Music City, TN July 2026

Move More, See More, Be More

"If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food, it's a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move." These words come from the late author & chef, Anthony Bourdain, who reminds us to constantly  experience the world.

There is beauty in really every walk of life. Whether you spend your whole life living in the same little town, or your life is filled with travel miles and new experiences.

As people get older, they become comfortable — comfortable with their routines, their communities, and their own ways of living. Every single person is guilty of that, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. But I believe Mr. Bourdain challenges us to step outside of those comforts and continue learning about the people around us.

Obviously, he pushed himself in ways that most people don’t have the opportunity to, but at the end of the day, you don’t have to travel to some far off land to learn something new. Sitting at someone else’s table, having a conversation with someone unfamiliar, or simply visiting the next town over can give you a different perspective, deeper understanding, and greater respect for people whose lives differ from our own. And if we aren’t constantly learning, then what are we really doing? How are we truly progressing the world around us?

The stories in our Explore Issue show how the people of Music City are stepping outside of social norms, creating community, and establishing legacies that will live beyond themselves. Music City never ceases to amaze me with the people who work tirelessly to follow their dreams and achieve something far greater than themselves.

KAT SEATON GIARRATANO,

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Matt Giarratano | matt.giarratano@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Morgan Raum

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 Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

1-7: Kowboy Fence Co. is proud to continue its partnership with the Iroquois Steeplechase, one of Nashville’s most iconic and celebrated traditions. As a trusted behind-the-scenes partner, the Kowboy team plays an essential role in preparing the grounds for race weekend, providing the fencing infrastructure that helps ensure the event runs smoothly from setup through the final race. Each year, the project serves as a reminder of the teamwork and dedication required to bring this beloved Nashville tradition to life, creating an unforgettable experience that showcases the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring sense of community.

8-14: Favorite Daughter, the contemporary lifestyle brand founded by sisters Erin and Sara Foster, has expanded its retail footprint with the opening of its third boutique in Nashville’s popular 12South neighborhood. Known for its elevated essentials, premium denim, and timeless wardrobe staples, the Los Angeles-based brand continues its growth following successful locations in Beverly Hills and New York City. The new 1,500-square-foot store brings Favorite Daughter’s signature aesthetic to one of Nashville’s most sought-after shopping districts. To mark the occasion, the brand celebrated with exclusive VIP and community events featuring a live performance by Nashville-based country trio Just Jayne and offerings from Craig’s Nashville.

Meet the Practice Transforming Postpartum Care in Nashville & Beyond

NurtureHaus is redefining postpartum care in Middle Tennessee with evidence-based, in-home support for families during the critical fourth trimester. Dr. Rya Carter bridges the gap between hospital discharge and long-term pediatric care, the practice provides guidance in infant feeding, developmental milestones, sleep, maternal recovery, and family wellness. With a whole-family approach and a focus on individualized care, NurtureHaus empowers parents with the education, resources, and support needed to thrive during early parenthood. Go to nurturehaustn.com for more info!

Zion Botanical | Fresh Installations, Lasting Impressions

Zion Botanical continues to bring distinctive landscape design and maintenance services to Nashville’s most notable businesses and residences. Recent projects include installations at the new Hattie B’s East Nashville location, the café inside the Pro2col Wellness Center in Germantown, and EV Auto. The team also completed a residential installation for Jay Pennington, owner of Urban Grub and Buttermilk Ranch, while refreshing Urban Grub and the Gilmore Hotel with vibrant seasonal spring plantings!

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Antoinette’s Wine + Provisions Opens West Nashville Lounge + Market

West Nashville’s Antoinette’s Wine + Provisions is a new neighborhood market and lounge inspired by a Southern supper club, offering wine, curated provisions, and relaxed, home-like hospitality. It features wines organized by mood, grab-and-go snacks, beer and non-alcoholic options, plus a menu by chef Luke Williams blending Southern and Sicilian influences, all housed in a renovated 1930s home with indoor and patio seating, and aims to be a welcoming neighborhood gathering place destination spot locally.

