Manny’s House of Pizza, Nashville, TN

Savoring a Southern slice

by Margaret Littman | July 27, 2010

There are very few things about Chicago I have missed since moving to Nashville. Not the weather. Not the traffic. But the great public transportation and the endless supply of pizza are among the things I crave. Or, they were until I “discovered” Manny’s House of Pizza located downtown in the Arcade (15 Arcade Building).

This thin-crust eatery sells pizza by the slice, and is open late on nights when the Arcade’s …

The Real Music City, Nashville, TN

Nashville lives up to its Music City moniker, and, no, we’re not just talking about country music.

by Margaret Littman | July 26, 2010

My first clue that life in Nashville would not be like life in Chicago came when I was scanning the real estate listings. Everywhere else I’ve lived, listings were pretty standard: “3BD, 2 BA, + den.” But in Nashville, home offices, dens, basements, playrooms and garages were absent. Instead, listings touted “music studio.”

I can’t play an instrument or even hum a tune remotely in key. I don’t need a music studio, but if …

Nashville Shores, Hermitage, TN

Stay cool in the summer heat at Nashville Shores

by Elissa Pugh | June 22, 2010

Looking for something different to do on the Fourth of July?  Spend the day relaxing in the refreshing water activities at Nashville Shores and end the day with a Dive-In movie and fireworks. 

Nashville Shores has a wave pool, lazy river, banana boat, jet skis, kayak cove, mini golf, Shoreliner, a beach swim area, and many other attractions.  Throughout the summer the park offers special events such as a Salute to Freedom, Scouting …

Village Pub and Beer Garden, Nashville, TN

Excellence on the East side

by Elissa Pugh | June 13, 2010

The newest addition to East Nashville and Inglewood’s Riverside Village, Village Pub and Beer Garden features twelve beers on tap (including microbrews and imported beers), a wide selection of bottled beer, and a full bar.  A beautiful wraparound porch matches a lovely interior and pleasant parking lot.  Locals are especially excited for this new haunt but everyone is welcome.  

David Mitchell (of Mitchell Delicatessen), Jesse Hamilton, and Tracy Hamilton are responsible for this …

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville, TN

Ring-tailed lemurs, Bengal tigers, and red pandas, oh my!

by Elissa Pugh | June 10, 2010

At Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, beautiful creatures from around the world can be viewed in habitats like Baird’s Tapir, Critter Encounters, GibbonIslands, Unseen New World, Bamboo Trail, Giraffe Savannah, Alligator Cove, Red River Hog Habitat, and many more.  

The zoo’s Jungle Gym playground is the largest community-built playground in the country; it includes over 66,000 square feetfor climbing, swinging, and exploring.  Much fun can be had at the Wild Animal Carousel and …

Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN

Something for everyone

by Elissa Pugh | May 20, 2010

During the early 1800s, early settlers of Tennessee found what they believed to be a large forest of cedar trees. This area eventually became Cedars of Lebanon State Park and was named for the cedar forest that existed in the biblical Lebanon. In actuality, the trees that were spotted by those first settlers where juniper trees. 

Cedars of Lebanon State Park is an ideal location for a romantic getaway, family vacation, school trip, corporate …

Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Company, Nashville, TN

Unique, artisan chocolate bars

by Elissa Pugh | May 15, 2010

Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Company, the original bean-to-bar chocolate maker of the South, offers hand crafted, small batch, slow roasted, all natural artisan chocolate in exciting and zesty flavors.  

These flavors include 67% Dark Chocolate, 75% Dark Chocolate, NIBS (with 67% Dark Chocolate), Coffee (with 75% Dark Chocolate and local Bongo Java coffee), Salt and Pepper (with 67% Dark Chocolate), Sea Salt (with 75% Dark Chocolate), and Mexican Style Cinn-Chili (a seasonal offering).  

Escape Day Spa and Salon, Nashville, TN

This salon is a true escape from your every day life

by Elissa Pugh | May 10, 2010

Looking for a way to treat yourself, relax, or destress? How about that perfect, luxurious gift for that special someone? Consider Escape Day Spa and Salon.

Voted “Best Spa in Nashville” in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll, Escape Day Spa and Salon offers such exciting and decadent treatments as lavender mint smoothing salt scrub, antioxidant bubble soak, and the chardonnay wine therapy package.

