Bring on the Fun: Topgolf Nashville Ready to Rock Sept 22

September 18, 2017 by Amber Ford in Sports, Nashville, Nashville, TN, Nashville Blog, Things to do Nashville, The Nashville Guide, Native in Nashville, Things to do

Music City’s hottest sports entertainment destination also features new concert space to create authentic Nashville experience for golfers and non-golfers alike

NASHVILLE – Sept. 18, 2017 – Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf® will open the doors to its new location in Nashville this Friday at 9 a.m. The venue, located near Nissan Stadium at 500 Cowan St., features 102 climate-controlled hitting bays, a 600-person concert venue, flexible private event spaces, a locally inspired menu of chef-driven dishes, top-shelf drinks, big screen TVs and more. It is the company’s 34th location worldwide.

The three-level, 65,000-square-foot venue is the first Topgolf location to include a dedicated music venue. Featuring modern finishes and state-of-the-art sound quality, the two-story, 7,900-square-foot concert hall is attached to Topgolf Nashville and features an open floor space and a full-service bar. The second-level VIP deck offers a balcony view, premium seating, cocktail service and a private bar. The intimate design of the 600-person space makes it an ideal underplay venue for local artists and nationally recognized acts looking to do something unique in Music City.

“From music to sports, Nashville is a city known for its incredible entertainment, and we could not be more excited to become a part of its growing community,” said Topgolf Nashville Director of Operations Travis Miller. “Topgolf Nashville blends sports, music and entertainment, offering Tennessee residents and visitors to Music City an interactive experience where they can come together and have fun.”

Through the premium experience of play, food and music, Topgolf is inspiring people of all ages and skill levels – even non-golfers – to come together for playful competition. Guests can enjoy point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that instantly score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots instantly on a TV screen in their hitting bay. Year-round programming includes events for kids and families, social leagues, golf tournaments, golf instruction and more.

Topgolf Nashville will commemorate its opening on Sept. 23 by launching an honorary Red Bull Flugtag craft into the Cumberland River, sponsoring the event at Riverfront Park. Open to the public at 11 a.m. CST, Red Bull Flugtag pits competitors in homemade human-powered flying machines as they attempt to break the 258-foot distance record. Spectators are encouraged to stop by the Topgolf Nashville viewing tent for entertainment and a chance to win Topgolf-themed prizes.

Topgolf Nashville is expected to serve upward of 450,000 visitors in its first year of operation and has already created more than 500 full- and part-time positions. The venue will operate Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Hitting bays are rented by the hour, and pricing varies based on time of day. General admittance is free of charge.

For more information, visit Topgolf.com and facebook.com/topgolfnashville, or follow @Topgolf on Twitter and Instagram.

About Topgolf

What started with twin brothers developing a technology to make golf scoring fun, has turned into a global brand focused on connecting people in meaningful ways. Today, Topgolf continues to blend technology and entertainment, golfers and non-golfers, children and adults – to create an experience that makes socializing a sport for everyone. No matter the occasion or who you share it with, we believe every great time starts with play, is fueled by food and beverage, moved by music and made possible through community. Every Topgolf venue features dozens of high-tech, climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, a chef-inspired menu for year-round deliciousness and hundreds of Associates eager to help create the moments that matter. With 33 venues entertaining more than 10.5 million Guests annually, original content shows, next-gen simulator lounges, competitive tours, pop-up social experiences and the world's largest digital golf audience, Topgolf is truly everyone’s game. To learn more and view exclusive digital content, follow @Topgolf or visit www.topgolf.com.

#PatioWeather: 18 of the Best Patios in Nashville

March 11, 2016 by Amber Ford in Native in Nashville, Broadway, Nashville lifestyle blog, Where to eat, Best patios Nashville, Best Patios and Rooftops, Downtown, Local, Nashville, Favorites, The Gulch, East Nashville, 12 South, Where to hang, Things to do, Lifestyle blog

With daylight savings time & warmer, sunnier days ahead, I figured putting together a list of some of the best patios & rooftops in Nashville might be a good idea !! Grab some friends & go enjoy some live music, great food & ice cold drinks in the best city there is to do it in!!

ACME Feed & Seed Rooftop Patio

ACME has some of the best views there are in Nashville!! Located downtown, you are overlooking the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium and the Pedestrian & Korean Veteran's Blvd bridges and also can see all the way down Broadway. It's the perfect place to pre-game before Titans games or just plain awesome for any sunny day! They also have a live DJ which makes for a fun time!

BarTaco

Bar Taco, located in 12 South, is the newest stylish Mexican spot serving serving classic & creative tacos. Casual atmosphere and great place to go with a group !! Their food is amazing !!

Taco Mamacita

Taco Mamacita's is located in Edgehill Village. Another great Mexican restaurant with inventive tacos and enchiladas! This is also a great place to go with a group! I spent my last birthday there with 25 of my closest friends! Great atmosphere !!

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge Rooftop

Tootsie's is one of the oldest and most famous Honky Tonks downtown Nashville has to offer. Located on Broadway, the newest addition to Tootsie's is their rooftop bar with up close views of the "Batman building", Bridgestone Arena and birds eye view of Broadway. It's the perfect place to people watch and listen to some great live music!

Virago Rooftop Patio

Virago has one of my most favorite ambiance's Nashville has to offer. Located in the Gulch you can enjoy some sake,delicious sushi and Nashville's beautiful skyline. The music, atmosphere and view is amazing. What more can you ask for.

Rippy's Rooftop Patio

Another one of Nashville's most popular Honky Tonks on Broadway is Rippy's. You are sure to find a big crowd, live music and amazing BBQ! It's directly across the street from Bridgestone Arena and is a great place to go to pre-game before a Pred's game!

Saint Añejo

Located in the Gulch, Saint Anejo is an upscale Mexican restaurant with a "cantina chic" atmosphere. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy one of their signature margaritas or some of their delicious queso or freshly made guacamole.

Tavern

Tavern is located in Midtown. It's a sleek gastropub serving retro cocktails, small plates and tacos. I also HIGHLY recommend their s'mores !! Seriously to die for. I actually want some right now!

Rebar

Located in Midtown, Rebar has always been one of my favorite places to go out to in Nashville. It's a very chill atmosphere and always a good time. Make sure to grab a bushwacker, theirs are the best I've had in town.

Blue Moon Waterfront Grille

Blue Moon Waterfront Grille is one of my most favorite places to go in Nashville. It's located on the Cumberland River at Rock Harbor Marina. It's the perfect little escape and they have delicious seafood. Makes you want to listen to some Otis Redding. They will be re-opening in mid-March and I hear may be bringing out some live music right being played right on the water. If you have never been, do yourself a favor & check it out.

San Antonio Taco Co.

San Antonio Taco Co. is located near Vanderbilt. This Tex-Mex style restaurant is known for their homemade tortillas, award winning Chili Con Queso and awesome patio!!

Bar Louie

You can find Bar Louie in the Gulch! They also have a great patio at their Murfreesboro location but the Nashville location is my favorite! It's a great place to "eat, drink and be happy." I love their relaxed atmosphere and location! Parking is easy so that's always a plus!

5th & Taylor

5th and Taylor in historic Germantown has a rustic-industrial modern feel. Their patio is beautiful, especially at night & has more of a neighborhood feel. It's very spacious which is good for anyone who doesn't like to be crowded. I love the Germantown area and this restaurant is amazing !!

M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers

M.L. Rose has two locations one on Franklin Road and the other is off of Charlotte Pike ! They are known for their wide selection of craft beers and have the best burgers! Both offer awesome patios but I think my favorite is going to be the one on Franklin rd. They just expanded it and upgraded it like crazy !! It is going to be such a pretty, fun and chill place to hang out !!

Jackson's

Located in Hillsboro Village, Jackson's patio is another one of my favorite patios to hang out on. It's also great for people watching and don't be surprised if you see Taylor Swift or the entire cast of "Nashville" walking by.

The Treehouse

The Treehouse is a very unique & creative restaurant located in East Nashville. It's a very charming place and somewhat romantic! If you are in the area be sure to check it out.

Pinewood Social

Pinewood Social is located downtown and down by the river. They offer bowling , food, cocktails and their outdoor patio even has a pool and bocce ball! It's a social gathering place that can accommodate just about anyone's needs!

Tennessee Brew Works Taproom

TN Brew Works is a brewery but they also have the Tennessee Taproom which has live music, food and pints, samplers and even growlers of their brews !! Awesome patio and great set up!

I hope you all enjoy and as always thank you for reading !! XOXO- Amber

6 New Ways to Look & Feel Gorgeous at The Hot Spa by Hot Spot Tanning

March 04, 2016 by Amber Ford in Wellness, Things to do, The Hot Spa, Lifestyle blog, Beauty, Nashville, Hot Spot Tanning, health, Personal Experience, Skincare, Relaxation

I bet when you all think of having a "spa day" you would never think having one at a tanning bed, right ? Yeah I wouldn't either, until now. Hot Spot Tanning has always been my go to place if I ever need a last minute spray tan and where I have gone in the past years, when I tanned regularly. Their locations are convenient because just about anywhere I've ever lived (yes, I'm a gypsy) there always seems to be a location nearby. There are several in Murfreesboro(Memorial, Rutherford Blvd, Church Street, Rucker Lane) some in Smyrna (Almaville & Sam Ridley), even a Brentwood( Nolensville Road) and a Nashville( West End) location. With my busy schedule, convenience is key! I was lucky enough to get to try each of the new spa services yesterday & let me tell you, when I left, I felt ahhhh-mazing!

Before I begin telling y'all about my experience with each of the spa services, I want to talk a little about the atmosphere of their location on Memorial Blvd. beside the Murfreesboro Athletic Club or the MAC. This is their Hot Spa location but some of these services are offered at other locations too. When you walk in, other than there being tanning lotion for sale behind the front desk, it doesn't have a tanning bed feeling at all. Most tanning beds I've ever been to have been very bright and almost tropical feeling but this was very soothing. Calming colors and the smell of essential oils were in the air. I felt more relaxed as soon as I walked in the door.

Here comes the fun stuff:

Blue Light Therapy:Acu-Clear

This blue light therapy is Dermatologist recommended for people of any age with current acne breakouts or red spots. It uses medical grade blue LED lights to kill bacteria that causes spots and helps to prevent new breakouts, regulates oil production , calms and relaxes you as well as minimizing any scarring you may have on your face. I don't usually get breakouts too often but I tried this one so I could tell you all what it's like. When you see the mask and put it on it looks like something out of a Black Eyed Peas video. It was really futuristic and almost astronaut helmet feeling, but very lightweight. They place it over your head and you sit in a massaging chair the entire time (20 minutes) , you even get to put your legs up and they get massaged too. Very relaxing to say the least. The room was also very comfortable, smells great and they even offered me a spa robe and shoes. When I think about light therapy of any kind I would almost expect that it would hurt but it was completely painless and when I took the mask off it only made my face feel a little tingley and good. My favorite part was sending my friends snapchats, looking crazy. None of them probably even realize it wasn't one of those crazy snapchat filters until now. This service is $20 a visit.

Lumiere Excel

Anyone who is looking to slow down the aging process, correcting current aging effects such as minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes , evening out pigmentation or someone who wants a painless, non-invasive anti-aging regimen; this is for you. The Lumiere is a twenty minute treatment and again completely painless. You sit in the same massaging chair as in the blue light therapy. You wear goggles and when they initially turn on the red light it's very bright, even with your eyes closed, but don't worry it goes away after about ten seconds so don't let it freak you out. This treatment uses red light LED therapy to restore radiance back into the skin, detoxifies, stimulates collagen synthesis and can even smooth out dry or rough skin. The red light therapy is able to penetrate deeper than just the surface. I really loved this treatment! I somehow have the wrinkles of a 90 year old so I will be back. This service is $20 per visit and they can discuss with you how many you may need.

Kwik Fit

The first thing I will say about this machine is that you stand on it for just 10 minutes and it's the equivalent of doing 30 minutes of cardio. How can you can really beat that? I personally hate doing cardio so I was sold !! It's perfect for anyone who has a very limited amount of time to work out or someone who has physical limitations to workouts at the gym. It has vibrating plates that help with arthritis relief, restoration of balance, strengthening bone, weight management, blood sugar balance, sleep improvement and a healthier heart. You will most likely feel silly on this machine, but you will definitely feel the effects when you get off! This is $10 a visit.

Believe Bed: Red Light Therapy Rejuvination 

The Believe bed is perfect for anyone wanting to add hydration back into the skin, relax muscles or improve scarring and uneven skin tones. This one looks like a tanning bed but it's actually your whole body getting the benefits of the red light therapy. This is more of an over all skin ehancing machine! I have some scars I want to get rid of so that was the most exciting part of this to me. It can fade scars or stretch marks and can reduce spider veins or broken capillaries. This also provides several benefits for people with injuries or pain by reducing inflammation and pain, increasing circulation, restoring range of motion and can speed up the healing of wounds. Only takes 15 minutes and $10 a session.

Cocoon Wellness Pod "The Pod"

I don't know if there are enough good words to say about this one ! I've never experienced anything like it or felt so good as I did when I got out. This would be great for anyone who wants a quick way to relax, relieve pain or muscle tension. This detoxifies the body, alleviates stress, helps with water retention , bloating and even cramps !! It combines heat, massage and magnetic fields to create a SUPER relaxing, healing environment. You put on a sweat suit (this will make you feel like you're in a Missy Elliot music video from the 90's), which is extremely comfortable, then lay in a bed which your body will absolutely melt into. It is almost like being in sauna, without the almost suffocating feel that comes with it because your head remains outside of the heat. Your neck and down will only be inside the cocoon and you are able to adjust the intensity of the massage speed and intensity on both your upper and lower body. There are even little holes that your hands come through if you need to make any adjustments. Being in "the Pod" you will burn up to 300 calories in just 30 minutes. The temperature inside by the time you will be done with your session gets up to 170 degrees, which sounds crazy but it's abslutely refreshing. If you ever get too hot you are able to get I don't think I have ever sweated that much in my entire life. I normally don't like to sweat at all but I guess there's a first time for everything. I think I fell asleep a couple times, which I think most people do in there, and when I left there I felt better than I do after getting an hour massage that I pay between seventy to one hundred dollars for! When you get out you will want to drink plenty of water(room temperature so that your body doesn't go into shock) which The Hot Spa provides you. There will be a towel to dry off your body, a cool wet towel for your face, spray deodorant and body spray so that you can freshen up. This was actually heavenly and really helped out with my super sore muscles from working out. I've had a pretty crazy week and it was just what I needed. I highly recommend this! A session is just $35.

Vevazz

This system is good for anyone with trouble fatty areas, anyone who would like to get a jump start on weight loss, has cellulite, needs skin tightening or diminishing stretch marks. This LED system is designed to contour the body by losing inches off specific body areas such as the waist, hips, thighs, arms and neck. You go to a series of visits to see a change but typically people will lose 2-4 pant or dress sizes in just 42 days. The LED alters the fat in the cells and allows it to seep out from the cell into space where it can be processed by the lymphatic system. The fat is either used by the body as energy or the body will process it out. They place 8 pads on your choice of troubled fatty area ( I chose my stomach to try) for 7 minute treatments, so this is very quick. I felt absolutely no pain at all, only little tiny pulsing. When I heard about this originally I was also expecting it to hurt but nothing at all me feel the least bit uncomfortable.

The salon manager Mitzi as well as Jami both thoroughly explained every single thing I was having done and made sure I understood it as well as felt comfortable the whole step of the way! They were extremely professional and I appreciated the fact that they believe in the services they provide. Any of these services can be available at a lesser rate and you can even take a tour of them all, everything I mentioned except for the Vevazz , for just $49.99. That is huge savings!! They also have an all access pass of those same services for $149 a month. There are other ways to save money on the services by becoming a member there. You can visit Hot Spot Tanning at http://hotspottanning.com/ or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Hot-Spot-Tanning-208396012535145/

Everyone there is awesome ! I highly recommend going to check them out for yourself, especially these new spa services. Thank you as always for reading ! XOXO -Amber

Radnor Lake: Good for the Mind, Body and Soul

February 19, 2016 by Amber Ford in health, Lifestyle blog, Local, Nashville Blog, Things to do, Exercise

Can we talk about what a gorgeous day we are having here in Nashville. Last time I checked it was 71 degrees, which is crazy considering just yesterday I had to wait 10 minutes for my icy windows on my car to melt. I think it's safe to say that we have the most bipolar weather in the history of anywhere. There is nothing better in the South than a good sunshiny day that feels like Spring or Fall and being able to ride around with your music blasting and windows down. I am off work today and luckily my roommate asked me what the weather was supposed to be like and at the time it was sixty degrees so I knew I had to get out of the house. Last time we had a day like this, the only thing I walked outside for was to get something out of my car, and I'm still mad at myself about it. I just spend about 70 percent of my life (aka the only time I'm not at work) in sweatpants or Yoga pants these days and I guess I just didn't want to leave them. PS I have never done yoga in my life but Lululemon yoga pants are still my BFF.

Today I decided to do something where I could wear my sweatpants and no one could judge me because I look sporty. I think the key to life is wearing workout clothes all the time in public, that way you can be comfortable and if you look like crap people won't judge you because they will think "she just worked out" and they can't hate on that. See what I mean?

There is this magical place that unfortunately I never knew about until about 6 months ago that makes me genuinely happy anytime I have ever been, Radnor Lake State Park. Radnor Lake is a 1,332-acre park and is protected as a Class II Natural Area. It is unique due to the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking opportunities and its location in an urban area. The park is day-use only and the more than six miles of trail are strictly used for hiking, photography and wildlife observation. Pets, jogging and bicycles are only allowed on the Otter Creek Road trail. The Lake Trail is accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs.

Radnor Lake is located at 1114 Otter Creek Road in Nashville and pretty close to Brentwood. The trail I go on is the Lake Trail, I start in the parking lot and head into the woods (there are signs up to show you where to go.) The route I take is about 2.5 miles long and it's mainly flat but there are a few inclines and it will get your heart rate up and fresh air in your lungs, your legs a little more toned, as well as seeing some beautiful scenery. You seriously never know what you are going to see while walking through the trail. You are in the woods walking the trail surrounding the beautiful lake, so naturally you will see lots of different animals. I have seen deer, owls, turtles, ducks, geese, and turkeys so far. These deer will literally be walking 3 feet away from you. It's pretty awesome actually. I remember the first time I ever went, feeling like Snow White in a forest. I even tried talking to the deer to get them to look my way for pictures. Don't worry they didn't talk back, lol. I chose this trail because it's not as difficult as some of the others. Have I ever mentioned I'm not very athletic? Blogging is now my cardio.

I actually love going by myself. Although thinking about being in the middle of the woods with nothing but a bunch of animals and strangers who pass by, mostly in groups of 2, is a little bit creepy, I thoroughly enjoy it. It gives me time to reflect on my life and get some fresh air. I literally am not worried about anything else while I am there. The only reason I take my phone is incase I want to Snapchat the deer I pass by or take pictures. Today I took my camera and I will be sharing photos below. If you aren't familiar with it, it's such a beautiful and wonderful hidden treasure that I think just about anyone would enjoy. It's a perfect place to take your kids also. I was walking by a little pack of turkeys today and I had a little boy who was carrying a walking stick he had picked up from a broken tree, tell me to "shhhh" because he didn't want to scare them off. It was really cute. It's the perfect place for all ages and best of all it's FREE! So get up, get out and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!! XOXO- Amber

You can read more about Radnor Lake State Park here www.RadnorLake.org