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CustomHome DesignHome Design

IN MEMPHIS

Best BATH TRENDS

Catching up withTim McGraw

The Swag inNorth Carolina

contentsMARCH 2013

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• YOU

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ME • YO

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CustomIN MEMPHIS

Best BATH TRENDS

Catching up with

Tim McGraw


FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

A local designer works closely with her clients to redesign a family gem

See page 56

38 TRAVEL THE SWAG IN NORTH CAROLINA� e very best of rustic elegance in the Smokies

50 MUSIC MUSIC CITY SCENE WITH CHUCK DAUPHIN: TIM MCGRAW� e legendary artist talks about his latest album and favorite movie roles to date

56 HOME FEATURE CUSTOM DESIGN: REBUILDING A HOME� e renewal of an old home with Memphis designer Cindy McCord

64 DESIGN BEST BATH TRENDSOur favorite looks and the latest in decor elements for creating your perfect home oasis

6 | At Home Tennessee • March 2013

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18 fashion What’s hot this season to accentuate your wardrobe

22 beauty Makeup trends and colors for spring

26 health A Nashville doctor discusses five pillars for a healthy body

28 lifestyle National Nutrition Month: advice on the best foods to combat ailments

32 best of The best spring break alternatives Tennessee has to offer

44 roadtripFrom an ideal inn getaway on the Gulf Coast to riches in Ridgeland, MS

48 artsChattanooga’s Main Terrain: An urban park that combines art and fitness on the Southside

52 at home withRachel Boston: The Chattanooga actress on Hollywood and New York City

54 technologyAdvances in home security: best protection advice 72 garden March means maintenance for spring plants and shrubbery 74 in bloomPlant of the Month: Omeo Gum

82 entertaining A fun twist for Girls’ Night Out: painting and cocktails

86 cooking Decadent, rich and creamy snacks that are good for you

88 chef’s corner Beer takes center stage in this delicious short ribs recipe from Chef Charles Phillips

90 cuisineSpotlighting the Gulch in downtown Nashville

92 finance Auto insurance advice that could help protect your financial future

98 booksAn eclectic assortment of reads this month for every taste

contentsMarch 2013

In EvEry IssuE 12 | Publisher’s Note

14 | coNtributors68 | style MarketPlace

76 | by iNvitatioN — the social pages

94 | haPPeNiNgs 97 | sources

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March 2013 • Vol. 11 No.12

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTORMargaret Monger | [email protected]

EDITORjanna fite herbison | [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNERbrittanY WaLLer | [email protected]

EDITorIal

COPY EDITORterri gLazer

SOCIETY EDITORLesLeY CoLvett | [email protected]

IMaGINGCOLOR MANAGEMENT

CharLes reYnoLds | [email protected]

aDVErTISING

SENIOR REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEMeLissa hosp | [email protected]

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEhiLarY frankeL | [email protected]

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESsUzanne boYd | [email protected]

david LaWhon

BUSINESS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONStrip Monger | [email protected]

WEBMASTER/OFFICE ASSISTANT LaUrie sUMMers

coNTrIBUTorS

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORSLinda Benton, ChuCk dauphin, apriL MCkinney, kristen

WaddeLL, sCott FueLLing, shana raLey-Lusk, andreW puLte, Jason reeves, J. david ForBes, aLan doyLe, JaMes

neWBurn, CharLes phiLLips, staCey May Brady, andrea CranFord, JuLia FaWaL

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSterrY sWeeneY, john terrY, Mike boatMan,

niCoLette overton

INTERNS andrea Cranford, jULia faWaL, niCoLette overton

hoW To rEach US671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200 | Cordova, TN 38018

toLL free 877.684.4155 | FAX 866.354.4886Website: athometn.com

beaUtY inQUiries: [email protected] inQUiries: [email protected]

At Home Tennessee does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Tennessee: 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018.

SUBScrIPTIoNS

Call 877.684.4155 or subscribe online at athometn.com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Tennessee is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Tennessee, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Tennessee, 671 N. Ericson Rd., Suite 200, Cordova, TN 38018 or by e-mail to [email protected]


publisher’s note

A New Chapter for Spring


I'd like to believe we have made it through another winter here in West Tennessee without a signifi cant ice or snow storm, but then again, it is the fi rst of March and anything can happen! I remember driving to Destin for spring break fi ve years ago and we had about fi ve inches of snow on the ground in Memphis. As I write this letter, it is sunny and 60 degrees, but rain and a drop in the temperature are predicted tomorrow. By the end of the week we will be back in the mid 30s, or so they say. Enough said.

The state of Tennessee is much like our weather in March, ever changing and very different from region to region. I have enjoyed getting to know our state better while traveling from the fl atlands and river town in which I live across the state to Rocky Top and everything in between. We, on the west side of our state, enjoy great blues and barbecue and those of you on the east side love your pancake houses. Although we share many great likenesses across Tennessee, our differences are just as abundant. So after seven years of traveling, featuring and celebrating this great state, we have decided it is time to come home and focus on what we know best.

Starting with the April issue, At Home Tennessee will become At Home Memphis & Mid-South. The reception we have received from our Memphis and Mid-South families has been overwhelming to say the least, and they couldn’t be more excited about this decision. The majority of our editorial content, going forward, will focus on the core area we call the Mid-South, with Memphis being its heartbeat. We will continue to bring you great places to visit across the state as we still love to spend time in Nashville, and quite a few people around here don’t miss a home game in Rocky Top, with high hopes still for a victorious football season once again. Personally, I can’t think of a better time to be an Ole Miss Rebel, but that’s me!

So this letter is defi nitely not a goodbye to the rest of our Tennessee family, but a warm hello again to our Memphis and Mid-South family. We are happy to be home and look forward to many years of bringing you beautiful homes, great entertainment and everything in between that makes our area so special.

Bring on the barbecue and blues and let’s get this spring season started!


contributors

LESLEY COLVETTattends some of the most fabulous parties throughout the state

as social editor for At Home Tennessee magazine. Colvett’s 10-year career in magazines began promptly after she graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism with her first

job as editor of Memphis’ RSVP magazine. If you would like At Home Tennessee to attend your upcoming event contact Lesley at

[email protected].

ANDREW PULTEis a gardening expert and internationally certified arborist who

teaches at the University of Tennessee, contributes to several gardening publications and hosts a radio show, “Garden Talk.”

Originally from Nebraska, Pulte now gardens and resides in Knoxville with his wife Beccy and son Theo. This month, he

gives best advice for your spring plant maintenance on page 72.

SHANA RALEY-LUSKis a freelance writer and regular contributor to At Home Tennessee magazine. Lusk is a lifelong reader who has a diverse background and education in fine arts, interior design and literature. This month, she highlights four different books for varying tastes on page 98.

ANGELA MAZANTIAngela Mazanti is the proprietor of Angela Mazanti Design. She specializes in interior, floral and event design, and her work has been locally and nationally recognized as outstanding in the field. Mazanti helps to plan the perfect Girls Night Out on page 82.

AprIL McKINNEyApril McKinney is an award-winning cook, food writer and recipe demonstrator. She has been featured on the Today show and Better TV, after her recipes won national cooking contests. You can also see her creating new healthy and simple dishes on her YouTube channel, “April McKinney Cooking,” where she demonstrates her recipes on camera. In this issue, McKinney shows us how to make indulgent snacks that are surprisingly healthy on page 86.

chucK DAuphINhas two decades of experience covering country music for both print and broadcast media. He is currently the online country

editor for Billboard magazine and has worked for radio stations such as WDKN and the Interstate Radio Network. He has also

written for such publications as Music City News and Roughstock, and can be heard weekly on WNKX / Centerville. This month, Dauphin talks to country music legend Tim McGraw about his

latest album and acting career on page 50.

LINDA bENToNAfter a 15-year career in marketing, Linda Benton decided to

pursue freelance writing. Over the years, her work has been published in Blush, CityScope and HealthScope m agazines.

Benton says she is most proud of her first published article - Lily’s Story. Published in 1998, Lily’s Story is the personal

account of Linda’s 1997 travel to Vietnam to adopt her daughter. Benton takes us through a Memphis familys

personal remodeling process this month on page 56.

KrISTEN MyErS WADDELLprofiles the Main Terrain Urban Art Fitness Park in Chattanooga this month on page 48. She is a member of the MidSouth Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, MPACT Memphis and the Arts Memphis BRAVO Memphis program.

March 2013 • athometn.com | 15

18 | At Home Tennessee • October 201218 | At Home Tennessee • March 2013

Best Seasonal Accessoriesfashion

From purses to shoes, we have what's hot off the runway

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1) Rose Digital Lace Wide Bangle Bracelet$995, Ippolita, www.saks.com

2) Clear Quartz & Mother-Of-Pearl Snowman DropEarrings$495, Ippolita, www.saks.com

3) Apricot Blossom Earrings$18, Modcloth, www.modcloth.com

4) Casablanca Cluster Necklace$98, Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com 5) Green and Gold Necklace $15, Charming Charlie, www.charmingcharlie.com

6) Apfel Cuff$420, DANNIJO, www.dannjio.com

7) Robinson Spectator Envelope Clutch$365, Tory Burch, www.toryburch.com

8) Red Pump$90, I•N•C International Concepts, www.macys.com

9) Printed Robinson Dome Satchel$395, Tory Burch, www.toryburch.com

10) Kelsey Middy Satchel$550, Tory Burch, www.toryburch.com

11) Colorblock Frame Clutch$940, Marni, www.saks.com

12) Marlow Loafer $285, Tory Burch, www.toryburch.com

13) Colorblock Suede Ankle Strap Sandals$765, Pierre Hardy, www.saks.com

beauty

COLOR TRENDSThe latest in makeup colors to transition your look this season

66 Lip Color in Wild GingerTom Ford, $48, www.neimanmarcus.com

4 Endless Silky Eye PenPixi, $15, www.pixibeauty.com

77Pure Color Palette in Batik SunEstee Lauder, $48, www.esteelauder.com

3Countless Color Pigments in AcousticStila, $22, www.sephora.com

2Pure Color Liquid Eyeliner Duo in Black SandsEstee Lauder, $29, www.esteelauder.com

55 Technicolor EyeshadowMAKE UP FOR EVER, $45, www.sephora.com

11Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for EyesClinique, $16, www.clinique.com

8 Spring 2013 Hope and Freedom Fest collectionORLY, $8.50 each, www.orlybeauty.com and Ulta stores

9After Glow Lip Color in Tangerine DreamStila, $18, www.sephora.com

10Pure Color Sheer Roller Gloss in SqueezeEstee Lauder, $19, www.esteelauder.com

Eye Glow Cube Pixi, $28, www.pixibeauty.com11Pixi, $28, www.pixibeauty.com11Pixi, $28, www.pixibeauty.com

for Spring


This sheer wash of lightweight, creamy colour is available in 12 shades. It is layerable, long-wearing and versatile, too.

The waterproof formula of Limited Edition Pure Color Liquid Eyeliner Duo in Black Sands defi nes eyes with a dual-ended, felt-tip wand in

smoldering shades of bronze and black for an eye-opening affect.

