Franklin, TN November 2022

Scott Hamilton

Money

TRAVEL

SHOPPING

TRAVEL THE DIGITAL PASSPORT TRAILS

LIFE + CULTURE

BELLE MAISON BRINGS FRANCE TO FRANKLIN THE HALLIE SCENE

FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA

“When my wife and I were looking for a trust attorney, we interviewed four different attorneys. We were most impressed by Justin Gilbert’s breadth and depth of knowledge. He listened carefully to our needs and requirements and he recommended we create a grantor trust for our taxable assets and retirement trust for our pretax assets. He was the only attorney who was knowledgeable about retirement trust and the benefits such trust would offer. I am a very detailed person, I read every word of the documents and I require that I understand everything in the trusts. Justin answered all my questions to my satisfaction and readily agreed to make changes that I wished to make. At no time did Justin show impatience with my requests or inquiries. Justin always met his commitments to deliver draft documents or changes there to.

There will come a time when our children will need an attorney’s services to settle our estate in accordance with the terms of our trusts. My instructions to them is to employ and depend on Justin’s services. I HIGHLY recommend Justin to anyone who needs a trust attorney. I am very hard to please because I like perfection. That is what I pay for and Justin delivered.”

– David Albee

PLANNING PROBATE

ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS PLANNING

PLANNING REVOCABLE LIVING TRUSTS WILL WRITING

Success in a changing market requires a unique and proven strategy.

From painting, to landscaping, to photography and media exposure, Paula and her team understand that going above and beyond for a home’s first impression is fundamental to its successful sale.

While other real estate companies may offer programs to help you get your home ready to sell for top dollar, the homeowner still ends up paying for these services after the sale of their home. Paula is different, however, and she commits to partnering with you, and makes a personal investment into your home, so that your home sells for its absolute maximum, at no additional cost to you, ever. The Paula Hinegardner Group is equally invested in a successful sale as you are.

Paula is celebrated for her accomplishments as one of Nashville’s Top Realtors®, a Top 10 MREA Individual Agent, and was named #1 Keller Williams Agent in the Southeastern United States in 2018-2021, #1 KW Agent in the State of Tennessee for 2017-2021 and #1 KW Luxury Agent in the Southeast Region in 2018-2021, as well as 2021’s #1 KW Agent in Franklin and #1 KW Agent in Nashville for the last 5 years. Paula promises a one-of-akind approach to customer service that goes above and beyond the industry standard

MCEWEN IN FRANKLIN

CHERRY BLOSSOM IN NASHVILLE

Giving Thanks

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -William Arthur Ward

Thanksgiving is one of America's most cherished holidays. It's a time to express gratitude toward family and friends and be thankful for the many good things in life we are given.

One thing I am grateful for are the immensely talented freelance writers and photographers who help me put this magazine together. Simply put, I could not function as an editor without them. There are too many won derful stories to tell and there's no way I could write or document them all!

And as a team, we're grateful for the opportunity to pursue stories celebrating the amazing people and places of Franklin. In this jampacked issue, we shine a light on some of Franklin's lesser-known places and programs like the Digital Passport Trail and the Franklin Locals. Did you also know Franklin is home to the historical Green Book House, a safe haven for African American travelers from the 1930s to the 1960s.

We learn about the local entrepreneurs and business owners of places like the newly-opened Belle Maison, Goldfish Swim School-Franklin and Video Story Productions. We talk to Olympian (and former Franklin res ident) Scott Hamilton about his efforts to change cancer protocol. And that's just the tip of the iceberg in this 132-page issue.

But with every issue and within every story we tell, it is our hope to edu cate, entertain or inform. Cheers to November!

November 2022

PUBLISHER Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com Joelle Masterson

COPY EDITOR Linda Dohse

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Bennhoff, Kellie Walton Benz, Ed Atlas, Brianna Melanson, Lisa Valentine, Linda Dohse, Sue Baldani, Jessica Wayman, Dawn Burns, Christina Madrid

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kathy Thomas, Deb Scully

Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Steven Schowengerdt

Matthew Perry

DeLand Shore

Randy Radosevich

Mindy Hargesheimer

Sara Minor

Janeane Thompson

Chad Jensen

Michael O’Connell

DINOIA, EDITOR

With gratitude, Franklin Lifestyle is available for pick up in the following locations:

- Whole Foods Market (Franklin)

- United Country Real Estate (Leipers Fork)

- Local doctor and professional offices in the area

Experience Confidence Through Dentistry

Creek

Dentistry isour profession,but people areour focus.

DENTAL BLISS IS TRULY UNIQUE, AS THERE IS NO OTHER DENTAL PRACTICE LIKE IT IN THE WORLD. WE WELCOME YOU TO TAKE A TOUR, SAY HELLO, AND MEET OUR TEAM. WE HOPE TO CONVEY, IN A SMALL WAY, WHAT MAKES DENTAL BLISS SPECIAL & WHY OUR GUESTS BECOME RAVING FANS.

Changes

World-Class Care Close to Home

Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee bring exceptional care to where you live and work. Our providers are nearby to help you live a healthy life. And as Williamson County grows, we are committed to providing more options across the community to build relationships and achieve the best outcome for patients like you.

Bethany H. Malone, FNP-C, Nurse Practitioner Family Medicine Clinic, 1950 Downs Blvd., Franklin

city scene

1-7: Southeast Financial Credit Union’s 2022 Golf Classic took place in September, marking the 20th year they’ve been

funds for Hope Clinic and UPC Middle TN. Golfers played for a variety of awards, bid on silent auction items, and enjoyed a catered lunch and dinner.

Photography by James Williams

CAITLIN RANTALA PHOTOGRAPHY

CAITLIN RANTALA PHOTOGRAPHY

8-14: The 26th Annual Chukkers for Charity polo match themed “Journey into the Wild” was held at Orrin Ingram’s Riverview Farm in Franklin, and raised funds for Rochelle Center and Saddle Up!.

courtesy of The Andrews Agency

15-21: The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County held the most successful Heritage Ball in the 49-year history of the annual fundraising event held at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park.

Photography by Peyton Hoge

21

18 19

16

22-28: Davis House’s largest annual fundraiser, The Button Ball, raised $236,997 to provide investigative, advocacy, family support, and ther apeutic services to children who have experienced sexual or severe physical abuse. Photography by Smile For Liz Photography

SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE BUILDING A LUXURY HOME

We can confidently say that building our dream home with Legend Homes was the best experience ever. The entire team, from the president to the site manager, are very approachable and addressed every request we made. We both can say that we were able to go through the first year of the pandemic less stressed because of the joy we had in building our home. Legend Homes has an excellent team and, most importantly, was able to meet the needs of Rahel (who is a perfectionist) even on the smallest things. As a first generation from Ethiopia, Legend Homes has fulfilled our life of living the American dream!

Mathios & Rahel

Prices beginning at $1+ Million

For more information visit:

"What I like about

is that they capture a moment that’s gone

impossible to reproduce." Karl Lagerfeld

The John Herbert “Breezeway” House built in 1830 is one of the best examples of “double pen dogtrot” architecture in the country. Owners Skipper and Debbie Carlisle hosted an intimate reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine out on the beautiful patio. The home sits on a serene scenic rise on

acres. The Carlisles started meticulously restoring the home in 2011 and have won awards for the historical and

preservation.

Hello Garage Comes to Franklin

Hello Garage of Middle Tennessee is excited to bring premium garage floor coatings, highly durable cabinets and shelving and smartly designed organi zation solutions to the Franklin area.

