Sophisticated Living Nashville July/August 2025

CURB CHAIN

PUBLISHER

Dave Mahanes

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

Melissa Mahanes

FEATURES EDITOR

Carolyn Smith Bryant

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Charlie Mahanes

CONTRIBUTORS

Melissa Mahanes

We want you to be thrilled to receive your issues of Sophisticated Living Nashville if we have your mailing address incorrect or wish not to receive the magazine, please email us at nashville@slmag.net.

CONTACT US

Melissa: 615.308.9294 / melissa@slmag.net

Dave: 615.495.4250 / dave@slmag.net nashville@slmag.net

SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA

Eric Williams, CEO

Bridget Williams, President

Greg Butrum, General Counsel

Jason Yann, Art Director

Sophisticated Living® is published by Mahanes Media Group, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorials are the property of Mahanes Media Group, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.

SOPHISTICATEDLIVINGNASHVILLE.COM

Recently, I attended a Marcus King concert at Nashville Municipal Auditorium. It had been 22 years since I was last there, for a Darkness concert. This recent experience brought back many great memories from my childhood, particularly my teenage years. Back in the 60’s and ’70s, Municipal Auditorium was the big venue for any big act coming through town. There really weren’t any comparable alternatives.

The history of Municipal Auditorium began in 1957 with the demolition of the Bijou, a theatre used by African Americans prior to desegregation. The venue opened in 1962, with a Church of Christ Revival being the first event held there.

My first experience at Municipal Auditorium was ice skating. We had just moved down from Chicago in 1965, and this was a little taste of the Lake Forest Winter Club that we had left behind. A few years later, when I was around 10, my mother was involved in putting together the Italian Street Fair at the auditorium, a fund-raising event for the Nashville Symphony. While she was setting up, I explored every inch of that place (except the walkways that went along the ceiling!).

What I remember most about the auditorium was all the concerts that I saw there growing up, the first of which was Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Before I got into the Beatles and rock and roll, Herb Alpert was the man. Somehow, my mom got me a pass on my homework that night so I could go to the show with her. It was very exciting. My first rock concert was in December 1973, when I was 14, seeing Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies Holiday Tour. I was blown away by the experience and have been an avid concertgoer ever since. It was also quite eye-opening. When the house lights came on at the end of the show, the entire place was filled with a sweetsmelling blue smoke. Many shows followed: Aerosmith, the Faces, Yes, and Kiss on Halloween 1975 on the Alive tour, where my friend, Nelson Griswold, caught Peter Criss’ drumsticks.

In 2013, Musicians Hall of Fame, a truly Nashville treasure, moved into Municipal Auditorium’s basement. In 2018, Jack, Charlie, and I toured Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones, a retrospective of their career, featuring guitars, stage costumes, stage models, and a recreation of the Stones’ flat they shared when they were poor and starting out. Last year, I got to meet Ringo Starr at the media opening of Musicians Hall of Fame exhibit of some of his personal effects, including the drum set from the Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Musicians Hall of Fame has also participated in our charity register, Sophisticated Giving.

With all the performance venues that have opened in Nashville over the years, Nashville Municipal Auditorium is often overlooked. I have always heard how terrible the acoustics were. They were fine when we saw Marcus King. The acoustics have either always been good or, over time, improvements to the sound systems and sound treatments to the building have been successful. The Auditorium is smaller, less overwhelming, and less crowded than Nissan Stadium and the Bridgestone Arena, making it much easier to get in and out of. Most importantly, it sure brought me back to the glory days of my youth.

Dave Mahanes, Publisher dave@slmag.net

is grateful to its 2026 Underwriters

CORNERSTONE UNDERWRITER

Mr. + Mrs. avi . r n re n l Jac s n rha Events

Jenny Richter Events Marsh Ma e esi n ashville ent & nin

Pinnacle Financial Partners a ey ches n Mr. + Mrs. illia M ss ils n

PREMIER UNDERWRITER

AllianceBernstein · The Ann and Monroe Carell Jr Fo ndation

Ascension t Tho as Blac bird Ca ital, C Mr + Mrs ennis C Bottor

The Florista CA ealthcare | Tri tar ealth a rence ine states i an Brothers

The ichols Fa ily est vents e ions Ban trea ealty

Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Barby + ovan hite

DISTINGUISHED UNDERWRITER

Mrs. James C. rad ord, Jr. ri To ’s Curated E e ts

Equitable Trust Ja C. Masse ou datio ouie M. a d ett M. hilli s ou datio

Northwood · Mr + Mrs o d Emerso ma · Theo i Colle tio · ited e tals

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

Belle Meade Village Kim + Brad Blevins Bradfield tage Lighting

Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Ltd, us N. Davis D Cummins Communit Betterment Fund

First Horizon Bank · FirstBank · Mr Joe alante · Mr + Mrs C Thomas Harrington

Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt · Melissa + Dave Mahanes | Sophisticated Living Nashville

Northern Trust fficial Ferrari Dealer–Prancing Horse of Nashville

Joe Rowland CH M CH R outh College Dr. and Mrs. cott Crawford tandard tifel

MASTER UNDERWRITER

Board of Directors of the Ned R McWherter Charitable Foundation Bro n Brothers Harri an & Co · Mr + Mrs M a in Du e

Mr + Mrs Fran Tho as Foster, r Fran rote ents en Ca erica us Mayer

Dr. + Mrs. Daniel . Hatef H B nternational Mid-South NSB NK ac Bro n’s Beer & Burger oint

Kristen Winston Catering ouise B Wallace Foundation Nuage Designs ST S

Mrs Sarah ic ens + Mr Kyle Bransfield · RO D NC T T C · R H Boyd · Secure ir Charter Tennessee Oncology · The West ra · Mr + Mrs ose h ohnston Wi berly

SPONSOR UNDERWRITER

Alexander Metals, Inc. The etterolf a ily o ndation Gl c Orthodontics

Gray Line of Tennessee · G B o ndation · Phyllis ogan and a ily

Joyner & ogan · The Maintenance Co any · Par ing Manage ent Co any

PoshPrivy T & T a ily o ndation Tenn ens Design Valorie Cole Calligra hy VERONICA BEARD The hitson Gro o ’re Invited gifts & a er

ALL-AMERICAN WOMAN

Carolyn Smith Bryant spends quality time with her multi-hyphenate friend Sandra Lee

Interview by Carolyn Smith Bryant / Photos courtesy of Sandra Lee

Sandra Lee entered my life in the way all great style stories begin— we crossed a crowded room to find out what designer the other was wearing. Since that black tie event in New York in 2007, we’ve logged nearly two decades of escapades—Paris flea markets, white ties in London, luncheons in Central Park, award shows, and so much more. She is not just a fun-loving, kind, giving, Emmy Award–winning television icon from the Food Network, HGTV, and QVC, best-selling author of 27 books, chef, Editor-in-Chief of her own magazines, breast cancer survivor, philanthropist, and global advocate for the spending power of women—she’s family. She’s been my husband’s and my favorite third wheel, and she’s always been Aunt Sandy to our son. This proud Wisconsinite has, unsurprisingly, fallen deeply in love with Nashville and country music. She loves what Nashvillians love: gardening, antiquing, flowers, great tablescapes, and a house filled with family and friends. Whether it’s homemade or semi-homemade, she makes mundane meals festive—with imaginative, relatable, costeffective ideas that are, in a word, sophisticated

Sandra Lee: You need to eulogize me.

Carolyn Smith Bryant: But wait, there’s more… Let’s not forget that you have been included in People Magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful issue fourteen times. Your portrait hangs in the Smithsonian as one of the most influential culinary figures of the last fifty years, and you were appointed to Jacqueline Kennedy’s White House Historical Society Committee. Of course, I’ll write your eulogy, but it virtually writes itself!

SL: But only your dearest friends understand all that entails, so thanks in advance, my sweet Carolyn.

CSB: You’re welcome. So how did you fall in love with the Nashville area?

SL: Shortly after we met, you and Del invited me to a few music events: the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the BMI Country Awards. I couldn’t make it to the Hall of Fame, and I didn’t think I liked country. Then I visited you. Do you know how impossible it is not to fall in love with Franklin? I love how the town decorates for all the holidays. It’s adorable at Halloween, Dickens’ Christmas, and Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade are really special. After I had beaten cancer, I really wanted to move here. Then, as you know,

my Uncle Bill was also diagnosed with cancer, so I moved to California, where I could give him my time, love, and energy. You never know. I could still move to the Nashville area. I absolutely love it.

CSB: Our luxury magazine captures some of the many things about this magical area. What do you think is sophisticated and finest about Nashville?

SL: The art scene is great. The music scene is inclusive, layered, and available every night of the week. By the way, when I initially thought I didn’t like country music, that was inaccurate. I just didn’t know it yet. I love it, and I don’t think I’ve missed a CMA show since you and Del took me almost two decades ago. The homes and interiors in the Nashville area are beautiful. In all things taste and creativity, design, art, architecture, fashion, and music, this town is world-class. There’s never going to be enough time to experience everything that is amazing about the Nashville area.

CSB: Yes, your schedule is blistering. Let’s talk about what has kept you busy lately.

SL: I created a baking contest to find the best state fair-based goods made by home bakers called Blue Ribbon Baking Championship. I wanted to find what was new and fresh within a nostalgic tradition my family and I have always enjoyed.

CSB: You succeeded. Your show, a top-rated Netflix series, was a feast for the eyes and imagination, especially your fun, fashionable outfits. In 1992, you won the blue ribbon at the LA County Fair for booth display and design. How did that ribbon birth your love of food, home, and table design?

SL: It birthed my first show, SemiHomemade, which birthed the concept of things being only semi-homemade, as well as the term “tablescape.”

CSB: I didn’t realize that you created those two concepts yourself, both of which are now part of our lexicon. The show ran for 15 seasons, winning Emmys for host and makeup. These are incredible accomplishments. But one doesn’t usually go from winning a county fair to creating and hosting a Food Network show. What are we missing about becoming Sandra Lee?

SL: When I was in my twenties, I invented something called Kurtain Kraft, which was a do-it-yourself home-decorating line to make drapes and valances affordable. It made it very easy to change your drapery with new fabric. Even the cheapest fabric used with this apparatus looked amazing and professional. In 1994, I shot an infomercial for it and became a vendor for Walmart and Target. Within the year, I had my own one-hour show on QVC. Mondays at noon were called “Craft Day,” and we were selling half a million units an hour. Initially, I wanted Florence Henderson, America’s mom from The Brady Bunch, to be the face of my product, as I was in my twenties but looked like a teenager; however, QVC insisted that I be the face of my own product and in front of the camera.

CSB: No one was more passionate or knowledgeable about your product than you were.

SL: That’s true. Then, QVC launched networks in England and Germany, and I was an on-air anchor. In those early days, I admit I didn’t know what I was doing. I asked a lot of questions, and my inexperience was evident. People I worked with didn’t know if I was super smart or just naive. I observed and did what I was told with a lot of energy and bandwidth. As it turns out, that was my superpower.

CSB: So you traveled nonstop for 5 years with QVC, and then, for a little break, you took a 3-week French cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu. How did that impact your perspective at the time?

SL: It made me think about how we shop. Grocery stores are laid out with 70 percent of all shelf-stable items on interior aisles and 30 percent (the fresh food) on the

perimeter. I realized that if that’s how we fill our baskets and pantries, that’s how we cook. So, I thought that if we used mostly interior ingredients and finished with fresh items, we would have time- and moneysaving, delicious food.

CSB: Genius. Semi-Homemade wasn’t just meal preparation. They matched your outfits to the accessories, flowers, plates, and small appliances, so every show was different and visually compelling.

SL: It may not have always been my personal taste, but my goal was to facilitate the viewers’ desired aesthetic, and it cultivated a younger demographic.

CSB: It didn’t hurt that you had a themed cocktail and mocktail each episode.

SL: When the network came to me and asked me to do Semi-Homemade, I shared that it was important to me to include cocktails. The executives said, ‘No one wants to see anyone making cocktails at 10:00 am on a Sunday morning,’ to which I replied, ‘Haven’t you ever been to Wisconsin? My friend Colleen is definitely drinking a Bloody Mary right now, waiting for the Packers.’

CSB: Your love of holidays, especially Halloween, probably also attracted a younger viewership. Your Halloween costumes are legendary. I remember leaving my young son in your care on Halloween, and his costume became a tribute to Anthony Bourdain.

SL: I thought Aunt Sandy and Tad collaborated beautifully.

CSB: You are very family-oriented and are known for being a wonderful aunt, not just to your siblings’ kids, but to your friends’ children. Is that how your moniker of ‘Aunt Sandy’ originated?

SL: Being the eldest of five children who were in my care because my parents were not present, with nine nieces and nephews, I have worked very hard to afford my entire wonderful family a good life, and we’re talking fifteen people. I love being the eldest, with the means God has given me to make our dreams come true. Then, as you know, all my friends’ kids have Aunt Sandy in their lives. It’s just become part of my identity. So, I created a line of Aunt Sandy Claus products for many major retailers, including QVC.

CSB: A love of Christmas, another of our commonalities…

SL: Holiday decorations are non-negotiable for me. I put up several trees just before Thanksgiving and take them all down around February.

CSB: The nation is about to celebrate another of your favorite holidays, July 4th. This is a big birthday for America, and you get to be Sophisticated Living’s all-American cover girl!

SL: I am honored that you are sharing my story with the town I love during a time of celebration for the country I love.

CSB: Recently, you were honored with a prestigious award at a gala celebrating the Girl Scouts on their 100th Anniversary.