Channel your inner artist with full coverage, multi-use color pigments swirled with a unique effect. Each collage of color is a piece of art.

This waterproof, super-long-wear, no-smudge, no-budge eyeliner glides on like silk. In a single sweep motion create a fl awless, solid jewel-toned

line with no retouching required!

Technicolor Palette features bold, saturated colors that bring the eyes to life. Mix and match the eight shades to create highly pigmented, long-

lasting looks that refl ect any style or mood.

Rare and exotic ingredients in this lipstick create an ultra-creamy texture with an incredibly smooth application for the perfect lip color.

This versatile fi ve color palette allows you to play with intensities while blending and mixing shades from soft to bold. A high-style mix

of textures and shades inspire creative blending, highlighting and color accenting.

Hope and Freedom Fest celebrates social change, a suit-yourself spirit and a festival-inspired style. The six lacquers in the collection are

comprised of pale pastels, hints of glitter and vibrant crèmes.

Blaze brightly with these lip colors designed to dazzle by day and glow by night. The creamy lip crayons each have an easy-to-apply

consistency and a cherry-fl avored scent.

Pure Color Sheer Roller Gloss drenches lips in the ultimate in sheer, intensely hydrating color and shine. Exclusive technology

creates an dazzling high-refl ective fi nish that lasts.

This set includes 16 shadows in fresh metallics, golds, caramels and lilacs for a variety of long-lasting eye looks.

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The most frequent complaint I encounter in my integrative/holistic medical practice is, “Doc, I just don’t feel good.” Feeling tired, achy and “brain-fogged” can become a daily complaint for many as we move into our 30s and beyond. Weight gain, digestive issues and skin troubles often develop, and general energy takes a nosedive. Sound familiar?

What’s frequently missed in our healthcare approach is how much these issues are directly related to our lifestyles – our relationship to food, our movement and exercise, our sleep and rest, our stress levels and our cultivation of connectedness to ourselves and others. While we can get away with these fi ve issues being in sub-optimal condition (or worse) throughout adolescence and our 20s, once we approach middle age things start to change. I so often hear, “I’m not doing anything differently. Why do I feel so bad? I think it’s my hormones.” It very well might be, but the more likely answers lie with lifestyle and the fact that the “buffer zone” for absorbing unhealthy choices has just about worn out by our mid-30s.

The good news is that increased vitality and energy, weight loss, more restorative sleep, clearer thinking and concentration are achievable and recoverable in a very short amount of time. Thankfully, it doesn’t take nearly as long to feel better as it took to accumulate the problems. The biggest players are specifi c dietary items and lack of movement. Simply removing the toxic items from our diet for as little as two weeks and increasing our activity level can show dramatic results and give us a taste of how good we can really feel.

The primary culprits in my experience are wheat/grains, dairy, adulterated corn products and sugar/sweets. As a culture, we are barraged by these four on a daily basis, and it is precisely for that reason that our bodies are so often expressing adverse reactions; a well-known principle states that we can make the human body allergic to just about anything if we bombard it enough with that substance. Well, welcome to the basic American diet. A complete removal of these four items from the diet for two to three weeks will usually result in

substantial changes, including cessation of long-standing digestion problems, clearance of sinus issues and improvement in skin conditions, as well as the above mentioned benefi ts. I see it every day and I no longer become amazed at the changes my patients experience. There’s a phrase I hear, almost verbatim, more than any other: “Well, I never would’ve believed food was doing this to me.”

So what’s left to eat, you say? Well, lots of fruits and vegetables (75-80 percent of your intake), healthy lean protein (mostly fi sh or chicken), legumes and healthy fats from nuts and oils. Just for two weeks. See what happens.

Next, get moving! At the beginning, frequency is much more important than amount. If you can only walk for 10 minutes then do that. Every day. Your endurance will soon begin to increase naturally. Whatever form of movement or exercise you choose, make it something you actually enjoy. It won’t be sustainable if it’s just an obligatory task that you power through and hate.

health

TEXT BY J. DAVID FORBES, M.D., NASHVILLE INTEGRATED MEDICINEFORMER PRESIDENT, AMERICAN HOLISTIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

LIVING FOR YOUR HEALTH


Do I need supplements? Maybe, but not necessarily, and certainly not as many as you may think. A healthy variety of fruits and vegetables provides the majority of what we need, and if we don’t substantially change our diets, supplements won't be able to fi x much of anything.

To patients looking for a good baseline supplemental regimen, though, I frequently recommend (courtesy of Dr. Mark Hyman) a multivitamin; Vitamin D, 1,000-3,000 IU/day (get your levels checked and aim for 50-80); a B-50 complex vitamin; magnesium, 100-400 mg/day (up to bowel tolerance); fi sh oil, 1,000 mg/day; zinc, 25 mg/day; and a refrigerated probiotic blend with multiple organisms. These can often restore many missing elements and help you feel generally better.

Get some rest! The latest data on sleep is once again suggesting at least the eight-hour mark as a good gauge, and studies have repeatedly shown adverse effects with less than six hours per night, including a four-fold risk of diabetes. We tend to be a sleep-denying culture, and it’s killing us.

Stress is another major contributor to our sense of disease. We need to clear our bodies of emotional tension through body-based techniques and cultivate our inner world with practices such as meditation, prayer and yoga. It can really make a difference to your health, especially long-term.

When we make these fi ve “pillars” important and give them the time and attention they deserve, we reap a huge return on our investment. Not only do the benefi ts arrive quickly, but the changes we introduce lay a foundation for a future of better health and a more joyful and meaningful life.


lifestyle

TexT by Julia Fawal

NATIONAL NUTRITION

MONTH

“Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” That is the theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month—the campaign’s 40th anniversary. It encourages healthy eating personalized to each individual’s food preferences, lifestyle, cultural and ethnic traditions and health concerns. While eating many fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods is recommended across the board, below are some specific nutrition tips to ward off unwanted viruses, diseases and ailments.

CanCer

There is no guaranteed cure for cancer, but proper nutrition goes a long way in ensuring your body is prepared for anything. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, berries are a cancer-fighting powerhouse. They are full of ellagic acid, which has shown the ability to prevent cancers of the skin, bladder, lung, esophagus and breast. They are also an antioxidant, helping the body deactivate specific carcinogens and slow the reproduction of cancer cells. Studies found that the antioxidants found in green tea, red wine and olive oil might be able to prevent cancer cells from dividing and even protect against various types of cancer, according to the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry.

OsteOpOrOsis

Vitamin D and calcium are the main guards against osteoporosis, and the two work hand in hand. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says that calcium builds strong bones and keeps them healthy, but it is useless without Vitamin D to help the body absorb it. Great sources of calcium include broccoli, spinach,

collard greens, almond milk and low-fat dairy products. Vitamin D is harder to find in food, but you can get it by eating salmon, tuna and vitamin D-fortified juice or milk, by taking a daily multivitamin or by enjoying the March weather out in the sun.

Digestive HealtH

For proper digestive health, load up on fiber. Fiber helps food pass quickly and smoothly through the digestive system while keeping you feeling full for a longer amount of time. Avocados are a great source for fiber, as well as whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats and whole-wheat breads. Bananas are another fiber-packed food source, and they also provide electrolytes and potassium. However, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the most overlooked but pivotal piece of digestive health is water. Drinking at least eight cups throughout the day or eating water-rich foods such as melons, cucumbers and tomatoes helps break down and move food through the digestive system.

immune system

This year marked one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory, but experts say proper nutrition is key to battling those unwanted viruses. Omega-3 fatty acids in foods such as salmon increase the activity of the white blood cells that eat up bacteria. In addition, Harvard Health Publications cites that the healthy bacteria found in probiotics actually help protect the gut and strengthen the immune system. Probiotics are found in foods like yogurt, but try kefir for the strongest probiotic

punch. Blueberries are also a major immune system booster. Mix them with probiotics and germs hardly stand a chance!

HeaDaCHes

A headache can quickly ruin a perfectly good day. They occur for various reasons, but dehydration is one of the most common factors. The book Teach Me What to Eat if I Have Headaches and Migraines suggests to combat headaches, eat water-rich foods such as watermelon. The fruit’s magnesium will also help soothe your head by relaxing blood vessels. Other foods loaded with magnesium are almonds, bananas and avocados. Headaches can also be a sign that your body needs calcium.

mOOD swings

Feeling down? What you eat actually has a major effect on your mood. Avoid foods that are processed and loaded with simple carbs.Instead, try eating oats. They affect blood glucose levels less dramatically than simple carbs, so the slow release of energy will make you feel better throughout the day. For more happy feelings, mix in nuts or banana slices. Nuts are full of omega-3s, which are linked to lower levels of depression, and bananas contain tryptophan, which MSN Healthy Living says will help regulate your mood. But if you simply feel like nothing but chocolate will cheer you up, grab dark chocolate. Full of antioxidants, it boosts endorphins and helps release serotonin, which is one of the "feel good" neurotransmitters in the brain. Everything in moderation, of course!

TEXT BY ANDREA CRANFORD AND JULIA FAWAL

SPRING BREAKTENNESSEE STYLE

Keeper Kids, Tennessee AquariumWilderness at the Smokies


best of

Adventure Science Center


It seems like the winter holidays were just yesterday, and now spring break is already upon us. With all the hustle and bustle of daily life, planning an extravagant trip might be time consuming and out of budget. Instead, take a real break and explore one of the many attractions Tennessee has to offer. Whether you live in Mountain City or Memphis, plan some family time and go on a spring break adventure to one of these great locations.

WEST TENNESSEE

Children’s Museum of MemphisYour kids will not even realize they are

learning at The Children's Museum of Memphis. Full of hands-on exhibits, the museum allows children to explore in a positive, family-oriented environment. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With exhibits about banking to thunderstorms and everything in between, the Children's Museum of Memphis is the place where kids play to learn and adults learn to play.

Pink Palace Museum – MemphisThe museum is one of the largest facilities

of its kind in the Southeast. The Pink Palace features exhibits on subjects ranging from dinosaurs to Elvis. It also has an exact replica of the very fi rst self-service grocery in the U.S. Kids can enjoy tours through the mansion along with an IMAX theater and planetarium.

Casey Jones Village – JacksonThe Village features the legendary engineer’s

home as well as a railroad museum, Casey Jones mini-golf and the Little Artist Studio. Visitors can also enjoy live weekly music at the Music Highway Crossroads, along with down-home Southern cooking and an ice cream parlor at the world-famous Old Country Store.

Chickasaw State Park – HendersonThe ideal place for a rustic getaway with the

kids this spring, Chickasaw State Park gets its name from the historic Chickasaw tribe of Native Americans. The park boasts 29 tent campsites for overnight visitors and 13 vacation cabins. The property also features hiking trails, fi shing, an on-site restaurant and playgrounds.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE

The Renaissance Center – DicksonThe highlight of the spring break season for

The Renaissance Center is the musical Seussical, Jr. This production at the Renaissance Players Community Theatre will run March 8-10 and features 50 local kids from the Middle Tennessee area. Seussical, Jr. is a magical, musical adventure based on Doctor Seuss’ Cat in the Hat and a gaggle of delightful characters who try to restore harmony to the Jungle of Nool.

