Sophisticated Living Nashville November/December 2025
Photo by Ashley Hylbert
Photo by Seth Parker
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PUBLISHER
Dave Mahanes
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF
Melissa Mahanes
FEATURES EDITOR
Carolyn Smith Bryant
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Charlie Mahanes
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Jennifer Brian
Bridget Cottrell
Matthew Cottrell
Vicki Denig
Elliott Greene
Greg Luken
Dave Mahanes
Melissa Mahanes
Photographers
Charlie Mahanes
Melissa Mahanes
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In the spirit of the season, I wanted to share a few of my favorite Christmas memories from childhood.
My earliest recollections are from Lake Bluff, Illinois, where I lived on the North Shore of Chicago until I was five years old. Christmas was always white, and as an only child, I was lucky to have big, magical holidays. My dad absolutely loved Christmas. He’d shake and sniff every gift under the tree, trying to guess what was inside, and though he always finished his shopping early, he’d end up dashing out at the last minute to find some toy I’d just seen on TV—like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Jingle All the Way.
My first visit with Santa was at Marshall Field’s downtown, where the long line wound past glowing toy displays designed to spark even more wish-list ideas (brilliant marketing). Later, when I saw a much taller Santa at a local toy store, I asked my mom why. She calmly explained that he was one of Santa’s helpers.
In 1965, we moved to Nashville and into our new home in Forest Hills just before Christmas. I loved shopping for my parents—Nine Flags cologne for Dad, a horse brooch for Mom, and once, a clip-on tie Dad graciously “wore” to work before switching to one of his real ones.
Decorating the tree was a cherished family ritual, complete with eggnog, dachshunds underfoot, and holiday tunes from Frank Sinatra and the Ray Conniff Singers. Our Italian Christmas lights blinked independently, casting a magical dance of color across the ceiling. Christmas morning always felt like pure magic. My parents would leave carrots for the reindeer, only to have them half-eaten later (thanks to the dachshunds), and the dogs would end up covered in bows by the end of the morning. One year, as a senior at MBA, I wished for a Les Paul Custom guitar. After we’d opened all the gifts, Dad asked, “Well, son, did you have a good Christmas?” When I said yes, he grinned and told me to look under the sofa—where I found the guitar case. I still have that Les Paul today.
What I miss most about those Christmases are my parents—their warmth, humor, and joy. I hope you enjoyed these vignettes as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a bright New Year ahead.
Dave Mahanes, Publisher dave@slmag.net
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DANCING QUEEN
Carolyn Smith Bryant visits with the dazzling Cortney Reiselman
I first met Cortney Reiselman at the Ballroom of Nashville last May, as we shared a world-class dance instructor, Christopher Wayne. I was preparing to compete in Dancing for Safe Haven as a total newbie. She was preparing to slay all competitors foolish enough to hit the parquet when she does. She is gorgeous, talented, fit, funny, in love, beautifully dressed, kind, grounded, and successful—the sort of person you love to like. She is humble and reluctant to discuss her accomplishments and successes. It was enjoyable for me to get to know Cortney better, so I could share with our readers what this interesting and sweet woman likes to keep to herself.
Interview by Carolyn Smith Bryant / Photos by Ashley Hylbert
Carolyn Smith Bryant: You are a stunning dancer...pro-level to my eye. What sparked your entry into competition ballroom?
Cortney Reiselman: I have been dancing for a very long time. I began dancing at a very young age, balletically trained. I was fortunate to be part of a dance company in Columbus, Ohio. Then magically, ballroom fell in my lap. I was about seventeen, and I said, ‘WOW! I want to do that,’ I had never seen anything like it. It was so different and so challenging compared to what I had always done. So, I started training and competing. I’ve been doing this on and off for about thirty-five years, so this is not a new adventure to me. I currently compete in International Latin as a Pro-Am dancer. I don’t teach. I don’t coach...yet—I do it because I love it so much.
CSB: The dances that I’ve seen you do are Latin-inspired...
CR: Yes, competition International Latin is cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, and jive. When you compete, you dance all of these in what they call a “round”. Some of the big competitions that we compete in we are literally dancing all day as the judges decide who the final 6 couples are. At that point you compete against those 6 couples for the Title or 1st place. We won the World Pro-Am Title two weeks ago in California and then went on to win the 2025 United States Dance Championship last weekend. We reached an exciting pinnacle, for sure.
CSB: Congratulations!
CR: There are competitions all over the United States and world every weekend, so you must pick and choose according to your goals as a dancer. It’s incredibly strategic. We have a great team around us to help us plan the year. We just competed in Blackpool, England, in May. My goal was to make the final because I had never been there before, and the Empress Ballroom at Winter Gardens is iconic—a real bucket list for me. We won second place competing against 35 couples and not only did we place second but did so despite me having food poisoning the night before!
(They laugh)
CR: So that was quite the experience!
CSB: Does coming in second in Blackpool create the need to win first prize there next time?
CR: For me, that was about saying that I had walked/danced on that floor because that ballroom is so historic. Some of the most famous singers and dancers of the last century have performed there. To know that I share that history with them is everything to me. Did I expect to make the final round? No, because of the level of talent that was there, but I’m so grateful!
CSB: So, what’s next?
CR: We are taking a moment to breathe. We’ve been non-stop for over a year and a half. My Pro-Am partner lives in Dallas. So, we
commute back and forth between cities, training six days a week, not just on our own, and as a couple but with world level Latin coaches in NY and LA. Then add competing into that schedule. Now is our down time and I definitely need it!
CSB: You were the owner of an award-winning spa, Silver Door, in your former life. How did you get into that business, and what did you love about it?
CR: My mother owned a salon, so I grew up with the beauty business always around me; but I was in human resources and recruiting first. When I felt I needed a change, I wanted to do something new yet familiar, I obtained my esthetician’s license. I decided to open a spa in Indianapolis that would provide unique experiences. Being able to visit spas around the world and bring back products and techniques that I wanted people to experience for the first time was a blessing.
CSB: Where do you get your spa fix here, and how do you maintain that flawless skin?
CR: I appreciate Southhall in Franklin. I think it’s a very spiritual and relaxing place. There are numerous cutting-edge treatments available now in esthetics that offer minimal downtime, allowing for quick and subtle refinements. Finding the right person with the right technology is key.
CSB: You and your husband, Todd, own the Reiselman GMC dealership in Springfield, Tennessee, the Reiselman Ford in Dickson, and Reiselman Nissan dealerships in Kansas City. How did you get into the automotive industry?
CR: My husband, Todd, has been in the car business for almost 38 years. He began his career as a sales consultant at another familyowned company. He worked his way up from sales to finance, then to a director, to general sales manager, and ultimately to general manager. Then he was given an opportunity to oversee a large group of dealerships. The next natural step was to become an owner.
CSB: You are an executive and principal for your automotive group. What do you love about cars?
CR: I love the way that they make me feel. Cars can make you feel sporty, elegant, fierce, or sophisticated. It’s how we choose to present ourselves to the world. We can create a feeling and look with what we drive. Some people come in knowing what they want, and some don’t. We get to know our clients because buying a car is an emotional experience and a big decision. We make sure people feel like they made the right decision.
CSB: What brought you to Nashville?
CR: We have two children. Parker is 25 and Kaylee is 37. When Parker went to college at Rhodes in Memphis, it was a logical progression in our lives to investigate owning our own car dealerships, as I mentioned. Visiting Parker in Tennessee helped us establish roots in Nashville. We love Nashville.
CSB: As a transplant, how would you describe the unique sophistication of Nashville?
CR: I think the biggest thing for us, and we still talk about this, is how friendly and caring the people are. When we first arrived and were looking for a place to live, we would sit down to talk to people in various places and People would say, ‘How are you?’ and we would say, ‘We’re good, how are you?’ They would stop us and say, ‘ No, how are you?’. They wanted a serious conversation and were willing to take the time. We had never experienced that in the Midwest. We’re both Type A personalities, so it took us a moment to adjust to that. The people are so warm and welcoming. It’s been great.
CSB: If you were introducing a newcomer to Nashville, what would you point out as some of its best qualities?
CR: The history. Take a weekend and explore Franklin. Explore the Civil War sites and think about what some of those battles meant to the outcome of the Civil War. Go downtown to Broadway to learn why it is what it is today, not just ground zero for bachelorette parties. Explore how country music started in Nashville.
CSB: Music is all about history, and I loooove talking about music in the town, and music in general. Who do you like? What country acts or other genres do you enjoy?
CR: We listen to all music. I hate to say this, but before we arrived in Nashville, we really didn’t listen to country music. Right now,
we are investigating different country artists. Our son is huge into music. He plays guitar. He works for our company, so we see him a lot. He introduces us to different music all the time.
CSB: Do you have a favorite girls’ lunch spot here in town or someplace you take your kids?
CR: 360 is a favorite. They know us well.
CSB: So, it’s also your romantic dinner spot?
CR: Yes. Todd and I have two dates a week and have kept that practice for our 38 years together. In our alone time, we have a practice of devoting a max of five minutes to work-related conversation and five minutes to talking about kids or family. As individuals or as a couple, we’re always growing. We both made a decision a long time ago that we choose to grow together. Conversation about interesting new things keeps us growing as individuals and as a couple.
CSB: Well, seeing both you and Todd on the dance floor, I can say you have incredible dance chemistry, and he, too, is an amazing dancer. When did he start dancing?
CR: Yes, he is very good. Believe it or not, he was actually a United States Junior Champion back when he was fifteen years old! So, he’s been around this business a long time, too. We do this because we love it. We are in a season in our lives where we can take that time and pick and choose what we want to do. Dance is in our bones. It’s in our DNA.
CSB: I’m in a season of life where I realize that you’ve got to keep moving, and you might as well do it with a discipline that you love. Do you have a wellness practice that keeps you balanced?
CR: I meditate. I have a nice little room in our home that is allglass and looks out onto our property. I put my music on, bring my dogs back with me. I have two frenchies. We all sit together. It’s so funny because whatever yoga or meditation pose I’m in, they mirror me. It’s centering and amusing.
CSB: Sounds adorable. And speaking of adorable, you mentioned that you have granddaughters!
CR: Three! Bella, our oldest, is almost 18 years old. Emry is 11, and Hadley is 9.
CSB: They must revere you! Do they love to watch you dance?
CR: Todd arranged for both of our children, Kailee and Parker to attend the United States Dance Championship as a surprise, and that was so special to me. My grandkids saw me dance for the first time this last January at a large competition here in Nashville.
CSB: Well, what did they say?
CR: ‘Mimi! We didn’t know you could do that!’
CSB: What lessons have your grandkids learned from you?
CR: I love growth, and every day we should be better than we were yesterday. It’s up to you to decide what that is - I always say, ‘bite off more than you can chew, then learn to chew it.’ It’s so important to listen to your gut and trust it ‘you’ll know when it’s
time for you to move ahead with your growth because God can make it so uncomfortable for you to stay where you are’.
CSB: What would you advise all the young people in the world on how to find joy?
CR: Don’t compare yourselves to anyone. Comparison steals joy. There is only one you. Learn who you are, find your purpose and go about fulfilling it.
CSB: You’ve been involved with the Heritage Foundation for years, which speaks to your love of history. In fact, you were named automotive partner to the Heritage Ball. Since our readership is extremely philanthropic, please share with us what type of organizations hold a special place in your hearts and explain why.
CR: We are big supporters of the military and the police, all branches of service. You can see that reflected on our website and in our advertising. We are deeply grateful for what they do for us and our country, and this appreciation is also reflected in our personal interactions when they visit the dealership. My husband’s grandfather just passed away, one week shy of his 100th birthday. His name was Bernard Reiselman from Ogallala, Nebraska. He was a WWII veteran. The whole town came out to celebrate him with a parade and much fanfare. That’s where Todd gets his dedication and appreciation for service. We also love the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. We love the idea of creating homes for vets.
CSB: Best of luck to you and Todd with all your future endeavors! sl
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FANTASTIC FOUR
In honor of Veterans Day, meet the four names producing Four Branches Bourbon
Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos courtesy of Four Branches
In today’s crowded spirits world, where authenticity matters as much as flavor, Four Branches Bourbon has carved out its own unique space. More than a whiskey, it’s a living testament to service, sacrifice, and brotherhood. The names behind the bottle— Harold Underdown (Navy), RJ Casey (Army), Mike Trott (Air Force), and Rick Franco (Marines)—share a bond that extends beyond their time in uniform. For Franco, the idea was born in Iraq, where he served as a Marine and later a CIA contractor. After losing his close friend and fellow Marine, Greg Wright Jr., in an ambush overseas, Franco sought to create something enduring. “Greg’s memory fuels everything I do,” he reflects. “Every sip is a tribute to remembering, not forgetting.”
Founded in 2022 by these four veterans, each representing a branch of the U.S. military, Four Branches carries a mission rooted in giving back. Since May 2023, through bottle auctions and direct donations, the brand has helped raise more than $400,000 for organizations supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. Like any strong unit, the founders relied on resourcefulness to succeed. Partnering with Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky, they worked alongside Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distiller Steve Nally to create their flagship Founders Blend. On the business side, they brought in a trio of seasoned advisors from Brown-Forman and beyond—Johnny Manuel, Tim Condon, and Nick Nelson—to help guide the company’s growth while keeping philanthropy at its core.
