Nfocus January 2020

JANUARY 2021 Party photos from Symphony Ball, Literary Award Gala and Belmont Christmas Dinner

Ready for a New Year

Health and beauty tips from local experts, self-care treatments to try and Nashville staycation ideas

CELEBRATE

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Contents January 2021 | Vol. xxviii, No. 1

parties 13

14

16

Listen, Learn and Read On The stay-at-home Literary Award Gala celebrates literacy and learning across Nashville

26

Here to Stay Six fabulous hotels worth visiting on a Nashville staycation

38

Cozy dishes from local restaurants to sample this winter

Comfort and Joy

Home for the Holidays The annual Belmont Christmas Dinner takes place across the city

departments

In Perfect Harmony

8

The Symphony Ball’s televised event honors Keb’ Mo’ and Maren Morris

10

features 18

30

47

Beauty products to keep you feeling fabulous and fresh

52

The Elliston Place Soda Shop was saved from the brink of closure and given new life

Ashley Deanna Patton marries Douglass Gordon Foote III

Behind the Scenes

55

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

LabCanna’s Sarah and Derek Besenius share their volunteer efforts, their favorite CBD products and more

56

Looking back at the history of TPAC

In Our Words Be kind to yourself in 2021

18

Keep Calm and Carry On Alternative self-care therapies for the new year

14

ON THE COVER

Jen Goodall, co-founder of Clary Collection, photographed at home by Daniel Meigs. For more on Jen and other local health and beauty experts, check out our story on page 18.

16

30

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Step Inside

54

At Work With Nfocus Local health and beauty experts share their best tips, tricks and advice

Nstyle

Taking Vows

Best Behavior

Nretrospect

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Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Chris Chamberlain, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Steve Lowry, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

With grateful hearts to those who supported us in 2020.

Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton Caroline Poole

promotions and marketing coordinator

Advertising

publisher

Jennifer Trsinar

Maggie Bond, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Stevan Steinhart, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates Aya Robinson, Price Waltman advertising solutions consultants

9504 Midlothian Drive 4232 Lone Oak Road 201 Sheffield Place 114 Windsor Drive* 4505 Harding Road 476 Sandcastle Road 101 Westminister Place 106 Bellebrook Circle

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2021 FW Publishing, LLC.

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Happy New Year! Have you ever been more eager to bid a year adieu than 2020? Although a new year is here and with it comes hope and a renewed sense of purpose, we aren’t out of the woods just yet.

There are still many challenging days ahead, and we must continue to look out for one another and take care of ourselves.

January is typically our bridal issue. It’s a chance to celebrate some of the fabulous weddings that have taken place in the previous year and to help brides- and grooms-to-be plan their big day. But after a year of postponed weddings and small ceremonies, it didn’t seem right to do a bridal issue at this time. We decided to push it to later this year so we can celebrate the rescheduled ceremonies that will take place once it’s safe to gather again.

Instead, we’ve chosen to focus this issue on self-care. Isn’t that something we could all use a little more of? We chatted with some of the city’s leading health and beauty experts to get tips, tricks and advice on improving ourselves, physically and mentally, this year. See what they had to say on page 18.

We’re also giving you some ideas for new treatments sure to soothe your mind and body (page 26). And since travel plans may still be a bit uncertain, we’ve got tips on the best places to get a little R&R with a safe staycation (page 30). And if all else fails, treat yourself to some incredibly comforting food. We’ve got a list of recommendations on page 38.

Be kind to yourselves. You deserve it.

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BY NANCY FLOYD

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

The Basics Name: Sarah Besenius Profession/Title: COO Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Zip Code: 37209 Years in Nashville: 24 (with a break from 20112015) Pounds of hemp harvested in 2020: 3,500+

The Basics Name: Derek Besenius Profession/Title: CEO Hometown: New Rochelle, New York Zip Code: 37209 Years in Nashville: 6+ Acres of hemp grown in 2020: 5

All in the Family

recommend two weeks of consistent usage before making your determination on whether or not to increase your dosage or try another product.

LabCanna’s Sarah and Derek Besenius share their volunteer efforts, their favorite CBD products and more Sarah and Derek Besenius, along with Sarah’s brother and co-founder, Matt Chapman, own and oversee the day-to-day operations of LabCanna, a vertically aligned cannabis company that grows and produces quality hemp and CBD products under the brand TenneCBD. “It’s all hands on deck all the time,” says Sarah. They are as likely to be found in the office as harvesting hemp on the farm or trimming plants in their 10,000-square-foot indoor grow and genetic research facility.

The company, an early participant in the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program, holds the state’s very first hemp processing license and one of the first hemp grower licenses. Plants are organically grown on the family farm owned by Sarah and Matt’s mom — Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant — whose support of her kids extends to posting on her social media about their work.

Sarah and Derek can personally attest to the benefits of cannabinoids and CBD. In March 2016, they were in a horrific car accident that left Sarah seriously injured and Derek with a grim prognosis due to traumatic brain injury. They attribute a lot of Derek’s full recovery to consistent use of CBD while he was recuperating, and Sarah also used it to successfully overcome lingering effects from the wreck.

As a result, LabCanna is on a mission to improve lives through cannabis. “This plant is meant for all of us,” says Derek as he explains LabCanna Cares, a needs-based discount program, and their involvement with Sounds of Acoustic Recovery, a nonprofit helping veterans through music.

We sat down with this busy couple to learn about their volunteer efforts, their favorite products and more about CBD.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

What is CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids present in the hemp plant (scientific name: Cannabis sativa L.). CBD has been majorly popularized by the media over the past several years, primarily for its holistic, therapeutic effects and seemingly limitless applications for health and wellness.

What are the benefits of using CBD? CBD promotes equilibrium and homeostasis within your body by working with your endocannabinoid system. This system is found in all vertebrates and is responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including neurotransmission, mood, appetite, nerve function, addiction, inflammation and metabolism.

Scientists have discovered that there is a direct correlation between overall well-being and the presence of cannabinoids in your body. CBD and other phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids that are produced in the cannabis plant) can mimic or interact with the cannabinoids naturally found in your body to help you maintain balance and overall health.

What would you recommend to someone interested in trying CBD for the first time? Start low, move slow and have patience. Considering research is still being conducted regarding dosage of CBD, being aware of its impacts [on you] is very important and will allow you to maximize the benefits. We generally

>>

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What local event have you missed most during the pandemic?

Watching the Preds play! Of course, we miss the energy of Bridgestone, but watching a game with friends at a bar would be just as good. A close second would be Bonnaroo.

We typically go as a family and have [missed] making those memories together this year.

What’s your favorite locally made product? We’re both heavy users of TenneCBD’s Alleviate balm. You won’t find us without a tin. When it comes to shopping for gifts, our go-to spot is ABLE on Centennial Boulevard. They have an inspiring mission and make beautiful jewelry, as well as leather goods.

What trait do you admire most in others? Integrity and tenacity equally.

What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville?

The sense of community. True Nashvillians are there for their neighbors, and I think we’ve seen a lot of that this year. I hope that, no matter how big this little town gets, the compassion and care for our neighbors never fades.

For the full interview with Sarah and Derek, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

in the spirit of the season, Worth Properties extends our sincere appreciation to our clients, friends and community for a wonderful year.

We wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy 2021.

40 Burton Hills Boulevard, Suite 230 Nashville, Tennessee 37215 615.250.7880 â&#x20AC;˘ www.worthproperties.com nfocusmagazine.com

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1,481+ Transactions

Happy New Year from our Knox Team family to yours!

2020 was an unprecedented year for us all, but we renewed our resolve to concentrate on what matters most, being there for each other and for our valued clients.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

For more information, visit knoxopendoors.com.

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Brandon Knox brandon@knoxopendoors.com m. 646.436.9452 | o. 615.475.5616 @theknoxteam @knoxteamnashville

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| nfocusmagazine.com

The Knox Team is a team of real estate licensees affiliated with Compass RE, a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. To reach >> call 615.475.5616. the Compass RE office,

JANUARY 2021

Top Nashville New Construction Sales Team 2016-2020 Greater Nashville Realtors Top Listing Sales Team 2018

PA R T I E S

Listen, Learn and Read On The Stay-at-Home Literary Award Gala celebrates literacy and learning across Nashville Deborah and Tim Knight

Crystal and Henry Hicks

T

Miranda and Aaron Kelley

he Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Literary Award Gala took on a very different look and feel this year. Due to the pandemic, the weekend that traditionally honors a distinguished author for their contribution to literature was replaced with an all-virtual celebration of literacy and learning in our city. Co-chairs Wanda Lyle and Gail Williams did a fabulous job of reinventing the fundraiser as the Stay-at-Home Literary Award Gala.

In keeping with one tradition, the Literary Award Public Lecture premiered free and open to the public on Saturday morning. Viewers logged in to see emcee Ketch Secor — Old Crow Medicine Show founder and children’s book author — and to hear the stories from a diverse group of residents whose lives have been transformed by the library and its programs, such as Babies and Books, Limitless Libraries and Adult Literacy.

