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Sophisticated Living Nashville March/April 2026

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{Nashville’s Finest}

Mar/Apr 2026

THE DETROIT COWBOY BY KID ROCK AND JOE MUER SEAFOOD BLENDS FINE DINING WITH THE SOUL OF BOTH DETROIT AND NASHVILLE’S MUSIC SCENES AND HISTORIES. JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR, LUNCH, DINNER, OR PLAN A SPECIAL EVENT IN ONE OF OUR PRIVATE DINING SPACES THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE GROUPS OF 10 TO 300. THE DETROIT COWBOY IS NASHVILLE’S DESTINATION FOR LOVERS OF EXCEPTIONAL SEAFOOD, STEAKS, AND STORIES. 500 11th avenue north at capitol view | thedetroitcowboy.com

PUBLISHER

Dave Mahanes

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

Melissa Mahanes

FEATURES EDITOR

Carolyn Smith Bryant

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Charlie Mahanes

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Jennifer Brian

Bridget Cottrell

Matthew Cottrell

Vicki Denig

Dave Mahanes

Melissa Mahanes

Macey Phillips

Photographers

Charlie Mahanes

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

I am sure everyone has their story about January’s Ice Storm Fern, one of the most catastrophic storms to hit Nashville in decades. At 4:30am on Sunday, January 25th, we were awoken by what sounded like a bomb, promptly knocking the power out. I jumped up to investigate and saw that a huge branch had fallen on the house, shattering the glass storm window at the front. Thank goodness it didn’t break through the indoor window. Several hours later, when the sun came up, there was another crash caused by a large branch that severely crushed the stairs to my back deck. Stepping outside to assess the damage, it was eerie. The sky was grey; the ground was covered with snow; and the trees were encased in glittering ice. In the silence, the breaking of large branches and the falling of trees continued throughout the day. By 4:00 in the afternoon, with no heat, no electricity, no TV, and no internet, we decided to pack up and flee to my oldest son, Jack’s, midtown studio apartment in SkyHouse. With our beagle Dolly Parton in tow (barking the entire time), we started our way out of Belle Meade. So many roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines that we had to constantly turn around to reach Harding Pike, finally making it out by driving beneath an intimidatingly low arch formed by a fallen tree and a utility pole hanging over Lynwood Boulevard. It took us an hour to get to our son’s apartment, when it usually takes us 15 minutes.

The four of us with Dolly hunkered down in that small but comfortable apartment for 8 days. Although not without its challenges, I truly enjoyed the togetherness, and we managed to maintain a sense of humor throughout. We made some really nice dinners and watched some great movies – I particularly enjoyed F1. We would take turns sleeping on the queen-size bed, with two on it and two on the L-shaped sofa. Walking the dog in the bitter cold and icy sidewalks was a challenge; we both hated every minute of it. Trying to work on my laptop and iPad isn’t as easy as working from my home office. We finally returned to the house on Monday, February 2nd, when the power was restored. We would not have internet for several more days. The refrigerator and basement freezer were full of spoiled food, and there were many more fallen trees and branches.

All in all, I still feel very lucky, as I hope many of you were, too. The damage to my property was minimal compared to what many other Nashvillians suffered, and everyone in my family was unscathed. I know that some were less fortunate. I learned that a falling branch tragically paralyzed a former colleague. During this storm drama, I got to know my new next-door neighbors as well as my new backyard neighbor, who will soon enjoy a brand new fence. Sometimes, difficult situations do bring out the best in us.

2026 SYMPHONY FASHION SHOW FEATURED

DESIGNER

Established in New York City in 1965, Oscar de la R enta is one of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses, defined by a legacy of craftsmanship, elegance and modern femininity. Rooted in the founder’s belief that fashion should inspire confidence, the brand has long been recognized for its refined approach to design and meticulous attention to detail. In addition to its internationally renowned women’s ready-to-wear collections, the house encompasses a full offering of women’s accessories, bridal, fragrance and home décor. Today, Oscar de la Renta continues to evolve under a creative vision that honors its heritage while remaining distinctly relevant , stan ding as one of the few independent American luxury brands with a truly global presence

OSCAR DE LA RENTA FALL 2026 PRESENTED BY GUS MAYER SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER • APRIL 28

ALL GUEST RECEPTION • 6PM FALL 2026 RUNWAY SHOW AND PERFORMANCE • 7:30PM

TICKETS GO ON SALE MARCH 2 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NASHVILLESYMPHONY.ORG

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION FALL 2026 TRUNK SHOW • APRIL 29-30

EXCLUSIVELY IN-STORE AT

FASHION FORWARD

We visit with the 21st Annual Symphony Fashion Show Chairs for a peek backstage

The Nashville Symphony Fashion Show returns in signature style on April 28th, when the Schermerhorn Symphony Center becomes the runway for an unforgettable presentation of Oscar de la Renta designs, showcased by Gus Mayer. At the helm of this celebrated event are co-chairs Marci Houff and Laura Kimbrell, whose vision and leadership continue to elevate the Fashion Show as one of the city’s most anticipated philanthropic evenings. We sat down with Marci and Laura to talk inspiration, collaboration, and what makes this year’s show especially spectacular.

Melissa Mahanes: The Nashville Symphony Fashion Show has become such a signature event in the city. What does this year’s show mean to each of you personally?

Marci Houff: Co-chairing one of my favorite events in Nashville fills me with both excitement and nostalgia. The thrill of featuring CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson and bringing Oscar de la Renta back after a 14-year hiatus is beyond amazing!

Laura Kimbrell: I’ve loved watching the success of this event grow. Last year was the 20th anniversary of the Nashville Symphony Fashion

Show, and it was fabulous! This year begins the next chapter with new leadership in many areas and big shoes to fill. It’s a lot of pressure, and we hope everyone will be thrilled with the outcome.

MM: Oscar de la Renta is synonymous with timeless glamour. What can attendees expect from this year’s runway presentation?

MH + LK: Expect to be completely wowed by the Fall 2026 collection of one of the most respected and coveted fashion houses in the world! After getting a sneak peek, we can’t wait for our 600-plus guests to be treated to a stunning runway show from such an exclusive and celebrated designer as Oscar de la Renta!

MM: Are there particular elements of the collection—silhouettes, craftsmanship, or details—that you’re especially excited for guests to see?

MH + LK: The colors, the fabrics, the exquisite use of lace, the hand-sewn bead work— where do we begin? This collection includes all of those elements and more!

Interview by Melissa Mahanes / Photos by Daniel Meigs and courtesy of Oscar de la Renta
Co-chairs Marci Houff and Laura Kimbrell

MM: As Fashion Show Chairs, what has been the most rewarding part of working together on this year’s event?

MH: How lucky am I to work with a friend on this important event! Laura’s work ethic, attention to detail, and professionalism have made my job easy and fun.

LK: I didn’t realize how much Marci and I were alike until we started working on this project! Our tastes are so similar, and we agree on pretty much everything. She’s bright, positive, and impressive to watch work. Marci brings a lot to the table with her experience in nonprofit work, and she has taught me a great deal.

MM: The Fashion Show is not only about fashion, but also about supporting the Nashville Symphony. Why is this cause so important to you?

MH: Unknown to me before becoming a co-chair, the Symphony Fashion Show directly supports the Nashville Symphony’s

Accelerando Program, which provides meaningful musical education to more than 100,000 local students annually. Many of these talented student musicians are in underserved schools. Who knows, perhaps the next Rachmaninoff will be discovered!

LK: Music has always been a huge passion of mine. I’ve worked in the music business for more than 20 years and am a proud Nashville native. We are Music City, and it’s so important that we support musicians.

MM: What else will guests take away from the evening—beyond the runway?

MH + LK: Energy, inspiration, and a very rare opportunity to see couture fashion in our beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center!

MM: Thank you, Marci and Laura—can’t wait! sl

JUST ADD WATER

The gateway to Music Row is gearing up for an exciting transformation

In Midtown Nashville, a constant flow of traffic circulates around Buddy Killen Circle, steps from Music Row, framing a spectacular bronze landmark that feels both timeless and modern. At the center of it all rises Musica, Alan LeQuire’s monumental sculpture of nine figures caught mid-dance, arms extended and bodies lifted skyward as if sound itself has become form. More than a landmark, Musica is a physical expression of Nashville’s creative identity, and a work whose story is still unfolding.

Long before Musica became synonymous with Music Row, LeQuire had already left an indelible mark on the city through largescale public art. His most famous work, the Athena Parthenos in Centennial Park, demonstrated his belief that civic sculpture should be ambitious, permanent, and deeply researched. That same philosophy shaped Musica, a project conceived at the turn of the millennium as part of a broader effort to give Music Row a lasting visual and cultural anchor.

Unveiled in 2003, the sculpture was installed at the center of the Music Row Roundabout, across from Owen Bradley Park and across the street from BMI. Its scale is intentionally commanding: the nine nude male and female figures arranged in a circle rises nearly 40 feet, with dancers emerging from the base and others appearing to float above, crowned by a figure holding a tambourine. Considered the largest bronze figure group in the United States, Musica announces itself with confidence and permanence, mirroring the global influence of the music being created just steps away on Music Row.

From its inception, Musica sparked conversation, particularly about its use of nudity in public space. For LeQuire, the decision was both classical and intentional. The absence of costumes removes time, genre, and hierarchy, allowing the figures to represent humanity rather than performance.

Their faces, drawn from a range of models, reflect the diversity of the cultures and traditions that have shaped Nashville’s music scene. What initially provoked controversy has, over time, become part of the sculpture’s identity.

What many people still don’t realize is that Musica was never meant to stand alone. From its inception, the sculpture was designed as the centerpiece of a major fountain installation. Water was meant to animate the dancers, reinforcing the sense of motion and rhythm already embedded in the composition. Financial and logistical constraints prevented the fountain from being completed at the time, leaving Nashville with a powerful icon and an unfinished vision.

That vision is now re-emerging. Through the work of the Fountains of Musica Foundation, plans are underway to realize the sculpture’s original concept. The Foundation is partnering with several Metro departments, the mayor’s office, BMI, the Civic Design Center, and the public to redesign the Roundabout to create a sanctuary in the heart of the city. The proposal includes a large-scale, choreographed fountain surrounding Musica, designed by WET, the internationally renowned water design firm behind some of the world’s most iconic fountain installations (like the iconic Bellagio

echo the sculpture’s upward movement, transforming the Roundabout into a kinetic experience rather than a static monument.

The project will extend beyond the sculpture itself. Plans call for additional fountains in Owen Bradley Park, a cascading water feature along Division Street, redesigned green space, amphitheaterstyle seating, safer pedestrian and cycling routes, and improved traffic flow through a reimagined roundabout. Together, these elements turn a heavily trafficked intersection into a true civic space—one that invites people to linger, gather, and engage with Music Row on a more human scale.

More than two decades after its unveiling, Musica asserts that creativity belongs at the center of the city, not tucked behind studio doors or confined to performance stages. When the fountain project moves forward as envisioned, Musica will shift from something Nashvillians drive past to something they actively inhabit, experiencing the movement, light, and public spaces that mirror the energy of the city it represents. sl

For more information about the Fountains of Musica Foundation, and to contribute to the project, visit fountainsofmusica.org

in Las Vegas). Jets rising more than 60 feet are intended to

FOR SALE FOR SALE

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OFFERED AT: $3,500,000

PENDING PENDING

MLS #3098357

7838 Shoals Branch Rd., Primm Springs, TN 38476

7838 Shoals Branch Rd., Primm Springs, TN 38476

40-acre park-like property: Gently rolling pasture surrounded by mature hardwoods and enrolled in a Greenbelt Forestry Plan

Ready for building: Two recorded 5-bedroom perk sites, including one approved SSDS for immediate construction.

Rich natural setting: Wooded trails, Edwards Branch Creek, and a quiet, private environment. Infrastructure & access: 15 GPM well (2022), approx. 800 ft underground electric, recorded easements, and an Amish-built run-in shelter with tack/feed room.

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OFFERED AT: $4,800,000

Cindy Garvey | Principal Broker / Owner

MLS #2707188

A trusted name in Middle Tennessee real estate for more than three decades, Cindy Garvey is the founder of United Country Real Estate | Leipers Fork and a 28-year franchise owner. Her brokerage ranks among the Top 10 United Country offices nationwide and is known for representing distinguished rural, residential, and lifestyle properties with integrity, insight, and a deep respect for the land.

