2. A Letter From The Creator
By: Kevin Martin
Thank you for taking the time to read my magazine! This month we are featuring Nashville, Tennessee.
Cam Bell and myself set out to explore and understand the city and the vibe that comes along with Music City. A
friend of mine who lives in Nashville said that we had seen more in one day than he had in six years of living
there! This gave me hope that what we are bringing you is, in some cases, even more informed than the folks
who live there.
And, speaking of local, be sure to check out the antiquing article this month. It is brought to you by a
Nashville area native who knows her stuff. We are always looking for articles! Submissions@IndulgeSE.com.
In March, get ready for Tampa, Florida. Indulge is heading south for the winter to bring you coverage
of an ocean town, a bay town, a gulf town! Much as we did in Nashville, follow us on Twitter @IndulgeSE to get
the inside scoop and behind the scenes look at the crazy running around and hectic schedules that allow us to
gain total coverage!
We are constantly striving to improve your experience and our own. If you have questions or
suggestions, contact me at Kevin@IndulgeSE.com. Thanks for your patience with the website that, as much as
I’ve tried, I still don’t have quite right. I do have a tech guru contacting me this week in
order to, hopefully, give you a much more aesthetically pleasing viewing experience in
the future.
5. By: Kevo Booker
Many times during the year, you can find “great” airline ticket deals. More times than not
though, these great deals come with stipulations. It makes sense that the cheapest tickets will be
in the least desirable seats, but many times, the airline won’t tell you which seats those are, so
you are left to guess and be charged more if you don’t select correctly. Generally, your best bet
will be to let the airline pick the seat number that will correspond to the cheaper price.
Also, be aware that just because you can fly for cheap doesn’t mean that your luggage can, as
well. For most major airlines, checked luggage will cost you money; particularly if you are flying
domestically. Plus, bags over a certain weight (usually 50 lbs.) are considered heavy and will cost
an additional fee. Some airlines even charge you more to check your luggage if you do it on the
day of your flight, while others will charge you extra if you have a purse AND a laptop bag as
carry-on items.
The other thing that you will see a lot with special airline pricing is blackout dates. Make sure
before you buy that the dates you want to fly are available at the discounted price. Many times,
there are restrictions involving flights during holiday periods. Make sure you find out how
many times a week they make the flight you are considering, as well.
That being said, don’t stop searching for inexpensive flights to where you want to go.
Depending on your closest airport, you might be able to find very cheap flights, especially if
you’re open to their pick of destinations. You just may end up somewhere you never expected!
My important tip this month is to be aware! Check the website or call the airline and make sure
that you have all of the details you need so that your cheap $85 roundtrip flight doesn’t turn into
a typical $250+ airfare.
7. Music City, USA
A majority of Nashville sights are in the mile and a half
between Music Row and Broadway at the riverfront and within a few
blocks in either direction. There are obvious exceptions. LP Field, home of the
Tennessee Titans, sits opposite Broadway across the river next to Cumberland
Park, President Andrew Jackson lived at the Hermitage, 10 miles east of
downtown, and Opry Mills, which houses the Grand Ole Opry, is about a 20
minute trip from Broadway.
There is so much to get into downtown that it may be hard to figure out where to
start or how to conquer it all. Fear not! That’s why Indulge does the exploring for
you. Nothing can really be accomplished without parking and that is the one big
negative about the downtown area. There may be plenty, but it can cost a small
fortune! Most meters have a two hour time limit and it is illegal to leave a vehicle
there for more than two hours. Plentiful parking structures charge based on the day
of the week. A nice trick, if the weather is pretty and no events are taking place, is to
park across the river at LP Field (free parking), hop the color changing elevator up to
the Shelby Avenue pedestrian bridge, and stroll across the river into downtown.
9. Music City, USA
Otherwise, plan to pay $10 to $15 whenever
you park. If you’re headed downtown, plan to stay for the day to save money
on spaces. Or, if your hotel is near downtown, catch a cab for around $8 in each
direction. The advantage there is that you don’t have to worry about driving
and cabs are always at the ready. Truly though, staying all day is not a
problem. Street polls have attached city maps to help you navigate.
