Honey it's Thursday – A blog devoted to making time for the best things in life

The Cursed Ky Castle

If you’ve driven by a castle in Versailles, Ky, you may have wondered what the story was. It is in fact a castle in Ky.

That answer is sort of a local joke.

Exterior of Castle at entrance — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. KY Castle in Versailles, KY. All rights reserved.

Located at 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, Ky 40383 there is more to the tale, but that’s the gist of the explanation you may get from locals along with a story about how it once burned down.

Castle from road — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. KY Castle in Versailles, KY. All rights reserved.

Built in 1969 for the first time, the castle has an apparent cursed history and is famous in the local culture. According to Castle Tour Guides, Rex Martin built it for his bride Caroline Martin, but before it was finished the Martins separated. For 30 years it sat unfinished, till some new Owners finished it in the 2000s. A structure fire destroyed it and was the talk of the town in 2004. It was then rebuilt and doors were finally opened to the public in 2008. In 2017 the ownership changed and focused on the locale as a place to stay, dine or relax. Gardens and livestock were added to support a working farm. In 2023, TKC Hospitality Group assumed ownership. Wes Henderson, co-founder of Angel’s Envy, led the group. This solidified ties with popular bourbon roots. You can purchase the bourbon and whiskey in the gift shop.

Beautiful staircase inside castle themed hotel — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. KY Castle in Versailles, KY. All rights reserved.

The destination offers a variety of hospitality services such as accommodation, dining, events, spa services, tours and shopping. Rooms range from $128 to $906 weeknights to $529 to $1343 weekends fluctuating for events in the area. You can also rent tiny homes on the farm side of the property.

ceiling mural inside castle lobby — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. KY Castle in Versailles, KY. All rights reserved.

There is an onsite restaurant that operates farm to table under direction of Tim Smalley, Executive Chef. For Brunch and Lunch mains range from $18- $35. Entrees at dinner range from $30 to $85. Desserts range from $8-20. There are also seasonal high teas. The Castle and Farm Tours are a must see. There are other events such as Mother’s Day Perfume Bar, Murder Mystery Dinners, themed teas, different bar events, Rooftop Salsa, Goat Yoga, Holiday Markets, Galentine’s Day Market, Bourbon Market, the Lavender Festival and Lavender Nights on the Rooftop.

Rooftop view from castle turret — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. KY Castle in Versailles, KY. All rights reserved.

Speaking as someone who stayed there in Feb 2025, it did feel jinxed in a way that was more so than any other place I’ve been. I can see how one would get divorced if there for too long. We fought more than we usually do, especially on a Valentines’ Day weekend. Odd things kept happening that may just be coincidence. My car tire went flat on the way there and I had just removed an inflater from the trunk a week before. My husband slipped on a porch mat scraping his knee and puncturing a hole in a reusable salad container and his thumb. I saw cute animals and didn’t take a picture because I needed to charge my phone. After I plugged it in it basically rained the whole weekend and the animals hid. We tried to go to a sushi place that was closed despite saying it was open. We then went to a chain restaurant we’ve been to before and weirdly got sick from decently cooked steak. To the point where we had gas all weekend. A nearby Mexican restaurant didn’t have bacon or salsa for their breakfast burritos. A tea we had scheduled got cancelled due to snow which started as we were driving home. The sweater I bought from the gift shop continually gets mysterious stains on it that go away and come back. We got home ok, but it was a lot of coincidences. I am glad to have been and also glad we made it home happy and together.

Snow on bushes and grounds — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. KY Castle in Versailles, KY. All rights reserved.

If you are willing to brave a little weirdness and face what seems to be an affliction, the best time to visit Ky Castle is June through September. Nearby horse races occur during that time frame including the Kentucky Proud Series on July 5, 2026, and the famous Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026.

Courtyard of castle — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. KY Castle in Versailles, KY. All rights reserved.

As those times fill up, book in advance through https://www.thekentuckycastle.com/

Garden season blooms in Montgomery County

As the weather starts to get warmer gardeners in zone 7A prepare their gardens for the spring season. Local garden departments place their tempting plants out in a variety of colors and buds start to burst open. Also, local gardeners share tips and there are a few events this season. Spring is officially here as of Mar. 20, 2026.

Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. Square foot planting technique raised garden bed with sprouts in Clarksville, TN. All rights reserved.

