Just ten years ago, one of Mississippi’s cherished landmarks haunted a dark street corner of downtown Jackson.  Vacant for over 40 years, the demolished structure housed vagrants and pigeons, with not even a whisper of what an extraordinary hotel it once was.  Before its demise, the building was a symbol of Jackson downtown’s renaissance, welcoming politicians and socialites with its grandeur, charm and Southern hospitality. 

The original hotel, The Confederate House, was built in 1861.  After being destroyed during the Civil War in 1863, it was rebuilt and renamed the Edwards House, becoming a prominent center of Jackson politics for some 40 years.  Governor Edmond Noel briefly lived there while his Mansion was undergoing renovations, and a banquet was held in 1909 in honor of President Taft. 

In 1923, a stately 12-story brick hotel was built in its place, designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style by William Nolan of New Orleans.  This impressive new structure was named the Edwards Hotel, boasting a magnificent lobby with six large columns set along the perimeter of an oval light well, skylights inviting in a pool of warm sun, and a luxurious marble staircase.  In 1954, the hotel was purchased, modernized and renamed the King Edward Hotel.  It continued hosting prominent events, balls, dinners and meetings.  But in 1967, its glorious reign abruptly ended, leaving the hotel towering cowardly at the edge of downtown Jackson.

Allison Peppers, now the Food and Bar Manager at the King Edward, moved to Jackson in 2002 and remembers exploring downtown Jackson in her convertible.  “I pulled up next to the vacant hotel and thought, how did this happen?   This could be something so beautiful.” 

Thankfully, a former New Orleans Saints running back teamed with Historic Restoration Inc. of New Orleans to restore the King Edward to its former splendor.  Deuce McAllister saw potential beneath the rotting exterior, and completed a $90 million renovation.  In December 2009, the historic hotel reopened its impressive doors as the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown. 

Dixie Krauss, Senior Catering Manager says much of the hotel’s architecture remains.  “They basically gutted the building and kept the structure.  The lobby has all of its original flooring and columns, as well as the beautiful crown molding.” The building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named a Mississippi Landmark in 1990, has become a modern destination. 

The hotel boasts 186 impressive rooms and four floors of luxury apartments.  The King Edward Bar has also become a downtown hot spot for both locals and guests.  Allison Peppers says, “We have a daily intermission from 4-6pm.  We want to close out the day with everyone and bring in downtown businesses after work.  We have drink specials, but most importantly, we are really focused on what Mississippi has to offer.”  Mississippi has seven craft beer breweries in the state and the bar represents all seven, selling at least one beer from each brewery.  Every tap runs Mississippi beer, and drinks are created with Mississippi-made Cathead Vodka and Bristow Gin.  “It’s about bringing people from out of town and showing them what we have.  People fought to get the King Edward built and wanted to see it revived.  When I first saw it, I could not believe the transformation from 2002!  We want to give back and focus on what Mississippi has given us.”

The historic hotel also provides a stunning backdrop for weddings and events.  Guests regularly catch a glimpse of a radiant bride being photographed on the grand staircase, which was created to match the original marble floor of the lobby.

The renovation of the hotel was one of the first steps in revitalizing Jackson’s downtown, and it continues to lure crowds.  Dixie says confidently, “In 10 years from now, everything will be just as glamorous as it was.  It is so timeless and gorgeous.  The ambiance is never going to change.”

Whether you prefer ringing a cowbell in the historic Davis Wade Stadium or sipping a toddy in the Grove, it is a great time to be a football fan in Mississippi.  With seven weeks down and seven to go in the regular season, Ole Miss and Mississippi State are dominating the polls.  So who is it going to be…the Bulldogs or the Rebels?

Both teams have been in the national spotlight, being featured by ESPN’s College GameDay over back-to-back weeks.  Ole Miss and State were also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine, with State gracing a second cover the following week.  All eyes are on Mississippi.

It couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.  As Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com said after the Auburn game last weekend, “Davis Wade Stadium is the loudest stadium in the country…my ears are still ringing from Saturday.”  Bulldog fans are enthusiastically cheering on their talented team during an incredible season.

Dak Prescott has emerged not only as the leader of his team, but also as a role model.  Prescott’s beloved mother passed away less than a year ago from cancer.  With football as his refuge, Prescott attributes his teammates with lifting him out a difficult time.  The impressive player is a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, and continues to astonish fans every Saturday.  Brady Quinn of foxsports.com says, “Prescott is playing like the best player in college football.  He is the driving force of the Mississippi State offense and carrying his undefeated team…it appears Dak is now the favorite for the Heisman.” 

