River City, TN July 2024

LX THE DEFINITIVE STANDARD OF LUXURY

Uncover Excellence Performance

The LX offers a range of powerful and refined trim levels across its diverse lineup: LX 600, LX 600 Premium, LX 600 Luxury, LX 600 Luxury+, and LX 600 F SPORT Handling Each trim level is designed to provide a unique blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology, catering to different preferences and driving styles The LX continues to showcase why it is the flagship SUV of Lexus.

Elevating performance on every road, the LX features a twinturbocharged V6 that delivers 409 horsepower with 479 lb-ft of torque for instantaneous power. Its 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission is designed to select the optimal gear for every condition. And with Trailer Sway Control and an impressive 8,000-lb towing capacity, the LX is primed and ready for even more possibilities.

Standard Safety

Peace of mind is standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2 5, a suite of standard active safety equipment and convenience features. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and more Drive confidently with safety features designed to enhance driver and passenger protection.

LEXUS OF MEMPHIS

2600 Ridgeway Road, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 362-8833

Full-Time 4WD

The Torsen* torque-sensing limited-slip center differential efficiently distributes engine power between the front and rear axles, helping to optimize traction in wide variety of conditions

Four-wheel Active Traction Control helps keep you on the road and feeling secure by using sensors to detect the onset of wheel slippage, automatically applying the brake to the slipping wheel and shifting power to the wheels with the most traction

3050 Walnut Grove Rd. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 458-8000

9155 Poplar Ave. Suite #25 Germantown, TN 38138 (901) 624-6773

7980 Fischer Steel Cordova, TN 38018 (901) 754-6161

July - The Explore Issue

The month of July finds us in the very center of summer. It may have taken us all the way through June to adjust to a new season and, meanwhile, the dog days of August and end of summer already loom ahead.

Consider that this may present an opportunity to create a new routine or to try to go about your days without a routine for a change. Perhaps your calendar has finally been cleared of regular monthly meetings and demands. Vacations are being taken and enjoyed. Hopefully, we are making time to connect with the friends and family who mean the most to us, whether near or far.

As we settle in to enjoy the new pace of summer, may we also look to our wonderful city to provide avenues of enjoyment and exploration. Head to a neighborhood that you don’t normally frequent to try a new restaurant or wine bar. Spend an afternoon immersing yourself in one of Memphis’ wonderful parks or gardens. Maybe you will get some ideas about planting or editing your own home garden.

In our July issue, we have done a little exploring ourselves. Learn how the ancient game of Mahjong has become the latest craze to hit the game scene. A combination of socializing, strategizing and execution, playing Mahjong is sure to be a fun way to pass an afternoon and keep our brains active. Try a new recipe like a salmon poke bowl. Pair your new dish with a crisp sauvignon blanc or a seasonal growler at Joe’s Wine and Liquor. As you prepare your meal, pre-game with an ice-cold dirty gin martini paired with spicy chorizo, kettle-cooked potato chips or a small scoop of caviar. All recipes inside.

Meet Dale Skaggs, director of horticulture at Memphis’ treasured Dixon Gallery and Gardens. And explore a beautifully renovated lake house retreat created by local designer Hayley Davis.

Embrace a new pace, whatever that means. As we make the most of the summertime remaining, remember to take the opportunity to return to your favorite spots and to explore Memphis anew.

JEANNIE TABOR, MANAGING EDITOR @RIVERCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Bonner Morgan

MARKET AREA COORDINATOR

Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Amy Golden, Margaret Ledbetter

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Mary Demere

INTERN

Maude Burrow

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sierra Daugherty

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sarah Bell, Sarah Voigt Photography; Erica Haskett; Emily Frazier Creative

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Proverbs 3:5-6

inside the issue

Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Cannon is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic specialist in hand and upper extremity orthopaedics. He also focuses on general orthopaedics and is a member of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Cannon received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He is a member of the volunteer faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and enjoys working with patients at the Church Health Center.

