998 Fair Meadow Road • $639,000 Michelle Koeppen, 901/650-6053
264 Gardenia Drive • $799,000 Lisa Fields, 901/219-4003 4202 White Oaks Road • $1,495,000 Elizabeth & Worth Jones, 901/289-1890
6487 May Creek Cove • $1,225,000 Pam Pierce, 901/289-9962 • Palmer Gardner, 901/494-2359
505 Tennessee Street #309 • $265,000 Martha Robertson, 901/486-4612 399 Greenfield Road • $689,000 William Ware, 901/292-9616 • Conlee Stringfellow, 901/289-4140
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August marks a season of transition. We’re soaking up those last summer nights while getting ready for a new school year just around the corner. We squeeze in one last trip, shop for school supplies or simply enjoy a few more evenings outside before the brisk pace of fall returns.
It’s a season that reminds us how much life happens at home. Our homes are the backdrop for busy mornings, family dinners, wagging tails at the front door and everyday moments.
Children have a way of changing the rhythm of a home. They bring energy, laughter, questions you never saw coming and a perspective that reminds us not to take life too seriously. They keep us on our toes while helping us slow down enough to appreciate the small moments that are big to them. And for many families, pets are part of those moments too, faithful companions through backyard adventures, after-school afternoons and quiet evenings together.
You’ll find that reflected in this month’s issue. We’re sharing practical back-toschool technology tips from George Gattas, a look at how Neely MaKinster of Finley Lane is transforming college dorms into spaces that feel like home, and a roundup of Memphis activities for adults who want to keep learning, creating and connecting. You’ll also meet the Ware Jones team and the dogs that brighten their days, discover some of our favorite local dog parks and read the story behind The Croft Show.
As my husband and I prepare to welcome our first baby next month, I've found myself thinking less about having everything "ready" and more about the kind of home we hope to create. I hope it's a place filled with warmth, where friends and family always feel welcome and laughter comes easily. I hope we can find moments to pause and enjoy the present, no matter how sleep-deprived we may be.
I hope this issue encourages you to soak up this season and enjoy the people— and pets—who make your house feel like home.
Cheers,
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Sarah Voigt | studio@sarahvoigt.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Amy Golden | amy.golden@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Morgan Zanone | morgan.zanone@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER
Anna Gsanger | anna.gsanger@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Margaret Ledbetter
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Melissa Ellis Smith | melissa.smith@citylifestyle.com
Jeff McMillen | jeff.mcmillen@citylifestyle.com
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Jo-Ellen Sharpe
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Bonner Morgan, Uday Sripathi
INTERN
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President Matthew Perry
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ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY UDAY SRIPATHI
“ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES OF PARENTING IS BALANCING A CHILD’S HAPPINESS WITH THEIR SAFETY.”
Since founding Gattas Home Innovations in September 2019, local business owner George Gattas has built his company around helping clients find the technology products that best fit their needs. As families prepare for a new school year, he understands how difficult it can be to sort through the many devices, apps and tools marketed to children and parents alike. We asked George to share his recommendations for a well-rounded back-to-school tech list.
IF A FAMILY HAS A LIMITED BUDGET FOR BACKTO-SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY, WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THEY INVEST FIRST?
I’d start with a reliable laptop or tablet. It doesn’t need to be brand new. Many retailers sell refurbished or open-box devices at a significant discount, making them a smart option for families on a budget.
SIMPLE, PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGY PICKS TO HELP STUDENTS LEARN, STAY ORGANIZED AND STAY SAFE.
WHAT TECH TOOLS, APPS, OR DEVICES DO YOU THINK ARE MOST HELPFUL FOR STUDENTS TODAY?
I also recommend apps like Notion and GoodNotes to help students organize notes and assignments, along with portable chargers to keep their devices powered throughout the day.
The best educational apps keep kids engaged and match their age and skill level. Khan Academy is one of the strongest overall options for both students and parents. Quizlet, PhotoMath and Grammarly are also useful because they guide students through learning and problem-solving step by step.
