Sophisticated Living Cincinnati Sept/Oct 2023

When you walk through our doors, bring an idea. A dream. A vision. Our showroom is designed to inspire you with on-site chefs, product experts, and exclusive events - all so you can fully experience everything your kitchen can be.

We’ll bring you the showroom experience you’ve been waiting for.

Richter & Phillips Jewelers

TIME

A seemingly simple ask - hard to come by in a fast-paced world. A hot commodity in this digital environment, when is there a moment to stop and smell the roses? With us, however, time is our specialty. While we have cases upon cases of the world’s most desirable timepieces, time is not what we sell. It’s what we offer.

Our pleasure to serve time is derived from our bona fide excitement and curiosity we feel when it comes to fine watches. These man-made marvels are wearable mechanisms allowing us to capture, keep, and practice one of the world’s most untamable resources. And with each tick, tick, tick, of the hands, we find that a timepiece is rather poetic.

As a purveyor of watches, time is our passion. It’s the simplest, most valuable offering in client services others forget to give. But, with us, time is our métier. When you join us to begin your journey to the perfect watch, we center conversations around each unique timepiece you pick up. Happily, we guide you through all the attractive features, exploring the details of the dial, the lustre of the metal, and beauty of the bracelets, devoted to uncovering your personal style. Freely with fervor, we unravel the intricacies of the movement and spotlight the individual, ingenious innovations, eager to learn which you find most fascinating.

In between, we talk of your story. With genuine interest, we are invested in why you chose to purchase a timepiece today. A watch is an intentional purchase and every timepiece has a unique tale to tell. Celebrating a promotion, giving a special gift, commemorating a milestone, or simply the triumphant feeling of finally finding your most coveted timepiece, we are glad to play witness. Sharing such memorable moments creates a bond. We cannot wait to share more of our time with you. Through parties like Whiskey & Watches or immersive brand experiences, we create friendships and real relationships, because we care. We offer the time to you, our friend, to ensure you fit every desired watch to your wrist until the perfect piece has revealed itself.

With dedicated care, we package your piece and thank you for your time – the most valuable thing you have to give, and you chose to spend it with us. And we know we will share in this gift again soon. Because unlike many others, time is our specialty. Just like time, for you, we remain reliable, stable, and consistent, dedicated to serving Cincinnati with time since 1896.

Book some time

Richter & Phillips Jewelers

Trusted Jewelers since 1896

Clockwise from top left: Watchmaker, Matthew Schloemer, behind the bench | Private OMEGA Watch viewing cocktail party in Richter & Phillips Jewelers’ Vault | Watchmaker, Emma Van Keuren, inspecting timepiece at private Hamilton Watch dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse | Vintage pocket watches displayed on watchmaker’s bench | Richter & Phillips Jewelers’ CEO, Rick Fehr, welcomes guests at private OMEGA dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse | Client admiring OMEGA timepiece at private viewing in Richter & Phillips Jewelers’ Vault | Matthew Schloemer assisting client at Whiskey & Watches, 2022 | Client enjoys whiskey from commemorative rocks glass from Whiskey & Watches, 2019

world-class WATCH REPAIR

Richter & Phillips Jewelers is proud to have two Rolex trained graduate watchmakers on staff. Matthew Schloemer and Emma Van Keuren make up the Richter & Phillips Watch Repair Department.

Our watchmakers’ shop is certified for many luxury watch brands. We have a state-of-theart watchmaking workshop on premises to

accommodate our in-house services, as well as access to brand-specific aftersales service options for external repairs.

Our watch repair workshop adheres to upholding strict standards of excellence, with cutting-edge equipment. The expertise of our watchmakers will ensure that your timepiece leaves our workshop in compliance with its original functional and aesthetic specifications.

watchmaking

time for your next

SERVICE?

SERVICES CAN INCLUDE:

Crystal replacement

Battery replacement

Re-seal for water-resistant watches

Watch band & strap replacement

Quartz watch service & overhaul

Mechanical watch service & overhaul

Refinishing & touch-up for cases/bracelets

Service of vintage/antique heirloom watches

Manufacturer original spare parts

Free estimates & competitive pricing

Expedient turn-around

Warranties of up to 2 years* & More

Have you checked your watch’s warranty?

Many timepieces require routine maintanence to ensure a warranty’s validity. Take the time to care for your watch by ensuring proper care & keeping of the piece in-line with the brand’s standards.

is a craft based in pristine precision & we are proud to have the best of the best.

*Warranty depends on type of service – movement overhauls carry at least a 1 year warranty against workmanship

One Highland is a Way of Life

When you call One Highland home, you’ll discover all the things you love most are just steps away. With engaging places to shop and gather at street level and luxury residences above, there are plenty of nearby amenities to enjoy.

From exceptional landmark architecture to spacious one-level living, each home at the Residences at One Highland features interiors with expressive designer finishes. And convenient elevator access to enclosed reserved parking.

Fort Thomas is unrivaled for those seeking an engaging lifestyle in a walkable neighborhood with beautiful parks, tree-lined streets and small-town atmosphere. Residences at One Highland places you in a most desirable location, five minutes from the best dining, arts and entertainment in the region. Visit

Aimee Pelletier: 859-750-1680

Madison Eisenman: 859-815-9972

BEAUTIFUL GARAGE INTERIORS

Garage Living excels in delivering custom-made solutions for refined garage interiors.

Our unwavering commitment to design excellence, functionality, and aesthetic harmony ensures that we curate bespoke interiors that seamlessly integrate with your home and resonate with your lifestyle. Connect with us now to reserve your complimentary design consultation and embark on the journey to elevate your garage space. Your personalized garage transformation begins here.

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

Matthew Millett

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Bridget Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Sheree Allgood

Patti Bailey

Dr. Matthew Bessen

Ellana Bessen

Scott Harper

Amelia Jeffers

Austin Pembroke

Lisa Stephenson Powell

Photographers

DeShon Von Able

Tony Bailey

Mark Byron

Tyrone Daniels

Andrew Kung

Ryan Kurtz

David Long

Mary Strubbe

Michael Wilson

ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE

513.205.3300

Eric Williams - CEO

Bridget Williams - President

Greg Butrum - General Counsel

Jason Yann - Art Director

This September/October issue has been a really fun one to put together. I have been surrounded with interior design my whole life. Growing up we were immersed in the arts, such as going to the art museum or ballet. Our family trips also often featured side stints to visit the famous hotels of the areas or drive through the famous neighborhoods or the cities we were visiting. Since then, I my appreciation for design and interiors has only grown. Working in the city, I have come to work and know many of the local designers in town. In this issue, we were able to feature two of the leading designers in the city, Jay Takach from Evolo Design and Amy Holt from Designs on Madison. Our first feature, we get a little peek inside Jay Takach’s personal home, the historic May Mansion in Avondale. A home of historic grandeur, I was most impressed with all of the elaborate details of the Beaux-Arts style home. While putting together the feature I also learned a little more about the Beaux-Arts style of the home and how Cincinnati had a small prolific stint in designing homes of this nature. Seeing first-hand the incredible hand carved urn and garland motifs decorating the exterior and interior of the home brought on a new appreciation for handmade artisans and craftsman. Jay adds his own personal touches of design, blending in contemporary art, repurposed heirloom antiques, all while blending it together with the 100+ year styling of the original home finishings. Our second home feature is of a new build home designed in an updated traditional style. The customers wanted to ensure their home fit right in to the Hyde Park area, so Amy created an updated traditional styled home. Adding in the client’s favored color palette, the open home feels light and airy as touches of blues and greens pop against a light backdrop. I was particularly impressed with some creative elements Amy incorporated such as hiding the kitchen appliances behind the ‘kitchen living space’, and implementing double sided glass built-in cabinets to separate rooms, while allowing light to fill in the spaces and showcase the owner’s collection of fine China (something they mentioned had never been on display before).

I hope you enjoying what some of our great designers are creating in this issue as well as all of the great features we hope will inspire you this fall.

MAY MANSION REVIVAL

Interior

Written by Matthew Millett / Photography by Andrew Kung of Andrew Kung Photography

Inspired by the stately façade of a Cincinnati architectural gem in North Avondale, interior designer Jay Takach found his passion project in the 111-year-old May Mansion in North Avondale. The estate allows Takach, principle of Evolo Design in Madeira, to combine his love of architecture and appreciation for history and craftsmanship in a way that relies on preserving classic beauty while helping to revive a once-glamorous area of the city he has chosen to call home.

Designed by talented and prolific Beaux-Arts architect John Adkins, McMiller & Taft builders constructed the home between 1910-1912 for the David May Family, owner of the May-Stern Company, known as an extensive chain of men’s clothing stores in Cincinnati at the turn of the century. The mansion hosted the Cincinnati Opera Guild’s Decorator’s Showhouse and Garden Tour in 1988, with twenty-six leading interior designers and landscapers, including Bonnie Albers, John Harrison, Patrick Korb, David Millett, Nancy Ross, and Dale Shafer, lending their unique perspectives to the project. Takach is incredibly excited to be the steward of such a piece of Cincinnati history.

The home, situated within the hilly terrain that defines the western part of North Avondale, is framed by trees, and set diagonally on its lot to face the corner intersection marked by a graceful wrought-iron arch on stone gateposts. A green, glazed tile roof vivifies the limestone exterior. Highlighting the central section of the Beaux-Arts design are columns, urns, and a carved header of swags filled with intricate details below a trio of dormers.

Fine craftsmanship is apparent inside and out, with numerous details on display. Three pairs of full double-arch French doors on the front facade open into a shallow vestibule inlaid with Carrera and green marble. One-of-a-kind blue and white marble Wedgewood doorknobs on all interior doors display classical scenes. Distinguishing the main hall is a broad, soaring oak staircase adorned with hand-carved banisters. The staircase leads to a landing with a massive window, allowing light to shine into the grand hall.

designer Jay Takach calls on his southern roots and preservation background to enhance the 111-year-old May Mansion in Avondale.

Takach and his husband Trey Greene fell in love with these unique elemental statements. Jay and Trey grew up in South Carolina and share a strong appreciation for handmade craftsmanship and architectural details. Many of the beautiful and meticulously preserved antique furnishings are treasured pieces from Trey’s family.

