September 2023

YOUR HEART’S IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT HARBIN CLINIC.

At

Experience seamless, coordinated care across other Harbin Clinic specialties and uninterrupted heart treatment in a trusted clinical environment. Rest assured, your heart’s in the right place at Harbin Clinic.

SEPTEMBER 2023

FEATURES

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Carress Cason and the stylists at Blush Salon & Blowdry Bar all share a common goal, and the goal is to add beauty to their community that is more than skin deep.

22 Corey Pitts of CMP Training helps the people of Rome, Georgia, meet their personal fitness goals through one-on-one coaching in exercise and nutrition.

28

Want to celebrate World Heart Day this year? The Harbin Clinic Cardiology Team is ready to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care to the people of Northwest Georgia.

33

Haley and Brian Johnson carry on a beloved Rome tradition by breathing fresh life into Southern Seasons, Broad Street’s beautiful tearoom.

Publisher's Note

Let the madness begin. While it’s still steamy outside most days, we’ve had a glimpse of fall with breaks in the heat on a few occasions already. Kids have been back in school for over a month, football is in full swing on every level, after school activities are keeping parents scrambling and every weekend seems to have something to pack the social calendar.

Welcome to the silly season. Throw in there a few local elections, and it just ramps up the

OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin

OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin

MANAGING PARTNER Chris Forino

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth Childers

WRITERS Jim Alred, Ian Griffin, Nina Lovel, Paul Moses

PHOTOGRAPHERS Andy Calvert, Ivan Felipe

AD DESIGN Elizabeth Childers

My financial advisor mantra is: “Downturns are Normal, Upturns Follow Downturns, and the Upturns last Significantly Longer.” I teach this to all of my clients. I wish that I could claim the credit for pinning this simple dictum; however, all due goes to my friend and mentor. His name is Tom, and he has been providing sound financial advice to clients and fellow financial advisors for over fifty years. He is someone that does the necessary research. I labor to follow his teachings.

According to Yardeni Research, since 1950, there have been seven downturns that have lasted longer than 400 days. Both the longest downturn and worst market downturns have been this century. The longest downturn was 2000-2002 and lasted 929 days with the S&P 500 Index down -49%. The worst market downturn for the S&P 500 Index was 2007-2009 resulting in a -57% decrease in the market and lasting 517 days.

The longest downturn resulted from a technology bubble known as the “dot. com” bust and the 9/11 terrorist attack exacerbated the longest market downturn. In 2007-2008, the worst market downturn was a full-blown banking crisis turning into a real estate recession leading to record foreclosures and record unemployment.

Researching the other five downturns lasting over 400 days, these downturns were concurrent with high inflation. Presently, based on the latest information as of August 30, annual core inflation has decreased from much higher levels last year and is averaging 4.3% on the core Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Federal Reserve Board of Governors has raised interest rates eleven times over the past two years. The Federal Reserve's objective in increasing interest rates is to slow the inflation rate to their target goal of 2%. As mentioned as of August 30, the core CPI annual inflation rate is 4.3%. Last year the rate of inflation was 8.52%. Thus, it appears the rate hikes are working in decreasing the overall rate of inflation in our economy.

Rising interest rates and out-of-control inflation continue to be my two primary concerns influencing my client’s investment objectives. The 2022-2023 market downturn is officially on the Yardeni Research chart at 282 days. This last downturn started on January 4, 2022, and ended 282 later on October 13, 2022. We are now within about 7% from a market high on the S&P 500.

Managing expectations is a full-time job for me with clients. Thus, we have to be prepared for another market downturn as higher interest rates work as an anchor to slow the U.S. economy. Other market downturns during high inflationary periods have lasted over 600 days from peak to

trough. In general, high inflation and rising interest rates that have historically driven market downturns have lasted longer in the past, so I must manage your expectations to be ready for the next market downturn.

Remember the second part of the mantra: Upturns follow downturns. The media never talks about upturns and how powerful an upturn can be coming off the downturn. And, the financial media never mentions that market upturns last significantly longer.

Currently, the S&P 500 index is down 6.9% from its peak on January 4, 2022. As mentioned, the market downturn beginning in January 2022 lasted 282 days. At the trough or the worst point last October 2022, the S&P 500 was down 25.4%. Thus, the S&P 500 index has significantly improved since the low point or trough last Fall. For comparison, the outbreak of COVID-19 back in early 2020 resulted in a 34% market downturn lasting a short 33 days.