Opry Mills – NashvilleOpry Mills features more than 200 stores with

savings of up to 70 percent off every day from some of the best names in retail, including outlet locations of Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap, LOFT, Nike, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Adventure Science Center – NashvilleFamilies can join Scholastic's The Magic

School Bus™ until April 28 at Adventure Science Center to learn meteorology and the science of weather. Based on the best-selling Scholastic books and the television series, the bilingual, hands-on traveling exhibit transports visitors into the wacky world of weather. The fun begins as children learn how to create snowfl ake crystals, make a hot air balloon soar, experience a hurricane and snowstorm, and become a meteorologist for the day!

Pink Palace Museum


best of

Keeper Kids, Tennessee Aquarium

Wilderness at the Smokies

Casey Jones VillageOpry Mills

Adventure Science Center


East tEnnEssEE

Tennessee Aquarium — ChattanoogaSpring break turns into a wild adventure at the

Tennessee Aquarium when kids get a chance to get closer to some of the aquarium’s most amazing animals and discover what it’s like to care for them as Keeper Kids. From March 15 to April 15, kids can explore behind the scenes, chat with penguin experts, feed feisty otters, meet baby jellies and seahorses and learn what it takes to care for giant freshwater fish and toothy sharks. These experiences are free with aquarium admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wilderness at the Smokies — SeviervilleSituated in the foothills of the Great

Smoky Mountains, Wilderness at the Smokies is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations. The resort is home to restaurants, gift shops, convenience stores, game rooms and two 18-hole championship golf courses, as well as an indoor water park and Adventure Forest.

On April 1, Wilderness at the Smokies is premiering the Cyclone Racer, a four-lane high-speed waterslide that turns guests into hydro-powered drag racers. The Cyclone Racer will feature 1,200 feet of combined waterslide lanes.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies — Gatlinburg

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies gives you an underwater experience without getting wet! Experience the lush world of the Tropical Rainforest or have fun in a kid’s paradise in the Discovery Center. Enjoy entertaining dive and feeding shows in Coral Reef, Stingray Bay and Penguin Playhouse—and see it all through clear underwater tunnels.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Sevier County

Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike to the crest of a mountain or prefer to sit quietly and watch the sunset, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of activities to enjoy. The hardest part may be choosing which auto tour, trail, waterfall, overlook or historic area to explore!

Additional highlights across the state to visit this season include Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Spring Race Weekend at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and Elvis’ new Hawaii exhibit at Graceland in Memphis.

Welcome to spring!

March 2013 • athometn.com |37

38| At Home Tennessee • March 2013

travel Destination:


TEXT BY JANNA FITE HERBISON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE SWAG


Destination:


TEXT BY JANNA FITE HERBISON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE SWAG


travel


I had visited The Swag Country Inn for dinner years ago with my mom before returning for an official stay last November to the retreat not far from Asheville. And the peaceful, serene setting

along with amazing scenery struck me once again. I was fortunate to spend a few days at The Swag this time around, and I’m still counting the days until I can go back.

Now celebrating its 32nd season, The Swag is the perfect blend of high-end, resort-quality cuisine and amenities in a rustic, quiet locale with a season that runs from late April to mid-November. It sits on 250 acres at an elevation of 5,000 feet, and is a full-service destination mountaintop inn. I stayed in a cabin called The Woodshed, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, a private sauna, an outdoor shower, and the Smoky Mountains as my backyard view. No televisions in the rooms – but believe me, you won’t need them. There is a television in the main building, but you eventually forget it’s there. The rooms do come, however, with a new friend – a cute little stuffed black bear you can adopt to take home if you wish (I did – and now “Smokey” belongs to my eight-year-old son).

The Swag has a total of 14 unique guest rooms (including four suites), along with three separate guest quarters – The Woodshed, Two Story and The Cabin. The main lodge and the cabins on the property are actually built of 17th- and 18th-century hand-hewn logs. One of the best souvenirs (aside from the bear) is a personalized hiking stick in each room. Mine came in rather handy during our hikes, and now is a special reminder at home of my Swag stay. Another interesting feature is the daily delivery of the New York TimesDigest – just a small reminder of the busy world left behind, if only for a few days.

The most special aspects about this private retreat, though, are the warm welcome and genuine hospitality you receive from the innkeepers – Dan and Deener Matthews – along with the entire staff of less than 40.

“Once you enter our gated driveway, you will climb 2-1/2 miles up our tree-lined road,” says Dan. “You will gradually shed the cares of your world behind our welcoming gate.”

Dan is also an Episcopal clergyman, and now Rector Emeritus of Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City. He and others were inside the church across the street from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, but miraculously, they all survived that day when the Towers came down.


travel


“I didn’t hear from him for hours,” says Deener. “It was really hard, but we are so very thankful that Dan and everyone at the church eventually made it out. Experiences like that help remind you to be grateful for each day.”

Indeed, the spirit of The Swag is evident to all who visit, and the Matthews say that is an important part of the entire experience.

“When you come here, there is just a feeling in the air, and there’s nothing else like it,” says Deener. “Just breathing it all in is special.”

“We are the highest inn east of the Rockies and have a full mile frontage on the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” adds Dan. “So when our guests go out to explore the 6,000-year-old trail at our back door, they are not likely to encounter other hikers.”

The food and atmosphere inside the main lodge of The Swag are just as high quality as the amenities. All meals are covered in your stay, and include a huge breakfast buffet, lunch packed in a backpack or picnic basket, hors d’oeuvres and drinks on the porch at 4 p.m. (bring your own wine or spirits if that’s a preference), followed by a mouthwatering four-course dinner each night. I can speak from experience in saying each and every meal was delicious and unique.

Executive Chef Bryan Kimmett brings his own fl air of slow cooking that he calls “comfort food with a twist.” Some of the menu items include Poached Lemon Sole, Wild

Boar Stew in red wine, goat cheese, smoked tomato chutney, and Pear and Blackberry Tart for dessert – basically the type of cuisine you would expect from a fi ve-star restaurant in the city, not a mountaintop retreat. But then again, it’s just one way The Swag stands out.

One of the most memorable events of my stay, took place after an early-morning hike through a nearby trail in the Smokies. Each trail at The Swag is well maintained and carefully marked. We fi nished the hike and walked atop Gooseberry Mountain, where we were met with stunning views and a gourmet buffet picnic that Chef Kimmett serves each Wednesday. And if the hike doesn’t take your breath away, the gorgeous scenery on this mountaintop will. It is truly like nothing I have ever seen in terms of nature’s beauty.

Many of the visitors you meet at The Swag have been returning for years. With the inn’s intimate setting, you get the chance to spend time with the other guests and get to know their stories. I enjoyed spending time with Sylvia and Troy Tomlinson of Portland, Tenn., who were celebrating their 25th anniversary at The Swag, something they have done for the past 10 years.

Upstairs, next to the gift shop, pictures of some notable guests and friends of the Matthews line the walls, including Dolly Parton, Katie Couric, Rudy Giuliani and even a picture of Dan with the Queen of England. These same pictures are interspersed with photos from events such as their daughter’s wedding and of The Swag’s caretaker. To me, it was just one sign of a rich life and history for this special couple and their family – one they enjoy sharing with others year after year.

So if you are looking for an unforgettable and unique getaway with all the comforts and features of resort living, albeit rustic style, I highly recommend a visit to Dan and Deener’s little hideaway in the mountains.

-Troy Tomlinson, President/CEOSony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville

My wife Sylvia and Ifi rst visited the Swag on our 15th wedding

anniversary, and recently celebrated our

25th there. Dan and Deener’s hospitality, the

staff, the new friends made and the marvelous cuisine make The Swag special to us every time. When we start up that mountain, we feel like we are going home.

“

“

Dan and Deener Matthews, The Swag Innkeepers


roadtrip

PARADISE FOR LOVERStext by Stacey May brady

Nestled within the fine, sugary-white dunes on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Henderson Park Inn in Destin, Florida is among the best kept secrets on the Gulf of Mexico. This luxury boutique hotel has become a favorite getaway for couples seeking a romantic respite and for those who appreciate living well. The inn offers adults an inclusive experience where their only decision is which seats to take while enjoying cocktails on the veranda.

Recently, Henderson Park Inn was recognized as “Most Romantic Hotel in North America” in the About.com Readers’ Choice Award contest; it placed as the number one hotel of 42 in Destin and was voted “Best Place to Pop the Question” in Destin magazine’s “Best in Destin” readers’ poll.

In spring 2011, the inn added new upgrades and a fresh palette. The lobby sets a relaxing tone with rich hardwood floors, custom art and shades of sea greens, blues and sandy creams reflective of the Emerald Coast.

The inn would be right at home in the wine country, but has set out to forge its own

unique identity with its New England style of architecture, warm, tailored décor, attention to detail and Southern charm.

“We offer a very unique experience. Our motto is ‘act before asked,’” says Ryan Olin, general manager and innkeeper.

The understated charm and luxury of Henderson Park Inn lend themselves to a very “grown-up” sophistication. Rooms are elegantly furnished and decorated with four-poster beds, sitting areas and spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.

“When guests arrive to their room they are greeted with a bottle of wine, grapes, a rose and romantic music,” Olin says.

Beyond the rooms, a wrap-around porch and wooden veranda offer ample space for meandering, sitting, admiring the breathtaking vistas or having a glass of wine while watching the ocher hues of the sun as it takes its final bow into the Gulf waters. The inn provides complimentary bicycles, beach umbrellas and chairs for guests’ use as well.

Happy hour is a popular occasion out on the spacious deck each day as guests gather at the Tiki Hut bar for fresh margaritas, wine and beer. Wood and wicker rocking chairs on a padded deck make it a comfortable and welcoming place to enjoy. Just off the deck a large lawn strung with festive party lights evokes a garden-like atmosphere.

On the north side of the inn, a new area has been extensively landscaped to host wedding receptions and other events. The Beachwalk Café serves dinner nightly; only the food surpasses its panoramic views of the Gulf. This award-winning eatery has been popular for years among locals and is the only area fine-dining restaurant located directly on the beach.

Henderson Park Inn is a special place to create memories and has become a favored destination for seasoned travelers from around the country and abroad. Yet to be discovered by the masses, the inn offers a laid-back elegance ideal for lovers and those looking for inspiration.


roadtrip

“Visit a good art fair and you may very well see art in a new light. Visit a great art fair and you’re likely to see all of life in a whole new light,” says Doyle Warrington, Executive Director of the Ridgeland (MS) Tourism Commission, which founded the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival (then called the Renaissance Fine Arts Festival) in 2009. Over the past four years, that core belief has helped the innovative event “color outside the lines” in a free-flowing, family-friendly celebration that does more than showcase museum-quality art. Rather, it connects art and artists with the public in a way that many say has been rewarding for all involved.

“In Ridgeland, it’s a very accessible event,” says a past exhibitor. “It’s a relaxed, beautiful setting in beautiful spring weather.”

