Music City, TN February 2026

Design Matters

We're Locals

As co-publishers—and as a husband-and-wife team— our love for Nashville goes far beyond where we work. It’s woven into how we spend our time, raise our family, and find moments of connection in the everyday places that make this city feel like home. Our daily routines have created deep roots here, and with new spots constantly popping up, Nashville never gives us a reason to be bored.

For Matt, Nashville’s local spots are about tradition, camaraderie, and getting outside. Whether it’s a late night at The Local, a visit to the Nashville Gun Club, or an afternoon spent walking the McCabe Greenway, he’s drawn to places that reflect the city’s character and strong sense of community. You’ll also find him teeing off at any golf course that he can find a last minute tee time. We celebrate any occasion worth celebrating at Sperry’s—because a cozy steak and a salad bar is about as Americana as it gets.

My favorites tend to blend family, food, and thoughtful design. I love spending time in the Neuhoff District, where history and creativity meet. The pedestrian walkways are especially refreshing—there’s something I love about passing people on foot. The Food Company’s chicken salad is my daily go-to. And every birthday, I spend a day on the lake with friends on a good-ol pontoon boat, with some good country music.

And no Nashville weekend feels complete without find the best breakfast burrito in town! We think we are especially lucky to call East Nashville home because there are so many great local spots to discover.

Together, these places tell the story of why we love Nashville so deeply. They’re not just destinations—they’re memories in the making, reminders of why local matters, and reflections of a city that continues to grow while holding onto its heart. We’re proud to call Nashville home and to celebrate the spots, people, and moments that make it so special.

KAT SEATON GIARRATANO @MUSICCITY.CITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Matt Giarratano | matt.giarratano@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily Allen, Morgan Raum

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Legacy of Love Photo + Film

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

LOCAL

VINTAGE GOODS

FEBRUARY 2026

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: The November National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) Gala was an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, leadership, and the people who shape Nashville’s vibrant events community. Set against a backdrop of refined design and inspired hospitality, the night honored the industry’s most talented professionals—those whose creativity, dedication, and collaboration continue to raise the bar for catering and events across Middle Tennessee.

The gala also marked a meaningful transition as NACE proudly welcomed its incoming board, a dynamic group of leaders poised to guide the chapter into its next chapter with intention, innovation, and a deep commitment to community. From heartfelt applause for award winners to moments of genuine connection among peers, the evening was a powerful reminder that while events may last a night, the impact of this industry—and its people—resonates far beyond the final toast.

8-12: The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville returned at the Music City Center, celebrating “American Elegance” through antiques, horticulture, and immersive garden displays. The annual event brought together more than 150 respected dealers alongside thoughtfully curated installations and special events. Proceeds benefited Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and ECON Charities, supporting arts and community initiatives. A highlight of the weekend was a keynote conversation with David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren, moderated by Alfredo Paredes. Additional special guests included designers Will Meyer, Gray Davis, John and Christine Gachot, floral designer Preston Bailey, and landscape architect Charles Stick, offering insight and inspiration throughout the show.

Photography by Morgan Raum

business monthly

A

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Sarah Gibson | A Refined Perspective on Nashville Real Estate

Sarah Gibson is a real estate advisor with The Agency Nashville, known for a thoughtful, client-centered approach to buying and selling homes. With a background rooted in creativity, design, and strategy, she brings a refined perspective to residential real estate—helping clients navigate the market with clarity and intention. Serving Nashville and beyond, Sarah works closely with homeowners, buyers, and visionaries who value discretion, aesthetic sensibility, and long-term value in their real estate decisions. Follow along for more @sarahgibsongroup!

Global Living Within Reach with CHORD Real Estate

Buying, investing and even living internationally is more within reach than most imagine. The country of Panama provides extraordinary opportunities with beautiful prop erties at all price levels, world-class health care and residency-by-invest ment programs. Join other investors online at 6pm. Thursday, March 19, 2026 for the INVEST PANAMA Webinar to learn what you can expect if you join CHORD Nashville later in May as they take interested inves tors to enjoy and explore this won derful destination. Contact RSVP@ CHORDrealestate.com for more info!

ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTY HUNTER

WHERE Details MATTER

Shawn Huffman Dives Into All Things Design

Shawn Huffman continues to build her legacy one thoughtfully curated space at a time. A seasoned real estate professional, designer, consultant, and host of vacation rentals throughout Music City, Shawn has an innate talent for blending hospitality with intentional design. After moving to Nashville in 2004, the California native pursued a career in real estate where she cultivated a strong understanding of the local market. She observed a clear pattern—the homes that were beautifully decorated and photographed never failed to outperform the rest. Leveraging her design eye, attention to detail, and understanding of the Nashville market, she built her first vacation rental home with the intention to make each stay for her guests feel like it's their home away from home. From there, Legacy Hospitality TN was born.

Shawn is a firm believer in curating a space that guests will truly love. A stay at a Legacy Hospitality TN property feels like coming home, rather than just checking in. Guests will always be greeted with warm lighting, a clean smell, and intentional design. Favoring a classic, clean, and simple aesthetic, Shawn’s eye captures an inviting, timeless space that immediately makes you want to kick off your shoes and unwind.

“Design sets the emotional tone before a single guest and interaction takes place,” Shawn explains. “The moment a guest walks through the door, they should feel a sense of ease. My approach is keeping things grounded, a warm balance, and lots of layering.”

Shawn has a rare gift for envisioning a space’s full potential immediately upon stepping through the door—even if the room

is completely empty. Keeping factors such as architecture and location in mind while decorating, she enjoys experimenting with textures and layering, all while still staying true to her own personal style.

“I believe that vacation rentals should not look like a hotel,” Shawn explains. “If a guest wants to stay at a hotel, they will. However, guests do want hotel-type service—like quick responses, nice sheets, coffee, and a clean space.”

In an ever-changing world, Legacy Hospitality TN believes the finer things should be a standard, infusing luxury and indulgence into your Nashville retreat. Her expertise and experience have led her to launch her brand new venture, thedetails615. With this, she will be offering consulting to owners of vacation homes that are struggling to raise their rates, gain higher reviews, and curate spaces that instantly captivate guests. At thedetails615, they believe that true success comes when hosts feel confident, equipped, and in control of their business. They don’t just design for you—they design with you, so that you gain tools and strategies that last beyond a single project. Whether it’s finding the right pillow, taking the right photo, or writing the right description, all of it adds up to five-star reviews, repeat bookings, and higher returns.

With Shawn’s strong understanding and talent for the industry, she helps you master the small touches that make the biggest difference. Offering different tiers of services—beginning with a complimentary ‘quick look’ audit of the space where she gives

"Design sets the emotional tone before a single guest and interaction takes place."

owners a 5-minute audit and personalized review with actionable tips to improve your vacation rental—it is her goal to help the underdog build a space their guests will love. Other services include a 30-minute Vision Kickstart where you'll have the opportunity to engage in an interior design consultation, a Design Deep Dive where Shawn will conduct a thorough property improvement audit and go room by room to identify what you're already doing well and what additional elements you can incorporate to elevate your spaces, and for the client who wants Shawn to come in and work her magic, she is offering a Project Management Audit—where she will help evaluate timelines, budgets, contractor coordination, and overall execution. Shawn is passionate about helping the small owners create a thoughtfully designed space that proves to be both worthwhile and successful. By creating thedetails615, she hopes to teach others the tips and tools that will help encourage them to take their homes to the next level.

“A design investment is hard to wrap your head around if you're the small guy, right? So you have to start with little things in order to get to where you can have more,” Shawn shares. “I think the biggest mistake is [when owners] throw a whole bunch of stuff in [their home] and think, ‘this will work, guests will come’—and they will come, but they will come at $60 a night instead of at $150.”

