Latest news with #IanSomerhalder
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Southern town's economy booming thanks to long-forgotten tween drama
A small Georgia town that served as the backdrop to a 2000s tween drama is still living off the fanfare years later. Covington is home for only 14,700 people and is not even 14 square miles long, but the tiny town located 35 miles outside of Atlanta has had plenty of shows filmed there, including The Vampire Diaries, featuring Canadian actress Nina Dobrev. One of the most recognizable spots on the show was clocktower downtown, which appeared in all eight seasons of the CW show, which ran from 2009 to 2017. In one scene, Ian Somerhalder and Dobrev's characters leap from the cornice of the tower hand-in-hand in the second season. The show, although set in a fake town called Mystic Falls, was primarily shot in the Georgia town and its fans keep coming to explore the filming locations even years later, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Other shows, such as Dukes of Hazzard, Remember the Titans, and Sweet Magnolias, have all called parts of Covington home while filming. 'I tell people I see gold all over the ground throughout the state, and all we have to do is grab it,' Lynda Lee Smith, the founder of Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia, told The Journal-Constitution. She sees the small town continue to grow as long as its entertainment business does, as film crews often hire local talent, shop and eat in town, and fill hotels during shoot days. Nina Dobrev in character at the Mystic Grill. The show's success is such a big win for the town that they see people as far as Australia coming to check out the filming locations And now fans want to experience these places for real. In 2014, the Mystic Grill gutted the inside to make it look just like the show, which later prompted its owner, Angi Beszborn, to hope Mystic Mercantile, which sells The Vampire Diaries merchandise, the outlet said. Beszborn even tracked down some of the set's original builders to recreate Salvatore's living room in the show, where brothers Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Somerhalder) talked about Dobrov's character, the outlet said. 'I probably had a million dollar's worth of stuff I could have sold that I just put in the dump,' Carpenter, James Wheeler, who worked on the original set, told The Journal-Constitution. The show's success is such a big win for the town that they see people as far as Australia coming to check out the filming locations. 'Fans come from all over the world. Brazil and Europe. We had some just here from Australia,' Mystic Mercantile Manager, Carin Rutledge, told The Journal-Constitution. 'When I ask them why they came here, they say: "For this."' Other places, like Ace's Used Cars and Hazzard's Square in Dukes of Hazzard were filmed at First Baptist Church and the town's square, respectively. Mystic Grill also served as Brooke's restaurant and the Lee-Porter House was The Corner Spa in Sweet Magnolias, among other locations. Despite several successful shows filming in the town, film productions in Georgia overall are on the decline, according to The Journal-Constitution. Productions spent 37 percent less in the 2024 fiscal years as they did in the year prior, the outlet reported. The Peach State also dropped from 412 productions to 273. So the state is looking to continue to capitalize on entertainment tourism and the fans dying to step foot inside their favorite film sets - or at least as close as possible. Different hangouts and events surrounding the productions that had previously filmed there are popping up and new souvenir shops too. Epic conventions brought in more than 15,000 visitors to Covington in 2023, The Journal-Constitution said. Despite the shows ending years ago, some fans aren't ready to let it go and Covington is making a bunch on that demand.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Brother's Bond Bourbon Looks To Stir Up Sustainability During Earth Month
Earth Month and Earth Day are a time that many are trying to make a bit more effort to support more sustainable practices. For some though, it's a constant effort. A great example is Brother's Bond Bourbon. This brand may get a lot of attention for their bourbon, but they are equally established for their consistent sustainability efforts. Espresso Regentini from Brother's Bond Bourbon. Brother's Bond Bourbon In fact their Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon was one of the first small batch bourbons in the U.S. made with regenerative grains and the brand has donated a portion of every Brother's Bond bottle sold to Kiss the Ground, which supports soil health. Now, the brand is marking Earth Month in a special way with their Shake & Stir Up change campaign in an effort to support sustainability and regenerative agriculture. Ian Somerhalder, who co-founded Brother's Bond with Paul Wesley, chatted with in an email interview about this Earth Month initiative, but he explains for this brand, sustainability isn't an add-on; it's a founding principle. "From day one, our mission has been to create exceptional whiskey while protecting the planet for future generations," said Somerhalder, who says his team is committed to helping transition U.S. farmland to regenerative agricultural practices, with an ambitious goal of supporting 100 million acres by 2030. "Regenerative farming rebuilds soil health, enhances biodiversity, and captures carbon; it's one of the most hopeful and scalable solutions to the climate crisis. Every bottle of Brother's Bond helps support this transition, with 1% of our sales donated to