My Nashville: Crystal Churchwell

Nashville native Crystal Churchwell spent time working in New York and Chicago before returning home for a new career and a chance to be close to her family. For almost two and a half years, she has been at the Frist Art Museum where she serves as director of development. Like the rest of her family, she has an extraordinary sense of style and is active in the community. As a literacy volunteer and tutor for Pencil, she shares her love of reading with elementary school children. She is also an active member of the Hendersonville Area Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Rotary Club of Nashville, and this past year, she was chosen for the Nashville Emerging Leaders program.At the top of Crystal’s list for 2019: planning her October wedding to Victor Evans. See Nashville through her eyes as she charts out her dream weekend.

PRE-GAME

6 p.m. — Happy hour

My ideal weekend would start off with margaritas and dinner with girlfriends at one of my favorite places in town: Bartaco. Some of the best evenings have been spent on the outside patio laughing and talking about the week.

DAY ONE

10 a.m. — Working up a sweat

My Saturday would begin in my neighborhood at Studio 51st in one of their barre classes. Every time I make it to class, I leave feeling amazing. I’m trying to be more consistent with attending, and Studio 51st makes it super easy to stick to it. Rebekah Ramquist has a great team and awesome selection of workouts across spin, barre, yoga and bounce. I haven’t had a disappointing class!

1 p.m. — Lunch bowl

After barre, I’ll feel like I can indulge a little for lunch, so that will lead me right to Otaku Ramen in The Gulch. Ever since I stepped foot in Otaku Ramen, I’ve loved it. My go-to dish is the spicy miso ramen. Given how great their menu looks, I always say I’ll try something different, but the spicy miso consistently pulls me back.

3 p.m. — Perusing the gallery

My next stop would be one of my favorite places in town: The Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University. I remember visiting Fisk in high school and being impressed that Nashville had such important artists’ work here in town. It is truly one of the city’s jewels. Knowing myself, I’ll probably spend a few hours walking through the galleries looking at the art.

5 p.m. — Shop till I drop

I would hurry to UAL on West End to check out what new items they had on the sales floor. After returning home (to Nashville) from New York a couple years ago, where I had access to designer sample sales, UAL has been my go-to for unique fashion finds. I usually walk out having purchased something I hadn’t planned to get!

7 p.m. — Pie time

I’d meet up with my fiancé, Victor Evans, and some friends at Slim & Husky’s for a Rony, Roni, Rone! pizza. As a fan of '90s-'00s R&B and hip-hop, this is one of my favorite places for dinner. Also, I love the history of the neighborhood. My grandfather grew up in North Nashville, so it’s exciting to see the activity on Buchanan Street.

9 p.m. — SoBro nightcap

We would end the night in SoBro at Bar Sovereign. I am a fan of the cocktails, music and vibe of this place. The entrance is nondescript, but once you walk in the door, you can’t help but feel like you’ve just entered a chill neighborhood bar.

DAY TWO

10 a.m. — Family worship 

Sunday would start at Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church with my family. We’ve been attending Seay-Hubbard for four generations, and the building hasn’t changed in decades. It’s always nice to take this time and see my extended family and close family friends.

12:30 p.m. — Sunday brunch

One of my family’s consistent brunch spots is Henrietta Red in Germantown. I’ve known Julia Sullivan since high school, and she’s done an amazing job as owner and head chef. I’m so proud and happy for her. With that said, the food is consistently on point. My weakness is the apple cider vinegar doughnuts, but it’s always a treat to stop by and check out what her team is creating.

1:30 p.m. — Sweet treat

Since I’m in the area, I would have to stop by Cupcake Collection to get a sweet potato cupcake for later!

2 p.m. — To Grandmother's house

I would drive across the river and visit my grandmother. My grandparents bought their East Nashville house in the early 1950s, and my grandmother is still living in that house. My ideal visit would definitely include the two of us venturing into her closets. Her collection of day dresses, evening gowns, day and evening gloves, coats and pocketbooks range from the 1950s to 1980s, and they’re all in great shape. If I’m lucky, she’ll let me borrow one of her clutches.

4 p.m. — Rest and recoup

I’d take this time to relax and enjoy being home as I prepare for the week.

6:30 p.m. — Catch a flick

The evening would end at the Belcourt Theatre for a movie with Victor. The Belcourt is a wonderful place to see so many different films. I am a fan of classic movies and documentaries, so usually those are my go-tos, but thanks to the Belcourt, I’ve been seeing more independent films. Ending the weekend with art is a great way to ease into Monday.Â