The Founders Blend, crafted from corn, rye, malted barley, and wheat, has already garnered acclaim after being aged between four and seven years. In 2024, it won a Double Gold medal at the SIP Awards, a Gold at the ASCOT Awards, and another Gold in the PROOF Awards blind tasting. Bottles have been auctioned for as much as $20,000 at national fundraising events, proof that collectors and supporters see value far beyond the spirit itself.
Philanthropy remains central. Beneficiaries include Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members; The Third Option Foundation, which supports officers of the CIA Special Activities Center and their families; and The Special Forces Association, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Army’s Green Berets.
The bourbon is also making waves in the culinary world. Edley’s BBQ in Nashville features it in the “Quiet Professional,” a cocktail that’s become a menu staple. At The Troubadour in College Grove, Executive Chef Anthony Endy crafted a bourbon-
brined salmon designed to highlight the whiskey’s subtle notes of burnt orange and vanilla. TikTok creator Sandi Keller of Bomb Confections has taken it in a sweeter direction, creating bourboninfused chocolates that showcase the versatility of the spirit. Momentum continues to build thanks to high-profile “Branch Champions” like UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture and former CIA officer Ric Prado, who help amplify the brand’s mission while introducing it to new audiences.
Ultimately, Four Branches is more than a spirit—it’s a story poured into every glass. For veterans, their families, and anyone who values authenticity, Four Branches delivers something rare: craftsmanship rooted in tradition, anchored by purpose. Their tagline says it all: Sip to Remember®. It’s more than words. It’s the reason Four Branches exists
You have a world to explore. You have a passion to follow. You have a desire to enjoy all that life has to offer. And at Fifth Third Private Bank, we’re here to help write your story.
Fifth Third Private Bank is proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Best Private Banks — 5 years in a row. * 53.com/privatebank
Floor plans range from 692-square-foot studios—some with balconies—to one-bedroom units with dens and private terraces, and expansive three-bedroom penthouses reaching up to 2,585 square feet. Residences feature thoughtful touches such as walk-in closets, studies, and sweeping terrace views. Olive celebrates design, lifestyle, and community—fostering a true sense of belonging among its residents.
That sense of community extends beyond the building itself. Peabody Union’s retail promenade will soon be alive with new dining and shopping destinations, joining Harper’s in 2026 will be Jeni’s Ice Cream and Moxies, presently with locations across Canada and the US. 250,000 square feet of Class A office space will bring a daily rhythm to the neighborhood. According to PGIM Real Estate’s Darin Bright, “Peabody Union is a transformative mixed-use development that benefits from its excellent location within a blossoming neighborhood and offers unimpeded permanent views of the Cumberland River.”
Bluff Landing, a thoughtfully designed greenway manifested by a $3 million revitalization investment, may become the true centerpiece of the riverfront. Featuring an observation deck, terraced seating, and lush walkways, it offers an inviting connection to the Cumberland that’s already drawing residents and visitors alike. “We’ve created
something where you can have access to the river,” says Hensler. “When all of this gets done, it starts to feel like Navy Yard or The Wharf in DC—a place where you can spend the whole day without ever setting foot on Broadway.”
“Olive at Peabody Union strikes the perfect balance of a sanctuary for respite and an urban playground of possibilities through its proximity to Nashville’s most exciting neighborhoods and downtown,” said Hensler. “With Peabody Union, we are establishing a destination that has not existed in Nashville in terms of a carefully designed and elevated living experience alongside curated retail, restaurants, public spaces, connection to greenways, the river, and proximity to downtown while maintaining a comfortable separation from the tourist district.”
Initial move-ins at Olive began this fall, marking the first steps toward a fully realized neighborhood. Be among the first to live at Olive and schedule a tour today. As the riverfront continues to evolve, Peabody Union stands as both a destination and a catalyst—a place where Nashville’s growth meets its natural beauty, and where urban sophistication finally finds its reflection on the water. sl
REGAL REPOSE
Written by Elliott Greene / Photos by Jannis Hagels & Wolfgang Stahr, Courtesy Althoff Hotels
If walls could talk, Bensberg Castle, a palace built in the early 1700s atop a knoll where its central axis is perfectly aligned with the spot where the foggy outlines of Cologne Cathedral's Gothic twin spires pierce the sky nearly ten miles away, would spin quite a yarn that encompasses the highs and lows of humanity. Acquired by Althoff Hotels in 2020, today Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is regarded as one of the most prestigious hotels in Germany.
A tale as old as time, Kurfürst Johann Wilhelm (1658-1716), a cosmopolitan and art-loving prince who visited some of Europe's most regal residences, including Versailles and Palazzo Pitti in Florence (where his wife grew up), initiated construction of the palace with relatively modest intentions, only to revise the plans several times over the seven-year build. A fourth floor, crowned by five octagonal towers, was added to the central structure to emphasize the palace's prominence from all directions. In the ensuing years, the property underwent a phoenix-like cycle of ruin and rebirth, culminating in a comprehensive restoration preceding its opening in 2000 as the luxurious Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg.
Surrounded by a hilly, upscale neighborhood that is ideal for a challenging walk or run, just inside the towering gates signifying the entrance to what is the second largest Baroque palace north of the Alps, the building’s “arms” radiate from the central structure to envelop a lush lawn and gardens, whose initial plans were inspired by Versailles.
With just 110 rooms and 34 suites in the sprawling complex, guest accommodations are spacious and opulent with miles of marble in the bathrooms, sumptuous fabrics, and custom furnishings befitting a palace. An actual key to your room in the castle, affixed to an oversized tassel, is an endearing and welcoming touch.
Elevated dining experiences have always been at the heart of the Althoff brand, founded by Thomas H. Althoff in 1984, and Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has a dining program to match its five-star status. At the pinnacle is Vendôme, a two-Michelin-star restaurant where chef Joachim Wissler acts as a culinary artisan, creating exquisitely plated five-to-ten-course meals presented in an equally beautiful setting.
Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is Althoff Hotels' crown jewel.
Salvador Dalí Bar
Private dining room at Restaurant Vendôme
Salon Zanetti is popular for wedding ceremonies.
Known for its excellent wine list, Trattoria Enoteca serves Italian-inspired cuisine in a Mediterranean-style setting. A stunning setting for a nightcap, you can raise a chic "Casanova cocktail" at the Salvador Dalí Bar, where the walls pay homage to the Spanish surrealist artist with a display of 100 illustrations of his "Divine Comedy," created between 1950 and 1960. With its sprawling buffet, Castle Restaurant Jan Wellem is an indulgent way to start the day; on Sundays, the experience is further elevated with live chef's stations and carving trolleys.
Elke Diefenbach-Althoff, who co-founded Althoff Hotels with her husband, is credited with spearheading the brand's 4 elements spa program. You can take a dip in the heated indoor pool under a starry sky that calls to mind the headliner of a Rolls-Royce; chill out in "fire" and "salt" relaxation rooms or an outdoor sun terrace; steam and sauna; workout in the well-equipped Technogym; and choose from a complete menu of spa treatments including an exquisite and exclusive La Méthode Clarins facial.
The Christmas season at Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg is particularly festive, with "Goose Time" kicking off on November 11th and highlighted by a four-course goose menu accompanied by a moderated wine pairing in the Jan Wellem restaurant. In mid-December, a Christmas market is held on the green in front of the palace with local vendors selling their handicrafts from individual booths.
Should you wish to leave the princely surroundings, Cologne is 30 minutes by train or 20 minutes by car. The 2,000-year-old city nestled up to the Rhine River is ideal for exploring via foot, particularly the historic Old Town with Germany's oldest town hall and an assemblage of colorful and narrow steep-gabled houses that provide a glimpse into Middle Ages; the trendy Belgian Quarter for shopping independent boutiques, art galleries, and hip bars; and, the mixed-use Rheinauhafen area, which is home to the Cologne Chocolate Museum. sl For more information visit www.althoffcollection.com/en/althoff-grandhotel-schloss-bensberg.
Salvador Dalí Bar
Chef Joachim Wissler's beautifully plated courses at two Michelin-starred Vendôme (right and below left).
A NATURAL SELECTION
With expert guidance and comfortably luxurious ships, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions offers best-in-class cruises in the Galápagos Islands.
Written by Bridget Cottrell
Even if you've never seen a whale in person, you undoubtedly know what it sounds like. The instant I heard the "pfft" of its powerful exhalation, I sprang to my feet, making it to the balcony of my cabin aboard the National Geographic Gemini—one of the two newest members of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' fleet in the Galápagos Islands— just in time to take in the sight of a massive blue whale surfacing several times before descending back into the depths and taking with it any lingering doubts I had that the Galápagos Islands are a sight to behold.
It was my second time visiting the Galápagos, and I'd returned to see if a different perspective—traveling via water versus a landbased tour— would alter my somewhat underwhelmed first impression. It did. A paradigm shift would be wholly unnecessary if I considered myself an ornithophile, a rockhound, or a herpetophile; however, as someone who prefers flowery landscapes and fuzzy creatures, I leaned heavily on the expertise of the National Geographic onboard experts to broaden my horizons and deepen my appreciation for the Galápagos' exquisite tapestry of distinct habitat zones, some with creatures found nowhere else in the world.
Access to the more than 75,000 square miles of protected ocean in the Galápagos is strictly controlled. Though the National
Geographic Gemini was initially designed to host 100 guests, capacity is capped at 48 (with more crew on board than guests!). At any given time, about 100 ships are operating in the region (including four in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet), all following pre-approved routes and stops and each accompanied at all times by an Ecuadorian naturalist, who is there to maintain the wildlife's ecological naivety as it relates to humans, and to provide a wealth of information along the way. Still, not all guides are created equal, as I learned on my first voyage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to Antarctica, and rediscovered aboard the National Geographic Gemini
Over the course of nine days, expeditions were split nearly 50-50 between land- and water-based activities, accommodating people of all ages (seven and up) and abilities. Early birds like me appreciated that some hikes departed at sunrise (with a RIB boat option frequently offered at the same time), lending a feeling of accomplishment even before breakfast. In between expeditions, while surveying the largely untouched, Jurassic Park-like landscape dotted with lava cones as we cruised along, I couldn't help but wonder if a Pleistocene epoch straggler was hiding out somewhere in there.
Fur seals in repose on Rábida Island with the National Geographic Gemini in the background.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions operates four ships in the Galápagos Islands.
A blue-footed booby.
View of the iconic Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island.
Marine iguanas are endemic to the Galápagos Islands and are the world's only swimming, sea-going lizard.
The vibrant marine ecosystem in the Galápagos is due in part to the intersection of five major ocean currents of varying temperatures. Our first outing, a RIB boat cruise in Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove), was a proper introduction to the bounteous biodiversity. A crowd favorite— a congress of blue-footed boobies —were the first to make an appearance, followed by baby sharks (do do do do do do) who use the mangrove-lined lagoon as their nursery. In a single iPhone photo, I managed to capture the elegant nimbleness of a giant green turtle, an eagle ray, and a juvenile shark, harmoniously co-existing in a watery abode so quiet I could hear the mosquitoes coming for me.
Undersea adventures were more involved than hopping into a RIB boat or stepping into hiking boots. With summer water temperatures averaging between 72 and 74 degrees, wriggling into a short wetsuit was recommended before snorkeling. Unless you brought your own gear, each guest was fitted on the first day, and wetsuits were stored, along with fins, masks, and snorkels, according to cabin numbers on the expedition deck. Our underwater excursions brought us face-to-mask with the Galápagos penguin, marine iguana (the only swimming iguana species that's endemic to the Galápagos), sea lions, and white-tipped reef sharks.
On board, talks and presentations, including tips and tricks from a certified photo specialist, brought the pages of National Geographic to life. The handful of children on board engaged in National Geographic Explorers-in-Training activities, culminating in the opportunity to pilot a RIB boat and be named an honorary co-captain. During one hike across an expanse of ribbon-like rock formed by a pahoehoe lava flow, a very well-traveled fellow guest confided that her reptile-loving, teenage, autistic son was "living his best life" and had "blossomed" through the mix of supervised free exploration and expert guidance.
Not content to share the rich biodiversity with just guests, National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions is actively working to protect and preserve it. The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund (LEX-NG Fund) was a significant source of funding for Project Isabela.
This conservation effort eradicated invasive goats and pigs that were destroying the native ecosystem of Santiago Island. In recognition of the company's ongoing support, the moth Undulambia linbladi was named in honor of Sven Lindblad, the founder of Lindblad Expeditions.
A giant tortoise on the island of Santa Cruz.
The endemic Galápagos penguin is the only penguin found north of the equator.
A lava cactus on Fernandina Island.
During the naming ceremony for the National Geographic Gemini, helmed by Nathaly Alban, the first female captain in the Galápagos and the only woman captaining in Ecuador, Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., said, "Naming the ship is a promise to always respect this very special place and carry forward the mission of responsible travel. I want to acknowledge a special feeling of responsibility in this fragile place in the world. If it doesn't awaken the child in you, I don't know what can."
