Sophisticated Living Lexington November/December 2025

Elevating Interiors

At America’s Floor Source, we believe your home should reflect you and your personal style. As your expert style resource, we’ll work with you to curate the best solutions for your ideal space.

We strive to create a home design destination – one that would combine the expertise and quality of a luxury brand with the approachability of a local business.

PIONEERING INNOVATION

Stratton Hammon masterpiece in Indian Hills

193 Bow Lane

$3,495,000

Tucked away on 1.69 acres in St. Matthews

509 Hillside Lane

Offered for $1,195,000

Timeless townhome in Mockingbird Valley

306 Penruth Avenue Offered for $895,000 LISA TYLER | 502.727.6893

Quality and comfort in Crescent Hill

278 Claremont Avenue Offered for $735,000

Climb LOUISVILLE

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Climb: Climb 1,191 stairs along Lynn Family Stadium to see the world from a whole different perspective. Celebrate: Walk around the stadium, cheer on our climbers, learn about lung health, and enjoy family-friendly activities!

Je suis fatigue.

If you see me walking along Frankfort Avenue with my dog early in the morning and it appears as though I am talking to myself, I promise I haven’t lost my mind (at least not yet); I am making my most concerted effort yet to try to learn French. Because my brain’s absorption ability when it comes to foreign dialects is like a ball bearing ricocheting off a steel plate, this time around, I am staging a multi-pronged attack. I’ve subscribed to apps, listen to repetitive “learn to speak” YouTube videos on my morning walks, watch all sorts of French television shows and movies, and find myself reciting phrases on nights when sleep is elusive.

Je comprends.

By using the time I’d typically spend doomscrolling to studying, I am finally making progress, resulting in a few awkward attempts at conversation with my daughter’s Parisian copain during their recent visit. Mumbling to myself while walking is easy; mustering the courage to practice what I’ve learned, even with family, not so much. There are certain “eu” sounds, like in the word sœur, that I can’t just seem to wrap my mouth around. Apologies in advance to my sister if I ever need to introduce her to anyone in French.

Je suis heureux.

Even though a language barrier has led to many endearing interactions while traveling abroad over the years, I am confident that becoming more proficient will finish coloring in the lines, leading to more authentic experiences. While I am far from grasping the French meme du jour —un ver vert va vers le verre vert—like its subject, I am inching toward understanding.

Je continuerai à apprendre.

Bridget Cottrell, Editor-In-Chief bridget@slmag.net

@SOPHISTICATED_BRIDGET

NATURE AND NURTURE

The thoughtful evolution of a landmark Louisville estate occurred via a long-term collaboration between the home- owners and interior designer Libby Rush of Bittners.

Written by Tracy Cottrell / Photos by Kate Leichhart

We are all enticed by the promise of a fresh start and the opportunities that a change in life circumstances can offer. Most people would agree that getting married is a significant and joyous new beginning. Dreams abound of creating a shared home that reflects the newlyweds' creative vision, combined interests, and lifestyle —a welcoming abode to entertain family and friends. When it is time to transform those dreams into reality, discerning couples turn to Bittners.

Such was the case with the owners of the house named Creggan, which is Gaelic for "Rocky Hill," located in Louisville's East End. This unique property is ensconced on four acres of exuberant gardens and an arborist's dream collection of native trees. The couple who owned the property were married in their sixties, but that was no deterrent to their desire for a home that was uniquely theirs. They were enchanted by Creggan and sought the help of Libby Rush, Bittners' Vice President of Residential Design, to restore and refurbish it. The owners and Rush quickly established shared design objectives to create an elegant family home that retained Creggan's unexpected charm and secrets. The project was jump-started with a buying trip to Italy, which proved hugely successful—frequent shared buying excursions followed during a relationship that would last nearly thirty years.

Designed by Frederick Morgan, the elegant yet rugged stone structure with a gabled slate roof was built in 1928. Mullioned windows throughout invite the resplendence of the natural surroundings into every part of the home. Formal gardens, including a botanist-curated collection of plants and flowers, as well as an expansive variety of trees, frame the house. While offering all the luxuries of a resplendent country estate, Creggan merges seamlessly with the formal gardens and abundant greenery. The marriage of residence and nature is mirrored in every aspect.

Starting at the front door, the glow of highly polished fittings creates a welcoming ambiance throughout the home. Bittners, for whom woodwork design and fabrication are a foundational element of the company's history, carried out the restoration of Creggan's woodwork and cabinetry, predominated by knotty pine and swamp gum. Hubert Schuwey, the lead craftsman at Bittners' woodworking shop, helped spearhead the restoration efforts at Creggan and later designed the dining room table and chairs, showcasing old-world craftsmanship and replicating the family's original set.

Unexpected design elements abound, including discreet souvenirs of the Prohibition era. When the house was originally built, a speakeasy was fashioned into the basement, complete with a concealed entrance beneath the stairwell and a secret tunnel for guests who needed to make a quick exit. Party guests pressed a concealed spot on a faux door located in the stairwell for entry to soirees and bootleg spirits. While the speakeasy has long since been repurposed, the family's children still remember exploring the exit tunnel as one of their favorite childhood romps.

While nurturing the building's history was a paramount ambition, introducing innovative design elements was also part of the vision. The cream wool rug in the living room, designed by Libby Rush and fabricated by Patrick James, features a subtle scarlet diamond pattern that enhances the wood fittings and absorbs the light streaming through the French doors, creating a space of welcoming warmth. The formal dining room adjacent to the living room was a place of frequent dinners with extended family, enjoyed by multiple generations and remembered by all with great fondness. The vibrant rug, a traditional design in a palette of tangerine, scarlet, and turquoise blue, with a touch of olive, lends a joie de vivre befitting the room's history of storied repasts.

The artwork is ample and varied, with flora being a prevalent theme. Inspired by the owners' honeymoon in Tuscany, a mural in the kitchen, painted by James Edward Hurst, depicts the Italian countryside. The mural unfurls above the center kitchen island in soft, earthy tones, enhanced by discreet lighting, making it a perfect complement to Creggan's expansive gardens and trees visible right outside the kitchen windows.

Creggan embodies a seamless collaboration with nature, built on a foundation of appreciation for family and tradition, underscored with a soupçon of whimsy. In Bittners and Libby Rush, the family found the perfect partners to reinvigorate a historic home and enhance it with the unique sensibilities of an extraordinary family. sl

LA BOHÈME EXEMPLAR

For Lee Milward, wanderlust is a way of life.

Written

A thoughtfully designed home can convey feelings of adventure, belonging, and the benefits of embracing the art of collecting and surrounding yourself with what you love. Lee Milward fully embodies this approach; passing from room to room in her Lexington home, which she shares with her husband Rob, is akin to flipping through the pages of a seasoned

traveler's diary—vibrant, multi-layered, and inspiring in its authenticity. A reflection of their enduring wanderlust, each room seamlessly melds collected pieces from diverse cultures and eras, as though they had found their place organically. While it may look casually effortless, Lee is not someone who leaves anything to chance.

The couple has spent the entirety of their nearly twenty-fiveyear marriage in this home, gradually expanding its footprint as their family grew to include two children, Kate and Wills. With Kate's recent graduation from Centre and Wills in his junior year at the University of Kentucky, today, the pitter-patter of little feet is attributed to Gus, the gentlest Labrador Retriever, who is just as happy accompanying Rob on hunting expeditions as he is providing comfort to grieving family members at Milward Funeral Directors.

Over the years, Lee has filled their home with storied, collected treasures, imbuing each space with a unique sense of discovery. It's an eclectic design perspective reflective of the family's shared love of travel. This unique point of view is introduced as soon as you cross the threshold, where a gallery-style assemblage of art collected from faraway markets, favorite finds, and taxidermy adorn the walls. Prominent among these is a vintage children's western chaps set in a shadowbox; it's one of several pieces throughout the home that celebrate the American West.

In every room, cultures and eras collide; rather than causing visual chaos, the thoughtfully considered vignettes just click. From an African Kuba textile thrown over the ottoman

to vintage treasures mixed with modern finds...nothing is too precious, just naturally right.

Lee employs the same free-spirited approach to her eponymous jewelry line, which she founded a decade ago when she began creating distinctive pieces she longed to wear herself. She started by making leather tassels and "playing around with different beads." The resulting pieces quickly caught the attention of friends, who encouraged Lee to turn the hobby into a business. Today, she sources shells, precious gemstones, natural materials, and medallions from around the world. She combines these distinctive treasures with inspiration from her travels to destinations such as Greece, Spain, Cannes, St. Barth, and Colorado. For Lee, travel is an evergreen source of inspiration, and each one-of-a-kind necklace weaves its own unique narrative, carrying the story of a beautiful place that moved her. Slipping one of her creations around your neck instantly ignites a feeling of wanderlust.