Areas of focus:

Elbow • Hand & Wrist • Sports Medicine • General Orthopedics

Dr. Cannon possesses a 4.9/5.0-star rating based on 516 reviews

ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY FRAZIER CREATIVE

Living Lake House

A RENOVATION WITH HAYLEY DAVIS INTERIORS

Interior Designer Hayley Davis is a master at blending modern and vintage. A West Texas native, she studied design at Abilene Christian University. In 2007, husband Kelby’s job transfer via FedEx brought Hayley’s family to Memphis. After stints at Worlds Away and with local interior design firms, she started Hayley Davis Interiors in 2017. Here, we explore a renovated lake house retreat and learn more about Hayley’s approach, style and skills.

TELL US ABOUT THIS PROJECT

A study in contextualism, it’s a house built into a hill on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  The setting became our inspiration; the only exposed side of the property faces the lake. The property’s low-slung rooflines and neutral color palette easily blend into its lakefront setting. While it was built in the 80s, it definitely has the style of a 70s home. We had designed the homeowner’s primary residence in East Memphis, so we knew them well. They wanted it to be a comfortable, unfussy home. A place to relax.

HOW DOES THE EXTERIOR ANSWER TO THE INTERIOR?

The house in a hill is made of concrete to withstand its natural surroundings. The rooftop has grass, rose bushes and trees. We chose the exterior warm graygreen color to reflect the trees around it. The concrete used to build the home also impacted our choices on the interiors with lighting and flooring materials. The original sliding doors and windows allowed an abundance of natural light, so we updated with newer, more energy efficient models. We went with several shades of white in the main living spaces to reflect and bounce natural light. Inside, we upgraded lighting to have warm light at night. We also used colors from nature like greens, blues, teal and wood stains throughout the home

WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS THAT YOU INCORPORATED INTO THE RENOVATION?

An original detail we couldn’t part with is the large square flagstone fireplace in the middle of the living space. We cleaned it up and designed the entire living and sitting room around it.

I probably had the most fun with the bathrooms. Lake house meets chic hotel. To stay nostalgic, we used midcentury selections where appropriate.

Design-wise, this home lent itself to beautiful custom millwork as we had done in their Memphis home. I knew I wanted stained white oak paneling all around the primary bedroom. In the sitting room, we designed custom low bookshelves made with a leather sofa tucked between them. Our clients are big readers and needed a good reading area. Design form should always meet a client’s function!

HOW DO YOU PIVOT FOR A CLIENT’S VACATION HOME? ANYTHING DIFFERENT FROM A PRIMARY DWELLING?

They won’t be there all the time so that lends itself to the home being more fun and playful. I’m always thinking of the type of space I want to be in when I travel. It is a space to relax, throw up your feet and cut the noise of daily life. We knew our client didn’t like clutter from working on her primary home, so everything from drinkware to accessories needed a purpose. Materials need to wear well and be easy to clean. We consider this for all the homes we design, but a lake house has some limits. For example, all the flooring is engineered wood or tile because it wasn’t realistic or feasible to use hardwood on the concrete subfloor due to moisture. We sourced as many materials as possible in Hot Springs to give as much business to the town we were working in.

Most of the interior walls are made of concrete. Hayley used textured rugs and various layers to create warmth.

WHAT ARE SOME POOLS OF INSPIRATION FOR YOU?

Travel, hotels (I love Ace Hotels), fashion and art

HOW DO YOU KEEP IT FRESH?

If you follow us on Instagram (@hayleydavisinteriors) you have probably seen or heard us say we feel like a chameleon of design. Every one of our clients is so different. Some may love color and lots of patterns where others may not. We design for our clients, so you will see traditional, funky, playful or modern homes. We also like to allow for the and/or as we are anything but prescriptive. CONTINUED

Because every lake house needs a bunk room.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

DIRTY GIN MARTINI AND SMALL SNACKS

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 ounces gin

• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth

• 1/2 ounce olive brine

• Garnish: 2 to 4 olives

Directions:

1. Add the gin or vodka, vermouth and olive brine to a shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake for 15–20 seconds until icy cold

3. Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled martini glass.

4. Garnish with a skewer of olives.

Enjoy this crisp cocktail before dinner with a smattering of small bites. The savory olive flavor works well with a slice or two of spicy chorizo. Buster’s Butcher offers Argentinian Chorizo and Chorizo Fresco—a little spice goes a long way when paired with an ice-cold martini.

