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4/11/2015

Sandra Stillwell Presents: Bellissima Italian Style!! 2015 Event


Sandra Stillwell Presents: Bellissima Italian Style!!
Heightening the excitement, our "home" for this first class event, to be held August 20 - 23, is the Read House Historic Inn and Suites, a stately Grande Dame in the heart of downtown Chattanooga!
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in America, this Southern landmark has had the honor of being host to many celebrities over its lifetime, including Tallulah Bankhead, Gary Cooper, Bob Hope, Al Capone, Winston Churchill, Andrew Johnson, and Ronald Reagan -- as well as other legendary "spirited" guests who have been rumored to visit on occasion!
Rich with exquisite architectural details, the crowing jewel of this vintage beauty is the majestic Silver Ballroom. Lined with sparkling mirrors and adorned with gorgeous original 1926 silver leaf moldings and glittering Waterford Crystal chandeliers, this stunning ballroom has been the backdrop of illustrious social gatherings for over eight decades.
And now it will have the distinction of hosting the most glamorous, beautiful "dolls" imaginable!  
A magical scene such as this is the tableau of which dreams are made…
So, take a deep breath to soak in the grandeur… dream on… and let your fantasies sweep you far away, to another spectacular setting in a more graceful space and time….
Our Theme -- 
July, 1951, Florence Italy...
Imagine the magnificent setting of a grand Italian Palace...with elaborately carved molding adorning surfaces in every direction, and shimmering hand crafted crystal chandeliers which beautifully illuminate the opulent backdrop of pure white.
Statuesque models, costumed in elegant Italian couture strut down a catwalk carpeted in white. Surrounding chairs are occupied by influential reporters and magazine editors, buyers from elite American department stores, and chic socialites...
This is the legendary Sala Bianca fashion show -- pure luxury, the hottest ticket in town --and you have a front row seat!  Bravissima!!
Bellissima Italian Style!! will celebrate the distinct essence of impeccable Italian style, with a special focus on vintage Italian designers, their creations from 1945 through the early 60's -- and their lasting legacies in the glamorous world of fashion.
You’ll hear new revelations about iconic Italian masters of couture, and discover the work of less known, but equally fabulous couturiers.
We will explore the essential role played by the United States in establishing Italy as a fashion industry powerhouse, resulting from a special bond and cooperative effort that continued between these allied nations after the end of the Second World War.
We'll learn about one dedicated, tenacious visionary -- Giovanni Battista Giorgini -- who, in his passion for promoting Italian craftsmanship, is solely responsible for the "birth" of it all...
And we’ll pay tribute to the direct link between fashion and films…
Strong relationships developed between Italian fashion and Hollywood -- so much so, that Rome became known as "Hollywood on the Tiber" when it became many American movie directors' favorite city to make a film in.
Italian movie sirens, such as Sophia Loren, became American sensations – and American movie stars, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, became a paparazzi dream.
Several Italian fashion ateliers also designed film costumes. Close friendships were made between Hollywood stars, such as Ava Gardner and Linda Christian, and these Italian designers, who often also designed a major part of the stars' personal wardrobes.
Rome's Cinecitta Studios became synonymous with extreme glamour in the post war years, with lavish sets and scandalous affairs...
We delve into all these fascinating tidbits and more… with Bellissima, Italian Style!
Chattanooga attractions --