SL: Yes, it was humbling to be celebrated for my love of philanthropy, advocacy for the Girl Scout organization, and support of young women. Many legendary leaders came from the Girl Scouts. In fact, I will be nominating one of those past leaders, Helen Storrow, posthumously for the Smithsonian’s prestigious portrait gallery placement. She was a Girl Scout power player before women could vote.

CSB: You are also celebrating a big birthday on July 3rd. How does it feel, at this time in your life, to be asked to celebrate and represent the power of all American women as part of QVC50, a group of 50 women over 50?

SL: It’s a privilege to, for over thirty years, be a part of the network that helped launch my lifestyle brand. The women are fabulous and include activists, celebrities, and entrepreneurs such as Rita Wilson, Kathy Lee Gifford (my other Franklin-based friend), Martha Stewart, Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Naomi Watts, Billie Jean King, Donna Kelce, Karla Hall, and 32 others.

CSB: Speaking of Karla Hall, I love her. She was a judge and co-host on your Roku show, Dinner Budget Showdown. Was your hardknocks beginning, as mentioned before and outlined in your memoir Made from Scratch, the impetus for you to always watch other people’s wallets?

SL: I had to learn how to make more from less, true. But I grew up in the Midwest, which not only instilled a love of farming and flavor: think butter, sugar, flour, but frugality.

CSB: I don’t want our readership to get the wrong impression. Your life is not all budget-friendly tricks, hacks, and gimmicks. Your design, elegance, spice (literally and figuratively), personality, style, and imagination have enabled you to build an empire, and you now own more cashmere than anyone I know….

SL: Thank you. I do love soft fabrics. My point of view is this: I work hard, I have sacrificed and saved. If I want something for myself, I get it. But I always give back.

CSB: You have a long list of charitable organizations that you believe in. Our readers are very philanthropic. What would you like to put on their radar?

SL: I am involved with the UN World Food Program, which is the world’s largest humanitarian organization supplying food for member nations. Elton John’s AIDS Foundation has had my heart for many years. It focuses on health and well-being for everyone. God’s Love We Deliver and Project Angel Food are both wonderful organizations that deliver meals to home-bound individuals with life-threatening illnesses.

CSB: Relationship status?

SL: Single!

CSB: As a breast cancer survivor, you have insight about living life that is invaluable. What do you want to say to women trying to find joy?

SL: When I was very young, a woman named Carole Black gifted me a small metal plaque with a quote: “What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?” With that, I say, live your best, brightest, loudest life, in full motion and with happiness. Shine brightly.

CSB: Keep shining, my friend. Thank you for sharing with us! sl

Join us August 27–29 for a Trunk Show event showcasing the latest collection.

AT GRAND HYATT NASHVILLE

Join us on our 5th floor rooftop for an intimate, five-course dining experience featuring a rotating seasonal menu, thoughtfully paired wines, and a stunning Music City view.

June 12 | July 10 | August 14 | September 11

SCAN TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT

YES

IS THE ANSWER

Ocean Prime debuts in Nashville Yards with unquestionable flair

Written by Melissa Mahanes

At Ocean Prime, the philosophy is simple: “Yes is the answer. What is the question?” It’s a standard that Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has built its nationally acclaimed reputation on, and at Nashville Yards, their Tennessee debut delivers on that promise with style to spare. Sleek, confident, and immediately at home in Music City’s evolving luxury dining scene, Ocean Prime is the kind of place that knows exactly what it’s doing— and makes sure you feel it from the moment you walk in.

“We want Ocean Prime Nashville to be a place guests can rely on, whether they’re celebrating something special or just enjoying a night out,” says General Manager Thomas Canton. “From the moment you walk in, every experience should feel seamless, elevated, and genuinely welcoming.”

The beautifully executed cuisine is served in a setting equally suited for celebratory dinners, business entertaining, or an indulgent evening out before a show downtown, a concert across the plaza at The Pinnacle, or a flick at Hooky.

The expansive 10,000-square-foot restaurant strikes a thoughtful balance between sophistication and energy. Guests are greeted by an airy, open floor plan with soaring ceilings and dramatic chandeliers casting a warm glow throughout the space. Contemporary art installations and custom wall panels add visual intrigue. Plush banquettes upholstered in rich velvet offer both comfort and style. The marble-topped bar serves as a vibrant focal point, complemented by floorto-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping views of Nashville Yards. Spacious covered terraces, complete with cozy fire pits and modern lounge seating, bring a cosmopolitan feel to the heart of the city. From cocktails at sunset to late-evening dinners under the lights of Nashville Yards, the space was clearly designed for lingering.

The menu leans into elevated steakhouse classics with a strong seafood focus, and nearly every presentation has a touch of drama. The “Smoking” Shellfish Tower is as visually impressive as it is abundant, layered with oysters, king crab, lobster, and shrimp beneath swirling dry ice smoke. Sushi offerings feel fresh and contemporary, particularly the Ocean Roll with tuna, salmon, and hamachi balanced by avocado and chili garlic oil. Other signature dishes include the Teriyaki Salmon, a favorite featuring salmon with shiitake sticky rice and a sake butter sauce, and the Prime Ribeye, served with truffle butter. Chef recommendations also highlight the Sea Scallops, expertly seared and accompanied by Parmesan risotto and English peas, as well as the Crab Cakes, loaded with sweet lump crab meat and finished with roasted corn cream. Steaks are expertly prepared, the cocktail program delivers creativity and polish, and the Berries & Bubbles, combining Belvedere Organic Lemon & Basil Vodka, blackberries, citrus, and brut with a theatrical tableside finish, captures the restaurant’s overall approach: elevated, vibrant, and undeniably fun.

Beyond the menu, what distinguishes Ocean Prime is its hospitality. The service feels intentional and highly attentive without being intrusive, creating a seamless experience from arrival to dessert. “Our goal is to create dishes that guests can come back to again and again,” says Executive Chef Julio Juarez. “From the seafood we source to the way each plate is prepared, we want every detail to feel thoughtful and intentional.”

With its stylish atmosphere, standout cuisine, and hospitality that never misses a beat, Ocean Prime is poised to become one of downtown Nashville’s premier destinations for a night out. The restaurant’s guiding philosophy asks guests to simply show up with a wish, and the kitchen and the team will take it from there. At Ocean Prime, the answer is always yes. sl

Ocean Prime Nashville / 990 Signal Crossing, Nashville, TN 37203 / (629) 235-7555 / Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30am-4:00pm and Sunday-Thursday 4:00pm-9:00pm, Friday and Saturday 4:00pm-10:00pm / Instagram: @OceanPrime and @OceanPrimeNashvilleYards

Discover two exceptional Franklin properties offering privacy, acreage, and the beauty of Tennessee countryside living. Whether you're seeking a private estate with multiple residences and scenic views or a peaceful retreat within the sought-after Big East Fork Agrihood, these unique properties provide a rare opportunity to enjoy space, nature, and convenience just minutes from Franklin.

HEAR THEM ROAR

Chef

Robbie Wilson and Emily Perry-Wilson take pride in the long-anticipated Lion’s Share

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos by Sarah Rau

Sylvan Park has a new anchor, and it feels like it has always been there. Lion’s Share, the latest venture from Chef Robbie Wilson and his wife and partner Emily Perry-Wilson, arrived this year with the quiet confidence of a place that knows exactly what it is — a luxe tavern with serious culinary ambition, the kind of neighborhood restaurant that earns a standing reservation before the month is out.

Originally from Texas, Robbie discovered his passion for cooking early on, growing up in a family where food was central to culture and connection. He cultivated his culinary voice and refined his skills under the guidance of some of the industry’s finest, including Michel Troisgros in Roanne, France; Tom Colicchio in New York City; Thomas Keller in Napa Valley; and Nobu Matsuhisa in Aspen, Colorado. In 2010, he emerged as the creative force behind M Street Entertainment, helping to shape Nashville’s dynamic culinary scene.

Two years later, Robbie and Emily made their way to California to refurbish Mattei’s Tavern, a landmark in Santa Barbara wine country. Their vision would garner national attention and acclaim. In 2015, they opened BIRD DOG in Palo Alto, which quickly became an international sensation, earning a spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Discovery list and numerous accolades for Best New Restaurant. Zagat recognized Robbie as one of the “10 Superheroes of the San Francisco/Bay Area Dining Scene.” Most recently, BIRD DOG was named by Forbes as the only “not to be missed” dining destination in Silicon Valley and was included in Eater’s 2023 Essential Restaurants list.

Wilson’s most recent venture, Le Fantastique in San Francisco’s upscale Hayes Valley, celebrated his passion for raw fish, French wine, and warm bread. In 2022, Le Fantastique was honored as one of Esquire Magazine’s 50 Best New Restaurants in America, and in 2023, Robbie became a James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist for Best Chef: California. Robbie and Emily returned to Nashville in the summer of 2024 to create their newest offerings from 74 & Sunny Hospitality, a restaurant group focused on serving the local community. The first concept, SuperNormal, opened in 2025 as a fast-casual spot serving highend burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream. Lion’s Share’s identity as a luxe tavern encapsulates the Wilsons’ signature blend of comfort and adventurous cuisine. Walking in, you are greeted with an inviting ambiance, the stage set by Anderson Design Studio, channeling the spirit of a London drinking club. The Wilsons spent many hours together sourcing vintage furnishings to create the inviting environment. Rich leather banquettes in deep cognac and garnet hues, intimate wood-paneled nooks, and a private dining room inspired by a classic hunting lodge bring an ambiance that is both cozy and refined. Throughout the space, a blend of textures, ranging from leathers and tweeds to

houndstooth, harmonizes beautifully with the restaurant’s signature green accents. An expansive 32-seat bar and lounge area offers the perfect setting for a casual snack, a full meal, or a nightcap, all under the soft, moody glow of custom light fixtures. The design of Lion’s Share effortlessly balances luxury with a laid-back vibe, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites guests to relax and indulge without any pretense.

The menu is where Wilson’s pedigree becomes impossible to ignore. Livefire cooking is the through line—nearly everything passes over the open flame at

some point, and you can taste it. The result is food that feels elemental and precise at once, familiar enough to comfort and original enough to surprise. All fish, game birds, and meat are aged in-house, and the menu leans on sustainability and seasonal sourcing throughout.

Start with the bread course: Japanese milk bread, pillowy and faintly sweet, served with cultured butter and a whisper of seaweed salt. It sets the tone immediately. The grilled avocado—a snack that sounds simple and isn’t—is worth ordering twice. On the raw side, fish arrives sashimi or ceviche style, pristine and unhurried.

The proteins are the main event. The filet, finished with an herb-studded Café de Paris sauce, is deeply flavored and tender, the fire doing exactly what it should. The Appalachian trout is equally memorable, a local ingredient handled with a kind of quiet reverence that only comes from a chef who has cooked at the highest levels and still finds the ingredient interesting. Vegetables hold their own alongside the proteins: Arrowhead cabbage and baby leeks come off the grill with the same intention as anything else on the menu. And the pommes purée, finished in the style of Joël Robuchon, is the kind of side dish you think about on the drive home.

“We’re genuinely thrilled to be back in Nashville and bringing Lion’s Share to the west side,” says Wilson. “This restaurant represents everything Emily and I love about dining: timeless flavors, attention to detail, and a space that feels like it’s been here a long time and will be here for a long time.” Lion’s Share has just launched Tiny ‘Tinis, a daily matinee-style happy hour, designed for guests looking to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails earlier in the day, rolling out their highly anticipated Picky Bits Menu in the Bar and Lounge, available seven days a week from 4:005:30pm, as well as a weekly burger special on Sundays and Mondays. The signature LSD Deluxe Burger features a seven-ounce dry-aged beef patty topped with American cheese, French onion marmalade, housemade pickles, crunchy lettuce, and au poivre mayonnaise.

Lion’s Share is something Nashville’s west side has been waiting for without quite knowing it—a place where the fire does the talking and the details reward attention. Wilson has always pushed boundaries; here, he seems content to set them. Go soon, and go hungry. sl

Lion’s Share / 4410 Murphy Road, Nashville, TN 37209 (615) 562-2600 / Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4:00-9:00pm, Friday and Saturday 4:00pm-10:00pm Website: hear-us-roar.com / Instagram: @lionssharenashville

Although we’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, it’s still hard not to. A recent visit to Surf & Sand (surfandsandresort.com) in Laguna Beach, California, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, reminded me why this adage rings true. A member of Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels and Resorts, the property was built in 1948. to accommodate the booming number of vacationers and artists flocking to the Southern California coast in the post-World War II era. Today, except for the supercars neatly arranged by the valet just beyond the portico, the linear mid-century architecture, with its exterior corridors and stairways, belies the beauty of a gleaming interior transformation unveiled in June of 2025.

A VIEW TO A THRILL

Newly transformed, the historic Surf & Sand in Laguna Beach celebrates its primo Pacific positioning with an elevated, ocean-inspired aesthetic and luxury amenities.

Written by Bridget Cottrell

Situated between the South Coast Highway and 500 feet of pristine sand, the open-air reception area sets the tone for the revitalized spaces with loads of colorful original art from notable names, including Dale Chihuly, Kelsey Irvin, Geoffrey Gersten, Eric Zener, and Ran Ortner, juxtaposed with gallery-white walls and expansive use of floor-to-ceiling glass to highlight the panoramic ocean views. The installations reflect Laguna Beach’s vibrant art community— the first of its 80-plus galleries opened in 1918. Today, the community is home to some 400 working artists.

