Sophisticated Living Lexington Sept/Oct 2021

{Lexington’s Finest}

Sept/Oct 2021 five dollars

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BITTNERS N e a r l y 1 70 ye a r s a g o, G u s t ave B i t t n e r o p e n e d a design firm based on these principles...

An enduring style A quality of life B u i l d i n g a f u t u re t o g e t h e r . . . a n d a f i n e Ke n t u c k y b o u r b o n .

1854 Bourbon table Handmade in Kentucky, limited edition Mash tank cypress, Bittners wood shop Hand-poured glass top, Kentucky artisan Fifty per year, numbered Bittners.com

Move beyond your expectations.

1801 Sulgrave Road

Claire Alagia, 592.3459 | $5,750,000

UNDER CONTRACT

7735 Woodbridge Hill Lane | Woodbridge Place Terri Bass Team, 424.8463 | $2,200,000

18420 Bridgemore Lane | Bridgemore Estates Brandon Jones, 718.0044 | $1,895,000

SALE PENDING IN 3 DAYS

5910 Mt Pleasant Drive | Reserve Est Sleepy Hollow

4204 Sanctuary Bluff Lane | Sanctuary Bluff

12003 Woodland Road | Anchorage

222 East Witherspoon Street, Unit 1703

Kitty Cogan Pfeiffer, 419.9052 | $1,298,000

Melanie Galloway, 291.9210 | $998,000

Lynette Masterson, 643.4445 | $1,225,000

Jason Farabee, 649.5181 | $849,900

©MMXXI Lenihan Real Estate, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Lenihan Real Estate, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

SALE PENDING

5712 Harrods Glen Drive | Harrods Glen

1912 Mockingbird Bluff Lane

554 South Lucas Road | Barren River Lake

13909 River Glen Lane | River Glen

13204 Longwood Lane | Longwood

1406 Mockingbird Valley Green

Crystalyn Noland, 644.9140 | $3,300,000

Josh Laughlin, 777.8904 | $1,590,000

Nell Pearce Bradley, 338.2499 | $1,075,000

Jon Mand, 417.2837 | $1,325,000

Laura Rice, 593.3366 | $1,050,000

SALE PENDING

NEW PRICE

1009 Devon Court | Harmony Landing Kristen English, 417.8008 | $650,000

Pam Lawson, 558.7064 | $2,570,000

2004 Fandango Court | Polo Fields

Julie Beam, 905.0599, Beth Schilling, 649.5251 | $599,000

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME AT LSIR.COM

Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty | 3803 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40207 | 502.899.2129 | lsir.com

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••• When we say personal service, what we mean is the

personal touch of Felisha Dowdy

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elisha Dowdy’s involvement in both banking and her community has had a wide-ranging impact for more than 15 years, throughout her career as a financial professional. In 2019, Felisha chaired the annual Gilda’s Night event and has been on the organization’s planning committee for the last five years. She currently chairs the board for First Hour Grief Response.

Felisha served on the board of the Cabbage Patch Settlement House and worked with the American Heart Association to plan its Heart Ball for several years.

She is a former member of the St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce, the Highland Commerce Guild, where she held the position of Vice President, and the East Louisville Business Association.

“When I work with my private banking clients,” says Felisha, “it’s not work so much as the truest sense of a relationship. We get to know each other in a way that allows Paducah Bank, and me personally, to achieve success on the many and varied levels our clients desire.”

FELISHA DOWDY / Vice President & Private Wealth Relationship Manager fdowdy@paducahbank.com / 502.690.8973 / Cell: 502.751.9186 / paducahbank.com MEMBER FDIC

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1129 Cherokee Road Price available upon request BROOKE MILLER | 502.608.4557

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Sept/Oct 2021 20

Sophisticated Sustenance

24

Past Forward

33

Private Ayes

38

Bibliotaph... Nutured by Nature

40

Grand Tourmaline

42

Kinetic Energy

44

Take No Prisoners

46

High Heels to Hiking Boots

52

Of Note... Larger than Light

54

Keep on Truckin’

60

Curating a Collection: Investments At Hand

62

A Horse of a Different Color

66

From Spec to Spectacular

72

Sophisticated Stars

76

Portraits of Water

78

Ashley Davis Sigman, What I Love Right Now

81

Sophisticated Society

{Louisville’s Finest} {Lexington’s Finest}

slmag.net

Sept/Oct 2021 five dollars

Sept/Oct 2021 five dollars

slmag.net

on the cover Louisville: Past Forward Interior designer Weasy Maclean of Bittners spearheads the restoration of the original farmhouse at Ashbourne Farms by respecting its history without being constrained by it. Lexington: Good Fortune, a painting by Alex K. Mason, part of the upcoming exhibition at the Headley Whitney Museum September 10 through November 14. The exhibit, INFORMED

by NATURE, features three artists that draw inspiration from nature for their work. Mason has designed an immersive experience showing how she translates her drawings and paintings to textiles, wallpapers and furniture. Also featured in this exhibit; a major 30 year retrospective of large abstract multimedia paintings

by Helene Steene and nature macro photography by Jennifer Roberts. For more information visit Headley-whitney.org.

HIGH HEELS TO HIKING BOOTS

46

Veggie Sandwich at OAK Market in the Clayton Members Club & Hotel

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Because putting clients first isn’t just our motto – it’s our mission.

Focused on helping you achieve your financial goals.

www.marinerwealthadvisors.com 502-236-2079 | 4965 U.S. 42, Suite 1000, Louisville, KY 40222 812-542-1018 | 3707 Charlestown Road, Suite C-2, New Albany, IN 47150 Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Kansas.

Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Victoria Chase Matthew Cottrell Colin Dennis Andre James Photographers Tony Bailey Chad Henle Andrew Kung Rachel Lutz EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Claire Williams ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams

Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.

SLMAG.NET

From the Editor-In-Chief Believers in the butterfly effect could argue that it was the "Taste Success...Eat My Dust" t-shirt I opted to wear to a cross country practice one crisp fall afternoon three decades ago that caught the eye of a certain baseball player on campus, and set into motion a chain of events that eventually led to the publication of the magazine you're now reading. But, cocky t-shirt aside, I've long contended that my life has benefitted in myriad ways from being a runner. And, while years of pounding the pavement have forced me to take alternate paths in pursuit of a runner's high, the smell of dewy grass and the crunch of newly fallen leaves underfoot at the onset of fall is enough to transport me back in time to the starting line of a cross country meet.

Competing at the collegiate level was such a positive experience that I sought to extend my affiliation with the sport by coaching for several seasons at Bellarmine University, back when it was still a college. Serving more as a CFO (Chief Fun Officer) rather than a hard-core assistant coach, I took it upon myself to convince the head coach to work in unique experiences as part of out-of-town meets. A handful of our runners had never been outside Louisville, so the opportunity to visit a city like Chicago was a big deal. The team was plenty talented, with some members going on to be standouts on the local road racing scene and respected coaches at the high school and college level. However, I knew that memories, rather than medals, would be the most treasured mementos of this time for most of these athletes.

I watched a television interview this past July with Edward Newton, one of the coaches of the Westside Track Club, which reminded me of my quest as a coach.

Founded in 1982 and operating today from the newly opened Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville's West End, the Westside Track Club provides track and field programs for athletes aged 7 to 18.

The Club had 54 athletes qualify for the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston this past August. Coach Newton's television appearance was part of a fundraising initiative to ensure that each young person who worked hard enough to be eligible for the meet could make the trip. In the interview, Coach Newton's remark that the event would mark the greatest distance that some of his athletes had ever been from home struck a chord. As a long-time proponent of using travel to broaden horizons and stretch comfort zones, I agreed with him that the meet could be life-changing for these young people and open their eyes to even more possibilities on and off the track. After donating to the cause, I kept my eye on the team's progress, and I'm honored to use this space to recognize the accomplishments of a few of these rising track and field stars. To see additional images, follow the Westside Track Club on Facebook @WestsideTrackClub.

Bridget Williams, Editor-In-Chief

bridget@slmag.net From top to bottom, left to right: A post-race photograph from 1995 of me with my Northern Kentucky University cross country teammates perfectly captures the joy I felt as part of that team. / Tackling the roles of new mom and fun coach two decades ago. / Anthony Woods II aka "Duece" is the Westside Track Club’s first Long Jump National Champion. / Shot-putter Delani Brown has medaled every year since she was eight. / Tre, Myles, Stephen and Nick, Bronze medalists in the 4x800 meter relay among in the 17-18 age group.

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PRINCESS COLLECTIONS

80 ACRES FARMS BOK CHOY STIR FRY

Recipe and images courtesy of 80 Acres Farms Ingredients 4 oz 80 ACRES FARMS baby got BOK 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped 5-6 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, and caps sliced 1½ Tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp sesame oil 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp honey 1/8 tsp red chili flakes sesame seeds, optional

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Preparation 1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and red chili flakes. Set aside.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1½ Tbsp vegetable oil. When hot, add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 8-10 seconds or until fragrant.

3. Add sliced mushrooms to the stir fry and continue stirring and flipping for another minute or until the mushrooms are soft.

4. Add baby got BOK and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add in soy sauce mixture and reduce to a glaze, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired, and enjoy!

80 Acres Farms is a vertical farming leader providing customers with the freshest, and most nutritious fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. Utilizing world-class technology and analytics, the Company offers customers a wide variety of pesticide-free food with a longer shelf-life that exceeds the highest standards in food safety. The company addresses both sustainability and food security through growing food differently with vertical farming technology and reducing water usage by 97% on less than 1% of the land, with 300x the yield (80acresfarms.com).

"KALSCH" NAVY BEAN SOUP

Recipe by Erik Kalsch, Executive Chef at Equus Jack's Bourbon Restaurant | Lounge & Black Rabbit This is a soup that I was raised on and helped me cultivate my passion as a cook. I know everyone has a story to tell about those recipes that make an impact in some way. In this case, this humble dish can answer multiple questions that access my ethos (my past, family, morals). We called it "pantry soup," a sort of all-in-one recipe that most people have within their families. With ours, it offered a filling portion that provided most of what anyone needs to get through the day, especially in colder weather. This soup is easy to make, cheap to prepare and fulfills that desire to gain that good feeling we get when we eat something on par.

Ingredients Yields 1 G (16 portions) 2.5 lbs. dried navy beans 2 lbs. smoked Kielbasa 3 large yellow onion (small diced) 4 cloves minced garlic 2 large carrots (small diced) 2 stalks celery (small diced with hearts) 1 lb. honey gold potatoes (large diced) 1 G Chicken stock ½ bunch Italian parsley 2 ½ T coarse black pepper Salt to taste

Preparation 1. First thing to do is soak the beans in tap cold water for at least 12 hours.

2. Slice the kielbasa thin and add to a large pot heated with oil, sear until mostly caramelized. Remove and save the pot.

3. In that pot, add garlic, onion, carrot, celery (save the heart and leaves for later). Sauté and sweat for 3 minutes, add chicken stock and soaked navy beans.

4. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer; let it go until beans have become tender. Add black pepper, diced celery heart w/ leaves, and parsley very last. Salt until flavor comes together.

5. Add kielbasa.

6. Serve with crusty bread; add butter for that extra something. I recommend letting the soup cool and sit for a day so that the flavors steep and meld together.