January and February may mean garden aficionados have planted seeds for cold weather crops like lettuces and broccoli. Those may be getting established and enjoyed, but with each passing month the varieties shift from greens and foliage. Soon warmer weather plants will be able to be planted and grow bigger.

Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. Metal raised garden bed with violets in Clarksville, TN. All rights reserved.

Some local gardeners swear by waiting till after Tax Day or Mother’s Day for fear of frost, while others attempt to cover or mulch in colder months.

One Middle Tennessee Gardeners Facebook Group Member writes, “I always wait till Mother’s Day (for tender summer plants) – lived here over 18 years now and I’d personally rather save my effort. Found most of my May planting caught up quickly anyway.”

Such groups exist to foster the gardening community and provide local advice. Online resources can be helpful in learning to garden, particular for your region.

metal garden bed with greens — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. Metal raised garden bed with wildflower blooms in Clarksville, TN. All rights reserved.

In recent years, chaos gardening has been trending, where people toss seeds around and see what comes up. With the humidity in Montgomery County, this approach can work, although a little work to follow planting directions may be better.

Purple wildflowers in a lawn — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. Wildflower blooms in Clarksville, TN. All rights reserved.

If you aren’t disappointed by a cold snap possibly setting growth back, some cheap seeds may surprise you. The backs of seed packets will tell you what zone and time to plant, as well as depth and conditions. Some local libraris run seed libraries where seeds are shared.

Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. Large Dandelion with hand for scale in Clarksville, TN. All rights reserved.

Also, searchable on Google, there are many gardening or plant related events planned for this season in Clarksville, such as:

Mar. 30 at 5:30 PM – Garden Seeding Program at Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center
Every second Wednesday at 6:30 PM – Native Gardens and Habitat Club at Rotary Park
Apr. 8 at 5 PM – Wildflower Walk at Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Wade Bourne Nature Center 2308 Rotary Park Dr, Clarksville, TN 37043
Apr. 11 at 11:30 AM – Bumble Bee Atlas Workshop at Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Wade Bourne Nature Center 2308 Rotary Park Dr, Clarksville, TN 37043
Apr. 18 at 10 AM – Earth Day Plant Swap, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Wade Bourne Nature Center 2308 Rotary Park Dr, Clarksville, TN 37043
Apr. 25 at 10 AM – Natural Living Fair at the Tangelwood House, 1601 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37043
May 17 at 10AM-2PM- The Pollinator and Native Plant Summit at Rotary Park
Radical Mission Jubilee Garden open for visits at 150 Richview Rd, Clarksville

Also, searchable on Google, there are many gardening or plant related events planned for this season in near Nashville, such as:

Mar. 28 at 2PM – Planning your Tennessee Smart Yard in Nashville at Bellevue Public Library
Mar. 28-29 – Middle Tennessee Daffodil Show in Nashville at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
Apr. 11 at 9 AM-1 PM – Native Plant Sale in Nashville at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
Apr. 11 at 12 PM – Growing Roses in Middle Tennessee in Nashville at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
Mar. 7 – Apr. 12 – Various events such as spring blooms and workshops in Nashville at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Love Castle 2026 makes White Castle a place for lovers

For Valentine’s Day, do you need an inexpensive place to go for a meal? Are you a fan of White Castle? Do you crave your holiday to feel like a middle school dance, complete with paper streamers and pink tablecloths? Well, make reservations at any of the 300 participating White Castles for Feb. 14 from 4 to 9 pm.

The fun day is possible by making reservations through OpenTable. It is a tradition that started in 1991. White Castle fans and lovers can look forward to being greeted by a transformed restaurant complete with streamers, heart decorations and colorful tablecloths. Orders are served table side, and there is a special Valentine’s menu sporting many White Castle favorites and combos. Some are even meals for two.

Interior of White Castle Restaurant. Patron smiles and eats his food. — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. Photos of Love Castle event decor. All rights reserved.

According to White Castle’s press release, “In addition to the everyday value on White Castle menus, diners on Valentine’s Day also will be able to enjoy these extra-special deals:

$5 Sloppy Joe Combo (two Sloppy Joe Sliders, small French fry and small soft drink)
$6.99 Sloppy Joe Six Pack (any combination of six Sloppy Joe Sliders).”

