Nfocus May 2020

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At Home With Nfocus How our readers are sheltering in place

Enjoying the View Take a tour of Kathryn Brown’s breathtaking backyard retreat

Cheekwood in Bloom: What you missed and what's in store for the estate and gardens

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Les Pétales Place Vendôme Collection

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MAKE YOUR HOME, YOUR HAPPY PLACE

S OPHISTICATED S IMPLICITY AT 911 D ORSET D RIVE IN D ORSET P ARK $1,639,900 BUILT BY CASTLE CONTRACTORS, POOL AND SPA BY SITE WORKS. PRIVATE FENCED BACKYARD, LARGE COVERED PORCH WITH FIREPLACE, MAIN FLOOR MASTER SUITE WITH HIS AND HER’S CLOSETS, 4 BR 4.5 BATHS, 3 CAR GARAGE. E NERGY STAR CERT .

G RACIOUS I N -T OWN C IRCA 1920’ S E STATE AT 3948 W OODLAWN D RIVE $2,500,000 TASTEFULLY RESTORED AND RENOVATED WITH MODERN AMMENITIES AND STUNNING DETAILS BY VINTAGE MILLWORKS. 4 BR SUNROOM, OFFICE EXQUISITE PRIVATE DRESSING ROOM, 3 CAR CARRIAGE HOUSE, PRIVATE BACKYARD WITH POOL,

PRETTY IN WHITE WITH SPACE TO SPARE 3823 TRIMBLE ROAD $2,572,000 ENTERTAIN AND LIVE IN STYLE. 5/6 BEDROOMS 6 FULL AND 2 HALF BATHS, IN-LAW SUITE OR BONUS ROOM WITH PRIVATE ENTRANCE, RESORT STYLE POOL AND SPA, OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND DINING AREA AND COVERED VERANDA.WITH FIREPLACE.

CUSTOM SHOWHOUSE IN ANNANDALE AT 298 JON ES PARKWAY, BRENTWOOD $2,295,000 COLORADO INSPIRED, SOARING CEILINGS, WOOD BEAMS, STUNNING MASTER WITH HIS & HER’S DRESSING ROOMS, 5 BR WITH 6.5 BA. PRIVATE GUEST QUARTERS, PUB ROOM, WINE VAULT, MEDIA ROOM, FOUR CAR GARAGE. TWO TIERED SPA/WATER FEATURE.

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DA P H N E Quirky | Pretty | Home 3820 Charlotte Avenue | Nashville, TN 37209 615.942.5583 | daphnehome.com 2 >> MAY 2020 | nfocusmagazine.com


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Features & Amenities

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Contents May 2020 | Vol. xxvii, No. 5

features 13

At Home With Nfocus

8

Our readers show us how they’re sheltering in place 25

10

What’s Cooking

52

In Bloom

54

Force of Nature

56

Coming Soon

Best Behavior Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Behind the Scenes 60

Nretrospect The origins of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Step Inside

13

Local Flavor

Nstyle Steeplechase entertaining tips from event planner Mary Huddleston

Enjoying the View A closer look at Kathryn and David Brown’s functional and beautiful outdoor spaces

48

Armistead-Clinton vows

Bare Bones Butcher brings fresh meats, hot sandwiches and local groceries to The Nations

A sneak peek at the new gardens and installations at Cheekwood 44

59

Taking Vows

Hastings Architecture breathes new life into a midcentury building

Cheekwood’s Peter Grimaldi on the estate’s day-to-day operations during the closure and what’s next 38

In Our Words

Getting to know The Nashville Food Project’s Tallu Schuyler Quinn

Capturing the arrival of spring at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens 36

58

The joy of staying in

Getting in the kitchen with some of Nashville’s best chefs 34

departments

34

Quarantine Reading List

25

Local authors and community leaders recommend their favorite books to read while you shelter in place

13

44

ON THE COVER

Kathryn Brown photographed at home by Daniel Meigs. For more on Kathryn’s outdoor living spaces, check out our story on page 44.

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Where finding the perfect home is WORTH the search. .. 1816 PACE HAVEN

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CAROLINE COOK 615.498.7236

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BARBARA BREEN 615.390.3736

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SHELLY BEARDEN 615.478.2444 ROB BEARDEN 615.574.9808

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Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Abby White, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Steve Lowry, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director marketing manager

Advertising

Ali Foley

Olivia Moye

Jennifer Trsinar Daniel Williams senior account executives Maggie Bond, Debbie DeBoer, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Stevan Steinhart, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty account coordinator Emma Benjamin publisher

advertising director

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Casey Sanders

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton creative director Heather Pierce IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Thursday, May 14, 2020. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call DANIEL WILLIAMS at 615-744-3397. Copyright ©2020 FW Publishing, LLC.

IN O UR WO RD S

Home Sweet Home The joy of staying in Greetings from my home to yours! What a month it’s been, huh? How have you spent your newfound time at home? Have you been productive? Have you started new projects or revisited old hobbies? Have you found joy in cooking? Have you eaten too much and binge-watched Tiger King? In the absence of any parties this month, we thought it would be fun to see how our readers are sheltering in place. Our photographer Eric England made a few socially distant house calls to capture some friends of Nfocus at home. Find out what they’ve been up to on page 13. And if you’re looking for ways to pass the time, check out our Quarantine Reading List on page 48. We asked local authors and community leaders to tell us their favorite books.

I don’t know about you, but spending time outdoors has been a saving grace for me. Whether it’s walks through my neighborhood or cocktails on my patio, getting outside in nature every day has kept me sane. With that in mind, we decided to check in on some of Nashville’s most beautiful natural spaces. Peter Grimaldi, Cheekwood’s vice president of gardens and facilities, gave us a private tour of Cheekwood in Bloom (page 34) and a sneak peek at the estate’s newest gardens (page 38). And when it comes to breathtaking private gardens, Kathryn Brown’s spectacular backyard oasis is a sight to behold. Get the full story behind the project on page 44. I hope these gorgeous natural spaces inspire you and bring you a sense of peace. Hang in there! BY NANCY FLOYD

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

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Hello Nashville Hello Nashville

Now, more than ever, we are in full swing. We are safely behind the scenes forever, eachwe of are you. Now,working more than in full swing. We are safely behind the scenes working for each of you.

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WITH GUNITE POOL, SPA + WATERFALL • 2.1 ACRES 5 BR, 5 FULL BA, 2 HALF BA • 6,205 SF • $2,150,000 EMILY LOWE, 615.509.1753

SOLD

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5000 TOLL ROAD COURT - WILLIAMSON COUNTY SIGNIFICANT SALE: REPRESENTED BUYERS SALES PRICE: $885,000 RICKY HAYNES, 615.708.2264

5000 TOLL ROAD COURT - WILLIAMSON COUNTY SIGNIFICANT SALE: REPRESENTED BUYERS 2002 Richard Jones SALES PRICE: $885,000 RICKY HAYNES, 615.708.2264

4101 KATHERINES BRANCH LANE - ARRINGTON KINGS CHAPEL • GATED COMMUNITY OUTDOOR FIREPLACE • OPEN FLOOR PLAN 4101 BRANCH LANE ARRINGTON 4 BR,KATHERINES 3 FULL BA, 1 HALF BA • 3,770 SF •-749,999 KINGS CHAPEL • GATED COMMUNITY CHRIS MANNINO, 615.299.7995

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37215 |

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Harvesting Community

Getting to know The Nashville Food Project’s Tallu Schuyler Quinn Tallu Schuyler Quinn’s resume lists a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master of Divinity and time working with farmers in Nicaragua, and these seemingly unrelated accomplishments come together perfectly for her role as CEO of The Nashville Food Project (TNFP). Since 2009, she’s been involved in the nonprofit, whose mission is “to bring people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food, with the goal of The Basics creating community and alleviating hunger.” GarName: Tallu Schuyler Quinn dens play a crucial role in Profession/Title: Founder carrying out that mission. and CEO of The Nashville TNFP production gardens Food Project yield fruit and vegetables Hometown: Nashville for its meal programs at Zip Code: 37204 partner agencies. In 2014, Years in Nashville: All my life, except for about a decade Tallu started Growing away at school Together, a garden proNumber of emergency gram that helps refugee meals TNFP served in farmers within Nashville’s March: 10,695 Burmese and Bhutanese communities use their skills and knowledge to earn personal income by selling their produce at farmers markets and to TNFP. While social distancing directly conflicts with TNFP’s mission of bringing people together, Tallu and the staff are learning (or maybe remembering) that true community isn’t reliant on proximity. They continue to share stories, nourish the community and meet expressed needs, even without the physical presence of volunteers, by adapting and responding in new ways, including supplying meals to those who are providing emergency care to communities and weekly grocery shares to out-of-work hospitality and restaurant workers. Growing Together produce can be purchased online in the absence of farmers markets. When Tallu’s not running TNFP, you can find her at home with husband, Robbie; children, Lulah and Thomas; kitties, Ginger and Molly; and two hermit crabs, Gingersnap and Teddy, that they received as “gifts” from her parents, who live at the beach. She opened up to us about working with her hands, vegetables to try and what’s on her bucket list. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

