THE SOUTH’S BEST-KEPT SECRET: MCLEMORE RESORT TRAVEL
TRAVELING THE WORLD OVER, ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME TRAVEL
SKIN CARE TIPS FOR THE SUMMER SUN BEAUTY
3 Classic Hydrafacials for $499 (Reg. $600)
COMPLIMENTARY ZO SUNSCREEN WITH ANY ZO SKINCARE PURCHASE OF $250 (Reveal radiant skin while staying sun-safe!) LASER HAIR REMOVAL FREEDOM
*Offers valid through July 31st
July is here, and with it comes the warmth of summer, the spirit of adventure and a deep sense of discovery. This month’s Explore Issue is all about embracing the season—from road trips to rest, self-care to service—and celebrating the people and places that make life meaningful.
We’re taking you to a breathtaking mountaintop destination named McLemore Resort. Here, sweeping views, world-class golf and luxurious accommodations invite you to slow down and savor every moment life offers. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer retreat, this stunning spot just south of the Tennessee border is the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.
Of course, with all that summer sun, we’re diving into skincare essentials to help you protect and nourish your skin while making the most of your time outdoors. Because glowing skin and glowing memories should go hand-in-hand!
In addition to all the exploration fun, we are spotlighting travel inspiration from around the world—inviting you to explore vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes and cultures rich with history and flavor. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Iceland, wandering through charming European villages or soaking in the serenity of remote islands, the world is full of unforgettable adventures waiting to be discovered.
Of course, no July would be complete without celebrating the 4th of July—a time to come together in community, pride and gratitude. Whether you’re lighting sparklers with family, enjoying a lakeside picnic, or watching fireworks paint the sky, this holiday reminds us of the freedom we’re fortunate to enjoy—and the memories we’re free to make.
So here’s to new destinations, unforgettable experiences and honoring the heart of our community. May this month inspire you to wander, reflect and appreciate every step of the journey.
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Nicole Bell | nicole.bell@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Scott Bell | scott.bell@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Renee Donnell | renee.donnell@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Stacey Norman | stacey@plumpoppyphotography.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Estee McIllwain
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nicole Bell, Scott Bell, Sue G. Collins, Renee Donnell, Jamie Fraser
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
McLemore Resort, Sara Grace Waters
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Certified in Non Surgical Decompression yearly
Treating with #1 Rated True Decompression Table
Using the only FDA Cleared Equipment
Treatment using the Harvard Protocols
Unmatched experience in our area
Vice President of International Disc Education Association
Contributing Author to Spinal Decompression Textbook
Recognized as Top 10 Decompression Doctor in America
Non-Surgical Solutions | Bulging Disc Treatment
Herniated Disc Treatment | Sciatic Treatment
Neck Pain Treatment | Back Pain Treatment
Pinched Nerve Treatment | Knee Treatment
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Shine celebrates being named Best Pediatric Dentistry in Sumner County 2: Sumner Academy 8th grade students enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at Horizon Park stadium 3: Dr. Jeffrey Hollis champions early detection and breast health with 3D mammograms at Highpoint Health 4: Earth First Plant Co. celebrates new location with greenery, charm and a joyful ribbon cutting 5: Connected Kids Chiropractic Dr. Paulson and Caroline spreading wellness and smiles at the Hendersonville Market 6: Highpoint Health showing up in full swing at the Gallatin Chamber Golf Tournament 7: Broadway Mortgage Group brought the style and team spirit to the Gallatin Chamber Golf Tournament
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Gallatin Lifestyle is proud to welcome Phillips | Ralston as a new partner! After 46 years on the Square, John Phillips has moved his law office to the historic Baber House, joining forces with attorney Lindsey Ralston. Together, they’ve formed Phillips | Ralston, a firm committed to serving Gallatin with thoughtful, attentive and effective legal counsel across a variety of needs, including domestic and mediation law. We’re excited to partner with this trusted local practice!
Sumner Academy recently hosted its annual auction, Make Magic Happen, at EPIC Event Centre, bringing together 160 guests for an evening of food, fun and philanthropy. With a magical theme and both live and silent auctions, the event raised over $130,000—supporting student financial aid and enhancing the school’s learning programs. Thanks to dedicated parent volunteers, faculty and the generosity of the community, the night was a joyful celebration of Sumner Academy’s mission.
Honey + Suede has officially opened the doors to their stunning new location—just two doors down on the Gallatin Square! This beloved mother-daughter boutique continues to offer the curated styles and warm welcome shoppers know and love, now in a refreshed space designed to inspire. Stop by their new location at 128A North Water Avenue in Gallatin to celebrate local fashion, community and a beautiful new chapter.
