YOUR Williamson Holiday 2022

Unless the back of your car looks like this, don’t drive to the ER! drive

Think you may be having a heart attack?

Call 911! We’ll bring our emergency room to you.

The major symptoms of a heart attack are:

• Crushing chest pressure, squeezing or pain

• Pain traveling down one or both arms

• Chest pain with shortness of breath

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back

• Cold sweats, feeling nauseated or lightheaded

Every minute counts with your heart. Our paramedics can start tests at your home while the hospital prepares for your arrival.

WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org dial 911

FEATURES

LIFESTYLE

SOCIAL

Anna Robertson Ham MANAGING PUBLISHER

Christian Dian Headden CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emma Chennault INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER

Amelia Rose Smith MANAGING EDITOR Kristen Kelly GRAPHIC DESIGN

Madison Lovely COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER ORGANIC MARKET & RESTAURANT BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER COFFEE BAR | IN-HOUSE BAKERY

Ron Cheatham OPERATIONS Lawson Ryan | Jackson Ryan DISTRIBUTION

I share with you, as I have every year since I started publishing this magazine – the wonderful letter of old, sharing the story reminding us all that: “Yes Virginia, there Is a Santa Claus.” And how, do you ask, am I certain of this? Because I believe. I believe in the spirit of Christmas and I believe in a baby born in a manger so long ago. I believe in the power of that moment of light in the darkness of the world. This holy season, I know my prayer is your prayer. I know my belief is yours. From our house to yours Williamson County, may this Christmas season be filled with light, hope, love, faith and a belief in something that cannot always be seen.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Shelly Robertson Birdsong | Publisher shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial September 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

DEAR EDITOR:

I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O’HANLON

115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your

life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’” – Luke 2:10

YOUR CONTRIBUTORS

BROOKE GIANNETTI

INTERIOR THINKING

Brooke and her husband, Steve Giannetti, are the duo behind Patina Home & Garden, a new store in Leiper’s Fork. For thirty years, they’ve designed homes together for their clients and now they enjoy helping them live their dreams where it matters most — at home. Follow her blog, Velvet & Linen.

CITY WINERY

A SPIRITED CONVERSATION

City Winery delivers a unique combined culinary and cultural experience to urban wine enthusiasts. Each City Winery offers intimate concerts, food and wine seminars, private event spaces, upscale dining, and a fully functioning winery. Visit citywinery.com for all the happenings at the Nashville location.

KATIE SHANDS

DAYS GONE BY

Katie Shands, local author of novel Finding Franklin, has found her home here in our community. See her interesting and history filled blog posts all about Franklin and Williamson County on social media daily. Follow her on social media @katieshandsauthor.

LINEAGE BANK WE’RE IN THE MONEY

Lineage Bank is a multi-branch community bank based in Williamson County. Father and son veteran bankers Richard and Kevin Herrington opened the first Lineage Bank branch in Franklin on May 12, 2020. Today, Lineage Bank has $80 million in loans, $117 million in deposits and $143 million in assets.

MRS. SOUTHERN SOCIAL STYLING YOUR EVERYDAY

Southern hospitality. Tradition with a twist. And a bit of sarcasm. That’s what you’ll find here with Mrs. Southern Social. Mary loves entertaining and shares ideas, inspiration and contacts that will make your life a bit easier one cocktail party at a time. Learn more at mrssouthernsocial.com.

WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Williamson Medical Center has been a healthcare pillar in our community for over sixty years. With an impressive tradition and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare service to thousands of patients, they are YOUR community hospital. For more information, visit williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE BUILDING A LUXURY HOME

Working with Legend Homes was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! The decision to build from the ground up can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time and during a pandemic. The Legend team never missed a beat; they made the process so easy and fun with no delays. They are trustworthy, collaborative and their weekly communication updates through the app and throughout the process were superb. They were always available to answer questions and provide great advice even after we closed. We are so grateful for their team and our dream home. We would highly recommend Legend Homes to anyone considering building a new home in Middle TN.

Amanda & Kevin

Prices beginning at $1+ Million

For more information visit: livealegend.com

DECEMBER

NOW - DECEMBER 31

FRANKTOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Williamson County Ag Expo Center franktownsfestivaloflights.com

The 2022 FrankTown Festival of Lights will be open nightly at the Williamson County Agricultural Center in Franklin, rain or shine.

The longest drive through holiday lights spectacular in Williamson County just had half of a mile extension!

FrankTown Festival of Lights features over 200 displays that are synchronized to Christmas classics that guests can listen to on the radio as they enjoy the mile and a half long route.

NOW - JANUARY 1 CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center christmasatgaylordopryland. marriott.com

There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than gathering your family for Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. ICE! returns this holiday season. Step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. You’ll see the story of Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer in larger-thanlife sculptures and even plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience.

NOW - JANUARY 8 HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens cheekwood.org

2022 Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood features elegant and creative light displays along a one-mile walking path that sets the gardens aglow. With sparkling interactive features, s’mores and bar stations, and a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the bedecked historic mansion, Holiday LIGHTS is the ideal, memory-making experience for visitors of all ages.

NOW - JANUARY 8

ZOOLUMINATION

Nashville Zoo nashvillezoo.org

Nashville Zoo will glow with more than 1,000 authentic, custommade silk Chinese lanterns displayed throughout the nearly three miles of Zoo pathways. Visitors can expect one-of-a-kind lantern structures exquisitely constructed featuring animals, colorful scenes, picturesque

walkways, mythical beasts, dragons and more. Venture through the must-see North Pole Village that will be filled with lights, trees, holiday fun and even visit Santa from November 25 through December 24. Specialty food and beverage will also be available for purchase throughout Zoolumination pathways.

DECEMBER 5

BRIGHTEN BRENTWOOD

John P. Holt Library brentwoodtn.gov

The Brentwood Mayor and City Commission invite the community to attend Brighten Brentwood: The 24th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. The program will include comments by City leaders, a performance by the Brentwood Academy Singers and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Hot cocoa will be served complimentary of the Friends of the Brentwood Library.

DECEMBER 6

MERRY LITTLE MARKET + MIXER Factory at Franklin williamsonchamber.com Join fellow women professionals for an afternoon of networking, holiday festivities and supporting women-owned business. Small bites will be provided by several women owned catering companies as we all enjoy shopping local for the holidays. Entertainment for the evening will be Kate Rogers, a lifelong Harpist, playing your favorite holiday classics.

DECEMBER 8 - 9

FLASHLIGHT CANDY CANE HUNT

Eastern Flank Battlefield Park friendsoffranklinparks.org The grounds of Eastern Flank

Battlefield Park are sprinkled with candy canes ready to be eaten... Bring your flashlight and help hunt for the holiday treats! Kids decorate their treat bags before the hunt. Hot chocolate and cookies provided. Feel free to dawn a festive outfit for the event!

DECEMBER 10

LEIPER’S FORK CHRISTMAS PARADE

Downtown Leiper’s Fork leipersforkcountry.com

The Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade is the wackiest parade in this area! They have tractors, old cars and trucks, beautiful floats, cute floats, wacky floats, people dressed in crazy costumes, pigs, dogs, horses, donkeys, mules, horse and buggies, chuck wagons, horse drawn wagons & of course... SANTA!

DECEMBER 31

STUDIO TENN A NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

Harpeth Hotel studiotenn.org

Forget those old acquaintances and come count down the clock with Studio Tenn and Special Guest John Mark-McGaha! This one-night holiday extravaganza is sure to become a new holiday tradition. Ticket price includes plated four-course dinner with wine pairings and finishes with champagne to toast to the New Year!

SCAN ME!

Stay in the know with all the happenings in and around Williamson County!

MATT DANIEL

Certified

MANAGING BROKER, ABR

o: 615.790.6107 c: 615.498.6129

Matt@Daniel-Christian.com

DIANNE CHRISTIAN

BROKER, ABR, CRS, GRI, PNM

o: 615.790.6107 c: 615.260.3313

Dianne@Daniel-Christian.com

Wine Down Main Street

WHO: Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee | bgcmt.org WHAT: Wine Down Main Street WHERE: Main Street of historic downtown Franklin WHY: The 21st Annual Wine down Main Street was held In November this year. Guests enjoyed wine sampling, food, live music and shopping to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee.

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

YW SPONSORED EVENT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS RAE

Susie & Albert Dimercurio

Nelson & Trish Andrews, Shawn Steele, Donzaligh Gaines, Stephanie Steele & Denise Carothers

Caleb & Madison Lovely

Heather Flood & Barbara Ann Wolfed

Phillip & Brandi Alderson

Jan Frentzos & Rachel Taylor

Luke Massei & Alex Paganini

Jen & Andy Holtzclaw

Spencer & Hannah Ellis

Greg & Renee Smith

Emily & Sally Wood

Dave MacKenzie, Auz Zakis, Suzanne Zakis & Christianna Harding

Jennifer Leftwich, Devona Stone & Chantae Watford

Robert & Angelina Dobbs

Nancy & Richard Cuite

McKenna Botsmore, Lauren Price, Mary Cross & Breanna Schram

Joe, Adele & Elana Virgulak

YW SPONSORED EVENT

DUI Recovery Court Golf Classic

WHO: DUI Court Foundation of Williamson County | duicourtfoundation.org

WHAT: DUI Recovery Court Golf Classic

WHERE: Old Natchez Country Club

WHY: The DUI Court Foundation of Williamson County hosted their Annual Golf Classic to change and save lives by enhancing community awareness and raising funds for the work of the Williamson County DUI Recovery Court program.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MURPHY

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Steve Shelton & Bill Hammer

Danny Harrsch & Phil Brown

Masynn Galyon & Mandi Goodrich

Jim Wolak & Ronnie Costillo

Paul Kleine-Kracht & Josh Coats

Jason Bizwell, Daniel White & Blake Lobel

Kyle Simonton & Alec Moseley

Mike Mittermann & Lisa Baker

Bill Walton & Tally Osborn

David Howell & Brian Forni

CASHMERE EMBELLISHED V-NECK CARDIGAN in Red Pop

The perfect cozy outer layer, this sweater is made from a soft cotton blend with a flattering V-neck, and finished with the prettiest diamond detailing on the buttons.

STERLING SILVER BAGUETTE HUGGIE HOOPS

Adds a beautiful touch of shimmer with this small hoop design rendered in polished sterling silver with gorgeous light-catching stones. Oh-so chic.

FLORAL LACE SLIM ANKLE PANTS in Red Pop

The perfect party pants: A slim-leg silhouette in a gorgeous floral lace design and slightly higher waist with an elastic back.

LACE FIT & FLARE DRESS in Red Pop

A favorite silhouette with a beautiful lace overlay features three-quarter sleeves and a flattering scoop neck.