You have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in papermaking and bookbinding and now run a nonprofit that grows, cooks and shares food. What does working with your hands mean to you? I love this question! My mom is an artist and calligrapher, and my dad is a songwriter. My two brothers are artists and musicians, as well. Working with my hands comes naturally to me, and it wasn’t until I met my cerebral husband who was always praised for the gifts of his mind that I realized not everyone grows up knowing how to make things and do stuff with their hands. I love to recover value from stuff — whether it is turning ho-hum refrigerator vegetables into dinner or mending clothes. I love it, because this is the work of problem-solving small scale. At The Nashville Food Project, the scale is enlarged; we recover edible food and cook it up into nutritious meals for our community. We plant seeds and share the harvest. [It’s] problem-solving on a community scale, and all are invited into this work. It’s not the whole solution but part of it. What’s the most unusual or interesting vegetable(s) farmers are growing that you recommend people try? Mustard greens are a huge part of their diets and cultures, and there are so many delicious ones to try. Baby mustards are so good in a salad (raw) or cooked up as braised greens. Lemony roselle leaves are gorgeous to eat raw (similar to sorrel), and I have enjoyed using the pods to make jams and tea (hibiscus!).

Are there any new vegetables farmers started growing based on local demand? Such a great question — yes! Like any farmer, Growing Together farmers love earning money through farming, so they adapt their crop plans based on what they know sells at market! Some that come to mind include head lettuce, lettuce mix, arugula [and] kale. Some were apprehensive of these crops at first, but now, they love them because they see how well they sell. What’s one thing you want to cross off your bucket list? Write a book! What’s your favorite local event? I love Salon@615 events! For some peace and quiet, where do you go? Bells Bend Park, Beaman Park What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? That often — not always, but often — what we are here to do is more important than how we feel about doing it. What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? I hope we never lose our collaborative spirit. For more on The Nashville Food Project and Growing Together, visit thenashvillefoodproject.org.

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For the full interview with Tallu, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

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At Home With Nfocus In the absence of any events this spring, we miss seeing your smiling faces in the pages of our magazine. And since there are no parties for our photographers to attend, we thought we’d bring our photographers to you. We asked a few of our readers to show us how they’re sheltering in place — what they’re cooking (or ordering in), what they’re reading and what they can’t wait to do when life returns to normal. Keep reading to find out how some of our friends are spending their newfound time at home and who they’re sharing it with. And check back next month to see even more familiar faces. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Laura Niewold With Sam

What are you doing to stay connected? During this difficult time, I have stayed sane by walking the park and neighborhood several times a day with my wonderful friends! Also, I am staying connected with my bridge friends by Zoom and Bridge Base. What meal have you made most often? My husband, Charlie, is a wonderful cook, and we often eat fish and broccoli for dinner followed by chocolatecovered almonds from The Peanut Shop. Have you tackled any projects that were lingering on your to-do list? I have enjoyed organizing family photos and cleaning out my basement. What have you been reading and/or watching? I have been watching Ozark season 3, Killing Eve and Homeland. They are dark and suspenseful TV shows but a great way to escape. What is the view like from your work-from-home space? My desk has a perfect view of my fountain, which is peaceful. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first thing you’ll do? I look forward to attending my Barre3 class, lunch at 360 and dinner anywhere with friends. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? 360 Bistro. I love their chicken Milanese and Brussels sprouts. What spring fundraising event are you missing most? The Symphony Fashion Show is such a fun event, and I am so happy that it was not canceled and has nfocusmagazine.com MAY 2020 << been rescheduled for August.

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS What are you doing to stay connected? I walk in the parks, and we work in the gardens. We watch news only once a day. We decided to each try to call someone daily we have not talked to in a bit. We share our conversations with each other at dinner. What meal have you made most often? We have eaten a lot of homemade soups. What have you been reading and/or watching? I am again reading Pillars of the Earth — we have time, right? We have watched Ozark, The Stranger, Night Manager, Killing Eve, Pandemic, Tiger King, Anne with an E, Blue Planet, caught up on Antiques Roadshow ... shall I go on?? What is the view like from your work-fromhome space? When I look out my office window, I see many pink and white dogwoods intermingled and blooming. Fresh green leaves on deciduous plants surround many blooming irises. I am not sure if this spring is more beautiful, or if I see it more clearly with life as it is. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first thing you’ll do? When I can again go out, I will attend Barre class, visit every garden center I love, Cheekwood and 360 all in one day! When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? I look forward to my favorite meals and fellowship with friends at 360 Bistro and Sperry’s. What spring fundraising event are you missing most? Symphony Fashion Show is always a lovely spring event.

Lisa and David Manning With Sully and Jake

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS

Suzanne and Grant Smothers With Mann, Murphy, Sugar Sweet and Smokey

Have you tackled any projects that were lingering on your to-do list? We were lofty at achieving goals on the front end. Lots of cabinet wiping and cleaning out. Polished silver early on. Cleaned the garage. Pressure-washed the decks and porches. Been working on our first family puzzle, and it’s still not finished. We are not a sit-still family to see puzzles through to completion.

AtHome.indd 15

Have you picked up a new hobby or reignited an old interest? Bike riding as a family (with Sugar Sweet, the Bichon Frise dog). We have also been golfing often at Richland as a family. What have you been reading and/or watching? I am not a reader. I am not a big TV watcher, either, but I have watched Tiger King and started on Ozark. We’ve been watching Stranger Things

as a family, and Grant and the boys watch Psych, Burn Notice and MacGyver. What is the view like from your work-from-home space? We share an office on the side of our house. There is a beautiful dogwood tree right outside the window, so we always get to see pretty birds visiting the bird feeder. The boys both have built-in desks in their rooms and are doing their Zoom

classes from their rooms. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? True Foods lunch with my girlfriends (Suzanne), Nordstrom Cafe so he can shop after (Mann), The Palm (Grant), Mexican (Murphy) and BrickTop’s as a family. What spring fundraising event are you missing most? Steeplechase

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS

Alice Farquhar and Max Goldberg With Jolene and Onyx

What are you doing to stay connected? We have both been FaceTiming family members on a daily basis, Max’s here in the states and Alice’s family in London. With friends, we have been using Houseparty and having virtual cocktails. We are lucky that Max’s mom, Sylvia Rapoport, lives down the street, so we have been doing drive-by visits with her, delivering food and smiles from a safe distance. She had an evil case of COVID-19 but kicked its butt. Vanderbilt hospital played a lifesaving role, and we will forever be grateful to them. What meal have you made most often? Anything from our weekly deliveries from The Party Line or Pinewood Social, obviously! We just got Mee McCormick’s book My Pinewood Kitchen: A Southern Culinary Cure and are excited to make her food. Have you picked up a new hobby or reignited an old interest? We are taking time to read a lot of those books we have been collecting. When time allows, we have been practicing social distancing on the golf course. What have you been reading and/or watching? We don’t watch a ton of television but when we do, Line of Duty, Luther, Ozark and anything with David Attenborough’s voice. Alice is reading a book written by our dear friend and nearby neighbor, Layng Martine Jr.’s Permission to Fly: A Memoir of Love, Crushing Loss, and Triumph. Max has started Sherry Deutschmann’s book, Lunch with Lucy, and can’t put it down. What spring fundraising event are you missing most? Max was really excited to serve on the auction committee for Swan Ball for another year and is sad this year will pass without the event. The Frist Gala sounded amazing: a partnership with the Tate in London to celebrate J.M.W. Turner — a legend of British art and a little slice of (Alice’s) home in Nashville.

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS

Joan Cheek With Molly Beth

What are you doing to stay connected? Other than phone, email and text, walking with Molly Beth, my standard poodle, is a great way to see my neighbors … from a distance. What meal have you made most often? Lots of meals from Something Special.