Not surprisingly, the two-day art show, set this year for April 6-7, has seen attendance and participation climb, as accolades have rolled in, including recognition in Art Fair Sourcebook’s Top 100 Fine Arts Festivals in the U.S., and as a Top 20 event by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

Still, festival organizers continue to innovate. This year 82 artists from all over the nation will showcase their works against the lushly landscaped backdrop of Renaissance at Colony Park, a lifestyle center inspired by Old World European design. Once again, visitors will stroll down brick walkways, past fountains and outdoor cafes as they find themselves immersed in an arts experience that delights every sense.

Be warned, however: If you attend the 2013 Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, you may take home beautiful art work, but you may take home an artist, too, when the child who came with you finds the spark for a lifelong passion. “Since we’ve had so much success with our ARTtipate children’s activities, we decided to expand them this year in several important ways,” Warrington explains.

First, working with the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, the Festival will host a “Creative Crafts Corner” offering hands-on craft making for children as well as demonstrations by guild artisans at work. Blacksmith Lyle Winn will forge unique iron pieces, Robert Pickenpaugh will hand-throw pottery, Anne Campbell will

sculpt wire creations, and Ken McLemore and Henry Bufkin will carve wood art.

Children will have the opportunity to see art made and to make it themselves, Warrington notes, which may spur them to visualize some of the many lifelong opportunities inherent in art itself. “This will help them to imagine the many ways they might make art a vocation as well as an avocation.”

Approximately 100 students from area high schools will show and explain their creations in the festival’s Youth Art Show and Gallery.

Award-winning Alabama painter Charles Gatewood, whose moody, school room paintings have been a hit with critics and the public alike, has witnessed firsthand the excitement of children participating in art fairs like Ridgeland’s. “They’re very proud of the work they’ve made. And when they arrive, that’s their first question. ‘Where’s the kids’ tent?’”

TexT and phoTography courTesy of The ridgeland, ms commission

THE RIDGELAND FINE ARTS FESTIVAL:COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES

Handmade Wooden Rockers at Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival

Handmade jewelry at the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival

Hand-blown Glass Artwork at Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival

EvERy CHILD IS aN aRTIST. THE pRObLEm IS TO REmaIN aN aRTIST ONCE HE GROwS Up. – Pablo Picasso


Growing up in Mississippi, Gatewood had no education in art, and worked as an industrial designer for General Motors for more than a decade before becoming a painter. Many artists come to their passion through circuitous routes, and discovering their stories can be one of the more inspirational—even aspirational—aspects of the festival experience, says Warrington. “All great art is at heart a mystery. But the artistic dialogue here is refreshingly demystifying, which can lead to greater artistic appreciation at every level. And that may also awaken an impulse to create.” In other words: the artist you take home from the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival may be…you.

As in the past, the juried art selections will encompass works in 12 different media including clay, drawing/pastels, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. But the festival will also “color outside the lines” with a taste of excellence in culinary arts, with the ticketed Eat Y’all Chef ’s Table on Saturday evening, a five-course dinner event and demonstration with sommelier service. Also on Saturday adults can enjoy the TINT refreshment area.

But to soak up the musical atmosphere, visitors won’t need a ticket, thanks to a lineup that includes the jazz stylings of festival favorite Raphael Semmes and performances by the bands from Delta State University’s Delta Music Institute. The institute will also bring along its Music Mobile Lab where visitors can see the instrumental and audio setup that allows students to create their own music.

Whether creating, collecting, coloring or carving at the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, Warrington notes, “you’ll find ageless art experience for all ages.”

Festival hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday, 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Just a few miles outside the state capital of Jackson, Ridgeland is a combination arts colony and retail mecca with more than 140 restaurants, excellent lodging options and a variety of attractions. In the immediate vicinity, visitors can explore other works by the Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild at the Mississippi Crafts Center, or enjoy nature’s lavish handiwork at the Natchez Trace Parkway and the blue jewel of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Art-related destinations in nearby Jackson include the Mississippi Museum of Art and the hands-on Mississippi Children’s Museum.

Learn more about the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival at ridgelandartsfest.com and Ridgeland at visitridgeland.com.

roadtrip

H.C. Porter – Local Mississippi Artist and the Artist Liaison

Festival attendees shopping in one of the art booths


arts

Chattanooga’ssouthside:

Home Toone-of-A-KindouTdoor PArK

Main Terrain Urban Art Fitness Park Offers Interactive Art, Fitness and Fun

TexT by KrisTen Waddell

Outdoor fitness parks are popping up in cities across the country, and Chattanooga is no exception. Local businesses have collaborated on an urban redevelopment project that has transformed a vacant tract of land into an unprecedented fusion of fitness, fun and art. The Main Terrain Urban Art Fitness Park recently opened its gates to the public in Chattanooga’s Southside district. The park is located on a 1.72 acre lot that sits along Broad Street between West Main and West 13th.

Once an unused property, the park now connects the vibrancy of downtown with the up-and-coming Southside and features interactive public art, a one-third mile walking track and a five-station adult fitness center used by Chattanoogans and tourists alike. This revitalized public green space allows park-goers to experience art in a new way while highlighting the city’s commitment to wellness.

“The Southside’s landscape and community will never be the same,” says Peggy Townsend,

director of Public Art Chattanooga. “The project’s innovative design is not only stunning but uniquely functional.”

After a year of planning and construction, Main Terrain held its grand opening in late January. Funding for this inventive project was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Lyndhurst Foundation and a collaboration of local businesses and organizations including the City of Chattanooga, PlayCore, ArtsBuild, Public Art Chattanooga, Trust for Public Land, and Ross/Fowler Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

Internationally-renowned artist Thomas Sayre was chosen from a national competition to design a distinctive urban park that would combine art and fitness in a unique space for physical play. Sayre designed a series of nine sculptures which are the centerpiece of the park and are reminiscent of the Walnut Street

Bridge. The pieces are movable so that park-goers can interact with them by turning the 18-inch spoke replica “steam wheels” at the base of each sculpture, in turn rotating the components 360 degrees. The sculptures are also fitted with energy-efficient lighting that, at night, simulates the lights on a real bridge.

“Chattanoogans will be able to directly interact with the sculptures,” says Townsend. “The park will give everyone the opportunity to appreciate art while engaging in physical fitness in a fun, brand-new way.”

Main Terrain also functions as a site for stormwater management. This key environmentally-friendly feature battles storm water pollution and overflow and can accumulate 40,000 gallons of stormwater weekly, which will be reused to supplement irrigation of the park.


music

MusicCityWith Chuck DauphinScene

One of country music’s biggest stars of the past two decades, Tim McGraw, enters into a new phase of his recording career with the release of his latest album, Two Lanes of Freedom. It’s his fi rst album for Big Machine after a long run with Curb Records. Many critics are calling it his best work – which is saying a lot, given his long line of successes such as Live Like You Were Dying and Southern Voice.

In addition to his music, McGraw has carved out quite a movie career, with roles that have included Memphian Sean Tuohy in The Blind Side. Is there anything new coming down that career avenue for McGraw? “Nothing right now,” he says. “I’m reading scripts and I’ve read a few that may come back around, but it’s all about timing for me. It’s fi nding time to do it.” Time might be hard to come by lately with the album release and a summer tour fi guring heavily in McGraw’s plans. “That being said, if I found a fi lm or project that I just had to do, then I would do it, but so far, I haven’t found that yet,” he admits.

Which movie did he enjoy the most? “I’ve enjoyed every one of them, learned from each, and got to work with some great actors, but Friday Night Lights is one of my favorite roles. That character was such a dark character, but (had) so many layers to it, and it was my fi rst big role. Bad guys are always fun to play,” he says with a smile.

McGraw adds that acting is similar to recording in a lot of ways. “You try to create a scenario where you are the character walking through the song, and translate that to where the listener can feel the same thing. That’s what you do as an artist – you try to project life or someone else’s life into what you’re doing. You want them to make that connection as well. That’s why great characters in songs or movies are so layered, that somewhere in the character you can fi nd yourself, and if you can fi nd that in something you are listening to or watching, you can go along for the ride. I think that’s what every sort of art is intended to do.”

With 2013 marking two decades since his fi rst album, is there anything he would do differently if he had a chance? “There’s a long list, but I guess it’s a practice in futility, because any different step you make along the way could change where you are. Certainly, under a microscope, I might say ‘I would change this and that,’ but once you pull out from that and you look at it as a whole, the picture begins to change. And I don’t know if I would do that,” he says honestly.

Two Lanes Of Freedom is in stores now. Look for McGraw on the road starting in May, along with Brantley Gilbert and Love & Theft.

Legendary artist Tim McGraw talks music

and movies


at home with

Rachel Bost onIntervIew by Janna FIte HerbIson | pHotos courtesy oF nancy IannIos Mccarty, core pr

Signal Mountain native and actress Rachel Boston has made a name for herself in television and film, starring in hit shows such as American Dreams and In Plain Sight

along with movies like Ghosts of Girlfriends Past and 500 Days of Summer. This month, she dishes on recent projects, growing up in East Tennessee, and her early days as a

Southerner in New York City.

At Home Tennessee: You moved from Signal Mountain to New York at age 17 to pursue acting. What motivated you to take such a big step?

Rachel Boston: It took a lot of courage, but I knew what I wanted to do and was ready to go. I started singing in the church choir when I was seven and my mom told me there was this city with lots of lights where people sang on stage for a living. She later contacted New York University and Juilliard, so that was the start of my love for New York. In high school, I had an extraordinary drama teacher named Suzanne Smartt who had worked in New York, so she really encouraged me to make the move. I bought a one-way ticket and started the journey.

AHT: What type of challenges did you face as a Southerner?

RB: I had a strong Southern accent growing up but it somehow disappeared. It still comes back every time I talk to my grandmother.

When I first moved to New York, I would smile at people on the street and they would suspiciously stare at me and then ask, "Do I know you?" I quickly learned that in the North, people only smile at you if they know you. This seemed strange but I kept my head down. Now, when I'm working in New York, I just smile at everyone and walk really fast. That really confuses them. Next I'm going to start baking homemade cookies for my New York neighbors and hand them out in my cowboy boots—really get their heads spinning.

AHT: What were some of your most memorable roles early on?

RB: The first show I filmed in Los Angeles was American Dreams. I drove onto a lot with the Hollywood sign in view and couldn't believe I was getting to tell stories on a studio lot in California. It was a very magical time in my career and in my life. Following that role, I was very fortunate to walk in the shoes of some beautiful souls. I played an Amish woman on Grey's Anatomy. She left her family

and everyone she loved to start a new life. I also played an American soldier who was raped in Iraq on ER. I have many childhood friends who serve in the military and I wanted to bring truth and respect to the women and men who are protecting us. After that, I started doing a lot of comedy.

AHT: Tell us about playing the role of Abigail on the USA Network hit series In Plain Sight. (2008-12)

RB: I've always been fascinated by the U.S. Marshals Service and was fortunate to join a show I had already watched and loved. The cast was very embracing and I really enjoyed filming in New Mexico. Years before I started work on In Plain Sight, my car was broken into in New Mexico while I was filming another series. The Albuquerque Police Department caught the guy, and I became friends with the detective assigned to the case over the phone. So when I was cast in In Plain Sight, I called up my detective friend and he took me on ride-alongs.