On Saturday evening, generous supporters had exclusive access to a televised program, but before settling down to watch the show, many enjoyed dinners prepared by popular chefs, including Tailor’s Vivek Surti and Thai Esane’s Nina Singto, or carry-out meals from Slim + Husky’s and Maneet Chauhan’s restaurants. Maneet also emceed the program with country star Dierks Bentley. It included greetings from past honorees, more stories of library experiences — such as that of 2020 Nashville Youth Poet Laureate Alora Young — and words from city leaders before closing with a message from Colson Whitehead, who is the 2021 Literary Award Honoree.

The virtual events highlighted 10 stories of those who have been empowered by the Nashville Public Library and its programs, many of which go beyond the traditional books-on-theshelf perception of a library. The Stay-at-Home Literary Award Gala was an exciting kick-off to a year-long celebration of “Literacy as the Great Equalizer,” highlighting the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through the support and promotion of our library’s life-changing literacy programs.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND DANIEL MEIGS

Tyson and Lindsay Moore, Libba and Niel Alden, Jane and Keith Douglas

Keri and Bobby Thomas

Perri and Anthony Owens

Lee and Valerie Molette

nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

Home for the Holidays The annual Belmont Christmas Dinner takes place across the city

L

ike nearly everything this year, the Belmont Christmas Dinner had to adapt a little. For the last 35 years, the Belmont Mansion Association has hosted the festive holiday fundraiser in the historic home, but the Christmas dinner tradition itself dates back to the 19th century. This year, for the first time in its storied history, the annual event had to switch locations.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, event chair and president of the organization’s Board of Directors Deborah Lovett opted to place the safety of partygoers ahead of tradition and send meals to homes across the city. While everyone missed being able to gather in the sparkling Grand Salon for dinner at Belmont Mansion, donors were treated to Christmas Dinner from Belmont Mansion.

Despite the change in venue — and, sadly, the lack of traditional pre-mansion cocktails — the meal was far from disappointing, thanks to the brilliant work of Kristen Winston.

Attendees were treated to braised beef short rib bourguignon with mushrooms, carrots and pearl onions in red wine sauce, accompanied by celery root-potato purée and asparagus. And since no meal is complete without dessert, a decadent dark chocolate mousse torte with a peppermint crème anglaise was included. Patrons were able to either pick up their meals or have them delivered, with simple instructions for making sure they tasted perfect when everyone sat down for dinner.

Guests were also sent adorable buffalo plaid stockings, filled with party favors of traditional English Christmas crackers, oranges, chocolates, candy canes, a gift certificate to Sperry’s and Sam’s Place, and a note of gratitude and wishes for a merry season. In total, nearly 100 patrons took part in the fundraiser, making this iteration of the dinner a rousing success, with hopes of being back together in the historic Belmont Mansion next Christmas.

Joe Burnett and Mary Frances Rudy

Betsy and Stephen Abernathy

Mandy and Tom Lunn

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND Bob Deal, Todd and Sharon Sandahl, Jason Bradshaw, Rob Turner and Jay Jones

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PA R T I E S

Frank and Julie Boehm

Keb’ Mo’

Julie Boehm, Co-chairs Susan Holmes and Melinda Balser

Co-chair Susan Holmes with Sammy, Hope Holmes, Chris Holmes

In Perfect Harmony The Symphony Ball’s televised event honors Keb’ Mo’ and Maren Morris

W

hile the Schermerhorn Symphony Center remains dark, the Nashville Symphony was at the center of a citywide celebration on the second Saturday in December, thanks to the televised Symphony Ball event. In a year when “pivot” has become a four-letter word, Symphony Ball co-chairs Melinda Balser and Susan Holmes expertly transitioned the white-tie gala into a successful TV fundraiser that brought the beauty and magic of the Nashville Symphony into homes across the city.

An Evening in Harmony, the hour-long special that aired on Channel 4, recognized the Nashville Symphony’s long history and its crucial role as a cultural institution in the city. It also included the presentation of the Harmony Award — an annual honor “established to celebrate the connections between Music Row and the Nashville Symphony” — to country star Maren Morris and blues musician Keb’ Mo’. Both artists performed throughout the television special, in between remarks from Nashville Symphony CEO and President Alan Valentine, Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero and Board Chair Pamela Carter, among others.

On the stage of an empty Laura Turner Concert Hall, Alan presented the Harmony Award first to Maren, who he celebrated for “breaking boundaries since she burst on the scene,” and, later, to Keb’ Mo’, who he called “a force in contemporary music.” Both musicians seemed truly touched by the distinction and expressed their gratitude for the honor, along with their support to the musicians of the orchestra currently furloughed due to the pandemic.

And while the hour-long special honored these remarkable performers, it also served as a reminder of the Nashville Symphony’s role in investing in the next generation of musicians. Two students of Accelerando, an intensive music education program for gifted students of diverse backgrounds, performed and shared what the program has meant to them.

With the orchestra and much of the staff furloughed, all programming canceled through at least the summer of 2021 and other programs currently paused, funds raised through the event are more important than ever. Fortunately, the city showed their love and support for the Nashville Symphony, and the event exceeded the organization’s goal of $800,000.

Now that’s certainly something worth celebrating.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

16 >> JANUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

Kim Hewell and Norm Scarborough

Co-chair Melinda and Jeff Balser with Munster and Violet

Maren Morris

Donnie and Kayla Counts

Alan Valentine

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At Work With Nfocus New year, new you, right? After 2020, we’re all ready for something new. Whether you’re ready to kickstart a new health regimen or are simply longing to be pampered, you’re in luck. We caught up with eight local health and beauty gurus to get their advice on staying focused, getting fit and feeling fresh this year. From a yoga instructor to a plastic surgeon, these pros gave us expert advice on how to care for your body, mind and spirit as you forge ahead in 2021.

What’s one beauty treatment everyone should try?

Dry brushing. The mechanical action of dry brushing is wonderful for exfoliating dry winter skin. It also helps detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage. Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also stimulates your nervous system, which

can make you feel invigorated afterward.

What’s your best advice for staying motivated? Exercise.

I am a big fan of Truck Trainer Nashville. My trainer, Teresa, has a converted truck, which [has] a fully functioning gym inside. Add some party lights and old-school hip-hop, and you can’t make any excuses to not go, because she’s in your driveway!

What are your New Year’s resolutions? 2020 has taught us many lessons. Personally, I have been more mindful of others. My goal this new year is to send Clary gifts to local

Clary Collection

nursing homes with handwritten notes to the people that are most isolated and no doubt missing their loved ones during this turbulent time. It doesn’t cost anything to be thoughtful. Small gestures go a long way.

What’s your favorite comfort food? My English roast chicken dinner with Yorkshire puddings that my grandma would make.

What’s your go-to healthy snack or meal? Homemade chicken noodle soup. Easy and hearty to make in big batches for lazy lunches and dinners. >>

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What do you do to unwind?

I listen to music really loud in my office and dance alone like a crazy woman. I swear by the infrared sauna at Pure Sweat + Float and the salt therapy cave at Salt and Soles.

What’s the most bizarre beauty/health tip you swear by? Many people reading this unknowingly have seen or have this weed growing in their garden. It’s called plantain (not the banana leaf). Chewing plantain and making a poultice in your mouth, then applying it directly onto bites, bee stings or rashes will immediately soothe irritation.

For the full interview with Jen, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

What’s one beauty product you can’t live without? Call me biased, but it has to be our Clary balm. This balm has had me turn the car around back to the house. I use it for dry lips, hands, bites and all my son’s bumps and scrapes.

Jen Goodall

AT WORK WITH NFOCUS

Jarrod Houston TITLE Boxing Club

What’s your best advice for staying motivated? Motivation is a word I do not like, because it’s so up, down, left and right. I try to lean to the word inspiration, because things that inspire me keep me going, even when I do not want to. My wife, kids, family, friends and working with others are just a few things that inspire me. I might not be in the mood to train, but talking to my wife and kids inspires me, because I want to be physically active in their lives 30, 40 and even 50 years from now.

What’s one new habit everyone should try to form this year?

Saying NO! No has been made to seem like such a negative word, but I realized I would do things with the wrong attitude and/or motive causing the so-called “good deeds/ opportunities” leaving me not fully committed. I try to guard my heart and time now, so I will say no until I know that I can give my all, mentally, physically and spiritually, into whatever is asked of me.

What’s your favorite comfort food?

I have a sweet tooth, so I love chocolate, but if I am honest, red velvet cake comforts me in any mood. >>

What’s your favorite just-for-fun exercise outside of the gym?

Taking walks with my wife and kids.

We take a walk every weekend and try to find new places locally. With my oldest son, paintball, football, video games and anything active.

What’s your advice to those dealing with quarantine weight gain? That it is OK to take a moment to reset. The weight gain is actually a self-examination time, because I go back to what I said before: Are you motivated, which comes and goes, or are you inspired, focused on what will keep you on track? I would suggest finding an atmosphere that you would enjoy going to daily to push physically, and within that community, find accountability partners.