RIBBON TWEED BLAZER in Red Pop

Add polish to your look with this double-breasted style blazer tailored from a textured tweed knit. It is finished with top stitching and diamond crest buttons at the closure and sleeves.

STERLING SILVER CLASSIC STONE PENDANT NECKLACE

The perfect-for-everyday necklace; strung on a polished sterling silver chain with a round pendant and finished with a hint of sparkle.

Making the Most of the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

THREE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

WITH WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER

From festive celebrations to special moments with family, the most wonderful time of the year is here! While the holiday season offers plenty of opportunities for comfort and joy, it can easily lose its sparkle when stress, sickness and strain take over. So, here are a few tips courtesy of some WMC medical professionals, to help keep the season wonderful.

Prioritize your heart. Staying heart healthy during the holidays can be challenging with special treats, indulgent meals and a busier-than-usual schedule. But it’s not impossible, according to Brian Long, M.D., Vanderbilt Heart, Chief of Cardiology at Williamson Medical Center (WMC). “The holidays can be a busy time when people get out of their usual diet and exercise routines,” Dr. Long said. “It’s likely to happen to some extent, but find the time to move, even if it’s for a shorter duration, and practice moderation.”

Safely deck the halls. Combine holiday decorating and inclement weather with a dash of stress and a pinch of cold and flu season — and you’ve got a recipe for a trip to the ER. “During the holidays, a lot of health issues are related to stress, so make sure you’re taking advantage of stress-reduction strategies: eating healthy and getting exercise,” says Tanner Boyd, M.D., medical director of WMC’s emergency department. He advised taking precautions to avoid preventable accidents, such as falls on icy surfaces or from ladders, and make sure you don’t let the busy season crowd out time for yourself.

Make merry in moderation. Making healthy choices during the holidays doesn’t mean missing out on your favorites — but it might mean re-framing your focus. “Rather than a weight loss goal, concentrate on weight maintenance,” says Lisa Mathews, a registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager for WMC. Create healthier versions of your favorite recipes by reducing sugar or subbing out butter and oil for healthier options such as applesauce, mashed bananas or pumpkin puree. “In most recipes, you can cut the sugar in half and won’t even miss it,” Mathews says.

Whatever the season brings, Williamson Medical Center is here for you, providing exceptional healthcare close to home. Learn more about what WMC has to offer at williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

Additional Healthy Holiday Tips

Seek care. “According to the American Heart Association, death from a cardiac event is almost 5% higher during the holidays,” Dr. Long says, sometimes because people wait to seek medical care until after the holidays. If you experience chest discomfort, call 911 immediately, rather than driving to the hospital yourself. Waiting to seek medical attention can result in greater damage to the heart.

Reach out. “While the holidays are a happy time for some, the season is an unhappy time for others,” Dr. Boyd says. Talking with a trusted friend can help, but the Tennessee Red Line (1-800-8899789) is also available 24/7 for those suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis. Rest up. If you get a cold or come down with a virus, Dr. Boyd advises resting and keeping a healthy distance from others. “Be a good human, and don’t spread it to your friends and family,” he says.

Scan the spread. Before filling your plate at a party or meal, take stock of the entire offering. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, Mathews suggested.

Lighten up. If your celebration includes alcohol, Mathews advises opting for lighter versions of your favorite cocktails with low-calorie or lowersugar mixers.

Exemplary

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY ANTHONY

Anna Jo Grosser & Raye McDonald

Leta & Mark Matthews

Betty Steele, Aleta Matthews & Julie Jackson

Julian Bibb, Patrick Baggett, Travis Morgan & Dusty Rhodes

Betty & Bob Steele

Pam & Sam Whitson, Teresa Ashworth Harrison

Al Adams, Mindy Tate & Ken Moore

Victoria Tabor & Walter Green

Skeleton Gala

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN KELLY

WHO: Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee and Williamson Medical Center Foundation | boneandjointtn.org WHAT: Skeleton Gala WHERE: The Factory at Franklin WHY: As pillars in the Williamson County community for more than forty years, physicians and staff of Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee are involved in numerous charitable and community events. Through their partnership with the Williamson Medical Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, they continue to participate in activities that sustain their values including empathy, compassion, faith in healing, and service to the community. The Skeleton Gala involved fun, entertainment and dancing.

BONE

September Ogan & Janice Mazzuca

Patsy Triplett & Ronnie Hickman

Janice & Phil Mazzuca

Hayden Williams, Allison Metcal, Riley & Tanner Ecrement

Thomas Barrett & Belinda Berry

Kristi Wurth, Mary Looney & Erica Davidson

Ashley Klekamp & Kim Mathews

Kendyl Hunducker & Krystyna Clona

Kelly & Jack Green

Allie Mcnamara & Cara Bohrman

You can’t help but believe in the magic of Christmas at ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ at Gaylord Opryland Resort. See the story come to life, carved out of two million pounds of ice.

NOV. 11 - JAN. 1 | ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.

Merry & Bright Sweatshirt

The Look Aesthetics Gift Card

Plump, Sculpt & Refine in all areas!

Sweat Shack Gift Card

Individual Sweat Experiences. Sweat Packages. Shack Memberships and more!

For the Self Care Junkie

Holly Dolly Christmas Sweatshirt

The Heirloom Shop $60

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids improves the appearance of skin texture, tone and smoothness

The Look Aesthetics $48

Woodhouse Spa Franklin Gift Card

Massage, body treatments, facials, rituals, nails, waxing and more!

Woodhouse Spa Franklin VIP Membership

Includes a private locker room and relaxation room, unlimited (free) access to the Infrared Sauna and Salt Cave, private VIP text line and more!

Woodhouse Spa Franklin $3,000

Scent by The NOW Candle

Natural, 60 oz jasmine coconut candle that doubles as a body balm The Now Massage $144

Historic Franklin Ornament

Featuring Franklin’s Christmas Tree & Main Street Scene

Tin Cottage $25

Crowd Pleasers

Framed Olive Prints

Pair of 32”x26” black and navy framed olive prints Franklin Antique Mall $399

Bourbon & Bubbles Gift Basket

Wine Glass Tags, Your Favorite Bottle of Bubbles, Bottle of Bourbon and Whiskey Glass

Saint Goose

Starting at $125

NEST Holiday Candle

Iconic scent blend of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber Woodhouse Spa Franklin $46

Nashville Neighborhood Books

Decorative books representing local Nashville neighborhoods

Vignette Boutique $114

Tender Tennessee Christmas

Your Favorite Bottle of Red Wine, Clark & June Tennessee Candle, Two Gracious Gourmet Jellies, Tennessee Charcuterie Board & Utensil Set Saint Goose

Starting at $174

Old Fashion Glass

Italian Cooking Lover’s Gift

Everything you need to get started!

Olivia Olive Oil $110

Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

From Seldom Seen Farms

Leiper’s Fork Distillery $28

For the Family

Rainbow Jenga Set Shop Lower Right in the Painted Tree $29

Nutcracker HandEmbroidered Pillow 100% organic cotton pillow celebrating the beloved Christmas Ballet! The Heirloom Shop $157.50

Feathers From Above

Children’s book about guardian angels kathleendavisbooks.com $18.99

Mix and Match Trucks

A magnetic toy kids can use to build a car, boat, plane and train. Interchangeable sets available.

Nolensville Toy Shop $32.99

LumiPet Penguin with Remote

Soft night light, nine color settings and sleep timer Nolensville Toy Shop $24.99

Zippee Developmental, sensory silicone toy Nolensville Toy Shop $24.99

Handmade Gingerbread House

Large, Sprinkle Gingerbread House Triple Crown Bakery $95

· Franklin Road Apparel 508 W Main Street, Franklin | franklinroad.com

Franklin Antique Mall 251 2nd Avenue South, Franklin | thefranklinantiquemall.com

· Kathleen Davis Books kathleendavisbooks.com · Leiper’s Fork Distillery 3381 Southall Road Franklin | leipersforkdistillery.com Nolensville Toy Shop 9895 Old Clovercroft Road, Nolensville | nolensvilletoyshop.com

· Olivia Olive Oil 118 East Main Street, Franklin | oliviaevoo.com

· Sweat Shack 1109 Davenport Boulevard, Franklin | thesweatshack.com

· Posh 231 Public Square, Franklin | poshfranklin.com · Saint Goose 34 2nd Avenue North, Franklin | saintgoose.wine · Shop Lower Right in Painted Tree Boutiques 1113 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin | shoplowerright.com

· The Heirloom Shop 404 Main Street, Franklin | theheirloomshoptn.com

· The Look Aesthetics 5000 Hughes Crossing, Suite 110, Franklin | thelookfacialaesthetics.com · The NOW Massage Boutique 125 1st Avenue North, Franklin | thenowmassage.com · Tin Cottage 334 Main Street, Franklin | tincottage.com · Triple Crown Bakery 118 4th Avenue North, Franklin | triplecrownbakery.com · Vignette Boutique 130 Wilson Pike Circle, Brentwood | vignettebrentwoodtn.com · Walton’s Jewelry 410 Main Street, Franklin | waltonsjewelry.com · Whitley Jewelers 2207 Hillsboro Road, Franklin | whitleyjewelers.com · Woodhouse Spa Franklin 1175 Meridian Boulevard, Franklin | woodhousespas.com

HIGH HOPES DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Hats Off to High Hopes

WHO: High Hopes Development Center | highhopesforkids.org WHAT: Hats Off to High Hopes WHERE: Graystone Quarry WHY: Hats Off to High Hopes is the acme of all things High Hopes! The event was held for High Hopes members to "tip their hats" to all the hard work of the staff and the children they serve! High Hopes guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner and live entertainment

from comedian Henry Cho.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL CUNNINGHAM

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Angela & Jesse Lee Mindy Tate & Lynn Maddox

Hilary Robertson & MaryBeth Cloud Erik & Sondra Hale

Brooke Powers, Cindy Brown, Allie Vigunas & Chelsea Faught

Caitlin & John Bond

Rob & Hilary Ehlers

Haley Martin & Shelby Waltermire

Callie & Don Alexander

Brandy Blanton, Shawn Aswad & Ondrea Johnson

Sips for the season

WITH COAL TOWN PUBLIC HOUSE

e love to gather with friends and family during the holidays, but we also love when we can leave the hosting to the professionals! Coal Town Public House appeared on the Williamson County restaurant scene last year and we have quickly become one of the top dining destinations for celebrities, foodies and locals alike.

So, without further ado, here are some of our holiday season cocktails along with an interview with our General Manager and Cocktail Curator, Ryan Donahue. Enjoy!

Winter Revival

We love sangria this time of year because it is such a fun and delicious way to incorporate seasonal ingredients.