Hello Garage of Middle Tennessee owner, Michael Heyen, is looking forward to helping area homeowners transform their garages from nasty and cluttered to clean and organized, cre ating spaces they’d be proud to share with friends and family. Schedule

no-obligation estimate and design consultation today. HelloGarage.com

Photography Courtesy of Hello Garage

Children’s Kindness Network (CKN) and Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) have partnered to offer an after-school program for young students. Each Tuesday through November 15, Middle Tennessee second and third graders are invited to the animal center to engage in fun “Moozie” activities from 4:15p.m. until 5:00p.m.

CKN’s Moozie the cow is an inspir ing kindness ambassador who comes with evidence-based lessons, songs, and stories. “They listen to her mes sages of kindness,” says Founder Ted Dreier, “to animals, to Earth, to oth ers and to yourself.” AdoptWCAC.org

New Car Dealership Opens in Franklin

Hybrid and Electric Care Sales is excited to announce the opening of Franklin’s newest car dealership. Hybrid and Electric Car Sales is a family-owned and operated busi ness, and Middle Tennessee’s only auto dealership selling exclusively pre-owned hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs). They educate customers on everything in the EV landscape. Every hybrid they sell comes with a hybrid bat tery warranty. They also sell regu lar gas cars, many under $15,000. HybridAndElectricCarSales.com

#LightTheWorld Giving Machines

Return To Nashville

Christmas shoppers at Cool Springs Galleria will have an opportunity to embrace the joy of giving while mak ing the season a little brighter for people who are  struggling to meet their most basic needs. From three #LightTheWorld Giving Machines, visitors can purchase and donate items ranging from clothing, food and hygiene supplies for refugees to ther apy equipment for people facing ter minal illness and visual impairment.

Local beneficiaries include Catholic Charities and Tennessee Resettlement Aid, Angel Heart Farm, Achilles International, and Graceworks Ministries.  GivingMachinesNashville.org

‘Painting The Parks’ Local Art Show and Sale To Be Held This Month

Through all the seasons of 2021 and 2022, a group of talented painters have been capturing the beauty of Franklin’s public park system in

watercolors, acrylics, and oils. On November 11, The Chestnut Group and Friends of Franklin Parks will unveil the collection of works as part of “Painting the Parks,” a fundraising art show and sale to be held at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park Event Center at 1368 Eastern Flank Circle in Franklin. FriendsOfFranklinParks. org/chestnut-group-art-show-sale

Downtown Franklin Says Goodbye To The Grilled Cheeserie

The cheesy deliciousness of The Grilled Cheeserie is no more. The restaurant, located at 334 Main Street, closed it doors with a sign that says “We’ll Miss You Franklin! But don’t worry, the truck will still be around serving up cheesy goodness.”

The brick and mortar location in downtown Franklin originally opened in 2019. The two other Nashville locations of The Grilled Cheeserie will remain open.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Franklin

A COASTAL HOME

AWAY FROM HOME

Brian Pugh has called many cities across Alabama “home.” After growing up in Mobile, attending college in Tuscaloosa and accepting his first position afterward in Birmingham, he began looking for his forever home.

“I graduated with a degree in English with a history minor with the expecta tion of going to law school,” Brian shares. “After passing the LSAT, I knew law wasn’t for me. So I uprooted myself and deter mined I would pick the place I wanted to live and go from there.”

Naturally, Brian chose the beach. Soon coastal Alabama became home, and Brian launched a career helping others discover the allure of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with a venture in real estate.

“The Gulf Shores mantra is, ‘Small Town, Big Beach,' and that’s exactly how it feels,” says Brian. “You still have the small-town feeling and a family-friendly environment, plus a world-class beach. The state of Alabama is investing heavily in enhancing the town’s infrastructure to keep a steady flow of traffic, which continues bringing

Brian Pugh

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON BENZ

great businesses, restaurants and activities to the area.”

Among the countless restaurants brim ming with fresh seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails, the area recently introduced OWA – a theme park and indoor waterpark. And of course Orange Beach features The Wharf with a vast amphitheater and nightly light show among its restaurants and shops.

“The new developments have helped broaden our season, and families are now able to come down during winter break to get a taste of enter tainment and beach life,” says Brian. “Even with the new activities, the area still maintains its family-oriented environment.”

Located about seven hours from Franklin or a quick flight into Pensacola or Gulf Shores, a condo or beach house in Alabama is an excellent

option to establish your coastal home away from home. A tenured realtor with Brett Robinson Vacation Rentals, Brian stands ready to help find a beachfront property in the booming area. Working primarily with the Phoenix condos, there are a number of existing units for sale, as well as new builds slated to open over the next three years.

“The Phoenix condos are hallmarked as high quality construction built with solid steel rein forced concrete,” said Brian. “It’s good to know your investment is safe down here.”

Brian offers a full suite of services from navigating the purchase to property man agement, should the investment be used to generate income, with both in-per son site visits and virtual tours available.

BrettRobinsonRealEstate.com

Drive down the quarter-mile tree-lined country road and feel yourself go back in time. The trees part to reveal Magnolia Acres, a gracious antebellum estate, privately nestled on 10 rolling acres in Columbia, TN. The 170-year-old historic estate has been carefully restored and every detail thoughtfully curated to restore and inspire all who enter her door. Host a rejuvenating wellness retreat or an intimate family escape in a place of peerless beauty and serenity.

At sunrise, watch the deer wander the meadow from the kitchen window. Stay in your robe and head to the original cabin, now a unique and intimate beauty retreat, for a luxurious spa treatment by professionals from Elia. Spend an afternoon breathing in nature by the chic contemporary pool, a modern extravagance set in a timeless natural setting. In the evening, host an

wedding or dinner party in the original barn that is both simple

sunset, watch fireflies dance down the hill, their lights reflected in the creek and be forever changed.

Scott Hamilton Is A Cancer Patient’s Biggest Advocate

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Scott Hamilton has been fighting against the odds most of his life. From being told he was too short to compete in ice skating to being diagnosed with can cer at four different times in his life, he has overcome more than most people. The ice skating gold medal Olympian is courageously tackling cancer care and treatment through his CARES (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship) Foundation.  In fact on Sunday, November 20, Scott Hamilton & Friends returns to Bridgestone Arena for the sixth time

to raise funds for the CARES Foundation. Olympic, World and National Champion figure skaters perform to a live all-star musical line-up that this year includes Colbie Caillat, Joe King of The Fray and Jason Derlatka of Journey. "We always have musicians that have created things that really honestly bring people together. It's surreal to think that I get to work with them and I get to produce them and I get to collaborate with them. As part of our fundraising efforts and the way we do it, I'm really able to work with a lot of my heroes and it's wonderful," says Scott.

In addition to Scott Hamilton & Friends, the CARES Foundation hosts Erase the Trace, a 444-mile charity bike ride along the Natchez Trace, fundraising for Glioblastoma cancer research. Last year, the inaugural year, the bike race raised over $73,000. Says Scott, "Erase the Trace is a big event for us. We had people join us along the five-day journey. They would just ride with us, whether it was a cycling club out of Kosciusko, Mississippi or a guy that saw us on Facebook and just decided to come ride with us for 30 miles or so.

Glioblastoma research is one of the least researched cancers going and it seems to be spiking. More people are being diag nosed all the time. Where is this coming from? You wonder if it's the radiation from all new technologies or what it is."

Scott is often asked how people can get involved in supporting CARES. He says, "We've created the 1984 fund, where peo ple can do $19.84 a month and just support us in that way. Danny Thomas is one of the most quotable people on the planet. He said, 'I'd rather get a dollar from a million people than a million dollars from one person.' I don't really care. Either one is fine with me."

He continues, "But again, we're in the people business, so it's one of those things where the more people that get involved with what we're doing, the lighter the load for everyone and the greater the impact we can have for the long run. People can give however they want, but we really are trying to solve a big problem and we need as many people helping us lift as possible."

