Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2015 i Nashville Lifestyles Magazine

Holiday gift lists tend to take on a life of their own this time of year. Instead of fretting about who gets what, make one trip to the bookstore—local guys like Parnassus Books and BookMan BookWoman, especially—and stock up on a few Southern-inspired reads for whoever you have left to check off. For anyone who needs a good chuckle on their escape from reality, Rick Bragg has collected some of his most masterful stories in a book of essays, My Southern Journey: True Stories from the Heart of the South (Oxmoor House). From loving football to the art of piddling, his tales will resonate with anyone whose roots are planted firmly in the South. Along those same lines, Jay Williams has compiled a visual feast in John Baeder’s Road Well…

The morning after last month’s Country Music Association Awards, Kip Moore’s signature rasp sounds extra gravelly. He’d had a rough night—not because he’d been out partying with his fellow country stars, but because his 2 a.m. bus call was followed by hours of sleeplessness. Moore is mid-tour and promoting the triumphant release of his sophomore album, Wild Ones. The project, which ultimately took three years to make, was meant to capitalize on the success of his critically acclaimed 2012 debut, Up All Night. But when the Southern Georgia native began writing and recording songs that veered away from his radio-friendly number ones (including “Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck” and “Hey Pretty Girl”), he faced pushback and even flat-out rejection. “The whole time I felt like I knew what I wanted to…

Like many women who aren’t of supermodel proportions, Emilie Whitaker always had trouble finding pants that fit just right. It wasn’t until the petite South Carolina native’s mother brought her a pair of figure-flattering jeans from Brazil that an idea began to percolate: This is how denim was meant to fit real women, and she was going to introduce that style to the U.S. market. “A lot of times women have to make a choice between something that fits them and looks good. You don’t get to have both—and it often winds up looking matronly,” says Whitaker, CEO and cofounder of Beija-Flor Jeans. “That was the challenge I was finding. I was 25 when we started the company, and I wasn’t ready to make the jump to ‘mom jeans.’ I’m…

Having just returned again from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where Dr. Kent White was awarded his fellowship in the study of Neuromuscular Dentistry, it is no wonder his office is fittingly named the Center for Advanced Dentistry. If you’re like me, the first time you heard the words “neuromuscular dentistry,” you wondered exactly what that was. Fortunately, Dr. White is an expert at summarizing things in laymen’s terms. “After getting to know my patients and hearing their symptoms, I begin by utilizing my computerized technology to study and examine nerves and muscles in the face, head, and neck,” he says. “These sophisticated instruments [shown in the photos below] have years of successful use in many different medical specialties. In neuromuscular dentistry, I use them to…

In 1826, the state legislature voted to move Tennessee’s capital from Murfreesboro to Nashville. Music City became the permanent capital in 1843, when the city agreed to give land on the highest hill of the young city and help build a permanent capitol building. In 1828, Nashville resident Andrew Jackson defeated John Quincy Adams to become the seventh president of the United States. Jackson was the first president not hailing from one of the original 13 colonies, which drew great attention to Tennessee and Nashville. During this time, many newspapers started to cover the growing city, and businesses and merchants began taking advantage of the city’s new popularity. The excitement of the Jackson era, which lasted until his death in 1845, helped elect another president from Middle Tennessee, James K.…

Whenever Max and Benjamin Goldberg, the restaurateurs behind Strategic Hospitality, open a new joint, you can pretty much count on it being a good party. From Patterson House and Catbird Seat to Merchants, Paradise Park, and Pinewood Social, they’ve made a name for themselves in Nashville (and beyond) by opening places that are entertaining and unique, artistic and full of energy, and—as the brothers often say—the kinds of spaces where they want to hang out. Their latest project, Le Sel, is no exception. Set inside midtown’s Adelicia condominium building, Le Sel takes the spot of what used to be Music City Tippler—but unlike the Tippler’s dark, rustic interior, this new French concept is a feast for the senses, with its black-and-white striped floor, salmon-pink banquettes, and the centerpiece: a marble-topped…

Best place to pick up a holiday ensemble? The Mall at Green Hills, because I can find everything from casual to dressy. I also love Stacey Rhodes Boutique. —Janna Landry Favorite holiday dish to make? I love getting a whole duck from Porter Road Butcher and roasting it for our Christmas dinner. —Erin Byers Murray Favorite place to grab a holiday cocktail? 1808 Grille in the Hutton Hotel. The Flight 1808, a sampling of three Woodford Reserve bourbons, includes one from 1808 Grille’s own barrel —Lacey Keally Best holiday concert? Dave Barnes’ A Very Merry Christmas at Schermerhorn Symphony Center —Valerie Hammond Favorite baked goods to pick up for a party? The Pumpkin Spice Bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes —Alexa Lumb Favorite way to recover from Christmas dinner? A class…