Opt for a corner room on a high floor to fully experience the sensation of floating above the Pacific.

In Room 190, a tightly edited color palette in varying shades of white and wheat chaff emphasized a mosaic of blue, created by the beachfront pool on one side and the Pacific on the other. Patterns are limited to the drapery tape and accent pillows. The room’s parquet wood-like floor tiles carry over onto the balcony, whose doors were almost always open so we could listen to the surf and the laughter of families playing in the waves. A sliding divider above the tub in the spacious Italian marble-clad bath keeps the view front and center, should you choose. Judicious use of mirrored and chrome accents mimics the effect of sunlight-dappled waves. Butterysoft linens dressed the bed, which sat opposite a handsome shagreen dresser. The latest in smart-room technology delights technophiles and is user-friendly enough for the less inclined.

Southern California is worldrenowned for its food culture, blending deep Mexican roots, Asian culinary traditions, and locally sourced ingredients, and all of these are elevated by Surf & Sand’s Executive Chef Ron Fougeray. Arriving on our first day in time for brunch,

we made a beeline for Splashes Bar for avocado toast (one of about six I savored over the course of three days). Open all day, Splashes Restaurant is crowned by a handblown glass Chihuly chandelier that took two weeks to install. Offering a superior sunset view, glass doors across the rear of the dining room are left open so that the only thing separating patrons from the Pacific is a half-pane of glass.

While Splashes could easily rest on the laurels of its lovely looks, the service and cuisine are equally elevated. An extended conversation about tea with our server at breakfast resulted in a surprise delivery later that afternoon of several varieties of Tea Forté we’d yet to try. During dinner, an intuitive server inquired if I’d like to commence our evening with my preferred apéritif. We enjoyed the theatre provided by the tableside lobster bisque, followed by perfectly crisped Spanish octopus, olive oilpoached sea trout, and a delectably spiced Liberty Ducks breast. As this is California, there are ample vegetarian options, zeroproof cocktails, and a willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Prior to dinner each evening, we enjoyed watching the sunset from the Bella Vista Terrace, comfortably settled into one of several banquettes that surround firepits. The arrangement is conducive to conversing with fellow guests and a doggie or two, as the property allows up to two dogs per room, each up to 40 pounds.

Ethereal guestroom aesthetics carry over to the eight treatment rooms, an ocean-view couples’ treatment room, and Nail Nook of the Aquaterra Spa. The facility encompasses gender-specific lounges, each with a eucalyptus steam room and outdoor jacuzzi, along with a co-ed space and Recovery Lounge, and a large, well-equipped fitness facility. Intended to meld aspects of “Aqua” (sea) and “Terra” (earth), the spa’s lineup of face and body offerings includes organic ingredients, native botanicals, and marine extracts.

Surf & Sand’s ideal location meant we could walk to a host of area amenities. The entirety of Laguna Beach’s 7-mile coastline is part of California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), making it one of the most ecologically rich shorelines in the Golden State. The city boasts nearly one acre of protected land per resident, with 22,000 acres spanning tidepools to steep cliffs, many of which are dotted with multi-million-dollar homes that seem to defy the laws of physics and gravity to maximize their pricey views.

In addition to a rich visual arts community, The Laguna Playhouse (lagunaplayhouse. com) holds the designation of being the oldest, continuously operating Playhouse on the West Coast. Established during the Great Depression, the Festival of Arts is best known for its annual Pageant of the Masters (foapom.com), a world-renowned outdoor summer theatrical production where famous classical and contemporary works of art are brought to life through tableaux vivants("living pictures"). Opening July 9 and running through September 4, 2026, this year’s production, “The Greatest of All Time,” will feature approximately twenty of history’s most recognizable and influential artists. Laguna Beach’s summer calendar is packed with art festivals (see visitlagunabeach.com for more).

When a planned surf lesson with La Vida Laguna (lavidalaguna.com) was canceled due to flat surf, we headed out on the trails to walk off my disappointment. My mood was completely elevated by the time we completed a breathless trek from the beach to Laguna’s most famous hike, Top of the World, where our effort was rewarded with stunning views of Catalina Island and the Santa Ana Mountains.

We rewarded our efforts by availing ourselves of Laguna’s diverse dining scene, from a stiff drink at The Sandpiper Lounge, a classic dive bar, to dinner at South of Nick’s Restaurant (nicksrestaurants.com), where the highly recommended La Tablita proved to be an elevated Mexican-inspired feast of epic proportions. With more than 100 restaurants, from artisanal coffee to traditional Omakase, chances are you won’t have a bad meal. And, just like Surf & Sand, no matter where you are, you’re never far from an amazing view. sl

Of note...

The Greater Outdoors

TOP DOWN ROUNDUP

Edited by Matthew Cottrell

Bentley Continental GT Convertible S: Sporting performance and dramatic presence

Inspired by the limited-edition Supersports and extending the breadth of choice in the Continental line-up, the S models are aimed squarely at the performance-focused driver by combining dramatic visual presence with the latest hybrid powertrain and the Continental GT Speed’s chassis technology. The fourth-generation Continental GT S models are the fastest and most powerful yet to carry the S badge.

At 680 PS and 930 Nm, the new S models’ High Performance Hybrid powertrain is 130 PS more powerful than that of the previous generation GT S. Fully deployed, it delivers 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds and powers on to a top speed of 190mph, accompanied all the while by the thrilling soundtrack of a sports exhaust that accentuates the 4.0-liter V8’s “crossplane” beat (the iconic, deep, uneven

exhaust rumble of a V8 engine that uses a cross-plane crankshaft). Demonstrating its advanced powertrain engineering, the High-Performance Hybrid even outperforms the previous generation’s W12 Speed powertrain on all power, torque, and performance parameters –while also being capable of up to 50 miles in pure electric mode.

A unique package of exterior design, interior specification, and a dynamic chassis places the new Continental GT S models in a distinctive niche within the range. With their sporting aesthetic and emphasis on the sheer enjoyment of driving, the S models extend the breadth of choice offered by the definitive grand tourer.

BMW Z4 Final Edition: a very limited edition Z4 M40i marking the end of the two-seat roadster’s production. Since its introduction in 2002, the BMW Z4 Roadster has been thrilling enthusiasts

with its unique combination of classic proportions, a purist driving experience, and sporty dynamics. The Z4 Final Edition, characterized by its exclusive BMW Individual paint, unique interior accents, and commemorative badging on the door sill plates, is a special Z4 M40i commemorating the end of production of the iconic 2-seat Roadster.

The BMW Z4 Final Edition will be produced in very small numbers from February to April of 2026 in a single, wellequipped configuration. Customers need only choose between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

Contrasting red stitching in the cabin of the Z4 Final Edition provides a literal common thread that ties together the instrument panel, center console, door panels, and M Sport seats, which are trimmed in Vernasca leather and Alcantara. The floor mats feature red piping, and the special door sill plates are inscribed with

“Z4 FINAL EDITION”. The seatbelts are trimmed in the M tricolor.

The Z4 Final Edition comes standard with a full range of comfort, convenience, and safety features, including the Driving Assistance Package, the Premium Package, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.

Chevrolet Corvette 2027 Grand Sport X: blending heritage-inspired design with a next-generation V8 engine producing more torque than any other naturally aspirated V8 predecessor. Born in the early 1960s as a limited run of five C2 race cars that competed at tracks like Sebring International Raceway, Grand Sport has long stood for lightweight, trackfocused Corvettes that look as fast as they drive. Road-going Grand Sport models have added to the formula of the name with every generation, borrowing features from the fastest cars in each Corvette

generation, while maintaining heritage colors, distinct striping, and signature fender hash-marks that once served as ways to tell the original race cars apart.

At the core of every 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X is the next-generation LS6 6.7L V8, which is now Corvette’s primary engine – powering the 2027 Stingray as well. Launching General Motors’ next generation of V8s, LS6 raises the bar for performance thanks to engine architecture upgrades that will soon benefit other V8-powered Chevrolets.

Delivering 535 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, this naturally aspirated engine sees increases in power and torque across the rev band compared to its predecessor. A larger 6.7L displacement and 13.0:1 compression ratio sharpen response, while a 95-mm throttle body and tunnel ram intake with high-velocity ports move more air to unlock additional power. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission routes all this power to the wheels.

The Corvette Grand Sport X expands the Grand Sport formula with all-wheel drive, creating a chest-compressing 721hp2 express. It pairs the LS6 V8 at the rear axle with a front-axle electric motor and compact battery pack from the recordsetting Corvette ZR1X to create an eAWD

Corvette that is as confident in challenging weather as it is on a dry track.

GM’s Bowling Green Assembly will start building the Grand Sport lineup with US and globally sourced parts this summer.

Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster: the most powerful open-top ever created by Lamborghini

In April, Automobili Lamborghini presented its latest Few Off model, the Fenomeno Roadster. With a limited production of 15 units, the company says the roadster “represents moments when engineering, design, and pure driving emotion converge without compromise. Radical in concept and striking in appearance, these cars transform performance into an experience that is both visceral and unforgettable.”

The roots of the Few Off tradition can be traced back to the 1968 Miura Roadster, a unique interpretation of the revolutionary car created by Bertone that embodied Lamborghini’s ambition to challenge conventions and explore new possibilities. Decades later, the first true expression of this vision was the Reventón Roadster, which marked the beginning of a lineage of exceptional open top Few Off models. It was followed by the Veneno Roadster, the Centenario Roadster, and the Sián Roadster.

The Fenomeno name follows Lamborghini’s tradition of drawing inspiration from legendary, courageous bulls. In both Italian and Spanish, Fenomeno means “phenomenal”, a name that embodies the power and exclusivity of this extraordinary model, which delivers a combined system output of 1080 CV from a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 that is linked to three electric motors. Capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 2.4 seconds, from 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and reaching over 340 km/h, it combines extreme performance with cutting-edge hybrid technology. It is the most powerful open-top model ever produced by Lamborghini.

“Fenomeno Roadster represents the purest expression of our brand values: visionary design, uncompromising performance, and absolute exclusivity,” Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., said at the launch event. “It is a unique interpretation of driving emotion, created for a select group of customers who seek something truly beyond convention. Each example is conceived as a collectible masterpiece, where engineering excellence meets true bespoke craftsmanship.”

Pagani Utopia Roadster: Blending retro-inspired design with extreme mechanical performance

The Pagani Utopia Roadster is the third creation from the 30-year-old company founded by Horacio Pagani, an Argentine Italian from a humble background. At age 28, he moved to Europe, securing a position with Lamborghini as a sweeper and mechanic, where he quickly worked his way up to become a chief engineer, championing the use of carbon fiber composites and playing a leading role in the development of the Lamborghini Countach Evoluzione.

Horacio Pagani says he designed the Utopia as a direct response to customer demands for simplification, lightness, and a purer, analog driving experience in an overly digital automotive age. Moving away from the heavily aero-focused, spoiler-heavy designs of past cars like the Zonda, the Utopia utilizes over 40 composite material formulations and advanced Carbo-Titanium to deliver a flowing silhouette that delivers openair exhilaration without sacrificing the structural rigidity, weight, or performance of its coupé sibling. Utopia is powered by a bespoke 864-horsepower, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine developed by

Mercedes-AMG, producing a prodigious 1,100 Nm of torque.

True to Pagani's philosophy of blending timeless aesthetics with cuttingedge technology, the hypercar features an exposed manual transmission and highly detailed mechanical dials inside. The opentop driving experience is enhanced by active aerodynamics, an advanced suspension system, and innovative Pirelli Cyber Tire sensors that relay real-time conditions to the car's driving dynamics controls.

Porsche 911 GT3 S/C: Focused squarely on people who prize visceral, open-air driving. The 2027 911 GT3 S/C delivers a pure driving experience and combines the lightweight components of the 911 S/T with the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine of the 911 GT3, producing 502 hp and 331 lb.-ft. torque. of torque.

The striking carbon-fiber fenders and doors of the 911 S/T, in combination with the black windshield frame, imbue it with an unmistakable look. In line with its positioning as a driver's car, it is only available with the short-ratio and lightweight six-speed GT Sport manual transmission.

The 911 GT3 S/C is the only opentop variant of the current 911 range that is also a pure two-seater – reminiscent of the 911 Speedster from 2019, but in contrast to its predecessor, the 911 GT3 S/C is not a limited production model. For the first time, a Street Style Package is available for the 911 GT3 S/C, allowing you to further adapt the vehicle to your personal taste.

"The new 911 GT3 S/C responds to our customers' desire for sports cars that are particularly fun to drive," said Frank Moser, Vice President 911 and 718 model line.

Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale: an ultra-exclusive, fully electric two-seater open-top convertible

The storied marque’s first issue of its Coachbuild Collection, Project Nightingale, is named after Le Rossignol, French for ‘the nightingale’, and the name of the designers’ and engineers’ house near Henry Royce’s winter home on the Côte d’Azur. While drawing inspiration from high-speed experimental ‘EX’ RollsRoyces of the 1920s and 1930s, this forward-thinking production concept

is constructed using the Rolls-Royce Architecture of Luxury aluminum spaceframe and powered by a fully electric drivetrain that delivers a uniquely silent open-top experience.