Scott adds, "At the end of the day, you can look back and you can see the work. For a lot of people, it's easier to see an immediate impact of feeding somebody. What we're doing is very aspirational and it's harder to give someone a visual on the impact. But our visual is going to be no more bald people (due to chemo). What we use to treat cancer in the future, what is being developed from the research we're

funding, will ignite our own bodies' ability to fight the cancer without it filling us with poison that kills the bad stuff, and the good stuff."

CARES has been around since 1999. Scott says, "I've been a volunteer since 1999. I'll always be a volunteer. Through the CARES brand especially, I never want to take a penny away from what we're try ing to accomplish—ever. I never want to do that. I just want people to know that while I'm out there asking them to give, I'm giving. I'm not taking for myself ever. It's just a way of really linking arms. I vol unteer and I want people to know that. I invest in CARES, personally invest. In that, I'm hoping I set a good example and I let people know that I really want to be a great steward of their resources. We're trying to change the world for everyone for the bet ter."

“The

thing we

common

Making PresenceItsFelt

Through deeds, not words, a small community bank is making a big difference in a sprawl ing metropolis. Whether it’s through spon sorships, volunteer work or direct community engagement, Fourth Capital’s presence is felt practically every day throughout the Nashville area. Not bad for a privately held institution with fewer than 70 employees.

And it’s not just the logo that’s visible. “We’re involved personally with events all the time,” says Mary Slater, Fourth Capital’s executive vice president and chief culture officer. “We don’t stay in our silos.” This year Fourth Capital has been a part of 120 local events and has provided direct support to 60 different organizations.

Fourth Friday is one the bank’s signature initiatives. As the name implies, on the fourth Friday of each month, Fourth Capital employees volunteer their time or contribute to a targeted cause. “Fourth Friday represents an opportu nity for us to choose a community partner or client that we work with or admire,” says Slater. “Sometimes we’ll collect items for a drive while other times we’ll take a team on location to work or provide a service that needs to be fulfilled.”

The bank is also an advocate for teens and has a close relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs

of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT). Over the sum mer, Fourth Capital led an eight week workshop where high school students learned about busi ness basics through BGCMT’s Entrepreneurship Industry Club. Participants were taught how to identify a need and to create a business plan.

On the final day of the workshop, they pitched their ideas Shark Tank-style to a panel of civic leaders. Slater characterized it as a meaningful and heartfelt event. “The winners were a broth er-sister team that created a clothing line using repurposed hand-me-down garments,” she said. “Their inspiration came from their family where they were two of 10 siblings. Their idea was to help parents who may be struggling to buy new clothes every year. It was really cool to see where they came from.”

Currently Fourth Capital has locations in downtown Nashville, Cool Springs and Green Hills. A fourth location on the square in downtown Franklin is due to open in 2023. And they’re in it for the long haul with no plans to go public or to purchase other banks. Says slater, “It’s what you do when you’re a community bank.”

You can take those words to the bank. FourthCapital.com

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

FOURTH CAPITAL EMBRACES THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY BANK

Mary Slater, Executive VP and Chief Culture Officer

Exploring Your Child’s Spiritual Gifts Exploring Your Child’s Spiritual Gifts

None of us was created to be an academic. We were created to be relational and to communicate with others. Schools, however, spend an inordinate amount of time identifying, emphasizing, and promoting children’s academic endeavors: math, science, language arts and social studies, whereas non-academic pursuits, such as music, art, dance, exploration of nature, solving puzzles, leisure reading, writing or poetry—these and a host of other “hobbies” are all given short shrift in today’s educational models. Kids today go to school all day, do homework all night, then they crash and get up and do it all over again with little time (air and space) for true rest, reflection, and renewal of their minds and souls.

Don’t Wait

Every person was created by God to be unique and endowed with at least one, if not two or three, spiritual gifts. These gifts often go un-noticed by parents or teachers, but they are vitally important to a person’s sense of self, critical to his or her emotional well-being, and they hold the key to individual happiness and fulfillment. Many of us wait until we are 50 years old before we discover our gift(s)—the things that light up our souls, things that we are naturally good at and truly passionate about. It doesn’t have to take a lifetime to figure it out. We are given many breadcrumbs or clues as to a child’s giftedness.

Identifying Gifts

The easy way to identify a gift is to answer two questions: what are you/they naturally good at? In other words, what comes easily to you? And what do you enjoy doing the most? Your gift will not be an academic subject. It might be cooking or baking, entertaining, solving puzzles, making up stories, drawing, coloring, playing with dolls, taking things apart, organizing closets, sewing clothes, painting furniture, fixing up cars, welding, martial arts, reading, acting, music, old movies, crafting, walking, collecting bugs, etc. So, what is your gift(s)?

Try Lots of Things

Parents should look for lots of different activities and interest areas to expose their children to and let him/her try a few. It won’t take long to figure out what is their “thing” and what isn’t. Plan to devote 2x or 3x more hours to the gift than to the academics if you can.

Hybrid school models can help facilitate that because the home/school/work life balance is much better; kids have more hours to explore their giftedness. Chances are, the gift will become a satisfying profession or perhaps just an enjoyable hobby. Either way, it’s important to fully explore that gifted part of a child’s soul.

Contact Us to Learn More.

Written By Terry Morris

Happy Trails To You

Eat, Drink, View and Discover All the Local Area Has to Offer

Using Digital Passports is an interesting way to explore the many historic, artistic and retail destinations in Franklin and Williamson County. They not only tell you where these places are located, but also give pertinent information about each one. And once you fill up your passport for a particular trail, you can receive a fun prize.

Introduced about four years ago, the digital program was influenced by how people prefer to access information. “Making mobile-friendly trails fulfills the ultimate goal of making it as easy as possible for people to find our incredible local businesses,” says Matthew Maxey, the director of public relations at Visit Franklin.

Signing up for Digital Passports is simple. “Whether you use one of the QR codes or go directly to our website, you’ll first see several of the different passport options,” he says. “Just click the ones you’re interested in and you’ll be asked for your phone number or email. It will then send you a link, which you click and then start checking in at the locations. Users will also have the option to save it to their mobile device’s home screen.”

The number of trails has expanded over time, and here, Matthew helps us explore each one.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VISIT FRANKLIN

Masters & Makers

This is the oldest trail and it links up the winery, breweries, and whiskey distilleries around the county. People can meet the masters and the makers of their craft and take a tour to see them creating on site. If you’re in a group, some may like whiskey, and some may like wine or beer. On this trail, everyone can enjoy the various flavors.

This one links up many amazing local craft coffee spots. It gives people a guide where they can go around the county to find that great local cup from local roasters not only in downtown Franklin, but all over the county. Many locations also include exclusive dis counts when you show your passport.

Craft Coffee Trail

Murals of Williamson County

We have some incredible murals painted by talented artists across our county. On this trail, people will find a “Welcome to Franklin” script mural and a Franklin postcard, among others, downtown. Over in Nolensville, the “This Girl Can” mural was part of a statewide Walls for Women Project celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratifi cation. There are also murals in Brentwood, Cool Springs, Fairview, and across the county, each with its own incredible story.

Historic Homes of Hincheyville

Hincheyville was Franklin’s first residential addi tion, subdivided in 1819 outside the original town boundaries. On this self-guided walking tour, people will discover each home’s history, observe various unique architectural styles, and take in the quaint Hincheyville neighborhood.

Sweet Treats Trail

This one is a similar concept as the coffee trail. There are many incredible bakeries and sweet shops located all across the county. Four years ago, the Travel Channel named Franklin one of the 10 best places in the world for people with a sweet tooth, and on this trail, people can explore why and use exclusive discounts and special offers from their passport.

