2023 Summer Events
Middle Tennessee is a vibrant region that truly comes alive during the summer months, offering a plethora of exciting events and activities that cater to all interests. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From the lively festivals that fill the air with infectious melodies to the mouthwatering culinary celebrations that showcase the region's diverse flavors, Middle Tennessee is a haven for those seeking a memorable summer experience. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Nashville, savoring delicious barbecue at a local cookout, or enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, the summer events in Middle Tennessee promise endless fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
CMA Fest | June 8-11th
Whether you’re coming to CMA Fest in Nashville for the first or the 50th time, have the ultimate country music fan experience at this year's 50th CMA fest. Learn more.
Porter Fea Market | June 16-17
Porter Flea Summer Market will be a two day indoor marketplace at the Nashville Fairgrounds on Friday, June 16th from 6-9pm for our ticketed Preview Market and Saturday, June 17th from 10am - 5pm for our Main Market. Learn more.
Nashville Pride | June
Join the the biggest LGBTQIA+ community in Tennessee for Nashville pride month, with events happening throughout June. Learn more.
Let Freedom Sing
Downtown Nashville will once again light up in 2023 with the one of the largest fireworks show in the country with pyrotechnics synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. Enjoy live performances from Brad Paisley, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy, and more. Learn more.
Music City Brewer's Fest | July 14
Sample approximately 50 breweries and over 100 beverages and enjoy live music, a DJ, yard games, and support Operation Stand Down! Learn more.
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth | July 21-22
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth was started in 1991 and honors Franklin's own Grand Ole Opry stars, Sam and Kirk McGee. This festival is put on and operated by old time musicians and dancers. It's their love for the music and its preservation that make this festival special and a not-to-be-missed event every year. Learn more.
Music City Grand Prix | August 4-6
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to Nashville with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. For three days, the streets of downtown come alive with the sounds of music, food, and racing, all spun into an experience you just have to be here to feel. Learn more.
Tomato Art Fest | August 11-12
Tomato Art Fest has been uniting fruits and vegetables since 2003/2004. The annual festival attracts people from all over with fun-themed art, local music, delicious food, costumes, wacky contests, shopping, kids activities, & more. Learn more.
Wilson County Fair | August 17-26
Experience agriculture, livestock, food, pageants, exhibits, rides, and endless musical performances during 10 days of incredible fun for the entire family at the Wilson County Fair. Learn more.
To discover more events, click here.
2023 Spring Events
Spring is right around the corner, fill your calendar with the season's most enticing events!
Cheekwood in Bloom
There’s no place more beautiful than Cheekwood in the spring as more than 150,000 blooming bulbs spill from our gardens creating a color experience you won’t forget. Snowdrops, crocus, hyacinths, daffodils, magnolias, redbuds, and dogwoods are also in on the act, putting on an unforgettable show as warmer weather and longer days arrive in Nashville. With five weekends of family activities, adult workshops and programs, entertainment and plenty of natural inspiration, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the change of seasons. Learn more.
Daylight Savings
Spring forward March 12th as we enter daylight savings! Enjoy longer evenings and more sunshine as we head into spring.
Tin Pan South
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) announces additional details for its 31st Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank. Taking place Tuesday, March 28, through Saturday, April 1, 2023, the famous Nashville staple will takeover ten stages across Music City in many of the most popular and hottest venues! Locations include: 3rd & Lindsley, Analog at Hutton Hotel (stage presented by Musicnotes), The Bluebird Cafe, Commodore Grille, Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole (stage presented by Tennessee Entertainment Commission), Hard Rock Café Nashville, The Lounge at City Winery (stage presented by Recording Academy Songwriters & Composers Wing), The Listening Room Cafe (stage presented by Visit Music City), Live Oak, and at The Vinyl Lounge (stage presented by Nashville Scene).
Tin Pan South is one of Nashville’s most revered and highly anticipated events of the year and the 2023 festival will be no exception! Each venue will host early and late rounds throughout the week, showcasing hundreds of songwriters from Nashville, around the country, and beyond. With an array of musical talent spanning multiple genres, the entire week will be filled with a variety of unforgettable moments. Learn more.
Nashville Home Show
The Nashville Home Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.