Jared Fox Matthews purchased the famed St. Matthews restaurant and bar from the late Chef Dean Corbett in 2018. Mr. Matthews is dedicated to ensuring top notch food and service with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Equus & Jack’s Bourbon Restaurant | Lounge and the Black Rabbit speakeasy are located at 122 Sears Avenue in Louisville. View menus, operating hours and make reservations at equusrestaurant.com.

slmag.net 21

REINVENTING SCIENCE HILL

THE RED LION AT SCIENCE HILL

Lunch & Dinner | New American Cuisine +120 Whiskies | Cocktail Lounge Private Dining & Event Space Wakefield-Scearce Galleries

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PAST FORWARD

Interior designer Weasy Maclean of Bittners spearheads the restoration of the original farmhouse at Ashbourne Farms by respecting its history without being constrained by it.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung The late Sally Brown would undoubtedly smile if she could see Ashbourne Farms today: the beloved 850-acre family farm she put under conservation easement in 1996 is now 2,250-acres; its agricultural programs are flourishing; its show barn is bustling with the happy sounds of weddings, live music, and special events; it persists in its dedication to hospitality and heritage under the ownership of her grandson Austin Musselman and his wife Janie; and, its original farmhouse is newly renovated and sporting her favorite hue: a cheery, buttery yellow.

The entirety of the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As it continues to evolve as a center for both hospitality and agriculture, so do its facilities. Case-in-point is the restoration and expansion of the once modest yellow farmhouse, whose charming cottage-style façade belies its spacious, highceilinged interiors. With original rooms dating back to 1882, the 24 slmag.net

first order of business was removing an ill-fitting addition in favor of one built by Realm Construction that transitions seamlessly from old to new. The landscape, designed by Jon Carloftis, strikes just the right balance between the fundamental concepts of composition: proportion, order, repetition, and unity.

Interior designer Weasy Maclean of Bittners had access to an enviable collection of family heirlooms and artifacts when outfitting the rustic-chic rooms. This assemblage speaks to the current owners’ passions and creates a one-of-a-kind look that massively reduces the carbon footprint created by buying mostly newly made furnishings. In addition, antiqued procured from Bittners, including an antique bench in the entry, along with custom-made pieces created by the artisans in the woodworking studio at the design house, such as a handsome and substantial cabinet in the laundry room, are no doubt destined to become part of the family’s dowry.

Covered porches at the side and rear of the farmhouse can be accessed via the newly added gathering room. A mix of antiques and new upholstered pieces creates a feeling of casual elegance.

Table lamps created from antique Italian candlesticks mounted on iron bases rest atop a family heirloom in the entry.

An armoire in the laundry room was custom-made by the artisans in the Bittners woodworking shop.

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Both the kitchen and laundry room boast a brick floor. The upper cabinets have a bit of bling courtesy of jewelryinspired malachite knobs from Addison Weeks. Reclaimed wood on the range hood and embossed tiles provide additional visual interest.

On display in the dining room are a pair of watercolor paintings by the farm’s previous owner, the late Sally Brown.

The hutch is from Bittners and the tulip-shaped chandelier is a Julie Neill Alberto design for Visual Comfort.

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Delft blue tiles surrounding the hearth add a touch of antiquity to the newly added gathering room at the rear of the farmhouse.

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A bedroom in the original portion of the farmhouse. Both the drapery and headboard utilize “Lexington” linen from Ferrick Mason.

The design of the tulip-shaped sconce designed by Julie Neill Alberto for Visual Comfort reappears in the dining room chandelier.

The “Green Room” underneath the show barn was outfitted over the span of two weeks utilizing pieces pulled from the Bittners showroom.

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Maclean created a personal retreat for Janie Musselman, the farm’s coowner and an accomplished equestrienne, adjacent to the horse barn.

In the library, a contemporary Holly Hunt bench is centered between a pair of antique corner cabinets.

Part of the newly added spaces, windows at the far end of the kitchen provide a vantage point to admire the show barn and the horse barn. In the latter, Maclean created a comfortable gathering spot that can stand up to the wear and tear of equestrian pursuits. Similar to the farmhouse, she selected upholstery and accent pillows that embrace color and patterns drawn from global cultures. Her clever choices imbue both spaces with an of-the-moment aura and perfectly align with the collection of Continental antiques.

In addition to hosting elegant weddings, the show barn at Ashbourne is quickly gaining notoriety for promoting toptier bluegrass music, and Maclean was asked to outfit a “Green Room” beneath it in short order. So, in just two weeks, she created a swank space with pieces pulled from the Bittners showroom for both musicians and brides or grooms-to-be to relax before their moment in the spotlight.

Gaines said that the farm’s owners love color. Evidence of this is the application of bold peacock blue on the laundry 30 slmag.net

walls and the lacquered hunter green finish of the kitchen cabinetry, built by Westport Custom Cabinets, that repeats on the library walls.

A contemporary Holly Hunt bench is centered in a window and between a pair of antique corner cabinets in the library.

The vignette is one of many subtle instances where Maclean injects touches of modernity to keep the interiors from taking on a museum-like aesthetic. Other examples include a gilt tulip chandelier suspended above the antique table in the dining room and Lucite curtain rods in one of the en suite bedrooms.

An abundance of windows bathes the rooms in light and treats those inside to varying verdant views of the undulating acreage. Thoughtfully furnished outdoor spaces, including a screened side porch and a large covered porch that spans the width of the home at the rear, stand as an open invitation to “sit a spell” while sipping a glass of sweet Southern tea and surveying the serene scene. sl

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PRIVATE AYES

Say yes to a private beach retreat at Playa Largo Ocean Residences in the Florida Keys.

Written by Bridget Williams

The oceanfront clubhouse at sunrise.

Getting to know the Florida Keys is like stepping on quicksand.

Buzzing down the 113-miles of the Overseas Highway that stretches from Key Largo to Key West presents a blur of vegetation, stretches of open sea views, dive shops, and dive bars.

However, you never really sink into the tiny links that comprise the sprawling Keys chain unless you slow down while traveling from A to B. Only then will you find yourself being slowly pulled into its colorful communities.

A case in point is my recent visit to Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo to check out their newly opened Ocean Residences. This private, gated enclave features three- and fourbedroom vacation homes located across from the resort on the Atlantic side of the Overseas Highway. Boasting gorgeous ocean views, the 3,500-square-foot open-concept and pet-friendly dwellings are designed in a coastal-chic style and incorporate indigenous materials such as capiz shells, sponges, and coral rock. The luxury of arriving before my travel mates meant that I got first dibs on the four available bedrooms in our "Sunrise" home. While all were amply comfortable, it was the expansive

ocean-view terrace off the third-floor primary suite that sealed the deal for me.

The street linking the residences culminates at an oceanfront clubhouse, complete with a plunge pool overlooking Rock Harbor. A large covered terrace perched above the pool and the ocean is one of the clubhouse's best amenities. Guests can call on the Playa Largo events team to utilize the club for various experiences, from a post-wedding brunch to an intimate bespoke alfresco dinner as we did during our stay.

Playa Largo Ocean Residences have a dedicated concierge stationed minutes away at the resort. Engaging with guests before arrival and then checking in throughout the stay, they are keen on creating a home-away-from-home experience. Each morning a basket of breakfast goodies is left on the doorstep of each residence. Those with heartier appetites can partake of a complete fresh breakfast at the resort's La Marea restaurant or arrange to have their refrigerator pre-stocked to their liking. Private chef services are also available, a particular boon for guests who fish and want their catch of the day expertly prepared.

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Lolly, captain of Caribbean Watersport's Carolina Moon catamaran.

In addition to a dedicated guest services manager, what sets Playa Largo Ocean Residences apart from renting an independent, standalone home is having access to all of the ample amenities at the award-winning resort, which is perfectly situated on 14.5 beachfront acres on the tranquil Florida Bay. During the day, we enjoyed soaking up the sun by transitioning from the zero-entry pool to a comfortable beachfront chaise perfectly positioned under a palm tree to offer a shady respite. If you plan to be at the resort all day, residence guests can freshen up at a private members club that includes a comfortable lounge with snacks and refreshments and a locker room with shower facilities.

There are four dining options at the resort. Elevated for a bird's eye view of Florida Bay, Sol by the Sea boasts a Caribbeaninspired menu. Las Olas Ceviche Bar is the only true ceviche restaurant in Florida's Upper Keys. La Marea serves up breakfast inside or poolside. Serving familiar favorites, the lively Sand Bar sits between the pool and the beach.

"Welcome to adult daycare," said the manager of the Ocean Spa as we arrived for our massage. The 6,000-square-foot spa includes six treatment rooms and a diverse menu of services, 34 slmag.net

from a make-your-own scrub bar to locally-inspired face and body treatments. With a wall of windows overlooking the pool, workouts fly by in the adjacent state-of-the-art fitness studio.

Undoubtedly my favorite on-property activity was a sunset catamaran sail in the Florida Bay aboard the Carolina Moon, which left from the dock near the resort, operated by Caribbean Watersports (caribbeanwatersports.com). Like all proper seafarers, Lolly, our colorful boat captain, kept us entertained with her tales and, influencers take note, knows all the most flattering angles for photos. Lolly chided her first mate, a handsome young man who left all the single ladies googly-eyed, by saying he quickly developed "Keys disease" following his first visit to the area. It was a "classic case," she added, with symptoms that include leaving behind the suit-and-tie corporate world for a more laidback lifestyle.

The Florida Bay's shallow waters are among the most significant coastal estuaries in the Sunshine State. The resort offers an engaging ecotour on RIB boats to explore these unique basins, which provide habitat for several threatened or endangered species, including the Florida manatee.

Sol by the Sea

A private dinner set up at the Residences' clubhouse.

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Guests of the Ocean Residences have full access to the amenities at the Playa Largo Resort.

A cocktail flight at the Islamorada Brewery & Distillery

Catch of the day prepared by a private chef at the Ocean Residences.

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Sunrise view from the third-floor terrace of the aptly named "Sunrise" home in the Ocean Residences.

The Carolina Moon arrived back at the dock in time for the resort's Eventide Celebration, a nightly cocktail party on the beach where guests write their worries/stresses on a piece of paper that's then placed on a floating buoy and set off to sea.

While we certainly took advantage of resort amenities, having our accommodation only slightly separate from the hustle and bustle of the resort opened the door to more off-property exploration. A mecca for divers, Key Largo is home to the world's second-largest artificial reef and the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue. There's plenty of eye candy for those preferring their views above water at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Chef Michael's (foodtotalkabout.com) offers a menu featuring creatively inspired Florida Keys cuisine in nearby Islamorada, including hogfish and lionfish. Located at mile marker 82.2 and looking like many a t-shirt shop in this part of the world, the Islamorada Brewery & Distillery (islamoradabreweryanddistillery.com) is a gem. Head through

the yellow-and-teal-colored tasting room to the shady backyard beer garden.

I am a huge fan of crazy cocktail concoctions, so I was excited to see they offered cocktail flights (beer flights too), which allowed me to sample four from their extensive offerings.

Organic ingredients and house-made cream of coconut and lavender syrup add an artisanal quality to the drinks. Don't leave without picking up a bag (or four) of their highly addictive truffle, parmesan, and black garlic popcorn.

The Florida Keys only brewery and distillery, the quantity of beer, vodka, rum, and gin that's able to be produced in this tiny facility is mind-boggling. A testament to both ingenuity and stubbornness, most of the spirit's output originates from a shoehorned pot distillery next to the tasting room. "It's what the Keys are about," remarked the tasting room manager. "You make the most of what you have." sl Rates at the Playa Largo Ocean Residences start at $1200/night.

For more information, visit www.oceanresidencesvacations.com.

