By: Lindsey Joe

It’s Burger Week in Nashville and I could not be more excited!  Even health nuts love the finer food things in life and just like everyone else, we struggle with ordering the perfect patty that will satisfy our tastebuds and not leave us feeling guilty about enjoy it.  So, in my quest to strike the best balance between health and happiness, I have 5 tips to help you order a healthier burger when eating out. 

Keep it simple. Gourmet burgers might be all the buzz, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping it old school when it comes to your burger toppings.  The truth is, piling on all those extras can add quite a few fat grams to your meal -- 1 ounce of cheddar cheese (9g of fat), 1 thick slice of bacon (5g of fat), 1 ounce of aioli sauce (22g of fat). Instead, opt for condiments like mustard and salsa which add a lot of flavor without all the fat. Or even, ask for sauces on the side so you can control how much makes it onto your patty. 

Be picky about your patty. You can’t always count on restaurant burgers to be lean.  Consider trying a grass-fed, bison, turkey, or veggie patty for a lower-calorie option.
 

Photo by: @SliderHouse featuring "Skinny Jean" 

Savor something smaller. Whether it’s a slider, “minis” or even halfsies with a friend, you can avoid feeling stuffed after by ordering something smaller when going out for burgers. 

Pack on the produce. A lot of times these add-ons don’t cost anything extra so order up your favorite veggies (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mushrooms) and/or fruit for major flavor and an additional serving of produce in your day. 


Photo by: @FarmBurger 

Get a better bun.  When available, order your burger on a whole wheat bun.  It’ll actually add some nutrition to your meal.  

And no pressure to make all of these requests when ordering out.  The most important thing is to not be afraid to ask for what you want.  As they say, ask and you shall receive. 

Happy burger week-ing! 

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LINDSEY JOE, RDN, LDN
Lindsey is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Nashville, TN.  She graduated from the Dietetic Internship program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and prior to this, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  She is a weight management expert, meal planning master, and TN Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nashville Media spokesperson.  Lindsey is passionate about helping people ignite the healthy that makes them happy and you can follow all her food-filled adventures at @themealplanningmethod!

Interested in writing a blog post for us? Please email info@thenashvillguide.com.

By: Lindsey Manson

Nashville has become a major hotspot for anyone looking for fun and adventure. In my opinion, they are just missing one of the best areas Metro Nashville has to offer. Just a short drive south of Nashville is Franklin, TN and it has consistently won over the hearts of tourists and residents alike. Between the amazing restaurants, family-friendly atmosphere, mix of old and new, and small town feel, the city of Franklin will leave you wanting to come back for more.

For residents, Franklin is a very desirable place to live. The highly ranked schools, gorgeous homes, endless entertainment, and close proximity to Nashville keep people here for years. Working in real estate, we have clients from all over the country (and world!) wanting to relocate to Franklin. 

So whether you’re just visiting or live in Metro Nashville, Franklin is definitely worth a visit. Here are some hotspots you can’t miss in this great city. 


Photos: @visitfranklintn

Leiper’s Fork
The beautiful and charming village of Leiper’s Fork is one of the true beauties of Williamson County. With a perfect mixture of vintage and modern, Leiper’s Fork attracts crowds all over to its boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. 

Driving through Leiper’s Fork is an attraction in itself! The rolling hills offer quite a few Instagram-worthy pictures! Many celebrities call Leiper’s Fork home including Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and many more.

When you visit Leiper’s Fork, be sure to eat at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, take a picture at the Dukes of Hazzard car, and visit the beautiful art galleries. Leiper’s Fork also has several events and festivals throughout the year so check the events calendar before you go.

Photos: @visitfranklintn

Historic Downtown Franklin
Known for, “America’s Favorite Main Street,” historic downtown Franklin is a must-see when you’re in Franklin. Main Street is a picturesque walk with many unique shops and restaurants to visit. You can even catch a movie or a show at The Franklin Theatre!

