Musician's Widow

Nashville, TN -- Photo by Denise Mattox

I first visited Nashville, TN, in 1997 for Fan Fair. Upon entering the city, I clearly remember telling my parents, “I feel like I’m home.”

It took me almost ten years to make it my home, but in October 2006 I packed up my entire life in Texas and moved to Music City. If it is possible to fall in love with a city, I’ve definitely done so here. This is MY city, and I simply adore it and (most of) the people in it.

Here’s the magical quality of Nashville: its a city with the feel of a small town. Especially if you are in any way associated with the music industry. I’m actually  more likely to run into someone I know at the grocery store here than I was in my small area in Texas. In two and a half short years I’ve lived here, Nashville has made a deep impact on the fabric of my life, and I know that no matter where I may end up, its made a mark in my life that will never be erased.

Some of my favorite places

Printer's Alley

Printer’s Alley
Countless night’s a week, I can be found down in Printer’s Alley. To those that spend a lot of time there, and who take the time to learn even a little bit of its history, you realize you’re becoming a part of history yourself.

Presidents have walked the Alley. Many snubbed their noses at Prohibition in the Alley. Jesse James is said to have played poker there. Countless country music stars performed on the stages in the bars of the Alley. Many music videos have been filmed there, and I’m always amazed (and amused) how often people have photoshoots in the Alley.

Alley regulars are like family. Its the one place I actually feel the safest when downtown alone. I am not a big drinker, but I’ve quickly become much more social. I enjoy being surrounded by my friends, and I go to socialize and network. Printer’s Alley is my home away from home, and I am always saddened by the bad reputation it has gotten through the years. A dream of mine is to revitalize it, and bring it back to its previous glory. I want everyone to know what I know: its a hidden gem in Music City, and an important part of its history.

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

Centennial Park & The Parthenon
New York City has Central Park. Nashville has Centennial Park.

I consider it an Oasis in the city. If I lived closer to it, I’d be there daily walking,  jogging or just having a picnic in the sun. It’s a beautiful park that reminds me a lot of home. Even though you hear the occasional siren and you can see the skyline from certain angles, you feel like you’re in the middle of the country surrounded by green grass and trees. A pond with ducks, geese and fish adds to the serenity the park brings.

Once again, as with many locations in the south, the park and Parthenon are drenched in history. Built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, The Parthenon is an exact replica of The Parthenon in Athens… all the way down to the 42-foot statue of Athena inside. It also houses an art gallery that permanently features 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists donated by James M. Cowan.

A little bit of country, a little bit of culture, and a whole lot of history can all be found at Centennial Park.

Shelby Street Footbridge

Shelby Street Footbridge
An integral part of the Nashville skyline, I think most of Nashville has this strange love affair with that bridge. THE place to take a photo of the skyline, countless tourist photos have been taken there.

“Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” music video was filmed on the bridge. As was, “Moments” music video by Emerson Drive. People have gotten engaged and married on the bridge. Its one of the most photogenic parts of the city.

Every guest I have come to town, I drag onto the bridge and show it off. I have more pictures of it than I should ever admit to having. But, I love it! And I won’t apologize for it!

More to come…