Nestled between the mountains of Southwest Tennessee, along the beautiful Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one America's most breathtaking cities!
Rich in Civil War history, "The Scenic City" has the distinction of being named by the NY Times as one of the "Top 45 places to go" in the world.
Interestingly, this picturesque Tennessee town and the legendary cities of Italy share several parallels that will be intriguing to explore -- such as sister and "twinning" cities, bustling railways and beautiful waterways, magnificent vistas and scenic mountain backdrops, colorful culture and awe-inspiring architecture, a rich heritage and legendary "ghost stories", historical battlefields and the pride of having risen from the ravishes of war!
Only a few steps away from the Read House is the Tivoli Theatre, a Beaux Arts style "picture palace" which opened in 1921  after over two years of construction -- and $1 million price tag -- a lavish sum in those days! It was reported that Italian artisans traveled to Chattanooga to do the ornate plaster work for the historical theatre, which was named for the Italian hill town of Tivoli. Known as "The Jewel of the South", the Tivoli hosted live shows throughout the 30's, including the Ziegfeld Follies and performances by Fanny Brice, Helen Hayes, Ginger Rogers, and Ray Bolger, among others.
When fans of 40's era music and movies hear "Chattanooga", perhaps the first image that springs to mind is the Chattanooga Choo Choo, made famous by The Glenn Miller Orchestra's #1 hit of the same name, performed in the 1941 movie "Sun Valley Serenade. The certified gold hit, "Chattanooga Choo Choo", told the story of a train trip from Track 29 in New York City to Chattanooga's historic Terminal Station, where the steam engine is on display today!
And, speaking of fabulous music...
Chattanooga’s own "Empress of the Blues", Bessie Smith, is honored in a special collection of memorabilia related to her life and career, on display at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. The center is also home to the Chattanooga African American Museum, which tells the story of other well-known Chattanoogans, and the contributions the African American community made to the development of Chattanooga and to our nation.
Chattanooga is also a city of art and culture...
Housed in a grand Southern Mansion, the Hunter Museum of American Art is home to one of the country's finest collection of American Art, focusing on the Colonial period to today. Perched on an 80-ft bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains.
On view during August will be the special exhibition, Monet and American Impressionism, which will feature several Monet paintings and highlight twenty-five American artists who paint in the Impressionism style. Roughly fifty paintings and twenty prints dating from 1880 - 1920 will be on display.
Nearby Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, housed in a Victorian Mansion, is also home to a beautiful antique glassware and decorative arts collection.
Convention Package –

Your "Bellissima Italian Style!!" souvenir package will be an exclusive collection of chic "Italian Styled" fashions -- with just the perfect twist of elegance,  glamour and fun you've come to expect from "Sandra Stillwell Presents”.  
Also included with your registration will be:
Thursday evening opening dessert reception
One Lunch
Two Dinners
Interesting Programs and Speakers
Room Shopping
Movie breaks, surprises, raffles, and lots of fabulously fashionable fun!
A group tour of beautiful, scenic Chattanooga and key historical sites
(More details to be announced later)
And there will be celebrations!
This is a very special year, with much to celebrate -- not only is it a milestone anniversary year for Gene, the doll responsible for bringing so many of us together in years of fun and friendship -- but it’s also a huge milestone anniversary for our friends at Horsman Doll Company, who will be joining us once again to celebrate their big year!

But there’s still more!
You’ll have the opportunity to purchase or pre-order extremely limited fashions from the Sandra Stillwell Presents: Bellissima Italian Style!!” convention collection, many of which will be made of the finest Italian fabrics, direct from Italy!
(Designed to fit our favorite 16” star, some fashions will fit other doll bodies – please be sure to ask if you have specific doll needs).

However… Though we make every attempt to have the souvenir fashions available at convention, we are dependent on not only shipping, but also on factories meeting deadlines and customs passing deliveries through. In the event that any of the souvenirs are not delivered in time so that we can present them at convention, they will be mailed as soon as possible. I very much appreciate your understanding where this is concerned!

Registration Information –
More great news!!!
Registration is now open for Sandra Stillwell Presents: “Bellissima Italian Style!!”
Limited to only 50 attendees, this intimate soiree is the not to be missed event of the summer!
Last year’s Sandra Stillwell Presents convention sold out in record time, and we expect our 2015 convention to follow suit!  
So don’t delay….Buy your ticket, grab your dolly, and get aboard the ""Choo Choo” for a weekend packed with phenomenal fun, glamorous fashions, incomparable elegance, unforgettable memories, super surprises, and ... "Bellissima Italian Style!!”
If booked within our “Sandra Stillwell Presents” group room block, and paid in full by cash, check or money order by July 1st, the registration fee is $490. After July 1st, the fee is $525.
An additional $100 will be added to registrations booked outside of the “Sandra Stillwell Presents” group room block.
A $20 service fee will be added to payments other than cash, check, or money order. 
A nonrefundable deposit of $100 will reserve your spot. Payment plans can be arranged on request.
It is important that you RSVP by email if you are planning to join us.
Once you have RSVP’d, your space will be held for 1 week.
For anyone who has not RSVP’d, registrations will be accepted according to postmark.
A $100 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations prior to July 1stth. After that date, no cancellations can be accepted.
Checks or Money Orders for registration should be made payable to Sandra Stillwell, and mailed to:

Bellissima Italian Style!!
c/o Sandra Stillwell
8305 Blue Lick Rd
Louisville, KY 40219
(Please contact me if you need to make special arrangements.)
Companion registrations will be available if purchased with a full registration. Please contact me for details.
At this time, there are no absentee registrations -- however, we will have a wait list for those interested. If absentee registrations become available, they will be offered to those on RSVP list before being made available to the general public. Please contact me as soon as possible if you’d like to be included.   
Hotel Information –
I will email our group reservation code to attendees once it is established. Please do not contact the hotel before then, as reservations will not be accepted without the code. If you have any questions about the hotel or your reservation before receiving the code, please contact me directly. 
As mentioned earlier, our 2015 convention hotel is:
 The Read House Historic Inn and Suites
 827 Broad St
 Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37402.
For a preview of our beautiful spaces, visit here…(Be sure to scroll through to the Silver Ballroom!)
I’m happy to report that we’ve secured the following special group rates:
Single: $139
Double: $155
Please contact me directly for information on Triple or Quad rates.
The above rates include breakfast served in Porter’s Steak House on days other than Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when we will have breakfast programs in the Silver Ballroom. The breakfasts on our event days may include souvenirs and/or table gifts, for which you must to be present to receive, unless previous arrangements are made.
In order for you to experience everything Chattanooga has to offer, this special rate has been extended 3 days before and after convention, based on availability. If you need to book outside these dates, please contact me directly.
The Read House offers complimentary Wi-Fi. 

There is a full service Starbucks in the hotel lobby, as well as Porter’s Steakhouse for breakfast (as stated above), lunch and dinner. Several other dining options are very nearby.

The complimentary electric trolley to many tourist sites can be picked up in front of the hotel. 
Valet parking is $15 per night. There is also a self parking lot in front of the hotel for $11 daily, and other parking options nearby. Free on street parking is available outside the hotel from 4:30 Friday – 8AM Monday (please double check with the hotel to confirm these times).
Our room block is very limited, so I highly recommend you make hotel reservations as soon as possible after I send out the group code.
If you have any problems making your reservation or have questions, I’m happy to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.
If you are planning to join us at convention but are not yet ready to make your room reservation, it would be a big help if you could please let me know what days you are planning to be there.
The cutoff date to make room reservations in our group block is July 21st
I will be monitoring our room block carefully until then to make additions as needed.
Please remember that it is VERY important to book within our group block, as our room and food rates are based on meeting a guaranteed minimum. Your room booking helps defray meeting space rental fees and other costs.  It’s crucial that I have your cooperation with this…
Airport Information –
Yes! Chattanooga has an airport!
Chattanooga airport is a small convenient airport that offers lots of amenities available at airports of larger size.
The following airlines offer flights to Chattanooga – some are direct.
(For more information, see the links below)
American Eagle
Allegiant
Delta
U S Airways Express
For those who prefer to fly into a larger airport, both Atlanta and Nashville airports are approximately 130 miles away.
Groome Transportation is offering our group a special rate of only $42 each way, with drop off or pick up at the Read House.
Return trips must be made at least 24 hrs in advance, and pickups are made at the hotel 45 minutes prior to the normal shuttle departure times listed on the schedule.
Atlanta schedule:
Nashville schedule:
Book Groome Transportation online at:
 https://t9.surfnsecure.com/GroomeChattanooga/web-reserve.cgi
or call 423-954-1400, 800-896-9928

Be sure to mention either "Stillwell' or "Sandra Stillwell Presents" to receive the special rate. 
Raffle Donations:
A little known fact about conventions is that registration fees never fully cover expenses -- so we'll be having a raffle to help offset extra costs! Dolls, fashions, accessories, repaints, dolly “spa” days or gift certificates... donations of all types and sizes are welcomed and greatly appreciated!!
We had such a phenomenal raffle table last year – and SO much fun drawing for all the “loot” -- let’s make it our goal to have a repeat performance this year!

If you would like to contribute to the fun – and help convention at the same time -- please email me!