The dining and living rooms are located at either end of the main hall. The living room is opulent, with original hand-carved plaster urn and garland motifs on the ceiling, repeating an architectural detail on the home’s exterior. Walls clad in cherry paneling lend a masculine warmth. Takach’s love for balance and symmetry is apparent in his arrangement of furniture. A baby grand piano rests in one corner opposite the Carrera hearth. An oversized modern coffee table centers the room, where comfortable Hickory Chair boucle-covered chairs are transverse from a double nail head framed sofa. Contemporary sculptures and paintings add pops of color against the backdrop of sea glass-tinted grass cloth wallcovering.

Across the hall, the main dining room displays similar artisan features. Faux columns, swagged pilaster details of the Beaux-Arts design, and complimentary pairs of French doors balance the light-filled room. A round, generously proportioned, and expandable antique inlaid mahogany dining table commands the middle of the room, whose walls are upholstered with raw silk fabric panels. Trey’s family heirloom antique candlesticks and silver adorn the sideboards. Pierson high-backed dining chairs add a touch of contemporary styling with embroidered outside back fabrics.

The jewel of the home is the sunroom, lined floor-to-ceiling with Rookwood Pottery’s architectural faience tile. Here, Adamesque classical pilasters, benches, and a charming ‘Boy with a Dolphin’ fountain by Frank Duveneck’s friend and colleague, sculptor Clement Barnhorn, are flanked by illusory perspectives of Italian gardens, all in the soft, muted pastel colors of Rookwood’s best early 20th-century work. While Barnhorn-designed fountains can be found in several Cincinnati Schools, other private homes, and the Cincinnati Woman’s Club, one could argue that none of these settings can compete with its setting in the May Mansion’s sunroom. Another heirloom, this time an inherited and repurposed settee, is placed across from the Rookwood Wall. Takach said he selected upholstery from a palette of soft blues, greens, and yellows “as subtle complimentary fabrics, not bold to take away from the fountain” to complete the room and accent the Rookwood’s beauty.

Due to his background running a high-end residential interior design firm, Takach has the knowledge of quality building combined with connections to top-of-their-craft installers and other skilled workers who are able to ensure that significant elements of the original character of the home are thoughtfully and properly restored.

Takach and Greene have happily assumed the task of updating and safeguarding the heritage of this significant and stately home, a task that would seem exceedingly daunting to less stalwart stewards of preservation. In doing so, they’ve added their names to a distinguished roster of acclaimed designers who’ve left their mark on Cincinnati’s architectural legacy. sl

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ARTISTRY IN ENGINEERING

Written by Elliott Greene

In September, the eyes of the interior design world collectively cast its discerning gaze on Paris for the Maison&Objet show and Paris Design Week. With Vivant, Vivants, which translates to 'alive, living' as the theme of the fourth edition of Paris Design Week and "quest of pleasures," the stated mission of Maison&Objet's fall edition, we're singling out a pair of designers who embody these concepts by marrying an adherence to time-honored techniques with forward-looking idealism.

Franco-Swedish and a École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-La Villette graduate, Bina Baitel is both an architect and a designer. Baitel's youth in the Middle East imbues her work with multiple influences, enabling her to explore the question of cultural interpenetration on formal, functional, and symbolic levels.

After founding her design and architecture studio in Paris in 2006, Baitel's creations have made their way into museums and international fairs (Milan, Dubai, Paris, New York, Venice, Basel) and

have been snatched up for public and private permanent collections. At Paris Design Week, she will unveil the Bina Baitel Collection, showcasing 30 pieces characterized by an invitation to contemplative and interactive experiences.

Baitel says that each piece, developed through proprietary manufacturing processes and technologies in collaboration with the finest artisans in Europe, “tells a story materialized through a dedicated plastic expression, generating new typologies of objects.” The designer prompts us to question our relationships and interactions with the things surrounding us while she explores their common codes to propose concepts with strong inspirations. Her innovations include a lamp made entirely of flesh-colored leather, an interactive circular wall light ringed with fur, a stool inspired by the world of haute joaillerie, and a sofa inspired by the fluidity of maritime landscapes. These highquality creations express the artist's embrace of a constant dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and innovative experimentation.

Parisian designers and artisans Franck Genser and Bina Baitel employ a transdisciplinary approach to bring elegant and exciting interiors to life.

Architect and designer Bina Baitel.

Photo by Didier Delmas.

Photo of Franck Genser by Vincent Leroux.

Furnishings from Bina Baitel’s new 30-piece collection.

Photo by Didier Delmas.

Fur-Light, by Bina Baitel is an interactive luminaire. Its sensitive fur, embedded with invisible sensors, reacts to the user's caresses to turn on and adjust the light as desired.

The PAD Lamp from Bina Baitel is made entirely of flesh-colored leather.

Photo by Florian Klein.

The Naïa sofa by Bina Baitel.

Photo by Stéphan Briolant

Oniski coffee table by Franck Genser

Since 2015, Franck Genser, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, has turned out extraordinary pieces from his Paris atelier. Cabinetmaking, tapestry, art foundry, and alabaster work are among the skillsets he calls upon to breathe life into his sculptural pieces, combining exceptional craftsmanship with timeless elegance. As a Gestalt therapist (a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment), Genser says he remains fascinated by the essence of objects, their impact on individuals, and the constant interaction between humans and their environment.

At the heart of the Franck Genser workshop, the art of lacquer takes center stage, inspired by his extensive journeys and encounters with gifted artists. Among them, the revered lacquer master Nagatoshi Onishi profoundly impacted Franck Genser's work. Fueled by infinite patience and an unwavering quest for perfection, Onishi's influence is unmistakably evident in Genser's exquisite creations.Among these exceptional works, the Onishi coffee table is a testament to the rich legacy of Japanese vegetable lacquer. Painstakingly crafted using the Urusgi technique, the table undergoes more than 24 meticulous lacquering stages, each separated by precise sanding to achieve an impeccable finish. The result is a masterpiece that boasts sleek lines, sophistication, and a profound tribute to the art of Japanese lacquerwork.

Woodworking is another of Gesner's cherished traditions, bringing forth remarkable pieces that embody the essence of exceptional furniture. Under the skilled hands of master craftsmen,

rough wood transforms into exquisitely curved forms, reflecting the designer's vision. Merging the best of modernity and tradition, the iconic Décision chair, inspired by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, a French furniture designer and interior decorator who was one of the most influential figures in the Art Deco movement, balances two finely sculpted solid American walnut volumes with four elegantly designed legs.

An ongoing affinity for the delicate art of alabaster and Ruhlmann's legacy prompts Genser's team to hand-select some of these precious stones from the same deposit once mined by Ruhlmann in the 1920s. The workshop's Toutaime lamp enhances alabaster's natural transparency and facets while bathing interiors in a soft, diffused light.

The Piscine coffee table is a key piece in the atelier's table collection that demonstrates the workshop's skill in bronze with a whimsical touch. The table's ladder-like base is waxed brass, while the deep blue bronze tabletop is achieved through the hot patina technique.

Looking to the future by taking innovation to new heights, Gesner's studio is a pioneer in fusing traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Engineers within the workshop focus on robotics projects, giving rise to imaginative creations, from touch-activated lamps to dome-shaped wall screens and even a serving droid for champagne glasses and bottles. Gesner says that these technical innovations, combined with human artistry and inspiration from his imagination, will continue to result in functional, artistic, and emotional furniture pieces. sl

Piscine coffee table by Franck Genser

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Porsche Commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the 911 with the 911 S/T

Written by Andre James / Photography courtesy of Porsche Cars NA

Porsche is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 911 with a special edition built for maximum driving enjoyment. With a limited run of 1,963 examples, the Porsche 911 S/T offers a lightweight design and a purist driving experience. An optional Heritage Design Package, which will appeal to Porsche collectors and those with an affinity for nostalgia, draws inspiration from the racing version of the 911 S from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

As the name identifies, the 911 S/T is the descendant of a particularly performance-focused version of the first 911 generation. From 1969, Porsche offered a special race version of the 911 S, internally called the 911 ST. Modifications to the chassis, wheels, engine, and body significantly improved acceleration, braking, traction, and cornering grip. Large spoilers and other aerodynamic aids were not yet used in these models. The new 911 S/T takes up the spirit of the original 911 S (ST) and transfers it to the current model generation.

Weighing in at just 3,056 pounds, this exclusive model, the lightest of the 992 generation, unites the strengths of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and the 911 GT3 RS to deliver a unique combination of agility and driving dynamics. For the first time, it combines the naturally aspirated, 386 kW (525 PS) 4.0-liter high-revving boxer engine from the 911 GT3 RS with a manual gearbox and lightweight clutch. The compelling soundscape of the standard lightweight Sport Exhaust system heightens the exhilarating driving experience.

The 911 S/T's particularly nimble and agile handling, designed for maximum driving enjoyment on winding country roads, reflects a focus on GT and motorsport expertise. Unlike the 911 GT3 RS, the direction of the development of the 911 S/T has been not on track use but rather for journeys on public roads. Every steering

movement and every ounce of pressure on the accelerator or brake is implemented immediately and precisely. The 911 S/T is the only 911 of the current generation to combine a double-wishbone front-axle design with a multi-link rear axle without rear-axle steering.

Among other measures, the 911 S/T achieves its particularly agile and direct handling through consistent lightweight design. The hood, roof, front fenders, and doors, with their striking inlets, are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the rear axle anti-roll bar and shear panel (stiffening element on the rear axle).

Porsche also fits the anniversary model with magnesium wheels, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, a lithium-ion starter battery, and lightweight glass, all as standard.

A new exterior color, Shore Blue Metallic, and Ceramica wheel rim color are exclusive to the optional Heritage Design package. Upon request, a starting number from 0 to 99 and decorative foil can be applied to the doors. The classic-style Porsche crest from the original 911 that adorns the front, the center caps of the wheels, the steering wheel, the headrests, and the car key underscores the historical roots of the 911 S/T. The interior also features cloth seat centers in Classic Cognac with black pinstripes, which are another homage to heritage. Two-tone semi-aniline leather trim in Black/ Classic Cognac with extensive leather surrounds, a roof lining in perforated Dinamica, and other elements from Porsche Exclusive Manufacture round out the package. The Porsche logo and the 911 S/T model designation on the car's rear are in gold.