advancing soil health. It's about legacy, impact, and crafting a better future, sip by sip," said Somerhalder. To this end, the Regenerative Grain Bourbon is a small-batch release made with grains grown using regenerative practices within 20 miles of the distillery in North Carolina. "It's a blend of a nuanced three-year bourbon and a distinct six-year wheated bourbon, and it's one of the first in the U.S. made with regeneratively farmed grains," said Somerhalder, who shared sourcing these grains wasn't easy. "There's no existing roadmap, but we felt strongly about leading the change. This release represents a tangible step toward more environmentally responsible bourbon-making, and the flavor speaks for itself: rich caramel, toasted oak, campfire marshmallow. It's an award-winning bourbon with depth and purpose," said Somerhalder, As part of their sustainability efforts, Brothers Bond is also working with Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit that's changing how we think about soil. "They advocate for regeneration as a solution to the climate, water, and wellness crisis, and they make the science accessible and inspiring," said Somerhalder. "I've been involved with them personally for years and helped produce both Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, two powerful documentaries about the regenerative movement." Brother's Bond supports their mission financially and through awareness. "With every bottle sold, we're contributing to their work helping U.S. farmers shift to regenerative practices—over 36 million acres and counting. It's a partnership grounded in shared values and real impact," said Somerhalder. For Earth Month's Shake & Stir Up Change campaign, the team created two coffee-forward cocktails: The Espresso Regentini, which is made with certified regenerative coffee beans from Kiss the Ground, as well as the Carbon Capture Cold Brew, a bourbon-forward spin with a touch of sweetness. "Coffee and bourbon share deep roots in agriculture and craftsmanship, and we wanted to use that connection to tell a bigger story about regeneration, flavor, and making better choices," said Somerhalder, who believes the Espresso Regentini especially gives the classic espresso martini a more soulful, whiskey-rich profile. "Bourbon and coffee were meant to meet, and this Earth Month felt like the perfect time to introduce them," said Somerhalder.
Fox News
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
'Vampire Diaries' star says farming is 'in my blood,' reflects on growing up poor in Louisiana
Ian Somerhalder found success and fame on "Vampire Diaries" and "Lost," which wasn't the norm for the Louisiana native. During an interview with Fox News Digital, the "Common Ground" star said his father is from the Bayou in Louisiana and his accent is so thick he has to translate the English he speaks to other English-native speakers. On the other hand, his mother comes from a long line of Mississippi farmers who "understood the aspect of farming in a holistic regenerative way." The Brothers Bond Bourbon co-founder explained that he was raised "super poor" and wasn't introduced to the finer things in life until he became the face of Versace at 16. "My dad taught me about the wetlands in Louisiana. When you take more than you give back, there's an imbalance. And guess who loses? We do. Nature will always find a way to regenerate. It's us who loses because, look man, we were super poor, but we were so rich. We had, I'm talking freezers full. We had a shed of boxes of Louisiana blue crab, Gulf shrimp, red fish, speckled trout, Amberjack. "I'm talking fresh tuna. I'm talking all the good stuff. And it wasn't until I was 16 as a model – I was the face of Versace when I was 16 – and you walk into a restaurant, even in 1994, and you order a dozen Louisiana blue crabs or oysters, and it was $100. And I thought… I have a thousand of these things in freezers. I was like, 'Oh.' So while we didn't have a lot of money, we were rich in culture and the things that we needed," Somerhalder said. "We were super poor, but we were so rich." The actor recently wrapped the "Common Ground" documentary, which "unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system." WATCH: Ian Somerhalder reflects on growing up poor in Louisiana "The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of White, Black, and Indigenous farmers who are using alternative 'regenerative' models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America's economy – before it's too late," the summary states. Somerhalder was eager to be a part of the project due to his roots in farming. "My family on both sides are multigenerational farmers going back to the 1700s. So this is very much in my blood. This is what I'm about." When addressing health in America, Somerhalder explained that he grew up in "Cancer Alley," which is an 80-mile stretch along the Mississippi River. "There's about 150 petrochemical plants or facilities, whatever you call them. And they call it cancer alley for a reason, right?" According to Somerhalder, once you fix problems like "Cancer Alley," you will have healthier people, healthier economies and a healthier planet. "When you heal and build nutrient density, you build healthier people. You also build healthier, robust economies. Then you build a healthier planet because you balance the climate. It does not matter what side of the aisle you sit on or if you sit in the middle of it. If you sit on the top left or the bottom right, it does not matter. We have a massive climate issue. Whether you believe it's man-made or not, that doesn't matter." Somerhalder has the solution, and it all ties back into