Design Matters
You've Arrived at Your Destination
I moved to Nashville right before the pandemic from New York City. When I talk about New York, I feel a bit like Cady Heron from Mean Girls, obsessing over Regina George. We all know the famous line from the movie,"I spent about 80 percent of my time talking about Regina, and the other percent of the time, I was praying for someone else to bring her up so I could talk about her more." And this is how I feel about New York.
[Sorry about the very early on side track.] All that to say, even though I felt a peace about leaving my *beloved* city, there was still apart of me that was sad for that chapter of life closing. For the first 4 years of living here, my husband and I were still working for companies out of New York. I probably, subconsciously, loved the fact that we had one foot still in NYC and one foot in Nashville. At the end of 2023, the opportunity to own Music City | City Lifestyle quite literally fell into my lap. I had been working in marketing and branding for a number of years, and never entertained the idea of jumping to a different company or opportunity in Nashville. But God was leading me, and provided me with an unexplainable peace to leave a career and to basically start from square one in a place where I had no connections.
I love being able to arrive at a "life destination", and look back at all of the moments that brought me to that place. God has absolutely orchestrated every person, event, business, and interaction that has come from owning Music City | City Lifestyle. I know I say it quite often, but I feel so honored to be so connected to so many things in Nashville now, and it has all been made possible because of this publication. I have grown to love this place, and most importantly feel invested in the people and places. Exploring to me is simply saying yes to life opportunities that feel right in your gut, and seeing the unpredictable outcomes!
KAT SEATON GIARRATANO, PUBLISHER @MUSICCITY.CITYLIFESTYLE
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Matt Giarratano | matt.giarratano@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Morgan Raum, Maria Dinoia, Kat Seaton Giarratano
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ben Humphrey, Legacy of Love Photo + Film, Ben Christensen, Brittney Arnold, Joana Vargas
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER PRESENTS
AUGUST 8, 7–10PM 21+ THEMED COCKTAILS, CRAFTS, & PLANETARIUM SHOWS.
TICKETS
Music City's Newest Venue, The Pinnacle, Takes Center Stage. Featured 14 20 24 30 14
The
Experience Experts | Nashville Tour Co.
Curating unforgettable experiences around Music City, Nashville Tour Co. allows their guests to relax while they handle the
The
Castellows’ Southern Revival
From Georgia roots to Nashville stages, The Castellows’ homecoming is a soulful revival of family, tradition, and authentic country storytelling.
Farm to Feast with Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms
Catering that Cares: Smokin’ Oaks Feeds Nashville with Organic Meats & Meaningful Meals.
New Nashville Landmark
city scene
1-3: The Gilmore, a 4-star AvantStay hotel, is now open at 1121 Gilmore Ave in 12 South- the area’s first hotel. It offers 99 thoughtfully designed units; from studios to four-bedroom suites, on-site parking, three private event spaces, and retail shops. Nashville-based Design Object led interior design, with architecture by Humphreys & Partners. The Gilmore blends European leisure with Southern charm, featuring a Mediterranean-style courtyard, rooftop terrace, and multipurpose room. Local partners include Mesa (custom millwork), Red Rocks Tileworks (hand-painted signage), and Zion Botanical (plant installations).
The Skin Fairy’s Sheila Hedlund Recognized for Transforming Acne Care
Sheila Hedlund, owner of The Skin Fairy, has been named a 2025 Acne Expert Ambassador for Face Reality Skincare. After 19 years in the industry, her partnership with Face Reality 10 years ago changed the trajectory of her career, giving her the tools to help thousands achieve clear, healthy skin. This honor celebrates her deep commitment to acne care, her incredible Skin Fairy team, and the clients who have trusted her along the way.
Photography by Legacy of Love Photo + Film
Todd Snyder Opens in 12 South Neighborhood
Todd Snyder has officially opened his first Nashville store, bringing his signature blend of rugged luxury and refined menswear to 2707 12th Avenue South. The stylish space showcases Snyder’s full collection, including tailored suits, casual essentials, footwear, and exclusive collaborations. Inspired by vintage music culture and Southern charm, the Nashville location reflects the brand’s modern American aesthetic. With this new store, Snyder aims to connect with the city’s creative community and style-conscious locals.