The new Porsche 911 S/T carries an MSRP of $290,000, excluding $1,650 for delivery, processing and handling. U.S. deliveries are expected to begin in Spring 2024. sl

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT MALACHITE

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Kavant & Sharart Talay Wave Flow earrings ($3,260; kavantandsharart.com). 70s bangle from Jenna Blake ($23,200; jennablake.com). Pebbles

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Lariat Lapidary ring from TEJEN ($3,200; tejen-collection.com). Award-winning one-of-a-kind gold, malachite and diamond necklace by Aletto Brothers. Available through Elleard B. Heffern in Clayton, MO and alettobrothers.com. Nak Armstrong small Elliptic bracelet ($1,675; nakarmstrong.com). Piaget Possession watch with natural malachite dial ($21,900, piaget.com). Bowen NYC malachite hearts necklace ($2,750; bowennyc.com). Sig Ward malachite and lapis inlay horseshoe necklace ($8,500; sigwardjewelry.com). Emily P. Wheeler Scarab necklace ($10,400; emilypwheeler.com). Malachite and diamond door knocker earrings from Mateo ($1,370; mateonewyork.com). State Property Allegory pavé tsavorite and malachite stud earrings ($1,920; thisisstateproperty.com). Sweet Dreams ring from Aisha Baker ($6,150; shop.aishabaker.com).

ring from Vendorafa (vendorafa.net).

FRINGE BENEFITS

Compiled by Bridget Williams

MAREI New York Alexandria tassel earrings ($4,000; mareinewyork.com). Alison MacLeod Catkin Gossamer Web Earrings ($3,676; alisonmacleod.com). Nikos Koulis Jewels Together earrings (nikoskoulis.com). Reza Corne D’Abondance earrings ($256,000; worldofreza.com). Sia Taylor Sunrise earrings ($6,000 siataylor.com).

Opposite page: Connexion diamond and chain earrings from Jemma Wynne ($27,300; jemmawynne.com). This page, clockwise from top left: Jade Ruzzo Tennessee drop bangle ($24,000; jaderuzzo.com). Anita Ko diamond and gemstone Shaker choker ($35,650; anitako.com). Broken English Taylor No3 necklace ($496; brokenenglishjewelry.com). Pink tourmaline and diamond shaker ring from Jacquie Aiche ($6,500; jacquieaiche.com). Emily P. Wheeler fringe earrings ($12,900; emilypwheeler.com). Albarré Jewelry ruby and diamond dangle earrings ($2,200; albarre.com). Earth Goddess Teak Chandelier Earrings from Capucine De Wulf Jewelry ($135; juliska.com/collections/capucine-de-wulf-jewelry). Nadine Aysoy Catena briolette emerald earrings ($6,020; nadineaysoy.com).

ISLAND IDYLL

Written by Bridget Williams

"If you want to really get away from it all where no one can find you, then you're heading to the right place," remarked my Uber driver as we set off from the terminal at the Savannah airport to the private embarkation dock on Hilton Head to catch one of 18 daily round-trip ferries to Daufuskie Island's Haig Point. A strict no phones policy inside the ferry boat for the duration of the 30-minute voyage helped ease me into a more chill state of mind and make my acquaintance with the first of many locals who were all quick to extol the benefits of living in the car-free development.

The architecturally unique array of homes, cottages, and townhomes within Haig Point (boasting some of the highest average home prices in South Carolina) are carefully positioned among 1,100 acres on Daufuskie Island, a mixture of waterfront, woods, and manicured golf greens that are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Caliboque Sound, and the Cooper River. From Haig Point's 150-year-old Lighthouse, you can spy Hilton Head's red-and-whitestriped Harbour Town Lighthouse (an eight-minute boat ride away).

With a fascinating history of human habitation dating back 9,000 years, the entirety of Daufuskie Island, whose name comes from the Muscogee language, meaning "sharp feather," has been named to the National Register of Historic Places. Spain claimed the Island in 1521 and enlisted the Native American population to fight off advances by the French and Scotts. Daufuskie's "Bloody

Point" is named after a trio of brutal battles between 1715-1717. Occupied by Union soldiers during the Civil War, the Gullah people (freed enslaved people) returned to work in the oyster and timber industries. The Gullah population of 2,000 dwindled to roughly 60 after the Island's economy gradually declined. Still, Daufuskie's remoteness allowed the language and customs of the Gullah people to remain well-preserved.

Since the beginning, Haig Point has been committed to the preservation of the Island's history. After purchasing the land in the 1980s, the original developers hired an archaeologist and historical architect to locate and restore sensitive sites. In conjunction with the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, in 2014, Haig Point, whose ownership was transferred to the members in 2001, restored a trio of former slave quarters dating back to the 1820s. Located near the ferry dock and the Strachan Mansion, a circa 1910 home barged to the site from St. Simon's Island in 1986, the ruins are a fine example of Tabby homes, a building material comprised of burned oyster shells, lime, sand, and water. Careful attention has also been given to preserving "Constitution Trees," massive twohundred-year-old Southern Live Oaks surrounding a fountain and dwarfing the 40-foot tower of the nearby Lighthouse. The tree's graceful, outstretched branches, festooned with resurrection ferns and Spanish moss, recall Charleston's famous Angel Oak.

Haig Point is easy to define by what's missing, and how that enhances life in the Lowcountry.

The Haig Point ferry makes 18 roundtrips daily from a private dock on Hilton Head.

Haig Point's 150-year-old Lighthouse

The Strachan Mansion is a circa 1910 home that was barged to Haig Point from St. Simon's Island in 1986.

Morning sun coming through the branches of a “Constitution” oak tree.

The Strachan Mansion is a hub of community life, with a coffee house, souvenir shop, a small grocery and meeting areas on the first floor and guest accommodations on the second floor. A large waterfront lawn with croquet and bocce areas is also a popular site for wedding receptions and special events. The Haig Point Club facilitates a strong sense of community, and homeowners are offered two levels of membership: the highest tier provides unlimited access to 29 holes of golf. Designed by Rees Jones, the 20-hole, par 72, 7,380-yard Signature Course has made Golf Magazine's list of "Top 100 in the World." For those new to the game or don't want to commit to a full day of play, the par 36 9-hole Osprey course is an ideal option.

Tennis pro Ron Gwyn provides regular clinics at the Haig Point Tennis and Pickleball Center, which has received an Outstanding Facility award from the USTA. Two of the six HarTru® courts are lighted, and the site plays host to the Daufuskie Island Adult Championships, featuring amateur play for men and women in both singles and doubles, with divisions for adults aged 35 and older.

Adjacent to the tennis center, a large fitness center overlooks a five-lane lap pool reserved for adults. The Beach Club at Calibogue Club, which overlooks the beaches of Calibogue Sound, is the site of a second family-oriented pool.

A private equestrian center with a 12-stall barn supported by an accomplished team of equestrians offers members every service from grooming and boarding to lessons and trail rides.

With no grocery store on the Island, I'd be tempted to rely on the culinary team at Haig Point's various dining options for sustenance. Sourcing locally from land and sea, the dining outlets offer everything from elevated Lowcountry fare to tried-and-true favorites to satisfy even the finickiest eater. Even though I was visiting solo, in the spirit of Southern hospitality, I never dined alone as current homeowners invited me to join them each meal. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in knowing what brought me to the Island and sharing the unique path to what drew them there.

However, even with all the human-made amenities, I quickly found that my favorites were those offered by Mother Nature. Early risers who take to traversing the one-mile-long Beach Road are rewarded with spectacular sunrises. Low tide provides DIY oyster harvesting and sand dollar gathering. Constant coastal breezes are ideal for kite flying.

Between 500-600 people live on Daufuskie Island full-time. Outside the gates of Haig Point lies a tight-knit and surprisingly rich and resourceful cultural community. Tour Daufuskie (tourdaufuskie.com) offers a guided History & Artisans tour led by an island resident, providing a historical overview and a fascinating

The Calibogue Club at dusk.

The Daufuskie Community Farm is committed to bringing sustainable and organic farming to the island.

Daufuskie Island residents Leanne Coulter and Rhonda Davis run Daufuskie Blues, an indigo dying company.

insight into what it's like to live in a teeny, isolated town. We ogled the quirky artworks at Iron Fish Gallery & Studio (ironfishart.com), where customers pay on an “honor system” and learned how the beautiful natural indigo-dyed textiles are made at Daufuskie Blues (daufuskieblues.com), which operates out of the Maryfields School, made famous by Pat Conroy in his book, The Water is Wide Always keen to converse with a fellow Kentuckian, I hopped on a beachcruiser to visit Daufuskie Island Distillery (daufuskierum.com). Tony Chase, a long-time resident of the Bluegrass and a former pharmacist, perfectionist, and serial entrepreneur, retired to Haig Point with his wife Christy, only to "unretire" a few years later by opening a distillery on a 12.5acre site in 2015. Obsessed with quality and being as hyper-local as possible, the business launched with 54 barrels of rum and has since added flavored vodkas and rums, infused simple syrups and ready-to-drink cocktails. At the time of my visit, several barrels of bourbon were aging in the warehouse, created using a mashbill recipe shared by legendary distiller Lincoln Henderson. In a nod to Kentucky's claim that there are more barrels of bourbon aging than people, Chase remarked that he'll have a far easier time reaching that mark on Daufuskie, where bourbon ages differently due to the climate. "There's no cold season to stall the aging, so a four-year aged bourbon tastes like an eight-year," Chase explained.

Hugely successful from the get-go, Chase has added a food truck, serving as many as 200 "smash burgers" on their busiest days. For the high-octane entrepreneur who has owned 61 different companies, Daufuskie's business environment is a horse of a different color. Staffing and affordable housing remain a constant struggle, so he's establishing a nonprofit dedicated to building and renting affordable housing for Island workers. "Daufuskie is black or white, which you either love or hate," Chase said. "I've definitely learned to be a little more laid back."

On my way back to the airport after my stay at Haig Point's Strachan Mansion, I shared the ferry with a group of teens heading to school on the mainland. Typically, when I come across a pack of kids this age, they all have their heads buried in their phones, but here, where it's not allowed, some chatted and laughed with youthful exuberance, others found a quiet corner to read; and, procrastinators after my own heart found a space to spread out and frantically work to finish up homework. It was a refreshing change of pace that recalled a line from Haig Point's marketing material: "It is not an escape from life, but a deeper immersion into it." sl

Non-members wanting to experience the Haig Point homeowner lifestyle can register for the Daufuskie Island Marathon on January 13th, 2024; the annual Haig Point Foundation Golf Tournament in the spring; or book a Discovery Visit at haigpoint.com/discovery-visits/.