From the terminus of Broadway at the Cumberland River, begin your
adventures downtown in the shadow of the AT&T Batman building.
Find and grab a copy of Nashville Scene. If the weather is suitable, find
a Nashville B-Cycle Bike Sharing rack and rent a bicycle to get around.
The Music City Trolley Hop has 7 stops between 2nd Avenue and the
Parthenon at Centennial Park. A fee gains you access for a full day.
Taxis are another option for transportation and cost around $10 if you
stay in the downtown area.
11. I recommend walking, though. Particularly when the
weather is pretty, there is so much to see and interact
with in downtown Nashville that being on foot is likely the
easiest way to take it all in.
Shortly after parking, cross the Deaderick Street Bridge,
turn right, and walk past the Titans LP Field. Work your way south
to the Shelby Avenue pedestrian bridge via Cumberland Park, a
pretty little area at the base of the bridge that has scenic views and
is kid friendly. Take the bridge from the end to save a few stairs,
take the stairs to save a few steps, or take the elevator so save on
both and enjoy the view of the Nashville skyline as you make your
way back towards Broadway across the Cumberland River. Take
the stairs down to 2nd Avenue, move back towards the river to 1st
Avenue, turn left and in one scenic block you will arrive at the
eastern end of Broadway, the Hard Rock Café, the Music City
Trolley Hop main stop is visible at the corner of 2nd and Broadway,
and the whole of The District lays in wait in front of you! Behind
you are Riverfront Park and Fort Nashborough and around you,
music plays from boxes on street corners.
• .
Music City, USA
If hunger is the priority, head north
on 2nd or straight up Broadway. There are
many themed food options in The District.
There are also many record shops, bars,
giant, well lit signs of the purveyors,
souvenir stores, and beautiful old
architecture. And, this is where to people
watch. Street musicians bellow tunes or
pick pleasantly, mostly, on guitars or
mandolins.
12. Music City, USA
Once it is time to see the sights, why not
start with the Ryman Auditorium? It is the
gem of Nashville, holds the soul of country
music, and has housed all of the most
influential and famous country artists of the
20th century. That’s not even mentioning that
it’s a beautiful structure. There are tours
available and coupons are attached to city
maps to save you a few dollars.
13. Music City, USA
After the Ryman, the Johnny Cash Museum, containing the largest
collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world, is
waiting. After visiting there, trek through Printers Alley, where many bars
and restaurants are located. This is a world famous section of Nashville
that contains some great Victorian architecture!
That means it’s time to spend a little bit
outside. Head due north for four blocks and
see the Capitol Building of the state of
Tennessee. Beyond that is the long grass
green of Bicentennial Capitol Mall where a
chorus of bells rings in each hour. If you
want to picnic in downtown Nashville, this
is a perfect place. Adjacent to the park is
the Nashville Farmers Market.
14. Music City, USA
Afterwards, check out
the library. It is an amazing
example of architecture. Then, if
you’re still in an architectural
mood, head west on Broadway
to Union Station Hotel, formerly
the main train station in
Nashville, to see a spectacular
view of the gothic, castle-like
structure. Back towards the river
and a block south of Broadway is
the Schermerhorn Symphony
Center, which has its own
beautiful architectural styling.
At the northern end of the mall
is the Germantown section of Nashville.
There are shops and restaurants in the
little community. They have a yearly
street festival with street vendors and
community shops displaying their
wares to the sounds of live music. Once
you make your way back down toward
The District, make sure to see the
Tennessee State Museum for a history
lesson on the state, or the Musicians
Hall of Fame and Museum, where
artists from every genre are celebrated.
15. Music City, USA
However, if you’re still in a
museum mood, walk past the
Bridgestone Arena to the Country
Music Hall of Fame. See photos
and relics of the greatest names in
country music. It is a must visit for
fans of the genre! And, while you’re
there, visit Hatch Show Print for
some of the most amazing music
posters you will ever see in one
place. It’s not a gift shop but a fully
operational poster company.
Once you’ve finished the Hall
of Fame, head five blocks west to
The Gulch, an upscale Nashville
neighborhood with several retail
shops and dining choices. Then, it’s
off to Music Row! There are many
recording studios, ASCAP has
offices there, streets are named
after famous musicians, bike racks
look like giant microphone cords,
and you’ll pass a majority of the
bars if you get there on
Demonbreun Street.
16. Music City, USA
Owen Bradley Park sits at the roundabout at Demonbreun
and is dedicated to Nashville’s musical heritage.
The park contains a full scale sculpture of Owen
Bradley playing a grand piano.
From there, it is a healthy walk or a tiny taxi ride to Centennial Park,
which houses Nashville’s replica of Greece’s Parthenon. This is another
great place to picnic within the confines of downtown, since they offer
acres of green grass and a pond. A visit into the Parthenon will reveal the
44 ft. tall Athena Statue, which pays tribute to the original Athena Statue
in Greece’s Parthenon. The art museum won’t take your whole day and is
definitely worth a stop. While you are in Nashville’s West End, be sure to
see Vanderbilt University’s football stadium across the street from
Centennial Park. There are food options in this area but not a lot of bar
action. If you’re a fan of American Pickers, there is an Antique Archaeology
just minutes from the West End.
17. Music City, USA
There you have it, loosely! The downtown section of
Nashville is easily dense enough to explore for two or three days if you
really want to experience everything that Music City has to offer. If your
time is limited, it may be easier to decide what to see by your own personal
interests, since there are countless restaurants, bars, cafes, gift shops,
and attractions downtown. A final note here, The District, Germantown,
The Gulch are relatively close to one another. And, while, Music Row and
West End are within walking distance of downtown, be aware that there
are some areas of heavy traffic and it may be safer to catch a ride, either
by taxi or the Trolley Hop.
The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson stands just a few miles out
of town. As a matter of fact, according to the Nashville map, the Belle Meade
Plantation, Belmont Mansion, Carnton Plantation, Rippavilla Plantation, James K.
Polk Home, Sam Davis Home and Museum, the Carter House and the Lotz House,
all Antebellum and Civil War related sites, are within 45 minutes of downtown.
18. Music City, USA
Referred to as Music Valley, the area around
Opry Mills is an explosion of entertainment options
with a 24 mph speed limit. Not only are there two golf courses right there,
more shopping than most of us have money for, themed restaurants to
keep the kids happy, and hotels, Music Valley is the home of The Grand
Ole Opry, where the biggest stars in country music play today!
The Opry Mills Mall has retail and outlet
shops and may very easily be the premier
people watching establishment in Nashville.
The Gaylord Opryland Hotel is one of the
more posh establishments in Nashville.
Within the confines of Opry Mills is a dock
for the General Jackson paddle wheel river
boat. And, just across the street to the
north is Cooter’s Garage, a free museum
dedicated to everything Dukes of Hazzard.
Next door is the Willie Nelson and Friends
Museum and Gift Shop.
19. Music City, USA
Nashville is a 21st century city with a two hundred year
old history. The city has done what is necessary to thrive for centuries and
it shows in a visit. Finally, for the million dollar question – Would I visit
again? That answer is a resounding YES! Nashville has a vibrancy and life
that is optimistic. Southern Hospitality is in full swing. This is a great
place to visit and most of what I’ve discussed here is all for before the sun
sets. After that, Nashville lights up! There is a great live music/bar scene,
particularly in The District. Great architecture and historical sites abound.
I understand the draw and I will be back there again soon!
20. Any Nashville antique hunter worth the butter on his biscuit knows the best
kept secret in town. About 20 minutes outside of Nashville, and even closer to the
airport, there is a quaint town square. In the center of this square is a monument to
the Confederate war dead, with a statue of General Robert Hatton on top. A public
parking lot surrounds the green space. Once you park your car, get ready for to get
all your exercise for the week. You will spend the rest of the day taking a trip
through what feels like the storerooms of a museum.
Small shops abound in Lebanon, the seat of Wilson County. They may not
seem like much from the street. Don’t let their simplicity fool you. Step through
the screen door of The Screen Door shop, and enter a world of eclectic
wonderment. The seemingly unimposing shop holds an ever-changing array of
things from many eras, from before the Civil War up to the 1950s. To the
uninitiated, those who would take a look at the plainness of the establishment, they
would miss the hidden treasures to be found. In amongst the Pyrex refrigerator
dishes and the Depression Era glass, you may just find a Japanese marquetry
cabinet secreted in a dark corner, with a price so low as to give a body chills.
21. Near the Screen Door, there’s Cottage Rose. This is a larger shop, and it is
filled, warehouse style, with furniture. Whereas Screen Door had smaller antiques,
Cottage Rose plays host to a massive collection of household goods. Beds, dressers,
chests, dining tables and sideboards large enough for a banquet hall are stashed.
There is no artful arranging here, no creative display, just furniture put in a building to
make the most of the allotted space. As with any buying, the savvy shopper will
carefully examine their chosen item of living history, to ascertain the true age and
condition of a piece before speaking with the staff and trying to strike the best deal.
Spend some time there. There are whole bouquets of roses to be found, and only a
few thorns.
On the western corner of the square is the misnamed Downtown Antique Mall.
The term “mall” implies there are multiple vendors under one roof. Not so. The
merchandise here is all the personal finds of the proprietor. The jovial bearded man
behind the counter is happy to discuss the provenance of any piece in the store if he is
able. He knows where everything is, what it does, and how it got there. That is no
small feat in this emporium of diversity. There are three floors inside the large store.
The first floor, naturally, contains the larger, less moveable pieces. Not one, but two
pianos grace the ground floor; one, an artistic display of burled walnut made in
Nashville in the mid-1920s and the second a player piano from a 1950s arcade,
complete with a quarter slot on the side.
22. Unfortunately, the largest store on the square closed recently. However,
the Arcade will be opening very shortly in the adjoining space, and it is
anticipated that the space formerly held by the Buster Family as Cuz’s
Antiques, will be quickly filled by one or more new dealers.
Don’t want to leave Nashville proper? Then check out Antique
Archeology, in the old Marathon Motor’s building on 11th Avenue, off
Charlotte Avenue. Antique Archeology is operated by one half of the team
from the American Pickers television show. Not only can you find some
fantastic things in the store, but you just might find yourself rubbing elbows
with Blake Shelton or maybe Carrie Underwood.
Finally, while the date has yet to be announced, be watching for the
Nashville Antiques Week, traditionally held around the second week in
February. From the Nashville Convention Center to the Bridgestone Arena to
several hotels in the area, antiquing takes over the town!
*** Editor’s Note: As of publication, there are no listed dates or events for Antiques Week 2014***
23. I had no intention of doing more than mentioning the Pharmacy Burger Parlor
& Beer Garden in the Nashville story as a place we had popped in for a bite. Bell
ordered the Farm Burger and I the Chili Burger.
It rapidly became apparent that these were more than
gimmicky burgers. “May be the best burger I’ve ever
tasted,” said Bell, our staff photographer, around a
mouthful of burger and bun. And it does rank right up there
among the best I have ever had, as well.
Even better, there is an awesometastic (you find a better
description) beer garden connected to the patio that gives
the Pharmacy the potential to be one of the more enchanting
places in Nashville to spend an afternoon or evening.
24. The Pharmacy
As I stuffed my face relentlessly, I decided I might try to speak to one of the
authorities on the Pharmacy and find out what the place is all about. Then, in a
state of near comatose from not being able to put down the burger, we had the
pleasure of meeting Weston, the kitchen manager, who took a bit of time from his
day to speak to us about the Pharmacy. We had, after all, just gorged ourselves
with a couple of the best burgers on the planet!
Since Tuesday 27 December 2011, The Pharmacy has been pulling
phosphate sodas & craft draft beers and have been making burgers by hand. When
I asked Wes what was made in house, he promptly replied, “Everything! We hand
cut our own fries. I’m starting to learn the science of potatoes!”
25. Only 8 minutes from downtown, the Pharmacy is worth The Pharmacy
every minute of the trip. I would recommend grabbing a cab if you’re going on
a weekend, though. You don’t become Nashville Scene’s Writer’s Choice
Runner Up for Best Burger and Reader’s Choice for Best Burger without some
people walking through the door. On weekend evenings, the wait can be up to
two and a half hours. But, don’t let that stop you from visiting. The wait is long
because it is worth it! “It’s bananas,” said Wes, “It looks like a street fair on
the weekends when you come.” Parking may very well be an issue. Just cram
your ride in wherever you can.
They will take your phone number and text you with a short lead time, if
there is a substantial wait. There are no reservations, though. And you can
always go drink in the beer garden while you wait for your table. Wes went on,
“You should definitely try to come in and feel the Saturday thing.” Once you
are seated and have placed your order, you are forced to wonder how they can
move food so quickly; especially considering the quality of what you are about
to taste!
26. What makes the Pharmacy special, Wes?
The Pharmacy
“It’s a huge combination of everything. It’s the beer, it’s the phosphates,
it’s the soda jerk, [and] the soda rail. We don’t take any shortcuts and you feel
the energy and the love put into it. You can taste the love!”
Drinks are one the specialties of the pharmacy. I asked our server, Kira,
which was the best phosphate. She said quickly that her favorite is the
Creamsicle (orange soda, cream, vanilla syrup). There are no preservatives,
caffeine, corn syrup, or artificial flavorings, as found in modern commercial
sodas. “They hand make them,” said Wes about the phosphates; sodas made
with pure cane sugar and in a variety of flavors. The soda jerk is there to craft
these unique creations. And, if you just want to be boring, they carry bottled
Mexican Coca-Cola, made with real sugar.
As for beer, “A lot of seasonals and a lot of local stuff,” described Wes.
The tap beer rotates through. Seasonal beers are found throughout the year to
appease the taste buds of most beer lovers.
27. The Pharmacy
Obviously, a beer garden will be better spring
through autumn. “In the summertime, it’s really cool out here; especially at
night when all the lights are on.” Wes continued, “We even won 2012 Best
Alfresco Beer & Burger in Nashville Scene [for the beer garden].” And it is
one of the better beer garden environments I’ve seen in a minute!
Of course when talking to a kitchen manager there’s one definite
question that must be asked. What’s your favorite item on the menu? Wes’
answer? “Well, personally, my favorite is the Chili Burger (I get that). But, we
sell more Farm Burgers than anything else (Bell gets that). We do what we can
to absolutely try to make [our ingredients] as local as possible.” It shows in
the food! Hand cut fries, handmade burgers, and freshly cut toppings from
fresh ingredients are the reason that the Pharmacy is special.
The Pharmacy offers not one, but two vegetarian types of patties. You
can replace a regular burger with a veggie one, but make sure that all of the
other toppings are vegetarian, too! There are lots of options for yumminess!
28. We learned that there is a fantastic place to enjoy a The Pharmacy
magnificent burger, fresh soda, and good beer only minutes from downtown.
Not only do we endorse the Pharmacy, we will be back there again soon. The
staff was wonderful and the food was even better.
Visit them at 731 McFerrin St in Nashville. The phone number is
615.712.9517 should you ever need to call!
29. Old Fashioned Irish
Cooking
K. Booker
Is it possible to find authentic Irish food in the Music City?
Quite! McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant sits approximately 10
minutes from downtown Nashville. And, it is about as Irish as you’ll
find west of Dublin.
The restaurant flaunts that all of their dishes are made from
scratch and that everything is fresh. They back that up with their
menu items. There are several Irish options that you simply won’t find
in other restaurants in the area. This is a great place to go to enjoy the
atmosphere of a pub with Irish home cooking.
There are vegetarian options and a leprechaun (kids) menu.
They offer lunch specials except for on Monday’s when they are
closed. The rest of the week, they open at 11am and close between ten
and midnight, depending on the day of the week.
30. Old Fashioned Irish
Cooking
K. Booker
What Irish pub would be a pub without pints of ale? They have
several draft selections, mostly from Irish brewers.
When it comes time for dessert, make sure to save space!
Everything is made in house, which means you get the freshest bread
pudding around. This is also a nice time to sip on a warm cup of coffee
or Irish Tea.
Since it is a pub, there are live musical events throughout the
year. Just check their website for the list of upcoming acts.
They are located at 2470 Old Lebanon Rd. in Nashville. Call if
necessary at 615.885.7262
When you’re in and around Nashville and craving a meal
that’ll stick to your ribs and give you that warm, fuzzy feeling that you
get after a great meal, try McNamara’s Irish Pub and you’ll have a
new favorite and cozy place!
31.
32. In the sweet sunny south, there is very little ice and
even less snow. Some places in the south rarely even see freezing
temperatures. But, much like the Jamaican Bobsled Team, we entertain
notions of playing on frozen surfaces. As the Jamaicans make their
second Olympics appearance, I’ve made my first trek into icy
excitement at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. This
home of the Nashville Predators NHL team has a hockey capacity of
over 17,000 spectators. While my visit wasn’t a capacity night, the home
crowd roared as the Pred’s skated between the sabre teeth and swarmed
like yellow and blue wasps on the ice.
33. Smashville I love college football and boxing. Boxing lasts
almost year round but football lives only through those enchanting
fall Saturdays and dies a frozen death early in January each year.
Suddenly, the void has been filled! The action is anything but
slow in ice hockey. Truth be told, there were times when I was
searching out the puck! That doesn’t matter! The body checks
(smashing another player) into the boards were constant and awesome.
The tension built, players hit the ice, sticks broke, and finally the
gloves came off! Some poor fool from the Minnesota Wild picked on
the wrong Predator. Then, they both got a break to the penalty box
(after a good 30-45 seconds of punches) and play resumed.
Unfortunately for me, Smashville was shut out 4-0 in my first
visit. I didn’t get to experience the ridiculous, frenzied excitement
caused by the home team scoring. I did get to feel the vibe of hockey,
though! It’s a fast paced, thrilling game played in three periods of 20
minutes. There’s 18 minutes between each period, giving you plenty
of time for bathroom and concession stand visits.
35. Smashville
Once play has begun, a penalty or lost puck is
the only thing that stops the clock. Line changes (replacing tired
players) are done by handling the puck in such a fashion that you have
time to get people on and off of the ice without losing the puck to the
other team. Each team does get one 30 second timeout per game, and
while the game I went to wasn’t televised, you can bet there will be
TV timeouts at one that is televised.
The whole point is that the game move in a zoom zoom fashion,
occasionally has good fist fights, and it’s all on ice! Between periods,
super-hot females shovel excess ice into barrels before the Zambonis
roll out and make the ice smooth and skate ready.
As with every sporting event these days, prices on food and
drink are exorbitant. But, tickets start around fifteen bucks. With
prices like that, you can afford the small popcorn AND a beer!
Parking, at least for the Predators game was $5 and up. It really just
depended on how close you wanted to park to the action. As far as
events go, you can really get out pretty cheap going to a hockey game
in the south. You should keep in mind though, that the seats in the
upper levels are tiny!
36. Smashville At the beginning of October, hockey kicks off.
It runs through March and into April when the best two teams play for
the Stanley Cup. For those of us in love with the gridiron, hockey can
be just the thing to fill in the spaces between Saturdays and shorten
the offseason just a bit. Plus, sitting there in person, it is a hell of a lot
of fun!
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the Carolina Hurricanes take the
ice. At BB&T Center outside of Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Panthers
skate. Tampa, Florida is the home ice for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Last, certainly not least, and the newest team on my favorites list Nashville’s Predators defending the Bridgestone Arena! And there,
my friends, are your down south hockey choices, since the Thrashers
bailed out on Atlanta.
When you have the opportunity, go see hockey! It’s an exciting
game that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Remember, it’s ice
hockey, it won’t be too warm! Enjoy the coolest southern sport