WHAT TOOLS OR SETTINGS SHOULD EVERY PARENT KNOW ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING KIDS SAFER ONLINE?
Keeping children safe online can feel overwhelming, but parents do not need to be technology experts to set effective ground rules. Most devices already include strong parental controls, such as Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link and Microsoft Family Safety. These tools let parents set screen time limits, approve app downloads, restrict age-inappropriate content and monitor activity.
MANY TEENS ARE HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR THE FIRST TIME. ARE THERE ANY APPS, DEVICES, OR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN HELP ENCOURAGE SAFER DRIVING HABITS?
Life360 is a great option. It can track trip details such as speed, phone use and arrival
times, which helps parents know when their teen gets safely to school, work or other activities. Apps like Lifesaver, which limit phone functions while a vehicle is moving, can also reduce distractions. Another useful resource is your auto insurance company, since many offer safe-driving apps that score braking, acceleration, speed and distracted driving.
DISTRACTED DRIVING IS A GROWING CONCERN. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PARENTS WHO WANT TO HELP THEIR TEENS STAY FOCUSED BEHIND THE WHEEL?
One of the best ways parents can help their teens stay focused behind the wheel is by setting a good example. It is difficult to tell a teen not to text and drive if a parent does it too. Apps like Life360, EverDrive and OnMyWay can also help reduce phone distractions to encourage safer driving habits.
IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND JUST THREE TECH TOOLS, APPS, OR GADGETS FOR FAMILIES THIS SCHOOL YEAR, WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR LIST AND WHY?
Three tools stand out for families this school year. First, Khan Academy is an excellent learning resource for both students and parents. I have used it with my own children, and it does a great job of explaining concepts step by step. Second, Google Calendar can help families stay organized by keeping school assignments, activities and schedules in one shared place. Third, Life360 is a useful safety app that helps parents keep track of teen drivers and their trips.
CONTINUED >
“LIFE360 IS A GREAT OPTION.”
As families head into a new school year, George hopes parents remember that back-to-school tech should make life easier, not more overwhelming. He adds, “One of the biggest challenges of parenting is balancing a child’s happiness with their safety,” especially when technology is such a big part of everyday life. With a few thoughtful tools in place, families can create a setup that supports learning, encourages independence and still gives parents a little more peace of mind.
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THE WARE JONES TEAM SHARES THE PLACES, SPACES AND PERSONALITIES THAT MAKE LIFE WITH THEIR DOGS FEEL LIKE HOME.
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
For many of us, a house doesn’t feel like home until there’s a dog waiting at the door, ready for a walk, a game of fetch or a spot on the couch. In Memphis, dogs are part of the family. They join us on neighborhood strolls, hunting adventures and trips to the park—and, somehow, they often end up being the ones in charge.
We asked the Ware Jones team to share the places, little luxuries and home features their dogs love most. From mornings spent exploring Memphis parks and neighborhoods to lake
days, backyard adventures and cozy corners at home, their answers reveal their personalities.
Meet the dogs who know the best spots in Chickasaw Gardens, Audubon Park, Central Gardens, Shelby Farms and beyond; the ones with opinions about barbecue, blankets, kitchens and sunny windows; and the ones who remind us that a home is made special by everyone who lives there—even those with four paws.
It’s easy to see how these companions make our homes warmer, our days brighter and our city feel a little more like home.
MARTHA ROBERTSON
Where would your dog spend an entire day in Memphis?
If Winnie could choose, she’d move straight to the Chickasaw Gardens lake. She’s a social butterfly trapped in a dog’s body and treats every pup she meets like a lifelong friend. She’s equally fascinated by the resident geese, whom she seems to consider suspicious, feathered celebrities. I love the lake too—it’s the perfect place to exercise, catch up with friends and spend time together. Winnie and I clearly share the same hobbies.