Change is inevitable, but it starts with you and the words you speak.

What do you do to relax? Put my phone up, take date nights with my wife, wrestle with the kids, laugh, take long walks, eat good food and have good conversations.

I do not ever think I will relax, but this is how I recharge.

For the full interview with Jarrod, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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AT WORK WITH NFOCUS

What do you do for self-care? I like getting a deep tissue massage by our house massage therapist, Teresa Mink. She always gets the kinks out! I see Ashley at Karee Hays for her wonderful facials and Bev Patterson for 20 years of amazing hair design.

What’s your best advice for staying motivated? I tell my clients to set realistic goals. You can set the bar too high and become frustrated or, worse, injured and derail your program. We think of a program as incremental, more like a gradual lifestyle change, [and] something the client will be able to stick with long-term.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? My New Year’s resolution is the same as it is every year: to be a better teacher!

I feel like I’m still growing [and] still learning, and after teaching Pilates for over 23 years, I’m still excited about it!

What’s your go-to healthy snack or meal? I love the fresh juice from Fix Juice Co. I like it so much we carry it at the studio. >>

What’s your favorite just-for-fun exercise outside of the gym?

I’ve always loved horses, and I’ve been riding since I was a little girl.

I love to practice dressage. There are so many similarities between riding and Pilates.

What’s your advice to those dealing with quarantine weight gain? The key to lasting weight loss is having long-term goals.

Quick fixes rarely work, and yo-yo dieting is hard on the body. I encourage my clients to think about realistic dietary goals combined with a workout program they will maintain. We have found [that] if the plan is unrealistic or over-ambitious, the client won’t follow through. Slow and steady wins the race.

What do you do to relax? I spend most of my time at the studio, so I like to spend downtime relaxing at home with my husband. Music is always playing, [and] most nights, we cook dinner together. He usually starts it, and I’ll finish! He’s the grill master, and my current favorite is trying new slow-cooker recipes.

For the full interview with Dede, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

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Dede Brignardello 615 Pilates

AT WORK WITH NFOCUS

Karen Kops

What’s one beauty product you can’t live without? Right now, I can’t live without our Poppy & Monroe nail oil. With all the hand-washing going on these days, it’s a lifesaver for my cuticles and hands.

I even use it on my lips. My favorite tip is to put it on at red lights when I’m driving around town.

What’s one beauty treatment everyone should try? I highly recommend our gua sha sculpting facial.

Not only does it depuff and lift your skin, it also incorporates arm, neck and shoulder massage, aroma-

therapy and uses a warm herbal poultice to encourage lymphatic drainage.

It’s the most effective yet luxurious facial you can get in my opinion.

Company. Their bowls are wonderful, as are their soups. I’ve never had a bad meal there. Definitely my favorite healthy place in town.

What’s your favorite comfort food? I’ve recently gotten turned on to the powers behind East Side Banh Mi, and I’m not mad about it. Their curries are unbelievably delicious and so nourishing, and I love their sweets too.

What’s the most bizarre beauty/health tip you swear by? I don’t think this is really bizarre, but it’s something that people may not know, so I love to share it. Castor oil is a great lash and brow lengthener and a super-inexpensive alternative to the more high-priced (and, sometimes, more dangerous) growth serums that are out there. I recommend ordering an organic version

What’s your go-to healthy snack or meal? I love anything from E+ROSE Wellness

>>

if you can and then applying it religiously anywhere you’d like to see hair grow long and strong.

What’s one thing everyone should do for their nails? I’m actually a big believer in taking a break from polish. I typically recommend that you do it for at least a month on your toes over the winter and [for] at least two weeks a few times throughout the year on your fingernails.

During this time, it’s important to use a nail strengthener and lots of cuticle oil to repair any weakness and/ or dryness.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Poppy & Monroe

For the full interview with Karen, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

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AT WORK WITH NFOCUS

Melissa Langley

What’s one beauty product you can’t live without?

I can’t choose just one! If there were only one item in everyone’s bag, it would be sunscreen. I love the outdoors, but I have treated sun-damaged and aging skin, as well as skin cancer, my entire career. I use a light SPF 45 sunscreen daily and a heavier, sweat- and water-resistant sunscreen during outside activities.

What’s one beauty treatment everyone should try?

I recommend the premium anti-aging HydraFacial, which includes the infusion of a scientific anti-aging serum with the option of an add-on dermaplaning. This procedure makes you look fresh and vibrant immedi-

ately. It also induces the synthesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid for the future — and gives the skin an instant red-carpet glow.

Another must-do procedure is microneedling, which boosts collagen and elastin and erases scars and splotchy pigmentation.

outdoors. As a dermatologist, I would love for everyone to establish an individualized, scientific skin care routine that incorporates antioxidants, growth factors and retinoids. Treating oneself to in-office procedures is also valuable.

What’s your best advice for staying motivated?

Counting one’s blessings throughout the day, praying/ meditating, making lists in execution of overall planning and exercising.

What are your New Year’s resolutions?

Challenge my brain in new ways: work on a second language, learn bridge and read more history, because I have always been a math and science person.

What’s one new habit everyone should try to form this year? Focusing on blessings and seeing the good in everyone. Daily exercise and enjoying the

What’s your fitness routine in an average week? I hike/ run three times a week, do Pilates two times a week and swim two or three times a week. >>

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What do you do to unwind? Exercise. I clear my head and work through problems during my workouts [and] enjoy the time with my family.

What’s the most bizarre beauty/health tip you swear by? Intermittent fasting, taking a daily antioxidant Heliocare Advanced pill and always sleeping on my back.

What’s one thing everyone should do for their skin? Be disciplined in performing excellent daily care.

Wear sunscreen, exercise and eat a healthy diet. The skin reflects one’s general health and well-being.

For the full interview with Melissa, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Melissa Langley M.D. Dermatology and Aesthetics

AT WORK WITH NFOCUS

What do you do for self-care?

I have a regular daily practice of asana and pranayama, which is grounding and nurtures my body and mind. I also escape to walk in the woods as I can. These are the places that fill me.

Aretha McKinney Chestnut Hill Yoga

What’s one beauty product you can’t live without? I am not much of a product person. I would say that a byproduct of yoga practice, though, is health, which brings with it an inner joy. To me, the most beautiful people are the ones who wear their joy. It shines out from every pore of their being. I aspire to wear my own joy more.

What’s one beauty treatment everyone should try? Try a restorative yoga practice. Rather than turning to sugar or caffeine to refuel, try a constructive rest practice.

Everyone should give time for rest.

What’s your best advice for staying motivated? Make whatever you do be something that brings you joy and feels purposeful. If you don’t like going to a gym, try walking in the woods. Find the places >>

and people that bring you joy, and let that motivate you.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? The new year is always an invitation to reflect on where you are and maybe what’s ahead. I don’t make lists so much as I try to use my end-of-the-year reflection to weed the garden of my mind and the new year to plant new seeds as needed.

What’s your go-to healthy snack or meal? A cup of miso soup is always good.

What’s your fitness routine in an average week? I have a daily yoga practice. The timing of that has to bend to each day’s circumstance, but I always make time for it. I have a full life, but I look for windows in each day, or I make them by canceling what is not important so that I have time to practice, which, to me, is always important.

What’s your favorite just-for-fun exercise? Dancing in my kitchen while I am cooking or cleaning. Is that exercise?

For the full interview with Aretha, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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AT WORK WITH NFOCUS

What are two beauty products you can’t live without? I honestly can’t think straight without my lip gloss. I have one in every pocket, bag and drawer. If I may, I am obsessed with my own KH Hydrate GF moisturizer, as it never disappoints. I like to keep things hydrated and kissable.

What is one beauty treatment everyone should try? There is a lot to be said for a chemical peel.

They are customizable and, oftentimes, [they] correct, enhance and improve the skin on a cellular level. Don’t be afraid of peeling; that just means healthy, new skin is on the way.

What is one new habit everyone should try to form this year? It takes 30 days to form a habit. I am all about gut health, and if everyone could do one thing, it would be taking a good probiotic every night.

What is your favorite comfort food? Homemade Bolognese paired with my favorite wine, Bouchaine Chardonnay.

What is your go-to healthy snack or meal? If I am being extra-healthy, I enjoy The Well >>

Being smoothie from The Urban Juicer with a shot of wheatgrass.

What do you do to unwind?

Hmm … well, this is something I am trying to work on this year. A glass of wine and a relaxing bath are always a win for me.

What is the most bizarre beauty/health tip you swear by?

Baking soda! Adding ½ teaspoon of baking soda to eight ounces of water every morning is the fountain of youth in my book. I mix it in with my lemon water. Sodium bicarbonate is your friend and has many incredible health benefits that would surprise you. It’s a superior internal cleansing agent, as well as an alkalizer. I also add a little to my face and body cleansers a couple times a week to exfoliate dead skin cells — worth researching, for sure.