Many martini drinkers enjoy fresh oysters with their drink of choice. A kettle-cooked potato chip with a small scoop of caviar also gives you every bit of salty goodness.

SALMON POKE BOWL

Grab a Growler of Bells Brewery - Oberon,  Seasonal Wheat Ale at Joe’s Wines and Liquors

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of white, long-grain rice

• 4-5 filets of salmon, diced

• 4 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced or shaved

• ¼ red cabbage, thinly sliced

• 4 carrots, thinly sliced or shaved

• 3 large avocados, diced

• 3 scallions, finely chopped

• Edamame

• Pickled ginger

• 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds

• Soy sauce

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of chili crisp (Mr. Bing crisp - can adjust quantity for desired level of spice)

• 2 tablespoons of Yuzu mayo

• 1 teaspoon of low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds

• 1 teaspoon of pure sesame oil

Salmon Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1 ½ teaspoon of chili crisp

Directions:

1. Cook the rice. Add 2 cups of long-grain rice and 31/3 cups of cold water to a small pot. Place the pot over medium-high heat, and when the water starts to foam up, cover the pot and lower the heat.

2. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and keep the lid on until you’re ready to serve.

3. While the rice cooks, preheat the oven to 445 degrees and line a tray with parchment paper.

4. In a small bowl, mix salmon marinade ingredients. Scale up ingredients based on serving size. Add the pieces of salmon to the bowl and toss to coat completely.

5. Arrange the diced, coated salmon on the oven tray. Bake for 10 minutes. The edges of the salmon pieces should appear a bit browned and crispy.

6. Prepare the topping sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Add or reduce the amount of chili crisp to your desired spice level—a little goes a long way!

7. When ready to serve, fluff your rice and divide it among bowls. Add the salmon, sliced and chopped veggies, then drizzle with the prepared sauce and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.

At Joe’s Wines and Liquors, you can grab their seasonal growler of Bells Brewery’s Oberon. This brew is a wheat ale that’s easy to drink and works well with this customizable, Asian dish. Whether you’re adding a lot of spice with chili crisp or keeping it simple with an avocado and Yuzu mayo topping, this beer is a bright yet complementary pairing.

If you’re not a beer fan, a cold glass of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc or rosé is a great option to complete this meal .

SECOND NATURE

ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SARAH VOIGT PHOTOGRAPHY

CULTIVATING BEAUTY IN EVERY SEASON WITH DALE SKAGGS

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens embodies the harmonious blend of art and nature – a beacon for artists, a year-round event hub and a harbinger of generational memories.  At the helm of its horticultural endeavors is Dale Skaggs. With a passion for the natural world, Director of Horticulture Dale Skaggs is instrumental in the innovation, growth and design of the gardens. We enjoyed exploring the gardens with Dale and learning about his design philosophy, favorite plants and the challenges and triumphs of managing such a dynamic landscape.

During Dale’s 17 years at the Dixon, he has poured his time, knowledge and love into the gardens. As we strolled together, it was apparent that Dale is at home here. He gently touched plants and pointed out blooms we passed, noting the origins and reasons for the placement without pause all while sharing insights into where he continually draws inspiration. His educational background at Oregon State University profoundly influences his design approach.

“Inspiration is never a problem; it is more reining in the possibilities that work with your site. We have so many contacts with other public gardens, plant breeders, plant collectors and plant vendors. My profession is not really a job but a lifestyle,” Dale remarks. He finds joy in the endless possibilities.

Dale’s lifestyle is filled with European hornbeams, tulips and calycanthus. “My inspiration is found in nature and the outdoors. Understanding plant ecology and natural systems is a treasure trove of ideas, especially when it intersects with the human element,” Dale remarks. The average garden visitor enjoys the sculptures and current blooms, the elements that immediately strike our senses. Dale, however, points out the specific strains of ferns, formations of boxwoods and the smells of certain trees. His deep connection to and understanding of every flower, tree and plant in the gardens reveals his sixth sense for the natural world.