Escape Day Spa and Salon …

Sonobana Japanese Restaurant, Nashville, TN

Sonobana's sushi is the (cherry) bomb

by Elissa Pugh | May 02, 2010

Looking for tasty sushi in West Nashville?  Place your bet on Sonobana Japanese Restaurant and you are sure to win.  In addition to sushi, Sonobana offers teriyaki and negima dinners, tempura, cutlet, sukiyaki, and eel bowl dinners, bento box dinners, seafood tempura, and udons and sobas. 

Nearly everyone who tries the Cherry Bomb Roll seems to love it. It includes the unique combination of shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, maraschino cherries, cucumber, crunchies, …

Hog Heaven, Nashville, TN

A little piece of BBQ heaven

by Elissa Pugh | April 26, 2010

Hog Heaven has been serving BBQ to Nashville since 1986.  Conveniently located by Centennial Park and Springwater Supper Club and Lounge, Hog Heaven’s unique white barbeque sauce, hickory smoked meats, and sweet treats are more than worth the visit!

Pork, chicken, beef, turkey, and rib sandwiches are available.  For an additional charge, you can have your sandwich on cornbread or have cole slaw added to your sandwich.  Pulled pork, …

Sam and Zoe’s Cafe, Nashville, TN

Small place, big taste

by Elissa Pugh | April 26, 2010

For over fifteen years, Sam and Zoe’s Cafe has been serving coffee and other goodies while nestled in the heart of Berry Hill.  Within walking distance of Baja Burrito, Sam and Zoe’s Cafe can serve as your dinner location or your after dinner coffee spot.  

Coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, chai lattes, or many other coffee drinks are available.  If coffee is not your thing, try the Chilly Wonka, the Original Snow Cap, the Oompa …

Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon, Nashville, TN

Eleven years and going strong

by Elissa Pugh | April 18, 2010

Every April, tens of thousands of runners fill the streets of Nashville for the Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon.  A qualifier for the Boston Marathon, this race brings runners from all over to Music City.  The race route takes runners through and past such Nashville sights as Centennial Park, Music Row, Shelby Park, Belmont University, and the Cumberland River. 

Bands and other performers join friends …

Iron Fork Chef Competition, Nashville, TN

Five Chefs, Over Twenty Restaurants, and One Secret Ingredient

by Elissa Pugh | April 15, 2010

On Wednesday, April 21, five top Nashville chefs will compete live in Iron Fork, the Nashville Scene-sponsored chef competition. Andy Hunter (Acorn Restaurant), Chris Cunningham (Sunset Grill), Hal M. Holden-Bache (Eastland Café), Jason McConnell (55 South/Sol/Red Pony Restaurant), and Jeremy Barlow (Tayst) will all compete in the event benefiting Second Harvest and Manna-Food …

The Cocoa Tree, Nashville, TN

The best-smelling shop in town

by Elissa Pugh | April 12, 2010

Once you step in The Cocoa Tree, you immediately know you have stumbled upon something special: a cozy, delicious-smelling chocolate shop tucked away in Historic Germantown (just north of downtown). Chocolatier Bethany Thouin founded The Cocoa Tree in Franklin, TN in 2003 and five years later moved it to Historic Germantown in Nashville.

Handcrafted in small batches with simple, fresh ingredients, Thouin’s signature artisan truffles and chocolates have been enjoyed by Faith …

Nashville Film Festival, Nashville, TN

Join a long standing Nashville institution and celebrate film

by Elissa Pugh | April 12, 2010

Originally founded in 1969 as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration, Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) is a well-established Nashville cultural arts institution.  Among this year’s more than 70 feature films will be Cyrus, starring John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill, the Adrian Grenier-directed documentary Teenage Paparazzo, and the Southeast premiere of Provinces of Night, starring Kris Kristofferson, Val Kilmer, and Dwight Yoakam.

The features will join short films and together total more than …

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art, Nashville, TN

A blend of art, nature and Nashville history

by Elissa Pugh | April 05, 2010

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art values preservation, education, beauty, creativity and exploration.  All of these are evident as you stroll through the beautiful grounds, gardens and museum.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art is located on the 55-acre historic Cheek estate. After moving to Nashville in the 1880s, Christopher T. Cheek founded a wholesale grocery business that stayed in the Cheek family for quite some time. Joel Cheek, a …

The Cupcake Collection, Nashville, TN

The Cupcake Collection sprints to the front of the Nashville cupcake race

by Elissa Pugh | April 03, 2010

Nestled in historic Germantown, The Cupcake Collection is sure to delight any cupcake fan.  Wedding Cake, Sweet Lemonade, Sweet Potato, and Strawberry are just some of the unique and delicious flavors available.  You can visit The Cupcake Collection for its daily flavors or call ahead to have a particular request filled.