“Some of the most discerning RollsRoyce clients in the world asked us for our most ambitious work,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, RollsRoyce Motor Car. “We responded by bringing three things together that have never coexisted within our brand: the complete design freedom of coachbuilding, our powerful, near-silent all-electric powertrain, and a uniquely potent yet serene expression of open-top motoring – an experience that only this technology makes possible. Achieving

this required the same audacious mindset that drove our co-founder, Sir Henry Royce, to create his radically different experimental ‘EX’ motor cars of the 1920s. Project Nightingale shares the spirit of those landmark projects and is the most extravagant expression of what Rolls-Royce is capable of today.”

Limited to 100 examples, it’s available to purchase by invitation only to aestheteminded clients with a deep affinity for Rolls-Royce design. These select few have begun participating in a multi-year program of private gatherings, curated by Rolls-Royce around the world, that immerse them in the creative and technical development of their motor car in advance of its 2028 delivery. sl

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER CELLAR

Denig

Hi there, Sophisticated Living! My name is Vicki Denig, and I’m a wine / travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris. You’ll find me here in every edition of the magazine, as I proudly hold the title of Sophisticated Living’s official wine correspondent! With this edition, I’m excited to share five bottles with you that have recently made an impression on me—and if you snag them for yourself, I think they’ll resonate with you, too. Check them out below and feel free to follow my personal travel / tasting adventures at @vickidenig on Instagram or at www.vickidenig.com.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Brut 2021 (Finger Lakes, New York, USA — SRP: $32.00)

Although many wine drinkers save sparkling wine for special occasions, I’m

in the camp of “there’s never a bad time for bubbly.” However, finding a balance between pricey Champagne and cheap, big-brand alternatives is key—and this bottle from the Finger Lakes offers the perfect solution. Born in Ukraine, Dr. Konstantin Frank is widely considered to be a great hero of American viticulture, as he was the first to plant vinifera vines on the eastern coast of the country. Drinking a bottle of the winery’s flagship Brut cuvée is kind of like drinking a piece of history! Produced from a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier, the wine is vinified using the same technique that’s implemented in Champagne, though it is aged twice as long (24 months in total) as required by the latter. Expressive and flavor-packed, the wine’s creamy texture is balanced by bright red apple flavors and invigorating acidity.

Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot ‘Patchwork’ Chardonnay (Jura, France — SRP: $43.00)

Fans of French Chardonnay almost always reach for Burgundy, though the neighboring Jura region produces equally thoughtprovoking wines. Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot are pillars within the region, having taken the reins from Stéphane’s parents back in 1989. Since their earliest days, the pair have been fervent pioneers of biodynamic farming (certified in 2004, far before it was as fashionable as it is today) and lowintervention winemaking. Their ‘Patchwork’ Chardonnay is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 12 months in oak, with just a touch of new oak. The wine strikes a hard-to-achieve balance between creamy and refreshing, with notes of yellow apple, tart lemon zest, marzipan, and a touch of smoke.

Figuière Côtes de Provence 'Première' Rosé

(Provence, France — SRP: $30.00)

There’s truly no better feeling than sipping an inaugural glass of spring rosé, especially if said glass is enjoyed with breathtaking views over the rooftops of Paris. After

a seemingly never-ending winter, I practically jumped out of bed and sprinted to the nearest rooftop bar on the first warm day of the season. Pictured here is a glass of Figuière’s Côtes de Provence 'Première' rosé, made from a regional blend

of Cinsault, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Refreshing and tangy, the wine’s pale pink hue and bright flavors of wild strawberry, citrus, and wet stone were everything I could’ve wanted on a warm April evening, especially against this unbeatable backdrop (photo taken from the Maggie Rooftop Bar at Hôtel Rochechouart).

Miguel Torres 'La Causa' País 2022 (Itata Valley, Chile — SRP: $25.00)

Having a lineup of budget-friendly reds on hand is always a good idea—and shaking up your selection beyond standard go-to grapes (Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.) makes things even more exciting.

Admittedly, I rarely drink Chilean wines, though this bottle of País from Miguel

Torres had me reassessing my habits. The País grape first arrived in Chile via Spanish conquistadors in the late 16th century. In recent years, the grape has become a preferred choice for winemakers in the Maule and Itata Valleys, thanks to its ability to withstand heat and drought. Fruit for this wine comes from a dry-farmed vineyard planted in 1987. In the cellar, the wine was fermented with native yeasts and whole bunches prior to aging for four months in neutral French oak barrels. I loved this wine for its harmonious flavors of red berries, dried herbs, and a touch of smoke. There’s a whole lot happening here for just $25!

Istine 'Vigna Istine' Chianti

Classico Gran Selezione 2021 (Tuscany, Italy — SRP: $70.00)

Chianti may be one of the most well-known Italian wine regions in the world, though not all bottles are created equal. Beyond the area’s entry-level expressions, a few highertier categories exist, each with its own unique regulations on quality and aging. For example, Gran Selezione—what we’re working with here—is the cream of the crop. Wines under this designation must contain a minimum of 90% Sangiovese from a single vineyard (or an estate’s top selection), as well as be aged for a minimum of 30 months. While traveling through Florence last month, I reached for this special bottle from Istine while perched on the terrace at Osteria Pagliazza, located at the Hotel Brunelleschi. The wine flawlessly fit the moment, exuding concentrated yet balanced flavors of red berries, blood orange, lavender, and a touch of truffle. I’m a big fan of drinking locally when traveling, so this Chianti Classico produced just an hour away was the perfect pick! 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.

SUN, SURF, AND SPARKLE

Elevated fine jewelry for seaside escapes

Nadri Boujee Beads Long Necklace (nadri.com). Never Not ‘Always Yours’ Suitcase. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and nevernot.co.uk. Ray Griffiths Branch Coral Bead Necklace (raygriffiths.com). Jacquie Aiche Carved Shell Triple Step Charm. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelersin Indianapolis and jacquieaiche.com.

Longines Primaluna 34mm. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and longines.com. Jessica McCormack Hello Sailor Earrings (jessicamccormack.com). Tanya Farah Seahorse Ring (tanyafarah.com). Sorellina Limoncello Earrings. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and sorellinanyc.com. Yvonne Leon Coral Crayfish Earrings (yvonneleon.com). Jennifer Meyer Jewelry Palm Tree Earrings (jennifermeyer.com). Eden Presley In the Black Swedish Fish Earrings. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and edenpresley.com. Renna Jewels Octopus Caspian Ring (rennajewels.com). Marlo Laz Sol Oriente Pendant (marlolaz.com). David Yurman Petite Pave Shell Amulet. 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. Joanna Laura Constantine Statement Seashell Cuff (joannalauraconstantine.com). Cece Jewellery Method to the Madness Ring (cecejewellery.com). Harwell Godfrey x Ashley Longshore Press for Champagne Ring (harwellgodfrey.com). Barbara Heinrch Studio Bracelet. Available through Elleard Heffern in St. Louis and barbaraheinrichstudio.com. Kavouri packlock from KIL NYC (kil-nyc.com). Opposite page: Adina Reyter Pearl Necklace with Seashell Bead. Available through Hearth & Soul in St. Louis and adinareyter.com. Patricia Marie Sun Pendant. Availavle through Gus Mayer in Nashville and patriciamariefinejewelry.com

OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA

Vibrant luxury where you least expect it

By Tracy Cottrell

Crowds gather at the southernmost point in the United States each evening for a show whose run far exceeds even the most successful Broadway production. Local lore attributes the ritual's roots to the famous playwright Tennessee Williams, who in the mid-20th century would visit the docks daily with a gin and tonic in hand to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Since the 1960s, the phrase “See

you at sunset!” has served as a come-one, come-all invitation for locals and visitors to gather at Mallory Square in Key West for a daily bohemian-style celebration marked by magicians, jugglers, storytellers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors. The tradition is so ingrained in the community that local laws require large cruise ships to depart port at least two hours before sunset to ensure an unobstructed view of the horizon.

Located at the unique address of -0Duvall Street, the award-winning Ocean Key Resort offers an enviable bird’s-eye view of this evening ritual, complemented by luxurious amenities, attentive, informed service, and a sophisticated and uniquely Key West design sensibility. A recently completed renovation has ushered in a new era, beginning with the lobby and Sweet Bird Bar, the hotel’s most guest-centric areas, where enhancements are centered on an artisan-crafted fountain that adds beauty and inspires relaxation. Custom wallcovering, arched mosaic tiles, richly textured fabric, and shimmering glass pendants reflect the theme of tropical birds and lush flora, enhancing the first-class welcome extended to every guest upon arrival.

Under the decade-long direction of Executive Chef Scott Mauer, Hot Tin Roof is the heart of culinary experiences at Ocean Key Resort from breakfast through dinner. Blending local seafood with Latin and Caribbean flavors, Mauer’s “Floribbean” cuisine has garnered both an AAA Four-Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Also open all day, the playful Sweet Bird Bar, situated near the lobby, underwent a recent colorful, retro-inspired makeover inspired by Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth

Marked by a trio of cabanas with dip-dyed drapery mimicking the colors of the ocean, the intimate pier-side waterfront pool offers an ideal idyll for observing marine traffic as it glides past. Add a tropical-inspired cocktail from the LIQUID Pool Bar & Lounge, the occasional dip in the water, and relaxation becomes a layered experience. Take the serenity up a notch at SpaTerre, where bespoke aromatherapy complements tropical-inspired treatments such as the Tropical Essence Massage, organic seaweed-based treatments, and the Coconut Crush Body Renewal.

In true Key West fashion, guests are encouraged to pursue whatever feels right. If lounging starts to lose its appeal, there is much to be enjoyed just a short stroll away.

Key West is passionately proud of its past. Ernest Hemingway was a resident from 1928 to 1940, during which time the adventurous, fiercely masculine writer notably wrote the classics To Have and Have Not and The Snows of Kilimanjaro. He and

his family resided at 907 Whitehead Street, now the site of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. An unexpected but integral part of the property’s attraction is an abundance, nearly sixty at last count, of polydactyl cats. Hemingway fell in love with the six-toed mousers after a ship captain, who believed they were good luck, gifted one to his sons, Patrick and Gregory. Today, museum admissions support the tabbies'

care, enabling them to roam freely on the one-acre property, where they continue to fascinate visitors, who frequently pose for pictures with them.

Within walking distance of the Hemingway Home & Museum is the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy. The enthusiastic staff readily describe the lifecycle of butterflies and their importance as key pollinators in our

ecosystems. The undisputed stars of the Conservancy, however, are the winged beauties themselves. Within the indoor habitat, an Eden-like paradise of plants and preferred food, visitors have a chance to experience the delicate splendor of butterflies in their dream environment.

No matter where the day takes you, Ocean Key always beckons at sunset, where guests have options for savoring the

sun as it slides into the ocean, rendering the sky every shade of gold and carmine until it disappears, and the night sky reveals itself. The resort’s aptly named Sunset Pier is Key West’s largest, with food and live music as much a draw as the view. At the onset of the evening, dinner plans take center stage, and the abundance of excellent restaurants in Key West seems limitless. For fine dining, Café Marquesa (marquesa.com/dine/cafe-marquesa) tops the list. An elegant, discreet haven of culinary skill and a favorite of locals, Café Marquesa is a quick and leisurely walk from Ocean Key. Drawing inspiration from the ocean’s bounty and Key West culture, the restaurant’s Curated Occasion is a culinary tour de force spread over seven expertly crafted tasting courses. The ambiance here is low-key luxury and quiet elegance.

Key West is both famous and infamous, brilliant in its uniqueness and commitment to its rich history. As Ocean Key Resort & Spa so beautifully demonstrates, Key West also knows how to do elegance and luxury. sl

For more about Ocean Key Resort & Spa, visit oceankey.com.

ALL FUN & GAMES

Fine jewelry has entered the arena

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Clockwise from top left: Audemars Piguet + Swatch Royal Pop Pocket Watch (swatch.com). Heavenly Vices Tennis Racket Necklace (heavenlyvicesfinejewelery.com). Anita Ko Diamond Baby Whistle with Colombian Emerald (anitako.com). Sydney Evan Men's Collection Football Necklace (sydneyevan.com). Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures Diamond Necklace. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simons Jewelers and Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and us.robertocoin.com. Lucky Symbols Color Block Mixed Gemstones Tennis Necklace by Milestones by Ashleigh Bergman (ashleighbergman.com).

The Destroyer Ring from Francesa Villa (francescavilla.it). Mined & Found XOXO Pendant. Available through Metalmark Fine Jewelry in Indianapolis and minedandfound.com. AMEDEO Thor CameoCap with 45mm hand carved sardonyx shell cameo (amedeo.shop). David Gotlib Gloves Cufflinks (davidgotlib.com). Alison Lou Tiny Bunny Stud Earring (alisonlou.com). NeverNot Let’s Play Chess Ring. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and nevernot.co.uk. TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport Twin-Time. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and tagheuer.com. Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Kelly Slater Limited Edition. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Geneis Diamonds in Nashville, Clarkson Jeweler in St. Louis and breitling.com. Opposite page: Marie Lichtenberg Large Buck Ring (marielichtenberg.com)

PRESERVING PARADISE

Jamaica Inn fuses 1950s jet-set charm with purposeful travel

Written by Bridget Cottrell

Marilyn Monroe would have turned 100 this past June, and although her physical presence left us 64 years ago, her spirit continues to loom large, through a regular cycle of new books and podcasts, memorabilia auctions, and memoirs of people keen to capitalize on even the most minuscule affiliation. While Monroe died 11 years before I was born, I count myself among the throngs who’ve succumbed to the palpable pull of the starlet’s complicated and tragic story. A few months ago, I came face-to-face with the icon in the library of the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. The candid black and white image—casually mixed among photos of four generations of the Morrow family, and other famous Jamaica Inn guests, including Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming—was snapped during Monroe’s January 1957 honeymoon with Arthur Miller. The complete lack of pretense is intentional and refreshing, as is the resort’s Old Hollywood meets British Colonial style, allowing guests to slip into a bygone era, when Jamaica was

an exclusive, relaxed “jet-set" playground, and before mass commercial travel took over.