Of all the Nashville homes that get decorated for the holidays, none can top the display at Belmont Mansion, where the staff covers nearly every square inch of the space with holiday cheer—just as they did when Adelicia Acklen first built the estate in the mid 1800s. To fully soak up the festivities, consider joining Belmont Mansion’s Christmas dinner on December 4 or luncheon on December 5. The dinner ($150 per person) starts with a trolley ride to a nearby home for cocktails, followed by a return to the mansion for a three-course meal featuring beef Wellington—as well as music, free rein to meander through the mansion, and a visit from “Mrs. Acklen” herself (or at least a solid lookalike). Lunch ($65 per person) is also a three-course meal, featuring…

Call it one epic victory lap: Chris Stapleton—who swept last month’s CMA Awards, winning New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year—will perform for an audience of about 150,000 at this year’s Jack Daniel’s Bash on Broadway. The announcement was made well before those awards were handed out, but we’re guessing this will only add to the momentum propelling the local hero into 2016. Meanwhile, the bash itself is bigger than ever, welcoming five other acts to its stage: headliners Kings of Leon, along with Sugar + the Hi-Lows, The Whigs, Wild Cub, and Kelsea Ballerini—all of whom you can catch for free before the music note drops at midnight amidst a shower of confetti and fireworks. Here’s to a very rowdy new…

Luna Record Shop Sisters Calvert Gentry McMahan and Brenna Gentry are fourth-generation Franklinites on a mission to re-create the old-school record shopping experience, à la Grimey’s, in their neck of the woods. The Factory at Franklin’s most recent retail addition, Luna Record Shop, embraces a “vinyl lifestyle”—which means you’ll find new and used records of all genres along with a dedicated section of music-inspired gifts. (lunarecordshop.com) High Class Hillbilly Resident country vixen Nikki Lane has a not-so-secret side venture: curating killer vintage finds. The latest iteration of her ever-evolving High Class Hillbilly boutique is located in a far-flung East Nashville building and houses an eclectic mix of embroidered duds, fringed boots, and other funky accessories—many of which she scoops up while on tour. (highclasshillbilly.com) Hatch Show Print ’Tis the season…

For her : apparel Cozy knits and luxe layers For her : jewelry  Party-perfect accessories in shades of burgundy and gold For her : beauty Glam gifts for the girl who loves to get all dolled up For him Fresh updates for your favorite guy’s wardrobe For home Chic decor for all of your holiday entertaining needs…

“I wanted to do this right,” says Genie Lockwood of her new children’s store, Arcade, set in Hillsboro Village. A Nashville native, Lockwood returned to her hometown after a decade in New York City, where she worked in vintage furniture and prints. “I love the thrill of the hunt,” she adds, “regardless of the medium.” What originally started as an idea for a furniture store quickly evolved into a children’s shop thanks to life with her own kids, Oscar and Roman, who are ages two and three. “Motherhood has been such a huge but great shift,” Lockwood says. “I’m drawn to the same things that they are, such as bright colors.” Arcade carries books, toys, and clothing—and the store itself is a destination for parents and kids alike. There’s a…

Kelly Stewart joined the local outdoors club Nashville Hiking Meetup in 2007 as a way to meet new people and get healthy. He had no idea that within a few months he would be leading hikes—or that soon after that he would officially take over as group leader when the founder moved across the country. Last year, Stewart decided to take it a step further and start the Tails of the Trail program, which pairs hikers with local shelter dogs for some much-needed exercise and TLC. Sparked from an article featuring a similar premise and backed by positive feedback on social media, Tails of the Trail quickly went from an idea to a go. “[We] took the dogs about four miles away to the Harpeth River State Park and walked…

Although Nashville and the country suffered a severe economic downturn from the Panic of 1893, this era boasts several landmark events. Captain Tom Ryman opened his grand Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892, which was the largest auditorium south of the Ohio River. Renamed for Ryman after his death in 1904, the religious hall also hosted conventions as well as the world’s best performers and speakers—including President Teddy Roosevelt and William H. Taft. For the first time, thousands could gather indoors in Nashville. Also in 1892, Joel O. Cheek created one of the most successful American brands: Maxwell House Coffee. The popular coffee was the first product to incorporate the city into its brand (thus giving it national exposure), as every Maxwell House package contained the words “Nashville” and the image…