Optional Tours... Pricing and more details forthcoming soon.
Thursday, August 20th All Day Bus trip to Nashville – price and time to be determined
Our convention theme, “Bellissima Italian Style!!” was chosen to coincide with the phenomenal “Italian Style: Fashion since 1945” exhibition at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, in Nashville.
A traveling exhibit from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, this not to be missed show has earned rave reviews in both Minneapolis and Portland, its only other two stops in the USA. ( I can personally vouch for this, after having had the wonderful opportunity to see it in Portland!)
Our Thursday visit to view “Italian Style” was chosen to set the scene for our “Bellisima Italian Style!!” weekend  --  the ideal way to pique your interest and introduce you to some of the designers we’ll be featuring in our programs!
Our day will be begin bright and early (time TBD) for the beautiful, scenic drive to the “Music City”.  
We have some fun things and entertainment planned for our ride to and from Nashville – or you can take the time to catch some ZZZZZ’s!
I’m still planning our day in Nashville, but besides our time dedicated to the exhibit (and any related activities I may be able to arrange), our time in the Music City is fairly flexible -- as long as we leave in time to return to the hotel by about 6:30 (we can adjust this a little if necessary).
Nashville is a compact city -- there are SO many fun things to do in close proximity!
For some of you, this will be your first visit to “Music City”. For others, it may be an opportunity to see things you may have missed before – or there may be favorite places you’d like to see again!
We can organize group activities, or be on our own…if you have a preference about this, please do let me know.
Please also take a bit of time to think about what YOU would like to do on this “Nashville day out” – and let me know if there is anything you’d particularly enjoy!
So…for now…what is definite is that we will have a day full of FUN, a FABULOUS Fashion exhibit, lots of great memories, and a BEAUTIFUL souvenir fashion to commemorate  a wonderful day! What could be more perfect?
Sunday – TBD
Our Sunday tour has traditionally been sort of a laid back, informal activity for those who want to stay over another night for even more fun with friends!
I’m still researching options for our Sunday outing – but I can promise you our activity will be worth the stay!
Some suggestions are:
Things in and around Chattanooga (train excursions, a visit to civil war mansions, etc)
A day trip to Atlanta –
The Margaret Mitchell Museum and/or other Gone With the Wind related activities. http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/mmh
(I am also researching fashion museums, etc)
Another trip back to Nashville –
The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s home) http://thehermitage.com/
Or an opportunity to do something in Music City that we missed on Thursday!
I welcome suggestions…Please let me know what you would like to do!
It’s REALLY important to let me know if you are interested in joining us on Sunday, so I can plan activities and transportation accordingly…
What we do may very well be dependent on how many participate.
As always, if there is enough interest, I am happy to plan something on Wed, August 19th, or Monday August 24th.

In closing, I want to thank you all again for your ongoing support and interest in Sandra Stillwell Presents: Bellissima Italian Style!!”

I know there are many other fun events planned throughout the year, and that dolly dollars and time must be spent very carefully! It means the world to me that you would consider spending yours to be with us!

The English translation for “Bellissima” means “most beautiful”…

I feel truly blessed that our shared love of dolls and fashion has brought much beauty – in so many forms – into my life!

And, no matter what our vision of “beauty” may be, time with friends is always something “most beautiful” to be celebrated!

I hope you can join us in Chattanooga for our celebration of beautiful spaces, beautiful fashion, beautiful dolls, beautiful friendships, beautiful memories, and…”Bellissima Italian Style!!”

Sincerely,
Sandra

502 3775153
_________________________


 If you've never been the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, in Nashville you are in for a treat. The building itself is a work of art. I wrote about it in a prior blog post as we visited it during Sandra's Nashville Convention.  

The Thursday trip from Chattanooga to Nashville is about 135 miles. That's a loooong time to spend on a bus, more than 2 hours each way. There is so much to see in Nashville and there may not be enough time.  But it's an optional trip so make your decisions accordingly. 


Suggested Chattanooga Itineraries

Chattanooga Events on August 22, 2015

8/31/2010

Sandra Stillwell's Golden Age of Couture — Nashville, August, 2010

The first thing I want to say is that I will probably go to every event that Sandra organizes in the future. This talented lady wove an amazingly detailed tapestry by combining the best of the location with a fabulous event. She organized visits to top Nashville locations that related to our purpose. Presentations at meals were relevant and interesting. The fashions Sandra had created for the centerpiece dolls and for our event souvenirs are beautiful and so abundant I can hardly believe it.
I shot more than 400 pictures, many of them not so impressive. It takes alot time to go through them and post. Interior shots at Cheekwood and the Frist were not permitted


Cheekwood
 The Cheekwood mansion was huge and we were told that just one small family of four lived there in it's day. There was a Chihuly installation out-of-doors. I think if I hadn't seen a mind-blowing Chihuly installation in Pittsburgh a few years ago, I would have been more impressed with this one.