Looking for outdoor fun on the water? TN SUP and Adventures offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, guided excursions and private group experiences across Middle Tennessee’s scenic lakes and rivers. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, they make exploring the outdoors fun, safe and accessible for all ages. Perfect for family outings, team events or friend getaways—adventure awaits on the water!
“We have worked with David Wilkinson Construction on our screen porches for a very long time now. We install these to separate our homes from other builders. We believe that this helps sell the homes faster and adds more value for the homeowner. The quality of the work is as good as it gets, as well as any follow up you may ever need. We consider David Wilkinson Construction a trusted partner of ours to help build and deliver the product we expect to our customers.”
-Wesley
G., Local Home Builder
Where Elevation Meets Aspiration: A Golf And Resort Experience
Just 45 minutes outside Chattanooga, and just over the Tennessee/Georgia border, lies a mountaintop escape where ambition, heritage and hospitality converge into one unforgettable experience: McLemore Resort. Perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain south of Chattanooga, McLemore is not just a destination—it’s a revelation for those who crave the soul of the sport and the spirit of luxury. McLemore invites you to rise above the everyday and reconnect with what matters most, from championship-level golf to a serene spa, soaring views and worldclass service.
Golf That Moves You—Literally and Spiritually
Not just a course, but two of them: The Highlands and the soon-to-be-unveiled The Keep, each distinct and designed with intention. The Highlands course, renowned for its cliffside 18th hole—repeatedly named one of the top 20 finishing holes in the world—is a strategic marvel. Meanwhile, The Keep is in preview play, with its formal debut set for August 2025. It has already drawn national acclaim, fueling global intrigue.
Crafted by Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, The Keep represents a new chapter in course architecture: vast, windswept and breathtaking. Utilizing the natural topography, it balances challenge and accessibility, featuring wide fairways, elevated tees and a layout that rewards strategic play. “We call it an aspirational golf experience,” says EVP Charlie Rymer, a two-time All-American at Georgia Tech and former PGA Tour pro. “It’s designed to test the best and welcome newcomers with open arms.”
The course’s turf also reflects McLemore’s bold innovation. The Keep is the first full-course in the world to feature Stadium Zoysia—a luxury turf renowned for its exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal. “The ball sits up like it’s on a tee,” Rymer notes. “It’s beautiful to look at and a dream to play.”
Rymer, who has played and broadcast golf around the globe, helped shape The Keep’s strategic design. “You’re not on an Easter egg hunt for your ball,” he adds. “You’re constantly making decisions that are exciting and thoughtful.”
The Great Reveal: More Than Just Golf
At Cloudland Hotel, guests are greeted with “The Great Reveal”—a grand entry that opens to a sweeping vista of McLemore Cove, a national historic district bordered by Pigeon Mountain. It’s a moment that stops visitors in their tracks.
While golf may be the crown jewel, Cloudland is the soul of the mountain. Opened in 2024 as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, Cloudland blends comfort, cuisine and curated experiences. Guests are welcomed into a grand lobby framed by expansive views that seem to pause time.
The hotel has quickly garnered national praise and featured in Southern Living, HGTV and USA Today, placing it among the Southeast’s most sought-after escapes. Its design is modern yet grounded in the surrounding landscape, inviting guests to rest and indulge.
At the hotel’s heart is Auld Alliance, McLemore’s signature dining experience. A tribute to the historic bond between France and Scotland, this upscale restaurant offers a menu that combines European culinary sophistication with Southern warmth. Whether it’s a milestone or a spontaneous weekend, Auld Alliance leaves a lasting impression.
Guests also enjoy The Creag, McLemore’s vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar, a tranquil spa, a heated cliff-edge infinity pool and terraces that invite yoga at sunrise or drinks at sunset. MCLEMORE RESORT | THEMCLEMORE.COM
Tucked away on Lookout Mountain, McLemore Resort is more than a golf destination. It’s a blend of rich history, breathtaking views, and peaceful luxury. From the anticipation of the new Keep course to the tranquil Cloudland Hotel, this mountaintop retreat offers a refreshing escape where time seems to slow down.
To explore more, visit: TheMcLemore.com
A visit to McLemore Resort is a chance to step away from the ordinary and embrace a truly transformative experience.