While thedetail615’s roots are in Nashville, she also works virtually with vacation rental hosts across the U.S. Through online consultations, mood boards, and shoppable guides, they deliver the same level of expertise regardless of where you’re located.

For more information on consulting with thedetails615 or visiting a Legacy Hospitality TN rental, visit https://thedetails615.com or https://legacyhospitalitytn. com and follow them on socials @thedetails615 and @legacyhospitalitytn.

"I want guests to feel grounded, inspired, and cared for in those first few seconds... if a space can make someone exhale without realizing it, then the design has done its job!"

WHERE NASHVILLE COMES TO SMILE

Welcome to our brand new dental office in the Capitol View area (North Gulch) of Nashville. Modern, state of the art practice focused on building relationships and confidence. We meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.

NASHVILLE'S FUNNY GUY

ARTICLE BY EMILY ALLEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEGACY OF LOVE

PHOTO + FILM

FROM ZANIES TO THE OPRY, A LOVE LETTER TO THE CITY THAT EMBRACED COMEDIAN JOHN CRIST

In the summer of 2018, comedian John Crist sat in his Los Angeles apartment googling, “What are the closest apartments to Zanies in Nashville?”

A few weeks later, he was moving into his new apartment sight-unseen at The Octave on 8th Avenue—walking distance to Nashville’s most famous comedy club.

Nearly 8 years later, Crist still calls Nashville home—and is even still close to Zanies, though now in a home he picked out in person rather than an apartment with a lease signed over the phone.

“Everywhere in Nashville, every restaurant I walk into, every time I go into the airport, every time I’m downtown on Broadway… this city has

embraced me so kindly,” Crist said when explaining what he loves about living here. “Everybody treats me dang near close to family in this city.”

Crist first moved to the city in a couch-surfing capacity, staying with friends in between comedy runs on his tour bus to cities all around the country. He was touring with the Christian music festival called Winter Jam and learned quickly that the easiest way to be on the road was to be based in Nashville.

“Nashville is within an overnight bus drive of 75% of the population of America,” Crist said. “You can get all the way down to Florida, all the way up to Chicago, and over to New York City

in a night—you can pretty much tour the whole country living in Nashville.”

Crist credits much of his success to Nashville, not just because of its idyllic location for touring, but because of how the comedy scene and local community have welcomed him so warmly.

Zanies was the only anchor Crist had when he moved to the city, he said. “Every dollar I’ve ever made is because of that club and its influence on me.”

The comedy club was also a big part of what made Crist fall in love with Nashville and its scene of creatives. “Zanies was the first club that ever let me host, the first club that ever let me feature,

...THISCITYHASEMBRACED

and the first place I ever headlined.” To this day, he loves to hang out there, eat a cheeseburger, and see the up-and-coming comics in the scene.

He fondly remembered his early years performing there and learning from the other performers—comics who were willing to riff with him, help him work out jokes, and suggest new material and angles he could try. “And now, I’ve been able to do the same for other new comics that are coming through,” he reflects fondly.

In 2025, Crist made his late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and released his comedy special, John Crist: Emotional Support.

Crist wasn’t the only one who fell in love with the city; his fiancée, Lydia Fielder, saw the same warmth and community in Nashville that kept Crist here all these years. The couple got engaged in the summer of 2025 and will wed this coming fall.

The couple was long distance at the beginning of their relationship, but Crist said it didn’t take much convincing for her to make the big move. “Every time she came to Nashville, we’d go down to Broadway, or we’d walk across the bridge to Nissan Stadium for a Titans game, or we’d drive to Radnor Lake for a hike or to see the Christmas lights in Franklin, and she’d say, ‘Man, this city has opened its arms to us.’”

