Month: July 2017

If you’ve never been, or if it’s just been a while since you were there, I highly encourage a visit to Arrington Vineyards. The grounds epitomize the beauty of Middle Tennessee and yet capture the feel of wine country in California (at least of the photos I’ve seen ;).  Although a clear forecast and temperate weather will greatly enhance the overall experience, the rolling hills with expansive views, the bright, cascading foliage of the grapevines, the pristine landscaping and attention to detail, and of course the award winning wines (!), will, I believe, cause everyone to leave with a smile, regardless of the climate.

The first time I went was a few years back with several sweet friends; we gathered around the picnic table with a smorgasbord of savory eats. In the midst of laughter and fellowship, a huge full moon crested the night sky and made for an admittedly magical night. The times since have never failed to provide a glorious sunset, possibly biasing my love for the vineyards! But for anyone who delights in being outdoors with a group of good friends and who enjoys packing a basket of favorite foods to complement your favorite blends of vino, check your weather app and plan an evening soon to head a few miles south of Franklin to Arrington, Tennessee.

Every Saturday and Sunday in the months of April through October, AV offers a free event called “Music in The Vines”. Jazz lovers can enjoy the live bands in the courtyard tent by the tasting lodge, and those of us who prefer Bluegrass can hear fiddles and banjos in the quintessential, farm-style, red Grand Barn. Pack a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner on the way (my personal go-to is the cranberry chicken salad and homemade rolls from the Amish Feed Mill—it’s en route if you can add 5-10 minutes to take the more scenic drive through Nolensville), and get ready to tap your toes while sharing a bottle of bubbly. (As a side note, entrance and parking are free—they only ask that you not bring in any outside alcohol. You can purchase a wine tasting–although there is usually a wait for the tasting options–or you can just purchase a bottle of your choice, an average of $18-25/bottle.)

Arrington Vineyards celebrated 10 years this month and has steadily and honorably earned its title as “Nashville’s Wine Country” over its decade of wine making. So pack up the kids, call up a friend, or just grab a good book, and enjoy one of Nashville’s truest treasures.

Cute and cozy have, over time, become the two adjectives that most define my style of preference. From inspiring the decorating motif in my little house, to characterizing the shops that manage to draw me inside and the small towns that keep calling me back for a visit—all my favorites can best be described as cute and cozy. So it probably comes as no surprise that the simplicity and quaint charm of historic downtown Bell Buckle, Tennessee, tempt me to exit every time I’m passing by on 1-24. Set just a few miles off the interstate, through picturesque countryside, (and less than an hour outside of Nashville), Bell Buckle draws in thousands of visitors yearly.

From its antique shops in vintage brick buildings to its popular café with a delightful array of fried and comfort foods, to an ice cream parlor with an old fashioned soda fountain, to the large quilt design painted on the main street, a day in the life of this revived railroad town feels like stepping back into olden days (one of their slogans reads: “We are 100 years behind the times and proud of it!”).  Known increasingly as a center for arts and crafts and even for live music, Bell Buckle is likely best known as the home of the RC-Moon Pie Festival held every June.

Although Moon Pies are made at the Chattanooga Bakery, back in the 1990’s Bell Buckle offered to host a party of sorts to celebrate the 75^th birthday of this traditional Southern dessert; and the result was a beloved annual festival honoring the famous pies and RC colas. While the historical union of this soda and sweet-treat duo is somewhat elusive, they have nonetheless been paired together for decades and were formerly referred to as “the working man’s lunch”, back even to the 1930’s (presumably because the combo was an affordable, filling snack at a nickel apiece!).

So whether it be the events of the festivals, the antique shopping, or just a day trip which includes a little bit of reminiscing and the chance to breathe in fresh air beyond the big-city limits, the friendly residents of Bell Buckle will always welcome you with a smile (and likely a Moon Pie :))