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Bibliotaph... Nutured by Nature

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Using six generously illustrated case studies, author Julian Raxworthy issues a call for landscape architects to leave the office and return to the garden with a new practice for working with plant material that he terms “the veridic”. Julian Raxworthy—Overgrown: Practices Between Landscape Architecture and Gardening—hardcover, 392 pages, The MIT Press A native of British Columbia who grew up in the logging world, Suzanne Simard, now a professor of Forest Ecology, has been compared to the late marine biologist Rachel Carson, as scientists who convey complex, technical ideas in an engaging and compelling fashion. In her first book, Simard makes the case that trees are not simply the source of timber or pulp, but are a complicated, interdependent circle of life. Suzanne Simard—Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest— hardcover, 368 pages, Knopf

Hoping to heal a broken heart, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Conor Knighton took the road trip of a lifetime, and ended up changing his views on everything from God to technology. Conor Knighton—Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-To-Zion Journey Through Every National Park—hardcover, 336 pages, Crown Publishing

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An entertaining, informative and illustrated guide to 54 of the most intriguing tree varieties in the Pacific Northwest. Karen Gaudette Brewer (writer), Emily Poole (illustrator)—Northwest Know-How: Trees— hardcover, 144 pages, Sasquatch Books

Supported by watercolor and pen and ink illustrations, this book explains how to forage from 40 trees for food, home remedies, and as raw materials to build toys and musical instruments. Adele Nozedar—The Tree Forager: 40 Extraordinary Trees & What to do With Them—hardcover, 208 pages, Watkins Publishing

bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books A compilation of quotes, facts, stories, and forest imagery aimed at helping the reader rediscover (or deepen) their connection with the great outdoors. Andrea Sarubbi Fereshteh—In the Company of Trees: Honoring Our Connection to the Sacred Power, Beauty, and Wisdom of Trees—paper over board, Adams Media

Art Wolfe’s immersive photos of individual specimens and entire forests are accompanied by writer Gregory McNamee’s entertaining narrative examining cultural lore and legends that define the longstanding symbiosis between trees and humans. Gregory McNamee (writer), Art Wolfe (photographer)— Trees: Between Earth and Heaven—hardcover, 318 pages, Earth Aware Editions

In essays spanning a season afield, author Joel Spring shares his thoughts and insights regarding the future and the future of the sport of hunting. Joel Spring—At Forest’s Edge: Tales of Hunting, Friendship, and The Future—hardcover, 248 pages, Skyhorse Publishing

Available in October, this is the fourth monograph to focus on the work of Miami-based contemporary landscape architect Raymond Jungles, and will present 21 completed projects from Manhattan to Mexico. Raymond Jungles—Beyond Wild: Gardens and Landscapes by Raymond Jungles—hardcover, 240 pages, The Monacelli Press

Hilton Carter shares step-by-step instructions for a wide range of plant-inspired interior projects, from a simple planter to entire living wall. Hilton Carter— Wild Creations: Inspiring Projects to Create Plus Plant Care Tips & Styling Ideas for Your Own Wild Interior—paper over board, 240 pages CICO books

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GRAND TOURMALINE Compiled by Bridget Williams

As the story goes, it was somewhere in Brazil in the 1500s where a Spanish conquistador uncovered a green tourmaline crystal and mistook it for an emerald. This misconception persisted for 300 years until scientists recognized it as a distinct mineral species. Tourmaline mines are found domestically in Maine and California and abroad, including sites in Madagascar, Brazil, and Afghanistan.

Tourmalines boast a very complex chemical composition and one of the broadest color ranges of any gem species.

Distinct healing properties are often associated with a particular hue. Some of the most popular types are buergerite (black), canary (yellow), cat’s-eye (forest green with cat-eye slits), indicolite (light blue), Paraíba (highly prized neon blue and neon green stones hailing from the state of Paraíba, Brazil), rubellite (red), verdelite (green), and watermelon (bi-colored with pink in the center and green around the outside). Pink tourmaline, associated with compassion and gentleness, is one of October’s two birthstones, the other being opal.

Clockwise from top left: Lily Gabriella rubellite tourmaline and green marble cocktail ring ($14,375; lillygabriella.com). Nak Armstrong one-of-a-kind Mozambique tourmaline solitaire ring ($10,700; nakarmstrong.com). Kassandra Nicholson Sugarloaf tourmaline ring in textured rose gold ($2,920; kassandranicholson.com). Stephen Silver green tourmaline and orange sapphire ring ($4,750; shsilver.com). GFG Jewellery Artisia with Malawian fair trade tourmaline ($4,769; gfgjewellery.com). Mary MacGill green tourmaline Floating drop earrings ($2,8000; marymacgill.com). Sorellina Three Stone tourmaline & chalcedony earrings ($3,750; sorellinanyc.com). Flora Bhattachary Ashru earrings (florabhattachary.com). Diaboli Kill Lilith dagger diamond earrings with pink tourmaline ($3,000; diabolikill.com). Dale Novick earrings (dalenovick.com). Anthony Lent double headed green tourmaline Serpent ring ($2,530; anthonylent.com). Fox & Bond Springtime Ombre tourmaline ring ($1,255; foxandbond.com). Nana Fink Liz ring No. 2 with Indigolite tourmaline ($8,465; nanafink.com).

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Clockwise from top left: Gumuchian carnelian bead drop tassel necklace with carved green tourmaline panther center (gumuchian.com). Emily P. Wheeler one-of-a-kind tourmaline Crystal necklace with sapphires (emilypwheeler.com). Hublot Big Bang King Gold Paraiba with baguette-cut Paraiba tourmaline ($274,000; hublot.com). Vendorafa Bamboo70 cuff with tourmaline, tsavorite and peridot (vendorafa.net). Camille Beinhorn pink tourmaline Catena bracelet ($575; camillebeinhornjewelry.com). Ananya Lotus bespoke Ascendant necklace (ananya.com).

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KINETIC ENERGY Fine jewelry designed with movement in mind Compiled by Bridget Williams

Clockwise from top left: Laura Caspi Crab Claw necklace ($1,700; lauracaspi.com). Bondeye Jewelry Droplet white sapphire bracelet ($1,350; bondeyejewelry.com). Yael Sonia Spinning Wheel bracelet with blue topaz (yaelsonia.com). One-of-a-kind Dream Catcher pendant from Buddha Mama ($68,000; buddhamama.com). Larissa Moraes Van Gogh’s Almond earrings (larissamorawsjewelry.com). Aura collection earrings from Gismondi 1754 (shop.gismondi1754.com). Never Not Grab n Go-Ready 2 Laugh earrings ($6,968; nevernot.co.uk). Armoura Paraiba drop earrings ($3,499; armoura.com). Ashley Zhang Sunshine Citrine Rolling Ring ($1,750; ashleyzhangjewelry.com).

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Clockwise from top left: Ritique Nouveau Spiral Wire Ring with white pearl ($494; ritique.com). Deborah Pagani Convertible Pill link necklace ($13,900; deborahpagani.com).

Moonlight Grapes necklace from Georg Jensen ($13,975; georgjensen.com). Arman Sarkisyan Starburst locket ring ($9,500; armansarkisyan.com). Maya Gemstones Saturn ring with Maya cut diamond ($4,536; mayagemstones.com). Mateo Kinetic Object mobile earring (mateonewyork.com). Vram Chrona chandelier sapphire earrings (vramjewelry.com). Nouvel Heritage Talia earrings ($11,000; nouvelheritage.com).

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The Prisoner Red Blend.

TAKE NO PRISONERS A women-led winemaking team at The Prisoner Wine Company continues a tradition of crafting blends that aren’t shackled to traditional winemaking.

Written by Chloe Gellar / Photography courtesy of The Prisoner Wine Company

This is not a conventional winemaker story. From its inception, The Prisoner Wine Company has aimed to do things differently.

Company founder Dave Phinney began his winemaking career in 1997 in the humblest of ways by working the graveyard shift as a temporary harvest intern at Robert Mondavi Winery. Just a few years later, Phinney released The Prisoner's flagship red blend, and it wasn't just what was inside the bottle that drew quick and widespread acclaim. Understanding labeling as an essential factor attracting the consumer's eye, Phinney chose an arresting etching of a prisoner drawn by the famous artist Francisco de Goya to make the flagship stand out on the shelf, thereby establishing a tradition of nonconformist wines with unconventional packaging. This renegade spirit has persisted even after Phinney sold the company, now owned by powerhouse Constellation Brands. Today, The Prisoner Wine Company boasts a female-led winemaking team headed by Director of Winemaking Chrissy Whitman and, under her, winemakers Niki Williams and Molly Zook.

Chrissy and Niki both took circuitous routes to arrive at The Prisoner Wine Company. Chrissy was working at an independent environmental chemistry lab analyzing soil and wastewater samples when she was asked to cover an absent co-worker in the lab's wine division. Niki's love for agriculture came from growing up in a central Illinois farming community. Working at a European travel agency and visiting top wineries in both France and Italy was the "aha" moment that set her on a path to meld her appreciation for wineries and love of agriculture into a career.

SL had the pleasure of interviewing both women to learn more about their unique career paths and how their outside-the-box backgrounds are a perfect fit for the Prisoner brand.

SL: Chrissy, we can't say that we blame you for going from wastewater to wine! What was it that initially piqued your interest in winemaking?

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Chrissy: After filling in for an absent co-worker in the wine division, I was hooked. I then steered my career in the direction of wine and became a wine chemist at Meridian Vineyards. After some great mentorship by their winemaking team, I looked to fully commit to my career in winemaking. I returned to Cal Poly for an M.S. in Agriculture with a concentration in Food Science. From there, I did some custom crush work making wine for other clients, which was eye-opening. Then, after nine years at Wild Horse Winery on the Central Coast of CA, I took the position as Director of Winemaking at The Prisoner, which has been the best ride so far.

SL: How has your scientific background influenced your winemaking?

Chrissy: Winemaking is the perfect marriage of art and science.

Although I never considered myself artistic, I have learned over the years how creativity and science can work hand in hand. It takes specific chemical knowledge to make blends tactically, but the creative, artistic side comes in when assessing what creative touches we can give the wine to appeal to our fans.

SL: Niki, how did you end up leaping from central Illinois to working for a European travel agency? What was it that prompted you to expand your horizons?

Niki: I was lucky to be raised as a Midwest farm kid, spending lots of time with my grandparents and parents in their fields, pastures, gardens, and kitchens. Even though I will always feel connected to the family farm, I was born with an adventurous spirit and a hefty dose of wanderlust. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Illinois Wesleyan University. I then moved to Chicago to pursue a Master of Arts in Theatre at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Instead of writing plays – my original intention – I started acting, and I was lucky to land a day job at a European travel company. This led me to frequent

The Snitch, Blindfold.

Eternally Silenced.

Chrissy Wittmann, Director of Winemaking, The Prisoner Wine Company.

Photo: Matt Morris,

Niki Williams, Winemaker for The Prisoner Wine Company.

travels throughout Europe, including some of the great wine regions of Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.

SL: Taking that further, how did you parlay your global travel into making wine?

Niki: I was living in Los Angeles and working for an African safari company when the economy took a downturn in 2008. Like many people in that moment, it was time to reconsider my career path! I had recently returned from a trip to South Africa, including a visit to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and I decided to pursue winemaking. I went back to school and graduated from the University of California, Davis, in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology.