What is one thing everyone should do for their skin? Protect it with a good sunscreen! I love Revision Intellishade SPF 45.

It goes on like butter and has a beautiful tint. It’s a one-anddone product; makeup with SPF and moisturizer, and you’re out the door. I also like EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40.

For the full interview with Karee, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KRISTIN BARLOWE

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Karee Hays Karee Hays Esthetics

AT WORK WITH NFOCUS

Nick Sieveking

What’s one grooming product you can’t live without? Like most men, I want to keep skin care quick and easy. I don’t like having to use multiple products. I have created my own skin care line called Bio-Identix, and my favorite product is called Scruff Scrub for men. Scruff is truly a oneand-done product for men.

Scruffing gives a deep exfoliation, moisturizes, kills bacteria and helps shed dead skin cells on the surface.

For added moisture, I have a topical CBD product that smooths and hydrates.

What’s one beauty or cosmetic treatment everyone should try? There are a few

that men and women alike will love: Botox, Ulthera and regular HydraFacials.

What’s one new habit everyone should try to form this year? Eat to live; don’t live to eat. Food sensitivities testing can help define our diets, reduce systemic inflammation and boost immunity. GI health is critical to preventing disease and chronic illness, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, dementia, joint pain and more.

What’s the most bizarre beauty/health tip you swear by? This tip is not necessarily bizarre, but it is

advice you typically do not hear from a plastic surgeon: To not only feel strong and youthful, but to also have a youthful glow to your skin, balance your hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol and growth hormone. Don’t struggle with age with the handicap of hormone deficiency. It works from the inside out.

My secret skin care tip is to work a topical CBD product into your daily skincare regimen. CBD is an amazing moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. Plus, it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties to take away redness and reverse sun damage. >>

What’s one common mistake people make when it comes to cosmetic treatments/procedures? Going too big or getting pulled too tight is a mistake that is hard to fix. Be wise when planning cosmetic surgery.

Also, although cosmetic surgery can make you look years younger, if you don’t treat what is causing excess inflammation on the inside, you will still feel old and tired, even after cosmetic surgery. So, while you are making plans to make youthful changes on the outside, consider anti-aging therapies that can make you actually feel years younger.

Feel as good as you look.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Sieveking Plastic Surgery and Ageless Solutions

For the full interview with Nick, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

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It’s been 10 months since the pandemic changed our lives in ways we never thought possible, and in that time, we’ve all learned the new levels of stress and anxiety we can endure. While everyone is working hard to maintain some sense of normalcy or adapt to the new world, it’s taking a toll on us physically and mentally, and we all need and deserve a little self-care right now. We’ve compiled a list of alternative options that you may not have considered to pamper yourself and clear your mind. As with any new treatment, we recommend that you check in with your healthcare provider to find the self-care options that are right for you. We hope you find some peace, comfort and relief during these difficult times.

Float Therapy

Where: Pure Sweat + Float Studio, puresweatfloatstudio.com Time: 25, 40 or 60 minutes Average cost: $40-65

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BY JONATHAN SIMS AND HOLLY HOFFMAN

When our minds and our bodies feel heavy, it helps to feel weightless for a little while.

Float therapy offers exactly that. The idea is to give your nervous system some time off.

When your muscles aren’t working to hold you up and you can’t feel the air and water around you or hear anything outside of the tank, your mind and body start to relax in a way that they can’t in normal circumstances.

People use float tanks to achieve different goals, including relief from stress, chronic pain, anxiety or even insomnia. They also use them to enhance their meditation, to focus on a problem they need to solve or for recovery after extreme physical activity.

When you visit a float spa, such as Pure Sweat + Float Studio, you step inside a large tank and close the lid or hatch (don’t worry; some spas offer an open option with a curtain for the more claustrophobic floaters). The tank is filled with water that is warmed to the temperature of your skin and more than 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. Once inside the tank, you can opt for complete darkness and silence for greater sensory deprivation or for dim lights and soft music for a more meditative experience. The only thing you have to do when you’re in the tank is let go and let the salt water hold you up.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Keep Calm and Carry On

ALTERNATIVE SELF-CARE THERAPIES FOR THE NEW YEAR

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ZANE RITTER, FLOAT HORIZEN

Infrared Saunas

Where: Float Horizen, floathorizen.com Time: 60 minutes Average cost: $75

Sound Baths

Have you ever heard a sound that made you feel something you didn’t expect? Since before humans started keeping written records, we have used rhythm, harmony and vibrations to tell stories, to express ideas and emotions and to facilitate worship or meditation. Using sound for the sake of therapy (or, as some describe it, healing) is described in different ways: sound therapy, sonic therapy, sound healing, sound immersion meditation and sound baths. Essentially, they all use a variety of tools, such as Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, flutes and small gongs, to alter vibrations in the environment and in the body, which helps people block out other sounds or intrusive thoughts to reach a deeper level of meditation or rest.

Aside from simply aiding in meditation, sound baths are known for relieving stress and anxiety and improving focus and concentration. Similar to the different types of white, brown or pink noise, the frequencies of the bowls can achieve different results.

When you arrive for an appointment at a sound bath studio, such as Float Horizen — the float spa and massage center in East Nashville — you begin by stretching out in a lounge chair, with the option of a blanket for those who feel most comfortable while partially covered. A session includes a full hour of sounds from a practitioner or guide. The instruments used can vary to include flutes and electronic equipment for a more otherworldly and atmospheric sound bath or Tibetan singing bowls that are tapped softly with mallets or gently rubbed around the rim for a more traditional session. All you have to do at that point is relax and allow yourself to be guided into a deeper meditation.

Sweating profusely can be terribly inconvenient when you’re not ready for it, but when you’ve planned to sweat, it can be quite beneficial to your physical and mental health.

And what better way to receive those benefits than resting in a relaxed, comfortable environment?

While stone and water saunas have been the preferred method of sweating for thousands of years, infrared saunas are a more targeted and comfortable alternative. These saunas use infrared light to raise the body’s core temperature, rather than heating the air like traditional water and stone saunas do. This is believed to produce a more controlled sweat.

Infrared therapy is most often used for relieving pain, relaxing muscles, improving circulation, lowering inflammation, detoxing and relieving stress. There are even some who claim it helps with lowering blood pressure, losing weight and fighting aging.

When you visit an infrared studio, such as Pure Sweat Sauna Studio in 12South, sessions are 40 minutes long but can be customized based on your needs.

You can choose the wavelength of light to receive different benefits, request a specific temperature and even choose what you do in the sauna, such as turning on the colored lights of your choice while listening to music, meditating or watching Netflix on the cabin’s tablet.

Where: Pure Sweat Sauna Studio, puresweatsaunastudio.com Time: 45 minutes Average cost: $45

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Where: The CoolSpot Cryotherapy, coolspotcryo.com Time: 3 minutes Average cost: $60

More and more, people are turning to CBD (cannabidiol) products as a holistic and safe approach to deal with their aches, pains and anxiety. And just so there’s no confusion, CBD is derived from hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant, and by law, it must be 0.3 percent or less THC by dry weight. In short, you can’t get high, but you will feel better.

CBD products on the market come in the form of tinctures, capsules, topical creams, gummies and other edibles. LabCanna is one local CBD producer who focuses on delivering high-quality products and maintaining high levels of transparency about their process. In a competitive market, they also stand out because they are a “seed-to-sale” company, which means they grow, refine and finish the product in Middle Tennessee.

There are two options that are simple to use for anyone wanting to try CBD: tinctures and topicals.

Tinctures, generally made with a carrier oil, light flavoring and extract, are taken by putting the liquid under your tongue and holding it there for about a minute or so before swallowing. They can be made with an isolate extract — a concentrated amount of one cannabinoid — or full spectrum extract, which includes the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids found in the plant. Topicals, like balms and creams, help reduce scarring and bruises, relieve tired muscles and act as a sleep aid.

Anyone can benefit from using CBD products, but it is important to research the manufacturer, seller and products before trying them. Ask a friend if CBD works for them. They’ll answer “yes.”

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PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Cryotherapy

You know that jolt of energy you get when you rush out of the house on a freezing cold day and realize you’ve forgotten your coat? Some people believe that sort of shock to your system can be good for you. That’s why polar bear plunges gained popularity and why athletes sit in an ice bath before and after a game. And now, you can get those same benefits from a whole body cryotherapy chamber.

Cryotherapy can be used for a wide range of reasons. Some use it to help recover from or prepare for athletic training and competition (fewer injuries, reduced recovery or increased energy), to help alleviate symptoms from medical conditions (arthritis, inflammation or chronic pain) or even to achieve certain health and beauty goals (tightening skin, increasing metabolism or reducing cellulite).

