Love Local
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our February edition, where we celebrate the theme of "Love Local!" This month is all about embracing the unique charm of our community and the incredible people, places, and experiences that make Nashville so special. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your home, your health, or your next unforgettable evening out, we've got you covered.
First, we shine a spotlight on Bennett Galleries in Green Hills, a haven for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. This stunning gallery showcases an exquisite array of contemporary art and custom framing services, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to infuse their space with beauty and creativity. Bennett Galleries is more than a destination; it’s an experience that celebrates the transformative power of art.
Next, we turn our attention to Body Ballet Co., a unique fitness studio in Nashville that’s redefining how we approach movement and wellness. Offering classes that blend ballet techniques with strength training and flexibility, Body Ballet Co. provides a refreshing way to achieve your fitness goals while embracing elegance and grace. It’s fitness with a touch of artistry, and we’re here for it!
And for those planning the perfect evening out, our Date Night Round-Up has all the inspiration you need. We've curated a list of experiences that promise to ignite romance and create lasting memories. Whether it’s your first date or your fiftieth, there’s something magical waiting for you in Nashville.
As always, we are honored to be part of your journey, bringing you stories, tips, and recommendations that celebrate the best of our city. Here’s to a year filled with discovery, creativity, and connection.
Warm regards,
JENNIFER
KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Mary Demere
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
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QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
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WELCOME
LUXURY FITNESS STUDIO & LIFESTYLE BRAND
*Body & Ballet Collective (BBCO) is NOT a dance class.
STAND TALLER • MOVE EASIER FEEL BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR BODY
If you like Pilates or Barre, you’ll LOVE BBCO!
Voted Top 3 Best New Workout Spots in Nashville by Modern Luxury, our PT approved ballet-based method offers a transformative experience with authentic techniques that target muscles for improved posture, flexibility, strength, and balance.
Cross-Training: BBCO-Cross 2x/week program designed to strengthen stabilizing muscles and enhance performance across activities like weightlifting, jogging, tennis, and more.
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Opening Spring 2025
A Celebration of Art
ENJOY AN EVENING OUT WITH TWO LOCAL ARTISTS
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Michael Poindexter
Sarah Kaufman
Since opening its doors in 1978, Bennett Galleries Nashville has featured a wide variety of both established and emerging artists, showcasing their contemporary fine art paintings and sculptures. Many of these have included very talented local artists.
“We usually have between 20% and 25% Nashville/Davidson County Metro artists on our roster,” says marketing manager Melanie Davis. “When you add in our regional artists – those in Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Columbia - that number is closer to 30% to 40%.”
On Saturday, March 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the gallery will be hosting an art reception highlighting two such artists. Sherrie Russ Levine and Sarah Kaufman, explains Melanie, both started as landscape painters portraying the scenic beauty of Tennessee. “Sarah mostly focuses on the parks around Nashville, but Sherrie has actually switched her focus beyond Tennessee.”
Levine has been represented at Bennett for over 15 years. “She’s been doing a lot of plein-air painting in Europe - France and Italy specifically - and some in Spain too,” says Melanie. “It’s really
exciting to watch her grow as an artist and modify the way she puts paint on the canvas.”
While Kaufman, who has been painting for over 30 years, is newer to the gallery, she has collections all over the world. Her focus is portraying the way light bounces and fractures through the architectural path of a forest.
The reception is open to all – no tickets needed – and guests can enjoy appetizers and beverages while viewing collections from Levine and Kaufman, plus the gallery’s other hundreds of artists as well.
“As a gallery, people may feel kind of intimidated coming in, but we want them to feel comfortable rubbing elbows with both the art and the artists,” she says. Both artists are expected to be on hand that evening. “Meeting artists gives people a sense of connection to the artwork.”
People should also feel free to come in to browse; they don’t necessarily have to buy anything. “We are not a hard-sell gallery,” says Melanie. “We want them to enjoy coming in to see some beautiful art. Especially on a rainy or cold day. What a great respite!”
Shane Miller, Charlotte Terrell
Jude Remedios - Urban Mirage 60x48
Sherrie Russ Levine
Gavin Post
Rick Davis, Lisa Jennings, Ed Nash
Greg Decker
Lisa Jennings
Others come in for Bennett’s incredible ready-made framing selections and custom framing, including archival, museum-quality materials and European moldings. There are also caring and skilled staff to guide customers with their choices.