Since “Downturns are Normal,” as a long-term investor, you must learn how to take advantage of these market downturns. Has your adviser walked you through the steps to take advantage of market downturns? If not, please let me know and I will be glad to show how to take advantage of these normal cycles. In closing, I will repeat my mantra “Downturns are normal, upturns follow downturns, and upturns last significantly longer.” When you learn how to take advantage of market downturns you will improve your results as a long-term investor.

In supporting my conclusion, according to Standard & Poor’s, since 1950, the average market upturn has been 265% and lasted 67 months while the average market downturn has been -33% lasting 12 months. This research proves that you must stay invested in market downturns and learn how to take advantage of these cycles. Staying invested and learning how to take advantage of market downturns will help you consistently beat inflation and build your investment portfolio.

Downturns are Normal

Financial Planner

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Know your limits and wear proper foot wear.

Build the foundation of proper form, use proper technique, if you don’t know or are unsure ask. Incorporate a good stretch in the beginning of your workout. Dynamic stretching, mobility work and foam rolling.

Emphasize rest and recovery properly- most of us don’t get enough sleep. We need 7-8 hours per night. Listen to your body. Rest days are important.

Keep nutrition in check and stay hydrated

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At Stonebridge Golf Club, Launchbox features covered bays with state-of-the-art technology to help perfect your golf game. By utilizing Top Tracer shot tracking, as seen on the PGA Tour, Launchbox provides instant feedback on every shot with results sent directly to your phone!

Launchbox offers a variety of games that players of all skill levels can enjoy. You can kick back and have a fun time playing “Go Fish” or play 18 holes on famous golf courses including Pebble Beach. No matter which game you choose, Launchbox is sure to take your golf experience to the next level.

Bring your group out to enjoy bays that are designed for comfort with outdoor furniture, televisions, music and wonderful food and beverage services. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Launchbox is built for everyone to enjoy at an affordable price (as low as $5 per person).

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At Northwest Georgia’s Best Range, Launchbox is a great time for everyone!

Are You Blushing?

If your answer is no, then maybe you should be. Blush Salon and Blowdry Bar aims to make all clients as beautiful as the place they call home.

Story: Oliver Robbins, Jr. | Photos: Andy Calvert

Finding a group of professionals who go above and beyond

when offering a service can be as hard as having a good hair day in the humidity of the Deep South.

When every detail is considered, and passion meets process, born is an approach to satisfying a client that goes far beyond trade and commerce. Rome native Carress Cason, owner of Blush Salon & Blowdry Bar, and her team of four stylists have embraced this mantra.

With a combined 20 years-plus of experience in cosmetology and after nearly a decade of serving their neighbors and friends at Blush Salon, they have settled into their new location at 417 Broad Street, Rome, GA. Cason says new clients can appreciate their approach to making them feel beautiful inside and out. And for her faithful following, she always enjoys welcoming them home.

The warm glow of a lighted bamboo accent wall frames a backdrop of warm tones and an open and airy space. Visitors smile and chat with the person behind the chair like best friends catching up over dinner. The atmosphere screams, “Welcome! Come on in and tell us how you’ve been doing.”

Cason says the aesthetics of her business are purposely crafted to invoke feelings of class, comfort, and style. When coupled with the skill set necessary

to make her clients feel glamorous when they rise from her chair, she says the Blush Salon brand has become synonymous with excellence.

“What I think sets us apart from other salons in Rome is the education we bring into our workplace quarterly,” Cason says when speaking about her team. “We have hair specialists with the Kevin Murphy product line who come in and educate us about new and exciting trends in our field. Kevin Murphy is an Australian line of products, and they specialize in session styling hair.”

She goes on to explain that these paid classes are taught by stylists who work in salons from New York to Cali, keeping them all on the cutting edge of what is new and exciting in the world of cosmetology services. From color and toning classes to styling and braiding hair, Cason is confident her salon can meet the needs of her community.

“We want everyone to come in and feel like family while receiving a high-end service,” Cason says. “I want them to feel like they are in their own home, in their own living room, and with people they can trust. Blush Salon and Body works to create this culture. We empower others to be the most fulfilled version of themselves and live their best

lives through quality hair and aesthetic services in our authentic environment. Blush performs purposeful and passionate business which sets the standard of success for all team members.”