Ryman Auditorium 
The history of the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Old Opry is fascinating and I recommend going to their websites to read about it. I do not follow country music but I certainly learned a great deal of interesting facts. 

Country Music Hall of Fame

Frist Center for the Visual Arts
The Frist Center is housed in an Art Deco United States Post Office with spectacular marble work, wrought iron gratings, doors and moldings. This is truly an impressive building aside from the exhibit. The Golden Age of Couture exhibit at the Frist Center was very special. I finally got to see four of the Theatre de la Mode mannequins in person. Madame Lachasse was beyond belief. Her teensy leather gloves were handsewn and still in perfect condition. She had tiny silk stockings and a cigarette case with pastel colored cigarettes! The miniatures created to go along with her wardrobe fascinated me. 










Display Dolls
Imagine walking into a ballroom filled with nearly 200 Genes, Madras, and assorted other dolls from the Ashton-Drake and Integrity Gene Marshall lines! Impressive, right?



Chez Manuel More about Manuel can be found on the internet. He has a long history of designing bling-y fashions for country western stars and other well-known personalities and performers.



Crawford Manor  Cheryl Crawford debuts her Crawford Manor collection of 16" resin dolls.

7/07/2010

Sandra Stillwell presents THE GOLDEN AGE of DOLL COUTURE in Nashville

My reservation is made! Sandra Stillwell, widely known for presenting fabulous doll events, has announced the event of the summer. She is calling it The Golden Age of Doll Couture. Read the description below to find out more. The inserted photos and illustrations are gathered from various sources and are intended to entice you—if you actually need more enticing after reading what Sandra has in store.

Hello, Friends!

Save the date! August 27th-29th, 2010!!


Please mark your calendar and make plans to join us in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel, for Sandra Stillwell Presents: The Golden Age Of (Doll) Couture.

Limited to only 50 attendees, this intimate doll collector's retreat will be a celebration of friends, dolls, tradition, and timeless couture in Nashville, a fashion forward city known for it's "kick up your heels" atmosphere!

Themed around the London V&A Museum exhibition of the same name, The Golden Age Of Couture will highlight the creations of designers from Paris to London, 1947-57. This landmark exhibition, shown exclusively in the United States at Nashville's Frist Center For The Visual Arts, will be an integral part of our program. 



http://www.fristcenter.org/site/exhibitions/exhibitiondetail.aspx?cid=795

 

Our souvenir will be a beautiful fashion gift set designed to fit your favorite 16" fashion doll. Inspired by "The Golden Age of Couture", the collection was manufactured especially for this exciting event. Centerpiece dolls modeling stunning haute couture fashions will be showcased at each meal function.

In addition to fashions, the registration fee will also include 3 meals and a gala Saturday night banquet, illustrious guest speakers, interesting displays, table gifts, raffles, room sales, and more surprises!

I'm happy to announce that for the first time, your all inclusive registration will also feature an exclusive off-site reception and tours with transportation on Friday and Saturday.

Expect a fun filled, activity packed weekend of dolls, friends, and fashion!

Tentative Agenda:
Friday:
We'll kick off convention with a 'welcome' breakfast on Friday. Our guest speaker, Andee Rudolph, from the curatorial staff of the Frist's "Golden Age of Couture", has prepared a special program to give us an in depth, behind the scenes view of the exhibition. 


Nashville is nicknamed "Music City" for it's colorful musical legacy. After breakfast on Friday, we'll be visiting the not to be missed Country Music Hall of Fame and the historic Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry and "Mother Church" of country music. Shop and stroll down famed Broadway and the Second Avenue district in downtown Nashville, or take a minute to enjoy performances by talented artists hoping to be "discovered" in one of the many downtown establishments. 
Nashville boasts it's own style, as evidenced in elaborate suits of beautiful embroidery and dazzling rhinestones by the legendary cowboy couturier, Manuel, who began his career in the mid 1950's in Los Angeles.