For two decades, The Iron Fish Gallery has operated on an honor system with customers signing in, noting the piece they took and whether payment was left in the honor box or if they want a call to pay via credit card.

A horse at Haig Point's private equestrian center.

Bourbon aging at Daufuskie Island Distillery

Bibliotaph...

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Using narration adapted from Davis’ own words and a unique undulating visual style that reflects Davis’ constant musical changes, this graphic novel follows Davis through four decades of musical innovation centered around his quest to find a mysterious sound he heard on a moonlit country road as a child. Dave Chisholm (author & illustrator) — Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound, hardcover, 150 pages, Z2 Comics (available September 26)

Rick Rubin, a nine-time GRAMMYwinning producer, named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time and the most successful producer in any genre by Rolling Stone, shares the path of the artists as a road we can all follow. “I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself as a book on how to be,” says Rubin. Rick Rubin—The Creative Act: A Way of Being—hardcover, 432 pages Penguin Press

Bobby Berk, a design expert and Emmynominated TV host of Netflix’s Queer Eye, shows you how designing your space, no matter what size home you have, has an immediate, visceral, and undeniable impact. Bobby Berk — Right at Home: How Good Design is Good for the Mind — hardcover, 304 pages, Clarkson Potter (available September 12)

From ancient castles to sturdy Georgian manors and modest farmhouses, the rich history of the 15 homes featured here offers a unique insight into the Irish temperament and an exploration of a style of decoration that, while adapted to meet 21st-century demands, still retains historical integrity. Robert O’Byrne—Romantic Irish Homes— hardcover, 176 pages, CICO Books

A look at thoughtfully matched, excessive, but on-point, more-is-better spaces worldwide and the passionate creators behind them. Living to the Max: Opulent Homes and Maximalist Interiors—hardcover, 256 pages, gestalten; us.gestalten.com.

hoards books

As the first-ever account of how the Popes’ presence has shaped the history of Rome, this book illuminates the lives of the men who have sat on the throne of Saint Peter, alongside the bold and curious actions of the men, women, and children who have shaped the city with them, from antiquity to today. Jessica Wärnberg—City of Echoes: A New History of Rome, Its Popes, and Its People—hardcover, 448 pages, Pegasus Books (available September 5)

Looking to literature, film, architecture, and art history, artist Noah Davis, who died from cancer in 2015 at 32, permeated his paintings with emotion and imagination. This book delves into the Los Angeles-based artist and activist’s impact and legacy. Noah Davis, Helen Molesworth, Franklin Sirmans, Lindsay Charlwood, Thomas J. Lax, Glenn Ligon, Julie Mehretu, and Fred Moten—Noah Davis: In Detail —hardcover, 208 pages, David Zwirner Books (Available September 12)

A celebration of German home baking from Jürgen Krauss called "possibly the best-loved contestant in Great British Baking Show history." A self-taught baker, Jürgen draws on the flavors, techniques, and memories from his childhood, his European travels, and his wife's Jewish heritage to create this collection of authentic German baking recipes. Jürgen Krauss—The German Baking Book: Cakes, Tarts, Breads, and More from the Black Forest and Beyond— hardcover, 208 pages, Weldon Owen

This book is a vivid chronicle of a couple’s four-year, 40k journey across several countries and continents via bicycle. Olivier Van Herck & Zoë Agasi—Leaving the Comfort Zone: The Adventure of a Lifetime—hardcover, 320 pages, gestalten; us.gestalten.com.

Recreate recipes from the hit series as prepared by "Gator," the on-set caterer for the Paramount Network show's cast and crew since season one. Gabriel "Gator" Guilbeau—Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook—hardcover, 176 pages, Insight Editions (available on September 12)

'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf]: a person who caches or

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of McLaren

After exhausting my arsenal of automotive knowledge in conversation with Roger Ormisher, Vice President of Communications and PR for McLaren in The Americas, at an exquisite lunch at Aperture Cellars served on a table embellished with bright orange flowers that recalled the head-turning McLaren Artura parked nearby, our table topic took a philosophical turn. Roger asked me and my tablemates if our minds would be at ease if today were our last. Had we gotten everything out of life we wanted up to this point? It was a poignant reminder of why moments matter. Just an hour before, I was behind the wheel of an Silica White Artura, enjoying a windows-down driving experience that allowed the intoxicating scents of redwood and sea air to commingle, feeling the pulse-quickening acceleration, and noticing how certain exhaust notes made the hair at the back of my neck stand on end. It was one of the rare instances where I enjoyed being fully present to live in the moment. And, though I'm not quite ready to punch out on my life's time clock, a lifelong chase after carpe diem, which on this day included thoroughly testing the Artura's cornering capabilities, means that, like my delicious lunch that day, nothing is left on the table.

While I would have accepted an offer to pilot the Artura down my street, given the opportunity to do so through the varied terrain of California's Sonoma County, starting from the Montage in Healdsburg was a no-brainer. The evening before our drive, we took a deep dive into the McLaren culture during an alfresco dinner at

the Montage. As the last rays of sunlight cast a golden hue on the vineyards weaving through the luxury wine country hideaway, an A-list team of Ormisher, Nicolas Brown, President of McLaren Americas, Jo Lewis, McLaren's Head of Color and Materials Design, and Nolan Gray, Product Pricing and Fleet Specialist, shared the story of the world's last independent small volume manufacturer of high-performance vehicles.

"Motorsports are the core of our DNA," explained Brown. He went on to illuminate how the Artura, McLaren's first-ever seriesproduction High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar, represents the distillation of more than a half-century of McLaren's expertise and experience in race- and road-car engineering. Artura, the name for this "clean sheet" design, comes from combining "art" and "future."

Extremely lightweight even with the battery, McLaren engineers employed a 'form-follows-function' design philosophy in devising the all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), uniquely optimized for HPH powertrains and built in-house. A single MCLA tub is strong enough to withstand the weight of 15 Arturas stacked on top of it. Audiophiles will appreciate the tubmounted subwoofer's clean, crisp sound free of vibrations. Sexy and supercar go hand-in-hand, and the exterior's super-formed aluminum panels perform like Spanx in accentuating Artura's sinuous curves with a functional 'shrink-wrapped' look.

A pair of Arturas parked outside Aperture Cellars

A dinner party celebrating Artura at Montage Healdsburg

Winemaker Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars oversees Montage Healdsburg’s 15.5 acres of vineyards.

Designed around the driver, "it's all about having fun behind the wheel at any speed," remarked Brown. And, with an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine with an E-motor and energy-dense battery pack, producing combined outputs of 671bhp and 530lb-ft, there's plenty of fun to be had. Rather than just becoming a garage trophy, McLaren owners put three times more miles on their supercars than other top-tier manufacturers in this realm.

A mandate to cut weight without cutting corners resulted in several innovations, including a first-to-market domain-based ethernet electrical architecture that's twenty-five percent lighter and allows for over-the-air updates. Not only are the Pirelli P ZERO™ CORSA tires extra grippy, but their innovative Pirelli Cyber Tyre® technology allows for real-time data collection resulting in improved handling.

While all the engineering and performance aspects are undoubtedly important and exciting, if the package isn't captivating, then it's all for naught. That's where Jo Lewis comes in. A master’s graduate of the Royal College of Art specializing

in textiles and technology, Lewis worked for Stella McCartney before moving to the automotive industry. Her involvement with Artura stretches back to 2016. "Design is cross-functional with engineering," explained Lewis, who added that McLaren's small volume means that customers get closer contact with corporate in the bespoke realm via McLaren Special Operations.

Applying NASA-level knowledge to her craft, Lewis’ portfolio of innovations is quite impressive. A newly developed method for leather interiors leans on her aerospace experience to deliver thirty-percent weight savings. She's devised ways to make cashmere applicable in an automotive setting, taking advantage of its wicking abilities. "Slip and grip" embossing in key touchpoints makes getting in and out of a McLaren easier. Ultrafabric, derived from the yachting sector, is durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant. If seeing your name in lights is insufficient, Lewis has found ways to weave it into your carbon fiber dashboard (even using 24-karat gold). Available contour paint jobs highlight the Artura's aerodynamics akin to contouring cheekbones with bronzer.

Chef Jamil Peden during lunch at Aperture Cellars

Lunch setup at the Aperture Cellars' tasting room.

Fog shrouded the Healdsburg hillsides on the morning of my drive. Nolan Gray escorted me to my Silica White Artura with a sumptuous all Alcantara interior, including the steering wheel, making it feel so luxurious in my hands. The scissor doors opened effortlessly, and a single finger provided enough force for closing. I sank into the Clubsport bucket seat, and at the push of a button, the Artura started in EV mode, and I set off like a silent assassin buzzing through the vineyards.

Knowing that 0-60mph straight-line acceleration is achievable in 3.0 seconds, I anxiously looked for a wide-open straightaway to switch the powertrain mode into Track to test the stat. As soon as I pressed the accelerator, the back of my head pressed into the seat, prompting me to yell "woohoo!" out of the open windows. In the interest of safety (and not wanting to go to jail!) I resisted finding out if sprinting 0–186mph takes a reported 21.5 seconds, so I'll have to take McLaren's word for it.

Throughout my roughly 50-mile journey over varied terrain, I switched between Artura's four powertrain modes: E-mode,

Comfort, Sport, and Track. Artura can drive up to 11 miles on battery power alone, and when I found I'd nearly exhausted its EV range, I switched to Sport mode to replenish the battery. I became giddy when a "Curves Ahead" road sign popped up, knowing that I'd be able to hug them as tightly as an old friend. At the halfway point, our driving group convened at The Birds Café in Bodega Bay, and our tricked-out Arturas in hues ranging from lowkey to lookat-me created quite a stir. "I guess I'm a car girl now!" exclaimed one of my colleagues from New York City, who said she "didn't get car people" until she got acquainted with Artura.

Truth be told, no one needs to own a McLaren, but at the end of the day, getting from point A to B is entirely more exhilarating for those wanting to squeeze every last drop out of life.

Artura is priced from $233,000 for the standard specification. Every McLaren Artura comes as standard with a five-year vehicle warranty, a six-year battery warranty and a 10-year body perforation corrosion warranty. More information is available at https://cars.mclaren.com/en/artura. sl

Pieces from the Tumi x McLaren capsule collection with carbon fiber accents.