“We have a variety of people who come in because of that, so we really try to have a wide variety of price points available in all of our departments, whether it's art or custom framing,” she says.
Over the years, the gallery has had a lot of repeat customers, as well as many new customers. Stop in on March 29 to meet the artists and see their incredible works.
BennettGalleriesNashville.com
Sarah Kaufman:
Kaufman gains her inspiration from the landscapes around Tennessee. First, she captures photographic images. Then, she displays them on a large screen in her studio to give her a feeling of being back in those woods. Using color, light, and geometric forms, she replicates the beauty of nature on canvas.
Sherrie Russ Levine:
A landscape artist originally focused on the scenic beauty of Tennessee, Levine has expanded her horizons. “She’s gone from doing large swaths of color that turn into very beautiful and serene lake scenes to these plein air paintings that are more finely detailed,” says Melanie.
Karen Johnston
Frank Baggett
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DISCOVER HOW MELISSA CHERA OF BODY & BALLET COLLECTIVE REDEFINES FITNESS WITH GRACE, PRECISION AND GROUNDBREAKING BALLET-BASED TECHNIQUES.
Ballet Meets Fitness
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NASHBOX STUDIOS
Discover the inspiration behind Body & Ballet Collective, a revolutionary fitness studio merging classical ballet conditioning with contemporary techniques. Founder Melissa shares her journey from unfulfilled fitness experiences to creating a transformative method that prioritizes posture, balance and mobility—all in a luxurious, supportive environment rooted in faith and femininity.
WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR BODY & BALLET COLLECTIVE FIRST FORM?
Melissa: I explored countless fitness modalities for years, from traditional strength training and HIIT to yoga, classical mat Pilates and even contemporary reformer Pilates. I committed myself to each discipline for several years but ultimately always found myself unfulfilled and returning to my home base: ballet conditioning
The final "grass is greener" moment came after the birth of my daughter. I practiced contemporary reformer Pilates for two years but only achieved mid-level results. Trying to make that other method more effective, I started packing my own props, going "off script," performing balletic interpretations of their movements, and drawing a lot of attention! That's when inspiration struck—I could do better on my own. Instead of training alone, I created a space where other women, equally unsatisfied with their fitness journeys, could find true transformation through ballet conditioning.
Ballet-based fitness can merge the functional strength of traditional workouts with the beauty and precision of ballet conditioning. It's fitness, just elevated.
YOUR METHOD COMBINES CLASSICAL CONDITIONING WITH CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THIS FUSION SETS BBCO APART FROM OTHER FITNESS STUDIOS?
Melissa: There isn't anything like it— we are an entirely new fitness platform. Some movements might seem "familiar" to Barre or Pilates as both are inspired by ballet. Still, Body & Ballet Collective's approach isn't just "influenced" by ballet—it's grounded in it, making us a leader in ballet-based fitness.
CONTINUED >
With certifications in both Barre and Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT)—a global training method used by ballet academies worldwide, including the Nashville Ballet— I bring a unique depth of knowledge to BBCO and created an authentic program that is PT-approved and accessible for all fitness levels!
BODY & BALLET COLLECTIVE HAS BEEN VOTED ONE OF NASHVILLE'S TOP 3 BEST NEW WORKOUT SPOTS. WHAT DO YOU THINK RESONATES MOST WITH YOUR CLIENTS ABOUT YOUR APPROACH?
Melissa: We take a feminine approach to a male-dominated fitness world. In a world full of dark, sweaty gyms and cortisol-spiking workouts, we strive to be the opposite, offering a refreshing alternative with a luxury studio environment, small group classes and a warm and supportive culture.
Another distinctive feature of BBCO is that we're a Christian company, and part of that commitment means we're closed on Sundays. Our first-time visitors often use the word "healing." I believe that the energy they're feeling stems from these values.
WHAT ROLE DO POSTURE, BALANCE, AND MOBILITY PLAY IN OVERALL FITNESS, AND HOW DOES YOUR METHOD SPECIFICALLY TARGET THESE AREAS?