KEY INGREDIENTS red wine, sparkling wine, honey, cherry and lemon

Espresso Martini

The perfect way to kick off your night – or catch a second wind!

KEY INGREDIENTS espresso liqueur, rum and cream

KEY INGREDIENTS bourbon, pineapple, coconut milk, vanilla and lemon

Pomegranate

Ginger Paloma

A fruity festive take on a classic! Two parts of high-proof tequila make this a sip with a kick!

KEY INGREDIENTS blanco tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice and ginger beer

Barrel-Aged Negroni

A sophisticated classic with a modern twist. The gin lends a juniper note that marks the season with a woodsy undertone.

KEY INGREDIENTS barrel-aged gin, campari and sweet vermouth

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, AND WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO MAKE IT A CAREER?

Hospitality and the restaurant life were a big part of my upbringing. My mother always worked in restaurants and to me, there was nothing better than spending time with her at work and watching the action. The sounds of a bustling bar and busy kitchen were music to my ears, and the regulars were my extended family. She gave me my first job at age thirteen in her pizza place - washing dishes for $20 a night! I think she was trying to steer me away from the business but it had the opposite effect on me. Here I am, nineteen years later, still finding romance in it. Working at Coal Town Public House is so special and reminiscent of when I was young because of my connections with the guests and staff. Being a part of a

MEET RYAN DONAHUE, GENERAL MANAGER & COCKTAIL CURATOR

particular moment whether it’s a date night or an anniversary with our guests – that’s where the meaning is.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO FRANKLIN?

After living in Las Vegas for quite a few years, I was looking for a change of scenery and somewhere that brought me closer to my family up North. Franklin sounded like a great spot, so I took a chance! Six years later and I’ve got a great career, a beautiful wife and we have a family of our own!

YOUR SEASONAL DRINK MENUS ARE ALWAYS SO COLORFUL AND EXCITING! TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GET INSPIRED TO PUT THE MENU TOGETHER. Truthfully, I get a lot of inspiration from my staff. Blending their fresh ideas with classic techniques and a few of my old favorites tends to be the recipe for success.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING AT COAL TOWN PUBLIC HOUSE DURING THE HOLIDAYS? The people! We love to go all-out this time of year and try to spread holiday cheer to as many guests as possible! Helping our guests celebrate such a special time of year with friends and family is a great feeling. Planning cocktail parties or helping with details for a private dinner is one of my favorite parts of what I do!

BARREL AGED NEGRONI

The Hodge-Lancaster home sits atop a hill in Franklin, TN surrounded by over an acre of property. This gorgeous landmark, formerly known as the Sullivan House, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and its past reads like a Franklin history book. This picturesque property includes 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, original millwork, 6 unique fireplaces, heart of pine flooring, operational transoms above doorways and a carriage house. The restoration of this home earned awards for both Preservation of the Year and top honors for residential preservation by the Heritage Foundation.

SCOTT HAMILTON CARES FOUNDATION

An Evening of Spirits, Songs & Stories

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL CUNNINGHAM

Bert & Lora Hensley

Cindy Wingert & Becki Hendren

Andrea Baker & Marcie Angle

Gina Cossey & Dianne Wilford Darrin & Barbara Joines

Tina Armbrust & Julie Hicks

Kerry Burke & Carly Scanlan

Jimmy Peach & Dave Catino

Scott Hamilton, Karri Morgan & Pete Fischer

The Perfect Pair

HOLIDAY WINE PAIRINGS WITH CITY WINERY

It is the holiday season once again, and with it, comes friends, family, food and wine! Of course, the holidays come with their traditions, and our favorite one is sitting down with those we love and sharing our beloved holiday dishes.

SPARKLING WINES

There is no better way to begin your holiday celebrations than with a glass of bubbly. Sometimes sparkling wines can be tricky to navigate – especially with the growing selections at your local shops. The biggest challenge is figuring out what you like! For those who are fans of French Champagne but don’t quite have the budget, look for Crémant! Crémant is a French sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region. It is often easier on the budget but just as delicious. Go for a Rosé style if you have many dishes or appetizers featuring cranberries or cinnamon. You can’t beat bubbles for greeting and grazing!

WHITE WINES & ROSÉS

White wines are a staple of the holiday season. Your favorite bottle of Chardonnay often accompanies the perfect transition from summer into fall. A little bit bolder than the lighter wines of summer, Chardonnay is the ideal companion for creamy dishes and fall fruit. Versatile and fresh, it can be paired with turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and some of your lighter holiday desserts. Apple pie with vanilla ice cream is a heavenly pairing with a bright and yummy Chardonnay. If Chardonnay isn’t your thing, Rieslings and Viogniers are other holiday favorites. They both have a vibrant stone fruit flavor and pair well with salty and rich dishes and desserts like fruit galettes and spice cake. Rosé is also a fun addition to your thanksgiving bar–perfect with turkey and sweet potato dishes. Not to mention amazing with cranberry and raspberry-focused dishes.

RED WINES

Tis’ the season for red wines! With a wide range of depth and flavor, you can easily find the perfect fit for your holiday menu. Whether you are enjoying roast beef, turkey or even Chinese takeout – red wine is a perfect choice. Pinot Noir is a staple of the holiday season, given its flexibility and range of flavors. Being a lighter red wine, Pinot Noir gives you many match options. Turkey, ham and even salmon are beautiful partners for Pinot Noir.

Darker and more complex wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel are amazing with those heavier proteins we love around the holidays–think Prime Rib and spice-encrusted roasts.

DESSERT WINES

Something with a little sweetness is ideal for cold, winter evenings; look for port style or ice wines, and some guilty pleasures often accompany them! Think cherry chocolate rum cheesecake or fudge. If dessert isn’t your thing, dessert-style wines go great with cigars!

Get in the Spirits

NEW HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS

BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

Pop-up-themed events are a popular concept around the holidays and tap into people’s love of enjoying drinks in a festive atmosphere. Pop-up bars have emerged throughout the United States in the last few years, and the middle Tennessee area does not fall short. So, get in the spirit and visit one…or all of the pop-up Christmas bars featured here!Here’s to happy – and safe – holiday merriment!

McGavock’s at The Harpeth Hotel

WORLD’S BEST CUP OF COFFEE: A CHRISTMAS BAR

Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December until Christmas: World’s Best Cup of Coffee is Franklin’s first and only holiday pop-up bar. Celebrate your favorite holiday movies and Christmas memories with one-of-a-kind cocktails in a fully immersive Christmas experience. The pop-up bar is open 5pm – 12am inside McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions. To learn more, visit harpethhotel.com/happenings.

HOLIDAY VACATION HIDDEN BAR

November 2, 2022 – January 7, 2023 Step beyond the storage closet doors and be transformed into the Griswold’s memorable holiday gathering. The beloved holiday movie comes to life in the Hidden Bar, with nostalgic moments from the film and Christmas Vacation-inspired cocktail and snack menus.

Please note: Hidden Bar does not accept reservations. Enter through the Make ready L&L entrance on Church Street, and head down the stairs to enter Hidden Bar. Guests must be 21 years or older, no exceptions. Hidden Bar is open Monday evenings for private events or brunch seven days a week. For more information on reserving Hidden Bar for your private event, contact events@noelle-nashville.com.

Moxy Rooftop

Bar TENN at Holston House

AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS BAR

November 10 – December 24, 2022

This winter, Holston House is broadcasting An Old-Fashioned Christmas in Bar TENN. This is a can’t-miss event that is filled with Rat Pack-style entertainment, traditional Christmas flavors and décor. The ceiling is decorated in handmade paper chains, the entry is flanked with silver tinsel pencil trees, the bar showcases classic Christmas décor like ceramic trees and jingle bells. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tennnash.com.

GRINCH-THEMED CHRISTMAS POP-UP BAR

Now – January 8, 2023

Moxy Nashville Downtown is thrilled to announce the opening of their Grinch-Themed Christmas Pop- Up Bar! Enjoy Grinchthemed cocktails and menu items.

The Moxy Rooftop is located on the fifth floor of the Moxy Hotel in Downtown Nashville! For hours and reservations, visit linktr.ee/ moxyrooftopnashville. No one deserves to be alone on Christmas!

Fairlane Hotel Nashville

MISFIT BAR

Now – January 2, 2023

Silent night...yeah, right! Misfit bar is at the Fairlane Hotel in Nashville, and they are ready to spread the holiday cheer! Naughty or nice, they’ve got festive cocktails, seasonal beer, wine and snacks to satisfy your holiday cravings. To sleigh the holiday season in the picturesque wonderland rooftop bar, visit misfit-bar.com for more information.

Holston House

TEA WITH SANTA

Every Saturday and Sunday in December (3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 22, 23).

Holston House’s Sunday tea just got a little more festive. Join Holston House throughout December for a family-friendly Tea with Santa featuring hot chocolate, holiday treats and pictures with St. Nick. Adults are $50, and children are $35 per person. Reservations are required and can be made at opentable.com.

SPONSORED EVENT

Joker and Jackpots Gala

WHO: Bridges Domestic Violence Center | ridgesdvc.org What: Joker and Jackpots Gala Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville South Why: Bridges Domestic Violence Center hosted their annual Jokers & Jackpots Gala, which was an evening of healing through the arts. Guests enjoyed casino games, silent and live auctions, and dining while raising money for a worthy cause.

YW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN KELLY

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Linda Lester, Krista & Chris Wilson

Samantha Brooks, Jill Canovan, Megan & Marty Carson

John & Vickie Parmer

Eric & Erin Brown

Sandy Paisley & Marybeth Averill

Amanda & Willie Hight

Kaiya Tuck & Hannah Shellnut

Mary Blaustein & Debbie Greer Chamberlain

Bill & Tiffany Hyde

Belle & Cory Bradley

Stephen Douglass & Bernie Cordell

Jay Kumer & Traci Spears

e best choice when you want best-in-class

Parks delivers extraordinary real estate services with unparalleled local knowledge. Whether you want to be in the heart of it all or escape from it all, trust the market leader to lead you home.

Lauren Sullivan

Kim Shacklock Jeannie

Damon Benet

Cindy Garner Denson

Cindy Stanton Brentwood Managing Broker

Ann Skiera

Betsy Turnage

Greg McCollum

Danny Anderson

Dick & Judy Williams

Loy Hardcastle

Lisa Culp Taylor

Linda Smith

Margaret Flowers Orton

Megan Jones Campbell

Marla Richardson Mary Ann Palise

Rachel Romano Reid Anderson

Stuart Tutler

Shawnna Simpson

Susan Gregory

Suzie DeYoung

Laurie Marks

THE JENNINGS CIRCLE

The Jennings Circle Charity Fashion Show

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MURPHY

WHO: The Jennings Circle, A Women’s Initiative of the Williamson Medical Center Foundation | williamsonmedicalcenter.org

WHAT: The Jennings Circle Charity Fashion Show WHERE: Brentwood United Methodist Church WHY: The fashion show was hosted on October 27th and featured models from the community; business members of Williamson, Inc., hospital staff and breast cancer survivors from the One Brentwood YMCA’s After Breast Cancer Program (ABC). All money raised will support the Williamson Medical Center Foundation’s capital campaign’s efforts to raise money for the hospital expansion project.

