To follow in the hoof-prints of the Steeplechase we felt the need to call attention to the Kentucky Derby, which was held May 5^th. The 138^th annual Derby was won by “I’ll Have Another” and celebrated in style. For those that couldn’t attend the race at Churchill Downs Derby parties were scattered all across Middle Tennessee, bringing this “Dress to Impress” horse race to our midst.

Juleps and Jockeys was one such gathering, held the day of the race at the Carnton Plantation. The beautiful plantation home which was constructed in 1826 by former Mayor Randal McGavock and the site of one of the most devastating battles of the Civil war in 1864 hosted this much livelier event to raise funds for the Battle Trust. The lawns were filled with laughter, hats, and variations on the Mint Juleps that have come to be associated so closely with the famous horse race.

Representing Bob Parks Realty Mary Catherin McAnulty from the Franklin office was pictured in the Tennessean enjoying the festivities and sporting green. Perhaps a fashion nod both to Spring and the drink of the day? Juleps and Jockeys was just another example of Nashville’s ability to bring the Southern flair and festivities to your backyard.

For more information on Nashville destinations and events visit Bob Parks Realty and check out our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

The Iroquois Steeplechase has been creating southern tradition for 71 years now. An opportunity to gather with friends, dress in your Sunday finest, and wear a hat that would make a Middleton blush is never something to be ignored and the Steeplechase continued to provide that outlet this year. This past weekend, May 12^th the cream of the equine crop gathered to run the course, rain or shine.

Built in 1936 the Iroquois Steeplechase grounds host an annual average of 25,000 people for the races, with a portion of the proceeds going to fund the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s hospital. Since the inception of the donation proceedings in 1981 more than $9 million dollars has been donated to the venerable children’s hospital located on the Vanderbilt Campus.

Gail Wallin Johnson, one of our own brokers here at Bob Parks Realty, was among the revelers at Saturday’s race, enjoying the festivities and sporting her own fabulous hat. The race has become just as much a fashion show as a showcase for thoroughbreds, and Nashville was out in true Southern style. A fabulous day with fine friends, wedges, hats, dresses, wine and horses… Why not mark it down for next year?

For more information on Nashville destinations and events visit Bob Parks Realty and check out our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Saturday May 12^th the Key Alliance is stepping up and stepping out to host the 2nd Annual Run for the Homeless 5K. “Partnering with the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission to help implement permanent solutions to homelessness,” the Key Alliance brings attention to the problem of homelessness in the heart of our city, and through fund raising and business affiliation does its part to fight the blight.

Registration and check in begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Hall of Fame Park, with the actual race commencing at 8am. An awards ceremony and free entertainment will follow, with Southwest once again providing the prizes for the top four winners: Round trip airline tickets to anywhere in the US. Perhaps a free flight to a destination of your choosing will give you the best opportunity to rest those feet that helped fight for a good cause.

All proceeds from the run will benefit the Key Alliance’s housing initiative, Housing First. A proven solution to homelessness that brings case-management into direct correlation with accountability, you don’t have to wonder where your donations are going. Helping to get the most vulnerable off the streets and into homes is a venerable mission, and you can do your part this weekend, May 12^th. The Key Alliance states “Housing is a basic human right” as one of the core values of the program. In today’s economic climate, we all take the ability to obtain that right a little less for granted every day. Help give another the opportunity to value something so many of us lose sight of: four walls, a roof and the security that comes with having a place to call HOME.

For more information on Nashville destinations and events, visit Bob Parks Realty and check out our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

As entertaining as all this International Star Wars “May the 4^th be with you” stuff is, let us refocus on all the fantastic events that are actually taking place right here in Nashville this weekend.