The timelessness is felt in ocean-facing rooms whose oversized verandas with beefy balustrades are elegantly outfitted with creamcolored slipcovered sofas and wingback chairs, inviting refined repose. The resort's modest oval pool and croquet lawn are where they’ve always been, and repeat guests (of which there are many) like it that way.

Stop and listen. In the rustle of palm trees and the clinking of glasses, you can still glean the essence of a time where leisurely afternoons were spent not scrolling, but socializing, where after dinner, a crooner might take to the piano, and lovers would rendezvous under the moonlight. These traditions are carried forward today, with nattily attired guests mingling at the weekly manager’s cocktail party held before a lavish Beach Gala replete with traditional Jamaican specialties. There’s also live music every evening during candlelit dinner at the open-air Terrace Restaurant (where a dress

code at dinner is a refreshing change from the predominance of leisurewear), complete with servers sporting red coats with gold shoulder lapels and a bowtie, and weekly screenings of Bond films on the beach.

During a cocktail reception this past spring, staff freely mingled with guests, underscoring an air of familiarity that carries over to the croquet lawn. During his welcome remarks at the reception, Managing Director Kyle Mais said he feels like the curator of a living museum. “We are fortunate to preserve this beautiful gem as we try to forget that unruly lady whose name begins with an ‘M’,” he added. That “M.” of course, is Hurricane Melissa, the scars of which are still clearly visible throughout the island, a portion of which was still without power some four months after the strongest hurricane in Atlantic history. Sherlene Hickling, guest services manager, also referenced Melissa, telling guests, “The best support you can give us is to be here, which helps to rebuild our beautiful Jamaica.”

Just two minutes from downtown Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn’s 55 classic suites and private cottages are spread among eight oceanfront acres with a 700-foot crescent-shaped private beach that’s naturally bookended by rocky bluffs. Children over 10 are welcome. The hotel’s footprint hasn’t changed since its inception, meaning that the bedroom and baths in classic suites are cozy, which I didn’t mind at all as I spent most of my idle hours on the covered veranda of my Deluxe Suite just steps from the beach’s champagne-colored sand. The décor is classic British Colonial, with a two-poster bed and accents of export blue-and-white porcelain. Even the in-room coffee makers are old school French-press, an ideal ritual befitting the prized Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. One concession to modernity is the USB plugs in the outlets on either side of the bed.

The Jamaica Inn’s seven cottages are larger and more contemporary in their décor, including original art by Jamaican artists, but like the suites, are purposefully

absent of clocks, televisions, or radios to encourage life on island time. Suite 21, often referred to as the “Marilyn Suite,” was also favored by Winston Churchill. The famous British Prime Minister’s designated painting desk on the property still retains smudges of color from his artistic sessions, almost always accompanied by his signature smoke. Situated on its own private peninsula, Suite 21 offers 180-degree ocean views, a luxurious marble bathroom with a rolltop tub, and an expansive terrace with a private plunge pool and direct ocean access. Competition for this room is fierce; a long-time guest books it for 40 nights each spring.

Affable and free-spirited Jamaican natives Eric and Belinda Morrow are the third-generation operators of the Jamaica Inn, with Belinda’s role focused on the Jamaica Inn Foundation. Their daughters, Olivia and Eloise, have recently joined as co-managers. And as charismatic as they all are, it’s no match for the star power of “Shadow,” the resident black Labrador holding the honorary title of “Social Director”. Jamaica Inn has kept a sequence of black Labradors named Shadow since the 1970s, and true to her name, this iteration is often found at Belinda’s heels, even accompanying her on paddleboarding excursions.

Belinda’s affinity for the sea is evident in her dedication to the White River Fish Sanctuary, a major initiative of the Jamaica Inn Foundation. Projects include coral planting and anti-bleaching efforts, mangrove restoration, supporting local fishermen, monitoring and protecting endangered Hawksbill turtle nesting sites, and providing ocean swimming lessons for local children for safety, sport, and enjoyment. “Who knows,” said Belinda, a huge smile spreading across her face, “we could inspire the Usain Bolt of the sea!” The Foundation funds the Teddy Tucker Scholarship Fund, which helps local families provide tourism and hospitality training for their children. To complement the Foundation’s efforts to equip local schools with essential technology, like Starlink internet kits, guests are encouraged to bring school supplies for distribution.

Closer to home, Jamaica Inn has eliminated Styrofoam and single-use plastic bottles from its operations, has invested in solar power, maintains an active organic garden and composting program, and was the first resort in Jamaica to install electric vehicle charging stations.

The resort offers a robust program of daily complimentary activities, many of which highlight local culture and culinary traditions. As part of their “Artisan Sundays,” we participated in a weaving workshop with Mr. Richard, who has been creating utilitarian and woven works of art since he was eight years old. Referring to himself as “part of a dying breed,” he is keen on passing down his skills to younger generations and proved to be an incredibly patient teacher, correcting our gaffes with a warm smile and a word of encouragement.

There is ample opportunity for exploration on land and at sea, and Jamaica Inn offers a variety of off-property excursions that can be easily arranged by the resort's concierge. We giggled like teenagers on the way to a half-day excursion that included learning how to roll a Jamaican spliff at JACANA (jacanawellness.com), a 100acre farm and botanical sanctuary in the mountains of St. Ann, known as “The Garden Parish.” The 30-minute drive took us up into the hills where more than 300 species of ferns and trees created a verdant tapestry.

“This is where nature is nurtured,” said Raihn Sibblies, JACANA’s

commercial manager, as she welcomed our group. We quickly learned that while cannabis gets the most attention (and JACANA is the only USDA-certified organic cannabis farm in Jamaica), it’s not the only star of the show in this Eden-like oasis that celebrates the long history of medicinal plant usage on the island. It was fascinating to hear from the women running the company about their own experiences with the various plants, especially the Noni fruit, which elicited a collective “yuck” face from all of them at its mention. “It has traumatized every child in Jamaica,” joked Raihn.

Our half-day itinerary included making an all-natural body scrub using organic ingredients sourced from the farm; learning that a “spliff” refers to the process, not the joint itself; enjoying a deliciously satisfying “Stush in the Bush” lunch; and finally, a relaxing sound bath in a natural bamboo grove. The upscale, environmentally conscious experience, which extends to JACANA’s packaging that performs like plastic but is plant-based, was a sea change from the long-held notions about Jamaica’s ganja industry.

Back at Jamaica Inn, after realizing that no one in our group had visited Dunn’s River Falls, the concierge arranged for a boat to pick us up at the resort and drop us off where the falls meet the Caribbean. From there, we enjoyed another laughter-filled excursion as we slipped and slid our way up the famous cascades, and again as a pop-up downpour added a memorable element to what would have otherwise been a scenic cruise.

We capped off the memorable day with a massage at The Ocean Spa, recognized as Jamaica's Best Hotel Spa as part of the 2025 World Spa Awards. Perched atop a rock outcropping, there is no piped-in soundtrack necessary in the oceanfront treatment rooms, as the rhythmic thrashing of the waves against the rocks is enough to coax even a tippy-top Type A into a blissful parasympathetic state.

Walking back to my room following the massage, I reflected on the day and the trip. At Jamaica Inn, change is calculated; by intentionally embracing history, the resort offers a true sense of escape, transporting guests to a simpler time often yearned for in this crazy, connected era. sl For more information, visit jamaicainn.com.

Bibliotaph

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Connection to place and devotion to functional beauty are the hallmarks of Richard Beard’s namesake firm, founded in 2014 and dedicated to site-specific architecture that integrates the built and natural environments—urban or wild—in ways that are both graceful and sustainable. All his designs, whether custom homes, remodels for growing families, or new-build commercial spaces, share a rightness for the situation and a timeless, thoughtful sensibility.

Richard’s understanding of architecture and how it shapes culture can be traced back to childhood days spent at the side of his father, a contractor and developer, and his grandfather, a land planner. Through that lens, he learned to value the human story of architecture. Today, his highly livable spaces—clean-lined and modern but never cold—have earned devotion from a discerning clientele, including fashion and hospitality brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Mumm Napa Valley, as well as homeowners across the country and overseas, Beard, FAIA, and partner Brett Moyer, along with Associate Principals Rebecca Lischwe, AIA, and Daniel Widlowski, AIA, offer a distinct point of view and a dedication to site-specific architecture that integrates the built and natural environments, urban or wild, in ways that are both graceful and sustainable.

The firm’s first monograph, Time & Place: The Homes of Richard Beard Architects (Monacelli), will debut on September 30, 2026. Supported by Beard’s illuminating text, the book presents eleven extraordinary residences, spanning a historic vineyard estate, a restored urban townhouse, and dramatic homes set along mountainsides and coastal cliffs—each revealing the breadth and refinement of the firm’s work. (phaidon.com)

bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf]: a person who caches or hoards books

Venice: La Serenissima by Assouline is a lavish visual tribute chronicling a millennium of history, art, and architecture through 60 defining moments. Part of the Ultimate Collection, it features a cover photograph of the 1951 Beistegui Ball by Cecil Beaton and brings together iconic imagery with text by Venetian historian Alberto Toso Fei and an introduction from architect Peter Marino.

Measuring a striking 19x19 inches, limited to 200 copies and retailing for $3,500, the Venice: La Serenissima Richelieu Special Edition (shown) is housed in a handcrafted wooden clamshell mimicking Venice's foundational timber piles, with a case swathed in radiant indigo blue and gold metallic Fortuny Richelieu fabric and crowned with a hand-painted Lion of Venice crest. (assouline.com)

Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, The Great Gatsby, features 13 full-color, full-page illustrations by Yuko Shimizu. A stunning addition to any bibliophile’s collection, the book is bound in teal cloth with screen-printed and blocked designs, and comes with a matching slipcase. It features a foreword exploring the novel's themes and an afterword by author Chuck Palahniuk. A numbered, limited edition of 500 copies features goatskin leather binding and green foil details (foliosociety.com).

Launching on September 15, Flamingo Estate has partnered with Chronicle Books to create a modern-day almanac offering practical wisdom and quiet inspiration for creating a deeper connection with the natural world—by planting, harvesting, cooking, and returning to our own senses. Gleaning inspiration from his home and garden in the hills of LA, author and Flamingo Estate founder Richard Christiansen guides readers through the seasons month by month, sharing stories, recipes, rituals, and practical wisdom for all those who want to live a little closer to the earth.

Discover how to cultivate and capture the intoxicating scent of jasmine. Invite birds, bees, and butterflies into your garden by knowing what to plant. Infuse your honey with fragrant honeysuckle. Make a calming lavender dream spray. String marigolds into a garland, and then make pasta with the leftovers. Host a tomato-inspired garden party. In all of it, learn the history, mythology, and botanical significance of these plants and why caring for them matters.

Brimming with hundreds of beautiful images and essential wisdom on countless plants, flowers, trees, and pollinators, Pleasure Principles: An Almanac from the Garden is a call to delight in the radical pleasures of Mother Nature (chroniclebooks.com).

TEQUILA & SUNSHINE

The Ultimate Summer Margarita Guide

Written by Jennifer Brian / Photos by Photo by Jennifer Brian nd Jessie Kriech Higdon

Oh, the glorious growing season of summer! The farmers’ market season is my favorite time of summer. Just browsing the booths to see what's fresh every week brings so many ideas for yummy cocktails and dishes. Simplicity is what we are looking for, and the ingredients during the growing season are always the stars of the show.

One of my quintessential summer cocktails is the margarita. The great thing about classic cocktails is that you can make so many variations with little effort. Margaritas are a crowd pleaser for a reason. The translation of Margarita in Spanish is “Daisy.” A daisy is comprised of a sour, a spirit, citrus, a sweetener, water (from ice dilution), and sometimes curacao. While bourbon is my first love, tequila runs a close second.

Distilled from the Blue Weber agave plant, Tequila is a region-specific product of Mexico. According to the Normas Oficial Mexicana of Tequila (NOM), the regulations governing

the production of tequila, 51% of the sugar used must come from the Blue Weber agave. Additionally, the agave must be grown on a registered plantation and processed, fermented, distilled, and aged by an authorized producer in one of 180 municipalities located in five states: Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas. In fact, bottling is the only activity permitted outside one of these approved areas.

Tequila does not have to be 100% blue agave, but that is 100% what I recommend. You do not want any additives in your tequila. There are three main types of tequila. Blanco tequila (silver) is made by adding only has water to it to dilute it to the desired proof and then bottling it. Reposado (“rested”) has been aged in oak barrels for at least two months, and Añejo (“old”), which has been aged in oak barrels for at least one to three years.

