Tomorrow, February 4th is the Fifth annual Free Admission Day at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. If the word “Free” isn’t enough to get you downtown, the list of events for the day might help out. Hunter Hayes, whose top 15 hit “Storm Warning” will be performing and signing autographs. If you don’t know who Hayes is, ask any pre-teen girl. The 21 year old country music heartthrob has been performing since the age of 4, and wrote his first song at the age of 6. He moved to the Country Music Capitol of the World three years ago. The Oak Ridge Boys will also be signing autographs. With events for the kids such as hands on musical instruction as well as free admission to the museum this is a perfect opportunity to expose your family to the roots of that which we Nashville Natives are so known for: Country Music.

Open from 9am to 5pm the Country Music Hall of Fame has been gathering iconic memorabilia from the lives of Country Music stars since 1967. The visually stunning $37 million dollar building that currently houses the accredited collection was dedicated in May of 2001 and sits just steps away from the historic Ryman Theater and the honky-tonks of Broadway. All these landmarks have helped generate millions of dollars of revenue for the City of Nashville, provided down-home attractions for tourists, and a reminder to never forget what makes this great city of ours so well known.

Hunter Hayes will be performing at 2pm. The Oak Ridge Boys and Hunter Hayes will be signing autographs at 3pm. There will also be an 11am demonstration by the Hatch Show Print Staff, a behind the scenes look into American Letterpress: the Art of Hatch Show Print, the current travelling exhibit on display in the museum. This Saturday, February 4th is a perfect time to experience Nashville through the eyes of a tourist all over again, and do it for free!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

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

Remnants of history can be found all over Middle Tennessee and Smyrna is no exception. Like a square in the patchwork quilt of this states’ history the Sam Davis Home is a piece of the Civil War that has survived the passage of time. Built in 1810 on the picturesque banks of Stewart’s Creek the Davis family home is a perfect example of plantation living in the upper middle class of the 1800’s.

The family home of Sam Davis sits on 160 acres, bought by the state of Tennessee in 1927 and opened for tours in 1930. 82 years of guided glimpses into the past have not diminished the natural beauty of the land or the home. The vast majority of items and settings you will see in the antebellum home are from the 1850’s, when the Davis family did extensive renovations to the Greek-Revival house. The original log cabin still sits on the property as well. The historically accurate living-museum showcases many original items from Sam Davis, a Civil War soldier who was captured, accused of spying, and hanged on November 27, 1863. Dubbed the “boy hero of the civil war” Sam Davis was given was last opportunity to reveal the sources of his information and escape the noose. He is said to have stated:

“I would die a thousand deaths before I would betray a friend.”

A popular spot for photographers, weddings, social functions and paranormal investigations this beautiful home does a fantastic job of paying homage to a time our country was changing so vastly it seems astonishing that a perfect example of daily life was able to be preserved. If you visit this piece of history in Smyrna, Tennessee be prepared to long for a time when life may have been harder… but sure seemed simpler.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

“The Gulch” has become a name in Nashville synonymous with trendy dining, soaring lofts, and downtown living at its finest. A short walk from any location there can bring you from fine art at the Frist to live music at Sambuca, to be followed with cocktails at Virago’s and gazing up at the sparkling lofts that spear the night skies.

Once a bustling railroad center, The Gulch became an industrial wasteland as the hundreds of trains that once roared through the area decreased and then ceased as other modes of transportation became more efficient and cost effective. Run-down and forgotten the area sat largely unused and undeveloped until 1999. Now, gathering steam of a different kind, The Gulch has become a living expanding example of urban redevelopment. Numerous restaurants line the streets and trendy boutique clothing stores pepper the horizon, with unique names such as Bullets & Mullets. The aforementioned lofts such as Terrazzo and Icon offer stunning views and rooftop pool decks, giving you the opportunity to live in the center of a bustling community located mere blocks from downtown Nashville.

Newly certified as a LEED neighborhood, The Gulch offers Green solutions to daily living, such as easily accessible bus routes, thousands of jobs and general amenities such as post offices and gyms within walking distance, as well as five stops for the Music City Star commuter rail shuttle. This unique living and building system provides a positive impact on the surrounding city and involves a much smaller carbon footprint on the environment.

Next time you are looking for a night on the town that includes street parking, dinner, drinks, fine art, shopping, sushi and live music head to The Gulch. It has everything to offer and more.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Lynn Tede of Bob Parks Realty has been chosen as Rutherford County’s 2011 Diplomat of the Year by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Dedicated to bettering the lives of Rutherford County Residents since its origination in 1982, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will recognize Lynn Tede at the Business at Its Best 2012 dinner and reception.

Lynn Tede has been a member of the Chamber’s Diplomat program since 2009; volunteering her time and efforts for countless hours in an attempt to give back to the community she loves to be a part of. In addition to being the agent council representative for the Bob Parks Smyrna office, Lynn also volunteers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and is a member of the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors public relations committee.

Kelli Beam, Director of Membership for the Chamber is proud to recognize this bustling woman, saying, “Lynn is very deserving of this award because of her dedication and ability to make others feel welcome into the Chamber's membership." Lynn, however, takes a more selfless view of what her efforts mean to others. "I'm thankful to have a job that enables me to help families achieve the American dream of owning a home."

The Rutherford County Business at Its Best 2012 will be February 3^rd at the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel & Conference Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. Seating for dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Make sure to call and purchase your tickets so you can be there to help honor Lynn Tede for all she has done for Bob Parks Realty and her community.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Just another day off schools, another three day weekend, another day the mail doesn’t run. Just another day attached to a name very few people actually think about. Perhaps it bears a little reminding that Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn’t just a famous man, a pastor or a leader. He was all of these things and more. He received a doctorate from Boston University. He became a pastor when he was twenty five years old, blending together his acquired knowledge, his innate knowledge and his faith into the words and actions of a non-violent supporter of the civil rights movement.

He was a man that conferred with Presidents, led 250,000 protesters in peaceful demonstration, and headed several organizations that furthered the civil rights movements. He was the youngest man to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 when he was just 35 years old. He was a man with a dream for all races, who wanted nothing more than a place for his children “where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

He was a man who stood on a balcony April 4, 1968 enjoying the warm Spring Memphis air before he was to lead a protest supporting striking African American garbage workers where he was assassinated. He was a man killed for his passionate beliefs in freedom.

He is now a man that puts a face to the movement of equality. According to Derek Alderman of East Carolina University, as of 2006 over 730 American Cities have a street named after him. Federal Law observes his birthday as the third Monday of January, in effect since its first official observation January 20, 1986. He is still a man that stands for equality and justice and a peaceful approach to obtaining both.

He will always be a man with a dream.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Roughly an hour northeast of downtown Nashville, in Westmoreland, is a 173 acre nature conservancy called Taylor Hollow, one of the last remaining vistas of natural wildlife, flora and fauna untouched by man in middle Tennessee. Saturday, January 21^st will provide the novice nature lover a look into the topographic background of the Hollow, unencumbered by the vast amounts of wildflowers that grow in the spring and summer. Taylor Hollow Falls might even be persuaded to showcase some ice formations if the cold holds out.

Roger McCoy of the Natural Heritage Inventory Program will guide the hiking tour along established paths and off-trail in order to experience the winter landscape up close and personal. Winter hikes allow for an off-trail experience not recommended in the warmer months because so many of the rare wildflowers are easily damaged and while most people might not think of signing up for a guided tour outdoors in the dead of winter, it’s a perfect activity to experience yet another side of middle Tennessee and its vast array of beautiful protected land. Tennessee actually has 82 different natural areas protected and maintained by the state as ecological preservations.

Make sure to dress warmly, protect your extremities, and hope that this beautiful dusting of snow lasts long enough to add another dimension to your hike. Reservations must be made by January 18^th (call (615) 532-0437 or e-mail ), and the hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the 21^st at 671 Phillips Hollow Road, Westmoreland, Tennessee. Bring your bottled water, a couple snacks, a camera, and a healthy appreciation for all that Tennessee does to protect the wilderness around us.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Buried in the heart of downtown Nashville a commercial and residential gem of a neighborhood breathes life back into the once notorious reputation of Jefferson Street and its surrounding area. A relatively small neighborhood, Germantown is an epic example of faith, determination, and urban revitalization in the face of imminent disaster and economic downturn.

Originally dubbed “Germantown” due to its prominent population of German immigrants and descendants, WWI began a spiral of downward developments for the close-knit community as anti-German sentiments caused residents to flee into the anonymity of the city. In the 1960’s commercial growth and Interstate systems looked to be the death of the historical neighborhood as many of the homes constructed in the mid to late 1800’s stood empty and dilapidated. Finally, in 1979 Germantown was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and renewal began in earnest.

Homes dating back as early as 1830 have been lovingly restored and protected, requiring zoning board approval, keeping the historical ambiance alive and well in the 18 square blocks. Several independently owned restaurants grace the streets, including Monell’s, a Southern Style restaurant located in a home dating back to 1880. Sporting communal tables this is a perfect example of that world famous “Southern Charm.” The Mad Platter also perches on the corner of Sixth Avenue North, a twenty year testament to perseverance and the power of fantastic food.

A Walking Tour, Pooch Parade, and Annual Oktoberfest are just a few examples of the activities that draw crowds from all over Nashville to these once again beautiful streets. So whether its home-cooked fare, family owned businesses or a varied representation of historical architecture lovingly restored to its former splendor Germantown is a perfect place to visit, live, and tell your friends about.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

It’s the first weekend of the month, the first weekend of the New Year, and time for the First Saturday Art Crawl. A budget friendly foray into the arts that occurs the first Saturday of every month, the First Saturday Art Crawl offers a chance to view local art galleries, artists, sculptures and installments free of charge. This Saturday, January 7th, a free shuttle service will loop between two stops, the Arcade (right next to Printer’s Alley) and the Tennessee Art League (808 Broadway).

Over a dozen galleries occupy the Arcade, a historical landmark in itself. Built in 1903 the Arcade was modeled after an arcade in Italy and still sports a breathtaking glass roof that spans the length of the building. The second floor of this architectural marvel is now dedicated to cubby hole art galleries showcasing some of Nashville’s own artists like Andy Anh Ha, a nationally lauded and awarded artist born and raised in Nashville, TN. His striking Asian influenced mixed media paintings are just a sampling of the stunning pieces available to view on the Art Crawl, and exhibits are rotated out on a monthly basis so you never get bored. Four other galleries, including the Rymer Gallery are also located at this stop on 5th Avenue. The second stop, The Tennessee Art League, was opened in 2005 during the revitalization of downtown, bringing three stories of local artists, sculpture, and installments to the heart of the downtown area. The third floor even offers exhibit space for “non-profit organizations, after-school programs and other community outreach projects.”

All galleries have their doors open from 6:00pm till 9:00pm, with the shuttle service running until 10:00pm. All entry to the participating galleries is free, the shuttle is free, and the wine, cookies and spiced rum punch is free (though tips and donations are appreciated). Remember, the First Saturday Art Crawl takes place the first Saturday of every month, and the opportunity to experience the cultural enrichment available to residents and tourists alike in the heart of downtown Nashville, although free, is priceless.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere will be hosting its Annual 5K run January 21, 2012. The “Zoo Run Run” course winds through 200 acres of exhibits, open grass fields, and the historic Grassmere Plantation grounds. Pre-registration is available now until January 20^th, at $37.00 for Zoo members and $40.00 per non-member.

Closing to the public at 1p.m. on January 21^st, check-in and late registration begins at 1:30 and the race begins at 3:00. “Race” might not be applicable to all participants, so feel free to bundle the kids up into strollers or wagons and walk, waddle, or trot along the concrete paths, letting those mysterious elephant footprints guide the way. This is the perfect opportunity to witness those exotic animals in the winter months, learn about hibernation patterns, and figure out how the Nashville Zoo keeps everyone happy and warm year round!

Costumes portraying your favorite animals are encouraged and awarded so be sure to dress warmly, gather up the family and come to Grassmere on January 21^st to support your local zoo. All proceeds from this event will go directly to The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, which has big things in the works! An interactive Dinosaur exhibit opens March 16th, so watch your step for dinosaurs exploring their new homes. Dinner is provided to participants of “Zoo Run Run” and the costume awards ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

“Buying or selling a home is the largest, most important financial transaction people experience in their lifetime.” The thought of selling a home strikes fear in the hearts of most homeowners, with visions of vinegar soaked cleaning rags, last minute showings, and storage units haunting every waking hour. Once the (potential) horror of getting your house ready for the market is completed… you realize you have to find a new one! So what is the best way to circumvent these problems and allow you a less stressful listing, selling, and relocating experience? Enlisting the help of a veteran real-estate agent, such as Susan Gregory of Bob Parks Realty can make a world of difference.

Susan Gregory has been a full time real estate agent for over 16 years. She joined forces with Bob Parks Realty in 2000 and has been in the Top 3 out of 600 agents at Bob Parks Realty for volume sold every year she has been with the company. Featured consistently among the Top 25 Realtors of Middle Tennessee in The Nashville Business Journal, she also graces the glossy pages of the Business Leader Who’s Who Magazine in the Fall/Winter 2011/2012 issue.

