When Your Vision Turns Into a Reality...

About two and a half months ago, when I created this whole "Native in Nashville" thing, I had NO idea what I was getting myself into.  I had no idea how hard bloggers work on getting these informative things done.  I had no idea how many hours I would spend researching places making sure I didn't dare to write incorrect information for the whole world to see.  I had no idea how many connections I would make through this or about any of the events I have had the opportunity to attend, solely because of my blog.  I especially had NO idea how many people I would reach by it.  It has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done for myself.  No, I don't get paid for this, and that's ok.  That is not at all what I mean by rewarding.  I have never been the type to really have any hobbies.  When people have asked me in the past, I almost feel stupid because nothing has ever really interested me enough to give a straight answer.  However, if you ask me now, I will definitely tell you blogging is it.  I love connecting with people and this gives me multiple ways to do that.  It gives me a platform to literally talk about anything I want to talk about and the beauty of it is that no one is being forced to read it.  Gotta love being an adult.  I genuinely want to thank everyone who, in fact, does read it.  It means the world to me when I start to tell someone something, and their first reply is "I read about that in your blog"  I literally LOVE you guys!! When I say it's rewarding for me, I mean that I take pride my posts.  I've never had a lot that I have been super proud of.  This is definitely it.

Speaking of proud, that brings me to my next subject.  Since the first day I created Native in Nashville as my blog name, after about six hours of trying to come up with a name that wasn't already taken, I had a vision for all of this.  When I created my logo I envisioned seeing it on tee-shirts, hats, etc.  I know that I personally have always loved anything that has "Nashville" written anywhere on it, so I thought to myself, this would look really cool on a shirt.  I never dreamed that when I thought those thoughts that I would actually have enough people that supported me to even think twice about it.  Fast forward about two months later and I started getting requests from people, a lot of people, saying "you should make shirts with your logo on them".  I had another friend, Erica, reach out around the same time period asking if I cared if she made me a shirt with my logo on it.  She made me one and I loved it.  I wore it to the Nashville Sounds game and posted about it.  When I posted a picture in it I had twelve people order a shirt from me, when they knew the shirts weren't even made yet.  I even had two people order from out of state.  I am humbled beyond belief.  That day when I went to the Sounds game, I thought to myself how amazing it would be if I was at a game one day in the future, or anywhere for that matter, and looked around to see even one other person wearing something I created on a shirt....five people... ten.  I would be over the moon ecstatic.  

Today I picked up thirty shirts with my logo on them.  It was a surreal feeling.  Ever since I was young I have always been a big fan of t-shirts.  Wearing them, buying them, or thinking of ideas for them.  I think my favorite part of high school was making shirts for pep rallies (those were the days).  Anyways, I never really had a reason to make them, and now I do.  I think they are the perfect way to show your love for Nashville and pride in living in such an amazing city.  Don't be surprised when you see me wearing one everyday.  Nothing wrong with a little shameless self promotion, plus they are SUPER comfy!  I'm so proud to call Nashville HOME.  I'm also proud of myself,  that is a rare thing.  I genuinely appreciate everyone who supports me and my blog!   

If you are interested in purchasing a "Native in Nashville" shirt you can click here http://www.nativeinnashville.com/represent-nashville/ or choose the "Represent Nashville" tab from the dropdown above.  I have put in a lot of time and dedication on these shirts to make sure to provide a good quality and comfortable shirt for everyone.  I have definitely experienced a lot of trial and error through the process, but I couldn't be happier with the result. If you have any questions, please email me at nativeinnashville@gmail.com.  As always, thank you for reading.

Do Go Chasin' Waterfalls: Near Nashville

Not only is Tennessee home to a great music scene, amazing food, lots of Southern hospitality and friendly people,  it's also home to plenty of beautiful land, rolling hills, and GORGEOUS waterfalls within driving distance from Nashville.  Even as a native in Nashville of 29 years, it seems like I just can't get enough of exploring our beautiful state!  

Burgess Falls 

Drive time from Nashville:   1 hour & 30 mins

Address:  4000 Burgess Falls Drive, Sparta, TN

Burgess Falls - Pinterest

Burgess Falls - Pinterest

Activities at Burgess Falls include:

  • Hiking with 3 different trails
  1. River Trail  — 0.8 Miles — Natural Surface — Difficult/ strenuous
  2. Trail to base of main falls  — 0.3 Miles — Natural Surface — very strenuous
  3. Ridge Top Trail  — 0.5 Miles — Natural Surface — moderate

*the stairs down to the main falls are currently closed

  • Fishing.  Fishing is good for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and bream. The most popular fishing sites are below the dam and the main waterfall along the bank and at the fishing pier. There are no public boat ramps or canoe/kayak access areas on the park. (Source tnstateparks.com)
  • Birdwatching  

Rutledge Falls 

Drive time from Nashville:  1 hour & 15 mins 

Address:  Rutledge Falls Rd, Tullahoma, TN

Rutledge Falls- Pinterest

Rutledge Falls- Pinterest

Activities at Rutledge Falls include:

  • Hiking (easy)
  • Picnicking  
  • Swimming (water remains cold all year)

Rutledge Falls is 40 feet high. 

*please note it's a little difficult to find, but you can park near the church.  This is privately owned, open from dawn until dusk. 

Cummins Falls 

Drive time from Nashville:  1 hour & 45 mins

Address:  1081 Cummins Mill Road, Cookeville, TN

PC: @lostcreekrambler Instagram

PC: @lostcreekrambler Instagram

Activities at Cummins Falls include: 

  • Swimming (life jackets are advised)
  • Hiking.  The hike will be challenging and require you to walk through water. 
  • Rock jumping
  • Day-use park only.  Pets allowed on a leash.  No camping is allowed but available nearby at Standing Stone State Park and Edgar Evins State Park.

Cummins Falls is 75 feet high. 

Cane Creek Falls 

Drive time from Nashville:  2 hours

Address:  2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville, TN

 PC: Matthew Winn

 PC: Matthew Winn

Activities at Cane Creek Falls include: 

  • Swimming.  The large swimming hole is great for jumping or diving into. 
  • Hiking.  You will want to head down the Cable Trail to get to the bottom of the waterfall. 

Cane Creek Falls is 85 feet high.

Ozone Falls 

Drive time from Nashville: 1 hour & 50 mins

Address: 24 Office Dr. S., Crossville, TN

PC: @jason_a_stanley Instagram

PC: @jason_a_stanley Instagram

My favorite part about Ozone Falls is that certain scenes of "The Jungle Book" were filmed there because of it's easy access and beauty.  Activities include: 

  • Hiking. It is 0.8 miles to get to the falls and described as moderate.  Trails open from April-October and dogs are allowed.  They must be kept on a leash.
  • Swimming.  There is an aqua blue swimming hole. 

Ozone Falls is 110 feet high.

Twin Falls 

Drive time from Nashville:  1 hour & 20 mins

Address:  82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN

PC: Roadtrippers

PC: Roadtrippers

Activities at Twin Falls include: 

  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Camping.  Cabins and tent campground on site at Rock Island State Park
  • Picnicking

Both waterfalls are 80 feet tall. 

Foster Falls 

Drive time from Nashville:  1 hour & 30 mins

Address:  498 Foster Road, Sequatchie, TN

PC: @gjaggear Instagram

PC: @gjaggear Instagram

Activities at Foster Falls include

  • Camping -campsites available
  • Swimming
  • Rock climbing
  • Cliff jumping  
  • Grilling - grills on site

Foster Falls is 60 feet high. 

Fall Creek Falls 

Drive time from Nashville:  2 hours

Address:  10821 Park Road, Spencer, TN

PC: @bendannerphoto Instagram

PC: @bendannerphoto Instagram

Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the Eastern U.S. at 256 feet.  Activities include:

  • Hiking
  • No jumping!  
  • Campground on site with cabins
  • Eating.  There is a restaurant on site Gaul's Gallery
  • Picnicking with 5 pavilions available for rent  

Greeter Falls 

Drive time from Nashville: 1 hour & 40 mins

Address:  435 Greeter Falls Road, Lower Falls Trail, Altamont, TN

PC: Greeter Falls- Pinterest

PC: Greeter Falls- Pinterest

Activities at Greeter Falls include: 

  •  Swimming in the "Blue Hole" 
  • Hiking:  1/2 mile hike to get to Greeter Falls.  Dogs allowed and must be kept on a leash.

Greeter Falls is 50 feet high.

Contrary to the beliefs of TLC and all of us who have been singing along to "Waterfalls" since 1994, I say you should absolutely go chasin' those waterfalls!   I know, I know, the song has no relation to actual waterfalls, but I couldn't resist.  Have fun & most importantly BE SAFE!!

Be sure to follow Native in Nashville on Instagram at @NativeInNashville and on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/NativeInNashville/

Thank you guys for reading! XOXO- Amber

 

#PatioWeather: 18 of the Best Patios in Nashville

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

PC: @acmenashville

PC: @acmenashville

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 

PC: @ehall0202

PC: @ehall0202

PC: @chelsea_lung

PC: @chelsea_lung

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 

PC: Google

PC: Google

PC: @tacomamanash

PC: @tacomamanash

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 

PC: @olddog64

PC: @olddog64

PC: @m_a_fernando

PC: @m_a_fernando

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 

PC: @Viragonashville

PC: @Viragonashville

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 

PC: @Nestorandresstx

PC: @Nestorandresstx

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  

PC: @saintanejo

PC: @saintanejo

PC: Google

PC: Google

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  

PC: @nashvilleguru

PC: @nashvilleguru

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 

PC: Yelp

PC: Yelp

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 

PC: @ambi_bambi

PC: @ambi_bambi

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. 

PC: @sprsprty

PC: @sprsprty

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 

PC: @live_nashville

PC: @live_nashville

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 

PC: @danieljaes_ent

PC: @danieljaes_ent

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 

image.jpg
PC: @tnbrewworks

PC: @tnbrewworks

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 

PC: @jacksonsnash

PC: @jacksonsnash

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 

pc: @thetreehousenashville

pc: @thetreehousenashville

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 

PC: @travelinsider

PC: @travelinsider

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 

PC: Google

PC: Google

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