Where would your dog happily spend all day? What about you? Cash and I are at Audubon Park almost every day, usually with a tennis racquet and ball in hand. It’s the perfect mix of open fields, shady trails and a lake where he loves to cool off. Shelby Farms is our destination when we have more time, though Cash would happily stay at either park forever. I don’t blame him. They’re both great places to enjoy nature, unplug from the daily grind and spend quality time together.
ELIZABETH KUHLO
What’s the most “Memphis” thing about your home and your dog?
The most Memphis thing about my home is a painting of Elvis by local artist Megan Hurdle. The most Memphis thing about my dog, Echo, is her love of barbecue—especially ribs. If ribs are on the menu, she’s convinced they were made just for her.
If your dog could choose between a huge backyard or a perfect sunny window, which would they pick?
Neither. Echo is obsessed with the lake. I’ll throw a retrieving dummy into the water, and she’ll happily chase it all day.
ROB HYDE
Where do you take your dog on a summer weekend?
Goose, my Labrador Retriever, lives for Pickwick Lake. He races from the car straight into the water, spends the day retrieving sticks and balls, then roams the shoreline with the other dogs. Watching him enjoy that freedom is my favorite part.
One feature buyers with pets should never overlook?
A mudroom. It’s the perfect place to wipe muddy paws, dry wet fur and keep the mess out of the house.
LILI JONES
If your dog wrote the listing description for your home, what would it say?
Mollie would rave about our abundance of windows, where she watches her furry friends stroll by. She’d also mention the chef’s kitchen, knowing plenty of treats are made there.
Favorite shared home feature?
Our courtyard is our favorite spot. The fountain makes it peaceful year-round, and Mollie loves stretching out there in the sunshine.
Backyard or sunny window?
Nola would choose a huge backyard every time, and I’d agree. You can always add a sunny window later.
Favorite Memphis spot?
Nola loves exploring the University of Memphis campus, while I’d spend the day at Shelby Farms Park for its scenic trails and sunsets.
Backyard or sunny window?
Blue and I would choose differently depending on the season. In the fall and winter, we’d take to the big backyard to enjoy the cooler weather. In spring and summer, we’d happily trade it for a sunny window beneath an A/C vent—Blue hates the heat.
Favorite room?
The living room. Blue has claimed the end of the sofa, where she can keep an eye on the kitchen in case food appears.
Home personality and favorite room?
Our home is a golden retriever because Charlie is its king. His dream home would include a pool with a sun shelf and a yard made for digging. His favorite room is the kitchen, wherever snacks—and the kids—are.
LAUREN HARKINS WIUFF
Favorite Memphis neighborhood?
Birdie and I both chose Central Gardens. It’s incredibly dog-friendly, with waste stations, beautiful historic homes and plenty of friendly neighbors. She especially loves showing off in the Fourth of July parade, sometimes sporting a tutu.
Most unexpected pet-friendly feature?
A dedicated dog room with a pet shower, grooming station and dryers. Birdie would look much more polished if we had one.
LAURIE CONNORS
If Parker staged a home...
He’d insist the blanket Mom puts over the couch must stay so he can cuddle beside me.
Favorite neighborhood?
Yorkshire is perfect for dog walks, with tree-lined streets, winding roads and easy access to the Sea Isle Dog Park.
LYNDA BADDOUR
Perfect neighborhood for pet owners?
Chickasaw Gardens is hard to beat. The quiet streets, beautiful lake and abundance of ducks make every walk enjoyable for both dogs and their owners.
Backyard or sunny window?
Moses would choose a big backyard to run and explore, though he’s happiest anywhere the family is.
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With Finley Lane, Neely MaKinster is proving that a college dorm can feel just as thoughtful as home.
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
Move-in day has come a long way from matching bed-in-a-bag sets and plastic drawer towers. Today’s college students arrive on campus with Pinterest boards, saved Instagram posts and TikTok inspiration in hand, dreaming of a space that’s every bit as stylish as the bedroom they’re leaving behind. Helping bring those dreams to life is Memphis artist Neely MaKinster, founder of Finley Lane, a boutique dorm-design business creating personalized spaces that make students feel at home from day one.
