Discover Nashville's Farmers Market

Since the early 1800's the Nashville Farmers Market has been a source of a variety of fresh foods, much of it grown locally and picked just days ago. If you are into food, and most people are, then you might want to check this place out.

My family made the trip out there last weekend. I've got three kids and they all seemed to enjoy exploring the aisles of different veggies like cucumbers, squash, corn and melons. We had to watch our budget because it all looked so good!

The market is divided into three parts. The north end contains a flea market section, the center is called the Market House and on the south side are the farm sheds. It's quite a place, especially this time of year when so much food is in season.

If you are looking for prepared food, then you have to visit the Market House with it's many specialized vendors. The variety continues ranging from Southern fried chicken or bar-b-que to po'boys, gyros and Jamaican jerk chicken.

The attraction of the Farmer's Market, especially in a day where more people are preferring organic or locally grown food, is widespread. It has become a main selling point for nearby Germantown, Hope Gardens, Buena Vista or other North Nashville neighborhoods that border the market as well as adjacent Bicentennial Park.

Growing up on a produce farm, I have my own memories of picking sweet corn and strawberries each summer. Much has changed since then, but there's still nothing quite like some fresh food straight from the farm.

-Peter

www.NashvilleCityHomes.com

Germantown Plans and Condos Everywhere!

I've been touring many of Germantown's cool new developments with a client moving here from Seattle. It's been great to compare the different units and get an intimate feel for how the area is poised for continued momentum. Let me highlight some of my favorites:

Werthan Lofts- Wow! There is nothing else like it in Nashville. A true factory that is being converted into fantastic loft space with tall ceilings and nice views. Even more, they are creating a new community space complete with pool, dog run, bocce ball court and a coming-soon cafe+nightspot in the 'boiler room'. The vibe here is awesome, especially on cool evenings when folks gather outdoors.

Morgan Park Place- Like Werthan, this project is yet to be finished, however, the available units are quite stunning. Lots of upscale finishes and over-the-top efforts in 'green-building'. They've actually received top awards for their energy efficiency techniques that might save you quite a bit when it comes to your monthly utilities.

Row 8.9- This development has been complete for a few years now, but occasionally units come up for sale. It's a "Chicago-style brownstone" development, which means the units are aligned in a row with steps down the street. The units on Rosa L. Parks Blvd have unbeatable views of the capitol and downtown skyline while being literally across the street from the Farmer's Market and Bicentennial Park. All of these for a very reasonable price- lower than most of the other similar units around town.

There are many others to check out if you're interested, and it seems that there is no stopping these developers who are forging ahead in Germantown. The whole neighborhood is full of new condos and historic-looking infill homes built to reinforce the roots of the neighborhood while adding the modern amenities that people demand these days.

Guiding much of the development is a Detailed Neighborhood Design Plan that the Metro Planning Commission put together in 2002. It's quite interesting, especially if you live in the area or are considering it.

-Peter

www.NashvilleCityHomes.com