The Twelve Oaks named top luxury inn

Nicole Bagley Greer (AB ’97) is the owner of The Twelve Oaks in Covington, Ga. The inn opened just about a year ago and has already been recognized as a “Top 10 Luxury Inn in the World” by BedandBreakfast.com!

According to BedandBreakfast.com:

“Even when wearing clothes sewn from curtains, Scarlett O'Hara demanded the best in luxury. Channel her at Twelve Oaks, an Antebellum mansion that inspired the film Gone With The Wind. Lovingly redone, now reopened as an intimate hotel, the eight-guestroom, National Register-awarded, structure continues to enliven guests who stop and stay awhile. Located just 30 miles from Atlanta in a town rich with historic structures and oft used to film movies and television series, Twelve Oaks stands alone.”

As you can imagine, a mansion that inspired the home in a classic like “Gone With the Wind” is bound to attract additional interest from filmmakers. Actor Billy Bob Thornton has shown an interest in filming a movie there, Cindy Crawford starred in a commercial on the property, and a recent episode of “Vampire Diaries” was filmed on site. Elsewhere in Covington, scenes were filmed for “Dukes of Hazzard,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “My Cousin Vinny,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Remember the Titans.”

The Twelve Oaks is located just off the Covington town square. Guests are treated to breakfast each morning, a wine and cheese happy hour each evening, and can stay in suites such as the “Frankly Scarlett Suite” or “Suite Home Alabama.”

Congratulations on this recognition, Nicole! The Twelve Oaks sounds absolutely stunning. We wish you the very best as it continues to grow and flourish as a Georgia travel destination.

To view the complete list of Top Ten Luxury Inns from BedandBreakfast.com, click here.

Forrest Griffin (AB ’03) retires from UFC

Forrest Griffin (AB ‘03) is hanging up his gloves as an Ultimate Fighting Challenge competitor. The alumnus has been a UFC fighter for eight years and played a major role in the company’s success.

Griffin was cast in the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, which he won after the live finale that has since been deemed one of UFC’s hallmark fights. During his career, Griffin went 19-7 in MMA fights and 10-5 in UFC fights. Adam (BSBE ’98, MS ’07) and Rory (BSBE ’99) Singer, owners of Bulldog 100 business Athens Fitness & MMA, played an integral role in launching Griffin’s career.

Griffin cites his health as the main reason for going into retirement. Despite his great MMA and UFC success, he has suffered a number of injuries during fights. He is expected to take on a position with UFC in the near future.

Congratulations on a successful career, Forrest – you are one tough Bulldog! I look forward to seeing what this next step on your UFC journey has in store for you.

This article was sourced from USA Today.

William “Bill” Jenkins Stembler (JD ’71) + Georgia Theatre Company open new movie theatre in Athens

Tomorrow marks the opening of a new movie theatre in the Athens area – and a successful University of Georgia graduate is behind the business development.

William “Bill” Jenkins Stembler (JD ’71), the chairman and CEO of Georgia Theatre Company, oversees the operation of 326 auditoriums in 32 cities in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia. He is the third generation to run the family-owned business headquartered on St. Simons Island.

Stembler currently serves on the board of visitors for the UGA School of Law. He is also on the executive committee and the board of directorsfor the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia.

The new University 16 Cinemas, a multi-million dollar complex with a full-service restaurant that serves beer and wine, is located in the new Epps Bridge Centre near the intersection of GA 316 and Loop 10. It also houses a party room for special events for up to 75 people. The grand opening will take place tomorrow, June 14.

However, locals can visit the new theatre tonight for just $2.50 per ticket. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Variety – The Children’s Charity of Georgia and the Oconee Food for Kids program.

Congratulations to Bill and Georgia Theatre Company on this new endeavor in Athens. Thank you for representing the University of Georgia so well!