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LIFESTYLE LETTER

July - The Explore Issue

July 2025 PUBLISHER

Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

We live in a world that prizes productivity and efficiency, where every moment seems mapped out and scheduled. Our days are filled with checking boxes, convinced that only activities that can be measured, calculated and optimized truly matter. But a life too tightly structured is missing something essential—space to explore. Enter: summer. The slower pace of summer invites us to relax, discover and wander—no passport required. Although if you’re dreaming of Italy, this issue is bursting with inspiration for your travels with even more to come this fall. And if you’re thinking of exploring platform diving… well, we might not be the experts there. But we can happily report that our cover boys landed safely in the warm waters of Horseshoe Lake—a beloved spot close to home, and definitely worth exploring. Perhaps an interior design journey with one of our favorite River City designers, Caroline Smith, or a deep dive into the exquisite gems and metals Mednikow offers is more your speed. Maybe trying a new hobby or embarking on a culinary adventure to the Green River (cocktail) beckons. This issue is an invitation—to give yourself permission to explore. Whether it’s a spontaneous trip, a new recipe, a cultural event or simply carving out unstructured time with loved ones; wander further, dream bigger and find joy in every small adventure. Reflecting on how my family spends time together, what I cherish most are the unplanned, seemingly ordinary moments. Sunny days stretching lazily into nights, our happiest memories unfolding when we put down our screens, step away from routines and embrace the spirit of adventure. Our journeys don’t always need fireworks or faraway destinations—they can be as simple as a board game, a riverbed rock hunt or exploring a new exhibit at the Dixon when summer calls for a little air conditioning. It’s in navigating challenges and solving problems together that the magic happens. This Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthplace of freedom—and the unyielding spirit of exploration it ignited. From sea to shining sea, adventure is our heritage. Happy exploring!

LINDSEY TONKIN, EDITOR @ R I V E R C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E

Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com P H OTO E D I TO R

Bonner Morgan bonnermorganphotography@gmail.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Amy Golden | amy.golden@citylifestyle.com M AR K E T AR E A C O O R D I N ATO R

Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com STAF F W R I T E R S

Margaret Ledbetter, Morgan Zanone AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Jeff McMillen C O PY E D I TO R

Jo-Ellen Sharpe INTERNS

Mary Drew Beard, Marshall McGahey, Lucy Lamb, Helen Kastner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dita Faulkner, Anna Gsanger C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Sarah Voigt, Julie Ross Photography

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CTO Ajay Krishnan VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

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via the US Postal Service to some of the River City area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in River City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JU LY 2 0 2 5 | EX P LO R E

48 14

Featured

14 24 36 48 12

Two Souls of Italy

A Regional Roadmap of Culture, Cuisine and Contrasts

Jeweled Creation

Mednikow offers custom jewelry design using their top quality gemstones and metals

Horseshoe Lake Tradition

Small Town, Big Bang: Horseshoe Lake’s July 4th Tradition

A Second Home in Memphis Caroline V. Smith Interiors

24 On the Cover

Departments

We are pleased to report that our cover guys/ stuntmen, Philip Zanone Jr. and Neil Johnson, landed safely in Horseshoe Lake. Read more about this exploration destination near and dear to many River City residents, inside.

Lifestyle Letter

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Must See LOCAL SERVICES

Hosting Tips EVENT PLANNING + SERVICES

Outdoor Adventure LIFE + CULTURE

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN

Photography: Morgan Zanone

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Two Souls of Italy ARTICLE BY ANNA GSANGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN OWEN

In the United States, the North and South are often referred to as if they were siblings. If the analogy holds, then they are certainly siblings raised on opposite sides of the table. In the culinary world, the North insists on precision, while the South cooks with passion and improvisation. Italy is no different. From the snow-dusted Dolomites of the North to the citrus groves of Sicily, Italy is divided in a similar fashion — in accents, attitudes and particularly at the dinner table. I’ve been fortunate to have had many opportunities to traverse up and down the Boot, walking through vineyards in Piemonte and hunting for lunch in Corleone, and one thing is certain: to know Italy is to understand the delicious balance between its two souls.