C: 615.202.9515 | O: 615.599.3676 | cindy@leipersfork.com

Success that Spans Generations

From building wealth to preserving it, we help business owners, professionals and families navigate life’s transitions — so they can preserve legacies that endure for generations.

CAPITAL IDEAS

Dave Mahanes sits down with Oakworth Capital’s Greer Redden

Greer Redden is the Managing Director and Market Leader for Oakworth Capital Bank in Nashville. American Banker Magazine lists Oakworth as one of the “Best Banks to Work For.” Greer is a friend and former colleague, who I met 20 years ago when we worked together at U.S. Trust/Bank of America Private Wealth Management.

Interview by Dave Mahanes / Photos by Bob Farley

Dave Mahanes: Greer, congratulations on the fifth anniversary of Oakworth Capital Bank’s entry into the Middle Tennessee market. When you look back on the last five years, what moments stand out the most to you?

Greer Redden: Dave, it’s always great to see you. I’d start with the process of hiring associates, building a market board, and raising capital during the height of COVID in 2020. It was a challenging time and launching a new office while entering the Middle Tennessee market for the first time was interesting, but in many ways, it became an opportunity as people reassessed their priorities and financial partnerships.

It’s also been incredibly rewarding to see how Oakworth’s story and core values have resonated with the families and businesses we serve. And finally, having a frontrow seat to Nashville’s growth and the influx of businesses, entrepreneurs, and families from across the country has been exciting. As a Tennessee native like you, it’s been inspiring to see so many people drawn to what makes this area so special.

DM: That’s great. Oakworth Capital Bank employs a concierge approach to service that is combined with the benefits of modern technology. Can you elaborate on that?

GR: You know the adage: fast, high quality, cheap—pick any two. When people hear Oakworth described as a highly responsive, hightouch bank with broad capabilities, they may assume there’s a tradeoff. Given our size, they might expect to need to sacrifice technology, but that’s not the case.

Technology is a real strength for us, from our customized treasury management to online banking and other capabilities typically associated with much larger institutions. A key difference though is that our clients are also one phone call away from our local team who can help resolve issues and even provide in person support. That combination is what we pride ourselves on.

DM: What are some niche areas of expertise at Oakworth Capital Bank?

GR: When I hear “niche,” people often think about a specific product or capability. What’s really unique about Oakworth is that our niche is who we serve. We focus on closely held businesses and professional practices, as well as executives, individuals and families who’ve achieved financial success. We provide the full range of banking and financial services they’d expect from much larger institutions, but with a hyperfocus on that client base. We’re not a retail bank, and we’re not banking Fortune 500 companies—our focus on businesses and professionals is our niche.

If you drill down further, some may be surprised by the depth of our service in areas like aircraft lending and acquisition financing— potentially complex, highly customized solutions that many banks aren’t willing or able to provide. That’s also an area where we have developed meaningful experience.

DM: Is there an example of how you approach client relationships that you really feel captures what Oakworth stands for?

GR: Over the last five years now, we’ve really had the chance to put our model to work. One example that comes to mind is a company whose founders had built a successful business and were looking to scale through acquisitions. They were seeking more flexible and creative financing structures.

We were able to support them through two business acquisitions. Along the way, we also worked with the founders and their families on the private banking side—financing a second home, setting up a line of credit for opportunistic investing and capital calls, and providing proactive financial services. We worked with our clients to prepare for an eventual exit, whether it was imminent or ten years out.

When that exit ultimately happened, we had already positioned them through thoughtful financial and estate services, making the transaction aligned with their broader objectives. That’s a great

Oakworth Capital Middle Tennessee Board of Directors: (Front Row, L to R) Neely Coble IV, Owner, 2nd Family Nashville, Tucker Herndon, Managing Director, Burr & Forman, Lisa Piercey, MD, Managing Director, Tristela Partners (Back Row, L to R) Joshua Coster, President, WilRo & Turtleback Trailers, Mark Thomas, Retired CEO, American Security Bank, Rob Stevens, Formerly CEO EnergyLogic, Bill Clark Jr., Managing Director, CBIZ. Not pictured: Eric Schultenover, Executive Director, Consilio, Jay Cannon, Healthcare Executive and Investor.

example of all our disciplines coming together to support a client— not just at the point of exit, but at important transition moments.

DM: How has your four years of experience as a captain in the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division impacted your leadership style?

GR: I think it’s fair to say the general perception of the military— especially infantry units— is that they’re purely hierarchical, with little collaboration and people simply following orders. In reality, success depends on how well trained, informed, and supported everyone is, from the newest private to senior commanders.

Highperforming organizations come down to how well people understand the mission and the leadership’s intent. When that clarity is paired with strong training and support, you get a highly effective team. I saw that firsthand in the military, and I’ve tried to bring that same mindset into my current role—making sure everyone understands where we’re going and how we’re getting there. That philosophy starts at the top at Oakworth, and it was something I immediately recognized when I joined as both familiar and highly effective.

DM: Greer, tell me about your journey to Oakworth Capital Bank. GR: I’ve been fortunate to work with a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 100 banks to boutique trust and wealth management firms. What always stood out to me was that larger institutions had nearly unlimited capabilities, but it was often hard to deliver them locally. On the other hand, boutique firms could be highly tailored, but they typically couldn’t advise on both sides of the balance sheet or provide the lending structures designed to help businesses scale and grow.

With Oakworth, it was immediately clear—even from the first conversation—that those strengths were combined. Oakworth offers broad capabilities alongside a culture that’s been recognized by American Banker for the past nine years as one of the best in the

country, grounded in core values like the Golden Rule, character, professionalism, work ethic, and an innovative, creative spirit. It is an organization that aligned with my professional values, and I continue to be both honored and genuinely excited to bring the Oakworth experience to Middle Tennessee.

DM: Community involvement is an important part of Oakworth’s culture. How do you choose community partners or initiatives, and are there any organizations or projects that you are particularly proud of Oakworth being involved with?

GR: Dave, there are so many worthy nonprofits in Middle Tennessee. We focus on supporting organizations that matter most to our clients and associates, allowing us to give both financially and through our time. We’re proud to support groups like Middle Tennessee Scouting, Operation Stand Down, Tennessee Voices, Council on Aging, and Team Chad—organizations close to the hearts of our team and clients. As we continue to grow, one of the greatest benefits is being able to give back to our community even more.

DM: Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?

GR: I love spending time with my wife and son, Leigh and Samuel. With a 13 year old, as you might expect, we’re busy with hockey practices and games and Boy Scout campouts. When we’re not doing that, we love getting outside for just about any outdoor activity and checking out the latest restaurants reviewed by the Mahanes in Sophisticated Living— that’s always a highlight. We’re also fortunate to have family here in Tennessee as well as Alabama, and really enjoy spending time with them.

DM: Well, Greer, thanks for spending time with me. It was great to catch up with you.

GR: Great to spend time with you, Dave. sl

Oakworth Associates: (Front Row, L to R) Bo Lucas, Drew Volpe, Kevin Rooney, Tyler Fruland, Kaytlin Neiderland, Matt Shaw (Back Row, L to R) Chris Pangallo, Ryan Nevin, Patrick Harkins, Scott Robinson, Greer Redden, Adam Scalise, Karzan Arif, Lori Fisher.

LUXE LIFE

RobertJames stylishly puts luxury in the palm of your hand

James Norton is the founder and creative force behind RobertJames American Luxury, dedicated to creating heirloom-quality handbags for a modern, discerning customer. Grounded in craftsmanship and heritage, his approach to design reflects a belief that true sophistication is felt, not announced.

Norton’s path to luxury design did not begin in the traditional fashion capitals of Europe, but amid the natural beauty of Sonoma County, California, where he was raised. Surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and a family that valued creativity and aesthetics, he

developed an early appreciation for beauty that felt organic rather than manufactured. From a young age, Norton gravitated toward design in all its forms by curating interiors, setting elegant tables, and imagining spaces and objects that balanced form and function. These early instincts laid the foundation for a design philosophy rooted in intention and restraint.

Before entering the world of luxury handbags, Norton built a successful career in interior design, earning recognition for spaces that blended classical elegance with modern refinement.

His work was known for its sense of harmony and quiet confidence, qualities that would later become synonymous with RobertJames. Yet over time, Norton felt drawn toward a more intimate form of design; one that people could carry with them. Accessories, he realized, could be both deeply functional and emotionally resonant.

The idea for RobertJames took shape at Oakmont Estate, a stately Greek Revival home in Jackson, Tennessee. More than a residence, Oakmont has become the creative heart of the brand. Within its gracious rooms and beneath its towering magnolias, Norton began sketching handbags that reflected the home’s sense of permanence, grace, and understated grandeur. The house itself, layered with history and character, became a silent collaborator in the creative process, influencing everything from silhouette to proportion.

The brand is deeply personal to Norton, as the name honors his life partner, Robert Walden, and reflects their shared design sensibilities. Many of the earliest bag designs were named after family members, imbuing each piece with meaning and narrative. This emphasis on story and connection sets RobertJames apart in an industry often driven by mass appeal. Each piece is a form of storytelling for Norton. It all begins with an idea, an emotion, or a moment, and evolves into a form that balances beauty and usability. Proportions are carefully considered, closures are designed to feel satisfying to the touch, and interiors are as thoughtfully executed as exteriors. Whether a structured tote meant to anchor a day or a refined evening pochette, each bag reflects Norton’s belief that luxury should enhance life rather than complicate it.

The brand is known for its colorful use of some of the world’s rarest exotic leathers, including alligator, crocodile, python, lizard, and ostrich, sourced from prestigious European tanneries and handled in compliance with international wildlife regulations. Hardware is treated as a design element in its own right, often finished in 24-karat gold plating, which adds a subtle yet unmistakable sense of luxury.

Production is intentionally limited, allowing exclusivity to be a defining aspect of the brand and ensuring that encountering someone with the same RobertJames bag—especially in the same color or finish—is exceedingly rare. This sense of individuality has helped the brand cultivate a devoted following among collectors, tastemakers, and women who appreciate pieces that feel uniquely their own. Sightings of RobertJames handbags have become increasingly common in refined social circles from Palm Beach to New York, where understated elegance is prized above all else.

RobertJames has earned recognition within philanthropic and social spheres. The house was named the official “IT Bag” designer for the 2026 Old Bags Luncheon in Palm Beach, benefiting Center for Family Services Palm Beach County, which sold for an impressive $15,000 in February, further underscoring the brand’s alignment with both fashion and philanthropy. “It is incredibly meaningful to have our work recognized by such an iconic Palm Beach tradition. Every RobertJames piece is created with purpose-crafted from the world’s most exquisite exotic skins and designed to be both bold and timeless. Our bags are meticulously handcrafted in the United States by highly skilled artisans, making each piece a true work of art. We are proud to support a cause that uplifts families and strengthens communities, and we are grateful to be a part of this year’s celebration.”

Norton sees RobertJames not as a trend but as a legacy in the making. His vision extends beyond handbags into a broader lifestyle universe that may one day include jewelry, fragrance, and curated design objects—all guided by the same principles of craftsmanship, rarity, and enduring beauty. His work reminds us that true luxury is not about what captures attention in a moment, but about what continues to inspire, comfort, and endure over time. Through RobertJames, Norton has created more than handbags; he has crafted objects of meaning, designed to become part of the lives and stories of those who carry them. sl

RobertJames / robertjamesluxury.com / Instagram: @robertjamesluxury

THE GOLDEN AGE OF WELLNESS

Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal are leading the evolution of holistic travel in Dubai.

As I settle into a poolside cabana, stretching out my legs on the plush lounge chair after a long 12-hour flight, I’m surprised to discover that despite the soaring temperatures — well over 100 degrees — I feel nothing but relaxed, sipping an ice-cold spritz atop the Atlantis

The Royal’s sky pool on the 22nd floor as the sun sets over the city of Dubai. This is the kind of luxury one quickly becomes accustomed to in the city of gold. Known for its extravagance and decadence, Dubai inspires immediate awe and wonder, yet it is the city’s evolving wellness scene that offers a more restorative way to discover the destination.

Savvy travelers have long been drawn to one of the seven Emirates to indulge in a life of richness. A global hub, Dubai attracts a wide range of visitors — from those accustomed to a lavish lifestyle to international business leaders and adventure

seekers. Yet a new wave of interest is taking center stage, as wellness offerings become seamlessly woven into the city's luxury landscape, delivering a deeper kind of internal wealth. Hotels like Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal are enticing travelers to linger longer and look beyond the glitz and glamour.