Tomorrow May 5^th is Cinco De Mayo and Nashville will be gearing up to celebrate in style. Start the day off right with the “I Run for the Party” 5K at Music Row and Demonbreun with an after party at the Tin Roof with a complimentary margarita to follow. The First Saturday Art Crawl is going on with shuttles to keep those margaritas from doing too much damage. There is a “Cinco De Mayo After Crawl” at the Brick Factory, featuring live music, free beer, and more margaritas that commences at 5:00pm with a DIY piñata class. Sips N Strokes will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo with a Margarita Painting session and an open session in the evening, with free gourmet Mexican Popsicles from Las Paletas. We aren’t sure what those are… but they might involve margaritas too!

If you need more family friendly activities to start off the day the Renaissance Festival begins this weekend, and Mayor’s Track and Field Day takes place at LP Stadium beginning at 9am the 5th.

This weekend is many things, the first weekend of May, Cinco De Mayo, International Star Wars day… but in reality it is just another great day to live and play in Nashville TN!

For more information on Nashville destinations and events visit Bob Parks Realty and check out our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Welcome to the south… where country twangs a little longer, “y’all” has three or more syllables and the rodeo comes to town. May 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. the roughest, toughest cowboys come out to test their skills as they pair up against barrels, bareback stallions, steers and the occasional calf in the Franklin Rodeo.

Historic downtown Franklin once again takes center stage on the 17^th when the parade brings funny cars, rodeo clowns and no political agendas to the streets. The Franklin office of Bob Parks Realty has even signed up to participate in a window decorating contest judged by the O’More College of Design on the 16^th. The office theme of “Gunsmoke” will do its part to make the rodeo participants feel their old west selves.

The Franklin Rodeo also does its part to include the tiny rodeo goers. Mutton Bustin’ is an opportunity for the little tykes to try their hand at ropin’… sheep. A little less terrifying for mom and dad and a whole lot of fun for them! If you didn’t get selected to bring down some Mutton the Calf Scramble gives everyone else a chance to get in the ring, with three lucky calves sporting ribbons on their tails. The mini Cowboy (or Cowgirl) that gets their mitts on the ribbon wins!

So whether it’s cross-dressing rodeo clowns, tiny cars, bucking broncos, flying ropes or scrambling kids that draws you in, the Franklin Rodeo has a little something for the whole family. And even if it’s just to see some Cowboys in those hats and chaps… well that’s worth the price of admission too.

Yee-Haw!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Huzzah! It’s that time again. Every weekend in the month of May, Renaissance madness descends upon the citizens of middle Tennessee. Life size pawns, rooks, kings and queens move across backyard sized chess boards. Hawks gaze down over the crowd in search of prey. And wenches mix with noblewomen as they all walk the dirt trails that wind through the spectacular woodland setting of the Renaissance Festival.

Arrington, TN comes alive during this month long glimpse into the everyday life of 16^th Century England residents. Theme weekends help you decide which weekend you will attend, with opening weekend being Family Discount Weekend. With the purchase of two adult admissions, tickets for two grandparents and all children under 12 years old are free. The third weekend is Pirate weekend, a perfect excuse to dress up in your favorite Halloween costume in May. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone if you come in any type of Renaissance garb. You’ll see everything from leather vests to intricate noble gowns.

Over 60 artisan booths will peddle wares from local vendors, from costumes to candles… handbags to bows and arrows… and lots of handmade jewelry. There will also be plenty of things to entertain the whole family, including an on-site glass blowing demonstration, comedy shows and live music. Food booths bring the open air market feeling, with smells of turkey legs and sausages wafting along the spring breeze. You won’t want to miss these magicians perform, wenches throw dirty water, and knights joust.

Every weekend in May, and Memorial Day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m, the Village of Covington Glen brings an entertainment line-up guaranteed to please even the most discerning festival-goer. Bob Parks Realty thinks nothing says “Welcome to Middle Tennessee” like a heartfelt, resounding HUZZAH!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

For the past 28 years historic downtown Franklin TN has brought life, art, music, and fellowship to the streets for the Main Street festival. This weekend, April 28^th and 29^th, the 29th Annual Main Street Festival will once again wake the citizens of this quaint but booming town and bring them milling amongst tents, booths, and stages.