A REGIONAL ROADMAP OF CULTURE, CUISINE AND CONTRASTS

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Approaching the town of Bellagio, situated on Lake Como and framed by the majestic Alpine range

FROM THE ALPS TO APERITIVO: THE ALLURE OF NORTHERN ITALY Regardless of where you may travel in Italy, it’s fair to say that you will encounter mountains or rolling hills; it’s simply a stunning landscape. Northern Italy is unique in the grandeur of the mountains, from the high peaks of the Alps, the stunning white rock faces of the Dolomites and the rolling hills of Piemonte and Alto Adige, to the coast in and around Genoa. Some might say you can experience all that Italy has on offer without venturing further south. One of the more thrilling entrances to Northern Italy is driving through Mont Blanc (yes, through). The 7.2-mile tunnel road that takes you from Chamonix in France to Courmayer in Italy on either side of this majestic peak is not for the faint of heart. Upon entry into Italy, you wind like a corkscrew through to the valley and the foothills of the Alps. Once balance has returned, continue on to the rolling landscape of Piemonte, the beating heart of slow food and home to truffles and where the full-bodied red wine Nebbiolo is both king (Barolo) and queen (Barbaresco). A stop in Piemonte is akin to a stop with friends. The people of this region will share their just-picked garden vegetables, handmade cheeses and meats - topped with their renown white truffles - all while popping open a bottle of locally made Asti that is a perfect pair with the fresh food and excellent company. In contrast with the natural charm of Piemonte is Milan, the industrial hub of Italy. In the shadow of the Duomo there, visitors can find monuments to fashion and manufacturing alongside restaurants serving Risotto Milanese, situated on peaceful canals perfect for strolling at the end of the day. For those who want to stray from the beaten path, the Fondazione Prada is a great stop. It is home to contemporary art, both emerging and established, and hosts film and live performances. A highlight of the Fondazione for some is the cafe. Designed by Wes Anderson, visitors can feel part of one of his whimsical movie sets while enjoying an aperitivo. A short drive from Milan is the stunning landscape of Lake Como. Bordering Switzerland, this region is named for the lake that is characteristic of its Alpine location. Lake Como hums with an effortless Alpine chic — part tranquility, part James Bond film still. It’s hard not to feel a bit fabulous while driving around it. There are many places to stop for a walk and a gelato along the way; posing for a photo or ten on the bank of Lake Como is a must! Just east of Milan, near Lake Garda, you can find Italy’s sparkling wine, Franciacorta, made in the traditional Champagne method. This elegant sparkling wine showcases the centuries of winemaking in Lombardy and tickles the tongue. Don’t miss the chance to sample this regional treasure.

A table at Villa d’Este, Lake Como

Handmade cheeses at an Italian market

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From the rush of Milan’s fashion houses to the hush of high Alpine air, the journey shifts gears to the Dolomite range and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The sheer, white rockface is an imposing entrance to this region where Germanic and Italian influences blend together seamlessly in drink, food and language. The wines available from this region include known favorites like Pinot Grigio and Prosecco, but include varietals like Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Sylvaner. These high acid wines are the perfect foil for the hearty buckwheat pasta, polenta, bread dumplings, game meat and rich mushroom sauces that are prevalent in the region. Further south of Cortina is the storied region of Veneto, where you will encounter Padua and Venice. Padua, home to one of the world’s oldest universities and the world’s oldest medical school, is steeped in history and tradition. The city’s foundation dates to the 11th and 10th centuries BC. The center of the city is filled with fresh food markets, the perfect place to sample local blood oranges to enjoy in a city park.

Enjoying a Bellini in Venice

The Villa Monastero botanical garden in Varenna, Italy, on Lake Como welcomes seafaring visitors with storied walls and floral grandeur.

The waterfall bridge of Lake Como

“WHILE IN EMILIAROMAGNA , VISITORS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND THEIR NOTION OF ITALIAN FOOD.” Venice is what would happen if a dream got tangled in a fishing net and decided to float. It’s a floating apartment complex of homes, cafés, churches — and of course, St. Mark’s Basilica. The city breathes through its canals, and finding your way means getting delightfully lost. If you can brave the challenge, take a turn or two against the suggestion of your map route and stumble upon a hidden gem on the way to Harry’s Bar to sample a Bellini where it originated. For a full day adventure, a boat ride to Murano to see the ancient art of glassmaking is fascinating, but be prepared to buy a souvenir or two. Even here in the North, in labyrinthine Venice, the lines blur between control and chaos.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

