The Explore Issue!
You never know what you’re going to get.
When it comes to exploration, I leave the heavy lifting to the likes of Lewis or Clark or Cousteau or Columbus. Trekking through the woods/common area behind my house is about as adventurous as I get.
I think it goes back to when I was in middle school and a friend invited me to join him on his family vacation. They were going camping in Florida in a big trailer and would travel down one coast and return up the other.
Seemed like a good idea at the time!
After an overnight stay somewhere in Georgia it was on to the Sunshine State for two weeks of beaches and waves - and life in a pop-up trailer with no running water or air-conditioning.
What I learned from the experience is that I love to go camping. Especially at the Hilton.
But along the way, we made a day trip to Key West. Even at that young age, I was fascinated by that town. So much so that, as an adult, I've revisited that ocean outpost whenever possible. In Hilton-esque accommodations, to be sure. And I'm happy to report that my son is as captivated by the place as much as I was at his age.
Now, let's move ahead in time. About 10 years ago we were trying to decide where to go for our summer vacation. My wife suggested Las Vegas, the idea of which I found entirely uninspiring. I'm not a gambler, I don't go to shows and I sure didn't want to spend a week in the Mojave Desert in the middle of July. "What am I going to do in Las Vegas for three nights?" I asked. Her response: "We're going for five."
All I can say is I was overwhelmed and infatuated by the sheer scope, size and opulence of The Strip. But once I settled in, I never wanted to leave. Most of all, I was struck by how family-friendly the place is. Let's just say I go back every chance I get.
What I've learned - in a very benign way - is that your explorations may not meet your expectations. But that doesn't mean they won't be memorable. I think that applies to most anything we do.
We hope you enjoy exploring this month's issue and wherever you choose to visit this summer and all year 'round.
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Doug Waterman | doug.waterman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ed Atlas | ed.atlas@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sharon Asby | sharon@thenashvillephotographer.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ed Atlas, Emma Balkenbush, Kellie Walton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Markus Aebische, Ed Atlas, Ricardo Perret, Tobias Ryser, Lorenzo Riva, Antoine Vitek, Doug Waterman
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
ED ATLAS, EDITOR @BELLEVUECITYLIFESTYLE
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
14 20 26 26
Get Away With A Hometown Staycation
Indulge in the sights, sounds and activities that out-of-towners enjoy in Nashville’s best hotels.
Mountains, Chocolate, Cheese
Need we say more? Switzerland’s allure spans charming alpine towns, vast mountain ranges, impeccable cuisine, and a worldclass rail system Inspired by the ‘Morning Sunrise’
A heartfelt ballad has proven to be relevant on multiple levels for singer/songwriter Tony Lucca.
Switzerland’s firstrate rail system makes exploring the mountainous country a breeze.
Switzerland Tourism / Markus Aebische
city scene
1-7: The Bellevue-Harpeth Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of Sperry’s Mercantile and Cafe Sperry’s Coffee Shop. Photography by Doug Waterman.
seamlessly merge indoor ELEGANCE with outdoor summer LIVING
Indulge in the sights, sounds and activities that out-of-towners enjoy in Nashville’s best hotels.
ARTICLE BY EMMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Get Away With A Hometown Staycation
BALKENBUSH
The pool overlooking downtown Nashville from the L27 Rooftop Lounge at The Westin Nashville.
Looking for a fun summer getaway? You may not need to look further than right here at home. Nashvillians can take advantage of the city’s wide variety of hotels and resorts for a perfect staycation. Whether you’re looking for live music, a relaxing spa day, or a waterpark adventure, Nashville has something for everyone.
