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The Nashville Mom

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Jellystone Campground-Bostic, NC

Our dear friends, the Snipes invited us to join them at Jellystone Park at Golden Valley during Fall Break and let’s just say, we have a new favorite place! GoldenValley is located in Bostic, North Carolina-just between Asheville and Charlotte.

Jellystone is such a family friendly destination with over 600 acres including cabins, RV hook ups, glamping tents and tent sites! I’m sure it’s no surprise that we stayed in one of the cabins! We were so thankful too to have a washer and drier because we played in the rain and had to do loads of laundry since we had limited clothing.

We enjoyed exploring the campground which includes a lake with canoe/paddle boat rentals, fishing, a putt-putt course, a water park, playgrounds, a jumping pillow, gem mining, golf cart parades, planned themes and activities.

Jellystone Golden Valley has a Camp Store that had all the necessities we forgot at home! You could also purchase the gem mine kits! This was one of the kid’s favorite things!

Even though it POURED during most of our stay, it was one for the books! We canoed, endured the rain for putt-putt, grilled out, played games and the kids are already begging to go back! We even got to see Yogi Bear riding by on his golf cart!

/ Music City Partners Card, Weekend Happenings

Nashville Weekend Happenings: October 16th-19th

Middle Tennessee Pumpkin Patches

Cheekwood Harvest

  • Saturday, September 19th through Sunday, November 1st
  • Cheekwood
  • Celebrate the autumnal season at Cheekwood! You’ll find activities and experiences designed to appeal to kids, adults and families alike, making this seven-week celebration the perfect time for a peaceful solo stroll, a crisp fall family day, or an afternoon date.

Autumn Evenings on the Farm

  • Saturday, October 17th and Saturday, October 24th from 3 to 7 p.m.
  • By Faith Farm
  • Live music, food trucks, farmer’s market, farm animals, hay rides, pumpkin painting, sunflower picking. A $25 donation is suggested to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. VIP Donor Passes are available starting at $15 Passes give perks like unlimited hayrides, free pumpkins to paint and a glow tube for kids. 100% of proceeds from VIP passes support the farm’s food initiative.

Franklin Paint the Town Orange: Shop Small

  • Seasonal Books and Discounts at Landmark Booksellers | Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Seasonal books (including Christmas books) will be displayed on tables outside, and customers may receive a 15% discount! Learn more about the shop: https://www.landmarkbooksellers.com/
  • 17th Anniversary Open House at The Registry | Monday, October 12 – Saturday, October 17 | Celebrating their 17th anniversary with a week-long open house and “shop late” night on Thursday, October 15 . Learn more about the shop: http://www.theregistryfranklin.com/
  • Free Appetizer from Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe | Sunday, October 11 – Saturday, October 17 | Anyone who mentions they saw this online or on social media will receive a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree meal. Learn more about the restaurant: https://www.tazikis.com/location/franklin
  • Autumnal Treats at Landmark Booksellers | Saturday, October 24, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Customers can enjoy autumnal treats while shopping for a new favorite book.  Learn more about the shop: https://www.landmarkbooksellers.com/

Honeysuckle Hill Farm Fall Festival

  • Through November 1st (check their website for available dates as some are reserved for field trips, etc)
  • Honeysuckle Hill Farm in Cooperstown, TN
  • Country Music Corn Maze, Pumpkin Train, hillbilly pig races, pumpkin patch, kettle corn, caramel apples, zipline adventure park and much more!

Goblins and Giggles

  • Friday, September 11th through Saturday, October 31st
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • Safe fall fun is closer than you think! Opryland’s family-friendly Halloween activities and all-ages seasonal entertainment offer fall fun with peace of mind. Events have been purposely redesigned to respect social distancing and an enhanced Commitment to Clean program with activities including a jack-o-lantern walk, trick-or-treating, scavenger hunts, animal encounters and more! Book your Goblins and Giggles package here.

Lucky Ladd

  • September 19th through November 1st
  • Lucky Ladd Farms, 4374 Rocky Glade Rd. Eagleville, TN
  • Pumpkin Patch, Nashville Preds themed corn maze, apple cider, caramel popcorn, farm animals, children’s games and activities

Hermitage Ghost Tour

  • September 16th through November 8th
  • The Hermitage
  • After dark this fall, embark on a distinctly spooky voyage at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage as you explore the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light. Along the way, guides present stories of strange encounters such as the ghosts of the Battle of New Orleans and Jackson’s infamous meeting with Tennessee’s Bell Witch. Beware of eerie encounters, possibly even with President Jackson himself. Ghost Tours launch at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. from the breezeway. Tours also include a complimentary tasting from our Natchez Hills Winery tasting room. Please arrive early.

