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The Nashville Mom

/ The Nashville Book Club

What I’m Reading over the Holidays

*This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of Harper Collins

Dear Santa all I want for Christmas is a stack of books! I have had the best time this year sharing all my book recommendations via The Nashville Book Club. I have some holiday reads to share today that are perfect for cozying up on the couch with this time of year! These selections would also make great gifts for the book lovers on your list!

My girlfriends and I love hosting book swap parties! It’s a fun way to get together and share some of your favorite books! I can’t wait to pass along these titles.

The Mother Next Door

The Mother Next Door will keep you on the edge of your seat! The Ivy Five host an infamous annual Halloween party each year. When a new mom joins their group, tensions and secrets from the past arise! I couldn’t put this one down!

Sleigh Bells Ring

Sleigh Bells Ring has all the perfect ingredients for a festive read including a holiday romance that proves all you need is a little Christmas magic. Annie McCade and Tate Sheridan have a week on the ranch where they are trying to create a holiday to remember for Annie’s niece and nephew.

The Christmas Escape

Set under the northern lights, The Christmas Escape shares a story of friendship, romance and the holiday spirit! This book will want to make you book a trip this Christmas!

Sisters of the Great War

For the historical fiction fan, Sisters of the Great War is highly recommended. Inspired by real women, this powerful novel shares the story of two American sisters who volunteers a the front during World War I. This book is a powerful story of resilience, sacrifice and the unshakeable bonds.

What books do you have on your reading list?

/ Weekend Happenings

Nashville Weekend Happenings Nov. 11-14

Hot Chocolate Stand with Faithfully Restored

  • Saturday, November 13th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Plaid Rabbit in Green Hills
  • Join us for hot chocolate, kid’s crafts, photo opportunities

Fall Fling

  • Thursday, November 11th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Dental Bliss Franklin
  • Shop local vendors, live music, chili and cornbread! Free event

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

  • November 12th through January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • With classic holiday activities like photos with Santa, engaging shows like The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas In Tennessee Dinner Show, thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars, and our all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, there is something for everyone, and you can do it all with So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Dancing Lights of Christmas

  • November 12th through January 2nd, 2022
  • James Ward Agricultural Center (945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon)
  • Family owned The Dancing Lights returns for it’s 11th consective season with Tennessee’s largest synchronized light and music show with a 2.5 mile route and over two million lights dancing to upbeat Christmas music through your car stereo. Open rain or shine and on ALL holidays. $30 per family vehicle.

The Mall at Green Hills Santa Experience

  • November 12th through December 24th
  • Mall at Green Hills
  • *Reservations suggested! Step inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall. Masks are optional during photos with Santa, but are recommended before and after your visit. Sit with Santa for your photos or remain socially-distanced Heightened cleaning protocols and hand sanitizer provided. Make your reservation here.

Bass Pro Santa

  • November 6th through December 24th
  • Bass Pro Shop (Opry Mills Mall)
  • Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland! Free photo with Santa!

Spillin’ Tea with Draper James

  • Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Hermitage Hotel
  • The limited-time tea service is in celebration of the recent partnership between The Hermitage Hotel and Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, which recently designed the new staff wardrobe. The experience includes tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries inspired by Reese Witherspoon’s cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup. Each guest also receives a glass of champagne and a commemorative keepsake menu. Tickets are $75 per person ($35 for children 10 and under) plus tax and 18% gratuity. Complementary valet is available. Space is limited

HOLIDAY GUIDE

/ Pets, Travel

Pet-Friendly Travel with Red Roof

*This post is sponsored by Babblebox on behalf of Red Roof.

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Traveling is something that our family values! We love exploring new places and making memories along the way! While sometimes it’s not possible, we enjoy traveling with our dogs as much as possible! Our Labrador, Beau is a well-traveled pup! He especially loves traveling to places near water or areas with hiking. Beau is a part of our family and we enjoy having him with us on vacations.

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Recently, we discovered that Red Roof is a pet-friendly hotel where pets stay free at most locations. Red Roof welcomes one well-behaved domestic pet (cats and dogs) per guestroom at participating Red Roof locations. You can find the hotel’s pet policy online at redroof.com or by contacting the hotel directly. 

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Red Roof is an affordable and comfortable lodging option. With 660 properties in the U.S. and internationally in Brazil and Japan, chances are there’s one where you are traveling. Red Roof’s RediClean goes above and beyond to keep the rooms clean with rigorous enhanced cleaning protocols to keep your family healthy while traveling. 

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Find Red Roof locations here and find the best deals here.

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Now, it’s time to pack your pet’s favorite treats and hit the road. What destination are you dreaming of going next?

/ NYC, Travel

Fall in NYC

NYC, oh how I love you! New York City is magical year round but there’s something special about the fall. It’s been so fun seeing my kids fall in love with one of my favorite places. We had a quick 48 hours in the city…

We dropped our luggage off and headed to Little Italy for dinner! We spent Christmas dinner there a few years ago and it’s one of the best memories! Sitting under the twinkling lights on the patio, eating pizza and spaghetti is something that makes us all happy!