Personally, those items are not what I gravitate to, and I got excited from a Reddit article which made me expect more strawberry or waffle options. For some reason I was picturing ordering a box which I think was their to go option. (https://tinyurl.com/2jummd4d). But I did get some very big, NEW crispy chicken sliders and delicious shrimp nibblers. My date was happy with his bacon cheese sliders and even called my shrimp “really good” despite not usually being a fan of shrimp.

It did feel like the purpose of the event was to celebrate in a cute, themed way and intimately serve people at the tables. The staff had fun with it and restaurant goers were tipping well when we attended around 5 PM.

Interior of White Castle Restaurant. Rose petals on floor and tablecloths with valentine heart decor. — Images provided by Sarah Hughes Pippen. Photos of Love Castle event decor. All rights reserved.

Next year, if you want to take part in the festivities, make reservations through OpenTable and follow the event at White Castle’s web page.

🍯🍯🍯

Letter from the Editor – January 2026

Dear Busy Bees,

It’s been a minute since I’ve published anything here – since June 2023. You may be wondering why I haven’t been writing here, what I’ve been up to and what the vision for this blog is going forward.

I haven’t been writing here, though I have been writing especially lately. That’s related to both good and bad experiences in my personal life, and I think you may be able to relate. I was studying very hard and growing in my career and went through a very busy season that stretched into a couple years. I took a few important tests related to this and they were time intensive. I also worked very hard at that career and unfortunately started to take time for myself less. Not very Thursday of me.

It is still the purpose of this blog to make space for good times, to explore and to create. It also is becoming a goal to find how to stay present and plugged in to ourselves and joy. On that note, while I am sad I didn’t publish here for a while, I know it had to become a tertiary priority for a while due to what I was doing. If there is a next time, I hope I will take the time to recognize that and communicate it here. That’s probably a good general lesson for life. I am proud that I have become less hard on myself since I last wrote here. I am also taking better care of myself.

Since the last time I published, I have traveled to Fla., Calif., Ky and the Bahamas. I attempted to go to Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn. which was cancelled due to flooding and rain. It was still a great experience for me. I look forward to recapping some of my travels. I am still mostly located in Clarksville, Tenn., with strong roots in San Diego, Calif. In the time since I last wrote I have met and made friends in Clarksville and had some character shaping experiences. My roots are in Clarksville too.

My husband and I spent time planning a wedding in Calif. I got married in May 2024 to my amazing husband. Knowing that next month is Valentine’s let me just say this: May you also find the love that is the person who lets you be safe coming out of your shell. If he doesn’t make you feel comfortable expressing yourself when you are doing things aligned with your values he isn’t for you. He should make you feel safer when you do the right thing. If he doesn’t adore and cherish you and make you feel beautiful, you’re simply not right for each other. While you do have to choose and commit to each other everyday and navigate difficult seasons, if someone offers you love less than this, don’t waste your time. Don’t want or be placated by quarter and half-measures especially before the seasons of life even truly begin.

Speaking of busy seasons, I have changed locations and career spaces for work a few times. I have had some moments of nostalgia and reflection related to how to make my next career move. While I am limited in what I can share about work, that has been a lot of adjustments and I’m glad to say it should be more settled soon. I am excited for the next chapter and feel like I am cautiously testing the waters.

Another thing that may be settled soon is house renovations! We are a vanity and toilet installation away from being done with a house remodel. It cannot come too soon! It’s amazing how delays and construction go so hand in hand.

As we go forward into the now, I reflect on goals and purpose. I (obviously) hope projects and changes get wrapped up. I hope to find clarity but understand that even without clarity I still have the values that make me who I am and will be safe due to the life I’ve already built, alongside my husband. Sometimes that is the truest mark of success one can have. I am excited to reflect on my experiences and journeys in a few ways though maybe I’m still taking my time on that.

My goals for this blog are often similar to my goals as a person. There are things I want to explore, like writing, audio and coding. I also want to reflect on journeys in a way that is appropriate. I want to continue to be someone who is plugged in to my community, the moment and myself. I want to be present and mindful. I want to find balance while also acknowledging that there are different seasons and energy levels. Often balance is a myth and what matters is routine and checking in. Some days you have to prioritize your health and some days you must make time for friends. I want to have a good time and be social. A lot of that good time connects to reading books, traveling, and being creative.