After graduating, I worked harvest internships at Franciscan Estate in Napa Valley and L'Avenir in South Africa. My first winemaking position was with Merryvale Family of Wines, where I also managed the custom crush production of The Prisoner Wine Company's wines. I returned to Franciscan Estate in 2015, and The Prisoner Wine Company followed me to Constellation Brands in 2016. It made for an easy transition since I was already familiar with the wines.

SL: The Prisoner Wine Company is known for its blends, notably their flagship Red Blend. How do you approach this method of winemaking?

Chrissy: I love the challenge of blending varietals from all over California, not necessarily what's expected, and that has made The Prisoner's portfolio of blends memorable and beloved. Sometimes you don't know what works until you try it. You have to be able to analyze the unique attributes of each component wine and how they may interact with one another. You must be open-minded and not get too hung up by tradition. That said, it can be difficult to maintain the balance between innovation and preserving The Prisoner's established style, ensuring that even if the blend evolves from year to year, vintage variations do not change the wine's hallmark profile.

Niki: We get to create blends that we think are the best of the vintage, rather than sticking with the notion that only Bordeaux or only Rhone varieties can go into the same bottle with each other. We're also very playful and experimental with our winemaking processes, and we trial new and different techniques and practices every vintage.

SL: What are the benefits of blends versus single varietals?

Chrissy: The Prisoner Wine Company specializes in blends to bring together different kinds of grapes, which results in unique, compelling flavors and creates a versatile wine that appeals to many different palettes. Blends keep our drinkers guessing, which in part is what draws them in for more.

We work very closely with a family of about 100 growers throughout California to source grapes for our blends. Working with this larger pool of partners has allowed us to partner with small-scale producers, who grow outstanding quality grapes, including more unique varietals. Sometimes, growers will come to us. If we are looking for additional fruit, we will rely on relationships between growers and vineyard managers because they are aware of our unique needs. Visiting our growing partners and getting to know them is one of my favorite parts of my job.

Niki: Different varieties have their own unique fingerprint of fruit character, herbal or savory notes, acidity, tannins, and structure. Combining these diverse personalities can create a more balanced, complex wine, and it also can provide more vintage-to-vintage consistency.

Each of our grower sites is unique, and it is really refreshing to get out into nature during such a hectic season. It's a mental reset. Working with the growers is awesome. Everyone has a different history, and I love learning about it. sl For more information, visit theprisonerwinecompany.com.

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Boulder, Colorado as seen from the rooftop of the City Courthouse, looking down on the Pearl Street Mall and beyond to the Flatirons. Photo

by Stephen Collector courtesy of Boulder CVB.

HIGH HEELS TO HIKING BOOTS Savoring all the charms of Boulder and Denver Written by Bridget Williams

Dramatically nestled up to the Rocky Mountains, Denver bills itself as an ideal basecamp for myriad outdoor adventures. While the Mile High City has served in that capacity for me on multiple occasions, for our most recent visit, we utilized its cosmopolitan charms as a well-earned reward after a few hiking-focused days in nearby Boulder.

With the lowest obesity rates in the nation and omnipresent opportunities to engage with the outdoors, every time I'm in Colorado, I feel healthy by association. In addition, there is a unique confluence of affluence and outdoorsy in places like Boulder, creating an upscale "work hard, play hard" environment.

Look no further than Pearl Street, the retail heart of this city of 105,000, to see upmarket outfitters including Fjällräven, Black Diamond, and a dozen more who've set up shop there. In a recent article for 5280 magazine, Scott Crabtree, a commercial realtor with The Colorado Group, called the street the "Rodeo Drive of outdoor apparel." And, with Boulder's cost of living coming in around 42% above the national average, it consistently ranks as the most affluent medium-sized city in the United States. What this means for visitors is outstanding food, wine, and craft beer offerings; top-notch shopping with lots of independently owned 46 slmag.net

outlets; a thriving arts scene; and miles and miles of trails for exploring by foot or bike.

Want to park your car and forget about it for a few days? If so, check-in at the award-winning and locally owned St. Julien Hotel & Spa (stjulien.com), situated in the shadows of the Flatirons in the heart of downtown Boulder. The hotel's public spaces and 201 newly renovated guest rooms boast Arts and Crafts-style architecture and a color palette that captures the essence of fall in the Rockies. For the best views of the Flatiron Mountains, book a 400-square-foot King Veranda room.

Property amenities include the 10,000-square-foot Spa at St. Julien and fitness facility, a 50-foot indoor lap pool, Jill's Restaurant & Bistro (jillsboulder.com), T-Zero Cocktail Bar, and ample indoor and outdoor meeting, gathering, and event space.

As evening approaches, there's a noticeable uptick in energy as locals and visitors order a cocktail and gather in the lobby's comfortable seating areas and on the terrace under the shade of patio umbrellas. A striking illuminated onyx bar defines T-Zero; the stone reappears in the open kitchen of Jill's, where the woodfired oven is the focal point.

St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder

The kitchen at Jill's sources its ingredients through partnerships with local farms, creameries, and ranches, from its on-site garden, and Boulder's seasonal Farmer's Market – conveniently located across the street. The upscale casual menu at Jill's offers something for everyone, including various vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Tip: if your order the Brussels sprouts, request a side of their truffle aioli for dipping, and thank me later.

The hotel is less than two blocks from Pearl Street, and some of Denver's best restaurants, including Frasca Food & Wine (frascafoodandwine.com), Corrida (corridaboulder.com), SALT (saltboulder.com), Steakhouse No. 316 (steakhouse316. com), The Kitchen (thekitchenbistros.com), and Oak at Fourteenth (oakatfourteenth.com). A visit to the Boulder Dusanbe Teahouse (boulderteahouse.com) is a must, even it's just for a look around. This ornate and colorful Persian teahouse created over three years by more than 40 artisans was a gift from a sister city in Tajikistan.

In the opposite direction from Pearl Street and about a mile (uphill on the outbound) is the Chautauqua, a National Historic Landmark at the foot of the Flatirons where some 40 miles of

hiking trails can be accessed. Boulder County owns or oversees more than 100,000 acres of open space, and there are three dozen trailheads within the city limits, making it easy for hikers of all abilities to hit the trails. Visit bouldercoloradousa.com/hikeplanner/ for help planning your outdoor adventure. For a short but challenging hike with great views, check out the out-and-back Mount Sanitas Peak trail.

If shopping is your preferred cardio, you and your wallet can get a workout at Todd Reed Jewelry (toddreed.com); Weekends, a locally owned purveyor of men's and women's contemporary and designer clothing (weekendsboulder.com); Peppercorn (peppercorn.com), offering everything for the home; Liberty Puzzles (libertypuzzles.com) for whimsical wooden puzzles crafted in Boulder; Two Hands Paperie for unique stationery (twohandspaperie.com); Boulder Bookstore (boulderbookstore.net), a local institution since 1973; Colorado Multisport (coloradomultisport.com), a playground for triathletes; and Neptune Mountaineering (neptunemountaineering.com), a locally owned source for all things outdoor.

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Boulder Falls

Photo of the Flatirons in Boulder by Denise Chambers, courtesy of Boulder CVB.

Dushanbe Teahouse. Photo by Denise Chambers, courtesy of Boulder CVB.

View from the Mount Sanitas trail

Pearl Street in Boulder. Photo by Denise Chambers, courtesy of Boulder CVB. Boulder Creek. Image courtesy of Boulder CVB

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Clayton Members Club & Hotel.

Photo by Caleb Alvarado.

Five Nines cocktail lounge.

Photo by David Lauer

After a few days of outdoor excursions, we headed to the urban jungle of Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood to experience the newly opened Clayton Members Club & Hotel (claytondenver.com), a first-of-its-kind property in the city. When we checked in at the chic 63-room boutique hotel, the front desk attendant referred to the property as a "culinary playground," and, as we were pleased to discover throughout our stay, he was spot on.

Orchestrated by New York-based firm AvroKO, the entirety of the property has a sexy mid-century-inspired design, punctuated by a top-drawer collection of contemporary art. From the moment you grasp the leather-wrapped door handles at the entrance, you know you are in for a thoughtfully planned sensory experience. Guest rooms and suites, including the two-floor Isabella Penthouse, are all exceptionally appointed. I don't usually get excited about toiletries, but if a roll in the hay smells at all like the "Cowboy Grass" line from DS & Durga, then count me in!

Hotel guests are privy to the activities and amenities of the Clayton Members Club. Member spaces encompass a second-floor

Rooftop pool at Clayton Members Club & Hotel.

Photo by David Lauer

members' restaurant with all-day service; a sprawling subterranean fitness center; The Parlor, serving light bites accompanied by a zeroABV beverage program and an extensive natural/organic wine list; a coworking lounge; and a rooftop pool, bar and restaurant. At any given time of day, each of the spaces was populated with well-coiffed individuals whose panache was on par with the swank surroundings.

The Club's robust roster of member events—more than 150 annually and frequently created by Member Collaborators— is designed to "highlight the collision of arts, culture, and activism, entrepreneurial endeavors, and ultimately, the community's collective desire to live a more meaningful and impactful life."

The hotel boasts a trio of public culinary outlets. Bright and airy, OAK Market is a daytime eatery with sidewalk seating. Even if you aren't a breakfast person, I guarantee you'll be rethinking that after eyeing their tempting offerings, both decadent and healthy. Conjuring speakeasy ambiance, Five Nines cocktail lounge offers an intimate stage for jazz, acoustic and spoken word performances Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

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Denver Art Museum.

Photo courtesy of Visit Denver.

Applying the finishing touch to an offering at OAK Market in the Clayton Members Club & Hotel.

Photo by Erik Young.

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Nocture Jazz & Supper Club

Leven Deli

The National Western Stock Show Parade.

Photo courtesy of Visit Denver.

Our dinner at Of A Kind was a culinary tour de force.

Executive chef Brandon Duley's menu of Mediterranean and California coastal fare was beautifully plated and pleasing from first sight to the last bite. Engaging and entertaining service made the experience even more elevated.

Much like our experience in Boulder, once we left our keys with the valet, we didn't retrieve them until it was time to head for the airport. While my idea of what's within walking distance is substantially more generous than most, Cherry Creek, just south of the city's largest park, is Denver's premier upscale shopping and dining district. There are plenty of places to eat and shop within a few blocks of the hotel.

Further afoot are several exciting neighborhoods with distinct personalities. The Denver Art Museum is the anchor of the Golden Triangle Creative District. Refuel after a morning of ogling art at Leven Deli (eatleven.com), a high-ceilinged space loaded with greenery. The naturally leavened rye loaf that forms the foundation of their classic pastrami is super yummy. Be sure to get there right before noon, or else you'll find yourself in a line that snakes down the block.

The RiNo (River North) Art District is considered the hotspot for creative types, evidenced by scores of vibrant murals created during CRUSH WALLS, Denver's annual international

street art festival. One heavily hued alleyway leads to Noble Riot (nobleriot.com), a wine bar specializing in Pét-nat and orange wines.

Unfamiliar with both, our server provided us with fascinating insight and made it fun to try something completely foreign. The absence of pretense is refreshing, and you can't help but smile when you spy the "Weirdo Bubbs" heading on their menu.

We capped off our evening and our trip at Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club (nocturnejazz.com), a place that tugs hard on my nostalgia for the silver screen version of date night. Seated along the rail in the second-floor balcony, we had a great vantage point to watch the quartet play an engaging mix of familiar standards and original pieces, as well as survey the eclectic crowd spanning all age groups. Their three-course dinner is designed to be an integral part of the experience and was as well-composed as the music. It was our first time enjoying live music in over a year, and it was clear from the palpable energy passing back-and-forth between musicians and audience that everyone was keen for the return.