One of the most fun and exciting parts of Downtown Franklin are the festivals that happen throughout the year. If you time your visit just right you can attend festivals like Pumpkinfest, Dickens of a Christmas, The Main Street Festival, and many more.

If you’re looking for an evening of amazing food and live music, Gray’s on Main is your spot. Stop by the local coffeehouse, Frothy Monkey, for an afternoon pick-me-up or enjoy brunch with friends. If you’re planning a special night out with your significant other, Cork and Cow is where you want to be with delicious steaks and wine.

You seriously cannot go wrong with any restaurant in Downtown Franklin. Find all the restaurants in Downtown Franklin HERE! My personal favorite is Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant on 4^th Avenue South. Between the barbeque, atmosphere, and live music, it’s a winner in my book!

Photos: @thefactoryatfranklin

Factory at Franklin
Just a few streets over from Main Street is another gem of the city, the Factory at Franklin. Come here any time of the week and you’ll be impressed. Saturday mornings you can visit the Franklin Farmer’s Market where you’ll find local produce, meats, dairy, and sweets. This is the place to be on Saturday mornings!

Several Nashville favorites have made their way to the Factory as well. Mafiaoza’s just recently opened a location at the Factory. Jeni’s Ice Cream, Five Daughter’s Bakery, and Honest Coffee Roasters all have locations inside the Factory.

The Factory also hosts a wide range of events like concerts, festivals, and expos. What I love most about the Factory is the variety you’ll find there. Each shop, restaurant, and event has its own flare so everyone will find something they love at the Factory.

If you’re looking for a Factory original, Saffire Restaurant and Bar is your place. At Saffire you’ll find American-style food with a delicious twist. Saffire is also a great restaurant to host your own event!

I can’t leave here without mentioning Franklin’s rich Civil War history. If you’re a history buff, Carnton Plantation, Carter House, and Lotz House are definitely worth visiting. 

Whether you’re just here for the night, weekend, or plan to stay forever, Franklin is a beautiful city that will leave you with lifetime memories. Come by during your next time in Nashville or make Franklin your next destination!

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Lindsey is the Marketing Professional for the Location Nashville real estate team located in Franklin, TN. The team serves the real estate needs in Metro Nashville and specializes in Williamson County. She writes a blog with real estate advice and community events happening in the area. You can find all the properties listed for sale on the MLS on their website, LocationNashville.com. 

Interested in writing a blog post for us? Please email info@thenashvillguide.com.

By: Sammy Ochoa

I LOVE NASHVILLE! I love everything about this state. The people, the places, the sights and the sounds. I own Nashville apparel, books about Tennessee and even a Nashville snow globe and I don’t live in Tennessee nor’ do I live even relatively close. My friends think I’m crazy for loving somewhere I’ve never been and in a way maybe I am but I believe that somethings you become to love and somethings you are born to love. 

I await the day where I land in Tennessee, when I step off the plane smelling the sweet air. When I can walk down Broadway hearing bluegrass, country, and folk out of bars that line the street and maybe catch a glimpse of a country star or two (a girl can only dream.) 

If you’re like me and never been to Nashville but have a lifelong dream to go then it means you probably have a bucket list of all the things you want to see when you’re there. Down below I’ve written, ‘Top Ten Things to Do/See in Nashville.’

Photos: @stageonbroadway + @wildhorsesaloon

Walk the street of Honky Tonk Highway! 

Honestly this one is #1 and why wouldn’t it be? When you google Nashville the Honky Tonks on Broadway always come up. I tend to think of this as the heart and soul of Nashville, (and locals correct me if I’m wrong) but maybe even Tennessee. Just this street alone can take a day if you want to soak up all the History and southern charm it has it offer. With places like; Wild horse Saloon, Paradise Park Trailer Resort, and The Stage you will want to bring an empty stomach and some cash.


Photos: @opry

Experience a live show like no other at the Grand Ole Opry. 