Fourteenth-century Moroccan scholar and explorer Ibn Battuta is credited with writing, "Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." After decades of exploring the world, Lee's home and her fine jewelry creations speak volumes. sl

REGAL REPOSE

Written by Elliott Greene / Photos by Jannis Hagels & Wolfgang Stahr, Courtesy Althoff Hotels

If walls could talk, Bensberg Castle, a palace built in the early 1700s atop a knoll where its central axis is perfectly aligned with the spot where the foggy outlines of Cologne Cathedral's Gothic twin spires pierce the sky nearly ten miles away, would spin quite a yarn that encompasses the highs and lows of humanity. Acquired by Althoff Hotels in 2020, today Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is regarded as one of the most prestigious hotels in Germany.

A tale as old as time, Kurfürst Johann Wilhelm (1658-1716), a cosmopolitan and art-loving prince who visited some of Europe's most regal residences, including Versailles and Palazzo Pitti in Florence (where his wife grew up), initiated construction of the palace with relatively modest intentions, only to revise the plans several times over the seven-year build. A fourth floor, crowned by five octagonal towers, was added to the central structure to emphasize the palace's prominence from all directions. In the ensuing years, the property underwent a phoenix-like cycle of ruin and rebirth, culminating in a comprehensive restoration preceding its opening in 2000 as the luxurious Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg.

Surrounded by a hilly, upscale neighborhood that is ideal for a challenging walk or run, just inside the towering gates signifying the entrance to what is the second largest Baroque palace north of the Alps, the building’s “arms” radiate from the central structure to envelop a lush lawn and gardens, whose initial plans were inspired by Versailles.

With just 110 rooms and 34 suites in the sprawling complex, guest accommodations are spacious and opulent with miles of marble in the bathrooms, sumptuous fabrics, and custom furnishings befitting a palace. An actual key to your room in the castle, affixed to an oversized tassel, is an endearing and welcoming touch.

Elevated dining experiences have always been at the heart of the Althoff brand, founded by Thomas H. Althoff in 1984, and Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has a dining program to match its five-star status. At the pinnacle is Vendôme, a two-Michelin-star restaurant where chef Joachim Wissler acts as a culinary artisan, creating exquisitely plated five-to-ten-course meals presented in an equally beautiful setting.

Known for its excellent wine list, Trattoria Enoteca serves Italian-inspired cuisine in a Mediterranean-style setting. A stunning setting for a nightcap, you can raise a chic "Casanova cocktail" at the Salvador Dalí Bar, where the walls pay homage to the Spanish surrealist artist with a display of 100 illustrations of his "Divine Comedy," created between 1950 and 1960. With its sprawling buffet, Castle Restaurant Jan Wellem is an indulgent way to start the day; on Sundays, the experience is further elevated with live chef's stations and carving trolleys.

Elke Diefenbach-Althoff, who co-founded Althoff Hotels with her husband, is credited with spearheading the brand's 4 elements spa program. You can take a dip in the heated indoor pool under a starry sky that calls to mind the headliner of a Rolls-Royce; chill out in "fire" and "salt" relaxation rooms or an outdoor sun terrace; steam and sauna; workout in the well-equipped Technogym; and choose from a complete menu of spa treatments including an exquisite and exclusive La Méthode Clarins facial.

The Christmas season at Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is particularly festive, with "Goose Time" kicking off on November 11th and highlighted by a four-course goose menu accompanied by a moderated wine pairing in the Jan Wellem restaurant. In mid-December, a Christmas market is held on the green in front of the palace with local vendors selling their handicrafts from individual booths.

Should you wish to leave the princely surroundings, Cologne is 30 minutes by train or 20 minutes by car. The 2,000-year-old city nestled up to the Rhine River is ideal for exploring via foot, particularly the historic Old Town with Germany's oldest town hall and an assemblage of colorful and narrow steep-gabled houses that provide a glimpse into Middle Ages; the trendy Belgian Quarter for shopping independent boutiques, art galleries, and hip bars; and, the mixed-use Rheinauhafen area, which is home to the Cologne Chocolate Museum. sl For more information visit www.althoffcollection.com/en/althoff-grandhotel-schloss-bensberg.

A NATURAL SELECTION

With expert guidance and comfortably luxurious ships, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions offers best-in-class cruises in the Galápagos Islands.

Written by Bridget Cottrell

Even if you've never seen a whale in person, you undoubtedly know what it sounds like. The instant I heard the "pfft" of its powerful exhalation, I sprang to my feet, making it to the balcony of my cabin aboard the National Geographic Gemini—one of the two newest members of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' fleet in the Galápagos Islands— just in time to take in the sight of a massive blue whale surfacing several times before descending back into the depths and taking with it any lingering doubts I had that the Galápagos Islands are a sight to behold.

It was my second time visiting the Galápagos, and I'd returned to see if a different perspective—traveling via water versus a landbased tour— would alter my somewhat underwhelmed first impression. It did. A paradigm shift would be wholly unnecessary if I considered myself an ornithophile, a rockhound, or a herpetophile; however, as someone who prefers flowery landscapes and fuzzy creatures, I leaned heavily on the expertise of the National Geographic onboard experts to broaden my horizons and deepen my appreciation for the Galápagos' exquisite tapestry of distinct habitat zones, some with creatures found nowhere else in the world.

Access to the more than 75,000 square miles of protected ocean in the Galápagos is strictly controlled. Though the National

Geographic Gemini was initially designed to host 100 guests, capacity is capped at 48 (with more crew on board than guests!). At any given time, about 100 ships are operating in the region (including four in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet), all following pre-approved routes and stops and each accompanied at all times by an Ecuadorian naturalist, who is there to maintain the wildlife's ecological naivety as it relates to humans, and to provide a wealth of information along the way. Still, not all guides are created equal, as I learned on my first voyage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to Antarctica, and rediscovered aboard the National Geographic Gemini

Over the course of nine days, expeditions were split nearly 50-50 between land- and water-based activities, accommodating people of all ages (seven and up) and abilities. Early birds like me appreciated that some hikes departed at sunrise (with a RIB boat option frequently offered at the same time), lending a feeling of accomplishment even before breakfast. In between expeditions, while surveying the largely untouched, Jurassic Park-like landscape dotted with lava cones as we cruised along, I couldn't help but wonder if a Pleistocene epoch straggler was hiding out somewhere in there.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions operates four ships in the Galápagos Islands.

A blue-footed booby.

The vibrant marine ecosystem in the Galápagos is due in part to the intersection of five major ocean currents of varying temperatures. Our first outing, a RIB boat cruise in Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove), was a proper introduction to the bounteous biodiversity. A crowd favorite— a congress of blue-footed boobies —were the first to make an appearance, followed by baby sharks (do do do do do do) who use the mangrove-lined lagoon as their nursery. In a single iPhone photo, I managed to capture the elegant nimbleness of a giant green turtle, an eagle ray, and a juvenile shark, harmoniously co-existing in a watery abode so quiet I could hear the mosquitoes coming for me.

Undersea adventures were more involved than hopping into a RIB boat or stepping into hiking boots. With summer water temperatures averaging between 72 and 74 degrees, wriggling into a short wetsuit was recommended before snorkeling. Unless you brought your own gear, each guest was fitted on the first day, and wetsuits were stored, along with fins, masks, and snorkels, according to cabin numbers on the expedition deck. Our underwater excursions brought us face-to-mask with the Galápagos penguin, marine iguana (the only swimming iguana species that's endemic to the Galápagos), sea lions, and white-tipped reef sharks.

On board, talks and presentations, including tips and tricks from a certified photo specialist, brought the pages of National Geographic to life. The handful of children on board engaged in National Geographic Explorers-in-Training activities, culminating in the opportunity to pilot a RIB boat and be named an honorary co-captain. During one hike across an expanse of ribbon-like rock formed by a pahoehoe lava flow, a very well-traveled fellow guest confided that her reptile-loving, teenage, autistic son was "living his best life" and had "blossomed" through the mix of supervised free exploration and expert guidance.

Not content to share the rich biodiversity with just guests, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions is actively working to protect and preserve it. The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund (LEX-NG Fund) was a significant source of funding for Project Isabela.

This conservation effort eradicated invasive goats and pigs that were destroying the native ecosystem of Santiago Island. In recognition of the company's ongoing support, the moth Undulambia linbladi was named in honor of Sven Lindblad, the founder of Lindblad Expeditions.

During the naming ceremony for the National Geographic Gemini, helmed by Nathaly Alban, the first female captain in the Galápagos and the only woman captaining in Ecuador, Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., said, "Naming the ship is a promise to always respect this very special place and carry forward the mission of responsible travel. I want to acknowledge a special feeling of responsibility in this fragile place in the world. If it doesn't awaken the child in you, I don't know what can."

As part of an excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz, I learned way more about the lifecycle of the "vampire fly" in the Galápagos than I ever imagined I would. Why, you ask? I asked a naturalist what invasive species was currently wreaking havoc, imagining I would get a wild story about a primate that escaped from a cargo ship and was eluding capture in the highlands à la King Kong. Instead, I learned how this tiny larva is decimating the critically endangered mangrove finch hatchlings and other bird species. Support from the LEX-NG Fund and contributions from guests have underwritten National Geographic Explorer Dr. Charlotte Causton's work to eradicate the invasive fly. "We don't bring tourists, we attract

curious learners," said Leahy of the company's clients and their interest in leaving more than just footprints behind.