This trio of margarita variations can be made quickly and batch beautifully. Let me know which one is your favorite! sl

THE MARGARITA

Glass: Rocks glass

Served: On the rocks

Yield: 1 drink

2 oz Blanco tequila

1 oz lime juice

1 oz orange curacao or other orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier

Prepare your glass by rimming it with a mixture of 1 cup of sugar and 1 Tbsp of kosher salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the glass into the salt/sugar mixture. Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until very cold. Strain into your prepared rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

WATERMELON MARGARITA

Glass: Rocks glass

Served: On the rocks

Yield: 1 drink

2 oz Blanco Tequila

1 cup cubed seedless watermelon

1 oz Make & Muddle 2 Pepper Agave or 1 oz Simple Syrup or 1 oz orange curacao or liqueur

.5 oz lime juice

.5 oz water

Add watermelon to a blender or food processor and process until very smooth. Strain solids out and use the remaining watermelon juice in the recipe. You should have approximately .5 cups of juice. You can also take 4 or 5 cubes of watermelon and muddle it in the bottom of the cocktail shaker before adding the ingredients if you would rather not use the blender. Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until very cold. Prepare your glass by rimming it with a mixture of 1 cup of sugar and 1 Tbsp of kosher salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the glass into the salt/sugar mixture. Strain onto fresh ice in your favorite prepared rocks glass. Garnish with a watermelon cube and a sprig of fresh mint on a pick.

STRAWBERRY MARGARITA

Glass: Rocks glass

Served: On the rocks

Yield: 1 drink

2.0 oz Reposado Tequila

1.5 oz Make & Muddle Strawberry Basil Solution or *Strawberry syrup

.5 oz lime juice

Shake and strain into a glass over fresh ice. You can also take 3 or 4 fresh strawberries and muddle them in the bottom of the cocktail shaker before adding the ingredients if you would rather not make the syrup. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a strawberry pick.

*Strawberry Syrup

1 quart of fresh or frozen strawberries, stems removed and halved. Place strawberries, 2 cups of sugar, and one cup of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cut the heat to low and simmer until strawberries are falling apart. You can also add a handful of fresh basil or rosemary when simmering the syrup for an added pop of fresh herbs. Cool, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Store in an airtight container for up to 30 days.

Discover how getting away can bring you together.

The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa offers a picturesque backdrop for creating lasting memories. With stunning natural scenery and a range of activities, including golf, hiking, and a luxurious spa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Evenings by the fire pit, sharing stories under the stars, or discovering the resort’s history enrich the family experience. Every moment at

The Omni Homestead becomes a cherished memory.

Come for a tour and stay for the cocktails! Try a rotating selection of hand-crafted bourbon cocktails and award winning wines at Bonnie’s Bourbon and Wine Bar. Best Old Fashioned in Nashville!

Whether celebrating a milestone birthday, planning the office holiday party, or putting together a charity fundraiser, Belle Meade Winery has a number of unique elegant atmospheres to offer. With an onsite culinary team and world class hospitality, your next event won’t be soon forgotten!

Dive into the art of pairing food and wine, learn to craft a classic bourbon cocktail, or sit back and indulge in our culinary team’s latest creations! Join us seven days a week for an unforgettable experience.

615.356.6164 | www.bellemeadewinery.com

AUGUST 1 – 9

DEBUT AT CHEEKWOOD

A fresh floral celebration of HBO its elegance, opulence, and iconic characters to life through stunning local floral artistry.

FROM SCREEN TO STEM

Cheekwood brings The Gilded Age to life in flowers

Written by Melissa Mahanes

Photos courtesy of Fleurs de Villes

In HBO’s hit drama The Gilded Age, fashion is more than fabric and finery. Every gown, silhouette, and detail signals status, ambition, and social standing in the rapidly changing 1880s New York society. This summer, that lavish world blossoms anew as Fleurs de Villes returns to Cheekwood with a fresh floral tribute to the acclaimed series.

Making its Nashville debut August 1–9, Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE, presented in partnership with HBO Max, transforms some of the show’s most beloved characters into breathtaking works of living art. The internationally celebrated exhibition invites visitors to step into the glamour, intrigue, and opulence of the late 19th century through a collection of floral mannequins created entirely from fresh flowers.

For Karen Marshall, co-founder of Fleurs de Villes , the partnership was a natural fit. “The series’ rich visual world and unforgettable characters translate

beautifully into floral design, offering endless inspiration for Nashville’s talented florists and bringing the story to life through stunning floral artistry.”

Installed throughout Cheekwood’s Botanic Hall, Frist Learning Center, and Historic Mansion & Museum, the exhibition

showcases the remarkable talents of Nashville floral designers, who have reimagined the series’ iconic characters through thousands of blooms. The result is a captivating fusion of fashion, storytelling, and horticultural artistry that feels tailor-made for fans of the show and lovers of design alike.

For devoted viewers, the experience offers a chance to see familiar personalities take shape in an unexpected medium. Bertha Russell’s (Carrie Coon) bold social ambitions are expressed through dramatic floral couture. Agnes van Rhijn’s (Christine Baranski) established elegance is reflected in sophisticated arrangements capturing her commanding presence. Marian Brook’s (Louisa Jacobson) understated refinement and Peggy Scott’s (Denee Benton) modern sensibility are likewise translated into

intricate floral creations celebrating each character’s individuality.

“We are delighted to welcome Fleurs de Villes back to Cheekwood for this extraordinary debut,” said Sarah Sperling, Senior Vice President of Museum Affairs at Cheekwood. “Set against the backdrop of our historic estate, this immersive exhibition transforms iconic characters from The Gilded Age into breathtaking floral works of art, offering guests a truly unforgettable experience.”

Part of the appeal lies in the craftsmanship. Every petal is meticulously placed to create elaborate gowns, textured embellishments, and architectural silhouettes that rival the costume design, which has become one of the series’ signatures. The floral mannequins blur the line between fashion installation and botanical sculpture, creating moments that are Instagram-worthy and artistically impressive.

The exhibition reflects the growing phenomenon of fandom-driven experiences, where beloved television worlds extend beyond the screen into immersive environments. Like the grand estates and lavish ballrooms depicted in The Gilded Age, Cheekwood’s historic grounds provide a fitting backdrop for visitors eager to step into the show’s universe for an afternoon.

Whether you’re a devoted follower of Bertha Russell’s climb through New York society, a fashion enthusiast fascinated by period style, or someone who appreciates the transformative power of flowers, Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE promises a fresh take on floral design and fandom. At Cheekwood this August, television’s most fashionable era will bloom once again one petal at a time. sl

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-8000 / Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm, closed Monday / cheekwood.org / Instagram: @cheekwood

GREEK LIFE

Nashville has seen plenty of trendy new spots lately, from upscale coffee bars and health-focused cafés to chef-run restaurants and social clubs. Still, few have brought the same easy cool as Culture Club.

Culture Club may have found the sweet spot between wellness and indulgence

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos by Eli Millner

At first, Culture Club might look like just a Greek yogurt café. But after a few minutes inside, it is clear they are reaching for something more. Part European café, part neighborhood hangout, part wellness spot, and part hospitality brand, the new place from brothers PJ and Bear Kaminer feels less like a frozen yogurt shop and more like a peek at the future of food culture.

The Kaminer brothers grew up in St. Louis, shaped by two strong influences. Their mother focused on wellness and healthy living before it was popular. Their father loved dining out and showed them the joy and emotion of great hospitality. Instead of picking one path, they chose to follow both. Their experiences also shaped their outlook. Both brothers worked at Companion Bakery, a well-known artisan food business in St. Louis, where they learned the hard work behind building

a respected brand. Bear later interned at New York’s famous Carlyle Hotel, where he saw what it takes to create memorable guest experiences.

PJ’s background in real estate and development has given him a deep appreciation for the power of place. He understands that the most successful hospitality concepts become part of the rhythm of daily life. Bear, whose career has focused on consumer branding and lifestyle companies, brings a complementary perspective rooted in storytelling and emotional connection. Together, they have built a concept that feels as much about the experience as about what is served in the cup. What is served is exceptional.

The brothers launched their first Culture Club in June in WedgewoodHouston with a vision shaped by a

simple observation. While specialty coffee transformed daily rituals in the 1990s and craft ice cream reinvented indulgence in the 2010s, premium yogurt has quietly emerged as the next category ripe for reinvention. Across cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, a new generation of consumers is seeking experiences that blend wellness, design, community, and culinary craftsmanship. Nashville, they believed, was ready for its own version.

Culture Club is nothing like the selfserve frozen yogurt shops from the early 2000s. There are no bright dispensers, candy bars, or impersonal vibes. Instead, the space is carefully designed to feel stylish, welcoming, and more mature. The first thing visitors notice is the aesthetic. Warm lighting, natural materials, clean lines, and European-inspired details create a space that encourages lingering. It feels intentional without being precious, polished without feeling exclusive. Much like Nashville itself, the atmosphere balances accessibility with aspiration. That design-forward approach is hardly accidental.

Even the name reflects their goals. “Culture” points to the live cultures in yogurt, but also hints at creativity, curiosity, and shared moments. “Club” suggests belonging and routine. Together, the name invites people to come together for more than just a meal.

At the center of the menu is tangy, creamy, protein-rich, and genuinely satisfying frozen Greek yogurt. Unlike many frozen yogurt products that

contain surprisingly little actual yogurt, Culture Club leans fully into quality ingredients and nutritional integrity. They painstakingly created their own formulas featuring a rotating menu of flavors, including a dairy-free option made with coconut yogurt. Dispensing your base flavor is only the beginning—bring your cup to the sleek stainless-steel counter, and the magic truly begins.

Helping bring the vision to life is acclaimed pastry chef Noelle Marchetti, who oversees the café’s chef-driven toppings program. The menu showcases fresh fruit compotes, artisanal granolas, toasted nuts, house-made sauces, Mediterranean-inspired flavors, and seasonal ingredients that elevate every

bowl into something worthy of a pastry kitchen. The result is a composed (and decidedly Instagram-worthy) creation that does not feel like you are grabbing a quick frozen treat.

Then there is the affogato bar, which may become one of Nashville’s most talked-about hidden pleasures. Traditionally, an affogato consists of hot espresso poured over gelato. Culture Club reimagines the Italian classic by pairing rich espresso with frozen Greek yogurt, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and unexpectedly refreshing. It is the sort of offering that instantly communicates the brand’s personality: familiar yet inventive, sophisticated but approachable.

Morning coffee seekers, post-workout wellness enthusiasts, remote workers, families, and evening dessert crowds will love gathering in this welcoming community. As the city continues to attract entrepreneurs, creatives, wellness brands, and culinary innovators, there is a growing demand for hospitality experiences that feel elevated without feeling exclusive. Culture Club arrives at the intersection of those trends, offering something that is both contemporary and timeless, and super cool. They are already hard at work with their second location—a walkup window downtown at Chief’s on Broadway.. sl

GROWING TOGETHER

A Forest Hills home becomes a masterclass in collaboration both inside and outside

At DK Design, one of the things we love most about our work is the relationships we build with our clients, who often become repeat customers over the decades. So, it was with this beloved client’s project in Forest Hills. We had worked together twenty years ago in Fayetteville, AR, where DK Design has been the leader in its field for almost a quarter century, and had maintained a

friendly relationship ever since, mostly by way of the family’s interior designer (who happens to be one of my best friends), Christopher Todd. So, when the client purchased a new home and was planning a major renovation with Todd at the helm, they asked, “Do you think Daniel would come do the garden?” Would I ever? I couldn’t wait to join the team.

And so began a two-year project that encompassed a complete overhaul of every space, inside and out. The result was not just the Italy-inspired estate you see here, but also (for both Christopher Todd and me) a deep love and appreciation for Nashville and the surrounding area - so deep that we both bought our own residences and decided to expand our businesses into our newfound hometown!

After climbing a long, winding drive, guests are greeted at the top of the hill

by welcoming seating, a hand-carved marble fountain, and lush plantings of clipped boxwood, flowering perennials, and espaliered pear trees. The openair entry loggia is lavishly furnished as though it were an indoor space, effectively extending the home’s foyer right out into the garden. Extensive landscape and moon lighting casts a warm glow throughout the property as night falls.

The stately 80 foot pool already existed but needed to be completely redone. We replaced old concrete pavers with natural bluestone decking and limestone coping. We also rebuilt the fountain pedestals, adding elegant limestone caps and handmade brass spouts. The dark blue plaster is alluring and offers some reflective qualities. Metal urns, an antique statue, and carefully curated furnishings complete this calming space.

Whereas the pool area on the southeast side of the house is planted and decorated with cooling blue and lush green tones, the primary outdoor living space on the northwest side of the house embraces warmer colors. Dubbed the “Crescent Terrace,” the space was updated with the same bluestone that surrounds the pool, along with an outdoor kitchen complete with a pizza oven. Large terracotta planters billow with seasonal color, while complementary fabrics mimic the hues of the sunsets enjoyed from this outdoor room. In addition to the deep seating lounge grouping, the terrace can seat up to 16 for alfresco meals.

In the perennial garden below the Crescent Terrace, an oversized antique terracotta urn serves as a focal point, drawing attention to distant views. We expanded a gravel walkway to create a courtyard outside the owner’s office, where an antique jar fountain aligns with the office doors and provides the soothing

sound of water. Garden benches offer a place to rest between meetings. A narrow terrace off the movie and game room features comfortable seating and fire tables for cooler evenings. The existing potager was redesigned around an antique urn and expanded to include a small dining area, conveniently located near both kitchens.

