so caught up in their own world they can’t see others’ problems. They’re not selfish, just busy,” Dena said.

The lives of those that Storybook Farm touches goes well beyond Dena, her daughters and the riders. There are plenty of volunteers and friends at the farm on a regular basis who also gain from the families who spend time there. “There is so much good working through the lives of so many people,” Dena said. “He has plans, we just have to stay faithful.”

Watching Dena manage such a large operation is fascinating. She is constantly bombarded with volunteers and staff asking her what needs to be done. With a smile and sometimes a laugh, she gently guides everyone to the next task - and everyone willingly takes on whatever role she requires of them at any given time. “I don’t sit well, I have to be doing something,” she said, which works to her benefit given the amount of work and time it takes to keep everything turning. She even takes the time to personally check on the all horses before bedtime each night.

As the farm and number of riders has grown, so has the amount of work hours it takes to keep the horses and farm maintained. Many volunteers from the community and Auburn University help keep the farm operational. Some of the students have never even stepped on a farm, let alone worked on one; nor have many of the students who work as counselors ever worked with children with these types of disabilities.

She also greets each visitor with genuine joy and hospitality - the exact same way she treats everyone on the farm. There is a smile, a laugh, a happy spirit that surrounds her, widening her circle of friends with each conversation. Dena’s love of life and her ability to draw people to her is quite possibly one of the main factors in the success of Storybook Farm.

Dena has no exact plans for future growth, although they are currently planning to construct another barn. All of her decisions for growth during the past several years have come from need and just knowing it was time to add to the farm, with God leading her in the right direction. She also doesn’t envision an end.

Her hopes are that when she can’t run the farm anymore, her daughters or someone else will love Storybook Farm so much they will continue operations with the steady flow of families they serve.

No matter what the future holds for Dena or Storybook Farm, she will be led by God, continually giving it her all to help those families who need her and sharing this with her daughters.

And in turn, touching the lives of the contributors and volunteers who also see the positive impact they are making on the families who visit the farm.

For Dena, there is nothing else - three of her passions (God, family and horses) all combined into the end product. “Storybook Farm pours out of every part of me,” she said. “The farm is so much a part of me I can’t distance myself from it.”

Storybook Farm was created by Dena Little to serve children with physical, mental, social or emotional issues and their families. Programs are offered through the riding season for families interested in participating. The farm is a non-profit organization located on Cusseta Road on the outskirts of Opelika. Volunteers, mostly from Auburn University, serve as counselors and ranch hands. For more information on volunteering, becoming a sponsor or participating in a program, visit their website at www.hopeonhorseback.org.

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M ARCH/ APRI L

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FEATURE PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship

PGA TOUR’s

Barbasol Championship at Grand National, Opelika Alabama

To find a man's

true character, play golf with him.

— PG Wodehouse

The PGA TOUR organization out of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida has helped make golf one of the most popular spectator sports in the world through internationally recognized professional competitions and media exposure, and through events that further the positive impact of golf in communities worldwide. The organization has also raised more than two billion dollars for charity since its establishment, along with providing significant financial opportunities for its athletes. With such a rich history steeped in accomplishment, any time PGA TOUR competitions come to an area, the response is massive.

These tournaments have brought the talents of many up and coming golfers into the limelight, as well as highlighting the continued successes of the golfing greats. 2015 will be no different. Auburn and Opelika can expect bustling cities this summer, as Grand National Golf Course hosts a PGA TOUR Tournament on its challenging Lake Course July 13-19. The tournament, sponsored by Barbasol, will be the inaugural event in a four-year contract negotiated between the PGA TOUR and the Robert Trent Jones Trail Foundation, which indicates a current plan to conduct all four years of play (into the 2017-2018 season) at Grand National. The last time the Lake Course played host to a professional tournament was in 1997 at the season-ending championship for the PGA Web.com Tour. The same tournament has been hosted by other Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses in Mobile, Dothan, and Prattville since then. Doors may be opened for future cooperatives between Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the PGA TOUR, as there will be an option to renew or move around to other courses in the state after the Barbasol Championship.