The gift shop on board the National Geographic Gemini sells a variety of jewelry, art, and home accessories, many created with upcycled and recycled materials and made by Galápagos artisans supported through the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' Artisan Fund, created in 2007 to connect local communities with travelers. The hyper focus also encompasses meals, spotlighting traditional Ecuadorian cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced as locally as possible.

During our final snorkel off the shore of Bartolomé, where lava, mangroves, and golden sands converged, I glided past a rock outcropping and noticed something large coming straight at me. By the time my brain registered that it was a shark, it deftly zigzagged past me, leaving my heart in my throat. Though I'd felt entirely alone in the entirety of the ocean at that split second, the naturalist had been just off to the side. "That was a good one," he said as he surfaced alongside me, echoing a sentiment applicable to the entirety of the trip. sl

For

SADDLE UP

Rolls-Royce elevates the horsepower at the Sheridan Winter Rodeo.

Written by Matthew Cottrell

Icons and outlaws of frontier history are among the threads comprising the tapestry that is Sheridan, Wyoming, nestled up to the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. In the late 1800s, "Buffalo Bill" Cody auditioned acts for his Wild West show from the front porch of the Historic Sheridan Inn (sheridaninn.com) after the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad elevated the formerly rough and tumble town into a social hub and center of commerce. Other famous and infamous names who've cast their long shadows on Main Street in this quintessential cowboy town are Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and Jesse James.

Hardscrabble no more, today Sheridan County is among the areas affected by the "rich and ranches" trend. Fueled by a postpandemic need for space, the zeitgeist effect of Yellowstone and its affiliated spinoffs, a desire for diversification, and the never-ending quest to be king (or queen) of the proverbial mountain, wealthy buyers are prompting a meteoric rise in land prices across the West. Media mogul Ted Turner, one of the largest landowners in North America, is quoted as saying, "Owning a ranch is undoubtedly a status symbol; it's like owning a castle in Europe."

Despite the influx of affluence and a general population surge, Sheridan genuinely displays a come-as-you-are attitude. It's refreshing that it's nearly impossible to discern a farmer from a financier among

the Cattleman-crowned guys digging into a slice of homemade pie at the Cowboy Café (cowboycafewyo.com) or shooting Wyoming Whiskey at The Mint Bar (mintbarwyo.com), whose iconic neon façade and taxidermy-decorated bar have been a Sheridan staple since 1907. Queen and cowboys strode side-by-side when Queen Elizabeth II visited the city in 1984, and I am sure she was equally enamored of the artistry of the saddles in the King's Saddlery and Museum inside King's Ropes as the common caller.

However, last winter, I learned that even in a town where there's no shortage of tricked-out trucks boasting a $100k+ price tag, when a fleet of Rolls-Royces shreds the snow-covered streets, everyone starts rubbernecking. Sophisticated Living was invited by Rolls-Royce to Sheridan to participate in a Rolls-Royce caravan, culminating at the WYO Winter Rodeo, an annual event at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds that attracts thousands (dressed in outerwear running the gamut from Carhartt to chinchilla), all interested in watching epic skijoring action.

For the uninitiated, skijoring is a high-speed competition pairing a horse and rider with a skier, linked by a 30-foot rope. The competitors navigate a snow-covered course that includes jumps, gates, and rings; the fastest time after adding penalties for missed rings, gates, or jumps determines the winner.

Before the main event, our fleet, which included four RollsRoyce Cullinans (two of which were Black Badge Series II) and a Spectre, all equipped with snow tires, visited a few local highlights. Heavy snow coincided with our visit, and I must admit to being a little nervous about piloting the stunning $450,000 Spectre Black Badge, the most powerful in the Rolls-Royce lineup, through bouts of whiteout conditions. However, true to its name, the stealthy luxury 650hp EV seemed to silently float above the slippery roads, cradling its occupants in such elevated comfort that any premonition of peril was expeditiously banished. Custom-designed tires with a layer of acoustic foam on the inside created a cocoon-like quiet. It's absolutely the highest level of comfort I've ever experienced in a car. We joked during one pit stop about enjoying half-a-milliondollar donuts as we watched Gerry Spahn, Head of Corporate Communications for Rolls-Royce North America, demonstrate the drift maneuverability of the twin-turbo V12 Cullinan in a snowcovered parking lot.

Since its foundation, Rolls-Royce has been associated with the greatest names in contemporary art. Masters including Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Christian' Bébé' Bérard, and Cecil Beaton all travelled by Rolls-Royce. Continuing the tradition, this trip brought the marque to notable artisans and creatives in the area. We visited the gallery of the Ucross Foundation (ucrossfoundation.org), a 20,000-acre ranch on which Raymond Plank started an all-expense-paid residency program in 1983 for visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, interdisciplinary artists, performance artists, and collaborative teams. Alumni have

included Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, MacArthur "Genius" Grant awardees, and Tony, Academy, and Golden Globe Award winners.

At King's Saddlery on Main Street in Sheridan (kingropes.com), we descended to Ryan King's basement workshop, where he was tooling the most beautiful iPhone case I've seen for a family member, using implements made by his brother. Ryan has expanded outside the family's leatherworking legacy (begun by his father Don) by throwing pottery and using the same tools to emboss the pieces.

The late Don King gets credit for creating the Sheridan style of leather carving, known for its vine-like patterns and floral designs. Sheridan's most famous present-day leathercraft artisan is Jim Jackson, whose softspoken demeanor belies his outsized talent. Jim spent 30 years under the tutelage of Don King; today, he works from a studio and workspace at The Brinton Museum (thebrintonmuseum.org) on the historic 620-acre Quarter Circle A Ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming, where he applies his craft to vessels, sculptures, and intriguing pieces that combine his original expressionistic paintings with leatherwork. The Brinton Museum's 24,000-square-foot environmentally friendly building houses one of the most significant and extensive Western and American Indian Art collections in the Rocky Mountain West.

In Sheridan, we drove through some of the most rugged terrain you can imagine, before returning to the creature comforts of a modern Western city. Getting there in a Rolls-Royce meant that we didn't have to wait for the journey to end before experiencing elevated amenities. sl

The winter rodeo will return to Sheridan on February 8, 2026. For more information about Sheridan, Wyoming, visit sheridanwyoming.org.

RINGIN T H E HOLIDAYS

Left antler, top to bottom: Veraggio Toi Et Moi ring. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio.com. Rena emerald ring from Single Stone. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang Jewelers in St. Louis, and singlestone.com. VRAM Chrona I Ruby Ring (vramjewelry.com). Vhernier Aladino jade and rock crystal ring. Available through Elleard B. Heffern Jewelers in St. Louis and vhernier.com. Right antler, top to bottom: Roberto Coin Venetian Princess ring. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and robertocoin.com. Oscar Heyman platinum sapphire ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and oscarheyman.com. Lagos men’s Caviar beaded emerald ring. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and lagos.com. David Yurman men’s ruby Hex stack ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and davidyurman.com. Ear and necklace: Marco Bicego Lunaria ring with red thulite. Available in Indianapolis from Reis-Nichols Jewelers, in Lexington from Schiffman’s Jewelers, in Louisville from Davis Jewelers, in Nashville from Diamond Cellar, in St. Louis from Simon’s Jewelers and Clarkson’s Jewelers, and at us.marcobicego.com. Marlo Laz Alexandra necklace (marlolaz.com).

AUTOMOTIVE AUGURY

Recent concept car debuts by Audi & Bentley provide a glimpse into the future of motoring.

Edited by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Audi and Bentley

This past September in Milan, Audi unveiled its Concept C, an all-electric, athletic, and minimalist two-seat sports car intended to embody the brand's new design philosophy. Precise purity of form is expressed via a vertical frame that forms the center of the new front and from which the entire structural volume of the vehicle develops.

Discernible design cues borrowed from both the Auto Union Type C (1936) and the Audi A6 (2004) lend a feeling of familiarity and nod to legacy. With a central-battery layout, the cabin extends far back and sits firmly on the body. An electrically retractable hardtop—a first for an Audi roadster—is comprised of two elements that retain the concept's monolithic appearance. A new light signature is made of four horizontally arranged elements in each headlight and rear light, serving to define Audi's visual identity both day and night.

The interior continues the theme of architectural surfaces and clear geometric forms with physical controls manufactured from anodized aluminum, providing a tactile representation of their quality craftsmanship. The tone-on-tone color palette pulls from the "Titanium" exterior. At the same time, ambient lighting and natural materials create a refined and elevated cabin.

Technology is seamlessly integrated into the operating experience, most notably through a 10.4-inch foldable center display that provides users with relevant information in an intuitive and tailored way, adapting to every situation.