At a cryotherapy center, such as The CoolSpot Cryotherapy in Cool Springs, you’ll drop down to your undergarments or swimsuit and put on special gloves, socks and booties to protect all of your digits. The hardest step is to convince yourself to get into the chamber, at which point your whole body (aside from your head, which stays out of the chamber) is blasted with air that is between -160 degrees and -254 degrees Fahrenheit for no longer than three minutes. You can tailor your experience to achieve the results you want.

CBD Where: LabCanna, labcanna.com How often: Daily Average cost: $7-120

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Salt Caves There’s a reason doctors used to prescribe time at the beach for respiratory illnesses. Salty air works wonders when you’re stuffy and congested, and it’s beneficial to your skin, as well. It’s antibacterial and can act as an anti-inflammatory. And that’s great for people who live near the ocean, but for a landlocked city like Nashville, it’s not so easy to come by. That’s why a visit to a salt cave, like Salt and Soles in Edgehill, can be an excellent form of self-care.

The caves are essentially rooms with walls made from or covered in pink Himalayan salt, with a thick bed of salt on the ground and comfortable chairs along the walls. A lightly purring machine called a halogenerator crushes salt into an aerosol that disperses throughout the room with a fan. The particles aren’t large enough to see as a mist or a vapor, but you can taste the salt in the air, similar to what you experience on a beach.

A visit to a salt cave can help relieve congestion, inflammation, sinuses, allergies and infections and can benefit those with skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema or acne. It’s also incredibly relaxing, which helps with stress, anxiety and fatigue. There are even those who use salt caves as a hangover cure or as part of a detox.

The salt cave at Salt and Soles is lined with 15,000 pounds of hand-carved bricks of pink Himalayan salt, with nearly six inches of salt crystals on the floor. When you arrive, you take off your shoes, leave your electronics behind, slip on some clean booties, take your seat in a zerogravity chair and allow the dim, warm lights of salt lamps and the meditative music playing at a whisper throughout the room to carry you away.

At that point, you just relax and breathe until the session is over. Daily sessions last 45 minutes, and some people visit a couple times a week.

Where: Salt and Soles, saltandsoles.com Time: 45 minutes Average cost: $35

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Meditation Apps Where: Headspace, headspace.com Time: 1-120 minutes Average cost: $13/month or $70/year

Meditation isn’t anything new. People have been practicing meditation for millennia with a great variety of goals: to relieve stress, anxiety, pain, grief, anger, fear or nerves; to achieve inner peace, compassion, calm or enlightenment; to work out answers to problems that need solved; to slow down and focus the mind on tasks ahead at work, school or home; to prepare for a difficult decision or conversation; to fall asleep faster; or to rest your eyes for a moment. In its most basic form, meditation is simply sitting still for a moment and breathing, allowing you to ground yourself in the moment.

But where do you begin? If you’ve never practiced meditation before or have tried but found it difficult, then a meditation app, like Headspace, is a great place to start. You can work your way through three-minute beginners courses that teach you how to think about meditation or jump right into meditations from as little as one minute to as long as two hours. The app even has guided meditations for specific needs, such as panicking, feeling flustered or needing to get your focus back if you’re feeling distracted when working from home.

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Here to Stay Six fabulous hotels worth visiting on a Nashville staycation

If travel is typically high on your to-do list, you’re likely feeling more than your fair share of cabin fever after 10 months spent mostly at home. While the pandemic rages on and we wait for the all-clear to jet around the globe, consider a change of scenery that’s safe and simple.

Thanks to the construction craze of recent years, Nashville is now home to an enviable collection of luxury hotels, offering the perfect options for a staycation. From hip and trendy to classic and refined, these six properties include an intimate neighborhood boutique hotel, a stunning downtown high-rise and everything in between. And with tourism lagging, they’re all offering fantastic staycation packages and discounts to Tennessee residents. So, pack your bags, hop in your car and rediscover the joys of Music City, in all her sleek and stylish glory.

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Dream Nashville

Rates start at $239 210 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219 dreamhotels.com/nashville

In some ways, Dream Nashville is almost a reflection of the city itself: lots of history, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of delicious food options. It’s a hotel that has two different identities. The lobby sits between what used to be two separate buildings; one side was rebuilt and has modern rooms, and the other side still has the original hardwood and pocket doors. (Fun fact: These buildings were once home to The Climax Saloon and Brothel, which Jesse James is said to have robbed, and the world’s first 24-hour elevator.) The main entrance is on the more business-oriented Fourth Avenue, and the other side opens directly into Printer’s Alley. There’s fine dining with artwork from the Frist family above and a hip nightclub and taco shop below. But these identities blend perfectly to create a uniquely Nashville experience.

If you’re a sucker for history, you won’t regret asking for a suite on the older side.

Every piece of furniture in the hotel is custom-made, so each room is unique and feels comfortable right away. The original floor-to-ceiling pocket doors separate the central living space, with a plush sofa flanked by two reading chairs, from the bedroom and the bathroom. The palatial bathroom has both a classic and modern feel, thanks to black-and-white striped tiles in the huge walk-in shower, a horizontal black subway tile wall around the dual sinks and mirrors and black hex tile flooring.

Everyone loves to eat well while on vacation, and with six different food and beverage options, you can shake up your dining experiences to suit your mood. The signature restaurant, Stateside Kitchen, sits between the two buildings and offers fine dining with art deco styling, a glass atrium roof and an excellent bar menu. To the right of the lobby sits Parlour Bar, which is often converted to a theme bar. This holiday season, it became The Whobar and was decked out in Dr. Seuss-themed decorations. There are two nightclubs on site, and if you’re in the mood for a latenight snack, head down to Printer’s Alley for Vatos Tacos. In the morning, stop by Natura Nashville for coffee and pastries. (Pro tip: Ask about their Ripple Maker, which can print any photo onto the foam of your latte — perhaps even a goofy photo of your cat.)

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DREAM HOTEL

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F E AT U R E

JW Marriott Nashville

The JW Marriott has been taking luxury in Nashville to new heights — quite literally — since opening in 2018. The gleaming 34-story, 533-room tower on the corner of Demonbreun and Eighth Avenue has become synonymous with sophistication and elegance and celebrated for its unparalleled service, accommodations and views.

Known for the same attention to detail in both design and service as fellow classic luxury brands within the Marriott portfolio, St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton, the JW Marriott nameplate is firmly rooted in mindfulness. Inspired by a philosophy to help travelers be “present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit,” the brand’s Nashville outpost is no exception. Everything is designed to create a sense of calm, and every need is attended to, never more so than in the midst of a global pandemic, when the hotel has gone to great lengths to ensure the health and safety of all guests.

The standard rooms are spacious and well-appointed with workstations, oversized marble showers, smart TVs and coffee and tea service, but the suites, which include a private sitting area and an oversized soaking tub, are certainly a nice upgrade. With floor-to-ceiling windows, every room boasts an enviable view.

Regardless of what floor you’re staying on, the best vantage point can be found at Bourbon Steak and Bourbon Sky, the hotel’s steakhouse and cocktail bar located on the 34th floor. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina, Bourbon Steak is a classic steakhouse with a modern twist, offering hand-selected Black Angus and wagyu beef, in addition to fresh seafood, artfully presented and expertly prepared. As the name suggests, bourbon is the star of the spirits menu, with five pages dedicated to domestic and international whiskeys, including rare and vintage offerings from around the world.

The lobby’s Stompin’ Grounds Restaurant and Market, the swanky art deco-inspired Cumberland Bar and the poolside Cabana Club offer relaxed options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, and in-room dining is available all day. For a truly memorable experience, be sure to check out the hotel’s amenity packages. The Soundtrack by JW gives guests access to a Sony turntable, headphones and a choice of four vinyl bundles, while the Sweet Dreams package includes a bottle of rosé, macarons, a silk sleeping mask and Patchology eye gel and lip gels. Other options include freshly baked cupcakes, an artisanal cheese board or a healthy snack cabinet stocked with lighter treats. All of the packages can be pre-ordered so they’re waiting in your room upon arrival or can be purchased as a gift.

And because no vacation is complete without a little pampering, a visit to Spa by JW is a must. With wellness services divided into four categories — Calm, Indulge, Invigorate and Renew — the skillful staff will guarantee that you return home without a care in the world.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JW MARRIOTT NASHVILLE

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Rates start at $239 201 Eighth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 marriott.com/bnajw

F E AT U R E

The Joseph

Rates start at $345

If you’re looking to experience world-class luxury right here in downtown Nashville, then your staycation destination is The Joseph. The new hotel brings The Luxury Collection by Marriott to Nashville, inviting global explorers to the heart of Music City. From the moment you enter the covered drive, complete with stunning sculptures and one of several “living walls” overflowing with a variety of plant life, your experience of pure elegance and style begins.

The heart of the design of The Joseph is living with art. From the distinct shape of the building itself to the hundreds of unique pieces of art from the Pizutti family collection featured throughout, every inch of the hotel was thoughtfully considered. Even the front desk features an intricately detailed leather panel that was hand-tooled by Lucchese.