When detailing the wide variety of services they offer, Cason lists some of the most popular requests she has from her clients. She explains that Blush is a full-service salon that offers waxing, eyebrow tinting, lash lifting, full-color hair and highlights, balayage, foiling and extensions.

“We are proud to offer five different styles of extension work,” explains Cason. “And specialize in blowout and session styling. For anyone thinking about extensions, we invite you to come to the salon for a consultation. It may be a case where your hair is thinner than you would like, and we can definitely address your needs. We can add more body to your hair without focusing on

the length as much. I think most people considering hair extensions don’t realize that you don’t have to have this super-long hair down to your waist. A lot of our clients just come in to have fuller hair.”

Cason says the hair she uses, Aqua Pro Hair Extensions, is high-quality, the best product she can find, and lasts for a year if cared for properly. Along with the service, she and her fellow stylists offer education about how to care for their hair, and the application is professional. She says that no one will know, and the confidence boost is an awesome byproduct of a more beautiful you.

Community is also important to Blush professionals which is why an open-door policy helps their clients even after they have left the salon. She welcomes follow-up questions from her clients if they need extra info about their products and styling received while onsite. If there is a question or concern, help is just a phone call away.

And to take it one step further, she and her team participate in events hosted in Downtown Rome, like the First Friday Concert Series. They all work together to offer something special for adults like goodie bags, and for the kiddos, braiding, hair tinsel, and popcorn and lemonade, all free of charge. “We try to offer something for the kids who are out with their parents for the concert. I know they want to have fun, so we try to meet that need. We want the community we serve to know we are here with you, and we will contribute to improving the quality of life for everyone,” Cason says with a sincere smile.

So, if you are looking to elevate your style and become a part of a familycentered business built by a daughter of Rome, Ga., your search can end at the door of Blush Salon & Blowdry Bar.

Book appointments online and find business hours at blushyousalon. square.site or call 706-528-5152 to speak with a Blush Salon representative.

Your Cardiology Team

J. Michael Ware, MD, FACC

Spencer Maddox, MD

Charles F. Jackson, III, MD

Andrew McCue, MD

J. Christopher Merritt, MD, FACC

Himanshu Patel, MD

G. Hunter Myers, MD, FACC

Robert Styperek, MD, FHRS, FACC

Kipp Slicker, DO, FACC

G. Justin Tanner, MD

Customized to Maximize

Corey Pitts of CMP Training leaves nothing to chance when it comes to the health and fitness of his clients. He and his staff map out a plan for each individual to make sure they achieve their personal best.

Story: Paul Moses | Photos: Andy Calvert

The banner at the top of the website homepage for CMP Training of Rome, Georgia, reads: “Personal Training That Meets Your Goals.”

The business philosophy of the gym’s founder and owner, Corey Pitts, puts a special emphasis on the word “Your.” Pitts and his gifted staff of trainers do not run a one-size-fits-all type of establishment. Each client receives individualized attention and a fitness and nutritional plan tailored to personal needs. Customization is the rule. Whether the client is interested in group classes or having a trainer’s full attention, CMP Training is sure to be the ideal fit.

CMP Training is a private gym rather than a commercial one. “That’s what sets us apart,” Pitts says. “We provide trainers in-house. You come in by appointment, and the place is not crowded. You can come in and work on your technique without feeling self-conscious or intimidated by crowds of strangers. Someone is always here to help you, advise you, and monitor your progress. We are trainerbased, so you always get more out of your workout.”

Training the trainer

Corey Pitts was driven—at least in part—to pursue physical training because of family history. “On my mother’s side, there were some health issues. When I was young, I was athletic, but I was a chunky kid. That motivated me because I didn’t want to be chunky.” Grinning, he adds, “I would say in middle school it was the ladies that drove me to lose weight. Honestly, that’s kind of what sparked it for me.”

However, after he got involved in physical training, Pitts began to discover he had a certain gift for it. Growing up, he always played basketball, and in high school, he ran track. He says, “Even in high school I knew I had an entrepreneurial mindset. Back then, I didn’t really have any guidance; I just figured this stuff out on my own, watching some of the adults in my life—picking people’s brains here and there as I grew up.” Later, in college, he found he was good with people and had an interest in anatomy. By then, the stage was set for a career in the world of physical fitness.