As head tailor at Nudie's of Hollywood, Manuel dressed many Hollywood celebrities. Today his career has even deeper roots in entertainment history, with his having been responsible for the "look" of Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the Rolling Stones, among others! 

Event attendees will have the rare opportunity to see the Rhinestone Rembrandt at work when Manuel graciously opens his studio to host an exclusive, private soiree for our group on Friday evening. 
Imagine a beautiful Victorian brownstone full of spectacular one of a kind creations at every turn! Manuel's studio is truly a paradise for every fan of "sparkle" and style! Prepare yourselves for a real treat as Manuel and staff welcome us as only they can do...with over the top Nashville style!

Following the reception, take in the Nashville nightlife or have dinner on your own.

Saturday:
Saturday morning brings a celebration of all things Madra! Ms Lord is a little miffed that there has been such a to-do over Gene's 15th Anniversary and Retirement, when nary a word has been mentioned about this being her 10th Anniversary! Madra will grace us with her presence in a special display and as the morning's centerpiece as we highlight her "career". She suggests that guests bring their Madra dolls to join in the celebration, as Madra always loves a good party! (Don't tell Madra, but of course, other fashion dolls are welcomed, too!) Our guest speaker will be former Gene Team Director Joan Greene, who will share tidbits about Madra's "history" and highlights of her own career as a toy designer. 

After breakfast on Saturday, we'll visit the Frist Center For The Visual Arts, where we will have a special guided tour of the "Golden Age Of Couture" exhibition. See over 200 rare examples of haute couture fashion and accessories created by preeminent European fashion designers such as Dior, Balenciaga, Fath, Desses, and Hartnell, among others. A bonus is the ability to see the fine detailing of these exquisite artifacts from all sides, as many fashions are displayed in the round. Also shown is related fashion photography and rare news footage of vintage couture fashion shows on monitors throughout the exhibit. 


A must see for every doll lover is the elegant fashion doll, Miss Lachasse, complete with miniature wardrobe from the Bath Fashion Museum, and a sampling of Theatre de la Mode fashion mannequins on loan from the Maryhill Museum of Art. 


Our tour guides will also tell us about the history of the landmark building that houses the Frist Center -- a prominent architectural treasure from the Art Deco period that was once the Nashville downtown post office.

Enjoy a snack or light lunch on your own in the coffee shop, or walk next door to have a drink at the historical Union Station hotel, a magnificently restored 19th Century train station. 

We'll return to the hotel for an elegant late afternoon Victorian Tea, hosted by well known doll artist and designer Cheryl Crawford, of Crawford Manor. Intriguing surprises await! 
Our gala Saturday night banquet will feature the elegance of a vintage couture fashion show finale. 
Fashion shows are famous for their quick changes. The most fashionable 50's lady had a wardrobe of "after hours" fashions to entertain her closest friends. Whether your "after hours" attire consists of an elegant hostess ensemble or kitschy PJ's, make a quick change and join your friends back in the banquet room for an after hours party!

Of course, a party isn't a party without games, so brush up on your "Fashion Sleuth" knowledge for lots of prizes! To make sure we leave with all the answers, we will be showing an onscreen presentation of doll fashions directly inspired by vintage couture.

Sunday:
Convention will conclude with Sunday's "Legacy" breakfast, hosted by George Gonzales Angelic Dreamz and JamieShow.
Stunning centerpieces representing the future of Haute Couture will "walk the runway" at this finale.
http://www.angelicdreamz.com/

Registration and Hotel:
A non refundable deposit of only $50 will reserve your spot for this limited event. The registration fee is only $299 if paid in full, by cash or check, by July 31st. After July, the fee is $329. A $12 charge will be added to other payments options.

Hotel rooms must be reserved through the group's room block to qualify for the above prices. There will be an additional $75 charge for those not staying in the hotel or booking through 3rd parties.

A $50 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations prior to August 1st. After that date, no cancellations are allowed.

Companion registration will be available if purchased with a full registration. Please contact Sandra for details.

The address to send registrations can be found at the end of this email. Please be sure to include your contact information, including email address and phone number.