Relaxation is key for a staycation, and the rooms and suites here are difficult to leave. With a blend of modern and art deco design and natural elements woven throughout, you’ll feel grounded as soon as you walk in. If you opt for one of the suites, you’ll find a record player built into the bar with Bose speakers for kicking back and enjoying your favorite vinyls in pure sonic fidelity. And let Rose, the full-service spa on the 21st floor, take you to a new level of bliss.

As if that weren’t enough to make The Joseph the pinnacle of luxury in Nashville, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Yolan, is the new home of James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano and wine expert Cathy Mantuano. The married duo have created an elegant and refined Italian culinary experience that is unlike any other. Make sure you set a reservation in advance; as word gets around the city about Tony’s genius, it might be difficult to get one at the last minute. You’ll also want to plan lunch and after-dinner drinks at the rooftop restaurant and bar, Denim, with poolside cabanas, another living wall, ingenious cocktails and delectable small bites.

The Joseph has everything you need to feel like you’re traveling the world in the lap of luxury without ever having to leave town.

401 Korean Veterans Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203 thejosephnashville.com

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE JOSEPH

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F E AT U R E

Virgin Hotels Nashville

Rates start at $209 1 Music Square W., Nashville, TN 37203 virginhotels.com/nashville

If you’ve been missing the thrill of a night on the town, consider a stay at the Virgin Hotels Nashville. The sleek hotel, newly opened on Music Row, gives you a taste of the city’s exciting nightlife without actually having to risk stepping foot into a crowded bar or club. Outfitted with a variety of beautiful and unique spaces to enjoy a drink or snack, the hotel is a destination in itself for a change of scenery that won’t require you to hop on a plane. And with an app that allows you to do everything from checking in to controlling the lights, you can rest assured that your visit will feel safe from the minute you arrive.

The hotel’s rooms, called chambers, are sharply dressed like a midcentury modern dream. The standard chambers are a bit small, so if you plan to spend a lot of time lounging in your room, consider opting for one of the Grand Chamber Suites, which are twice as large and include a sitting area. With a large flat-screen TV, a private workstation and an exceptionally comfortable bed (with its own ergonomic headboard), you might never want to leave. Smeg refrigerators and bar carts come fully stocked with snacks, spirits and coffee, including mugs and your own kettle to make a fresh cup of joe in the morning. Cozy, padded window seats create a nice place to relax and enjoy the view of downtown. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly, so your furry friend is welcome to tag along, free of charge, regardless of size or breed.

(He or she will even get their own bed, food bowls and Virgin Hotels bandana!)

Whenever you do decide to venture out of your chamber, the hotel offers a variety of places to unwind. The main bar and restaurant, Commons Club, stretches across the lobby and sprawls onto an expansive patio that includes couches, fire pits and swings. At night, the lights are dimmed low and the music is played loud, creating a lively atmosphere while you enjoy well-made cocktails and elevated bar snacks, like salmon crudo, beef tartare or Korean fried chicken wings. A full dinner menu is slated to be unveiled sometime in 2021. The lobby also houses Funny Library, a coffee shop and cafe that serves espresso drinks, pastries, breakfast dishes and paninis. There are plenty of private nooks to relax, or grab something to go and enjoy a stroll down Music Row or to The Gulch.

Rain or shine, be sure to head to the 14th floor for a visit to The Pool Club. The indoor-outdoor lounge and restaurant boasts killer rooftop views, in addition to a great variety of drinks, small bites, sandwiches, sweets and brunch. The pool deck, which is exclusive to hotel guests only, offers poolside cabanas ( furnished with heaters in the winter) and lounge seating, but there’s a fully enclosed bar and restaurant if the weather is too chilly. A DJ can typically be found spinning records, adding to the convivial atmosphere of this flashy home away from home.

The hotel is clearly catered to a hip, creative crowd looking for some fun, which makes it a great destination to overcome your nagging winter blues.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF VIRGIN HOTELS NASHVILLE

34 >> JANUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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F E AT U R E

Grand Hyatt Nashville

The latest to join the city’s roster of high-end accommodations, Grand Hyatt Nashville provides the perfect spot for a peaceful and relaxing escape. One of only 15 Grand Hyatts in the continental United States, this addition to the collection delivers on the brand’s reputation with 591 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, seven food and beverage destinations and a luxury, full-service spa. Its location in the Nashville Yards is convenient to shops, restaurants and entertainment in The Gulch, Midtown and downtown, but once you check in, you won’t want to leave the premises. Hand the valet your keys, and leave your cares at the door.

Ease into your stay with a visit to the spa, R + R Wellness.

If possible, arrive early to take advantage of a steam or sauna session. All treatments are personalized, so your therapist will discuss issues, concerns and needs with you before beginning your custom massage or facial. R + R stands for recharge and refresh, which you most certainly will by the time you head to your room. Once there, it’s tempting not to leave, thanks to floor-to-ceilings windows, a 55-inch flat-screen TV, sumptuous bedding and a spacious bathroom, not to mention thoughtful amenities like numerous outlets for all your devices, a Nespresso coffee machine and Balmain bath products. But it’s definitely worth slipping out of your cozy terry cloth robe to check out the food and beverage options.

Start with a cocktail at Aurum, the gilded lobby bar.

Bartenders are well-versed in the extensive spirits list and can suggest the right one to add a welcome twist to your favorite.

With incredible views of Broadway, The Nashville Grange serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the tantalizing menu reads like a who’s who of area farms and growers. For a caffeine hit, Hummingbird Coffee Market features Stay Golden coffee and an array of local sweets and treats. The 25th floor rooftop bar and lounge, Lou|Na, draws a lively crowd at night. Opening this year, Sean Brock’s highly anticipated restaurant The Continental will showcase his passion for American culinary history and reverence for the traditional elegance of hotel dining.

If the above isn’t tempting enough to start packing your bags, Grand Hyatt Nashville is offering a Tennessee Holiday Staycation through March 31, 2021. Tennesseans receive generous discounts on their stays, spa treatments and all on-site dining or room service options. This fabulous in-town getaway can only be booked by calling the hotel and mentioning TENNRES. After surviving 2020, you deserve it!

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GRAND HYATT NASHVILLE

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Rates start at $239 1000 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/tennessee/ grand-hyatt-nashville/bnarn

F E AT U R E

The Germantown Inn

Do you remember the joy of traveling to a new city and exploring a quaint neighborhood near your hotel? It’s the chance to browse small shops, savor meals at local eateries and maybe pick up a little history along the way. Well, you can do that without leaving Davidson County by heading to Germantown for a staycation. One of Nashville’s most unique and charming accommodations, The Germantown Inn makes the perfect base for a weekend in the popular neighborhood.

The luxury boutique inn is a two-story Federal-style home, constructed in 1865, making it one of the oldest homes in the historic neighborhood. The building retains many of the original elements, such as fireplaces, exposed brick and wide-plank wood floors, all lovingly restored and preserved when it was reimagined as a present-day oasis. The dark navy roof, entrance and courtyard walls add a modern touch that complements the red brick exterior. A lush courtyard has ample seating and fire pits, and a rooftop terrace offers neighborhood and downtown views.

Taking a cue from the neighborhood streets, the six suites in the home are named for presidents, while the four carriage house spaces honor some of the country’s most influential women. Each chic area has a soothing palette with bright pops of color and custom pieces from local creatives, including Andra Eggleston, Caitlin Mello and New Hat Projects. No luxury was overlooked in outfitting the light-filled rooms, which feature elegant Frette linens, Turkish towels, plush robes and organic LATHER bath amenities.

For extra pampering, guests receive 10 percent off any service at nearby Poppy & Monroe.

In the morning, the complimentary continental breakfast will fuel you for hitting local shops, and you’ll want to return from your adventures for libations and individually boxed cheese and charcuterie during the hosted happy hour. There may not be a fullservice restaurant on the property, but some of Nashville’s most popular dining spots — City House, Henrietta Red and Rolf & Daughters, to name a few — are literally steps away. With many offering carryout, you’ll feel safe and satisfied dining in the courtyard, which shines at night, thanks to string lights and a glowing fire.

To put your visit over the top, check out the indulgent staycation packages — one with a spa experience at Poppy & Monroe — offered through April 30, 2021. The Germantown Inn is a relaxing, peaceful getaway with outstanding amenities and top-notch service that you will want to experience time and again.

Rates start at $199 1218 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 germantowninn.com

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY DORIO

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LO CA L F LAVOR

Comfort and Joy Cozy dishes from local restaurants to sample this winter

When the days are short and the weather is cold, we'll take a little comfort wherever we can find it — especially after the year we've all just had. Fortunately, comfort is often served warm in a sea of aromatic broth or accompanied by a freshly baked cookie or topped with some melted cheese. We compiled a list of eight of our favorite comfort foods from local restaurants for you to try this winter. May they fill your hearts and bellies with happiness.

VUI’S KITCHEN

If I knew how to knit, I would knit the ingredients of a Vui’s Kitchen noodle bowl into a cozy scarf so I could tangle myself in silken vermicelli and velvety seared lemongrass pork belly.