It’s personal

Good interpersonal skills are vital in Pitts’ line of work. “This is personal training,” he says. “It’s oneon-one with a client. There’s a lot of motivation and accountability going on. Inspiration.” There’s a slogan that Pitts often stresses to his clients: Health is wealth. He says, “You can have all the money in the world, but what good is that to you if you can’t get up out of a chair?”

One of the benefits of working at CMP Training is watching the positive transformation that takes place in the lives of the clients. “I love to see how somebody can go from sheltering in to blossoming out,” Pitts says. “They start noticing their doctor visits change for the better. Your quality of life can

become phenomenal when you get into the fitness realm. It changes your whole attitude.”

This principle holds true no matter the stage of life. Pitts says, “My clients can range from ten-yearolds to ninety-five-year-olds.” He explains that when training a child, it’s all about building a foundation. “They have no clue. You have to establish that blueprint with them. You’re teaching them all about how important it is to take care of their body and to work on their exercise technique. Structure is important when dealing with kids—motivation, building up that self-confidence.”

Healthy attitude, healthy body

How important is attitude to a person’s overall fitness? Pitts taps his temple with one finger and says, “It all starts mentally. Coming here is like a safe haven; you’re drifting away from your everyday stress at work. You can come in for twenty minutes or thirty minutes or an hour. There are great vibes here. Great people. Lots of smiles. Everybody’s doing better with their health. This place is an outlet; it builds those happy endorphins, and you can go back home feeling better.”

Pitts points out that some people do lots of things for other people, but they often do very little for themselves. That is until a doctor tells them

they must make some changes. “So,” Pitts says, “it’s a great feeling to leave the gym knowing you did something for yourself.” He explains that sometimes people join a gym as a last resort. “They’re panicking because they’re afraid the next step for them is to get on some sort of diabetes medicine or blood pressure medicine,” he says. “And some people need to hear that. But once they get here their quality of life starts changing, and that helps their attitude—the mental aspect. The mind is a powerful thing. You have to start there. Once you focus your mind on something, you’re going to achieve it. And our trainers can help you reach those goals.”

It takes a team

“At CMP we have the best of both worlds,” Pitts says, “We have sports performance and personal training. But we do more than that. I’m certified in nutrition, health coaching, and senior fitness, I’m also a golf fitness specialist.” When it comes to nutrition, Pitts says, “Most people know the right

things to do; they just don’t do them. We teach people how to eat consistently, how to eat when they socialize—to eat more good things than bad things.”

Pitts doesn’t work alone. He counts on his staff and associates to meet their clients’ needs. Some trainers work with individuals, others concentrate on multiple clients at once. Amanda Nunn, for instance, enjoys working with small groups. Justin Ware works with athletes and the general population. Levi Munyon specializes in functional training, helping people to safely align their bodies for maximum impact in their workouts, improving the quality of their steps, squats, etc. Bo Parker focuses on health and wellness, as well as strength training.

Also, to expand services for their customers, CMP Training has partnered with The Rehab Room of Calhoun. “That’s a massage therapy business,” Pitts says. “She comes to Rome and works with our people right here.”

Getting started

CMP Training came out of a time in Pitts’ life, about ten years ago, when he was working three jobs at once: as a firefighter, an ophthalmology technician, and a physical trainer. “When I started in this field,” he says, “I was working as a trainer at Harbin Clinic at their gym, the Vitality Center. I worked with some athletes at Harbin, but mostly seniors—lots of folks who had come out of cardiac rehab. People came to our department after surgery, after they were released from their physical therapists and were cleared by their doctors to start working out.”

While working at the Vitality Center he began to have a growing desire to own his own business. “But,” he says, “I didn’t know anything about business. I knew I had a gift to do this, but just like everybody else, I had to learn how to do the business side of it.” He educated himself by reading and watching how Harbin Clinic did things. He also observed how other gyms operated. “It took a lot of study,” Pitts says, “but I also have a degree in healthcare management, so that helped.”

Originally, when Pitts went to college, he was going to be a PTA—a physical therapy assistant—but he soon realized he preferred focusing on the fitness side of it rather than the rehab part. “The rehab wasn’t really my thing,” he says. “I wanted to train people in health and fitness. So, that’s what I did.”

When Harbin Clinic was planning to shut down the Vitality Center, Pitts asked a couple of his regular clients if they would use his services if he went out on his own. They agreed, and things started rolling. Pitts arranged with another local trainer to use his facilities to start his own business. He says, “After year one it really blossomed. I started growing fast.”

