Tennessee’s first-ever Major League Baseball game is happening next month — just not in Music City. Instead, the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will play at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 2. It’ll also be the first time a NASCAR track transforms into a ballpark.
The speedway is 4.5 hours from Nashville, but fans here are still paying attention. After all, more than 80% of readers told us last year they’d love to see a MLB team in town.
All this talk about pro baseball in the Volunteer State has us curious: hypothetically speaking, if a game like this ever came to Nashville, where should it be played?
Asked
Asked
The ideal spot for a MLB game in Nashville would be...
A. Nashville Superspeedway — From one track to another B. Nissan Stadium — The Savannah Bananas pulled it off C. First Horizon Park — The diamond’s already there D. Middle Tennessee cornfield — “Field of Dreams” style E. Other — pitch us your idea
Family Program: Friendship Bracelets | Monday, July 14 + Monday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | Cost of admission | Make and trade friendship bracelets in the Taylor Swift Education Center.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy | 7 p.m. | The Franklin Theatre | $60+ | Settle in for a night packed with jazz, swing, and nonstop rhythm.
Tuesday, July 15
Skee-Ball Tournament | 6:30 p.m. | Up-Down Nashville | Free+ | Test your aim at this 21+ tournament with prizes and discounted Bearded Iris.
“Stop Making Sense” | 7 p.m. | Riverside Revival | Free | The venue’s “Summer of Sound” series kicks off with the Talking Heads’ 1984 concert film.
Wednesday, July 16
Rooftop Pool Deck Wine Dinner | 7 p.m. | JW Marriott Nashville | $125 | Savor a rooftop dinner with wine pairings, seasonal dishes, and guided tasting notes as the sun sets.
This Forest Hills hideaway features a warm, organic design with standout details like a sculptural roofline, timber beams, and a circular fireplace. Out back, a hillside pool and courtyard create a private retreat — and the video tour captures it best.
Pets
As the dog days of summer begin to fade, Nashville pups come out to play. Visit Cheekwood every Thursday evening in August (5:30-9 p.m.) for Dog Nights of Summer. Along with dog-friendly vendors, there will be live music + local eats.
History
It might feel like Y2K was just yesterday, but we’re officially closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. While we have no idea what’s in store for the next 25 years, we are looking forward to these local events in the next couple of weeks. (Buzzfeed)
Watch
AMC Stubs members can now enjoy 50% off movie tickets and concession deals on Tuesdays + Wednesdays in a new deal that replaces $5 movie tickets on Tuesdays. Save this for a rainy day, but while the skies are clear, head to Stardust Drive-In for a star-lit screening. (Variety)
Drink
Are you craving a Coke or Mountain Dew in the midsummer heat? You’re not alone. A new study by Power Brands found them to be the most popular sodas in Tennessee. Combine one with some local ice cream and you’ve got a Volunteer State float to be proud of. (All Recipes)
Ozone Falls is so picturesque, it was actually chosen as a filming location for some scenes in “Jungle Book.” | Photo by Frank Kehren via Flickr
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes, Middle Tennessee has so many options to hit the trail. That’s why we rounded up 19 routes to help you plan your next nature outing.
Waterfall wonders
Ozone Falls Trail, Ozone Falls State Natural Area
If you’re looking to get right to the view, this short trip leads you to the base of the waterfall, plus there’s a wading pool. Beware, large rocks might make this route a bit more difficult for Fido.
Busby and Machine Falls Loop, Short Springs State Natural Area
Venture through this Tullahoma forest, where you’ll see three waterfalls ranging from 20 to 60 ft. Be mindful of your shoe choice as the route can be muddy and slick. Parking is also limited at the trailhead.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Where did Paul McCartney stay during his six-week visit to Nashville in 1974?
Most people guessed Johnny Cash’s house, and while Paul and Linda McCartney did pay the Man in Black a visit, the correct answer was a farm in Lebanon. During that summer, the couple also enjoyed breakfast at the Loveless Motel, drive-in movies, and hangs with Chet Atkins.
The Wrap
The Wrap
If you are making the trip to the MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol, our sister newsletter 865today covers all things Knoxville and is just past the half way point. Whether you’re looking for brunch, local hikes, or free things to do, they’ve got your post-game plans mapped out.