It began as a little old radio show and now it’s a show you’ll never forget. Their purpose and drive is to honor country music and those who sing, breathe, and live it. Opry Members include artists such as; Dolly Parton, Reba Mcentire, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks Joe Diffie, Vince Gill and Little Big Town. Guest artists include: Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Love & Theft, Kip Moore, Maren Morris and Kelli Pickler. I bet every little piece of history hits you when you walk through the doors honoring the ones who came before and the ones who will take the stage that night.

Photos: @officialcmhof

Learning about country music’s finest at the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

If you’re a country music junkie (like me) and want to dig deeper into the songs, the bands, and the history of country music this place is the place for you. Having exhibits like; American Currents, (featuring artists of the now; Jason Aldean, Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Eldredge, Miranda Lambert and plenty more.) A New Music City, Sing Me Back Home and now open Tim & Faith. This place will bring you closer to country music than you ever thought possible. Not to mention this is where you can find Taylor Swift’s award winning Education Center which gives students a chance to be themselves and be creative.

Visit history at Nashville’s replica of The Parthenon!

I’m a huge fan of movies and tv shows and learning about the behind the scenes. Nashville’s Parthenon 42 feet high and is actually a very popular filming location for movies some of those including; Robert Altman’s 1975 film, Nashville, the 2010 fantasy Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and a 2000 PBS history series Greeks: Crucible of Civilization. This is a must see for me when I arrive in Nashville!

Photos: @bluebirdcafetn

Soak up the nostalgia by walking in the Blue Bird Café.

Sure, there are many places in Nashville to hear live music and maybe you’ll get lucky and see an act before their discovered and get signed to a record deal but let’s be real the Blue Bird Café is the place to go - that is if you can grab a seat. Artists like Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill and many more have been discovered in this place no wonder it’s so busy. Not to mention this is vital part of ABC now CMT’S hit show, Nashville where (like their slogan says) “Where all the performers are your favorites and all the songs are hits!”


Photos: @bridgestonearenaofficial

See a live show at none other than the Bridgestone Arena.

This is easiest the largest venue in Nashville hosting more than 13 million guests. Whether the show is watching pop artists like Ed Sheeran (October 7^th) take the stage, sing along with country band Lady Antebellum (September 9^th) or even rooting for the Nashville Predators at a game. You’ll be sure to experience something like no other.

Take a ride down Music Row.

Music is a huge part of who I am, more so country music and if there is something that’s on my list for the first day when I come to Nashville it's to take a tour down music row. It’s where Elvis (the king himself) recorded over 200 songs and where legends like Dolly Parton recorded record breaking hits.


Photos: @theryman

Go to the Mother of Church of Country Music (Aka The Ryman) 

There are many names for this place of music but a lot of people just know it as The Ryman. This place was built to be a place of Worship back in the year 1885 when two men by the names of Sam Jones and Thomas Ryman created this Union Gospel Tabernacle for the city of Nashville. Now, it’s a place for country and other artist alike to perform on the legendary stage. Whether you would rather take a guided tour or see a show you can be sure you’ll be blow away.  One of the Ryman’s longest members is Little Big Town. Their performance at the Ryman will take up a large portion of their touring plans in 2017 so grab your tickets!  

Walk on your favorite country artist’s stars on the Music City Walk of Fame! 

I’ve been to the one in Hollywood more times than I can count, I’ve seen Garth Brookes, Dolly Parton's, Brookes & Dunn but I always thought it would be a better experience to see their stars in a place where they thrived. This walk holds stars like; Reba Mcentire, Wynonna Judd, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, Elvis Presley, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and the legendary Johnny Cash. (If you don’t seem to see your favorite country star here nominate them on their website.)

Close out the trip by capturing a perfect picture of Nashville.