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Have you tackled any projects that were lingering on your to-do list? I had a long to-do list. I have cleaned the stone in the atrium, de-winterized the

fountain, planted flowers [and] cleaned out old files, drawers and closets. Have you picked up a new hobby or reignited an old interest? No new hobby, but I’m starting to do needlepoint again. What have you been reading and/or watching? Mostly reading: The Dutch House, The Guest House, Little Fires Everywhere. What is the view like from your work-from-home

space? My view is into the atrium that is now filled with light and the flowers I just planted. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first thing you’ll do? Go see my grandchildren. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? 360 Bistro What spring fundraising event are you missing most? Tulips at Cheekwood

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS

Carol and Darryl Yochem

What are you doing to stay connected? We are utilizing FaceTime to stay connected with family and friends. Our son who lives in D.C. has come to Nashville to work remotely for three weeks. It has been great having him back in the house with us for that time. What meal have you made most often? Margaritas Have you tackled any projects that were lingering on your to-do list? We now have the cleanest attic we’ve ever had. Have you picked up a new hobby or reignited an old interest? I have wonderful childhood memories of my grandmother baking whole-wheat bread. I followed her recipe, and we’ve been enjoying some delicious bread. The aroma from bread baking in the house cannot be beat. What have you been reading and/or watching? We’ve been reading books from the bestseller list and watching documentaries, like The Civil War and Country Music by Ken Burns. Also, we’re attempting to improve our bridge skills by playing hands online. What is the view like from your work-from-home space? It’s been an interesting paradox seeing so many neighbors walking daily, getting exercise and fresh air, yet not being able to get closer than six feet in interacting with each other. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? Answer What spring fundraising event are you missing most? Hermitage Spring Outing and Swan Ball

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS

Lorie and Gavin Duke With Poppy, Georgie and Gabe

What are you doing to stay connected? Poppy is doing her schoolwork via Zoom. It gives her structure throughout her weekdays, and she loves seeing her friends’ and teachers’ faces. That really has helped a lot. Gavin is also meeting with clients via Zoom and trail running in the park every morning at Percy Warner. That keeps him sane! Lorie texts with friends and talks to them via phone (old school) and gets to ride one or two days a week. The horses help her mood, for sure.

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What meal have you made most often? We’ve been trying to eat healthier lately,

so lots of grilling. Sperry’s Mercantile has been a lifesaver. Have you tackled any projects that were lingering on your to-do list? Gavin has been painting the trim on our house! He’s actually pretty good at it. It’s been long overdue. Lorie has been organizing and editing closets and our pantry. What have you been reading and/or watching? We’ve binge-watched Tiger King and Ozark. Poppy watches old Andy Griffith episodes. We all love it!!

What is the view like from your work-from-home space? Our backyard is the view from our WFH space. Thanks to Gavin, it’s not too bad. When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first thing you’ll do? We will go have our hair and nails done! And a facial! When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? Sperry’s! What spring fundraising event are you missing most? Symphony Fashion Show

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS What are you doing to stay connected? Phone calls, emails, texts, Zoom meetings and social media. What meal have you made most often? Carry-out and curbside from favorite restaurants and caterers.

Sandra and Larry Lipman

Have you tackled any projects that were lingering on your to-do list? Major cleaning and purging, becoming more tech savvy and making sure we stay in touch. Have you picked up a new hobby or reignited an old interest? The art of slowing down and relaxing and daily walks for Sandra. Reading and training workouts via FaceTime for Larry. What have you been reading and/or watching? Bingewatching The Crown and checking out crazy Tiger King. Books include Educated, The Dutch House and The Hundred Story Home for Sandra. Larry is currently reading The Seven Levels of

Communication and just finished Educated. What is the view like from your work-from-home space? Lots of trees in bloom and beautiful green spaces When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first thing you’ll do? Make a beeline to our daughter and son-in-law’s home for hugs and kisses with our grandsons, Peter and Colt, and eat out! When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? That’s tough! There are so many and they all deserve visiting, but at the moment, I have a taste for Hattie B’s, Tailor, Pinewood Social, Etch and etc. Larry says Bourbon Steak and Porta Via. What spring fundraising event are you missing most? All of them, but, of course, the Symphony Fashion Show, Frist Gala, Steeplechase and Swan Ball.

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AT HOME WITH NFOCUS

Amy and Owen Joyner

What are you doing to stay connected? FaceTime with our daughter, her family and our grandson, daily walks in the neighborhood, and enjoying the art of conversation and libations with neighbors in our cul-de-sac with proper social distancing. What meal have you made most often? Anything delivered Have you tackled any projects that were lingering on your to-do list? Yes! We are cleaning out our garage and storage room filled with 44 years of memorabilia, which are on the verge of antiquities. It feels great to unload, purge and pass it forward. Have you picked up a new hobby or reignited an old interest? We started doing a virtual dance class that our daughter shared with us. Her instructor had to close his studio in L.A., so he started streaming it live. For one hour, we forget all the stress and try to figure out the next steps, laughing our way through the class. He is hysterical, and at the end, he gives an uplifting message of hope. The class has gone global, so you are dancing with people from France, Spain, Australia, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina, etc. Sailing has been another hobby we are enjoying. What have you been reading and/or watching? We are hooked on Outlander and just finished reading Permission to Fly by Layng Martine Jr. Love it! When the Safer at Home order lifts, what’s the first restaurant you’ll visit? BrickTop’s, J. Alexander’s and Sperry’s What spring fundraising event are you missing most? Iroquois Steeplechase

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BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! The National Museum of African American Music officially invites you and your family to join us in celebrating the music we all know and love.

Visit blackmusicmuseum.org for more info, and to secure your Legacy Membership today.

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EPICUREAN

Getting in the kitchen with some of Nashville’s best chefs Nashville’s culinary scene looks dramatically different today than it did when we began working on this story. Months ago, we had the idea to highlight some of the cooking and baking classes that local chefs were offering in their establishments. Our team checked out six food and beverage classes in the weeks before the mayor's Safer at Home order was issued. Three are profiled here, and the other three were highlighted in our last issue. Like all local businesses, restaurants need community support now more than ever. Find out more about the classes typically offered and sign up for one when businesses reopen. In the meantime, show some love to your favorite local eateries by purchasing takeout or delivery or buying a gift card online. Stay safe, Nashville. And happy cooking!

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Freed of e Press Making the perfect cup of coffee with Crema

You probably make a decent cup of coffee at home. Maybe you even fancy yourself somewhat of an expert and think your home brew is great. But unless you’ve attended one of Crema’s coffee classes, chances are your cuppa joe isn’t quite perfect. Tom Valentine is the education leader at the popular downtown coffee shop, and he’s armed with nearly a decade and a half of experience in the coffee and barista business. Just five minutes into his Home Brew Methods class, I was rethinking everything I ever knew about making coffee in my own kitchen. Whether you’re working with an Aeropress, Chemex, French press or even a fancy countertop espresso machine, making a good cup of coffee is “all about eliminating variables,� says Tom. To make coffee worth the $4 or 5 price tag you’d find at one of Nashville’s high-end coffeehouses, you have to start thinking like a barista and not only fine-tune the details, but also act with consistency and precision by considering everything from the ratio of ground beans to water (Crema uses a precise 1:2.33 ratio) to other factors, including the temperature of the water and how long the roasted beans have been “degassing.� Tom says that roasted beans are better a couple days after

roasting, because it allows the beans to release trapped carbon dioxide. The coffee grinder you have at home plays an important role, too, it turns out. A couple months before taking Tom’s class, I bought a pricey bag of whole beans from one of my favorite Pacific Northwest roasters. I ground it up, threw it in my Aeropress and expected to taste the perfect cup of coffee that I have come to equate with my visits to Seattle. My first sip was ‌ not good. Bad, in fact! My mistake? Using a cheap and inconsistent coffee grinder, according to Tom. “Think of it like gravel versus sand,â€? he explains. “The size of the coffee grounds determines how quickly water flows through. Sand will hold the water, while gravel won’t.â€? What a waste of $15 beans. But thanks to Tom and his easy-to-follow tips, it’s a blunder I won’t dare make again. “It’s way easier to screw up coffee than it is to do it right,â€? says Tom. And he’s seen it all in his day. (Another fun Tom fact: Your body can only absorb about five shots worth of espresso per hour, so ordering anything over that in an effort to wake yourself up is a waste of money). Stop screwing up your coffee. Take a few hours out of your weekend and learn how to do it right. BY MEGAN SELING PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

COFFEE CLASSES AT CREMA Includes: 30-minute to three-hour hands-on class, take-home brewing guides, with some classes including a 33 Cups of Coffee journal and take-home coffee for two Frequency: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Cost: $15-150 Additional info: Private classes are also available To sign up: crema-coffee.com/coffee-classes

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EPICUREAN

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EPICUREAN

COOKING CLASSES WITH CHEF DEB PAQUETTE Includes: Two-and-a-half-hour hands-on class, food and drinks, take-home recipes Frequency: Every two months Cost: $90 per person Additional info: 21 and older, next class June 20 To sign up: etc.restaurant/cookingclasses