Both Atlantis properties have established reputations as destinations in their own right, each with its own unique take on indulgence. Firmly planted on The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, the resorts offer views of both the endless blue sea and cityscapes. Beyond the scenery, the hotels provide high-end shopping, fine dining, immersive activities, and spa and wellness offerings that will leave you wondering if you should extend your stay in this golden slice of paradise.

Atlantis The Royal

Stepping into the soaring lobby of Atlantis The Royal, with its dramatic glass windows and expansive ceilings, it’s immediately clear that five-star treatment is the baseline here. A space that has already welcomed A-list celebrities since opening three years ago, the atmosphere feels both grand and effortlessly chic. One of the first stops for guests seeking restoration is the AEON Clinic, which specializes in regenerative medicine and advanced wellness treatments. From ozone therapy with medical-grade O₃ to innovative stem cell treatments focused on biological age reversal, and customized IV drips designed for an immediate health boost, AEON offers a customizable and innovative experience.

After treatments, guests can retreat to their spacious suites, which feature walk-in closets and oversized soaking tubs. The standout in-room amenities, however, are inside the famous toiletry box. Complete with combs, toothbrushes, and razors all drenched in gold – a subtle reminder that luxury is woven into every detail.

The AWAKEN Spa continues the journey with offerings such as the Golden Hour Massage, featuring hot volcanic stones handdipped in 24-karat gold, leaving you truly glowing the rest of the day. The indoor and outdoor facilities will keep you occupied for hours, from hydrotherapy pools and aromatherapy steam rooms to a snow fountain—a must in Dubai.

Dining plays a central role in the experience. Guests can reserve tables at Milos, by acclaimed Chef Costas Spiliadis, for Greek Island flavor; enjoy omakase in a cabana at Nobu by the Beach; or explore standout concepts like Carbone, whose recent arrival (late 2025) only enhanced the impressive list of dining options on property. For those seeking something a little more exciting and vibrant, Cloud 22 should be at the top of your list. The hotel’s iconic rooftop sky pool, currently in collaboration with Ounass x Dolce&Gabbana, which makes you feel dropped into an eternal Italian summer, offers sweeping views from cabanas and an infinity pool overlooking The Palm. One can catch a sunset and a live DJ while indulging in cocktails for the ultimate escape.

The lobby and Royal Tearoom at Atlantis The Royal
Cloud 22, a luxury rooftop paradise at Atlantis The Royal
Ariana's Persian Kitchen at Atlantis The Royal
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal
The view from Cloud 22
Lobster pasta at Estiatorio Milos
Ling Ling at Atlantis The Royal
Nobu by the Beach Chef de Cuisine Belkacem Boubekeur
Treatment room in the AWAKEN Spa at Atlantis The Royal
Louis Vuitton Vivienne sculpture at Atlantis The Royal

While Atlantis The Royal captivates with its scale, ultra-luxury offerings, and modernity, its sister property offers something equally compelling — a sense of familiarity, warmth, and pleasure that is just as enticing.

Situated next door, Atlantis, The Palm presents a more whimsical interpretation of luxury, one that feels far-reaching, playful, and deeply immersive. Upon arrival at the resort, guests are greeted by a mesmerizing 32-foot hand-blown glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly. This vibrant and eclectic piece sets the tone for what those checking in are bound to encounter — a unique, one-of-a-kind, and enchanting stay.

Rooms here take inspiration from the sea, with softer color palettes that mix blues and coral, inducing an immediate sense

of relaxation upon entering. Balconies offer views over the property, including the beach, where you will often find an early morning paddleboarder getting in some alone time before the heat takes shape. Twenty-four-hour room service came in handy as I adjusted to jet lag, which I enjoyed while wrapped up in a plush robe and slippers, a true moment of luxurious indulgence.

In the evening, you won’t find yourself short of dining options with buzzy spots like Nobu for decadent sushi, one Michelinstarred Hakkasan for innovative libations (the Lychee Martini is a must), and Brasserie Frantzén, a lively bistro with Frenchinspired cuisine melded with Asian flavors and Nordic influences by Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén, which has a candy shop inside for a unique and enveloping dessert option.

Atlantis, The Palm Photo by Jonathan Stokes
A 32-ft-tall sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly is the centerpiece of the lobby at Atlantis, The Palm.
ShuiQi Spa at Atlantis, The Palm

Wellness exists here not as a centerpiece, but as a natural extension of the lifestyle. At AWAKEN Spa, treatments draw inspiration from balance and sensory restoration, providing therapies that help guests recalibrate after long-haul travel or busy seasons of life.

Signature offerings include AWAKEN Hypno Healing, which provides a hypnotic experience that soothes the mind, and the Skin Firming Facial, which uses products from the world-renowned Augusts Bader line, leaving you with a radiant glow that lasts throughout your trip. Expansive amenities, such as cold plunges and saunas, allow relaxation to last well beyond the treatment room. After my session, I found myself lingering longer than expected, wrapped in a robe and in no hurry to be anywhere else — the clearest sign that the treatments had done exactly what they were meant to do.

With the ongoing list of indulgent offers at Atlantis, The Palm, the greatest might be the freedom to create and shape each day as you please, alternating between energy and ease, activity and stillness.

Combined, both properties reveal the span of what refined hospitality can look like. Atlantis The Royal offers a taste of grandeur and extravagance that some travelers seek in a getaway. At the same time, Atlantis, The Palm provides a dreamier, resortstyle retreat rooted in comfort and discovery. Neither stay eclipses the other; instead, they complement one another, allowing guests to choose the rhythm that best suits their preferences. Dubai is becoming more than just a city to stop over on your way to other destinations; it is becoming the destination for ultimate renewal and tranquility, a place for uncovering more than meets the eye. sl

Nobu Dubai Lounge in Atlantis, The Palm
A burger at Snappers in Atlantis, The Palm
Hakkasan Dubai, a MICHELIN-starred Cantonese restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm
Poseidon Cafe in Atlantis, The Palm
Chef Gordon Ramsay in his Bread Street Kitchen & Bar inside Atlantis, The Palm

Clockwise from top left: İTÄ Bahia Ring (itajewelry.com). Assael NatureScapes Earrings. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael.com. Asante Tourmaline & Diamond Ring from Maison H Jewels (maisonhjewels.com). Briony Raymond Aurora Earrings (brionyraymond.com). Swati Dhanak Floating Galaxy Fan Earrings (swatidhanak.com). Jenna Blake Fan Earrings. Available through Ylang Ylang in St. Louis and jennablake.com. Crisscut Diamond Earrings from Christopher Designs. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Rivard Jewelers in Lexington, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and christopherdesigns.com. Terzihan Epoca Earrings (terzihan.com). Kwiat Chandelier Earrings. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and kwiat.com. Edgar Degas, , ca. 1880. Pastel on gray-green laid paper. Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Eden Presley Azurmalachite & Tourmaline Fan Earrings. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and edenpresley.com. Picchiotti Spessartite and Diamond Ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and picchiotti.it. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Spanish or French fan, dated 1845; Fan with Poetic Verses, dated 1301 AH/1883–1884 CE; Fan, possibly Spanish, dated 1850–69; French fan, dated 1870-79; French or Dutch fan, dated late 17th–early 18th century. All fan images courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

ACES IN THE HOLE

Powder and pampering in the Tetons

Powder hounds were certainly howling, and not for joy, as many of the West’s most storied ski areas suffered from historically low snowfall totals at the start of the 2025-2026 ski season. Numerous Colorado mountain towns, including Aspen, saw rain over Christmas. In Deer Valley, Utah, every mountain pushed back its opening date for the first time in its history. Bucking these trends, Jackson, Wyoming, received significant early snow, placing it among the top U.S. resorts for early-season accumulation. By midJanuary, Jackson Hole reported more than 130 inches of snowfall over Vail, Colorado, with 90 of its 130 trails open.

My advice to counter this unpredictability? Choose your accommodations wisely so you're not solely beholden to Mother Nature to make or break your holiday. As my ski skills are subpar at best, we split a recent trip to Jackson between two resorts: Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole (HotelYellowstoneJH.com) and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (tetonlodge. com), balancing outdoor adventures with indoor pampering.

Occupying the coveted crest of East Gros Ventre Butte with next-door neighbor Amangani (currently closed for renovations), the adults-only Hotel Yellowstone, which opened in August 2024, transformed an existing property from rustic to mountain

modern, fully capitalizing on seemingly infinite views of the Teton Range with huge expanses of glass.

In lieu of a lobby, check-in takes place in the property’s communal living room (or the adjacent terrace), a welcoming space where an evolving menu of beverages and light bites is available from early morning through evening cocktail hour (there’s also a generous selection of complimentary snacks, sweets, and drinks in each suite). A wide staircase leads down to Olivia’s, an elegant all-day dining destination with décor that pays homage to the American West while seamlessly blending modern design influences.

Walls of glass on two sides and mirrors on the others provide a rotating gallery on a monumental scale; the way the fog rolls across the valley and the mist conjures fleeting, floating rainbows is an Impressionist’s dream. Knowing active, adventure-filled days were in the offing, we had no qualms about going big at breakfast, including steak Benedict and stuffed French toast with blackberry syrup. Lunch offerings include elevated salads and sandwiches, while candlelit dinners are a more refined affair (beautifully plated, though no less hearty). Constant throughout all meals is the use of the best of what’s local and congenial service.

Hotel Yellowstone sits atop East Gros Ventre Butte.
The lodge is the hub of communal activity. It offers numerous amenities, including Olivia’s Restaurant, a spa with pool and fitness center, and a gathering area where refreshments are served from morning through early evening.

Hotel Yellowstone’s 36 lavishly appointed 600 square-foot guest suites are spread across the four-acre property in clusters of four within free-standing buildings that are either perched on the precipice of the butte or around a pond. The wood-sided structures with standing-seam roofs blend into the thoughtfully planned native plant landscape, which gives way to sagebrush-steppe and native grasses that create a transfixing ripple with the slightest breeze.

In public areas and guest suites, the color palette is muted, employing shades that mimic the seasonality of the landscape from spring’s green-gray to fall and winter’s tawny and straw-colored hues. This subtlety, particularly in guestrooms, allows layered texture to rise to the forefront, from fluffy sheepskin upholstery on armchairs to the nubby softness of bouclé upholstery on a half-moon sofa. The power of nature is captured in large-format black-and-white photography, from grizzly bear cubs in the lobby to an image of a fog-shrouded fly fisher mid-cast on display in our suite.

As beguiling as the rooms are, it’s the view that’s the real draw, and I spent a great deal of time on our generously proportioned, covered balcony, where, from our elevated vantage point, the red and green runway lights from the airport (the only commercial airport in the U.S. located entirely within a National Park) twinkled like Christmas lights and in the early morning light, and grazing ranch cows scattered amid the yellowed grasses

looked like pinpoints. An accordion door separates the floor-toceiling Calacatta marble bathroom, complete with a Toto Washlet Japanese-style toilet, from the bedroom, so you can literally bathe in the view from your oversized freestanding soaking tub.

An intimate spa at Hotel Yellowstone offers an outsized menu of destination-derived treatments for a boutique property, including red light therapy, infrared sauna, cold water therapy showers, and two couples’ treatment rooms, each with a Himalayan salt treatment booth. Also well-equipped is a petite gym with TechnoGym Cardio equipment, free weights, and yoga mats. The pièce de resistance of the spa level is a heated negative-edge pool surrounded by retractable floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite in refreshing mountain breezes.

Hotel Yellowstone is located less than five miles from the charming and historic Jackson Town Square; 15 miles from Grand Teton National Park’s Moose Junction Entrance; and 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance. They’ve partnered with local outfitter Backcountry Safaris to offer curated destination experiences exclusively for guests, encompassing wildlife safaris, fly fishing, Snake River floats, UTV excursions, and sunrise or sunset toast outings. For winter fun, Hotel Yellowstone is nearby both Snow King Mountain, which recently opened Snow King Observatory and Planetarium

Grand Teton Suite
Spa treatment room with salt therapy Vista Suite
The communal living room set for afternoon snacks.
The spa level pool.

(snowkingmountain.com/mountain/snow-king-observatory), the only mountaintop observatory and planetarium in the United States, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (jacksonhole.com), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.