For MaKinster, designing dorm rooms wasn’t simply a business idea; it was the perfect intersection of timing, creativity and passion. “I’ve always loved design,” she says. “When I started working for Lisa Mallory, I knew interior design was the career I wanted to pursue.”
Just a year out of college herself, she recognized an opportunity. At 22, she understood exactly what students wanted because she had just lived it. Already running a successful art business with an online community of more than 10,000 followers, launching Finley Lane felt like a natural evolution. “I saw an opportunity to bring my vision to life and combine my passions for creativity, design and entrepreneurship,” she says. Today, she’s helping families transform standard dorm rooms into spaces that feel collected, comfortable and unmistakably personal.
Neely's original art brings every fabric choice together, brightening up the otherwise white walls.
Every project begins the same way: with a conversation. Whether meeting clients in person or over Zoom, MaKinster takes time to understand how each student wants the room to look and, more importantly, to feel. “I want every space to feel like it was created specifically for that student,” she says.
Rather than selecting furniture first, she often starts with something much smaller since she is working with such compact spaces. “A pillow fabric usually becomes the foundation for the entire room,” she explains. From there, bedding, drapery, furnishings and accessories begin to fall into place, creating a layered design that’s equal parts functional and beautiful. The finishing touch is often one of the most personal: original artwork painted by MaKinster herself, perfectly complementing the space.
It’s those custom details that set Finley Lane apart. Of course, creating a beautiful dorm room also means solving one of college life’s biggest design dilemmas: tiny spaces. “When every square foot counts, storage has to work just as hard as the design,” MaKinster says.
Her approach is practical and polished. To make the room feel less institutional and more like a well-designed bedroom, MaKinster uses raised beds paired with custom bed skirts that conceal dressers and storage bins. Thoughtfully selected cabinetry hides dorm essentials like refrigerators and microwaves, softening the concrete space.
Parents, unsurprisingly, tend to have a few practical questions of their own. How much does it cost? What happens on move-in day? Where does everything fit?
Those conversations inspired one of Finley Lane’s newest partnerships. As the in-house designer for Cedar Bucket in Oxford, MaKinster now offers families an even more streamlined experience by combining custom design, furniture, storage and delivery all in one place. Students can select custom pillows, bed skirts, drapery, closet panels and accessories tailored specifically to their dorm room while coordinating furniture and move-in logistics.
“The goal is to make the entire experience as seamless as possible for families,” MaKinster says. While function is essential, style is having a major moment in the dorm world. According to MaKinster, Fall 2026 is all about personality.
The all-white aesthetic that’s dominated social media over the last several years is giving way to colorful fabrics, layered patterns and vintage-inspired accents. Students are embracing rooms that reflect who they are instead of what’s trending.
It’s a shift MaKinster loves seeing. “Students want their dorm room to feel like an extension of themselves,” she says. “They want it to be a place they’re excited to come home to.”
And, despite the stereotype, girls aren’t the only ones investing in thoughtful design. MaKinster says she’s regularly contacted by parents of sons who want their students to have comfortable, functional spaces that feel welcoming. The designs may be more understated, but the goal is exactly the same: creating a home away from home.
As Finley Lane continues to grow, so does MaKinster’s vision.
She recently unveiled a dorm showroom made possible through collaborations with several businesses and brands—including Kiser’s Floor Fashions, Lisa Mallory Interior Design, John Robshaw Textiles, Cedar Bucket Oxford and Room 422—whose support helped bring the space to life. For a young entrepreneur, those partnerships represent more than beautiful products; they reflect a community that believes in her work.
Looking ahead, MaKinster hopes to expand Finley Lane far beyond the MidSouth, building teams that travel to college campuses across the country each summer to install fully designed dorm rooms before students ever arrive.