"Radical simplicity is at the heart of our approach. We achieve clarity by reducing everything to the essential," said Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella at the launch event. For Frascella, this approach is about what makes a car desirable beyond rational experience: "We want to shape a brand capable of inspiring desire and creating cultural impact."

By the end of this year, Audi will have introduced more than 20 new models within 24 months, making its portfolio the youngest in the premium segment. The presentation of their latest design philosophy in Milan represents a new beginning. Just a few weeks after the unveiling of the Concept C, Audi announced its foray into Formula 1, providing an opportunity to test new technologies, materials, and processes in the world's toughest technology laboratory.

"The phase of taking stock is over. Now is the time to look to the future and pick up speed. We are focusing on what really matters to set standards in design and quality," said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.

In August, Bentley returned to California for this year's Monterey Car Week, showcasing an array of past, current, and future vehicles, including its design vision concept, EXP 15, which was presented to the public for the first time on the concept lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

"The beauty of a concept car is not just to position our new design language, but to test where the market's going," said Robin Page, Bentley Director of Design. "It's clear that SUVs are a growing segment, and we understand the GT market, but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing. Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box' design, and others again something more elevated. So, this was a chance for us to talk to people and get a feeling."

Inspired by early 20th-century Grand Tourer heritage, the upright 'iconic' grill, long 'endless' bonnet, and rearward cabin of the sixteen-plus-foot concept harken back to the 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe. That historic vehicle came to be known as the "Blue Train," following a race in which Woolf Barnato, then company chairman, bested luxury express train Le Train Bleu, in a race from Cannes to Calais.

The concept's unique configuration of three seats and three doors, rather than four or five of both, is intended to afford greater luxury in transit for a privileged few and provide innovative in-cabin storage for pampered pets and/or hand luggage. When stationary, the boot offers deployable seats, a lamp, and a refrigerator for staging a posh picnic or luxury tailgating.

One door on the driver's side opens to the driver's seat plus a cocooning rear seat, while twin coach doors and part of the

panoramic roof open upwards on the passenger side to allow smoother entry and exit via a passenger seat that can swivel fortyfive degrees outwards. "The seat can rotate and you step out, totally unflustered, not trying to clamber out of the car like you see with some supercars," explained Darren Day, Bentley's Head of Interior Design. "If you look at the car we built for Her Majesty the Queen, it was always designed around the aperture of the door and 'the art of arrival'. It was really important for us to create that feeling here too."

The cabin, conceived using virtual reality software and a Bentley interior design principle dubbed 'Magical Fusion', combines familiar creature comforts for which Bentley is known with futuristic digital elements that can be brought to the fore or fade into the background as the driver's mood or functional need requires. EXP 15's fullwidth dashboard can act as a digital interface or switch off to reveal a veneered wood surface visible underneath the glass. "We think people are going to get fed up with a fully digital experience and are pining for physical mechanical elements too," commented Robin Page, Director of Design. "By combining the two, you can get the best of both worlds."

Material choices are a mélange of traditional, artisanal, sustainable, technical, and future-forward. For instance, a 100% wool textile by Fox Brothers, which boasts 250 years of tradition as a unique and iconic British textile manufacturer, is paired with lightweight 3D-printed titanium finishes.

While not intended for production or sale, the EXP 15, with its ultra-modern exterior surfacing, high-tech lighting details, and active aerodynamic elements, hints at both the design of future Bentleys, including the marque's forthcoming first fully electric vehicle. sl

BOTTLE NOTES

Five wines to add to your carte des vins.

Written by Vicki Denig

As autumn brings cooler temperatures and peak hygge, we usher in rich, hearty meals filled with the satisfying aromas and flavors of seasonal produce and spices. While the falling leaves often evoke thoughts of bold red wines that pair well with these robust dishes, for this issue's bottle recommendations, I have included a few unexpected choices to celebrate the season.

Tiberio Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2024 (Abruzzo, Italy – SRP: $24.99)

Italy's Abruzzo region, located east of Rome, is renowned for its red wines produced from Montepulciano, but thoughtful expressions of Trebbiano, the region's signature white grape, are also not to be missed. Brother-sister duo Cristiana and Antonio Tiberio have been at the helm of their family estate for the past decade, and under their oversight, the winery has soared to new heights. Fruit for this wine hails from vines averaging 60 years in age and was fermented entirely with native yeasts in the cellar. A beautiful pale yellow in the glass, this clean, food-friendly white exudes flavors of yellow apple, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, and crushed stones. For those looking to switch up their usual Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, this lively and refreshing white wine from one of Italy's top producers is just the ticket.

Clos Cibonne Côtes de Provence ‘Cuvée Tradition’ Rosé 2023 (Provence, France – SRP: $39.99)

Although rosé is often associated with summer, its delights extend far beyond warm-weather sipping—especially when they're as structured and savory as this bottle from Clos Cibonne. Crafted mostly from organically farmed Tibouren, a grape variety native to the south of France, fruit for this wine is fermented with native yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks before aging for one year in 120+ year-old foudres under a thin veil of fleurette (similar to how sherry is made in Spain). This aging process creates an oxidative environment, imparting a distinct tangy-meets-nutty flavor profile onto the wine. Prominent notes of tangerine rind and salty melon lead to a long, smoky finish. I often refer to this wine as the non-rosé drinker's rosé, as it's truly one of the most unique expressions of the style out there.

Château Lagrange Saint-Julien 2018 (Bordeaux, France – SRP: $69.99)

If I'm being honest, I probably don't drink as much Bordeaux as I should, so when a friend in Paris recently opened this bottle at an early evening apéro, I was delighted to revisit a region that I too often overlook. A 3ème Grand Cru Classé estate, Château Lagrange's 118 hectares of vines are rooted entirely in the village of Saint-Julien,

which is found on Bordeaux's Left Bank. As with most reds from this side of the Gironde, this bottle is made from a Cabernet Sauvignondominant blend rounded out with Merlot and a smidge of Petit Verdot. Luscious and dark-hued, this silky wine oozes with flavors of red and black fruits, cigar box, tobacco leaf, and cedar—in short, everything we tend to love most about the fall season.

Rivetto Barolo Briccolina 2017 (Piedmont, Italy – SRP: $149.99)

Although it's always subject to change, Nebbiolo has been my favorite grape for quite some time now. I continuously find myself drawn in by the high-toned aromatics, bright acidity, and signature red fruit flavors that wines made from it are known for, and exploring expressions from different producers has become one of my favorite pastimes. Lately, I've been pulling some higher-end bottles from my cellar and bringing them to the neighborhood Italian restaurant downstairs to enjoy them with warm, home-cooked meals. I recently grabbed this bottle from Rivetto, and it was absolutely singing. A fervent believer in organic and biodynamic farming in the region, Enrico Rivetto produces this wine from his Briccolina vineyard, which was the pioneering site where he began experimenting with biodynamics in 2015. In the cellar, the grapes macerate for 50-60 days before fermenting in wood vats and aging for 36 months in oak barrels, followed by 16 months of bottle

aging. The resulting wine is absolutely captivating, with notes of red cherry, cranberry, tobacco leaf, dried sage, and used leather. Drink slightly chilled with your favorite red sauce and thank me later.

Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023

(Oregon, USA – SRP: $49.99)

Fans of Red Burgundy have found great delight in the wines of Oregon's Willamette Valley, and it's no surprise why. The area's cool, ocean-influenced climate is a perfect home for crafting ripeyet-restrained expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which have become the region's signature grape varieties. Archery Summit's founder, Gary Andrus, picked up on this decades ago and founded the estate in the Dundee Hills back in 1993. I love drinking Pinot Noir year-round, but this earthy, medium-bodied bottle is particularly enticing during early fall. Its flavors of red cherry, mushroom, rhubarb, black tea, and dried rose petal are delightful for pairing with seasonal fare and equally come to life when enjoyed with a slight chill. sl

Vicki Denig is a wine / travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her work regularly appears in various industry publications, including Decanter, Food & Wine, and WineSearcher. In addition to journalism, Vicki also works with a handful of wine-focused clients, including Paris Wine Company, High Road Wine & Spirits, and more. When not writing, she enjoys running, indoor cycling classes, petting dogs, and popping bottles on her rooftop with friends.

THE SWEET SPOT

With close proximity to some of the best sights in the West, but far enough to experience sweet solitude, The Sylvan Lodge at Snake River Sporting Club is an outdoor lover's dream destination in all seasons.

Written

Bridget Cottrell

For me, fly fishing is less about the fish and more about an opportunity to get knee-deep in nature. In the absence of distractions, you can give full attention to the rhythmic movement of the line, the whizz-whap sound as the fly kisses the water's rippling surface, and the whisper of the wind as it tickles the treetops. It’s a moment of sweet serenity only interrupted by my squealing, "I caught one!" It was a feat recently made possible by dumb luck but mainly through the expert instruction of my guide at the newly opened Sylvan River Lodge at the Snake River Sporting Club, 25 minutes south of the teeming tourist hotspot that is Jackson, Wyoming.