Whether you’re joining us at the Music City Center with a specific project in mind or just looking for some inspiration, our local home professionals have you covered. With 250+ booths to explore and several unique feature displays to enjoy, this is a valuable event for all Nashville homeowners, happening April 6-8. Learn more.
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is a free-to-the-public, family-friendly celebration of Spring and Japanese culture, featuring Japanese food, music, and more. Come celebrate Saturday, April 13th. Learn more.
Main Street Festival
The Main Street Festival (April 22-23) attracts 120,000+ visitors annually to enjoy eclectic arts and crafts vendors, superb entertainment, great food & drink, and fun for the entire family right in the heart of historic downtown Franklin. This beloved annual tradition produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN is consistently listed among the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. This year's Main Street Festival will include many different art and cultural elements like collaborative public art exhibits and cultural performances including dance, spoken work, music, and performance. Learn more.
Harry Potter in Concert
Harry’s last year at Hogwarts™ is here, in part one of the epic finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ in Concert happening this May! Experience the loss and the love of this series’ finish all over again as Harry and his friends rush to face the Dark Lord Voldemort™ for the last time. With the full film set to a live performance of the score by your Nashville Symphony, the final battle for Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has never been so emotional. Learn more.
Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival
The Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival brings two days of fun-filled family-friendly entertainment to Portland, Tennessee May 12-13! The festival has been a much-loved community event for over 75 years. With free live music, entertaining festival activities, and a spectacular fireworks display this is an event not to be missed. Take the opportunity to enjoy the events, the food, the community, and the small-town feel of Portland with family and friends. Learn more.
Franklin Rodeo
The Franklin Rodeo (May 18-20) offers a lot of family fun in Franklin, Tennessee! Seven PRCA Rodeo Events Each Night – Bareback riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie Down Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. And two fun events just for kids – Mutton Bustin’ and Calf Scramble! It’s not just a rodeo, it’s the Franklin Rodeo! The “bucks” start here every night at 7:00 PM and there’s fun for all ages! From fabulous food to fashion to farm equipment, it’s much more than a rodeo! You’ll find everything from a sit down supper to strawberry shortcake at the Franklin Rodeo. Serving starts at 5:30 nightly! There’s also plenty to do at the Rodeo! Western wear and toys, pony rides, vendor shopping, Cantina cocktails and music (21+), bull riding electric style, meet Rowdy and more. Learn More.
2 Simple Tips for Setting a Perfect Valentine’s Day Table
Whether single or spoken for, it's always fun to celebrate Valentine's Day with your gals. Heed these two simple tips, and you can set the scene for an elegant affair. As told by StyleBlueprint. Tables set by Providence Interiors.
Imbibe in sweets, exchange gifts and smell the flowers, all in the name of St. Valentine. If you don’t have a Valentine, we still say embrace the holiday in all of its Hallmark-card splendor by throwing a celebration for you and your girlfriends. With a bit of expert help, we put together an elegant table setting, and you can, too, with these two floral tips.
- Filling vases of various shapes and sizes with fresh flowers helps set a tone of feminine elegance.
- Save subtlety for another day and repeat the pink hues of the floral arrangement in your drinks and desserts.
TIP #1: FILLING VASES OF VARIOUS SHAPES AND SIZES WITH FRESH FLOWERS HELPS SET A TONE OF FEMININE ELEGANCE.
“When I set my dinner party table with a collection of small vases, I do it with the anticipation that each guest will leave with a flower favor – nothing compares to the gift of flowers, especially for the holidays,” says Anna Page, owner of Rebel Hill Florist. Rebel Hill Florist artfully arranged the flowers for this table setting. Everything from the large arrangement and small vases to the individual flowers at each place setting helps set the tone.
TIP #2: SAVE SUBTLETY FOR ANOTHER DAY AND REPEAT THE PINK HUES OF THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT IN YOUR DRINKS AND DESSERTS.
We chose pink and white macarons from Little Gourmand, white and pink donuts from Five Daughters Bakery and Seersucker rosé gummy bears and cherry bombs from Olive & Sinclair for our sweets. Plan a menu that pairs with these treats, or offer festive appetizers for something savory. Either way, be sure to serve rosé (just as much for its crisp, refreshing taste as for its lovely shade of pink. By using food to add color, you can easily avoid kitschy Valentine’s Day décor.