Layers of Flavor Getting adventurous in the kitchen with Deb Paquette

After spending 40 years in professional kitchens, Deb Paquette is calling her series of cooking classes the only possible name that would fit: “Learning from a Legend.” And a legend, she is. She’s been a mentor to many and a community advocate, but she’s best known for the adventurous, globally inspired dishes at her awardwinning restaurants, Etch and etc., and fondly remembered for Zola — also an award winner — where she was chef and owner for almost 13 years. To celebrate four decades of cooking, Deb’s sharing her tips and techniques so that home cooks can recreate her big, bold flavors on their own. On certain Saturdays, she will be welcoming 12 curious cooks to her etc. kitchen for a hands-on tutorial followed by lunch and a perfectly paired cocktail, which they will learn how to make. Each session will have a different menu and cocktail combination, and classes are intentionally kept small for maximum one-on-one time with Deb. For the past 15 years, Deb’s sessions during the University School of Nashville’s evening classes have always sold out, and people have constantly asked for more. So, we weren’t surprised that the first Legend class filled quickly and had a waiting list. Although the lessons are on hold for the time being, she let us in

on what happened in the first class. “It was great!” she said. “We talked, chopped things and everyone was a part of creating the meal.” As for the cocktail lesson, she confided that “there was a lot of shaking.” While we chatted, Deb brought out the ingredients that go in her take on the traditional Peruvian dish causa. Her base of amarillo potato aioli was topped by a generous layer of crumbled smoked salmon, a smoky pea pesto, and a mound of mixed greens, parsley and tarragon. To complete the towering, mouthwatering dish, she added capers and a few dollops of panca carrot sauce and made a graduated circle of orange pearls that surrounded the dish. The result tasted even better than it looked! Attendees also dined on seared pork belly with a romesco sauce and a porcini-seared chicken breast on a smoked chicken tart. The finish to the decadent meal was chocolate torte with banana ice cream, spicy chocolate ganache and peanut butter whipped cream. The bright flavors and layered dishes were classic Deb. Everyone went home with full bellies, a packet of recipes and, for the uninitiated, an understanding of why so many Green Hills residents consider cozy, snappy etc. to be an extension of their own homes. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Last Ca

Becoming a master mixologist with Liquor Lab After several weeks of not being able to go out, craft cocktails have never sounded better. Fortunately, the folks at Liquor Lab are teaching Nashvillians how to become master mixologists and prepare their own specialty drinks at home. The concept — a series of interactive, hands-on cocktail classes — originated in New York City with Liquor Lab’s flagship location. The company opened their second location on Second Avenue in downtown Nashville in July 2019. Despite being sandwiched between the Wildhorse Saloon and B.B. King’s Blues Club, the Nashville outfit of Liquor Lab is a surprisingly chic and serene space — a far cry from what you might expect in the heart of Music City. There are two event spaces for private or public classes: one that can accommodate up to 36 people and one that holds up to 55. A mural of famous bartenders and mixologists is painted along the walls, and there are photo booth stations for you to capture the perfect snapshot of your cocktail or your group. The classroom itself looks like a modern science laboratory, with long tables topped with glassware, tools and spirits. In most classes, participants learn how to make three or four cocktails themed around a specific spirit, season or style of cocktail. Class offerings range from The Art of the Old-Fashioned to Summer Spritzes to Margaritas and Tacos. Liquor Lab partners with local restaurants to provide a buffet of snacks and appetizers to complement the cocktails.

Each student is assigned their own workspace, fully equipped with everything they’ll need to make each drink. The instructor begins with a little history about the drinks you’ll be mixing, as well as a tutorial on the basics of shaking. That’s right; prepare to begin each class learning how to properly use a cocktail shaker. (Spoiler: You’ve probably been doing it wrong your whole life.) Students are then taken through step-by-step instructions on how to mix each cocktail. For our private Nfocus class, we learned how to make the classic London Fog — a delightfully effervescent mix of gin, ginger, lime and club soda — and a Sweet Tea Old-Fashioned. All of the ingredients, including housemade syrups and accompaniments, were always within an arm’s reach, and we learned to mix, muddle, shake, spritz and stir like a pro. The best part comes at the end of each lesson, when you’re given ample time to sip your cocktails (a skill we mastered long ago), mingle with your friends and other classmates, nibble on snacks and photograph your drink for social media. And while Liquor Lab is currently closed until the Safer at Home order has been lifted, you can still learn how to mix drinks from the safety of your own kitchen with Liquor Lab Live. Online classes, complete with bartender Q&As and trivia, are available for $10 (and can be viewed anytime, thanks to their On Demand services). They even sell ingredient kits and bar tool sets that can be delivered to your home. Bottoms up! BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

COCKTAIL CLASSES AT LIQUOR LAB Includes: 90-minute to two-hour hands-on class, three to four cocktails, snacks, take-home recipes Frequency: 4 to 6 classes per week Cost: $50-60 per person Additional info: 21 and older, private classes available upon request To sign up: liquorlab.com/events

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EPICUREAN

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Congratulations to all our Greater Nashville REALTORS® Awards of Excellence winners. We are grateful to all of our agents for everything that you do to make our company a success and are looking forward to another rewarding year!

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*Agent with WEICHERT, REALTORS Joe Orr & Associates

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CHEEKWOOD PREVIEW CHEEKWOOD AT HOME While the park remains closed to the public, the Cheekwood staff is working tirelessly to maintain as much programming as possible, albeit online. Follow Cheekwood on social media (@cheekwood) for virtual tours, or check out their website at cheekwood.org to find children’s activities through the Tots program, such as educational crafts and coloring sheets, and wellness programming for adults, including online yoga and meditation.

REAP WHAT YOU SOW It takes Cheekwood’s garden staff 10 weeks to install the spring blooms. Planting begins in early November and continues through the first couple weeks of January. In a typical year, the staff, which consists of 12 gardeners, spends every day of Cheekwood in Bloom tending to the gardens — removing dead or wilted flowers and ensuring an exquisite level of presentation at all times.

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BEST BUDS Cheekwood in Bloom is perhaps best known for its tulips. There are over 100,000 of these harbingers of spring throughout the gardens, in 15 different varieties, alongside hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. All in all, the botanical garden boasts more than 150,000 flowering bulbs for this stunning celebration of spring.

In Bloom

Capturing the arrival of spring at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is, without question, one of the most beautiful places in Nashville, and it’s never more spectacular than in spring. As spring flowers make their triumphant return in an explosion of color across the 55-acre botanical gardens, Cheekwood in Bloom is typically one of the most anticipated events in March and April and usually attracts close to 40,000 visitors over its run. This year, however, with the Safer at Home order in place and Cheekwood closed to the public, guests haven’t been able to experience the gardens in all their glory, which is why we’re bringing the gardens to you. Our photographer visited Cheekwood on a beautiful April morning to capture the property in full bloom and take a tour alongside Peter Grimaldi, vice president of gardens and facilities (more with him on page 36). With an army of vibrant tulips standing at attention under a canopy of budding cherry blossoms, the gardens were a vision to behold. Join us on this tour of Cheekwood in Bloom, and enjoy the breathtaking and promising sights of spring. BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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CHEEKWOOD PREVIEW

Force of Nature Cheekwood’s Peter Grimaldi on the estate’s day-to-day operations during the closure and what’s next

C

heekwood may be closed to the public, but the staff is still working hard to keep this natural sanctuary as beautiful and inviting as ever. The days look a little different for the Cheekwood team right now, but with the gardens in full bloom, restoration projects being completed and the impending arrival of the Chihuly exhibit, there’s still plenty to be done. We chatted with Peter Grimaldi, vice president of gardens and facilities, about life at Cheekwood during the closure and what guests can expect when the estate reopens.

What is currently happening in the gardens? Our spring presentation is in full bloom, and the Color Garden is the venue for our annual spring offering, which focuses around the tulips and everyone’s expectations for the tulips as harbingers of spring. So, in order to get people outside and draw them to Cheekwood, we have built up that annual installment to include over 100,000 tulips, which are presented along with hyacinths and daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs to include over 150,000 spring flowering bulbs. So, it’s meant to be a well-rounded spring celebration. What does life look like right now for your garden staff while you’re closed to the public? Cheekwood has been managing this on a daily and weekly basis. And we’re trying to do two things: number one, protect our team and the health of our team, and number two, achieve a basic level of maintenance. And that basic level of maintenance and the requirements thereof are different, given that we’re not open to the public. So, if the garden staff just disappeared for a couple weeks and months, Cheekwood’s going to be fine. [It’s] been there for a long time and will be there for a long time, with or without us. So, we’ve lowered the level of maintenance we have. If we were open to the public, we’d be in there every day, removing every single spent bloom so it was just fresh and crisp and the highest level of presentation possible. Under these circumstances, we are allowing things to run close to their natural course. For the first two weeks — we closed on [March] 17th, I believe — the garden staff stayed home. And the director of horticulture came in, and basic maintenance looked like watering indoor plants, feeding the animals and perpetuating the crop of summer annuals in the greenhouse. Then, [the week of March 30th], the garden supervisors came back. And then, [the week of April 6th], the full garden staff has come back in rotations. So, we’re rotating between two smaller crews to limit the number of people operating out of our shared spaces. What changes have you made to programming while Cheekwood is closed? The Education Department has moved a lot of their programming online, including the Tots program, taking advantage of the website and the blogs included on the website, as well as our various social media platforms to do a couple things: remind people that Cheekwood’s still there, and it’s going to be there when things reopen, and what a great way to kind of get back out into the community and stretch your legs a bit, so to speak. The other thing is people are at home, and they’re spending more time at home than, perhaps, they ever have, or certainly, than they ordinarily would at this time of year. So, in a way, Cheekwood has never been more relatable, because what we have going on at Cheekwood, people can experience in their own backyards. They can take a look at what the team is putting on the internet and what the team is sharing on social media and kind of do the same thing. It’s like a monthly gardening tip on Cheekwood’s blog in an ordinary year might just be interesting food for thought ... but now, people might actually have time to get out there and do this.