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Kathy Gilliland, Tiffany Rainey & Heather Kirkpatrick

Virginia Gray & Patti Carroll Dana Yates & Connie Bond

Jennifer Shepard & Jennifer Bourne

Tracy Mollica & Deena Ottinger

Vicki McNamara, Leigh Williams, Katie Rushton, Caroline Bryan, Katey Preston & Jodi Rall Gena Ryan & Lauren Ryan

Trimmings ALL THE

WITH MRS. SOUTHERN SOCIAL

This Merry & Grand Holiday Collection is a Southern Living x Mrs. Southern Social collaboration. Mrs. Southern Social, Mary Hollis Huddleston, has a flair for entertaining and creating tablescapes and inviting spaces for entertaining and everyday life. Her collaboration features classic southern elements with a modern twist.

The collection features a festive tabletop, seasonal decor and tree trim, such as ornaments, tree picks, tree skirts, ribbon and tree toppers! Everything is available in-store and online at dillards.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Remember to decorate the whole dining room – not just your table.

SOME FAVORITE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING TIPS:

Tie mini preserved boxwood wreaths onto the backs of your chairs.

Include decor on the buffet or side table.

Add wreaths to mirrors and greenery to your chandelier – or even hang ornaments from it!

Batch cocktails are essential for holiday parties. That way, people can serve themselves, and you are not playing bartender all night. The punch bowl in this collection is perfect for this.

Southern Men’s Showcase

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY ANTHONY

WHO/WHAT: Southern Men’s Showcase | southernmensshowcase.com WHERE: The Factory at Franklin WHY: Southern Men’s Showcase is a single day event to see, touch, taste, buy and experience the absolute best that there is to offer in the Men’s Lifestyle World. The event benefited Drive Toward a Cure and One Generation Away.

Balancing budgets and investing in your future?

Our bankers are united behind Williamson County.

From bankers who know your name to always-on digital banking, we’ve refined our financial solutions over the past 72 years. Balancing big bank expertise with small bank service, United’s team is here to support your financial success.

Discover better banking at ucbi.com today.

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Peter Cianelli, Chase Burnett, Tim, & Jerodis Williams

Michelle & Scott Johnston

Daus Studenberg, Collin Rice, & Jimmy LaPere Andrea Halbig, Melanie & Jess Mooney

Vicki & Tiffany Hasley, Chris Jones

Phillip Fulmer & Jonathan League

Bert Simmons, David Pack, & Dave Story

INSPIRED BY NATURE Holiday Decorating

WITH BROOKE GIANNETTI, PATINA HOME & GARDEN

As newcomers to Williamson County, my husband Steve and I have truly appreciated the genuine southern hospitality we’ve experienced. Our new neighbors have been welcoming and kind, and we felt right at home as soon as we arrived.

One of the areas we’re most passionate about is helping other people feel at home, too. Home is a place to feel at ease, comfortable and, especially during the holidays, joyful.

That’s why we recently opened our new store — Patina Home & Garden. We want to honor the history of the store and create a gathering place, while also helping people bring more natural beauty into their homes with antiques, furniture, gifts, home goods and natural botanical skincare products.

As an interior designer, I’m often asked how I like to decorate my home for the holidays. So much of my inspiration for design and life comes from nature so I love incorporating it into any decor, whether it’s for my home or our store. I’m in constant awe of the beauty that surrounds us daily, so it’s a perfect place to begin decorating. And you can often find the materials right outside your front door.

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

Steve and I love to blur the lines between inside and out in our architectural and interior designs, so it’s no surprise that we do so in our holiday decor. I often bring in colors, materials and plants from our farmyard to create wreaths, swags, garlands, tablescapes or mantle decor. One of my new favorites is this bulb vase that exposes the roots and brings a bright pop of green inside.

NATURAL COLORS & MATERIALS

I tend toward natural tones in any decorating, and during the holidays that means a lot of winter white, soft greens and warm browns. Plants provide so much inspiration for my winter decor. The vibrant white of winter snowberries is a great addition to any wreath or greenery. As an alternative to traditional pine garland, I’ll often use vivid green moss, eucalyptus and potted olive tree topiaries. As for browns, think oversized pine cones, twine, natural linen, burlap and, as Julie Andrews sings, “brown paper packages tied up with string.”

I like to create garlands from bundles of small pinecones, or even dried hops because of their unique texture. To add a little pop of red, I like to use pomegranates, and because they’re round, I like to think of them as nature’s ornaments.

VARIED HEIGHTS & TEXTURES

When you’re decorating a tablescape or mantel, it can be easy to forget that a variety of textures and heights will help balance the eye. I like to start with a large item in the back, such as an antique mirror or framed painting. Next, I’ll add layers of the natural materials mentioned above at varying heights. Then I love to blend in textures that seem opposing but are, in fact, complementary, like frayed linen paired with soft velvet. With the darkness of winter, I love adding the gentle shimmer of small white lights or a few charming votive for a soft sparkle in your display.

THE STORIES IN YOUR DECOR

My favorite part of the holidays is the history that comes alive. It’s a time to turn inward toward family and friends, so my decor often has personalized elements. The ornamental plaster that Steve’s father and grandfather designed is now a decoration in our home, a collection of antique books stacked on the mantle, and the sweet crafts my children made when they were young now adorn my tablescapes. Your holiday decor will feel especially cozy if you incorporate a few personal touches.

I also love to incorporate one or two pieces that become the focal point of the story. We have this oversized stone reindeer resting on a table in our store, surrounded by baskets of ornaments. When people walk in, he instantly becomes a conversation starter which can be a nice touch if you’re hosting holiday events.

COMPLEMENTARY OPPOSITES

In all our designs, Steve and I like to play around with complementary opposites. This oxymoronic phrase is behind so much of what we do and lends a balance that you’ll frequently find in nature. We love to mix antique pieces with modern design, combine nature with man-made objects, and combine fine things with weathered and worn materials. You’ll find this theory of duality in many cultures, including the Chinese concept of yin and yang.

When it comes to design and decorating, people often get intimidated or overwhelmed. You might worry that you don’t have the training or creative eye. I like to surprise people by telling them that although I’ve been designing homes for thirty years, I was never formally trained. It’s possible to design a beautiful space through trust and feeling. You’re really just playing around with materials, and you have to start somewhere. Even after all these years of creating beautiful spaces, I’ll often adjust or change something I’ve created when I feel a balance must be struck.

Mix just a few of these ideas and you can bring the cozy warmth of nature into your home this holiday season. Visit us at Patina Home & Garden on Old Hillsboro Road in Leiper’s Fork.

HOMESITE 51 / ASPEN CONSTRUCTION

$3,599,900 / 6,329 SF. 5BD. 5/2 BA

HOMESITE 15 / INSIGNIA HOMES $3,907,185 / 6,905 SF. 5BD. 5/2 BA

HOMESITE 23 / INSIGNIA HOMES $3,950,000 / 7,293 SF. 5 BD. 5/2 BA

HOMESITE 36 / FORD CLASSIC HOMES $4,165,440 / 7,737 SF. 5 BD. 5/2 BA

HOMESITE 14 / FORD CLASSIC HOMES $4,200,409 / 7,884 SF. 5 BD. 6/2 BA

HOMESITE 54 / DAVIS PROPERTIES

$5,800,000 / 9,812 SF. 6 BD. 6/3 BA

HOMESITE 55 / DAVIS PROPERTIES $6,300,000 / 11,218 SF. 7 BD. 8/1 BA

A

Hallmark

CHRISTMAS

THE LOCAL AUTHOR BEHIND THE CHRISTMAS ROMANCES

BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

Author and Founder of Harpeth Road Press, is quite the powerhouse. If she is not writing a romance novel in a local coffee shop or managing her publishing company, she is cheering on her two sons at sporting events or listening to music at Fox & Locke with her husband, Justin. And on top of all that, Jenny has had two books become Hallmark Christmas Movies. So, how does she do it all?

Before becoming an author, Jenny was a public elementary school teacher for eighteen years. With two young boys and a busy schedule, she was struggling to find a creative outlet. Jenny spills: “I used to read romantic fiction and, one night, I just thought, ‘I think I could write one of these.’ So I wrote a book that never saw

the light of day—it was just awful. But it taught me that I could do it. I just needed to figure out how.” So, she began reading books on point of view, characterization and how to write. And then tried again. That book, Coming Home for Christmas, ended up at the Hallmark Channel!

“I was originally approached by screenwriter Nina Weinman, who was looking for a Christmas novel for a production company,” tells Jenny. “The first movie was my first published book (Coming Home for Christmas), so I was completely shocked.” At that point, Jenny was still an elementary school teacher. She explains: “I didn’t fully understand the process, and I didn’t feel secure in my creativity. I kept waiting for people to figure out that I had no idea what I was doing!” But, to her surprise, others saw her true potential!

Jenny’s production companies for

both movies worked independently and pitched to Hallmark. For the first movie, Jenny was less involved. The movie was filmed in Canada, and she was moving to Tennessee at the time of filming, so she did not make it to set. But she did watch it when it premiered on Hallmark in 2017.

The next film was inspired by Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses, and premiered on Hallmark in 2019.

While Jenny loves the Christmas season, it wasn’t necessarily a conscious decision to write Christmas-themed stories. Jenny explains that with her first book, “It happened to be set at Christmas, and my publisher decided to really play that up, so in editing, I added in a lot more of the actual holiday, and it was given a new title.” Since then, Jenny has written a Christmas and a summer book every year.

In fact, she just sent her twentysecond book to her editor!

In addition to writing, Jenny owns Harpeth Road Press – a digital publisher of romantic fiction. What sets it apart from other publishers is that it’s run by Jenny, who knows both marketing sides—as an author and digital publishing user. Jenny also uses her educator background to offer lessons for her authors on every step of the publishing and marketing process. Jenny says: “We’ve signed a film and TV shopping agreement for our debut author, who built all her platforms under our watch; we’ve sold foreign translation rights in German and Estonian for two of my novels, and all our novels have hit digital category lists on Amazon.com.

Purchase Jenny’s latest book, The Christmas Letters, on Amazon.com and Audible, and visit itsjennyhale.

