Month: January 2017

The Ryman Auditorium. For those who love the old majestic building, and who feel a sense of familiarity towards it, it’s simply referred to as The Ryman.
Over the years, I’ve been to countless concerts in that historical venue, and the overwhelming takeaway is the deep sense of gratitude and humility that even the most accomplished and famous of artists express about being able to perform there. I’ve been told that musicians prefer the acoustics there to any other musical stage Nashville offers. And I have definitely experienced firsthand the heightened, almost magical experience that is felt with the notes and strums and rhythm taking on a life of their own as they reverberate off the aged walls and stained glass windows.

Finished in 1892, it was originally The Union Gospel Tabernacle—built by newly converted Thomas Ryman to provide a permanent structure for tent evangelist, Sam Jones, to preach to the city of Nashville. Since its beginnings, it has hosted varying types of shows and events, but is most widely recognized for being home to the Grand Ole Opry in the mid 1900’s. Referencing its original purpose and also its most commonly known history, it is now often endearingly called “The Mother Church of Country Music”.  Although the Opry now has its permanent home by Opry Mills, it still returns to its roots at the Ryman every year for the months of November through January. It’s quite honestly a boot-stomping good time regardless of the line-up of Country or Bluegrass artists for any particular night. I made it out recently on a cold night for Opry at the Ryman; I got so caught up in the grandeur of the place that particular night, that I was an easy sell for the advertised post-show tour of the Ryman. I hadn’t previously realized the detailed history of that beloved building—it stood unused, in need of repair, and in threat of being torn down for many years, and was only fully restored to its original glory in the 1990s. The tour takes you behind the scenes through the green rooms and then out onto the stage—anyone with a love for music can’t help but briefly indulge your whimsical side and imagine yourself as the one up there with the microphone :).

I bought a new Hatch print for my home that night in the gift shop—it proudly displays the beautiful architecture of the Ryman with the words “Soul of Nashville”. One could argue that title I suppose, but if walls could sing what they’ve heard over more than a century, I can’t imagine there would be anywhere else in our hometown that would be better suited to be called just that.

As much as I love to travel and see new places, I love to come home. Maybe I globe trotted enough in my younger years to adequately scratch that itch. Or maybe it’s that I’ve been a homeowner now for a couple years and my roots have grown deeper since I left the world of rentals. But I still appreciate the benefit of getting away—a change of pace and scenery that provides a break from the norm and a refreshing element of different. But, as aforementioned, I love to come home. So I think I value the closer-to-home weekend getaways (e.g. a cabin in the Smokies for a weekend), and the drivable day trip options.

For me, downtown Franklin has always felt like the perfect day away. Just a hop and a skip down 65 (or a more scenic view down Franklin Rd), and the world suddenly feels smaller and quainter. Even though it has recently added some more nationally known retail stores and restaurant chains (I truly hated to see H.R.H. Dumplings leave Main St!), the majority of the shops and eateries have original charm and are authentically one of a kind. I would have to describe Meridee’s as nothing short of adorable, and just cozy—a celebration of the finest version of all things carbs :). Next door is Puckett’s—a delightful place to hear live music while enjoying the best of burgers. 55 South has an amazing hot chicken sandwich that was featured on The Food Network. But I’m definitely not opposed to all things chain—there is a Starbucks and a Sweet Cece’s at 5 Points that will give you the caffeine kick or the hot summer day cool-off you need to continue a full day of fun.

And if you don’t happen to arrive there hungry, just shop for a while in the antique stores, boutiques (my personal favorite is Philanthropy—10% of all their proceeds are donated to missions), home décor, gift and art shops, and you will quickly work up a healthy appetite. I purchased a large word art print with a George McDonald quote on it from The Shop Around the Corner. I would like to think it’s an original, yet I imagine there are others out there—but surely not many others?? Although the shops won’t satisfy the bargain hunting side of me, they do provide the possibility of finding unique treasures that help me justify the slight jump in prices that factor into the charisma of the Franklin experience. (And you’re also supporting small businesses :))

And then there’s the recently restored Franklin Theater. They continue to have an old-fashioned marquee sign and show movies (you can still see It’s a Wonderful Life on a big screen) and are now also a live music venue (one I haven’t yet made it to, but plan to!). I did make it out this year to A Dickens of a Christmas—another, “I’ll get there someday”, that I finally made happen. It was a delightful afternoon of local artisans, musicians, food trucks and merriment. I love the big city feel of Nashville, but there will always be a part of my soul that craves smaller, quieter, simpler… So for that, I am grateful that Franklin is just a few short miles south of me.

Most people in Nashville have heard of The Fontanel by now, but the majority of people I know still haven’t experienced all it has to offer. My first time out to Whites Creek Pike was to a Needtobreathe concert at The Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater—a perfect outdoor venue on a clear night to hear one of my favorite bands. (I’m hoping to make it there next year to the Kid Rock annual fish fry). But aside from special events, the grounds hold plenty of options to enjoy a full day without ever having to move your car. The Mansion at Fontanel is the world’s largest log home (33k sq feet), built by Barbara Mandrell’s husband (and where her family lived for several years). The tour guide shares many endearing and inspiring stories of the Mandrell family and of other country artists who have used the home in years since for retreats, writing sessions, etc. They encourage a homey feel and let you sit on the furniture, play the piano, and strum the same guitars played and donated by various famous musicians.