The Rebels are equally remarkable.  “Ole Miss might have had the most impressive win of Week 7 by going to College Station and dominating the Aggies…Ole Miss’ defense is ridiculously good.  I would not be surprised if the Rebels move up to my No. 1 seed soon,” boasts Stewart Mandel of foxsports.com. 

Bo Wallace, a quality quarterback, now has a quality team surrounding him, thanks to great recruiting by Coach Freeze.  ESPN.com has called Wallace the “most accurate passer” in college football.

Ole Miss and State could remain two of the top teams in the country.  Regardless of what happens between now and November 29th, this is set to be the most anticipated Egg Bowl in history.   The rivalry is the tenth longest uninterrupted in the United States, with the two teams going head-to-head since 1901.  This year’s Egg Bowl carries playoff and SEC Championship implications.   All eyes will also be on Prescott as a potential Heisman Trophy winner.  Mississippi is experiencing an unprecedented year of success with college football, and we are proud to celebrate and cheer for these two great teams representing the Magnolia State. 

This Friday evening, as a hush grows over the dark grounds of Rosalie Mansion, a stately antebellum home overlooking the Mississippi River, children and their parents will anxiously await the kick-off of The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.  Suddenly, a loud voice will shout, “1…2…3…GLOW!” while 30-40 hot air balloons hit their burners simultaneously.  The soft glow of colorful balloons will beautifully light the skies over Natchez. 

Held in downtown Natchez, the 29th annual Balloon Race is a wonderful, family-friendly event to enjoy all weekend.  From sunrise flights to fireworks and live music, the festival is filled with three magical days you will not want to miss.  Here are a few highlights:

Friday, October 17th
As you head to work in the morning in Natchez, be sure to look up!  The sky will be painted with hot air balloons, taking flight with local media stations and reporters.  At 7:00pm, Rosalie Mansion opens its gates, and will be a particularly wonderful evening for children.  After the spectacular balloon glow, brilliant fireworks will erupt over the Great Mississippi.  Once the show is complete, Ben Lewis & Co. will hit the stage while families dance the night away.

Saturday, October 18th
Another early balloon flight begins at 7:30am.  You can be anywhere in the city and have an excellent view of the floating colors in the sky.  Throughout the afternoon on the grounds of Rosalie, bands will play every few hours, and the balloons actually fly right over the festival around 4:30pm.  Rachel Price Lott, who serves on the Publicity Committee of the Race, says, “Flock to the festival sight in the afternoon, because you are guaranteed to see a balloon!  They are everywhere – it is almost surreal.  Then Irma Thomas, The Revivalists and Soul Asylum will treat the crowds to fantastic music.” 

Sunday, October 19th
The last competitive flight soars over Natchez early in the morning.  The gates of Rosalie open at noon, and country acts will perform throughout the day, including hits by Hannah Belle and Josh Thompson.

Over the weekend, a children’s carnival will be open adjacent to the balloon races, as well as an impressive assortment of local cuisine.  Rachel says, “Every type of regional food you could absolutely imagine is served.  All of the food is amazing!  Of course, we have your basic cotton candy and funnel cakes, but the rest of the restaurants serve ridiculously good food.”  Also, for those who prefer to stay glued to the football games all weekend, there is a Sports Bar Tent complete with flat screen TVs, showing college football on Saturday, and the Saints game on Sunday!  

Rachel says, “The Balloon Race is such a fun time.  We try to think of everything and make it a great event for all ages.  We are praying for beautiful weather and hoping for a wonderful, memorable weekend!” 

Tamisha Thomas has created the perfect fitness studio in Jackson.  After giving birth several years ago, Tamisha was frustrated with the excess pounds weighing her down.  She tried working out in gyms, but the monotony of the machines and intimidation factor pushed her away.  Discouraged and still searching, she stumbled upon a strengthening pole class.  Tamisha was hooked.  She began taking barre, yoga, Pilates and TRX Suspension classes and fell completely in love.  Her body was changing dramatically and so was her attitude.  Today, a beautiful Tamisha simply glows with kindness, and you can’t help but notice her incredibly fit physique.

Though she was seeing results with all of the unique classes, there was a minor problem.   She couldn’t find a studio that offered all of these extraordinary classes in one location!  Tamisha says, “I wondered how many other women were feeling the way I was.  So, I decided to create something exciting, vibrant and new. ”

Tamisha opened Epic, a dance and fitness studio that offers all of the most creative and effective workouts.  With her motto, “enter as strangers, leave as friends,” Tamisha has designed a comfortable environment with no intimidation.  Studio walls are accented with a bright, cheerful pink, and each guest is treated to a personal training experience in a completely relaxed setting.  

Tamisha’s staff is equally impressive.  With each boasting CPR and training certifications, Tamisha’s teachers “are instructed to do three things: keep God first, offer impeccable customer service, and make sure our guests have the time of their lives.”