A young Rachel on stage on Signal Mountain

AHT: What are some of your current and upcoming projects?

RB: I just fi lmed a pilot for Lifetime called Witches of East End. Julia Ormond plays my mom and Jenna Dewan Tatum is my sister. I play Ingrid Beauchamp. When I was born, my mom did not tell me that I have supernatural powers, but I start slowly piecing it together and fi nd the strength to use these gifts to help people. A fi lm called It's A Disaster is also coming to theaters (and On Demand) in March. It's about the end of the world and was so much fun to shoot. Julia Stiles, America Ferrera and David Cross are all wonderful people to spend time with if the world may or may not be ending. An indie we fi lmed in New York called The Pill is out on DVD now and I produced a fi lm called Black Marigoldsthat will be out in festivals this year.

AHT: Who or what has surprised you the most in the entertainment industry?

RB: I learn something new every day and there are always surprises with new casts, directors and crews. Each character guides me to a deeper level of compassion. That's what drew me to this art form. I feel such a deep connection with people I meet, and I want to walk in different shoes. I think the biggest surprise for me has been the travel. They don't teach you how to live out of your suitcase when you are in theater school.

AHT: At the end of the day, what makes Tennessee such a special place to call home?

RB: The values, the spirit, the soul and the kindness of the people. I love getting off the plane in Nashville. My heart feels happy. I spent Christmas with my family on Signal Mountain. When I'm in Nashville I take my grandmother to The Grand Ole Opry; she and my grandfather went on their fi rst date to The Opry. I'm a huge fan of Minnie Pearl. She came on stage every night saying "Howdy, I'm jes’ so proud to be here!" That's how I feel when I come home to Tennessee!

I drove onto a lot withthe Hollywood sign in view, and couldn't believe I was

getting to tell stories on a studio lot in California.

-Rachel on the early days of her career


at home with

“

“

As Abigail in USA Network's In Plain Sight (with Frederick Weller)

Screen shot from In Plain Sight

With Jonathan Bennett in Lifetime's Holiday High School Reunion


technology

TEXT BY SCOTT FUELLING, PRESIDENT,PHOENIX UNEQUALED HOME ENTERTAINMENT, MEMPHIS

KEEPING YOU AND

YOUR FAMILY

SAFEWith the number of home invasions, violent

crimes, break-ins and more reported on the news each day, it should come as no surprise that many homeowners want to enhance their home security and safety solutions.

Today’s home security systems are more versatile than ever. However, when you couple them with a solid home control system, you not only get additional security benefi ts, but also energy management, comfort, convenience and ease of use.

Life is complex these days and most everyone retreats to their home to relax, unwind and spend all-important quality time with their families. The last thing people want to have to worry about is their family’s safety and security. Through a well-thought-out approach to home protection, you can rest easy knowing your home is secure and your family is safe.

When meeting with my clients, I ask them to help me understand their lifestyle—how their home is utilized during the day and also during the evening hours. Imagine having a solution that automatically pops up a door or driveway camera on any television that is in use when the doorbell rings, and then automatically resumes your originally selected source after a predetermined time limit…

Or maybe heading off to bed at night and simply pressing the goodnight button on any light switch, keypad, television, smartphone or tablet and having all of your exterior doors

lock, any open garage doors close, all public areas of the home power down, the interior and exterior lighting set to your desired levels and the thermostats adjust after a predetermined time, preparing your entire house for retiring for the evening.

If your security system detects an intrusion, all lighting can be activated inside the home and exterior lighting set to fl ash to draw maximum attention to the property. In addition, bedrooms will remain dark, allowing you to have the upper hand by seeing intruders before they see you.

If a life safety alarm activates, such as smoke, heat or carbon monoxide detection, lighting can be turned on at low levels in hallways and staircases, and lights at exits can fl ash to assist you in fi nding them should smoke be present. Any and all of this is possible now. The best part is a large majority of the options are retrofi t ready, meaning that often no new wires have to be installed.

How about advanced camera solutions that offer high-defi nition resolution in a color by day, low-light/infrared by night format? It is not only important to see outside, but to be able to identify as well. Couple these cameras with the latest in camera system apps and you have the ability to see your home in real time from most anywhere in the world with active 4G service.

Parents of young children appreciate a simple deadbolt keypad on an exterior door that will

allow a child to enter a code, unlock the door and send an email letting you know he is home safe and sound. These devices can even program the door to lock after the child enters the home.

A pleasant byproduct of these types of security solutions is the additional lifestyle enhancements they provide. Simple and energy-effi cient control of your home’s major systems is readily available. Easy access and control of your entertainment systems and even remote management of your home are possible.

You can install all of the security devices you want, but it is important to have a plan. You have to make sure your family applies some simple practices as a normal behavior.

• Closing doors after entering the home, keeping all entry points secure and locked. • Arming the security system when you are home for the evening, providing an immediate alert to any attempted unauthorized entry. • Having your children arm the alarm system once they are home from school. • Determining safe hiding areas should the need to retreat be present. • Most importantly, being aware of what is going on around you.

These as well as many other scenarios all add valuable reaction time in case a situation occurs.

Till next month…

ADVANCES IN HOME SECURITY


HOMEfeature


HOMEfeature

Re-CreatingA HOME

TEXT BY LINDA BENTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY SWEENEY

HOMEfeature



HOMEfeatureT he old East Memphis home had a lot going for it—a great location, a large wooded lot, a quiet cul de sac and tons of character. But it

was stale, dark and in need of updating. The homeowners initially contacted Memphis builder Phil White to look at ways to update and expand the kitchen. “It always starts with the kitchen,” laughs White, who is well known in the Memphis area for high-end renovation projects. “But it always evolves into more!” Built in the 1980’s, the traditional home had great bones, but the kitchen was cramped and dark. Its layout was not conducive to the residents’ love of entertaining family and friends. “After a couple meetings with the homeowners, the excitement over the possibilities led to bigger plans....much bigger plans!” White worked with the homeowners and Memphis designer Cindy McCord to transform the entire house from middle-of-the-road to magnificent.

“This was an amazing project,” says McCord, owner of McCord Designs. “I was given so much creative freedom in choosing paints, fabrics and furnishings, but the greatest aspect of this project was being able to weave my design vision with Phil White’s construction genius—he is a perfectionist in everything he does.”

Walking into the home’s front entrance sets the stage for a traditional, yet comfy-casual environment. “We kept the Mexican terracotta tile which was prevalent in most of the house,” shares McCord. “It was a great springboard for the interior color palette.” Creamy ivories, taupes and white dominate the walls and floor coverings, but almost every room of the house has a warm pop of coral, crimson or rich chocolate brown. “Because the homeowners love to entertain, the dining room, kitchen and adjoining hearth room received the most attention,” she adds.

While most dining rooms are filled with the traditional table and chairs, the homeowners had a unique request for seating they had seen at a friend’s place on Lake Michigan. “They wanted banquette seating at each end of the dining table,” says McCord. “Because this room was so big, the idea worked beautifully.” The designer found curved-back banquettes that hugged the curved edges of the custom-made mahogany table. Upholstered in a buff-colored velvet, the banquettes give the room a definite originality. A trellis pattern repeated in the custom-made sisal rug and the silk window panels along with a combination of wallpaper and paint give subtle interest to the walls without competing with the other patterns in the room.


HOMEfeature


HOMEfeature

By knocking out a few walls in the kitchen, opening up the space to the hearth room and adding a breakfast nook to the side of the house, the main hub of the home is now bright, spacious and very user-friendly. In the kitchen, classic ivory-glazed cabinets serve as a great backdrop for the glass-tiled backsplash and the two different shades of granite. countertops “I wanted to bring some contrast to the cabinets so I chose a dark granite for the perimeter of the room, but I used a lighter shade for the island counter to keep the space open and bright,” says the designer. For a unique focal point in the breakfast nook, McCord used an oversized Chinese-red lantern above the antique walnut table and chairs. A sisal rug warms up the terracotta tile floor while taupe and red linen drapes frame the windows without shutting out the welcome light.

The hearth room adjacent the kitchen is designed for family time with comfortable seating in abundance, a large flat-screen TV, a leather ottoman for resting weary feet, a fireplace and plenty of storage. “One of the unique features of the room is the restyled built-in cabinetry,” says McCord. “It was big, white and bland.” Bland no more, the cabinets are finished in warm taupe paint and have doors that feature heavy-gauge metal screens backed with fabric. Between

the two storage cabinets is a piece of art that was commissioned especially for the family. “The homeowners are newly married, and they wanted a piece of art that would reflect their lives coming together as one,” Mccord says. The artwork, by Ken Lecco, was created from a variety of forged metals. It depicts four trees which represent the husband, wife and two daughters. “After experiencing the pain and loss of divorce, the family really wanted to make a statement about ‘growing together’ as a new family; this piece of art reflects that sentiment beautifully,” she adds.

The flow from the hearth room and the screened patio beyond provides a space custom-made for entertaining. “I am so pleased the homeowners liked the idea of covering the backyard patio,” says White. “The yard is such an asset to this home and the creation of the outdoor living space allows the family to really enjoy it more!” Details in the outdoor living room like the knotty-pine beadboard ceiling and the dramatic roof pitch give the space show-stopping style. Skylights flood the area with natural light. Cindy furnished the outdoor living room with practical and durable lightweight aluminum furniture in a driftwood gray finish, topped with comfy cushions and pillows in shades of yellow and gray. A custom-made wooden sofa swing filled

with pillows hangs on heavy hemp ropes from the ceiling. “It’s the most coveted seat in the room!” laughs McCord. “And what’s a screened-in porch without a swing? I think it adds a romantic element.” A fireplace and a flat-screen TV above the mantel complete the space making it ideal for an intimate, late-night cup of cocoa or entertaining a crowd on a football Saturday. With the help of landscaper Wade Arnold of A & W Lawns, the backyard is now worthy of the house, with a natural mountain stone fountain and a large round fire pit. “Both the fire and the water add elements of interest which naturally draw folks outside,” says White.

Both White and McCord give much of the credit for the successful renovation to the homeowners. “They were great clients,” says White. “They were patient and supportive throughout the entire remodel and that’s hard to do when you are living amidst the chaos, dust and host of workmen.” McCord couldn’t agree more. “When I think about this newly created family and the wonderful living space that Phil and I have helped them create, I am reminded of why I like my job so much,” she admits. “This was definitely a labor of love for a couple very much in love!”


Front exterior oF the home:

Exterior, Benches and lighting — Grahams Lighting

View oF BreakFast room:

Chinese red lantern — Graham's Lighting

Woven shades — The Custom Shutter Store

View oF Dining room:

Sisal area rug — Kiser’s Floor Fashions

Wall covering — Osborne and Little

Chandelier — Graham's Lighting

exterior screeneD-in Porch:

Bed swing — Millstone Market

Outdoor Furniture — Graham’s Lighting

Home Feature Sources


design

TRENDSBest Bath

2013TEXT BY JULIA FAWAL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE BOATMAN


B uilding a new home, renovating part of one, or just looking for new ways to

enhance your bath oasis? We talked to one Memphis home builder about some of the latest and greatest trends in home bath design this year.