“I spend my free time reading about and exploring garden designs and plants. Gardening as an art form is not static but ever-changing and inextricably linked to the site. You can get ideas, but no two gardens are alike. We read multiple gardening publications and attend as many conferences and presentations as we can. I also love the travel my position affords me.”

Dale is on a constant quest to understand the natural world a bit better with every passing season as nature continues to keep us on our toes. “This year, we had the azaleas, the dogwoods, the tulips and the daffodils all blooming in concert together, which has never happened before,” Dale remarks. A deep frost or early heat wave can impact the gardens for years.

“There is constant flux in the plant world, especially now as the climate is changing. There are trends in the gardening world that seem to be on about 15 to 20-year cycles. Currently, native plants are very popular, which is great; however, they are not a panacea. I went to school in Oregon where I learned not to discriminate against a plant based on its ethnic origins. I learn most from the people around me.”

Dale’s work is not a solitary endeavor. He leads a team of six and a dedicated group of volunteers whose collective efforts and ideas are the lifeblood of the gardens. “Our greatest source of inspiration is our volunteers. We have a cadre of dedicated gardeners constantly bringing us ideas for new plants or ways to use much-loved plants.”

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Yet, it’s not all roses and tulips. The daily gardening grind is peppered with unpredictable challenges. “The unexpected is part of the job on a day-to-day basis. We try to plan our day/week/month/year, and something always happens that we didn’t foresee,” Dale notes. The daily challenges are ever-present, from fallen limbs to faulty irrigation systems. “A tree will lose a major limb, we’ll have a leak in our irrigation system, a cooler in the greenhouse will fail, a tractor will break down,” he recounts. Nature, after all, runs on its own schedule.

With blankets of color and texture yearround, such as a quarter million tulips in the spring and seasonal azaleas, innovative forms of natural grandeur at the Dixon provide memorable Memphis experiences carefully cultivated by Dale and his team. Whether you visit in the height of spring or crisp air of fall, Dale says, “Anytime you’re visiting a garden, someone will say, ‘Well, you should have been here last week.’”

Dale Skaggs - Director of Horticulture

Dale’s Other Interests

“I’m very interested in French wine. My interest started with Viticulture at Oregon State University, where the fickle Pinot Noir grape grows so well. My focus on French wines is Burgundy, where the Pinot Noir grape also dominates red wine production. It is such a delicate grape, and in Burgundy, France, it is the vineyard that is classified, not the chateaux or winemaker who is blending grapes. This really lets what the French call “terroir” shine through. Most of the white production in this region is Chardonnay, which is also delicate and expresses unique characteristics of where the grapes are grown. You can actually taste the differences depending on the vineyard it is from due to differences in weather, soils and very small local nuances. I also enjoy fly fishing, training my bird dog, Rook, going to the climbing gym and biking.”

ARTICLE BY SIERRA DAUGHERTY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA HASKETT

Exploring the Benefits of Creativity for Youth

Summer is in the air, bringing with it a perfect opportunity for children to explore the world of art. Here in Memphis, the warm, sunny days, bright green foliage and vibrant evenings create an inviting backdrop for a season of creativity and discovery. From painting to fashion design, creative activities offer kids more than just a fun way to pass the time. Away from the structure of traditional education, summer is a time where kids experience the freedom to dive into things that, between homework, sports and extracurriculars, they might not otherwise have the chance to explore deeply. This season is brimming with excitement and potential, making it the perfect time to explore new horizons.

Engaging in art might seem like a simple pastime to some, but it holds profound value. According to ArtsMemphis and the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, in 2022, the local arts and culture industry brought in an impressive $192.2 million in economic activity. This significant contribution shows the value of investing in creative programs and encouraging young artists to explore and pursue their crafts.

Not only is creativity a marketable skill, but it also plays a crucial role in cognitive development. When children practice art, they build critical skills such as recognizing patterns, planning and understanding cause and effect. For younger children, learning how to hold a paintbrush or craft with clay can even improve fine motor skills. Not to mention, kids of all ages enhance their language skills and media literacy by discussing their own and others’ art!