Downtown Nashville offers a long list of boutique hotels with their own unique character. The Bobby Nashville, located at 230 4th Avenue North, in the city’s art district and on historic Printer’s Alley, is taking its rooftop experience to new heights this summer. Not only can you enjoy a beautiful view of downtown, you can also break a sweat with the roof’s latest addition - pickleball. The hotel launched a partnership with Dinkville, Nashville’s largest pickleball community, and offers tournaments and court reservations until October 20. After your pickleball session, cool off with a refreshing cocktail, breathtaking city views and live music. The Bobby’s Backyard Sessions is a rooftop music series offering free monthly concerts featuring local and national artists through October 24. The Bobby has something for art lovers, too. The Collection at Bobby features a rotating exhibit of local, regional and national contemporary artists and is free to view in Bobby’s common areas.
BobbyHotel.com/nashville
Other boutique hotels offering summer activities and amenities include Noelle (downtown), Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club (East Nashville), and Fairlane (downtown).
CONTINUED >
Dinkville Pickleball courts atop Bobby Nashville hotel.
SoundWaves Adventure Park at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
“Nashvillians
can take advantage of the city’s wide variety of hotels and resorts for a perfect staycation. Nashville has something for everyone.”
Downtown Nashville is also home to many big box hotels offering vacation-like amenities. If relaxation is calling your name, check out the Westin Nashville at 807 Clark Place. If you’re dying to soak up the sun while taking in some of the best city views, the Westin’s L27 Rooftop Lounge is for you. Rising 27 floors above the city, you can relax and unwind in the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, the highest in the city. After your pool day, take your relaxation and self-care to another level by treating yourself to a service at the Westin’s Rhapsody Spa. You’ll find nine treatment rooms, including a relaxation lounge, steam showers and sauna. Fitness enthusiasts can workout in the Westin’s fitness center, which offers state-of-the-art equipment, Peloton bikes and a yoga room. WestinNashville.com
Other notable big box hotels include Omni Nashville, JW Marriott, and Hilton Nashville Downtown. For family fun, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center at 2800 Opryland Drive is the place to be. Upon entering the iconic resort, you’ll find yourself immersed in nine acres of scenic gardens and surrounded by restaurants, shops and activities. Throw on your swimsuit and head over to SoundWaves for a thrilling waterpark adventure. The 4-acre oasis includes indoor and outdoor areas with exciting rides, lazy rivers, a giant wave pool, multi-level play structures and adult-only pools. Families can also find a variety of Atrium adventures, including the beloved Adventure Kids: The Hunt for Hidden Treasure Scavenger Hunt and the Delta Riverboat Ride. If you’re itching to get some swings in, check out the Gaylord Springs Golf Links. The Scottish links course offers a par-72 layout and 18 holes.
Opryland.com
For a more tranquil resort getaway, consider Southall Farms in Franklin, a working farm with top-tier accommodations, dining and amenities.
Southalltn.com
Decker & Dyer Social Lounge and Eatery at The Westin Nashville.
The Delta Riverboat Ride in the Atrium at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
NEED WE SAY MORE? SWITZERLAND’S ALLURE SPANS CHARMING ALPINE TOWNS, VAST MOUNTAIN RANGES, IMPECCABLE CUISINE, AND A WORLD-CLASS RAIL SYSTEM
MOUNTAINS, CHOCOLATE, CHEESE
Evening view of Zermatt with The Matterhorn in the background.
Photo by Switzerland Tourism. Photo by Lorenzo Riva
You may think Switzerland is synonymous with peacekeeping, hole-y cheese, and creamy chocolate, and while you may be correct on all counts,
Speaking of trains, Switzerland’s rail system is spectacular. This makes getting around the country – both within a destination and between cities big
“SWITZERLAND’S
RAIL SYSTEM IS SPECTACULAR. THIS MAKES GETTING AROUND THE COUNTRY ... AN ABSOLUTE BREEZE.”
the country’s charm spans far beyond its decadent dairy and lavish landscapes. Affectionately coined Europe’s playground thanks to its plethora of outdoor adventure, this spirited little country should climb to the top of your travel bucket list.
As a self-proclaimed Swiss expert, I’m sharing all my advice to help you make this once-in-a-lifetime vacation a reality.
NEED TO KNOW
Before we dive in, there are a few general pieces of advice every traveler should know. First and foremost, the Swiss are excellent timekeepers (hence, Swiss watches), so every posted timetable, reservation, or appointment will commence exactly on time. In fact, the trains even speed up, slow down, and skip stops in the event they get slightly off schedule. Don’t be late!
and small – an absolute breeze. And considering the entire country could fit inside Tennessee more than twoand-a-half times, you can explore a good chunk of it in one visit. One of the most scenic routes to consider is the Glacier Express, which whisks travelers between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
Lastly and most importantly, there are two things you must experience during your visit: raclette and Ragusa. Akin to fondue, raclette is a cheesy delicacy served in most Swiss restaurants. A half-wheel of cheese is heated under a lamp, then scraped onto a plate once bubbling and served with pickles, pearl onions, bread, and charcuterie (trust me on this one). Ragusa is the best of the best when it comes to Swiss chocolate–it’s a hazelnut-stuffed, grocery store chocolate bar that isn’t exported and is only available to purchase within the country.
CONTINUED >
GETTING THERE & AROUND
While there are no direct flights into Switzerland from Nashville, major cities like Zurich and Geneva are often accessible with a layover in cities like Newark, Atlanta, and London (because BNA has a nonstop to Heathrow, y’all!). Expect overseas flights to range from eight to 10 hours, gate to gate.
As mentioned, Switzerland’s train system makes navigating the country a breeze. Major airports in Switzerland have a train station right onsite, so you can opt to hop right on and make your way to your preferred city after you land. The Swiss Travel Pass is an excellent option, because passholders aren’t bound to specific trains, destinations, or departure times. Purchase a pass for the duration of your trip and hop aboard whenever and wherever you’d like.
CITY SPOTLIGHTS
With such an accessible public transportation system, planning the perfect Swiss itinerary can be a daunting task. Fear not, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any city, because each one is filled with its own unique charm. My go-to recommendation for first-timers would be to consider the destinations below, prioritizing the routes that match your personal interests. Plan to spend at least two nights (but more if you can swing it) in each chosen city.
Lucerne
With a spectacular alpine lake at its center, Lucerne is a popular destination just two hours from Zurich by train. Cross a 14th-century wooden bridge, see the lake via steamboat, and stop in for a bite along the old town boulevard.
Valley and Village of Gstaad, Switzerland.
Photo by Antoine Vitek / Culturez-vous
Cheese wheels in Gstaad, Switzerland.
Photo by Antoine Vitek / Culturez-vous
“ TWO THINGS YOU MUST EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR VISIT: RACLETTE AND RAGUSA.”
Interlaken
This district is home to the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys, and houses the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch. It’s an ultra-adventurous destination with skiing, skydiving, and river rafting, depending on which season you visit.
Gstaad
Luxury travelers, this is the spot for you. Gstaad has an excellent ski area in the winter, and premium retail options all year long. It’s near Glacier 3000, which is famous for its footbridge that connects two Alp peaks.
Montreux
Located in the Swiss Riviera, this region is a destination for wine lovers. Its scenery includes the sparkling Lake Geneva and steep terraced vineyards scaling the surrounding mountainsides.
Zermatt
Zermatt is watched over by the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. It’s a car-less village perfect for luxury, leisure, and adventure travelers alike, and is known to have some of the best skiing in the entire country (beginners need not apply).
St. Moritz
Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, St. Moritz is a snowglobe city that’s been a pinnacle for winter tourism since the 1860s. At nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, it’s the highest city in the country.
MySwitzerland.com
Kellie Walton in Zermatt, Switzerland with the view of The Matterhorn (upper left) that inspired the famous logo of Toblerone chocolate.
Lucerne, Switzerland. Photo by Ricardo Perret/Switzerland Tourism
Montreaux, Switzerland.
Photo by Tobias Ryser/Swiss Travel System AG
nhcplaceatthetrace.com
Inspired by the ‘Morning Sunrise’
A HEARTFELT BALLAD HAS PROVEN TO BE RELEVANT ON MULTIPLE LEVELS FOR SINGER/ SONGWRITER TONY LUCCA.
ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The morning sunrise really hit home for Tony Lucca while on vacation with his family earlier this year in Sorrento, Italy.
He was there to celebrate his parents’ 50th anniversary, and the view over the Bay of Naples evoked memories of “Morning Sunrise,” a song his father, Anthony Lucca, wrote for Sally Lucca, Tony’s mom, after they met on spring break in Daytona Beach in 1973.
It was one of the first songs Tony learned to sing and play on guitar and it’s the closing track on Still, his recently released EP.
“I recorded it for them … and decided it should get its due day in the sun,” he says. “The whole EP speaks to the kind of love that endures a lifetime. This song made every one of my songs possible.”
Still is the twentieth release for the acclaimed Bellevuebased singer-songwriter who has been performing since appearing on Mickey Mouse Club alongside notable artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Ryan Gosling. Along the way he earned the LA Music Award for “Best Male Singer/Songwriter” and in 2012 he finished third on The Voice.
But “Morning Sunrise” also serves as a metaphor for the current phase of Lucca’s career. After a bout with COVID left him deaf in his right ear, he has recovered to the point that his hearing is as finely tuned as ever. Though still not 100 percent, for the first time in his career, he’s able to engineer and produce his own music. Still is the manifestation of that journey.
“I was listening so intently for any semblance of my hearing to come back that it turned into sort of supersonic hearing,” he says. “I was able to hear things in ways that I hadn’t been able to before. I think I trained myself so that,
Tony Lucca (second from left) with family members in Sorrento, Italy.
for the first time, I could hear the difference in compression levels and EQ levels. Things that previously I had just left for the professionals.”
A native of Pontiac, Michigan, Lucca is a third-generation Italian American whose family hails from a town of the same name in the Tuscany region of Northern Italy. “I’ve been there a few times and, I might be biased, but it’s a pretty cool town,” he says. “And everyone there looks strangely familiar!”
Lucca moved from Los Angeles to Nashville in 2013 at about the same time as many of his colleagues and collaborators from the L.A. scene. One of those musicians, Brett Young, eventually signed with Big Machine Label Group where he continues to reign as a leading country-pop artist.
About two years ago, Young invited Lucca to join his touring band as a guitarist. It was a big opportunity but an equally big departure from what Lucca was accustomed to. “Brett and I go back to the days when we were indie artists, pounding the pavement in L.A., sharing the stage and comparing notes,” Lucca says. “So, it was kind of a unique invitation; I was never in the market for a side-guy gig.
“But when I got the call, I was like, ‘You know what? I’ve got November available. Let’s go see how this feels!’ And I fell in love with the team and Brett’s just a great dude to work with and it’s fun to support his music every night.”
The tour recently included a European run (which conveniently dovetailed with his family vacation) where Lucca served as the opening act in Oslo, Manchester, Leeds and Belfast. The tour continues stateside throughout the summer and fall.
In addition to touring, Lucca continues to pursue two of his favorite endeavors: custom songs and house gigs. Over the years he has written thousands of custom songs for personal and corporate clients. House gigs are just that: he plays a solo show in a client’s private residence. “The private shows have been really awesome,” he says. “For live music, you realize that not everyone wants to go out to bars or
CONTINUED >
“The whole EP speaks to the kind of love that endures a lifetime . This song made every one of my songs possible.”
Tony Lucca on stage and on guitar with Brett Young.
“For live music, you realize that not everyone wants to go out to bars or music venues. They’d rather just keep it in-house, and I love that.”
music venues. They’d rather just keep it in-house, and I love that. I love getting to know people over drinks in their own kitchens. Usually there’s the potluck kind of vibe and Super Bowl foods. There’s a little more freedom and relaxation.”
Upon his arrival in Middle Tennessee, Lucca sought accommodations in East Nashville “because that’s where all the cool kids lived,” he says. But when it came time to get serious about a place to live, Bellevue kept emerging as the place to be for his wife, Rachel, and their two children, Liam and Sparrow.
“At first I was hesitant to live 20 minutes outside of town; now I laugh because, what’s 20 minutes in Nashville traffic?” he says. “We found a house that was perfect with a huge backyard and a finished basement for my studio and a 2-car garage.
“We love One Bellevue Place and the restaurants and guess what? Now the cool kids are moving out here! Hey, affordability is cool in my book.”
You get the sense that Tony Lucca hopes to enjoy morning sunrises in Bellevue for many years to come.
TonyLucca.com
Tony Lucca (foreground) with bandmates Keaton Simons and Matt Ferranti.
Airport Parking Primer
Your guide to parking this summer at Nashville International Airport
ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to BNA, you could be overwhelmed by the parking options. But, with the help of our friends at Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, we’ve prepared this guide to help you navigate on the ground before taking to the skies for your summer vacation.
VALET PARKING
Located on the Ground Level across from Terminal 1, Valet Parking amenities include bottled water, baggage assistance to ticketing (upon request) and Smarte Cartes. Upon landing, call for your car as soon as you turn off Airplane Mode. $40 per day.
TERMINAL GARAGES 1 AND 2
Just a short walk from the terminal, the pair of Terminal Garages have 6,526 covered spaces. Each garage features a Park Assist Guidance System, EV charging stations, and tire inflation stations. $30 per day.
TERMINAL LOT A
Closest-to-terminal surface parking lot. Walk to terminal only. No shuttle service. $20 per day.
ECONOMY LOTS B AND C
Complimentary shuttle service to terminal every 10 minutes. Upon return, access the shuttle by following the overhead signs on the Arrival Level. $20 per day.
AIRPORT HOTEL
Got an early flight? Then spend the night at the airport! Hilton BNA Nashville International Airport opened earlier this year with upscale amenities like Aviators Restaurant, a rooftop pool and a cocktail lounge with views of the runways and the downtown skyline. Park in your preferred lot, get a good night’s sleep and walk directly to the terminal the next day!
FlyNashville.com/park-at-bna Hilton.com/en/hotels/bnahhhh-hilton-bna-nashville-airport-terminal
•
realty report
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS JULY 2024
VARIOUS DATES THROUGHOUT JULY
Nashville Sounds Baseball
FIRST HORIZON PARK, 19 JUNIOR GILLIAM WAY
The Nashville Sounds are home for 15 dates in July. July 4-6: Memphis Redbirds; July 9-14: Iowa Cubs; July 2328: Charlotte Knights. Game times are 6:35 p.m. except for July 4 (6:05 p.m.) and July 14 (1:05 p.m.). Postgame fireworks presented by Nashville International Airport on July 4. Every Friday is Fox 17 Fireworks night. www.milb.com/nashville
VARIOUS DATES THROUGHOUT JULY
Nashville Symphony
SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER, DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
While traditional stretching methods attempt to make you more “flexible,” we work to adjust the stretch reflex. This way, the Stretch Zone Method gradually increases your active range of motion.
Consider how a car seatbelt works. If pulled too quickly, the belt locks. If the belt is forced, you are just stretching the material itself, and that’s where injury happens. When a car seatbelt is pulled smoothly and controlled, the belt will fully extend. It’s the same with your body’s stretch reflex.
From classical to pop, the Nashville Symphony plays something for everyone in July. Highlights include Natalie Merchant (July 2), Pirates Of The Caribbean (July 5-6), John Legend (July 7-8), Music from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (July 24-25). NashvilleSymphony.org
VARIOUS DATES THROUGHOUT JULY
Marathon Music Works
1402 CLINTON STREET
Another lineup of eclectic shows are on tap throughout July at Marathon Music Works. Sleeping With Sirens (July 2), IDOBI SUMMER SCHOOL (July 12), D’Aydrian Harding: The Stay Sober Summer Tour (July 24), THE STRUSTS: The Pretty Vicious Tour (July 26). MarathonMusicWorks.com
mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.
Expir es 7/31/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