Referring to it as the "final piece of the puzzle," The Sylvan Lodge, which took four years to build, is the realization of a longheld vision of developer Christopher Swann, an avid skier who has been visiting the area for two decades and acquired the Snake River Sporting Club 13 years ago. The hotel had been open for one week when I arrived, keen to soak in the region's immense natural beauty and typically cooler summer temperatures. My own ties to the area run deep, having fond memories of family camping trips as a child, and I knew that a stay at The Sylvan

Lodge could deliver both new and nostalgic experiences, albeit in elevated environs afforded by its prime location within the members-only Snake River Sporting Club.

The word sylvan means "consisting of or associated with woods," and each of the 23 guest rooms and 15 suites at Sylvan Lodge is named after a tree. The rustic-modern architecture and interior design boast apropos and ample wood paneling, accentuated by black-framed windows and LED lighting. The rooms, designed by Kim Deetjen of Truex Cullins Interiors, perfectly balance refined minimalism with the thoughtful touches of a luxury boutique property, such as wool carpeting, heated floors in the bathroom, plush Matouk robes, a bespoke Pendleton blanket draped across the end of the bed, and a bottle of Wyoming Whiskey Outryder on the dresser. A pair of penthouses represents the pinnacle of luxury with bespoke RH furnishings, a fully outfitted kitchen, a private balcony, and a rooftop hot tub.

Adding a bit of drama, vertically paneled walls, painted black, along the corridors leading to guest rooms are punctuated by moody black and white landscape photographs that make the transition

from dark to light even more pronounced as one opens the door to their room. In my case, a picture window on the building's backside framed the view: a steep hill, covered in scrubby shrubs and bright yellow flowers, with a lone predator bird circling overhead. The 3,500,000 acres of the Bridger-Teton National Forest comprise the property's "backyard," and there are 27 different on-site trails that provide hikes of varying length and difficulty.

Common areas on all floors, as well as snack and beverage stations on floors two and three, encourage conviviality and provide ideal spaces for those who need to work while away. While working at the communal table on the third floor Creel Room, I was more fond of studying the fly-fishing paraphernalia artfully arrayed on the bookshelves than checking emails. Part of the Dark Sky Bar, a green roof with indigenous plantings surrounds hot tubs and firepits. Astrophiles will appreciate the pitch-black skies and telescopes scattered about the area for stargazing.

"We're geared to people who want to do it all in all seasons," said Swann, who pointed out that The Sylvan Lodge is one of three places in the lower 48 where you can heli-ski—trips

depart from The Hub, the hotel's dedicated outdoor pursuits staging area. Nearby lockers for each guest room can be used to store items such as waders, ski equipment, and the like, keeping in-room clutter and messes at bay.

Will Hobbs is the Director of Outdoor Pursuits, and his palpable passion and enthusiasm for the region's natural beauty trickles down to each of his team members. Most activities—from fly-fishing, scenic float trips, mountain biking, skeet shooting, hiking, and archery in the summer and fall to tubing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating in winter—depart from The Hub, which also offers a variety of gear for sale and rent. During the winter, the resort provides a free shuttle for guests to access nearby ski areas.

A short walk or shuttle ride away, the world-class equestrian center, The Ranch, caters to riders of all abilities, though I'd argue that their wine and cheese trail ride is an ideal way to spend a leisurely afternoon. A gurgling creek that sounds like a dog lapping up water meanders through the horse pasture, defined by a split wood fence, while huge stores of firewood piled up next to the barn hint at winter's harshness.

For off-site exploring, the concierge can book a wildlife tour with a local company like Eco Tours, who know the best off-thebeaten-path places, and in the case of Grand Teton National Park, makes you feel like the only ones in a place that sees more than three million visitors annually. Eco Tours is the only tour company in North America to partner with Swarovski Optik, and one look through their binoculars (in our case, seeing a real wily coyote take down a bison calf), and you'll understand why it's a big deal. Time and time again, I find that the people who guide and tour out here are exceptionally passionate about what they do. Our Eco tour guide was happy to work until 10:30 at night (way past our sunset schedule) so we could attempt to see everything we had hoped to.

The Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course at the Snake River Sporting Club (ranked as Wyoming's #2 private golf experience) takes full advantage of its 13 miles of Snake River frontage (seven of which are utilized for fly fishing). A recent multi-milliondollar refurbishment has elevated playability and aesthetics, while remaining mindful of sustainability. PGA pro Greg Hoyt is a patient and affable instructor, and both of us stopped to marvel as an eagle soared overhead while I practiced my chipping.

A comprehensive on-site wellness program is housed within a 10,000 square foot light-filled facility awash in European white oak and a soothing color palette. The superbly equipped 24-hour fitness facility boasts two movement studios with aerial yoga capability and a regular schedule of guest programming. The multi-year closure of the nearby Amangani Resort for renovations has been a boon for other area high-end resorts, including

The Sylvan Lodge, which hired Abril Gruber, the former spa manager at Amangani, to spearhead its wellness program. Unique spa therapies include the GENEO facial rejuvenation device, TheraLight red light therapy, and an outdoor area with a resistance pool, a spa, and a heated tile floor for comfortable use year-round. I appreciated the indie singer/songwriter soundtrack during my Natura Bissé Vitamin C facial; the treatment table was so supremely comfortable that I was tempted to ask if I could spend the night.

Guests of The Sylvan Lodge are privy to multiple dining options, all overseen by Chef Eric Gruber, who is a master at sourcing the best of what's fresh locally. Part of numerous "design moments" celebrating local and locally inspired art, the interior of Engelmann's Bistro, the lodge's signature dining venue, pays homage to the Snake River with an artistic representation of its contours rendered in brass and accentuated by dried tumbleweed. Within the Snake River Sporting Club, hotel guests have access to the River Room and the Martin Creek Poolside Grill. If it's available at breakfast, don't second-guess ordering in-house pastry chef Kristen Young's gigantic cinnamon roll; it's worth every calorie.

In fly fishing, a "honey hole" refers to a prime location within a body of water where conditions are ideal for catching fish, often containing multiple fish in a concentrated area. I'd argue that The Sylvan Lodge is Jackson's resort equivalent, presenting perfect conditions for a multitude of exceptional guest experiences. sl

The

For more information, visit snakeriversportingclub.com/stay/the-sylvan-lodge.

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

from top left: Picchiotti Masterpiece brooch. Inquire through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Clarkson

in St. Louis and picchiotti.it/en. Effy

ring (effyjewelry.com). Alice Herald Light My Fire pinky ring (aliceherald.com). Castro Smith bespoke hand engraved ring (castrosmith.com). Seal & Scribe The Higher, The Tighter ring (sealandscribe. com). Renato Cipullo Uccello stud earrings (renatocipullo.com). Silvia Furmanvich's Quintessence collection earrings (silviafurmanovich.com). Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird agate slab cuff

(jacquieaiche.com). Opposite page clockwise from top left: Porter Lyons Ma'at Feather lariat (porterlyons.com). Lionheart Seasons Swallow interchangable charm (lionheartjewelry.com). Sorellina Cigno pendant. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and sorellinanyc.com. Three Stories Jewelry Wise Owl double sided locket pendant. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Ylang Ylang Jewelry in St. Louis, and threestoriesjewelry.com. Francesca Villa Fantasia The Bird Take Flight ring (francescavilla.it). Renna opal and diamond feather Caspain ring (rennajewels.com). Ali Weiss feather diamond line earrings (aliweissjewelry.com).

SETTING THE HOLIDAY BAR

Written and photographed by Jennifer Brian

With Halloween in the rearview, Christmas seemed to show up overnight! While we are all scrambling to get our holiday decor, shopping, and menus together, what is on our bar doesn’t need to be an added stress. A few versatile spirits and mixers can transform your bar from a disorganized mess into a curated work of beverage art, allowing a few good bottles to effortlessly create multiple cocktails.

“Home Bars” can be anything from a solo signature cocktail and a few bottles of wine to a self-serve mecca of mixology. As the host/hostess, you get to decide what works for your event or holiday season. Budgets tend to dictate the extent of the liquor selections, but there are a few other factors to consider when planning your holiday bar.

How do you want the evening to flow? Not just the energy of an event, but the actual logistical traffic of guests moving in the space. Will your guests mix their own cocktails when they arrive, or will you have beverages pre-poured and ready for them, already garnished and waiting? I have found that having a cocktail ready for guests when they arrive is the easiest way to start the evening and keep traffic at the bar to a minimum.

Where will the bar be located? Can guests find it easily? If you have it in the kitchen, will it be in your way while you are trying to pull everything out of the oven at the last minute? Is it located behind the dining room chair of a guest so that they have to move every time someone goes to refresh their drink? Creating a bar in an unconventional area is a fun way to utilize some areas of your home that usually don't see much use. Bar carts are brilliant for this, as they

can move anywhere. Maybe the study is the best place for the bar since no one will be in there except to refresh their beverage? Or the family room with something fun playing on the TV on mute in the background? Or in the lonely corner of the kitchen that previously housed all of the big house plants?