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Barbasol, “America’s number one shaving cream brand,” is thrilled to be in partnership with both the PGA TOUR and Robert Trent Jones Trail Foundation. “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with the PGA TOUR and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail,” Perio Inc. CEO Tom Murray said. “As we approach Barbasol’s 100th, bringing together two of America’s most respected, iconic brands is further proof of our long-term commitment to expanding our sports partnerships.”

Barbasol Championship golfers will be vying for the largest prize of any tournament in Alabama state history, a three-point-fivemillion dollar purse funded in part by more than one hundred businesses. Like other PGA TOUR tournaments, the Championship will raise money for charitable causes. It will be a qualifier for the FedExCup, with the winner receiving three hundred valuable points toward becoming the season-long champion on the PGA TOUR. PGA debuted the FedEx cup in 2007, introducing its very first playoff system.

For the 2014-2015 season, sixty-seven million dollars will be up for grabs. FedEx Points are

awarded based on distinguished play, high finishes, and wins. One-hundred twenty-five of the of the highest ranking TOUR members will advance to the four-tournament FedExCup Playoffs, where each tournament will have purses of eight million dollars for a total of thirty-two million dollars in winnings offered.

The Barbasol Championship will be televised on The Golf Channel and will coincide with the British Open. The tournament will be broadcast to more than one billion households in more than one hundred countries all over the world. Tens of thousands of people from every corner of the globe will visit the area, and in turn will take advantage of lodging, dining, and shopping opportunities in Auburn and Opelika. The Barbasol Championship is sure to make visiting the Plains stylish for golfers in the years to come.

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said the organization is very excited for the occasion: “We are excited to announce the creation of the Barbasol Championship and to present an outstanding new playing opportunity for our members beginning next season.”

Andy Pazder, the PGA TOUR’s Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations bragged,” It’s not very often the PGA Tour adds tournaments to its schedule, and in that respect, this is a historic moment day for us… Alabama has long been a strong supporter of professional golf, both men’s and women’s . . . we know this new event will set a standard for all PGA tournaments to meet.”

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley predicts the economic impact of the tournament to surpass twenty million dollars in 2015, and Alabama’s tourism department plans on contributing nearly $250,000 for staging of the event. The hope is that a long-term relationship will be established between the PGA Tour and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Foundation.

In an August 2014 press conference at the state capital in Montgomery, Governor Bentley made the announcement welcoming the event this July: “Alabamians pride themselves on the beauty, hospitality, and charm of our state, and we are excited to showcase that to the world with the PGA TOUR’s Barbasol Championship in the Auburn-Opelika area.” The event

will be a joint effort between Grand National and the entire community, and will showcase hundreds of area businesses. Restaurants and hotels will be gearing up for a huge influx of patrons. The Alabama Tourism Department has all ready named the Barbasol Championship one of the “Top 10 Events for 2015.” “I just think this is just the beginning of more tournaments,” he said. “Golf is very popular in this state, and what we have available in Alabama is not only nationally known, but internationally known,” Bentley added.

When Opelika’s Grand National opened in 1992 as a part of Alabama’s famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, it became one of the state’s premier Golf destinations. It’s no wonder that thousands of golfers have flocked to the Plains to play on Grand National’s fifty-four holes along six hundred acre Lake Saugahatchee.

With it’s championship Lake and Links courses, and it’s equally as beautiful short course, Grand National has earned itself a place among the top courses in America for both aesthetics and affordability.

The brainchild of Retirement Systems of Alabama CEO Dr. David G. Bronner, Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail now has eleven facilities and twenty-six courses across the state. Established as a non-profit corporation, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Foundation has given Alabama a needed economic boost, and has promoted tourism like no other project before. The foundation has also given millions of dollars to national charities. More than ten million rounds of golf have been played and several courses have been host to professional tournaments throughout the trail’s twenty-two year history, One hundred thirty-four world-renowned golfers will play in the Barbasol Championship, and perhaps even stay at Grand National’s beautiful, neighboring Marriot Hotel.

The names of these athletes have not yet been released, but one can expect to recognize many of them. These players will surely be up for a challenge, so Grand National has undergone a number of renovations since September in

preparation for a world-class Championship.