Finding a home

After about five years, Pitts moved his operation to the Rome Athletic Club (the RAC). “They had a huge warehouse over there,” he says, “and I had outgrown my space.” Pitts wanted his own place, but finding the right spot proved a challenge. “I knew I wanted to be downtown,” he says, “close to the Clock Tower, close to Barron Stadium and the levee. That would be my ideal spot.”

After a few years, the RAC sold out to a new owner, and Pitts took that as an opportunity to make

a fresh start. Looking around at his current facility, Pitts says, “This was an axe-throwing place when I first saw it. I thought it was the perfect location for my business, so I kept my eye on it.” Everything about the building was what Pitts was looking for: a modern, industrial look, a large bay door, and easy access to everything downtown.

“I always pray,” Pitts says, “so, I was talking to God and asking Him for opportunities and chances. Then, one day I was hauling a bed in my truck to a donation site, and I happened to drive by here. There

was a sign that said For Lease, and I hoped my prayer had been answered.” At that time, the axe-throwing company was still in the building, but they had just signed a lease on a storefront on Broad Street where they are now (Game of Thowns). Pitts dropped off the mattress, called the landlord, and went back by the property to peek through the window. As he had suspected, it was perfect for CMP Training. “After that, I signed a lease, gutted the building out, put my own flavor on it—and here I am.”

Not sitting still

Like his clients, Corey Pitts pursues his own personal goals. One of those aspirations is a desire to expand his business. “I want to keep growing, keep building,” he says. “We want to be the best private gym in Northwest Georgia. Eventually, I may open up another personal fitness and training gym somewhere else, maybe in Rockmart or Cartersville or Cedartown. The sky’s the limit with this business. For now, I want all of Rome to know what my trainers have to offer, so we can all grow together. I want to help as many people as I can while I’m here on this earth.”

For more information, go to the website www.cmptrainingrome.com

YOUR HEART’S IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT HARBIN CLINIC.

World Heart Day is September 29th, and it’s a global call to action in the fight against the world’s number one killer – cardiovascular disease. In the state of Georgia alone, heart disease accounts for about one in every three deaths. Our community is fortunate to have the Harbin Clinic cardiology team, a dedicated group of professionals ready to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care to the people of Northwest Georgia. Want to celebrate World Heart Day this year? Make sure your heart is in the right place with Harbin Clinic.

SINGLE SOURCE FOR COMPREHENSIVE CARE

Coordinating appointments, different tests, labs, therapies and treatments can feel like an extra job on top of a medical concern. Patients looking for heart care should consider how to make their medical care more manageable. Harbin Clinic Cardiology is designed with a single-source patient experience in mind. In other words, patients should not have to jump through multiple hoops for different services: diagnostic testing, device monitoring, labs, imaging, Coumadin management, etc. Whether a patient’s cardiovascular needs are common or critical, receiving care is easier when all the patient’s required services and needs are met in one place.

Not only is Harbin Clinic Cardiology Imaging convenient, but also it houses the only accredited echo lab in Northwest Georgia. Harbin Clinic Echo Lab is accredited by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Committee), and this organization holds cardiac sonographers and interpreting cardiologists to the highest standard of skill level. It requires facilities to exceed rigorous standards of patient care and quality control.

“We worked hard to train and design an experience where our patients are receiving both the best care and convenient access to diagnostics without needing to leave our building,” explains Cardiologist Dr. Hector Picon. With Harbin Clinic Cardiology, patients can see a physician and receive the labs and imaging necessary in-house. High-quality, single-source care looks like getting to the heart of the matter in one location.

For heart patients who need Coumadin management, Harbin Clinic Coumadin Management is also conveniently located near Harbin Clinic Cardiology and offers the same comprehensive, coordinated care. A patient’s Coumadin management experience often includes receiving medicine and care, education about Coumadin, condition management, close monitoring, etc. From Harbin Clinic Cardiology to Harbin Clinic Coumadin Management, there’s no waiting for enrollment

or for the transfer of information. Harbin Clinic’s Coumadin management center is another example of the integrated treatment options.

Depending on your heart condition, your doctor may recommend a specific implant that comes with monitoring. Harbin Clinic Cardiology offers device monitoring and gives new meaning to “following your heart” for patients with conditions such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, pauses in heart rate, and more. These patients can have peace of mind knowing there is a team monitoring their device while they go about their normal activities, and their doctor will be notified if there is a problem. In fact, this monitoring approach plays a pivotal role in helping to prevent some patients from going to the hospital for Heart Failure. Harbin Clinic Cardiology proudly provides this cuttingedge technology that helps the medical team care for patients completely, even in the between moments.