Read the original article here.
The Food and Wine Guide to Thanksgiving
We've rounded up everything you need to pull off a feast to remember. As told by Food & Wine.
When you're preparing for Thanksgiving — the Super Bowl of food holiday meals — only the best will do. This is why we rounded up everything you need to pull off a feast to remember. With our tried-and-true recipes, chef-inspired tips, and planning suggestions, you can make an elegant Thanksgiving spread that includes the best roast turkey recipes, spectacular sides, delicious drinks and must-have gadgets. We even have clever recipe ideas to revive your leftovers the next-day.
Ready? Let's get started.
Entertaining and Planning Guides
We collected Ideas to Make Your Thanksgiving Table a Joyful Space to pull off the ultimate Thanksgiving feast and Martha Stewart shares Timeless Holiday Entertaining Tips to help you host the best party. Plus, Chefs Share Their 16 Secret Weapons for Thanksgiving Dinner with their favorite ingredients, techniques, and tools to make prepping and hosting a piece of cake.
Looking to get organized? Consider making a pre-Thanksgiving checklist with Thanksgiving Meal Planner: A Day-by-Day Guide or Anthony Bourdain's Three-Day Thanksgiving Strategy to make prepping a breeze. While you’re thinking about planning, here are 7 Thanksgiving Dishes You Should Always Make Ahead (and 5 You Should Never).
No oven? No problem. Here’s 5 Ways to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey Without an Oven.
Get Your Turkey Plan Together
We’ve compiled everything you need to know about turkey including shopping tips, where to purchase the best boutique mail-order turkeys and common mistakes home cooks make when preparing the bird. We’ve got showstopping Thanksgiving turkey recipes from classic roasting and every variation in between.
Check out these recommendations on how to roast a turkey for a crowd and how to prepare the juiciest bird including slathering your turkey in mayo inside and out! Looking to switch up your turkey game this year? Try salt-roasting or check out these tips on how to safely deep-fry your turkey. Don’t forget this great advice from Ina!
Main Course Alternatives to Turkey
We get it. Not everybody loves turkey, or some people only like dark meat. For those folks we have compiled our greatest no-turkey hits for every palate. We have alternative birds like this Buttermilk-Brined Roast Chicken and Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash. Or maybe Roasted Duck is more up your alley. If you’d like something meatier, perhaps you’d prefer a classic Honey-Baked Ham or this decadent Garlic-Butter Rib Roast. Serving pescatarians? This Salt-Baked Whole Fish with Fennel and Olives will impress your guests with its dramatic reveal. And if you’re looking to skip the usual turkey day fare and eat a lasagna instead…we’ve got you covered.
Start with Snacks
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the spread. Your guests need a place to graze while they wait for you to work your magic in the kitchen. Here are our favorite Thanksgiving appetizers and quick hors d’oeuvres to inspire you. Want to add a fresh bite to your spread? Salad is a great way to bring some balance to an otherwise heavy and rich meal.
Vegan and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
We've rounded up all the classics you would expect for your vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving spread, with some alternatives for mains, like our glorious Miznon's Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Plus, these 5 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides Will Make Your Holiday.
New to meat-free for Thanksgiving? Learn from the experts on How Vegan Chefs Think Outside the Tofurkey for Thanksgiving as well as learn how to Build a Beautiful Vegan Cheese Board (that should absolutely include this brilliant Vegan Pimiento Cheese recipe).
We're All About the Stuffing, Sides, and Vegetables
On Thanksgiving, the sides are also the main event. Go all out with these next-level sides. We also have everything from the classics like our best Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sweet potato and mashed potato recipes.
You can’t forget the starches! Look no further for every variation of stuffing and dressing recipes and don’t sleep on this secret ingredient to upgrade every stuffing. Round out your spread with cornbread and our best macaroni and cheese recipes. No Thanksgiving is complete without Parker House Rolls. Looking to simplify? Check out these 20 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes.