The result is a harmonious blend of timeless European elegance and warm Southern hospitality—a testament to the power of collaboration, lasting client relationships, and a shared passion for thoughtful design. Every corner of this estate now tells a story of renewal, friendship, and a sense of place that welcomes all who visit. For us at DK Design, this project is more than just another garden; it is a celebration of what can be achieved when vision, trust, and creativity come together. We look forward to continuing to create more spaces in the Nashville area that inspire, delight, and endure for years to come. sl

DK Design / Nashville, TN (615) 988-9899

Northwest AR: (479) 443-9002

Little Rock, AR: (501) 613-7660 / dkdesignoutdoor.com

DESIGN CREDITS:

Project Lead, Interior Design, Interior Furnishings: Christopher Todd Design

Garden Design, Landscape Lighting Design, Exterior Furnishings, Outdoor Project Management: DK Design

Pool Contractor: Waterscapes Backyard Resorts

Container and Seasonal Plantings Installation: B. Green Landscapes

Landscape and Landscape Lighting Installation: T2 Green

Garden and Property Maintenance: B. Green Landscapes, T2 Green, Lorenzo’s Landscaping

Custom Metal Fabrication: Farrin IronWorks

Backyard Resorts

YOU DREAM IT, WE’LL BUILD IT

Effortless luxury, built for life outdoors — from casual pools and elegant spas to outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and waterfalls. New builds, renovations, and year-round service, all backed by our Jandy-certified expertise. Contact Lee Seelig at (615) 242-5284.

BONJOUR, NASHVILLE!

Olala Café brings an inviting taste of France to The Gulch

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photo courtesy of Hall Strategies

Nashville has a new rendezvous spot, offering buttery croissants, strong coffee, and a whole lot of joie de vivre. Olala Café, a family-owned French café, opened this spring near Cannery Hall and Cummins Station, bringing an authentic Parisian café experience to the heart of Music City.

The café is the passion project of father-and-son duo Arnaud and Mathis Combaluzier. They relocated from Provence, France, to plant roots in Nashville. Chef Mathis trained at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie Alain Ducasse, one of the world’s top pastry

schools. He then refined his craft at Pierre Hermé, the Mandarin Oriental in Paris, and Miami’s Mila Restaurant.

“My love of pastries and community has guided me from Provence to Paris and Miami, and now to Nashville,” Chef Mathis said. “Olala Café is an opportunity to build something unique that reflects my values of authenticity and creativity while sharing the tradition of French pastry.”

The menu focuses on scratch-made croissants, both sweet and savory, hand-folded and baked fresh every morning. Crêpes, pastries, and other breakfast and lunch dishes complete the menu. Everything is made with traditional French methods and high-quality ingredients. The café calls itself the Home of the Croissant in Nashville. Judging by the flaky layers, it lives up to the name.

Inside, the café feels like it came straight from the south of France. In fact, much of it did. Antique French furniture and artwork were brought over, creating a warm and charming space that feels truly French. “With accessible parking, all-day dining, and plans for evening events, we hope guests will feel welcome to visit any time and stay as long as they like,” said Arnaud Combaluzier. Whether you come in for a morning café au lait or a late lunch, the atmosphere encourages you to relax and enjoy your time sl

Olala Café / 818 Palmer Place, Nashville, TN 37203 (305) 323-2368 / Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday 7:30am-2:30pm, Thursday-Saturday 7:30am-2:30pm & 5:30-9:00pm, closed Mondays / Free parking from 8:00am-11:00am daily, $2 from 11:00am-3:00pm olala-cafe.com / Instagram: @olalafrenchcafe

HEART OF GOLD

Yearly Company celebrates a decade of tradition forged in gold

What started as a beloved family tradition has become one of Nashville’s best-known fine jewelry brands. This year, Nashville jewelry designer Ann Williams is celebrating 10 years of Yearly Co. in her beautiful boutique in Green Hills, the company she started by accident while raising her children and looking for a creative outlet that felt personal.

The inspiration for the brand goes back generations. Williams’ grandfather gave her grandmother a gold bangle each year for their anniversary, a tradition that became part of the family. Today, the same idea is at the heart of Yearly Co., where clients mark special moments with jewelry made to be collected and worn daily. “We’ve seen women celebrate everything from big birthdays and promotions to years free from cancer and lasting friendships,” Williams says. “The jewelry becomes part of their story.”

That sense of permanence is intentional. Staying true to her family’s tradition, Williams designs exclusively in solid 14K gold, favoring the metal for its durability, rich tone, and ability to age beautifully. Unlike hollow or gold-filled pieces, Yearly Co.’s bangles are designed for daily wear—jewelry meant to last for generations rather than seasons.

Jewelry was never part of Williams’ original career plan. After earning a Master of Education in Child Studies from Vanderbilt University, she opened Smart Sprouts, a boutique drop-in childcare center in Green Hills. After the birth of her first daughter, she left the business to focus on family. While pregnant with her second child, Williams began crafting her family’s anniversary bangles in her garage. This turning point led her to discover her creative and entrepreneurial instincts through jewelry.

Yearly Co. has now grown into a thriving Nashville business. A major milestone came when handcrafted production moved to the Music Row studio, solidifying the company’s presence. Williams remains deeply involved, directing design and customer experience, and collaborating closely with artisans.

The company’s most meaningful creations often begin with clients themselves.

Many of Yearly Co.’s custom pieces are inspired by personal stories—celebrations, reinventions, losses, and triumphs translated into heirloom jewelry. That collaborative spirit is central to the brand’s philosophy. In addition to custom sizing, Yearly Co. offers commissions and redesign services, transforming inherited or unworn stones into modern pieces with renewed meaning. Whether through in-person appointments or virtual consultations, the goal remains: creating jewelry designed not only to be worn, but truly lived in.

Williams continues to evolve alongside Yearly Co., a brand rooted in her accidental beginnings. This summer, she will return to the classroom, enrolling in a stone-setting course to reconnect with the hands-on artistry that inspired the business. For Williams, Yearly Co. is defined not merely by jewelry, but by memory, ritual, and the celebration of life year by year. sl

THE 22 ANNUAL ND FALL LUNCHEON

BENEFITING THE NEXT DOOR RECOVERY

“LIGHT FOR A LIFETIME”

JOHN 8:12

SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 AT NOON ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

FEATURING REBEKAH LYONS AND POINT OF GRACE

JESUS CALLING AWARD PRESENTED TO ANNA THORNTON

DIONE DEWITTE AND SHEA GHERTNER

TO ATTEND, REACH OUT TO SUSAN.WEATHERSBY@THENEXTDOOR.ORG CHAIRS

WARNER DICKSON AND AUSTIN WILSON SOPHISTICATED WEDDINGS

Warner Dickson and Austin Wilson are a testament to perfect timing. The two Nashville natives first crossed paths at Father Ryan High School, graduating in 2016. Romance waited another four years. In 2020, during the pandemic, mutual friends reunited them. What had been a quiet high school connection bloomed into something neither could ignore.

On April 18, 2026, surrounded by family and lifelong friends, Warner and Austin exchanged vows at Belle Meade Winery. Clay Stauffer of Woodmont Christian Church, Warner’s childhood pastor and a treasured family friend, officiated the ceremony. His presence gave their vows a deeply personal note. The celebration then moved to Belle Meade Country Club.

There, a reception designed in the most joyful shades of spring awaited: lush floral tablecloths, swaths of pink and green, and pink chandeliers that bathed the entire room in a rosy glow. The florals, created by Amos Gott of Amos Events, were the talk of the evening. Guests marveled at arrangements they called the most spectacular they had ever seen. The roses, extraordinary in size, seemed almost impossible.

The bride was luminous. Warner wore the “Naomi” gown by Anne Barge Couture—a romantic silhouette perfectly suited to a spring garden wedding. She paired it with a Toni Federici veil and

Dolce Vita white satin heels. For jewelry, she chose her mother’s pearl earrings, a quietly sentimental touch that matched the spirit of the day. The wedding party was a gathering of those who know Warner and Austin best. Warner had two maids of honor: her sister, Laine Dickson, and her best friend, Rosie McGrady. Austin’s best man was John Ledford, his closest friend since they were five years old. Rounding out the party were Austin’s brother, Lowry Wilson, and his wife, Andie Wilson, his sister, Ashley Wilson, and a beloved circle of lifelong friends from both sides of the aisle. It was a wedding party built from years of friendship and family—exactly right.

Warner and Austin’s beloved miniature dachshund, Petey, was woven into the evening in delightful ways. The signature cocktail of the night, “Petey’s Painkiller,” kept spirits high. A small figure of Petey leaping from the base of the wedding cake drew laughs from every guest who spotted it. The night’s showstopping moment, however, belonged to best man John Ledford. He emerged onto the dance floor in a fully inflatable pink pony costume just as the live band launched into Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” The room erupted. April arrived with gray skies and cooler-than-expected temperatures. It produced some of the most beautiful photographs of the day. “The wedding was an absolute dream,” Warner reflected. “Nothing could stop the celebration.” After a honeymoon in St. Lucia, the couple returned to their home in Nashville’s Berry Hill neighborhood. They live there with Petey and their cat, Doja. Two Father Ryan kids, a decade in the making—and worth every year of the wait. sl

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Presented by

July

7/31

Jiselle Lauren Foundation’s Stands for Smiles

7/14 United Way’s Stuff the Bus Day of Action dropoff at Nissan Stadium from 9:00am-11:00am

14 + 15 Persist Nashville’s College Access and Success Institute at Persist from 10:00am-2:00pm

23 Persist Nashville’s College Con from 2:00pm-6:00pm

17-19 Isaiah 117 House’s Lemonade Challenge Weekend

18 Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway

18 + 19 Nashville Bonsai Society Statewide Show at Cheekwood from 9:00am-5:00pm

19 Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Speedway

25 TPAC Family Day in Jackson Hall and Polk Theater Co-Chairs: Nikki Burdine and Johari Matthews

26 Persist Nashville’s Sunrise to Success at 14TENN Events at 8:00am

30 Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Ete du Vin Vintner’s Tasting at Four Seasons Nashville at 6:00pm

31 Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Ete du Vin Patrons Dinner at Four Seasons Nashville at 6:30pm

August

1 Nashville Wine Auction’s 47th Annual l’Ete du Vin at JW Marriott at 5:30pm featuring Maison Louis Roederer and Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

1 Bob Dylan at Ascend Amphitheater with Lucinda Williams and Her Band and Jimmie Vaughan at 7:00pm

1-9 Fleurs de Villes: The Gilded Age at Cheekwood (see p. 68)

1-10/4

Maura Wright: Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence at Cheekwood

2 Monthaven Arts’ Annual Veterans Exhibition and Boots & BBQ for Healing Arts at Bagsby Ranch in Gallatin

7-8 Tomato Art Fest in East Nashville

8 An Evening with Vince Gill at Ryman Auditorium at 7:30pm

13 Cumberland River Compact’s Cumberland River Kayak Cleanup at Shelby Bottoms Park Boat Ramp from 1:30pm-5:00pm

13-22 Tennessee State Fair

14-16 PBR Stampede at Bridgestone Arena

15 Hope Smiles’ Free Dental Day at Northfield Church in Gallatin

15 Black Arts Bash at Cheekwood from 9:00am-9:00pm

16 Nashville REP’s Broadway Brunch (see p. 84)

Co-Chairs: Angela Bostelman and Anne Elizabeth McIntosh

17 Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition’s 30th Annual Celebration of Life Golf Classic at Bluegrass Country Club from 9:00am-4:00pm

20-9/20 Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bandshell at Centennial Park

21 PENCIL’s 9th Annual Back to School Breakfast at Belmont Curb Center

21-22 Songwriters Under the Stars at Cheekwood at 7:00pm

21-22 Megan Maroney at Bridgestone Arena at 7:00pm

22 Music City Brewer’s Fest

24 Folds of Honor’s Freedom Invitational Golf Tournament

NASHVILLE PROMISE GALA

Breakthrough T1D gathered the Nashville community for its 26th annual Nashville Promise Gala at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Inspired by the theme “North Star to a Cure,” the black-tie evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner, a live auction, and a program led by Board President Burt Powers, Corporate Development Chair Eric Dietz, and Volunteer Leadership chairs Philip and Susan Perdue. The Hubbard Family was honored for their outstanding commitment to the Breakthrough T1D mission, while the Konves Family shared their personal journey with Type 1 diabetes during the Fund-A-Cure portion of the evening. Guests then carried the night into “The Starry Night Soirée” after-party, celebrating the progress being made toward cures for T1D. (April 25)

1. Brian and Dana Self, Aaron and Christy Gurley, Ray and Megan Garbiras

2. Claire List, Nick Viars, Jennifer and Eric Viars

3. Dr. Jason Hubbard, Emily Hubbard, Dudley Selinger, Caroline Selinger, Christina Roberts

4. Fund A Cure Family Table

5. Eric Paslay and Larry Gatlin

6. Eleanor Glover, Elise Guidry, Amber Gilock, Kristina Hickman, Victoria Matlock

7. Honorees Dr. Jason and Emily Hubbard

8. Eric and Karen Dietz

9. Olivia Alexander, Whitney Walkup

10. Jeff and Michelle Cotton, Morgan and Clint Jennings

11. Paul Feega, Cortney Konves, Erin Feega, Shane Konves

SYMPHONY FASHION SHOW PATRON PARTY

Patrons of the Nashville Symphony gathered at the home of Kelly Crockett for the pre-show party ahead of the 21st annual Symphony Fashion Show. The evening’s special guests included Oscar de la Renta CEO Alex Bolen and his wife, Eliza Bolen, the label’s executive vice president, who represented the show’s headline designer. The patron party set a celebratory tone for what proved to be a record-breaking event — the Symphony Fashion Show raised over $1 million for the Nashville Symphony. (April 27)