Do you need to help monitor how much alcohol folks are consuming throughout the evening? If so, pre-batching cocktails so that you control the amount of alcohol in each pour is a great way to regulate the number of drinks folks are having. Self-serve bars are convenient, but as the evening progresses, the more drinks guests consume, the heavier those pours tend to be. We always want to make sure everyone makes it home safely.

Do you even want to mess with spirits for the event? It might just be a wine/beer night with bottles on ice and strategically placed on the table throughout the evening.

Setting a holiday bar is also a fantastic time to pull out favorite pieces that you might not have a use for at other times throughout the year. Family pieces that are not typically our taste or favorite random finds at consignment or antique shops can be right at home on the bar during the holidays. My great-grandmother’s Depressionera red glass bowl doesn’t match anything until Christmas, when it takes center stage holding all the citrus for the bar.

About the author: Jennifer Brian brings three decades of experience in the hospitality industry as a luxury caterer, events planner, and mixologist. The self-proclaimed Cocktail Evangelist is co-founder and sole owner of craft cocktail company, Make & Muddle. A decade in the making, her first book, Classic Cocktail Revival, published by the University Press of Kentucky, was released this past September. Photo by Jason Parmer.

The Basics

Good cocktails begin with good spirits. The following are suggestions and not hard-and-fast rules. Well-stocked bars should include the basic clear spirits of:

• Vodka

• Gin

• Blanco tequila

• Silver or light rum

Brown spirits should include:

• Rum

• Tequila

• Whiskey

Whiskey is a very broad category and can include bourbon, rye, Scotch, Canadian whisky, blended whiskies, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, or any other whiskey that strikes your fancy. Start with your favorite and add from there.

A couple of additional bottles that are helpful could also include:

• Dry (also called French) and Sweet (also called Italian) Vermouth for Manhattans and Martinis.

• Orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec for margaritas and other mixed drinks.

• Cream liqueur such as Baileys or Rum Chata for sweeter cocktails or after-dinner coffee additions.

In addition to the spirits, the following items are considered essentials for a well-stocked and versatile bar:

• Mixers

• Tonic water

• Ginger beer

• Club soda

• Sodas such as cola/diet cola/ginger ale

• Simple syrup & Grenadine

• Fresh juices like lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, and cranberry

Bitters

(for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and any other cocktails)

• Aromatic bitters (these can be traditional Angostura bitters or another brand)

• Orange Bitters

• Any other variety of bitters. There are HUNDREDS to choose from

Setting up a bar for the first time can be intimidating, but it can also be a ton of fun. “Stock the Bar” parties are a great way to share favorite bottles with friends, fun holiday gifts, and a sure-fire way to make it to everyone’s “Best Party Ever” list.

For no-stress three-ingredient cocktails, visit makeandmuddle.com for all of your cocktail needs! Cheers to less work and more gathering this season! sl

SAX IN THE CITY

With the opening of its first Parisian hotel, SAX Paris presents LXR's vision of art de vivre.

Written by Bridget Cottrell / Images courtesy of SAX Paris

Although it's frequently attributed to Japanese tourists, during my first visit to Paris over a decade ago, I definitely came down with a mild case of "Paris Syndrome," a psychological condition where a person experiences acute disappointment (among other physical manifestations) due to the stark contrast between their idealized expectations of Paris and reality. Whereas I can now nearly cite verbatim the dialogue from Woody Allen's "Midnight In Paris," the last line of which is "Actually, Paris is the most beautiful in the rain," on my maiden voyage, the deluge that greeted us upon arrival in the City of Lights was but one in a series of letdowns.

In the ensuing years, I've had the good fortune to visit Paris several times in all seasons, gifting me with the chance to explore beyond the jam-packed tourist hotspots, and staying in all manner of accommodations, from a rental house in the Latin quarter to a posh suite in haute couture's "Golden Triangle." Somehow, I keep being drawn back to the 7th arrondissement, likely for the warm and fuzzy remembrance of a mother-daughter college-scouting trip where our home base was a tiny hotel slightly past its heyday, and where our sorely lacking grasp of the French language led to some hilariously memorable moments. While the posh neighborhood, located on the left bank of the Seine River, is home to significant landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Rodin, and

Les Invalides, I've always enjoyed its slightly slower pace and sleepiness, particularly after dark (stay in the 9th if you're keen on a lively local nightlife experience). So, when I heard LXR opened its first Parisian outpost in the 7th, I bumped it to the top of my must-visit list.

Situated on a tree-lined boulevard between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, SAX Paris is located within a renovated 1899 neo-Gothic building, formerly the Ségur telephone exchange, where hundreds of operators manually connected calls. The 118-room hotel is a quietly chic addition to the neighborhood. Unmissable at night due to the red illumination of the façade, it's a bold statement hearkening to the surprises that await inside.

Just before reaching the cozy lobby, where a console table was covered with an assemblage of long-stem red and pink roses, my eye was drawn up a set of stairs leading to The Galerie, a long and narrow space outfitted with 200 mirrors and multiple Baccarat chandeliers (making it supremely popular with the selfie set). Just beyond the check-in desk is Arik Levy's glistening crystal sculpture 'Rockstone,' positioned in front of a treillage wall that marks the entrance to Jardin Le SAX, an alfresco all-day dining spot with an elevated heated swimming pool and jacuzzi. As many of the local restaurants were closed for the Parisian summer exodus during our visit, the urban oasis was buzzing long after the bees had called it a night.

Bespoke touches are part of SAX Paris' DNA. En route to the elevator bank, we looked up to the coved ceiling to note a mural by street artist Sto, designed to reference the building's historic République Française insignia. Boasting a unique twolevel floor plan, our King Deluxe Junior suite was unlike any other I've experienced in a luxury hotel. Spacious closets flanked the landing. A forged brass faux bois stair rail leading down to the bedroom is a recurring design element. A hybrid of Art Deco and Art Moderne is the style that sprang to mind while surveying the surroundings, defined by tactile, sculptural, bold, and bespoke touches. The bedroom level, bookended by bronze smoked frameless leaner mirrors (one of which concealed a television), made the room feel twice as large. Street-facing floorto-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light; wood slat blinds and sumptuous, ecru-colored bouclé curtains provided ample privacy when desired.

A display ledge beneath a picture window behind the vanity in the bathroom "cube" held a varied collection of art, lending a residential feel to the room. In addition to the standard Nespresso setup, a unique rotating curio cabinet positioned next to a live-edge wood slab desk was stocked with Parisian favorites curated through a partnership with the iconic Le Bon Marché's La Grande Épicerie de Paris, which is just a short stroll from the hotel.

Executive Chef David Maroleau, who has previously led Michelin restaurants, presides over the dining program. The dramatically designed Restaurant Le SAX, boasting a distinctive chandelier designed by Venetian artist Christian Pellizzari and crafted

in Murano, is an all-day bar and restaurant that Maroleau says showcases the best of 'all that we love.'

The eighth outpost of the celebrated Kinugawa restaurant brand commands the top two floors of the hotel. It offers showstopping views of the Eiffel Tower and seemingly endless sea of chimneypots topping the neighborhood's vaunted Haussmann buildings. The restaurant level is a feast for the eyes, with sunset hues of orange and rust complemented by patinated bronze, fluted wood, smoked glass, marble, wood paneling, and custom-made Zellige tiles on the central bar, which, during morning breakfast service, is laden with sweet and savory delights.

One of my favorite amenities was the Fitness & Spa SAX Le Club, open 24/7. Each day, I was thrilled to find that I had the sleek, subterranean space—outfitted with Technogym equipment and aesthetically pleasing NOHRD swing weights, a sauna, and a hammam—all to myself. Two serene treatment rooms are available for providing body and facial treatments.

SAX Hotel's contribution to LXR's Pursuit of Adventure Program (covered in our Sept/Oct issue), encourages guests to uncover the soul of the Rive Gauche through a series of refined experiences, such as a gourmet picnic with a breathtaking view of Les Invalides; an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Eiffel Tower; or a private pontoon cruise on the Seine to name a few. With its primo location, artful aesthetic, and outsized amenities, Sax Paris is undoubtedly an antidote for warding off Paris Syndrome. sl SAX

Infused with La Prairie’s proprietary Advanced Pure Gold Diffusion System, the Essence ($530; laprairie.com), combines three powerhouse components to help boost collagen, fortify the skin barrier, calm sensitivity, and bring a luminous glow to skin experiencing hormonal changes. La Beauté trunk from Louis Vuitton. Price upon request (louisvuitton.com)

PAIRFECT

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

The ultimate go-together gift guide. about face. snow far, snow good.

Collage Proprietary Red Gift Set (3-bottle set, $1,275): Aperture’s most ambitious and artistically driven release to date, Collage is a groundbreaking new luxury wine that blends the finest vineyard blocks across five Sonoma appellations (aperture-cellars.com). Alchemica decanter by Simone Crestani ($650; artemest.com) salut.