A premier destination for powder enthusiasts, averaging 459 inches of snow each season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort serves up some of the most challenging terrain in the West, including iconic runs like Corbet's Couloir, a double-black diamond. Nearby, the National Elk Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/national-elk) offers sleigh rides around the herd, North America's largest, with winter populations typically ranging from 6,000 to over 10,000 head. In warmer months, the resort’s Aerial Tram, which ascends 4,139 feet to an elevation of 10,450 feet in just 12 minutes, offers access to a vast trail network that links Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

The slopeside Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is situated in the heart of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It was love at first sight as soon as we entered the soaring lobby, when I was unable to notice anything else once I spied Scout, the GM’s cuddly Bernadoodle and the hotel’s unofficial mascot, positioned like a welcome mat at the front of the reception desk. After administering Scout’s obligatory belly rubs, I was able to survey the surroundings in the recently renovated space, which seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with

Hole's rich

Rugged natural materials such as dark wood, timber beams, and large stone-faced fireplaces, which anchor multiple cozy seating areas with plush couches and throw blankets, are juxtaposed with custom chandeliers, blackened steel, and antique brass accents, and expansive windows that frame the natural beauty of the surrounding mountain landscape. The rustic alpine-style design continues in the guestrooms ranging in size from 350 to 1,580 square feet. Common among them is a stone-faced gas fireplace and built-in boot dryer, and most boast a fully equipped kitchen with a separate dining area. Spacious bathrooms offer a jetted tub or a double-headed rain shower.

The hotel’s Spur Restaurant, consistently rated among the top restaurants in Teton Village, is one of a handful of year-round dining venues in the village and popular with the après-ski set. For a grab-and-go breakfast, pick up a Bear Claw 399, a delectable treat named to honor the late Grizzly 399, the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem when she was killed by a car in October 2024. You can indulge in the delectable treat guilt-free, knowing that proceeds support grizzly conservation in the area. The cuisine at Spur is elevated American West with heavy European alpine influence. All three meals at Spur feature hearty fare with plenty of locally sourced ingredients (including vegetarian options) to power active days.

Jackson
Western heritage.
Olivia’s Restaurant

Next door, Teton Mountain Lodge’s sister property, Hotel Terra (hotelterrajacksonhole.com), offers another outstanding dining option Il Villaggio Osteria. The intimate space, with a prominent salumi bar and a wood-fired pizza oven, transports diners to the Italian countryside through its rustic, lively ambiance. The menu is designed for a multi-course, family-style dining experience, showcasing authentic, seasonal Italian fare, including a wide array of house-made pastas, pizzas, and fresh salads.

After a day of outdoor activities, Spa Terre at Teton Mountain Lodge offers a serene alpine escape, blending nature's healing power with luxurious amenities, including signature Thai

body rituals, a eucalyptus-infused steam room, an infrared sauna, an oxygen bar, and a salt chamber. If you need to finesse your fitness, there’s a sprawling gym adjacent to the indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs.

The ski season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort typically ends in early to mid-April, with spring skiing offering fewer crowds and “corn” snow that can transform steep bowls into soft, forgiving surfaces by afternoon. The resort will host the Rendezvous Music Festival, headlined by The Flaming Lips, on March 28, 2026. For snow reports, real-time on-mountain video feeds, and more information, visit jacksonhole.com. sl

The lobby at Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa
Scout is often in the lobby to welcome guests.
Spur Restaurant Hearty fare at Spur Restaurant
Teton Village at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Photo by Amy Jimmerson
Situated at 10,450 feet, Corbet's Cabin at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is renowned for its waffles.
Sleigh Ride through the National Elk Refuge.
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa

SPRING COCKTAILS

Let’s set a Spritz Bar!

Oh, that glorious sunshine! The promise of warmer days is just around the corner, and I could not be more thrilled because that means Spring Cocktails. Hallelujah! This winter, I was inspired to explore fresh takes on mocktails and lower-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails, wanting something new that felt like a treat without being heavy or high-proof. It no longer feels like a trend, simply how we all want to move forward- thoughtful about what we are consuming, celebratory without being fussy, and damn tasty. Enter the spritz!

Spritzes have a long history, dating back to the 19th century in Veneto, Italy, when Austrian soldiers added a “splash” (German: “Spritz”) of water to the strong wines of Italy. This segued to adding prosecco or sparkling water, and then Italians began adding bitters to the mix in the early 1920’s. In the 1950’s, the traditional Aperol Spritz was born, soon to become Italy's national cocktail, where it still holds a place of distinction today.

The understated elegance of a spritz speaks to me. It is the quintessential Italian “il dolce far niente” (translated as “the sweetness of doing nothing”, which is more about the joy of unhurried moments and less about couch rotting). It is the stylish, simple art of “Oh, this? I just threw it together,” when you want WOW without all the work. The traditional recipe for a spritz is 3-2-1. Three parts prosecco, two parts liqueur or syrup, one part soda water. Using this simple formula, the possibilities are limitless and governed only by what you like in a cocktail.

With Easter and Mother’s Day just around the corner, setting up a spritz bar is a fun way to get folks involved and give your guests a sure-fire way to drink what they enjoy while being creative and interactive. Experiences involve your guests in the

best of ways, creating moments of connection and cementing the gathering into the “Best Time EVER!” type of event.

A spritz bar can be anything from a collection of a few liqueurs and bottles of prosecco to a crafted mixer station with pre-measured vials in ice, ready to pour. Some suggestions are listed below, but by all means, drink what you love! A few bottles of liqueurs and syrups, a bucket of ice-cold prosecco, and some gorgeous garnishes can turn any gathering into a party. It is also easy to turn a spritz bar into a spirit-free craft beverage bar. Juices or nonalcoholic mixers with any type of sparkling beverage, like flavored fizzy water or Italian sodas, are also a big hit. Let us know what your favorites are. Saluti! sl

Liqueur/Amaro/Syrup Suggestions

• Aperol or Campari (so traditional and delicious)

• Elderflower Liqueur (like St Germain)

• Limoncello (always a favorite)

• Ramazzotti Amaro (caramel, chocolate, dark fruits, plus warm baking spices and just enough bitterness)

• Cynar (bitter artichoke-based aperitivo with deep, earthy notes and enough sweetness to keep you taking another sip)

• Any Make & Muddle mixers (Honey Lavender Elixir and 3 Herb Gracious Grapefruit in particular are home runs)

Garnish Suggestions

• Orange wheels or peel

• Lemon wheels or peel

• Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or sage

• Edible flowers

DREAM DRIVES

Aston Martin Experiences offers an immersive journey into luxury, performance and adventure.

Kicking off in April, Aston Martin’s 2026 Experiences program offers enthusiasts a curated portfolio of exclusive lifestyle and adrenalinefocused track programs, designed to immerse participants in the ultra-luxury world of the iconic British brand.

Anchored by the flagship invitation-only ASCEND and UNLEASHED programs, customers and admirers of Aston Martin will have the opportunity to connect with the brand through lighter formats via its Supertours and Supercharged experiences.

At the pinnacle of the offerings, the ASCEND lifestyle driving programs are reserved for an elite group of up to 12 couples per 4to 5-night adventure. Combining breathtaking drive routes with unrivalled cultural immersion and privileged access to world-class events, highlights of the ASCEND calendar include:

24 Hours of Le Mans: France (June 11-15, 2026)

Explore the Loire Valley’s grandest Châteaux before diving into the thrill of Le Mans. Meet racing legends and gain behind-the-scenes insights from the Aston Martin THOR race team, whilst viewing the world’s biggest endurance motorsport event, in VIP hospitality from The House of Aston Martin.

The Ultimate James Bond Experience: Italy (September 2026)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Casino Royale, step into the thrilling world of James Bond. From unforgettable driving adventures to exclusive behind-the-scenes access, this immersive journey will put guests in the footsteps of the world’s most famous secret agent.

Formula 1ÂŽ in Texas: Austin, USA (October 22-26, 2026)

Experience a stunning journey into Texas Hill Country combined with the sights and sounds of the United States Grand Prix in ultra-luxury style, with exclusive track access and driver meet-and-greets.

Exclusively for owners of Aston Martin limited-edition, trackfocused models, UNLEASHED provides the ultimate hypercar

experience, with access to iconic Formula 1® circuits, including Circuit Paul Ricard in France (April 2026), Red Bull Ring in Austria (May 2026), and Monza in Italy (September 2026). Participants will explore the full potential of their cars under the guidance of championship-winning drivers, with comprehensive technical support and motorsport physiotherapy. After the adrenaline-filled days on track, Aston Martin’s signature luxury takes center stage. Guests will unwind in five-star accommodations, enjoy gourmet dinners hosted by Aston Martin's special guests and connect with fellow track-focused car owners.

Under the Supertours umbrella, lifestyle events include a driving tour in Marrakesh in April, an immersive race weekend at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in May, and an ultimate Best of British experience at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Also on the agenda is a series of journeys showcasing China’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the coastal serenity of Hainan to the dramatic frontiers of Tibet and the cross-border Guangxi-Vietnam.

Supercharged immersive track events include a day of performance driving at Millbrook Proving Ground with Aston Martin’s elite instructors and track driving at Silverstone’s Stowe Circuit, the home of Aston Martin’s UK development. Other regional programs include a fantastic track day at Monticello, a private country club for automotive enthusiasts in Monticello, New York, in May.

“From the exclusivity of ASCEND to the adrenaline rush of UNLEASHED, each program reflects our unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable memories,” said Finbar McFall, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin. “Whether it’s cultural discovery, track performance, or the thrill of a scenic drive, there’s something to captivate every Aston Martin aficionado.” sl

For further information on all Aston Martin Experiences, including booking details, available at astonmartin.com/experiences.

SPRINGTIME

The Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime Flying Tourbillon 40-mm in platinum features a dial decorated with 25 colorful flags, requiring over 80 hours to apply the Grand Feu enamel technique. At the center, a flying tourbillon is shaped like the signature Monogram Flower (us.louisvuitton.com).

Clockwise from top left: Gérald Genta Geneva Time Only is a reimagining of a 1970s design, shown in rose gold with a grained brass dial with a gradient smoked effect. Under the dial is a Zenith Elite GG-005P automatic movement with 50-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency (geraldgenta.com). Hublot 43-mm Big Bang Unico Titanium Coal Blue Edition, powered by the Unico Manufacture chronograph flyback caliber, with a three-day power reserve. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and hublot.com. For its homage to the Year of the Horse, Longines launched a special edition of its Master Collection in collaboration with the Peon Art Museum in China, limited to 2,026 pieces worldwide. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Schiffman's Jewelers in Lexington, and longines.com. DANIEL ROTH Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton with new manually wound calibre DR002SR with newly shaped bridges and plates designed to accommodate an openworked construction (danielroth.com). TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer with new in-house TH20-04 automatic movement, which has been specifically developed to incorporate the tide indicator function. Available through ReisNichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and tagheuer.com. Hamilton’s new American Classic Intra-matic 40-mm Chronograph H in hunter green draws inspiration from the golden age of late 1960s and early 1970s motorsport. The piece is packaged with a second Milanese steel mesh bracelet with a folding clasp. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, and hamiltonwatch.com. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with turquoise blue lacquer dial and bright black counters is fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelrs in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simon’s Jewelers in St. Louis and rolex.com. OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18K Moonshine Gold, powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, and omegawatches.com.

I’LL

HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING

A globetrotting oenophile shares five of her favorite recent pours.

and

Hi there, Sophisticated Living! My name is Vicki Denig, and I’m a wine and travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris. Over the past year, I’ve become SL’s unofficial wine correspondent, sharing my favorite bottle discoveries from around the globe. Recently, my winter travels took me through France, Switzerland, and northern Italy, where I delightfully indulged in a handful of local wines. I’m excited to share a few of them with you here, along with a few tried-and-true favorites popped (and produced) closer to home. Feel free to follow along on Instagram at @vickidenig or at www.vickidenig.com.

Rex Hill Grande CuvĂŠe Brut 2019

(Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA – SRP: $60.00)

Great sparkling wine is produced right in our backyards here in the USA, and this vintage Grande Cuvée Brut from Rex Hill is one of them. This delicious wine is crafted from an organic/ biodynamic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is vinified using the same method used in Champagne (called the méthode champenoise or traditional method), which involves aging the wine on its lees in bottle for an extended period. However, while the legal aging minimum in Champagne is 12 months, this world-class bottle spends an impressive five years aging before release, giving everyone’s favorite French region a serious run for its money. Expect notes of green apple, citrus, and marzipan to lead to a refreshing, saline-tinged finish. I personally popped a bottle without food

simply because the mood for bubbles hit me, but it’d be equally delicious with cheese boards, seafood, or salty potato chips.