Eco-friendly. Builders are noticing a push for sustainability in bathroom remodeling. “We get many requests for recycled products. We also often retrofit light fixtures to use LED lights or even add solar panel lighting into the ceiling,” says Mid-South area builder Dave Moore.

A natural escape. Nature’s familiarity and comfort are making their way into bathroom design. Color schemes of earthy tones, wood-grain ceramic tiles, stone or wood flooring and cabinetry and vessel sinks help recreate the peaceful feeling of the outdoors. For a finishing touch, add curly bamboo stalks, humidity-loving Boston ferns or bright pink flowers for a pop of color.

Heated floors. No one likes stepping out of the shower onto a cold surface. Installing heated floors is the perfect solution.

A Spa Experience. Looking to create the relaxation of a spa in their own bathroom, homeowners are adding the luxurious touch of jetted showers, whirlpool baths, towel heaters and even steam rooms to their remodeling plans.

Hands-free devices. Flu season was particularly bad this year, which is why many homeowners are installing hands-free faucets, toilets and soap dispensers into their own bathrooms.

Showerhead speakers. Whether you prefer unwinding to the sound of ocean waves or belting out songs to wake up and start the day, showerhead speakers are a great remodeling addition for any age.

Space-savers. For homeowners with limited space and without the funds to expand, floating vanities add depth to the bathroom while adding a sleek and elegant look. “For the perception of a bigger shower, you can also build soap dishes into the walls and add frameless doors. Using bigger tiles makes the entire room seem even larger,” Moore says.

design



Natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows or even skylights bring more sunlight into the bathroom and make the entire room brighter.

Technology. People want to be connected. Homeowners are requesting TVs built into bathroom mirrors and the ability to control lights and water temperature via an iPad or iPhone.

Pops of color. Too much color in the bathroom is overwhelming; however, a rising trend is the inclusion of a slight pop of color to accent a traditional bathroom. Adding vibrant red or turquoise accents, towels, floor mats or storage devices is a quick and easy way to give your bathroom a new look.

Moore adds that one of the biggest trends is the revival of the bathtub. “Frequently, people now want freestanding tubs, whether it’s a whirlpool or soaking tub,” he says.

Whether you just want to accentuate your bath or your goal is to create a brand-new look, these ideas will help lead the way to the ultimate spa-like escape right at home.


styleMARKETPLACE

FAVORITE BATH ITEMSThe hottest new products for cool bathroom décor

Head MassagerPier 1 Imports, $4.50, www.pier1.com

Three-Tier Tower in Satin Nickel FinishForma, $50, www.bedbathandbeyond.com

Shower CaddyTeak, $70, www.bedbathandbeyond.com

Rechargeable LED MirrorSharper Image, $129, www.sharperimage.com

Countertop Spray and All Purpose CleanerMrs. Meyer's Clean Day, $4-$8, www.mrsmeyers.com

Hammered Stainless Vessel Sink$890, Southaven Supply

Waterproof Notepad with PencilAqua Notes, $7, www.myaquanotes.com

5X Power Zoom Lighted Shower MirrorZ' Fogless, $40, www.bedbathandbeyond.com


Claire Rotating Bathroom Cabinet in EspressoWyndham Collection, $699, www.wayfair.com

Peacock Mosaic Bath Accessories Pier 1 Imports, $12-$18, www.pier1.com

Crackle Bath Canisters Pier 1 Imports, $10-$12, www.pier1.com

Spa Bath PillowErgo, $25, www.bedbathandbeyond.com

72 | At Home Tennessee • January 2013

garden

TEXT BY ANDY PULTE

M IS FOR MAINTENANCETips for the March Garden


February slipped away so quickly and spring is just around the corner—time to get serious and ready the garden for spring. The fi ckle weather of March makes it nearly impossible to set specifi c dates and schedules for planting, so proceed with caution! In Tennessee a warm day in March can quickly turn cold and rainy, so take advantage of nice weather when you can and spend some time in your garden. Here are a few things you can be working on to make sure you are ready for spring when it fully arrives.

SHRUBS & TREES

Climbing roses should not be pruned until after their fi rst fl ush of growth. Now is a good time to tie the canes to a support before they fl ush out with spring growth. If you have Knock Out® roses or other shrub roses that have gotten bigger than you desire, in mid to late March cut well-established plants back two

to three feet shorter than the height you desire them to reach.

Summer fl owering Spirea japonica are best cut back before the new growth appears. A few common cultivars are ‘Gold Mound,’ ‘Magic Carpet’ and ‘Gold Flame.’ Cut older branches on Callicarpa (beautyberry) to encourage new growth that produces more berries. Anytime during March, rejuvenate overgrown Nandina by cutting them back to a few inches on the outside, leaving taller canes in the center, staggering the heights.

Before they are covered with leaves, limb up and remove crossing branches on trees including tree-type crape myrtles as needed. Don’t make the mistake of topping trees; pruning of large trees and shrubs should be done selectively. Look closely at grafted plants and remove all growth below the graft, paying close attention to commonly grafted plants like witch hazels,

contorted fi lberts, weeping cherries, weeping mulberries, dogwoods, fruit trees, crabapples, grafted rose and Japanese maples.

THE BORDER

When night temperatures get above 40 degrees, feed your pansies with a water-soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20. You can soak seeds in water and cover them with ¾ inch of soil.

March is a good time to shop for and add lungwort (Pulmonaria), and Lenten rose (Helleborus) to your garden. Lungworts are early-fl owering shade perennials that often struggle in the heat and humidity of our Tennessee climate, so be aware that Pulmonaria longifolia and its cultivars and hybrids are much more durable. Good selections are ‘Roy Davidson,’ ‘E. B. Anderson,’ ‘Trevi Fountain’ and for its vigor and heat tolerance, ‘Diana Claire.’'

Signs of spring are everywhere this month. You will commonly see witch hazel blooming in our area anytime between January and March

Magnolia x soulangeana a large deciduous magnolia often blooms late in the month of March

March is a great time for a fi nal cleanup before spring


Cut back Liriope (monkey grass) before new growth appears—use a string trimmer for larger areas. Additionally, cut hardy ferns (particularly evergreen forms) before new growth appears Also, Epimedium (barrenwort), Acorus (sweet flag) and Carex can all be cut back.

EDIBLES

Evaluate your vegetable garden plans. Often a smaller garden with fewer weeds and insects will give you more produce. Additionally, make sure the edible garden planned fits your lifestyle. Get these cool-season annual veggies in this month, the sooner the better: spinach, head and leaf lettuce, collards, turnip greens, onions, beets, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, early potatoes, radish and Swiss chard can be direct seeded or transplanted into the garden.

THE LAWN

Apply a pre-emergence herbicide to your lawn if you have had crabgrass and other summer weeds in the past. Timing is important and a good indicator of when to apply is just as forsythia begins to show some color. If you have a cool-season lawn, the addition of a slow-release fertilizer can be beneficial to boost the growth of your lawn. Numerous brands are on the market and no matter which one you select, be sure to follow label directions.

HOUSE PLANTS

Houseplants will react to longer days and brighter light at this time by putting out new growth. March is a good time to pinch them back to further encourage bushy new growth. Fertilizing with a dilute solution of soluble houseplant food will encourage strong new growth. Wait until night temperatures are above 50 to move tropical houseplants outside; cool temperatures can damage tender foliage.


garden

TEXT BY JAMES NEWBURN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, UT GARDENS, KNOXVILLE

IN BLOOM:Plant of the Month: Eucalyptus

Our plant of the month for March is actually appealing all year long. That is because Eucalyptus neglecta, commonly called Omeo Gum, is an evergreen that maintains its foliage year round. Its familiar blue-green eucalyptus foliage with round to oval-shaped leaves and delightful fragrance makes it ideal not only as a specimen tree but also as a source for branches that can be dried and used in arrangements.

Native mainly to Australia, many eucalyptus species do not tolerate frost, much less a freeze. Eucalyptus neglecta, however, is winter hardy to Zone 7. The specimen in the UT Gardens, Knoxville, which is in Zone 6b, has been in the ground for six years and is thriving, having reached a height of 16 feet in that short span of time. It does well in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

To add to the attributes of this beautiful tree, let’s take a look at the species name ‘neglecta.’ Any plant whose name implies it doesn’t need much care is a winner in my book. Omeo Gum can tolerate many soil types including heavy clay soil. Once established, it needs little supplemental watering in our region, making it ideal in a Xeriscape landscape or in an area where irrigation or the hose do not reach.


Although the Omeo Gum does have a white fl ower, the blooms are so inconspicuous that you may not even notice them. However, the foliage is striking—not only does it have the beautiful leaf color, but the leaves and stems of the new growth are tinged with shades of pink. Speaking of leaves, eucalyptus trees have juvenile and adult leaves. Until the plant reaches about 12 to 15 years old, the leaves are the round shape we associate with dried arrangements. As the tree further matures, new foliage becomes narrow and equally appealing. As a fast grower the tree can reach a height of 20 to 40 feet in 15 to 20 years and can ultimately reach a height of 60 feet. As it ages the bark becomes another an outstanding feature, peeling off to give the tree a shagbark appearance.

Eucalyptus has long been valued for its aromatic properties and has been used medicinally as an antiseptic and for respiratory ailments. The leaves are popular for use in potpourris, fl ower arrangements and wreaths as well as for extraction of their essential oils. Even if you never use the cut foliage, the many fi ne characteristics of Eucalyptus neglecta warrant its use in the landscape and earn it the title “Plant of the Month” not for one month but all year long.

James Newburn is assistant director of the UT Gardens, Knoxville. The UT Gardens located in Knoxville and Jackson are part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. See utgardens.tennessee.edu for more information.


Girls Night OutGirls Night Out'

entertaining

TEXT BY JANNA F. HERBISON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN TERRY


entertaining

Girls Night Out

As winter turns to spring and the weather changes from day to day, it’s sometimes hard to decide what to do with girlfriends during the change of seasons. One fun and unique idea is what we decided to highlight this month – a Girls’ Night Out with a twist.

We recently visited Pinot’s Palette in East Memphis for a great alternative to the basic dinner and drinks – painting and cocktails! It’s a chance to spend quality time with friends doing something different and fun. This venue is a great example of a good way to relax, kick back, have a few laughs and get creative together.

Our menu of easy cold appetizers, a specialty drink and dessert could also work for a night of Bunko or a book club. You can substitute wine for cocktails and tailor the menu to fi t everyone’s preferences.

So enjoy, and here’s to good friends and great times!