The Ski & Stay package at The Little Nell (thelittlenell.com), Aspen’s only Five-Star, FiveDiamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel makes an Aspen escape effortless. Book two or more nights and receive up to two adult lift tickets per full ski day, daily breakfast at Element 47 or in-room, and transportation to all four Aspen Snowmass mountains. The Nell’s Ski Concierge unlocks experiences few will ever access, from First Tracks at sunrise on untouched runs to Last Tracks with Ski Patrol at sunset. Bogner Sport Maja down ski jacket ($2,300; bogner.com).

warm and fuzzy.

Brigitte cashmere collared pullover from 27 Miles Malibu ($335; 27milesmalibu.com).

Yves Delorme “Brume” women’s bathrobe

AMAFFI’s "Power for Women" by Nathalie Feisthauer ($7,500) is elegantly presented in a black piano-lacquered box lined with luxurious red English velvet. The fragrance features undertones of patchouli, bergamot, and citrus. The 75ml perfume bottle is housed within a polished onyx enamel orb, adorned with gold filigree ribbons and inlaid with 2,026 Swarovski crystals (amaffi.com/us).

Fornasetti POCO DOPO Frutto Proibito scented candle ($650; fornasetti.com).

Fable Pets Rest Set crate + bed (from $799; fablepets.com). Pagerie Colombo luxury dog harness in saddle ($680; pagerie.com).

easy riders.

Forget the silver spoon, gift your littlest progeny a posh ride with the bespoke Aston Martin x egg 3 stroller ($3,000). The British brands united to create a pram where every detail, from suspension to silhouette, is thoughtfully designed to enhance the experience (eggstroller.com). Ready to ride with your mini-me or a four-legged friend, MOD Easy SideCar Sahara ($3,899) is inspired by the 1940s BMW R75. It features a retro frame, custom paint job, a rear doggie dog in the side car, and is equipped with a torque sensor, a large battery, and a powerful motor (mod-bikes.com).

liquid

El Tequileño’s most exclusive and refined expression to date, the limited-edition Extra Añejo ($800) is a blend of three unique barrels that have been aged for three to four years in hand-selected American Oak and new French Oak (tequileno.com). Giobagnara x Elie Saab monogram coasters with holder ($1,432; giobagnara.com/ giobagnara_eliesaab). Arteriors Hancock decanters ($651; arteriorshome.com). A luxurious blend of 15-year-old Kentucky bourbons, re-casked for a full year in virgin Mizunara oak, and bottled uncut at cask strength, Rabbit Hole’s Mizunara Founder’s Collection is a must-have for serious collectors and connoisseurs ($1,499; rabbitholedistillery.com).

AERIN shagreen mahjong set ($1,750; aerin.com).

Hurtado's Mon game table with reversible chessboard surface (hurtado.eu/en)

Montegrappa’s “Extra Peace” olive wood pen, featuring sterling silver trim, is presented in a box wrapped in a Bandiera Della Pace (peace flag) design, first used in a peace march in Italy in 1961 ($1,218; montegrappa.com). Studio Maria Mayer Feng is luxury design studio that transforms life’s most meaningful moments—from custom wedding albums layered with love letters and keepsakes, to family yearbooks capturing the everyday magic of growing up, to personal memoirs and travel books—into heirloom-quality books. (From $4,000; mariamayerfeng.com.) going to the dogs all fun and games.

the write stuff.

This page, clockwise from top left: For the apple of your eye: Eden Collection ring from Fullord (fullord.com). Prepare to be charmed: Tonya Farah charm necklace (tanyafarah.com). Your feelings set in stone: Brent Neale Eye Heart U signet ring (brentneale.com). Triple diamond script name necklace from EF Collection (efcollection.com). Well read: Walters Faith engraveable Dora tablet charm (waltersfaith.com). Hot dates: the Jumbo Roman Numeral Story bangle from Briony Raymond can be engraved with up to six dates (brionyraymond.com). Love me, love my dog: Cavachon charm from Claudia Mae (claudiamae.com). For the cat’s meow: Heavenly Vices Howie cat ring (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com). Off the cuff, on your mind: The Name Drop cuff bracelet from kWit can be personalized with a custom word (5-9 letters); kwitjewelry.com.

Sure to cause a chain reaction from your favorite cyclist: Nadine Ghosn Lifecycle chain bracelet (nadineghosn.com). Jade Ruzzo engraved drum head ring (jaderuzzo.com).

Initial impressions matter: Rainbow snake initial charm from Jenna Blake (jennablake.com).

HAVE YOURSELF A MODERN LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Interior Designer Bethany Adams employs a whimsical, less-is-more approach to decking the halls.

Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos by J. L. Jordan Photography

To the casual design enthusiast, Victorian and modern styles may seem to be at odds with one another, with the former notable for its indulgence in grand excess of ornamentation and the latter known as a less-is-better approach. However, interior designer and selfproclaimed modernist Bethany Adams has harmoniously melded these disparate designs in her circa 1890s Old Louisville home.

The paint had barely dried in her previous home—a 1,600-square-foot Italianate—following an extensive four-month renovation, when just five blocks due east, a much larger Victorian hit the market. With her family already feeling a bit cramped even before the birth of her second daughter, Adams remarked that it was

a golden opportunity that "was just too good to pass up." The game was once again afoot.

While the property had avoided the fate befalling many of the neighborhood's grand homes—being divided into a multitude of apartments—it still required extensive restoration. "There was just the notion of a kitchen with a solitary cabinet," recalled Adams. Having spent a decade living in Chicago's culturally diverse Hyde Park neighborhood—broken up by a year in Paris, where her eldest daughter was born—Adams said she was drawn to Old Louisville for its similarities to the Windy City, as well as her own "small town upbringing” in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Describing the Victorian exterior of her current home as "totally wacky," Adams says its showiness belies a pared-down interior, including an absence of crown molding. With the original wide pocket doors long gone before she acquired the property, the foyer, living room, and dining room are now contiguous, creating an asymmetrical and largely open floor plan that aligns with contemporary home design. Notable period details include a uniquely positioned fireplace in the foyer that creates a substantial counterpart to the newel post at the start of the staircase, a series of small and softly colored stained-glass windows with geometric designs positioned to ascend in line with the stairs, and original fireplace mantels with ceramic tile facing.

While they diverge in terms of grandiosity, Adams and the Victorians share a commonality in their use of rich colors,

plush textures, and elaborate wallpaper. Adams has been colordrenching rooms long before it was the "it" thing. The use of vintage pieces with a sculptural quality is one of Adams' calling cards. As such, her home features an all-star lineup of some of the mid-century's most-wanted items, including a Karl Springer coffee table in the living room. And, as design and fashion are cyclical, Adams pointed out that the Norwegian Rose marble used for the top is 'super-hot' right now, despite being over 50 years old.

Always on the hunt for unique pieces for current and future clients, Adams recently moved her office from her carriage house into a chic new warehouse space that's able to accommodate her finds, a design studio, and offer "white glove" receiving, storage, and logistic services to other local designers through a new entity, BAI White Glove.

During the holidays, Adams' approach to decking the halls is intentional, and she enjoys bringing in her daughters, now aged 14 and seven, to help. A tree in the second-floor family room is embellished with ornaments acquired while traveling, creating plenty of "remember when?" moments as each is unboxed. In place of a traditional tree stand, in the formal living room, Adams placed the pine in a large, glazed urn. She and her eldest daughter strung dried citrus slices on silk ribbons to make garlands. "They smelled amazing," she recalled. Her collection of vintage brass deer inspired the woodland theme, with most of the garland on the living room mantle foraged from the neighborhood.

A fairytale-like setting on the dining room table is anchored by a blanket of rolled moss, upon which Adams layered tapers of varying heights in shades of red and dusky rose, staying within the season's

colors while pulling in hues from the Rug Company rug. Moss-covered mushrooms, procured from the pet shop, and concrete versions from the garden store, enhance the whimsical woodland theme.

Whether it's the thoughtfully placed bottle brush trees on the open shelves in the kitchen, oversized red satin bows used to conceal zip ties affixing live garland to the stair rail, a tongue-in-cheek take on a "tree" in the library using a stack of book with green spines, or the simplicity of a fresh cut holly branch in a modern vase atop the mantle in her bedroom, Adams demonstrates that understated holiday decor can evoke a cozy, elegant, and festive atmosphere without the stress of an extravagant display. sl

Editor's Note: Adams' holiday home and a few of her decorating tips are featured in the new book, "Merry & Chic: Your Most Dazzling Christmas Ever," by Kathryn O'Shea-Evans. This comprehensive 'deck the halls' guide includes recipes, playlists, calendars, DIY gift ideas, and more.

MENOPAUSE IS HAVING A MOMENT

Navigating this next stage in life.