WELCOME TO BLOOMSBURY FARM, WHERE COMMUNITY, NATURE, AND EDUCATION MEET.

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

“I COULDN’T HAVE THE FARM WITHOUT THE EDUCATION OR THE EDUCATION WITHOUT THE FARM.”

Sitting on acres of land south of the city in Smyrna, Bloomsbury Farm is more than a traditional farm. Owner and Farmer Lauren Palmer grew up on her parents’ growing land, always riding horses and four-wheelers out on their property. Growing up in a vegetarian home, and in a multi-generational farming family, her parents instilled the importance of knowing where food comes from at a very young age. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Management, Lauren merged her education and life-long desire to cultivate and provide the highest-quality organic produce to educate her community about the land and the importance of the food we eat. With her parents no longer focused on expanding their acreage, the Tennessee native decided it was time to turn the land into something even bigger than herself.

“I tell people my dad was a total hippie… he was in the landscape business and had a side passion of growing orchids, so flowers were a big part of what he stood behind,” she explains, on the inspiration behind the name. “Bloomsbury is also the name of an early 20th century artistic community in England, so it resonated with what we were doing and blooming. My dad always says, ‘bloom where you’re

“...THERE IS SO MUCH EXCITEMENT AROUND NATURE AND GROWING AND KNOWING WHERE THEIR FOOD IS COMING FROM AND WHERE THEY ARE HARVESTING IT.

THEY’RE TAKING SOME PEACE AND QUIET WITH THEM ALONGSIDE THEIR VEGGIES.”

planted,’ and [having the farm] felt like we were being planted and were going to bloom here.”

The adventure officially began in 2009, when Lauren got her start selling her organic vegetables and sprouts at farmers markets. It didn’t take long before the farm expanded and Bloomsbury was producing a wide array of fresh vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and herbs for the markets, local businesses, and wholesalers in and around Nashville and the greater region. For Lauren, it was important to create a place where people could connect with the land and experience, firsthand, where their food comes from. Visitors were immediately captivated by the property's natural beauty—therefore, she quickly started to receive inquiries for everything from parties and photoshoots to weddings and special events. It has been one of her greatest joys to see how deeply the community has embraced Bloomsbury, making it a meaningful part of their own family traditions and memories. Each Friday beginning at

noon, Bloomsbury opens its gates to the public for an afternoon of fresh air, connection, and farm-fresh offerings. Guests can browse organic produce and seasonal flowers, enjoy food from local vendors, and spend time unwinding with family and friends on a relaxing afternoon at the farm.

“From what I've seen, people honestly just need to come out and touch grass… if that's all that they want to do, then mission accomplished,” Lauren explains. “If you felt rejuvenated or you got some fresh air, or met a friend out here, that's simply what it's about. I mean, I'd love for you to take home a tomato too, but if you just needed the long drive out here to regroup, then I'm glad that you chose us. I love opening the doors on Fridays… it feels like a VIP before we go to market on Saturday. You get kind of the cream of the crop before the masses hit me on Saturday, so I love that early access kind of feel.”

Balancing running the working farm with creating memorable events and experiences for visitors is something Lauren and her

team does best. She loves curating moments that feel special every time the gates open. In addition to their sought-after events, Lauren has found immense purpose in teaching her daughters the importance of slowing down, connecting with nature, and understanding where their food comes from—so much so, she created Bloomsbury Farm School. What began as a summer camp in 2020 quickly blossomed into making a dream reality by developing a permanent school on the farm. Bloomsbury Farm School is an ever growing, ever giving, ever learning, and ever loving weekly homeschool tutorial program. Grown to welcome over one-hundred students ranging from ages three to twelve—from preschool through fifth grade, the school has become a vibrant learning environment where hands-on education, nature, and curiosity come together on the farm. Bloomsbury Farm School is also one of the first in Tennessee to take the classroom to the farm.

"I had a three year old at the time we started summer camp and it was a blast," Lauren shares. "I couldn’t have the farm without the education or the education without the farm."