The Lakes Course has been lengthened, and modifications have been made to accommodate the PGA’s requests. The layout of the course will change somewhat for the tournament, and landscape has been cleared to allow for television crews. The staff at Grand National has made every effort it can to make the event a huge success.

The Barbasol Championship and the festivities it will bring will truly be a gift to our small Alabama towns. After months of preparation and anticipation, The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Grand National Course, and the cities of Opelika and Auburn will be well equipped to impress tournament attendees with the essence of Alabama charm. Bringing such gifted athletes to the East Alabama region to play in a PGA TOUR tournament will have a lasting effect on both its fiscal climate and leisure industry.

You can watch the entirety of the tournament on The Golf Channel July 13-19, or you

92 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

“ Alabamians beauty,

&

pride themselves on the hospitality and char� of our state, we are excited to showcase that

to the worl�…

may purchase a ticket to watch the competition live at Grand National, online at the Barbasol Championship website. There are a number of sponsorship packages available for purchase as well, including several skyboxes on the eighteenth green. Amateur golfers may also have the opportunity to sign up for Pro-Am teams and play alongside professional athletes involved in the PGA TOUR. Corporate ticket packages and special advertising opportunities are also options.

For those Auburn and Opelika residents interested in getting involved in the tournament, there will be plenty of opportunities to “see the tournament from the inside” by volunteering in July. More than twelve hundred volunteers will be needed to assist on hospitality teams in serving meals, to drive range vehicles, to conduct player registration, and to help with

”

scoring. There is also a need for eighteen people to serve as chairmen for various volunteer committees. Volunteers will pay a $50 fee to participate, which will include a golf shirt and hat.

All will be given a ticket good for one day at the Barbasol Championship, and will be fed both breakfast and lunch. Guests and volunteers of the tournament may contact the Auburn Opelika Marriot Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National for lodging reservations. Men and women interested in volunteering may visit the official tournament web page: www.barbasolchampionship.com.

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2015

Beautiful LIVING

SOUTHERN

TATLER

Legends Of Magnolia

HOME LEGENDS OF MAGNOLIA

Legends of Magnolia Upscale living close to everything — that’s Legends of Magnolia.

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2015

234

West Magnolia is downtown Auburn’s premier living and vacationing address.

Located in the heart of everything Auburn and adjacent to Toomer’s Corner, residents and visitors of the Legends will enjoy well-appointed, upscale living.

The concept was the vision of three successful Auburn alumni from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s that recognized a need for a more mature and elegant living option convenient to campus. Returning alumni and their families enjoy the private, assigned underground parking and easy accessibility to the athletic facilities of the university. All of the units provide beautiful views of historic Auburn, some so exclusive you can read the scoreboard at Jordan- Hare Stadium.

Legends of Magnolia is also appealing to the executive resident who desires a more urban and carefree lifestyle. Just minutes from the Auburn Technology Parks and walking distance to many professional offices, the lure of easy commutes and maintenance-free living is more and more appealing.

Close to everything Auburn, Legends of Magnolia is just footsteps away from Jordan Hare Stadium making game day hassle free. For extra convenience, two restaurants are located on the first floor - Zoe’s Kitchen, Mylk’s cookies a top-quality Mediterranean eatery; and Chill Yogurt Shop, a great place for families or singles alike with a variety of chilled confections and

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2015

“ All of the units provide

beautiful views

of historic Auburn...�

Legends of Magnolia

“

“

A condo at

worlds.

is the best of all possible

beverages. Auburn’s finest restaurants, shopping and local attractions like Ware Jewelers and Toomer’s Drugs with their famed lemonade are just a relaxing stroll from your front door.

The classic red brick and architectural limestone of Legends is intended to harmonize with the traditional beauty Auburn University is known for. The rich design of the exterior carries over into the graceful lines of the interior. Thick crown molding, rich and warm color palettes, lush carpets, and handsome tile serve as a perfect canvas for your favorite orange and blue décor.