Harris McEwen House

Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt

Midnight Sun was Franklin’s most famous Tennessee Walking Horse. This trail targets a younger audience –or those young at heart - and is a fun scavenger hunt around downtown Franklin. There are 10 questions that are mildly challenging but easy enough for younger kids to figure out, leading people to find miniature statues of Midnight Sun located through out downtown.

Great American Main Street

This trail allows users to explore Franklin’s famous Main Street more in depth. It shares historical details about the architecture of the buildings, plus stories of the past and present occupants of the buildings. It also touches on the impact of the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin on Main Street then and through the modern day.

Haunts & Headstones

This trail guides users through Franklin’s history dat ing back to when the town was founded. It will take trail goers by some of Franklin’s haunted homes and historic cemeteries. Along the way, it’ll share tales of those who once lived there and the sightings of those that some have said still occupy those buildings.

To get started, go to VisitFranklin.com/digital-passports

Old Cemetery

Franklin’s Once Hidden Legacy

Green Book House

ARTICLE BY LINDA DOHSE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“The legacy that was hidden is now revealed.” These are the profound words of Dr. Kenneth Hill, leader of Franklin’s Shorter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Franklin is known as being a historic community for many reasons, with one significant piece of history –associated with Shorter Chapel – discovered just a few short years ago.

Going back in time to 1936, travel for African American people was considered not only risky but downright dangerous. So dangerous in fact that a guidebook, “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” was published annually by Victor H. Green from 1936-1966 for African American travellers. This book provided a list of hotels, boarding houses, taverns, restaurants, service stations, and other establishments throughout the coun try that safely served African American patrons.

This “Green Book” eventually came to be known as the “Bible of Black Travel,” and was an invaluable reference guide during this 30-year

period when discrimination against African Americans was so widespread.

Until the release of the movie “Green Book” in 2018, many of us may not have been familiar with what a “Green Book” house actually was. This Oscar-winning movie was inspired by the true story of African American pianist Don Shirley’s tour of the Deep South with his Italian American driver and bodyguard. Included in this book was a listing by Franklin resident Ruth Gaylor, who opened her modest Natchez Street home to African American travellers, listing her busi ness as “Mrs. E. B. Gaylord’s Guest House.” The Natchez Street neighborhood was the hub for the African American community at that time.

Once this revelation came to light, The African American Historical Society of Franklin set its sights on honoring this era, and in particular Mrs. Gaylord’s ”Green Book” home. Led by Alma McLemore, preservationist Mary Pierce, Pam Lewis, and local and county historians Thelma

Battle and Rick Warrick, they combined efforts to help pro duce a historical marker for the home in 2020. “The end result is that another treasured property of the Natchez community was saved," says Dr. Kenneth Hill. Mrs. Gaylord’s “Green Book” House, located at 255 Natchez Street, is owned and operated by the Shorter Chapel AME Church, located next door to the home and is the oldest African American denomination in the United States. Shorter Chapel is currently under the leadership of

Kenneth H. Hill, Ph.D and recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Chapel is currently working with MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation to determine the best way to share the home’s deep history within the community and its connec tion to the wider story in the United States. The long-term goal is for Mrs. Gaylord’s “Green Book” House to be restored and included in a larger plan for interpreting the deeper story of the Natchez Street neighbor hood. ShorterChapelAME.com

“Another treasured property of the Natchez community was saved.”

-- Dr. Kenneth Hill

Gaven Smith

ARTICLE BY BRIANNA MELANSON

Hair: A Career Not A Job

It was “destiny” for Gaven Smith to create Studio Gaven over 21 years ago. Education has always been important to him, but he never took the traditional route. Gaven gives credit for his entrepreneurial spirit to his parents. His father, who was a home builder and broker, passed away when he was only 13, but taught him to be detail-oriented and inspired him to get into real estate later in life. Gaven says, “I used to build a home every two to three years. It’s a hobby to me, but a nightmare to most.” When his mother was a Mary Kay consultant, he would listen to her speak to customers on the phone with genuine interest in their lives and the products she was selling. Now it is paramount that Gaven achieves the same excellence in his business practices and is selective in the products they use at his hair studio.

In today’s world, young people want flexible work schedules, paid time off, and the ability to travel. Studio Gaven stylists are able to have those luxuries with their customizable and sustainable career path. Gaven believed it was possible for some one in their early 20s to be able to own a home and be passionate about their styling career and not be struggling like some of their friends who did receive a bachelor’s degree. Stylists can build the life they want to live and afford it with the tools and system Studio Gaven provides.

Gaven remembers how from his first day of college, he knew it wasn’t for him. His Nashville hair stylist inspired him to go to cosmetology school. After honing his craft at a salon for awhile, he worked for L'Oréal for over 20 years and became one of the top color and chemical experts in the country for Redken. The highlight of his career at L’Oreal was teaching color and business education in Australia. Now Gaven loves training the stylists at his salon. Gaven says, “I do a series of classes called Financial Freedom which talks about their life, their debt, and student loans if any. Working with people day in and day out can be exhausting especially if your personal world is not put together. I also do all their business building classes and they get brand classes from all the brands we carry from L’Oréal.”

New stylists work alongside a top level stylist for a minimum of six months as part of an Associates program to understand the salon’s core principles and ensure the ultimate guest experience. Within the first year, they receive two hour training ses sions three times a month and can be paired with a mentor if they need help with any particular hair styles. Each year, they’ll set new goals and undergo the latest training to keep their techniques fresh and perfected. Driven stylists can grow their career in numerous ways such as specializing in extensions or highlights.

The studio hosts just shy of 60 stylists and is always hiring and building the team. Gaven says, “I look at retention as a huge factor of people’s happiness. We have a low turnover. We have people moving away for life changes, which isn’t a bad thing; it’s a celebration for those people.”

When there’s an abundance of hair salons in the area, it’s not necessarily about standing out. Gaven explains, “As an industry leader in this area, I want everybody on every corner of this industry to raise the bar, so we’re all known to have great businesses out here in Cool Springs, Franklin and Brentwood.” His stylists give gorgeous haircuts with the politeness and top quality service as a Ritz Carlton. So naturally, other salon owners will call him to ask his secrets to success and they’ll put their minds together without any weirdness or ulterior motive. He trusts it’s all about being transparent and building each other up. To reach a broader audience, he also coaches 12 salons on how to grow.

Gaven stays true to his own advice on keeping a work/life balance. For most weekends of the year, he’s at the lake in his boat, I O U Ladies, III. Other parts of the year, he’s decorating his home or traveling to far off places, his favorite being New Zealand. StudioGaven.com

“I do a series of classes called Financial Freedom which talks about their life, their debt, and student loans if any. Working with people day in and day out can be exhausting especially if your personal world is not put together.”

- Gaven Smith

Water Safety Year-Round

with

Give the Gift of Swim Instruction

While the weather may be getting colder with winter just around the corner, there has never a better time to make sure the kids in your life know the importance of water safety. Rather than waiting until next summer to enroll children in swim lessons, give them a chance to escape the cold and swim inside, while also helping them get a jump start to be prepared for when the warm weather rolls around.

“We believe that swim lessons should be offered year-round because it helps our students maintain and improve their swim ming skills and knowledge of water safety,” says Lincoln Walden, owner of Goldfish Swim School - Franklin.

As a childhood swimmer who went on to swim competitively at Southern Methodist University, Walden has a passion for the water, and as a father of three boys who have all grown up taking swim lessons, he knows the importance of water safety for kids

ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“Drowning is the number one cause of inju ry-related death in children ages one to four and the second leading cause for ages five to 14,” shares Walden. “One of the best ways to protect your children against drowning is to improve comfort level in the water and strengthen swim ming capabilities through swim lessons, which can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.”