SECRETS OF A WINE SELLER'S CELLAR

Written by Claire Williams

While he doesn't have a flickering cigarette sticking out of his mouth and isn't sporting a marinière, (the classic French striped shirt), Jérôme Peter does embody the essence of a true Frenchman and wine aficionado. With family hailing from Corsica and Alsace, Jerome's upbringing educated his palette with tastings from acidic Rieslings to crisp Rosés. In his 20s, an internship in the wine industry with his stepfather in the mid-90s allowed Peter to take a deep dive into wines of the world, meeting winemakers and discovering varietals from South America to China. In the process, he found a new love and passion for wine. Peter equates the feeling of finding a wine you love to "clicking" with a newfound love interest, saying, "When you know, you know that there's an instant chemistry."

After his stepfather's passing just a few years later, Peter decided to honor the man who introduced him to his newfound amour by embarking on what would turn out to be a lengthy career in the wine world.

Like a faithful partner, he has spent over 20 years working in the wine industry for Carrefour, the eighth-largest retailer in the world by revenue, following trends and selecting wine for its outlets year after year. Peter says his tenure is long enough that he was there when premium bag-in-box wine was a foreign concept and continues with him navigating the current biodynamic revolution. Peter's longevity in the French wine trade has made his name uttered in the same breath as renowned stars of the industry he frequents, such as winemaker Gérard Bertrand (well known for his collaboration on Hampton Water Rosé with Bon Jovi) and

sommelier Gérard Margeon. Over the past two decades, Peter has encountered specific wines that have stood the test of time to remain among his favorites in a market where tastes, flavors, and trends evolve more rapidly than we realize.

Peter says that for him, tasting wine is a spiritual experience, something he calls "tasting the blood of the land," with each bottle bringing out a different emotion while telling the story of the winemaker and the terroir. Peter says Salvador Dali said it best with his maxim, "The connoisseur does not drink wine but tastes its secrets." Peter will take hours to make sure his roti de porc is the perfect complement to his bottle, not the other way around (and if there's no wine on the table, he says it's not a meal).

As a youthful wine drinker, Peter gravitated towards bold and fruity wines and still enjoys them today. Gérard Bertrand's Cigalus wine from Pays d'Oc (the southern coast of France) is a wine he says everyone likes. It comes from a region with plenty of sunshine, and the wine boasts a balance of ripe black fruit such as blackberries, black cherries, and plums with grilled spice and toasted oak, imparting flavor that even the most stubborn wine drinker will enjoy.

Made from Gamay grapes, Henry Marionnet's Tourraine Gamay 1ère Vendange (hailing from the Loire Valley region) is a lesser-known variety that is the cousin of pinot noir and with whom it shares similar tasting notes. Peter says he opens a bottle almost every evening at dinner with his wife, and it's worth noting the wine contains no sulfites, which, according to some reports, should give you less of a hangover and headaches after drinking, hence the easy drinking quality of the wine.

French wine connoisseur Jérôme Peter shares a few of his favorites.

For those more inclined to white wines, Peter enjoys Domaine Grist's Cotes d'Auxerre Chardonnay, sharing the taste of Burgundy without breaking the bank. It's a toasty wine with ripe fruits that pairs well with chicken and seafood, and if you're feeling like embracing the art de vivre of the French, foie gras. “A tremendous value for the price, finishing with pleasure and soul,” remarks Peter.

If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, one of Peter's favorite big, sunny, and fruity wines is from critically acclaimed Domaine Peyre Rose. Marlène Soria founded the estate in the late 1990s in the village of Saint-Pargoire in the south of France, where her plan to make wine for herself and friends resulted in international success and even attention from Robert Parker. Peter says the small size of their operation means they only produce around 30,000 bottles a year, and they age them for up to a decade to let each bottle reach its full potential before they're sold. Peter still has a bottle of 2003 in his cellar, and he describes the flavor as "bold and balsamic."

For those looking for something other than a fruit-forward wine, Peter recommends Chateau Rayas, started by the godfather of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Jacques Reynaud; their wines are some of the most sought-after in the region. The wines are aromatic and complex, and Peter singles out their herbaceous character.

Moving outside of France, Peter gravitates to Italian wines. Among his favorites is an expressive Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino that's intense with ripe red fruit combined with more complex notes of licorice and pipe tobacco.

To finish his evening on a sweet note, Peter enjoys the awardwinning Château la Varière's Bonnezeaux, Les Melleresses, a sweet

wine that combines citrus fruits, sweet spices and tropical fruits. And when it comes to bubbly, Peter says you can't go wrong with the classics: Krug champagne delivers rich and layered baked bread and brioche notes, while one of his other favorites, Taittinger Champagne, has ripe fruit, honey, and brioche aromas but is rich and creamy on the palate. During his career, Peter has been lucky enough to drink all the terroirs of France and even some of the rarest, such as Romanée Conti, which he says you should not pass up if given the opportunity to taste it. Not averse to change, Peter constantly discovers new wines to add to his favorites list. As the climate, trends, and even our palates evolve, there's a never-ending list of wines to choose from, and there are always new gems to unearth. sl

Jérôme’s Cellar Standouts

• Gerard Bertrand Cigalus Pays d’Oc

• Henry Marionnet’s Tourraine Gamay Première Vendange

• Goisot Côtes d'Auxerre

• Domaine Peyre Rosè Languedoc Roussillon

• Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape

• Sauternes Château d'Yquem 1989

• Grange des Péres Languedoc Aniane Vin de Pays

• Domaine LeFlaive Puligny-Montrachet

• Domaine Jean-François Ganevat, Jura

• Taittinger Champagne

• Krug Champagne

• Château la Varière Bonnezeaux Les Melleresses

• Brunello di Montalcino Castello Banfi

French wine connoisseur Jérôme Peter

TOWN & COUNTRY

Written by Bridget Williams

Leprechaun lore aside, I've always found Ireland to be enchanting, particularly the myriad green hillsides of the rural countryside that stand in contrast to skies that are shrouded in clouds roughly half of the time, and which make the occasional pop of sunshine seem all the more magical.

My Irish eyes were smiling during my most recent visit, which began with a whirlwind two nights in Dublin at The Merrion Hotel (merrionhotel.com), followed by another three at Sheen Falls Lodge (sheenfallslodge.ie), situated along the famed Wild Atlantic Way. But honestly, how could I not love a place where, after introducing myself, the locals are quick to remind me that my name is indicative of a strong woman and the name of one of three of the country's national saints?

Located in an upscale neighborhood steps from the National Gallery, The National Museum of Ireland, and the "golden mile" around St. Stephen's Green, the five-star The Merrion represents a triumph of thoughtful historic preservation. The hotel comprises four Georgian townhouses, the oldest dating to the era when American Colonists were busy tossing tea into the Boston Harbor. The two-year restoration commenced in the mid-1990s, resulting in interiors that mirror the handsome exterior: elegantly understated and dignified.

The present owners claim one of the largest collections of 18th and 19th-century art in Ireland and generously share it with hotel guests in public and private spaces. Art enthusiasts will want to avail themselves of a self-guided audio tour and partake of a whimsical afternoon Art Tea, in which the accomplished pastry chefs create edible works of art inspired by works in the hotel's collection.

The wings of the hotel envelope a beautifully landscaped garden with water features and a glass-enclosed walkway leading from the historic structures to the modern wing, which includes a large spa complex with an indoor pool. Accordion doors along one wall of the aptly named Garden Terrace restaurant bring the outdoors in; the elevated environs draw in stylish local "ladies who lunch" like bees to the hives on The Merrion's rooftop.

The labyrinth-like cellar bar is housed in the property's original wine cellar, offering plenty of cozy nooks for a candlelight dinner. Waterfall-inspired stained-glass windows, an homage to the cascades dotting the famed Ring of Kerry, are inset among the thick stone walls. In a city with no shortage of pubs, this watering hole is popular with locals who come to imbibe its two bespoke ales, lemon gin, and listen to traditional Irish music on Thursday evenings.

When the calendar flips to March, everyone purports to be Irish, a claim that's partially attributable to the fact that some 10 million Irish have left their homeland since the 1800s. It's mind-boggling that today, 70 million people claim Irish heritage, more than ten times the country's total population, which makes ancestry tourism a big deal. Dublin's subterranean Epic Museum (epicchq.com), the world's first fully digital museum, traces 1,500 years of Irish immigration, including the accomplishments of some of its most famous (and infamous) sons and daughters, who I was surprised to learn include Che Guevara, Muhammad Ali, Gene Kelly, Walt Disney, Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro, and Barack and Michelle Obama, among many others.

A City-to-Countryside Tour of the Emerald Isle

Guests rooms have covetable views of Sheen Falls.

The Garden Terrace Restaurant at The Merrion

The cellar bar at The Merrion Front hall at The Merrion

French chocolatier Benoit Lorge at his eponymous shop in Kenmare.

Accessible only by ferry, the 37-acre Garnish Island in Bantry Bay boasts extensive gardens with several unique structures.

A feast of locally sourced Kenmare delicacies at Heidi Ryan's Wholesome Food, organize.d by Kenmare Foodie Tours.

Bill Sheppard and Aileen Crean O'Brien, owners of the Tom Crean Brewery.

Dublin is a great town for wandering. If you're a James Joyce fan, you must stop into Sweney's Pharmacy (sweny.ie), whose lemon soap is famously featured in Ulysses (and still available for purchase today). With disheveled gray hair that calls to mind Einstein's coif and a silk tie peeking out from his down jacket that lends the air of eccentric aristocrat, owner and polyglot J.J. Murphy preserves the tiny shop as it appeared in Joyce's time. Smelling of stale tobacco and dusty old books, Murphy is quick to pick up his guitar to serenade visitors and invited us to return for a scheduled reading of Joyce's works.

If music history gets your heart racing, you'll want to arrange a tour of Windmill Lane Studios (windmilllanerecording.com). Rather nondescript from the outside, Brian Masterson and James Morris opened it in 1978, and it remains one of Ireland's largest recording studios. U2 was famously the first Irish band to record there, becoming part of a motley mix of bands and artists that includes Simple Minds, Kate Bush, AC/DC, Hozier, The Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Niall Horan, Lewis Capaldi, Van Morrison, and Ed Sheeran. Their studio tour allows you to mix a session with their virtual band and receive the MP3 file as a one-of-a-kind souvenir or, in my case, a painful reminder that even though I love to sing, I can't carry a tune.