The living area and kitchen were designed with entertaining in mind. The gourmet kitchens are appointed with large granite counter tops and bars, separate icemakers, stainless steel appliances, and under cabinet illumination. The living and dining areas are spacious and airy with floor to ceiling glass

doors that open up to generous sized balconies. These impressive outdoor living rooms boast tile floors, wrought iron railing, and easily accommodate full sized dining sets and grills. The sweeping city views serve as the perfect backdrop for entertaining groups or romantic dinners for two.

Legends of Magnolia offers five different floorplans ranging from 2 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths up to 3 bedroom, 3 ½ bath penthouse suites. Residents enjoy oversized bedrooms with crown molding, tray ceilings and generous closets- all with luxurious baths en-suite.

Master baths include whirlpool tubs and separate showers- perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

In addition to the design aesthetics, Legends also offers all the modern amenities like CATV and security system prewiring and each unit is Wi-Fi ready. A private elevator provides convenience and security to residents and their guests. for more information on Legends of Magnolia, visit www.legendsofmagnolia.com or call 334.821.8624

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2015

SOUTHERN TATLER SOUTHERNTATLER.COM

THE ONLINE GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SOCIETY

SOUTHERNTATLER

DINING

SOUTHERNTATLERDINING.COM

IN THE WORK

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.

STAY UPDATED

Southern Tatler will constant update our online visage section. Bringing you the latest parties pictures around town

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

TRAVEL

SINGAPORE

S

ingapore

106 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

ave you ever been somewhere that just had it all? Somewhere there is never a shortage of fun or discovery? For travelers in search of a dream destination this year, Singapore is a worthy choice.

Visitors can attend hundreds of special celebrations to commemorate the “the little red dot’s” fiftieth anniversary of independence called The Golden Jubilee in 2015. Singapore has opened a number of new attractions in anticipation of a slew of newcomers. For the high-style fashionistas, the outdoors enthusiasts, the devoted foodies, or the party animals, Singapore is the answer.

It’s a place where boredom doesn’t exist, and entertainment is endless.

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2015

On New Years Day, Singapore introduced its of the world’s largest malls, with eight stories of Golden Jubilee with an event of epic proportions retail space and forty-eight more residential floors at its Marina Bay “Singapore Countdown.” set in a futuristic glass design. Another is Mustafa Scenes from the nation’s past, present, and center in the Little India neighborhood, a twentyfuture graced the famed Fullerton Hotel’s four hour shopping complex where one can façade. Is is hard to imagine that in its short purchase anything and everything, from jewelry fifty-year existence as an independent state, to electronics. For the visitor in want of authentic Singapore has climbed to the top as one of Asian souvenirs, or for the person interested in Asia’s richest economies, thriving on its tourism Indian and Chinese tradition, a visit to Chinatown and entertainment industry. After all, millions is a must. Laced with keepsake shacks, medicine of its inhabitants once lived in small wooden shops, and places of worship, the area has much houses called “squatters,” under less than clean to offer. conditions. Today, Singapore is regarded as being For a heightened appreciation of the outdoors, exceedingly safe and clean, and its people are look no further than the tropical wilderness and among the wealthiest in the world. natural wonder contained on the lush, green With the evolution of Singapore’s tourism island of Singapore, where nature-lovers can landscape has come a boom in the nation’s navigate hiking trails blooming with hundreds fashion industry that has made shopping a of species of fauna and abundant wildlife. In national pastime. Can you shop all day and night? 2012, the country’s Gardens by the Bay opened.

Do the finest of brands entice you? Glitzy malls The seaside botanical garden’s “Supertrees” are and high-fashion shopping centers welcome actually fifteen-story vertical gardens that are guests with luxury brands and fine clothing brightly illuminated every night. Visitors can also popular among Singaporeans. One well-liked watch light shows boasted experience is ION Orchard of Orchard Road, one

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It’s a place where “boredom doesn’t exist,

& Endless.

entertainment is

“

is regarded as being “ Singapore exceedingly safe and clean,

its people are among the

wealthiest in the world.

by Marina Bay Sands, which is connected via elevated walkway to the vertical gardens.