The Chihuly exhibit, that was originally supposed to open in April, was postponed until July. Can you give us a sneak peek of what that exhibit will include and what people can expect? Yes. Chihuly in 2010 was, in many ways, a watershed moment for Cheekwood and Nashville’s relationship with Cheekwood. Everybody was like, “Oh, wow! This could be something here! What a natural venue for the exhibition of outdoor contemporary sculpture.” And it’s a natural venue for such exhibitions because of the rolling pastoral landscape, because of the historical air. You can position these sculptures … and compose the sculptures in a way in the landscape that they’re surrounded by natural beauty and even presented in juxtaposition with something much older [and] of an entirely different era. That same magic returns to Cheekwood 10 years later with some of the later and more contemporary artwork coming from the Chihuly studio. The siting of the artwork has been carefully curated to take advantage of and celebrate some of the iconic and undeniable display opportunities but also celebrate some of the new things that we have going on. … We’re very grateful that a Chihuly show has been able to respond to the closure and extend through the seasons, but for that same reason, it makes the show that much more dynamic. Originally, as presented, this was going to be a summer show and you get a little bit of fall. But now, running through January, you’re getting three seasons. You’re getting summer, you’re getting fall, you’re getting the first half of winter. And you’re getting a show that’s going to move through the seasons with the gardens and with the landscape at Cheekwood, including now even Holiday Lights, and it’s going to be that much more dynamic. What are the best ways readers can support Cheekwood right now? Renew their membership, buy a membership, gift a membership to somebody else and rush out to Cheekwood as soon as we reopen. And you can always just pick up the phone and call Jane MacLeod. She’ll help you figure out exactly how to support Cheekwood. A great bit of advice right there. One last question: What are you, personally, most excited for when Cheekwood reopens? Cheekwood is there to be enjoyed, right? By as many people as possible. This is not my garden. This is not my team’s garden. This garden belongs to the people of Nashville, and right now, they’re locked out. And that’s upsetting to me. So, I’m most excited about just restoring that asset to the community, that opportunity that I’m ready to say get back out here. I’m excited that now, as much, or if not more than ever, our mission becomes increasingly relevant, like, “Hey, get outdoors. Experience the beauty of nature, experience the beauty of fine art and see how it can work together in concert and just stretch your legs, take a deep breath and have a good time.” BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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CHEEKWOOD PREVIEW

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READERS ARE LEADERS A living library fosters a love and appreciation for the literary arts. The outdoor room is complete with a chimney and hearth and is flanked by stone bookcases, stocked with an assortment of beloved titles for children to peruse.

ART APPRECIATION The arts take center stage in the garden. A Plein Air Plaza allows kids to try their hand at visual art with a “water painting station” that features four easels with slate tablets, each with an overflowing basin of water so kids can dip brushes, sponges or their own hands into the water and “paint” an image on the tablets. At the base of the lawn, a stage serves as a celebration of the performing arts.

BRACKEN FOUNDATION CHILDREN’S GARDEN

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CHEEKWOOD PREVIEW

TURTLE POWER One of the most charming aspects of the new children’s garden is the turtle pond. Part of the greater “water axis” that extends throughout the entire property, the turtle pond is surrounded by stone turtle statues that serve as fountains. Cheekwood is partnering with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to make the turtle pond a sanctuary for native turtles, who will be arriving on May 23, World Turtle Day.

Coming Soon

A sneak peek at the new gardens and installations at Cheekwood The city might have missed out on Cheekwood in Bloom, but when the estate reopens to the public, there will be plenty of exciting new things to explore. This year marks the arrival of three new — or newly renovated — gardens and one highly anticipated exhibit. After a year and a half of construction, this March marked the opening of the brand new Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. Situated on two acres between the Howe Garden and the Frist Learning Center and directly across the street from the mansion, the children’s garden is a dynamic new offering for guests, both young and old alike. Thoughtfully designed to blend in with Cheekwood’s historic core and existing architecture, the garden is a celebration of nature, the arts and the act of play. Equipped with a studio pavilion, performance stage, living library, balance beam, rope bridge and turtle pond, the garden is intended to spark creativity and imagination, all while teaching kids to love, value and respect nature. Two long-standing fixtures on the Cheekwood property — the Blevins Japanese Garden and the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail — have recently undergone renovations. The Blevins Japanese Garden was originally constructed and designed by David Harris Engel in 1977. A 10-month restoration to the garden was recently completed to increase accessibility, renovate the pavilion and add new horticultural elements, including gingko, maple and stunted pine trees. The Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail also underwent some significant renovations over the past 15 months. The 1.5-mile woodland path, originally constructed in 1999, is now easier to locate and traverse, thanks to updated signage, lighting and paving. The 10 original contemporary sculptures remain, but the improved trail is more accessible to all. Both the Blevins Japanese Garden and the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail will open to the public within four weeks of when Cheekwood resumes operations. And there’s one more exciting thing in store for visitors to Cheekwood this year: the arrival of the new Chihuly exhibit. The glass sculptor, whose 2010 exhibit at Cheekwood was a huge success, will showcase 13 outdoor installations, along with pieces on display in the mansion and museum. Originally slated to open in April, the Chihuly exhibit was postponed until July 18 and will run through January 10, 2021. Peter Grimaldi, Cheekwood’s vice president of gardens and facilities, gave us a sneak peek at what to expect from the new gardens and exhibit. BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS continued on page 40

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BLEVINS JAPANESE GARDEN

ORIGIN STORY The Blevins Japanese Garden was first conceived in 1970, thanks to a generous gift from Betty Weesner, a former president of the Ikebana International Chapter 5. The groundbreaking for the garden occurred in 1977, following a tea ceremony. The garden was originally designed by David Harris Engel and was named “Sho-mu-en,” which translates to “pine-mist forest.”

LIGHT TOUCHES Peter Grimaldi says the garden underwent “the lightest touches” and was more of a restoration than a renovation. According to Peter, the chief goals were 1) “to increase accessibility, both to and through the space,” 2) “major horticultural enhancements and embellishments of the horticulture in these spaces,” and 3) “to refine the expression and the authenticity of the Japanese gardening styles.”

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CHEEKWOOD PREVIEW

INTO THE WOODS Among the top priorities for the renovation of the sculpture trail was to retain all of the original artwork. The 1.5-mile wooded path features 10 contemporary sculptures, many of which were commissioned specifically for Cheekwood. The updated trail still winds past all 10 pieces of existing artwork and maintains the original vision for the trail, which is for the sculptures to be presented in a woodland environment.

FINDING YOUR WAY “The number one problem with the sculpture trail is nobody could find it, and when they did, half the time, they got lost,� says Peter Grimaldi. Wayfinding was a primary goal for the renovation. Now, the trail is directly connected to the garden, with the main entrance accessed from the end of the Bradford Robertson Color Garden arches.

ANN & MONROE CARELL JR. FAMILY SCULPTURE TRAIL

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CHEEKWOOD PREVIEW

BACK AGAIN “Chihuly in 2010 was, in many ways, a watershed moment for Cheekwood and Nashville’s relationship with Cheekwood,” says Peter. The glass sculptor returns to the estate on July 18 with 13 outdoor installations, two of which were created specifically for this exhibit. The show will also include two indoor chandeliers, a gallery exhibit in the museum and a gift shop.

CHIHULY AT CHEEKWOOD

GLASS DISPLAY Cheekwood’s art curators and garden team have worked closely on planning the exhibit and the best places to showcase Chihuly’s large-scale glass sculptures. Peter promises that the newly renovated sculpture trail and Japanese garden will feature Chihuly pieces. “And then, of course, we would be remiss if you didn’t put a piece of Chihuly on the front lawn,” he says.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DALE CHIHULY AND CHEEKWOOD

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12 >> MAY 2020 | nfocusmagazine.com


TAKE ANOTHER LOOK Whether beginning a new project or revamping existing gardens, Gavin says it is important to consider how outside spaces are viewed from the inside, and he practices what he preaches. Kathryn appreciates the beautiful perspectives from every window, including this view to the front of a “secret garden,� where a bench that belonged to her mother is surrounded by hollies.