My purpose for this blog is to take time for the best things in life. To prioritize joy and health.

I hope that I can work on my professional presence in a way where I can be non-judgmental, open, and always keep the goal in mind. I struggle with taking care of myself as much as others do and in a way that supports that presence. I hope that I will continue to grow in that ability.

I feel like you may be asking what’s next? To that I hope to see myself writing more, both here and in a novel. I hope to eventually get into audio or podcast creation. I am also wondering if I should revisit coding, particularly if I decide to shift careers again. I am planning on looking into the Google Developer Program. I’ve always liked writing about my explorations and learning.

I have been doing some things which I hope to continue doing. I have been getting back to crafting, loom-knitting, sewing and miniatures. Those will be easy to write about. I have been focused on decluttering and cleaning my space and making sure my stuff reflects the person I am trying to be. I’ve had great results and my house feels calm, other than the renovations. There are so many better resources on decluttering than mine, so I probably won’t write on that. I have also been doing a fair amount of reading, which I also intend to write about more.

I hope to continue to set down roots where I’m planted. I’ve been realizing that I need to attend more coffee meetups with other women. Often times it feels like it is just my husband and I in this state. I know that’s not the case as I do have friends and communities here, but it can be a challenge and a delight to move somewhere you don’t know anyone. My husband and I both do a lot to support each other and if you aren’t in the club that his career puts us in, then you probably can’t understand its specific challenges and the type of loneliness that it can cause us to face. I frequently struggle with loneliness and having experiences where family/coworkers/acquaintances don’t understand how to support me, even when I have supported them. It is heartbreaking and can be the cherry on the cake somedays.

While I have a wonderful dance community, I have been struggling to find a renaissance reenactment group here that meets regularly. I reflected a bit about people who have made those groups meaningful to me in the past. They were always providing hospitality and food, in addition to knowledge. I think I want to start hosting intimate feasts at our home to build a closer-knit group of historical reenactment enthusiasts.

Thank you for letting me recap my challenges and last couple years. I appreciate taking the time to refocus and look forward to writing in the future.

All my love,

Honey

W Nashville Swim Week Fashion Show

The Shop at the W Nashville Hotel presented a fashion show for Swim Week on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.

The show celebrated swim suit designs featured in the hotel shop. Many of the attractive pieces used sustainable materials and some local sourcing. Here are some highlights from the program:

“Fair Harbor beachwear was born out of deep care for our waterways and a desire to preserve the magic of the shoreline for future generations. That’s why we made all of our signature beachwear from recycled plastic bottles, for versatile comfort that considers the ocean.”

“Melissa Odabash – Each collection illustrates signature Odabash style and quality. From the finest quality Italian swimwear fabrics to reworked archived and vintage prints that are ethically sourced and manufactured.”

“Peixoto – Creating high-quality clothing that makes the wearer feel beautiful while doing our part to make the world a better place. At the core of our mission is a commitment to foster economic empowerment, health, safety and equality in all we do.”

Designers included LSPACE, SOLID&STRIPED, VIX PAULAHERMANNY, BEACHRIOT, FAHERTY, MELISSA ODABASH, PEIXOTO and FAIR HARBOR.

The event tickets were sold as general admission and VIP, with the key difference being VIP was about $20 more and came with a gift bag featuring some of the designers. Solid & Striped included towels and sunscreen in the VIP bag. L Space included some spa creams.

Models included Charika White, Christen McAllister, Shelby Hunstad, Morgan Watkins, Hannah Roberson, Lauren Kentfield, Alyssa Mocci, Tallulah Kokoski, Alyssa Schoener, Malik Perry, Bea Guti, Aidan Daniel, Mercedes Northup and Ronzell Williams.

Hair and makeup was done by One10 Beauty House.

Gallery Images provided by Sarah Hughes. Photos of Swim Week fashion show models walking and posing. All rights reserved.

Gallery Images provided by Sarah Hughes. Photos of Swim Week fashion show models walking and posing. All rights reserved.

Swim Week presented by The Shop was part of Nashville’s fashion events, with Nashville’s fashion week taking place officially in April. The show was held at the pool of the Gulch neighborhood W Nashville Hotel at 300 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203.