Cloudland is also becoming a premier destination for luxury weddings, private events and executive retreats. With panoramic views, multiple venues and a seasoned team, events here feel timeless. One recent wedding saw a bride walk down an aisle framed by wild mountain laurel, with the blue haze of Pigeon Mountain behind her. As vows echoed across the valley and guests toasted beneath the stars at The Creag, it became more than a celebration—it became a memory etched in the mountain.
“We see couples checking in on a Friday,” says Burton. “By Sunday, they feel like they’ve been gone a week. It’s that immersive.”
Even the name McLemore is steeped in heritage. The resort overlooks McLemore Cove, named after the Scottish McLemore family who settled the region in the 1700s and married into the Cherokee Nation. Storyboards in the clubhouse share the life of John McLemore, a Cherokee Chief and war hero. “Our logo is a Celtic cross blended with the bloom of a Cherokee dogwood,” Rymer explains. “It symbolizes our past and the land’s sacred nature.”
The Keep’s name also carries meaning, evoking fortified castles, ancient Christian symbols and the idea of protecting what matters most. “There’s soul here,” says Burton. “This isn’t just a course or a resort—it’s a place that grounds you.” McLemore’s 20-year plan is shaping a lasting legacy.
Whether driving up for a weekend tee time, booking a romantic escape or gathering the family for a mountaintop reunion, McLemore offers something rare: space to breathe, beauty to absorb and an experience to remember. It’s time to elevate your hospitality experience. It’s time to discover McLemore.
ARTICLE BY NICOLE BELL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
FROM SUNSCREEN TO SOOTHING TREATMENTS, HERE’S WHAT YOUR SKIN REALLY NEEDS IN THE SUMMER HEAT
When the heat rises, so do the demands on your skincare. The skin experts at VITA Aesthetics in Gallatin share essential advice to help your skin stay healthy, hydrated and glowing through the summer months. From proper cleansing to smart sunscreen habits and gentle product swaps, maintaining radiant skin in the summer starts with consistency and care. Whether you’re hitting the pool or just running errands, your daily routine plays a major role in long-term skin health.
Double cleansing at night is key, especially after a day of sunscreen, sweat and environmental exposure. Start with a gentle cleanser, then follow up with an exfoliating option like ZO Exfoliating Cleanser to keep your pores clear and your products effective. This method ensures you're not only removing impurities but also prepping your skin to absorb all the nourishing ingredients that follow.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable—every day, all summer! It guards against premature aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days. For oily or acne-prone skin, try ZO Daily Sheer SPF 50. For dry or sensitive skin, go with SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense. ZO’s SPF Powder makes reapplying over makeup a breeze—perfect for busy, on-the-go protection.
Sensitive skin needs extra love in the heat. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and enjoying water-rich foods like watermelon. Soothe and protect your skin with calming favorites like ZO Calming Toner or SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel or Mist. These gentle formulations help reduce sensitivity and support your skin’s natural barrier. Pair them with lightweight products and sunsmart habits to stay cool, comfortable and radiant all season long.
Breakouts, sunburns and dark spots? Add Omnilux LED light therapy to your at-home regimen—red light calms burns and fades dark spots, while blue light tackles acne. Try ZO Oil Control Pads to help treat and prevent breakouts throughout the summer and ZO Brightalive for dark spots. These summer-friendly solutions work hard without the harsh ingredients best saved for winter.
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LOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY OWNER, KIM THOMPSON, SHARES HER BREATHTAKING, WORLDWIDE JOURNEYS
ARTICLE BY RENEE DONNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Meet Kim Thompson, owner of You Can Fly Travels—an adventurous spirit whose passion for exploring the world goes far beyond booking flights and hotels.
Kim has journeyed to some of the most captivating corners of the globe—and she’s gathered unforgettable stories along the way. She is thrilled to share the unexpected moments, cultural gems and travel tips she’s picked up during her recent adventures.
Kim Thompson
GL: WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE MOST BREATHTAKING PLACES YOU’VE VISITED RECENTLY?
KT: The interior of Alaska really surprised me. Everyone always talks about cruising the coastline—and yes, the glaciers and fjords are stunning—but venturing inland opened up an entirely different side of the state. Think vast wilderness, Denali towering in the distance and wild animals roaming free. I took a scenic train ride through the tundra and ended up in a tiny lodge where the northern lights danced across the sky all night. It was raw, real and absolutely unforgettable. If you only cruise Alaska, you’re missing half of the magic.
GL: WHICH DESTINATION SURPRISED YOU THE MOST, AND WHY?