Our special group room rate is $93 plus tax. In room Internet access is included in the group rate. The Millineum Maxwell House Hotel also offers free parking and complimentary airport and downtown shuttle, based on availability. The group rate is available from Monday, August 23rd, through Wednesday, September 1st for those who would like to come early or stay over to take advantage of the many fun sightseeing opportunities in the area.

The phone number for hotel reservations is 1-800--457-4460, 8-5 PM Central Time, M-F. You must mention the code 1009SANDRA or identify yourselves as being with the Doll Collector's Convention to be included in the room block.

You may also register online at:
http://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=11542&Chain=5303&Dest=USA&locale=en-US&arrive=08/26/2010&depart=08/30/2010&adult=1&child=0&Group=1009SANDRA

Please don't delay in booking your reservation, as the group room block is extremely limited and will only be held through July 26th. Once the block is sold out, and after July 26th, reservations will be made subject to availability. One night's fee will be charged upon reservation, refundable up to 48 hours of guaranteed arrival.

If you have any problems making reservations, please contact me immediately.

Airport and Flights:
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is serviced by all major airlines, with 45 cities nonstop. Southwest Airlines, which recently featured Nashville in it's Spirit Magazine, is one airline that especially stands out. http://www.spiritmag.com/city_profiles/article/meet_Nashville/
Book your flights soon to take advantage of summer sales!

When booking your flight, don't forget to allow a few extra days if possible to enjoy the multitude of tourist attractions and unique activities that Tennessee has to offer!

Additional Tours:

Whether attending a performance during the Grand Ol Opry's 85th birthday celebration, recording your own demo at famous RCA Studio "B" where Elvis and other greats recorded, relaxing on a riverboat cruise on the General Jackson, visiting historic Hermitage: the home of President Andrew Jackson, taking a tour of the Mansion at Belle Mead Plantation with wine-tasting and tea or lemonade in the carriage house, touring Belmont Mansion and the
grounds of the college, or taking in an evening of Chiluly and Art the grand Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Art Museum, Nashville has something for everyone! Day trips to other nearby Tennessee destinations include visiting Pigeon Forge and Dollywood for it's 25th Anniversary Celebration, Memphis and Elvis' Graceland, or Loretta Lynn's Hurricane Mills Museum. 
 
Depending on interest, we can arrange optional excursions, either post or pre convention, for any of the experiences below, so please let me know what you'd like to do!

Since many people arrive on Thursday, we will offer our traditional Thursday tour. The agenda will be decided according your feedback, but I would strongly recommend ending the day at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Art Museum for the spectacular "Chihuly at Cheekwood". The Chiluly At Night exhibition features breathtaking sculptures of Chiluly art glass showcased throughout the 55 acre gardens. Also on display in the 30,000 square foot art museum is a magnificent collection of Faberge eggs, world-class artwork and decorative arts. Built in the 20's, the Georgian-style Cheekwood Mansion was originally home to the Maxwell House Coffee dynasty family. We can enjoy a light boxed dinner on the patio while taking in the beautiful foliage. http://www.cheekwood.org/


  On Sunday afternoon, I suggest we step back in time and tour the lovely Belle Mead Plantation, once the South's preeminent thoroughbred farm. The Belle Mead Mansion, built in 1853, is the centerpiece of the property. Enjoy a wine tasting in the plantation winery, shop in the gift shop, or leisurely stroll through the log cabin and carriage house for a true southern experience. Depending on our group size, we may also book a tea in the carriage house or a lemonade and desert break on the back porch!
http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/


 
Raffle Donations:
We will be having raffles to help cover convention expenses. Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate to the raffle, please email me at dls6643@aol.com.

Nashville has risen from the recently devastating floods and is stronger than ever. Nashvillians are very interested in our program and are eager to welcome us with open arms and southern hospitality!

A sentimental favorite of mine for many reasons, I've wanted to share Nashville with friends and fellow doll fans for a long time. Especially now, it's my honor to bring guests to this amazing city!

Please remember that this event is extremely limited, so do not hesitate to register. If you plan to attend, please RSVP as soon as possible so I'll have an idea of how many to count on.

I hope you'll join me in August for an event to remember!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions...
Sincerely,
Sandra Stillwell

dls6643@aol.com

Please mail registrations to:
Sandra Stillwell
8305 Blue Lick Rd
Louisville, Ky 40219