“

While these pictures highlight the spirit of the Christmas season, what is not seen is the ‘behind the scenes’ evidence of a home shared by three young kids (and, of course, the family dog) going through the usual busy-ness of life. So don’t get too caught up in the perfect trees, Christmas cards and matching PJs. The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect!

THE HALLS

WITH THE BROWN’S

BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

ary Kate and Josh Brown are long-time Williamson County residents. Mary Kate is a stay-at-home mom to their three children. Josh is an executive at a healthcare company, a native of Williamson County – a true unicorn – and you may recognize him from his recent election to the Williamson County School Board, District 4.

In 2017, the couple began building their home in the Rosemont neighborhood with the assistance of Hillside Homes, Stephanie Irvin Interiors and JFY Designs. Mary Kate shares, “I would describe the style of our home as transitional – mostly traditional with a touch of whimsy and fun (animal prints, etc.). It suits my and Josh’s personalities – Josh is more traditional, and I like to bring some eclectic, fun items into the space.”

With this year being their fourth Christmas at their beautiful home, it was time to take the décor up a notch, meaning assistance was necessary. So, with the help of Stacey Perry with Down to the Wire Designs, the Brown’s home was decorated within hours!

When asked how she would describe her Christmas decor, Mary Kate replied, “Our Christmas decor is traditional. The exterior and entryway have bright reds and greens, while the dining and living rooms have more muted colors: silvers, golds and blues.”

Mary Kate continues, “My mom made Christmas magical for our family as a child. Her maiden name is Griswold, so it is only fitting that she created many Christmas memories for our family! She would buy gifts year-round, sometimes forgetting where she hid our gifts. My dad knew how much my mom enjoyed this time of the year, so while he may have scaled back a bit, he never said a word to her. Josh is slowly learning this... I think. So much of my decor came from the items my mom bought my sisters and me over the years. She would buy three of everything to have many decorations to give us for when we had homes of our own. I have now started buying my kids Christmas decor and hope one day they will think of me like I do my mom when they are decorating their own homes.”

Mary Kate’s go-to stores for Christmas décor are Michael’s and At Home. She spills, “I am a sucker for oversized decor I see from Grandin Road and Frontgate, but they are so pricey, so I stick with discount stores like Sam’s and Costco. Each store usually comes out with six to

eight feet nutcrackers each season, but they sell out quickly.

One of Mary Kate’s major decor items at Christmas, are the trees. There are several! Here she gives us a tour of trees and how each unique theme comes to life.

Dress Tree

MKB: I have always wanted a Christmas tree shaped like a dress for my closet. I found one last year, but it was the last one, so I purchased the display, which meant it was already assembled. I was alone, and my car was full of shopping bags, but that tree was coming home with me!

Dining Room Tree

MKB: This is where I display my White House Historical Association ornaments. They release a new ornament each year and have created the official White House ornament since 1981. My kids now buy me a new one each year for my Christmas gift. This year’s ornament is a gingerbread White House; when you open the box, it smells like the scent of gingerbread.

I have my kids get me three of the same ornament so I can give them a complete set of their own White House ornaments one day. Each ornament comes with a booklet that tells a bit of history about our country, the White House and Presidents and make such great keepsakes.

Formal Living Tree

MKB: The formal living room is our Nutcracker room. I am a sucker for a nutcracker and try to sneak in at least one or two new ones every year.

Family Living Tree

MKB: The family living room has our tallest tree, a flocked fourteen-foot tree. I love the oversized ornaments!

Milestone Tree

MKB: My mom had a family friend paint an ornament for my sisters and me each year that featured a big event or milestone for that year. If I went on a big trip or won any awards, I knew they would be celebrated and highlighted on my ornament, but we never knew for sure

Mary Kate’s closet

Top Right: Foyer of the home

Bottom Right: White House Historical Association ornament

until she handed them out each year. I still treasure my ornaments so much that I started having ornaments hand painted for my kids. My friend Dana prays over the kids as she paints their ornaments! The kids love putting them up and remembering their achievements and passions over the years. We have ornaments that feature their broken bones, vacations, football, soccer and cheer awards. Some of my favorites are from their younger years that feature their past obsessions – Anderson, for example, wore a Woody costume from Toy Story every day for a year. Amelia was obsessed with Dora the Explorer when she was three, and Mary Harper loved Goofy when she was two. I don’t know if I would remember those memories at Christmas each year unless I had them captured on their ornaments. The holidays are all about making memories with your family, so these ornaments help us slow down, remember special memories from days gone by and count our blessings.

“It is said that pictures are worth a thousand words,” Mary Kate expresses. “While these pictures highlight the spirit of the Christmas season, what is not seen is the ‘behind the scenes’ evidence of a home shared by three young kids (and, of course, the family dog) going through the usual busy-ness of life. So don’t get too caught up in the perfect trees, Christmas cards and matching PJs. The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect!”

Above: Mary Harper, Josh, Mary Kate, Anderson & Amelia Kate Brown with Dixie

HOLIDAYS ON FRANKLIN TRANSIT

Franklin Transit is the easy way to get around Franklin and Cool Springs. We have friendly service, $1 one-way tickets, and more stops available every 30 minutes to get you where you need to go. From restaurants to shopping to historical sites.

JAMIE & LAURA FAIRCLOTH

MORE THAN A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Laura and Jamie Faircloth are the couple behind Pinewood Christmas Tree Farm in Williamson County. From Cypress to Douglas Fir trees to handmade wreaths and hot cocoa, they are a great Christmas activity destination! In 2015, they traded their city life for the country and bought a home to finally put down roots – their family’s and actual tree roots! Now they are living their dream.

WHAT DO YOU ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THE MOST DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON?

Opening day on the farm is like Christmas Eve for us, we are Santa and the elves getting all the toys set up and ready to be found by the kids – our customers – on Christmas morning. There is a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

Jamie says: “I moved to Nashville to continue my career as an instrumental saxophone artist. Music plays a huge part in my life – it’s my voice.” For Laura it’s all about the numbers: “I’m drawn to numbers and spreadsheets, she says. “I have been in accounting for almost twenty years, yet, all the crafts in our farm gift shop are handmade by me.”

WHAT KEEPS YOUR FAMILY MOTIVATED?

Jamie’s grandfathers were both preachers, farmers and

had full-time jobs. They have been such an inspiration to us. Farming was a source of their income, but it was also a way they gave back to the community. It motivates us to be good stewards of our farm and create a place open for everyone to experience. Our approach is, come enjoy our farm, we don’t care if you buy a tree! Take free hayrides, drink free hot chocolate and have a free visit with Santa.

WHAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU ALL INVOLVED IN?

Partnering with non-profits and other organizations has been part of our vision from day one. Jamie is the Community Lead for Starbucks stores in Williamson County. Through Starbucks and his music, he has organized and participated in organizations such as FrankTown, One Generation Away, Toys for Tots and Habitat for Humanity. We are very supportive of all organizations involved with adoption. Having adopted children, we have a special connection and are always looking for ways to help support others going through the process.

Learn more about Pinewood Christmas Tree Farm at pinewoodchristmastreefarm.com.

Biltmore

hen hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, fragrant wreaths, fresh greenery, and thousands of glittering ornaments are hung with care, people know Christmas at Biltmore has begun – and this year, that was November 4th

This time-honored tradition dates back more than 125 years when George Vanderbilt celebrated the first Christmas in his new home – Biltmore House. Guests are invited every year to enjoy the enchantment of the holidays on the estate, inspired by that first Christmas at the Biltmore House.

The First Christmas at Biltmore House

When George Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895, it was a joyous occasion. Estate records show that Vanderbilt paid close attention to every detail to ensure a memorable holiday experience for his guests. Requests were placed for a large Christmas tree in the Banquet Hall, mistletoe and holly were gathered, and hand-made garlands were hung throughout the house.

Vanderbilt also held a Christmas party for estate employees. Workers and their families were invited to Biltmore House on Christmas morning for a grand party with cake, ice cream and gifts galore. The Cecil family – Vanderbilt’s descendants and present-day owners of the estate – continues that tradition today and hosts a holiday celebration for employees and their families.

Christmas at Biltmore Today

The magic of the holidays continues today with Christmas at Biltmore, a special celebration offered in November and December. Known as one of the Southeast’s most elegant and awe-inspiring holiday travel destinations, the modern-day celebration is modeled after the estate’s first Christmas, with miles of the garden, hundreds of poinsettias, dozens of Christmas trees and an elaborately decorated thirty-five-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree in the Banquet Hall.

Olmsted-Inspired Design

Throughout 2022, Biltmore has been part of the national celebration of the 200th birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted, the estate’s landscape architect. For Christmas, Biltmore’s talented floral designers planned the décor in Biltmore House around a “Winter Landscapes” theme that brings the outdoors inside and honors Olmsted’s grand achievements.

A wintry forest of trees flanking the front doors of Biltmore House will welcome guests into the home for tours where they’ll encounter holiday finery suggesting snowy landscapes reminiscent of Boston Common, New York City’s Central Park and other well-known parks and landscapes designed by Olmsted.

Decorations are scaled to the maximum to transform an estate like Biltmore into the grand experience it is year after year. Décor in Biltmore House alone includes sixty-seven hand-decorated Christmas trees this year, more than 14,000 ornaments, 45,000 holiday lights, 250 candles, 1,000 feet of garland and 150 traditional poinsettias.

Two Christmas Experiences at Biltmore

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration

November 4, 2022 – January 8, 2023

This beloved tradition includes a daytime tour of Biltmore House while the estate is adorned with holiday decorations that number in the thousands. From Biltmore House to the Winery, Antler Hill Village and Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius, guests will want to linger on the estate to

experience all that Christmas at Biltmore has to offer.

The Magic of Candlelight Christmas Evenings

November 4, 2022 – January 7, 2023

During this nighttime tour, Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Luminaries dot the Front Lawn of Biltmore House, and thousands of tiny white lights adorn the Front Lawn’s fifty-five-foot-tall Norway Spruce. Inside the House, soloists and choirs perform traditional Christmas music, with the rooms taking on a magical glow as candles illuminate holiday decor.

“THIS TIME-HONORED TRADITION DATES BACK MORE THAN 125 YEARS WHEN GEORGE VANDERBILT CELEBRATED THE FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HIS NEW HOME – BILTMORE HOUSE.”

Left: The front entrance of Biltmore House.

Bottom Left: Biltmore’s Lodge Gate has served as the main entry point for over 120 years.

Below: Winter Garden Conservatory

Between seasons, the ornaments are housed in an off-site warehouse, where they are sorted, labeled and stored in hundreds of boxes.

Christmas at Biltmore Facts

7,370 yards of ribbon is used to decorate Biltmore House.

There are ten full-time floral designers and five part-time floral staff members.