When asked what she hopes each student takes away from learning on their farm, Lauren shares, “that they were able to be themselves in a safe space… I think [these kids will] be the coolest, most out of the box thinkers… they jump on a log and pretend that they’re a frog, experience all the seasons watching the trees change alongside the school year… the creativity without the screens is super cool.”

Both gap and organic certified, Bloomsbury Farm is a reflection of the commitment to bring the highest quality and healthiest goods to our local community. Producing the finest sprouts and wheatgrass in Tennessee using organic seed and growing methods, Bloomsbury distributes their products to wholesale and retail locations—and you'll even find them in local grocery stores, such as Produce Place and Turnip Truck, as well as many restaurants. It also serves as a quiet place for the community to slow down, step away from the pace of daily life, and simply feel connected to the land and the people around them.

“I hear it more times than not that when [guests] hit the driveway, they take a deep breath, feel a sense of relief, and are on a mission to get their produce for the week,” Lauren shares. “So many kids ask if it’s Farm Friday yet… there is so much excitement around nature and growing and knowing where their food is coming from and where they are harvesting it. They’re taking some peace and quiet with them alongside their veggies.”

bloomsburyfarms.com www.bloomsburyfarmschool.com  @bloomsburyfarm @bloomsburyfarmschool @bloomsburyfarmevents

TAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH EFFORTLESS FLAIR

YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on.

Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:

1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET

A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offers effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.

2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE

A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.

3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL

Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men. Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.

4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE

Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.

5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses with personality is a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.

6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL

A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art— think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.

7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE

Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone— infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.

8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY

A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).

At Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms, we’re committed to providing

feel-good products. Our pasture-raised, non-GMO meat is never treated with antibiotics, and we uphold strict animal welfare and regenerative farming practices. As a family-owned business, when you visit our market, you'll meet the people behind our products. By supporting us, you support local farmers and join our community.

NASHVILLE TOONS

Leave the city behind and get ready for an unforgettable day on Percy Priest Lake! Just a short drive from downtown Nashville, our boat experience is your perfect escape for sunsoaked adventure Our licensed boat operators serve as your guide to help you celebrate a bachelorette party, enjoy a family day out, or simply relax with friends.

ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE MURPHY / @NEMPHOTOGRAPHY

A Look Inside Folds of Honor and Its Mission to Honor America’s Heroes Through Education

Because of the Brave Home of the Free,

Dedicated to honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, Folds of Honor is dedicated to uniting Americans and using their platform to educate their legacy. Providing life-changing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders, Folds of Honor’s impact far exceeds financial support—it changes the trajectory of lives, opens doors to new possibilities, and carries forward the legacy of service and sacrifice.

Founded in 2007, Folds of Honor was inspired by a life-changing moment experienced by Lt Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and a PGA golf professional. Returning home from his second deployment to Iraq, Rooney witnessed the solemn return of a fallen American service member. He watched as the hero’s twin brother walked alongside the flag-draped casket to meet grieving family members on the tarmac, including the service member’s young son. Since that moment, Lt Col. Dan Rooney has been committed to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through Folds of Honor. What began as a single mission has since grown into a nationwide movement, with chapters across the country working to support military and first responder families in their own communities. Among those helping lead that effort is Lisa Norris, Vice President of the Executive Board of Directors for Folds of Honor Tennessee, who has played an instrumental role in shaping the Tennessee chapter into what it is today.

“Folds of Honor, the national organization, is still based out of Oklahoma, but we have multiple chapters around the United States. I was actually one of the founders of the Tennessee chapter,” Norris explains. “There are five of us that started it back in January 2020; Lee Brice is a huge supporter of Folds of Honor, so he did some virtual concerts for us that very first initial year. This is our sixth year now, and it’s been really great to see how the crowds have grown the momentum behind it.”

Over the past two decades, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 scholarships totaling over $340 million in all fifty states. Their educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school, and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate, or professional program.

“We provide life-changing educational scholarships to the children and spouses of American fallen or disabled military service members and first responders,” Norris explains. “Our mission is to honor their sacrifice, and educate their legacy, and unite Americans around all those who serve.”

