On the cover: Mike Wolfe channeling American Gothic
Photographed by Anne Goetze
Current Issue
Sophisticated Giving Charity Register 2025
A comprehensive guide highlighting the work of charitable organizations in Nashville. Presented by LBMC
Highlights from the July/August Issue
Concept, art direction & interview by Carolyn Smith Bryant
About the Cover
Carolyn Smith Bryant sits down (and shares laughs) with Mike Wolfe, American Picker.
Text: Carolyn Smith Bryant
Photo by Anne Goetze
Cover Story: A Nashville Picker
‘AVA Nice Day
Opened in June 2024, AVA Resort Cancun has quickly established itself as a premier destination for travelers seeking modern luxury, sustainability, and comprehensive amenities in an all-inclusive setting. The resort is just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport—and with daily nonstop service from Nashville International Airport on Southwest—you can be sipping a margarita poolside by mid-afternoon.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Courtesy AVA Resort Cancun
Dave Mahanes in conversation with Fifth Third Bank Regional President David Briggs
Interview by Dave Mahanes
Photos Courtesy of Fifth Third Bank and David Briggs
Championing Growth & Community Investment
The Grapes of Oz
Australia is both the smallest continent and the largest country on earth. Known for its wildlife, outback, beaches,and BBQ, Australia has always conjured an image of wildness for me. Yes, the stunning harborside Sydney Opera House is an architectural wonder, but when one experiences the breadth of Australia as I did this past February, its agricultural pursuits and keen awareness of its history stand out most.
Text: Seema Prasad
Photo: Courtesy of Seema Prasad, Miel,and Harvest Wine Merchant
Honoring Memories
An inspirational new cookbook has a mission to end Alzheimer's.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: Kathy Gross
In Full Bloom
We first introduced you to Nazia Rahman in the March/April 2024 issue of Sophisticated Living. As the creative force behind the beloved Nazia's Cake Garden, she transforms buttercream into botanical wonder. Her journey is as remarkable as her creations. After a debilitating sciatica injury that left her temporarily wheelchair-bound, Nazia found healing and purpose in the meditative art of piping flowers. This quiet actbloomed into a flourishing culinary career.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: Dolly DeLong and Nazia Rahm
Ciao, Nashville!
All'AnticoVinaio, the iconic Florentine sandwich shop renowned for its authentic Tuscan flavors and signature schiacciatabread, has officially opened two locations in Nashville. This marks the brand's first expansion into the Southeastern United States, bringing a taste of Florence to Music City.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: courtesy All’AnticoVinaio
Top Rum: Maverick
In a city best known for its music, one premium rum strikesa new chord—combining cultures, craftsmanship, and character in a bottle.Meet Trovador Inspirado, a globally inspired spirit born in Nashville but rooted in traditions that span the Caribbean and Latin America.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo courtesy Trovador
Groovy Grub
Flower Child is the newest addition from Fox Restaurant Concepts, joining The Henry, Pushing Daisies, and Blanco Cocina + Cantina in the Nashville area. Located nearWhole Foods on West McEwen Drive, the 3,700-square-foot eatery features a sunny patio and brings health-forward flair to Franklin.Founded in 2014 by eleven-time James Beard–nominated restaurateur Sam Fox, Flower Child's fast-casual, fresh alternative concept now boasts 42 locations across 15 states, each thoughtfully planted in thriving foodie communities.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Courtesy of Fox Restaurant Concept
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Society Calendar
Events of note in July & August
Symphony Fashion Show Patron Party
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Naht Daisy Circle
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Iroquois Steeplechase
Hermitage Spring Outing
Photos by Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Red Cross Tiffany Circle Spring Gathering
Photos by Melissa Mahanes
Swan Ball Auction Party
Swan Ball Patron Party
Photos by Peyton Hoge
Swan Ball
Photos by Charlie Mahanes
Midsummer Night
Photos by Samantha Hearn
Rock the Cradle Launch Party
Belle Meade Historical Site Ribbon Cutting
LLS Visionary Awards
This time of year reminds me of the summers I spent at Alpine Camp in1969, 1970, and 1971, when I was 10, 11, and 12 years old, respectively. Perched on Lookout Mountain, Alpine Camp is a sleep-away camp located in Mentone, Alabama, on the Little River across from DeSoto State Park. The camp had all the typical activities, including archery, riflery, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, and tennis. The headquarters and dining area were located in a lodge built in 1928, constructed from logs and overlooking the Little River.The lodge burned to the ground a few days before my 1971 stay (it was still smoldering when I arrived), after which the dining facilities were relocated to the gymnasium. I recall the food as being simple yet quite good. Our swimming hole was created by a dam on the Little River. I had three wonderful, fun-filled summers at this camp.
Text: Dave Mahanes
From the Publisher
Get To Know Us
At Sophisticated Living, we are dedicated and passionate about all the finer things life has to offer. Whether your interests are close to home or in far-flung places, each issue shares highlights of the good life in Nashville and beyond.
Dave Mahanes, Publisher & Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief
Melissa and Dave have been married for 26 years and moved from NewYork to Nashville 18 years ago. Melissa is originally from Greenwich, CT, graduated with B.A. in Fine Arts from Vanderbilt University, and is also a graduate of Sotheby’s Fine Arts Program. During her career, Melissa worked for Sotheby’s and contemporary art dealers Larry Gagosian and Anthony d’Offay in New York. Her graphic design company, Kalligraphia, has designed invitations for many popular Nashville fundraisers. Since moving to Nashville, Melissa has been very involved in the Nashville community serving on the boards of Nashville Ballet and Sexual AssaultCenter, as well as Co-Chairing The Mad Hatter, Ballet Ball, Symphony Ball, and Swan Ball Auction.
Dave grew up in Nashville, attended Ensworth and MBA, graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Duke University, and received his M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Dave spent most of his career as a banker in New York and Nashville. Also very active in the Nashville community, Dave has served on the boards of Belle Meade Plantation and Equal Chance for Education, the advisory boards of W.O. Smith School, and the Nashville Symphony as well as serving as a Deacon for the First Presbyterian Church.
Melissa and Dave look forward to bringing their creativity and passion for the arts, the finer things that Nashville has to offer, and the Middle Tennessee non-forprofit community to Sophisticated Living Nashville and Sophisticated Giving.
Advertise with Sophisticated Living
Sophisticated Living readers are affluent, educated, capable and influential consumers. Our award-winning editorial, full-page only ad format and unique direct-distribution method gives our advertisers ample opportunity to maximize their message in front of the highest income earners in Nashville.
For advertising information contact Dave Mahanes at dave@slmag.net or 615.495.4250
Connect with Us
Dave Mahanes, Publisher: dave@slmag.net / 615.495.4250
Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief: melissa@slmag.net 615.308.9294