August was a fun and exciting month for us. Sewanee students returned for another year of fun and learning. Our cool mountain experienced some of the heat which hit most of the South. We were still cooler, just up a notch. We had the opportunity to visit with a number of wonderful guests.

The heat we experienced in August combined with the lack of rain has hastened the fall changing of colors. We hiked the Shakerag Hollow trail yesterday and were surprised at the leaves already starting to change. I expect the majority of the changing of colors to happen in September this year, not in October as usual.

Come relax with us and enjoy the cooler weather and changing of seasons.

Due to repeated request from our guests, we are opening a Cigar Lounge this month. In reality, we are offering cigars to be enjoyed outside, perhaps with a glass of wine. We will have a dozen or so of very nice cigars for those guests who want to partake in an area that does not offend any other guests. We just got back from Tampa where we met with the Fuente family to get their input into our Cigar Lounge and purchased some cigars only sold at their facility in Tampa, Flor De Ybor City.

We had another Italian Pottery and Art sale and shared some of our treasures with smart buyers. These have proven so popular, we plan to have them more often. The next one is scheduled for September 30th thru October 2nd. Being a dealer for Vietri has really broadened our selections.

The Marion County Chamber of Commerce presented us with the “Best Small Business of the Year” award at their annual dinner. Not only were we very honored but also very surprised, especially since we were not a member of their Chamber. We are now!

Our Italian Wine Tasting at Tallulah’s Wine Lounge was a big hit and the Ante Pasta Platter was amazing even by our standards. We will have a wine tasting on Saturday, September 24th featuring the wines from Fredrick Wildman and Sons presented by their Regional Manager. Not only are the wines outstanding, the education will be wonderful also. Make plans to attend as the tasting is limited to 25 guests. Speaking of Tallulah’s, it has become quite a sensation and provided another special time for our guests and the public. Our wine collection is about 300 different wines at very affordable prices. We are closer to retail than restaurant pricing.