KT: South Africa completely exceeded my expectations. I went in thinking it would be all about safaris—and yes, seeing lions and elephants in the wild was every bit as thrilling as I’d imagined—but what truly surprised me was the variety. Cape Town is a world-class city nestled between mountains and ocean, the Garden Route is like a postcard at every turn and the wine country? Absolutely divine.
Add in rich cultural history and some of the friendliest people I’ve met, and you’ve got a destination that’s so much more than a bucket-list safari.
GL: CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE TRAVEL MEMORY FROM THIS PAST YEAR THAT TRULY CAPTURED THE BEAUTY OF A PLACE?
KT: Sailing down the Zambezi River at 5:00 AM was one of the most surreal moments I’ve ever experienced. The mist was rising off the water, hippos were grunting all around us and in the distance, we could hear lions and elephants roaring across the savanna. Just when I thought it couldn’t get more unforgettable, we spotted a leopard—the final member of the Big Five I’d been hoping to see.
GL: WHAT TRAVEL TIPS DO YOU ALWAYS GIVE YOUR CLIENTS AFTER VISITING A STUNNING NEW DESTINATION?
KT: Don’t overschedule. Leave room for spontaneity—you never know when you’ll stumble on a hidden café, a street performance or a local inviting you to join a festival. And always pack a scarf or shawl—it’s a versatile lifesaver for everything from temple visits to chilly flights!
GL: ARE THERE ANY DESTINATIONS YOU THINK ARE CURRENTLY UNDERRATED BUT ABSOLUTELY WORTH VISITING?
KT: Portugal is finally starting to get the attention it deserves, but I still think it’s one of the most underrated spots in Europe. Everyone talks about Paris or Rome, but Lisbon and Porto have this laid-back charm, incredible food and beautiful views—without the same price tag or crowds. You can sip wine by the river, explore colorful old towns or just relax by the coast. It’s easy to get around, super welcoming and full of those little “how is this real life?” moments that make a trip unforgettable.
“I was reminded that incredible travel experiences don’t always mean going far away–you can find wonder just a few hours from home.”
“I would suggest the Azores, a group of lush volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, for a unique travel destination. Think hot springs, crater lakes and wild coastlines with hardly any crowds. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want something truly unique.”
GL: WHICH DESTINATION CHALLENGED YOUR EXPECTATIONS THE MOST—EITHER IN TERMS OF ITS BEAUTY, CULTURE OR THE OVERALL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE—AND HOW DID IT CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE?
KT: New England truly surprised me recently. I always thought of it as a charming spot for fall foliage, but visiting beyond the typical autumn season showed me just how vibrant and diverse it is yearround. From the rugged coastline of Maine to the quaint towns of Vermont and the rich history in Boston, there’s so much culture and natural beauty packed into a relatively small area. Plus, the seafood is delicious!
GL: HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHERE TO GO NEXT—WHAT INSPIRES YOUR TRAVEL CHOICES?
KT: I’m lucky to have a bunch of friends in the travel industry, so we’re always brainstorming and swapping ideas about cool new places. Sometimes a conversation sparks an idea, and other times it’s spotting an amazing photo or hearing about a unique event. Travel inspiration is a mix of great recommendations, a bit of spontaneity and always that itch for something new and exciting!
I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
BY GERALD DURRELL
Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.
BY TONY HORWITZ
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before
The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.
BY ELIF SHAFAK
It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.
Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.
BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE
Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.
BY ORHAN PAMUK
The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.
JULY 3RD
Gallatin Outdoor Flower Market
Apple & Dove, 110 W Main Street, Gallatin | 5:00 PM
The Nashville Cut Flower Collective returns to the Gallatin Square for its 2025 outdoor flower market. Now held on Thursday afternoons, the market aligns with the Third Thursday Concert Series for an enhanced experience. Enjoy a Bouquet Bar featuring blooms from Middle Tennessee farms—offering fresh, locally grown flowers perfect for building your own custom bouquet.
JULY 11TH
Emerald Union, 112 Public Square, Gallatin | 6:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Emerald Union benefiting Historic Downtown Gallatin, Inc. Experience firsthand the thrill and excitement of a casino, bid on specialty items at the silent auction and luxuriate in a VIP whiskey and cigar tasting! Tickets required.
JULY 12TH
Hawthorn Hill Tours
Wynnewood State Historic Site, 210 Old Hwy 25, Castilian Springs | 4:30 PM
Come along for a tour of historic Hawthorn Hill! This brick Federal home, built in 1805, is preserved as close to its original state as possible and is only open for tours once a month. Authentic stenciling, paint and plaster take you back to 19th century Middle Tennessee history! You don’t want to miss it!