Food Truck Fridays

  • Fridays through October
  • Arrington Vineyards
  • Food Truck Fridays take place near our Pavilion every Friday from 5-8pm beginning this May through October. Featuring FREE live music along with delicious food options from Simply Living Life’s Cottage and different food trucks through the summer!

The Field at Franklin

  • This week’s showing is Spies in Disguise Friday, Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays with showings at 5:30 p.m.
  • The Field at Franklin, behind Rolling Hills Community Church (1810 Columbia Avenue, Franklin 37064)
  • Drive-In to see with your family! Suggested ticket price per car is $35 but the organizers want everyone to pay what they are able to.

Sweet Treats and Pumpkin Painting

  • Sunday, October 17th and Sunday, October 25th at 11 a.m.
  • Sweethaven (1015 Westhaven Blvd, Franklin)
  • Ceramic pumpkin painting and ice cream with fall sprinkles. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

Fall at Deer Run

  • Fall Weekends; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Sundays, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Deer Run
  • The Creekside Eatery will have many of your fall favorites — hot cider, homemade apple bread, freshly made seasonal pumpkin bread, caramel apples, and popcorn balls. Plus, stop by for lunch or dinner, snacks, beverages, specialty coffees, hot chocolate, and hand-dipped ice cream. Or order dinner to-go. Day Passes include…wagon rides, outdoor movies on Saturdays, Community Campfires, hiking trails, lighted recreation areas, cornhole tournaments, hammock heaven (bring your own or purchase in the camp store), catch and release fishing.

*Save the Date*

Join me at Kendra Scott in Green Hills with Faithfully Restored for an event benefitting Waves of Grace.

Enjoy a night out with delicious food, drinks and support West Nash Dream Center. Grab your tickets here

/ Outdoor Fun, Weekend Happenings

Nashville Weekend Happenings: October 8-11

Middle Tennessee Pumpkin Patches

Cheekwood Harvest

  • Saturday, September 19th through Sunday, November 1st
  • Cheekwood
  • Celebrate the autumnal season at Cheekwood! You’ll find activities and experiences designed to appeal to kids, adults and families alike, making this seven-week celebration the perfect time for a peaceful solo stroll, a crisp fall family day, or an afternoon date.

Franklin Paint the Town Orange: Bountiful Brews

Honeysuckle Hill Farm Fall Festival

  • Through November 1st (check their website for available dates as some are reserved for field trips, etc)
  • Honeysuckle Hill Farm in Cooperstown, TN
  • Country Music Corn Maze, Pumpkin Train, hillbilly pig races, pumpkin patch, kettle corn, caramel apples, zipline adventure park and much more!

Songwriting 101: Halloween Style

  • Saturday, October 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Online with Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Join a museum educator on Zoom to write a song as a group in this introductory workshop. Music professional Adam Ollendorff will teach the fundamentals of songwriting, including form, theme and rhyme scheme. Via chat, participants will share ideas and write an original song inspired by the season. Ollendorff has toured as a member of Kacey Musgraves’s band, and his songs have been recorded by Will Hoge and Keb’ Mo’. Recommended for ages seven and up, but all are welcome. Guardian is required to be present for children under thirteen. Takes place via Zoom. Space is limited. Registration required.Free. Registration closes at 9:00 a.m. the morning of the program.

Goblins and Giggles

  • Friday, September 11th through Saturday, October 31st
  • Gaylord Opryland
  • Safe fall fun is closer than you think! Opryland’s family-friendly Halloween activities and all-ages seasonal entertainment offer fall fun with peace of mind. Events have been purposely redesigned to respect social distancing and an enhanced Commitment to Clean program with activities including a jack-o-lantern walk, trick-or-treating, scavenger hunts, animal encounters and more! Book your Goblins and Giggles package here.

Lucky Ladd

  • September 19th through November 1st
  • Lucky Ladd Farms, 4374 Rocky Glade Rd. Eagleville, TN
  • Pumpkin Patch, Nashville Preds themed corn maze, apple cider, caramel popcorn, farm animals, children’s games and activities

Hermitage Ghost Tour

  • September 16th through November 8th
  • The Hermitage
  • After dark this fall, embark on a distinctly spooky voyage at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage as you explore the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light. Along the way, guides present stories of strange encounters such as the ghosts of the Battle of New Orleans and Jackson’s infamous meeting with Tennessee’s Bell Witch. Beware of eerie encounters, possibly even with President Jackson himself. Ghost Tours launch at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. from the breezeway. Tours also include a complimentary tasting from our Natchez Hills Winery tasting room. Please arrive early.