There are many great lookout points in Nashville, I mean the whole city is beautiful but to close in the trip I want a picture of Nashville to put in the back of my “I Love Nashville” scrapbook. I’ll be going to Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge where the Batman Building rises into the sky and the river front takes the melodies of songs down the river and where another day in Nashville is coming to a close and another day is starting. 

I’m no Nashville expert in fact you may see from reading this post I really probably only know Nashville from the things that are in the spotlight but all I know is I love this city and when I finally get to go I won’t want to leave but I do know that before I go home I will grab some biscuits from Loveless Café and be carrying back a bunch of souvenirs to California.  

By: Jessica Trower

The rain always makes the greenery around me pop. Rainy days always remind me of childhood, the grass between my toes, the breeze tickling the leaves above me. I look back now at it fondly, but there was a time when being in Tennessee was the last place I wanted to be. You may be having the same sentiments, but I am here to help change your mind. 

I was planted in Tennessee at the young age of five almost six. I kept thinking why are my parents taking me away from the only place I’d ever known and thought I loved. They’d both been back to visit and to check out the lay of the land, but I felt like I had been cheated in not knowing exactly where we were going. I remember being in the back seat of our old Chevrolet watching the towns pass by the window and wandering about this new place we were headed. 

Then we were there, transplanted into the south, talk about culture shock! I didn’t understand the accent, the customs, the way things were properly done and that even as a child, you called adults Mr. and Mrs. Followed by their last name, not their first. Being from Utah we were called northerners, which never made sense, I think it was just a way of people reminding us we weren’t from around there.  It’s hard isn’t to get used to something new, to leave behind friends and family, and everything you’re used to? I can guarantee though, talking from experience, that this place and these people can become home. How?

First things first, let people tell you their stories. I may not remember names and places, but I remember many of the stories I was told growing up. A dear family friend used to tell us of the times he played on the Grand Ole Opry. I remember his eyes used to light up, as he’d pull out his banjo and play a tune reminiscing of his younger days. 

There’s a brand new bridge on Hwy 109 leading into Gallatin, but before that new shiny bridge was put in, there was a big bulky green, two-lane bridge. I knew an older gentleman that in his teens he used to walk across the beams as they were building that bridge. When I met him, he was in his eighties but still talked about that time of his life as if it were yesterday. 

So how can you get people to tell you their story, you’re in the south, it’s not going to be that hard. One of the things I loved about living there, people would talk to you  about anything if you just give them the time to do so. Still, if you’re in school take advantage of projects to get to know the community. With your parents’ help of course, there are just too many weirdoes out there today. As long as you’re respectful and courteous people will open up to ya and you never know who you’ll meet. 

So what’s there to do for fun in this new place?

Where do I start?


Photos: @fristcenter

I think one of my favorite places is the Frist Center For the Visual Arts, back when I was younger my family and I went there a lot!  I think mainly it was because if you’re under 18 you get in free, the same is true even now. So it can be an awesome bonding experience for the whole family. Kids get in free and adults are only like $12. The art lab upstairs is where kids and adults can show their creative side.  I have many dear memories from that place, I just wish that there’d been smart phones and tablets to take pictures and memorialize those memories on social media.

Photos: @adventuresci

Another place that is family friendly and super fun is the Adventure Science Center, oh man! Even though it’s been, well let’s just say it’s been a long time since I’ve been there. Though I hear, it’s gotten even bigger and better since I was a kid! A must see for sure!

Another great memory is the heart of downtown itself. Even though it’s been through a lot, Downtown is still mesmerizing. There’s live music on every street corner, an array of different stories to be told. Don’t like country music? Well, that’s too bad, because The Country Music Hall of Fame is one place to at least visit once, it’s pretty epic.  Wild Horse Saloon is pretty cool (don’t worry mom and dad) it’s also a family friendly place.  We would always take our family and friends that visited, there. Whether there’s a concert or just for dinner this place has a lot of character. I have some pretty great memories of me and daddy busting a move on the dance floor. (Again, it was a time before all this great technology to capture the moments)  