Outside the club, we were quick to note the sounds of laughter, a distant rhythmic drum beat, and thumping bass emanating from a bar across the street. Similar to the improvisation that defines many a jazz set, the seemingly discordant sounds of a fully alive neighborhood combined to make sweet music to our ears. sl

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Of Note... Larger than Light

Compiled by Colin Dennis

This page, clockwise from top left: Luxxu McQueen globe chandelier ($6,700; luxxu.net). Eichholtz Randall LED chandelier ($2,950; eichholtzusa.com). Red Sinatra suspension chandelier from DelightFULL ($2,070; delightful.eu). Asola floor lamp designed by Evangelos Vasileiou for Ligne Roset ($1,455; ligne-roset.com/us/). Essential Home Ivete floor lamp ($4,823; 1stdibs.com). Vengeance cast brass and marble table lamp from Koket ($5,360; bykoket.com).

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This page, clockwise from top left: Flower Power LED chandelier with either six or 12 Murano glass pipes from VG New Trend (vgnewtrend.it/en/). Original BTC Cranton oval pendant is made up of multiple, overlapping hexagonal bone china discs ($7,199; originalbtc.com). The lampshade of the Nuee by Marc Sadler for Foscarini can be manually expanded and compressed into different shapes (foscarini.com). Louis Poulsen Panthella table lamp in a new metaled brass finish available in two sizes (from $750; louispoulsen.com). Twilight pendant from Schonbek (from $3,110; schonbek.com). Sonneman Abstraction linear LED pendant in satin black ($1,147.50; sonnemanawayoflight.com). Alice suspension lamp by Home’s Society (homessociety.com).

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KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Electric Workhorses with Show Horse Style

Written by Andre James / Photography courtesy of the manufacturers 2022 FORD F-150 LIGHTNING Priced from $39,974 to $90,474 (ford.com) Ford's F-Series has been America's best-selling truck for nearly five decades. To stay ahead of the curve, they've added to the F-Series with the electric F-150 Lightning, scheduled to roll off the line next year at a new high-tech factory dedicated to sustainable manufacturing practices at Ford's Rouge complex in Dearborn just outside Detroit. "For both Ford and the American auto industry, F-150 Lightning represents a defining moment as we progress toward a zero-emissions, digitally connected future," said Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Company.

Powered by dual in-board motors and with standard 4x4, F-150 Lightning can take on rough terrain with Built Ford Tough durability and capability. Along with a high-strength, militarygrade aluminum-alloy body, a new independent rear suspension delivers improved ride comfort. In addition, an all-new frame uses the most robust steel ever put in an F-150 frame and supports a maximum 2,000-pound payload and up to 10,000pound towing capacity. F-150 Lightning targets 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of near-instantaneous torque—more than any F-150 ever—and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-four-second range when equipped with an extended-range battery that offers a targeted EPA-estimated range of 300 miles.

Inside the cabin, the F-150 Lightning offers an ingenious array of connected, intelligent features that improve over time via over-the-air software updates – called Ford Power-Up – to improve the technology experience, add new features, and fix issues without trips to the dealership.

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The FordPass app provides seamless access to charging stations and remote vehicle controls. At the same time, available BlueCruise offers true hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of prequalified divided highways in the United States and Canada.

Enhanced Pro Power Onboard powers job sites or campsites with outlets in the sizeable lockable frunk and the cab and bed.

Ford Intelligent Backup power is capable of providing enough energy to power an entire home. Based on an average 30kWh of use per day, F-150 Lightning with extended-range battery generates full-home power for up to three days, or as long as ten days if power is rationed, with results varying based on energy usage.

Making its truck debut on F-150 Lightning in the Lariat and Platinum series is SYNC 4A – a sleek, modern interface supported by a 15.5-inch touch screen designed to adapt to driver behavior. SYNC 4A employs natural voice control, cloud-connected navigation, and wireless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, integrated Amazon Alexa, and SYNC AppLink apps. A 12-inch instrument cluster features a customizable interface to provide relevant information as needed. Animated graphics relay how the vehicle is performing in hands-free highway driving mode or how well the driver is bringing power back to their truck through regenerative braking.

Ford is the only automaker to offer an 80-amp charge station as standard equipment, helping customers easily charge an extendedrange truck at home. This setup takes advantage of the only dual onboard charging system on an electric truck in the industry for even faster home charging. With this, F-150 Lightning adds an average range of 30 miles per charging hour, fully charging an extendedrange truck from 15% to 100% percent in about eight hours.

Ford-150 Lightning

The SYNC 4A interface in the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum

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2022 GMC HUMMER EV PICKUP Edition 1 priced from $112,595 (gmc.com) The first retail production unit of the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 sold for $2.5 million at the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. The full hammer price was donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. And while the charitable intent certainly helped drive up the bidding, the multi-million-dollar sales price, and the fact that reservations for Edition 1 models are all spoken for, indicate the intense interest in this electric off-road beast.

Not your typical truck, apart from the "H" repeating motif in the headlamps, taillamps, and wheels, arguably the most arresting exterior feature is the Infinity Roof, offering open-air driving via modular, transparent Sky Panels. Even the I-Bar mounting frame for the panels is removable for an unobstructed open experience above, while a power-drop rear window fully embraces the openair concept. The roof panels can stow in accessory cases inside the front storage compartment known as the "frunk" when equipped with the dealer-available accessory storage tray.

The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 will be the first vehicle in production with GM's all-new Ultium battery architecture. A trio of electric motors offer a GM-estimated 1,000 max horsepower and, when multiplied through the front- and rear-drive unit gear ratios, offer up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque to the wheel. The range is estimated at 350-miles, and HUMMER EV will have the ability to take advantage of the industry's fastest 56 slmag.net

350-kilowatt DC fast chargers. Available apps can help drivers find charging locations and can even precondition the battery to get the most efficiency out of their upcoming charging session.

HUMMER EV is the first GMC vehicle to offer Regen on Demand and One-Pedal Driving – both driver-controlled braking features, which can convert the kinetic energy of the truck's forward momentum into electricity stored in the vehicle's battery packs to maximize the driving range.

One of the most talked-about performance features is the driver-selectable Watts to Freedom, HUMMER Ev's launch control mode. When selected, it channels the propulsion system's power into acceleration bursts — including reaching 0-60 mph in approximately three seconds. As the vehicle readies itself for Watts to Freedom, a series of interior experiences convey the feeling of a "pre-launch countdown," including unique sounds through the Bose speakers and engaging screen animations. The vehicle also activates the Adaptive Air Suspension and lowers two inches to prepare for the launch, providing a lower center of gravity. "It'll put a smile on your face every single time," said Al Oppenheiser, HUMMER EV chief engineer.

The unique e4WD drive system with torque vectoring will enable maneuverability and traction unlike anything GM has ever offered with capabilities including climbing 60-percent grades (forward and reverse), scaling 18-inch verticals, and fording water more than two-feet deep.

The driver can also tailor the HUMMER EV's driving experience for different conditions through four pre-configured modes: Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, and Terrain, along with the configurable My Mode — featuring a new Adrenaline Mode. Each has specific chassis, suspension, and propulsion characteristics. Along with the distinctive suspension and torque variables, the interior display screen graphics and colors, and vehicle sounds will be changeable with the different modes.

Terrain Mode offers two braking calibrations, with a mild braking option for two-foot driving and a purpose-designed OnePedal Driving, enabling the driver to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. With Terrain Mode, that same One-Pedal Driving control is adapted with unique calibrations for speed-limited off-road driving, helping the driver to negotiate steep grades, rock crawling, and other challenging terrains without having to toggle between the accelerator and brake pedal.

When the road gets tough, the upcoming available Extract Mode enables the Adaptive Air Suspension height to be raised approximately six inches in order to help the GMC HUMMER EV negotiate extreme off-road situations, such as clearing large boulders and fording deeper water.

In-vehicle technology is accessible through two large displays: a 13.4-inch diagonal color touchscreen that's part of the GMC infotainment system5 and a 12.3-inch diagonal driver information center display. Powered by Epic's Unreal

Gaming Engine, HUMMER EV's graphic HMI displays make features and selections easy to find and intuitive to navigate.

Further enhancing the cabin experience is HUMMER EV's Bose Premium sound system with Centerpoint surround signal processing and 14 high-performance speakers.

Able to accommodate five passengers, the bold cabin design is geometric and textured with newly developed surface materials that are hardworking and high-end. A versatile and easy-to-clean vinyl floor, topped with rubber flooring made from recycled materials, is functional and imbued with distinctive design elements.

At launch, the 2022 HUMMER EV will be offered in Edition 1 trim, featuring a white exterior color, a unique highcontrast Lunar Horizon interior color, special Edition 1 interior badging, and the Extreme Off-Road Package. The latter adds Adaptive Air Suspension with available Extract Mode capability; Four-Wheel Steer with CrabWalk (rear wheels can turn 10 degrees in either direction enabling the truck to move diagonally while still pointed straight ahead); 35-inch-OD Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires; underbody armor; rock sliders; and underbody cameras.

Initial production of the HUMMER EV begins in fall 2021, at GM's Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center — a nearly 40-year-old facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to electric vehicle production.

Future production vehicles out of the factory will offer zero emissions.

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Rivian R1T

Rivian R1T

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"Adventure" package interior of the Rivian R1T

RIVIAN R1T Priced from $67,500 (rivian.com) Rivian debuted at the LA Auto Show in 2018 as the world's first Electric Adventure Vehicle company. Built at their plant in Normal, IL, the five-passenger all-wheel-drive Rivian R1T is powered by an EV quad-motor powertrain delivering 750 horsepower and enabling a three-second 0-60mph sprint.

At 180kwh, the R1T has the world's largest, most durable automotive battery pack, offering more than 400 miles of range.

The sleek electric truck boasts 14 inches of ground clearance with adjustable air suspension, a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds, and a wading depth of three-plus feet.

Defined by strong proportions and clean, continuous bodylines, the truck's most distinguishable exterior characteristics are its "stadium" headlights and a daytime running light that extends the vehicle's entire width.

For those who plan to take their truck on backcountry adventures, the Rivian R1T has several useful features for that purpose.

The bed features three 110-volt outlets, integrated compressed air, and two integrated Gear Guard locking cables. Any gear stored in the bed is monitored by a bed camera and alerts owners should the bed or contents be tampered with. A lockable 'gear tunnel' and "frunk" allow for more sealable storage than what's available in a typical gas-powered off-road vehicle. Drivers can light their surroundings and cook using the vehicle's power for over a week using only 20 kWh – or 11% of the battery pack. Detailed, downloadable maps are available in the R1T's user interface, so you can navigate even when offline. Rivian

has developed a racking system that utilizes telescoping racks with easy-to-use mounts that quickly attach to the roof of either the R1T or R1S, as well as the bed rails and bed floor of the R1T. The racks integrate with a range of accessories.

The company is working hard to make away-from-home charging convenient with the Rivian Adventure Network, exclusively for Rivian owners. Powered by renewable energy, the more than 3.500 DC fast chargers at over 600 sites planned in the US and Canada through 2023 will enable 140 miles of range with a 20-minute charge. Rivian is also installing 10,000 Rivian Waypoint chargers—open to the public and capable of delivering 25 miles of range per hour— at restaurants, hotels, shops, and parks in all markets that their vehicles are available. In addition, drivers can locate, monitor charge status, and get notifications through in-vehicle navigation and the Rivian app.