“Delightfully lost” in Venice

Like Lyon in France, Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, is considered to be the soul of Italian cuisine. Bologna boasts bolognese, parmesan, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, salumi, mortadella and so much more. Visitors to this region will leave with many sensory memories and contented bellies. The most well-known wine from the region is Lambrusco, appreciated for its effervescence and hint of sweetness. The dry version of the wine is a delicious partner to the cured meats of the region. While in Emilia-Romagna, visitors have the opportunity to expand their notion of Italian food. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Genoa is a place where the maritime heart of Italy shines. A stroll through the waterfront, Porto Antico, is a feast for the eyes and nose — there

are a multitude of ships young and old, and the scent of the sea and its bounty is all around. Eataly is a perfect spot for dinner, particularly on the rooftop patio, to experience Genoa at night. Like Milan, Genoa is an economic powerhouse for Italy. What’s more, its old town is one of the largest and most densely populated in Europe. Walking through the streets and alleys, visitors can take a trip through the last 1,000 years while climbing more than a few stairs. The effort is worthwhile, as the views of the city from the elevated corners are breathtaking. Having savored the sights and sounds of Northern Italy, a visitor may feel that their understanding of the country is complete. Not so fast; just wait until you taste what happens when the sun stays up longer — River City Lifestyle heads to southern Italy this fall. CONTINUED > JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

A walk through the aristocratic gardens of the Villa d’Este resort on Lake Como

“WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME ANNA GSANGER TO THE RIVER CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM.” MUST-EAT DISHES FROM NORTHERN ITALY

• Risotto Milanese • Buckwheat pasta filled with boar or beets • Grilled vegetables and fresh cheese served with sparkling Moscato from Piemonte • Bolognese with Tagliatelle (Spaghetti simply isn’t used) • Aged Balsamic vinegar • Salumi • Prosciutto • Mortadella • White truffles, with anything

WINE NOTES

St. Mark's Square in Venice

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Whites: • Prosecco: sparkling wine made with Glera grape; aromas and flavors of citrus and green apple, can have a bit of residual sugar. • Franciacorta: a sparkling wine, made using the traditional Champagne method with Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco grapes. • Vermentino: crisp with aromas and flavors of citrus and green apple. • Arneis: aromas and flavors of green apple, lemon, lime, orange peel, bergamot, and honeysuckle. • Friulano: aromas and flavors of almond, wildflower, pear, citrus, and a hint of minerality. • Müller Thurgau: aromas and flavors of pear, apple, citrus, and floral with a fuller body and a hint of muskiness. • Ribolla Gialla: aromas and flavors of white flowers, lemon zest, almond, green apple, very zippy! • Trebbiano: aromas and flavors of lemon peel, green apple, chamomile, pear, minerality; can have depth with age. • Moscato d’Asti: a light, sparkling wine with low alcohol content, this wine is sweet and fun with aromas and flavors of peach, orange blossom, apricot, honeysuckle, pear, and potentially a hint of ginger.

Reds: • Nebbiolo: this wine can be deceiving; lightly colored in the glass, the aromas and flavors pack a punch including, strawberry, cherry, rose, violets, anise, truffles, tea leaves, and tobacco. • Barbaresco - the Queen of Piemonte, made with Nebbiolo (aged 26 months +) • Barolo - the King of Piemonte, made with Nebbiolo (aged 38 months+) • Barbera: aromas and flavors of red cherry, plum, blackberry, violets, and dried herbs • Dolcetto: aromas and flavors of black cherry, black plum, blackberry, anise, earth, and violets. • Pinot Nero: aromas and flavors of wild cherry, strawberry, rose petals, baking spice, and forest floor. • Valpolicella (including Amarone and Ripasso): can be made light with aromas and flavors of cherry and raspberry or with a kicked up flavor as a Ripasso (the wine is passed through grapes that have been dried) or amplified when made with vine dried grapes that have loads of concentrated flavor. Try them all! • Lambrusco: lightly sparkling and juicy, the wine can be dry, off-dry, or sweet with aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum, sweet tart, and floral. We are proud to welcome Anna Gsanger to the River City Lifestyle team. Anna’s global tales of wine and cultural insights are underscored by her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, an advanced, internationally respected certification. To complement Anna’s beautiful story and her expertise in northern Italy, we’ve included photos from my recent anniversary trip there. Special thanks to Ginger Gwin of Air/Sea International Travel for making sure my husband and I had front-row seats to the best of Italy for our 30th anniversary vacation. This is just the beginning. This fall, Anna, Ginger and I will take you south as we continue exploring Italy’s food, wine and regional character. —Christian Owen Publisher, River City Lifestyle