HARBIN CLINIC CARDIOLOGIST HECTOR PICON, MD, FACC

HARBIN CLINIC CARDIOLOGY ROME (L-R: JOSHUA DONNER, MD, COURTNEY PARR, FNP-C, RAHUL GARG, MD, HENARO SABINO, MD, ZACHARY WHITENER, FNP-C, CHARLIE BAGGETT, MD, FACC, HECTOR PICON, MD, FACC.

SEAMLESS, INTEGRATED TREATMENT

One of the first questions a new cardiology patient should ask is, “Where will I experience expert care that is convenient and comfortable?” One essential element of high-quality care is seamless access to a patient’s medical notes, history and information. When choosing a cardiologist, it can be critical to consider how patients’ information and medical history will be handled. The expert staff and providers at Harbin Clinic Cardiology know how important it is for patients and their loved ones not to feel burdened by having to remember lists of medical terminology and medications. Patients experience a continuity of care when their medical records transfer between services without delay. They and their caretakers can focus on the healing process knowing that no matter who they meet on the comprehensive care team of Harbin Clinic Cardiology, they will receive smooth, uninterrupted heart treatment.

Another important question to ask as a new cardiology patient is whether the clinic or physician you are considering is in your health insurance network. When patients receive care that is not covered by insurance or that is out of network, they can end up shouldering more of the financial burden. Harbin Clinic Cardiology participates in a wide variety of insurance coverage such as Medicare Advantage Plans and will be happy to help patients figure out their coverage.

ALL-INCLUSIVE AND SPECIALIZED

Patients looking for heart care might also require specific expert treatment, and Northwest Georgia is lucky to have highly specialized cardiologists close by in Rome and Cartersville.

Harbin Clinic Cardiology covers a wide variety of services while meeting the detailed needs of patients. Harbin Clinic Cardiology offers several specialties, from the tiniest of hearts with pediatric cardiology to some of the most complex needs of cardiooncology patients. Their physicians also stay up to date on the latest conversations and research in their fields. Stay off I-75 and experience the in-depth knowledge base available locally at Harbin Clinic Cardiology.

This year don’t let World Heart Day pass by without considering where to go for all things heart care. For seamless, comprehensive, expert care, your heart is in the right place at Harbin Clinic Cardiology.

For more information, visit harbinclinic.com/cardiology

HARBIN CLINIC CARDIOLOGY CARTERSVILLE (L-R): NYKYA COX, NP-C, AMANDA COUCH, FNP-C, HENARO SABINO, MD, MAXWELL PREMPEH, MD, DIGANT BHATT, MD, WILLIAM LOONG, PA-C, WENDY PONE, NP-C.

HARBIN CLINIC CARDIOLOGIST DIGANT BHATT, MD

MANDI ZELENAK, REMOTE DEVICE CLINIC MANAGER

HARBIN CLINIC CARDIOLOGIST RAHUL GARG, MD

Southern Dining, Redefined Rice House Restaurant at Barnsley Resort

Garden-to-table is a way of life at Barnsley Resort, the idyllic, awardwinning 3,000-acre destination steeped in history and outdoor adventure just a short drive from north Georgia landmarks in Cartersville and Rome. While the resort’s close connection with nature is infused throughout the property’s three culinary experiences, this philosophy is perfected into an art form in the Rice House restaurant.

Upon arrival, diners are welcomed into the 19th-century farmhouse – now converted into an elegant yet relaxed setting for dinner on weekends. After savoring a signature cocktail in the lounge while admiring a dramatic gallery wall of collected art, guests enter the dining room, where hem-stitched linen napkins, Vietri bud vases, and glass chargers set the mood – and table – for the experience to follow. In the distance, dramatic views of the landmark Manor House Ruins of Godfrey Barnsley’s former Woodlands estate complement the menus created by Executive Chef Javier Cuesta.

While Chef Cuesta oversees all menus on the property, he finds particular joy in bringing the Rice House experience to life. Here, the Spanish-born chef seamlessly

infuses his classical French techniques and training with inspiration found from treasured Southern methods, local farmers, and the resort’s on-site gardens. Working alongside a talented team of culinarians (who hail from as near as Rome to as far as Indonesia), Chef Cuesta and his team thoughtfully designed menus that intentionally tell a story of Barnsley’s location and place.