No visit to the capital of the Republic of Ireland would be complete without a pub tour. During ours, led by Perfect Pint Tour (theperfectpinttour.com), we visited both well-known and local's only watering holes and learned all about the letters and numbers

found on a Guinness pint glass; that a good Irishman (or woman) finishes a pint in seven sips or less; and, that foamy rings from topto-bottom evidence a perfect pour. We even went behind the bar to learn from time-tested pint perfectionists who seem to eschew any interest in crafty cocktails.

The concierge at The Merrion can arrange a guided hike along the Cliff Path Loop that follows the contours of the wildflowercovered cliffs of the Howth Peninsula, just east of central Dublin. Ideal for a day trip; even though it's just a short drive from the bustling city, it feels worlds away.

After a few days exploring Dublin, we hit the M7 to Sheen Falls Lodge in County Kerry. En route, we enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining rest stop at the Barack Obama Plaza, located next to the village of Moneygall. Essentially a fast-food-laden truck stop, a small second-floor museum highlighting US Presidents with Irish heritage is surprisingly well executed.

Sheen Falls Lodge, nestled amid the gently undulating landscape next to its namesake falls and overlooking Kenmare Bay, was built in 1765 as a private country house and debuted as a 72-room resort in 1991. Later additions to the original structure kept the same Irish plaster exterior and steeply pitched roof as the original home, which belies its grandiose scale, including a large Easanna Spa wing with a massive indoor pool. Spa treatments incorporate VOYA products, made with sustainably-harvested wild seaweed from Ireland's west coast.

The Baily Lighthouse sits on the southeastern part of Howth Head in County Dublin.

All the guest rooms at this rural retreat, a Relais & Chateaux property, provide a view of the falls, Kenmare Bay, or both. Lodge guests are privy to 15 miles of private fishing on the river, and Sheen Falls has a strong commitment to conservation, ensuring that the native Wild Atlantic salmon who have inhabited these waters since the last Ice Age will continue to do so for generations to come.

Not wanting to squander a moment of the views afforded by the large terrace of my sprawling Signature Suite, I indulged in an elegantly presented alfresco breakfast each morning, allowing the soothing sounds of the falls to have my full attention. In addition to nine distinct room types, the property boasts a trio of storybook thatched roof cottages and a pair of bayfront villas for rent, each beautifully, uniquely, and luxuriously outfitted.

In addition to fishing, Sheen Falls offers scores of activities such as horseback riding, tennis, bike riding, sporting clays, guided walks and hiking, archery, kayaking and paddleboarding, golf, photography excursions, and falconry. Liam Regan, a licensed falconer and wildlife biologist from Killarney leads the falconry program. His calm demeanor makes even the most reluctant ornithologist comfortable as he demonstrates the skills of the forest's apex predators.

Dining options on the property include the newly opened Stables Brasserie & Bar, housed in the property's original horse stables. Casually elegant, it's quickly become a favorite of locals from the nearby town of Kenmare. The Falls offers a more elevated dinner experience. A recent addition is the Mediterranean-influenced Nua Vista Restaurant, located at the Lodge's sister property, Ring of Kerry Golf Club (ringofkerrygolf.com). For a more bespoke experience, private dining is available in several unique spaces, including the candlelit wine cellar, one of the largest private cellars in Ireland. Take advantage of a G&T in the cozy Sheen Bar, made with seacentric gin custom-blended by the nearby Isle of Barra Distillers specifically for Sheen Falls Lodge.

Sheen Falls has a symbiotic relationship with the quaint town of Kenmare. A local artist created the whimsical mural behind the reception desk; local products are among the gratis goodies in the minibar; the stoneware coffee set hails from Killarney; and a local wine shop selects the Lodge's wine of the month. Kenmare locals, a surprisingly cosmopolitan bunch for a city of just 2,300 residents, are proud that their village was awarded a gold medal in the 2022 TidyTown annual nationwide competition.

Liam Regan, a licensed falconer and wildlife biologist from Killarney leads the falconry program at Sheen Falls.

The Oscar Wilde monument in Dubin’s Merrion Square Park.

At Sweney's Pharmacy, made famous by James Joyce, proprietor J.J. Murphy is keen on entertaining visitors with a song.

Guests of Sheen Falls Lodge enjoy exclusive access to 15 miles of private fishing on the river.

We enjoyed a half-day walking tour led by Kenmare Foodie Tours (kenmarefoodies.com), during which we sampled authentic French pastries at Maison Gourmet (maisongourmetkenmare. com), where the husband-and-wife owners hail from the Pyrenees; farmhouse cheese and charcuterie at Heidi Ryan's Wholesome Food, and award-winning, handmade chocolates from Lorge Chocolatier (lorge.ie), whose affable owner Benoit, a native of France, moved to Kenmare twenty-five years ago. Those with an adventurous spirit or just a fondness for craft beer will want to stop for a pint at the Tom Crean Brewery (tomcreanbrewerykenmare.ie). Another husbandand-wife enterprise, the duo are as passionate about their craft as they are about exploring the far corners of the globe. "We aim to produce a pint that doesn't cost the earth," explained Bill Sheppard, a former fireman from England who met his wife Aileen Crean O’Brien, a Kenmare native, while traveling in Goa, India. The couple worked with Dutch scientists to build a biodigester that converts the spent grain from distilling into high-protein silage to feed sheep. While sipping a St. Bridget Irish Lager, I learned that the patron saint was a brewer and several of the miracles attributed to her involved beer.

Garden enthusiasts should plan to visit Garinish Island (garinishisland.ie), accessible by ferry in the sheltered harbor of

Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, where languid seals blend in with rocky outcroppings. John Annan Bryce purchased the 37-acre island, which boasts a unique micro-climate, from the War Office in 1910 and tasked Harold Peto to execute extensive gardens with structures that include a clock tower, Grecian temple, Italian casita, and a Martello tower that dates to the Napoleonic Wars. Today the parklands are maintained by the Office of Public Works. After the tour, drive along the breathtakingly beautiful Healy Pass in the Beara Peninsula, dotted with solitary sheep whose wool bears colorful dots indicating its ownership, before stopping for super-fresh seafood lunch with the locals at Helen's Bar in Kilmackillogue Harbor.

Marveling at the moodiness of the Emerald Isle's landscape always evokes introspection for me. In-between songs at Sweney's Pharmacy in Dublin, Mr. Murphy recited a quote attributed to G.K. Chesterton: "The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad, for all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad."

I'd argue that the scenery, well suited to wide panoramic shots that beg for a dramatic orchestral accompaniment, is more winsome than weary, particularly when combined with Ireland's enduring culture of hospitality consistent from city to countryside. sl

A suite at Sheen Falls Lodge

The lobby at Sheen Falls Lodge

A tour of Kenmare in Sheen Falls’ 1936 Buick is a popular among guests.

Private dining in the wine cellar at Sheen Falls Lodge

($120) and printed skort ($95; fila.com). Vinglacé limited edition pickleball wine set in white ($149.95; vinglace.com). Anyone for Tennis biscuit box from Biscuiteers ($58; biscuiteers.com). Palissade bench from Hay ($1,045; us.hay.com). Spinshot player Pickleball machine (from $1,979; spinshotsports.com).

Brilliant tennis bracelet from Uniform Object (from $22,500; uniformobject.com). Clare V. tennis ball collar necklace ($145; clarev.com). India Hicks x Recess Pickleball paddle ($98; recesspickleball.com). Alpha tennis bag from Tumi ($650; tumi.com). Le Duffle à La Tennis from Clare V. ($295; clarev.com). Cassanova Monogram tennis bag from Court Couture ($329; courtcouturetennis.com). Alice + Olivia Cindy Pickleball cropped tee ($195; aliceandolivia.com). Alice + Olivia Blaise Pickleball cropped skort ($265; aliceandolivia.com). Del 4-pack Pickleball set from Nettie ($289.99; playnettie.com). Fila x Brandon Maxwell 2-piece polo tank

AUTUMN IN NEW YORK

There are many reasons to visit New York City, and I have two: Amateur Night at the Apollo and Central Park. For my most recent sojourn, which included a stay at The Lowell (lowellhotel.com), I couldn't have gotten much closer to Central Park than if I pitched a tent under one of its 18,000 trees. And, if perks rather than parks are more your thing, you're a Birkin's-throw away from Hermès' Madison Avenue flagship. Walk just a little further for an actual breakfast at Tiffany’s at Daniel Boulud’s Blue Box Café on the fourth floor of the exquisitely renovated Landmark building on Fifth Avenue, which reopened to great fanfare this past April. Waiting to be discovered among its ten floors are a high jewelry workshop and an Audrey experience, where you can marvel at how teeny tiny Ms. Hepburn’s waist had to be to fit into that iconic Givenchy gown.

Nestled on a tony tree-lined Upper East Side block dotted with brownstones and offering the chance to rub elbows with neighbors counted among the world's wealthiest (a nearby ninebedroom townhouse was on the market for $28 million), the Lowell, one of the last privately owned hotels, was practicing stealth wealth long before it became a buzzword.

Stepping down into a small marble-floored vestibule that provides access to the chic Jacques Bar on the left and the hotel's reception room on the right, we were immediately entranced by the aroma of fresh flowers. Purpose-built as a 17-story hotel that opened

in 1927, notable features of the 74-room property include rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and furnished terraces, a rarity among NYC hotels. The Lowell's most recent $25 million renovation, overseen by current owner Dina De Luca Chartouni, and unveiled in 2017, cemented its consistent placement atop major travel magazines' lists of the world's best hotels.

Los Angeles-based interior designer Michael S. Smith devised the property's eclectic interior design scheme, imparting a uniqueness that looks like it was collected over time. Though it is as impeccably and elegantly outfitted as the rest of the property, guests generally don't linger long in the small lobby, preferring instead to seek repose in large and luxurious guest rooms and suites boasting loads of natural light and upscale amenities, including Chartouni’s own DDC28 bath amenities. The hotel’s residential feel made it fun to ponder living in the city for a hot second.

The army of attendants at the front desk projected the care and confidence of a team that's been at the helm for decades. The casual mention of a birthday resulted in the prompt delivery of a lovely card, a bottle of Cava, and a glass jar of colorful macaroons.

By and large, rooms at The Lowell are as much as 100 square feet larger than venerable peers like The Carlyle and The Pierre. Our 15th-floor suite boasted a separate living room with plush upholstery and an abundance of windows to admire the view of neighboring rooftop gardens, a Carrera-clad bathroom with a separate tub and

Written by Bridget Williams

The Lowell makes it easy to take a juicy bite from The Big Apple’s best offerings.

shower, and an elegantly understated bedroom so quiet that each morning, we remarked that for the first time, the sounds of the city didn't suspend our slumber. Not having read a physical newspaper in years, I looked forward to the daily doorknob delivery of the New York Times and the luxury of time and comfort to engage in an activity that felt akin to firing up a record player.

Throughout our stay, I gravitated to the first-floor Club Room at the rear of the property, which is reserved exclusively for guests. Deftly toeing the boundary where gilt and mirrors traipse from gobsmacking to gaudy, I relished concocting my vision of who'd live in such a place. Classic design elements culled from Greek and Roman influence spoke to someone well-versed in history; a plethora of coffee table books hinted at continuous curiosity; art spanning the centuries signaled an openness to beauty in all forms; and a series of photographs of Marilyn Monroe surmounting a pair of leopard-print upholstered slipper chairs added just a touch cheekiness to indicate someone who didn't take themselves too seriously.

It's always a treat when I can share something new with friends who live in the city, and it was fun to invite them for a private apéro in our temporary haven. "How did we not know about this gem?" they exclaimed while surveying the space.

Arched French doors at the rear of the Club Room provide a view into the glass-ceiling orangery at Majorelle, The Lowell's elegant French/Mediterranean restaurant. Resplendent with a groin vault

ceiling accentuated by French Art Deco pendant chandeliers and a graphic black-and-white marble floor, the space is punctuated by monumental and fragrant floral arrangements.

The lobby's grand marble staircase leads to the Pembroke Room, another of NYC's best-kept secrets. In this opulent, Europeaninspired salon, white-jacketed servers serve daily breakfast and weekend brunch for hotel guests. Also on this floor is a very wellequipped fitness room, which is quite large for a boutique city property.

With The Lowell located one-hundred-fifty feet from Madison Avenue and slightly more than one thousand feet from Central Park, we amply occupied our days by shopping and strolling, even walking all the way through the park to Harlem for our pre-show dinner at Vinateria (vinaterianyc.com), a lively Black-owned restaurant serving solid Italian and Spanish-inspired food without pretense.

While it's been a staple at the historic Apollo Theatre since the 1930s, I have been a fan of Amateur Night since college, when it would air on network television in the late night/early morning timeslot. I've attended in person four times, and I never fail to be entertained by the crowd and the rookie performers willing to go up against a "be good or be gone" audience whose display of dismay gets contestants promptly escorted by a tap-dancing "executioner" off a stage that's launched the careers of legends like Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown. For $30 a ticket, it's some of the best fun you can have on the cheap in the Big Apple.

Jacques Bar at The Lowell

The Hollywood Suite at The Lowell.

The dining room at Majorelle The Garden Suite terrace at The Lowell

Here Lies Love sits at the opposite end of the entertainment spectrum (herelieslovebroadway.com). We were introduced to this new David Byrne and Fatboy Slim musical by dear friends who helped bring the disco-bio about Imelda Marcos to Broadway. Flirting with being among the top ten highest-grossing shows since opening in July, we celebrated the show's success and a pair of milestone birthdays with a prix fixe French/Korean feast at LittleMad (littlemadnyc.com). The restaurant's austere interiors, with overhead linear suspension lights casting an LED glow above chunky concrete tables with bench seating, belied the nuanced

flavors and beautifully presented dishes from Korean-born and New York-raised chef Sol Han's kitchen.

While NYC has long been known as "The City that Never Sleeps," it seems that COVID has left a melatonin-like effect on the fine dining scene. Running a little late for our 8:30 reservation, we sat down and found that we had mere minutes to submit our order to the kitchen at LittleMad before the cutoff. And even though we were the last to leave, we were happy knowing that our somewhat abbreviated evening could continue back in the comfy confines of the Club Room at The Lowell. sl

An amateur vocalist performing during Amateur Night at The Apollo.

The Landmark, Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship store.

The “Audrey Experience” on the fifth floor of The Landmark, Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship store.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

FOURTH TIME’S A CHARM

Empty nesters call on friend and designer Amy Holt for fourth home construction in Hyde Park.

Written by Matthew Millett / Photography by Andrew Kung of Andrew Kung Photography

One of the hottest markets in the tri-state area continues to be Hyde Park. Homes in this desirable small enclave seem less likely to pop up for sale. When the empty nester clients discovered an opportunity via a for sale by owner property located just blocks away from Hyde Park Square, they hopped on it. Once the deal was done, they brought in Amy Holt, a partner and lead designer from Designs on Madison, to help realize their vision of a ‘forever’ home.

While situated between existing homes on all sides, the new build had to be appropriately scaled and designed to ensure the homeowners obtained everything they wanted. The homeowners main goal was to ensure the new construction felt appropriate for the area, enough to pass for a home of the same era as its neighbors.

The home is notable from the street for its stone retaining walls, blue stone walkway, large wrap-around deck, and front garden with oversized bronze planters burgeoning with seasonal flowers. Beautifully designed bay windows on both floors are accented with lozenge glass. On the right side, a whimsical round window peers back at passersby, akin to a timeless New England waterfront abode.

Inside, the first-floor bay window sits at the forefront of the light dining room. Here, a light gray grasscloth wallpaper

contrasts against the dark walnut of the dining room table and chairs. These hues are picked up in the trim on top of the woodwork – a commonality throughout - and underneath the built-in see-through display cabinets separating the dining room and kitchen. Their dining room introduces the first pops of blues and greens, highlighted in the handwoven area rug, upholstery on the dining chairs, and custom window treatments.

For a house designed with great detail like this one, custom cabinetry was a must. All cabinetry

in the kitchen, scullery, pantry, and bar was designed by Lisa Fisher of Madison House Cabinetry. The unique feature of the china cabinets with glass on both sides allows the homeowner to display their glassware and china collected throughout the years.

Holt carried several design elements from room to room. For instance, the kitchen’s oversized elliptical custom walnut countertop mirrors the wood tones found in the trim and furniture in the dining room. To maximize the kitchen’s functional and entertaining spaces, the home has a butler’s pantry and scullery with access to the refrigerator and a hidden food pantry behind the range wall. These spaces, painted a happy green, take functionality to another level. The intelligent layout allows space for an oversized counter with six cream-colored stools.

The living room lies just beyond another set of built-ins laden with china. Well balanced, a stone accent wall surrounds a walnut hearth. It sits opposite the built-in bar, stained iron ore. Light creamy upholstery layered within the accent pillows, woven area rug, and accessories create a space rich with character and color. Again, the warm walnut tones first used in the dining room are utilized on the ceiling beam work, door trim and moldings, and occasional furniture to give a cohesive look.

The lower level continues the theme of gracious entertaining and utilizing warm wood tones. The space encompasses a large bar, comfortable seating, a pool table, and a darts area. The television wall, painted a warm green over wainscoted paneling, contrasts the upholstery’s neutral earth tones.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom is decorated in light fabric upholstery with two swivel rocker chairs placed in the bay window. The arrangement provides a front-row seat to a secondfloor terrace with a sitting area. Inside the bedroom, Holt again uses warm wood-toned furniture to contrast against light

background colors. A subtle blue diamond patterned wallpaper adds depth to the background and picks up the blue area rug, while blue and green accent fabrics dress the king-sized walnut poster bed. This bright and airy bedroom brings forth traditional elements in the most comfortable way.

Down the hall are two charming guest bedrooms. One is accented with blue and white plaid fabric bedding and window coverings, while the other has a distinguished light peach and blue combination adding to this home’s inviting personality. Each of these bedrooms looks out over the loveliest outdoor living space. Woven sofas, with a high console table and six counter stools, face a television area and into the backyard, quite possibly the most used part of the home.

Utilizing calculated design, Holt successfully contrasted warm earth tones with creams and neutrals to create a cozy transitional backdrop. Highlighted by the traditional woodwork, green and blue accents, and attention to detail makes this home a Hyde Park classic all while achieving the homeowner’s dream space. sl

MaryBeth

Karaus & Kate Lackman

Beauty from Within

Florals, Figures & Friendship

On view: Friday, October 6th through Saturday, October 28th, 2023.

www.eiselefineart.com

(513) 791-7717 • info@eiselefineart.com

6936 Madisonville Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45227

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 10am–6pm

Saturday: 10am–4pm

Monday: By Appointment

Kate Lackman: Jade, oil on canvas panel, 16 ½” x 13 ½”

MaryBeth Karaus: My Pleasure, oil on canvas, 21” x 38”

Photography by George Paxton

SALE SALE

TAFT MUSEUM: THE ENCHANTED GARDEN

The Taft Museum of Art welcomed audiences to experience The Enchanted Garden, a celebration honoring the museum’s newly restored Rowe Long Family Garden on May 12, 2023. The sold-out event grossed over $270,000 to support Taft’s educational and outreach programs well before the celebrations began. From the front lawn to the back garden, guests enjoyed cocktails, music, fantastic fare provided by EatWell Catering, and great company. The funds raised from the gala help support Taft’s many free programs such as Art for All, Artists Reaching Classrooms, and the return of Family Fundays.

1) Steve Kenat, Heidi Park, Phillip & Whitney Long 2) Jennifer Horvath, Jill Wilson, Rebekah Beaulieu & Senator Steve Wilson 3) Sarah Ditlinger & Spencer Mapes 4) Ann & Jon Keeling 5) Amit & Sabina Khenchandani 6) John, Tiffany & Brooke Bultema, Annie Lockett & Johnny Bultema 7) Vaishai Shah, Dipdi Patel, Corrine Frankenhoff, Jessica Helton, Hengarneh Nassef, Susan Gobonya, Bethany Ison & Nellie Ison 8) John Laniev, Jane Garvey, Dean & Anne Kereiakes 9) Lindsey NeCamp, Senator Steve Wilson & Jill Wilson 10) Paula Comisar, Polly Whitaker Mary Beth & Tom Sumderman 11) Cora Ogle, Ginger Warner, Nancy Zimpher, Charla Drake Open & Barbara Gould

Photos by Tony Bailey

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LADD’S OTR FILM FESTIVAL GALA

On July 6th the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival, organized by LADD, kicked off with a captivating Opening Night Gala at the iconic Music Hall drawing a diverse audience of several hundred enthusiastic attendees. The night commenced on an enchanting note, courtesy of a mesmerizing performance by the string duo Arkai, setting an evocative tone for the evening. The gracious hosts of the event, the stars of the film “Champions,” guided the audience through an evening that featured the screening of the beautifully honest film, “OKAY! The ASD Band Film.” The ASD Band themselves delivered a remarkable live performance, concluding the evening on an unforgettable note and leaving attendees with cherished memories of this celebration of inclusion and diversity.