1. Blair Lund, Co-Chair Laura Kimbrell, Brenda Steakley

2. Brooke Trusley, Melissa Mahanes, Suann Davis

3. Memorie White, Kimberly Lewis, Gabriela Lira

4. Daniel Meigs, Nancy Floyd

5. David Morgan, TK Kimbrell, Greg Daily

6. Donna Joyner, Amy Hobbs

7. Hostess Kelly Crockett holding Theo with Stephanie Crockett and Luke

8. Kevin and Clarice Byard

9. Carolyn Smith Bryant, Melissa Mahanes

10. Rhonda and Alan Wernick

11. Sandra and Larry Lipman

12. Co-Chair Laura Kimbrell, Co-Chair Marci Houff, Executive Chair Ashley Rosen, NSO President and CEO Alan Valentine

13. Stacey Rhodes, Carolyn Smith Bryant

SYMPHONY FASHION SHOW

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center provided a dazzling backdrop for the 2026 Fashion Show, featuring the Fall 2026 collection from Oscar de la Renta. Guests arrived in their finest florals to support the Nashville Symphony and its educational initiatives, including Accelerando and community outreach programs such as Music in My Neighborhood. Gus Mayer proudly presented the show for the 15th consecutive year. (April 28)

1. Bob Deal, Marissa Houff, Jason Bradshaw

2. Co-Chair Marci Houff, Executive Chair Ashley Rosen, Co-Chair Laura Kimbrell

3. David and Janice Morgan

4. Grace Awh, Jerry Williams

5. Henry Bolen, Oscar de la Renta Executive Vice President Eliza Bolen, Lainey Wilson, Oscar de la Renta CEO Alex Bolen

6. Jane MacLeod, Laurie Seabury

7. Emcee Danielle Breezy

8. Lainey Wilson (Photo by Erick Frost)

9. Oscar de la Renta Runway

10. Janie Elliott Morgan, Alex Bolen, Barbara Bovender

11. Rachel Ailor, Karen Morgan, Shaun Inman, Sheila Shields

by

STEEPLECHASE

The 85th Iroquois Steeplechase delivered a picture-perfect May day as more than 35,000 guests gathered for an afternoon of racing, fashion, and philanthropy. To date, the event has raised more than $12 million for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, continuing its longstanding tradition of giving back to the community. (May 9)

CHEEKWOOD SOCIETY DINNER

The 31st Annual Cheekwood Society Dinner at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens honored the institution’s most generous supporters. During the evening, Cheekwood President & CEO Jane MacLeod announced the successful fundraising campaign for the estate’s new Parking Pavilion & Welcome Plaza, which will add 750 parking spaces within the gates. Neil Krugman, Deby Pitts, and Genesco were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Cheekwood. (May 6)

1. Anne Russell, Barbara Bovender

2. Cheekwood Senior Vice President, Museum Affairs Sarah Sperling, Lee Pratt and Jane and Guilford Dudley Award Recipient Neil Krugman

3. Donnie and Kayla Counts

4. Janice Elliott Morgan, Beth Murdock, Cheekwood Director of External Relations Emily Luxen

5. Lorraine Segovia, Doreatha and Andre Churchwell, Yuri Cunza

6. William and Diane Edwards, Ruthie Keene, Nancy Hearn Peterson

7. Kevin and Katie Crumbo

8. James A. Webb III Award Recipient Deby Pitts and Keith Pitts

9. Carole Rose, Jennifer Frist

10. Pete Delay, Marianne and Andrew Byrd

11. Lyn and Steve Cates, Matt and Sanders Miller

by Melissa

HERMITAGE SPRING OUTING

Swan Ball guests gathered for the annual Jewelry Party at the home of Elizabeth and Bryan Frist. The evening gave attendees the chance to view and purchase stunning pieces from this year’s featured jeweler, Richters of Palm Beach—a beloved tradition that, as Swan Ball Public Relations Committee member Susan Chapman noted, offers something fresh each year. “It’s just a nice little extra component,” she said. “Everybody’s jewelry has a different personality.” (June 4)

1. Co-Chair Suzanne Smothers, Jeannette Warner, Frances Edwards, Irwin Fisher

2. Hermitage President & CEO Jason Zajac, Keynote Speakers Norah O’donnell and Kate Anderson Brower, Lewis R. Donelson Award Recipient John Nau

3. Betsy Wills, Ann Marie McNamara

4. Co-Chairs Suzanne Smothers, Robi Warner and Jennifer Stadler

5. Elaine Lee, Martha Flanagan

6. Lee Robinson, Susan Harris, Lori Myers

7. Lisa Manning, Sarah Sperling

8. Mary Jo Shankle, Elizabeth Papel

9. Nancy Floyd, Laurie Seabury

UP DOWN PROM

Up-Down Nashville hosted a prom-themed evening benefiting Love the Dress TN, which provides free dresses, shoes, and accessories to high school students across Middle Tennessee. Guests enjoyed themed cocktails, a prom-inspired playlist, nostalgic décor, and a photobooth capturing the spirit of the evening, while an on-site donation drop box collected dresses and accessories in support of the organization’s mission. (May 30)

10. Lauren Woodard, Caleb Edens

11. Marissa Rogan

12. Buck Blackhurst, Jameson Parker, Emily Robles

13. Sara E Champagne

SWAN BALL AUCTION PARTY

Swan Ball supporters gathered at Belle Meade Country Club for the annual Swan Ball Auction Party, an exclusive pre-Ball event ahead of the 64th annual Swan Ball. Guests bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and luxury items, setting the stage for one of Nashville’s most anticipated charity traditions and raising a record amount of funds to benefit Friends of Warner Parks. (May 14)

1. Donna Joyner, Jay Joyner, Swan Ball Co-Chair Jenny Corts

2. Doug and Sylvia Bradbury, Anne and Matt Dobson

3. Janice and Newt Lovvorn, Cece Lovvorn, Annabelle Needham

4. Reed Harrison Nirula, John and Kristen Winston

5. Steve and Beth Franklin, Rose and Steve Shipp

6. Swan Ball Auction Co-Chair Jody Mattison, Mary Jo Shankle, Coco Kyriopoulos, Melissa Mahanes

7. Amy Delk, Al Thomas

8. Elizabeth Nichols, Dionne Dewitte

9. Kyle Branfield and Sarah Pickens

10. Swan Ball Auction Party Co-Chairs Anne Clayton, Ann Williford, Grace Clayton

11. Tracy Wade, Emmie Wade, Bill Wade

by Melissa

VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR

Blood Cancer United hosted the Nashville Grand Finale of its Visionaries of the Year campaign at Geodis Park. The celebratory evening marked the conclusion of a 10-week philanthropic competition in which community leaders raised funds in honor of local blood cancer survivors. The Candidates all competed to raise the most funds for blood cancer research and patient services through Blood Cancer United, formerly known as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (May 28)

1. Emcee Lucas Panzica, BCU’s ED for TN and AL Brea McCormley

2. Randy and Cindy Wilmore

3. Sophie Meadows, VOY Candidate Brittany Meadows, Teddy Meadows, Amber Crossley

4. VOY Honored Hero Cora

5. VOY Winner Brittany Meadows and her team

6. VOY Honored Hero Mateo

7. VOY Leadership’s Sabrina Gerzel and Kimmi Rasky

SWAN BALL PATRONS’ PARTY

Swan Ball Patrons gathered downtown at AllianceBernstein’s lobby and rooftop for an exclusive pre-Ball celebration, one of a series of by-invitation events leading up to the 64th annual Swan Ball. The stylish setting set the tone for the festivities ahead, as guests mingled, viewed the spectacular jewels from Richter’s of Palm Beach, and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner from Kristen Winston. (June 3)

1. Brock and Corinne Kidd, Julie and Breck Walker

2. David and Kathryn Brown, Leigh Reames, Kathleen Estes

3. Alex and Margaret Palmer

4. Dudley Richter, Co-Chair Jenny Corts

5. Elizabeth Nichols, Co-Chair Jennie Garth Lowe

6. Tom and Connie Cigarran, Jenny Corts

7. Tricia and Ben Carswell, Elizabeth Akers

8. Jane Anne and Dale Pilkinton

9. Jay and Sandy Sangervasi

10. Noel and Richard Geer

11. Julie Stadler, Collie Daily

12. Jay Joyner and Mary Spalding

by

SWAN BALL

Nashville’s most elegant evening unfolded at Harpeth Meadow in Edwin Warner Park as the 64th annual Swan Ball came into full bloom. Co-chaired by Jenny Corts and Jennie Garth Lowe, the whitetie affair brought together the city’s most philanthropic guests for a night of dinner, dancing, and dazzling décor inspired by the four seasons — reflected through artwork installations, bespoke linens, and florals evoking spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Country Music Hall of Fame member Joe Galante was honored with the Swan Award before Little Big Town took the stage, delighting the crowd with hits including “Girl Crush,” “Pontoon,” and “Better Man.” The celebration continued late into the night, all in support of Friends of Warner Parks, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving Nashville’s beloved 3,195-acre Warner Parks. (June 6)

1. Co-Chairs Jennie Garth Lowe, Jenny Corts

2. Dave and Melissa Mahanes

3. Adam Sansiveri and Kendall Brown

4. Amy Hobbs, Sarah Reisner

5. Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw

6. Brandon and Caffi Bell Corbin

7. Chad and Joey Price

8. Chris and Coco Kyriopoulos, Karen and Brian Vingelen

9. Crews and Susan Johnston

10. Damon and Susan Byrd

11. David and Beth Scott

SWAN BALL

12. David Bridgers and Chanelle Acheson

13. Deborah and Mark Thomas

14. Heather and David Corts

15. J’Annine MacDonald Sullivan, Joe Hijham

16. Jeff and Kim Leeper

17. Jim and Martha Crossman

18. John and Julie Schneider

19. Julie Ervin, Linda Ervin, Suzanne Smothers

20. Jason and Kim West, Davonna and Randy Wachtler

21. Kathy and Tommy Tompkins

22. Ellie and Eric Osborne, Casey and Ryan Lipscomb

23. Ken Kraft and Luci Crow

SWAN BALL

24. Kendrick Watts and Sarah Dawkins

25. Kevin and May Lavender

26. Lauren Howell and Matt Andersen

27. Luis and Viviana Fernandez

28. Mary Belle Grande, Mary Jo Shankle

29. Nancy and Keith Gregg

30. Rene Houghland and Tommy Carter

31. Matthew and Mary Lindley Hubbard, Tricia and Ben Carswell

32. Rhonda Small and Jamie Alalu

33. Rob and Maria Beckham

34. Shelley and Jim Weatherly

35. Steve Robson and Terri Major

36. Will and Lise Morrow

SWAN BALL JEWELRY PARTY

Swan Ball guests gathered for the annual Jewelry Party at the home of Elizabeth and Bryan Frist. The evening gave attendees the chance to view and purchase stunning pieces from this year’s featured jeweler, Richters of Palm Beach—a beloved tradition that, as Swan Ball Public Relations Committee member Susan Chapman noted, offers something fresh each year. “It’s just a nice little extra component,” she said. “Everybody’s jewelry has a different personality.” (June 4)

1. Sylvia Bradbury, Nancy Cheadle, Julie Haley

2. Edie Johnson, Kathryn Brown

3. Janice Elliott Morgan, Karyn Frist

4. Jewelry Chairs Katie Harwell Gibson and Emma Harwell Graw

5. Jewelry Party Hosts Bryan and Elizabeth Frist

6. LaDonna Boyd and Waddell Wright

AHA FOUNDER’S DAY

The American Heart Association marked its 102nd birthday with a Founder’s Day celebration hosted by Frank McGrew and the team at Greenwich Capital Group in Nashville. More than 75 guests gathered to network, celebrate, and raise a toast to the AHA’s enduring legacy, with the evening’s only program being a heartfelt thank-you to all in attendance. (June 10)

7. Bev Miller, Michelle Merrick

8. Frank McGrew, Joe Schmidt

9. Judy Fabling Wallace, AHA Executive Director, Development & Community Health Annie Thornhill

10. Sherri Edwards, Lee Ann Listra

11. Lynn Friedrichs, Rob Erickson

12. Muriel Ray-Taylor and Larry Taylor

13. Wright Pinson, Dave Mahanes

by

MIDSUMMER NIGHT

Nashville Shakespeare Festival hosted its annual Midsummer Night fundraising cocktail party at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. Chaired by Milton White, the enchanting evening featured drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a performance by NSF’s talented actors. Proceeds from the event benefit Shakespeare in the Park, the Festival’s flagship program that has brought free professional outdoor theatre to the Nashville community for more than 35 years. (June 11)

EXPOSITION OF ELEGANCE

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens welcomed automotive enthusiasts and families alike for the opening day of the annual Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars & Motorcycles. Presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, the two-day event showcased more than 100 impeccably maintained classic cars and vintage motorcycles from the early to mid20th century, set against the backdrop of Cheekwood’s lush gardens. Guests enjoyed era-specific tunes from the Nashville Jazz Orchestra and the Front Row Barbershop Quartet, along with food trucks, bar stations, informative car talks, and hands-on activities for kids. The weekend’s festivities also included Cheekwood’s blockbuster America the Beautiful TRAINS exhibition, making for a perfect Father’s Day weekend celebration. (June 20-21)

1. Deborah and Barry Fodor with their 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Good Humor Ice Cream Truck

2. Caroline Berman, Matt and Robin Berman

3. David Nau with his 1927 Packard Sport Phaeton

4. John Rochford with his Vintage Jaguar

5. Lea Zila and Elliott

6. Robert Swope with his 1963 Studebaker GT Mohawk

7. Tom Perkins with his 1963 Morgan Plus 4 SuperSport

Exclusively at