Before preparing the evening’s dishes, the culinary team cultivates seasonal ingredients in the gardens at the farm to incorporate them into the menus. To add another layer of menu inspiration, Chef Cuesta and team studied the global influences experienced by Godfrey Barnsley in the 19th century to weave international flavors into legacy Southern dishes, such as fried flounder and country captain. Okra is presented in the more traditional Indian pakoras presentation, with a crispy batter infused with spices, including coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom.

In addition to a memorable dinner experience, Barnsley Resort’s reputation as a culinary destination is on the rise thanks to featured events and gatherings within one of two private dining rooms.

Featured Event: Rice House

Guest Chef Series with Günter Seeger

Legendary chef and James Beard award winner Günter Seeger creates an exceptional culinary weekend to celebrate the harvest season. From featured menus in the Rice House to an exclusive lunch at the farm, make plans now to visit for a special culinary weekend.

September 28 & 29, 2023

The Rice House is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are requested by calling 770.773.7480, ext. 1. While staying overnight offers a complete resort experience, a room reservation is not required to dine in the Rice House.

597 Barnsley Gardens Road Adairsville, Georgia 30103

Tea for Two… or Twenty Tea for Two… or Twenty

Story: Paul Moses | Photos: Andy Calvert

Southern Seasons offers Northwest Georgians a place to go for a modern take on an old English tradition: high tea in an atmosphere of charm and understated elegance.

s s

That’s the feel of the tearoom at Southern Seasons— Socials, Florals, Tea—at 118 Broad Street in Rome, Georgia. But a closer inspection reveals a room that is very much in the modern world; it’s more like a style estuary, where the best of new and old mingle and meld. It makes one want to, well…sit down and have a cup of tea.

Business owners Haley and Brian Johnson invite the public to schedule a time to come in and forge a beautiful memory while celebrating in grand style with the people they love.

The Johnsons bought the buildings at 116 and 118 in June of this year. The two spaces share a common wall and have a door that joins them. “The building was pretty much as you see it now,” says Brian, “except we flip-flopped the retail side with the tearoom side.”

Haley says, “We have all kinds of customers. First of all, we have a lot of brides. Then there are the moms having babies. And we do birthdays and things like that. And we serve a lot of men too. We just had two men come in this morning and wanted Scottish tea because they were going to Scotland soon. We get a lot of tea lovers because we sell so many kinds of tea. And we get lots of college students too.”

A new adventure

“We’ve been in Georgia since 1997 when we moved to Acworth,” says Haley. The Johnsons are airline people. This month marks Brian’s 37th year at Delta Airlines, and Haley is retired from a corporate sales job with United Airlines. They moved to Rome three years ago. “We love it here,” Haley says. “I’m from Northeast Texas, and it looks a lot like this.

So, when we visited Rome, I thought it looked like home. And now it is.” They bought riverside property in Rome and built a house. Haley says, “We moved in on Mother’s Day 2020. Somehow, we managed to get into the house during Covid. That was amazing.”

The Johnsons wanted to start a business in Rome, but they needed to do their local research.

At first glance, one might think they’ve somehow been displaced in time, thrown back to an earlier era when charm and simple elegance defined the style of the day.

Haley says, “We had a few ideas about what we might want to do, so we talked to the people at Hardy Realty. They showed us a few places. We wondered if we wanted to be in the food business or not.” They looked at Southern Seasons. It wasn’t the sort of business they had thought about buying, but the idea soon began to grow on them. For them, owning the two buildings was essential to their running the business. Haley says, “We could not afford to make all the changes we wanted if we did not own the property. It wouldn’t be worth it. We had to do things like build a kitchen and put in a ceiling. Those are not the kind of things you would do if you rented the space.” Once all their financing was in place, they purchased the building and began setting up shop.

Buying and selling

Melissa Williams of Hardy Realty was instrumental and forging the deal that allowed the Johnsons and the previous owner, Ada Brockwell, to come to a deal. Williams says, “Brian and Haley were a good fit for this business. The owner was not interested in selling it to just anybody. It was very important

to her that she sell only to someone interested in being involved in the community of Rome.” With a chuckle, Williams says that it was Haley’s personality that finally sealed the deal. “And really,” Williams adds, “Brian and Haley brought along the vision that could take this business to the next level.”