Anna Gsanger PROFESSIONAL WINE EDUCATOR AND WRITER Anna Gsanger is a Memphis-based professional wine educator and writer who has been awarded WSET Level 3. She has a passion for exploring the cultures and regions behind each bottle. A Minnesota native with degrees from Penn and Wharton, she’s lived in Germany and across the U.S., visiting nearly 50 countries along the way. Her wine journey began in the lush vineyards of Northern California but truly took root during a transformative month in South Africa. The wine was excellent, yes—but it was the connection to the land and its people that turned a passing interest into a lasting passion. Backed by her supportive husband and two teenage daughters, Anna turned her passion for food, travel, and wine into formal study Through tastings, curated buying experiences, and storytelling, Anna connects people to wine in a way that’s adventurous, personal and always a little fun. Follow along @SommethingFun.

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JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

A Venetian sunset from Cip’s Club at Hotel Cipriani on the island of Giudecca in northern Italy

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

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We give shape to professional stories through fresh photography, videography, polished ad designs and well-crafted copy. Yes, your current approach might get someone in the door. Partnering with us makes them want to stay a while. Visit rivercitylifestyle.com to learn more.

FOOD & DRINK

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JEWELED CR E AT ION

Mednikow offers custom jewelry design using their top quality gemstones and metals

Most Memphians are probably aware that Mednikow Jewelers is the place to go for fine jewelry. In their Perkins Avenue store, you can find a dazzling array of engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces from the finest jewelry brands available. But many may not know that Mednikow Jewelers can help you create one-of-a-kind customized jewelry using their exceptional gemstones and metals. Mednikow’s jewelry design business often begins with the customer. You can bring in a drawing or

photograph of your dream jewelry, and Mednikow’s specialized designers and certified gemologists will make it happen, including restyling a family heirloom. Other times, owner Jay Mednikow designs jewelry based on his deep personal interest in creating beauty. As a fifth-generation owner, Jay was born into the jewelry business and came back after a stint on Wall Street. “I had other options, but I returned due to my love of jewelry. I run the jewelry business on the side to support my jewelry habit.”

ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN

M UST SE E | LO CAL S ERVICE S

Jay loves attending gemstone trade shows. Here he is able to hand-select truly unique gems straight from the miners and gemstone cutters. “Sometimes the jewelry starts with a design, and you find the best gem to complete that concept. Other times, you start with a gem that you absolutely love and create a design to best showcase its beauty.” Jay is quick to point out that there are many additional details that go into creating a fine piece of jewelry. “Like a skyscraper, you need your

Lab-grown diamonds have enabled Jay to greatly expand the variety and depth of his jewelry design business. “Given the affordability of lab-grown diamonds, I am no longer constrained by cost in my ability to create beauty.” Jay says that the lab-grown diamonds look like the natural ones and have the same desired qualities. “They are hard, neutral in color and transmit light like no other natural diamond – they are the ideal gemstone around which to create jewelry.”

product to be structurally secure.” If the product isn’t handled properly, the precious metals like gold can melt or become dented if they are too thin. The placement of the gemstone and the prongs within the design are crucial to ensuring a lasting, high-quality product. Jay adds, “In the jewelry business, a tenth of a millimeter makes a difference in how an item reflects the light and holds together.” Once the final product has been created, a polish and deep clean will maximize the brilliance, shine and texture of the jewelry.

Each one of Jay’s team of highly skilled jewelers has a college degree in jewelry design and over ten years of experience in the business. During their initial apprenticeships, Jay teaches them how to create jewelry in “the Mednikow style,” considering angles, thickness and contours of the various components. Jay is the ultimate quality control, scrutinizing each piece under a magnifying glass. “I’m a stickler. I will definitely make adjustments where necessary and very rarely tell the jeweler to start over. You have to be so careful with everything – you can’t add metal back.” CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

Founded in 1891, Mednikow is one of only a handful of traditional jewelry firms that are still managed by the original owners. Five generations of Mednikows have owned and run the firm with Jay adding an economics degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business to the wealth of experience. Jay’s daughter is being primed to become the next owner. Like Jay, she has decided that the jewelry business is part of her DNA, and she has an incredible desire to live in Memphis and become involved in the community. When Jay is not creating jewelry, he is belting out songs with his award-winning a capella group, Delta Capella. Although they have performed across the country and in China, Delta Capella is just one of the ways in which Jay gives back to the city he loves.