Details about Nashville Fashion Week can be found at https://www.nashvillefashionweek.com/. Fashion Week is one of several festivals and events listed at https://www.visitmusiccity.com/things-to-do-in-nashville/events/annual-events#.

Easy or Cheap Workout Habits To Try

Now that it’s January you may be returning to workout goals or resolving to work out for the first time.

Here are some ideas you can try, with many being free and quick classics you may not have thought of.

Jogging or walking while listening to music – sometimes this leads to longer walks and running. Oddly, my FitBit reports I burn more fat and get into more intense heart rate zones when I take a walk, instead of hitting the gym. Mostly, walking with music brightens my day and I get into a meditative zone, while remembering old tunes.
Yoga or Pilates – Maybe this will sound trite, but for me it was life changing! The first time I tried yoga it was as a mandatory exercise class credit in community college. My back went from being in pain from lugging around too many textbooks, to totally relaxed like I had just gotten a massage. I hold all my tension and stress in my neck and upper back. Being too stressed and not feeling in my body is a struggle for me. Yoga is the first time I felt differently. Later in a psychology class, I also learned yoga can be used to help those recovering from eating disorders, in reducing stress, and for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Taking a class can be free at certain events or through youtube videos. Taking yoga or pilates classes can be a fairly inexpensive investment, and then can be done later at home on a mat.
Bellydancing – I first learned to do this with videos rented from my local library. It is a natural feeling dance where you don’t have to point your toes like ballet. It often has a great community of other dancers. Something about that combination helped me while dating a controlling boy who was threatened by my going to an all-women practice once a week. Long story short – Bellydancing stayed in my life, and he did not.
Hiking or scenic walking – There are great hiking groups online, where you can meet friends who walk at whatever your pace is. This is also a great activity to do with pre-existing friends while seeing nature! Something about being outdoors engages my creativity and lightens my mood. It’s a great workout and can take you to many national parks.
Dance – You can dance to videos or find a place with a cheap cover fee. Classes are often offered at local gyms or colleges for small fees. They greatly improve coordination, as they are both mentally and physically stimulating.
Pokemon Go – This was fun for a time, combining walking and retro gamification. I enjoy visiting my local park or other points of interest, walking and reading the poke stop descriptions. Gotta catch ‘em all!
Stretching – Cartoons like Snow White are motivated enough to do this as they stretch out of bed. This is something that many people do when they first wake up. It’s in the daily routines of some of my best friends, as well as famous gurus I follow. Stretching helps keep the body functioning for necessary everyday activities. By slowly increasing range of motion and holding stretches for 20 seconds or more at a time, a person can work on the five primary movement patterns, and in turn, affect their movements in activities of daily living.
Go to the gym everyday to form a habit – the first time I heard of this approach, I thought it sounded silly. Some people go every day while forming a habit, even if one day they end up just using the spa services or showers. The idea is if you go there, you’ll get used to doing it as part of a routine. Also, maybe you’ll work out since you’re already there anyways. I started doing this, mostly by making the agreement with myself that I’d work out for 20 minutes. It did actually help get me in a routine when I had been struggling to get back to working out.

These exercise ideas might be a fun way to take better care of your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity may help you live longer and better, while giving mind and mood benefits.

“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” says the CDC.

The CDC lists many immediate benefits of physical activity.

“Benefits include improved thinking or cognition for children 6 to 13 years of age and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety for adults. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better.”

Even though physical activity can be good for health, activity doesn’t have to always be rigorous or extreme.

Don’t knock the little things until you try them! Sometimes simple and consistent action is better for achieving wanted results. Here’s some words on consistency for motivation.

“Success isn’t always about ‘greatness’, it’s about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“Long term consistency beats short term intensity” – Bruce Lee

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection” – Mark Twain

Hopefully you find a new favorite way to move your body in January and beyond. Good luck exploring new healthy habits for a better you!

Repetitive Accidents on Exit 1 and other busy roads in Clarksville, TN

A three car pile up occurred on Trenton Rd near exit 1 from the I-24 W on Dec. 1, 2022 observed around 6:22 PM. This is the second night in a row traffic appeared backed up from that exit to Tiny Town Rd due to a vehicular accident. This accident drew several Emergency Response vehicles.

Another accident backed traffic up to the I-24 along the same westbound exit 1 on Nov. 30, 2022.