A ROOM FOR ALL SEASONS The Browns added on the roomy, screened-in porch, which blends seamlessly with the original house. They enjoy it year-round, thanks to sides that cover the screens, heaters built into the ceiling and the generously sized fireplace. Monty sourced inviting and comfortable pieces to accommodate frequent visitors. When warmer weather rolls around, the doors swing open, and the party spills out onto the interior courtyard.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Enjoying the View A closer look at Kathryn and David Brown's functional and beautiful outdoor spaces Seven years ago, Kathryn and David Brown moved into a true Nashville gem. Completed in 1965, the French Regency manse was designed by Edwin Keeble, the well-known architect responsible for dozens of notable homes, as well as downtown’s iconic L&C Tower. As anyone who is lucky enough to own a Keeble would do, Kathryn and David respected its historical significance by making only modern mechanical upgrades while keeping the interior — including the original floors — untouched. The Browns entertain often and wanted the outside to function as well as the inside, whether for two or 200 guests enjoying everything from casual cookouts to formal seated dinners. They assembled a team that included architect Jamie Pfeffer, landscape architect Gavin Duke, arborist Tom Powers and interior designer Monty Smith to assist them in accomplishing these goals. Together, they conceived a plan that was for more than just gardens but one that revolves around outdoor living. The result is a comfortable, contemporary feel with multiple outdoor “rooms” that complement the tone of the existing architecture and blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Referring to Gavin, Kathryn says, “You can talk about how you like to live — the things you like to do in your home — and then, he dreams these beautiful, magnificent venues, vignettes and rooms. His ability to adapt to different people’s personalities and the way they live is such a gift.” To bring Kathryn’s outdoor vision to life, Gavin and Tom first installed a backdrop of magnolias, cedars and hollies to provide structure, texture and year-round interest. Within that evergreen framework, Gavin designed spaces for the interior courtyard, fire pit, the pool and pool house. The use of limestone brings areas to life and stays cool enough, even in the hottest months, for anyone who wants to kick off their shoes and explore barefoot. In addition to hosting friends and family, the Browns have opened their doors for nonprofit events, including the Swan Ball Patrons Party, where the tent fit perfectly — just as planned — on the performance lawn. While the pool house, with two bed swings on the porch, is a popular spot for cocktails, Kathryn adds, “We use all of it.” One look around and it’s easy to understand why. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY REED BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY continued on page 46

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ART IN THE GARDEN As much a dramatic sculpture as functional element, the moon gate makes a beautiful statement in the yard. Gavin designed it based on Kathryn’s inspiration photos of the traditional Chinese garden feature. Similar to the earliest gates of stacked stone, this one is built of single stones. Masons hand-chiseled each piece of Texas black limestone on site. In its conventional purpose, the gate makes an enchanting passageway from the performance lawn to the pool house.

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We tell your stories. Want to become part of ours? Created by society insiders in 1993, Nfocus is the most trusted source for coverage of Nashville’s vibrant philanthropic and social scene. Throughout our 27-year history, we have covered thousands of charitable events and the nonprofits they support, in addition to highlighting the city’s culinary, retail and cultural offerings. We showcase the very best that Nashville has to offer in every single print issue, as well as on our website, in our emails and on social media. Our original content, produced monthly by a staff of local contributors exclusively for our publication, covers the latest

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Quarantine Reading List

Local authors and community leaders recommend their favorite books to read while you shelter in place All of us here at Nfocus are avid readers. While we’re still busy working to bring you the magazine you love, we know most folks have a little extra time on their hands to read right now. In fact, Shawn Bakker, president of the Nashville Public Library Foundation (whose recommendation can be found below), says that the Nashville Public Library has seen a 60 percent increase in the use of their digital collection. So, we’ve asked some local authors and community leaders to tell us their top choices for quarantine reading. They sent us quite a selection of fiction and nonfiction and classics and new releases. We recommend adding these books to your reading list. While we can’t browse the shelves of our wonderful local bookshops or library branches yet, we can still support them and use their resources. If you’re looking to borrow books, Nashville Public Library’s online catalog (library.nashville.org) is a great option for e-books, or you can access their catalog on your devices through Hoopla. If you prefer a physical book, you can order them to be shipped to your home from Parnassus (parnassusbooks.net) and The Bookshop (herbookshop.com). You can also download audiobooks from lists curated by both Parnassus and The Bookshop through Libro.fm for listening while you’re accomplishing your quarantine workout and cleaning goals. BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS, MICHAEL SHANE NEAL, JOHN PARTIPILO, HEIDI ROSS AND ANTHONY SCARLOTTI

VALENTINE by Elizabeth Wetmore Recommended by Ann Patchett, author and owner of Parnassus Books Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore is a terrific book about how a violent attack on a young girl was dealt with in small-town Texas in the ’70s (spoiler: things aren’t that much better). It’s a book that will sweep you up and make you forget about everything else. What more could anyone want?

THE SUN ALSO RISES by Ernest Hemingway Recommended by Caroline Randall Williams, author and poet I read this book for the first time as a 16-year-old. I loved it then, and now, at exactly twice that age, I’ve just finished teaching it to my Vanderbilt students. Hemingway wrote the book after a war and a pandemic, and here we sit, living some version of those truths over again. His prose still rocks and reels me. We all need to be transported right now. Let this book traipse you through Spain and France. You deserve the words and the adventure, too.

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HERE FOR IT by R. Eric Thomas Recommended by Mary Laura Philpott, author Internet humorist, author of the ELLE column “Eric Reads the News,” and award-winning playwright R. Eric Thomas conquers yet another form: the memoir-in-essays. His relatable, yet personal, stories of growing up, belonging and embracing his identity will make you laugh, cry, think — and feel seen. Lin-Manuel Miranda blurbed it! (So did I.)

THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES by Grady Hendrix Recommended by Joelle Herr, author and owner of The Bookshop This may seem like an odd book to recommend during a pandemic, but gosh, it hit the spot for me. Set in the well-to-do ’burbs of Charleston during the ’80s and ’90s, it’s a wildly original, suspenseful, laugh-out-loud — and yes, sometimes gory — yarn that’ll have you flipping pages faster than a hot knife through butter.

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WHAT TO READ

LINCOLN IN THE BARDO by George Saunders Recommended by Paul Vasterling, Artistic Director, Nashville Ballet Lincoln in the Bardo is soul-wrenching. It’s inspired by the death of Abraham Lincoln’s young son, the heartbreak that caused and the beauty in the way living with such a loss helps Lincoln to become a great man. The book delivers this fascinating collection of characters — each as layered and imperfect as we are in real life — that span across time. It’s actually also one of the inspirations behind an upcoming ballet I’m working on!

THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett Recommended by Howard Kittell, President and CEO, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Mrs. Patchett’s most recent novel is one that completely drew me in. It is one of those rare books that, when I finished it, I missed the characters as I would friends who have moved far away. The author’s elegant prose and fabulous vocabulary pull the reader along through the story, where the Dutch House is the constant point of reference for all the book’s characters. It’s a book I repeatedly return to in memory.

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Colson Whitehead Recommended by Shawn Bakker, President, Nashville Public Library Foundation It was hard to choose just one book, but Colson Whitehead’s Underground Railroad made it to the top for me. While it is not feel-good, light reading, it is engaging historical fiction, rich in metaphor. The main character, Cora, has a steadfast determination to find freedom — and seems close at several key junctures throughout the book. This book was a great escape because the struggle of the story was captivating.

BORN TO RUN by Bruce Springsteen Recommended by John Tumminello, Executive Director, Centennial Park Conservancy Listening to a favorite album or reading an engaging book can take us on a journey, even when we’re confined to our homes. Born to Run took me on a compelling ride through the backstreets of New Jersey, with an intimate and personal account about how family shapes our lives and music heals our souls. Springsteen’s vulnerability when talking about his relationship with his father and his struggle with depression provided an insightful perspective behind the music that has been the soundtrack to my own journey.

FORGED IN CRISIS: THE POWER OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES by Nancy F. Koehn Recommended by Susan Edwards, Executive Director and CEO, Frist Art Museum Do not miss the 2017 bestseller Forged in Crisis: The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times by Nancy F. Koehn. Written in an engaging storytelling style, the Harvard Business School professor identifies the qualities of leadership in the historic figures of Ernest Shackleton, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Rachel Carson. Great leaders listen and take the time necessary to respond with humanity and empathy to the emotions and needs of others while remaining committed to worthy goals.