It’s an ambitious vision, but one rooted in a simple idea: the first room a student labels “Mine” should feel special. College’s newest tradition may just be opening the dorm room door and feeling at home the moment you step inside.
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR
August 20-23
Exciting ideas often begin as a simple conversation between two people with a shared vision. For Anna Grace Green and her father, Tom Green III, that conversation sparked an event that is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated gatherings in the Mid-South. The Croft Show, held at Mallard’s Croft, the family’s property in Byhalia, Mississippi, is part open-air market, part weekend getaway and entirely unlike anything else within driving distance of Memphis.
“We had been attending markets and events across the country for years - places like Round Top in Texas and the Atlanta Market,” Anna Grace says. “We loved those experiences, but we kept thinking there was an opportunity to create something special right here in the Mid-South. Something that blended shopping, art, antiques, fashion, food, entertainment and the outdoors into one unforgettable experience.”
The show’s roots run deep in family history. Tom Green III left Mississippi at eighteen years old and headed west, spending years working as a hunting guide, covering miles on horseback through wideopen landscapes. The traditions, craftsmanship and sense of community he discovered during that chapter of his life never left him. When he eventually returned home and built Mallard’s Croft, with its world-class sporting clay course, duck hunting preserve and stunning event venues, he wove that Western spirit into every corner of the property. The Croft Show was born from the same desire to keep Western traditions alive, preserve craftsmanship and celebrate the family’s Southern heritage and culture.
“Dad has always believed in honoring the past and celebrating craftsmanship,” Anna Grace explains. “The show is really an extension of that philosophy. We are encouraging vendors to create fully designed spaces to reflect their brand identities and showcase their curated antiques, artwork, fashion, florals, furniture and home décor.”
The vendor lineup reads like a who’s who of makers and artists rarely found in the region. Curated Threads brings gorgeous bedding from High Point, North Carolina. Custom hat designer Tipsy Threads travels from Alabama, alongside Nell Koopman Art and embroidery artist Sophia Reed. Also hailing from Alabama is artist Kyle Rogers, well known for his vibrant, soulful paintings of cowboys and Native Americans, painted on unconventional canvases like denim jackets, tar paper, cardboard and clothing.
Jackson, Mississippi’s Cowboy Country Club Clothing and Houston, Texas’ Willow Boots will also be present, alongside a wide array of favorite local vendors, including artist Shelley Bolton, Pickering Boxwood and R.L.H. European Antiques.
“We want guests to feel like they’ve traveled to one of the country’s premier markets without ever leaving the Memphis area,” Anna Grace says. “We have approximately 89 vendors representing 53 cities, and the caliber of the vendors is something people in this region don’t always have access to. That’s exactly the gap we wanted to fill.”
Beyond shopping, the weekend is packed with curated experiences - and a portion of the special event proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Guests can attend a ribbon and wreath workshop hosted by Aqua & Oak out of Tupelo, enjoy an elegant dinner with wine pairings and beautiful tablescapes sponsored by Pavilion Paper (the Texas-based brand behind luxury paper plates that resemble true china) and participate in a life-sized Mahjong experience with cocktails, appetizers and giveaways created by Dallas’ Bam Bird Boutique.
There will also be a book signing and meet-and-greet with interior designer Sophie Williams, as well as live music, happy hours, speakers and special shopping events woven throughout the weekend. Cowboy boots and hats are highly encouraged, especially for the Ranchers Table event, which includes a custom hat bar, cooking demonstrations, leather artisans and premium beef.
“If there is one thing people know about my dad and me, it’s that nothing we do together is ever small,” Anna Grace laughs. “Our creativity and our ability to dream big make for a dangerous duo in the best possible way. We want to welcome guests to Byhalia and share the charm of our hometown.”
That commitment to experience extends to the vendors themselves. Because many of them stay on the property throughout the weekend, the show develops a genuine sense of community. Leading up to the event, organizers send personalized PR boxes, feature vendors across social media, and, in perhaps the most charming touch of all, deliver invitations to local vendors by horseback.