As part of an excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz, I learned way more about the lifecycle of the "vampire fly" in the Galápagos than I ever imagined I would. Why, you ask? I asked a naturalist what invasive species was currently wreaking havoc, imagining I would get a wild story about a primate that escaped from a cargo ship and was eluding capture in the highlands à la King Kong. Instead, I learned how this tiny larva is decimating the critically endangered mangrove finch hatchlings and other bird species. Support from the LEX-NG Fund and contributions from guests have underwritten National Geographic Explorer Dr. Charlotte Causton's work to eradicate the invasive fly. "We don't bring tourists, we attract
curious learners," said Leahy of the company's clients and their interest in leaving more than just footprints behind.
The gift shop on board the National Geographic Gemini sells a variety of jewelry, art, and home accessories, many created with upcycled and recycled materials and made by Galápagos artisans supported through the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions' Artisan Fund, created in 2007 to connect local communities with travelers. The hyper focus also encompasses meals, spotlighting traditional Ecuadorian cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced as locally as possible.
During our final snorkel off the shore of Bartolomé, where lava, mangroves, and golden sands converged, I glided past a rock outcropping and noticed something large coming straight at me. By the time my brain registered that it was a shark, it deftly zigzagged past me, leaving my heart in my throat. Though I'd felt entirely alone in the entirety of the ocean at that split second, the naturalist had been just off to the side. "That was a good one," he said as he surfaced alongside me, echoing a sentiment applicable to the entirety of the trip. sl
For
Ship physician Jaime Chavez; Electrician Miguel Bermeo; Chief Engineer Victor Acurio; Third Officer Jose Vergara; Nathaly Alban, Captain of National Geographic Gemini; Second Officer Julian Puente; Tecnhical Superintendent Pablo Peña; Ana Esteves, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations; Natalya Leahy, Lindblad Expeditions CEO; Jhon Iturralde, Captain of National Geographic Delfina; and Second Engineer Victor Cruz, on the bow of National Geographic Gemini moments before the dual naming and bottle-breaking ceremony.
SADDLE UP
Rolls-Royce elevates the horsepower at the Sheridan Winter Rodeo.
Written by Matthew Cottrell
Icons and outlaws of frontier history are among the threads comprising the tapestry that is Sheridan, Wyoming, nestled up to the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. In the late 1800s, "Buffalo Bill" Cody auditioned acts for his Wild West show from the front porch of the Historic Sheridan Inn (sheridaninn.com) after the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad elevated the formerly rough and tumble town into a social hub and center of commerce. Other famous and infamous names who've cast their long shadows on Main Street in this quintessential cowboy town are Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and Jesse James.
Hardscrabble no more, today Sheridan County is among the areas affected by the "rich and ranches" trend. Fueled by a postpandemic need for space, the zeitgeist effect of Yellowstone and its affiliated spinoffs, a desire for diversification, and the never-ending quest to be king (or queen) of the proverbial mountain, wealthy buyers are prompting a meteoric rise in land prices across the West. Media mogul Ted Turner, one of the largest landowners in North America, is quoted as saying, "Owning a ranch is undoubtedly a status symbol; it's like owning a castle in Europe."
Despite the influx of affluence and a general population surge, Sheridan genuinely displays a come-as-you-are attitude. It's refreshing that it's nearly impossible to discern a farmer from a financier among
the Cattleman-crowned guys digging into a slice of homemade pie at the Cowboy Café (cowboycafewyo.com) or shooting Wyoming Whiskey at The Mint Bar (mintbarwyo.com), whose iconic neon façade and taxidermy-decorated bar have been a Sheridan staple since 1907. Queen and cowboys strode side-by-side when Queen Elizabeth II visited the city in 1984, and I am sure she was equally enamored of the artistry of the saddles in the King's Saddlery and Museum inside King's Ropes as the common caller.
However, last winter, I learned that even in a town where there's no shortage of tricked-out trucks boasting a $100k+ price tag, when a fleet of Rolls-Royces shreds the snow-covered streets, everyone starts rubbernecking. Sophisticated Living was invited by Rolls-Royce to Sheridan to participate in a Rolls-Royce caravan, culminating at the WYO Winter Rodeo, an annual event at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds that attracts thousands (dressed in outerwear running the gamut from Carhartt to chinchilla), all interested in watching epic skijoring action.
For the uninitiated, skijoring is a high-speed competition pairing a horse and rider with a skier, linked by a 30-foot rope. The competitors navigate a snow-covered course that includes jumps, gates, and rings; the fastest time after adding penalties for missed rings, gates, or jumps determines the winner.
Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II. Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce.
Skijoring at Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo.
Photo courtesy of Sheridan Travel & Tourism
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Black Badge. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce
Before the main event, our fleet, which included four RollsRoyce Cullinans (two of which were Black Badge Series II) and a Spectre, all equipped with snow tires, visited a few local highlights. Heavy snow coincided with our visit, and I must admit to being a little nervous about piloting the stunning $450,000 Spectre Black Badge, the most powerful in the Rolls-Royce lineup, through bouts of whiteout conditions. However, true to its name, the stealthy luxury 650hp EV seemed to silently float above the slippery roads, cradling its occupants in such elevated comfort that any premonition of peril was expeditiously banished. Custom-designed tires with a layer of acoustic foam on the inside created a cocoon-like quiet. It's absolutely the highest level of comfort I've ever experienced in a car. We joked during one pit stop about enjoying half-a-milliondollar donuts as we watched Gerry Spahn, Head of Corporate Communications for Rolls-Royce North America, demonstrate the drift maneuverability of the twin-turbo V12 Cullinan in a snowcovered parking lot.
Since its foundation, Rolls-Royce has been associated with the greatest names in contemporary art. Masters including Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Christian' Bébé' Bérard, and Cecil Beaton all travelled by Rolls-Royce. Continuing the tradition, this trip brought the marque to notable artisans and creatives in the area. We visited the gallery of the Ucross Foundation (ucrossfoundation.org), a 20,000-acre ranch on which Raymond Plank started an all-expense-paid residency program in 1983 for visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, interdisciplinary artists, performance artists, and collaborative teams. Alumni have
included Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, MacArthur "Genius" Grant awardees, and Tony, Academy, and Golden Globe Award winners.
At King's Saddlery on Main Street in Sheridan (kingropes.com), we descended to Ryan King's basement workshop, where he was tooling the most beautiful iPhone case I've seen for a family member, using implements made by his brother. Ryan has expanded outside the family's leatherworking legacy (begun by his father Don) by throwing pottery and using the same tools to emboss the pieces.
The late Don King gets credit for creating the Sheridan style of leather carving, known for its vine-like patterns and floral designs. Sheridan's most famous present-day leathercraft artisan is Jim Jackson, whose softspoken demeanor belies his outsized talent. Jim spent 30 years under the tutelage of Don King; today, he works from a studio and workspace at The Brinton Museum (thebrintonmuseum.org) on the historic 620-acre Quarter Circle A Ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming, where he applies his craft to vessels, sculptures, and intriguing pieces that combine his original expressionistic paintings with leatherwork. The Brinton Museum's 24,000-square-foot environmentally friendly building houses one of the most significant and extensive Western and American Indian Art collections in the Rocky Mountain West.
In Sheridan, we drove through some of the most rugged terrain you can imagine, before returning to the creature comforts of a modern Western city. Getting there in a Rolls-Royce meant that we didn't have to wait for the journey to end before experiencing elevated amenities. sl
The winter rodeo will return to Sheridan on February 8, 2026. For more information about Sheridan, Wyoming, visit sheridanwyoming.org.
The Rolls-Royce fleet stabled outside The Sheridan Inn
Gerry Spahn, Head of Corporate Communications for RollsRoyce North America, drops a ceremonial puck prior to the start of the Sheridan Hawks junior ice hockey team’s match.
Photo courtesy of Sheridan Travel & Tourism
The Brinton Museum Leather artisan Ryan King at work.
RINGIN T H E HOLIDAYS
Left antler, top to bottom: Veraggio Toi Et Moi ring. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio.com. Rena emerald ring from Single Stone. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang Jewelers in St. Louis, and singlestone.com. VRAM Chrona I Ruby Ring (vramjewelry.com). Vhernier Aladino jade and rock crystal ring. Available through Elleard B. Heffern Jewelers in St. Louis and vhernier.com. Right antler, top to bottom: Roberto Coin Venetian Princess ring. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and robertocoin.com. Oscar Heyman platinum sapphire ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and oscarheyman.com. Lagos men’s Caviar beaded emerald ring. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and lagos.com. David Yurman men’s ruby Hex stack ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and davidyurman.com. Ear and necklace: Marco Bicego Lunaria ring with red thulite. Available in Indianapolis from Reis-Nichols Jewelers, in Lexington from Schiffman’s Jewelers, in Louisville from Davis Jewelers, in Nashville from Diamond Cellar, in St. Louis from Simon’s Jewelers and Clarkson’s Jewelers, and at us.marcobicego.com. Marlo Laz Alexandra necklace (marlolaz.com).
AUTOMOTIVE AUGURY
Recent concept car debuts by Audi & Bentley provide a glimpse into the future of motoring.
Edited by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Audi and Bentley
This past September in Milan, Audi unveiled its Concept C, an all-electric, athletic, and minimalist two-seat sports car intended to embody the brand's new design philosophy. Precise purity of form is expressed via a vertical frame that forms the center of the new front and from which the entire structural volume of the vehicle develops.
Discernible design cues borrowed from both the Auto Union Type C (1936) and the Audi A6 (2004) lend a feeling of familiarity and nod to legacy. With a central-battery layout, the cabin extends far back and sits firmly on the body. An electrically retractable hardtop—a first for an Audi roadster—is comprised of two elements that retain the concept's monolithic appearance. A new light signature is made of four horizontally arranged elements in each headlight and rear light, serving to define Audi's visual identity both day and night.
The interior continues the theme of architectural surfaces and clear geometric forms with physical controls manufactured from anodized aluminum, providing a tactile representation of their quality craftsmanship. The tone-on-tone color palette pulls from the "Titanium" exterior. At the same time, ambient lighting and natural materials create a refined and elevated cabin.
Technology is seamlessly integrated into the operating experience, most notably through a 10.4-inch foldable center display that provides users with relevant information in an intuitive and tailored way, adapting to every situation.
"Radical simplicity is at the heart of our approach. We achieve clarity by reducing everything to the essential," said Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella at the launch event. For Frascella, this approach is about what makes a car desirable beyond rational experience: "We want to shape a brand capable of inspiring desire and creating cultural impact."
By the end of this year, Audi will have introduced more than 20 new models within 24 months, making its portfolio the youngest in the premium segment. The presentation of their latest design philosophy in Milan represents a new beginning. Just a few weeks after the unveiling of the Concept C, Audi announced its foray into Formula 1, providing an opportunity to test new technologies, materials, and processes in the world's toughest technology laboratory.
"The phase of taking stock is over. Now is the time to look to the future and pick up speed. We are focusing on what really matters to set standards in design and quality," said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.
In August, Bentley returned to California for this year's Monterey Car Week, showcasing an array of past, current, and future vehicles, including its design vision concept, EXP 15, which was presented to the public for the first time on the concept lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
"The beauty of a concept car is not just to position our new design language, but to test where the market's going," said Robin Page, Bentley Director of Design. "It's clear that SUVs are a growing segment, and we understand the GT market, but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing. Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box' design, and others again something more elevated. So, this was a chance for us to talk to people and get a feeling."
Inspired by early 20th-century Grand Tourer heritage, the upright 'iconic' grill, long 'endless' bonnet, and rearward cabin of the sixteen-plus-foot concept harken back to the 1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe. That historic vehicle came to be known as the "Blue Train," following a race in which Woolf Barnato, then company chairman, bested luxury express train Le Train Bleu, in a race from Cannes to Calais.
The concept's unique configuration of three seats and three doors, rather than four or five of both, is intended to afford greater luxury in transit for a privileged few and provide innovative in-cabin storage for pampered pets and/or hand luggage. When stationary, the boot offers deployable seats, a lamp, and a refrigerator for staging a posh picnic or luxury tailgating.
One door on the driver's side opens to the driver's seat plus a cocooning rear seat, while twin coach doors and part of the
panoramic roof open upwards on the passenger side to allow smoother entry and exit via a passenger seat that can swivel fortyfive degrees outwards. "The seat can rotate and you step out, totally unflustered, not trying to clamber out of the car like you see with some supercars," explained Darren Day, Bentley's Head of Interior Design. "If you look at the car we built for Her Majesty the Queen, it was always designed around the aperture of the door and 'the art of arrival'. It was really important for us to create that feeling here too."
The cabin, conceived using virtual reality software and a Bentley interior design principle dubbed 'Magical Fusion', combines familiar creature comforts for which Bentley is known with futuristic digital elements that can be brought to the fore or fade into the background as the driver's mood or functional need requires. EXP 15's fullwidth dashboard can act as a digital interface or switch off to reveal a veneered wood surface visible underneath the glass. "We think people are going to get fed up with a fully digital experience and are pining for physical mechanical elements too," commented Robin Page, Director of Design. "By combining the two, you can get the best of both worlds."