Gardens By the Bay also replaces manicured lawns with unique glass-houses, waterfalls, and cloud forests. The more traditional Singapore Botanic Gardens is a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located close to the popular Orchard Road, the Botanic Gardens has more than 3,000 orchid species on display. One cannot forget about the lovely East Coast Park, either, where fifteen kilometers of sandy beach can accommodate swimmers, bicyclists, campers, or those on a seaside picnic. The “city in a garden” also prides itself in its Central Catchment Nature Reserve, home to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park where you can walk a treetop suspension bridge overlooking the beauty that is the Singaporean jungle.

“

&

There is a certain sort of traveler whose plans always revolve around when his next meal will meet his tongue, what restaurants he will visit, and what cuisine will impress his palate. If that traveler is you, a visit to Singapore will leave you more than pleased. It is no coincidence that world-class chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Susur Lee, and Tetsuya Wakuda have opened up their very own restaurants in Singaporean hubs of business.

The region has become one of the globe’s biggest centers for culinary innovation, and draws from a number of cultures and dining concepts. There are over twenty thousand eateries in Singapore, so mealtime is truly a prime time for socialization among locals. You can find plates from all parts of China, halal Malay food, and Indian cuisine, among International options like Korean, Mongolian, and Thai food. It is no surprise that

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the island dedicates an entire month to honoring Mohammed Sultan Road and Robertson Quay. the unique food it has to offer in the month Participate in a pub crawl, where an enthusiastic of July every year during the Singapore team of party-goers will escort you on a Food Festival. progressive tour of several local pubs with drink Local favorites with a flair like Char Kway and entrance discounts. Visit Zouk Nightclub, Teow, Wantan mee, Bak kut teh, Rojak, Kway Attica, or the Butter Factory clubs. Something chap, Bak chang, Laksa, Hokkien Prawn Mee, unique to these nightclubs is that many of them and Kaya Toast are cheap and easy to find at feature world-renowned artwork and musicians.

Hawker centers throughout the island. These Are you a “low key “ tourist? Perhaps you options are generally much less expensive, so would rather spend your evenings slowing down they present a great opportunity to taste authentic at Esplanade, a huge waterfront complex for Singaporean culture. Eating out at gourmet performing arts housing a concert hall, art gallery, venues is particularly popular, especially in recital studio, theaters, and a bayside stage. Here recent years, which has given rise to the region’s you can watch a play (usually performed in fine dining market. Restaurant experiences in Mandarin) or listen to the Singapore Symphony this realm can be quite expensive, but also quite Orchestra on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. The memorable, so a visit to at least one of these Substation on Armenian Street, a former power dining rooms is a must. Some popular choices station, was set up as a contemporary arts center are Restaurant ANDRE, named by The New York several years ago, and is home to several artists Times as one of the world’s “restaurant’s worth a of music, theater, and performing arts. plane ride,” Iggy’s at The Hilton Hotel, Les Amis For those visiting Singapore with children, the in Shaw Centre, and Tippling Club. Celebrity Night Safari is a popular attraction, with special chef Tetsuya Wakuda opened Waku Ghin in opportunities to come face to face with nocturnal Marina Bay Sands as a space of more than ten animals. One hundred thirty different animal thousand square feet, accommodating only species can be spotted within the lush forest of twenty-five guests at a time. All of the ingredients the nighttime zoo, like the Asian Rhino, Striped on Wakuda’s menu are indeed very luxurious, so Hyena, and Bharal. The Night Safari has been diners can expect to pay upwards of five hundred named one of the “10 Most Popular Experiences dollars (per person) for a ten-course meal. in Asia,” and is visited by a number of celebrities After night falls, Singapore is transformed each year. Children and adults alike smile at into a booming destination for entertainment. If the chance to ride the Singapore Flyer Ferris rooftop bars, pubs and lounges, jazz and dance wheel, not unlike the famous London Eye. The clubs with live entertainers are your thing, observation wheel stands at an incredible one Singaporean nightlife can meet your desires. hundred sixty-five meters (the height of a fortyFind the most vibrant nightlife right around two story build

ing) and gives a stunning view of the lights of Singapore after sunset. Families also enjoy evening cruises along the Singapore River.

