Six Fun Things in Nashville

We just returned from a weekend in Nashville, TN, where I lived off and on for 10 years, and where my mom still lives.  Aside from helping my mom plan out her bathroom renovations (I can't wait to share before and afters--the befores are egad! and I know the afers will be wonderful) we did all my favorite things to do in Nashville.  It's so much more than country music and rhinestones!
1.) Take an early-morning walk at Radnor Lake

2.) After all that excercise you deserve a treat.  Grab a newspaper and your comfy shoes and get in line at the Pancake Pantry.  Waiting an hour in line for pancakes is a Nashville rite of passage-- and it really is worth the wait.   I get the Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream every single time. 

3.) Leave someone in line to hold your place, grab your stroller and walk the couple of blocks to Dragon Park. Make sure you take your camera for some fun pics of the kiddos on the giant mosaic dragon.

4.) Visit The Frist Center for Visual Arts.  With a large permanant collection, a fabulous art-for-kids area, and wonderful traveling exhibits, there's something for everyone in the family here.  Right now you can drool over The Golden Age of Couture.

5.)If the weather is nice (Nashville in summer is muggy and HOT) head over to Cheekwood.  Part gardens, part enormous art exhibit, there is always something wonderful to see here.  Right now you can marvel at the fantastical glassworks of Chihuly.

6.) Attend the puppet show at the downtown library.  This is one of the most magical things we've ever done with our kids. Park in the deck and take the escalators up (that's an adventure in itself!), enter the vast, marbled atrium, climb the sweeping stairs, and take your place in the jewlbox puppet theater, where stars sparkle overhead and the air is heavy with magic. Bonus points: the show is free! Bring a snack and picnic in the beautiful courtyard outside the children's area.

I'm so glad we went, but I'm so glad to be home, too.  Twenty-plus hours in the car with your kids is a lot of hours.  I've got a busy week of sewing, painting and planning ahead of me-- can't wait to share!