Food Truck Fridays

  • Fridays through October
  • Arrington Vineyards
  • Food Truck Fridays take place near our Pavilion every Friday from 5-8pm beginning this May through October. Featuring FREE live music along with delicious food options from Simply Living Life’s Cottage and different food trucks through the summer!

The Field at Franklin

  • This week’s showing is You’ve Got Mail Friday, Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays with showings at 5:30 p.m.
  • The Field at Franklin, behind Rolling Hills Community Church (1810 Columbia Avenue, Franklin 37064)
  • Drive-In to see with your family! Suggested ticket price per car is $35 but the organizers want everyone to pay what they are able to.

*Save the Date*

Join me at Kendra Scott in Green Hills with Faithfully Restored for an event benefitting Waves of Grace.

Enjoy a night out with delicious food, drinks and support West Nash Dream Center. Grab your tickets here

/ Fall Festivities, General Info

Pumpkin Patch Round Up

The weather is crisp and area farms are bringing lots of family fun with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, fall treats, hayrides and much more! I’ve rounded up as many pumpkin patches around the Middle Tennessee area. Make sure to check their websites for hours of operation, COVID precautions and if advanced online tickets are required. You can check out my Fall Guide here with info on festivals and events.

Amazin’ Acres

  • Largest U-pick pumpkin patch in Middle Tennessee, 2 corn mazes, wagon rides and more
  • 2857 Old Kentucky Road Sparta, TN 38583

Gentry’s Farm

  • Pumpkins for sale, river trail, corn maze, farm animals, children’s activities and snacks for sale
  • 1974 New Highway 96 Franklin, TN 37064 615-794-4368

Cheekwood Harvest

  • Two pumpkin houses, seasonal activities, explosion of mums and evening options are also available
  • 1200 Forrest Park Drive   Nashville, Tennessee 37205  615.356.8000  

Wilson Family Farm

  • Hayrides, corn maze, pre-picked pumpkins, cowtrain, flowers, baked goods
  • 4809 Byrd Lane College Grove, Tennessee 37046

Walden Farm

  • Purchase mums and pumpkins. Activities are closed this year
  • 8653 Rocky Fork Rd. Smyrna, TN 37167 (615) 220-2918

Shuckles Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

  • 10 acre corn maze, live shows, play areas, giant spider web, Pedal Carts, Bingo, Card Shows, FUNNEL CAKES and much more
  • 7526 Swift Road Greenbrier, TN 37073 615-699-6293

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Lucky Ladd Farms

Keller’s Country Events

  • Small pumpkin patch, hayrides, ziplines, barrel train and more
  • 542 Fire Tower Road Dickson, TN 37055

Lyon Family Farms

  • Large pumpkin patch, corn maze, wagon rides, zip lines, U-Pick Sunflowers, pillow bounce and lots more. BBQ, Pizza and other food items for sale
  • 130 Bellview Rd Taft, TN 38488

Red Cedar Farms

  • U-Pick Pumpkin patch, kids zone and fall treats
  • 2041 State Hwy 99, Chapel Hill, TN 37034

Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch

  • Pumpkins for sale, corn maze
  • 1425 TN-76, Clarksville, TN 37043

Bottom View Farm

  • Rolled hay-maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, train rides and more
  • 185 Wilkerson Lane Portland, TN 37148

Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch

  • 20th Annual Fall Season with hayrides around 100 acre farm, pick your own pumpkins, pumpkin train, super slides, pedal car track, fun boat playland, weekend bonfires and lots more! Country Kitchen is open with corn dogs, hot dogs, chicken strips, BBQ and other goodies.
  • 2900 Old Nashville Hwy, McMinnville, TN 37110

Circle P Ranch

  • Corn maze, pumpkins, food vendors. Military, Police and EMS show badge for 50% off admission
  • 563 Main Street Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

/ Charleston

48 Hours in Charleston

Cobblestone streets, pastel painted historic homes, views of the Harbor, fresh seafood are just a few of my favorite things about Charleston. We once called the Holy City home and it’s always nice to visit. A few girlfriends and I headed to the Lowcountry for a quick getaway.