If you purchase your mansion tour through Groupon, a wine tasting is also included with the ticket purchase. Natchez Hills Winery (in Hampshire, Tennessee) has a beautiful tasting room on the grounds. And on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, they host a free concert series, Rhythm & Vine, featuring talented local performers. If weather permits, the concerts are held on the adjacent patio overlooking the beautiful tree-covered hills—truly a perfectly, peaceful way to spend a weekend afternoon! (There is also a distillery on the property where you can sample Tennessee whiskeys and rums). If you’re hungry, Café Fontanella is an Italian restaurant that feels like fine dining, yet in a relaxed, down home sort of way; the café also offers free concerts over weekend brunches and every night over dinner (I highly recommend the Bruschetta appetizer :).

And you’ll have to peek in the Stone House Shoppe—just as the name denotes, it’s an adorable little stone house filled with Tennessee gifts, memorabilia and décor—I haven’t yet managed to walk inside and walk out empty handed. 🙂 There are also wooded trails to hike and zip lines to enjoy if you’re looking for adventures in nature just a few miles outside the city limits. And if you’re ever in need of a retreat close to home, there is a small, but gorgeous 4 star Inn (part of the Southern Living Hotel Collection).

I recently spent an afternoon with my mom on the 100+ acres that make up The Fontanel. The day proved to be the perfect mix of activity and of carefree time to just relax and enjoy each other’s company in this happy place tucked away in a corner of Nashville away from the hustle and bustle.

Radnor Lake—I often refer to it as my outdoor cathedral. There is something both majestic, and equally peaceful about walking the shaded, yet sun-sparkled trails. I’m convinced that my soul needs nourishment as much (if not more?) as my body does. Life seems to be a learning process of figuring out exactly what replenishes your inner being; for me, it is being outside. I appreciate the conveniences of all things indoors (and enjoy camping the most when a shower facility is available), but the wonder I feel at the beauty of nature is unmatched by anything else I love. So when I feel the need to be alone, but also productive (hiking the trails is obviously great exercise!), I drive over to Radnor Lake—the secluded feel of the park will make you marvel at the convenience of getting there.

I confess that you’ll never see me at a gym, but I’m admittedly a bit OCD about getting my daily walk in. Exercise is a joyful experience for me–IF I can exercise outside. It almost feels like cheating to walk the perimeter of the lake and know that it counts as a heart healthy activity. I know there are scientific studies confirming the improved cognitive ability of the brain to think and talk while walking, but I am just as convinced that there is an added benefit of the soul to more freely express itself in the presence of natural beauty. So, Radnor Lake is also my where I go when I want to catch up with a dear friend—in a heart to heart way.

I also genuinely love to drive—distance doesn’t faze me if the destination is desirable. But in this crazy fast world we live in, sometimes we only have a few minutes to get to a physical location that will contribute to our peace of mind. So, if your day’s schedule only allows you a short amount of combined time to drive and exercise, head over towards Granny White Pike with your walking shoes on. Your soul will thank you. 🙂

(side note: Radnor Lake was originally constructed by the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Railroad in 1914 to be a reservoir to supply water for its steam engines at Radnor Yards.)

 

Full Moon Pickin’ Party—an absolute Nashville MUST-do! I’ve been twice now and have set a goal to (hopefully) make it every month in 2017 (happens May-Oct). If Bluegrass music makes you smile and tap your feet, if you love being outdoors and can marvel at the splendor of a full moon, if you appreciate the tasty offerings of food trucks and cold beer on a Friday night, then you will LOVE this event as much as I do.

I’ve often said that full moons are the one thing in the world that continue to leave me with the same sense of wonder that I felt as a child at Christmas time. Multiple times I have been driving at night and unexpectedly come upon a full moon and gasped at the beauty of it. If remotely possible, I have been known to pull over, or, if at home (or at the beach!), to just sit and stare at it for a while. It sounds a bit odd to “watch” a seemingly non-moving object, but its brilliant beauty just leaves me awestruck. Although millions of people around the world obviously see its light 12 times every year, I still somehow feel it is a personal reminder to me each month of how much I’m loved by its Creator—I suppose simply because I love it so much. 🙂

So, all that to say, to have a monthly event in my hometown that is scheduled around a full moon with one of my favorite genres of music as the backdrop soundtrack just delights my heart! The Pickin’ Parties are held at the Warner Park Equestrian Center (off Old Hickory Blvd.) and the funds of ticket sales help support the Warner Parks. You can pack a picnic blanket or lawnchairs, bring food of your choosing, or get an excellent burger, biscuit sandwiches, or homemade s’mores (among many other options!) from a circle of food trucks. No outside alcohol is permitted, but your wristband gets you up to four draft beers from a variety of brews (water and soft drinks also included with price of admission). The seating tends to center around the bands on the main “stage” (side of the beautiful barn used for the horses during Steeplechase), but anyone can bring in an acoustic instrument (which lowers the ticket price for you!) and strike up an ensemble with other local musicians. It’s fascinating to me to see varied voices and instruments come together, speak the language of music and create magic. I love watching the joy on musicians’ faces as they give their gift of music to an equally joyful captive audience–you just can’t help but smile while listening to Bluegrass music 🙂

I truly, truly recommend trying out this event when it starts up in a few months! Especially on a clear, warm summer night, it is the perfect, happy ending to a long workweek. It feels grassroots, down home, small town, organically and authentically Nashville—all the ideals we hope to continue to see in our music city.