By Terri Paige, CEO and Co-founder, Medical Transformation Center

Terri Paige is CEO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center with her husband, Dr. Carl Paige. Under Terri's leadership, the Kentucky-based MTC has become a regional hub of innovation, advancing optimal health through cellular medicine and helping the body heal itself. Working from a state-of-the-art medical center in Louisville, MTC offers regenerative approaches to healthy aging, optimization, longevity, and restorative care. Terri is a Fellow of the International Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute and a regular speaker at Institute symposiums; a Certified Lifestyle Coach through the American Academy of Anti-aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine in conjunction with the Metabolic Medical Institute; and a Certified Professional Performance Coach through SourcePoint Training.

Chances are, if you see a group of "women of a certain age" (40s, 50s, and 60s), they are talking about much more than the latest cast of Real Housewives or a newfound interest in mahjong. It's more likely the conversation centers on hot flashes, sleepless nights, brain fog and forgetfulness, extreme mood swings, unhappy partners due to a lack of sex, and weight gain they can't seem to beat.

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 1.3 million women in the United States reach menopause each year, meaning that around 6,000 women enter menopause daily. Fifty-one is the average age at which menopause occurs.

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause. During this time, estrogen and progesterone begin their descent, often triggering symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods. Perimenopause typically starts in the mid-40s and can last anywhere from four to 10 years.

At 61, I've lived the mental and physical rollercoaster of menopause. As women, we've been told too many times that it's all downhill after menopause. That doesn't have to be the case. It's not a foregone conclusion that you'll lose your sex drive, gain 30 pounds, and struggle with cognition for the rest of your days.

Our generation of women is not taking it quietly. Menopause is having a moment. There are menopause coaches, women's health retreats popping up at destination spas around the world, and actresses including Brooke Shields and Halle Berry talking openly about their experiences with the "M" word.

When you lose your hormones, it takes a toll on your brain, your energy, your sleep, your weight, and your libido. But we don't have to live like our mothers and grandmothers. Gone are the days of suffering in silence, wondering if this is how life will be from now on. There are more healthcare choices, products, tools, and support for us than ever before, and we need to take advantage of this incredible science.

My preferred choice, personalized cellular medicine, offers a solution to navigating perimenopause and menopause with confidence, grace, and even the occasional laugh. Practiced at MTC, cellular medicine is a cutting-edge approach that focuses on understanding your body at the cellular level. By identifying the unique imbalances and needs of your cells, we tailor solutions that work specifically for you—not a one-size-fits-all plan. Perimenopause and menopause aren't the same for everyone. Personalized care ensures that your treatment plan fits you. Benefits of personalized care:

1. Targeted Symptom Relief - Cellular medicine works to address the root cause of issues, not put a temporary band-aid over them.

2. Whole-Body Wellness - Personalized cellular care goes beyond simply fixing symptoms; it helps optimize other areas like energy levels, cognitive function, and even skin health.

3. Optimized Hormonal Balance - Whether it's through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or natural supplements, personalized care ensures your hormonal balance is just right.

Speaking of which, let's dig deeper into bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. For perimenopausal and menopausal women, BHRT involves providing additional hormones, usually estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, to supplement what the body is no longer producing in sufficient quantities. The therapy can be

administered in several forms, including pills, patches, creams, and gels. By replenishing these hormones, BHRT can:

• Effectively alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

• Help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures by maintaining bone density.

• Have positive effects on mental health. Many women report improvements in mood, concentration, and overall well-being while on BHRT.

• Furthermore, BHRT can help in preventing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of developing conditions such as dementia.

Another powerful tool in our vast toolbox is peptide therapy. Peptides are active molecules that can help re-energize your body's natural processes. Human peptides have a multitude of functions, including appetite regulation, hormone regulation, and the transmission of signals from tissues to the blood. At MTC, peptides are part of the regenerative therapies that we may suggest to achieve the best healthcare outcomes based on your individual medical needs. Peptides that may be beneficial during perimenopause and menopause include:

• Collagen Peptides to support bone health and lean body mass, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. They may also improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles, as well as enhance overall immune tolerance.

• Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) that stimulates growth hormone production and release, which can help with muscle mass, metabolism, and sleep.

• Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs) that work to stimulate and sustain the release of growth hormone.

If you are considering Peptide Therapy or BHRT or want to feel better overall during perimenopause and menopause, it is important to consult with a professional to determine which path is right for you. At MTC, we customize every care plan using the latest research and regenerative medicine techniques specifically tailored to your needs during perimenopause and menopause.

1. Beginning with an assessment, including comprehensive lab tests, and a detailed look at how you're feeling day-to-day, we leave no stone unturned.

2. We then create a tailored plan that will be a custom roadmap to navigate the perimenopause and menopause maze.

3. MTC's ongoing support is something we are known for - our team will monitor your plan and tweak it as needed, ensuring you always feel supported along the way.

This generation of women is learning to embrace this next phase of life. We're no longer defined by what reproductive stage we're in. We're more focused on how we feel and what we can do rather than how old we are. We have a lifetime of experiences that make us who we are today—vibrant, confident, and wise. Now's our time. Time to pursue those dreams we left behind in our 20s or forge new ones. Menopause isn't the end; it's just the beginning. sl

November SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

1 McDazzle Gala & Auction, 5:30pm, Central Bank Center; rmhclexington.com/get-involved/savethedates

6 Crafting with a Queen, 6pm, ArtsPlace; lexarts.org/support/arty-party/

6 Lexington Humane Society Kibbles & Bids, 10am; lexingtonhumanesociety.org/calendar-of-events/2025-11-15/

8 KAPAAW Masquerade Gala, 7pm,The Bell House; allevents.in/lexington/scholarship-masquerade-gala/200028824155453#google_vignette

8 The M.R.E. Chef Showdown, 5pm, Lyric Theater; allevents.in/lexington/mre-chef-showdown-with-chef-jake-stearns/200028652229240

9-10 Walker Buehler Charity Golf Outing, Keene Trace Golf Club; classy.org/event/walker-buehler-charity-golf-outing-2025/e716682

12 13th annual Sporting Art Auction, 4pm, Keeneland; thesportingartauction.com

15 A Bluebird Café Experience, 7pm, ArtsPlace; lexarts.org/support/arty-party/

15 Love Works: Adoption Benefit Dinner & Auction, 5pm,The Carrick House; allevents.in/lexington/love-works-adoption-benefit-dinner-and-auction/200028790567903

15-16 Pegasus Productions Festival Horse Show, Kentucky Horse Park; pegasusshowstables.com/horse-shows

16 EmpowHER Brunch Gala, 11am, Harper Hall; youareco.org/empowher-brunch-gala

21 Lex Arts Hop; lexingtonartleague.org/upcoming_events.html

22 Woodhill International Farm to Fork Fundraiser, 7pm,Woodhill Community Center; lexlf.org/event-details/woodhill-international-market-annual-farm-to-fork-fundraiser

22 Miss Fashionette Cotillion: Pretty in Power, 6pm, Hyatt Regency Lexington; akaladefoundation.org/miss-fashionettar-2025

27 42nd Annual Thoroughbred Classic 5k, 9am, Keeneland; thoroughbredclassic5k.org

December

5

6-7

Holly Day Market Preview Party, 5pm, Alltech Arena; lexington.jl.org/annual-events/experience-the-holly-day-market/

Holly Day Market, Alltech Arena, lexington.jl.org/annual-events/experience-the-holly-day-market/

6 CKAA Crowne Excellence Gala, 6pm, Hilton Lexington Downtown; ckyaa.org/events/crowne-excellence-awards-gala-

12 The Next Reindeer Express, 9am-4pm, The Next Family Center; thenestlexington.org

12 Lex Arts Opening Reception for The Nude Biennial; lexingtonartleague.org/upcoming_events.html 12 4th Annual Medicinal Whiskey Charity Gala, 5:30pm, The Carrick House; medicinalwhiskeycharity.org

by

BURNT TAVERN VIP LAUNCH

Prior to its public debut on September 1,

bourbon, developed by famed master distiller

and named for a twice-burned and rebuilt

tavern in Garrard County, hosted a pre-launch event at The Hudson, where

COMMUNITY HOUSING CHARITY GALA

Created by Bluegrass REALTORS, proceeds from the 2025 Community Housing Charity Gala benefit the RealtorCommunity Housing Foundation, which supports home rehabilitation for older adults, homeownership counseling for potential homebuyers, and installation of access ramps for those with physical limitations and mobility issues.

AN EVENING FOR THE CAC OF THE

BLUEGRASS

The event raised a record $307,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, which works to reduce the trauma experienced by child victims of sexual abuse in central Kentucky.

by

JASK GALA & CONFERENCE CLOSING RECEPTION

Co-hosted by the National Association of Japan-America Societies and the Japan/America Society of Kentucky, the event featured special remarks by Shigeo Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the United States.

LEXINGTON AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME

This 4th annual black-tie gala honored 23 inductees. Proceeds from this event and other fundraising events sponsored by the LAASHOF help fund college scholarships for local student-athletes.

by

FOR THE NEST

by