Inside the cabin, the "Adventure" package, available in three color combinations, features sustainably sourced natural-grained ash wood wrapping around the center display. "The biggest challenge was creating an interior design that delivered a premium experience while still being comfortable as a space that is heavily used," said Jeff Hammoud, VP of Vehicle Design. "To do this, we looked outside the automotive industry and took inspiration from contemporary furniture, as well as hiking and outdoor gear, to drive the design." Rivian Elevation by Meridian delivers an immersive audio experience and features a removable Bluetooth speaker that allows you to extend the auditory experience outside the truck.

Customer deliveries are expected to begin in fall 2021. sl

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This Hermes Birkin will cross the block at Selkirk St. Louis in late 2021. Photo courtesy Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers.

CURATING A COLLECTION:

INVESTMENTS AT HAND Written by Amelia Jeffers

In late 2020, while stock market pundits and hedge fund gurus focused on meme stocks, a savvy segment of investors eyed an opportunity in the relatively obscure but emerging market in luxury handbags at Christie's Hong Kong. Just shy of 200 handbags and accessories crossed the block in a few short hours, with the small but mighty offering smashing presale estimates to gross nearly $6,000,000. Hermès led the day, with a circa 2019 Himalayan Kelly bag raking in almost $500,000 and its sister, a circa 2019 Himalayan Birkin selling for $388,738—many times more than their original retail prices, begging the question: have handbags really moved beyond accessory status and into an asset class?

If you look at the data, it seems they have. According to a report released by real estate research firm Knight Frank, the price of Hermès bags rose by 17% last year, outperforming art, wine, and collectible cars, all niche collecting categories that have become widely accepted as investments. With mega60 slmag.net

celebrities stamping their seal of approval via social media and shrewd designers limiting production, the interest in top brands and styles has outpaced supply, driving up resale prices on the secondary market. Combined with the pent-up demand created by a buying audience stuck at home during a global pandemic, these circumstances have created a perfect storm on which international auction firms have capitalized.

Connie Leal Ballenger has owned and operated Leal, one of the midwest's most exclusive women's clothing boutiques, for nearly three decades. Last summer, as COVID closures impacted retail businesses worldwide, Ballenger sought to boost sales by adding a curated selection of vintage Chanel handbags and accessories to the lineup. Her clients have responded with enthusiasm by snatching up inventory before it even hits the store, utilizing her private consultation services to shop by phone and email. Ballenger attributes the interest in vintage

This Hermes Kelly bag smashed previous luxury handbag auction records when it soared to nearly $500,000 at Christie's Hong Kong in late 2020. Photo courtesy Christie's. This Hermes Birkin will cross the block at Selkirk St. Louis in late 2021. Photo courtesy Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers. This vintage 1960s Emilio Pucci velvet and leather clutch was found in pristine condition at auction and represents the relatively affordable side of vintage handbag collecting. Photo by author. A top performer in the luxury handbag market, the vintage quilted Chanel Half Flap boasts higher quality materials and craftsmanship than its modern counterparts. Photo courtesy Leal Boutique, Columbus, Ohio.

products to a renewed understanding of quality, as vintage Chanel bags were made with higher caliber materials than those produced today. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that designer handbags deserve a second look for anyone interested in alternative assets: over the past ten years, they have more than doubled in value - handily trouncing gold's relatively stagnant return in the same period.

While six-figure auction purchases may seem daunting for some, there are opportunities at more accessible ends of the spectrum for the luddite. The key to maximizing return is not unlike the factors that influence other investment decisions: buy proven brands in impeccable condition and (hopefully) at a bargain price. Hermès certainly tops the list in terms of investment performance, but Chanel is a close second. Beyond those, buyers should focus on bags with timeless style and appeal from wellknown and recognized designers like Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci,

and Christian Dior. Lesser brands can also be a great buy when the bag represents an iconic look.

Resale sites like The Real Real offer a convenient and safe way to find and buy authentic bags but expect to pay higher prices than at auction, which is always "buyer beware" and does come with some risk. Only bid with reputable auction companies who guarantee their descriptions and provide detailed condition reports when buying at auction. Some of my favorites are Selkirk in St. Louis, Hindman in Chicago, Bonham's in San Francisco, and (of course) Christie's and Sotheby's in New York, London, and Hong Kong. Local estate sales can be an amazing source of bargain deals, especially when the rest of the sale validates the bag's age. I found an exquisite Emilio Pucci velvet clutch in perfect condition several years ago at a local estate sale for pennies. It is one of my most treasured accessories. As you wade into the waters of luxe investing, remember to enjoy the hunt as much as you treasure the return. sl

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A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR The paintings of Tyler Robertson provide a fresh look at the world of horse racing.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photographs courtesy of Tyler Robertson Given the predominance of equine-related subject matter in Tyler Robertson's portfolio, including being chosen as the official artist of the Breeder's Cup in 2018, one would be quick to surmise that the artist grew up around the pageantry often associated with the industry. However, while he did grow up on a "retired" farm in New Castle, Indiana, it wasn't until his college years, when a moving day coincided with Derby day in Louisville, that piqued his creative interest in the subject.

Describing himself as a "kid who was always drawing," Tyler admits that he was not quite sure how he could translate his talent into a career. Enrolling in art school at the University of Evansville didn't provide the direction he sought. Tyler remarked that the soul-searching dig for deeper meaning that seems to be a mainstay of collegiate art classes wasn't for him. "I knew I had a talent for making things that looked good, and that was enough for me," he explained.

At the end of his freshman year, he followed his college roommate, a Louisville native, to the University of Louisville, where his circle of friends included people enrolled in the equine program. Getting to experience the pomp and circumstance of 62 slmag.net

horse racing and Southern culture from what he deemed "a more refined perspective" prompted him to create horse paintings as gifts. His college-student starving-artist budget meant that the "canvas" was often a piece of cardboard.

Buoyed by the overwhelmingly positive responses his early works garnered, Tyler persisted with the subject matter, selling his first horse painting at a pop-up show hosted by a restaurant near his home. He recalls the buyer remarking that it was the detail in the horse's eye that drew him in, and to this day, Tyler says that the eye often remains his starting point when painting a horse.

With noteworthy commissions from businesses and art collectors scattered around the globe; a licensing deal with Château du Cheval (chateauducheval.com) that put silk scarves, pochettes, ties, and bags printed with his artwork on well-heeled equestrians from Saratoga to Paris, France; and, the distinction of being the youngest artist to be represented in the prestigious Cross Gate Gallery Sporting Art Auction at Keeneland Racetrack (this year's auction is scheduled for November 22nd, more information at crossgategallery.com), it's hard to believe that Tyler's official debut into the art scene happened less than a decade ago.

Robertson's painting (center) was one of three selected for a commemorative Maker's Mark label.

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Today, Tyler works in a light-filled studio located in the basement of a church nestled up to a greenway in a tony suburb north of downtown Louisville. Other than a concrete floor splattered with paint, the setting is exceptionally tidy. During my visit, a sizeable work-in-progress canvas rested on an easel next to a table lined with neatly arranged brushes and palette knives of various sizes. That day, a record player provided the soundtrack; Tyler said he'll paint with movies he's seen over and over, like Breakfast at Tiffany's, playing in the background to break the studio's silence and break through the inevitable creative block.

Completed works line the studio walls, many of which span the floor-to-ceiling expanse. The pieces include a horseracing scene selected by Maker's Mark, in partnership with Keeneland Race Course, for a commemorative bottle label. Tyler is one of three artists chosen for the three-year series benefitting LexArts initiatives, including the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden in Lexington, Kentucky. When complete, it will be the first park in the United States to honor African American jockeys, who were the earliest Black professional athletes.

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Tyler's canvases are typically grand in scale. He chooses to work primarily in acrylic and traditional house paint because their drying time keeps pace with his expeditious and multi-layered painting style. In recent years he often commences the creative process on his iPad, painting digitally in the same fashion as he does on canvas, which has proved to be tremendously valuable for commissioned pieces, which form the bulk of his work. "It helps to come up with a plan, allow a client to visualize the finished piece in their space, and adds a modern touch to the whole process," he explained. Amazingly, after the details are decided digitally with the client, Tyler said he typically finishes a commissioned painting in about a month.

During my visit to his studio, I inquired about the towering canvas on the easel, an abstract amalgam of dripping color. While he was still trying to suss out the finer points, Tyler said he intends it to be the centerpiece of a show in Dubai staged by a gallery in London who discovered his work via Instagram. How very sheik! sl For more info about Tyler Robertson, visit tylerrobertsonart.com or @tylerrobertsonart on Instagram.

2020

WINNER

THE 2021

Stelvio Ti

Best In Class Standard Horsepower, 0 - 60 Time, and Top Speed

ALFA ROMEO LOUISVILLE | 4710 Bowling Blvd, Louisville, KY 40207 | Sales: (502) 894-3436 | alfaromeolouisville.net

FROM SPEC TO SPECTACULAR A five-year collaboration with Heller Built results in a “forever home” for a Lexington family.

Written by Bridget Williams / Exterior Photography by Tony Bailey / Interior Photography by Rachel Lutz of Andrew Kung Photography “I have a key to every house we’ve built in the last five years,” says Austin Heller of Heller Built. The remark isn’t made in a cavalier fashion; rather, Austin brings it up to underscore the earned and implied trust between builder and client, a relationship that can take years to cultivate and seconds to crumble. Positive affirmation of Heller Built’s obsession with excellence sits on a leafy street in Lexington’s Chevy Chase neighborhood. What started as a spec home has turned into a five-year relationship and multiple significant projects as the homeowners bring their vision of a “forever home” into focus.

Heller Built is a true family business, with Steve Heller working closely with his sons Austin and Max and his daughter Hollis HellerRigdon. “We’re a family that works for families,” said Hollis.

The architecture of the four-bedroom home is based on a 2015 Southern Living house plan of the year. Working with interior designer Mary Lou Yeary of Gallery Interiors, framing was complete and the finishes selected when the current owners purchased it, transforming the project from a spec to a custom build. Remarking that Yeary has “exceptional style,” the 66 slmag.net

homeowners said they didn’t make many changes to her interior design plan. As a family with three teenage boys, the floorplan, which includes a first-floor primary suite and a trio of en suite bedrooms upstairs, is a perfect fit.

The first floor boasts a largely open floor plan. The homeowner says that the dining room, located immediately to the left of the entry, is her favorite space. “We don’t use it as much as I like, but when we do, it’s really special,” she added. Adorning the wall behind the dining table is a series of 18 pressed botanical prints from Uttermost. The majority of upholstered pieces and case goods, selected for being timeless and able to stand up to an active family, were purchased from Arhaus specifically for this home.

A gas fireplace with a stone hearth is the focal point of the living room. It is flanked on either side by a shiplap accent wall and freestanding bookcases. A large bank of windows looks out to an expansive covered terrace with a fireplace and a newly added pool and pool house. Overhead a box-beam ceiling adds visual interest, as does a trim package noticeable for its skillful execution that’s not too over-the-top.

A gas fireplace with a stone hearth is the focal point of the living room. Overhead a box-beam ceiling adds visual interest, as does a trim package noticeable for its skillful execution that’s not too over-the-top.

A custom ladder to the pool house loft.

The pool house was designed by Gibson Taylor Thompson..

Adorning the wall behind the dining table is a series of 18 pressed botanical prints from Uttermost.

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In keeping with the rest of the home, the color palette in the primary bathroom is muted and restful.