While living in Chicago, his sons—now 14, 12, and 7—started swim lessons at the Goldfish Swim School location in downtown Chicago and when their family saw how much fun the boys were having, while also receiving a strong swimming foundation, they knew it was something they wanted to be a part of in a bigger way. After see ing a huge demand and need for this type of swim instruction in middle Tennessee, Walden and his family made the move to Franklin to start their own franchise in May of 2019.

With year-round swim lessons for children starting as young as four months old, Goldfish Swim School specializes in classes for infants and toddlers, offering lessons for kids up to 12 years old. Through repetition and a well-devel oped curriculum, they make sure that children feel comfortable in the water and are equipped with the skills needed to keep them safe, bring ing a peace of mind like no other to parents.

“Goldfish Swim School lessons help increase muscle memory by practicing basic techniques for kids to use during a water emergency - such as the crab walk, properly getting in and out of the pool, going under water, rolling on their back, treading water, learning different strokes, etc.,” explains Walden. And while their top pri ority is to keep kids safe, their methods focus on “teaching swim and safety skills while building character through guided play.”

Shout Out Awards The team at Goldfish Swim School - Franklin is all about encouraging chil dren and celebrating their accomplishments and progression in the water, but the franchise also places great importance on honoring their team of instructors for the incredible and potentially life-saving work they do. “The Shout Out Award is how we celebrate our staff for going above and beyond to provide a Golden Experience for all of our swimmers,” shares Walden. “We believe in celebrating our students, but we also want to encourage our staff by calling out their achievements. Shout Out Awards are just one way we let our staff know that we see and appre ciate the hard work they do each and every day. Our team is responsible for teaching children a life-saving skill, and we want to make sure they understand how important the work they do is.”

GoldfishSwimSchool.com/franklin

Canterbury Townhomes [$600's]

Canterbury Single Family Homes [High $800's]

Riverbluff Single Family Homes [SOLD OUT]

Raltson Row [SOLD OUT]

Vineyard Valley Single Family Homes [High $900's]

Hamilton Martin Townhomes [SOLD OUT]

Hamilton Martin Flats [SOLD OUT]

Clear Creek Single Family Homes [$800's]

FRANKLIN LOCALS

ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY

BRINGING SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AND A SMILE TO DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

Franklin Locals Jeannene Ritchie and Dave Goldstein. Ritchie encouraged Dave and his wife Kristi to join the pro gram this summer.

Anyone who has ever strolled down Main Street in downtown Franklin knows that it is a special place straight out of a movie— in fact countless movies, TV shows, and music videos have been filmed there because it is so picturesque. Downtown Franklin’s charm comes not only from its shops and restaurants, but also the warm, hospitable people that make up the community.

If you’ve noticed a few particularly friendly faces downtown giving directions, restaurant suggestions, or some local fun facts, they are part of the Franklin Locals program. Franklin Locals are residents who volunteer their time to help share what makes Franklin such a wonderful place to live and visit. Whether it’s answering questions from visitors, helping them locate the public restrooms and visitors center, or simply greeting pedestrians with a wave and a smile, Franklin Locals are sharing their love of downtown Franklin with others.

The Franklin Locals program began in 2017 when the advisory board of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County saw a need for a hospitality program in downtown Franklin. “The mission of Franklin Locals is to help visitors experience Franklin like a local,” says Heidi Hood, Managing Director of the Downtown Franklin Association. “The values of the program are integrity, authenticity, excellence, and Southern hospitality.”

The program, which relaunched in March after taking a break during the pandemic, currently consists of 30 volun teers who volunteer on the streets of downtown Franklin Thursday through Saturday. They typically work two-hour shifts volunteering between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

“They are very incredible people [who] have lived in Franklin for at least a year or more and they know the town very well,” explains Hood. “They have the spirit of the town. The Southern hospitality is something they’re really great at, so they help answer questions and they help make people feel welcome. You can recognize them by their polo shirts [and] their city lanyards. We’ve had people decide to move to Franklin after experiencing the wonderful hospitality of a Franklin local.”

After living all over the country, Jeannene Ritchie moved to Franklin from California six years ago and signed up to volun teer as a Franklin Local when the program relaunched this past March. “I saw it online. It was just on Facebook and because I’m retired, I thought, ‘Well I love Franklin and that sounds like the perfect thing to do,’ so I just signed up,’” shares Ritchie. Ritchie, who volunteers with the organization once a week, enjoys shar ing her passion for Franklin with visitors and says many visitors equate downtown to Mayberry. “When I saw Franklin, I knew I wanted to live in Franklin. It’s quaint. It’s small, but you’ve got the [Franklin] Theatre there, and I think that’s a big draw. It’s just a nice place to come visit. You feel safe,” she explains. “I love being a Franklin Local because I am able to meet people from around the world and welcome them to our beautiful city.  I met two gentlemen today who work in the music industry. They shared what downtown looked like years ago and how much it has changed.  You never know who you may meet!”

Be sure to stop and chat with a Franklin Local next time you’re downtown, as they are currently in their fall season. To learn more about training for the spring season beginning in March, visit DowntownFranklinTN.com/franklinlocals

Pot

BY

These days, it’s hard to find places that remind us of the small towns we used to know. Fortunately, Leiper’s Fork’s premier vaca tion rentals, Pot N’ Kettle Cottages, are there to remind you of the good old days. With five different cottages to choose from - Tin Roof Cottage, Pickers Cottage, Coda Cottage, The Deal Cottage, and the Leiper’s Fork Inn - most of them within walking distance to the village stores and restaurants, you’ll be sure to receive the full, Southern, small-town experience.

The name, Pot N’ Kettle, with a certain ring befitting of the neighborhood, is an allusion to a running joke amongst friends based on the owners’ playful banter as a couple. Eric and Samantha Coghlan, now married for fifteen years, met in gemology school in San Diego, California. When they needed a name for their busi ness, their old nicknames, Pot and Kettle, seemed perfect. After a trip to Leiper’s Fork in 2013 with their sons, Ozzy and Cash, they knew they had found the home they were looking for and moved

there soon after. “I felt like it had a really good sense of commu nity,” said Samantha. “We wanted to raise our children in a place where they could be looked out for, and it was kind of an immedi ate feeling that it existed there.”

Now known as the Tin Roof Cottage, the house was once their family home in Leiper’s Fork. The red appliances in the retro-chic kitchen set an exciting tone as you first enter the house, and the eclectic décor keeps the fun going as you move through the rooms. Pieces like stained glass windows, the front of an antique car made into a buffet in the dining room, and curtain holdbacks made of antique spoons are what makes this house so whimsical. Something catches your eye around each corner. At the same time, each room invites you to get cozy and enjoy a little R&R.

Around the corner is a house you can’t miss – partly because there’s a landmark antique truck sitting by the road in front of it with a sign that reads “Leiper’s Fork Inn.” The inn is a slightly larger

space made up of two historic homes moved to the property and combined to make a perfect retreat for a wedding party or family reunion. Still small enough to be cozy, it is also close enough to the village for you and loved ones to saunter into town to shop, grab a bite to eat or listen to live music.

Pot N’ Kettle Cottages is a premier host meaning they provide nearly everything you need for your stay from cookware and paper towels to bath tissue and toiletries, and every guest finds a bottle of wine waiting for them upon arrival. Every house has a coffee station, fireplaces and even bicycles for taking rides down through the countryside or up the street to the village. “You come in here with your bags, and we provide everything else for you,” said property manager Maria Buttrey. PNKCottages.com

FRANKLIN

BRENTWOOD

BERRY

5 Reasons To Love Nashville’s JW Marriot Spa

The ambience

Dim lights, scented candles, the warm neutral colors, the soothing sounds all contribute to the Zen-like atmosphere that exudes relaxation.

A Personal Retreat Custom Facial

A skin care specialist creates a customized facial treat ment using organic ingredients that cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and invigorate your skin.