Another significant benefit of practicing creative arts is the social and emotional development that comes with it. In traditional school settings, kids are

typically grouped by age. In a more relaxed environment, such as an art summer camp or art classes, kids often interact with peers of different ages, learning to communicate and collaborate with both younger and older individuals. Creative programs also bring together children from diverse backgrounds, providing an opportunity to form new friendships and understand different perspectives, fostering diverse relationships and helping kids feel a sense of belonging within their larger community.

Art-making opportunities abound at Arrow Creative, a non-profit art collective in Midtown Memphis, which offers summer camps taught by professional, working artists in a variety of mediums from ceramics to digital illustration. “Mini Maker” classes and adult programming are also available throughout the year. So, whether you are looking to pick up a new hobby or hone your existing artistic skills, exploring the arts is a wonderful journey for all ages!

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ARTICLE BY MARGARET LEDBETTER

BY BONNER MORGAN

THE CRAZE IS CURRENT. THE GAME IS ANCIENT.

MAHJONG MADNESS

Mahjong is the most popular pastime in the world, but it’s not played the same everywhere. In fact, it’s been adapted over and over to suit different groups and cultures for centuries. Mahjong dates to the mid 1800s in China during the Qing Dynasty.

tiles make during a shuffle. The rhythms of the game are particularly suited to conversation and comraderie, similar to Bridge. The shuffle and deal are the hardest part of the game, involving multiple steps and moves like building walls, “curtsies,” a Charleston and “cupcakes.”

“IT’S A KIND OF SOCIAL

ENTREPRENEURSHIP,” SAYS JJ KERAS.

The history is referenced in the 144 game pieces; tiles depict “bams” (for bamboo), “cracks” (for Chinese characters), “dots” (for coins) and others , like dragons and flowers and winds, that some believe date back to Confucius.

It plays like a mix of gin rummy and Rummikub with tiles and suits and die and multiple variations. Different versions add or subtract tiles, alter scoring and rules, all helping to explain the broad appeal of the four-player parlor game based on chance and skill.

The word “mahjong” means “sparrow” in some Chinese dialects which refers to the bird-like clicking sound the

Once the basics of the deal are mastered, the learning curve is quick and novices fall for the clatter of mixing tiles and the smooth, cool weight of each one.

The game was introduced in the United States in the 1920s and was made popular among military wives. It has grown enormously in popularity with an American twist. Now boasting 350,000 members, the National Mah Jongg League was established in New York in 1937 to draft rules for American Mah Jongg. The rules dictate a “standard of hands” or “lines” which change annually. A new card with new lines is available each year.

CONTINUED >

The Memphis Mahjong Club was established in January 2024 by a group of friends who each had a unique history with Mahjong and organized to promote the game and build a community of players in the River City. They offer private and group lessons, teaching the National Mah Jongg League rules in a variety of settings homes, clubs, parks, poolside and charity events. Most recently, they helped organize a fundraiser for ArtsMemphis with 60 tables of players and raised $25,000.

Lindsay Adams, Colleen Canale, JJ Keras and Jennifer Hobson are the collaborative team behind the Memphis Mahjong Club. “It’s a kind of social entrepreneurship,” says Keras who saw the need for a Memphis Club once she began researching other Southern cities’ clubs . “It’s really filled a void in the Memphis Mahjong community,” says Keras. It’s an intellectual game but also social, providing a unique opportunity to meet new people and an escape for a few hours

CONTINUED >

Mix Old Dominick and Community Foundation to protect the Memphis Aquifer. Scan QR code artwork with your phone for this refreshing story.

JUST ONE “MAHJONG” WILL GET YOU HOOKED.

Besides the social component, different Mahjong pieces and die and accessories, like those from The Mahjong Line out of Dallas, keep the enthusiasm fresh and fun. With any of the newer sets, players really must work to interpret the images and form hands, which is part of the unique challenge. Changes have been going on since the earliest origins of the game, and the founders of the Memphis Mahjong Club hope these tweaks and reinterpretations will continue to grow both the enthusiasm and size of the Memphis Mahjong community. Just one “Mahjong” – as the winning player gets to say – will get you hooked.

DAVID LUSK GALLERY

The original Memphis family of fine jewelers 474 Perkins Extended, Memphis