“Our mission is to bring together artisans, antiques, western lifestyle brands and makers, while keeping western traditions alive in the South,” Anna Grace says. “This isn’t just a market. It’s a destination - a full weekend that we hope becomes an annual tradition for families across the region.”
The Art of the Table (Pavilion Paper) – Sit-Down Dinner, Tablescape Demonstration, Hosting Inspiration, Wine Tasting and Live Music
Thursday, Aug 20 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Boots & Bams (Bam Bird Boutique) – Mahjong, Cocktails, Appetizers, Giveaways, Gifts and more
Friday, Aug 21 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Book Signing with Sophie Williams Design (Coffee Table Book included) – Meet & Greet, Interior Design Tips
Saturday, Aug 22 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
The Bow Bar (Aqua & Oak) – Creative Happy Hour, Make Your Own Decorative Door Wreath
Saturday, Aug 22 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The Ranchers Table (Learn the Land, Meet the Ranchers, Taste the Tradition) –Custom Hat Bar, Cooking Demonstrations, Leather Artisans, Premium Beef
Saturday, Aug 22 6:45 – 9:45 p.m.
“Our creativity and our ability to dream big make for a dangerous duo in the best possible way. We want to welcome guests to Byhalia and share the charm of our hometown.”
THE CROFT SHOW VENDORS
89 vendors from 53 cities including: Shelley Bolton Art, Curated Threads, Fred Cox Art, Fancy Pheasant, Aqua & Oak, Bam Bird Boutique, Couture Lamp, Dana Reese Art, Debi Vincent Art, Vicki Denaburg, European Antique Gallery, Hayley Morée Art, Heritage Antiques Estate Jewelry and Watches, Grace by Kathleen Weatherford, Le Sac Sulpice, Maison Elise Home Furnishings & Décor, Marshall Tyler Interiors, Nell Koopman Art, Pavilion Paper, Pickering Boxwood & Pickering Kids, R.L.H. European Imports, Tara Burt Designs, The Artist Kyle (live painter), The Gold Cobblestone Co, Three Quarter Collection, Tipsy Threads, White Oak Interiors, Will Powell Art, Adrianne Trulock Art, Ashley Anthony Artwork
To purchase tickets and learn more about the experience, visit info@thecroftshow.com, @mallardscroft
ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN
Back-to-school season isn’t just for students—it’s for grown-ups too. No pop quizzes or homework. This course selection can help you sharpen a hobby, upgrade a craft or use a different part of your brain from your day job.
For those who wish they could get off the sidelines, Memphis Sports and Entertainment Center has adult rec leagues for basketball, volleyball and flag football. The facility is top-notch, and all skill levels are welcome. Please remember to stretch; You are older now.
Paul Sax, the tennis and running legend, and Breakaway Running help run the Tuesday Night Track Workout at the University of Memphis. Located at the old field house track off of Zach Curlin, they meet every Tuesday night at 6 pm. Workouts focus on speed and endurance. It’s been going on for over 30 years and is free!
No leotard required, but you can swing by Barbara’s Dancewear if you want. Ballet Memphis has dance classes from Adult Beginners Ballet to Jazz and Modern Dance. You can purchase a series or drop in class to easily chassé into your schedule.
The Memphis Botanic Gardens can help plan your independent study in florals and fauna. Workshops and classes can cover container gardening, terrariums, succulents, plant propagation, houseplants and more. We recommend getting a group of friends for a garden walk and guided tours through the ninety-six acres. Inspiration abounds!
Church Health hosts a free cooking class series, Cook Well, Be Well . The classes are hands-on and focus on Mediterranean diet principles. You’ll become more comfortable in the kitchen, and they even teach you how to properly stock your pantry.