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WHAT TO READ

LINCOLN IN THE BARDO by George Saunders Recommended by Paul Vasterling, Artistic Director, Nashville Ballet Lincoln in the Bardo is soul-wrenching. It’s inspired by the death of Abraham Lincoln’s young son, the heartbreak that caused and the beauty in the way living with such a loss helps Lincoln to become a great man. The book delivers this fascinating collection of characters — each as layered and imperfect as we are in real life — that span across time. It’s actually also one of the inspirations behind an upcoming ballet I’m working on!

THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett Recommended by Howard Kittell, President and CEO, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Mrs. Patchett’s most recent novel is one that completely drew me in. It is one of those rare books that, when I finished it, I missed the characters as I would friends who have moved far away. The author’s elegant prose and fabulous vocabulary pull the reader along through the story, where the Dutch House is the constant point of reference for all the book’s characters. It’s a book I repeatedly return to in memory.

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Colson Whitehead Recommended by Shawn Bakker, President, Nashville Public Library Foundation It was hard to choose just one book, but Colson Whitehead’s Underground Railroad made it to the top for me. While it is not feel-good, light reading, it is engaging historical fiction, rich in metaphor. The main character, Cora, has a steadfast determination to find freedom — and seems close at several key junctures throughout the book. This book was a great escape because the struggle of the story was captivating.

BORN TO RUN by Bruce Springsteen Recommended by John Tumminello, Executive Director, Centennial Park Conservancy Listening to a favorite album or reading an engaging book can take us on a journey, even when we’re confined to our homes. Born to Run took me on a compelling ride through the backstreets of New Jersey, with an intimate and personal account about how family shapes our lives and music heals our souls. Springsteen’s vulnerability when talking about his relationship with his father and his struggle with depression provided an insightful perspective behind the music that has been the soundtrack to my own journey.

FORGED IN CRISIS: THE POWER OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP IN TURBULENT TIMES by Nancy F. Koehn Recommended by Susan Edwards, Executive Director and CEO, Frist Art Museum Do not miss the 2017 bestseller Forged in Crisis: The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times by Nancy F. Koehn. Written in an engaging storytelling style, the Harvard Business School professor identifies the qualities of leadership in the historic figures of Ernest Shackleton, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Rachel Carson. Great leaders listen and take the time necessary to respond with humanity and empathy to the emotions and needs of others while remaining committed to worthy goals.

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THE ALMANAC OF AMERICAN PHILANTHROPY by Karl Zinsmeister Recommended by Ellen Lehman, President, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Zinsmeister writes and speaks eloquently about philanthropy being a huge part of “what makes America America.” As I had this opportunity, I randomly opened the book to page 342 and was immediately reminded that what goes around comes around. In this day and age of social distancing, the page I found haphazardly told the story of the social hygiene movement in 1913. Sound familiar? There is much to be done! And Zinsmeister is helping us remember that a single person can make an enormous difference.

SPIRIT RUN: A 6,000-MILE MARATHON THROUGH NORTH AMERICA’S STOLEN LAND by Noé Álvarez Recommended by Alice Randall, author and songwriter I have recently completed a 6,000-mile journey, from the wilds of British Columbia to the wilds of Guatemala, with Noé Álvarez. Noé, raised in the farming town of Yakima, Washington, by parents who separately immigrated from Mexico, reflects as his feet pound the earth and are pounded by the earth on a vicious farming system that broke his mother’s body, his father’s body, his own spirit and his people’s connection to the land. By journey’s end, he has starved and bruised his own body while restoring something significant in his own, and thus, companion’s soul.

THE MUSEUM OF INNOCENCE by Orhan Pamuk Recommended by Jennifer Turner, President and CEO, Tennessee Performing Arts Center One of my favorite novels begins in Istanbul in 1975 and explores the love and obsession of an engaged man toward a woman he meets, which completely takes over his life. Illuminating the consequences of obsessive love, the novel also explores class distinctions and religious and traditional roles of society. This book made me fall desperately in love with Istanbul. While visiting in 2015, I was delighted to discover a real Museum of Innocence created by the author to display the objects collected by Kemal in the novel.

THE AMERICAN STORY: CONVERSATIONS WITH MASTER HISTORIANS by David M. Rubenstein Recommended by Ashley Howell, Executive Director, Tennessee State Museum During this historic time, I’m drawn to reading about how our nation has addressed other times of tribulation and crisis. This book is a series of edited interviews from the Congressional Dialogues program at the Library of Congress. The result is engaging and conversational storytelling about our nation’s historic figures, especially their leadership during uncertainty. This book makes you feel like you are in the room with the historians — with the appropriate social distance, of course.

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Lovely Bones Hastings Architecture breathes new life into a midcentury building Why would a nationally acclaimed contemporary architecture firm want to move into a midcentury Metro building in disrepair that had been sitting vacant for most of two decades? In the case of Hastings Architecture’s latest project, it was a combination of nostalgia and the love of a good challenge. In 2017, the firm’s partners purchased the historic building at 225 Polk Ave., which was previously home to the Ben West Library. “We get to put our contemporary architecture firm in this New Formalist building, and I think that’s just a challenge any architect would love,” says partner David Powell. “The first-floor ceiling height and its volume, the second-floor wraparound terrace that goes around the entire second floor, so fabulous views all the way around and on and on and on. There are just great bones to this building.” Until recently, midcentury modernist buildings weren’t always as appreciated, so while prewar buildings abound in Nashville, there are far fewer from the ’50s and ’60s still standing — another reason the project was so appealing. Hastings moved in a year ago, occupying a little over half — 24,000 square feet — of the building. The remainder is taken up by two tenants: McALPINE architecture and design firm and United Talent Agency, a Hastings client. The partners were so committed to preserving the outside of the 1965 building, designed by well-known Nashville architect Bruce Crabtree, that they found the quarry that provided the original stone and either restored or replaced all of the exterior marble, including the arches that frame the building. “In the interior, however,” says David, “because so much of the library had been removed by the city, we thought there’s very little to save, so let’s think about this the other way — this is kind of an architectural way to think about this — let’s celebrate the original building by stripping it down to its bones.” In the office space, the plaster and drywall were removed, leaving the original structural concrete columns and ceiling exposed. The color scheme throughout is shades of black and white. Amidst all the glass, marble and concrete, walnut wood adds warmth and echoes what was used in the Ben West Library. Some interior elements were refurbished, including the original terrazzo grand staircase and the walnut handrail in Hastings’ office. David calls the building’s minimalist and sleek main lobby the palate cleanser. “You shed the urban grit from the street, which you just came from.” The terrazzo floors in the building’s main entryway are also original. To the left is the lobby, where a reception desk — also in walnut — is backlit by videos projected onto a concrete wall, highlighting the firm’s projects and clients. BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC LAIGNEL

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STEP INSIDE

TABLE TALK No ordinary break room, the focal point of the firm’s window-lined café is a walnut dining table that seats 30, accented by Tom Dixon black globe lights and complemented by Herman Miller chairs. In front of a sofa is a custom steel-frame coffee table with wood inlay repurposed from one of the library’s original doors. “It’s just really a great place for us to come together as a family,” says David.

COMMUNITY ROOM Because of the building’s significance to the city, the partners wanted nonprofits and agencies, such as the Metropolitan Historical Commission and the Nashville Civic Design Center, to be able to enjoy the space, as well. The Athenaeum, the original library’s auditorium, is often used for parties and events “somewhat coincidentally,” says David. “Maybe, actually, ironically, the Metro Public Library used it for their Christmas party.”

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L O C A L F L AV O R

No Bones About It

Bare Bones Butcher brings fresh meats, hot sandwiches and local groceries to The Nations

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MADDIE TEREN ADAMS AND TYLER DEEM

If the dramatic mural of a strolling cow skeleton on the front and side of the building at 51st Avenue in The Nations isn’t enough to make your head turn, then the menu of local grass-fed, grain-finished, dry-aged beef and heritage pork at this whole-animal butcher will most certainly get your attention. Wesley Adams and Patrick Davidson bring the old-world concept of the neighborhood butcher — big knives, white coats and all — to the burgeoning retail strip north of Charlotte Avenue. Their gleaming tile-clad storefront layers the old-school meat counter with a sandwich bar, pantry shelves and tables for dining in. In this boutique, cold cases abound with hand-cut beef and pork all year long, while spring brings lamb and chicken, along with seasonal produce. Between the meat counter, cheese selections, dairy, eggs, broth and beer offerings, Bare Bones Butcher provides an elegantly curated grocery experience anchored by locally sourced, sustainable and pesticide-free ingredients. In the coolers, cuts of meat are labeled with their source, such as Bear Creek Farms near Leiper’s Fork or Palmer Farms in Lewisburg, with options including housemade sausages and cold cuts. Meanwhile, Bare Bones meats make their way into a repertoire of sandwiches in the form of pastrami, meatballs, hamburgers, hot dogs and short ribs, as well as into prepared foods, such as chili — all of which can be purchased for takeout or for dining on premises in the dining room or patio. BY CARRINGTON FOX

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHY TO GO

WHAT TO ORDER

To put it bluntly, expect to drool like a wolf upon entering this gallery of protein. But also expect to be flexible with your grocery list, since a whole animal can only provide so much of any cut of meat, and you just might have to call an audible if the short ribs are sold out or there’s been a run on ribeyes. And as you might expect in a whole-animal butcher, you’ll find delicacies from the whole animal, including lard, tongue and other proteins that often go overlooked in mainstream mass market stores.