Château de BÊru Chablis 2021

(Burgundy, France – SRP: $54.99)

Almost everyone has an “I hate Chardonnay” wine drinker in their life, though the sentiment often stems from only having experienced overripe, excessively oaky expressions. For a bottle that promises to change their minds—or at least provide a thoughtprovoking moment—look no further than Chablis. Hailing from northern Burgundy, these crisp, refreshing examples of Chardonnay showcase a whole different side of this often-misunderstood grape, and frequently leave self-proclaimed Chardonnay haters pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this wine from Château de Béru with a friend on a Friday afternoon in Paris, because truly, what more could one want from a mid-day bottle? Bonus tip: If you’re looking for an all-day spot to pop bottles and enjoy small snacks in between lunch and dinner services in the City of Lights, Le Mary Celeste (lemaryceleste.com) is your best friend (AKA, where this bottle was enjoyed).

La Stoppa Trebbiolo Rosso 2023

(Emilia-Romagna, Italy – SRP: $27.00)

The term “natural wine” has caused a lot of confusion—and unfortunately, unnecessary division—in the world of wine, as there’s no exact definition as to what the term means. However,

most wine professionals will agree that these wines are, at minimum, made from organically farmed grapes, fermented with native (as opposed to cultured) yeasts, and vinified without additives or excessive manipulation. The biggest takeaway I try to remind wine drinkers of is that, despite the category's stereotype of being “funky,” not all wines are. Case in point: this fun and fresh bottle from La Stoppa. Crafted from a blend of 60% Barbera and 40% Bonarda, vinified entirely in steel and concrete (as opposed to oak barrels), this easy-drinking bottle is effortlessly juicy and boasts ample amounts of brisk acidity. It almost reminded me of what a Lambrusco would be without the bubbles—in other words, perfect for pizza, red sauces, or charcuterie boards.

Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc 2022

(Finger Lakes, New York, USA – SRP: $27.00)

Cabernet Franc was the first grape that really made me fall in love with wine, as I immediately fell under the spell of its signature earthiness and peppery undertones. While most wine drinkers’ inaugural Cab Franc experiences—mine included—generally occur with expressions from the Loire Valley, great expressions are produced across the United States as well. Personally, I tend to gravitate towards bottlings from New York’s Finger Lakes, as the area’s overall cooler climate yields brighter, less ripe expressions than those produced elsewhere. This thought-provoking bottle from Hermann J. Wiemer is made with 20% whole clusters and

aged for 10 months, mostly in stainless steel (approx. 90%) and used oak barrels, resulting in a vibrant, food-friendly wine noted with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, used leather, tobacco, and savory herbs. Enjoy it slightly chilled with cured meats, vegetarian stews, or mushroom-based sauces.

Prunotto Barbaresco 2022

(Piedmont, Italy – SRP: $48.99)

If you’ve been following this column over the past year, you’ll know that my love of Nebbiolo knows no limits—especially when made in Barbaresco. I recently drank this bottle at Ristorante Tullio in Rome (if you love old school Italian spots, definitely add it to your list!) and it was simply fantastic (tullioristorante.it/en). Founded in 1904, Prunotto is a historic winery located in Alba, and is known for its classic expressions of local varieties, including Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. In the glass, the wine pours a beautiful garnet hue, offering flavors of red fruits, rose petal, orange peel, and a hint of cinnamon. While velvety and fruit-forward now, the wine promises to age gracefully in the cellar for at least another 5-10 years—that is, if you have the patience to wait that long! 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.

Jewelry Celebrating the Year of the Horse HORSE POWER

The Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac symbolizes vitality, freedom, speed, and ambition. People born in Horse years are thought to be energetic, independent, and natural leaders who enjoy new challenges. This period is seen as dynamic, encouraging bold action and progress, as shown in the saying Mǎ Dào Chéng Gōng, meaning "instant success" or "success arrives as soon as the horse appears." The energy of the year often leads to quick changes and personal growth for those who act with courage and purpose.

Clockwise from top left: Marie Lichtenberg Bonne Chance Jumbo Charm (marielichtenberg.com). Boochier Jewels Dice Diamond Bangers Charm (boochier.com). top left: Mellerio Fire Horse Talisman (us.mellerio.fr). Heavenly Vices Horseshoe Love Token (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com). Anita Ko Lucky Diamond Horse Talisman (anitako.com). Lionheart Legacy Majestic Horse Brooch and Pendant (lionheartjewelry.com). Strength Signet ring from Ana Katarina (anakatarina.com). Seal & Scribe Golden Pony Ring (sealandscribe.com). Jacquie Aiche Carved Agate Horse Cameo Ring (jacquieaiche.com). Sig Ward Horseshoe Ring (sigwardjewelry.com). Claudia Mae Horse Stud Earrings (claudiamae.com). Martha Calva Most Wanted Bag Charm (marthacalvo.com). David Yurman Petrvs® Horse Woven Station Bracelet. 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. Monica Rich Kosann Horseshoe Earrings. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Charles Mayer and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers and LV Harkness in Lexington, Clarkson Jewelers and Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and monicarichkosann.com. Brooke Gregson Diamond horseshoe earrings (brookegregson.com). The Back Vault David Webb Horse Face Brooch (thebackvault.com)

TAKING A BITE AT THE BIG APPLE

In celebration of its 50th year, RĂŠtromobile Paris sets its sights on New York this November.

A different kind of supermodel hit the red carpet at the Expo Porte de Versailles in the City of Lights this past January. Coinciding with the biannual Paris Haute Couture Week, over four days, the 50th annual Rétromobile drew close to 150,000 motoring enthusiasts to this comprehensive lifestyle motoring event. To mark the milestone, Rétromobile’s official 2026 poster featured BMW’s first Art Car, a BMW 3.0 CSL with graphics designed by Alexander Calder half a century earlier. Since then, BMW has teamed up with an esteemed roster of artists, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons, to name a few, whose one-of-a-kind works were displayed alongside one another in one of three sprawling halls at Rétromobile.

Rétromobile organizers also used the anniversary to announce the first Rétromobile New York, scheduled for November 19-22 at the Javits Center. We sat down with Gerard Neveu, the former CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the current CEO and Director of Rétromobile New York, to gain some insight into what classic car fans can expect in the Big Apple. “We are positioning the event as a new pilgrimage for both US-based and international car lovers, bringing together collectors, curators, brands, and lifestyle partners in a setting designed to foster meaningful encounters and spark future collaborations,” explained Neveu.

Expanding the world's most prestigious and largest annual classic car show to the United States, home to the world's largest market for classic cars, was an easy decision. Deciding on the host city

and the date proved a little trickier, with organizers considering Miami and Los Angeles, among others, before opting for New York City the weekend before Thanksgiving. “At this moment, nothing similar to Rétromobile currently exists in the United States,” remarked Neveu, who added that, unlike a concours, a rally event, or a “Cars and Coffee” club meetup, the Rétromobile format is a “complete automotive ecosystem and the most exciting pop-up garage in the world.”

While exact details were limited at press time, the New York edition will follow a similar schedule to the Paris event, with the first few days reserved for VIP guests before opening to the general public. “It’s exciting to provide a wider audience with a rare opportunity to indulge their passion and love for cars,” remarked Neveu. The late November date is intended to make the event the grand finale of the classic car show calendar.

To give us an idea of what to expect in New York, including the level of expertise and motoring star power the event affords, we toured the show floor with Hervé Guyomard, who served as director of the Le Mans circuit from 1971 to 2006. As we walked, the affable Guyomard, whose continued enthusiasm for motorsports is contagious, was frequently stopped by racing fans and former drivers, and he was able to summarize the latter's stats, from placing to the make and model of their cars, with exceptional accuracy. One of my childhood racing heroes, Belgian driver "Jacky" Ickx, was on the show floor, but unfortunately, we didn’t cross paths while touring with Guyomard.

Gooding Christie’s stand.
Photo by AndrĂŠ Ferreira / DPPI
Andy Warhol’s 1979 BMW M1 Group 4 Race Version Art Car.
Photo by Bridget Cottrell
The Steve McQueen exhibition. Photo Alexis Perrin / DPPI
UK-based Girardo & Co. bills itself as the only classic car dealership with an in-house research and media team.
Photo by Bridget Cottrell.
Photo by Alexis Perrin / DPPI

The world of Bugatti was one of four flagship exhibitions, the centerpiece of which was a Bugatti Autorail. Measuring 23 meters long and powered by four engines from the legendary Bugatti Royale, it remains the last surviving example of the 88 produced. In an era of slow steam locomotives, Bugatti’s train reached 140 km/h on the line and set a speed record of 194 km/h. Alongside the Bugatti railcar, the exhibition, organized with the support of the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, France, also featured seven unique prototypes created between 1928 and 1956.

As part of a retrospective tracing the world of rallying from the 1960s to the 1990s, a backdrop of immersive scenography, created in partnership with the Gino Macaluso Foundation and with the support of Oreca, Transport Prevost, and Motul, highlighted Lancia Stratos, Audi Quattro, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, Toyota Celica GT-4,

Renault R5 Turbo, and more, with each embodying a turning point in rallying history. Throughout the event, there were talks and presentations with drivers, engineers, co-drivers, and rally experts who shared their stories, memories, and anecdotes from the races.

An immersive exhibition entitled "Steve McQueen: A Passion for Speed" took visitors on a journey through the world of the King of Cool: his legendary motorcycles, his movie cars, his rare objects, but also the entire culture he inspired.

Two-wheelers were in the spotlight as part of a dedicated Motorcycle Village and the celebration of several significant anniversaries. Visitors discovered the heritage of Royal Enfield, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and the iconic brand Triumph. To mark Ducati's 100th anniversary, the Italian manufacturer presented one of the largest spaces ever dedicated to motorcycles at the show.

This Aston Martin Vantage GTE art car raced in the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans and was offered by Fiskens, a company that specializes in historic automobiles. Fiskens was founded by Gregor Fisken, a British businessman and racing driver with four 24 Hours starts.
Photo by Bridget Cottrell.

Gooding Christie’s held its inaugural European sale as Rétromobile’s official auction house, and they join Richard Mille as the first “signature” partners of the New York event. Stanchion ropes separated general admission guests from registered bidders who sipped champagne while perusing 80 exceptional vehicle lots from the world’s most esteemed automotive marques. Competition and track-only Ferraris had a robust presence, led by a 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (Lot 67) that sold at €9.1 million ($11.1 million), a new high for the model, and a 2018 FXX K Evo (Lot 40) close to €7 million ($8.5 million), a record sale for this track-only variant.

The auction was one of four that took place in Paris during this time, with Ferrari accounting for seven of the ten highestvalue transactions across four major auction houses: Artcurial, Bonhams, RM Sotheby’s, and Gooding Christie’s. The headline-

grabbing gavel came at RM Sotheby’s, where a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (Lot 140) sold for just over €14 million ($16.7 million).

When asked to provide additional details about Rétromobile New York programming, Neveu gave a very French reply: “Let’s enjoy a long dinner together before diving into dessert,” meaning they will course out programming information in the months leading up to the event on their website (retromobile.us). Neveu said that while the United States “has enough content for two decades to explore and produce,” his team is remaining “humble” for the New York debut, offering as much square footage as Paris (approximately 400,000) and between 200 and 250 exhibitors. “Our intention is to create an experience with the American market in mind, not a carbon copy of the European experience.” sl

A special exhibition paid homage to Ettore Bugatti’s genius.
Photo by Bridget Cottrell
1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Photo by Bridget Cottrell
Photo AndrĂŠ Ferreira / DPPI
Bugatti unveiled the F.K.P. Hommage at the Ultimate Supercar Garage, a satellite event of Retromobile Paris. Photo by Bridget Cottrell.

SEINE-SATIONAL

Spring design fairs in Paris point to what’s new and notable in interior design.

As soon as Pantone announced that “Cloud Dancer” was its Color of the Year, PR agencies flooded my inbox with design boards and product recommendations (including hair color!), attempting to put an interesting spin on what many view as an underwhelming selection. The reaction from the design world was swift, with opinions ranging from “boring” to “serene.”

Joining the chorus of the disenchanted was Sarah Hamon, CEO and Founder of S2H Communications, who wrote in an email announcing the release of her company’s 2026 Trend Book, “What is wrong with white, you might ask? To begin with, if you work in our industries, you know that living in white means choosing nothing. It means not daring, not moving, not being able to express taste on your walls because you’re renting, passing through… So, you draw no boundaries in your home, no zones — like in an asylum — living in endless white. And you never feel better for it… Pantone, which is supposed to accompany its Color of the Year with sociological analysis, seems to have missed the moment when people around the world are craving connection, reassurance, and comfort.”