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M UST SE E | LO CAL S ERVICE S

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TA BL E TALK

SUMMER SETTINGS PERFECT FOR TAKEOUT ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNER MORGAN

Stems from Le Fleur. Toys from your kids’ playroom.

Life is precious but your “things” don’t have to be. Open up the china cabinet and your entertaining closet. Because TacoNGanas is a special occasion – especially when plated on your favorite historic Italian porcelain. Add a Jenga set or dice to turn the evening into a playful gathering. Fresh flowers and real glassware are proven to keep mosquitoes at bay and beat the Memphis heat.

H OST IN G T IP S | EVENT PLAN N IN G + SE RVICE S

Did you iron the tablecloth you last used at Easter? Forget it. This table is dressed with a quilt from your grandmother’s collection for a meal that is truly family style. The quilts don’t wrinkle and you could set a sea of tables in your yard displaying their beautiful artistry. An ensemble of inherited china mixes with the newly acquired, as this table is all about the mix. Quilted chargers, a variety of collected napkins from the antique mall and block printed wine bags from Avenue Wrapping dress the table. Grocery store chicken from everyone’s favorite, Superlo Foods, makes the ideal Summer supper.

A soup tureen becomes seasonless with a fresh arrangement with stems from Le Fleur and clippings from a blooming tree in the yard - and pairs nicely with summer wine selections from Joe’s Wines and Liquors.

CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

You’ve given up on rolling your own sushi, and that’s perfectly fine—just call Sakura for the best takeout. A visit to Kokoro, the new Japanese houseware and gift shop, offers everything you need for a fun tablescape. Authentic Japanese porcelain with playful scenes, sushi mats repurposed as placemats and dressed-up soy sauce containers elevate your table. Origami paper invites everyone to join in a quick activity while catching up. A simple ikebana arrangement adds a fresh Zen touch.

An orchid stem from Le Fleur with foraged Queen Anne's Lace from the side of the road add to this Ikebana arrangement

H OST IN G T IP S | EVENT PLAN N IN G + SE RVICE S

The days are longer, inviting more time outdoors to enjoy the extended daylight and slow evenings. While the handstand competition with neighborhood kids takes place, set a relaxed dinner buffet poolside. Think fresh salads from Rocket Greens, colorful fruit platters and chilled Hop Water—a non-alcoholic sparkling water from Wiseacre and available at Joe’s Wines and Liquors that’s reminiscent of a cold one. As the summer light filters through the trees, bring out candles and votives. It makes the lazy summer nights special in the neighborhood, especially when you walk home barefoot looking for lightning bugs. Your guests will say “That was lovely” and be grateful that a pool dip counts as a bath.

Clippings from your yard - or a neighbor's - create sweet, little arrangements for the table.

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

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HORSESHOE LAKE TRADITION

ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN ZANONE

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | LIF E + CU LT U RE

SMALL TOWN, BIG BANG: HORSESHOE LAKE’S JULY 4TH TRADITION

Horseshoe Lake celebrates Independence Day on a grand scale for a charming, smalltown community. Located in Arkansas, about 45 miles southwest of Memphis, Horseshoe has long been a popular retreat among Memphians. The lake was once part of the main channel of the Mississippi River. Many years ago, the meandering Mississippi changed its course, leaving behind an oxbow lake in the shape of a horseshoe. Hence, Horseshoe Lake. In the early years, the Horseshoe area primarily consisted of farmland. However, in the 1930s and 1940s, the lakefront was developed with summer rental cabins. Since then, the Horseshoe community has grown to 475 year-round residents, but, over the 4th of July, the lake hosts anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 people. CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