The treatment rooms

Heated tables with comfy, clean, and luxurious linens, cushy slippers, fluffy robes, fruit infused water all help melt away the stresses.

The products

Services incorporate luxurious products from premium local and international brands, like Natura Bisse from Barcelona, Aromatherapy Associates from London, Patchology colla gen eye masks and Nashville’s own Duo Hair Co. products.

The endorphins

Most any spa treatment results in releasing endorphins into the bloodstream. Recent studies suggest that endorphins not just enhance the immune system but also slow down the aging process. These endorphins impact our emotional well-being as well.

Located on the third floor of Nashville’s first true luxury hotel, Spa by JW inspires relaxation, clarity and self-care via offerings ranging from massage therapy and rejuvenating, machine-free facials to pampering mani/pedis and blow outs to aroma therapy and all-natural CBD treatments.  Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ bnajw-jw-marriott-nashville/experiences/

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

GOOD BYE TO ACNE FOR

I was completely

BELLE MAISON

ARTICLE BY LINDA DOHSE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEB SCULLY

Owners Carolyn Kalil and Katie Polenzani FRANKLIN’S FRENCH-INSPIRED HOME AND GIFT STORE

What started out for Carolyn Kalil many years ago as an eight-week adventure to study abroad in Strasbourg, France, with her high school French class developed into what would become her ultimate passion. “From the moment I got there, I fell in love with it all - the art, the architecture, the people. On the weekends we’d visit Paris and learn about French history,” says Carolyn. “From my first trip, it just felt like home.”

She adds, “I took a month off from work for my fortieth birthday and rented a house in Avignon, in the Provence region of France. My daughter Katie was about two-anda-half at the time and I was a single mom. That time was so special and it created a special bond between us.”

Carolyn notes this initial trip with Katie inspired her to travel with her daughter to many other countries over the years but adds, “France felt like home to us.”

Carolyn explains that her husband also shares a true love of France. “He proposed to me at the top of the Eiffel Tower! It was romantic – just perfect!”

Many years later, Katie spent a couple of months studying in Aix-en-Provence and felt the same way. As Katie was approaching college graduation, she and Carolyn discussed post-college plans. Says Carolyn, “Katie said, ‘I’ve always wanted to go into business with you.’ After a couple minutes we looked at each other and exclaimed, ‘A French store!’”

Their passion for all things French ultimately resulted in Carolyn and Katie Polenzani open ing their French-inspired home and gift store, Belle Maison, in Franklin earlier this year at 443 Cool Springs Blvd. Shoppers will find a beautiful array of French-inspired furniture, décor, mirrors, tables, dining chairs, tableware, soaps, candles, antiques, and so much more. It’s 4,000 square feet of beautiful and unique home and gift items.

Carolyn and Katie travel regularly throughout the Southeast (and France) collecting French antiques for Belle Maison from private collectors. “Our kitchen table is 150 years old and made it through two World Wars. We wonder ‘Who sat at the table and what did they talk about?’ This is the part I’m totally in love with! That’s the richness of an antique you just can’t get with a new piece of furniture.” Carolyn adds that they also have a buyer in France and hope to have another one soon.

“My husband and I say our endgame is to pur chase a big house in Provence and live there part of each year. For Katie, the store and (soon to launch) website offers her the opportunity to use her creativity, vision, and sense of design. It’s a dream come true for us!”  Facebook and Instagram@bellemaison-nashville

“My husband and I say our endgame is to purchase a big house in Provence and live there part of each year.”

- Carolyn Kalil

WHY FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA SHOULD BE ON YOUR DESTINATION LIST

ARTICLE BY DAWN BURNS

PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s no surprise that Fairhope, Alabama has received many acco lades such as being recognized on the “Best Small Town,” “Most Charming Towns” lists in magazines year after year.

This quaint town on the Eastern Shore sits atop bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay. Within moments, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside of Southern Living Magazine as the town is draped in Spanish moss, picturesque homes and coastal views.

Strolling through Fairhope is like stepping back in time to a simpler and sweeter time, however with all the modern-day conveniences. Downtown Fairhope is full of charming shops like Sway, Fantasy Island Toy Store, Gigi & Jay’s and Page & Palette. Page & Palette Bookstore hosts many famous authors for in-store for events and signings. You’ll want to stop by The Fairhope Store to pick up a t-shirt or two as these shirts are the town’s unofficial laidback uniform.

Bring your bikes to explore the Fairhope or Orange Street Piers for beautiful views of the bay. The children’s playground and Duck Pond are also not to be missed. These shores are also home to a unique event, jubilee, where crabs, shrimp, fish and other sea creatures wash up on the shore. This phenomenon only occurs in Fairhope and on the coast of Japan.

Fairhope is for foodies. This small town doesn’t lack in delicious cuisine. Sunset Pointe Marina is known to have the best outdoor dining views. Panini Petes is a local lunch favorite for paninis, sandwiches and burgers. Panini Petes may sound familiar as the restaurant has been featured on several TV shows, such as "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," and others on Food Network. The Mill offers a casual food hall environment with a few dining choices. Mr. Gene Bean’s is a landmark ice cream shop. Pro tip: try out their Fairhope Float!

The holidays in Fairhope resemble being on set of a Hallmark movie. Fairhope hosts annual events like the Lighting of the Trees, Movie in the Street, Christmas parade with fake snow, an Open House with downtown retailers and a New Years Eve Family Celebration. Each spring, thou sands flock to the Fairhope Arts and Crafts festival to shop hundreds of local and regional arts vendors.

The Grand Resort is known as the “Southern Queen of Resorts.” This retreat has oozed with southern hospitality for over 170 years. The Grand Resort is set on 550 acres on the Mobile Bay and it’s amenities cannot be topped with golf, tennis, a beach, pools, dining and spa. Each after noon guests are treated to a short history lesson and firing of the cannons. Tea and cookies are served immediately after.

Fairhope is such a family-friendly town. Children will love the Fairhopers Park. This playground features swings, a free splash pad, musical instruments and climbing struc tures.This park is within walking distance to downtown.

Fairhope is about a 45 minute drive to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach so you can definitely visit the beach during your trip too.

Add Fairhope to your travel bucket lists. It’s the perfect destination for families, couples or girl’s weekends.

That’s a banking di erence that rocks.

A one-on-one approach to meeting your fi nancial goals might seem unheard of but, at Fourth Capital, it’s exactly how we’re amplifying the banking experience. Our unmatched attention to detail allows us to mold our expertise to fit your unique needs, resulting in the kind of tailor-made solutions you’d expect from a boutique service. And once you work with us, we have a feeling every other bank will start sounding like a broken record.

LIFESTYLE BLOGGER HALLIE RAGAN WANTS HER FOLLOWERS TO FEEL INCLUDED AND WELCOME

CREATING A SAFE PLACE

FL: TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED. DID YOU ALWAYS INTEND TO BE AN INFLUENCER?

Hallie: My background is in social work, so I'm a school social worker as well. And in November of 2019, I was just still trying to find myself. I was newly married and I didn't really have a new hobby. And so I'd been thinking about running a blog for a couple years. And finally I was like, 'I'm just going to do it.' Why not?  And it just kind of developed.

There's so much back end stuff that goes into running a blog. On the outside it might look like you post a picture of your clothes and stuff. But I was having to learn website design and analytics and search engine optimization, all these things that I had no idea about. But then a couple months later, COVID hit. And so it was kind of a nice thing that I had a hobby to be able to pour into since I was spending so much time at home. And I just kind of poured all the free time I had into doing this.

FL: BECAUSE IN A WAY IT WAS THERAPEUTIC FOR YOU?

