Nashville is known for being Music City but there’s also so much history here! We explored one of Franklin’s Civil War homes, The Carter House!
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Gatlinburg Margaritaville Resort
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg gives you an island feel with a beautiful backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re looking for a getaway close to Nashville, Margartitaville Resort Gatlinburg makes the perfect family excursion.
Friendly staff, luxurious seating, a “porch” swing and even a parrot are waiting to welcome you to Margaritaville’s oasis.
The Resort has everything you need onsite from coffee and treats at Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions, specialty concoctions at License to Chill Bar or walk a short distance over to LandShark Bar and Grill. Dining and drink service are also available poolside. A gift shop is available to pick up a few souvenirs. And don’t worry, for those of you who like to workout on vacation, there’s a fitness center!
Our family felt right at home in our comfortable room with a balcony overlooking the river and pool. Thank goodness for Keurig Coffee Makers in each room as our children still like to get up early on vacation!
The resort pool and waterslide were a huge hit, especially with live music and frozen drinks available!
Not only does the resort have an outdoor pool with waterslide but a separate kid’s splash area.
Jimmy’s Hideaway is a quaint cabin that is part of the resort. This space would make the perfect spot for an anniversary trip, honeymoon or girl’s weekend!
I wanted to move into this beautifully decorated suite that has a private patio on the creek and a tub you’d want to soak in for hours.
If you need an extra dose of relaxation, you can make an appointment or two at the full-service St. Somewhere Spa.
The spa offers massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, waxing, spray tan, hair cut and color services, and more!
Even though you may not want to leave the resort, it is in walkable distance to the heart of Gatlinburg’s shops, restaurants and other attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta Outdoor Adventures, and Dollywood is just a short drive.
There’s just something about mountain air! We had the best time at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg! We cannot wait to plan another trip back!
Friday Favorites: Nashville Experiences
Nashville looks good on everyone! There’s something here for everyone to enjoy! I’m sharing a few of my favorite Nashville experiences today!
Walk Eat Nashville was founded by former journalist, Karen Lee-Ryan. You can choose between tours in East Nashville, Midtown, Downtown, Sobro as well as take a tour featuring the food from Nashville Eats cookbook! Not only will you get to experience cuisine from some of the best Nashville eateries, you will also have the opportunity to hear from restaurants owners, chefs and become more knowledgeable on Nashville history.
Franklin was home to the 1864 Battle of Franklin resulting in many soldier casualties. Take this family-friendly tour to explore the ghosts and haunts that linger on the brick-lined streets and historic homes in Franklin.
Even those who don’t play golf will enjoy TopGolf! TopGolf Nashville has over 100 climate controlled hitting bays, makes for a fun family night out! You can also eat dinner there or catch a concert in their venue. TopGolf Nashville also offers private lessons for adults and children, as well as birthday parties and camps.
For the crafters! AR Workshop is a boutique DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom, charming home decor. You select the project you’d like to do, they prepare the materials and walk you through the process. Go solo or round up a group of girlfriends, not only will you have a fun night but you’ll be home a piece of art for your home!
If you like goats and you like yoga, you’ll love GOAT YOGA! It’s a fun way to get outside, relax with yoga and play with sweet goats at the same time!
Nashville Sports
Nashville has your sports covered: Nashville Soccer Club, Nashville Sounds, Tennessee Titans, Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, Nashville Predators
Natchez Glen Farm is one of the largest gardens in the United States growing over five thousand dahlias, hundreds of roses, and rare trees from around the world.
Ice Cream Making and Baking Classes
Learn the art of making homemade ice-cream and other tasty treats like brownie cups with East Leigh Desserts. She does offer kid-friendly options!
Pour your own custom candles at The Candle Bar. You and your friends will get to choose your favorite vessels and fragrances before learning step by step the process of the candle pouring process. You will also receive 20% off retail products in the store.
There is always something beautiful to see at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens from the art museum, outdoor train display, unique exhibits, Thursday nights with music and food trucks, pumpkins, gardens and of course the lights at Christmas! This is a Nashville experience you can’t miss!
Nashville Weekend Happenings: July 27-29
There’s only a few weeks of summer left! Get out and make the most of them!
Tennessee Titans Training Camp-FREE
- When: Thursday, July 26th through Sunday, July 29th (The dates also go through Aug. 16th)
- Where: Saint Thomas Sports Park (460 Great Circle Road, Nashville)
- What: Bring the kids out to watch the Titans prepare for the upcoming NFL season! There will be opportunities to meet some of the players and get autographs.
- When: Friday, July 27th from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Arrington Vineyards
- What: Dough Box and Simply Living Life will be onsite as well as live music! Bring a blanket, some games and enjoy a beautiful night at the vineyard!
- When: Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July 28th
- Where: Downtown Square, Franklin
- What: Enjoy bluegrass music, fiddling competitions, dancing, crafts, food and more!
- When: Friday, July 27th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Nashville Zoo
- What: Join the Nashville Zoo for the fourth annual wine tasting event. Experience the Zoo’s exotic habitats while enjoying wine from around the world. *This is an adults-only evening fundraiser, guests under age 21 are not permitted. There will also be live music, animal encounters and food for purchase.
- When: Saturday, July 28th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Where: Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
- What: Join the fun at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and explore nature during summer! There will be prizes too! Read more about Shelby Bottoms Nature Center here.
- When: Saturday, July 28th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Nashville Ballet, 2620 Redmon Street Nashville
- What: Complimentary dance classes and learn choreography from Dizzy Feet Foundation. Nashville Ballet offers classes in adult contemporary and youth musical theater during this special day.
Natchez Glen Flower Farm
Natchez Glen in Franklin, TN is one of the largest gardens in the United States with five thousand dahlias, hundreds of roses and unique trees from all over the world.
The farm has recently opened reservations for guests to come and be able to have freshly cut blooms from the garden. The reservations are very limited to allow the best for the flowers.
Upon arrival, the owner who has spent time learning about flowers all over the country, will give you a tour of the gardens.
Each guest receives a bucket and is able to select up to 25 blooms to be cut.
You can make reservations here. They update the reservations often. Follow them on Instagram to stay posted on future events. They are planning some dinners in the garden this fall.
My loot! These flowers are filling up my house and I love it!
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
Less than 4 miles from the bright lights and honky tonk sounds of Broadway is Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway! The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is an environmental education and recreation facility of the Nashville Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation.
If you’re looking to get outside and explore with your kiddos (or pups) in tow, The Nature Center and Greenway are the perfect place for you! The Nature Center has more than 950 acres of Shelby Bottoms Greenway to explore and 336 acres in the adjacent Shelby Park, which has a golf course and baseball fields. Nashville B-Cycle station allows visitors to rent a bike to enjoy cruising on the Greenways and bike lanes.
Shelby Bottoms offers free public nature and environmental education programs, school field trips, outdoor recreation programs, volunteer opportunities, and hosts many special activities for people of all ages.
The facilities include the nature center which houses history exhibits, art, photography, and a library with field ID guides, as well as children’s books. There are also many areas and trails for children to play including a nature slide, playground and nature exploration area.
There are many paths to choose from to walk, run or ride bikes. On our bike ride, we saw baby bunnies, beautiful butterflies and a SNAKE!
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center hosts many free and inexpensive events throughout the year including a MUDDY PLAY DATE! You can find out all of their upcoming programs here.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. The Nature Center is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m. Shelby Bottoms is a treasure in East Nashville!