I’d weave in bright, crisp flourishes of carrot, cucumber, cilantro and lettuce and sprinkle the fringes with crushed peanuts, chile and lime. My noodle bowl scarf would be a delicate tapestry of salt, fat, acid and heat, balancing decadence and restraint so as to be the rare comfort food that leaves a diner both comforted and comfortable. (Fortunately for everyone, I do not know how to knit.) CARRINGTON FOX

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Pork Belly Noodle Bowl

LOCAL FLAVOR

Chai Latte

and Cookies

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

DOSE

When it comes to comfort food, I gravitate toward the popular pairs of childhood: peanut butter and honey, spaghetti and meatballs, milk and cookies — but it’s that last combo I love the most. On a dreary afternoon, when fatigue is setting in and I have miles of kidchauffeuring and bedtime-routining ahead of me, there’s nothing like a little milk and cookies to lift the spirits. My go-to spot for this timeless treat is Dose for a chai latte with oat milk and a snickerdoodle, though the salty chocolate chip cookie and an old-school au lait are perfectly acceptable alternatives.

Really, any combination will do.

You simply can’t go wrong with milk and cookies! VARINA WILLSE

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LO CA L F LAVOR

Grillshack Burger and Uber-Tuber Fries GRILLSHACK

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

There’s not a lot in the world that can’t be cured by a really good cheeseburger, and it’s hard to imagine a better burger than the one at Grillshack. The ¹/³-pound patty of Bear Creek beef is lightly seasoned with cracked pepper and grilled to perfection before being blanketed in Muenster cheese and placed on a toasted Charpier’s bun. Wrapped in foil and accompanied by tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, mayo, mustard and ketchup, so you can assemble to your liking at your convenience, the burger is packed in a box loaded with the hefty, crispy, salty Uber-Tuber fries. Do yourself a favor and request a side of honey mustard or Grillshack’s spicy ketchup for dipping. You won’t regret it. NANCY FLOYD

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LOCAL FLAVOR

Mutter Paneer and Garlic Naan WOODLANDS INDIAN VEGETARIAN CUISINE

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

When the weather outside gets frightful, direct your sled to Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine, where everything on the menu is filling and delightful. Their mutter paneer has been my go-to on chilly winter days for many years running, as the luscious cashew-based gravy is rich with tomato, onion and belly-warming spices. They’re generous with the plump cubes of paneer, and the addition of green peas gives the dish a bright, sweet bite. While the entrée comes with a side of basmati rice, it’s worth the extra $3.50 to grab some garlic naan, too. The freshly baked, chewy flatbread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of that dreamy, creamy gravy. MEGAN SELING

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LO CA L F LAVOR

Creamed Corn and Green Beans ARNOLD’S COUNTRY KITCHEN

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

My oft-professed love for the fried chicken at Arnold’s Country Kitchen is well known, and the roast beef and the meatloaf also have their own legions of fans. But the dish that really hits me in the feels is a humble side from the steam table array of “and threes.” I never visit without ordering a small dish of green beans with Arnold’s sweet-salty creamed corn ladled on top. Why is this my staple order? Because Kahlil Arnold once told me that was the best way to enjoy them, and because his father, Jack, taught him to do it that way years ago. It represents two generations of pleasing customers on one tray. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

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LOCAL FLAVOR

Biscuits and Tomato Gravy BIG BAD BREAKFAST

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

I’m no different than many Southerners in that I lionize my mother’s sausage gravy. Spread over biscuits, it is a near-perfect breakfast all on its own, and I never believed I would find its equal until John Currence came into my life. The chef-owner of Big Bad Breakfast serves tomato gravy over his big, fluffy biscuits, and well, Mom now has competition. It starts with a base of butter and onions before herbs and flour are added.

Then, tomatoes come in over the top and simmer for a half hour. With a little cream blended in, it becomes something magical — a dish you never knew you needed. Sometimes, I get a second order to go, because I never want that feeling to go away. STEVE CAVENDISH

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LO CA L F LAVOR

Chicken Soup With Noodles

and Grilled Cheese Sandwich NOSHVILLE DELICATESSEN

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Noshville’s version of the absolutely classic, feel-better soup combined with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich is the warm serving of goodness that will make you feel better, even if you’re not under the weather. Everybody’s grandmother thinks her recipe is the best, but Noshville’s consistently rich, golden, homemade broth (notice the soup’s name?) with loads of noodles elevates it above all others. The half grilled cheese sandwich — always sourdough bread and cheddar cheese — is perfectly toasted with just enough crunch and the right amount of butter and has two slices of cheese, which practically makes it a whole one! HOLLY HOFFMAN

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LOCAL FLAVOR

Shoyu Ramen OTAKU RAMEN

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

When the weather gets downright cold and the wind cuts into your bones, there’s really only one food that will warm you, body and soul: a gorgeous, steaming bowl of shoyu ramen from Otaku Ramen. With delicate noodles, a shoyu (soybased) clear chicken broth, tender pork belly, a fish cake, a soy-marinated egg and a bit of nori and scallions, this is the hearty comfort food that will melt away your worries with every slurp. And don’t feel shy about scooping out every last drop of broth, because that’s where the magic is. JONATHAN SIMS

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NSTYLE

More Than Skin Deep Beauty products to keep you feeling fabulous and fresh

Just because we quit wearing pants and started wearing masks last year doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we gave up trying to look our best. We shopped a few popular local retailers and surveyed some of our well-groomed readers (who are beautiful inside and out) to find out what they use to keep them looking and feeling fabulous year-round.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

AILA Cosmetics nail polish in bodega >> Poppy & Monroe | Glo Skin Beauty cream glaze crayon in chiffon >> Melissa Langley M.D. Dermatology and Aesthetics | Kosas The Big Clean volumizing + lash care mascara in black >> Lemon Laine | Buxom Power-full Plump lip balm in Dolly fever and Big O; Laura Mercier caviar stick eye shadow in copper; Escentric Molecule 01 eau de toilette; Trish McEvoy Makeup Wardrobing refillable magnetic dual-level compact and bronzer; Trish McEvoy Makeup Wardrobing refillable magnetic makeup page; Trish McEvoy classic eye shadow in light shell, raspberry, pink shimmer, rich brown, bare, ginger, 24k and deep aubergine; Trish McEvoy Power of Makeup Carpe Celebration Volume II makeup planner >> Private Edition

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NSTYLE

La Roche-Posay Anthelios nutritive oil SPF 50+; ZO Skin Health exfoliating polish >> Melissa Langley M.D. Dermatology and Aesthetics | KH Skin Lab sheer peptide gel; KH Skin Lab sheer shine hydrating pads >> Karee Hays Esthetics | Therapy Systems retinol cellular treatment cream/PM; Herbivore Prism exfoliating glow serum >> Private Edition | CV Skinlabs calming moisturizer; One Love Organics Botanical B enzyme cleansing oil >> Lemon Laine | Vintnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daughter active botanical serum; Dr. Barbara Sturm super anti-aging serum; Stephanie Johnson Martha briefcase >> Woo Skincare + Cosmetics

48 >> JANUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

Simplici Soap Factory bar soap in almond cinnamon oatmeal and fir rosemary cedar >> bulksoapfactory.com | EltaMD broad spectrum facial sunscreen >> Melissa Langley M.D. Dermatology and Aesthetics | Luna Bronze glow gradual tanning moisturizer >> Karee Hays Esthetics | Davines MELU hair shield; Davines MELU conditioner >> BBC Nashville Salon | NeoCutis bio serum >> Private Edition | Lemon Laine custom

facial oil; Clary Collection balm; Indie Lee CoQ-10 toner >> Lemon Laine | Good Flower Farm lavender tea tree deodorant >> Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercantile | TRVL Simplici Soap Factory bar soap in almond cinnamon oatmeal and fir rosemary cedar >> bulksoapfactory.com | EltaMD broad spectrum facial sunscreen >> Melissa Langley M.D. Dermatology and Aesthetics | Luna Bronze glow Design zebra print cosmetics bag >> Woo gradual tanning moisturizer >> Karee Hays Esthetics | Davines MELU hair shield; Davines MELU conditioner >> BBC Nashville Salon | NeoCutis bio serum >> Private Edition | Lemon Laine custom facial oil; Clary Collection Skincare + Cosmetics balm; Indie Lee CoQ-10 toner >> Lemon Laine | Good Flower Farm lavender tea tree deodorant >> Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercantile | TRVL Design zebra print cosmetics bag >> Woo Skincare + Cosmetics

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NSTYLE Simplici Soap Factory body butter; Simplici Soap Factory hand and foot balm; Simplici Soap Factory bar soap in lavender mint >> bulksoapcompany.com | Olivina Men face moisturizer and sunscreen; Olivina Men all-in-one body wash; Jack Black protein booster skin serum >> The Cosmetic Market | The Roosevelt Supply Co. beard wash; The Roosevelt Supply Co. beard oil; Ranger Station unisex fragrance in oakmoss and tobacco + musk; Filson travel kit >> Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercantile

50 >> JANUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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BACK TO THE PAST Great pains were taken to ensure the new Elliston Place Soda Shop stays true to its origins.