These cupcakes are slightly smaller and with a bit less icing than the cupcakes of other shops, and those differences create …

Tulip Street United Methodist Church, Nashville, TN

Part of East Nashville's history

by Elissa Pugh | March 29, 2010

Organized in 1859 on what was then Tulip Street, Tulip Street United Methodist Church has long held a significant place in the Edgefield community of East Nashville. A new building was built in 1891 at the corner of Sixth and Russell streets to accommodate a growing church community.  After the Great East Nashville Fire of 1916, Tulip Street United Methodist was one of only two churches that survived.  Church members formed a bucket …

Potlikker Film Festival, Nashville, TN

Celebrate the best of southern food culture

by Elissa Pugh | March 26, 2010

Southern Foodways Alliance is committed to “documenting, studying and celebrating the diverse food cultures of the American South,” and Nashville will be the lucky recipient of its work when the Potlikker Film Festival takes place on April 25, 2010. Upon arrival you will be given a shot of potlikker (the liquid left behind after boiling one of the most quintessential of southern foods, greens) and a piece of cornbread. You can …

Happy Japan, Nashville, TN

Bring home a little bit of Japan

by Elissa Pugh | March 26, 2010

While visiting Nashville, check out Happy Japan for all of your anime and bento box needs. Even if Happy Japan doesn’t seem to be your thing, it is worth a browse. Filled with unique and happy-inducing Japanese items, there is something for just about everyone.

Want a special cutter that will transform your hot dog into an octopus, crab or penguin? Done! Want a special mold that will shape hard boiled eggs …

Rites of Spring Music Festival, Nashville, TN

Join the students, faculty and staff of Vanderbilt University as they welcome in spring

by Elissa Pugh | March 24, 2010

Since 1971, the Rites of Spring Music Festival at Vanderbilt University has helped to bridge the Nashville community with the community of the university.  This year, the festival will be held April 23 and 24.  The schedule of the full line-up will be released March 24, but Drake, Ben Harper and Relentless 7, Phoenix, Passion Pit, Cold War Kids, Melanie Fiona, Doug E. Fresh, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, JJ Grey and Mofro, Alberta Cross, Trombone Shorty …

Mulligan’s Pub and Restaurant, Nashville, TN

This year, authentically celebrate St. Patrick's Day

by Elissa Pugh | March 09, 2010

Mulligan’s Pub and Restaurant was opened in the 1987 by first-generation Irishman Tony Lyons. Tony missed the ambiance and social atmosphere of his favorite Dublin pubs, McDaid’s and The Old Shelling. Not just for the Irish and Scottish families of middle Tennessee, Tony wanted local residents and visiting tourists to experience and appreciate the food, drink, music and hospitality that he associated with Ireland and Scotland.

Located in downtown Nashville, Mulligan’s offers a …

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

This prestigious university is part of Nashville's history

by Elissa Pugh | March 02, 2010

Step on the campus of Vanderbilt University, and you will be among classic brick buildings, walkways, and beautiful trees. Prospective students, current students and tourists alike enjoy a leisurely stroll through this collegiate paradise. In 1873, Methodist Bishop Holland N. McTyeire of Nashville aimed to build a university in the South that would "contribute to strengthening the ties which should exist between all sections of our common country."  Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, the husband …

Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea, Nashville, TN

Doing it local, doing it right

by Elissa Pugh | February 23, 2010

Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea was opened in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Jarod and Courtney. Helping to foster a sense of community in East Nashville, this coffee shop offers plenty of seating and a comfortable and stylish ambiance. Jarod and Courtney serve locally roasted Drew’s Brews coffee.

It is not uncommon to find a leaf design formed in the milk on the top of your latte. Local artists are showcased on the …

Southern Bred, Nashville, TN

Enjoy authentic southern cuisine that is "From the south, for the south"

by Elissa Pugh | February 23, 2010

Known for her catering services, Sharon Johnson opened Southern Bred restaurant in early 2009. Southern Bred offers a casual ambiance with down-home, southern flavor. Every diner is served rolls, biscuits and cornbread while they wait for their meal.

Specialties include a meat-and-three option with fried chicken, pot roast, salmon patties, meat loaf, chicken livers, country friend steak and other classic southern fare.  Sides range from New Orleans corn pudding to friend green tomatoes to turnip greens. …

Travel Guide to Nashville, TN

Why you should visit Nashville, TN

by Elissa Pugh | February 15, 2010

Whether your final travel destination is Nashville or it is a simply a stop on the way to another location, there is something for everyone in Nashville.  A southern city associated with country music and hospitality, visitors have plenty to do whether they visit during Nashville’s mild winters or its steamy summers.  Fans of country music can learn about its roots at the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird …

Ru San’s Sushi and Seafood Restaurant, Nashville, TN

Unparalleled sushi in The Gulch area of Nashville

by Elissa Pugh | February 15, 2010

Ru San’s Sushi and Seafood Restaurant opened in The Gulch area of Nashville in 2003. This popular, trendy and pleasantly noisy establishment offers over 500 sushi items on its extensive menu. Ru San’s offers a highly experienced and friendly staff, Happy Hour specials and unbeatable prices.

Their unique selections run the gamut from the Gone with the Wind roll (tuna, salmon, crab, cream cheese, cucumber, carrot, avocado rolled and Katsu fried) to …

The Local Taco, Nashville, TN

Unique and tasty tacos made with fresh and local ingredients

by Elissa Pugh | February 08, 2010

The Local Taco prides itself on being fresh, local, and casual with both its food and ambiance.  It was recently voted Best New Restaurant by Metromix.

Nestled in the Sylvan Park area, The Local Taco has a rotating selection of unique and delicious tacos that are made with ingredients from local sources whenever possible.  Produce is purchased from local organic farmers, the chicken is hormone-free, and even the tortillas are made locally. …

Fifth Annual Music City Mardi Gras, Nashville, TN

Celebrate hope and Mardi Gras at the Cannery Ballroom

by Elissa Pugh | February 08, 2010

This year you can support a good cause while celebrating Mardi Gras. The Lisa Ross Parker Foundation will be holding The 5th Annual Music City Mardi Gras: A Celebration of Hope on Friday, February 20, 2010. The event will be held at the Cannery Ballroom, which resides in Nashville’s Historic Cannery building.

The building was built in 1883 and was originally a flour mill. After becoming a place to grind …

The Green Wagon, Nashville, TN

Stay green while visiting Nashville

by Elissa Pugh | February 01, 2010

Visiting Nashville and need to restock on green, earth-friendly products?  Check out The Green Wagon.  With the intent of providing a modern, environmentally friendly take on the old-fashioned general store, The Green Wagon opened in January 2009. Nashvillians responded so well to “the one stop earth friendly shop,” that founder and owner Jennifer Casale and husband Jonathan Rodgers opened a second location in September of 2009.

Both locations offer green and locally made beauty …

Sam’s All American Sports Grill, Nashille, TN

Sam's: Where the locals go to watch sports

by Elissa Pugh | January 31, 2010

Sam’s All American Sports Grill opened in 2000 and for the last seven years has been voted “Best Sports Bar” by the Nashville Scene. This popular sports bar (known by locals as simply “Sam’s”) offers a state of the art audio system and multiple televisions that are all Hi Definition and guarantees that there is not a bad seat in the house.

The staff is enthusiastic, friendly and customer service minded. A …

Linden Manor Bed and Breakfast, Nashville, TN

Style and convenience in the heart of Nashville

by Elissa Pugh | January 29, 2010

Looking for that special inn for your romantic getaway?  Linden Manor Bed and Breakfast is the ideal location for Nashville visitors. Located just minutes from Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Music Row, Downtown, Opry Mills and the airport, Linden Manor is convenient to nearly all Nashville attractions and prides itself on “unparalleled hospitality.”  The Victorian home built in 1893 has had a complete renovation.  Complete with a turret, twelve foot ceilings, nine foot windows and …

The Pied Piper Creamery, Nashville, TN

Delicious ice cream available year round in Nashville

by Elissa Pugh | January 21, 2010

Luckily, in Nashville, it’s not often too cold to satisfy a winter ice cream craving. The Pied Piper Creamery is an unbelievable find in the heart of East Nashville. Voted Best Ice Cream by the Nashville Scene Readers’ Poll, Owner Jenny Piper makes fresh, delicious ice cream on the premises. Over 147 rotating flavors allow for vast variety on a daily basis. The humorously named flavors (including Minty Python, Are You There God? It’s …

Annual Christmas Lights, Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN

Over 2 million Christmas lights in the Music City attract visitors from all over

by Elissa Pugh | December 17, 2009

Deemed “The Most Christmassy Hotel in the Nation” by the Travel Channel’s Extreme Christmas, the Opryland Hotel is the “go-to” destination for viewing amazing Christmas lights in Nashville.  You and your family can enjoy over 2 million sparkling lights both inside and outside the hotel.  Admission is free (there may be a charge for parking) and hours are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the weekdays and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the weekends.  …