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT MENU• Paloma Cocktail

• Gorgonzola and toasted walnut spread• Vegetable pizzas

• Black bean pinwheels ole• Cilantro and tequila marinated shrimp

• Decorative sugar cookies

Special thanks to:

Angela Mazanti Angela Mazanti Events

www.angelamazantievents.com

Kristi BauerPinot’s Palette

www.pinotspalette.com/sanderlin

Collins Tuohy, Co-Owner/Director of Sales & Marketing

Whimsy Cookie Co.www.whimsycookieco.com


GORGONZOLA AND TOASTED WALNUT SPREAD

INGREDIENTS:• 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened• 3 Tablespoons half-and-half• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley• Warm breadsticks or French bread slices, if desired• Fresh apple and pear slices, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS:Reserve 1 Tablespoon of the Gorgonzola cheese for garnish. Place cream cheese, remaining Gorgonzola cheese, half-and-half and pepper in food processor. Cover and process just until blended. Reserve 1 Tablespoon of walnuts for garnish. Stir remaining walnuts into cheese mixture. Spoon into shallow serving plate. Sprinkle with reserved Gorgonzola and walnuts and the parsley. Serve with breadsticks and fruit slices. 16 servings (2 Tablespoons each).

BLACK BEAN PINWHEELS OLE

INGREDIENTS:• 3/4 cup cooked black beans• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened• 2 teaspoons fi nely chopped jalapeno pepper• 8 (6-inch) fl our tortillas• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, fi nely chopped• 4 green onions, sliced• salsa or guacamole

INSTRUCTIONS:Mash 1/2 cup of the beans in a medium bowl. Add the remaining 1/4 cup beans, cream cheese and jalapeno pepper and mix well. Spread bean mixture on the tortillas. Sprinkle with the cheese, red bell pepper and green onions. Roll the tortillas to enclose the fi lling and wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 8 hours. Slice ½- to ¾-inch thick and place cut side up on a serving platter. Garnish with salsa or guacamole.

THE PERFECTPALOMA COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:• 1 1/2 shots of reposado tequila (or any good quality blanco)*• Juice of half a ruby grapefruit• 1/2 shot of agave syrup or sugar syrup• About 75 ml club soda• A squirt of fresh lime juice (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:Mix the grapefruit juice, tequila and sugar syrup until well mixed. Pour over a tall glass fi lled with ice and top up with soda water. Optional: add a squirt of lime juice and rim the glass with salt.

If you want to reduce your sugar intake, simply leave the sugar out. It’s less sweet but delicious.

(*1 shot = 25ml)


entertaining

If there is one thing I can’t live without, it is snacks. We tend to believe that snacking is bad for us, but the truth is if we make the right choices when snacking, it can improve our metabolism and curb cravings. Of course, there are plenty of snack options we can buy, but making them is an even better idea. This way we can control what is going into our food and save money! Products such as organic, preservative-free snack bars and prepared hummus are usually pretty expensive so I have come up with a couple of delicious ideas that won’t break the bank and will keep you energized and satisfi ed.

The fi rst is a recipe for Roasted Garlic Hummus. It is, surprisingly, super simple to make, and I have a shortcut for quick roasted garlic! When the garlic is roasted it gets a sweet, mild fl avor as opposed to the sharpness of raw garlic. Also, if you buy a jar of the tahini paste, which is basically sesame seed butter, it will last forever! Then you can just stock up on cans of chickpeas and whip up some hummus in no time. Of course pita chips are great for dipping, but I also like to serve this with carrots, celery and cucumbers. This snack full of protein and fi ber is a great way to get more veggies in your diet. The other recipe is a sweet snack for when you are craving something decadent but still want to

keep it healthy. It is one of the easiest dessert recipes I have ever made, and I really can’t believe how much it tastes like ice cream. The key is always storing a few peeled and sliced bananas in a Ziploc bag in the freezer. Even though bananas are the base of this recipe, freezing them actually mellows the banana fl avor. So if bananas aren’t your favorite, you will probably still enjoy this “ice cream.”

This is also a recipe that you can really get creative with. You can change the mix-ins to whatever you have on hand, so I might choose chocolate sandwich cookies to make cookies and cream or cookie dough if I really want to go crazy. I can’t imagine a better sweet snack, especially in the summertime when I am craving all things frozen!

cooking

RICH AND CREAMY… AND HEALTHY SNACKS

CONVENIENTLY HEALTHYwith April McKinney

INGREDIENTS:• 1 can of chickpeas• 1 Tbsp. tahini paste• 3-4 roasted garlic cloves (see below)• ½ tsp. salt• ½ tsp. dried oregano• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice• 2 Tbsp. water• Carrots, celery, pita chips, cucumbers, etc.

DIRECTIONS:1. Heat a skillet over medium heat, place unpeeled garlic cloves in the dry skillet and toss occasionally for 6-8 minutes. The skins should be lightly browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and peel skins.2. Place chickpeas and roasted garlic in a food processor, pulse until fi nely ground.3. Next add salt, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice and water. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Serve with pita chips and sliced vegetables.

INGREDIENTS:• 2 frozen bananas, peeled and sliced• 1 5 to 6-oz. container vanilla Greek yogurt• ¼ cup chocolate chips• ¼ tsp. cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:1. Place bananas in food processor and pulse until ground.2. Add Greek yogurt and process until smooth.3. Add chocolate chips and cinnamon and process until well mixed.4. Enjoy immediately or store in freezer until ready to eat.


CHOCOLATE CHIP “ICE CREAM”

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS


Photo byBagwell Macy PRchef ’s corner

TEXT BY CHARLES PHILLIPSEXECUTIVE CHEF OF 1808 GRILLE AT HUTTON HOTEL, NASHVILLE

AnotherNectar

• 4 7-oz. boneless short ribs• 4 cups of mirepoix (diced carrot, celery, onion)• 5 cloves of garlic, sliced • Your favorite brew–think a bit dark • 3 Tbsp. of tomato paste• Beef stock to cover (1 1/2 quarts) • 1 sprig thyme• 3 bay leaves • Splash of Worcestershire Sauce • Splash of Cholula Sauce (mild hot sauce)

Potato boxty• 2 cups shredded cooked potatoes• 2 cups mashed potatoes• 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar • Salt and pepper to taste • Chopped scallions • 1/2 red onion diced small and sautéed until translucent

• ½ cup horseradish sauce and sour cream–mix to your liking

FOR THE SHORT RIB1. Dredge the short ribs in fl our seasoned with salt and pepper. Shake off excess fl our.2. Pan sear in a non-stick pan.3. Place mirepoix in the bottom of a roasting pan and place beef on top.4. Add beer, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire and Cholula sauces. 5. Pour in just enough beef stock to cover the short ribs. 6. Cover with foil and slow cook at 325˚ until tender, about 4 hours.

FOR THE BOXTYCombine all the ingredients and form into a cake, then pan sear.t

TO SERVE1. Remove short ribs when tender and strain sauce—if it is still a bit thin reduce it until it coats the back of a spoon.2. Place the short ribs in a bowl, cover with sauce and top with the potato boxty.3. Top with a dollop of horseradish sour cream.

My chefs and I most certainly appreciate a great glass of wine, but we’ve been in a quandary as of late. Why is beer not enjoying the same “day in the sun” as its juicy cousin? We left a beer tasting at the soon-to-open Tennessee Brew Works and were honestly just as excited about doing a food and beer pairing as any wine dinner we have participated in lately.

Let’s face it, sometimes we just want a nice refreshing beverage, no two-hour analysis before we take the fi rst sip. Give it a quick smell and go—makes for a nice change. This is not to say the beers we had lacked complexity because they had a lot going on for sure and were all good! We are seeing a lot of beers being brewed to either cook with and or specifi cally pair with foods, and we love it.

Beer can bring inspiration (if consumed in modest amounts) and we wanted to share it with you. We currently have a beer braised short rib on our menu with a white cheddar boxty. Delicious! A big dark stout type of beer is suggested: pick something from a local brewery or perhaps a classic like Guinness. A local Nashville brew for this dish could be St. Charles Porter from Blackstone Brewery or Tennessee Brew Works’ Sweet Potato Stout.

With food that is spicy or has a high level of citrus, honestly, beer just works better. So let the sun shine in and think beer for a change. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

EAT WELL & BE WELL — CP

BEER BRAISED SHORT RIBWITH WHITE CHEDDAR BOXTY


cuisine

NASHVILLE’S GULCHTHE HOT SPOT FOR DINING

text by AndreA CrAnford And JAnnA f. Herbison

Pan Seared Diver Scallops from Watermark Whiskey Kitchen


cuisineA “gulch” may not sound like the hippest place to visit, let alone eat, but Nashville’s downtown Gulch district has become just that. The opening of several restaurants in the past few years has signaled renewed growth for an area that was once dominated by abandoned warehouses.

Gulch cuisine is where Southern comfort meets upscale elegance. Two restaurants, Watermark and Whiskey Kitchen, prove that when dining in downtown Nashville, you don’t have to look too far to fi nd variety.

WATERMARK

Watermark in downtown Nashville has an atmosphere that exudes elegance and sophistication. Opened in 2005, this restaurant highlights the best of refi ned Southern cuisine.

Watermark is consistently named one of the top restaurants in the city, and also has recently served as the backdrop for restaurant scenes in ABC’s hit show Nashville.

New to the helm of Watermark’s kitchen is executive Chef Bob Waggoner. Chef Waggoner has been the recipient of numerous top culinary honors, including a 1999 James Beard Award and a French knighthood from the prestigious l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole. This spring, Waggoner is bringing his cooking show Sing for Your Supper to PBS and will fi lm it at the Ryman, alongside some top artists in the music industry.

“I am excited to be back in Nashville,” says Waggoner, who previously worked at the city’s (now defunct) Boar’s Head restaurant and currently splits his time between Music City and Charleston, S.C. “Cuisine wise, Nashville is exactly where Charleston was 15 years ago. And that’s a great sign of what’s to come.”

His cooking style is infl uenced by his years of living in France. He prepares regional Southern and Low Country cuisine with French fi nesse. Waggoner also uses local ingredients and products, items he admits weren’t always plentiful during his previous run as a chef in Nashville.

The impeccable crisp, white linen tablecloths epitomize Watermark’s urban atmosphere. The décor is upscale and

traditional without being outdated, and the patio is a perfect warm-weather spot to view Nashville’s skyline. Big changes have been made to the restaurant of late, with the introduction of a new bar downstairs.

“The attitude of the people here has changed, too,” says Waggoner. “It’s an amazing time to be involved in Music City cuisine.”

WHISKEY KITCHEN

Located on trendy M Street in the Gulch district of Nashville, Whiskey Kitchen is described as “tavern-chic,” combining down-home feel with a modern twist. Opened in 2009, it is one of four restaurants created by Nashville native Chris Hyndman that share the same block on McGavock Street.

As its name implies, the bar at Whiskey Kitchen boasts more than 120 different kinds of whiskeys, bourbons, ryes and scotches from around the world. With both rare brands and local favorites, Whiskey Kitchen has the largest selection of spirits in any Tennessee restaurant.

The restaurant itself makes you feel at home with décor that goes down as smooth as an aged whiskey. Old-fashioned whiskey jugs reclaimed from a Kentucky distillery pepper the vintage bar and sit atop wooden shelves, paying homage to the restaurant’s impressive drink selection. Rich, dark brown, leather-embossed wall coverings and a sprawling patio complete the tavern feel. Yes, this is a restaurant you can relax in.