Kat Gordon may have passed the whisk with Muddy’s Bake Shop, but she is still in the mix. Kat is a business consultant (more on that later), and she is teaching cooking classes and hosting cookbook parties with her new business, Homemade Kitchen. Our kind of home economics class!
All the world’s a stage, including your office building. Playhouse on the Square offers Improv classes that go beyond comedy. Improv isn’t just for comics—you learn to “embrace the yes” with active listening, nimble problem-solving, collaboration, and quick, creative thinking you can apply at work and in life.
We know you’ll want to spend as much time as you can at the new Metal Museum in Overton Park opening in September. A Fine Metals and Jewelry class can be extra credit. The classes are immersive and hands-on. You’ll work on several projects with all materials and tools provided. No experience required but expert guidance is there every step.
Five in One Social Club is touted as “kindergarten for grown folks.” Their crafting calendar is endless with workshops ranging from the Japanese craft Kinusaiga, marbling, embroidery, print making and more. And their classes are designed *really* for adults. This creative community also hosts a craft supply swap!
A potter’s wheel can be intimidating. The instructors at Summer Avenue Art and Clay patiently guide you from centering clay to shaping, trimming, and glazing. A relaxed studio atmosphere where you can really get your hands dirty. You’ll leave with finished pieces and a new hobby to display.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens has a wide range of programming that will take you back to the classroom. Join the Fiber Arts Open Studio this fall where everyone brings fabric, yarn and tools to work on a projects alongside other creatives. Take a lunch break for their next Munch and Learn – better than a desk salad!
Rec Leagues, Track Club, Dance Class...Please remember to stretch; You are older now.
Cooking Classes and Cookbook Club... Our kind of home ec!
“All the world’s a stage, including your office building. Playhouse on the Square offers Improv classes that go beyond comedy. Improv isn’t just for comics— you learn to “embrace the yes” with active listening, nimble problem-solving, collaboration, and quick, creative thinking you can apply at work and in life.”
Shapeshifter Art School may be run by some of the city’s most acclaimed artists, but they promise the only thing required is a desire to learn and experiment. Log in now; they will sell out. From Cyanotype, Painting, Sculpture – this is approachable AP Art.
There are times we all wish we could return to college - beyond tailgating Meeman Center for Lifelong Learning at Rhodes College is your chance. Sign up for their non-credit, continuing ed classes, and you’ll feel closer to that Liberal Arts life. This fall, courses include Homer’s Odyssey on the Big Screen, American Politics, Life and Letters in Victorian Britain – and more
Don’t forget our Memphis Public Libraries. Information hub, yes - but their classes include computer skills, calligraphy, financial literacy, genealogy and more. Class is in session!
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients:
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
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Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
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We have created a dedicated placement opportunity designed speci cally for nonpro t organizations.
ARTICLE BY ANNA GSANGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
I love my dog. Romeo is a 10-year old miniature poodle. He is cute, cuddly, energetic, crazy talkative and not always great with other dogs. Over the past two years, my husband and I have taken different tactics to help him socialize.
My husband tried training through the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. Romeo learned new tricks (he can choose between blue and yellow plates!) and some self control, but his ability to manage himself with other dogs didn’t change.
I decided to use more discipline during our five-mile weekend walks with friends. We don’t always see other dogs, but when we did, I started giving him small treats to encourage “good boy” behavior. The treats seemed to work. Romeo was increasingly well-behaved and looked for reasons to be a “good boy” on our walks. Even so, I was hesitant to try the ultimate test, a dog park.
Luckily, two of our walking friends became new dog owners. Note to the reader: if you want to know anything vital about dogs, walk five miles with a new dog owner; you will be a pro!
During one walk, I learned about several dog parks in Memphis, including those which require payment, ones with separate small and large dog areas and which parks our friends preferred.
