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

Nashville Zoo is Worth Checking Out!

Saturday was a hot one, so what did we decide to do? Spend the time outdoors- at the zoo!

This was my first time at Nashville's Zoo, even though we have a family membership and my wife has taken our kids there a handful of times. I must admit I was impressed. Of course, it doesn't even compare to places like San Diego's Zoo, but for Nashville, it was quite nice. Much more than you can see in one day and keep your sanity.

We came late in the afternoon with the intention of just 'getting the kids out of the house'. It was hot, but there are lots of shady paths were we could find some relief. My son Noah, who is now 4, is a zoo veteran and was our tour guide for the day. He quickly led us to see some exotic birds and monkeys before running ahead to show us the meerkats.

After much pleading from the kids we ended up at the playground, which is a mammoth structure full of hiding places, tunnels and rope ladders. It was awesome, except I had trouble keeping track of everybody. Of course, if I waited long enough, Noah would always find his way down the enormous corkscrew curly slide to find me sunburning at the bottom.

The trip would not be complete without a ride on the carousel, which was thankfully free this evening to zoo members.

Chasing a four-year-old around the zoo wore us out so we'll have to see the elephants and giraffes on another day. If you haven't been to the zoo, it's worth the time to check it out. If you live in Nashville with kids, it's even worth the family membership to get them 'out of the house' once in a while.

-Peter

www.NashvilleCityHomes.com