5,000 lights will hang in the waterfall light display in Antler Hill Village.

1,960 traditional poinsettias are in the Christmas displays.

500 ornaments decorate the Banquet Hall Tree, and 13,870 ornaments are used inside Biltmore House.

45,000 lights and 250 candles are inside Biltmore House.

The Conservatory is decorated with “trees” made of potted plants and other natural materials.

Holiday Highlights

The Conservatory: Hundreds of holiday poinsettias in different colors and patterns warm up the inside of the Conservatory in the Winter Garden along with a large and unusual array of tropical plants.

Christmas Pop-Up Shop at A Gardener’s Place: Adding to the estate’s many shopping options, a Christmas pop-up shop will be stocked with everything needed to celebrate the season.

Wine Tasting & Dining: Reservations for complimentary tastings of Biltmore Winery’s handcrafted wines must be made on the day of a visit. Estate restaurants offer seasonal dishes and craft cocktails.

Holiday Stays at Biltmore

A stay at Biltmore for the holidays is a tradition for many families that releases the stress of hosting as Biltmore coordinates the details for the ultimate holiday experience without a single dish to wash or tree to trim.

Holiday packages are offered at the luxurious Four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, the Village Hotel and the Line House Cottages. Depending on the package, offerings include admission to Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius, Wine Welcome Socials, a Gingerbread House Display and more. To learn more, visit biltmore.com.

Conservancy Gala

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORENZO HUERTA

WHO: Centennial Park Conservancy | conservancyonline.com WHAT: Conservancy Gala Grand Finale: The Sky’s the Limit WHERE: The Parthenon at Centennial Park WHY: On November 5th, guests gathered to celebrate the past twelve years of success and the final Conservancy Gala. The Gala is Centennial Park Conservancy’s main fundraiser to support Centennial Park and the Parthenon.

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Mathew & Joanne Berns, Sutton & Peter Costanza

Morgan Karr & Gabriel Starner

Ann Ralls Brown, Liz Barcus & Anne Roos

Daniel Tun & Caroline Pratt

Julien Bass & Daniel Singh

Sandra Lipman & Laura Ancharley Niedwold

Katie Hittel & Justin Tam

COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOSTING THIS SEASON

his magical season has several reasons to make us pull our hair out! Whether it is the exhausting party circuit, the cooking, the relatives, gift buying and giving, or in general, getting your home, life and kids all set for Christmas – we could all use a few tricks of the trade to get us through with a bit more ease and a lot less strife! YOUR Williamson staff members and hostess extraordinaires, put together a little list of their favorite ways to combat the holiday mania! Enjoy!

HOSTING A HOLIDAY DINNER? HOW TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL WELCOME AT YOUR TABLE

BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

There is something momentous about hosting a dinner party. The first and of the utmost importance, is sending out invitations– paper, digital, text, etc. This will give you, as the host, a chance to inform guests of important information and communicate that you are expecting RSVPs. It is essential to know how many guests to expect and a polite gesture for guests to let you know if they will make it and if there will be a plus one or two.

Set the dress code. Whether fancy or casual, it is necessary to let guests know what to wear, so you are not receiving last-minute texts the day of. A fun twist: Get creative and assign a theme for the night; casino night, black tie, or PJs, whatever your prerogative; I am sure your guests will have fun dressing for the occasion.

At dinner parties, setting the mood is just as crucial as setting the table. That’s where music comes in– Curate some tunes to

get the party going in a way that fits the night’s vibe. You can create a customized playlist or browse various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube to find plenty of options!

Now it is time for the party to begin. Start the night by greeting everyone with a hug and a drink. Bubbly, Budweiser, Bacardi or water…whatever they prefer, be prepared to offer it up!

Appetizers are a must, and a charcuterie board is a beautiful option to satisfy all. Charcuterie boards consist of preserved foods, cured meats or pâtés, crackers or bread, and cheeses – A lovely choice for guests to munch on. You can elevate the experience by pairing wines and cheeses together – of course, this is only if you have ample time or desire.

You have been a guest, and whether you are apt to admit it or not, you know the daunting thought of, “Where do I sit?” So, save your guests the stress and create a seating arrangement.

You can customize their place setting with a name card and token – whether a note, a flower or a baked treat, it’s a kind gesture. Lastly, a seating arrangement shows you thought about whom they’d be best seated with and opens the door to new conversations with different people.

Bring out the fine china! Covered in dust and stuffed away, it is waiting for its moment to shine. So, pull it out, give it a rinse

and plate the dinner you have prepared (or catered; we don’t judge!). It will elevate the table aesthetic and is a much better gesture than disposables.

Don’t be afraid to host a gathering. Give yourself grace, look for inspiration and go for it! You will be surprised at how fulfilling it will be.

MAKING LIFE EASIER DURING THE HOLIDAYS

BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG

You know that exhausting moment on December 19th when you crawl in from work after sitting in Christmas shopping mall traffic? And what to your wondering eyes should appear, but your neighbors, your husband’s golf buddy and your cousin Suzy – with six kids in tow! It’s the holidays – so spread some instant cheer with these tips to keep your home and kitchen, holiday guest-ready at a moment’s notice!

Keep the house clear of those pesky tree needles and stray mistletoe balls and invest in a CORDLESS VACUUM that you can keep charged and ready to pick up minor messes at a moment’s notice. Even the kids can manage it and help!

Buy five CANDLES IN VARYING HOLIDAY SCENTS at the start of the season; Something Fir Tree, something Winter Snow, something Cranberry, and scatter them in your common area rooms. Keep lighters close by and accessible so as soon as the doorbell rings unexpectedly, you can light and create a festive and non-smelly atmosphere right away!

and bake with no muss or fuss!

Speaking of pre-planning: keep on hand cans of FROZEN ORANGE AND LEMON CONCENTRATE AND BREW UP SOME TEA by the gallon. This, too, can be kept frozen. Guests coming? Mix all that and add some fresh cranberries or sprigs of basil for color. It’s fabulous Tea Punch! This is also a great mixer for champagne or vodka if you need to pligh your guests with holiday “spirits.” It’s also a good idea, especially if you know you will entertain throughout the holidays or will have a party or two to attend yourself to just go ahead and buy a case of wine – mix red, white and champagne – and you are ready to serve or take a bottle as a hostess gift at any moment!

never even considered getting her a gift – there you go!

Buy holiday or festive COCKTAIL NAPKINS, PLATES AND CUPS – keep them tucked away for that moment when you haven’t run the dishwasher in over a week. If you are lucky enough to have crystal or glass wine glasses –go ahead and pull that stuff out! And maybe think about polishing the silver at the beginning of November… Those trays and serving pieces can come in handy and make you uber Martha Stewart looking for at least four months before they need to be polished again!

If you are really ahead of the game –FORM COOKIES AND FREEZE THE DOUGH IN READY-MADE BALLS to quickly pop in the oven. Or, make sure you buy three or four rolls of pre-made in your favorite holiday flavor – peanut butter, sugar or gingerbread, to slice

Speaking of HOSTESS GIFTS: buy five to ten unique ornaments and get small gift bags, tissue paper and cards. Wrap it in advance and have it in the closet. Co-worker got you something, and you

And lastly, and really a year-round trick of the trade of hostessing – buy MIXED NUTS, MULTI-PACKS OF CRACKERS AND KEEP HARD CHEESES AND/ OR BRIE or specialty cheese on hand at all times and voila – add some olives, grapes, jam or other favorite crudité. You’ll have a ready-made and seemingly fancy and well-thought-out party tray! Especially if you serve it on a silver platter!

HISTORIC HOME MORE THAN A BEECHWOOD

HALL

BY KATIE SHANDS

hey say old homes tell stories.

From cannonball scars in an antebellum floor to names etched in a wavy glass window, the details in historic houses connect us with the past in a tactile way that textbooks and roped-off museum exhibits just can’t provide. When we walk the rooms of these old places, we’re connected to a larger story. In the words of the late Williamson County historian Virginia Bowman, “It’s impossible to separate the old homes from the lives of those who built and occupied them.”

It’s in that vein we share the story of Beechwood Hall and the people, both free and enslaved, who called it home.

Our tale begins with a wedding gift in 1849. When Henry George Washington Mayberry married his second wife, Sophronia Hunter, her parents gave them a farm that was part of the larger family property. This fertile land was located along what is now Bear Creek Road in Leiper’s Fork.

H.G.W. already had a son, Edward, from his first marriage, but it wasn’t long before he and Sophronia began to grow their family. They became parents to Adelia (sadly, she died as an infant), Leonora, and Henry Mayberry. Henry would go on to become president of the Nashville Interurban Railway. This first electric commuter train system connected the big city to Franklin and later, Gallatin. He was also instrumental in creating Franklin’s first spring system.

BUILDING A FAMILY

HOME

H.G.W. and Sophronia began their married life in a large log house on their farm. They named it “Liberty Hall” in honor of the Mayberrys’ hometown of Liberty, Virginia. When this house burned in 1851, the couple decided it was time for an upgrade. For their new homesite, the Mayberrys selected a hill in the middle of a sixty-acre, shade-dappled

beech grove on their property. They hired the Lillie brothers as their contractors. These men were master architects who designed a number of other fine homes in this county, including Old Town on the Old Natchez Trace and Grassland on Hillsboro Road.

Beechwood Hall was completed circa 1856, using the labor of enslaved persons and materials sourced from the surrounding land. Not only was the home solid with six-inch-thick floors and fourteen-inch walls, it was a showplace. The twostory, brick house boasted a grand entrance hall, high-ceilinged rooms, and handcrafted millwork. The crowning feature, however, was the winding staircase that greeted visitors in the entryway. An ornately carved newel post anchored the black walnut steps that would be the centerpiece of many weddings, social events, and, much later, country music videos. The staircase was an engineering marvel with no visible support beneath it, and for years to come, architects visited the home to inspect the gravity-defying design.

REMEMBERING THE ENSLAVED PEOPLE

The Mayberry’s plantation eventually grew to become one of the largest in the county. In 1860, they owned more than 1,000 acres and at least forty-two enslaved people who lived in eight cabins on the property.

Though not many records exist to aid in telling the stories of those in bondage, we do know a bit about a man named Carey Mayberry, thanks to the excellent research of historian Tina Cahalan Jones.