Aside from their wonderful roster of weekly classes, Tamisha has built a calendar with the busy mom or dad in mind.  Epic brilliantly offers late-afternoon traditional children’s dance classes (such as ballet or jazz) in one studio, while parents enjoy a Zumba or Epic Power Hour Class next door.  Children and their parents leave with strengthened bodies and refreshed minds.  Their newest class, Parent and Child Creative Movement, takes place Sundays after church, and is the perfect opportunity for a parent and their small child to take dance lessons and most importantly, bond.  Moms can also swing by the studio for Lunch Break with Epic, and experience a great hour-long workout before picking children up from school.  Tamisha wants parents to feel comfortable, get a great workout, and relieve stress while working out with Epic.

Check out Epic’s inspiring and unparalleled list of classes:
    Epic Power Hour – This is a low impact workout utilizing light to medium weights.  Each muscle group is worked
    then stretched to not only strengthen, but also lengthen the muscles.  The result?  Longer, leaner legs, firm thighs and
    seat, stronger abs, a defined upper body and a boosted metabolism!

    TRX Suspension – The TRX Suspension Trainer is the original workout system that leverages gravity and your body                weight to perform countless exercises.  You are in control of how much you want to challenge yourself in each                    exercise!  TRX helps build a rock-solid core.

    Kangoo Jump – This high-energy, fun class runs 45 minutes and impressively burns 20 calories per minute!  Kangoo            reduces up to 80% impact on your joints, and is recommended by doctors and physical therapists for safe                           rehabilitation of sports injuries.   This class is offered for both adults and children.

    Barre – a 55-minute full-body workout that targets hips, thighs, seat, abs and arms.  This class is low impact and                extremely effective!

Click here to view a full listing of Epic classes.

Epic classes are conveniently small and guests are seeing tremendous results.  Even new friendships are being made.  Tamisha laughs, “By the end of our first class, women were laughing, talking and exchanging phone numbers!  We love seeing our guests get a great workout and leave feeling great.  That is the Epic Experience.” 

For more information on Epic Dance and Fitness, please click here or call Tamisha at 601.398.0137.  We hope you all visit Epic to enjoy a class, and have a very happy Columbus Day!

I was recently perusing the floral section of a Whole Foods in Birmingham, AL, and became enthralled with the beauty of a delicate, vibrantly colored flower crown.  I noticed that the piece was handmade in Dennis, MS, at the Happy Trails Flower Farm.  With my curiosity brewing, I reached out to the Farm’s delightful owner, Tanis Clifton, to learn more about her business and of course, those exquisite flowers.    

With just four years in the commercial flower business, Happy Trails Flower Farm is quickly becoming known for their gorgeous, organically grown flowers.  Tanis laughs, “Our Business just kind of evolved.  I’ve always gardened…my parents always gardened…it’s in the blood, I guess!  We had an opportunity to get a large greenhouse and we started thinking, ‘what in the world are we going to do with this?’”

Tanis and her husband, Rick, traveled to a workshop in Crystal Springs, featuring lectures on vegetable, fruit, and flower production.  During the flower production talk, Rick briefly stepped out to his truck.  Upon returning, he was greeted by an enthusiastic Tanis who declared, “I know what we are doing – flowers!”

Tanis and Rick began cleverly growing lilies in December, knowing they would be in full bloom just in time for mother’s day.  The demand for their flowers grew, so Tanis and Rick added more flowers to their list and expanded their business.  They currently sell to several florists in the Tupelo area, as well as Whole Foods in Birmingham.  They even sell at the Pepper Place Farmer’s Market in Birmingham on the weekends.

As for those gorgeous crowns that caught my eye?  Tanis recently read an article about a woman in New York City who was making similar crowns.  “I decided to try it for fun one morning at Pepper Place in Birmingham.  I placed one on my head, and several young people said, ‘you should sell those!’  We were so inspired and business for the crowns began growing!” 

Tanis grows Straw flowers that already have a dry texture and rich colors.  She calls them the “everlasting flower” because they always remain fresh and bright.  She happily admits the crowns continue to be a hit.  “Mostly young girls comment on the crowns.  Their eyes immediately light up!  We always let them try one on, and they feel like a little girl again.  It is so much fun and such a feel-good thing for them!”

Though she admits that owning a small local business has it challenges (over 80% of the flowers in the USA are imported from foreign countries), she and Rick believe their business is very rewarding.  Tanis has become the regional director of the southeast region for the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, a wonderful networking organization for local flower businesses. 

Tanis’s positivity is infectious, and her flowers simply dazzling.  Check out the Happy Trails Flower Farm’s Facebook page here, or view their website here.