An estimated 100,000 visitors are expected to descend on downtown Franklin, viewing over 200 local artisan entries, sampling international fares from over 20 food vendors, and dancing in the streets to ongoing live entertainment. A full scale carnival will be open at the future site of the Franklin Bicentennial Park bringing screams of joy and peals of laughter into the musical mix, multiple stages have line-ups that never end, and did we mention the food?

Open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon until 6 p.m. on Sunday the free festivities offer something for the entire family. With unlimited ride wristbands available for $20.00 and a beer tent that opens at 11a.m. (because it’s 5 o’clock somewhere) diversified interests are satisfied in full. Stand in the shadows of rickety carnival rides, listen to the muted roar of families bonding, and soak in the aromas of anything that can be grilled, deep fried, pulled, or BBQ’ed. It sounds like the perfect spring weekend to all of us here at Bob Parks Realty.

For more information on Nashville destinations and events visit Bob Parks Realty and check out our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Every two seconds a person in the United States needs blood, which means by the time you finish this sentence at least two people will need a transfusion. May 2^nd Bob Parks Realty is doing their part by hosting a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the Red Cross Bus, a mobile life-saving unit used to bring the donation process to the doorstep of the volunteers. Parked outside the Brentwood office at 8119 Isabella Lane, the American Red Cross comes to you.

Over 80% of all donations made to the American Red Cross are collected in mobile set ups such as this one, the ones you see in the high school gym, or the church activity center. Thousands of lives are saved on a daily basis because volunteers for the Red Cross set up these drives for local sponsors, bringing the knowledge and freedom to decide to help a stranger a little closer to communities and workplaces. Many people are afraid of needles or talk themselves out of going to a center to donate, but these mobile units allow you to surround yourself with neighbors, friends and coworkers giving you the extra boost in confidence many of us need.

To make your appointment you can either log onto redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code: bobparks or you can contact Vicki Oczkowicz at . A single donation can save the lives of up to three people. A single car crash victim needs on average 41 units of blood, or you might be the one in need someday. Make a difference, donate blood.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

On the East bank of the Cumberland River from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. April 21^st Nashville welcomes back a little Cajun into the country music capitol of the world for the 13th Annual Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil. There will be over 3,000 lbs of fresh crawfish for your consumption, ice cold beer, live music and a single ticket gets you all day access to all of it! Did we mention it only costs $40 at the door? The only thing you need is to make sure you are fine with the idea of your dinner looking back at you.

The beautiful country duo Autumn Rose will be performing as well as Deep Machine and Tim Petty and the American Girls, a Tom Petty tribute band so there will be a little something for everyone on the Greenway this year.

The Nashville Junior Chamber is co-hosting the event with Musicians on Call, an organization founded in 1999 that brings music to the bedsides of critically ill patients unable to see live music in any other way. All the musicians are volunteers and this event will help keep the music alive for those fighting to do the same.

So come out and celebrate a beautiful spring weekend, enjoy Nashville’s talent, take in the scenery, and support the Nashville Junior Chamber, a group of young professionals “devoting themselves to the Nashville community” by providing us with music, beer, and seafood… I can’t think of a more outstanding organization!

For more information on Nashville destinations and events visit Bob Parks Realty and check out our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Nashville has taken a huge leap towards reclaiming the waterfront of the Cumberland River as a draw to the downtown area. Just another step forward in the aftermath of the floods the brand-new Cumberland Park, in the works since 2007 will open this Sunday at 1:30 pm.

“Cities with great waterfronts can offer a better quality of life to retain and attract citizens and capital. Nashville has the potential to create a great waterfront that is truly world-class – it is Nashville’s time.” – Nashville Riverfront Concept Plan 2007

The 11 million dollar project is just the first phase of the Riverfront revitalization project, featuring spray and rain curtains, rock climbing walls, walking trails and lounging lawns. The green initiative also shows off a cistern that will reroute, filter, and reuse the estimated 1 million gallons of storm water that will run off the park and parking lot into landscape irrigation for the park.