We stayed in the heart of downtown Charleston at the most adorable rental, Guest House Charleston. Not only were we within walking distance to King Street’s unique shops and restaurants, but the house had everything we needed.

Guest House Charleston has several homes available to rent. Mention this post in your online inquiry for 10% off your stay booked through the end of February 2021.

You will not want to leave this quaint and beautifully decorated cottage.

Time away with friends is always good for the soul! We lounged in pajamas, drank coffee, shared lots of laughs and noshed on take out desserts from Kaminskys.

We would’ve been happy to lounge around the cottage the entire time but wanted to make the most of Charleston too! We had the best time strolling the charming streets to browse boutiques, tour the gorgeous homes on Rainbow Row and by the Battery and we beat our steps’ goals every day!

On our last night, we booked a ghost tour which was a huge disappointment. Charleston is known for its history, including many “ghosts” from the past. Sadly, we did not have the best experience with our tour guide who wasn’t familiar with many of the stories I grew up learning about. Next time, I think we will do a horse-drawn carriage tour.

Charleston is also known for it’s amazing restaurant scene. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals there from brunch, appetizers, cocktails and full course meals! Good thing we walked so much to offset all the food we consumed. Here are some of the restaurants we tried that I highly recommend.

The Darling Oyster Bar: Make sure to try their hushpuppies with honey butter

Felix had amazing cocktails and their crab cake sandwich was one of my favorite meals in town

Don’t miss Miller’s All Day Brunch especially their unicorn grits and biscuits

The highlight of the trip was renting Holy Spokes Bikes and cruising through these old spanish moss trees in Battery Park. You can rent bikes by the hour or for the day!

It was a short and sweet trip but thankful for these friendships and memories made!

Check out my Charleston Guide and other favorites here.

*We found flights with Southwest for $97 to Charleston! We brought cleaning wipes for extra precautions, wore masks and had lots of sanitizer on hand. Our flight had limited capacity and no one in the middle seats. Everything felt clean and people were being respectful of social distancing/safety measures.

/ General Info

Halloween Fun with Dollar General

Halloween is not cancelled! We are so excited to continue our fall traditions this year with lots of sweets, costumes and fun with friends! As always, Dollar General is our go-to spot for finding great deals on seasonal décor, costumes, treats, food, party supplies and much more. Make sure to download the DG app for digital coupons and savings! Each Saturday, you can save $5 off $25!

We are loving our new front porch and I couldn’t wait to decorate it for Halloween! My kids absolutely get so excited about decorating for the holidays so I couldn’t wait to show them my finds! Dollar General had an assortment of fall and Halloween products at affordable prices. These cut out spiders were only a dollar and have added so much spooky fun to our porch! I’m looking forward to cool nights with my pumpkin candle lit, snuggling with this cozy blanket and this cute “Thankful” pillow. My entire porch was decorated for under $30. You saw the right price which is why I love my DG.

Whether you’re planning to trick or treat or plan Halloween events at home, one thing that remains the same is the need for CANDY!! I stocked up on my candy stash from Dollar General. Check the app for digital coupons on Hershey’s and Reese’s.

For the past two years, these sweet friends have found matching costumes! I saw these lady bug costumes for $5 and knew the girls would love the sparkly tutus and ladybug wings!

And of course, we had to grab the makeup sets for them!

Each year, we host a little treat bag and Halloween crafts party with a few friends! The kids loved stocking their bags with these pumpkin shaped slime, stickers, spider rings, vampire teeth and of course, as much candy as they possibly could fit.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I love seeing kids in costumes, baking all things pumpkins and just having fun!

I grabbed these craft kids to have on hand during the season for the kids to enjoy some afterschool crafting! Make sure to check out the DG Crafts and Meals Made Easy ideas.

My favorite fall baked good is chocolate chip pumpkin bread! My easy recipe only requires three ingredients: spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin and chocolate chips. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, add to a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Easy and yummy!

Fall is the best time for cozy nights at home! I’m looking forward to popping some popcorn, gathering my favorite snacks and have lots of movie and game nights! I found one of my absolute favorite movies at Dollar General! Grabbing my comfiest attire and getting ready to watch it a few times!

This Halloween, we are going to make the most of the festivities! Things may look a little different but there are still lots of ways to be intentional and make memories with your families. I know before I know it, my kids will be grown and these will be some of my best memories of their childhood.

Candy-check, costumes-check, fun decor-check, crafts and baking supplies-check, …Halloween 2020, we’re ready for you! Make sure to stop by Dollar General for all of your holiday needs!