Tijon Now Open in The Gulch | Luxury, Handcrafted fragrance brand
Tijon, the luxury fragrance boutique known for its bespoke perfume experiences, is now open in Nashville! Located in the heart of the city, Tijon invites guests to create their own signature scent through an immersive, hands-on experience guided by expert perfumers. With a legacy rooted in French tradition, the boutique also offers a curated selection of fine fragrances, skincare, and gifts. Tijon Nashville is the perfect destination for personalized luxury and unforgettable memories.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM
CURATING UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AROUND MUSIC CITY, NASHVILLE TOUR CO. ALLOWS THEIR GUESTS TO RELAX WHILE THEY HANDLE THE REST.
YOUR GOOD TIME GUIDES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEGACY OF LOVE PHOTO + FILM
Nashville Tour Co. is a one stop shop when it comes to exploring all things Music City. Slated as the only management hospitality group with a diverse collection of experiential tour and event companies that cater to tourists, locals, and corporate groups in
adventure turned into something much bigger—13 years later, we're still here, still having fun, and now running multiple businesses together.”
It didn’t take long for Nashville Pedal Tavern to become a Nashville staple, and the Gleasons - along with their
“WE’VE PRIORITIZED BUILDING MEANINGFUL,
TRUSTWORTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR TEAMS, OUR CLIENTS, OUR GUESTS, AND THE NASHVILLE COMMUNITY.”
Nashville, their mission is to help elevate their guests’ experiences while also helping them create lasting memories right in the heart of our city.
Husband-and-wife duo, Brian and Angie Gleason, made the move from Minnesota to Nashville in 2012 when Angie’s close childhood friend, Pete, mentioned he was looking for someone to help manage his business, the Nashville Pedal Tavern. With Angie’s experience managing a business in Minneapolis and Brian’s career as a full-time musician, the pair decided it would be a great fit. Ultimately, they took a chance and headed south!
“We both loved Nashville and thought, ‘why not give this quirky opportunity a try for a couple of years before settling down,’” Angie shares. “What started as a short-term
business partner, Pete - knew it was time to evolve. While they dabbled in several markets, they came to the conclusion that they needed a place where they could combine their expertise and bring everything together; from here, Nashville Tour Co. was born!
With Nashville Pedal Tavern, Nashville Toons, Bevē Curated, and Fab Tap on their roster, guests have easy access to specially curated experiences. Nashville Pedal Tavern offers an entertaining perspective to touring Nashville; with your own personal tour guide - who doubles as your bartendertourists and locals get to soak in all the fun Music City has to offer… and even receive a large variety of drink specials from their partner bars in Lower Broadway & Midtown! Nashville Toons delivers a relaxing Percy Priest lake
outing for guests of all ages on their very own custom double-decker pontoons. The team at Nashville Toons ensures all outings include a clean onboard bathroom, waterslide, lily pad, pool noodles, two levels of seating, coolers stocked with ice, and custom tabletop setups for your snacks and drinks. While Bevē Curated first started out as a boutique shopping tour, it has since emerged into a full-service itinerary planning and experience company with luxurious shopping tours and curated experiences. Whether it be for a birthday party, night out, or beyond, Bevē Curated is a must for group transportation - and includes a private driver and hostess! Their newest business, Fab Tap, has continued to make waves in Nashville with their prestige mobile beverage services. Perfect for events such as weddings, birthday parties, neighborhood events, community celebrations, graduations, client appreciation, housewarming parties and more, Fab Tap was built off of a repurposed Airstream and offers three different units to choose from. With options ranging from four taps with snack dispensers to three taps, the team also assists in creating an ideal drink menu with the addition of ice cream socials and more.
By creating a hospitality management group, Brian and Angie have been able to help grow their offerings as well as expand their clientele alongside their business partners Pete, Dave, and Amy. Not to mention, they thoroughly enjoyed building community, credibility, and brand trust every step of the way. While the pair never intended on starting a business together, they couldn’t imagine it any other way. Passionate about helping clients find unique and fun opportunities,
"WHAT STARTED AS A SHORT-TERM ADVENTURE TURNED INTO SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER..."
Nashville Tour Co. thrives in catering each experience to the individual guest.
“We take the time to understand their vision, preferences, and priorities, then provide curated suggestions and work together to finalize the details. It's all about creating something that feels personal, seamless, and one-of-a-kind,” Angie says. “With Nashville growing so quickly, it’s easy to get distracted by every shiny new opportunity or trend… we’ve learned that chasing what’s ‘next’ can cause you to lose sight of what truly matters - and for us, that means staying grounded in our purpose, supporting our teams, staying true to what we do best, and consistently delivering high-quality experiences.”
Nashville Tour Co. encourages locals to join in on the fun, too! Whether you are showing an out-of-towner the ropes of Music City or simply branching out and planning to explore more local businesses, the team behind Nashville Tour Co. would love to help curate an exciting day for you to enjoy.
“We pour our heart into creating experiences that locals can trust - whether we’re helping celebrate a milestone, hosting visiting family and friends, or curating something special for their kids… we want most is for our guests not to have to worry about a thing—just enjoy their time with the people they love most,” Angie explains.
For more information, visit nashvilletourcompany.com or follow them on socials @nashvilletourco.
THE SKIN FAIRY NASHVILLE
From Georgia roots to Nashville stages,
The Castellows’ homecoming is a soulful revival of family, tradition, and authentic country storytelling.
ARTICLE BY KAT SEATON GIARRATANO
BEN HUMPHREY & BEN CHRISTENSEN
THE CASTELLOWS’ SOUTHERN REVIVAL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
In an era where country music often teeters between polished pop and gritty Americana, The Castellows are planting a flag for something more rooted and personal. The neo-traditional country trio of sisters from rural Georgia, Ellie, Powell, and Lily Balkcom, are redefining the family band archetype with haunting harmonies, honest songwriting, and an unmistakable Southern spirit. Their newest project, Homecoming, is a heartfelt milestone that captures the essence of their upbringing, their journey through the music industry, and the evolving sense of identity that comes with it.
Fresh off their debut at California’s famed Stagecoach Festival, The Castellows announced the release of Homecoming , a seven-track EP that arrived on May 30. The project serves not just as a musical statement, but as an autobiographical sketch of the past year; a transformative stretch that saw the trio graduate from buzzy newcomers to Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month.
“Homecoming encompasses the way we’ve been feeling for the last year,” the band stated. “These songs are personal to us and share our convictions about the world. We take our listeners on a journey, and our hope is that they’ll get to know us better after listening.”
That journey, emotional, geographical, and artistic, threads through each track. From nostalgic recollections of their childhood on a farm in Georgetown, Georgia, to reflections on life on the road and the aching relief of returning home, Homecoming is a time capsule as much as it is a collection of songs. “It’s cool to put out songs and projects like this,” the sisters shared, “because we can look back and think of where we were when we wrote them, how we were feeling, and what we were experiencing.”
Among the standout tracks is “Sheltered,” an autobiographical ode to their upbringing as homeschooled farm kids. Rather than shy away from stereotypes, the trio leaned into them, playfully reframing the term “sheltered” as a badge of honor. “We really love that we were homeschooled,” they explained. “Being homeschooled is kind of the reason why we are the way we are today, and we thought it deserved a song.”
Another highlight, “Broke,” was one of the first songs the sisters wrote after landing in Nashville and is steeped in the tradition of country storytelling.
“THESE SONGS ARE PERSONAL TO US AND SHARE OUR CONVICTIONS ABOUT THE WORLD..."
Penned with songwriter Erik Dylan, “Broke” unfolds from the perspective of a coal miner’s wife. “There are a lot of great songs about coal miners out there,” they said, “and we wanted to have our own. It shows the artistic side of writing and storytelling through song; the kind of lyrics that let you picture everything in your head.”
That balance between vivid storytelling and raw emotion is what defines The Castellows’ sound- one that fuses the timeless with the contemporary. Entertainment Focus described Homecoming as “a rich, rootsy collection that threads nostalgia, rural life and the search for identity through seven beautifully crafted tracks…creating a sound that’s both timeless and refreshingly current.”
That signature blend of old and new is no accident. The Castellows have long cited traditional country influences, evident in their stunning cover of Patty Loveless’s “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am.” But they’re just as comfortable collaborating with newer acts like Flatland Cavalry, as they did on “Place They Call Home.” Through both tributes and original tracks, the sisters continue to carve out a distinct space that respects the past while shaping the future.
The release of Homecoming marks another major step in a whirlwind journey that began in early 2023, when the trio first started turning heads in Nashville. By spring, they had inked a deal with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records, and quickly got to work writing, recording, and performing. In just over a year, their momentum has been impossible to ignore.
Now, The Castellows are building on that momentum with a string of high-profile appearances and accolades. In addition to being named a
SiriusXM “Highway Find” on The Highway, the trio landed on multiple 2024 “Watch Lists,” including CMT Next Women of Country and CMT Listen Up. They also earned their first major award nomination for CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
This summer, they’re taking their rising star on the road, opening for Thomas Rhett on his Better in Boots Tour, which includes a stop at Boston’s Fenway Park on July 19. Then, come fall, the spotlight shifts fully to them as they launch their first-ever headline tour, The Homecoming Tour, kicking off in Austin, Texas on September 13. The tour will hit 15 cities, with more dates expected to be announced.
Even with this surge in exposure, The Castellows remain grounded; a testament to the small-town values that continue to shape their worldview and music. As they put it, “One way to sum up the EP is through our favorite lyric from ‘Freeway’: ‘You don’t know what you’re feeling until you hear it in a song.’”
With Homecoming , The Castellows haven’t just released a collection of songs, they’ve extended an invitation. One that welcomes fans into their story, honors the land and legacy they come from, and proves that sometimes, the road to country music’s future runs straight through the past. Visit TheCastellowsMusic.com for a full list of tour dates!
Listed exclusively by: Tyler & Jackie Henson Henson Team of Keller Williams
Farm to Feast with Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms
Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms is dedicated to curating delicious meals and groceries for folks all around Music City. In addition to their specialty market off of 8th Avenue, their multi-generational organic farm is home to pasture-raised livestock where they grow regenerative organic certified grains and 100% pasture-raised meats.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTNEY ARNOLD & JOANA VARGAS
Their animals are supplemented with organic grains, ensuring their health and delivering meat that’s not only nutrient-rich, but also free from pesticides and antibiotics. Justin Head, farmer and owner of Smokin’ Oaks, grew up on a conventional farm in Robertson County, Tennessee – where their current farm operation is. Coming from a long line of farmers, Head has roots that run deep on both sides of his family. It has always been his mission to make a difference; in 2015, he made the switch to organic farming and has since become the only organic farmer in Robertson County. Regenerative farming – a practice centered on nurturing the soil – has become a key value to his way of farming, ensuring that the ground is enriched by the plants growing on it and the animals fertilizing it.
CONTINUED >
By taking this approach, the soil remains alive, active, and full of nutrients - resulting in better food for those who indulge.
Purchasing from Smokin’ Oaks has many benefits; not only are you supporting a local business, but you are also supporting local farms and farmers. Valuing the importance of clean and high-quality foods, the team takes pride in offering fresh, local produce straight from Nashville’s farms to your table. Smokin’ Oaks catering has become a fan-favorite for Nashville locals; offering non-GMO and antibiotic-free smoked meats
and sides, the team also crafts delicious, madeto-order sandwiches, wraps, and fresh salads—all prepared with the same care and integrity they put into sourcing their ingredients. Whether it’s an office lunch, family gathering, or grand event, Smokin’ Oaks is sure to leave you wanting more! Not only is their food fresh and clean, but their team makes the catering process seamless. While they ask for a three-day notice to prepare larger scale smoked meat options, the team can accommodate orders of sandwiches, salads, and sides with a single day’s notice. When it comes to the
day of the event, their chefs work with their team to begin production, collaborating with their catering coordinator to prepare, package, deliver, and set up the order.
Smokin’ Oaks is keen on ensuring the highest quality, health-conscious, sustainable offerings.
From their antibiotic free non-GMO meats raised with extreme dedication and care, to their produce being sourced to the highest standards possible, Smokin’ Oaks is committed to offering food that tastes good and makes you feel even better.
For more information and to inquire about a catering order, visit smokinoaksorganicfarms.com and follow them on socials @smokinoaksorganicfarms.
Justin comes from a family of farmers growing livestock, grains, and dark-fired tobacco. He began farming as a child. Over time, he became concerned about the health impacts of pesticides and transitioned his family’s farm to organic in 2015; becoming the first fully organic farm in Robertson County by 2021. Passionate about clean, sustainable food, Justin is committed to producing the highest-quality, chemical-free products.
@smokinoaksorganicfarms smokinoaksorganicfarms.com
Justin Head, farmer & owner of Smokin' Oaks
CURATED EYE WEAR, PERSONALIZED EYE CARE
Dr. Julianne Koch, OD has over ten years of experience in patient care. Her love for reading is entwined in the name of Novel Eye Care. There’s even a bespoke, hidden bookcase in the optical area.
Providing upscale, primary eye care, routine eye health exams, glaucoma and cataract screenings, pediatric eye exams, & specialty contact lens services.
Make an appointment & ask about our summer designer sunglasses sale! 615.709.8867 noveleyecare.com 1800 State Street, Nashville, TN vnoveleyecare
Now Catering!
From
•
•
•
•
•
Whether
A NEW NASHVILLE LANDMARK
Nashville has no shortage of iconic venues, but The Pinnacle is raising the bar for live entertainment in Music City. Located in the heart of downtown, with its striking architecture, skyline views, and a lineup that spans genres and generations, The Pinnacle isn’t just any old venue. From chart-topping artists to up-and-coming acts, this is another feather in the city's musical cap. Franklin Lifestyle talked with Anne Hack, VP of Operations, and Mike Ducharme, Regional VP, both for AEG River Cities to get your top questions answered.
WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATION OF THE PINNACLE, AND HOW DOES IT STAND OUT FROM OTHER VENUES IN NASHVILLE?
The Pinnacle was conceived as a state-of-the-art music venue to complement Nashville's rich musical heritage. Situated within the $1 billion Nashville Yards development, it aims to offer a versatile space for various events, from concerts to corporate gatherings. Operated by AEG Presents, the venue is designed to provide an intimate yet grand experience, featuring a 4,500-seat capacity and advanced production capabilities.
Photo by Alive Coverage
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE VISION BEHIND THE DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE VENUE?
We see The Pinnacle being a complementary piece of the music landscape. A venue to showcase programming that resonates within the city's rich musical history and is simultaneously a home for all genres of music. Our aim is to become an artist and fan favorite and part of the fabric of the Music City scene.
The architectural design of The Pinnacle blends modern aesthetics with Nashville's cultural essence. The venue's exterior features a grand staircase leading to a mirrored "The Pinnacle" sign, which changes colors depending on the performer. Inside, the space is adorned with murals and installations from over 30 local artists, curated by Emily Cox and Jenn Ward, ensuring the venue resonates with the community's artistic spirit.
WHAT KIND OF ARTISTS OR GENRES CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE REGULARLY AT THE PINNACLE?
The Pinnacle is designed to attract touring acts across a broad spectrum of genres. The venue's versatile design allows for various event formats, including general admission, seated shows, and comedy performances.
HOW WILL THE PINNACLE CONTRIBUTE TO NASHVILLE’S ALREADY RICH LIVE MUSIC SCENE?
By offering a venue with arena-scale production capabilities and a focus on artist, industry, and fan experience, The Pinnacle aims to enhance Nashville's live music offerings. Its central location within Nashville Yards, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and green spaces, positions it as a hub for both locals and visitors seeking diverse entertainment options. We want to be a
Photo by Nick Le Tellier CONTINUED >
complementary piece of the music and special events landscape in Nashville.
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN BRINGING THE PINNACLE TO LIFE, AND HOW DID THE TEAM OVERCOME IT?
One of the significant challenges was integrating the venue into the existing Nashville Yards development while maintaining its unique identity. The design team focused on incorporating local art and materials to
"ITS CENTRAL LOCATION WITHIN NASHVILLE YARDS, SURROUNDED BY HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, AND GREEN SPACES, POSITIONS IT AS A HUB FOR BOTH LOCALS AND VISITORS SEEKING DIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS."
ensure the venue felt connected to the community. Additionally, the team worked on creating a flexible space that could accommodate various event types, from concerts to corporate functions.
HOW IS AEG WORKING WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSES AROUND THE VENUE?
AEG has partnered with local artists to curate the venue's interior art installations, curated by Emily Cox and Jenn Ward, ensuring that the community's creative talents are showcased. The venue also highlights local breweries and distilleries to offer authentic Nashville experiences to attendees. By integrating local elements into the venue's operations, AEG aims to foster a strong connection with the surrounding community.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCLUSIVE DETAILS ABOUT UPCOMING OPENING ACTS OR EVENTS?
We will continue to have all genres represented to touch all music fans.
Photo by Nick Le Tellier
WHERE DO YOU SEE THE PINNACLE’S ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN NASHVILLE AND BEYOND?
The Pinnacle is poised to become a central figure in Nashville's live entertainment landscape. With its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programming, it aims to attract a wide array of artists and audiences. AEG's track record with venues like L.A. LIVE and The O2 in London suggests that The Pinnacle could serve as a model for future entertainment districts, blending live music with community engagement and urban development. I believe concert
tourism to be an exciting part of the music hub that is Nashville, and that feels like it's only going to grow. And of course, our audiences will also be patrons of surrounding downtown businesses. First off, there are so many great venues in Nashville, and we hope to be thought of in the same breath as them. We want this to feel like home to everyone in Nashville and beyond, a home that comes with the appeal that a bespoke, purpose-built music venue can offer. That's going to lead to people traveling here to see their favorite act, in a great venue, in a wonderful city where they want to spend the weekend. ThePinnacleNashville.com
Photo by Nathan Zucker
the art of window dressing for discerning homes