1) Doris Owens, Aymie Majerski, Cicely Enriquez & Kristen Schlotman 2) Travis, Morgan, Kay & Jack Geiger 3) Mark Manley, Annette Wick & Alex Yurchak 4) Brian Hart, Anne Gerhardt, Isabel Gant & Hannah Eldridge 5) Michael Head, Laurie Brown & Beau Alquizola 6) Nestor Melnyk, Tracz & Tyson Betts, Cassandra Clement & Chip Gerhardt 7) Chris Myhuis, Randy Blanton, Katie Myhuis, Alex & Miguel Lopez, Roberta Kern & Teresina Blanton 8) Aymie Majerski, Doris Owens & Cicely Enriquez 9) Micheze Parise, Melinda Kickstenler & Tony Huser 10) Ellie Bullock, Jeff Geier & Kathy Weber 11) Tessaa Killen, Jacqui Killen, Mitch Morgan & Kashara Jones

Photos by Tony Bailey

NEW

LIFE FURNITURE BANK GOLF CLASSIC

New Life Furniture Bank’s 3rd annual golf classic, “Fairways For Furniture,” held at Loveland’s Oasis Golf Club on July 24th, achieved remarkable success, raising almost $50,000 with strong support from local sponsors. Leading companies like Prasco and Wesbanco showcased their dedication to the cause, while other local corporations joined, underscoring their commitment to New Life Furniture Bank’s mission. The event contributes significantly to furnishing 2,400 homes this year, aiding families who’ve faced homelessness and adversity. Beyond golf, the day fostered a compassionate community dedicated to transforming lives through support and collaboration.

1) John Bernloehr, Consolidated Metal Products president, and friends 2) Kevin Keefe, Fairways co-chair, welcomes golfers 3) Dave Moore and Bruce Hellman, BRG Apartments 4) Erick Baker, Kelly Williams, Elizabeth Horton & Greg Neal 5) Huntington Bank’s Dan Walsh and Greg Smith

IMPACT AUTISM MAYFIELD GOLF CLASSIC

Impact Autism hosted the 24th annual Mayfield Golf Classic at the premier Coldstream Country Club. With the help of golfers, dinner guests, incredible sponsors and many other local companies, foundations, and families, the event raised money for its core mission. Money raised will help fund organizations with solutions that help overcome the educational, health and social challenges for adults with autism and other significant intellectual developmental needs.

1) Jack Scott & Citsa Barbar 2) Annette Franke, Sarah Giolando & Rick Barnhart 3) Lisa Geglein, Carl Lee & Kathy San Marco

4) Tessie Hayden, Kevin & Lauren Wilson 5) Steve Klosterman, Den Russet, Alvin Roeho & Jeff Schrand 6) Micheal & Chrissy Riney 7) Mario & Kathy San Marco, Paul Silvr, Gary Wilson & Bob Dorger 8) Jay Hays, Carolina Mayfield & Wil Gay 9) Lisa Gossiper, Anthony Wean, Paula Comisar & Davide Mayfield

EXTERIOR SOLAR SHADES PROVIDE SHADE, PRIVACY, AND UV PROTECTION

CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE HANGER PARTY

Over 600 guests enjoyed a display of jets, collector and exotic automobiles with ‘dinner by the bite’, wine, and a silent wine auction with proceeds benefiting Juvenile Arthritis.

1) Sandy Brueshaber, Evelyn Kirschner & Connie Aitken 2) Dee, Francesca, Andre & Fred Jones 3) Greg & Pam Fischer 4) Kelly Duebber, Chris Cavanaugh & Ed Hermes 5) Harriet & Cliff Valentin with Franco & Emma Valentin 6) Carlin & Cheryl Stamm, Ann & Jon Keeling & Janet Schleger 7) Susie Fegelman, Peck Solimine, Olivia & Salt Wyatt-Kahn 8) Chris Rockerfield, Cathy Clements & Andy Gear 9) Tom & Carolyn Peters 10) George & Jeane Elliott, Janet Schleger 11) Brad & Elaine Jaeger, Jessica & Jon Nielson with Stephanie Inglis

Photos by Tony Bailey

CINCINNATI CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE

The 45th annual Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance occurred Sunday June 11, 2023, at Cincinnati’s historic Ault Park. This year’s theme was 75 Years of Porsche, sponsored by Porsche of the Village with over 200 pristine vehicles on display in the gardens of Cincinnati’s Ault Park. The show also featured thirteen classes of classic, vintage and exotic automobiles and motorcycles and special display classes: 70th Anniversary of the Corvette and the 85th Anniversary of the Volkswagen Beetle

CINCINNATI INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL CHECK PRESENTATION

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival hosted its non-profit partners and friends at The Kenwood Country Club for its annual check presentation. Funds raised throughout the year at the annual Wine Festival and Golf outing are donated back into the community to over 30 local non-profit agencies.

1) Mary Kathryn Comer, Sue Mills, Jill Settlemyre & Grace Bowing

2) George Elliott, Cait Bothwell & Kevin Hackman 3) Eudora Brewing & Abby Hofrichter 4) Windy Kobler & Ross Turpeau 5) Nikki Herrmann & Travis Nipper 6) CIWF Leadership: George Elliott, Steve Floto, Sue Mills, Tom McNally, Mary Horn, Sara Gagnon, Marilyn Buckley, Steven Tolbert, Mary Ann Bokenhotter, Don Buckley 7) Mary Ann Bokenhotter, Mary Horn, Steve Floto & Sarah Gagnon 8) Cait Brothwell & Teddy Gumbleton 9) John Barlow, Aimee Shinkle & Melissa Derdinger 10) Elliott Rather & Monica Posey

CABVI BRAILLE ALE

Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) and West Side Brewing were thrilled to celebrate the return of the award-winning Braille Ale® Raspberry Gose which was re-released on Thursday, July 27. Braille Ale® was created to spark conversation and awareness around inclusivity and accessibility for those who are blind or visually impaired. Braille Ale® is on tap and in cans at West Side Brewing and four packs are available at the following retail locations (while supplies last): Delhi Liquor, Country Fresh Anderson, Country Fresh Hartwell, Party Source, and Liquor Barn Ft. Thomas.

1) Glen Vogel, CABVI Board Chair, and wife Mary participating in the blindfolded beer tasting contest. 2) Q102 Host Natalie Jones with CABVI CEO Teri Shirk, VP of Community Relations Aaron Bley, and Michele Plessinger from Gilman Partners. 3) Alex Eby, Lynda Schlarman-Nichting, Sam Barlion, and Patsy Baughn, members of CABVI’s Community Relations team 4) Q102’s Natalie Jones and Chris Henry participating in the Blindfolded Beer Tasting Contest. 5) Michael Jansen, Nick Vogel, Kim McNeer, and Jason Gentry 6) VP of Industrial Operations and Product Management, Nick Vogel with Community Partner Big Dogg’s Food Truck 7) Outside of West Side Brewing moments before the release of Braille Ale 8) Braille Ale planning team Chris Henry from West Side Brewing, Carol Lahke, Aaron Bley, and Alex Eby from CABVI, Jason Miller from WSB, and Patsy Baughn from CABVI

8

A HAPPENING WITH PABLO

Cincinnati Art Museum guests at the A Happening with Pablo fundraiser were among the first to experience the exhibition Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds. They also enjoyed an immersive experience created by AGAR, live music from Bluewater Kings Band, unique menu items, and festive cocktails—inside the museum and outdoors in the Alice Bimel Courtyard

1) Dr. Peter Johnson Bell & Laurence Madeline 2) Tom Leonard, Tom & Nancy Shephard with Eric Kearney 3) Ted & Liz Dohrmann with Natalie Leonard 4) Clyde & Aya Carter 5) Guy Wolf, Jane Misewicz, Cheryl & Colin Stamm 6) Paula & Chris Manning with Vickie & Gary Wolniszek 7) Carrie & Doug Vanderzee, Gilda Horn & Bonnie Collier 8) Jeff & Carla Ballard 9) Cheri Klink 10) Lou & Ellen Ross 11) Sarah Jordon, Morgan Richardson, Vaughn Smith, Chill Richardson, Bryan Branovold

Photos by Tony Bailey

ART OF LIVING AT ONE HIGHLAND –A PUBLIC ART SHOW

A public art show showcasing regional artists as well as the luxury Residences at One Highland condominiums took place on June 10–11, 2023. This event was hosted by Greiwe Development along with Terri Schmitt, a painter, designer, and resident at One Highland. More than 100 paintings and fine art sculpture curated by Terri Schmitt and the ADC Fine Art Gallery were on display. “Fort Thomas is in the midst of an economic and cultural renaissance,” said Rick Greiwe, Principal at Greiwe Development. “The community saw an opportunity to showcase the burgeoning Cultural Arts District, while at the same time celebrating the new residential community of One Highland.” “It’s an honor to curate such an incredible collection from local artists and our friends at the ADC Fine Art Gallery and the Fort Thomas Cultural Arts Center,” said Terri Schmitt. “As a new resident at One Highland, I’m pleased to showcase this wonderful place to live and the incredible arts and culture scene that is growing here.”

1) Lisa & Jon Reischel with Katie Campbell 2) Sylvia Rombis, Rick Greiwe, Rob &Pam Sibcy& Elaine Greiwe 3) Ingrid Shick & Nancy Nordloh Neville 4) Rob Sibcy & Ken Warren 5) Bruce Neville, Nancy Nordloh Neville, Kay Hurley & Irene Pritchett 6) Steve & Michele Mitrione 7) Bob & Leah Dugan 8) George Kolentse, Jann Seidenfaden, Chad Valentine & Sam Shelton 9) Sylvia Rombis & Hengameh Nassef 10) Ken Bowman, Sylvia Rombis, Karen Heyl, Beverly Erscholl, Terri Schmitt, M. Katherine Hurley, Nelle Ferrara, M.P. Wiggins, Stephanie Skurow, Jolie Harris, Nancy Nordloh Neville, Donna Talarico, Ted Borman, Carol MacConnell 11) Mary & Mike McGraw

Photos by Tony Bailey

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