Countless religious and traditional festivals take place throughout the year, and these prove to be exceptional times to visit the island. It is said that the Chinese New Year is best commemorated in Singapore, where the Lunar New Year is welcomed with lion dances, temple worship, gifts, music, Chinese food, and decorations. Children are given “hong bao,” or small red packets filled with money by visiting family members. Homes are cleaned from top to bottom to wash away bad luck. In February, the largest street performance and parade in Asia called the Chingay Parade takes place in Singapore. It is a celebration full of dancing dragons, Asian art, stilt walkers, treasured music, and vibrant colors, which usher out the Chinese New Year festivities.

August ninth marks Singapore’s independence from British Rule, and this year’s fiftieth anniversary Golden Jubilee events will be particularly special with lively parades and parties. The island-city hosted the first ever nighttime Formula One Grand Prix at Marina Bay in 2008 under lights specially designed to illuminate the snaking track. This exhilarating event now takes place every September, and is a favorite for thrill-seekers. Indian culture is celebrated with a festival of lights called Deepvali every October. Deepvali is celebrated on the main road passing through Little India and involves thousands of beautiful Indian decorations, bright lights, fireworks, parades, concerts, bazaars, and authentic Indian cuisine. Cultural and religious difference is tolerated well in Singapore, so there are a number of other belief-specific parties throughout the year. All residents and visitors are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation.

Singapore is the definition of the cliché “melting pot of cultures.” On the island, you will

112 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

see many persons of Chinese, Malay, Indian, shaped dome greets guests, and Malay-Muslim and British origins (among others), while also woodcarvings grace the interior walls. Glazed observing a number of prevalent attitudes and Porcelain tiles decorated with Chinese artwork beliefs. But it has not always been a place where and symbols line the windows and woodwork. coming together is peaceful. Disagreements Unusually, the minaret look much like a church between the Muslim Malay and southern Chinese spire, and is often compared to the one at St. prompted race riots in the 1960s. Today a Andrew’s Church, Singapore’s largest cathedral. unique language and way of life has come from Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market) is also a local these differences, and a harmony of cultures is landmark on Marina Bay, boasting rich historical celebrated. Singapore really is all about diversity value through Victorian architecture, and has Still can’t decide what you should see and do been named a National Monument. in Singapore? There are a few more options you Whether visiting Singapore for business or truly shouldn’t miss. It may be a little reminiscent pleasure, the experience is sure to be one you will of an American vacation spot, but Sentosa, an never forget. Bring extra money so that you may island resort is a prime destination for relaxation. take advantage of all the shopping capital of the Look out on Fort Siloso, Sentosa’s 1.2 mile world has to offer, and entice your palate with an long beach, or golf at one of its two beautiful array of savory foods and fare. Maybe even sit courses. Better yet, play all day at Universal down to eat at a five-star restaurant, or venture Studios Singapore. You can get up close and out and try something different. Bring your personal with more than 2,500 marine animals at hiking shoes and spend a day among the foliage, Underwater World, an oceanarium also located or throw your camera around your neck and take on the offshore island of Sentosa. photos of the wildlife thriving in the Singapore Visit Chinatown to see the Buddha Tooth Jungle. Stay up all night and party with the best Relic Temple and Museum, a gorgeous structure of them, or take a relaxing boat ride on the river. built in Tang Dynasty style, or head over to see And if you can, visit Singapore at a time when its CHIJMES, an old Catholic school for girls in the residents are dancing and singing, celebrating the Civic District. Another must see is the Capitol richness of their history and the beauty of their Building Singapore, the country’s premier home. cinema with Neo-classical design and a beautiful façade. Perhaps one of the most interesting pieces of architecture is the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, because it blends European, Malay, and Chinese influences. A familiar onion-

C O N C I E R G E

MODEST FOOSBALL

The modest foosball table gets a smart makeover by Dutch Creative agency Gro Design. Doing away with the traditional four legged support form. The beautiful game’s sweeping contours are inspired by the architectural feats of 21st century stadiums. . Each line of players is sculpted from one seamless piece of metal and finished in chrome, and the pitch features ambient lighting at the goals and the center scoreboard. Tables are meticulously handcrafted to order and take 12 weeks to complete. starting: $68,000

A r e You S

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