Whimsical wallpaper in the pool house bathroom chosen by Dovetail Interior Design.

The game room in the lower level took on a rock-and-roll theme after the homeowners purchased an AC/DC pinball machine.

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A walk-in pantry is clevelry concealed behind the double doors on the far right.

The kitchen is chockfull of clever attributes, from a pair of islands–one for prep and one with seating for three— to a walk-in pantry seamlessly integrated within a wall of cabinetry. The ebony finish found on one of the islands repeats on the substantial range hood. A small dining area, illuminated by a faux bois chandelier, is integrated into an alcove near the door to the terrace.

A sitting area for two near the kitchen boasts a doubleheight ceiling and a television mounted above a white upright piano. You’ll often find Bernini, the couple’s rescue dog named after the Italian architect credited with the design of St. Peter’s Piazza, looking out the window from his perch atop an ottoman positioned between the two wingback chairs.

Soaring ceilings also define the primary bedroom, where the color palette, much like the rest of the home, is muted and restful.

Speaking to the couple’s ardor for Italy, a photograph from the Sistine Chapel is displayed on a wall above the soaking tub.

After settling into the home and happy with Heller Built’s work, the couple enlisted the company’s services to transform the lower level, adding a wine cellar, television room, game room, and a kitchenette. When searching for a theme to define the game

room, the husband remarked that the acquisition of what he deems “the greatest pinball machine in the world,” an AC/DC themed game by Stern, determined it. A trio of large rock concert photographs in separate wall niches completes the look. The game room is bookended by a unique application of reclaimed wood at one end and stone at the other. The space can be closed off from the television room via a pair of custom-built barn doors. An illuminated stained glass window is the defining feature of the climate-controlled wine cellar.

Most recently, the homeowners enlisted Heller Built to build a 40-foot pool with a sun ledge and integrated hot tub, a pool house linked by a breezeway to the garage, an outdoor shower, and devise a landscaping plan to ensure privacy and maximize available green space. Large-scale concrete tiles from Hartstone surround the pool. A large outdoor drop-down television is cleverly concealed in the breezeway ceiling and can rotate to provide the best viewing angle. When closed, it completely disappears into the tongue and groove ceiling. Designed to replicate architectural details of the main house but in miniature, the pool house boasts a loft accessed by a custom-built ladder. slmag.net 69

Austin remarked that unique and high-end custom homes like this are their specialty and that they approach their craft with scientific precision. “We have a no-holds-barred approach to pleasing our clients,” he explained. “If the homeowner isn’t happy about something, we’ll rip it out, no questions asked; it’s what sets us apart.” Austin added that their set of standards and intense attention to detail extends to things that you can’t see, 70 slmag.net

like insulation and flashing, but that are equally important to the longevity of the overall project. “Particularly with a whole house remodel, it’s great being able to add to the story of a home,” he said.

The homeowner remarked that the Heller Built difference is what kept them returning to the company over the years for each new project. “They are meticulous to the Nth degree, and I trust them with all of my heart,” she said. sl

The Audi e-tron® GT Family A kinetic design for an electric world.

Audi Louisville 4730 Bowling Blvd. Louisville, KY 40207 Sales : (502) 894-3427 | audilouisville.com 2 020

Louisville

W I NNER

SOPHISTICATED STARS Happy Birthday Virgo and Libra! We have so many wonderful celestial happenings in September and October, including a beautiful new moon in Virgo on September 7th and a kind new moon in Libra on October 6th. These new moons will open opportunities for each sign in a different area of life. In addition, Mercury will retrograde from September 27th to October 17th during the new moon in Libra. Besides miscommunication and playing phone tag, this will mean a reassessment and re-evaluation of elements you'll want to include or re-edit in your life to create the most authentic path for your desired goals. Read your Sun sign and rising sign below to find out how the stars unfold for you in September and October!

ARIES March 21st -April 19th September sees you energetically ready to commit to a new fitness and wellness routine! To see exceptional results, start within ten days after the new moon in Virgo on September 7th. At the new moon in Libra on October 6th, look to deepen a commitment in marriage or business. You'll turn to past opportunities in partnership as Mercury retrogrades from September 27th through October 17th. Aries, you'll be inspired to define and redefine what matters to you in business and your personal commitments and partnerships so you can create your desired future. You could not choose a better time to do so.

TAURUS April 20th – May 20th Taurus, you'll be happy to know the new moon in Virgo on September 7th will usher in a time of creativity, romance, fun, and love. If you want to embark on a new creative project, it's a great time to start. Instead, if you want more fun, love, and romance in your life, it's on order now from the celestial plane. The Universe says you're welcome. Also, if you want to have or adopt children, get started within ten days of this new moon. Otherwise, proceed with caution. Get started with your desired nutrition and wellness routine within ten days of the October 7th new moon in Libra.

Then you'll reach your goals and stick to them!

GEMINI May 21st – June 20th Gemini, you rule communication for the entire zodiac, so you love a good story or a bit of the latest news. The coming months will be newsworthy for you as you'll be making delightful improvements to your home or finding the home of your dreams within ten days after the September 7th new moon in Virgo. Even in such a hot real estate market, the stars will be on your side! Since this same sector of your chart rules parents and family, you may also see a welcome change in this area. At the new moon in Libra on October 6th, you'll enjoy more love, romance, and fun in your life. Plant seeds within ten days after this new moon for desired results. You can also welcome the stork if wanting to adopt or have a baby within the same time frame Gemini.

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Written by Joy Yascone Elms MA

CANCER June 21st – July 22nd Cancer, September kicks off with the start of an exciting new project or contract that should commence within ten days after the new moon in Virgo on September 7th. At this same time, you may hear some good news regarding your sibling or siblings. At the new moon in Libra, which rules your home sector, you'll be inspired about everything to do with home and family. You'll be dreaming of and creating your new dream space, pursuing anything to do with home. You may also be looking for a new space to call home. Libra's influence on your house of home makes you partial to ethereal surroundings with lots of light. Keep your eyes peeled to snag your dream space or decor within ten days after the new moon. Since Mercury is retrograde from September 27th until October 17th, you may find a home that you wanted will come back on the market. Your best bet is to go back to previous homes you liked or one you lost out on a bid and snag it now.

LEO July 23rd – August 22nd Leo, as September opens, you'll be ready for some excellent new career opportunities to come your way. Within ten days after the new moon in Virgo on September 7th, you'll have some new income opportunities in your inbox. It is the time to go after new business if you are self-employed. If you are searching for a new role, this new moon can deliver that to you or raise your current position. At the new moon in Libra on October 7th, you'll be enticed to sign a contract. However, since Mercury is retrograde from September 27th until October 17th, I'd suggest only signing if this is a contract from a past contact. Otherwise, try to sign after October 17th once Mercury regulates its orbit. Yet, if you really need or want the opportunity, sign and know the contract will change later. Leo, you'll have some fun with your job and financial prospects in September and October.

VIRGO August 23rd - September 22nd Virgo, your birthday month starts off right with a beautiful and friendly new moon in your sign on September 7th. You'll enjoy the glow this new moon brings to every area of your life you desire. It's the perfect time to get the Universe's blessing on longheld dreams and goals you want to manifest! Plant seeds within ten days of the start of this new moon. And, since this new moon falls in your sign and is a friendly new moon, you'll be able to create wanted changes in your life with help from the stars. At the new moon in Libra on October 6th, you'll welcome exciting income-earning opportunities that bring you joy!

LIBRA September 23rd - October 22nd Libra, the full moon in Virgo at the start of the month sees you setting out a spiritual and wellness plan that will significantly

benefit your life path. You also may find that you have secret VIPs pulling for you behind the scenes. If you have a covert project you are working on, you'll enjoy getting it done in solitude and find that you are very productive. On October 6th, you'll welcome the friendly and expansive new moon in Libra. This new moon comes to light with Mercury retrograde from September 27th through October 17th. You'll have the opportunity to pause briefly and decide if you wish to go back to opportunities that you still value.

These opportunities may range from career and money to love and romance since Mercury is retrograde in Libra. You may question your path but will ultimately make wise choices for your desired future. With the rare transit of energy from planet Mars in Libra, which has not happened in two years, you'll be determined and gifted to thrive in what you choose to focus on and nurture at this time. If you're eyeing an engagement or formalizing a union, look to do so within five days of the full moon in Aries on October 20th.

SCORPIO October 23rd - November 21st Scorpio, the new moon in Virgo on September 7th will usher in a happy and fresh start for your social life. You'll be invited to events, to serve on philanthropic boards, and will have a flurry of excitement all centering around friendships and being social! Since this same house rules the internet, technology, and social media, you may also notice some new opportunities there.

Excellent news, Scorpio, since we are a society centered on these social tech platforms. At the new moon in Libra on October 6th, while Mercury is retrograde, you'll be very motivated and inspired to take a moment to craft an inspired wellness routine.

SAGITTARIUS November 22nd December 21st Sagittarius, the new moon in Virgo on September 7th has designs on creating a successful career path for you. As a Sagittarius, you focus on creating great moments for others with benevolent Jupiter as your governing planet. Yet, this new moon will concentrate on making your career dreams and goals a reality! Nurture seeds you want to grow within ten days of this new moon. At the full moon in Pisces on October 20th, you may crystalize a real estate deal, perhaps by water, or a creative family project that you love. Your month is on fire with happiness and success!

CAPRICORN December 22nd -January 19th Capricorn, as we start September, you can look forward to a new moon in Virgo on September 7th that will blend perfectly with your Earth element and offer opportunities for expansion, growth, and possibility in exploring distant shores. This moon highlights your 9th house, and you may experience notable PR, publishing possibilities, and dealings with international markets or clients based a distance from you. On the other hand, you may instead decide to pursue an MBA or additional

continued education. All these areas of growth and expansion will be lucky for you at this new moon in Virgo and within ten days after the new moon. With the new moon in Libra on October 6th landing in your house of career acclaim and professional status, you'll take essential steps towards achievements. During this new moon, Mercury is retrograde, so some opportunities may be from past contacts, clients, or colleagues. You'll want to nurture seeds also within ten days after this powerful new moon. Capricorn rules the career-oriented 10th house for the entire zodiac, so you'll love the news in September and October!

AQUARIUS January 20th – February 18th Aquarius, it's a wonderful time to be you, as the stars are carving out a fantastic financial future for Aquarians! The new moon in Virgo will highlight your financial house in areas such as the stock market, investments, mortgages, loans, and venture capital. The new moon on September 7th in Virgo will grant you financial success via the steps you take within ten days after this wonderful new moon.

Sales and new clients are also highlighted at this same new moon, Aquarius. It's an excellent time to get a new mortgage green-lighted or approved for a loan or grant for a new business. At the new moon in Libra on October 6th, you can look to distant shores for opportunities. You may travel internationally or at quite a distance from you to look at past options in publishing, broadcast media, or even higher education, as Mercury will be retrograde at the time of this new moon, highlighting expansion and growth for Aquarius!

PISCES February 19th - March 20th Pisces, we love how you see the world. You and your governing planet Neptune speak to the artistic vision of living life authentically and beautifully. You'll love the beauty of this month as you start September with a new moon in Virgo on September 7th highlighting partnership and marriage. You'll deepen a commitment in love or business and potentially get engaged or married within ten days of this new moon. If already married, you may start a new project or venture together. This same new moon may also highlight a new profitable business partnership.