Recently, armed with our new knowledge, Romeo and I tested his social skills with our walking friends and their dogs at Sea Isle Dog Park. This is a great park with varied terrain and water for dogs and humans. After loudly greeting his friends, Romeo behaved surprisingly well - with dogs known and new. I was so proud. If you haven’t visited a park with your dog, below are details on the 13 parks in and around Memphis. General rules for all parks are as follows:
• Dogs must be leashed when entering or exiting;
• Doors or gates must be closed behind you;
• Your dog must be vaccinated (the most important are rabies, distemper and bordatella);
• Dogs should be 4-6 months old;
• Cleaning up after your pet is required; no one likes to step in excrement!
MEMPHIS
1. Central Bark (539 S Front St)
Previously a vacant lot, this park includes two fenced spaces: one for dogs 25 lbs or less and one for dogs 25 lbs and up. There is a water fountain on site.
2. Edge Triangle Hound Dog Dog Park (Triangle Park)
This fenced park has several agility structures for dogs. There are spaces for both large and small dogs, along with a splash pad for cooling off.
3. Greenbelt Park on Mud Island (830 Island Dr)
The Mud Island Park includes two fenced grassy spaces including one for dogs 25 lbs or less and one for dogs 25 lbs and up. Water is available in the park.
4. Overton Bark - Overton Park (1930 Poplar Ave)
The Overton Bark is a 1.3 acre park and includes two fenced spaces, one for dogs 25 lbs or less and one for dogs 25 lbs and up. Water fountains and clean-up stations are available.
5. Sea Isle Park (5220 Sea Isle Rd)
A fenced park with one open space for all dogs, the terrain is varied for maximum enjoyment. Water fountains are available, along with an awning.
6. Shelby Farms Outback - Shelby Farms Park
This multi-use area has more than 100 acres of fields, ponds, and unpaved trails. Accessible via gates 11, 12 and 13 on Trinity and Raleigh-Lagrange Roads on the northeastern side of the park. It includes a water fountain with a dog bowl and wash station. There are no fences, so make certain your dog is well trained!
7. The Barking Lot Dog Park (100 Jefferson Ave)
This small, urban dog park includes a fenced area and seating. One space for all dog sizes.
8. Tobey Dog Park - Tobey Park (2599 Avery Ave)
Includes fenced spaces for dogs 25 lbs or less and one for dogs 25 lbs and up. There are small pools that can be filled with water during the summer months.
CONTINUED >
“I DECIDED TO USE MORE DISCIPLINE DURING OUR FIVE-MILE WEEKEND WALKS WITH FRIENDS. WE DON’T ALWAYS SEE OTHER DOGS, BUT WHEN WE DID, I STARTED GIVING HIM SMALL TREATS TO ENCOURAGE “GOOD BOY” BEHAVIOR.”
9. Forgey Dog Park (Germantown)
This locked park requires a Pooch Pass registration with yearly fees for both residents ($40) and non-residents ($60). There is a water bar and agility equipment.
10. Bartlett Dog Park (Bartlett)
This is the only place in Bartlett where unleashing your dog is allowed. The fenced space includes separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as kiddie pools for keeping cool.
11. Suggs Dog Park (Collierville)
This fenced park has an area for small and large dogs. Includes a splash pad to beat the heat.
12. Zadie E. Kuehl Memorial Park Dog Park (Lakeland)
With fenced spaces for large and small dogs, this park has a friendly atmosphere. The water fountains are cold, and toys are available for everyone’s enjoyment.
13. Olive Bark Dog Park - Olive Branch City Park (Olive Branch, MS)
The fenced park has space for both large and small dogs.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN GOING OUT WITH YOUR DOG:
• How frequently is the park mowed? Does your dog have flea and tick protection?
• If your dog enjoys pup cups, choose a park near places for a treat after play.
• Some doggie daycares have rules about visiting dog parks prior to attending; make sure you know them before visiting a park.
• A few retailers are dog friendly. Lowe’s, Home Depot and Hollywood Feed stores are great outings on a stormy or cold day.
Visit Downtown Memphis Commission’s website (www.downtownmemphis.com) to learn more. Happy fetching!
