Itching to get out of town, Nashville? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to the Gatlinburg area instead. From browsing The Village Shops to eating the Deep South Chicken Pot Pie at The Old Mill — here’s how to have an unforgettable time in Sevier County.
Experience | Gatlinburg SkyPark Take in the views via four unique experiences, from a walk across North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge or a ride to the top of Crockett Mountain on the SkyLift.
Eat | The Heirloom Room Get a table outdoors for a waterside dining experience. Though the restaurant is relatively new, it pays homage to the property’s past as The Tea Room and offers a menu highlighting traditions of the region.
Stay | Whispering Pines condo with perks During your stay, you can receive one complimentary ticket per day to 22 area attractions. The community also offers its own lazy river in the warmer months.
Adult Book Fair | 4-7 p.m. | Bearded Iris Brewing | Cost of purchase | Bearded Iris and Taylor Street Art and Books have teamed up to bring back this nostalgic childhood memory, complete with books, gift wrapping, handmade jewelry, candles, and more.
Holiday Open House | 5-8 p.m. | Belle Meade Historic Site | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the season with festive tours, live carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus, mini ponies, wine tasting + food pairings, and an art show benefiting Saddle Up.
Friday, Nov. 15
Full Moon Night Hike | 7-9 p.m. | Bells Bend Outdoor Center | Free | The three-mile night hike is open to ages 8 and older — registration required.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Makers Market | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Interior Anthology, Franklin | Cost of purchase | Shop locally made products from 10 artisans at this annual holiday market.
Animal Adventures | 3 p.m. | Green Door Gourmet | $13+ | This all-ages concert features a chamber orchestra version of “Peter and the Wolf” and the world premiere of a new work by Kaitlyn Raitz.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Frist Arts Fest | 1-5:30 p.m. | Frist Art Museum | $8+ | Join the museum for a day of performances, art making, music, and more celebrating current exhibitions.
Monday, Nov. 18
ZZ Top | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $99+ | The rock icons that made a name for themselves over 50 years ago take the stage.
Start packing your parkas and mittens — due to popular demand, Icelandair is launching its route from Nashville International Airport to Keflavik (near Reykjavík) five weeks early. Service will now start on Thursday, April 10 with flights operating Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays through October.
Number
$4.5 million. That’s how much The Dollywood Foundation gifted the Nashville Public Library Foundation, marking the organization’s “most significant gift in its 27-year history.” The money will be used to help start Begin Bright, a new early literacy program.
Shop
New York-based clothing retailer Faherty has locked in its second Nashville location with plans to open in The Arcade. A date hasn’t been announced yet, but in the meantime, you can shop the men’s and women’s casual lifestyle brand next door to Postino in 12 South. (Nashville Post)
Real Estate
Nashville is among 10 major metros that had the highest rent decreases this year, according to a new study by Redfin. The city’s year over year change was calculated at 5.9% with the median asking price for rent in October coming out to $1,526. Memphis landed on the list of major metros with the highest rent increases.
Try This
See memorabilia from some of the music industry’s biggest names, from The Beatles and Prince to Dolly Parton, at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum through Thursday, Nov. 21. Items like outfits worn by Britney Spears are on display as part of the “Played, Worn, & Torn” collection by Julien’s Auctions. Everything will be up for auction next week.
Outdoors
Alert your pickle pack. Metro Parks unveiled its combination tennis and pickleball courts at Seven Oaks Park, on McGavock Pike near the Nashville International Airport, yesterday. Expect two tennis and four pickleball courts, as well as upgraded lighting. Bonus: We’ve got 10 other places to play locally.
Eat
Are you brave enough to dine with a group of strangers on Wednesday night? Trust us, it’s not scary — it’s actually fun and rewarding, thanks to Timeleft. Simply, download the app, book a seat, and make some new connections. You never know who you might meet over dinner. Reserve your spot.*
Travel
The holidays have arrived at Shaker Village. Enjoy the season with festive events, winter workshops, delicious food, and peaceful nights at Kentucky’s largest National Historic Landmark. Plan your visit.*
“Child’s Play” by Franklin’s Barbara B. Bullard | Photo via Nashville International Airport
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes longer wait times and increased traffic at Nashville International Airport. We don’t mind. There’s plenty to see with new local art in the Flying Solo series.
Seven Tennessee-based artists have works on display now through Friday, Feb. 28, which can be viewed on Level 1’s IAF Exit Waiting Area, on Concourse A near Gate 2, and on Concourse D near Gates 2, 3, and 5. Here’s what to expect:
Barbara B. Bullard’s “Full Transparency” (watercolor paintings)
Sean Coffey(mixed media)
Alan Finch’s“Epiphany” (digital photography + mixed media)
Wansoo Kim’s “Within Me” (ceramic sculpture)
Jennifer Luna’s“Transcending the Surface” (wood block prints)
Anna Togrye’s“Impressions of Nature” (sculpture)
Ginny Togrye’s“The Science of Creativity” (mixed media)
The Buy
The Buy
Thanksgiving Day is two weeks away. Shop essentials to liven up gatherings + make dinner a success:
There’s no need to fly to Oz to get your hands on these “Wicked"-ly sweet treats. Goo Goo Cluster is offering two new Premium Goo Goos beginning Monday, Nov. 18: The Glinda (salted caramel, vanilla bean shortbread, dark chocolate crunch, and rose nougat) + Elphaba (salted caramel, vanilla bean shortbread, dark chocolate crunch, and a matcha ganache).