JOHN CRIST ON THE RISE

John Crist is a fast-rising stand-up comedian with over one billion video views and more than seven million social media followers . He has sold out shows nationwide, earning a spot on Pollstar’s Top 100 Global Tours in 2019 with over 197,000 tickets sold. Crist is widely recognized for viral sketches such as Honest Football Coach , Every Parent at Disney, and Brands that Need to Be Cancelled . He has appeared on major outlets including ESPN, CBS Sports, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, SEC Nation, and Barstool Sports . In 2022, he released his second comedy special, What Are We Doing?, on YouTube and published the bestselling book Delete That. Crist hosts the weekly podcast Net Positive and has appeared on shows like This Past Weekend , Nateland , and Kill Tony. His specials are available on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV, and YouTube.

Book tickets for upcoming shows at johncristcomedy .com and stay up to date with John Crist by following @johnbcrist.

“THE KINDNESS OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS CITY HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING.”

Together, Fielder and Crist have turned Nashville into the backdrop for their own personal fairy tale. Whenever the pair find themselves downtown, that fairytale finds itself at Robert’s Western World.

“Every time I go in there, I request ‘One More Last Chance’ by Vince Gill. I pay the band $20 and request that song,” he laughs. “Every time we’re down on Broadway, we stop through, have a dance, maybe a Red Bull, and go home. It’s beautiful.”

Crist will ring in a career highlight in Nashville with two headlining nights at the Opry House, one of the biggest venues he has ever performed for, on January 25 and February 19. These performances are a part of his latest tour, John Crist Live!, with dates across the country throughout the year.

“It’s an honor that the most tickets I’ve ever sold for an event are in my hometown of Nashville,” Crist said. “The kindness of the people in this city has been overwhelming.”

Kevin Corn ~ Interior Design Services & Antiques

Friday, February 27 6:30pm-10pm 16th annual

Noah Liff Opera Center

The Noah Liff Opera Center is a space where elegance, creativity, and world-class performance come together to create extraordinary experiences. Located in West End, the true standout of an event space and venue provides a sophisticated and versatile setting for corporate gatherings, weddings, galas, and milestone celebrations. With striking modern architecture, state-of-theart amenities, and an atmosphere steeped in artistic excellence, the Liff Center is more than a venue… It's an experience.

Serving as the proud home of the Nashville Opera, the Liff Center was designed to celebrate the art of storytelling—whether that be through opera or the memorable moments created by their clients. Their breathtaking performances and inspiring productions take shape on the grand stages of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Belmont’s Fisher Center, as well as right here in their home. Performance and inspiration doesn’t just end at the stage's edge either—it expands deep into our community through education, community engagement, and inclusiveness to ensure everyone has access to an artform meant to be shared. From intimate receptions to grand productions, the team is committed to bringing your vision to life with seamless service and unmatched ambiance.

Aarron Hunt, Venue and Facilities Director of the Noah Liff Opera Center, explains the special moments their space has held. From watching a bride walk down the aisle to her forever person to seeing guests fully immersed in a musical performance, Hunt finds that there is magic in each and every moment. Rooted in emotion, the space thrives on vulnerability and art. In addition, the space is rich in history. Named after Noah Liff—international businessman, philanthropist, and dedicated supporter of the arts—the venue was given his namesake to honor his devotion to CONTINUED >

the Nashville community and his support for the opera’s mission. He arrived in Music City in 1952 as a young entrepreneur and spent years supporting the Nashville Opera.

“What many people don’t realize is that this building has lived many lives,” Hunt explains. “Before it became the Opera Center, it was Nashville’s first indoor tennis court. Later, it served as a cold-storage beer distribution facility, then a sound stage. It wasn’t always beautiful. In fact, for a time, it was very much an ugly duckling.”

In 2008, the building was transformed into the stunning site it is today. Balancing intimacy and grandeur, the venue features clean lines, warm materials, and intentional sightlines—creating a sense of closeness without ever feeling confined. Elevating each event with its beauty, Hunt and the rest of the team prepare the venue depending on the story being told that day.

“Opera requires technical precision and reverence for the art form, concerts lean into amplification and audience energy, galas focus on guest flow and spectacle, but weddings, however, are different… they’re personal,” he says. “They ask the building to soften, to warm, to hold space for vulnerability and joy all at once. Every wedding here is treated as its own production—crafted around how the couple wants the day to feel, not just how it should look.”

A wedding at the Liff Center is carefully curated to each couple. Being a part of a couple’s special day is not a task they take lightly, and they are honored to be a part of each couple’s story. On February 26, Hunt will host an Open House, AI Meets Vogue: A Wedding Fashion Show, celebrating all things bridal. In preparation, he sought donated wedding gowns with the hope of giving them a beautiful second chapter. Brides-to-be, vintage lovers, and fashion enthusiasts are invited to join in the celebration!

“What sets it apart from other venues in Nashville is intention. Nothing here is accidental… every space, every transition, every experience is rooted in care,” Hunt shares.

For more information on performances or to book your next event at the Noah Liff Opera Center, visit noahliffoperacenter.org or follow them on socials @noahliffoperacenter.

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A Local Live Like

Feb 6th

FAMILY MARDI GRAS PARTY

10 AM - 2 PM

Belle Meade Historic Site

Celebrate Mardi Gras with the family at Belle Meade

Historic Site & Winery on February 7, 2026 ! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. , enjoy festive mask-making, games, treats like King Cake, a Mardi Gras Parade Dance, themed photo booth, and activities for all ages in the Historic Carriage House. For tickets visit visitbellemeade.com.

7th-8th

NASHVILLE CELEBRITY COMIC CON 2026

The Fairgrounds

Dive into pop culture at Celebrity Comic Con in Wedge wood‑Houston’s The Fairgrounds Nashville on February 7–8, 2026! Meet stars from movies, television, and comics, grab autographs and photos, browse vendors, enjoy panels, and show off your cosplay. It’s a must-attend celebration for fans of all ages.

8th

SWAN LAKE | GRAND KYIV BALLET

6:30 PM

Ryman Auditorium

Experience the timeless ballet Swan Lake at Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m . . Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and a classic tale of love, magic, and transformation performed by the Grand Kyiv Ballet , featuring graceful choreography, stunning costumes, and storytelling that captivates audiences of all ages in Nashville’s historic venue.

21st-22nd

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

TPAC

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to TPAC, delivering its signature blend of power, grace, and soul-stirring storytelling. Experience the beauty, strength, and spirit of the human journey through movement and artistry that inspire audiences worldwide. Tickets available now at tpac. org for unforgettable performances this season in Nashville this year.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

11 AM

Centennial Park | Musicians Corner

Join the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville in celebrating Chinese New Year on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Centennial Park’s Musicians Corner. This free community event honors the Lunar New Year of the Horse with cultural performances, art, traditions, and family-friendly activities welcoming all to experience Chinese culture.

21st 26th

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS VS. NASHVILLE PREDATORS

7 PM

Bridgestone Arena

Catch NHL action in Nashville as the Predators take on the Chicago Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. . Experience live hockey excitement with fast-paced play, passionate fans, and Smashville energy in downtown Nashville. Buy tickets now and cheer on the Preds in this Central Division matchup.

Now Catering!

From our farm to your fork, Smokin Oaks Organic Farms is your one-stop shop for wholesome, delicious food. We’re proud to offer:

• A full-service butcher case stocked with 100% pasture raised meats

• A deli with house-made favorites, perfect for lunch on the go

• Local produce straight from the field

• Pantry goods, specialty items, and more

• Now offering catering!

Whether it’s a family gathering, corporate lunch, or weekend celebration, let us handle the food so you can enjoy the moment.

Come visit us, stock up on the good stuff, and let Smokin Oaks feed your next event. 2116 8th Ave, S. Nashville | (615) 649-8162 smokinoaksorganicfarms.com | Vsmokinoaksorganicfarms