Southeast Venture provided architectural services, and Nancy Inman was the interior designer.

The furnishings and equipment are either original, refurbished or period-appropriate. “We wanted to surprise and delight,” says Tony. “When someone walks in, we want them to smile.”

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STEP INSIDE

THE STAGE IS SET One noteworthy addition is a stage for singer-songwriters to perform, situated against a mural backdrop — an enlarged photo of a 1987 John Baeder painting depicting the original Elliston Place Soda Shop. In another curated nod to the past, merchandise will be for sale, such as T-shirts and mugs with slogans such as "Nashville’s Counter Culture since 1939" and onesies that read "New Kid on the Rock Block." The term refers to the block on Elliston that is also home to the famed music venue Exit/In.

Stepping Into the Past The Elliston Place Soda Shop was saved from the brink of closure and given new life Walking into Elliston Place Soda Shop is like stepping back in time — if the past were remarkably well preserved, the equipment state-of-the-art and everything just a little shinier than you might remember it.

Located next door to the original location, which operated for close to eight decades, the restaurant still has the original — now reconditioned — stainless steel and red vinyl 1930s stools, a row of classic Waring blenders behind the counter, and booths with Formica-top tables and refurbished mini Wurlitzers. These days, with a large jukebox in the back, the Wurlitzers are merely decorative. The jukebox is free, so patrons won’t have to dig for change to listen to their favorite tunes.

The soda shop was about to close last fall when developer Tony Giarratana stepped in.

Known for constructing high-rise buildings, such as 505 Nashville on Church Street, Tony saw it as saving a beloved landmark. “In all my years building tall buildings, I have never had more people stop and say, ‘We love that! Thank you!’ ” he says. “It’s like young people, old people, everything in between. I’m like, ‘Have you seen our tall buildings?’ They love the soda shop. It’s universal.”

Tony enlisted well-known Nashville restaurateur Randy Rayburn (Midtown Cafe, Cabana and the since-closed Sunset Grill), and they got to work. Moving next door allowed them to double the space to close to 5,000 square feet, now accommodating 150 guests inside, compared with 57 in the old place. There are two counters, one being the "adult counter," jokes Randy, explaining the soda shop will now have a liquor license. There’s also a walk-up window and outside seating, which accommodates 14 guests.

The menu offers the classic fare, including burgers, fries and milkshakes, as well as meatand-three options and breakfast all day. The focus is on good food prepared fresh and offered at reasonable prices. No “can to the pan," says Randy.

For those feeling nostalgic, some of the best memories probably include the staff. Not to worry; longtime general manager Linda Melton is still a regular presence and is busy baking her famous pies, including coconut, lemon and chocolate meringue. As soon as Tony got involved, he made sure Linda and Leonard Jones, a member of the kitchen staff, stayed on the payroll even before opening, honoring their more than 25 years at the soda shop. There will, no doubt, be other familiar faces. As Tony says, "The history of the place is part of the charm of it."

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID BAILEY

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TA K I N G V O W S

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATALIE WATSON

na Patton n a e D y le Ash Marries oote III F n o d r o Douglass G

Ashley Patton and Doug Foote met at a Nashville Predators game in 2013. Ashley’s best friend asked Doug, who was working for the Predators at the time, if he had extra tickets to the game, because she had a friend that she wanted him to meet. In February 2019, Doug proposed on the garden rooftop of their apartment building in Manhattan’s West Village.

“It was cold up there,” said Ashley. “I definitely knew what was coming.” Doug had organized the families to come into town for the weekend as a surprise for Ashley.

Plans for a wedding in Highlands, North Carolina, at Old Edwards Inn were abandoned with the arrival of COVID-19. “On Sept. 26, we had a very intimate ceremony in Nashville with our immediate families — 19 people total,” said Ashley.

Following a ceremony in the Patton family’s living room — officiated by the groom’s cousin Charles Nelson IV — the guests enjoyed dinner outside catered by Juniper Green. A handful of close friends came over afterward for wedding cake from Baked on 8th and cocktails featuring Harvest Haymaker, a vodka, pear, lemon and ginger ale concoction.

At night’s end, local singer-songwriter Katie Basden played for the couple to dance to their favorite song, “All Your’n” by Tyler Childers. The band of two played, and all the guests sang along as Ashley and Doug enjoyed their first dance.

The bride wore a custom dress by Elizabeth Fillmore. Unable to decide between two dresses at Fillmore’s New York showroom, Ashley took the designer’s suggestion to combine the two patterns.

“It turned out perfect,” said the bride. She carried a simple but elegant bouquet by Vintage Florals.

The mother of the bride worked with event planner Jessica Sloan and Please Be Seated to craft a beautiful garden reception.

After a wedding trip to Wyoming and Montana, the couple returned to Nashville, where they are both working remotely because of the pandemic.

Doug, a graduate of University of Georgia, is an account executive with Yotpo in New York. Ashley, a magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University, is a product operations manager at Flatiron Health in New York. Their parents are Mary and Jeff Patton and Lisa Bass Foote and the late Douglass Foote Jr. The newlyweds are still planning to have their “real” celebration in Highlands on Oct. 2, 2021.

BY SANDY NELSON

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BEST B E H AV I O R

Let Them Do Their Own Thing

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

A CAPITOL TRIP Our son and his husband are determined to head to Washington, D.C., for the presidential inauguration. Both of them are well aware that his father and I did not vote for either candidate for president, and I think we did a good job of keeping our opinions to ourselves. We obviously know how both of them voted. Over the holidays, our son brought up the election, rejoicing every time we were together. I have no idea what the inauguration is going to look like, but I don’t want to hear about it from the two of them anymore, now or after they get home. When do I lay down the law? — Anonymous, Forest Hills The holidays around your house sound hellish, even via Zoom. You chose not to take a stance, but your son and your son-in-law probably think you did by not voting. Apparently, you avoided getting into arguments over your lack of an opinion. Now is no time to let them pick a fight. Should the subject come up, simply say, “Let’s just change the subject.” They’re grown-ups, so they ought to know how to respond: in silence. This is no time to let politics rip your relationship apart. When they head out, just say, “Be careful.” (That’s what caring parents say.) After they get back from Washington, just ask about the weather.

MOTHER KNOWS BEST, MAYBE My fiancé and I were planning our wedding this past spring — the full church ceremony, with bridesmaids and me wearing the white dress. That’s what my mother wanted, so we said yes. We have been living together for a couple of years, so we thought it was a waste — at least of money. My mother demands that, now that the vaccine seems to be getting ready for distribution, we reschedule for this coming summer with the full production. She’s trying to be nice, I guess, but who’s crazy here? — Anonymous, East Nashville Forestall the church ceremony; head to the county clerk’s office. Leave the reception to your mother, whenever and wherever she wants to play the hostess. As is often the case with a mother of the bride, she may be planning the wedding of her dreams, especially if her own was a nightmare. (What, by the way, does your father have to say?) Your mother may be doing the party planning just to fill her time. It’s her party; she can pay if she wants to. She’s hopeful. Let’s hope that when she puts down her deposits, they’re refundable.

POSTAGE REQUIRED I gave graduation gifts to a girl and boy in May. Both of their mothers told me that they loved them and that they’d be sitting down to write me thankyou notes right away. I have yet to hear anything. They ought to know better.

Should I tell their mothers? — Anonymous, West Meade If you haven’t heard anything by now, you’ll probably never hear anything. The boy and girl may be away at college, or maybe they’re taking online classes.

Either way, they’ve still got time to write a note. But don’t fret. The kids aren’t going to graduate again. You won’t have to send any more presents.

BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusmagazine.com.

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NRETROSPECT

URTESY OF PHOTOGRAPH CO

CENTER, 1990 ORMING ARTS

TENNESSEE PERF

In the Limelight Looking back at the history of TPAC

In September 1980, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center opened its doors and presented 119 performances to a total attendance of 84,000 people in the first year. Fast forward 40 years, and TPAC was selling nearly 400,000 tickets for more than 600 performances, attracting blockbuster Broadway plays and enriching the lives of more than 35,000 students and teachers through its education programs. Unfortunately, plans to recognize this important 40th anniversary were forced to change due to the pandemic. However, a celebration will take place! A virtual presentation, produced by Matt Logan and featuring performances by TPAC’s three resident companies — Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera and Nashville Repertory Theatre — along with some special surprise guests, will take place on Feb. 20. To learn more about this upcoming program and more, visit tpac.org.

Left to right: Raymond Zimmerman, Sandra Fulton, Martha Ingram, James Randolph

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FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, HOME.

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Engel & Völkers Nashville 20 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite #450 . Nashville . TN, 37215 . 615-297-8543 Learn more at nashville.evrealestate.com ©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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