BMW OF NASHVILLE ALL-NEW 7 SERIES With its elegant contours, rich features, and potent muscle, the all-new BMW 7 Series sets the benchmark for luxury-performance sedans. The 7 Series boasts a stronger than steel yet 50% lighter Carbon Core design, which provides the 7 Series with a lower center of gravity and the ability to reach higher levels of performance. Visit bmwofnashville.com . MMRS LAW IT’S ABOUT TRUST MMRS brings broad experience, talented thinking, and strong connections to the bench, bar, law enforcement, and government agencies. No strangers to the toughest of legal crises, they are fearless and determined advocates. MMRS attorneys are prepared to stand with their clients no matter the challenge they face. Visit mmrslaw.com . ELAN OUR KIDS TOY DRIVE ELAN…

What happens when two college cohorts come together inside a black box theater with a live band, a bar, and special guests? The Ben & Morey Show, Nashville’s own late-night talk show. The weekly performance, which the duo puts on at the Centennial Performing Arts Studios on Thursday nights, has featured local celebs like former Tennessee Titan Eddie George, a professional puppeteer, and “Santa” of Santa’s Pub fame. With producer Davis Hunt, Oddo and Hill (whose day jobs include public relations and launching a startup) are putting on a grassroots show—and nailing it. (The last show of 2015 is on December 10, and tickets are $10 at the door; facebook.com/ benandmoreyshow) Ages: 26 (Oddo) and 25 (Hill) Our town: Hill believes Nashville is the perfect location for this particular show and…

This year marks the first Holiday LIGHTS show at Cheekwood, which has been a long time coming for the historic botanical gardens. After years of discussion and 18 months of planning, the display of 750,000 lights will twinkle through January 3. “Why 2015? Because I was crazy enough to agree to do it this year,” quips Patrick Larkin, Cheekwood’s senior vice president of gardens. Building on past, smaller holiday displays, the Cheekwood team decided to expand in the hopes of creating a new tradition for Nashvillians. The overall experience will feature everything from the lights to live reindeer, s’mores pits, carolers, a model train, a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree, and a Norman Rockwell exhibit showcased in the mansion. “There are actually different feels for the different areas of the gardens as…

“I’ve never performed with an orchestra before, so this will be a first,” confesses Grammy-winning artist Miranda Lambert. This year’s Harmony Award recipient will be accompanied by the Nashville Symphony for a one-of-a-kind collaboration during the 31st annual Symphony Ball—the organization’s largest fundraiser. Set to take place on December 12 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, co-chairs Sarah Reisner and Laura Niewold will host an evening of old Hollywood glamour complete with Lambert and the orchestra’s dynamic musical performance. This year’s co-chairs are seasoned veterans when it comes to throwing lavish events inside the Laura Turner Concert Hall: Niewold co-chaired the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show in 2012, and Reisner co-chaired last year’s Ballet Ball, where she worked with event designer Bruce Pittman. “When Laura and I first met with [Pittman] to…

About five months after launching Draper James online, actress Reese Witherspoon has opened the flagship storefront of her thoughtfully curated collection of apparel, accessories, home decor, and gifts. The lifestyle brand pays homage to the star’s Nashville roots—with items like the Cheekwood bag, Belle Meade dress, and Hermitage cardigan—as well as the craftsmanship of the American South. Inspired by familial memories—the company is named after Witherspoon’s grandparents Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon—and a desire to honor her Southern heritage, the cofounder and creative director chose her hometown for the brand’s premiere retail location. The 3,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar in 12 South was designed to emulate the inviting warmth of a modern Southern home, from the front awnings in the brand’s signature blue-and-white stripes to the mudroom storing rain boots and coats…

When Southern California native Katie Convertino, the designer behind June Park children’s apparel, learned that her husband had been accepted to a master’s program at Vanderbilt University in 2012, she didn’t foresee herself planting roots in Nashville. “I said, ‘We’re moving for two years and that’s it, then we’re going back,’” she recalls. “[But] we’ve really fallen in love with the city.” The demands of her husband’s program coupled with being new to town left Convertino looking for something to do outside of her full-time job at a software company. Desiring a creative outlet, Convertino took up sewing. What began with designing Halloween costumes for her nieces and nephews evolved into developing a line of baby and toddler clothing and accessories. In April 2014, Convertino launched June Park with a…

While the national debate over health care—and its increasing costs—rages, at least one Nashville entity is working to keep out-of-pocket rates down for locals. Advanced Health Partners, which in two short years has become the largest independent private physicians group in Middle Tennessee, has been growing thanks to radiologist Chad Calendine, whose mission is to offer both quality and cost savings. By the end of this year, the group will be 200 physicians strong and cover 28 specialties; they also work with all commercial healthcare insurance providers. “We really wanted to find a way to treat patients better,” says Dr. Calendine. Advanced Health Partners does that namely by offering services that in some cases, like MRIs, cost 70 percent less than what one might pay when getting the same service…