Don't Forget the Gravy and Cranberry Sauce
It’s all gravy with our Best-Ever Turkey Gravy and these smart tips on how to build gravy from scratch, and a few liberating gravy tips from our editor-in-chief. Or take your gravy an extra step and give your guests the royal treatment with this delicious Mushroom-and-Herb Gravy with Apple Brandy, which starts with 3 cups of turkey jus.
For some people, cranberries are the real star of the Thanksgiving spread. We have every type of cranberry recipe from our best fresh cranberry recipes, plus tips on how to upgrade canned cranberry sauce.
Our Favorite Pies and Other Desserts to Finish the Meal
During our Thanksgiving dinner, we give thanks for the abundance of fun and tasty recipes for Our 31 Best Thanksgiving Desserts and Thanksgiving Pies. Want to take the work out of it? Two Pastry Geniuses Have Your Thanksgiving Desserts All Figured Out.
We can all agree that Thanksgiving Is the Best Pie Holiday. With these Thanksgiving Pie Recipes to Suit Every Taste and Preference, you can mix and match eight pie crusts and fillings to customize your dessert.
Not a pie person? Here are 9 Best Holiday Desserts to Make Instead of Pie, According to Top Pastry Chefs
In a time crunch? Our 17 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts are perfect for Thanksgiving preppers. For those with specific tastes, we’ve got Easy Chocolate Desserts, 21 Quick and Easy Apple Desserts, and 13 Pumpkin Dessert Recipes to Make This Fall.
What to Drink with Thanksgiving Dinner
While we absolutely approve of you having A Very Sommelier Thanksgiving with The Best Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner or The Best Wines to Go With Turkey, we think these Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails will also help make the occasion much more memorable – and allow you to show off your bartending skills. So, take advantage of our holiday-inspired cocktail recipes that taste like fall.
We’ve got drinks for all with 7 Low-Alcohol Drinks That Are Perfect for Thanksgiving and 10 Ciders to Pair with Thanksgiving Dinner. And better yet, these Hot Cocktails Are Like Heating Lamps for the Soul and would make the perfect companion for your holiday spread.
Here's What to Do with Your Leftovers
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Ideas Are Even Better Than the Next-Day Sandwich with Candied Sweet Potato Pancakes and Creamy Mashed Potato Soup with Dashi. Better yet, our Thanksgiving Leftovers Nachos combine all of your leftovers goodness with deliciously gooey monterey jack cheese for an epic post-holiday treat.
Still have even more turkey leftover? Look at our favorite Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes to Try from Buffalo Turkey Hand Pies pies to Turkey "Carnitas" with Green Mojo, your Thanksgiving 2.0 can be repurposed into all different kinds of meals.
We’ve got you covered with ways to repurpose all of your Thanksgiving leftovers through 10 Ways to Use Leftover Pie Dough, 5 Ways to Use Leftover Roasted Potatoes, and Our Best Leftover Bread Recipes.
These Tools and Gadgets Make it Easy
We’ve gathered some of the best Thanksgiving tools that have the Food & Wine seal of approval that can help you to make meal prep a bit simpler. From basting to baking, we’ve found the perfect tool.
Take the hassle out of Thanksgiving cooking with 10 KitchenAid Tools That Are Perfect for Thanksgiving Prep and 17 Editor-Approved Holiday Cooking Tools You Can Buy on Amazon.
With the Best Meat Thermometers to Buy Right Now, The 7 Best Kitchen Tongs of 2022 and The 9 Best Vegetable Peelers for 2022, your Thanksgiving prep will be a breeze. Also, make sure to check out the Best Nonstick Cookware Sets, Based On Our Tests to perfect all of your sides and fixings.
Read the original article here.
Discover Middle Tennessee's Can't-Miss Winter Events
Nothing compares to the beauty of winter in Middle Tennessee. Discover the area's best events, from twinkling holiday lights to grand theatre performances, you won't want to miss.
Cheekwood Holiday Lights
2022 Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood features elegant and creative light displays along a one-mile walking path that sets the gardens aglow. With sparkling interactive features, s’mores and bar stations, and a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the bedecked historic mansion, Holiday LIGHTS is the ideal, memory-making experience for visitors of all ages. November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023 | 5 – 10 PM.