Hamon’s biting critique represents a sizeable pushback from the design world, who, in 2026, are resolute in championing color (including more nuanced shades of pure white) as a reflection of character. Vibrancy was on full display this past January at the bi-annual Paris design fair Maison & Objet (representing 2,300 brands from more than 60 countries) and Paris Déco Off (referred to as the “Fashion Week for Interiors,” where more than 150 interiors-related brands unveil new fabric, wallcovering, and passementerie collections in their showrooms). Flocking to this global stage, industry leaders can identify the zeitgeist, discover material innovations and new talent, explore the dialogue between tradition and modernity in design, and find unique pieces that lend authenticity to a space.

For 2026, Maison & Objet adopted the theme PAST REVEALS FUTURE, exploring the powerful idea that new forms await invention within the memory of materials, gestures, and cultures. Inspiring the curated exhibitions, thematic itineraries, and trend presentations throughout the fair were four orientations: Metamorphosis, Mutation, Revisited Baroque, and Neo-Folklore.

Illulian Milano at Maison & Objet. Photo by Anne Emmanuelle Thion

At Deco Off Casamance offered a graphic exploration influenced by modernism and Art Deco.

TrĂŠca Paris opened its Place des Victoires boutique with a dedicated installation created especially for Paris DĂŠco Off. In collaboration with Pierre Frey, three beds were dressed in fabrics selected for the occasion and showcased within a continuous scenography.

was among the new patterns shown by Camengo

Mimosa, part of Jean Paul Beaujard's collection for Edmond Petit shown at Deco Off.
“BRISBANE”
at Deco Off.
ZSA ZSA ZAU at Maison & Objet. Photo by Anne Emmanuelle Thion.
Chivasso’s Mood Booster collection at Deco Off presented fresh colors, bold details and pleasantly soft materials to create a longlasting feeling of well-being.

Roset reintroduced Sandra, created by Annie Hiéronimus who was the sole female designer at the company’s design studio when the soft, sculptural sofa was launched in 1975. The new version remains true to Hiéronimus’ original vision – flexible, plush, and endlessly inviting – while integrating Ligne Roset’s unmatched expertise in all-foam seating, including multi-density foams for better support, a built-in lumbar cushion, and an ultralightweight construction that moves easily between spaces.

Ligne
Designer’s Guild “Palette Provençale” collection presented at Deco Off.
Ethnicraft outdoor at Maison & Objet. Photo by Anne Emmanuelle Thion.
Christofle unveiled the Malmaison Riviera collection at HĂ´tel de Montgascon during Paris DĂŠco Off.

Organizers of Maison & Objet elected Harry Nuriev, founder of Crosby Studios, which has offices in Paris and New York, as their Designer of the Year. With a body of work ranging from product design to the conception of singular, immersive environments, Nuriev acts as both a design anthropologist and a storyteller of the unexpected.

“Nuriev’s practice lies at the crossroads of art and design, driven by the sensitivity of a designer who questions the overabundance of objects in which we live,” said Franck Millot, Maison & Objet’s Director of Partnership and Special Events, in a release announcing Nuriev’s election. “Harry is also a cosmopolitan creator who has chosen Paris as his home base, following in the footsteps of great figures who enriched the Parisian art and cultural scene. A touch of Diaghilev for the Russian soul, and a bit of Scott Fitzgerald for the extravagance.”

Sophisticated Living was pleased to be part of the festive atmosphere in the Saint-Germain-des-PrĂŠs and Rue du Mail/Place

des Victoires neighborhoods generated by a slew of cocktail parties held in permanent and pop-up showrooms as part of Paris Déco Off. A tradition for more than a decade, hundreds of oversized, colorful lampshades served as beacons in the Left and Right Bank neighborhoods, illuminating the textile industry’s creativity and use of sustainable fabrics. As part of the “Festival of Fabrics,” the facades of galleries, showrooms, the Hôtel de l’Industrie, and the storefront of the Bar du Moulin were dressed in lively textiles from the likes of Designers Guild, Thevenon, C&C Milano, and more.

Countless studies have demonstrated the significant impact of interior design on health and mood. The events in Paris evidenced that, in an increasingly chaotic world, beautiful and thoughtful design can create deeply personal, layered, and sustainable sanctuaries that blend well-being with self-expression, whether you’re a Cloud Dancer or someone who prefers to tiptoe through a colorful field of tulips. sl

Maison & Objet’s Designer of the Year Harry Nuriev. Photo by Anne Emmanuelle Thion

ROOTED

Sandals Dunn’s River builds on a legacy of hospitality in Jamaica

Nuanced and mild, with an extremely pleasant sweetness and an almost total lack of any bitterness. These descriptors could be used to elucidate the flavor of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee or the people of the island themselves, whose resiliency was on full display following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in October of last year.

Tourism is a cornerstone of the Jamaican economy and a powerful engine for social change. Since 1981, Sandals Resorts (sandals.com), with seven properties in Jamaica, and its non-profit, the Sandals Foundation (established in 2009), have been key drivers in both areas. During a virtual town hall following Hurricane Melissa, Sandals Resorts International’s Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said, “One thing I can tell you is that when we come back, we always come back bigger, better, and stronger.”

Sandals’ staff supported more than 1,000 guests stranded during the storm, noting that team members volunteered to stay on property to ensure guests were cared for and to arrange charter flights to get them home. The company maintained pay and benefits for 100 percent of its staff during the shutdown. Encompassing everything from getting water to families in remote and hard-to-reach areas to

repurposing its corporate hangar for medical evacuations and supply missions and collaborating with hospitals and the World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon to set up kitchen hubs, the Sandals Foundation distributed more than a million dollars in aid through one of its most far-reaching relief efforts to date.

While Sandals Dunn’s River, situated on Jamaica’s north coast, had been open less than a year when the hurricane struck (it reopened on December 6), the property itself has deep ties to the brand. Adam Stewart’s father, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, grew up on the beaches around the former Arawak Hotel in Ocho Rios, which opened as Jamaica’s largest hotel in 1957. As a young boy, Butch even sold fish he’d caught to the kitchen. After acquiring the property in 2020, Butch's emotional ties to the place only deepened as he collaborated with his son, Adam, to reimagine the site, based on the original footprint architect Morris Lapidus drew for the Arawak Hotel. Then, as now, two hotel towers are angled so that the ocean remains the focal point. Jamaican roots are infused into every touchpoint, and in the case of a decades-old banyan tree present in the Arawak era, are literally fixed to the site.

Rendezvous Beach

We stayed in a Tufa SkyPool Butler Suite, the first cantilevered suites in Jamaica. Calling it our “aquatic opera box” from which we surveyed the activity below, our glass-fronted plunge pool spanned the length of the oceanfront balcony, creating a striking visual from the ground, and a few moments of mild embarrassment for me when I forgot everyone could see me dancing to a thumping afternoon DJ set.

Another notable premium room category is the Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites. Nestled into a lush native landscape, in these multi-story suites, you trade sea views for stars with an openair rooftop and a soaking tub for two. Both room types include personal butler service.

The resort features 12 restaurants and 8 additional bars, including swim-up bars. I particularly enjoyed starting my day with a cup of the resort’s own Blue Mountain coffee blendBLUM, both in my room and in the coffeehouse of the same name, where drinks and treats are served in vessels made by local potter David Pinto. Guests can purchase his pieces, along with other regional handiwork, with proceeds going to the Sandals Foundation. Scattered throughout the property are cuisine-

specific restaurants encompassing Italy, France, Asia, Greece, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with spirited dĂŠcor to match.

If rum is the honey of the Caribbean, then the Dunn’s Rum Club is the hive, where you can enjoy specialty flights and have a mixologist craft a signature drink using more than 30 variations of the Caribbean’s best rum. A popular après dinner spot (where one evening the mixologist created a custom drink colored to match my ensemble), the swanky space boasts space for dancing, billiards, and dominoes. Pair your drink with Caribbean-themed small plates, including Jamaican oxtail sliders.

While many guests appear to be supremely contented lounging by one of five pools or the ocean, there are scores of included land and water sports, including unlimited PADI-certified SCUBA diving. Sandals’ sister company, Caribbean-based Island Routes, founded in 2009, offers more than 500 immersive tours and experiences across nine island destinations, including Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos. Through the company’s Private and Bespoke Collection, guests can experience off-the-beaten-path places on land and sea.

Coffe and treats at BLUM coffeehouse are served on locally-made tableware.
The lobby at Sandals Dunn’s River Rum flight at Dunn’s Rum Club
Aerial view of the Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suite

In our case, our custom itinerary treated us to an afternoon of culinary bliss with cultural icons and chefs, sisters Michelle and Suzanne Russo (twosistersja.com). Our driver escorted us way up into the verdant hills where, at the terminus of a rocky, unpaved road, the jungled landscape parted to reveal “Rockfield,” a lightly restored Victorian-era Great House with much of its original furniture and artwork, overlooking a vast landscape veiled in mist. For more than three decades, the lively Rousseau Sisters have been among the Caribbean's finest culinary storytellers through their acclaimed restaurants, television shows, and award-winning cookbooks.

“In the seventies and eighties, Jamaica was culture-focused,” remarked Suzanne, adding that she and Michelle are trying to revive that movement through food, crafts and cuisine, using Rockfield as a hub. “Too long the narrative of Jamaica has been curated to be one thing, and we are out to change that by sharing the density, grit, and edge you don’t often get to see,” explained Michelle, who added that they are particularly committed to telling the stories of rural Jamaican female cooks.

Taking a comfortable seat on the verandah, with the elevation and a cool breeze providing relief from the swelter at sea level, we sampled bites of ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish. It was my first taste of ackee fruit, which, when boiled, takes on a

scrambled-egg—like texture. A lover of spice, I appreciated the addition of Scotch bonnet pepper, a key ingredient in Jamaican cuisine. Michelle said the experience is intended to replicate a “real Jamaican Sunday lunch experience.” We milled about the home and kitchen as lunch preparations were underway, discussing everything from the parallels of Jamaican and American Southern cuisine to the intricacy of jerked meat. I came to understand that the latter is a process (simultaneously smoking, roasting, and steaming) and definitely not just a seasoning mix.

Equally meaningful are the outings offered through the Sandals Foundation. Prior to establishing the foundation in 2009, Butch Stewart “adopted” local schools, funding maintenance and supplies. “Long before philanthropy was considered fashionable, my dad tapped into the needs of our community and carried that torch because it was the right thing to do,” said Adam Stewart. Most recently, the Foundation has been focused on bringing sustainable solar energy to under-resourced Caribbean schools. During our stay, we participated in a “Reading Road Trip” and visited a nearby primary school to distribute supplies we’d brought and spend a few hours interacting with students. It was both uplifting and humbling, and remains my most poignant memory of the trip, and the essence of what, in my opinion, travel should be. sl

Michelle and Suzanne Russo at Rockfield
Lunch spread at Rockfield
Rockfield, a Victorian-era Great House

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

IN THE FAMILY FOLD

Grace Tseng and Mama Yang share their legacy with a true taste of

Taiwan

A mother and daughter sharing a kitchen is a beautiful thing. Grace Tseng and her mother, Mama Yang, are quietly building something rare: a place where food carries memory, migration, and care in every fold. Grace cooks alongside Mama Yang and other close family members, and their teamwork is immediately felt—not as a gimmick, but as a lineage. The dumplings they make aren’t chasing trends or social-media spectacle. These are dumplings shaped by repetition, by working shoulder to shoulder to craft dumpling and bao recipes learned by hand and by habit rather than anything written down.

Before opening her dumpling kitchen, Grace Tseng had an earlier career as a Chinese language teacher at Ensworth, where she fostered a deep love for language and culture in her students—one of whom would go on to minor in Chinese at Wake Forest (spoiler alert: it’s Charlie Mahanes). Even then, food was part of the lesson. Grace shared her love of dumpling-making with her students, and her passion for the craft was unmistakable—warm, generous, and contagious. She later became a travel advisor for those journeying to China, continuing to connect people through culture, place, and experience.

Mama Yang, meanwhile, has spent her life caring for her family with quiet devotion. She managed the family kitchen,

looked after her in-laws, and raised three children with steadfast love. Over the years, she perfected a collection of treasured family recipes. When her children visited, she never let them leave hungry—sending them home with plenty of food. And among all her dishes, dumplings have always been the family favorite.

