Look down deep inside yourself. Is there not a miniscule iota that appreciates your first-grade teacher's precise selection of seasonal sweaters? Now, I'm not advising us to trot off and go crazy with Santa and shamrocks, but let's be honest: Sometimes dressing appropriately just feels so right. And, oh yeah--it looks so good.
Enter Tucker Blair. This fabulous fledgling company out of Washington D.C. whips up hand stitched needlepoint items in evocative designs. "We want you to find the item that reminds you of the places and times you love most, whatever and wherever that may be," says founder Taylor Llewellyn.
Is there anything more Southern than working under the tagline "Classically Casual?" Taylor gave me some thoughts about some of Tucker Blair's threaded items, and where they would shine the brightest on-location around the south.
Read More "SL and Tucker Blair's Where to Wear Guide" »
Detoured off I-540 to hike at Devil's Den State Park in NW Arkansas. Followed unmarked paths to crevices and blazed trails to caves. Didn't make it too far into this one. Next time, I'll pack a flashlight.
As news of the ice storm and its drastic effects on Kentucky and parts of Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee, spread in our offices, the common question was "How can we help?" Over the next days and weeks as a staff and magazine, we'll do everything we can to keep readers and travelers updated on progress in those areas touched by the storms.
In this effort, we ask for your help as well.
As news comes to you, please let us know by posting comments at the bottom of this blog post. What restaurants and grocery stores are open? What community projects are starting up? Where can families find aid and relief? Any pertinent information that people in these areas would benefit by knowing, post it. Also, if you read of any info relevant to your family and friends in these towns, consider calling them and letting them know. With such a storm, internet service is likely down. Sources tells us cell phones are your best bet.
Recently, Time Magazine (a publication owned by our parent company) published a story titled, "50 Authentic American Experiences." These huge types of magazine articles always intrigue me. Rarely do I not grab the magazine or click on the story to see what editors spotlight as the best BBQ in Texas, the greatest songwriters of all-time, or America's favorite beaches. I love the breadth of expertise and the narrowing down of opinions.
Time, though, missed the mark, especially in the South. I'll offer my thoughts and you can decide.
Read More "TIME Magazine selects its authentic South" »
(Photo taken July 24 in Rogers, Arkansas)
Senior Photographer Art Meripol and I took the last couple days to visit the newest Minor League baseball stadium in America, Arvest Ballpark in Northwest Arkansas. Even as the lightning storm rolled over the Ozarks yesterday evening, I found myself quite happy. Ballparks are one of our country's greatest venues of communal joy. And farm team parks might be the ultimate of all summer American experiences. Lucky for us, the sun came out this afternoon just in time for the Texas League-leading Naturals to host the Tulsa Drillers.
Read More "Minor League Ballpark Travels" »
1. The Golden Driller, Tulsa, OK (map)
Height: 76 feet
Constructed: 1953
Claim to Fame: Largest freestanding statue in the world
Read More "The Five Tallest Statues in the South" »
Riverfest Arkansas is an annual event that takes place over Memorial Day weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance at select area stores and $20.00 at the gate, and they are good all weekend. Musical acts include Better Than Ezra, One Republic, ZZ Top, among others.
If you'll be in the area, here are a list of five attractions in Little Rock to see while you're there (recommended by Associate Travel Editor Jennifer Mackenzie Frazier, photography by Art Meripol).
Read More "Headed to Riverfest Arkansas in Little Rock?" »