farming. "Well, I mean, that's the re-industrialization of middle America, that's how we rebuild the United States of America. We do it through soil, and we do it for money. Let's be honest, man, money talks, BS walks. You tell a farmer that their constituents, I mean, that their elected officials in Congress are allowing these agrochemical companies to just pillage. You know what they're going to do? They're going to say enough is enough. I want my family to be healthy. I want money in my bank account. This is not fair." "And that is how we do it," Somerhalder said. WATCH: 'Vampire Diaries' star says farming is 'in my blood' During a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Somerhalder explained that there's a certain level of "respect" that comes with living on a farm that "populated, urban areas" just don't understand. "It's a lot of work, but the reality of it is like, especially with these fires that just happened in California. You know, for me, that's how I grew up, right here in Louisiana. For me, it gives me a sense of balance." "But what people don't realize is, a vast amount, a pretty large percentage of Americans, live that way. They respect and love that lifestyle. We live here now," he said. Somerhalder continued, "While … the very populated urban areas may not get it, they still benefit from it because they benefit from the quality products and produce that these people produce. So there's this amazing sort of flow of commerce and business and sort of like mutual respect that I love." Along with Somerhalder, Jason Momoa, Laura Dern and Woody Harrelson make up the "Common Ground" cast. The documentary, which is a sequel to the 2020 "Kiss the Ground," is available for streaming worldwide on Earth Day, April 22. During his interview with Fox News Digital, Somerhalder thanked Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos, for "sucking up" the rights to stream the documentaries and said "Common Ground" is going to "change the freaking planet." WATCH: Ian Somerhalder says new documentary 'Common Ground' is going to change the planet A special live global event will be held on April 22 at 10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST on YouTube for one hour.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brother's Bond Bourbon Shines a Light on Regenerative Agriculture This Earth Month
Award-Winning Whiskey with Purpose: Supporting Soil Health, One Sip at a Time PLANO, Texas, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Earth Month, Brother's Bond Bourbon is proud to SHAKE & STIR UP CHANGE—a campaign inspiring bourbon lovers to sip more sustainably and support regenerative agriculture. Brother's Bond Bourbon—the award-winning bourbon brand, founded by actors, longtime friends, and whiskey experts, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley—continues to spotlight its commitment to sustainable craftsmanship and has gone beyond crafting the best whiskey. The brand was founded in 2021 with a mission to create exceptional whiskey while preserving the planet for future generations and striving to transition the bourbon-making process to 100% regenerative practices. Brother's Bond is committed to supporting the transition of U.S. farmland to regenerative agricultural practices, with a goal of reaching 100 million acres by 2030. Brother's Bond Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon, crafted with regenerative grains grown within 20 miles of the North Carolina distillery, is taking center stage this April. This small-batch, award-winning release is a blend of a nuanced three-year bourbon and a distinct six-year wheated bourbon, aged using custom toast and char methods to create a rich, expressive flavor. This limited-release bourbon remains one of the first bourbons in the U.S. crafted with regenerative grains and represents a meaningful step in the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility. Brother's Bond Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey$59.99 MSRP / 95 Proof Color: Rich, deep, caramel amber Aroma: Dreamy, full of caramel sweetness and toasted oak Taste: Campfire marshmallow, seasoned oak, roasted buttered corn, vanilla glaze Finish: Warm to the very soul, lingering softly Empty Glass: Sublime "To us, bourbon is about more than flavor—it's about legacy and impact," said Ian Somerhalder, co-founder of Brother's Bond Bourbon. "Regenerative farming isn't just an agricultural shift—it's a hopeful solution to the climate crisis. By caring for the land and supporting the farmers who steward it, we're creating a richer, more meaningful whiskey experience—one that preserves the earth for future generations. Every sip connects us to something bigger, and every pour is a step toward something better." Since its founding, Brother's Bond has proudly supported Kiss the Ground, a non-profit championing regeneration and healthy soil as a solution to our wellness, water, and climate crisis. The brand has donated a portion of every bottle sold to advance soil health and is honored to collaborate with partners like Kiss the Ground to be part of a broader movement helping over 36 million U.S. acres transition to regenerative practices. To toast the movement, the brand created two eco-conscious Earth Month cocktails: Espresso Regentini – bold and creamy, featuring Kiss the Ground's certified regenerative coffee beans Carbon Capture Cold Brew – a chilled coffee cocktail with a subtle sweetness Sip. Watch. Join. April 22 at 10 AM PT, tune in to the live Q&A on Common Ground Film's YouTube channel with the creators of the regenerative agriculture documentary Common Ground, followed by streaming the film and its