It is a common place for wrecks as are nearby parts of Tiny Town Rd. and Trenton Rd. Most likely, as the winter season passes, there will be more similar accidents, with added weather related conditions.

Members of the community who attended the Clarksville Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission’s (CMCRPC) first of three Comprehensive Plan Workshops on July 11, 2022 listed roads with the most traffic as the following locations: state Highway 374, Peachers Mill, Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Trenton/Needmore Rds, Clarksville High School, Riverside after the hill and major roads that shrink down to a single lane or turn. This closely matches Police data.
“The most dangerous roads for wrecks in Clarksville are Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, Fort Campbell Boulevard, Tiny Town Road, state Highway 374, Madison Street, Trenton Road and Ashland City Road, according to Police Lt. Vincent Lewis, who is over both the Traffic Enforcement Unit and the Fatal Accident Crash Team,” reports https://clarksvillenow.com/local/7-most-dangerous-roads-in-clarksville-see-dramatic-rise-in-injury-wrecks/#:~:text=The%20most%20dangerous%20roads%20for,Road%2C%20according%20to%20Police%20Lt.

“Those roads comprise more than 60 percent of our crashes per month,” Lewis said.

“And those roads had a significant increase in traffic wrecks in 2021, according to numbers from Police Sgt. Charles Gill.”

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palettes like Honey for a Sweet Holiday Sale

Christmas is coming and maybe you’re still looking for a good present for yourself or someone else. Urban Decay has been featuring eyeshadow palettes for lower sale prices recently.

Some of the ones we’ve tried are Naked3, Naked Wild West and of course, Naked Honey. Different colors have been going on sale all month with Naked3, Naked Wild West and Naked Honey being discounted 50 percent right now. On Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 Naked3 was $27 marked down from $54. Naked Wild West was $24.50 marked down $49. Naked Honey was $24.50 marked down from $49.

Images provided by Melinda Wilson and Sarah Hughes. Pictures of Urban Decay makeup and application inspiration. All rights reserved.

The Naked3 palette is good for work or subtle looks with neutral brown and nude colors. The Naked Honey or Naked Cherry are good for sparkly dramatic holiday looks. The Naked Wild West would look awesome in the summer or at a festival. All are fun for dabbling with and staging a photoshoot with your besties! Pictured are some ways to apply it. The palettes can be purchased at https://www.urbandecay.com/naked-palettes/?start=0&sz=18

Award Winning Honey: Review of TN Honey Festival Honey

By Sarah Hughes

In late Sept. or early Oct., the TN Honey Festival draws honey enthusiasts and festival goers in Nashville. Apiaries in Tenn. submit honey for competition and purchase.

Here are reviews of one local Springfield honey and one award winner from the TN Honey Festival.

According to https://www.benefits-of-honey.com/good-quality-honey/, a good quality honey has low water content, low HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural), low adulteration with Inverted Sugars or additives, no visible pollen, and a pleasing color. While graded into light, amber and dark colors, these categories are thought to have little bearing on quality.

“Honey color is measured on the Pfund Scale in millimeters.” says Benefits of Honey, “While it is not an indicator of honey quality and there are exceptions to the rule, generally speaking, the darker color the honey, the higher its mineral contents, the pH readings, and the aroma/flavor levels. Minerals such as potassium, chlorine, sulfur, iron, manganese, magnesium, and sodium have been found to be much higher in darker honeys.”

Typically color and taste are affected by what pollen bees pick up and digest. So no two honeys are exactly alike, though the process can be pretty similar.

Swarm of bees on a wood bee house — Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Honey Bee Apiary at TN Honey Festival 2021. All rights reserved.

“Honey is food made by bees for bees, but many people also enjoy it” says Web MD at https://www.webmd.com/diet/honey-health-benefits.

“Raw honey comes straight from a beehive,” says WebMD, “Some honey producers pass the substance through a coarse filter to remove foreign matter, but it remains unprocessed food. Most of the honey sold in stores goes through a heating process to make it less sticky and easier to filter.”

“High temperatures pasteurize honey and destroy yeast cells in it that can cause unwanted fermentation,” Says WebMD, “Honey is basically sugar. It is actually higher in calories than the typical white sugar used for cooking or baking. Because it is sweeter, you may need less if you’re using it as a substitute. Also, honey adds flavor that white sugar does not have.”

