The Nashville Mom

March 2, 2022 / Dawn's Latest

5 Years of Celebrating at Draper James

This year, I’m celebrating 5 years of The Nashville Mom! Draper James has been such a special place for many celebrations and gatherings over the years! We launched the blog and podcast there with all the SWAG BAGS, hosted a singer songwriter night to kick off CMA FEST, Mother’s Day events, book signings and so many girls nights! When tornadoes devastated Nashville, we joined forces @draperjames with a diaper drive and packed children’s care packages for hundreds of children! I’ve made so many friends through our events there! And of course, meeting Reese Witherspoon was a highlight too! Stop by this sweet shop in 12th South- you can grab a copy of my book there also!
You can check out my DJ favorites here. Now for a stroll down memory lane.

February 26, 2022 / Recipes

Homemade Granola

After our delicious breakfast at RT Lodge, I was reminded of a homemade granola recipe a friend shared with me years ago! It’s one of our favorites to add to yogurt, with fruit and a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup almonds
1/3 cup pecans
1/3 cup dried cherry infused cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Line baking sheet with parchment paper
In a large bowl, toss the oats with cinnamon and salt
In a medium bowl, stir together the oil, honey, brown sugar and vanilla. Whisk until completely combined
Pour the honey mixture over the oats mixture and use your hands to combine them. Mix until all of the oats are combined with honey mixture.
Pour mixture onto baking sheet. Spread out evenly but leave a few clumps here and there for texture.
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the granola over. Sprinkle almonds over and return to oven.
Bake for 5 minutes and flip granola. Sprinkle the pecans over the granola and return to oven.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven. Let cool completely. Sprinkle the cherries over the granola.
Transfer to airtight container. The granola will keep for one week.

February 24, 2022 / RT Lodge, Travel

RT Lodge

RT Lodge, located in Maryville, TN is the coziest getaway! Seth and I were thrilled to sneak away for the night to enjoy this relaxing retreat. Big thanks to our friends, the Johnsons for letting our kids sleepover.

This historic property in a peaceful setting made us feel like we were in the mountains as it was surrounded by woods and walking trails. We enjoyed exploring the Maryville College campus which is within walking distance.

From the outdoor stone fireplace, koi pond and blooming flowers, there was so much beauty everywhere we turned. It’s also a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains and Knoxville.

Of course, we were happy to be able to bring Gus along on our trip as the Lodge is pet-friendly.

We were all big fans of napping in our quiet and comfortable room!

The lodges were full of unique antiques and artwork, it felt like we were perusing a gallery. This painting of RT Lodge was one of my favorites.

The Restaurant at RT Lodge exceeded every expectation! Every detail is thoughtfully crafted by the chef including homemade bread, sauces and the most delicious meal!

This peanut topped salad was so fresh and flavorful.

We were stuffed but couldn’t pass up their dessert menu! We opted for the sticky toffee pudding topped with lemon ricotta ice cream! Let me just say, we cleaned the pan!

After our amazing meal, we waddled back to our room and watched old movies, while it stormed outside!

As if our first day at RT Lodge wasn’t perfect enough, we indulged in the complimentary breakfast bar with homemade granola topped with fruit and honey, eggs, toast and bacon.

After breakfast, we took one last stroll around the property before the short drive back to Nashville.

We truly loved our stay at RT Lodge and already dreaming of another visit! Definitely add this tranquil destination to your travel list.

February 8, 2022 / Travel

Spring Break Destination Ideas

Is anyone else already dreaming of spring and spring break? If you’re considering traveling this spring, here are a few of my favorite destinations.

Barnsley Resort: This resort is one of our family’s favorites! Only about 3.5 hours from Nashville, it’s an easy driveable destination. We love the outdoor trails, onsite dining and nightly fire pits! *Bonus: It’s pet friendly!

Owensboro, Kentucky: Owensboro has an amazing playground downtown on the river front! LC and I did a trip there last summer and had the best time! We stayed at Hampton Inn Suites on the Riverfront, which is within walking distance to restaurants, shops, Bluegrass Hall of Fame and the Science Museum (which was only $5) Only 2.5 hours from Nasville, you could make this a day trip also. Read about our trip here.

Tiny House Village: Located in Tracy City, Time Well Wasted is the cutest tiny house! Tucked in the woods, this tiny home boasts a 400 sq. foot screened in porch with a dining area with seating for 6, lounge area, fire pit, outdoor grill, games and more! Check it out here.

Greenville, SC: {My hometown} My hometown is so cute and very family-friendly! Stroll through Falls Park with a waterfall in the middle of downtown, grab ice cream at Spill the Beans, see the animals at The Greenville Zoo and play at Cleveland Park and explore the Children’s Museum! Greenville has so many awesome restaurants and shops downtown! A few hotel suggestions are Aloft, Hampton Inn and Suites on the river, The Westin. *Stop by Brick Street Cafe for a piece of sweet potato cake.

Beaufort, SC: This charming coastal town would be a sweet getaway! Read about my recent trip here. Also, add the Kazoo Museum to your list!

**Staying around Nashville and looking for daytrip options?

Visit the Sundrop Shoppe in Tullahoma

Book a storybook staycation at Fairytale Venue

Take a road trip to Memphis and visit the Memphis Zoo

Enjoy a day on the farm at Christian Way

Where are you heading for spring break?

February 7, 2022 / Beaufort, SC, Travel

Small Town Charm in Beaufort, SC

I love a small, southern town and Beaufort, SC is at the top of the list! I headed to this coastal sweet spot for a few days and fell in love! The charming downtown filled with unique shops, historic homes, views of the water and friendly people are a just a few of the reasons why!

I stayed at the stunning Anchorage 1770, which is part of the Southern Living Hotel Collection. My room was so cozy and the tub in the middle of the room made for the best bubble bath! I was greeted with freshly baked homemade chocolate chips cookies and lemon water.

I wish I could’ve stayed on this dreamy porch draped with Spanish Moss trees all day!

Guests are treated to a complimentary breakfast-I’m still thinking about these Gullah cheddar grits.

Charm around every corner in Beaufort.

After dining outside on the patio at Plum’s, I strolled through Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park! This peaceful setting has a walking path beside the water, a set of swings to relax the day away and a green space for picnicking and playing.

Downtown was full of such unique shops like The Tabby Shore, Beaufort Belle Company and Cabana 22.

I was told that I HAD to try a Sweet Tea Float at Scout Southern Market and oh my….I’m so glad that I did! I already love sweet tea but add strawberry and lemon sorbet to it and you’ve got perfection! I really wanted to go back for a second one (in one day) but decided to have a little self-control!

Downtown Beaufort reminds me of a smaller version of King Street in Charleston. The kids would love the toy store and candy shop!

If you’re looking for a new place to visit, I highly recommend Beaufort! Not only is there lots to do in town but you’re not far from Hilton Head, Fripp Island, Bluffton and a short drive from Charleston and Savannah.

Add these places to your list if you go!

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Where to Shop