Material choices are a mélange of traditional, artisanal, sustainable, technical, and future-forward. For instance, a 100% wool textile by Fox Brothers, which boasts 250 years of tradition as a unique and iconic British textile manufacturer, is paired with lightweight 3D-printed titanium finishes.
While not intended for production or sale, the EXP 15, with its ultra-modern exterior surfacing, high-tech lighting details, and active aerodynamic elements, hints at both the design of future Bentleys, including the marque's forthcoming first fully electric vehicle. sl
BOTTLE NOTES
Five wines to add to your carte des vins.
Written by Vicki Denig
As autumn brings cooler temperatures and peak hygge, we usher in rich, hearty meals filled with the satisfying aromas and flavors of seasonal produce and spices. While the falling leaves often evoke thoughts of bold red wines that pair well with these robust dishes, for this issue's bottle recommendations, I have included a few unexpected choices to celebrate the season.
Italy's Abruzzo region, located east of Rome, is renowned for its red wines produced from Montepulciano, but thoughtful expressions of Trebbiano, the region's signature white grape, are also not to be missed. Brother-sister duo Cristiana and Antonio Tiberio have been at the helm of their family estate for the past decade, and under their oversight, the winery has soared to new heights. Fruit for this wine hails from vines averaging 60 years in age and was fermented entirely with native yeasts in the cellar. A beautiful pale yellow in the glass, this clean, food-friendly white exudes flavors of yellow apple, pear, orange blossom, jasmine, and crushed stones. For those looking to switch up their usual Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, this lively and refreshing white wine from one of Italy's top producers is just the ticket.
Clos Cibonne Côtes de Provence ‘Cuvée Tradition’ Rosé 2023 (Provence, France – SRP: $39.99)
Although rosé is often associated with summer, its delights extend far beyond warm-weather sipping—especially when they're as structured and savory as this bottle from Clos Cibonne. Crafted mostly from organically farmed Tibouren, a grape variety native to the south of France, fruit for this wine is fermented with native yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks before aging for one year in 120+ year-old foudres under a thin veil of fleurette (similar to how sherry is made in Spain). This aging process creates an oxidative environment, imparting a distinct tangy-meets-nutty flavor profile onto the wine. Prominent notes of tangerine rind and salty melon lead to a long, smoky finish. I often refer to this wine as the non-rosé drinker's rosé, as it's truly one of the most unique expressions of the style out there.
Château Lagrange Saint-Julien 2018 (Bordeaux, France – SRP: $69.99)
If I'm being honest, I probably don't drink as much Bordeaux as I should, so when a friend in Paris recently opened this bottle at an early evening apéro, I was delighted to revisit a region that I too often overlook. A 3ème Grand Cru Classé estate, Château Lagrange's 118 hectares of vines are rooted entirely in the village of Saint-Julien,
which is found on Bordeaux's Left Bank. As with most reds from this side of the Gironde, this bottle is made from a Cabernet Sauvignondominant blend rounded out with Merlot and a smidge of Petit Verdot. Luscious and dark-hued, this silky wine oozes with flavors of red and black fruits, cigar box, tobacco leaf, and cedar—in short, everything we tend to love most about the fall season.
Although it's always subject to change, Nebbiolo has been my favorite grape for quite some time now. I continuously find myself drawn in by the high-toned aromatics, bright acidity, and signature red fruit flavors that wines made from it are known for, and exploring expressions from different producers has become one of my favorite pastimes. Lately, I've been pulling some higher-end bottles from my cellar and bringing them to the neighborhood Italian restaurant downstairs to enjoy them with warm, home-cooked meals. I recently grabbed this bottle from Rivetto, and it was absolutely singing. A fervent believer in organic and biodynamic farming in the region, Enrico Rivetto produces this wine from his Briccolina vineyard, which was the pioneering site where he began experimenting with biodynamics in 2015. In the cellar, the grapes macerate for 50-60 days before fermenting in wood vats and aging for 36 months in oak barrels, followed by 16 months of bottle
aging. The resulting wine is absolutely captivating, with notes of red cherry, cranberry, tobacco leaf, dried sage, and used leather. Drink slightly chilled with your favorite red sauce and thank me later.
Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023
(Oregon, USA – SRP: $49.99)
Fans of Red Burgundy have found great delight in the wines of Oregon's Willamette Valley, and it's no surprise why. The area's cool, ocean-influenced climate is a perfect home for crafting ripeyet-restrained expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which have become the region's signature grape varieties. Archery Summit's founder, Gary Andrus, picked up on this decades ago and founded the estate in the Dundee Hills back in 1993. I love drinking Pinot Noir year-round, but this earthy, medium-bodied bottle is particularly enticing during early fall. Its flavors of red cherry, mushroom, rhubarb, black tea, and dried rose petal are delightful for pairing with seasonal fare and equally come to life when enjoyed with a slight chill. sl
Vicki Denig is a wine / travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her work regularly appears in various industry publications, including Decanter, Food & Wine, and WineSearcher. In addition to journalism, Vicki also works with a handful of wine-focused clients, including Paris Wine Company, High Road Wine & Spirits, and more. When not writing, she enjoys running, indoor cycling classes, petting dogs, and popping bottles on her rooftop with friends.
THE SWEET SPOT
With close proximity to some of the best sights in the West, but far enough to experience sweet solitude, The Sylvan Lodge at Snake River Sporting Club is an outdoor lover's dream destination in all seasons.
Written
Bridget Cottrell
For me, fly fishing is less about the fish and more about an opportunity to get knee-deep in nature. In the absence of distractions, you can give full attention to the rhythmic movement of the line, the whizz-whap sound as the fly kisses the water's rippling surface, and the whisper of the wind as it tickles the treetops. It’s a moment of sweet serenity only interrupted by my squealing, "I caught one!" It was a feat recently made possible by dumb luck but mainly through the expert instruction of my guide at the newly opened Sylvan River Lodge at the Snake River Sporting Club, 25 minutes south of the teeming tourist hotspot that is Jackson, Wyoming.
Referring to it as the "final piece of the puzzle," The Sylvan Lodge, which took four years to build, is the realization of a longheld vision of developer Christopher Swann, an avid skier who has been visiting the area for two decades and acquired the Snake River Sporting Club 13 years ago. The hotel had been open for one week when I arrived, keen to soak in the region's immense natural beauty and typically cooler summer temperatures. My own ties to the area run deep, having fond memories of family camping trips as a child, and I knew that a stay at The Sylvan
Lodge could deliver both new and nostalgic experiences, albeit in elevated environs afforded by its prime location within the members-only Snake River Sporting Club.
The word sylvan means "consisting of or associated with woods," and each of the 23 guest rooms and 15 suites at Sylvan Lodge is named after a tree. The rustic-modern architecture and interior design boast apropos and ample wood paneling, accentuated by black-framed windows and LED lighting. The rooms, designed by Kim Deetjen of Truex Cullins Interiors, perfectly balance refined minimalism with the thoughtful touches of a luxury boutique property, such as wool carpeting, heated floors in the bathroom, plush Matouk robes, a bespoke Pendleton blanket draped across the end of the bed, and a bottle of Wyoming Whiskey Outryder on the dresser. A pair of penthouses represents the pinnacle of luxury with bespoke RH furnishings, a fully outfitted kitchen, a private balcony, and a rooftop hot tub.
Adding a bit of drama, vertically paneled walls, painted black, along the corridors leading to guest rooms are punctuated by moody black and white landscape photographs that make the transition
by
/ Images courtesy The Sylvan Lodge
from dark to light even more pronounced as one opens the door to their room. In my case, a picture window on the building's backside framed the view: a steep hill, covered in scrubby shrubs and bright yellow flowers, with a lone predator bird circling overhead. The 3,500,000 acres of the Bridger-Teton National Forest comprise the property's "backyard," and there are 27 different on-site trails that provide hikes of varying length and difficulty.
Common areas on all floors, as well as snack and beverage stations on floors two and three, encourage conviviality and provide ideal spaces for those who need to work while away. While working at the communal table on the third floor Creel Room, I was more fond of studying the fly-fishing paraphernalia artfully arrayed on the bookshelves than checking emails. Part of the Dark Sky Bar, a green roof with indigenous plantings surrounds hot tubs and firepits. Astrophiles will appreciate the pitch-black skies and telescopes scattered about the area for stargazing.
"We're geared to people who want to do it all in all seasons," said Swann, who pointed out that The Sylvan Lodge is one of three places in the lower 48 where you can heli-ski—trips
depart from The Hub, the hotel's dedicated outdoor pursuits staging area. Nearby lockers for each guest room can be used to store items such as waders, ski equipment, and the like, keeping in-room clutter and messes at bay.
Will Hobbs is the Director of Outdoor Pursuits, and his palpable passion and enthusiasm for the region's natural beauty trickles down to each of his team members. Most activities—from fly-fishing, scenic float trips, mountain biking, skeet shooting, hiking, and archery in the summer and fall to tubing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating in winter—depart from The Hub, which also offers a variety of gear for sale and rent. During the winter, the resort provides a free shuttle for guests to access nearby ski areas.
A short walk or shuttle ride away, the world-class equestrian center, The Ranch, caters to riders of all abilities, though I'd argue that their wine and cheese trail ride is an ideal way to spend a leisurely afternoon. A gurgling creek that sounds like a dog lapping up water meanders through the horse pasture, defined by a split wood fence, while huge stores of firewood piled up next to the barn hint at winter's harshness.
Indigenous plantings surround the gathering spaces on the rooftop terrace.
The infinity pool overlooks the Snake River Canyon and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The Sylvan Lodge lobby.
The author (right) with a successful catch snagged on the banks of the Snake River.
The Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course.
The living room in Penthouse 305.
For off-site exploring, the concierge can book a wildlife tour with a local company like Eco Tours, who know the best off-thebeaten-path places, and in the case of Grand Teton National Park, makes you feel like the only ones in a place that sees more than three million visitors annually. Eco Tours is the only tour company in North America to partner with Swarovski Optik, and one look through their binoculars (in our case, seeing a real wily coyote take down a bison calf), and you'll understand why it's a big deal. Time and time again, I find that the people who guide and tour out here are exceptionally passionate about what they do. Our Eco tour guide was happy to work until 10:30 at night (way past our sunset schedule) so we could attempt to see everything we had hoped to.
The Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course at the Snake River Sporting Club (ranked as Wyoming's #2 private golf experience) takes full advantage of its 13 miles of Snake River frontage (seven of which are utilized for fly fishing). A recent multi-milliondollar refurbishment has elevated playability and aesthetics, while remaining mindful of sustainability. PGA pro Greg Hoyt is a patient and affable instructor, and both of us stopped to marvel as an eagle soared overhead while I practiced my chipping.
A comprehensive on-site wellness program is housed within a 10,000 square foot light-filled facility awash in European white oak and a soothing color palette. The superbly equipped 24-hour fitness facility boasts two movement studios with aerial yoga capability and a regular schedule of guest programming. The multi-year closure of the nearby Amangani Resort for renovations has been a boon for other area high-end resorts, including
The Sylvan Lodge, which hired Abril Gruber, the former spa manager at Amangani, to spearhead its wellness program. Unique spa therapies include the GENEO facial rejuvenation device, TheraLight red light therapy, and an outdoor area with a resistance pool, a spa, and a heated tile floor for comfortable use year-round. I appreciated the indie singer/songwriter soundtrack during my Natura Bissé Vitamin C facial; the treatment table was so supremely comfortable that I was tempted to ask if I could spend the night.
Guests of The Sylvan Lodge are privy to multiple dining options, all overseen by Chef Eric Gruber, who is a master at sourcing the best of what's fresh locally. Part of numerous "design moments" celebrating local and locally inspired art, the interior of Engelmann's Bistro, the lodge's signature dining venue, pays homage to the Snake River with an artistic representation of its contours rendered in brass and accentuated by dried tumbleweed. Within the Snake River Sporting Club, hotel guests have access to the River Room and the Martin Creek Poolside Grill. If it's available at breakfast, don't second-guess ordering in-house pastry chef Kristen Young's gigantic cinnamon roll; it's worth every calorie.
In fly fishing, a "honey hole" refers to a prime location within a body of water where conditions are ideal for catching fish, often containing multiple fish in a concentrated area. I'd argue that The Sylvan Lodge is Jackson's resort equivalent, presenting perfect conditions for a multitude of exceptional guest experiences. sl
The
For more information, visit snakeriversportingclub.com/stay/the-sylvan-lodge.
Sylvan Lodge at Snake River Sporting Club is located at 14885 Sporting Club Road, Jackson, WY.
The River Room
The dining room in Penthouse 305.
Chef Eric Gruber serves up quintessential Jackson Hole dining.
Compiled by Bridget Cottrell
from top left: Picchiotti Masterpiece brooch. Inquire through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Clarkson
in St. Louis and picchiotti.it/en. Effy
ring (effyjewelry.com). Alice Herald Light My Fire pinky ring (aliceherald.com). Castro Smith bespoke hand engraved ring (castrosmith.com). Seal & Scribe The Higher, The Tighter ring (sealandscribe. com). Renato Cipullo Uccello stud earrings (renatocipullo.com). Silvia Furmanvich's Quintessence collection earrings (silviafurmanovich.com). Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird agate slab cuff
(jacquieaiche.com). Opposite page clockwise from top left: Porter Lyons Ma'at Feather lariat (porterlyons.com). Lionheart Seasons Swallow interchangable charm (lionheartjewelry.com). Sorellina Cigno pendant. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and sorellinanyc.com. Three Stories Jewelry Wise Owl double sided locket pendant. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Ylang Ylang Jewelry in St. Louis, and threestoriesjewelry.com. Francesca Villa Fantasia The Bird Take Flight ring (francescavilla.it). Renna opal and diamond feather Caspain ring (rennajewels.com). Ali Weiss feather diamond line earrings (aliweissjewelry.com).
Clockwise
Jewelers
Jewelry peacock
bracelet
SETTING THE HOLIDAY BAR
Written and photographed by Jennifer Brian
With Halloween in the rearview, Christmas seemed to show up overnight! While we are all scrambling to get our holiday decor, shopping, and menus together, what is on our bar doesn’t need to be an added stress. A few versatile spirits and mixers can transform your bar from a disorganized mess into a curated work of beverage art, allowing a few good bottles to effortlessly create multiple cocktails.
“Home Bars” can be anything from a solo signature cocktail and a few bottles of wine to a self-serve mecca of mixology. As the host/hostess, you get to decide what works for your event or holiday season. Budgets tend to dictate the extent of the liquor selections, but there are a few other factors to consider when planning your holiday bar.
How do you want the evening to flow? Not just the energy of an event, but the actual logistical traffic of guests moving in the space. Will your guests mix their own cocktails when they arrive, or will you have beverages pre-poured and ready for them, already garnished and waiting? I have found that having a cocktail ready for guests when they arrive is the easiest way to start the evening and keep traffic at the bar to a minimum.
Where will the bar be located? Can guests find it easily? If you have it in the kitchen, will it be in your way while you are trying to pull everything out of the oven at the last minute? Is it located behind the dining room chair of a guest so that they have to move every time someone goes to refresh their drink? Creating a bar in an unconventional area is a fun way to utilize some areas of your home that usually don't see much use. Bar carts are brilliant for this, as they
can move anywhere. Maybe the study is the best place for the bar since no one will be in there except to refresh their beverage? Or the family room with something fun playing on the TV on mute in the background? Or in the lonely corner of the kitchen that previously housed all of the big house plants?
Do you need to help monitor how much alcohol folks are consuming throughout the evening? If so, pre-batching cocktails so that you control the amount of alcohol in each pour is a great way to regulate the number of drinks folks are having. Self-serve bars are convenient, but as the evening progresses, the more drinks guests consume, the heavier those pours tend to be. We always want to make sure everyone makes it home safely.
Do you even want to mess with spirits for the event? It might just be a wine/beer night with bottles on ice and strategically placed on the table throughout the evening.
Setting a holiday bar is also a fantastic time to pull out favorite pieces that you might not have a use for at other times throughout the year. Family pieces that are not typically our taste or favorite random finds at consignment or antique shops can be right at home on the bar during the holidays. My great-grandmother’s Depressionera red glass bowl doesn’t match anything until Christmas, when it takes center stage holding all the citrus for the bar.
About the author: Jennifer Brian brings three decades of experience in the hospitality industry as a luxury caterer, events planner, and mixologist. The self-proclaimed Cocktail Evangelist is co-founder and sole owner of craft cocktail company, Make & Muddle. A decade in the making, her first book, Classic Cocktail Revival, published by the University Press of Kentucky, was released this past September. Photo by Jason Parmer.
The Basics
Good cocktails begin with good spirits. The following are suggestions and not hard-and-fast rules. Well-stocked bars should include the basic clear spirits of:
• Vodka
• Gin
• Blanco tequila
• Silver or light rum
Brown spirits should include:
• Rum
• Tequila
• Whiskey
Whiskey is a very broad category and can include bourbon, rye, Scotch, Canadian whisky, blended whiskies, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, or any other whiskey that strikes your fancy. Start with your favorite and add from there.
A couple of additional bottles that are helpful could also include:
• Dry (also called French) and Sweet (also called Italian) Vermouth for Manhattans and Martinis.
• Orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec for margaritas and other mixed drinks.
• Cream liqueur such as Baileys or Rum Chata for sweeter cocktails or after-dinner coffee additions.
In addition to the spirits, the following items are considered essentials for a well-stocked and versatile bar:
• Mixers
• Tonic water
• Ginger beer
• Club soda
• Sodas such as cola/diet cola/ginger ale
• Simple syrup & Grenadine
• Fresh juices like lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, and cranberry
Bitters
(for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and any other cocktails)
• Aromatic bitters (these can be traditional Angostura bitters or another brand)
• Orange Bitters
• Any other variety of bitters. There are HUNDREDS to choose from
Setting up a bar for the first time can be intimidating, but it can also be a ton of fun. “Stock the Bar” parties are a great way to share favorite bottles with friends, fun holiday gifts, and a sure-fire way to make it to everyone’s “Best Party Ever” list.
For no-stress three-ingredient cocktails, visit makeandmuddle.com for all of your cocktail needs! Cheers to less work and more gathering this season! sl
Photo by Jessie Kriech Higdon
SAX IN THE CITY
With the opening of its first Parisian hotel, SAX Paris presents LXR's vision of art de vivre.
Written by Bridget Cottrell / Images courtesy of SAX Paris
Although it's frequently attributed to Japanese tourists, during my first visit to Paris over a decade ago, I definitely came down with a mild case of "Paris Syndrome," a psychological condition where a person experiences acute disappointment (among other physical manifestations) due to the stark contrast between their idealized expectations of Paris and reality. Whereas I can now nearly cite verbatim the dialogue from Woody Allen's "Midnight In Paris," the last line of which is "Actually, Paris is the most beautiful in the rain," on my maiden voyage, the deluge that greeted us upon arrival in the City of Lights was but one in a series of letdowns.
In the ensuing years, I've had the good fortune to visit Paris several times in all seasons, gifting me with the chance to explore beyond the jam-packed tourist hotspots, and staying in all manner of accommodations, from a rental house in the Latin quarter to a posh suite in haute couture's "Golden Triangle." Somehow, I keep being drawn back to the 7th arrondissement, likely for the warm and fuzzy remembrance of a mother-daughter college-scouting trip where our home base was a tiny hotel slightly past its heyday, and where our sorely lacking grasp of the French language led to some hilariously memorable moments. While the posh neighborhood, located on the left bank of the Seine River, is home to significant landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Rodin, and
Les Invalides, I've always enjoyed its slightly slower pace and sleepiness, particularly after dark (stay in the 9th if you're keen on a lively local nightlife experience). So, when I heard LXR opened its first Parisian outpost in the 7th, I bumped it to the top of my must-visit list.
Situated on a tree-lined boulevard between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, SAX Paris is located within a renovated 1899 neo-Gothic building, formerly the Ségur telephone exchange, where hundreds of operators manually connected calls. The 118-room hotel is a quietly chic addition to the neighborhood. Unmissable at night due to the red illumination of the façade, it's a bold statement hearkening to the surprises that await inside.
Just before reaching the cozy lobby, where a console table was covered with an assemblage of long-stem red and pink roses, my eye was drawn up a set of stairs leading to The Galerie, a long and narrow space outfitted with 200 mirrors and multiple Baccarat chandeliers (making it supremely popular with the selfie set). Just beyond the check-in desk is Arik Levy's glistening crystal sculpture 'Rockstone,' positioned in front of a treillage wall that marks the entrance to Jardin Le SAX, an alfresco all-day dining spot with an elevated heated swimming pool and jacuzzi. As many of the local restaurants were closed for the Parisian summer exodus during our visit, the urban oasis was buzzing long after the bees had called it a night.
SAX Hotel's participation in LXR's Pursuit of Adventure Program provides guests with access to refined experiences, such as a gourmet picnic with a breathtaking view of Les Invalides
Deluxe Junior Suite
Kinugawa restaurant offers showstopping views of the Eiffel Tower.
Petit dejeuner at Kinugawa
Bespoke touches are part of SAX Paris' DNA. En route to the elevator bank, we looked up to the coved ceiling to note a mural by street artist Sto, designed to reference the building's historic République Française insignia. Boasting a unique twolevel floor plan, our King Deluxe Junior suite was unlike any other I've experienced in a luxury hotel. Spacious closets flanked the landing. A forged brass faux bois stair rail leading down to the bedroom is a recurring design element. A hybrid of Art Deco and Art Moderne is the style that sprang to mind while surveying the surroundings, defined by tactile, sculptural, bold, and bespoke touches. The bedroom level, bookended by bronze smoked frameless leaner mirrors (one of which concealed a television), made the room feel twice as large. Street-facing floorto-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light; wood slat blinds and sumptuous, ecru-colored bouclé curtains provided ample privacy when desired.
A display ledge beneath a picture window behind the vanity in the bathroom "cube" held a varied collection of art, lending a residential feel to the room. In addition to the standard Nespresso setup, a unique rotating curio cabinet positioned next to a live-edge wood slab desk was stocked with Parisian favorites curated through a partnership with the iconic Le Bon Marché's La Grande Épicerie de Paris, which is just a short stroll from the hotel.
Executive Chef David Maroleau, who has previously led Michelin restaurants, presides over the dining program. The dramatically designed Restaurant Le SAX, boasting a distinctive chandelier designed by Venetian artist Christian Pellizzari and crafted
in Murano, is an all-day bar and restaurant that Maroleau says showcases the best of 'all that we love.'
The eighth outpost of the celebrated Kinugawa restaurant brand commands the top two floors of the hotel. It offers showstopping views of the Eiffel Tower and seemingly endless sea of chimneypots topping the neighborhood's vaunted Haussmann buildings. The restaurant level is a feast for the eyes, with sunset hues of orange and rust complemented by patinated bronze, fluted wood, smoked glass, marble, wood paneling, and custom-made Zellige tiles on the central bar, which, during morning breakfast service, is laden with sweet and savory delights.
One of my favorite amenities was the Fitness & Spa SAX Le Club, open 24/7. Each day, I was thrilled to find that I had the sleek, subterranean space—outfitted with Technogym equipment and aesthetically pleasing NOHRD swing weights, a sauna, and a hammam—all to myself. Two serene treatment rooms are available for providing body and facial treatments.
SAX Hotel's contribution to LXR's Pursuit of Adventure Program (covered in our Sept/Oct issue), encourages guests to uncover the soul of the Rive Gauche through a series of refined experiences, such as a gourmet picnic with a breathtaking view of Les Invalides; an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Eiffel Tower; or a private pontoon cruise on the Seine to name a few. With its primo location, artful aesthetic, and outsized amenities, Sax Paris is undoubtedly an antidote for warding off Paris Syndrome. sl SAX
Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts is located at 55 Avenue Saxe, Paris, 75007, France, close to the Sèvres-Lecourbe and Duroc metro stations. For more information, visit Hilton.com.
The Galerie
Infused with La Prairie’s proprietary Advanced Pure Gold Diffusion System, the Essence ($530; laprairie.com), combines three powerhouse components to help boost collagen, fortify the skin barrier, calm sensitivity, and bring a luminous glow to skin experiencing hormonal changes. La Beauté trunk from Louis Vuitton. Price upon request (louisvuitton.com)
PAIRFECT
Compiled by Bridget Cottrell
The ultimate go-together gift guide. about face. snow far, snow good.
Collage Proprietary Red Gift Set (3-bottle set, $1,275): Aperture’s most ambitious and artistically driven release to date, Collage is a groundbreaking new luxury wine that blends the finest vineyard blocks across five Sonoma appellations (aperture-cellars.com). Alchemica decanter by Simone Crestani ($650; artemest.com) salut.
The Ski & Stay package at The Little Nell (thelittlenell.com), Aspen’s only Five-Star, FiveDiamond, ski-in/ski-out hotel makes an Aspen escape effortless. Book two or more nights and receive up to two adult lift tickets per full ski day, daily breakfast at Element 47 or in-room, and transportation to all four Aspen Snowmass mountains. The Nell’s Ski Concierge unlocks experiences few will ever access, from First Tracks at sunrise on untouched runs to Last Tracks with Ski Patrol at sunset. Bogner Sport Maja down ski jacket ($2,300; bogner.com).
warm and fuzzy.
Brigitte cashmere collared pullover from 27 Miles Malibu ($335; 27milesmalibu.com).
Yves Delorme “Brume” women’s bathrobe
AMAFFI’s "Power for Women" by Nathalie Feisthauer ($7,500) is elegantly presented in a black piano-lacquered box lined with luxurious red English velvet. The fragrance features undertones of patchouli, bergamot, and citrus. The 75ml perfume bottle is housed within a polished onyx enamel orb, adorned with gold filigree ribbons and inlaid with 2,026 Swarovski crystals (amaffi.com/us).