Yellow and burgundy flowers — Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Mumms at TN Honey Festival 2021. All rights reserved.

Richard’s Pure Raw Honey hails from a Springfield apiary established in 1903. Owned by Wayne D. Richard, this honey comes in an affordable plastic squeeze bottle filled with a generous amount for $12. It’s dark golden-brown and barely transparent. It has a rich flavor, sweet with faint toffee flavors in the mid to after taste. It smells like dandelion and honeysuckle.

Tyler Pippen, who enjoys going to farmers markets and tasting honey, says of Richard’s Pure Raw Honey, “the flavor is sweet but subdued due to its probable age. It smells of raw honey. There’s a separation of sugar and nectar.”

Just B’s Pure Raw Honey was the festival winner of 2021. It is a clear warm amber color and comes in a cute glass hexagon jar. Just B’s lists which queen made each honey and “Queen Cora” made this one. It has a watery thin consistency. It tastes like it would go well with green teas, herbals and juices.

Pippen says of Just B’s Pure Raw Honey, “Is sweet and smells a little of pollen, which makes me feel like it was bottled in their own backyard or farm. Smells like raw honey in its most potent, purest form. The consistency is like water. There’s subdued hints of something other than honey…jasmine? Lavender? I like it.”

Honey is a tasty treat that may have health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-honey/art-20363819#:~:text=Studies%20suggest%20that%20honey%20might,wound%20healing%2C%20particularly%20in%20burns., “Honey contains mostly sugar, as well as a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants.”

That viscous little golden substance may be good for most people’s well being when consumed appropriately.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following health benefits, “Research on honey for specific conditions includes:

Cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants in honey might be associated with reduced risk of heart disease.

Cough. Studies suggest that eucalyptus honey, citrus honey and labiatae honey can act as a reliable cough suppressant for some people with upper respiratory infections and acute nighttime cough.

Gastrointestinal disease. Evidence suggests honey might help relieve gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis. Honey might also be effective as part of oral rehydration therapy.

Neurological disease. Studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits. In some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders.

Wound care. Topical use of medical-grade honey has been shown to promote wound healing, particularly in burns.”

However, honey’s benefits aren’t for everyone, such as those with allergies and young babies.

Mayo Clinic cautions, “Avoid giving honey — even a tiny taste — to babies under the age of 1 year. Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby’s intestines, producing a dangerous toxin.”

‘Some people are sensitive or allergic to specific components in honey, particularly bee pollen.” Says Mayo Clinic, “Although rare, bee pollen allergies can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, adverse reactions.”

Honey can be purchased from health food stores or farmers markets, but WebMD points out that processing doesn’t affect the health advantages honey may provide.

“Raw honey is not superior to processed honey in nutrition or health benefits,” says WebMD, “Researchers found that processing does not affect honey’s nutritional value or antioxidant levels.”

“Honey contains antioxidants, which can protect the body from inflammation. Inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. One study discovered that antioxidants in buckwheat honey were detectable in blood plasma, showing that eating honey could enhance antioxidant activity in the body.”

Supporting local apiaries by buying honey at festivals or farmers markets helps the environment by promoting green practices.

“The food is typically grown near where you live, not thousands of miles away or another country,” says the USDA at https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/07/02/top-reasons-shop-farmers-market, “Shopping at farmers markets also supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend on food closer to your neighborhood.”

Check out your local farmers market or the next TN Honey Festival to try your own honey. Tickets can be purchased at https://tennesseehoneyfestival.com.

Tiny Home Legalities in Tenn.

Tiny homes have been an affordable alternative for housing in recent years. They provide an option for avoiding increasing rents, while providing a type of home ownership.

Yet prospective tiny home builders looking to build in Tenn. may need to familiarize themselves with legal concerns. Some local events provide some information for prospective builders.

“Tenn. has no state-wide laws regarding tiny houses,” says https://getjerry.com/home-insurance/tennessee-tiny-house-laws#are-tiny-houses-legal-in-tennessee

“Tenn. does not have any state-wide laws pertaining to tiny homes, so whether or not you can build really depends on where you’re looking to live. Like many other states, the regulations surrounding tiny homes vary across different cities.”