Melissa: Traditional fitness programs often overlook posture, balance and mobility but are essential
to maintaining overall health and longevity. Poor posture can lead to back pain and decreased energy. Lack of balance increases the risk of falls and injuries. Limited mobility can restrict daily activities and hinder quality of life.
Because what good are six-pack abs when you don't have a strong back to support them?!
WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS FOR CERTAIN CLASSES, CAN YOU SHARE MORE ABOUT HOW YOU ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY FOR BEGINNERS WHILE STILL CHALLENGING ADVANCED PARTICIPANTS?
Melissa: Foundation+ is a class designed specifically for beginners, offering an introduction to ballet terminology, body placement, and the essential building blocks of the method.
While beginners build their skills, BBCO's standard classes cater to beginner-to-intermediate levels, offering a comfortable yet challenging experience for all participants. By capping our classes to no more than 8-10 clients, we can focus on modifying each exercise to fit each client's individual needs and abilities.
For advanced clients, level II classes are "waiting in the wings." They feature destabilizing techniques, increased weights, and new challenges to keep progress exciting!
HOW
DID YOU CHOOSE THE LOCATION FOR BBCO?
Melissa: When you go there, you'll understand. The studio is tucked away in a quiet and peaceful spot, yet it's right in the heart of Music Row by The Patterson House and Virgin Hotel.
The building itself is a testament to timeless beauty. With original pocket doors, intricate molding, and stunning hardwood floors, the space exudes charm and elegance.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the location offers practical benefits that clients love, like free parking, an often rare amenity in such a central area of Nashville. Additionally, the studio is surrounded by a tranquil gated garden, adding to the sense of retreat and relaxation that defines the BBCO experience.
YOU GREW UP HERE IN NASHVILLESPECIFICALLY WEST MEADE. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT GROWING UP IN THIS COMMUNITY AND HOW HAS THE AREA CHANGED SINCE THEN?
Melissa: Growing up here, Nashville felt like a big small town where everybody knows everybody. The city has changed a lot over the years, with a completely different skyline from my childhood days, definitely growing into a big city. The unique thing about Nashville is no matter how big the city gets— that small hometown feeling remains.
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out and about
Eight Nashville Spots to Do Date Night Right
ARTICLE BY MARY DEMERE
Sperry’s Restaurant
Since its doors first opened in 1974, Sperry’s Restaurant has become a staple for upscale Southern dining. The Old-English-inspired setting has proudly maintained the same menu and decor, creating a cozy atmosphere that stands the test of time. For 50 years, Sperry’s has fed happy customers with their heavily marbled Western beef, fresh seafood and house-made sauces. The friendly staff and extensive wine selection make it a top-tier choice for a special occasion, and even celebrities have taken notice.
It’s easy to fall into the routine of picking the same go-to restaurant, but this Valentine’s Day, why not switch things up? For those too busy to plan or who keep forgetting the places they’ve driven past or seen on social media, this guide has you covered. The ambiance of a restaurant can truly make all the difference, and Nashville’s dining scene is full of unique places worth clearing your calendar for. Our favorite classics will never go out of style, but there are still so many new flavors to try.
Roze Pony
This all-day cafe is a haven for breakfast and lunch lovers, offering both until 4 p.m. Indulge in dishes like the fluffy soufflé pancakes, the savory brekkie bowl or the standout mortadella sandwich at a fun brunch date. Meals can be paired with drinks like the Roze Latte, champagne or the refreshing Green Eye mocktail. The cafe’s dinner is equally tempting, with dishes like the winter squash risotto and the coconut curry mussels. The Roze Pony is a great backdrop for a memorable date.
Planning a special date in a bustling city like Nashville can sometimes feel overwhelming, but hidden in its neighborhoods are spots full of charm, elegance and Southern hospitality that make for a perfect romantic outing. Whether
you’re organizing a first date or looking to revamp your usual routine, there’s an array of options right around the corner. Here are eight handpicked local gems to keep in mind, from intimate dining to fun activities.
etc. Restaurant
Led by the award-winning chef Deb Paquette, etc. delivers cuisine that draws inspiration from places all around the world. As the first woman in Tennessee to qualify as a certified executive chef, Paquette also oversees the kitchen at their downtown sister restaurant, etch. Treat yourself and your date to chic, cozy vibes at one of Belle Meade’s standouts. A great meal will always be a classic choice, but it can be fun to think beyond just dining out, too. Nashville has lots of opportunities to step out of your date night comfort zone. Date nights don’t always have to come with a hefty price tag, either. Some of the best moments come from shared activities, letting you learn something about your date or pick up a new skill. There’s plenty to do and explore beyond the dinner table. Here’s some new ideas to get you started.