ZOOLUMINATION | Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
See the Zoo in a whole new light! Visit the country's largest Chinese lantern festival featuring colorful scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns. November 18th - January 9th from 5:00 - 9:00pm
37th Annual Dickens of a Christmas 2022
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN’s 37th Annual Dickens of a Christmas is historic Downtown Franklin’s annual Victorian-themed outdoor street festival. Dickens of a Christmas recreates 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. December 10th and 11th, 2022.
New Year's Eve Live | Nashville's Big Bash
Spend the last night of the year in Nashville with hours of live music, fireworks, and the signature midnight Music Note Drop. Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, and Zac Brown Band will headline the FREE main stage event at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. December 31st, 2022.
Nashville Boat Show
Come see spectacular boats from far and wide at the Nashville Boat Show, held January 5th - 8th 2023.
Les Miserables
Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES. This brilliant new staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. January 10th - 15th 2023.
Antiques & Garden Show
Enjoy three days of antiques, gardens and events benefiting Cheekwood & ECON Charities at the Antiquest & Garden Show, featuring Aerin Lauder, Alice Naylor-Leyland, Thom Filicia and Mary McDonald, and more. February 3rd - 5th, 2023.
Nashville Wine Auction | Pairings Event 2023
Nashville Wine Auction engages local and world wine communities to produce wine related events which raise money to fight cancer. Increased appreciation of wine through Nashville Wine Auction results in an influential charitable organization of importance to its constituents and beneficiaries. The Nashville Wine Auction unites the wine community through world-class fundraising events that fund the fight against cancer. The events are lively, fun and educational, fostering an environment of spontaneous and generous giving by those who love and appreciate wine. February 23rd - 25th, 2023.
Hot Chocolate Run
Join the sweetest movement that has taken over the racing world. The Hot Chocolate Run is headed to Nashville on February 25th, 2023! Start and finish amongst Nashville's biggest chocolate aficionados. Train, race, and INDULGE with us all the way to the finish line. February 25th, 2023.
Fall Events in Middle Tennessee
Discover the can't-miss events happening in Middle Tennessee this fall.
Wine on the River | September 10th
Travel the world without leaving Nashville! Join us on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 from 3pm-7pm as we travel through different regions spanning the globe. Sample wine, beer, and spirits specific to those regions and taste culturally themed menus that will be available for purchase. Take a break from your travels and enjoy the soothing sounds of live music. Wine on the River Nashville will be making its way back home to Riverfront Park! Wine On the River is a rain or shine event and no refunds will be given. Buy tickets here.
Cheekwood Harvest | September 17th - October 30th
Celebrate all things fall during Cheekwood Harvest. The changing of the leaves are one of many garden highlights you’ll find as oaks, maples, dogwoods, and other trees greet you with their fall colors. Activities and experiences designed for kids, adults and families alike, make this six-week celebration the perfect time visit Cheekwood. Buy tickets here.
Fall Tennessee Craft Fair | October 7th - 9th
The 44th Annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair returns to the Great Lawn in Nashville’s iconic Centennial Park! Join us by the Parthenon for this FREE, family-friendly event. Learn more.
Light the Nations | October 15th
The 6th annual Light the Nations in West Nashville highlights the up-and-coming area by featuring local businesses, art, vendors, food trucks, and fantastic live entertainment. Learn more.
Nashville Greek Festival | October 21st -23rd
The Nashville Greek Festival offers a rich, multi-sensory experience of Greek hospitality and culture. Savory cuisine, soulful music, lively dancing, and educational tours transform the church grounds at 4905 Franklin Pike into a three-day glendi. Come experience our heritage for yourself and be a part of this year's Nashville Greek Festival.
Pumpkinfest | October 29th
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 37th Annual PumpkinFest is Middle Tennessee’s largest family Fall festival that returns on Saturday, October 29, 2022. With more than 70,000 people in attendance in 2021, the festival stretches along Main Street and its side avenues in downtown Franklin and offers tons of festive fun for people of all ages! Join us for a full day of autumn-inspired food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families, and outstanding arts & crafts – featuring seasonal and specialty gift items.
Daylight Savings | November 6th
Fall back an hour Sunday, November 6th.
