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.

12 Best Food Trucks: NASHVILLE

April 02, 2016 by Amber Ford in Native in Nashville, Nashville, Where to eat, Nashville Food Scene, Favorites, Food trucks, Local, Lifestyle Blog, Foodie, Tips from a native, Nashville Blog

It all started with the ice cream man when I was a kid, and I've been hooked on food on wheels ever since! Luckily, I live in Nashville, where food trucks are taking over, and man oh man, are they delicious! I have teamed up with Virago's Executive Chef , Andrew Whitney, to bring you all a list of the 12 best food trucks in Nashville and his recommendations of what to get when you go!

Yayo's OMG !

Yayo's OMG! is mobile food truck run by Chef Yayo Jiménez, serving original Mexican gourmet food ! Their mission is to provide customers with the highest quality local ingredients & authentic Mexican flavor in every dish for a truly delicious experience!

What to order: Shrimp meximelt or Legend Tacos

Website: http://www.yayosomg.com/

Four and Twenty Blackbirds

Four & Twenty Blackbirds offers globally inspired comfort foods. From grilled cheese to Poutine, hand cut fries, delicious seasonal salads and classic sandwiches with a gourmet twist.

What to order: Poutine

Website not available. Follow them on Instagram @blackbirdfoodtruck

Hoss' Loaded Burgers

Hoss' Loaded Burgers is a gourmet burger food truck serving 100% grass-fed, local beef burgers stuffed with cheeses and topped with vegetables and homemade sauces. They also offer a vegan variation of every single burger on the menu.

What to order: The Jaw Dropper

Website: http://www.hossburgers.com/Welcome.html

Smoke Et Al

Smoke Et Al was voted one of the "15 Best Food Trucks in America". Chefs Shane Autrey and Steve Ford specialize in all things smoked, even the vegetables. They also have homemade dressings to serve with their salads.

What to order: Hot ribs. Wings.
Fried pickled okra with Alabama white sauce.

Website: http://www.smokeetal.com/

The Grilled Cheeserie

The Grilled Cheeserie Food Trucks, and soon to be Gourmet Melt Shop provides all different variations of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with seasonally-inspired and local ingredients.

What to order: The B&B of Tennessee. Pimento mac and chee melt. The melt of the moment is always spot on and any of the desserts.

Website: http://www.thegrilledcheeserietruck.com/about/

Crepe A Diem

Crepe A Diem is a unique food truck serving French street food. Everything is made to order, from scratch, using quality local ingredients. Featuring both sweet and savory traditional crépes, sandwiches, and more! Be on the lookout for their bright red truck!

What to order: Hash browns. Lemon sugar crepe. The roast beef Baguette.

Website: http://www.crepeadiem.com/

Bao Down

Bao Down offers handcrafted local Chinese street food. They serve grass-fed, all natural meat and free range poultry, provided by Walnut Hills Farm in Bethpage, TN. Bao is a steamed bun that can have many fillings, savory or sweet.

What to order: Char siu Bao or Shu Mai

Website: http://www.baodownnashville.com/

Retro Sno

Nashville’s original shaved ice food truck. Retro Sno has brought back the snow cone with creativity. They mix all of their syrups by hand, using premium pure cane sugar. Their handcrafted syrups are poured over the fluffiest shaved ice and finished with fresh toppings or stuffed with all-natural ice cream!

What to order: Orange dreamsicle, raspberry wedding cake, and Rainbow.

Website: http://www.retrosnotruck.com/

Bare Naked Bagel

Bare Naked Bagel offers fresh New York Style bagels and bagel sandwiches made from local unprocessed ingredients.

What to order: The everything bagel turkey sandwich

Website: http://www.barenakedbagel.com/

Deg Thai

Deg Thai strives to provide the highest quality Thai-fusion meals in Nashville. It's Thai food with a twist!

What to order: Massaman curry, Thai tea, and
Spring rolls.

Website: http://m.degthai.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.degthai.com%2F&dm_redirected=true#2888

Bradley's Curbside Creamery

Look for Bradley's Curbside Creamery's pretty blue truck for some simple and delicious, slow-churned ice cream, a shake, or a float!

What to order: The White Trash Float

Website: http://bradleyscreamery.com/

Rolling Feast

Rolling Feast offers Southwestern-American food by Chef Tom Mead. They use all fresh, local ingredients and even bake their own sandwich buns from scratch, right on the truck. Be on the lookout for their bright red truck!

What to order: Sonoran Dog

Website: http://therollingfeast.com/

Executive Chef, Andrew Whitney PC:@ViragoNashville Instagram

If anyone around here knows about flavor and taste, it's Andrew Whitney. He has been named one of Nashville's top chefs. Andrew has accomplished his career goals by receiving his Chef’s training at the Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta, Georgia. He, previously, was the Executive Chef for another local Nashville food truck turned Brick and Mortar, Riff’s Fine Street Food. He is now the Executive Chef of the award winning Asian fusion restaurant, Virago. His newest menu contributions are heavily influenced by the season, created with respect for regional traditions, as well as the Asian culture.

You can't go wrong ordering any of these items Andrew suggested from any of the food trucks on the list. I can assure you, all of these are worth hunting down. Most of them cater, as well. To find out where each of these food trucks may be each day, I recommend that you follow them on Instagram or check out their websites. You can also checkout Roaming Hunger's website for an interactive map or Nashville Food Truck Association.

http://roaminghunger.com/bna/

http://foodtrucksnash.org/

I really appreciate Andrew teaming up with me on this one, and your taste buds will too! I hope you all enjoy, and thanks, as always, for reading about my most favorite topic- FOOD!

XOXO- Amber

Instagram: @NativeInNashville

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NativeInNashville/

Twitter: @NativeInNash

#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

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