I have a cringe worthy story I want would like to share. My dad took me and my mom down to a little studio on music row, called Studio B. Why do I cringe? Well when you’re young, a little dinky room stuffed with people is not your idea of fun. What I didn’t know, or seem to really care about is the history of this place. Now I’m sure that the locals and people that know what Studio B was are just shaking their heads.  In case you don’t know Studio B is where it all happened, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, the list could go on.  Though you can still see Studio B, it’s now more accessible to people. So I guess what I’m trying to say is take advantage of Nashville’s rich Heritage , of it’s rich musical heritage , where every person you meet has a story to share. Don’t be afraid to stop and listen. I can’t emphasize that enough!

Mom, dad, are you taking notes?  

Make this new place come alive for your kids. There’s so much more to offer in Nashville then just the few things I shared. And not only Nashville there’s the small towns that are the jewel of the south, with their town squares, mile long yard sales , antique stores , and so much more. 

Whew! It’s been fun taking a walk down memory lane of my childhood with y’all and there’s so much more I want to share, but there’s always another time for more. I would love to hear your experiences trying out some of these suggestions; see your memories being made.  Make memories with your kids even if they’re dead set against not enjoying themselves. Kids, let your parents make these memories, trust me you’ll appreciate having them in the years to come. Check my Instagram for more recent stories of visits to Nashville and my adventures where I live now.  Ya’ll come back now, ya hear!  


Photos: @generaljacksonshowboat

Oh, one more thing before I go, another childhood memory.  The General Jackson Riverboat experience. To be on the river and seeing the city pass by, it’s definitely a don’t miss making this memory kind of thing!

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Jessica Trower was raised in a little town outside of Nashville. She now resides in Southern Utah, but Tennessee will always be home. She has to visit at least once a year to keep her southern roots strong she says.  She enjoys photography, writing, and dreams of traveling one day. 

Instagram: @Butterflyskyes_26
Email: Butterflyskyes26@gmail.com

Interested in writing a blog post for us? Please email info@thenashvillguide.com.

By: Tanya Hembree

If you’re interested in Nashville or already living here you likely know someone moving or decorating their home. With a sizzling hot real estate market where escalating offers are superfluous in the greater Nashville area, the desire to create a home that has style is more than prevalent. This hot market has people scrambling to up-grade their homes in many ways. I often get asked how to create a space that has style, Nashville style.  Creating a Nashville-style home is not too difficult if you include just the right elements. Here are a few quick tips and ideas to pull off your own Nashville style with ease:

Nashville Breathes Music. Like oxygen for a body, Nashville lives and breathes music. In the same, a Nashville style home, would not be such without a little bit of music in its style. Most any Nashville style home has an element of music by way of a leaning guitar or a sheet of music framed on the wall. An element of music comes in many options and could include an instrument or two, music themed artwork, or an antique player of sorts. Incorporating guitars, music hatch print posters, or even an iconic pic of Johnny Cash (or your favorite country music star). I’ve recently procured a condo in the Gulch that had this cool Nashville vibe. I used elements of music through the artwork above the beds and also included some concert photographs of Taylor Swift and Vince Gill, both legends around town.



Cherish History. Nashville’s history runs deep from Civil War battle grounds to long time music history.  Nashville does not run short on history and neither do the finds. Add rare antiques, burnished woods, or vintage finds to any room to help create a charming vibe to compliment any music element. The Nashville flea market is a wonderful place to start! Currently a monthly event, be sure to scour the unique offerings of a plethora of vendors. Flea markets, antique stores, thrift stores, and garage sales are the best places to explore. They display great finds like old crates, classical posters, and antique furniture. Even glass bottles or old signs can really add an original feel to your space, not to mention they can often be awesome conversation starters!

Local is Where it’s At. The Nashville art scene is affluent when it comes to local artists. From Centennial Park to downtown Franklin, local art is spread wide and available regularly. Like musicians, Nashville offers an abundance of local artisans, crafting their own special pieces of art in all styles. There is so much artistic talent prevalent in this city, that you could not be more on target, than to include a featured, local art piece to create that “Nashville” look. The options are vast and can come in almost any price point.



Bring in Artisans. In addition to artists, Nashville boasts of amazing artisans. From custom furniture to custom lighting and everything in between, there is no lack of creativity. Woodworkers and furniture makers are not hard to come by. Incorporating a few bits of history and custom pieces can make any space feel like a home. Things like frames, light fixtures, and headboards are fun areas to begin exploring the perfect mix of old and new. Bringing in an Artisan or two can really create a tasteful space that has style and unique, one-of-a-kind charm. In the Gulch project mentioned earlier, I had custom lighting created by one of my favorite local artisans. They included barn wood details that perfectly complimented my other pieces for this space. In addition to that I also had the Nashville skyline featured above the sofa made by a local artisan. So even small touches of woodwork can really make a big impact.



Barn wood Baby. Although Nashville boasts of its urban vibe and industrial style, the combination of worn barn wood couldn’t speak louder when it comes to Nashville charm. The Tennessee hills and countryside are loaded with barns; worn and ready for its new purpose. The beauty of barn wood, is it’s a re-used story being told through design. Each piece carries secrets, memories, and stories that may never be heard in words. However, each piece tells its story visually with all of its worn crevices and distressed grooves. From open shelving to iron pipe framed displays, barn wood has found its way into the most charming Nashville neighborhoods. Although barn wood crosses many of the elements we’re talking about, it’s even often made into furnishings like headboards, side tables and especially dining tables. The must-have for a true Nashville styled home is a worn, barn wood dining table that’s rich in history and creates an unforgettable original feel. 

Color Says It All. When it comes to color and Nashville, the palette is wide. The aged, worn colors of years past that often emerge in old hatch print posters would certainly be the color scheme to start with. I must say though, a true Nashville style often looks more complete when claiming a more colorful color palette. However, if you have a more modern and transitional style you may consider a faded gray for your walls. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray and Requisite Gray can pull off that urban tone on tone neutral backdrop for those pops of color or faded hue.



Urban Chic. One might ask, urban chic? I know it’s almost an oxymoron, but a touch of urban really can add a bit of Nashville style. I’m not sure if it’s the old downtown buildings, beautiful architecture or the endless refurbished factories; whatever inspiration you find, that chic style of urban is derived from the heart of Nashville. From east Nashville to 12 South and everything in between the chic-ness urban and industrial can be found peering in the classiest of spaces to the grungiest of styles. Urban chic, in my interpretation of design, is a blend of beautiful fabrics, concrete, and a bit of worn identity. I know it can be an odd combination to say the least, but incorporating simply beautiful fabrics like linens and worn cottons, alongside a distressed wooden accent or a textured pillow could really pull off that urban chic Nashville look. 

However you decide to pull your Nashville look off, you’re sure to really pull it together well incorporating five to seven of these elements. As you can see some of these elements can be multi-categorized, but I think you get the jest of what it takes to bring a bit of that cool, city style to your home. Whether you’re in an apartment, renting a home, or buying, any of these will be a wonderful backdrop for a true Nashville style.

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Tanya Hembree, a California native and interior designer with a design firm located in downtown Franklin, combines interior design and purpose with what she calls Generous Living + Inspired Design. Emerging as one of Nashville's more premier designers, she has claim to several properties along the 30A coast and throughout  Middle Tennessee. Wife to pro-audio designer Dan Hembree of Crimson Audio, LLC and the mother of three thriving teens, her and her family call Franklin home. 

Website: https://tanyahembreedesign.com
Instagram: @tanyahembreedesign
Facebook: Tanya Hembree Design
Pinterest: Tanya Hembree Design

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Interested in writing a blog post for us? Please email info@thenashvillguide.com.