A winning smile and an impressive array of awards aren’t the only thing Susan has to offer. Her dedication to her clients often sends her far away from her Nashville selling zone, and she is happy to do it. “I specialize in the Nashville area and surrounding counties but will and have travelled much farther for the needs of my clients.” This selfless drive to provide the best for her clients is clearly reflected in the words of her comfortably settled clientele.

Mary and Frank Kirkpatrick say, “Susan Gregory impressed us with how she presented herself to us. I cannot imagine a better real estate agent/relocation specialist. She gave generously of her time, and was diligent in working with us to find the right house.”

Whether you are leaving the Nashville area, or choosing an area in Middle Tennessee for the first time, Susan Gregory with Bob Parks Realty “(Provides) unmatched real estate representation for any situation.” She states she enjoys “helping people get out of their current situations. I like to help people move on with their lives.” No matter what phase of your life you are currently in, or about to start, you must have a roof over your head. A professionally recognized, awarded, goal oriented real estate agent like Susan Gregory of Bob Parks Realty is a perfect place to start.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Every wish begins with a dream. And every dream has the potential of coming true.

Erin Garcia, of LaVergne, TN had one wish: to go to Disney without the stares and watchful eyes of curious strangers. Nine year old Erin has pulmonary hypertension and has to wear an oxygen mask 22 to 23 hours a day, eliciting the constant stares and whispers everywhere she goes. Bob Parks Realty partnered with the Make A Wish Foundation and sent Erin, A Make A Wish Ambassador during the Season of Wishes, to a magical place specifically designed for children just like Erin, “where there aren't any stares from people and everyone is accepted for who they are.” They stayed in the “Give Kids the World Village.”

In Kissimmee, Florida a very special man has spent his life working towards providing wish fulfillment for children that might not live long enough to see their wishes, their dreams, come true. Henri Landwirth, born in Belgium in 1927, managed to survive WWII and the Nazi death camps with his twin sister. Making their way across the ocean, arriving in America with $20 in his pocket and a dream Henri joined the Army, used his GI benefits to attend school for Hotel Management and launched himself an incredibly successful career from which he retired in 1986. A mere three years later, in 1989, the gates to “Give Kids the World Village” opened.

“Give Kids the World” was founded by Henri Landwirth in order to give children, just like Erin Garcia the opportunity to live out their wishes before the opportunity was taken from them. Working with the Make A Wish foundation, the “Give Kids the World Village” is located in Kissimmee, FL right around the corner from Disney. This very special place allows children with degenerative or malignant diseases to enjoy the magic and wonder of Disney without having to be subjected to the stares, the worries, or the stresses that might otherwise overwhelm the experience. Over 112,000 families have stayed in this 70 acre resort.

“For a glorious five days, we had not a care beyond what we would do to enjoy our time together.” Austin’s family, Ohio

The Make A Wish Foundation hosts the Season of Wishes in order to stimulate individuals and corporations in this season of giving to remember those that might not have many holidays left. A child’s wish might cost upwards of $7,000 each, but every single contribution gives another child, just like Erin Garcia, the opportunity to realize their dream, and forget for a few days the pain and trauma and feel, for a moment, just like any other child.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Neighborhoods all across middle Tennessee are ablaze with holiday light displays, festooned with poinsettias and decked with decorated pine trees. However, if your house is on the market perhaps “ablaze” and “festooned” might not be adjectives you want potential home buyers to use to describe your property. You want people to feel comfortable and energized, complacent and eager, willing to move and at home all at the same time. This is actually not as hard as it seems.

Studies show a mix of Christmas music and Christmas scents, such as pine or fresh baked goods, actually “has been shown to boost people’s attitudes in retail stores and increase their likelihood of wanting to visit them.” If that works for a store, imagine how well it would work for a potential home.

Adding touches of the traditional red Christmas décor is also a good move. The warm color palettes, primarily red, are colors that make people feel energized. A subconscious feeling of excitement is a fantastic thing in a potential buyer. Don’t go overboard on the decorations though. A good rule of thumb is for every decoration you put out, put one thing away. This alleviates clutter, which stresses the eyes and distracts from the home’s true potential. “If it is ‘cute,’ it stays packed,” says Joanne O’Donnell, president and CEO of Chic Home Interiors. Not everyone agrees on “cute” and the snowman made of seven year old macaroni might not be as appealing as you think it is.