Hallie: Very therapeutic. It was one of those things where I spend so much of my life helping other people that for once I was doing something for me. And I'm kind of glad that I went in with that mentality of 'I'm just going to do it and I don't really care what happens' because I had no expectations. It was just fun and it still is so fun. But yeah, that's kind of how I stumbled into doing it. And now it's definitely a job for me and it's a dream job. And so now I get to do both of my dream jobs.

FL:  YOU SAY IT'S STILL FUN, BUT IS THERE PRESSURE NOW BECAUSE YOU HAVE 40,000 PLUS FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM?

Hallie: Yeah, there definitely is pressure. With social media, there's kind of almost this, I guess, pressure to constantly be putting out content. And now there's TikTok and Instagram and Pinterest and all the things. And every plat form requires a certain level of dedication. But also I have different audiences on TikTok than I do Instagram. So if I just do pour into Instagram, then I've kind of eliminated the Tik Tok audience. And so there definitely is pres sure. I want people to come to my platform and feel happy and feel included and feel welcomed. And I never want to say something in whatever regard that might not come across that way.

FL: SO ONE OF THE LINES ON YOUR INSTAGRAM SAYS NORMALIZE MENTAL HEALTH. DID YOU SUFFER FROM POST PARTUM DEPRESSION?

Hallie: I feel like my whole life I've struggled with mental health in some areas with a lot of anx iety. I've gone to therapy and I think there's a lot of this stigma around if you have some diagnosis or if you don't, there's something wrong. And I think a lot of us in some ways struggle with mental health in any kind of capacity. Whether it's depression, anxiety, postpartum -- not feeling like you're alone is my biggest thing. I don't want people to ever be like, "Wow, I feel weird because I struggle with this." And I want people to see that life's hard and it has its really beautiful moments, but it's okay to not be okay sometimes. For me, I think I definitely had a layer of postpartum anxiety.

FL:  AND THERAPY HELPED YOU.

Hallie: Therapy helped me so much. I am the biggest advocate of ther apy. Even if you don't feel like something's wrong, go see a therapist. Because there's nothing better than just having someone objective to talk to, and just to listen. I think it's the best thing that anybody can do for themselves. And so I've shared about that on my platform. Just like I said, it's okay to not be okay and it's okay to be okay and to have somebody to talk to.

FL: WHAT DOES YOUR HUSBAND THINK ABOUT ALL OF THIS? DID HE THINK YOU COULD MAKE A CAREER OUT OF BEING AN INFLUENCER ON INSTAGRAM?

Hallie: He has always been so supportive. 99% of the pictures you see, he's taken. He's fantastic. It's taken some training. I've taught him how to get the angles and the lighting and all of that. But I think at first he was really just kind of exhausted with how much, I mean, it's an effort. It was a lot of our weekends spent taking pictures and trying to learn how to do this. And now that he sees it as a career, I think he's like it was worth it. But he has always been my number one supporter. He's poured almost as much time and energy into this as I have. And I truly couldn't have done it without him.

FL: SINCE WE'RE IN THE SEASON, WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR?

Hallie: Honestly, motherhood. I'm so thankful for getting to be a mom. I was so scared of what that would look like. I'm so thankful that I get to do

this journey. And now as we get into the holidays, I'm thankful that the three of us get to develop our own little family traditions and kind of do things that set the stage for her core memories for life. And I know it's probably the cheesy answer, but I really am so thankful that I get to be a mom.

FL: SO DO YOU HAVE ANY THANKSGIVING TRADI TIONS THAT YOU DO WITH YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY, YOUR MOM AND YOUR SISTER? THINGS YOU DID AS A KID MAYBE THAT YOU WANT TO PASS DOWN?

Hallie: I would always go over the day before Thanksgiving and kind of cook everything with my grandma. Our Wednesday before Thanksgiving was always more special to me getting to make all the meals and just kind of plan the menu. There's a recipe that either a lot of people have heard of it or you've never heard of it, but it's the strawberry jello pretzel salad. That's like my dish that I make. I started doing that when I was probably in early middle school. And so every year I make it. Not sure how many people actually eat it.

TheHallieScene.com Instagram: @thehalliescene

Sofa Goals

Nice for naps and fab for family film fests

With brick and mortars in Georgia, Alabama and Florida, we like this company for offering tasteful pieces that won’t break the bank. With an affinity for classic style, clean lines and modern sensibility, their inventory of home decor is carefully curated and well maintained, with a hospitable staff commit ted to providing design expertise to all of their clientele.

Right here!

330 Franklin Rd, Suite 160A, Brentwood 404.799.4250

And in Birmingham, Spanish Fort, Nashville, Destin and com ing soon to Santa Rosa Beach. StockAndTrade.com

Loveseat: Combining ultimate com fort and elevated style, the Montrose sofa is a fan-favorite. And now, for the ultimate family chill pad, a stunning new 12-foot length.

Hair on

yourself with art, and

of

Express yourself with art, and lots of it:

Incorporate a gallery wall combining artwork that inspires and allows you to curate a personal collection, showcas ing your eclectic style. Scour your trea sure chests for heirlooms, childhood relics and find local artists to support in your new collection.

This look is from Stock & Trade Design Co.

Montrose Sofa, RAF Loveseat & LAF

Felix Hair on Hide Ottoman: Oversized cowhide ottomans function as a state ment piece and coffee table for easy and comfortable style.

Keeping It ‘Reel’

LOCAL NEWS ANCHOR DISCUSSES HIS TRANSITION TO BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR OF HIS OWN VIDEO STORYTELLING BUSINESS

When you talk with Nick Paranjape, you feel as though you have known him for a long time. He listens intently and is genuinely interested in what you have to say. Some of this perhaps is due to his 20 years of news experience. But there is no denying his positive energy, which makes you believe anything is possible. Nick’s career jour ney itself is inspiring.

Nick graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA MADRID PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“I believe if you surround yourself with positive people and stay positive yourself, good things will come your way.”

Broadcast Journalism. He was the sports director of his campus TV station and also had a rewarding internship with News Channel 5 in Nashville, so he didn’t think getting a job would be too difficult. That was not the case. Even though Nick would not land a news job for another year and a half, he remained steadfast. “It was my dream,” Nick says. He knew that this is what he was meant to do.

“I worked hard in college. I had the credentials, the will and the drive,” Nick explains. His perseverance paid off and he began his career in television as a sports anchor and reporter in the early 90s.

After 12 years of sports anchoring and reporting, Nick moved to anchoring and reporting the news. He did this for more than eight years until his contract expired as the morning anchor with Fox 17 in Nashville. Not dismayed, Nick moved over to the corporate world in 2014 and became Manager of Media Relations and Brand Journalism with Ascension Saint Thomas. The goal of his team was to bring out the human side of healthcare through video storytelling. Despite receiving many acco lades, in July 2017, Nick lost his job due to company layoffs.

“I had been in television news for more than 20 years and then suddenly I was switch ing careers twice in five years,” Nick says.

Although there was some soul search ing, Nick remained positive. “I believe if you surround yourself with positive people and stay positive yourself, good things will come your way.”

Nick had always done some element of report ing in each of his jobs, so he knew whatever he did next, he wanted to keep telling people’s stories through video. “I enjoy meeting new people and learning what makes them tick.” In September 2017, Nick created his own business, Video Story Productions, based in Brentwood.

He never thought he would be an entrepreneur, but as an owner and creative director, he can now tell people’s stories how they want them to be told. Video Story Productions creates video stories for corporations and non-profits. Clients currently include Williamson Medical Center, the City of Brentwood and the American Red Cross.The clients use the videos on their website and social media pages, highlighting what makes their business unique. “We help bring our client’s story to life with passion, emotion and information,” he says.

When he is not interviewing people or editing videos, you will find Nick spending time with his two children and lovely wife, or out playing sports. “I love pickleball,” Nick admits.

Nick plans on continuing to inspire through video storytelling. “As a news anchor, the focus was often on me,” Nick says. Now he is content to shine the light on other people and their sto ries. VideoStoryProductions.com

Give Thanks And Give Back

During Thanksgiving, as we count our blessings, we can also find ways to use our blessings to serve others. Here are five ways to give back this holiday season:

The annual FrankTown Open Hearts Festival of Lights will get you right into the holiday spirit! The Festival runs nightly, 5 – 9 pm, November 18th to December 31st at the Williamson County Ag Expo. All proceeds benefit at-risk youth in Franklin. Volunteers are needed each night, so dress warm and bring your friends! FrankTownOpenHearts.com

GraceWorks Ministries is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot to raise money for food, shelter and support for our neighbors. Runners may enter a 10K, 5K or 1K trot. Volunteers are needed to set up tents, help along the course and man tables. GraceWorks’ community resource center also needs help with its Mobile Food Pantry, processing dona tions and working onsite.  GraceworksMinistries.net

Shoppers can make the season brighter for those struggling to meet basic needs through #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in the CoolSprings Galleria, November 21st - January 1st. Local beneficiaries include Catholic Charities, Tennessee Resettlement Aid, Angel Heart Farm, Achilles International and GraceWorks Ministries.

The initiative has raised over $15 million world wide and Nashville is one of 26 cities to receive Giving Machines. Gifts like books, meals, school sup plies, even ducks, can be purchased, allowing donors to “give rather than get” through a vending machine. GivingMachinesNashville.org .

Daughters of The King feeds 300 people every Thursday through their Feed My Lambs program. Volunteers are needed weekly and for a Thanksgiving feast giveaway on November 17th at 3:00pm at Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church. To learn more about ways you can help this ministry “serve God’s love, one plate at a time,” visit Dotkfranklin.com/ministries

Looking for something to do from home? Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Kunkel of Little House Animal Hospital provides diaper bags, suitcases, backpacks and supplies through Love on Wheels, her organization serving Tennessee foster children. As kids are shuttled from house to house, it helps them to receive letters of encouragement from a community member their own age. You can create “love notes” or make tie blankets to include with the children’s supplies. Visit Love-on-Wheels.org to learn more.

Service opportunities abound in Middle Tennessee. Check out  JustServe.org and Volunteermatch.org to see how you can make a difference this holiday season!

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BENNHOFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Your Autumn Dinner PartyIs Served

Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings.

For this alfresco Autumn Dinner Party, Chef Kyle draws on favorite fall recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the boun tiful feast. Hannah creates an iconic autumn ambiance using artisanal table settings and mixed flannels for each guest to blanket any chill on a brisk evening. Whether for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or a new November tradi tion, it’s time to get outdoors again surrounded in sweat er-weather coziness while sharing bites and clinks with family and friends.

“Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

Insider Tips for Hosting:

• Build a menu around the season. “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cran berry sauce,” Chef Kyle says. “Autumn dinners mean bigger-course meals with varied proteins, like turkey, duck and sirloin, hearty starches, and good fall produce, especially root vegeta bles such as butternut squash and pumpkin.”

• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lov ers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.

• Draw inspiration from the season’s changing colors, cooler temps and lower humidity to move back outdoors. “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur nished brass for warm fall vibes.”

• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”

• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”

• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have con fidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”

• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.”

Wine Pairing

According to Savor & Swirl, wine pairing doesn’t need to be overly complicated for a casual outdoor dinner party. Have a lighter and fuller body style of white and red avail able with some sparkling thrown in.

“Lighter to medium-bodied wines from Rhône Valley, Italy or California would be a good place to start,” they state. “Viognier is one of our favorite wines that goes great with fall-inspired cuisines. Pinot Noir wine goes great with just about any food. Lean towards California or Willamette Valley for a new-world style and go with France for a more earthy, old-world style. A big bold Napa Cab would fall in perfectly for the grilled ribeye steak! Cheers!”

ABOUT SAVOR & SWIRL

Chef Kyle Williams has over 22 years of experience in the elite culinary industry, including 2 Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy, resorts in Hawaii, and alongside prestigious NYC celebrity chefs Todd English, David Burke, and Daniel Boulud.

Savor & Swirl has recently expanded to include nationwide mobile catering. Book online, and they will bring their expertise to you, including customizable, in-home dinner parties or luncheons for holidays, events, business gatherings and surprise pop-ups.

“We love to gather with people who value breaking bread together around a table with the special people in their lives.”

Kitchens Reimagined

events

A curated selection of the

NOVEMBER 4TH

O'Shea

MOCKINGBIRD THEATER | 7:00 PM

The Tennessee-based, Australian -bred country and pop duo O’Shea formed in 2007 after Mark and Jay O’Shea officially tied the knot. This singing and songwriting duo col lectively spent time at the top of the Australian country music charts, and have shared the stage with Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, and INXS.  MockingbirdTheater.com

NOVEMBER 5TH

Wine Down Main Street

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN | 7:00 PM

The 21st Annual Wine Down Main Street is sure to be a great time! New this year, the Harpeth Hotel will host VIP guests right in the heart of historic downtown Franklin. Wine, beer and spirits are served in the shops, food samples are provided by local restaurants, and local mu sicians will be providing entertain ment. bgcmt.org/WDMS

NOVEMBER 8TH

An Acoustic Evening with Pam Tillis

FRANKLIN THEATRE | 8:00 PM

Daughter of Country Music leg end Mel Tillis, Pam may be most known by her famous ballad “May be It Was Memphis.” She’s a singer, songwriter and actress with TV, film and stage accolades. Tillis is also one of the 2022 Nashville Song writers Hall of Fame nominees. FranklinTheatre.com

NOVEMBER 11TH

Veteran's Day Parade

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN | 11:00 AM

The parade is a joint effort of the City of Franklin and local radio sta tion WAKM AM-950 to honor and remember. JROTC units and march ing bands from Williamson County high schools will participate. Prior to the parade, a reception will be held at the Williamson County Ar chives from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. for local veterans and their families. FranklinTN.gov

NOVEMBER 12TH

Southern Men’s Showcase & Tasting Alley

THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN | 7:00 PM

A day to touch, taste, see, expe rience and buy the best there is to offer in the men’s lifestyle world. The event is open to ev eryone. Come see outdoor liv ing, sporting gear, fantastic cars, delicious spirits, tech, interac tive games and so much more! SouthernMensShowcase.com

NOVEMBER 24TH

Turkey Trot 5K/10K

Benefitting Grace Works

MERIDIAN COOL SPRINGS | 7:00 AM

For the 23rd year, this Thanksgiv ing Day tradition is a family feelgood, do-good time. Participants can choose to run or walk the 10k, 5k, or 1k Kids Turkey Chase through Cool Springs. Friends and family can stand along the race route to cheer. There are awards for age and gender groups. TennesseeRuns. com/nashvilleturkeytrot

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Franklin

A sample

realty report

recently

properties in Middle Tennessee.

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE %SOLD/ORIG DOM BDRMS BATHS

The Grove $2,999,000 $2,999,999 100% 30 5 6

Brownstones Historic $2,645,000 $2,645,000 100% 1 3 4.5

Westhaven $1,080,000 $1,080,000 100% 33 4 3

Lockwood Glen $725,000 $725,000 100% 40 3 2.5 Cannonwood $735,000 $713,000 97% 8 4 2.5

Annandale $3,500,000 $3,299,000 94% 21 5 4.5

Cromwell $1,895,000 $1,710,000 90% 64 5 3.5

Cedarmont Valley $1,100,000 $1,100,000 100% 28 4 3.5 Berry Farms $1,300,000 $1,130,000 87% 67 4 3.5

Troubadour $5,500,000 $5,275,000 96% 29 4 6

A sample of recently

properties

Middle Tennessee.

Market