Just south of downtown Nashville, a family owned Greek restaurant recently filmed a television spot for a small network. Okay… maybe the network isn’t quite so small. Maybe it was the Food Network. And maybe the host of the show is Guy Fieri, the showboating cooking personality we all know and love as the owner of the craziest hair in cuisine. That’s right, once again Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has visited the heart of middle Tennessee to investigate unique and authentic cuisine so good it reached the ears of the Food Network.

Athens Family Restaurant offers Greek cooking like Grandma made it. If your Grandma is Greek that is. Guy Fieri showed up to investigate Chef Adel’s original creation the Bacon Lamb Burger, a “Grilled and lightly spiced ground lamb patty, strips of bacon topped with melted Swiss cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper.” Offering up long hours to soothe the growling bellies of Nashville, including 24-hours Thursday through Saturday the staff of Athens Family Restaurant guides you on a unique, relaxed journey into the specialties of Greek Cuisine.

Since this episode of Burgers ‘n More will be airing February 13, 2012 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT, this small seat-yourself restaurant might get a whole lot busier very soon… so it might be a good idea to take some time this weekend and explore a menu that brings a little bit of the Mediterranean right here to Nashville. Voted number one breakfast place in the Nashville Scene Writer’s Choice November of 2005, this Nashville gem continues to make you want to smash your plate and yell “Oompa!” Though they state on their website “they would rather you order seconds than charge you for broken plates.”

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Avant Garde Clothes and Designer Shoes at a Discount. Real Designers!

The statement “discount designer” is overused. When I hear this statement, in advertising for example, my first thought is “every store thinks they carry designer clothing.” This is not the case at UAL, which makes it number 94 on my list of Nashville’s Best Kept Secrets.

UAL is located at 2918 West End Avenue near Centennial Park. Do not be put-off by the home-made window décor and poster board hand-written ads, which can be very misleading to the treasures inside. They carry some the best-of-the-best including Gucci, Dolce Cabbana, Veletino, Stella McCartney, and more, all at 50-75% off. They always have a wall of designer jeans for only $9.99 each.

Even at 75% off, a Gucci suite can still cost you a few hundred bucks. What I love is all the other designer’s clothes that are just as beautiful, but not as expensive. For example, a few weeks ago, I purchased a 1980’s inspired jumper short set for $26.00. I have seen many jumpers at other stores, but this one had a touch of sophistication with special attention given to the buttons and waist tie. For anyone who loves real designer clothing at a discount, I recommend UAL!!!!

Here is their information:

UAL
Centennial Park
2918 West End Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Phone: (615) 340-9999

www.shopual.com

As always, for more information about real estate and community information in the Nashville area, visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Tennessee is home to the world’s largest garage sale!

Number 95 of 100 of Nashville’s best kept secrets is the world’s largest garage sale being held on August 5 through August 8. The garage sale headquarters is in Fortress, TN along highway 127 and runs through Dunlap TN, Pikeville TN, and Clarkrange, TN., but it does not stop there. For 675 Miles, the garage sale starts in Gadsen, Alabama and ends in Hudson, Michigan! The sale always starts on the first Thursday in August and runs through the following Sunday. To map your route and get directions, click here.

Items for sale include just about anything you can imagine from antiques, oddities, clothing, to furniture and much more! In fact, the yard sale is so large and long that any organized effort to rent space for vendors is almost impossible. Most of the time local shop and land owners along 127 will put their own signs out to let others know that they do or do not have space available to set-up their shop. There are not any strict rules or regulations. For example, vendors can make their own hours, but they will want to open early because just like any neighborhood yard sale, most people shop early in the morning for the best deals!

For more information, please visit: www.127sale.com

For more information about the most respected name in Middle, TN real estate and homes for sale, visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Secret No 96: Montgomery Bell State Park

Number 96 of 100 of Nashville’s Best Kept Secrets is Montgomery Bell State Park, which is located approximately 30-40 minutes West of downtown Nashville. This parks is not only beautiful, but it’s also one of few parks with a dedicated mountain biking trail in the Nashville area. Even though a lot of state parks mention mountain biking trails, they are often shared by horseback riders, which does not go hand-in-hand on a path barely wide enough for a front tire.

The park also includes more than 100 picnic areas, rustic cabins, and campgrounds. It’s perfect for a couple, family, or even some time alone. There is also a creek that runs through the campground with some campsites located along the bank. The trails include more than 18 miles of scenic tall trees and fresh air. You can also hike the backcountry trail which has three overnight shelters open year-round.