Photography by Ross Group Creative

The 4th of July has long been the favorite holiday for Horseshoe Lake residents and visitors. Beginning in 1918, local landowner and farmer Hugh Brinkley hosted an Independence Day celebration for his farm workers. The festivities included contests with prizes, most famously the chicken drop contest. He arranged for a chicken wearing a red parachute to be dropped from a low-flying plane. Whoever caught the chicken won a new pair of boots. These festivities continued until the mid-1950s, when they canceled the celebration because uninvited Memphians crashed the party, making it too rowdy. These days, the celebrations include the Tour de Horseshoe, a 14-mile bike race around the lake, a 5K running race and a festival at the Horseshoe Lake Surf Club. This festival features the Little Miss and Little Mister Horseshoe pageant, a cornhole tournament, a cakewalk, a live auction and carnival games alongside food trucks. At dusk, you can enjoy the boat parade on the lake. After dark, the Horseshoe Lake Volunteer Fire Department puts on a fireworks show that rivals any big-city production. The bike race and the 5K attract fierce competition among the local athletes. Many compete in these races year after year to add to their trophy collections and bragging rights. Munnie Jordan, whose family has had a house at the lake since 1961, has run the 5K every year for 36 years, never missing a race. At 82, she still competes and has won a trophy in her age division every year. Munnie decorates her house for the holiday with all the trophies she and her family members have won over the years. The Horseshoe Lake Surf Club hosts the festival and other competitions. The Little Miss and Little Mister Horseshoe pageant is steeped in tradition, dating back many years. Here, the young contestants - dressed in their red, white and blue finery - strut their stuff on stage to win sashes and trophies. The cakewalk is a long-standing favorite as well, where participants attempt to win homemade goodies. Newer events like the cornhole competition and live auction have proven to be quite popular also. CONTINUED >

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | LIF E + CU LT U RE

Photography by Ross Group Creative

The festival includes fair-style games, bouncy houses, food trucks and other fun contests.

Horseshoe Lake’s All-American 4th of July Nestled in Arkansas just 45 miles from Memphis, Horseshoe Lake transforms into a patriotic hub each Independence Day. From the Tour de Horseshoe bike race and a 5K run to the beloved Little Miss & Mister pageant, the small town packs in big-time festivities. Crowds of 1,200 to 2,000 people come to Horseshoe for the boat parade, food trucks, cakewalks and a dazzling 22-minute fireworks finale by the local fire department. A cherished tradition at the lake, it’s where family, fun and community spirit take center stage.

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

Photography by Ross Group Creative

After the competitions, homeowners usually continue their celebrations at their own homes with a typical barbeque meal. The meat often comes from the volunteer fire department, which cooks and sells Boston butts to raise funds for needed fire-fighting equipment. At dusk, the boat parade kicks into full swing. Many boaters decorate their boats with a festive theme and line up to visit every dock on the lake. They often throw beads, koozies and other treats to their onlookers. After sunset, the Horseshoe Lake Volunteer Fire Department oversees the 22-minute fireworks display. Many enjoy the view from their boats on the lake, while others watch from their docks or homes. The planning and execution of these festivities is a monumental task. Each of these activities happens thanks to someone in this small-town community who is willing to plan and execute it. Fire Chief Billy Thomen says, “It’s a big workday for the Volunteer Fire Department, but we love doing it. We like the atmosphere of the celebrations. It’s fun to catch up with people who you might not get to see every day.” Everyone has their favorite event, but for Billy, it’s the fireworks show. Munnie says her favorite thing about the 4th of July is having her entire family together. She adds, “It’s a tradition! Horseshoe Lake families come back every year. Even if the children grow up and move away, everyone always comes for the 4th.” She points out that many Horseshoe families have been there for decades. She says, “Once you’re here, you never leave!”

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | LIF E + CU LT U RE

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REEN RIVE

Green River Cocktail COOL, MINTY A ND TA RT – YOUR GO-TO SUMMER COCKTA IL IN MINUTES

The Green River cocktail (aka Green Lizard or Green Swamp) is the perfect solution for a hot summer afternoon. Named after the farm near our lake house, this drink has been a regular in our happy hour routine. This is incredibly easy, and you can adjust the tartness and mint to suit your taste. The original recipe calls for a 6-ounce can of limeade. Now, I can only find the large cans, so I use half for each batch to avoid making them too strong. Each batch makes 4-6 servings. You can make this drink a few hours ahead and store it in the freezer. Let it sit for a few minutes and stir before serving. I do not recommend making more than a few hours ahead - it just won’t taste as good.

ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

COCKTAIL ingredients:

• 12 ounces Vodka, divided • 12-ounce can of frozen, concentrated limeade, divided • 1 cup of fresh spearmint or peppermint leaves, divided • Juice of a fresh-squeezed lime (optional) • Ice • Garnish – sprig of mint

directions:

Step 1. In a blender, combine 6 oz. of frozen concentrated limeade and 6 oz. of Vodka. Step 2. Add ½ cup of mint leaves.

Step 3. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the blender, if you like.

Step 4. Fill the blender to the top with ice and blend until smooth. Step 5. Repeat these steps for the second batch. Step 6. Garnish with mint and enjoy!

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

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A S e c ond Home i n Me mph i s Caroline V. Smith Interiors

ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT “I have to say it, Less is More,” remarks designer Caroline Smith. The quote, by famed architect and designer Mies van der Rohe, isn’t meant to evoke images of austerity or minimalism. “To me, its true meaning extends beyond simplicity. It emphasizes the importance of clarity, purpose and restraint in design. And in my projects, I think about my clients having a calm retreat to unwind from the busyness – and business – of day-to-day life,” Caroline continues. A recent client pushed her to use more color and bold patterns in a home renovation. “Personally, I gravitate towards a more neutral palette, but each project is so different. Collaboration is key. It was my job to incorporate the color and dial up the patterns, but it was just as important to adhere to my design principles and sensibilities in creating a sophisticated home,” says Caroline. “It’s about balancing scale, clean lines, simple shapes, thoughtful architectural elements and an organized space.” CONTINUED >

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / R I V E R C I T Y

Growing up in Atlanta, Caroline was surrounded by a vibrant design culture. Her mother worked for design legend Dottie Travis, and she learned the thrill of the hunt at monthly antique shows like Scott’s and Lakewood. “I was constantly rearranging my room, looking through my mom’s Architectural Digest magazines and drawing floor plans. After my first trip to New York City in seventh grade, I knew I wanted to be an interior designer in the city,” she recalls. Upon graduating from the University of Georgia with a BFA in Interior Design, she did just that with “a couple of bags and no job,” she smiles. Caroline soon landed a gig at Gomez Associates under designer Mariette Himes Gomez and worked on projects across the country. Five years later, she accepted a senior designer position with Nathan Egan Interiors designing apartments and brownstones in the city. In 2009, she launched Caroline V. Smith Interiors. Not long after, Caroline made the move to Memphis with her husband, while six months pregnant. “I’ve been designing homes in Memphis ever since. I still go to New York to source. I love going to the Decoration & Design Building and exploring all 18 floors for endless inspiration. While grateful for my experience in New York, I would take the logistics in Memphis any day!” While attending a design meeting, she met a client’s mother who was visiting from Houston. “Next thing you know, I am headed to her mother’s house - around the corner. She had purchased this second home in Memphis to be closer to her daughter and precious young family. The client had begun construction but wanted to hand it over to a designer to complete construction with finishes and design elements. New bathrooms, a closet overhaul and a kitchen refresh - plus all of the pretty. So, we planned.” Caroline explains. She created a cohesive design plan to guide the entire journey from construction to final finishing touches. For most of the living spaces, Caroline began with a backdrop of Sherwin Williams Alabaster, a warm inviting white that enhances the natural light and allows for space to breathe. The front door and exterior shutters are painted a custom blue with green undertones that travels throughout the entire house. “The Chinoiserie murals were one of the first items we purchased. They perfectly fill the large wall in the living room and were a great source of inspiration for colors to pull from,” Caroline notes. She updated the client’s sofa—originally her grandmother’s—by reupholstering it with Schumacher’s mini leopard print fabric, adding a linen tassel fringe.

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

The primary suite’s bedroom and bathroom are awash in a soft blush and muted blues inspired by the Oushak rugs that tie the rooms together. “The primary bathroom was the biggest transformation and became the definition of a retreat for my client,” notes Caroline. Caroline creates spaces that feel both fresh and personally meaningful. For this second home, she curated almost an entirely new collection of furnishings and accessories. “It was important to still make it personal. My client is an avid needlepointer, so I designed a room around one of her needlepoint projects. For a guest room, we started with her mid-century headboard and mirror. By bringing in a modern Ferrick Mason fabric for a bolster and drapes, the room became current and really vibrant. We even added local art from Catherine Erb and Sarah Robertson to commemorate the client’s move to Memphis,” she adds. Her goal was to craft a modern and sophisticated environment, with the right balance of design elements. With Caroline’s eye, the home has plenty of punch and personality. It’s proof that restrained design - when executed with intention- can create the most inviting of spaces.

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