Fornasetti POCO DOPO Frutto Proibito scented candle ($650; fornasetti.com).
Fable Pets Rest Set crate + bed (from $799; fablepets.com). Pagerie Colombo luxury dog harness in saddle ($680; pagerie.com).
easy riders.
Forget the silver spoon, gift your littlest progeny a posh ride with the bespoke Aston Martin x egg 3 stroller ($3,000). The British brands united to create a pram where every detail, from suspension to silhouette, is thoughtfully designed to enhance the experience (eggstroller.com). Ready to ride with your mini-me or a four-legged friend, MOD Easy SideCar Sahara ($3,899) is inspired by the 1940s BMW R75. It features a retro frame, custom paint job, a rear doggie dog in the side car, and is equipped with a torque sensor, a large battery, and a powerful motor (mod-bikes.com).
liquid
El Tequileño’s most exclusive and refined expression to date, the limited-edition Extra Añejo ($800) is a blend of three unique barrels that have been aged for three to four years in hand-selected American Oak and new French Oak (tequileno.com). Giobagnara x Elie Saab monogram coasters with holder ($1,432; giobagnara.com/ giobagnara_eliesaab). Arteriors Hancock decanters ($651; arteriorshome.com). A luxurious blend of 15-year-old Kentucky bourbons, re-casked for a full year in virgin Mizunara oak, and bottled uncut at cask strength, Rabbit Hole’s Mizunara Founder’s Collection is a must-have for serious collectors and connoisseurs ($1,499; rabbitholedistillery.com).
AERIN shagreen mahjong set ($1,750; aerin.com).
Hurtado's Mon game table with reversible chessboard surface (hurtado.eu/en)
Montegrappa’s “Extra Peace” olive wood pen, featuring sterling silver trim, is presented in a box wrapped in a Bandiera Della Pace (peace flag) design, first used in a peace march in Italy in 1961 ($1,218; montegrappa.com). Studio Maria Mayer Feng is luxury design studio that transforms life’s most meaningful moments—from custom wedding albums layered with love letters and keepsakes, to family yearbooks capturing the everyday magic of growing up, to personal memoirs and travel books—into heirloom-quality books. (From $4,000; mariamayerfeng.com.) going to the dogs all fun and games.
the write stuff.
This page, clockwise from top left: For the apple of your eye: Eden Collection ring from Fullord (fullord.com). Prepare to be charmed: Tonya Farah charm necklace (tanyafarah.com). Your feelings set in stone: Brent Neale Eye Heart U signet ring (brentneale.com). Triple diamond script name necklace from EF Collection (efcollection.com). Well read: Walters Faith engraveable Dora tablet charm (waltersfaith.com). Hot dates: the Jumbo Roman Numeral Story bangle from Briony Raymond can be engraved with up to six dates (brionyraymond.com). Love me, love my dog: Cavachon charm from Claudia Mae (claudiamae.com). For the cat’s meow: Heavenly Vices Howie cat ring (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com). Off the cuff, on your mind: The Name Drop cuff bracelet from kWit can be personalized with a custom word (5-9 letters); kwitjewelry.com.
Sure to cause a chain reaction from your favorite cyclist: Nadine Ghosn Lifecycle chain bracelet (nadineghosn.com). Jade Ruzzo engraved drum head ring (jaderuzzo.com).
• Nashville’s beloved tradition, illuminated by a million lights
• Mansion décor by former White House florist Laura Dowling
• Enjoy fireside s’mores, toasty drinks & a holiday market
• Reserve tickets at cheekwood.org
WHEEL LOVE
Greg Luken muses on Felicia and “stuff”
Written by Greg Luken
Years ago, a successful musician client said to me, “You never really own your stuff. Your stuff owns you.” It was an interesting concept, so I tucked it away. In 2022, my wife suggested I purchase my dream car, that stereotypical middle-aged guy’s sports car. She said I had been a “car guy” all my life, but never really bought “the car,” and now we could afford it. So I did.
Felicia (the name I gave the car) was visceral, amazing, and exciting to every sense every time I drove it. My wife, however, hated that I always had to park at the far end of every parking lot to avoid the possibility of the first door ding.
One morning, on I-65 just outside of Nashville, I hit a pothole. The low-profile run-flat tires didn’t provide much cushion, and I could tell immediately that I had severely bent at least one wheel as the car began shaking violently. At the shop, I discovered that two wheels were jacked up badly. The wheel set on the vehicle, not including the tires, cost more than any car I had owned until I was 37 years old.
Two days later, I commented to a friend about how much those two wrecked wheels had wrecked me emotionally. I know it sounds silly. I could’ve replaced the wheels without endangering my financial condition, and I had insurance to cover it. It shouldn’t have been a big deal.
It made me uneasy about how much a bent wheel had affected me. And I remembered what that client had said: “You never really own your stuff. Your stuff owns you.”
I felt owned.
Here’s what I’ve learned about some key concepts around stuff:
1. The Endowment Effect
We place a higher value on things simply because we own them—making it emotionally harder to part with items, even if they no longer serve us.
• “It’s my house, so it’s worth more than the other sales in the neighborhood.”
• “I can’t get rid of those shirts. I got a good deal on them. It would cost too much to replace them—even though I don’t wear them anymore.”
2. Identity and Possessions
Psychologist Russell Belk described possessions as part of our “extended self.” Our car, home, wardrobe—even our watch or tech—become symbols of who we are or who we want others to see. When the symbol becomes more important than the self, we are owned by the story our stuff tells.
• “I’ve worn this brand of jeans since high school, even though they don’t look good anymore.”
• “I can’t drive that brand of car. I don’t care how good it is. It’s still a _________.”
3. Loss Aversion and Status Anxiety
The fear of loss is estimated to be at least 2.5 times as powerful as the desire for gain. Fear of losing what we have or falling in status can lead to overconsumption or hoarding, not out of need, but out of fear of what it means to be without that thing.
• “If I sell the luxury car, do I look like I’m failing?”
• “If I downsize, will others think I’m not successful anymore?”
4. Neurological Reward Systems
• Acquiring things activates the dopamine reward pathways—similar to gambling or sugar provides.
• Over time, buying can become an emotional regulator, which can evolve (devolve?) into behavioral addiction—often jokingly referred to as “retail therapy.”
What happened to the sports car? I decided that driving a machine that should be preserved for generations to come was too much of a responsibility. With 9,217 miles, in mint condition, and showroom new without a single scratch or dent, I sold the car. She (the car) deserved to be cared for and appreciated in someone else’s garage. And now she is.
Now I drive a car that I can park in the middle of the parking lot, run through the car wash (instead of hand-washing), and drive daily without stressing about running up the mileage. I got rid of my dream car that owned me and went back to a car that I own. sl
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
2 p.m.
Early Entrance for Patron Levels
3-5 p.m. General Admission
Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University
Join us for an enchanting, family-friendly gathering. The perfect way to celebrate this beloved ballet with your little ones and support Nashville Ballet.
For More Information Visit: NashvilleBallet.com/Nutcracker-Tea
D cover N hvi e’s Oldest
Come for a tour and stay for the cocktails! Try a rotating selection of hand-crafted bourbon cocktails and award winning wines at Bonnie’s Bourbon and Wine Bar. Best Old Fashioned in Nashville!
Whether celebrating a milestone birthday, planning the office holiday party, or putting together a charity fundraiser, Belle Meade Winery has a number of unique elegant atmospheres to offer. With an onsite culinary team and world class hospitality, your next event won’t be soon forgotten! 615.356.6164 | www.bellemeadewinery.com
Dive into the art of pairing food and wine, learn to craft a classic bourbon cocktail, or sit back and indulge in our culinary team’s latest creations! Join us seven days a week for an unforgettable experience.
LEGACY IN THE MAKING
Inside the magical world of Maymie by Jody Abram
Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos by Katelyn Brown Photography and Rachel Moore Photography
A light-filled sunroom in her early 20th-century Nashville home is where jewelry designer Jody Abram brings her pieces to life. Her line, Maymie by Jody Abram, feels like a perfect marriage of Jody’s inimitable style and Nashville: sophisticated, soulful, and just a little unexpected. Jody’s story begins with her grandmother, Maymie, a woman with a gift for unearthing beauty in unlikely places. Together they spent Saturdays sifting through estate sales, scavenging for costume jewelry and forgotten baubles that deserved a second life. Those early memories shaped Jody’s design sensibility, teaching her
to see possibility in what others might overlook and to appreciate jewelry not just as adornment, but as memory made tangible.
Trained as a graphic designer, Jody’s creative journey took a turn when she began experimenting with jewelry-making. Her collections, a unique blend of vintage romance and contemporary aesthetics, are a testament to her innovative approach. She might pair a decades-old pendant with a modern chain or combine unusual textures in a way that feels both bold and effortless, always keeping her audience intrigued and excited.
Each piece is handcrafted in her studio, where trays of gemstones and metals catch the afternoon light. It’s a space that seems to invite slow work—the kind that allows for happy accidents and inspired pairings. The result is jewelry that feels personal and singular, meant to be worn with everything from a white t-shirt and jeans to a silk cocktail dress.
Maymie is more than a brand; it’s a family collaboration. Jody’s daughters and daughter-in-law handle strategy, operations, and customer relationships, giving the brand a sense of continuity that honors its namesake. The spirit of Maymie lives not just in the jewelry but in the way the business connects generations of women, linking
the past to the present with grace. This strong connection to family and tradition makes every customer feel like a part of the Maymie legacy. Wearing Maymie feels like wearing a little piece of history, though never in a way that feels old-fashioned. It’s jewelry for women who appreciate character—those who like their pearls imperfect, their chains with a little patina, and their accessories with a story. In an age of mass-produced sparkle, Maymie offers something rarer: a touch of poetry, handmade in Nashville. sl Maymie by Jody Abram / maymiebyjodyabram.com / Instagram: @maymie.byjodyabram
Photographers: Katelyn Brown Photography / katelynbrownphotography.com / Instagram: @katelynbrownphoto / Rachel Moore Photography / rachelmoorephoto.com / Instagram: @rachelmoorephoto
EASTERN ELEGANCE
Philippe Chow brings refined Beijing-Style dining to Nashville
Written by Melissa Mahanes / Restaurant photos by Seth Parker, Food photos by Nathan Zucker
In a neighborhood that already knows how to shine, the Gulch just found its newest jewel. Legendary New York restaurant Philippe Chow has officially opened its doors in Nashville, introducing a new era of refined dining to one of the city’s most energetic neighborhoods.
The acclaimed restaurant—celebrated for two decades of Beijing-inspired cuisine and star-studded hospitality—invites guests to experience its signature blend of glamour and flavor at its new home inside historic Cummins Station.
Occupying a sprawling 10,000-square-foot space, Philippe Chow Nashville marks the brand’s fourth U.S. location (alongside two in New York City and one in Washington, D.C.) and its first foray into the South. It’s a fitting expansion for a restaurant that thrives on energy, artistry, and a touch of theatricality—three things Nashville knows best. “Nashville’s energy and growth make it one of the most dynamic places to expand our brand,” said Abraham Merchant, CEO of Philippe Chow. “This community values craft and culture, and we are
thrilled to bring Philippe Chow’s heritage here and join the city’s extraordinary dining scene.”
At the heart of the experience is Executive Chef and Founder Philippe Chow’s iconic Peking Duck—crispy, lacquered, and carved tableside in a ritual of precision and artistry. The Nashville menu, developed with local Chef Jason Francisco, builds on this tradition with bold, city-exclusive dishes that bridge East and West. Think Creekstone Farms Wagyu NY Steak with Szechuan au poivre, Cowboy Cut Ribeye with Miso & Mango Cowboy Butter, and Appalachian Lamb Chops. There’s also a raw bar and a vibrant selection of crudos, from Salmon to Yellowtail, alongside plant-forward standouts like Miso Roasted Mushrooms. Each plate pairs beautifully with Philippe Chow’s global wine selection and imaginative cocktail list.
“Bringing Philippe Chow to Nashville is an important chapter for us,” said Philippe Chow. “Our Peking Duck remains the centerpiece, but here we’ve built a menu that reflects the creative spirit of the city itself.”
The design tells its own story. Award-winning architecture and interiors firm //3877 transformed the century-old Cummins Station space into an opulent, music-infused retreat. Guests enter beneath glowing lanterns and gold arches, met by a 40-foot golden Ginkgo tree suspended above the dining room—a symbol of longevity and renewal. Mirrored glass, tufted banquettes, and brass accents create a scene that is equal parts elegant and electric. The private dining room—paneled in leather stitched to mirror Nashville’s topography—sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings. The team at Philippe Chow intends to offer the space to private events, large and small, and promises to tailor the experience to your heart’s desire.
True to its new home, Philippe Chow also pays homage to Music City through a creative partnership with its neighbor at Cummins Station, Gibson Garage. The intimate Gibson Cocktail Lounge features art crafted from repurposed guitar frames and two signature cocktails—”The Goldtop” and “The Burst”—each benefiting Gibson Gives, the brand’s philanthropic arm supporting music education and wellness for musicians.
From its signature duck to its glittering interiors, Philippe Chow Nashville feels like the city’s newest classic: one that merges East Coast polish with Southern soul. sl
Philippe Chow / Cummins Station, 209 10th Avenue South, Suite 235, Nashville, TN 37203
Paul and Rachel met in February of 2022 after swiping right on Hinge. While that is not the most glamorous origin story, our first meeting felt like something out of a romantic comedy—Rachel went for a handshake, Paul went for a hug, and she stumbled right into his arms. Her very first thought? He has a lovely, genuine smile. By the third date, Rachel knew Paul was the one. Paul, ever thoughtful and intentional, took his time and said, “I love you,” about nine months later—he was the first to say it.
In their words: Our love story has been written across landscapes near and far. We’ve camped under the stars in the Tetons, biked and skied through the Pacific Northwest, flown helicopters around the Cascades, and rafted the mighty waters of the Grand Canyon.
We’ve cast lines in the quiet lakes of Maine, explored the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic, chased music through the streets of Nashville, soaked up the magic of Broadway in New York City, and watched the sunrise over the Serengeti. Each adventure has deepened our bond and reminded us that we’re at our best when we’re discovering the world—together.
Paul proposed in Jackson while paddleboarding down the Snake River. He was clearly on a mission, scouting the perfect spot, finally pulling over to a quiet riverbank. After setting up a camera, “To take a nice photo,” he began quizzing Rachel about the names of the mountain peaks, which was highly suspicious. Then, Paul dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. And the rest is history in the making.
/ Photos by White Buffalo Photography
Rachel and Paul were married at Moose Creek Ranch in Victor, Idaho, concluding three days of adventure that included rafting and hiking in Darby Canyon. The “Welcome to the Tetons” party was hosted by Rachel’s parents, Kelley and Philip Tucker, and the rehearsal dinner took place Friday evening at the groom’s parents, Leslie and Paul Benny Sr. of Nashville’s vacation home in Tetonia, Idaho.
The ceremony and reception were held outdoors under beautiful skies, with the weather perfectly cooperating. Guests enjoyed passed appetizers, signature cocktails, Guinness on tap (a Benny favorite), and competitive outdoor games.
Rachel wore a stunning gown from Adorn Bridal, featuring western fringe details to honor her Wyoming roots. Her look was completed with a cowboy hat—made extra special because it was the same one her mother wore at her own wedding.
One of the most memorable aspects of the weekend was that guests stayed on-site at the ranch. Friendships blossomed as people bumped into each other at their cabins, joined in adventures, and shared meals throughout the weekend. By the time the wedding day arrived, everyone truly felt like family. The couple now calls Yellowstone National Park home, where Paul serves as a Rescue Paramedic and Rachel is a Helicopter Pilot and instructor. sl
SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
Presented by
November
7-1/26/26 Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-1964: Eyes of the Storm at Frist Art Museum
8 Vanderbilt Commodores v. Auburn Tigers at FirstBank Stadium
11 The Next Door’s Songwriter’s Night
12 CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena
14-15 The Color Purple at TPAC’s Polk Theater (11/14 at 8:00pm, 11/15 at 7:30pm)
15 Gilda’s Club’s 3rd Annual Fall Festival Open House
15 Music City Oratorio Festival at Tennessee State University Performing Arts Center
15 75th Annual Bal d’Hiver at Nashville City Club
15 Nashville Public Library Foundation Literary Award Gala at Montgomery Bell Academy
16 Handel’s Messiah Sing-along at Christ Church Cathedral
16 Move Inclusive Dance’s Recital at Turner Theater
16 Nashville Wine Auction SOMM Showdown
17-22 Cumberland River Compact’s Tree Planting Week
18-21 Christmas with C.S. Lewis at TPAC’s Johnson Theater
21 Tennessee Titans v. Kansas City Chiefs at Nissan Stadium
21 Anjelah Johnson-Reyes - The Family Reunion Tour at Ryman Auditorium at 7:00pm 21-12/31 FrankTown Festival of Lights at The Williamson County Ag Expo Center
22 Vanderbilt Commodores
25 Tennessee Youth Symphony’s Winter Concert
Herring
Pomp, Snow and CIRQUEumstance at Gaylord Opryland Resort (various times)
Graceworks Ministries’ Turkey Trot
Nutcracker at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (various times)
December
Folds of Honor’s Heroes & Holidays at Jet Linx Nashville
4-21 Studio Tenn’s White Christmas at Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin 5-21 Nashville Rep’s It’s a Wonderful Life at TPAC’s Polk Theater (various times)
12-13
Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour at Bridgestone Arena at 7:00pm
Shopping with FrankTown Kids
Youth Encouragement Services’ YES Christmas Store at YES Lindsley Center
County Heritage Foundation’s Dickens of a Christmas Festival in downtown Franklin
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at 7:00pm
January
8-11
ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW
Co-chairs Paula Kinard and Phyllis Vandewater greeted guests and revealed exciting details about the upcoming 2026 Antiques & Garden Show at fabric partner’s NDC Kravet Showroom. The theme, American Elegance, and introduced Kravet’s custom fabric featuring delicate blue florals on a crisp white background. (September 4)
ALL IN FOR HYGIENE
The Community Resource Center hosted their annual All in for Hygiene at Rocketown. The casino evening featured gaming tables where guests exchanged winnings for drawings for prizes, as well as a large silent auction, and food provided by local restaurants. Funds raised help provide basic essentials for nearly 400,000 individuals in the 7 counties they serve. (September 5)
Photos
Photos by
Charlie Mahanes
Antiques & Garden Show 1) Ben Shankle, Mary Jo Shankle, Jay Joyner 2) Amy Albright, Jenna Muller, AGS Board Chair Chris Hilton, Natalie Lyles
3) Gavin Duke, Ashley Smith Dinkins, Will Meyer, 4) Caroline Cook, Melanie Penn 5) AGS Co-Chairs Paula Kinard and Phyllis Vandewater with Presenting Sponsor Norther Trust’s (from left) McKenzie Mullins, Lisa Stuver, John Fumagalli, Jon Miller All in for Hygiene 1) Lee Hages, Bailey Richards 2) Community Resource Center Board Member Becky Leppert, Mary Zic, Alicia Powell 3) Rachel Dubois, Jerry Montgomery 4) Regina Nutter, Leah Potts 5) Community
Board President Tara Tenorio, Board Member Margaret Harrison, CEO Tina Doniger, Board Vice
Creamer 6) Jen Goodall, Virginia Richardson
CHIC AWEARNESS
Chic Awearness reimagined their signature event by hosting a cocktail hour and seated dinner at Mimo at Four Seasons. The fashion show component remained, with fashions provided by H. Audrey, Alice and Emerson Grace. Marci received the Frances Hill Caldwell Courage Award, which celebrates its namesake’s legacy of warmth, bravery, and grace throughout her own battle with ovarian cancer. (September 9)
BARKS ON BROADWAY
Fifth + Broadway hosted a tail-wagging good time with dog adoptions, live music, free treats & pup cups, a custom dog bandana bar, dog vendors, caricature art, and plenty of fun for the whole family (including four-legged friends). (September 9)
Photos
Chic Awearness 1) Chic Awearness Founder Marci Houff, Yvonne Mann, Kerchanin Allen 2) Gregg and Laura Elizabeth Allen 3) Johnny and Merry Moore
4) Marco Cinti, Shayna Hipton 5) Danielle McGlynn, Katy Cowan, Rhonda Weithman 6) Steven Houff, Dave Mahanes
Photos by Kaitlyn Hungerford
CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY
Chukkers for Charity delivered on a beautiful afternoon raising top dollar for Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! The day included a polo match, Kid’s Stick Horse Race, Dinner on the grounds and excellent libations featuring the Chukkerita! Key sponsors were Medical House Calls, Diamond Cellar, Lifepoint Health and Andrews Transportation Group. (September 6)
PAINT THE TOWN RED
The 2nd Annual Paint the Town Red was a celebration of preservation, culture and community with nearly 200 attendees at Clementine Hall. The 2025 Sandra Morris Impact Award was presented to Mark Simmons, acclaimed designer and founding Board member of PSN. (September 13)
Photos by Peyton Hoge
Photos by Jason
Bihler
Chukkers for Charity 1) Charlie and Dana Burke and Fiona and Jim King 2) Polo Action captured by Brenda Black 3) Nelson and Trish Andrews and Lonnie and Tim Cochran 4) Bailey Rae, Sarah Basel, Rebecca Kain and Kates Potempa 5) Audrey Kidd, Debbie Chadwick, Ben Swann and Brittany Haugh 6) Earl and Janet Benz 7) William and Brittany Haugh and Orrin Ingram Paint the Town Red 1) Laura and Justin Gordey, Lauren and Tyler Powell 2) Diana Akin Scarfo, Jocelyn Harms, Tony and Elizabeth Phillips 3) Preservation Society of Nashville Co-Founder Colson Horton, Preservation Society of Nashville Executive Director David Greider, Preservation Society Co-Founder Kelleigh Bannen 4) Leslie Florie, Read Ezell, Lindsay DeCarlo 5) Grayson and Abby Simmons, J Allen and Colby Harris, Sondra Morris, Libby Callaway, Ruben Navarro 6) Steven and Kate Ezell, Margaret Waltemath Ash
CAUSE FOR PAWS
The 37th Annual Cause for Paws at Belle Meade Country Club and featured a silent auction, a puppy play area with adoptable dogs from NHA, pop-up shops, an al fresco lunch with Pupperol Spritzes and Bubbly Beagles, and a runway show from Any Old Iron and Laura Citron. NHA Executive Director Laura Baker, honored Emmylou Harris with the Julia Colton Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare. Co-chaired by Nancy Floyd and Jay Joyner, the event raised more than $85,000 to help support the mission of Nashville Humane. (September 17)
OPRY 100
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the Museum’s newest exhibition: Country’s Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100. To mark the opening of the exhibit, the museum hosted a panel discussion with CMOF member Vince Gill, Grammy-winning country artist Carly Pearce, and Dan Rogers, SVP and EP of the Grand Ole Opry. Paul Kingsbury, the museum’s Senior Director of Editorial and Education, moderated the discussion. (September 18)
Cause for Paws 1) Arnita Ozgener, Suzanne Smothers, Julie Ervin 2) Co-Chair Jay Joyner, Julia Colton Award recipient Emmylou Harris, Co-chair Nancy Floyd 3) Cynthia Hickerson, Beth Alexander, Laura Newman 4) Denise Cummins, Marci Houff 5) NHA’s Brandon Fay with Angel, Anna Willoughby 6) Tori Wimberly, Mary Jo Shankle 7) Julia Colton Award Recipient Emmylou Harris
8) Co-Chairs Jay Joyner and Nancy Floyd, Mary Carol Beesley 9) NHA’s Laura Baker 10) Laura and Andrew 11) Model with puppy Opry
Panel discussion with Paul Kingsbury, Carly Pearce, Dan Rogers, Vince Gill 2) Vice President of Museum Services, Michael Gray, Museum CEO, Kyle Young, Country Music Hall of Fame Member, Vince Gill, Carly Pearce, Museum Board Chair, Jody Williams, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers,
Photos by Melissa Mahanes/Adrian Morales
Courtesy of Country
SUNSET SAFARI
The Nashville Zoo’s Sunset Safari is definitely the best animalfocused event in Nashville. With local culinary offerings along the Zoo’s paths, and the chance to support the zoo’s conservation work, the evening is truly memorable. Festival Field was full of music, line dancing and even a Dolly Parton impersonator from added extra energy to the night. (September 19)
PICNIC FOR THE PARKS
The Nashville Parks Foundation hosted its annual Picnic for the Parks at Sevier Park, bringing the community together for an evening of music, food, and fun in support of Nashville’s beloved green spaces. Guests enjoyed picnic boxes from Edley’s BBQ, an open bar, and live entertainment while helping raise funds for park improvements across the city, including
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Courtesy of Picnic for the Parks
Sunset Safari 1) Leora Elizabeth and Gregg Allen 2) Jennie Speyer, Shirley Speyer, Laurie Eskind, Trey Lipman 3) Bob and Sharon Bogdanoff, Milton White 4) Rick Turner, Suzanne Iler, Barbara Turner 5) Buddy and Claudia Turner, Nora and Kent Kirby 6) Jamie and Jimmy Granbery, Frederick and Catherine Grace 7) Lydia and George Armistead, Shelley and Gage Logan Picnic for the Parks 1) Jay Martin, Caroline Trost, Jennifer Puryear, Carolyn and Steve Taylor 2) NPF Board Chair Jillian Frist, Katie Marchetti, Christy Smith, Danielle Breezy 3) Mayor Freddie O’Connell 4) Andrew Haratine, NPF Board Member Christopher Ott, Louise Bryan 5) John Bryan, Charlie Cook, Brooks and Frances Corzine, Lawrence Blank Cook, Louise Bryan 6) NPF President Louise Bryan, Co-Chairs Melanie Moran, Bonnie Dow
Sevier and Kirkpatrick Parks. (September 20)
THE NEXT DOOR
The Next Door hosted their Annual Luncheon at St. George’s Episcopal Church. The moving luncheon featured several speakers, from Alumna to Showhouse creator Margot Shaw of FLOWER magazine. Co-Executive Directors Rachel Morris and Amanda
Annual
for her years of
and
OAKWORTH CAPITAL
a
hosted clients and friends
and were
and
The Next Door 1) Barbara Burns, Sylvia Bradbury, Wendy Longmire, Laura Niewold 2) Dione DeWitte, Caroline Cook 3) Rachel Morris, Honoree Betty Dickens, Amanda Dunlap
4) Laura McFadden, Mary Trapnell, Elizabeth Hawkins 5) TNDR Executive Director Rachel Morris, Margot Shaw, TNDR Director of Development Susan Weathersby, TNDR Clinical Executive Director Amanda Dunlap 6) Patty Davis, Susan Weathersby, Mary Barfield Oakworth Capital 1) Travis Hill (AKA Scooter Carusoe), Ray Fulcher 2) Brian and Delores Hammonds, David Garfinkle, Maggie Spalding 3) Joe Kruse, Tyler Fruland, David McGrath, Chris Pangallo 4) Kevin Alexander, Kaytlin Stroinski, Cristin and Coster
Courtesy of Oakworth Capital
Dunlap presented Betty Dickens with the Second
Jesus Calling Award
service supporting The Next Door
its mission to support women. The crowd of nearly 400 were entertained by Melanie Penn. (September 23)
Oakworth Capital
at Loveless Cafe’s Barn with
country buffet
entertained with songs
stories from Singer-Songwriters Travis Hill (AKA Scooter Crusoe) and Ray Fulcher. (September 23)
SYMPHONY BALL PRELUDE
Symphony Ball co-chairs Grace Awh and Sarah Ingram officially kicked off the 2025 Symphony Ball with a festive Prelude Party at Belle Meade home of Sarah and David Ingram. Nashville Symphony supporters and members of the Symphony Ball executive committee gathered for the cocktail party on a beautiful September evening. Grace and Sarah, along with Nashville Symphony CEO and President Alan Valentine, were delighted to share details about the upcoming white-tie gala, which raises funds to support the Nashville Symphony’s educational and community engagement programs. (September 24)
TIFFANY CIRCLE
Christi Turner, Katharine Crosswaithe and Louise Bryan Co-Chaired the Fall gathering of The Red Cross’ dedicated Tiffany Circle at Belle Meade Country Club. Guest speaker Becky
VP of The Red Cross’ service to armed forces division, spoke of how the Red Cross supports individuals in need both home and overseas. (September
Photos by Jason Bihler
Photos by
Melissa Mahanes
Symphony Ball Prelude 1) Barbara Bovender, Frank and Julie Boehm 2) Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw 3) Co-Chairs Sarah Ingram and Grace Awh 4) David and Sarah Ingram, Grace and Carl Awh 5) Donnie and Kayla Counts 6) Elizabeth and Larry Papel 7) Julie Boehm, Melinda Phillips 8) Late Party Co-Chairs Eva Landstreet, NSO CEO and President Alan Valentine, Bronson Ingram, Warner Tidwell 9) Sylvia Bradbury, Laura Niewold 10) Vicki Horne, Janice Elliott Morgan 11) Sarah Ingram, Alan Valentine, Grace Awh Tiffany Circle 1) Anne Russell, Denice Johnson, Barbara Bovender, Lisa Manning 2) Cheryl Stewart, Dr. Julie Kennon, Leslie Carpenter 3) Co-Chair Christi Turner, Katie Crumbo 4) Co-Chair Louise Bryan, Patsy Brown 5) Brooke Trusley, Dorothy Scarlett, Barbara Bovender, Tara Scarlett 6) Emily Humphreys, Barbara Turner
Streifler,
25)
TENNESSEE WALTZ
The 32nd A Tennessee Waltz, an elegant black-tie evening benefiting The Tennessee State Museum, was hosted at The Tennessee State Capitol. Governor and Mrs.
performed during dinner, and (September
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
1) Andrew Clancey 2) West and Kirsten Wiggins, Samantha and Wade Nelson 3) Anle and Ming Wang 4) Dr. Richard White and Teresa White 5) Carlie and Spencer Patton 6) Kevin and Christin New, Dr. Richard White and Teresa White 7) Cinnamon and Ken Smith 8) David and Kara McMahan 9) Ashleigh and Gabe Roberts 10) Heather and Jamie Ritter
11) Holden and Erica Penley 12) Jim Smith and Lee Ann Abernathy 13) Ken and Maggie Duncan 14) Kevin and Christin New 15) Melanie Beard and Reynolds Anderson 16) Roy and Julie Garcia 17) Chengshaw Wang, Anle and Ming Wang 18) Senator Marsha Blackburn, Nancy Russell, Chuck Blackburn 19) Senator Becky Massey and Morton Massey
20) Baron and Melanie Lowe, John and Jennie Isabell, Dawn and Tre Hargate
Bill Lee hosted with Gala Chairs Secretary of State and Mrs. Tre Hargett. Ming Wang
27)
PUBLIC SCHOOLS HALL OF FAME
HOSTESS & HOME ANNIVERSARY
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Photos by
Melissa Mahanes
Public Schools Hall of Fame 1) Jeff Strand, Matt Cheek, Brooke Allen 2) Suann Davis, Byron Trauger, Lynn Ragland, Lael Kiesling, Suzanne Malone 3) Honorable Aleta Trauger, Holly Kernan, Labue Mulgrew 4) Renata Soto, Seth Butler 5) Dave Mahanes, Tony Heard 6) Johari Matthews, Elizabeth Sherrard, Shawn Bakker, Ali Tonn 7) Liza Lentz, Angela Goddard, Allie Reed 8) Lisa Ferrell, Lori Becker, Janet Miller, Harry Allen Hostess & Home Anniversary 1) Adelaide Miller, Caroline Thompson, Poppy Miller 2) Sandra Lipman, Ruth Franklin Bailey, Mary Simonsen 3) Craig and Ruth Walker with Virginai and Russell 4) Steve and Beth Franklin 5) Danielle Molina, Caroline Thompson, Maggie Tucker 6) Sara Jo Walker with Ivy
Ruth Franklin Bailey welcomed friends and family to her Bandywood boutique to celebrate the First Anniversary of Hostess & Home, a must-go stop for curated home decor, elegant accessories and unique gifts. (October 1)
The Nashville Public Education Foundation hosted their annual Public Schools Hall of Fame Breakfast at Music City Center.
Chaired and co-emceed by Candice Storey Lee and Brandon Corbin, awards were presented to educators from MNPS for their efforts inspiring young Nashville students. (September 30)
STARS TABLE(AUX)
This year’s Farm to Table(aux) event at OZ Arts carried extra celebration, marking STARS’ 40th anniversary of making a difference. Since 1984, the organization has supported young people with hope, health, connection, and compassion through prevention, intervention, treatment, and training. (October 1)
IMPACT AWARDS
The 2025 Goodwill Impact Awards at Music City Center inspired and moved attendees, celebrating individuals who’ve overcome challenges and built fulfilling lives through Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee’s programs. Board chair Jeff Young highlighted the importance of meaningful work, while event chairs Betsy and Ridley Wills praised Goodwill’s career programs for fostering confidence and self-worth “without erasing who they are,” as Betsy noted. (October 2)
STARS Table(Aux) 1) STARS Counselor Peyton Connor
Table(aux) tablesettings
Rudloff with her interactive
Guests
drinks 5) Lisa Fisch and Dan Rogers 6) STARS CEO Rodger Dinwiddie with 2 event guests Goodwill Impact Awards 1) Deena Drummond, Kate Satz, Melissa Laffer, Dara Russell 2) Event Chairs Betsy and Ridley Wills, Goodwill CFO Christine Skold 3) Elizabeth Lamar, Edie Glaser 4) Kate Cain, Dara Russell, Christi Turner, Perian Strang 5) Ashley Smith Dinkins, Leigh Reames 6) Patti Smallwood, Goodwill VP of Development Paige Bainbridge, Debbie Carroll
Photos by Peyton Hoge
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
HERITAGE BALL
Co-chairs Debbie and Bo Segers, with honorary chairs SuSu and Ed Silva, welcomed guests to the 52nd Heritage Ball. The evening celebrated preservation and conservation, with Patron Awards presented to Kay and Bob Musgrove and Hunter Jones for their outstanding contributions to Williamson County’s heritage. Guests were treated to surprise musical guest Walker Hayes. (October 4)
by
1) Ball Chairs Bo and Debbie Segers 2) Lee and Lynlee Kennedy 3) Monty and Lisa McInturff, Cason McInturff 4) Bari and Cory Beasley
5) Adam Sansiveri and Kendall Brown 6) Honorary Chairs Ed and SuSu Silva 7) Hunter Jones, Allie McNamara, Vicki and Michael McNamara and Linda and Ken Moore
Jason and Milissa Reierson 9) Leiyan and Larry Keele 10) Mark Buchanan 11) Steve and Kaye George
Photos
Susan Andrews PR
1) Anna Peebles, Val Cole 2) Carolyn Taylor, Anne Maradik 3) Bonnie Johnston, Karly Hart, Lindsey Hundley, Neill Kyle, Grace Clayton, Graham Meadors, Marie Young
4) Caylan Jarman, Jay Joyner 5) Karyn Frist, Chip Wilkinson 6) Co-Chairs Jennie Garth Lowe, Jenny Corts 7) Edie Johnson, Kathryn and David Brown 8) Robinette Gaston, Janet Bentz
SWAN BALL COMMITTEE KICKOFF
Chairs Jenny Corts and Jennie Garth Lowe officially kicked off Swan Ball 2026 with a cocktail party for their Committee at Jennie Garth and Rob Lowe’s Belle Meade Home. (October 8)
Photos byWarner
BRANCHING OUT
Fashionable guests enjoyed not one but two memorable events supporting The Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee. The Patron Party, at Botanical Hall at Cheekwood, was an evening soiree with dinner and a fundraising auction emceed by Danielle and Joe Breezy, while the Fashion Show at Dillard’s provided a day of fun and fashion for Branching Out, which seeks to plant 500,000 trees across Middle Tennessee. ((October 14 + 18)
Patron Party 1) Event Chairs Lacey Moore and Liane Dunn 2) Nancy Russell, Tommy Oliphant, Martha and Jim Crossman 3) Danielle Breezy, Horticultural Society President Deby Pitts, Joe Breezy 4) Gail Danner, Denise Cummins, Susan Chapman, Betsy Bass Miller 5) Joanne Slaughter, Abbie Griffith, Murray Clayton, Anita Baltimore 6) Sarah Reisner, Patsy Weigel, Bill Forrester, Lynn Hardison, Bob Weigel Fashion Show 7) Jane MacLeod, Joanne Slaughter 8) Camille Chaffin with Mary Farris, Leslie Grote 9) Abbie Griffith, Taylor Barnhill, Camille Chaffin, Murray Clayton 10) Weatherly Spence, Olivia Barlow, Meredith Henderson 11) Kathleen Evers, Trish Woolwine, Karen Miller 12) Christy Smith, Danielle Breezy, Peyton Kennedy, Mary Kay Wright 13) Event Chairs Nikki Peal and Stacey Rhodes, Horticultural Society President Deby Pitts
Photos by Brenda Batey
Hosts
FALL FOR NAHT
and
and
FRANKTOWN GROUNDBREAKING
An enthusiastic crowd gathered in Franklin at the future site of FrankTown Open Hearts’ new center. Local politicians and supporters of FrankTown broke ground and expressed their enthusiasm for a center that will provide after school activities and vocational training in many areas, including culinary arts, mechanics and carpentry. (October 16)
Fall for NAHT 1) Janessa Shaikh, Lucy McLaren, Manna Lindman, Shannon Gordon 2) Gary Manheimer, Rich Wilson, Cathy Irwin, Emily Wilson, Chelsea Mahheimer
3) Hosts Kurt and Natalie Barton, NAHT Founder and Executive Director Mary Trapnell, Drew Trapnell 4) Co-Chairs Janice Goodman, Memree Roberts, Cecile Gideon
5) NAHT Fundraising Chair Mary Morgan Ketchel, Carissa Pereira 6) Traci Holloway, Diane Holloway 7) Sherry Deke. Whitney Musser, Jennifer Skelton Franktown Groundbreaking 1) Groundbreaking 2) FrankTown Founder Wayne Howell, Scott Black 3) Franklin Mayor Rogers Anderson 4) Allen Gentry, Darren Way
5) Madison and Thomas Bates with Elizabeth 6) FrankTown’s Kristi Sylvester, FrankTown’s Executive Director Chris Barnhill 7) Rev. Anthony Pritchett, First Missionary Baptist Church
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Natalie
Kurt Barton greeted guests at Five Stones Farm in Franklin, while event chairs Cecile Gideon, Janice Goodwin, and Memree Roberts kept the evening seamless. Attendees relaxed on porch couches during a lively cocktail hour, kicking off a night of celebration
