While I’m not a civil war enthusiast. It think it is only fitting to honor the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin. On a recent walk through the civil war cemetery during a visit to the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, I was reminded of the struggle and sacrifice by those on both sides of the bloody battle. It was another time and place in our history, but the courage and sacrifice by all of our ancestors should not be forgotten. If your are a history buff or just looking to reflect on those the brave folks who shaped our great country, both the Carnton Plantation and the Carter House in Franklin, TN are a must see.
Carnton Plantation
Marker at the Civil War cemetery at Carnton Plantation
Additional information about the battle and information on the events surrounding the anniversary, please visit:
http://battleoffranklintrust.org…
I want to thank everyone who has helped me to get to this point as The Nashville Traveler. It has been a fun exciting year and I appreciate all my wonderful clients, family and friends. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!…
I try not to review chain restaurants here on my blog, but I’m making the exception with the Cheesecake Factory. For those of you visiting from a location without one of these mega restaurants, it should be added to your bucket list. Everything about it is over the top, the dining room size, the menu (or a better term book), the humongous portions, size of your drink glass, down to their signature cheesecake. Having large portions is not such a hard trick, nor is having a large varied menu, but what is unusual is that every entree is excellent. Where else can the entrees at your table vary from steak, pasta, Chinese, to fish tacos. Sure there are better more sophisticated restaurants in Nashville, but on those days when you have a hankering for a shrimp & bacon club sandwich (my personal favorite), nothing else will do! …
The 12th South district has blossomed in the last few years. The area is now a destination for some of the cities best dining and drinking. One of the latest establishments to join this revival is The Flipside. It’s a combination 50’s era midcentury diner and a bright modern bar. Giant windows let light stream into the teal accented dining area. If you are doing more than drinking you had better like chicken, as their specialty pan sautéed chicken breast that then as topped any number of interesting accents all of your choice. A novel and unique menu for Nashville. We tried both the Memphis and The Popeye, which was topped with spinach, tomato, mozzarella and balsamic drizzle, both delicious. Looking forward to their milkshake on my next visit. If you are looking for a trip back in time and a customized chicken dinner…this is your place. Oh yeah they have tater tots…. too! …
One of the privileges of living in Nashville is being around so much wonderful musical talent. Nashville’s musicians take pride in the city and often give back whenever they can. There is not a week in town, when there is not an opportunity to hear music royalty. One of the most generous with his time is Vince Gill and his wife Amy Grant. I was lucky to be able to attend a recent charity fundraiser event hosted by Vince and Amy. Joining them on stage at the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame was Ashley Monroe and Rock & Roll veteran “Big” Al Anderson. Providing background on and then singing the songs each had written, provided special insight into the songs you had heard on the radio hundreds of times. Whenever you visit our city, look for special charity related concerts not just the large mega concerts at the arena. These smaller events and venues after all what make Nashville special.
If you have never heard of “Big” Al Anderson…give him a google. His song Trip around the Sun is a perfect reflective birthday song.…
Bring out the kid in yourself….take a short drive north of town for a relaxing afternoon. Honeysuckle Farms has become known for corn mazes in the likeness of country music stars, but it is much more than that. Hayrides, jumping on a giant trampoline, zip lines, trying your hand at firing the pumpkin canon, a petting zoo, practicing your milking skills, cheering on the pig races, picking out the perfect pumpkin, feeding the ducks, and snacking on caramel corn all await. Although the real joy of Honeysuckle Farms is reminding us of the joy of a crisp Tennessee Fall day.
Honeysuckle Hill Farm. 1765 Martins Chapel Church Road, Springfield, TN 37172
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The worst kept secret in Nashville…..
Renovated in 1939, the downstairs men’s room at the Hermitage Hotel is the epitome of art deco design with its stunning lime green and black leaded glass tile walls, lime green plumbing fixtures and terrazzo flooring. I can’t help myself from stopping in whenever I am in the area. There is no other place where seeing a man about a horse can make you feel so sophisticated!
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Much kudos should go to Austin Ray & Joe Parks Jr. for their redevelopment of a Melrose classic. The revival in this part of 8th avenue could clearly been seen by the packed parking lot as we arrived. The Sutler is another on a growing list of expertly designed restaurants opening this year. It’s nice to see the power of good design being recognized once again. Walking in, you are welcomed with a warm interior dominated by refined, yet rustic woods and leathers. The stage is backed by a wall of deconstructed cowboy boots, a design touch reminding you of The Sutler’s history. The site hosted countless performances by Nashville music royalty during the the 70’s and 80’s.
The Sutler continues the trend of expert mixology with drinks, like the vodka based “East Bound” a nod to my favorite movie, Smokey and the Bandit. They also have a long eclectic craft beer list. This is where the “saloon” part of the name is reinforced, as the drinks were strong point of the evening. The menu is diverse, but limited. The chef has created menu categories called: Snacks, Jars, Dunks, Soups, Veggies, Hickory Grilled and Horseshoes. I choose the Wedge Oak Pork Butt Horseshoe. How many times do you ever get to order a Horseshoe?? I couldn’t pass up the opportunity, although I wish I had. The pork’s smoky flavor was overpowering and the cheddar ale gravy that topped the dish quickly cooled, covering the plate with a cold white ooze. Observation of neighboring tables also revealed a good portion of other entrees headed back to the kitchen uneaten. The meal took a positive turn with dessert, the chocolate pie with oatmeal crust hit the spot. Hopefully a different entrée selection on my next visit will provide a more appetizing experience.
The band started at 9:00 with great acoustics and perfect views from the restaurant seating. The musicians, Brian James & the Revival transported us to New Orleans with soulful delta blues.You have to love any band with a harmonica! Reviewing the event calendar, its looks as if music for many tastes will be featured.
All in all The Sutler Saloon is a wonderful addition to Nashville’s music scene and sure to regain its heritage as the go to space to catch a show and an adult beverage in Melrose.
The Sutler Saloon – 2600 Franklin Pike.
Wow….has Nashville needed this! A restaurant that has thought every detail thorough. The interior is beautifully designed, making you feel like you are on the set of the Great Gatsby. We started with the Gouda cheese appetizer that was artfully paired with honey, almonds and toasted bread. Although the highlight of the meal was my Steak Frites, rare, substitute the red wine jus for the standard béarnaise. That red wine jus, let me be clear, the best condiment you will ever taste. The fries perfectly crisp with a hint of garlic and some other mystery ingredient that makes them the most incredible fries in town. Are there more bigger, thicker more expensive steaks elsewhere in town, yes, but this was best all-around meal I have had in a long long time. It is also refreshing to know there are still restaurants that encourage their patrons to linger, relax and enjoy great food and conversation. I have already made reservations for my birthday, I would suggest you try Union Common before your next birthday rolls around. Cheers!
Union Common – 1929 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
The Hot Chicken phenomenon that has hit Nashville in the past few years has caused an explosion of restaurants serving this Nashville creation. The latest is Big Shake’s in Franklin, TN. For my taste this place has hit a home run. I ordered my chicken with the “Cry Baby” spice level, which is above the regular fried chicken, but below “Stop, Drop N Roll” or the hottest level, the “Executioner”. Some friends of mine really love the super hot versions of Nashville’s hot chicken and its days long after affects, but a touch of spice is all I need. Big Shake’s moist chicken has a wonderfully super crisp batter, that puts it above the competition. The fries were also excellent, crispy with a touch of seasoning. My only wish would be for a fountain Coke machine because you will be sweating alot and will need to go through lots of beverage before you can finish this delicious chicken.
Do your self a favor and make the short drive to Franklin and try the Big Shake’s version of Nashville Hot Chicken.
1409 West Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064