The food at Whiskey Kitchen is just as hip as its collection of spirits. The menu includes chef-inspired creations as well as Southern comfort foods. Old favorites like fried green tomatoes share the menu with exotic additions like “Tuna Togarashi,” an Asian-style tuna with a wakame seaweed salad. Whiskey Kitchen also has a separate menu devoted entirely to its wood-fi red pizzas. The pizzas range from the common “Spicy Pepperoni” to the more lavish “Prime Burger Pie,” that comes with white truffl e fries.

PAN SEARED DIVER SCALLOPSCourtesy of Watermark Executive Chef Bob Waggoner

Dish: Pan seared Diver scallops over white asparagus, young arugula and Granny Smith apples in a passion fruit vinaigrette.

INGREDIENTS:• 4 U-10 Diver Scallops• 2 stalks asparagus (blanched and cut into thin strips)• 1 Granny Smith apple (peeled, seeded and cut into thin strips)• 3 Tbsp. passion fruit juice• Juice from 1 lime• Lime zest from ½ lime• 6 Tbsp. plus 1 Tbsp. virgin olive oil• 1 shallot (chopped fine)• ½ cup baby arugula• 1 tbsp. fresh chervil• 1 Tbsp. fresh chives• Salt• Black pepper• White pepper

SCALLOPS:Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small Tefl on pan over high heat. Salt and pepper the scallops on both sides and place them in the hot oil. Cook for 1 minute on each side, then toss them in a 400˚ oven for 2 minutes.

VINAIGRETTE:In a small bowl mix together the passion fruit juice, lime juice and lime zest along with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Then add 6 tablespoons of olive oil and the chopped shallot. Mix the strips of white asparagus and the thin strips of apple together in a small bowl; add some salt and fresh white pepper, chopped chervil and chopped chives. Place a small amount of baby arugula on each plate then place the apple/asparagus mix on the top of the arugula. Remove the hot scallops from the oven and place them over the asparagus and apples then drizzle the passion fruit vinaigrette over the scallops and salad.

Chef Bob Waggoner

fi nance

PERSONAL AUTO INSURANCE:

A COMBINATION OF PROTECTION

TEXT BY ALAN DOYLE, PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENT, CLAY & LAND INSURANCE, INC.

You might think that an article on auto insurance would be pretty boring, but the explanations below could possibly save you a lot of money and protect your financial future. Most consumers don’t pay enough attention to their automobile coverage until they have a claim, and most of the time that’s too late. A standard personal auto policy includes

liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage to others. It should also include medical payments, plus uninsured and underinsured motorists’ coverage for the policy owner. Finally, physical damage coverage for vehicles is referred to as comprehensive and collision. Let’s explore what these types of coverage could really mean to you and your family. The liability coverage of your policy

protects you against financial loss due to legal liability resulting from an automobile accident. This includes both bodily injury to others and physical damage to someone’s car or property. Oftentimes we think of this in terms of coverage for auto accidents with other cars, but your liability extends to other forms of property damage, such as a collision with a building or a light pole, for example. Liability also covers your legal defense in court. The average family should have a minimum coverage of $300,000 to $500,000 in auto liability, plus a $1,000,000 personal umbrella liability policy. Medical coverage in a personal auto

policy provides reimbursement for medical

expenses for an insured motorist who sustains bodily injury caused by an auto accident, without regard to fault. Payment depends on the policy coverage limit. Most policies also extend this coverage to anyone injured in your vehicle. Coverage varies by state but could also include you and your family members who might be involved in an auto accident as a pedestrian. Typical expenses for reimbursement could pertain to your major medical deductible, copayments and out-of-pocket expenses. Most companies allow a $5,000 maximum limit. Both uninsured and underinsured motorist

coverage can pay for injuries to you and your passengers, and in some cases damage to your property, due to an auto accident caused by another person. An uninsured driver is someone who simply does not have auto insurance coverage. An underinsured “at fault” driver is one who carries liability limits lower than the other party involved in an accident. A hit-and-run driver also counts as uninsured as it relates to bodily injury and property damage. It is important to note that this type of protection is separate, although in many states both these types of coverage can or must be purchased together. Your uninsured and underinsured limits should match your liability limits, as this coverage protects you and the people in your car. So what then is comprehensive auto

coverage? Well, this type of insurance pays for physical damage to your covered vehicles. Comprehensive covers the cost of

damage repairs to your car as a result of some act or event that is covered by your policy, minus your deductible. Those perils can include fire, theft, hail, flood, vandalism, wind, glass breakage, falling objects, etc. Keep in mind–the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Some policies waive the deductible for glass breakage. If you’re involved in an auto accident

with another vehicle or object or your car overturns your collision coverage will pay for the damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault. The maximum amount you will receive is the cost of the repairs, minus the deductible or the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus the deductible if the car is considered a total loss. A higher deductible can substantially lower the cost of your collision coverage. If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, the lien holder will require you to carry both comprehensive and collision to cover their interest. Take a few moments and pull out your current

auto policy to review the coverage. Your assets, your continued health and your fi nancial future could depend on whether you have suffi cient coverage. Never purchase insurance protection based solely on price, but instead consider whether it provides proper coverage for your individual situation.


M A R K E T P L A C E


94 | At Home Tennessee • October 201294 | At Home Tennessee • March 2013

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MarchRiver North Dance ChicagoUTC Fine Arts Center, Chattanooga423.425.4269www.utc.edu

March 11-15Spring Break CampThe Memphis Zoo901.333.6500www.memphiszoo.org

A Home for Frog and ToadMemphis Botanic Garden901.636.4100www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

Tuesdays on the Terrace Wine TastingMemphis Botanic Garden901.636.4100www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

Easter Sunrise atOber Gatlinburg

800.568.4748www.gatlinburg.com

Wildflower WalkNorris Dam State Park

865.426.7461www.explorenorrislake.com

March 28-30 Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts ShowGatlinburg Convention Center800.568.4748www.gatlinburgcrafts.com.

Dinner Entertainment by the Casey Jones Barbershop ChorusThe Old Country Store, Jackson731.234.0360

Jackson Photography Club“The Lodge” in Gander [email protected]

Pirate’s BallRipleys Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg800.568.4748www.gatlinburg.com

Hard Rock Rising: Battle of the Bands FinalsGatlinburg865.430.7625www.hardrock.com

March 6 - April 30 “Gathering 5” Art ExhibitThe Ned, Jackson731.425.8397


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March

To submit an event to be included in At Home Tennessee

Happenings, please [email protected]

11 Spring Break Camp

1 Arbor Day Tree Planting

15 Keeper Kids at the Tennessee Aquarium

happenings

March 22-235th Annual Everything Garden ExpoHorse Park, Starkville, MS662.324.3080www.starkvillearts.org

March 29-31 Marie Humphreys Spring Native Plant Sale & Wildflower FestivalChattanooga423.821.1160www.reflectionriding.org

51st Annual Wearin’ of the Green Irish Day Parade & Arts and Crafts FestivalDowntown Erin931.289.5100www.houstoncochamber.com

MED GalaPeabody Hotel,

Memphis901.266.2662

March 23-April 14 Williams Island Family

Adventure CruisesThe Tennessee Aquarium,

Chattanoogawww.tnaqua.org

March 15-17Ballet Arts

Spring Gala EventCarl Perkins Civic Center

www.balletartsjackson.org

March 15-April 15 Keeper Kids at The

Tennessee AquariumChattanooga

www.tnaqua.org

Head to Toe ShowLawrenceburg Rotary Park

423-263-7608www.selectlawrence.com

19th Annual Cousin Jake Memorial

Bluegrasss FestivalHistoric Gem Theater, Etowah

www.etowaharts.org

March 8-9Gatlinburg Improv Fest800.568.4748www.gatlinburg.com

March 1-31Lee West & Ann Cobb

Beach Art ExhibitMemphis Botanic Garden

www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

Arbor Day Tree PlantingMemphis Botanic Garden

www.memphisbotanicgarden.com

Farmer JasonConcert

Renaissance Center, Dicksonwww.ccplayhouse.com

Patsy ClineMemorial Weekend

Camden Chamber of Commercewww.bentoncountycamden.com

sources38 | Travel:

Special thanks to — Erin Burns Freeman, Ackermann

Public Relations, Knoxville www.ackermannpr.com

Dan and Deener Matthews — The Swag staff

www.theswag.com

52 | At Home With:

Special thanks to Nancy McCarty Iannios, CORE PR

54 | Technology:

www.phoenixcommcorp.com

64 | Design:

Builder — Dave Moore,

www.davidmooreconstruction.com

Photographer — Mike Boatman,

www.mikeboatman.com

82 | Entertaining:

Design/Staging — Angela Mazanti, Angela Mazanti

Events, www.angelamazantievents.com

Cookies — Collins Tuohy, Whimsy Cookies,

www.whimsycookieco.com

Venue — Pinot’s Palette, Kristy Bauer,

www.pinotspalette.com/sanderlin

90 | Cuisine:

Special thanks to Julie Montgomery

Executive Chef Bob Waggoner,

Watermark restaurant, Nashville



books

When it comes to what makes a book worth reading, we all have our opinions. Whether it is the daydream-evoking novel, the educational non-fiction volume or the informative how-to guide, good reasons abound to pick up a book and learn something new or sail away to a different world.

Highlighted here are a few of the best that the bookshelves have to offer as of late—the cream of the crop, if you will. So make your choice and relax with one of these hand-picked selections. You never know where it might take you.

The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society by Darien Gee: Ever have one of those days where you just feel like you need a good talk with an old friend? Well, the new release from Darien Gee is absolutely the next best thing. Set in a delightful Midwestern town, this novel is the heartwarming tale of five unlikely friends brought together by a scrapbooking society. The characters in the book run the gamut in terms of background, so there is someone with whom almost any reader can closely connect and

relate. A tale of friendship and memories, The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society is an uplifting reminder about life’s true treasures.

Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update, and Show Your Home Some Love by Sherry and John Petersik: From the couple who has taken the DIY blog world by storm comes a book filled with ideas to help readers add some budget-friendly style to their homes. Fans of the blog will love Young House Love as it has the same conversational tone and anecdotal style. With plenty of simple projects and straightforward advice, the book is sure to make home improvement a little bit more fun.

The Handbuilt Home by Ana White: Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran of the do-it-yourself movement, this book is full of attainable woodworking projects that will add beauty and a healthy dose of character to your home. Written by popular blogger Ana White, the volume puts some cool-factor into furniture building. With furniture plans that echo the design aesthetics of Pottery Barn, Ikea and the

like, the book is a must-have for those seeking to create their own budget-friendly pieces.

A Million Wings by Susan Schadt: Anyone with a love of the sporting life or an appreciation of gorgeous photography will be grateful for the release of this book from Wild Abundance Publishing. Taking readers inside the Mississippi Flyway’s finest duck hunting clubs, the book boasts 260 pages of stunning photography by Lisa Buser. Personal stories from owners and members are also included. A beautiful addition to any home library, A Million Wings provides a rare glimpse into a private world.

TexT By SHANA RALey-LUSK

The BesT of The Book World:

someThing for everyone

entertaining

march 2013

Documents

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