At the new moon in Libra on October 6th, you'll reinvigorate your financial future with opportunities to refinance, attract venture capital, grants, awards, or other financial investments and opportunities that prove to fatten your bank account. Many of these economic opportunities may be from past contacts since Mercury will be retrograde at the time of this Libra new moon.

Sophisticated Stars Astrologist Joy Yascone Elms MA is the author and founder of The Power of Divine Timing; an annual sign by sign guide based on astrological timing helping readers to find and nurture their blessings and starve their challenges! Joy also offers Divine Timing coaching programs that help clients stay accountable to manifesting their goals and dreams based on their personal divine timing. Visit www.thepowerofdivinetiming.com for more info or email Joy at thepowerofdivinetiming@gmail.com.

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, STAGING • DESIGN

The Shops of Chenoweth Square 3907 CHENOWETH SQUARE | LOUISVILLE KY

SOPHISTICATED FIND:

PORTRAITS OF WATER

PLYN, a new collection of hand-crafted vases by FAINA, is designed to be an artistic reflection on the infinite fluidity of being.

Written by Victoria Chase In Ukrainian, PLYN means "fluidity". Spontaneous, emotional, fluid — the design pieces reflect the wild nature of the water that eternally changes its forms. "We took the Water Element as a material symbol of an infinite fluidity of being. This living matter can take different forms, but never lose its essence. We have to learn from Water," said Victoria Yakusha, founder of FAINA (faina.design) and author of the collection.

Debuted in Paris during Summer Soltice and accompanied by an art exhibition and performance artist with water, the PLYN series includes five vases of different sizes. A narrow vase recalls a descending mountain stream. A tranquil deep river is represented by a shallow vase, while a wide vase represents water overcoming its banks. Similar to merging bodies of water, PLYN Duo vases feature two necks converging into one flow.

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Taking the mantle of tradition, FAINA is known for reviving ancient crafts in modern, sustainable design encompassing furniture, lighting, and décor. For the PLYN series, Yakusha and her collaborators sought to bring the voices of centuries past to life through the Ukrainian technique of free blowing called "gutnytstvo." The glass artisan crafts each piece by hand without any molds, meaning that even two identical pieces will naturally differ in thickness, form, and depth of tone.

Yakusha emphasizes that acceptance of the living nature of the material was an integral part of the design process. "We didn't want to use the molds and just let the pieces be as they have to. Each vase is imbued with a unique living soul — no two are alike." sl

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Photo by Dick Arnspiger

Ashley Davis Sigman followed her father, Hank Davis, into the jewelry business at the young age of 10, working weekends and holidays at just about every job in the store. Now decades later, she is Vice President of Davis Jewelers and co-owner with her father. The luxury jewelry store is Louisville’s largest fine jeweler, where Ashley is head buyer, oversees sales, jewelry, and watch service, and leads a team of 25. A dedicated working mother, she spends her time away from work with her family: husband Jay and school-age children, Asher and Juliette. Sophisticated Living caught up with the very busy Ashley to hear about her favorite things this fall.

CUSTOM DESIGN I have a major in Communications with a minor in Studio Art from Indiana University Bloomington. Combining my love of working one-on-one with a client and blending my passion for jewelry and design allows me to feed my creative side. The design process of creating a one-of-a-kind piece for a client or re-purposing a sentimental heirloom and breathing new life into their jewelry that they cherish is rewarding.

LUXURY BRANDS We have spent decades cultivating brand partnerships to bring luxury shopping to town for our clients. Some of the brands we carry that are exclusive to us in Louisville include David Yurman, Roberto Coin, and Marco Bicego. In addition, having a highly coveted selection of fine jewelry and timepieces from brands such as Rolex, Tudor, Grand Seiko, and more means we continue to offer what our clients are after. I love that they can find what they want right here in Kentucky and keep it local.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS I love the trend of women recognizing their achievements and celebrating with a piece of jewelry. Jewelry tells a story, be it a gift from a loved one, a graduation present, or a special birthday. Now, women are rewarding themselves with a memorable gift of a bracelet, earrings, watch, or ring to mark an occasion or a career achievement.

Instead of a charm bracelet, they build their own jewelry wardrobe by acquiring special pieces representing their life’s journey.

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CHARITABLE GIVING I love gala season – but not for the reason you may think. Yes, a new dress, having my hair done, and donning gorgeous jewelry is exciting. Still, the real reason I love it is to offer support to charitable organizations in our community. I spearhead charitable giving on behalf of the company. Participating in fundraising efforts by donating a beautiful jewelry item for auction allows these organizations to raise more money than simply offering a cash donation. I also love being directly involved in my role as part of the New Albany Floyd Education Foundation board. sl

Join Us Under the Moon Light!

Monster Mash Bash | 13th Annual Breath of Fresh Air October Benefit Coming this Fall | October 2021 at 7:00 pm Christy’s Garden | 720 Brent St, Louisville, KY 40204 Tickets: $200 for 2 guests

$1,500 for Twilight Sponsor for 8 guests

Attire: Costume or Business Casual.

Honorary Chair –Sponsors: Dr. Kenneth Anderson | Lung Health Adult Hero – Leah Philips Presenting Volunteer of the Year Award The evening includes: Dinner & Drinks, Live Music, Recognition of Lung Health & Community Honorees Bourbon Pull, Tree Pull – Giving back to our Louisville Community, Live Auction, Heads or Tails Each year this event raises significant funds in support of the American Lung Association. The challenges we currently face with lung disease and COVID-19 truly emphasize the value of your support. Our new COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment that strives to defeat this virus and defend against future respiratory pandemics.

Questions? Loretta.Devine@Lung.org at or 502-363-2652.

Presenting Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Twilight Sponsors:

1114 Red Fox Road | sold for $1,250,000

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by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, 2020

Providing the most comprehensive and integrated marketing package to promote your property, because your home deserves the very best.

Dedicated to being your trusted direction in real estate.

©2021 Kentucky Select Properties. All Rights Reserved. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photography by Tim Furlong Jr.

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Every event seems to be written in pencil these days. While these events are all subject to change, we are extremely excited to begin publishing a social calendar again!

September 3 9 10 10 11 22-26

48th Annual Kentucky Bash, 6:30pm, 1900 Richmond Rd; cardinalhill.org An Evening in the Gardens for the Fayette Alliance, 6pm, Mt. Brilliant Farm; fayettealliance.com Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup, 5pm, Mt. Brilliant Farm; fayettealliance.com Opening of Helene Steen & Alex K. Mason exhibition at the Headley Whitney Museum; headley-whitney.org Lexington Humane Society Doggie Paddle, Woodland Aquatic Center; lexingtonhumanesociety.org The Kentucky National Horse Show; KY Horse Park; thekentuckynational.com

October 8-30 11 15

Keeneland Fall Meet; keeneland.com Tee It Up for the Kids, Griffin Gate Golf Resort; thefostercarecouncil.com Opening of PRHBTN, 6pm, Loudoun House; lexingtonartleague.org

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Photos by Daniel Roberts

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DOUBLY DELIGHTFUL

Black Diamond Farm hosted a poolside fashion show/ private shopping experience and a classic car show on the lawn to benefit the American Saddlebred Museum.

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1) Jeff Hunter (center) with Sarah Roos, Michelle Krentz, Krystal Jones, Ashley Alvor, Anne Curl, Melissa Moore, Bella Hodge, Ava Greer, Rose Wheeler, Kristy Gardner, Nancy Trent, Traci Mossera and Cindy Carcione 2) Kathy Ross, Nancy Stanton, Paula Monty 3) Sara Garlington, Leslie Leforce, Hope Garlington, Jennie Garlington, Charlie Heneman 4) Consuela & Chris Palutis 5) Gail Kline, Lea Leblanc, Moe Anson, Jennifer Joiner, Sally Jackson 6) Zerla Daughtery, Scott Stollenwerk 7) Dave Scheuch, Cathy Coniglio 8) Amy Nelson, Vernon Foster, Laura Nunnelley 9) Jennifer Foster, Carly Overbey 10) Logan & Charles Herrin 11) Ella & Angela Herrin

THE 2021 RANGE ROVER UNCOMPROMISED LUXURY

LAND ROVER LOUISVILLE 4700 BOWLING BLVD LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 SALES (502) 429-8085 landroverlouisville.com

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CASA SUPERHERO GALA

Held at the EKU Center from the Arts, proceeds from the event will allow CASA to help ensure that abused and neglected children have a voice.

Photos by Daniel Roberts

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ON THE BLOCK

The American Saddlebred Museum’s biennial equine, art, antique and rare book auction drew serious collectors and horse lovers.

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CASA Superhero Gala 1) Victoria Benge, Elvis Romero 2) Rachel Crabtree, Liz Hodge, Carter Rowland 3) Judges Jeffrey Walson and Kimberly Blair Walson, Kelly & Reagan Taylor 4) Dawn Jenson, Tom Gavenonis 5) Shane & Jen Christopher, Renee & Dannie Moore, Becky & Lewis Diaz On the Block 1) Emily Williams, Matthew Williams, Kyle Bailey 2) Donne & Mike Price 3) Nancy Trent, Carly Overbey, David Adams 4) Sarah & Lauren Teater

Photos by Daniel Roberts

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85TH LEXINGTON JUNIOR LEAGUE CHARITY HORSE SHOW

Since its inception, the event, which is now the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show, has raised more than $4million for charitable and civic organizations in Central Kentucky.

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1) Summer Stevens, William Nalty 2) Ann & Ken Miller 3) Mallory Lawrence, Johna Odette, Amy Lawrence 4) Karen, Ashley & Ava Perry 5) Anne Tipton, LeeAnne Bohannon, Mary Jane Kirkpatrick, Sydney Dazzo, Sam Dazzo 6) Preston & Debbie Cole, Amy Cole, Braley Epling, Amy Conley 7) Alexis Allen, Alyssa Yozwiak, Laura Eaves, Julie Swin, Meghan Brown, Liz Sheehan, Michelle Poff, Laura Eves, Katie Ward, Jenna Lowe, Pamela Felts (Chair), Tressa Neal, Emily Biggins, Amanda Birmin 8) Robert & Kristy Gardiner with Bennie 9) Lindsay Bernard, Megan Schatzberg, Julianne Rafferty

Photos by Daniel Roberts

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LEXINGTON POLO

The Sharp Printing team won the 2021 USPA Players Cup, held at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Caco Basualdo was named MVP. 4

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PICNIC WITH THE POPS

The Lexington Philharmonic put their unique spin on the music of the Beatles, and attendees embraced the theme as part of the table decorating contest.

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Lexington Polo 1) Petra Sobotova, Jim Walker, Luis Ansola, Jorge Vasquez, 2) Caco Basualdo, Buck Schott, Slade Sharpsteen, David Priest 3) Jacqueline & Jake Bernard with Oaks 4) Paula, Emma & Noelia Elio 5) Chris Edmonds, Nacho Pizarro, Robert Pizarro, Felipe Segret Picnic with the Pops 1) Dan & Karen Call, T.R. & Karen Storms, Sarah & David McCoun

2) Amanda Dickerson, Kellie Wade, Kim Pickard, Jessica & Mark Sandler 3) Peyton Ayres, Lindsay Mays 4) Jennifer Suckett, Amy Durham 5) Debbie Tudor, Katlyn & Ian Goff

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The All-New 2021 F-PACe SVR Exhilarating PErformancE infusEd

with intElligEnt driving tEchnologiEs

JAGUAR LOUISVILLE 4700 BOWLING BLVD LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 SALES (502) 895-2451 jaguarlouisville.com

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