RH Courtyard Restaurant at RH Nashville
The RH Courtyard Restaurant lies right in the grand central garden courtyard of RH Nashville. With its charming decor and greenery, the serene venue combines the luxury of fine dining with the warmth of home. The atmosphere complements dishes like the buttery lobster roll and the Delice Bourgogne Cheese with strawberry preserves. Whether for lunch or dinner, the stunning chandeliers and the fine selection of champagne and wines ensure an enchanting skylit garden experience. It’s the ideal escape for two.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Stroll hand-in-hand through this 55-acre historic estate with stunning botanical gardens and a world-class art museum. Get lost in the tranquil Blevins Japanese Garden or marvel at the vibrant pansies in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden before enjoying a romantic afternoon tea at Café 29 complete with sweet and savory delights. The gallery in the Historic Mansion & Museum offers a journey through history with rotating exhibitions, from intricate sculptures to captivating photography. The combination of nature, art and history make for a peaceful, romantic date.
Belle Meade Winery
There’s something undeniably romantic about sipping fine wine at a beautiful historic winery. At Nashville’s oldest winery, Belle Meade Winery, guests can enjoy expertly curated wine and food tastings. The winery also offers a one-of-a-kind bourbon experience. Learn a fascinating history of the bourbon produced right here in Belle Meade, explore the craftsmanship behind it and even craft your own signature cocktail. With its timeless atmosphere and stunning views, this spot is a must-visit.
Third Coast Comedy Club
If you haven’t checked out the Third Coast Comedy Club, your next date night is the perfect opportunity. This lively venue serves up a full lineup of entertainment, with hilarious stand-up, sketches and improv performances to enjoy while sipping on comedy-themed cocktails. It’s a refreshing twist on the typical dinner-and-a-movie date.
Cooking Classes at Kitchen Social
Unleash your inner chef with a hands-on cooking class at Kitchen Social. Bring a bottle of wine and snack on hors d’oeuvres while learning to create dishes like tacos, sushi or beef Wellington. One of the most popular options is the homemade pasta class, where you’ll roll, cut and shape pasta from scratch. With expert chefs guiding you and your date step-by-step, the process is not only informative but fun and easy to follow. Best of all, you get to enjoy your completed culinary masterpiece together!
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Blackberry Margarita
Shaken and Stirred
This Blackberry Margarita recipe makes about 4 servings. Since it does not call for any sparkling mixers that would go flat, it is a great recipe to prep before hosting and double or triple depending on your guest count.
INGREDIENTS
Syrup
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (about 6 ounces)
Margaritas
• 1 lime
• 4 ounces fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt
• 8 ounces blanco tequila
• 2 ounces Cointreau
• Ice
• Fresh blackberries, mint sprigs and Tajin, for garnish
Top your waffles with this blackberry syrup or drizzle over yogurt and granola! MAKE A PITCHER FOR YOUR GALS OR PALS!
DIRECTIONS
Syrup
1. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil, whisking frequently. Add blackberries and crush with a potato masher. Return the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
2. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat proof liquid measuring cup, pressing on solids with a spoon to help extract all of the juice - about 3/4 cup of syrup. Refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.
Margaritas
1. Finely grate 1/2 teaspoon lime zest onto a plate, then cut zested lime into wedges.
2. Add sugar and salt to lime zest, combining thoroughly. Swap Tajin for the sugar and salt for a more savory citrus rim! Run a lime wedge around the rim of 4 glasses, then dip the rims into the zested mixture.
3. In a large cocktail shaker or jar, combine blackberry syrup, tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice, cover and shake for about 20 seconds.
4. Pour the margarita into the prepared glasses. Top off with fresh ice and garnish with skewered blackberries and mint. Cheers!
Recipe inspired by Delish recipe by Anna Painter
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