For more information, visit: http://www.stateparks.com/montgomery_bell.html

About Bob Parks Realty

The most respected name in middle Tennessee real estate, Bob Parks Realty is home to over 400 real estate professionals serving families and home owners in Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville. Gallatin, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Green Hills and the surrounding area. For more information about Bob Parks Realty, visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

100 of Nashville’s Best Kept Secrets No 97: Arrington Vineyards

Just a short drive from Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and Murfreesboro, Arrington Vinyards is a beautiful place to share a glass of wine with your sweetie, family, and friends. My husband and I went on Mother’s Day. Even though both of our Moms live outside-of-the-state, we knew that Arrington Vineyards would be great place to spend the afternoon. They had a live Jazz band and tons of families sharing picnic style lunches on the lawn. You could see wives and moms sharing stories while Dads passed balls with their kids. You are welcome to bring in your own food and drink or go into the rustic style log cabin for wine tasting and buying.

Arrington Vineyards was Founded by Kix Brooks and sits among the beautiful hills of Arrington, Tennessee. They offer award-winning wines and amazing views from the covered deck and breathtaking sunsets.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday: 11am - 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

Directions:

For directions, please visit: www.arringtonvineyards.com/directions

For more information about Arrington Vineyards, please visit www.arringtonvineyards.com. For more information about the most respected name in middle Tennessee real estate, Bob Parks Realty, please visit www.bobparks.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Monells, Pass the Fried Chicken, Please…

I’m not sure how much of a secret this is because of its popularity, but it’s worth mentioning as number 98 of Nashville’s best kept secrets. Most of my friends and family know that I heart fried chicken. And no one has ever cooked it better than my Aunt Connie. Being away from my Mom and my Aunt Connie’s cooking makes me miss them more than ever. When I eat at Monell’s, I feel like I’m sitting at my Aunt Connie’s kitchen table surrounded by cousins I consider to be sisters.

At Monells, you will share your table with strangers who soon become acquaintances after asking them to pass the fried chicken and sharing a meal with them. In addition to the best fried chicken ever, their menu usually includes 2-3 meats, 3-4 salads, 3-4 hot vegetables, tea, and dessert. I highly recommend the Monells’ experience to anyone looking for a restaurant with southern charm and feel-good food!

2 Locations

1235 6th Ave North
Nashville, TN 37208

and 

562 South Water Ave Hwy 109
Gallatin, TN 37066

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Secret #99: Rated M for Mature: Guided Ghost Tour of Franklin, TN

This experience was one of my best birthdays ever! A few years ago, I wanted to do something different for my birthday. So, me and my girlfriends decided to go on a guided ghost tour of Historic Downtown Franklin. The experience was even more exciting than it sounds! As the sun faded into night, our tour guide met us in the town square. She was dressed in historic period attire from head to toe including an old vintage lantern in her hand. She authentically set the mood for the spooky night out. The way the tour guide works actually makes you feel like you were there 200 years ago. Me and my girl friends left with goose bumps and memories to last a lifetime. As a long time resident of Franklin, it was an awesome and unique way to spend the evening. For more information about touring Franklin, TN of foot, visit www.franklinonfoot.com

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey

Secret #100: Duck River Race Track in Wheel , Tennessee

I love this place! Y ou will not find any tourist here and it’s great for people watching. It’s somewhat out of town, but close enough for a Saturday night out with your honey or kids.

Duck River Racing is located between Shelbyville, TN and Huntsville, Alabama. It’s a beautiful one hour drive from Murfreesboro on country roads full of rolling hills and horse farms. Usually, my husband and I stop in Shelbyville for dinner. You must follow the directions closely because the final turn into the race track feels like you have pulled into someone’s driveway. You know you are close when you hear roaring engines and you start to see a bit more traffic than normal.

The parking lot is not paved. It’s just dirt and there are not any real parking slots like you find at the Mall in Green Hills (another one of my favorite places!!). Ticket cost is fairly cheap for the entertainment. You are welcome to bring your own cooler and chairs, or share silver metal bleachers with the rest of the local fans. Flip-flops and cut-offs are the norm, but I prefer to wear my jeans and some super cute high-heel clogs with a girlie top.

The race track is dirt and the bleachers are just a few feet from the race. It’s a totally cool experience to be that close to cars going that fast! Even more exciting is to see family, fans, and friends of a driver who just won a race! After his victory, he may join the crowd in the bleachers still in his jump suite which will have logos of local businesses that you have never heard of like: Betsy’s Flowers and Gifts or Johnny’s Paint and Body Shop. For a short-time, you can feel his victory and wish you were the driver of the car… at least once.

After several rounds of racing, you can start to feel a little grit in your mouth and tiny little speckles of car oil on your face and hands. The sound is so load it can be almost unbearable but worth every minute of the excitement.

For more information about Duck River Racing, you can visit www.duckriverspeedway.com.

Posted by:  Kimberly Fahey