Carey was enslaved by the Mayberrys, but after his emancipation, he married Louvenia Marshall (previously owned by Judge John Marshall in Franklin), in 1865. They started their family in a house near Beechwood Hall. Louvenia came into the marriage with a daughter, Emmaline, and

Left: Henry Mayberry Bailey, William Thomas Bailey, Robert Albert Bailey, Jr. (sons of Robert Albert Bailey, Sr. and Leonora Mayberry Bailey)

Top Right: Louise Bailey (married name Nunnelly), daughter of Robert A. Bailey, Sr. and Leonora Mayberry Bailey) in front of Beechwood

Bottom Right: Louise Bailey Nunnelly (daughter of Robert A. Bailey, Sr. and Leonora Mayberry Bailey) at Beechwood

the couple went on to have thirteen more children: Louisa, John, William, Columbus, Edith, Eddie, Thomas, Charlie, Frank, Annie, Genevieve, Carey, Jr., and Hattie May.

Despite such humble beginnings, many of their children and grandchildren grew up to be accomplished individuals. Their daughter Annie became a nurse. Grandson John Carnegie Mayberry served in the U.S. Army during World War I and later opened a dental practice in New Jersey. Great-granddaughter Marjorie Mayberry was an aviation cadet and member of the famous Women’s Army Corps.

But perhaps the most poignant achievement in the family belongs to Janet Patton, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Carey and Louvenia. In 1962, nearly 100 years after the Mayberrys were

emancipated, Janet was one of two first graders who desegregated Franklin Elementary School. What a fitting way to continue her ancestors’ legacy of strength and fortitude.

THE CIVIL WAR COMES TO BEECHWOOD HALL’S DOORSTEP

In the early years, Beechwood Hall was the site of many lavish parties. The Mayberrys would open the folding doors between the rooms on both sides of the spacious hall, creating a dance floor for their guests. In the glow of ceiling lamps, a live band would play popular songs like “The Virginia Reel’’ as hoop-skirted ladies twirled with men in frock coats.

The home also hosted its share of uninvited guests. During the Civil War, H.G.W. Mayberry was stationed in Atlanta as a Confederate captain, leaving Sophronia, the children, and a house servant alone at Beechwood Hall. On several occasions in H.G.W.’s absence, Union soldiers plundered the home. During the lootings, an armed guard would confine everyone to a locked

room while troops carried off silver, furnishings and food. Federals also burned the Mayberrys’ gin house, destroying $60,000 worth of cotton.

One night, a soldier fired through the front door, searching for a relative of the Mayberrys believed to be in hiding. When Sophronia told him no one was upstairs, the man fired into the library ceiling to be sure she was being truthful. The hole remained there well into the twentieth century.

Beechwood Hall also served as a makeshift hospital after the bloody Battle of Franklin in 1864. Sophronia took in a number of wounded men whom she often had to spirit away whenever Union troops returned to the house.

As with most plantation owners, H.G.W. incurred a considerable amount of debt due to the war. To avoid losing Beechwood Hall to the bank, he sold it to his son-in-law, Robert A. Bailey, Sr. Robert was married to the Mayberrys’ daughter, Leonora, and they raised five children at Beechwood Hall: Henry, William, Robert, Leonora and Louise. Their daughter Leonora was quite the socialite and even received a personal invitation to the Roosevelt White House when she was only eighteen years old.

FROM A COUNTRY MUSIC STAR’S HOUSE TO A DUSTY BARN

After Robert and Leonora died, the Bailey heirs auctioned off Beechwood Hall. It passed through a string of owners, including country music legend Hank Williams, Sr., in 1951. However, he never actually lived in the house. After some personal setbacks, Hank sold it the following year at a loss.

As time marched on, the old mansion deteriorated until it was re-purposed into a barn. Instead of blushing brides, the staircase held bales of hay. A farm truck dripped oil onto the floor in the entrance hall where finely dressed couples once danced. Long-gone were the elegant furnishings; lumber and machinery now filled the rooms. Just when all hope seemed lost, Harry and Betty Morel purchased Beechwood Hall and undertook a massive renovation in the late sixties. Despite the neglect, the house’s bones remained solid thanks to the excellence of the original building materials. The Morels gave the home a second life, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill later purchased Beechwood Hall, but never actually lived there. In 2021, they sold the property to the investor group BKDM who, in turn, sold it to local businessman Larry Keele.

AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Beechwood Hall has survived war, economic busts, abuse and the ravages of mother nature, but this may be its final hour. The home sat empty for years before Keele’s ownership, and after making the purchase, he hired a structural engineer who deemed it dangerous. Plans were drawn up for a new home to be built in place of Beechwood Hall. A rear addition from the 1970s was demolished, and the staircase’s banister and newel post were removed and placed in storage for safekeeping. However, the architect has since walked away from the project, saying he couldn’t be a part of tearing down the house.

Henry George Washington Mayberry

Henry Hunter Mayberry family

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has announced they are exploring preservation solutions with Keele and securing the home for winter. Though Keele has given no formal guarantee the house won’t eventually see the wrecking ball, he says he’s happily working with the Foundation and looking “at all potential options for the property.”

A grassroots effort is also underway to save Beechwood Hall. Preservationist Mary Pearce, Mike Wolfe of American Pickers fame, and LovelyFranklin.com co-founder Buffie Baril, are among those leading the charge. One of their main focuses is establishing a historic overlay for the county. Contrary to popular belief, inclusion

on the National Register of Historic Places doesn’t protect a property from destruction. Only a historic overlay would provide such a safeguard, which the unincorporated part of Williamson County doesn’t currently have. This type of zoning would require owners to obtain a demolition permit and undergo a 120-day waiting period before destroying a historic property. The group has started a petition to advocate for an overlay and to ask for a commitment from Keele to help preserve the home.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Historic preservation is about more than salvaging a structure. It’s about preserving the memory of the people who lived and worked there. It’s about connecting to and learning from our collective past. It’s about keeping the unique features that prevent a community from becoming cookie-cutter.

May this situation with Beechwood Hall be a cautionary tale to us all about the importance of caring for these properties. Indeed, old houses tell stories, and with each one that is lost, we rip out another page from Williamson County’s past. The future is yet unwritten for Beechwood Hall, but we sincerely hope it’s not the final chapter for this old house. For more information on efforts to preserve historic Beechwood go to williamsonheritage.org and SaveBeechwood.org.

trust CertaPro Painters of Nashville and Middle TN with your home painting project, we treat your property as if it was our own. We follow a process that ensures a beautiful, professional result that you’ll love. And it all starts with a free, no obligation estimate and a detailed proposal.

When

*Amount

with size of project. Must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with other offers. Not valid on current estimates or proposals. Available at CertaPro Painters® of Nashville and Middle TN. Exp. 12/31/22.

Present Day Beechwood Hall

Middle Tennessee Familiarity Among Principal Offerings at Mountain Commerce Bank’s Brentwood Financial Center

Entering the new Mountain Commerce Bank (MCB) Financial Center at 5205 Maryland Way in Brentwood, it’s hard not to notice a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps among the employees. It’s evident - even palpablethroughout the three-story brick building, and Andrew Barrett, MCB senior vice president and senior relationship manager, has a ready explanation.

“We opened our doors at the end of June,” Andrew said. “And while Brentwood and the surrounding communities are still getting to know the Mountain Commerce Bank name, most of us who work here are long-time Nashvillians and residents of Williamson County.”

Senior vice president and senior relationship manager Joshua Marsh adds, “In some cases, our leadership team members’ paths crossed long before coming to work at MCB, socially, professionally or both. So we’ve known one another - and the local area - for many, many years.”

It would seem that those connections not only make for a harmonious, collegial work environment - one firing on all cylinders - but, more importantly, they provide a solid foundation for great business and personal banking relationships between MCB and its customers.

In addition to Andrew and Joshua, the team at MCB’s Brentwood

Financial Center includes Janet Norman, vice president and branch manager; Hunter Reed, vice president and relationship manager; Samuel Stevenson, assistant vice president/credit analyst and portfolio manager; Alye Jarnigan, treasury management analyst; personal bankers Brad Ownby and Melissa Moss; and Amy Robertson, client service assistant. Collectively, the group has more than seventy years of banking and financial services experience, almost all of it in the Greater Nashville market.

The connection to middle Tennessee extends well beyond the team’s work lives. They have actively volunteered in the local community with the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Phoenix Club of Nashville, Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Leadership Brentwood and A Vintage Affair - in addition to their respective houses of worship.

“Our state-of-the-art technology and relentless focus on Responsive Relationship Banking have built a distinctive reputation that we believe sets Mountain Commerce Bank apart,” said Bill Edwards, MCB’s president and chief executive officer. “But equally important, we think, is having a solid team at each financial center location with a keen understanding of the local market.”

As they planned their expansion into the Greater Nashville area, Mountain Commerce Bankwith its century-long history in Tennessee - placed a heavy emphasis on ensuring that branch leadership was exceedingly familiar with the communities it would be serving. In the case of its Brentwood branch, Bill believes it’s ‘Mission Accomplished.’

“Our key team members all have strong local ties,” Bill noted. “That means we know and understand our customers, we’re familiar with the dynamics of the local market, and we’re heavily invested in both

our client’s and our community’s success. We want to see both prosper.”

“It is also worth noting,” Bill added, “that as one of the few Tennesseeheadquartered banks, funds on deposit at MCB are redeployed locally through loans to neighbors and community businesses, helping to build and grow the area economy. It’s an approach that benefits the entire area.”

So the next time you are driving to or through Brentwood, stop into the Mountain Commerce Bank Financial Center on Maryland Way, just east of Brentwood City Hall, and meet the team. There is a very good chance that you already know at least one of them!

MCB’s Brentwood branch is a full-service branch offering a wide array of personal and business banking products and services, including deposits, loans, financial planning and investments.

To learn more about how Mountain Commerce Bank can meet your banking and financial services needs, contact them at 615.283.5400 or visit them online at MCB.com.

NMLS# 417746

©2022 Mountain Commerce Bank Member FDIC.

STAFF POSSESSES AN EXTENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE GREATER NASHVILLE MARKET FROM A LOCAL’S PERSPECTIVE

MCB Brentwood staff: Joshua R. Marsh, Andrew Barrett, Samuel Stevenson, Hunter D. Reed, Janet Norman, Melissa Moss & Brad Ownby

SOCIAL

FRANKLIN

Veterans Day Parade

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MURPHY

WHO: City of Franklin | franklintn.gov WHAT: Veterans Day Parade WHERE: Main Street in downtown Franklin WHY: On November 11th, The City of Franklin remembered and honored all veterans at its Veterans’ Day Parade.

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

5239 Main St. Spring Hill, TN 37174 www.springhill-memorial.com 931-486-0059 plan ahead by calling our office or visiting

Daughters of the American Revolution

Max Hixon & John Mills

Gerry Smith, Morley Levine & Gregg Conroy

Kevin Hays, Kenneth Walden, Ron & Phyillis Pierce

Mike Moody & Pat Davis

Fred Rand, David Egan, Steve Millhollim & Doug Evans

Marvin Cox & Jackson Patterson

Harold Dye

Ershel Stewart

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

WITH LINEAGE BANK

The holiday season has finally arrived! Williamson County loves the holidays as we celebrate all December long with festivals, parades, candy cane hunts and much more. This month, we highlight local holiday festivities around Williamson County in mid to late December.