The holidays provide an opportunity to decorate the outside of the home during a time of year that generally proves difficult to showcase curb appeal. Evergreen wreaths, poinsettias, and bows offer color and definition that is lacking when your natural greenery is slumbering. Battery operated candles in the windows immediately define the natural light sources and provide a welcoming look. But remember, too many lights outside can overwhelm a buyer at night, as well as provide unsightly tangles of wires, extension cords and timers if they drive past during the day.

This time of year is about family, friends, and home. If someone is coming into your house during these months to view it you have the perfect opportunity to show them just how loving and welcoming this house truly was. Remember all the reasons you stayed as long as you did, and pass those along to the potential buyers with heartfelt touches and holiday cheer. That feeling when you first walk in the door of a new home can’t be packaged… but maybe it can be bought. Make an offer!

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

December 9, 2011 is opening night for Nashville’s Nutcracker, an original interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Ballet which was first performed in 1892. Nashville’s Nutcracker has been gracing the holiday halls of TPAC since 2008 when Paul Vasterling’s interpretation of the classic ballet was debuted. In Vasterling’s twist on the classic ballet which is based on Alexandre Dumas’ “The Tale of the Nutcracker” written in 1845, the characters attend the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It is here that Clara is bought The Nutcracker, the central figure of the story, by her Godfather.

The Tennessee Centennial of 1897 celebrated 100 years of Statehood and unveiled the Parthenon, a full scale replica of the Parthenon in ancient Greece, which centered around a 42 foot statue of Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, war and the arts. During the Centennial celebration of 1897 over 1.8 million people attended the six month long tribute to Tennessee’s Statehood, and it is in the midst of these revels that Nashville’s Nutcracker takes place. Featuring local historical figureheads such as President Andrew Jackson and Vanderbilt University Chancellor James Kirkland this specialized rendition of the classic ballet lends a historian’s touch to a childhood Christmastime story. Over 200 children, actors and actresses from the Nashville area will brighten the stage as the Nashville Ballet brings Dumas’ tale of Sugarplum Fairies and Nutcracker Princes to life in our very own backyard as the Nashville Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s score each night.

Running from December 9, 2011 to December 16, 2011 at TPAC, Nashville’s Nutcracker provides yet another Tennessee tradition to share with your family. A Victorian style winter carnival will be located outside TPAC for preshow activities and 30 minutes before each show time in the Tier Level Lobby there will be a special story time event for any interested young audience members that will help them to understand the story of the ballet. A list of special details to look for during the show will be provided to help make the experience all the more magical.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

Christmas is best reflected in the joy seen in a child’s eyes when they open the presents left under the tree on Christmas morning. The sheer pleasure of that moment is often enough to get families through months of hardship and strife. In 1979 Majors Charles and Shirley White realized the number of families that couldn't offer that to their children were staggering, and decided to help while stationed in Lynchburg, Virginia. Working with the local mall the White’s organized a program where a Christmas tree was festooned with greeting cards bearing the names and needs of children in the area that otherwise would not have presents to open at Christmastime. These cards bore the likeness of angels… and The Angel Tree program was born.

When the White’s were transferred to Nashville in 1982 WSM radio, which airs the Grand Ole Opry, became the first co-sponsor in the US. Soon national exposure followed and the Angel Tree became a widely recognized and supported Christmas charity. Now the Salvation Army partners with corporations, radio stations and department stores in order to provide more and more children and seniors with no family the Christmas joy they deserve. JCPenney even has online registration for Angels, where you can pick your own “Angel” and if you complete your shopping with JCPenney they will deliver the gifts to the Salvation Army free of charge. Kroger has also gotten into the giving spirit with their Food Angel program. At many Kroger locations you can simply grab a tag off the tree and they will scan it at the register. $25.00 will be added to your total purchase and $25.00 worth of groceries will be purchased for a family in need.

The Salvation Army has also recognized the growing numbers of Angels that aren’t adopted and have done their best to accommodate every single child or senior in need by forming the Forgotten Angels Program. This is a store of basic gifts, categorized by age groups, that covers the needs of an Angel even if they weren’t specifically adopted.

Corporate sponsorship has become crucial in this economy and Bob Parks Realty has done its part to help ensure that the Angels in our area are not forgotten. This year, we had outstanding participation by our Brentwood agents, adopting a total of 40 Angels from the Cool Springs Galleria location.

The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of the giving spirit associated with Christmas, the numerous Santa's accompanied by their bells and red kettles have become ushers to the season. The Angel Tree is just a more specific way you can make sure your donation goes directly to a person in need this holiday season, and provide yourself with the joy that accompanies giving.

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney