This fall view of Radnor Lake never gets old. | Photo by @jessleeberigan
The first day of autumn is Monday, Sept. 22, but we’re crunching the leaves — ahem, dates — early so you know the best time to take a scenic hike, drive, or weekend vacay.
While Nashville may not see the most vibrant colors this year (we’re on the border of “typical” and “dull”), fall colors will begin emerging by early October. If this year’s display looks less vibrant, AccuWeather’s Paul Pastelok explains that heavy spring rain in Tennessee and other states may have created conditions that will soften colors and cause leaves to drop earlier than usual.
For week-by-week timing, this interactive map is a handy way to track changing colors. Yellow signals the early stages of change, red marks the peak, and brown shows areas past their prime. In Nashville, peak colors are expected in late October, with higher elevations like the Smokies turning a bit earlier.
🥃 Sip + tour through Nashville’s must-visit distillery
Presented by Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery was one of the largest + earliest distilleries in TN, largely responsible for bringing Tennessee Whiskey to fame. | Photos by NASHtoday
Our day began in a room with a timeline of the distillery wrapped around the walls. Fun fact: After founder Charles Nelson’s death in 1891, his wife, Louisa, became one of the first women in TN to run a distillery.
The tour felt like a “past to present” experience as we moved from that space to active production areas.
The tasting
The tour continued with an expertly guided tasting including Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, Classic Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and Calvados Cask Finish.
Nelson’s added a full-service bar and restaurant in July 2023. We finally got to visit, and dined on soft pretzels and poutine while we sipped craft cocktails overlooking the production floor.
Bonus: Scroll to the end of this section to test your Starwood knowledge. | Rendering by Kimley-Horn via Metro Nashville
Development
Plans are progressing for the former Starwood Amphitheatre site in Antioch. A proposal heading to the Metro Planning Commission on Sept. 25 outlines 174 townhomes, commercial space, and a business park. Renderings also show an amphitheater-style gathering area. (Nashville Business Journal)
Civic
Opry Entertainment Group reached a deal with Mayor Freddie O’Connell to operate Ascend Amphitheater for the next decade. The agreement is pending Metro Council approval and calls for upgrades to the venue and the bordering greenway. (Nashville Business Journal)
Watch
Construction at the new Nissan Stadium has hit the 70% mark on major structural work — with 8,600 of 12,400 steel beams in place — and crews are already installing escalators, elevators, and video boards. Watch this clip to see how the seating bowl is taking shape.
Coming Soon
The owners of S.S. Gai just signed a lease on a brick-and-mortar location at 1106 Chester Ave. with room for indoor seating and expanded menu options. The current 300-sqft stall at The Wash is expected to remain open until the move next year. (Nashville Scene)
Eat
Naked Farmer is planting more roots downtown. The Florida-based farm-to-table concept plans to open at the Arcade, joining a previously announced location at Paseo South Gulch. No opening dates have been announced for either spot. (Nashville Business Journal)
Film
Not only is Paul McCartney’s latest tour coming to Nashville this fall, but his post-Beatles journey is hitting the big screen at the Nashville Film Festival. The new “Man on the Run” documentary will screen as the Opening Night Presentation on Thursday, Sept. 18 at Regal Green Hills.
List
Colby Rasavong, the executive chef at Bad Idea, was named to Food & Wine’s 2025 Best New Chefs list. The publication’s profile on Rasavong highlights how he weaves Lao flavors into dishes and introduces creative menu twists such as a cheeseburger encased in pithivier pastry.
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Asked
Asked
What was the final concert at Starwood Amphitheatre on Oct. 19, 2006?
A. Willie Nelson B. Sheryl Crow and John Mayer C. 102.9 BuzzFest D. Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe
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Anyone else make fall movie nights a tradition? FearFest returns to the Franklin Theatre this October with “Beetlejuice,” “Halloween,” “Hocus Pocus,” and other seasonal favorites. Plus, you can also preview the theater’s holiday lineup for November and December.
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