Dickens of a Christmas

Saturday, December 10 – Sunday, December 11

Downtown Franklin (Free Entry)

This two-day celebration has something for everyone. It recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin as the backdrop. There will be a variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens’ characters filling the streets. It’s a great festival you don’t want to miss!

Christmas Movies at the Franklin Theatre

There will be plenty of Christmas movies at the Franklin Theatre all month long! Tickets average around $10 to $12, depending on seat location.

• December 10 @ 10am – ELF

• December 12 @ 2:30pm – This Christmas

• December 13 @ 10am & 2pm – A Christmas Story

• December 18 @ 7pm & 19 @ 2:30pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

• December 19 @ 10am – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

• December 20 @ 10am, 22 @ 7pm, & 23 @ 10am – It’s a Wonderful Life

• December 21 @ 10am & 22 @ 2:30pm – The Polar Express

• December 21 @ 2:30pm & 22 @ 10am – White Christmas

Photos with Santa at Cool Springs Galleria

The one and only Santa Claus will be available for photos at the Cool Springs Galleria until December 24. So, stop by so your kids can share their last-minute gift requests!

Franklin Festival of Lights

November 25 – December 26 (5pm – 9pm)

$25 per car

This is Franklin’s biggest drive-through light show, featuring 200 displays over a mile-long course synced to festive music. All proceeds go to FrankTown Open Hearts.

It’s essential we locals show our support of these events and organizations. Chances are, you’ll run into one of us here at Lineage Bank. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Merry Christmas, Williamson County!

Downtown Branch: 120 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064

Cool Springs Branch: 3359 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067

THE

IN A TOY STORE

THE SENTIMENTAL STORY BEHIND NOLENSVILLE’S MOST BELOVED TOY SHOP

BY MADISON ROSE LOVELY

What started as a brilliant idea from a mother of four has become the most beloved toy shop in Williamson County. The Nolensville Toy Shop started as an idea when the owner, Heather, desperately needed a birthday gift in a pinch! Surprised by the lack of places to buy great kid’s gifts locally, she decided she wanted to create a place where folks could run in, find a quality present, have it gift-wrapped and be on their way! Located in a picturesque antique home, they have turned this iconic Nolensville landmark into the most magical toy store you’ve ever seen.

The moment you walk into this shop, you are transported back to your childhood as your imagination runs away with itself. Each corner has exceptional attention to detail as they have thought of every gift for every kind of kid. It’s an intentional space, filled with quality gifts, that upholds the definition of a welcoming local shop with a beautiful family story behind it.

Her business is a labor of love that is operated by her family. The whole family is involved in some way, plus her fabulous employees. Most of the time, you will see her long-time employee, Jillian, who keeps everything running smoothly for the customers. Two of her daughters have been on the payroll through the years, working behind the desk. Her fifteen-year-old son helps break down and take care of all the cardboard, while her six-year-old is starting to help label items with price tags. Her husband, a lawyer, helps get the company set up in many areas. He has even worked behind the counter a few times!

Many customers are surprised to find out they offer complimentary gift wrapping all year long! If you hang around, every Saturday in December, they host hot cocoa and cider on their iconic wrap-around porch.

Heather says, “One of the great services we offer is that you can call us, let us know what you need to pick up and we can have it already wrapped for you before you get here. If you are unsure what you need, tell us the age of the child and the price range, and we can text you a few pictures of toys to choose from.”

Christmas time is especially sentimental at the Nolensville Toy Shop, as the shop has watched many kids grow up. A handful of families have been coming since 2013 with their small children, getting photos with Santa and having siblings shop for each other as a tradition.

“We love hiding gifts behind the desk for

them so nobody’s surprise gets ruined. We have seen these children grow up through the years so it is very sweet to think of all those gifts we wrapped being opened on Christmas morning!”

The Nolensville Toy Shop also hosts Santa. Santa will be there twice during December, first on December 15th from 4pm–6pm, and then on December 20th from 4pm–6pm. This is a free event, so bring your kids and your camera! Visit the shop at 9895 Old Clovercroft Road in Nolensville, and learn more at nolensvilletoyshop.com.

Catie

Tanisha Haynes

Nick & Nan Zierden

Alex & Dottie Bullard

Monica Garvey, Don Giscon & Cindy Siler

Ed

37th Annual PumpkinFest

Historic downtown Franklin WHY: The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s

Annual PumpkinFest is middle Tennessee’s largest family Fall festival. With more than 70,000 people in attendance, the festival stretched along Main Street and its side avenues in downtown Franklin and offered tons of festive fun for people of all ages!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS RAE SCAN

David Abbott & Anthony Skinner

Kayla Mann, Lennon, Elias, Harrison Donini & Courtney

Jacob & Jessica Stillman

Whitney Cash & Dee Ann Bass

Ella Watts, Clara Knott, Ava Watts

Katie Adams, Elisa Robertson & Amy McClure

Whitney Wallace, Spencer Wallace & Julie Roberts Amber & Austin Turner

Carlos, Victoria & Johanna Trejo

Mama Tina & Kiersi Joli

Lauren Bradford, Emma Broyles & Tally Bevis

Sav Krasawski & Lucy Williamson

Libby Farmer, Veronica Rizzuto, Katie McVey & Alex Crabill

SOCIAL

STUDIO TENN Michael Feinstein in Concert

BY KATIE MURPHY

WHO: Studio Tenn | studiotenn.org WHAT: Annual Fall Benefit Concert WHERE: The Franklin Theatre WHY: Studio Tenn’s Annual Fall Benefit Concert hosted singer Michael Feinstein, who led a journey through the Great American Songbook. Studio Tenn is a professional regional theatre company and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization centered around innovative presentations of classic plays and musicals, celebrating the work of time-honored musicians.

Dinner prepared by Chef Thomas Tuggle

Live Music Till Midnight

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Julie & Bryan Saddler

Gene & Dian Gorsertt

Sandy Smolen & Linda Davis

Don & Mary Kravitz

Gigi Tomich, Ted Clayton & Ritchy Graham

Becky & Gary Starnes

Kerry Carroll & Colleen Kennedy

Garland & Jeanne Honeycutt, Melinda & Chuck Snider Bethni & Trent Hemphill

Sandy Murray, Patsy Kirby & Barbara Rhodes

Alex Heim & Rachel Steiner

Billy Robertson & Melinda Haines

Margie Doblee, Rebecca Sharby, Reda Witherow & Karen Corn

Kay Heller & Mell Ferrer

Arts & Culture

There never seems to be a shortage of arts and culture events to attend in middle Tennessee. Here are just a handful of upcoming art exhibits, music events, plays and more that we cannot wait to see!

This unique Nashville Ballet production features exquisite costumes and sets, live music by the Nashville Symphony, original choreography by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling, plus a brandnew, reimagined snow scene!

Mark Cabus’ acclaimed solo performance of the beloved holiday classic. In this ingenious adaptation, Mark Cabus takes on more than eighteen characters!

THE IMMERSIVE NUTCRACKER

December 1–31

immersive-nutcracker.com/nashville

The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family! For nearly 130 years, The Nutcracker has enchanted children around the world. Now your family can experience the timeless holiday tale like never before – brought to life on a majestic scale!

LEANN RIMES: JOY – THE HOLIDAY SHOW AT THE RYMAN

December 10

Ryman Auditorium ryman.com

Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and author LeAnn Rimes is helping fans dream of cooler temperatures and get into the holiday spirit with a special performance, Joy –The Holiday Show at the Ryman.

AMY GRANT & VINCE GILL: CHRISTMAS AT THE RYMAN

Ryman Auditorium ryman.com December 12–15, 17–18, 20–21

One of Music City’s most treasured traditions will return in 2022 with Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s beloved Christmas at the Ryman residency.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

December 2–17

Pull-Tight Players pull-tight.com

From television performances featuring Julie Andrews, Lesley Ann Warren, Brandy and Whitney Houston to its Broadway stage debut in 2013, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a musical that has delighted and charmed generations. This special production puts a fresh spin on a fairytale classic.

CHARLES DICKENS’

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 10–11

NASHVILLE’S NUTCRACKER

December 9–24

Tennessee Performing Arts Center nashvilleballet.com

STUDIO TENN studiotenn.org

You may think you know Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by heart. Still, you’ve never seen anything quite like actor-writer-director

MICKEY GUYTON: MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS

December 15–18

Nashville Symphony nashvillesymphony.org

Celebrate the most magical time of year with country music star Mickey Guyton as she joins your Nashville Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez for a night of holiday fun amid the splendor of the Schermerhorn. This one-of-a-kind symphonic spectacular will feature dancers, Broadway singers and some special guests, including Saint Nick himself.

NUTCRACKER! MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS BALLET

December 24

Ryman Auditorium ryman.com This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet! Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Get tickets now at nutcracker.com.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

December 30-31

Ryman Auditorium ryman.com

Continuing a Nashville tradition, twotime GRAMMY award winners Old Crow Medicine Show are set to ring in the New Year at Ryman Auditorium, performing for two consecutive nights with special guest Sierra Ferrell on December 30 guest Keb’ Mo’ on December 31

Jen

Elf on the Shelf Trivia

The Magic has arrived! Do you know the history of Elf on the Shelf? Test YOUR knowledge in this month’s Did YOU Know! 1. The Elf on the Shelf: A _______ Tradition was first published in 2004. 3. Places where Elves are sold are referred to as _________ centers. 4. There are over _______ million Elves flying around. 8. The Elf first made its debut in this Thanksgiving Parade in 2011. 10. On Christmas Eve, Elf on the Shelf has noticed that children do what in their beds while waiting for a visit from St. Nicholas? 11. This must be given to the Elf before they can receive their magic. 2. How many editions are there of the Elf on the Shelf book? 5. Scout elves and their families play a version of Hide and _____. 6. Elf on the Shelf always has a good report for children who tell the truth. What adjective does he use to describe them to Santa? 7. What disappears if anyone touches the Elf? 9. Elf on the Shelf first started as a ________ tradition.

8 9 10 11

many editions the Shelf book?

elves and their version of Hide and

on the Shelf always children who tell the does he use to describe

disappears if anyone

on the Shelf first while waiting for a visit from St. Nicholas?11.This must be given to can receive their magic.

are there of the Elf on their families play a _____. always has a good report for the truth. What adjective describe them to Santa? anyone touches the Elf? started as a ________ to the Elf before they magic.

3805 GREEN HILLS VILLAGE DRIVE, NASHVILLE TN 37215 | DIAMONDCELLAR.COM