If you are a cook who likes to cherry-pick fresh and local ingredients for your recipes, head to Bare Bones to cut out part of the complicated supply chain. Or swing by to grab a creative sandwich piled with housemade cold cuts or house-ground sausage and burgers, along with a side of fried potatoes and a six-pack. On the path from local farms to your family table, Bare Bones makes for a fresh and charming detour.

Meat, obviously. But with so many options on the table when it comes to breaking down a whole animal into its constituent cuts, the key ingredient here is the input of the butcher. Ask the team what’s fresh and how to prepare it. (Hint: Everything. And do you have a castiron skillet?) Or grab a bag of hot sandwiches and share them until you find a favorite. With fresh and generous sandwiches, including cheeseburgers, Cubanos, pastrami, hot ham, meatball, banh mi and po'boy, this old-school butcher just might become your new deli.

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My Fair Ladies Steeplechase entertaining tips from event planner Mary Huddleston As entertaining gurus, Lauren Cermak and I love any excuse to don a fabulous hat and dress and share a cocktail with friends. Thus, the Iroquois Steeplechase is always a highlight for us every spring. For our Derby-inspired table, we drew inspiration from My Fair Lady and focused on black-and-white décor with pops of red. We incorporated traditional elements from the Derby, such as red roses used in the centerpiece and on the cocktail plates, as well as jockey jerseys that are featured on the tablecloth, cocktail napkins and favors for each guest. Our goal with the table was to keep it feeling fun and well-planned but not too complicated to pull together. It needed to be as portable as possible so that it could be set up in various venues, whether in

a private home or in a box in the Steeplechase grandstands. The glassware is acrylic and the flatware is plastic (though they don’t look like it), and all the desserts we included are made as individual servings so they are easy to pick up and eat. We used our mint julep cups as vases on this table, though they can easily double as cocktail glasses if you’re planning to serve the traditional Derby drink. I always encourage “dressing to the décor,” so when it came time to select our attire for Steeplechase, we worked with Amy Jo Original on custom hats and fascinators. The design process was so much fun, and I like to think that my look turned out to be a modern-day version of what Audrey Hepburn wore in My Fair Lady when she attended the horse races. “Come on, Dover!” BY MARY HUDDLESTON

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NSTYLE

Stylists: Mary Huddleston and Lauren Cermak | Photographer: Lele Fain Photography | Plates and jockey ornaments: For Pete’s Sake Pottery | Cocktail napkins: The Preppy Stitch | Pies: Southern Baked Pie Company | Cake bites: Caroline’s Cakes | Silverware: Sophistiplate | Triple Crown tablecloth: Horse and Hound | Horse silhouette centerpiece: The Virginia Artisans (Etsy) | Award ribbons: Pomp and Pedestal (Etsy) | Table and chairs: Music City Tents & Events | Hat and fascinator: Amy Jo Original Hats | Cocktails: Jackson Morgan Southern Cream | Mary’s dress: Pearl by Lela Rose | Lauren’s dress: Alfred Sung | Shoes: Sarah Flint

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TA K I N G V O W S

PHOTOGRAPHS BY HANNAH FOLDY AND BRAD AND JEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Armistead y e n b a D Anna marries s Clinton e m a J m a i Will

Anna Armistead and Billy Clinton first met at the University of Virginia in 2008 but didn’t begin dating until they were both in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, nine years later. She is the daughter of Tara and Benjamin Armistead of Nashville, and he is the son of Sharon and William Clinton of Upperville, Virginia. Billy proposed in August 2019 while they were in Washington state. “We were taking an evening walk on North Beach overlooking Victoria, British Columbia,” said Anna. “After deciding to head back for dinner, Billy stopped and proposed.” The couple married December 28 at Ridge Field in Edwin Warner Park with the Rev. Becca Stevens officiating and her husband, Marcus Hummon,

playing wedding music on his guitar. “We were incredibly lucky with the weather “ said Anna. “Even though it was late December, the temperature was in the 60s, and we dodged a rain shower by about 30 minutes.” “Our wedding party was just our families,” continued Anna, “with the dogs as my bridesmaids. It was such an intimate and special day in a place so dear to all of us.” The bride wore a crepe gown with a Windsorknotted back and carried a bouquet by FLWR Shop. The reception followed at the home of the bride’s paternal grandmother, Clare Armistead, or “Mema,” as Anna calls her. The Party Line catered and cre-

ated signature gourmet Jell-O shots for pre-dinner treats. The bride’s father, Ben, and Marcus wrote a song about the newlyweds. “It brought down the house,” said Anna. “Such a memorable part of the evening, with my dad on the box drum and Marcus on the banjo.” The bride and groom both hold bachelor’s degrees from UVA. Anna is a nurse practitioner with a master’s from Vanderbilt, and Billy is an attorney with a degree from UVA Law School. They live in Washington, D.C., and are planning a belated honeymoon to South America in the fall.

BY SANDY NELSON

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BEST B E H AV I O R

Invited or Not

4214 Franklin Pike $1,750,000

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

TRIPPING UP I wasn’t invited to a recent wedding, so I didn’t go. The reason I wasn’t invited was because there were only 10 people there. (I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook.) The grooms kept the group small for all the right reasons. However, that didn’t stop them from distributing suggestions as to the gifts they’d like. The men are in their late 40s and have been living together for years, so they really don’t need anything. Speaking of things they don’t need, they requested contributions to a honeymoon fund they’ve set up. Isolation or no isolation, that seems rude, or at least forward, to me. Am I right? — Anonymous, East Nashville

MLS# 2069012 - Renovated 1920s estate home. Co-listed with Sean Simons.

WORK LIKE A DOG DRINK LIKE A FISH

You weren’t invited, for all the correct reasons, but there’s still no reason for you to pony up and plop down your credit card. If the grooms had been in their 20s or their early 30s, the suggestion of a honeymoon fund would have been an option, since travel takes cash. But at this point in their lives, they’ve probably been on a plane or a cruise ship more than once. If you’re making contributions to a worthwhile cause — and there are lots of them out there now — make a gift in their honor. That will be better than fuming. And to make things better, you’ll get a tax deduction.

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201 Scotland Place $1,295,000

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THE KNIVES ARE OUT Last month, I went to dinner with my boys and their mother, who’s my ex. It was my night with the kids, who are 7 and 9. Since there’s nothing in our divorce settlement that prevents her from asking, I said it would be OK. At the table, she took over the conversation, leaving me completely out. The boys live with her, so I didn’t understand what was going on. That sort of behavior, however, is one of the reasons we got divorced. I made a mistake by having her at the table, but now, I’m afraid of what’s going on behind my back. Is it time to call my lawyer again? — Anonymous, 12South Your boys may have better table manners than their parents. At least you didn’t get into a squabble with your ex; your sons seem to have sat there, watching quietly. They may have to put up with the same behavior at home all the time. The papers are signed. She may be more and more like the woman you divorced. You can give her a call right now and tell her how uncomfortable she made you at dinner. Don’t get the kids any more involved than they are now. Don’t start a battle, and don’t use them as ammunition. The next time she asks to tag along, turn her down. They’re still your sons. The only way you’ll fix her behavior is by learning how to behave yourself.

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47 sales in 2019 totaling $30,828,600 Contact Richard today to find out what he can do for you.

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Courtney License # 00205406

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BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusmagazine.com.

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NRETROSPECT

IC HALL COUNTRY MUS URTESY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH CO

USEUM, 1967

OF FAME AND M

Telling the Story A look back at when the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors

On April 1, 1967, at the corner of Music Row and Division Street, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors. The ever-growing collection of photographs, documents, instruments, clothing and even cars of favorite country music artists outgrew the building and was moved to its present downtown location in 2001. For more than 50 years, the museum has been a part of and committed to the Nashville community, and it continues to preserve the rich history of country music and tell the genre’s story from its roots to the present day.

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To those on the front lines, thank you. Even though we are apart, we are in this together. The health and safety of our clients, friends and loved ones is our primary concern. In times like this “home� has never felt more important. Thank you, cashiers, doctors, nurses, shelf fillers, parcel carriers, firemen, police officers and any others for the sacrifices you are making every day. Your commitment and dedication deserve our deepest gratitude. Your service is changing lives and making differences.

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