prequel Kiss the Ground on Amazon Prime. Every view helps spread awareness and amplify the message of regeneration. Retail PartnershipBrother's Bond Bourbon is also featured in Spec's "Healthy Soil, Healthy Planet" campaign across Texas this April, encouraging consumers to support regeneration by donating at checkout. You can also find Brother's Bond Regenerative Grain Bourbon at other leading retailers nationwide, including Rouses Market, Total Wine & More, GoPuff, BevMo!, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, so you can sip sustainably wherever you shop. For more information, visit or follow @brothersbondbourbon on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X @brothersbond. About Brother's BondBrother's Bond Bourbon, founded by famous on-screen brothers, whiskey makers, and real-life friends Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, is an ultra-premium bourbon brand celebrated for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Meticulously crafted with the finest all-natural ingredients and aged to perfection, Brother's Bond honors the rich heritage of American whiskey-making. The hand-selected, award-winning small-batch whiskey portfolio includes Straight Bourbon, Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon, American Blended Rye, Regenerative Grain Straight Bourbon, and Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon, which has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Bourbons in the world. Beyond exceptional taste, Brother's Bond is committed to sustainability, giving back a portion of proceeds to regenerative agriculture and responsible sourcing with every bottle sold. Brother's Bond is redefining what it means to enjoy an ultra-premium whiskey – one sip, one story, one bond at a time. Time to Bond. For more information, visit and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @brothersbondbourbon and X @brothersbond. CONTACT:Laura Mulhernlmulhern@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Brother's Bond Bourbon Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Drinking Brother's Bond Bourbon With ‘Star Trek's' Paul Wesley
Actor Paul Wesley As Captain Kirk on 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' actor Paul Wesley has taken over the role of one of science fiction's most beloved characters. But it was his previous show 'The Vampire Diaries' that led to his entry into the bourbon world. Together with Ian Somerhalder, his co-star and on-screen sibling for eight seasons, Wesley launched Brother's Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey in 2021. I spoke with Wesley at The Snow Lodge in Aspen about his first drink, what helped him make the leap into the spirits business and why it's so hard to get some whiskey on the USS Enterprise. What was your first drink? I'm Polish, so it was vodka. I spent a lot of time visiting my grandparents in Warsaw when I was growing up and they would always give us a taste — within reason. My parents were very European in that sense. There was wine with dinner. When we created Brother's Bond our slogan was 'time to bond' which is what it's all about for me. You're celebrating something or just enjoying it with someone. Which cocktails do you enjoy? I was always into darker, smokier spirits. So Manhattans and Old Fashioneds have always been my go-to drinks. Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder at the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championships in Aspen. What made you take the leap from enjoying it to wanting to make it? Ian Somerhalder and I were shooting our show 'Vampire Diaries' and we were drinking a lot of bourbon — on and off screen. We had talked about making our own for years but we were always busy filming. And then COVID hit and we had a bunch of time on our hands. We thought 'We're not doing anything, we might as well start blending some bourbon.' What surprised you most when learning about the process? How just one small adjustment can change the entire nuance. We created a four grain mash bill, and just by adding a little barley or some more wheat it's incredible how the characteristics change. We had a master distiller who really guided us so we weren't just shooting in the dark. Paul Wesley at the 51st Annual Saturn Awards. Do you enjoy the publicity side of it? The quality of the brand is the top thing to me, but our social media presence is also very important to us. We have the most-followed bourbon brand on Instagram, almost two million followers. And obviously that helps with sales, but we've also introduced a lot of people to bourbon and helped educate them. Have you gotten to share some Brother's Bond with one of your own idols? I've had plenty of drinks with other actors, but I'm really into basketball. I've become friends with a bunch of the New York Knicks, including one of their star players Jalen Brunson, and we've all shared some Brother's Bond together. For me, I geek out on athletes. Paul Wesley at SiriusXM Studios in Miami Beach. What are your upcoming projects? I'm shooting a miniseries about the war in Ukraine at the end of next year. I'm very excited about that. And now I'm starting to shoot the next season of Star Trek — it's one of my favorite projects I've ever worked on in my life. The cast is amazing, and the show is so innovative. Every episode is like a movie onto itself. If you could have a drink with one of the characters you've played, who would it be? I play Captain Kirk right now and he's the ultimate. Actually, when we were filming last season I tried to get Brother's Bond onto the set of the Enterprise. And — they wouldn't go for it. Space regulations are rough.
