5 Things to Do in Nashville

Quick – name the elements that make a perfect glamping getaway! If they include a stay in a trendy tiny home, fabulous food, good weather and a menu of fun for everyone, then let’s go to Nashville! The trendy tiny is easy – book a glamping stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village. Settle in and get ready to explore Nashville and the surrounding attractions that make this Tennessee town a must-do destination. Here are some ideas on how to make this the ultimate getaway for fall: 

1. Changing of the Arts: If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Nashville is music, you might find it interesting to know that Nashville is home to the Frist Art Museum. What makes this museum unique is that unlike other art museums, The Frist does not have permanent collections but instead hosts rotating exhibits, so if you’ve visited before, you will most likely see something completely different. For details on hours of operation and current exhibits, visit fristartmusuem.org. 

Parthenon located in Centennial Park

2. Ancient Wonders: If your plans to visit Greece this year didn’t pan out, we have an idea. Head over to Nashville’s Centennial Park and behold their version of the Parthenon, which is actually a full-scale replica of the original that has been standing in Athens since the 5th century BC. Nashville’s Parthenon was built in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition to celebrate 100 years of statehood. In addition to marble casts, there is also a collection of American Art and the magnificent statue of Athena, the Greek Goddess to whom the original Parthenon was a shrine.  

3. Only in the South: Some uniquely Southern things in which to partake while visiting can include enjoying an Ole Smokey moonshine tasting at 6th & Peabody (https://6thandpeabody.com/); taste the inimitable fried bologna sandwich at Robert’s Western World (located on Lower Broadway); or make your own Goo Goo Cluster, the chocolate, peanut, caramel, marshmallow mix that was created in Nashville in 1912 (googoo.com).  

Kayaking in the Cumberland River

4. Outdoor Adventures: Southern summers can be muggy, and southern winters are…well, winter. Spring and fall in Nashville are mostly pleasant, so outdoor adventures are always an option when visiting here. One way to see the city is to kayak the Cumberland River and enjoy the city’s skyline (visit getyourguide.com/nashville for options); for a day trip, hiking Falls Creek Falls is another great outdoor activity to see some spectacular waterfall and for a near waterfall viewing, check out Machine Falls at Short Springs Natural Area, which is about an hour’s drive of out the city. Nashville also has a spectacular Greenways Network that has miles and miles of trails for hiking, biking, mountain biking and horseback riding. For details, visit nashville.gov/departments/parks/greenways-and-open-space/maps-and-trails. 

Ryman Auditorium

5. Bucket List: If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket list for your visit to Music City, USA, make sure to include biscuits at the Loveless Cafe, plenty of Instagram shots and photo ops at the city’s numerous outdoor murals, hot chicken at Hattie B’s, a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, a tour of the Grand Old Opry, and a live music show at the Bluebird Cafe (this is where Taylor Swift, aka Mrs. Travis Kelce, performed before she was famous! 

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Glamping Getaways for Unforgettable Fall Fun

Come fall, we exchange sun and sand destinations for those that celebrate autumn and its annual events. Some of the best places to get your fall feelings going are near some of our coziest glamping locations, so book a stay, grab your fall wardrobe, and check out these thing autumn-only things to do: 

Oktoberfest – Cincinnati:

Billed as Oktoberfest Zinzinnati to reflect the area’s German heritage, this Ohio Oktoberfest, which is also considered the largest in the United States, is set for September 17-20 and promises all kinds of fun from Dachshund races to stein hoisting competitions. Plus, there will be plenty of German food, beer and music to enjoy. Book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Wilmington. 

Thousand Trails Wilmington
Urbanna Oyster Fest:

The first weekend of November brings all things oyster to Urbanna, Virginia as they host their annual Oyster Festival, a tradition for more than 65 years. Why the oyster, you ask? The area boasts an oyster heritage dating back to the mid-1800s. At this festival you can expect oysters, of course, but also live music, wine tasting, artisan crafts, parades and more. Book a stay at Bethpage Camp-Resort to be near all the fun. This year’s event is scheduled for November 6-7. 

Salem Haunted Happenings:

If you’re ready for all kinds of spooky, eerie and supernatural, visit the town of Salem, Massachusetts during the month of October. Considered one of the most haunted spots in the US thanks to the 1692 witch trials and all the surrounding events, Salem can be extra spooky come October. Plan on ghost tours, witch trial history, parades, costume events and so much more spooky fun. Book a stay at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village and you’re less than 30 miles from Salem.  

Charter Street Cemetery in Salem, MA.
Epcot Food & Wine Festival:

Head to central Florida, book a stay at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee and get ready to eat! Running through November 21, this festival is billed as “a culinary adventure across 6 continents.” In addition to the food and drink, there are culinary seminars and demonstrations, live music, and photo ops at this very popular event.

Encore Tropical Palms

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Wonderful Wisconsin: Door County

Sunset • Wisconsin’s Door County

Wisconsin’s Door County has five state parks and over 250 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan. It is also home to iconic Wisconsin fish boils, a restaurant with goats on the roof, and 11 quaint towns with cute names like Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, and Sturgeon Bay.

Come discover this 75-mile long peninsula and stay with us at Tranquil Timbers and choose one of the unique accommodations offered here, including cabins, cottages, and yurts! It’s a true glamper’s paradise.

Yurt • Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort • Sturgeon Bay, WI

Regular summer events in Door County include the Egg Harbor Farmer’s Market which is held in Harbor View Market every Friday (May 24-October 25) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weather permitting). Fish boils are regular events at least five of Door County’s restaurants. If you haven’t experienced a fish boil, please make this a must-do – it’s a local tradition not to be missed. And, with more than 250 miles of shoreline, there’s always a beach calling your name.  In fact, there are 53 public beaches in Door County. The beach in Egg Harbor is arguably the most popular on the peninsula and Schoolhouse Beach was recently named “most romantic.”

June is jam-packed with fun as the Door hosts several events including Goat Fest, the Steel Bridge Songfest, the Door County Beer Festival, and the Fyr Bal Festival (not to be confused with Fyre Festival).

On Saturday, June 8, it’s all about the aforementioned goats. The fun kicks off with the Roofing of the Goats, as the goats are led to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant where they will take up residence for the summer season on the restaurant’s roof. Yes, you read that right. The festivities will also include live music, children’s events, food and beverages, and a Swedish Pancake eating contest.

A songwriting and performance festival that benefits the preservation of historic Sturgeon Bay, the Steel Bridge Songfest is an annual favorite and a one-of-a-kind experience. In fact, it all began to raise funds to save the Michigan Street Steel Bridge, a Veteran’s Memorial in Door County. The bridge is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The fest itself brings together singers and songwriters to the Holiday Motel, Door’s County first ever motel, where they occupy the rooms and collaborate to create music. It all culminates with live performances. The Holiday Motel is now the world’s only fully operational motel featuring live music, collaborative songwriting retreats, and a radio station that broadcasts from the hotel.  This year’s event is scheduled for June 14-15. For information, visit www.steelbridgesongfest.org.

The Door County Beer Fest on Saturday, June 15, celebrates craft beer. The event will also include local foods, live music, and culinary artisans all gathered to say cheers to Wisconsin’s more than 150 craft beers.

The Fyr Bal, also set for June 15, celebrates the Scandinavian heritage of the town of Eprhaim, as well as the arrival of summer.  The event will include a bonfire to burn the “Winter Witch” as well as fireworks over the harbor. There will also be food booths, live music, and artisans.

July brings fireworks displays throughout the towns to celebrate Independence Day as well as the Door County Folk Festival July 12-16 and the Plein Air Festival, July 24-29. Presented by the Peninsula School of Art, this festival gives attendees an inside look at the galleries and artists who make painting the landscape of Door County a beautiful experience.