Nashville has always been a boomtown. Since its founding in 1779, it’s been home to successful businesses, impressive buildings, famous musicians and other creative types, religious leaders, educators, and civic-minded individuals. In 2013, The New York Times deemed Nashville a new “It city,” crediting recent events—like the popular ABC television show Nashville—for the moniker. Grateful as we are, there are plenty of other factors that led us to that moment. Putting Nashville’s rise into perspective requires going back to the earliest days of our history and exploring 30 milestones that helped shape the city we know today. 1779 James Robertson and John Donelson lead an early group of settlers down the Cumberland River to eventually start the city of Nashville. 1828 Nashville resident Andrew Jackson defeats John Quincy Adams to…

Due to Nashville’s central geography, low labor costs, pleasant climate, and easy access to many major U.S. markets by boat and rail, Nashville’s manufacturing exploded during this era. General Shoe Company (now Genesco), May Hosiery, and Werthan Bag Company shipped their Nashville-made products around the country. Insurance companies and banks thrived as Union Street became known as “the Wall Street of the South.” Businessman James E. Caldwell and his son, Rogers, controlled banks, insurance companies, department stores, and cotton mills. Rogers Caldwell teamed up with another prominent Nashvillian, former U.S. Senator Luke Lea, the owner and founder of The Tennessean. Lea and Caldwell acquired the Memphis Commercial Appeal and Knoxville Journal. In 1927, Lea—one of the developers of the city of Belle Meade—donated 868 acres to Nashville to establish a…

Our budding city is facing staggering growth, with an estimated 11,000 people moving here each year. Luckily for us, many of those folks are opening businesses, bringing fresh ideas, much-needed services, and even a few indulgences to town. As 2015 draws to a close, we take a look back at the most exciting local launches over the past year. These are the companies, people, and ideas that are moving Nashville forward; we hope this list motivates you to check out all the ones you might’ve missed. Because before we know it, 2016 will be here—bringing with it another heap of new arrivals. —Erin Byers Murray Food & Drink 5TH & TAYLOR Go for the stunning, industrial-chic interior; stay for the Elvis Moon Pie dessert. 1411 5th Ave. N., 615-242-4747;…

At Vivek Surti’s holiday meals, there are no kids’ tables—there’s hardly a table at all, in fact. “We put everything out on the island or buffet, family-style, set out some plates, and just hang around eating all day. It’s so much more fun that way,” says Surti. The Manchester-raised, self-taught cook started hosting pop-up dinners, dubbed the VEA Supper Club, in 2011 as an outlet for his not-so-secret interest in cooking. The gatherings have ebbed and flowed over the years, with recent meals taking place at Fifty First Kitchen and Bar as well as Hattie B’s. The theme is usually a collision of Surti’s Indian and Southern roots, which marry surprisingly well no matter where he’s cooking. For this year’s holiday spread, consider Surti’s new take on some of your…

It’s time to spread the holiday spirit(s). We asked three local pros for their tips on what bottles to buy as your calendar fills up with family gatherings and office social hours. (Just be sure to stay smart by planning ahead for a safe ride home.) Happy holidays! WHAT TO BRING TO: The Office Holiday Party Wine Pro: Will Motley, Woodland Wine Merchant In this age of social media, that photo of you with the lampshade on your head will travel around the world faster than Santa on his sleigh—meaning you need to moderate your consumption at the office party. Instead, impress colleagues with your wine knowledge by considering a bottle of Armagnac. Motley’s pick: Francis Darroze 20-Year Bas-Armagnac Les Grands Assemblages. At $120 a pop, it might eat up…

HOLIDAY SELECTIONS Whatever your reason to celebrate, now is the season to serve up your best to guests, family and friends. With that in mind, we’ve collected a sampling of special beverages that warrant inclusion in your festivities and gift selection. Cheers to you during this most wonderful time of the year! WOODFORD RESERVE MASTER’S COLLECTION 1838 Style White Corn This tenth offering in a series honoring our Woodford County Distillery and its owner Oscar Pepper and Master Distiller James Crow continues in applying the men’s handcrafted methods to a variety of grain recipes, fermentation styles and maturation. The use of white corn instead of traditional yellow corn complements additional grains in the whiskey and allows for a sharper whiskey that’s lighter in body with a softer, sweeter, fruit-forward profile.…