For the past six years, Folds of Honor Tennessee has helped kick off the first night of CMA Fest week in Nashville by hosting their annual Rock ‘N Jock* Celebrity Softball tournament.

Sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee Company, this year’s event brought together more than 9,000 fans at Nashville’s First Horizon Park and raised a record-breaking $710,308 to provide educational scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. The all-star evening included celebrities, athletes, first responders and veterans—all in a friendly competition to support Folds of Honor’s mission. Team Military, led by captain Riley Green, took home the win. In addition to the softball tournament, Folds of Honor is gearing up to host the Annual Freedom Invitational next month at The Governor’s Club. The event is set to take place on Monday, August 24th, and will feature a group of top-tier talent.

“Governor’s Club has been a really great partner of ours,” Norris shares. “We actually have Scott Bailey, the Head PGA Golf Professional at Governor’s Club on our board... he’s amazing at putting together golf tournaments, and we’re so thankful that so many people come out and support us.”

With America celebrating its 250th anniversary this month, Norris shares that they are more proud than ever to represent the red, white, and blue. As Folds of Honor continues to grow its impact, the organization remains committed to honoring their legacy by investing in the lives and futures of their families.

“THE FOLDED FLAG IS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THOSE WHO PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR FREEDOM. I THINK IT INSPIRES US TO EDUCATE THEIR LOVED ONES AND GIVE SUPPORT. IT'S BEEN FUN TO SEE HOW MUCH FOLDS OF HONOR HAS GROWN THROUGH THE YEARS.”

“The folded flag is a constant reminder of those who pay the ultimate price for freedom. I think it inspires us to educate their loved ones and give support,” she shares. “It’s been fun to see how much Folds of Honor has grown through the years.“

For more information on Folds of Honor Tennessee and ways to be connected, visit their website or follow them on socials.

@foldsofhonortn tennessee.foldsofhonor.org

*ROCK ‘N JOCK is a trademark of Viacom International Inc. Used under license.

WHERE NASHVILLE COMES TO SMILE

Welcome

July Events Around Town

July 7th

DUSTY SLAY’S GRAND OLE COMEDY SHOW

July 3rd & 4th

LET FREEDOM SING!

MUSIC CITY JULY 4TH

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! celebration will expand into a two-day event featuring five music stages, diverse performances, family-friendly activities, and the largest fireworks and drone show in city history. The expanded celebration will showcase Nashville’s vibrant culture while welcoming visitors from around the world. Visit visitmusiccity.com for more info!

Zanies Comedy Club | 7 PM

Dusty Slay's Grand Ole Comedy Show is a live, curated stand-up showcase hosted by popular Southern comedian Dusty Slay. The show features curated lineups selecting touring headliners, rising stars, and local comedians. Visit nashville.zanies.com for tickets!

July 9th

AN EVENING WITH HARRY CONNICK JR.

Ryman Auditorium | 8 PM

Grammy and Emmy Award-winning entertainer Harry Connick Jr. has built a celebrated career spanning music, film, television, and Broadway. A New Orleans native, he has sold millions of albums, starred in major films and TV shows, earned Tony nominations, and remains dedicated to philanthropy through his support of New Orleans musicians and youth. Visit ryman.com for tickets!

July 12th, 19th, & 26th

DIME AT A TIME VINTAGE MARKET

Skinny Dennis | 12 PM - 5 PM

This weekly event features a vintage market on-site in partnership with A Dime at a Time. Attendees can expect top-shelf vintage, handmade items, a rotating selection of new, unique finds each week, brunch pop-ups, Bloody Marys, frozen coffee, and more. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.

July 17th

NASHVILLE SC VS. ATLANTA

UNITED FC

Geodis Park | 7 PM

Visit nashvillesc.com for tickets!

July 30th

HILARY DUFF

THE LUCKY ME TOUR

Ascend Amphitheater | 7 PM

Actress, singer, and entrepreneur Hilary Duff is coming to Music City! With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, Duff returns to music with new releases through Atlantic Records, marking her first major musical chapter since 2015.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

3

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

4

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

5

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.