Christmas Village | November 11th - 13th
Christmas Village is one of the oldest charitable events in Nashville, supported and run entirely by volunteers from the Nashville Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club. Approximately 250 merchants and 30,000 shoppers from all over the United States participate in this prestigious consumer show. A variety of unique seasonal and gift items are offered, including- toys for all ages, clothing for children and adults, jewelry, home decor, food items, pottery, collectibles, and unusual pieces for the “person who has everything.” Learn more.
The Boulevard Bolt | November 24th
The Boulevard Bolt, organized by volunteers, is a collaborative effort of Immanuel Baptist Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church and The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom in Nashville. Since 1994, the Boulevard Bolt has grown from 2,500 participants to over 7,500 participants. Today, the Boulevard Bolt ranks among the largest 5-mile races in the country. More importantly, we have donated $4,103,300 to the homeless community in Nashville. Register here.
The Kentucky Wildlands: Hidden Gem of the South
The Kentucky Wildlands is a wide-open playground waiting to be explored. Spanning 14,000 square miles of beautiful wilderness across 41 counties of eastern and southern Kentucky, it’s largely “undiscovered” — in the true essence of the overused word. An easy drive from major cities in Kentucky, the Midwest, and the Southeast, a visit to these hidden gems is like unearthing a magical natural wonderland void of crowds and development. As told by Style Blueprint.
Ancient forests, waterfalls galore, and crystal-clear lakes offer outdoor lovers innumerable ways to play — from hiking and biking to sailing and scuba diving. While coal mining defined eastern and southern Kentucky for generations, a major shift has happened in recent years to invest in sustainable eco-tourism and protect the area’s extraordinary natural assets. Here are a few of the many reasons you should head to The Kentucky Wildlands this fall and beyond.
Weird & Noteworthy Natural Phenomena
The Kentucky Wildlands is home to the resplendent Red River Gorge (“The Red” to locals!). This canyon system boasts more than 600 miles of hiking trails, world-class rock climbing, 100 natural sandstone arches, dozens of waterfalls, and giant natural bridges.
It’s also home to “The Grand Canyon of the South,” a 1,000-foot-deep gorge carved through the heart of Pine Mountain, and it’s the only place in Kentucky with class-five rapids for some truly thrilling rafting.
Cumberland Falls (called “Niagara of the South”) is a picturesque waterfall along The Sheltowee Trace Trail. It has the Western Hemisphere’s only regularly occurring moonbow, a rare white lunar rainbow that appears during or at the end of a full moon. In fact, it’s one of only two places in the world where moonbows occur regularly.
“Leaf Peeping” Without The Crowds
Fall colors sweep across The Kentucky Wildlands from late September throughout October. The best part? The crowds are slim, so you can stop, walk, and snap photos at your leisure. If you love expansive vistas that show off every possible color of autumn, head to the overlooks at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Red River Gorge, Cumberland Gap, and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
If you prefer that up-close-and-personal leaf peeping, hike through The Daniel Boone National Forest: 708,000 acres of federally protected forest land filled with oak, poplar, maple, and beech trees.
Read the original article here.
Summer in Middle Tennessee
It sure feels like summer here in Middle Tennessee! This new season brings us music festivals, 4th of July fun and state fairs. Check out these great events happening this summer in our area.
Summer Events
CMA Fest
One of the biggest events for country music, the CMA Fest is happening again this year from June 9th to the 12th. This year’s lineup includes Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, and many more. Shows take place at various spots in downtown Nashville.
Porter Flea Summer
Get some shopping done at the Porter Flea Market! Porter Flea Summer is an indoor marketplace at the Nashville Fairground happening from June 10th to June 11th. From jewelry to art to clothing and more, there will be hundreds of vendors to choose from!
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Next up for music festivals this summer is Bonaroo! This one in Manchester features a diverse lineup of artists, which this year includes Stevie Nicks, J. Cole, The Chicks, 21 Savage, Machine Gun Kelly and many more. In addition to music there are activities to enjoy such as yoga and painting.
Nashville Pride Festival
This year, the Nashville Pride Festival will be taking place on June 25 through the 26th at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The event includes a pride parade, live music, hundreds of vendors, face painting, art installations and more!
Let Freedom Sing!