 Annihilating the asphalt that once covered the area was the first step, removing polluted soil and bringing new dirt, over 180 trees, and 200 tons of Tennessee sandstone to create this eco friendly family oriented gathering spot. Nestled in the shadow of the Historic White Bridge Building which has also gotten a facelift and now houses public restrooms (with plans to eventually open a restaurant and concessions stand) Cumberland Park is just the first of many initiatives to make Nashville a greener and better place to live, work and play.

For more information on Nashville destinations and events visit Bob Parks Realty and check out our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Two years after the 2010 floods left desolation and disaster in their wake, Opry Mills rises from the flood waters revitalized and better than ever. Litigation and devastation couldn’t close their doors forever and Nashville is more than happy to welcome the outlet mall back!

The Grand Re-opening started Thursday, March 29^th, successfully flooding the halls with shoppers instead of murky waters. The festivities will continue on through the first weekend in May and include concerts, deep discount shopping weekends, and fireworks.

With shopping destinations such as Bass Pro Shops, Vera Bradley, Coach Factory Store, Children’s Place Outlet, and rue21 the whole family has a shop catering to their individual needs. The Aquarium Restaurant is back in business and Dave & Buster’s still offers the family fun and food to keep everyone happy. In addition the IMAX screen is back! The Regal 27 is back with bigger screens, better sound, and reclining seats.

The Finale weekend will culminate on May 5^th with a free concert beginning at 6pm featuring the winner of Opry Mills Next Big Star talent search and Josh Turner, the country music heart-throb that carried us all away on his “Long Black Train.” Fireworks will seal the deal as Nashville welcome back the destination mall that has it all with open arms and a big Country “We sure are glad y’all are back!”

For more information on Nashville destinations and events visit Bob Parks Realty and check our recent blog posts. We strive to keep you in the loop on all the things that make Nashville and Middle Tennessee a great place to be!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

TPAC is bringing the Big Apple to Nashville this theater season with a run of Broadway musicals sure to get your heels tapping, your laughter laughing and your applause ringing off the rafters. Offering a little bit of everything from racy sea-faring fun to the circle of life the Broadway at TPAC 2012-2013 season will have something for everyone.

Beginning in October of 2012 with “Anything Goes” TPAC takes to the seas with a love-story aboard the S.S. America with sultry singing sailors and blackmail on the high seas. Followed in November by Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” Nashville gets put into the giving season early with a tale of “Two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the bargain.”

Ringing in the 2013 New Year “Catch Me if You Can” plays in January and is based on the Dreamworks film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio which was also based on true events, where a teenage boy forges millions of dollars in checks, travels the world, and evades the law in a cat and mouse game where charm and good looks will get you anything.

This is just a taste of what the Broadway Season at TPAC has to offer, and with so many Tony Award winning musicals coming to our fair city maybe a season pass is in order. We are Nashville after all… “We know music. Our community thrives on it. It is our passion, our escape. Whether captured in three minutes of simple brilliance or unfolded in a three-hour epic tale… we emerge from each musical journey better for the experience.”

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Did you know that Tennessee has the fourth highest childhood obesity rate in the entire nation? With just shy of 40% of Nashville’s youth classifying as overweight or obese, the mayor has taken action. After the enormous success of Mayor Karl Dean’s 2011 Healthy Living campaigns he has decided to bring things to our own turf in the fight against childhood obesity. May 5^th will be the first “Mayor’s Field Day with the Tennessee Titans.”

Held on the field of LP Stadium this full day of tournament-type track and field activities will help you teach your little football fans to be healthy, active, and conscious of the decisions they will be faced with in their own battle for nutritional touchdowns. Beginning at 9 a.m, teams of 10 will participate in events, live entertainment will be provided and an awards ceremony will be held to acknowledge the successes of the day.

The decision to be healthy all-stars starts at home, and teaching good nutrition and physical fitness at an early age are the most important components to a good game plan. All children ages 5 and up are encouraged to participate and individuals or groups can register online now.

What better way to get your little ones out of the house than to get them on the 50 yard line of LP Field for some good old fashioned fun… and did we mention it’s free? It’s time for the home field advantage in the fight against obesity.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Nashville, Tennessee – Bob Parks Realty today announced plans to open a downtown location in the Gulch to cater to Nashville’s urban homes and condo market.

The new office, which will be part of the company’s Parks Properties division, will open later this summer in the building that houses the Turnip Truck, Sweet CeCe’s and Apricot Lane.

Eight of the city’s top urban real estate agents will be joining Parks Properties to open the new office. The Realtors are Ivy Arnold, Beau Daniel, Scott Evans, Zach Goodyear, Bonnie Kearns, Brent McPherson, Brian Stoltzfus and Carmen Swoopes.  Goodyear will serve as Managing Broker for the office.

These eight agents collectively sold more than $50 million last year in Nashville, making them some of the top Realtors in the area.

“With the continued residential growth in the downtown area, it’s the perfect time to expand our business and develop a niche office that specializes in the urban lifestyle,” said Bob Parks, company founder & CEO. “Opening the Gulch Discovery Center with such strong talent will position Parks Properties as the premier company for buying and selling homes in downtown Nashville.”

“Bob Parks has proven to be an innovator in the real estate market over the last three decades and we’re excited to join his team and bring their established brand, cutting-edge technology and exceptional client support services to the urban Nashville marketplace,” Goodyear said.

The Gulch location will place a strong emphasis on community integration and customer experience, emphasizing tools such as its Parks Properties mobile app that was released last fall. The home finder app uses augmented reality to give users the ability to get listing information simply by pointing their smart phone or tablet at a property.

The office will also serve as a place where residents and visitors can gain more information about the Gulch and surrounding neighborhoods.

“This Parks Properties location goes beyond a typical real estate office - we view it as a Discovery Center that promotes the entire downtown community,” Parks said.

“We think that the Parks Properties Discovery Center will be the perfect addition to our mixed-use space at the intersection of 12^th Avenue South and Pine in the heart of the Gulch,” said Dirk Melton, Development Director at Market Street Enterprises. “The strong experience of the Parks brand combined with the urban property expertise of these agents will make the Gulch one of Nashville’s best places to live, work and play – and that benefits everyone.”

About Bob Parks Realty

Bob Parks Realty is home to more than 400 agents in the Nashville area, making it one of the largest locally owned real estate companies in Middle Tennessee. In addition to residential real estate services, Bob Parks Realty also offers auction services, a commercial real estate division, property management and new construction development. In addition to its 10 Middle Tennessee offices, Bob Parks Realty also has two locations on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

The Gray Drug Building has stood sentry on Main Street in historic downtown Franklin since the turn of the century. The early 1900’s saw the building’s inception, and over a hundred years later the store still stands, and the iconic neon sign still watches the flow of traffic as it overhangs the sidewalk.

Recently purchased by Andy Marshall, a local entrepreneur also responsible for Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant which was mentioned in our V-Day blog just last month, the landmark building at 322 Main Street stands to be completely refurbished and reopened as a dining and music venue. Gray’s on Main will bring the down-home back to the downtown with “shared plate” dining styles, seafood from the Carolinas and local talent to the stage. All three floors of the historic building will be dedicated to bringing life and style back into the 100-year old walls. And from the sounds of it, if walls could talk, these ancient edifices will have even more to say after the doors of Gray’s on Main open this fall.

Those familiar with the easy at-home feelings elicited by the old-fashioned style of downtown Franklin can rest assured, Marshall plans to keep the vibe “lively with ‘components of fine dining’ in a casual setting.” And hopefully that well known and long recognized neon sign will continue to point the way to a destination on Main.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney