Introduction For Lyndie’s “Other Side of Nashville”

(By Lyndie Wenner)

***The list of Nashville spots follows this introduction***

I remember seeing Porter Wagner and Dolly Parton, “Hee Haw” and Barbara Mandrell’s show on TV–that was all I knew of Nashville growing up in a Philadelphia suburb.  Between 1979-1981, I was fresh out of school and living and working in the A&R department at Capitol Records in New York City.  I met my first Nashvillian, Lynn Schultz from Capitol/Nashville, along with recording artist Juice Newton and producer Richard Landis.  A Nashville artist on our parent label EMI, Kim Carnes also breezed through the office with a new single “Betty Davis Eyes,” and I was particularly excited to meet the man behind the voice of the song “Take Me To The River”–Delbert McClinton.

In ’81 I moved to Los Angeles and almost immediately went to work as a temp for publicist Lee Solters’ company Solters/Roskin/Friedman, assisting a young and very musically hip junior publicist Mitch Schneider.  Nashville appeared in my life again as Dolly Parton was Lee’s client.  I remember riding down the elevator with her one day as she came from her manager’s office a few floors up in the same building on Sunset Blvd. She was the only person who was nice enough to say hello to me when I walked on the elevator.  Everyone else was busy being too important and too cool. Not Dolly.  She gave me a big smile and said “Hi, welcome aboard!”

Between 1990 and 1994, I worked with celebrity photographer/commercial and film director Norman Seeff to create a full retrospective book of his works from 1969 through the present time.  During the 70’s and 80’s a well-known Nashville art director by the name of Virginia Team (Team Design) flew Seeff in and out of Nashville to photograph the cream of the crop of Country music–from Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson to Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, the Judds and many more.  While working on the book, I reached out to artists, their managers and record labels and heard first-hand the stories about the photo sessions, the locations, what and where the artists were recording or touring, and what was going on in their lives at that time.  So began my creative and intimate relationship with Music City/Nashville and the people who made it tick. Little did I know then that I would be making the move to Nashville so quickly in ‘94 upon completion of that project.  Fate was preparing me for the next chapter of my life–Nashville.

I rode into Nashville from LA June 6^th of ’94. I’d visited a friend in Nashville two years prior, staying exclusively in Franklin,TN (20 miles south of Nashville) in a large old home next to a Civil War battlefield – the home having served as a hospital–with a charming yet rustic log cabin as the guest house. My husband Mark, son Dauz and I found a house in a lovely and convenient neighborhood in Green Hills, just 10 minutes from anywhere. The music biz operated out of older 1930’s style houses on a few streets tied together making up Music Row; the streets started with one name then changed to another name, confusing newcomers like me. Every corner appeared to have a church on it; you couldn’t buy wine at a grocery store (only beer), and  its many universities and hospitals, higher education and healthcare employed a majority of the remaining population that didn’t sing, write songs and/or play a guitar.

Upon moving here in the very hot-and-humid summer of ’94 with  country/bluegrass, classic 80’s rock, and gospel music pretty much dominating the airwaves, there was a very limited selection of ethnic restaurants and multi-cultural events. I began to search out on my own time for that “other side of Nashville.”  When you work in a particular field, it’s nice to stretch outside your everyday boundaries and experience the many things that a city “on the move” such as Nashville has to offer.  “You could barely find romaine lettuce in the grocery stores in the 80’s, all they had was “iceberg,” said a music colleague. Today’s Nashville has an extensive variety of ethnic restaurants, multi-genre music, venues, and clubs, expanding urban chic neighborhoods and living spaces on every corner of the city, sports stadiums, arenas, museums, live events and festivals attracting film, art, food, and music critiques from around the globe.  And now the city has its own TV show to boot, “Nashville.”  I love the progression.  But what I really enjoy exploring and sharing is the wide spectrum of long forgotten or ignored historical landmarks, views, longtime local fare as well as  the  “bubbling under” sites, sounds and tastes of this new “It” city– Nashville.

“Let me share the ride!”

Lyndie

LYNDIE WENNER’S OTHER SIDE OF NASHVILLE

The Garden Brunch Cafe
924 Jefferson Street
Nashville, TN 37208
615-891-1217
www.gardenbrunchcafe.com

HELLO NEW LOVE RELATIONSHIP WITH BREAKFAST!  Located just on the fringe of  the Germantown section of downtown Nashville “The Garden Brunch Cafe”  at 924 Jefferson Street near the corner of Rosa Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street (next door to Popeye’s Fried Chicken) is only open Fri, Sat. and Sun. from 9 am – 2pm.  They do not take reservations.  The structure is a 180 year old house.  Each room is decorated with interesting art and furniture that give the restaurant a homey and soul-filled vibe.  Now let’s chat about the food!!!  No red meat here.  All sausage, bacon, ham is TURKEY!  But you will never know it.  The “Broadway” eggs benedict did not disappoint me!  There was not a crumb left.  Also the red velvet pancakes with their special honey glazed syrup drizzled on top were like no other pancakes I’d ever tasted.  Oh, and can we discuss the Bananas Foster pancakes topped with whipped cream, syrup, and walnuts?  Yikes!!!!  Now then…. there is no liquor license here BUT they do serve Saki and Champaigne therefore be sure to taste the Sunset, the Classic Mamosa, and/or the Bloody Mary’s disguisingly made with either of those ingredients.  Husband and wife team Carl and Jennifer (the Exec. Chef) have created a foodies breakfast nirvana!  Thank God!

 
Cheekwood Museum of Art and Botanical Gardens
www.Cheekwood.org
1200 Forrest Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 356-8000

Turn off your cell phone and down shift before your spa visit (below) at my #1 favorite hangout in Nashville: The Zen garden at Cheekwood. Cheekwood Gardens was once the elegant home of the Cheek family. The fifty-five acre site includes the original Cheek gardens, with pools, fountains, statuary, extensive boxwood plantings and breathtaking views of the rolling Tennessee hills.

 
Visitors will discover a Japanese garden, an herb garden, two perennial gardens, a color garden, water garden, and an award-winning wildflower garden. Each garden has a special purpose presenting a particular group of plants or garden style.

Cheekwood’s Museum of Art is housed in a 30,000-square foot Georgian-style mansion. Feast your left-brain on world-class collections of American and contemporary painting and sculpture, English and American decorative arts and traveling exhibitions.

 
Escape Day Spa & Salon
6000 Hwy 100 @ Spaces
Nashville, TN  37205
615.352.3545
www.escapespaces.com
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 8:00pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Lose track of reality as you drive past mansions that put Beverly Hills to shame.  You are on your way to that place inside where you will connect with yourself again, in a special timeless space. Relax, reflect and revitalize with your escape spa experience…balance and rejuvenate.

Lane Car Museum
http://lanemotormuseum.org
 

Drive yourself crazy with desire for one of these vehicles as you experience Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee featuring the largest collection of European vehicles in the United States. Approximately 150 cars and motorcycles not typically seen in the U.S. are on display in this former 132,000 square foot bakery. The majority of the vehicles were built in the 1950s through 1970s although they have some as old as the 1920s.

 
Doyle & Debbie Show at The Station Inn
http://doyleanddebbie.com
 

Laughter IS the best medicine, and The Doyle and Debbie Show is sublime parody, simultaneously lampooning and idolizing country music’s tradition of iconic duos and their subsequent battle of the sexes.  Doyle and Debbie have developed a rabid cult following in Nashville, many of whom have seen the show over a dozen times—everyone from theater-going professionals to college students who wouldn’t be caught dead in a theater or a country bar. Check their website for show dates and times.

Union Station
105 2^nd Ave. North
Nashville, TN 37201
www.unionstationhotelnashville.com

All aboard!  It’s martini time at Nashville’s Union Station–a former railroad terminal opened in 1900 to serve the passenger operations of the eight railroads then providing a passenger service to Nashville.

Located in the main terminal area of the now Westin historical hotel is the stylish Prime 108 Lounge, where you can indulge on signature martinis, premium cocktails and an extensive wine selection while admiring the 1920’s interior design and architecture at it’s finest.

 
Hours: 11:00am -11:00pm (Monday-Saturday), 11:00am-10:00pm (Sunday)

Belcourt Theatre
2102 Belcourt Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212
http://www.belcourt.org

Lights, camera, action! The Belcourt Theatre is a unique Nashville treasure with a vibrant historic past. The Belcourt is dedicated to presenting the best of independent, documentary, world, repertoire and classic cinema. Located in the heart of Hillsboro Village. Showing movies 365 days a year, the Belcourt is Nashville’s choice for the best foreign, independent and classic films, great musical performances, and cutting-edge live theatre.

Nashville Jazz Workshop
1319 Adams Street
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 242-5299
http://www.nashvillejazz.org

Raw, soulful, and to the core. Bring your own wine and food basket to this dark jazzy basement vibe located in an old foundry building just a few blocks north of downtown. This is the community center for jazz, with classes, public performances, and special events. The Nashville Jazz Workshop is a non-profit organization supporting jazz musicians, jazz fans, and the jazz community.  You will not be disappointed!

Eddie’s Hardware and Gas Station
Highway 70 South (A few miles before Tip-A-Canoe) Peagram, TN
Sink your teeth into one of their fried bologna sandwiches.  To die for!

Tip-A-Canoe
279 Hwy 70  Kingston Springs, TN 37082
(615) 646-7124
 
Channel your inner Native American and rent a canoe and kayak along the Trail of Tears and the beautiful Harpeth River near Nashville.  You’ll feel the energy of the spirits as you float downstream into mental bliss.

The Arcade
244 5th Ave. N
Nashville, TN 37246
 

This is a hidden gem and so much cooler than the suburban malls and touristy places around here. This is a cool 100-year-old funky shopping center that features lots of small retail stores and food choices.

My personal food fave in The Arcade is:

Greek Touch (Everything is very fresh including the mixed greens, veggies, sheep’s cheese and peppers.  The Gyro beef/lamb mixture is not shaved, but is very tasty.  It goes well with the rice and the Tzatziki sauce. (Yum….I’m going right now!)

Other recommendations:
The Peanut Shop (a favorite after lunch snacking destination)
The Post Office (amazing Art Deco design!)
Philips Deli (a great, quick lunch)
House of Pizza (no need for the Sbarro down the street)
Brandon’s Bar and Grill (in the alley off the Arcade–classic old Nashville)

Also, on the first Saturday of each month, stop in for “Art at the Arcade” where you can visit the galleries on the top floor.
 
Downtown Views:

Navigation system required!!!

1. Fern Avenue on Katie Hill | Northview with unobstructed views of East Nashville, Titan’s Stadium, The Capitol Building, Germantown and West End.
2. 33rd Avenue North in Nevada Heights | Westview with some obstructed views of downtown buildings, Centennial Park and West End.
3. Rolling Mill Hill at Hermitage Avenue & Middleton | Southview with in-your-face views of Titans Stadium, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Bridgestone Arena, and all the downtown buildings
4. 5th&Main | Eastview with views of Titans Stadium, Metro Courthouse, Cumberland River and Germantown.

Funky Boutique Shopping:

1. Hillsboro Village: 21st Avenue South between Wedgewood and Fairfax. Includes numerous local cafes, furniture shops, clothing boutiques and salons
2. Edgehill Village: 1201 Villa Place within walking distance to Music Row. Includes several salons, nick-knack shops and salons
3. Five Points: Where Woodland, S 11th St and S 10th St meet in Historic East End | Includes tons of bars, several local restaurants, a vinyl shop, art gallery, wine bar, bike shop and vintage hardware.

I Dream Of Weenie
1108 Woodland Street in East Nashville’s Five Points area
I want a great hotdog!!!
(they are served out of a 1970s VW van, too!)
Gigi’s Cupcakes
http://gigiscupcakesusa.com
1816 Broadway Suite A, Nashville
You scream I scream we all scream for icing!!! (you will love me for this!)

Manuel Couture
1922 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 321-5444
 

Often referred to as the “Rhinestone Rembrandt,” Manuel was responsible for making Johnny Cash the man in black. He crafted Elvis’ signature gold lamé suit. He fashioned the garments Bob Dylan wore when performing for the Pope. He has dressed all three Hank Williams. And if this is not enough to bring him a legendary status in music history, why he even helped our own Mitch Schneider, President of MSO PR pick out an amazing black jacket there in 2012. Perfect red carpet attire don’t you think?

Historic Downtown Franklin
20 minutes south of downtown Nashville
 
Complete with a picture perfect town-square, several cafes, antiques, very hip boutiques, restaurants, pubs, tea shop and more.

JJ’s Wine Bar
206 E. Main Street
Franklin, TN  37064
http://www.jjswinebar.com

How It Works:

• Start a tab, get a JJ’s card at the hostess station
• Insert card into wine station.  KEEP CARD IN SLOT
• Hold glass under spout (this step’s important!)
• Select wine & push button for desired size & price
• Remove card after pouring is complete. Cheers!

Franklin Antique Mall
251 2^nd Ave. South
Franklin, TN 37064
www.franklinantiquemall.com
 

A set designer’s fantasy is located in historic downtown Franklin, TN offering old treasures, unique furniture and accessories, memorabilia and collectibles.

Factory at Franklin
230 Franklin Road
Franklin, TN 37064
615-791-1777
www.factoryatfranklin.com
 

Art Art Everywhere! Shopping, dining, and entertainment complex housed in 1929 buildings belonging to the National Register of Historic Places. Especially like the restaurant and bar Saffire.  Say hi to Bob the ever so authentic piano player Thursdays and Fridays. Tell’m MSO sent cha!

And if that’s not your speed, go ahead a paint a boring coffee cup or bowl at the pottery painting place across the hall.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, boring can be good. Really?

Village of Leiper’s Fork
http://www.visitleipersfork.com
Located just south of Nashville.
 

When life gets hectic or too mundane this little village is fully equipped with porches and rocking chairs, TN sunsets and everything else between high art and home cookin. ‘

Every Friday June 10^th – August 26^th enjoy free movies outside under the stars at the Lawnchair Theatre.  Movies start at dusk.  (must bring your own lawn chairs)

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