For Brockwell, a deciding factor in selling to the Johnsons was their ties to the military. Brian says, “Ada’s original business was called Boots to Business. She wanted to start it with a local florist, a woman whose husband was deployed overseas.” The military connection was important to Brockwell, so when she learned that both Haley’s father and Brian’s father had served in the Air Force and that Brian had been in the Army, she became agreeable to discuss selling to the Johnsons. As it turned out, Melissa Williams was able to leverage the military angle to bring Brockwell and the Johnsons together and broker a deal that was satisfactory for everyone. Haley says, “Honestly, I don’t think this would have happened without Melissa. She mediated the whole thing beautifully.”

Socials. Florals. Tea.

Southern Seasons is a creative blending of three different—yet complementary—businesses: socials, florals, and tea. As for socials, they do bridal showers, baby showers, private events, and various kinds of receptions. “And now,” Haley says, “we have tea on Saturdays. People can book ahead of time and come in for eleven or two-thirty. And we do some fun themed events for kids, like Tinkerbell or Witches & Wizards. Guests can make a reservation for a group event or just tea for two.”

Having traveled extensively, it was important to the Johnsons that their tearoom reflect the authentic hallmarks of some of the things they’ve seen elsewhere. They’ve visited some fabulous tearooms, like London’s famous Landmark. They’ve seen the best of the best, and their tastes have developed accordingly. Haley says, “Our vision for this place is not that it’s posing as a tearoom; it is a tearoom. You don’t come in here, wrap up in a feather boa, and pretend you’re at a tearoom. You are in a real tearoom. This isn’t paper napkins and paper cups; it’s linen napkins and real china. This is the only tearoom like it between Chattanooga and Atlanta.”

Changes and transitions

While the kitchen is under construction, the Johnsons bring all the food in from outside sources. Haley says, “Right now we still cater in all our food. We bring it in and plate the food. Of course, we make the tea. But we’re working with the Department of Public Health to get everything planned and approved for our new kitchen.” She adds, “Brian is a very good cook. He can really put things together. We have a good idea of how we want to take it to the next level.”

Brian says, “Even after the kitchen is done, I hope to still rely on some local catering for the sake of variety. I’m not a pastry chef, but I still want to provide interesting pastries for the tea service. Now, I can provide basics—lemon bars and such—but when it comes to something fancy, I’ll leave that to someone else.”

Presently, the menu is classic tea service fare, tiered tray and all. They serve two hot teas and two cold teas. (Trained tea-tenders are on staff to help customers make their choices.) The bottom layer of the tray has savories, perhaps coronation chicken salad on a croissant and a crustless spinach quiche. Maybe a cucumber sandwich or pimento cheese. On

the middle tier are scones, both sweet and savory. Brian says, “We hope to get to the place where we can make our own scones and some of the other traditional favorites.” The top tier has pastries, like pinafores, macaroons, mini key lime pies, or fruit tarts. There’s always more than enough to eat, and many customers leave with a to-go box.

There are plans in the works to add a Southernstyle tea service, using classically regional favorites. The idea is to perhaps have the Southern tea service in the morning and the English tea service in the afternoon, or maybe rotate the two options between Saturdays.

In the next room

Just through the door from the tearoom is the retail side of the business, where all the things that go along with serving tea can be purchased. They sell a wide variety of teas and beautiful teapots, both vintage and new. They sell books, greeting cards, and artwork.

Also, the Johnsons are bringing in the work of local artists. Laura Henderson sells paintings and greeting cards, each one bright and cheerful, full of whimsy. They also sell the art of Anna Pointer,

who specializes in college campus art and Rome landmark art. Haley says, “My vision is to have a whole gallery wall and bring in three or four other artists who create work that is in our vibe.” Brian points to some empty picture frames hanging on the tearoom wall and says, “I would like to hang artwork here in the tearoom so people could see them while they’re eating, and hopefully they would buy them.”

The retail side also includes the florist. Three different designers fulfill the customers’ orders. Haley says, “I do the purchasing and manage all the wholesaler relationships, but they do the design work. We do floral arrangements for weddings and proms.”

Socials. Florals. Tea. These are three things that many Romans love. And they can find this trio at Southern Seasons, a place where time seems to slow down to a companionable rate, and where friends and family can sit around a table and feast on both a delicious tea service and each other’s company.

For more information, go to southernseasonsrome.com