Grace and Mama Yang first began preparing dumplings at Citizen Kitchen, often enlisting the help of Grace’s former students to meet demand. They sold frozen dumplings curbside along Charlotte Avenue and at local farmers’ markets, building a following one careful fold at a time. Today, they have proudly established their brick-and-mortar home in the historic Germantown neighborhood, carrying that same care into a permanent space. Lucky for us, they now lovingly prepare their wares in their charming cafe.

The dumplings—pork, pork and mushroom, and vegetarian— are made exactly as they should be: sturdy enough to hold their shape, delicate enough to melt as you eat them. Each one reflects generational knowledge—the fineness of the chop, the balance of filling, the feel of a dumpling properly sealed. They’re served alongside a secret-recipe specialty sauce, a spicy chili crisp, and a bright, refreshing cucumber salad with just the right balance of acidity and crunch.

Other offerings include pork bao buns and pork wonton soup— reminders of how indulgent comfort food can be when it’s made with restraint. Soft, savory, and deeply satisfying, these are dishes that evoke celebration, family tables, and meals you want to share with the people you love most. Mama Yang & Daughter also has a creative menu Yin Yang Tea: bobas, hot teas and iced milk teas, matcha, and lemonades. What makes this place special is that it is rooted. A mother and daughter cooking together bring more than skill into the kitchen; they bring continuity. Grace and Mama Yang offer something generous and grounding, letting the dumplings lead the way— carrying the Yang family’s history into a new place. Frozen dumplings

and bao can be carried out and are sent home packaged with meticulous instructions to recreate their vibe at home. You can also participate in a dumpling-making workshop in their storefront if you want to get “into the fold” yourself!

Now a mother herself to son Jack Jack, Grace understands this even more deeply. Once you taste what they’ve created, you will see: this is more than shared family recipes. It is a legacy— and a love language—served warm. sl

Mama Yang & Daughter / 83 Van Buren Street, Nashville, TN 37208 / (615) 387-9508 / Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11:00am-8:00pm / eatmamayang.com

Instagram: @mamayanganddaughter / 1 hour free parking with in-store validation

A

Dream

AN ELEGANT EVENING CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF IMPACT — RAISING SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR TENNESSEE’S FAFSA-INELIGIBLE SCHOLARS ENTERING FALL 2026.

NIGHT TO 16 April Thursday

PATRON RECEPTION — 5:00 PM PROGRAM, DINNER & OPEN BAR 6:00 – 8:00 PM

CLEMENTINE HALL | NASHVILLE, TN

CRUSTWORTHY

The Wilde Family doesn’t chase volume; they chase flavor

Tucked into Brentwood Corners, 100 Pizza is a little hidden, and that’s part of the appeal. The small, family-run pizzeria makes just 100 pies a day, a self-imposed limit that keeps the focus squarely on quality rather than volume. The idea started with Michael Wilde, who spent years making trips to New York in search of great pizza. He ate widely, talked with seasoned pizza makers, and paid attention to the details most people overlook. “There’s a science to it,” he says. “And no two pizza chefs approach it the same way.”

Back in Tennessee, the Wilde family turned their garage into a test kitchen. Batch after batch, they experimented with dough formulas, oven temperatures, and timing, adjusting, scrapping, and starting over. Parker Wilde remembers the moment it finally clicked: “One day it all came together, and we just knew we had something.”

To refine the concept, they leaned on the experience of pizza veterans Stephen Younger and Jose Iniguez, whose combined careers span decades and more than a million pies. Together, they developed what’s now known in-house as the BakeChar process, a method focused on achieving the right balance of crisp exterior, airy interior, and subtle char.

At 100 Pizza, the dough is the main event. The team runs its water through reverse osmosis and then adjusts the mineral

content to mimic the profiles of classic East Coast pizza cities. A good East Coast crust has depth, with a mild tang from fermentation and a faint toastiness from the bake, and 100 Pizza nails it. There is a definite focus on freshness. Nearly everything is prepared in-house. Cheese is grated daily. Sausages are made fresh. Sauces are stirred by hand. Basil grows on-site. The generous slices are finished with shaved 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, adding a final layer of depth.

The menu leans classic with a few thoughtful variations. There’s Cup Char Pepperoni and Crumble & Slice Sausage, alongside combinations like Meat Meet Meat and The Meat & Three. White pies, including Mushroom Crema and Veggie Bianco with housemade Calabrian cream, offer a refreshing change of pace.

With 13 dine-in seats, the space feels more like a neighborhood hideaway than a traditional restaurant. It’s the kind of spot people stumble upon and immediately want to tell someone about. Trust us (or crust us): arrive early. When the day’s 100 are gone, they’re gone. sl

One Hundred Pizza / 214 Ward Circle, Suite 200, Brentwood, TN 37027 / (629) 702-2909 / Monday 4:00pm-8:00pm, Tuesday-Thursday 11:00pm-8:00pm, Friday 11:00am-8:30pm, Saturday 12:00-8:30pm, and Sunday 12:00-7:00pm (Slices are available in-store until 6:45pm Monday through Saturday, and until 6:00pm on Sundays present) / Instagram: onehundredpizza

Bell Verde
Parker Wilde, Michael Wilde
Kim Wilde, Riley Wilde

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.

INTERVENTIONS: Karen LaMonte

MARCH

14 – MAY 31

Through sculptural freestanding garments rendered in glass, bronze, and stone, Karen LaMonte explores themes of fleeting beauty, identity, and historic inspiration. Experience the haunting grace of her sculptures as they inhabit Cheekwood’s historic period rooms, blending contemporary artistry with classical elegance.

Reserve tickets at cheekwood.org .

the Sandra Schatten Foundation
Reclining Nocturne 3 , 2015, detail, Cast white bronze. Š Karen LaMonte Photo: Martin Polak
Follow & Engage @NashvilleBallet

DELICIOUS MORNINGS

Brunch, seasonality, and starting the day well

These days, many people are grabbing protein bars for the car or drinking iced coffee instead of eating a real meal, so that a hot breakfast can seem like a rare treat from a slower era. For chef Suzanne Vizethann, a warm, carefully made breakfast is not a luxury. It’s a daily ritual that grounds her, sets the mood for the day, and brings people together.

Vizethann is the chef and founder of Buttermilk Kitchen, one of our favorite Atlanta spots known for its comforting yet refined breakfasts and lunches. Their Biscuit + Gravy, Pimento Omelette, and Milky Way Cold Brew are worth going through both Nashville and Atlanta traffic. She also has an outpost in the Midcoast Maine town of Camden. Buttermilk Kitchen focuses on hospitality and seasonal ingredients, a philosophy she brings to her second cookbook, Brunch Season: A Year of Delicious Mornings from the Buttermilk Kitchen . The book follows her move from Atlanta to opening an outpost in coastal Maine and shows her growing commitment to making mornings special.

“Brunch is a lovely way to celebrate a meal with friends and family,” Vizethann says, “but it’s also a way to make an ordinary day feel intentional.” This idea shapes Brunch Season, which is organized by the seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each chapter starts with a list of the best ingredients for that time of year to help home cooks.

This focus on the seasons reflects Vizethann’s belief that hot breakfast food connects us to more than just nourishment. A warm meal, like oatmeal, eggs, or fresh bread, calls for attention. It encourages the cook to slow down, notice the details, and use ingredients when they are at their best.

The recipes are simple but satisfying. In spring, you’ll find Young Garlic and Radish Focaccia and Rhubarb Cobbler. Summer features bright dishes like Heirloom Tomato Toasts and Watermelon Mimosas. Fall brings comfort with Roasted Squash Oatmeal and

Crispy Rosemary Seeds, while winter offers rich, warm meals like Coddled Egg with Creamed Kale or Winter Citrus with Whipped Ricotta and Honey. These meals are restorative without feeling heavy and are elegant without being complicated.

Hot breakfasts have a deeper meaning, something Vizethann understands well. Warm food in the morning has always been linked to care and stability: a pot simmering, toast browning, eggs cooked just right. These small acts show, “You matter. This moment matters.”

At its heart, Brunch Season is about taking back your mornings. It’s about choosing warmth over rushing and being present instead of just being convenient. In a world that values speed, Vizethann gently reminds us that making and enjoying a hot breakfast, whether alone or with others, is a caring act that can shape the rest of your day. As the seasons shift, our needs change too.

Vizethann reminds us that breakfast can be more than just fuel. It can be an anchor, a pleasure, and a quiet celebration, one warm plate at a time. sl

Buttermilk Kitchen / 4225 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 / (678) 732-3274 / Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8:00am-2:00pm / buttermilkkitchen.com / Instagrams: @buttermilkkitchen and @chefiesuzanne / Reservations on OpenTable

Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s-Camden, Maine / 35 Main Street, Camden, ME 04843 / (207) 236-4949 / Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 7:00am-2:00pm / buttermilkcamden.com / Instagram: @buttermilkcamden

Book: Brunch Season: A Year of Delicious Mornings from the Buttermilk Kitchen by Suzanne Vizethann and Kelly Berry. Published by Gibbs Smith, May 6, 2025.

Carrot Cake Granola

This is a fun way to cook carrots! I love making different types of granola to have on hand for the week. Try it on vanilla yogurt, over a salad, or as a snack by itself.

MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS

1⁄2 cup rolled oats

1⁄2 cup grated carrot

1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1 1⁄2 tablespoons raw sugar

Pinch of sea salt

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄ 4 teaspoon ground ginger

1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1⁄4 cup coconut oil

1⁄4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1⁄4 cup coconut flakes

1⁄2 cup raisins

Yogurt, of choice, for serving

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

• Mix the oats, carrot, pecans, walnuts, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together in a large bowl.

• Warm the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour over the oat-nut mixture and mix well.

• Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown, checking and stirring every 5 to 10 minutes.

• Add the coconut flakes to the granola for the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Allow to cool completely on the tray. Add the raisins and toss through. To serve, spoon the yogurt into a bowl and top with a handful of the granola.

Kitchen Note: Granola can burn very easily, so keep an eye on it. You will get used to how it is supposed to smell once it’s done. If you perceive any burning smell whatsoever, pull the granola out of the oven!

Recipe excerpted from Brunch Season: A Year of Delicious Mornings from the Buttermilk Kitchen by Chef Suzanne Vizethann. Photographs by Kelly Berry. Reprinted by permission of

Gibbs Smith Books.

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Presented by

March

7-4/12

7-6/21

Red,White & Blooms: Cheekwood in Bloom at Cheekwood

Common Ground:The Hainsworth Collection in Conversation with Cheekwood’s Permanent Collection at Cheekwood

7-6/21 Lost for Words at Cheekwood

7-8/23

An American Story: Paintings from the Parthenon’s Cowan Collection at Cheekwood

10 Beatles vs Stones: A Musical Showdown (Tribute Concert) at TPAC’s Polk Theater at 7:00pm

11 Persist Nashville’s Employment & Internship Fair at Persist Office from 4:00pm-6:00pm

11 Dancing with the Stars: Live! at Opry House at 7:30pm

14 Math in Bloom (Pi Day) at Cheekwood from 10:00am-2:00pm

14 TPAC’s Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons at TPAC’s Jackson Hall

14 Nashville Repertory Theatre’s Ingram New Works Project Overnight at the Museum at Nashville PBS Building at 7:30pm

14-5/31

Interventions: Karen LaMonte at Cheekwood

15-10/31 2026 Ladies Hermitage Association Exhibition: Saving Old Hickory’s Hermitage:The Women Who Preserved History-And Changed It

15 Diana Ross at Opry House at 7:30pm

17-22 Back to the Future:The Musical at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (various times)

19 Pinson Hospital Hospitality House’s Young Professional Board’s March Madness Viewing Party at Streetcar Taps & Garden at 6:00pm

19-21

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center at 7:30pm

19-4/4 Studio Tenn’s Boeing Boeing at Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin

20 Nashville Bel Canto Foundation’s Piazza Italia: Opera Goes to the Movies at BMI at 5:00pm (see p. 79)

21 Votes for Women: A Conversation with Susan B. Anthony at The Hermitage at 5:00pm

22 Band as One Nashville with Trisha Yearwood & Friends at Ryman Auditorium at 7:00pm

24 Centerstone’s 11th Annual Reclaiming Lives Luncheon at Four Seasons Hotel with Keynote Speaker Dr. John Delony at 11:00am Co-Chairs: Adam and Julie Dretler

27 Nashville Zoo Awards Breakfast

28 Holi at Cheekwood from 9:00am-4:00pm

28-29 Middle Tennessee Daffodil Show (3/28 from 1:00pm-4:00pm, 3/29 from 9:00am-3:00pm)