“It’s not uncommon for homeowners to want to convert their sheds, or other additional dwelling units (ADUs), into tiny homes. But, this goes against Tenn. state law on ready removeables. This law states that you are only allowed to have electricity in a shed to operate tools and machinery—not to a power potential home.

Plus, it is illegal to sleep in a shed in Tenn. So, while a shed may be a tiny space, you’re not exactly allowed to turn it into a tiny home.”

“Tiny homes are also allowed in Nashville, but with much heavier restrictions. They are only allowed in zones behind an existing structure. If you have a lot of yard space and want to build a tiny home on your lot, you can do so in Nashville—a popular choice for those looking to make some extra cash with an AirBNB or guest home situation in the country music capital. ”

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A vardo at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

While not a top spot for tiny home trends, Tiny home festivals have been coming to Tenn. including the Tenn. Tiny Home Music Festival and the Hippie Living Fair Nashville. Such festivals offer stylistic examples as well as information on building and legal concerns when building tiny. Smaller local festivals like the Clarksville Artsville Fest often include tiny home features.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Flower display at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A retrofitted RV shop at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Liveable van expos at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Vintage hardware at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A soap and incense shop at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Soaps and smudge sticks from the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

Shows like Tiny House Nation explore the popularity of liveable structures that are typically less than 400 square feet. Tiny house communities have appeared in some places in the United States.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. Live Van-Painting at the
Clarksville Artsville Fest 2022. All rights reserved.

Tenn’s bordering state N.C. is the 8th most popular U.S. state for living in a tiny home, according to Business Insider. https://www-businessinsider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.businessinsider.com/tiny-home-most-popular-us-states-2020-6?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&amp&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#aoh=16605963015860&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Ftiny-home-most-popular-us-states-2020-6

Tenn. laws for tiny construction are mostly related to what’s defined as “ready-removable” structures.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A retrofitted RV at the Hippie Living Fair Nashville 2021. All rights reserved.

“What’s a ready-removable? The term “ready-removable” refers to a structure without any foundation, footings, or other support mechanisms that allow a structure to be easily relocated, but which may include electrical wiring.” says https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2016/8/17/state-fire-marshal-learn-the-laws-about-ready-removables-before-buying.html

“According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-126-303, ready-removable structures include, but are not limited to, stadium press boxes, guard shelters, or structures that contain only electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment that are solely occupied for service or maintenance of such equipment.”

“It is against state law to modify ready-removable structures for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in Tennessee.”

““Building codes are necessary life-safety measures, and ready–removable structures do not pass the code for sleeping spaces,” said Commerce & Insurance Deputy Commissioner Gary West. “The State Fire Marshal’s Office cannot issue certificates for electrical power to ready-removables that are used as housing.”

“Ready-removables with electrical wiring can be used for work spaces or storage, but must still meet applicable state and local electrical permitting requirements, local building permitting requirements, and have hardwired smoke alarms installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Ready-removables cannot have plumbing systems.”

Tiny builders may want to consider whether they are committed to tiny living for a long period of time. They may also not want to simply DIY a space without being aware of legalities.

Traveling in movable tiny homes, Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and trailers became more popular during quarantine. As populations increase due to people moving to states with lower costs of living, housing costs in those states increase. With this backdrop, tiny living can offer less debt than traditional housing and a place of one’s own as an alternative to shifting housing costs.

Image provided by Sarah Hughes. A retrofitted RV shop at the
Clarksville Artsville Fest 2022. All rights reserved.

Tenn. Populations between 2018 and 2021

According to the United States Census Bureau, Tenn. had a population of 6.651 million in 2018. This increased to 6.709 million in 2019 and 6.772 million in 2020. The estimated population in 2021 was 6.975 million.

Image provided by Google. Tenn. Population by Year. All rights reserved.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Nashville, Tenn. had a population of 692,587 in 2018. According to the Census of 2020, the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government area had a population of 689,447. The estimated population for the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government area was 678,851 in 2021.

Image provided by Google. Nashville Population by Year. All rights reserved.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Montgomery County, Tenn. had a population of 196,387 in 2018. This increased to 200,180 in 2019 and 204,992 in 2020.

Image provided by Google. Clarksville Population by Year. All rights reserved.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Clarksville, Tenn. had a population of 150,602 in 2018. This increased to 152,934 in 2019 and 156,092 in 2020.