4th of July is a big deal in Music City, especially with the Let Freedom Sing! event in downtown Nashville. Enjoy a family fun zone, live music, and spectacular fireworks.
Music City Brewer’s Fest
Grab a beer at the Music City Brewer’s Fest! Taking place at the Walk of Fame Park on July 23rd, this event has over 100 different beers to try. There will also be live music, yard games, fire dancers, aerial acrobats and more.
Red, White & Zoo
The annual Red, White & Zoo is happening on July 29th this year. Stroll through the Nashville Zoo as you sample 30+ wines from around the world. There are also food trucks, live music, and of course, animal viewings.
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
Get those engines ready! Brought to you by IndyCar, the Music City Grand Prix is three days of racing throughout downtown Nashville, happening on August 5th through the 7th. Spectators can also enjoy live music and food trucks.
Tomato Art Fest
Taking place in East Nashville’s Five Points, the Tomato Art Fest has been a popular event since it started in 2004. Happening on August 12th and 13th this year, expect to find tomato-themed art, local music, costumes, fun contests, shopping, and more.
Wilson County Fair/TN State Fair
There’s so much to see and do at the Wilson County Fair/Tennessee State Fair it’s a good thing it goes on for 10 days! From August 18th to the 27th the fair will be at Wilson County Fairgrounds at the James E. Ward Agriculture Center in Lebanon. There will be rides, tractor pulls, pageants, parades, food, entertainment, and so much more.
Mark your calendars for these fun events this summer!
Spring in Middle Tennessee
Spring is around the corner and it’s always a beautiful time here in Middle Tennessee. There’s plenty to do around town to celebrate the new season! Check out these great events happening this spring.
Spring Events
Cheekwood in Bloom | March 12 – April 10
Cheekwood in Bloom is always a great introduction to spring, and this year is the 10th anniversary celebration! Take a stroll through the 250,000+ tulips, daffodils and other spring flowers that will be blooming. Additionally, there will be live performances, family activities, workshops and more. Get tickets HERE.
Tin Pan South | March 29 – April 2
The 30th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is taking place March 29th through April 2nd at various venues throughout Music City. There will be a total of 64 shows featuring hundreds of songwriters. Locations include The Bluebird Café, City Winery, 3rd and Lindsley, and more. Buy tickets HERE.
Nashville Fashion Week | April 5 – April 9
Nashville Fashion Week is an annual celebration of the city’s thriving fashion community. It showcases local, regional and national designers and also provides educational workshops. Tickets benefit Nashville Fashion Forward Fund, which “gives an annual award to advance the career of select local talent with demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field.” See more information about this year’s event HERE.
Franklin Main Street Festival | April 23 – April 24
Take a stroll through historic Downtown Franklin for Franklin’s Main Street Festival. This event is consistently ranked one of the top events in the Southeast, according to the Southeast Tourism Society. Enjoy over 150 craft vendors, food and beverage options, games, pet activities, and more. See additional information about the event HERE.
Nashville Earth Day | April 23
Celebrate our planet on April 23rd at Centennial Park! This event brings together the community to inspire positive environmental change while also supporting sustainable businesses and nonprofits. Enjoy educational activities, live music, kids activities, and food from local vendors. See more information HERE.
Spring Tennessee Craft Fair | May 6 – May 8
Also taking place at Centennial Park is the Spring Tennessee Craft Fair on May 6th through May 8th. Shop and support unique crafts from lots of different artists. Plus you'll have the chance to learn more about what inspired them! Find more information HERE.
Iroquois Steeplechase | May 14
The Iroquois Steeplechase began in May 1941 and has been a tradition ever since. The event now attracts more than 25,000 people to Percy Warner Park to watch the best of the best race. Plus there are activities for all ages, from games to tailgating to hat contests. Get tickets HERE.
Fun fact: the race is named “Iroquois” after the first American-bred horse to win the English Derby!
Franklin Rodeo | May 19 – May 21
The Franklin Rodeo is back and ready for fun! Expect to see a variety of rodeo events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more. Additionally, there are pony rides, vendors to shop, music, and electric bull riding. See more information about the event HERE.
Mark your calendars for these fun spring events in Middle Tennessee!