28 TPAC Gala at Four Seasons Nashville

28 Pinson Hospital Hospitality House’s 14th Annual Rock the House at Analog Room at Hutton Hotel

Back to the Future at TPAC
Dr. John Delony-Reclaiming Lives Luncheon

April May

1 Persist Nashville’s Stand-Up for Students Comedy Show at The Lab at Zanie’s at 6:00pm

3-4 Great Spring Art Hop at Cheekwood from 9:00am-5:00pm

3-4 Riverdance 30-The New Generation at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (various times)

4 Eggstravaganzoo at Nashville Zoo at 4:00pm

7 Second Harvest Generous Helpings at Marathon Music Works benefiting The Grocery Rescue Program

8 Cumberland Heights’ Reaching New Heights Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Mackenzie Phillips at Hillwood Country Club from 11:30am-1:30pm Co-Chairs: Lake Eakin, Leslie Dabrowiak and Martha Flanagan

10/12, 16-19 Nashville Rep’s Sister Act! at TPAC’s Polk Theater (various times)

11 Native Plant Sale at Cheekwood from 9:00am-1:00pm, or until plants are sold out

11 Nashville Wine Auction’s The Judgment of Paris: A Historic Re-enactment at Union Station Hotel at 2:00pm

12 The Next Door Recovery’s 3rd Annual Pickleball Palooza at the Courts at West Meade from 12:30pm-4:30pm Co-Chairs: Julia Baker and Dalih Suchet

16 Women’s Fund’s The Power of the Purse at OZ Arts VIP Reception at 5:30pm, Main Event at 6:30pm

16 Siloam Health’s 7th Annual Amplify Nashville at Marathon Music Works at 6:30pm

16 ECE’s A Night to Dream at Clementine at 5:00pm for Patrons and 6:00pm

16, 18 Nashville Opera’s The Barber of Seville at TPAC’s Jackson Hall at 7:30pm

17 David Spade at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm & 9:30pm

17 Shane Gillis at Bridgestone Arena at 8:00pm

18 Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition’s Clay Shooting Event at Nashville Gun Club from 9:00am-2:00pm

18 Jiselle Lauren Foundation’s Sparkle for Smiles 2026 at Westhaven Golf Club from 4:00pm-8:00pm

18 Frist Gala at Frist Art Museum at 6:00pm

Co-Chairs: Ashley Frist, Elizabeth Frist, Karyn Frist & Margaret Frist

18-19 Dogs & Dogwoods at Cheekwood from 9:00am-5:00pm

19 The Goldfinch Foundation’s Illumination: Shining Light on the Power of Art from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Clementine Hall

21-26 Some Like it Hot at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (various times)

24 Sips for Species at Nashville Zoo from 4:30pm-6:30pm

26 NPLF’s Picnic with the Library at Main Library from 3:30pm-6:00pm

Co-Chairs: Kendra & Terry Deas, Memorie White-Johnson, and Ryan & Barrett Wood

28 21st Annual Symphony Fashion Show at Schermerhorn Symphony Center featuring Oscar de la Renta (see p. 14 + 16)

Co-Chairs: Marci Houff and Laura Kimbrell

29 PENCIL’s 22nd A Little Night of Music at Grand Ole Opry Co-Chairs: Julie Marshall and Kate Schneider

30-5/2 Harding Art Show with featured artist Blaire Wheeler at Harding Academy

30-5/3 Monthaven Moonlight & Magnolias Gala Weekend

1 Nashville Zoo Call of the Wild Dinner

1-3 Nashville Ballet’s Attitude Series Finale Sherlock at TPAC’s Polk Theater (various times) (see p. 76)

1-3 Studio Tenn’s Jesus Christ Superstar at Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin 2 MOVE Inclusive Dance’s Get MOVE’n 5K

2 Monthaven Arts’ 7th Annual Moonlight & Magnolias featuring artist Michael Godard at Monthaven Arts at 6:00pm

4 Pinson Hospital Hospitality House’s 19th Annual Golf Tournament at The Grove

7-24 Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s A Room in the Castle

7-31 Studio Tenn’s Jesus Christ Superstar at Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin

8 Jerry Seinfeld at FirstBank Amphitheater at 8:00pm

9 Hope Smiles’ Free Dental Day with Ascension Saint Thomas at Nashville Fairgrounds

9 85th Annual Iroquois Steeplechase at Edwin Warner Park (see p. 86)

9 Nashville Rep’s Blood Sucking Leech at Noah Liff Opera Center

ExtravaganZoo
Blaire Wheeler - Harding Art Show

A&GS

Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville hosted its Benefactor’s Reception, an invitation-only gathering for the event’s benefactors held at the Music City Center in Nashville, bringing together the show’s key supporters for an evening of conversation and community just before the weekend’s festivities began. It served as a gracious kickoff to the Show’s lineup of special events and celebrations of American elegance in design, antiques, and horticulture. (January 8)

by

Photos
Peyton Hoge
1) Honorary Co-Chair Elizabeth Lawrence, Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, Honorary Co-Chair Bunny Williams 2) Chris Hilton, John Fumagalli
3) The Nashville Artist Collective booth dealers 4) Andrew and Marianne Byrd 5) Presenting Sponsor Northern Trust 6) Bo and Sarah Bartholomew 7) Emily Corker, Julia Spickard, Lauren Bush Lauren and David Lauren 8) 2026 Antiques & Garden Show Co-Chairs
Kinard and Phyllis Vandewater

CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

Nashville Design Collective hosted its festive Champagne Brunch, celebrating design, creativity, and connection, offering guests the chance to mingle, toast to the new year, and enjoy a stylish start to the season at the Collective’s showcase showroom space. The brunch set the tone for the city’s winter design and cultural calendar, just ahead of the Antiques & Garden Show festivities. (January 8)

RUBY GALA

Nashville’s Ruby Gala brought together more than 350 guests at Marathon Music Works for an elegant evening in support of the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic (VCCC). The black-tie-optional event, themed A Night Under the Palms, featured a plated dinner, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment, all raising funds and awareness to support lifesaving HIV care and services for people across Middle Tennessee. The annual Raffanti Award was presented to Nurse Practitioner Olivia Cholewa of Music City PrEP Clinic for her pioneering, compassionate, and collaborative care. (February 7)

Photos by Philip Winham
RUBY GALA 1) Morgan Downey, Will Downey, Alden Patteron, Tom Morrone, Kevin Tolley, Maggie Colburn
2) Karlo Martin, Dr. Paul Ragan, Sharon McDonough 3) Sean Kelly, Kelse Beeri, Meghan Jahn 4) Amy Sofka, Ron Sofka, Carole Sofka
5) Erin Dixon, Mitchell Smith 6) Whitney Gibb, Yulia Romanchuk 7) Matthew Pyles, Jordan Jennings

HEART GALA

The Middle Tennessee Heart Gala took place at the JW Marriott Nashville, bringing together supporters of the American Heart Association for an elegant evening dedicated to advancing heart health in the region. The event featured dinner, a silent and live auction, and lively entertainment, all benefiting research, education, and community programs aimed at improving cardiovascular well-being across Middle Tennessee. Attendees celebrated the progress made in heart and stroke prevention while contributing to continued local impact. (February 21)

by Jessica

Photos
McIntosh
1) Auction 2) Chambers of the Heart Segment Audrey Doering, Dr. Joey Barnett, Carol Scott, D’Yuann Allen-Robb 3) 2026
Event Chair William Haugh
4) William T. Coakley Award Recipient Michael Weichert 5) 2027 Heart Gala Chairs Kolin and Misty Holladay 6) Torch Lights 7) Open Your Heart Survivor Jamie Yee
8) Leaders of Impact Matthew Hurley, Alex DeBernardi, Gracie Francis, Reece Tucker 9) Caretakers of the Torch Edwin Feagins, Dick Miller, Harper Mullicane 10)
Downtown Band

HOW ABOUT DINNER AND A MOVIE?

Park Center hosted its annual fundraiser, How About Dinner and a Movie?, brought the community together for a Westerninspired evening of great food, film, and fellowship. Guests enjoyed a delicious Corner Market dinner in their seats at The Belcourt followed by a screening of Electric Horseman, all in support of Park Center’s mission and programs. (February 25)

Photos by Melissa Mahanes
How About Dinner and a Movie? 1) Aby Carroll, Honoree Debbie Carroll, Chase Wilson 2) Bill Forrester, Park Center’s Adam Stainbrook 3) Co-Chair Whitney Daane, Honorary Chair Barbara Daane 4) Leslie Roberts Dabrowiak, Susanne Cato 5) Co-Chair Anastasia Brown 6) Victoria and Stephen Formosa 7) Haylie Jo 8) Mamie Cheek, Eleanor Nahley, Honoree Debbie Carroll, Rob Cheek TPAC Prelude 1) Sondra Morris, Molly Haynes, Trish Munro, Russ Haynes, Terri Major, Steve Robson 2) Morgan Hargrove, Catherine Moore 3) Cherie and Mac Grisham, Brandon Gibson, Co-host Janet Ayers, Adam Sansiveri, Co-host Kendall Brown 4) Heather Bryant, Heather Fagin 5) Gosia Suttil, Carolyn Smith Bryant 6) Jennie Garth and Rob Lowe 7) Betty and Marty Dickens
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
The TPAC Gala’s Prelude Party took place at Lola, hosted by Janet Ayers and Kendall Brown. Attendees gathered for an evening of entertainment, conversation, and celebration, building excitement for the main event. The Prelude brought together supporters and community leaders for a festive night that set the stage for a spectacular TPAC Gala. (February 26)

A DAY AT THE RACES

The time-honored tradition of the Iroquois Steeplechase marks its 85th anniversary

The Iroquois Steeplechase, proudly sponsored by Bank of America, returns to Percy Warner Park on Saturday, May 9, marking its 85th anniversary as Nashville’s cherished Rite of Spring. Founded in 1941, the Steeplechase blends equestrian excellence, civic pride, and philanthropic purpose, standing as a defining celebration of sport and society in Middle Tennessee.

Now among the premier steeplechase events in the United States, the race draws more than 30,000 spectators annually. World-class competition anchors the day, and the 2026 race card will feature six races with total purses of $605,000—the richest spring meet on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. Its philanthropic impact is equally notable. Since 1981, the event has generated more than $11.4 million for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt through The Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation, reinforcing a longstanding commitment to children’s health, land preservation, and community stewardship.

In honor of its milestone year, the Steeplechase introduces enhancements that balance tradition with Nashville’s vibrant spirit. A new live music stage debuts in Centerfield, featuring local artists throughout the day. Hospitality offerings expand with Magnolia Garden, a shared premium venue set on a prime hillside with sweeping track views, offering gourmet catering, full beverage service, guaranteed seating, and premium restrooms in a relaxed yet refined setting. For a more high-energy experience, the expanded Royal 615 Lounge offers DJ entertainment, VIP seating, food trucks, and a cash bar just steps from the course.

Gates open at 8:30am, with opening ceremonies at noon and six races scheduled throughout the afternoon. Family-friendly traditions remain central, with children 12 and under admitted free in tailgating areas. Signature moments—including the Parade of Hounds, Stick Pony Races, and the NFocus Style Contest—add pageantry and charm. While most venues close shortly after the final race, select areas remain open until 7:00 p.m., extending the celebration.

Tailgating remains a hallmark of the Steeplechase experience. Guests may customize their spaces with tents, tables, chairs, food, and beverages (no glass permitted) or select turnkey packages for convenience. A range of box seats, premium venues, lounges, and family-friendly areas offers options for every style. Across Hillside, Topside, and Steeplechase Central, attendees can explore food trucks, vendors, and official merchandise. Comfort and safety are priorities. Parking passes and designated ride-share locations streamline access, and each tailgating space includes a complimentary designated driver ticket to promote responsible enjoyment. Wi-Fi is available in Steeplechase Central, though cellular service may be limited. The event is pet-free, glass-free, and drone-free.

Looking to the future, Steeplechase has launched Race for the Chase, a multi-year initiative to preserve the historic course built in the late 1930s under the Works Progress Administration. Eightyfive years after its debut, the Iroquois Steeplechase continues to embody Southern grace, elite sport, and meaningful philanthropy— an enduring testament to Nashville’s community spirit. sl

Iroquois Steeplechase Tickets are on sale now at IroquoisSteeplechase.org, with updates and highlights available by following #TNSteeplechase

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