We randomly found a hotel that we could use points for (Moxie) but it was in the Flower District! This was such a fun surprise-walking out on the busy sidewalks that were filled with flowers and plants!

“Maman is a gathering place, a place to feel special while still feeling at ease. And just as in any good mama’s house, you can find comfort in the form of food, drink or simply in sharing in the ambiance.” (Maman cookbook) We started our second day at Maman in Rockefeller Center! This place feels like being at a dear friend’s house, the food and coffee are a treat too!

Next up was FAO Schwarz! To be a kid in this toy store browsing and getting ideas for Christmas!

The Lego Store on 5th Avenue is amazing! The staff were super friendly and the kids enjoyed making custom mini figurines.

They were bummed the custom M&M machine was down but these two still had fun shopping at one of the sweetest spots in NYC.

I could walk around and look at the architecture and buildings as long as my tired feet would allow.

Ralph’s Coffee is a must to reenergize as you’re walking through the city!

The Little Island is such a beautiful park space constructed on the Hudson River. This 2.4-acre public park has art and music elements throughout. We grabbed lunch in the park (a charcuterie board, hot dogs and soft pretzel) and enjoy the views.

LC played “You are My Sunshine” for an audience at the Little Island.

After the Little Island, we headed across the street to walk back to our hotel via The High Line.

We walked blocks and blocks

And finally made our way to Central Park

The kids played on a big rock and that may have been one of their favorite activities in NYC.

Although having frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 probably tops the list as well!

There’s never enough time in NYC! But we soaked in as much as we could!

Where are your favorite NYC spots?!

/ Local

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Nashville

“There is a subtle magic in the falling of old leaves.” ― Avijeet Das

The leaves in TN are showing out!! Today is a great day for a Sunday drive or a hike among these gorgeous leaves! Here are a few of my favorite places to see fall foilage around Middle Tennessee.

Edwin Warner Park

@cheekwood

Radnor Lake

Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park

Natchez Trace

Narrows of the Harpeth

/ Holidays 2021

2021 Holiday Guide

Nashville Nutcracker

  • December 14th through 24th
  • TPAC
  • Nashville’s beloved tradition is back! See the Nashville Ballet’s spectacular version of The Nutcracker come to life! Use code EMERSONROSED for 15% off

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

  • November 12th through January 2, 2022
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • With classic holiday activities like photos with Santa, engaging shows like The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas In Tennessee Dinner Show, thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars, and our all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™, there is something for everyone, and you can do it all with So. Much. Christmas. at Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Cheekwood Holiday Lights

  • November 20th through January 9th, 2022 Timed-ticketed event
  • Cheekwood
  • Savor the sights and sounds of the season at Cheekwood and make lasting holiday memories with fun activities for all ages. Our enchanting Holiday LIGHTS experience is Nashville’s favorite holiday tradition, with one mile of lights glowing throughout the gardens. Santa will not be on-site during Holiday LIGHTS, but children can still get their wish lists to him. Visit the Frist Learning Center where kids can drop off their letters in a special mailbox for Jolly Ole St. Nick.

Studio Tenn Holiday Performances

  • Throughout December
  • It’s a Wonderful Life (Jamison Theater), A Christmas Carol (Franklin Theater)
  • Get in the holiday spirit with live performances of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol.

Hot Chocolate with Santa

  • Wednesday, December 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Reserve your spot)
  • Loveless Cafe
  • Please bring a new toy donation for a child in need and receive free photos with Santa. A complimentary hot chocolate bar will be available throughout the event.

Photos with Santa

  • Sunday, Dec. 4th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Anzie Blue
  • Santa is coming to Anzie Blue on December 4 (9-10AM). Need a Holiday card photo?! Get your kids/friends/family/pets ready in their Holiday outfits and bring your camera. We will have hot chocolate and cookies for the kids.

Dickens of a Christmas

  • Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th
  • Historic Downtown Franklin
  • The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 36th Annual Dickens of a Christmas is Middle Tennessee’s largest outdoor Christmas festival, returning this year from Saturday, December 11, 2021 – Sunday, December 12, 2021. The festival will recreate the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children.

Christmas at The Farm

  • Sunday, December 11th (Gates open at 5 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.)
  • Muletown Farm (6720 Old Zion Rd Columbia, TN 38401)
  • Free concert! Hot cocoa, cider, s’mores and pictures with Santa. Bring your own chairs and blankets

Dancing Lights of Christmas

  • November 12th through January 2nd, 2022
  • James Ward Agricultural Center (945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon)
  • Family owned The Dancing Lights returns for it’s 11th consective season with Tennessee’s largest synchronized light and music show with a 2.5 mile route and over two million lights dancing to upbeat Christmas music through your car stereo. Open rain or shine and on ALL holidays. $30 per family vehicle.

The Mall at Green Hills Santa Experience

  • November 12th through December 24th
  • Mall at Green Hills
  • *Reservations suggested! Step inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall. Masks are optional during photos with Santa, but are recommended before and after your visit. Sit with Santa for your photos or remain socially-distanced Heightened cleaning protocols and hand sanitizer provided. Make your reservation here.

FrankTown Festival of Lights

  • Thanksgiving Night through December 26th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Williamson County Ag Expo
  • The 3rd Annual Festival of Lights opens Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy driving through this holiday tradition that benefits local at-risk children.

Pancakes and Pictures with Santa

  • December 10th, 11th and 12th
  • Blue Barn 2710 Bristow Road, Columbia
  • Stop by the Blue Barn for a visit to Santa’s Snowshop with pancake or cookie decorating, children’s crafts, food trucks, bounce houses, a petting zoo and more. Purchase your tickets here. Benefits Kid’s Place

North Pole Express Santa Excursion Train

  • Saturdays November 20th through December 18th
  • Tennessee Central Railway Museum (220 Willow Street, Nashville)
  • Enjoy a ride on a restored classic streamlined stainless steel passenger train with Santa and his Elves! Refreshments and souvenirs also available.

Bass Pro Santa

  • November 6th through December 24th
  • Bass Pro Shop (Opry Mills Mall)
  • Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland! Free photo with Santa!

Santa at SugarDrop

  • Sunday, November 28th and Sunday, December 5th
  • Sugar Drop (574 Franklin Road, Suite 110 Brentwood, TN 37027)
  • Sugar Drop will be open Sunday, November 28th and Sunday, December 5th for this exclusive private, one-day-only event! Join Sugar Drop for a photograph and cookie decorating experience! Guests sign up for a 30-minute window. Guests will not be able to enter the store until 10 minutes prior to their scheduled time slot. Each family will have 5 minutes with Santa and Amy Connors Photography. Guests will receive digital images of their session after the event. While families are waiting, they can enjoy cookie decorating with Mrs. Clause, ornament decorating, sip on a holiday cotton candy drink, and fill out a Sugar Drop Wish List to hand to Santa! $100.00 includes the experience and photos for a family of up to 4 children. Sign up additional students for 20.00 each, a max of six people per family. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. A max of six people per family is allowed in at a time.

WinterFest at Fountains at Gateway

  • November 19th through January 3rd
  • Fountains at Gateway in Murfreesboro
  • Winterfest is back for another fun season of ice skating! Skate rentals are available or you’re able to bring your own! Check hours of operation and rates here.

Marshmallow Hikes

  • November 27th, December 23rd, 28th through 31st, January 8th and 15th
  • Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
  • Enjoy a hike in the winter woods followed by hot chocolate and marshmallows. Register here.

Bows and Ballcaps Breakfast with Santa

  • Saturday, November 27th 8:30 a.m.
  • Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club 550 Johnny Cash Parkway Hendersonville, TN 37075
  • 15th Annual Breakfast with Santa to benefit Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Guests will enjoy breakfast, visits from special guests, crafts for the kids and pictures with Santa. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for children in the hospital. Purchase your ticket here.

Drive-Thru Live Nativity

  • Friday, December 10th and Saturday, December 11th
  • 1646 Sunset Road, Brentwood
  • Enjoy a drive-thru nativity with real animals and thousands of Christmas lights.

Christmas in Brentwood

  • Sunday, December 5th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Brentwood Academy
  • Brentwood Academy is pleased to announce Christmas in Brentwood, Sunday, December 5, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This community-wide celebration featuring Christian recording artist Point of Grace will be a fun and festive way to ring in the Advent season. This free event, organized and hosted by Brentwood Academy, will feature family-friendly Christmas activities, culminating with the lighting of the Great Brentwood Academy Christmas Tree. Festivities include: Santa and Elves, Interactive Petting Zoo, Trackless Train, Bounce Houses, Christmas Arts and Crafts and Food Trucks and Coffee Bar.

A Candyland Christmas Tea

  • December 12th and 18th at 4 p.m.
  • Buchanan Log House (2910 Elm Hill Pike Nashville, TN 37214)
  • Step into a Candy Land Christmas Wonderland at Santa’s enchanting Log House! Children will find their names on the nice list and have an exclusive opportunity for a keepsake photo with Santa. A special reading of “Twas The Night Before Christmas” will be performed by Santa’s head elf as a curated selection of delicious handmade tea sandwiches and tarts will be served. Guests will also enjoy tasty scones with clotted cream and jam and the most scrumptious signature Christmas treats! The amazing food will be paired with the finest hot cocoa bombs, served in luxurious bone china tea cups to make this the most spectacular Christmas affair.

Stephens Valley Festivities

  • Various dates in December
  • Stephens Valley Neighborhood
  • Stephen’s Valley is celebrating the holidays with several events including a Festival of Trees, Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Market, Pictures with Santa and Christmas Movies in the Park!