Happy Holidays!
'Tis the season for so many wonderful things. Some even call it "the most wonderful time of the year." With festive lights, crisp weather, and gatherings of friends and family, there’s a special joy that fills the air. One of my favorite holiday songs is Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas—perhaps because it perfectly captures the magic and merriment we all feel during this special season.
It’s also a time for what I like to call the “Holiday Shuffle”—all the dinners, parties, and celebrations that keep us moving from one place to the next. Coordinating family visits, travel plans, and gift lists can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s all worth it. Like many of you, I find so much joy in picking out the perfect gifts for loved ones. I even have to remind myself to hold off on giving them too early, just because I can’t wait to see their reactions!
This month, we’re excited to bring you our annual "Holidays & Giving" issue, filled with ideas to make the season meaningful. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best places to shop for unique, thoughtful gifts, and we’re celebrating the spirit of giving by highlighting local ways you’re sharing your time, talents, and treasures with others.
In this issue, we also take you inside North Star Boutique, Josselyn Nielsen's shop, which helps women of all ages discover their inner beauty through flattering, modest clothing in sizes XS to 3X, from casual to formal wear. We revisit Riverside Bed & Breakfast, where guests are treated to a truly personalized experience. And to make your holiday table shine, we have a delicious recipe from local realtor and cooking enthusiast Rocio Kemp. Finally, the team at Scout’s Barbershop brings us a curated self-care gift guide perfect for everyone on your list.
No matter how you celebrate this season, we hope that this issue brings you new ideas for how to take advantage of all that Chattanooga, our home, has to offer. Our city truly is a gift, and we’re dedicated to spotlighting the people, places, and events that make it shine.
Wishing you all a joyful, safe, and heartwarming holiday season! Cheers!
LISA YOCKEY, PUBLISHER @CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Lisa Yockey | lisa.yockey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle W. Parnell, Kendra Simons
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bonnie McGhee Photography, The SimonWest Agency
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
1: Rocio Kemp celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at the Fiesta Chattanooga Football Club at Finley Stadium. 2: The team at The Playlist, Chattanooga’s newest restaurant offering Italian cuisine and stage performances. 3: Publisher, Lisa Yockey, with the owner of a Closets by Design, Zach Gifford, one of our newest partners.
ROCIO KEMP
LISA YOCKEY
North Star Boutique Opens Second Location in Dunlap
North Star Boutique is opening the doors on its second location in Dunlap on Wednesday, December 4. Located at 15694 Rankin Avenue, this new shop offers a beautiful selection of conservative and stylish clothing for women seeking elegance and modesty. Discover carefully curated pieces that bring together quality, comfort, and sophistication for every occasion. Join us on opening day to explore timeless styles and elevate your wardrobe with North Star Boutique!
OrangeRhino is Chattanooga City Lifestyle's Newest Partner
We’re thrilled to welcome Brian Brock and his team at OrangeRhino as the newest partner with Chattanooga City Lifestyle! Specializing in top-quality floor coverings, OrangeRhino transforms not only garage floors but also patios, porches, workout rooms, and more into durable, stylish spaces. Just in time for the season, they’re offering a 20% discount with their exclusive Holiday Friends and Family Offer. Whether upgrading your home or workspace, it’s the perfect time to enhance your floors with a long-lasting, personalized touch.
Nightcap Cocktails & Sweets Opens in the West Village
A new elegant bar concept that blends the art of Italian and French wines with expertly crafted cocktails. Step into a sophisticated haven where our pastry chef and master mixologists come together to create luxury experiences designed for late-night indulgence. Offering business professionals and those seeking refinement the perfect space to unwind and savor a final nightcap.
Photography by Nightcap Cocktails & Sweets
Photography by Josselyn Nielsen
MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER FAMILIES.
HUBERT FRY CENTER 2 22 25
SHELTER #4
USE CODE "BUBBLES" FOR $5 OFF YOUR REGISTRATION! EXPIRES 12/31/24
NON-PROFITS
Your Support WORTH 5
1. THE AUSTIN HATCHER FOUNDATION FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER provides free, lifelong support for families affected by childhood cancer, offering emotional, educational, and health services. Their goal is to help families thrive through comprehensive care during and after treatment. | hatcherfoundation.org
2. LIVE2540 works to improve healthcare in Liberia by providing free, quality medical care to vulnerable children. Their initiatives address malnutrition, critical illnesses, and access to essential treatments through programs like the Jesus Loves Me Children’s Center. | live2540.org
3. THE PET PLACEMENT CENTER is a no-kill animal shelter in Chattanooga dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and rehoming pets. Their programs focus on adoption, fostering, and community outreach to ensure every pet finds a loving home. | petplacementcenter.com
4. WHITE OAK BICYCLE COOPERATIVE improves community health and accessibility by providing free bicycles, repair services, and safety education, especially to children and low-income households. | whiteoakbicycle.org
5. THE AIM CENTER helps adults with mental illness build stability and self-sufficiency through supportive housing, employment, and wellness resources. | aimcenterinc.org 4 1 3 5 2
From consumer-centric layouts to seamless behind-the-scenes vendor coordination, we’ve worked tirelessly to
From consumer-centric layouts seamless vendor coordination, we ve worked deliver an amazing community event that creates buzz for our vendors and memories for our visitors deliver an amazing community event that creates buzz for our vendors and memories for our visitors
North Star Boutique
Providing Women with Beautiful, Confidence-Boosting, and Modest Attire for All
Occasions
With December calendars full of festivities, many women have difficulty finding beautiful, confidence-boosting holiday attire. North Star Boutique specializes in helping women of all ages discover their inner beauty through flattering and modest clothing ranging from casual to formal wear in sizes XS to 3X. As a certified House of Colour boutique, customers can build their dream capsule wardrobe where accessories and clothing mix and match to perfection.
“We carry quality dresses, with pockets, in beautiful colors that you will be proud to wear,” shared owner Josselyn Nielsen. “Our formal dresses can be ordered in your size and be delivered within a few days.”
Through intentional clothing choices and education, North Star Boutique desires to make a positive impact on how women see their bodies. “My hope is that when you walk in, you’re reminded that you are divinely made,” says Josselyn, “and you can be a North Star for the girls that look up to you.”
Visit the boutique in the North Shore Wholefoods Plaza | 313 Manufacturers Rd. Suite 118 and online at thenorthstarboutique.com .
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMON WEST AGENCY
Riverside Bed & Breakfast
OFFERING LOCALS A RELAXING
GETAWAY CLOSE TO HOME
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY
When the Bowers family bought property on Soddy Creek, right off the Tennessee River, they knew it was something special they could not keep to themselves. “It's a beautiful piece of property, and we wanted to share it,” shares Tamara Bowers. “You just can't help but keep looking out the window at the view and the wildlife. It’s a perfect place for people who want to relax and enjoy the quietness and serenity of it.”
In 2022, the family officially opened Riverside Bed & Breakfast. Now, Mark and Tamara Bowers, along with Stephen and Lindsay Bowers, work with trusted team member Chiesa Smith to provide guests with exceptional and personalized experiences. “I love working with family and Chiesa, who is like family to us,” shares Tamara. “We tag team and complement one another well as we work in different areas.”
Located only 25 miles from downtown Chattanooga, the unique location of the property provides an opportunity for local residents to experience a romantic or relaxing getaway within a short driving distance of home.
“My husband and I have four children, so we understand the need for a place to have a quick getaway and staycation for people who want to be close by but have a relaxing place with access to the water,” says Lindsay, Tamara’s daughter-in-law. “For parents in surrounding areas, it provides the ability to go away for the weekend but not be far from the kids.”
The close proximity to the city also means easy access to restaurants, activities, and entertainment in downtown Chattanooga, as well as to popular attractions such as Rock City and Ruby Falls, with the opportunity to return each day to a tranquil, private setting.
Accommodations include a private A-frame cabin with one bedroom and the main Bed & Breakfast, which houses two suites, appropriately named Serenity and Tranquility, a common great room, and a full kitchen. Guests in the main house enjoy a gourmet breakfast prepared by Lindsay each morning while guests in the cabin are supplied with ingredients to prepare breakfast at their leisure.
“We try to cater to whatever people need. We are able to accommodate simply because we are so small,” shares Lindsay. “For example, we had a lady who came for a week-long visit. She was gluten free, and we were able to provide her more than just eggs and bacon every day. We really try to personalize based on allergies and what people like and don’t like.”
“The breakfasts Lindsay makes are so awesome and people just love them,” adds Tamara. “The presentation is beautiful, and she puts a lot of thought into what she makes.”
The Bowers family particularly enjoys helping guests create special memories, celebrate milestones, and simply enjoy time away from hectic everyday life. Guests often come to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, mother/daughter or father/ son retreat, engagements, or simply a personal retreat for a time of reflection and reset. When guests book a stay, Tamara follows up with them by text or email to gather information about their stay to help personalize the experience.
“We love to spoil and pamper our guests,” says Tamara. “Our motto is to provide a uniquely tailored experience. So, we like to learn more about our guests and be able to customize everyone's visit, whether they are here for anniversaries, birthdays,
You just can't help but keep looking out the window at the view and the wildlife. It’s a perfect place for people who want to relax and enjoy the quietness and serenity of it.
We really enjoy meeting people and getting to know them. We've gotten to meet some incredible people from different walks of life and a lot of our guests end up leaving as friends.
or engagements. We like to include a few special surprises for their time with us as well.”
With the personalized experience comes as much or as little interaction with others as desired.
Although the family exudes a welcoming spirit and is always easily available to guests to address needs and provide support, they also honor the privacy of guests. “Some people just want to come and go, and that's fine, we'll let you come and go,” says Tamara. “But if you want to be part of our family, you're part of our family.”
The property offers numerous recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and more for outdoor enthusiasts while providing spectacular views of the river and wildlife for those who simply want to relax and enjoy some down time. Guests often spot deer, a bald eagle, cranes, and Ranger, the resident groundhog, on the property. “We try to create a beautiful place with a koi pond and landscaping that has a lot of birds and pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds,” says Tamara.
Many couples find the specific combination of recreational and environmental amenities especially pleasing. “We have fishermen who come with their wives and their wives love it because they can sit and read all week while the husband fishes,” adds Tamara. Guests have access to a dock for recreation, relaxing, and enjoying the spectacular views. During warmer months when the lake is high, paddle boards and kayaks are available for guests to use and enjoy. For those who wish to bring their own boat, guests can utilize the boat slip next door at a discounted rate or rent a pontoon boat during their stay. Riverside also contracts with a local masseuse to provide massages for guests for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Although time at Riverside Bed & Breakfast provides a respite from the busyness of daily life, guests
do not have to leave technology behind for their visit. Visitors enjoy the ability to stay connected with the outside world with high-speed internet and cable television. In-room accommodations also include luxury amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
With almost half of bookings representing repeat guests, Riverside Bed & Breakfast has a sustaining reputation of providing a wonderful, unique experience for each guest. The reputation truly reflects the heart of the Bowers family. “We really enjoy meeting people and getting to know them. We've gotten to meet some incredible people from different walks of life and a lot of our guests end up leaving as friends,” says Lindsay. “When we have people get engaged, we’re part of their story and that’s exciting. It's also very exciting seeing people simply enjoy being here and watching the stress melt away when they arrive. Being able to provide and serve people in that way is really an honor.”
This holiday season and in the new year, consider giving the gift of experience through a tranquil getaway to Riverside Bed & Breakfast by purchasing a gift certificate or booking a surprise staycation. The Bowers family looks forward to helping create a perfectly wonderful experience.
Riverside Bed & Breakfast, located at 1807 Clift Eldridge Road in Soddy Daisy, is a non-smoking facility that hosts adult guests, no children or pets, for a minimum of two nights with a maximum of fourteen nights. Reservations can be made online by visiting riversidebedandbreakfast.com or by calling 423-556-9700.
For updates and specials, follow Riverside Bed & Breakfast on Facebook and Instagram. When registering, look for discounted rates for first responders, pastors, teachers, and military personnel and be sure to connect with Tamara when celebrating a special occasion.
FOR UPDATES AND SPECIALS, follow Riverside Bed & Breakfast on Facebook and Instagram. When registering, look for discounted rates for first responders, pastors, teachers, and military personnel and be sure to connect with Tamara when celebrating a special occasion.
HOLIDAY
SHOPPING GUIDE
Shop for Unique Holiday Gifts from Chattanooga’s Finest Local Vendors
Offering premium floral and event design services along with carefully chosen gifts, perfect for those who appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. Located in Ooltewah, Tennessee, Blluum specializes in personalized arrangements for any occasion, blending elegance and creativity. Their offerings are ideal for adding a memorable touch to celebrations or gifting something unique and heartfelt. | blluum.com
Offering a curated selection of specialty kitchenware, cookware, and entertaining essentials. Founded by seasoned caterers Michelle and Ted Wells, the shop is a go-to for quality cooking tools, artisanal ingredients, and unique gifts. Ideal for food lovers, this store brings a taste of culinary joy into every home. | kitchen-collection.com
Offering a charming selection of home decor and gifts, lovingly curated by founders Jill and Chuck Davis. Known for their close-knit customer community, the East Brainerd store brings warmth and personality to every purchase. Discover unique finds and support a family-owned business that thrives on personal connections and local love. Perfect for thoughtful gift-giving this season. | shopfurnish.com
1. BLLUUM
2. THE KITCHEN COLLECTION
3. FURNISH
A charming, locally-owned shop specializing in unique gifts, home decor, and artisanal items. From jewelry and stylish clothing to handcrafted home accents, Plum Nelly offers curated selections that support local makers. It's an ideal spot for finding memorable gifts that add a personal touch. | plumnellyshop.com
Capturing heartfelt, timeless moments, specializing in family, maternity, and newborn portraits. Known for her natural, light-filled style, Bonnie creates images that are both artistic and deeply personal, perfect for gifting memories that last a lifetime. Her warm, detail-oriented approach makes each session a relaxed and joyful experience. | bonniemcgheephotography.com
Bringing together an inspired selection of home decor, art, and curated gifts, with a focus on handmade and local pieces. Known for its unique succulent gift boxes and exclusive local art, it’s perfect for those seeking distinctive, thoughtful gifts. Shop in-store or explore convenient local delivery options this season. | sophiesshoppe.com
5. PLUM NELLY
6. SOPHIE’S SHOPPE
4. BONNIE MCGHEE PHOTOGRAPHY
In the Kitchen with Rocio Kemp
POACHED PEARS IN VINO CALIENTE WITH DULCE DE LECHE SAUCE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY
Rocio Kemp, a bilingual realtor based in Chattanooga, is known for her passion for helping clients find their dream homes and her love for cooking—especially during the holidays. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Rocio brings a personalized approach to real estate, understanding the unique needs of each client and making them feel at ease through the buying or selling process. Her warm, welcoming nature extends beyond her work and into her kitchen, where she prepares festive dishes for family and friends, creating memorable meals and gatherings. For Rocio, the holidays are a perfect blend of her two passions: connecting with people and making them feel at home. With Rocio, buying a house is more than a transaction—it’s the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Follow Rocio on Instagram at: @rociokemprealtor or visit her website: rociokemp.kw.com
ingredients
• 4 firm pears (Bartlett or Anjou)
• 2 c. dry red wine
• 1½ c. water
• ¾ c. sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 strips of a lemon peel
• 2 strips of an orange peel
• 3 cloves
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• pinch of nutmeg
• toasted walnuts or pistachios
• 1 can dulce de leche (milk-based caramel | Nestle's is called La Lechera)
• 1 c. heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1-2 tablespoons, rum (optional)
directions pears
1. In a medium sauce pan bring the wine, water, sugar, cinnamon, zest of lemon, orange, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg to a boil.
2. While the poaching liquid is cooking, peel the pears (leaving the steam in place )and using a melon baller, scoop from the bottom to remove the core.
3. Cut a small slice off the bottom of the pears so they can stand upright.
4. Add the pears to the simmering wine liquid and fully submerge. Cover the sauce pan.
5. Cook until the pears are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
6. Remove the pears and leave 1 cup of the poaching liquid in the pan.
7. Reduce the heat to a low simmer until the liquid turns into a syrup.
dulce de leche sauce
1. In a small saucepan, combine the dulce de leche, heavy cream, and vanilla.
2. Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat until dissolved together and heated through.
3. Remove from heat and add the rum, if desired.
4. Serve warm over the pears. The sauce can be reheated over low heat.
POACHED PEARS IN VINO CALIENTE WITH
DULCE DE LECHE SAUCE
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 1ST
Bluegrass Hospitality Group Gift Card Promotion
Bluegrass Hospitality Group | 9:00 AM
This holiday season, Bluegrass Hospitality Group (locally: Malone's, Drake's & Harry's) is offering a special gift card promotion! From November 11 to December 31, 2024, receive a $20 bonus for every $100 gift card purchased. It’s the perfect gift that gives back—treat friends and family to delicious dining, and enjoy a little extra for yourself. Don’t miss out on this festive bonus!
DECEMBER 1ST
Festive Holiday Tea Room Experience
Tennessee Valley Railroad | 11:00 AM
Join us for a Festive Holiday Tea Room Experience in the charming upstairs viewing room of Grand Junction Depot. From November 9 to December 31, indulge in a delightful selection of delectable teas and a full high tea fare, featuring savory bites, sweet treats, and our favorite – freshly baked scones! For those looking to enhance their experience, choose the option to add a train ride on the Missionary Ridge Local.
DECEMBER 7TH
Breakfast with Santa
The Read House | 9:00 AM
Join Santa & Mrs. Claus for breakfast in the Silver Ballroom before they start their final countdown in preparation for Christmas! This one seating event will offer a delicious breakfast spread any kid will love and allow photo ops with Santa & Mrs. Claus as they mingle with both young and old.
DECEMBER 16TH
Scout's Barbershop's Early Bird Holiday Hours
Scout's Barbershops | 9:00 AM
Get holiday-ready with Scout’s Barbershop's extended hours this season! From December 16–21, they’ll open at 9 a.m. to help you look your best. Stop by on December 23 or plan a post-holiday touch-up on December 26 from noon to 7 p.m. They're also open on New Year's Eve from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to kick off the New Year in style!
DECEMBER 21ST
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera: Home for the Holidays
Memorial Auditorium | 7:30 PM
One of Chattanooga’s most treasured holiday events, Home for the Holidays is the perfect seasonal celebration for the whole family! The CSO is joined by the CSO Chorus, a variety of community groups, and even the big man himself! Arrive early to have your picture taken with Santa and put your letter to the North Pole in our special post box!
DECEMBER 24TH
Christmas at Bridgeman's
Bridgeman's Chophouse | 5:00 PM
Celebrate the holiday season at Bridgeman’s Chophouse on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with your closest friends and family and enjoy our full menu with special Christmas features.
Want to be featured?
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
The Gift of Self-Care
PREMIUM PRODUCTS BY SCOUT'S BARBERSHOP FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
For the hard-to-shop-for person on your list, why not give the gift of grooming and beard care? Scout’s offers premium beard care products that make perfect stocking stuffers or thoughtful presents for anyone who loves self-care. Items are available locally at Scout’s Chattanooga or online.
Beard Oil ($18):
Designed to keep facial hair soft, dandruff-free, and smelling great all day. Choose from scents like Cedarwood, Tea Tree + Peppermint, Vetiver + Bergamot + Petitgrain, and more. Ingredients include Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Essential Oil Blend, Vitamin E.
Scout’s Candle ($24):
Scented Soy Wax Candles, handmade in Nashville, TN. Scents include Radley (Coconut, Peppercorn, Clove, Orange Blossom), Scout (Wild Mint, Geraniums, Palmarosa), and Harper’s Oak (Opoponax, Sage, Lavender).
Beard Balm ($20):
The perfect companion to the beard oil, this balm helps shape and condition facial hair. Handmade in Nashville, Tennessee. Ingredients include Cera Alba, Butyrospermum Parkii Fruit, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Vitamin E, & an Essential Oil Blend.
Scout’s Gift Card:
Gift cards are available online or in stores and can be used for services and products.
Roadrunner T-Shirt ($30):
This Scout’s Barbershop t-shirt features a high-ribbed collar for a snug, comfortable fit and a spacious, relaxed cut in the sleeves and torso. Made in Los Angeles, California.
