Category Archives: Nashville holidays and special events

Reinvent Thanksgiving by Flipping the Bird to Traditional Turkey Prep!

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Thanksgiving bespeaks tradition, and it’s one day a year that families convene in honor of time-tested practices.  Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, for most of the country, viewed on TV, loved-ones traveling long distances to “come home,” gobbling up (pun intended) every possible morsel of ritualistic Thanksgiving fare before our post-banquet naps!  Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville would like to challenge you all to change it up this year in one very important way by throwing out the traditional turkey prep and cooking methods to try something new.

thanksgiving turkey preparation ideas from outdoor lighting perspectives of nashville

1.     Everything is better with bacon, period.

Ravenous carnivores, this one’s for you!  This new method of preparing turkey just makes sense.  Eliminate the need to constantly baste, roast, baste…let the bacon do the basting!  All that sweet bacon-y goodness will seep right into the turkey as it cooks.  Can you imagine smelling this incredible union as it cooks?  This recipe will have your family devouring turkey in under two hours of cook time!

bacon makes everything better

2.     Thrill your millennial family members with pumpkin spice turkey!  What?!?

Stay with us here, this actually sounds pretty darned delicious, and hey, if your guests are in a hurry, they will essentially be eating the main course and dessert at once!  It’s all in seasoning, and you need to season while chilling overnight.  We admit that covering the roast beast with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg sounds incredible!  Want to take a stab?  See the whole recipe here!

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives deck and patio lighting

Nashville deck lighting.

If you’re roasting, frying, smoking, or grilling your turkey outdoors, we hope you have Nashville deck lighting!

3.     100-proof turkey for the Vodka enthusiast – You might find yourself and your guests are roasted after dinner.

This method of turkey cooking is not for the faint of heart, or anyone under the age of 21, for that matter.  This prep includes soaking the honorary bird and all the bird-related trimmings in five flavors of vodka overnight – peach, cherry, orange, lemon and apple – and injecting the meat after cooking.  Don’t forget to call your guests and Uber and send them home with an aspirin to stave off a hangover!  See the recipe here.

chocolate covered turkey

4.     Mole-roasted turkey – holy mole!  Is your mouth watering, or is that ours?

This drool-inducing concoction includes smothering your turkey inside and out with mole overnight.  Not familiar with the traditional Mexican sauce?  Chiles and chocolate, folks, and it’s incredible!  Chocolate, much like bacon, makes everything taste better.  This turkey comes out of the oven nearly blackened, fall-off-the-bone moist, and is recommended to be served with Masa stuffing and spicy chili gravy!  You have to see this – go here now!

Nashville TN festival outdoor lighting

If you are having after-dinner drinks on your Nashville patio, we hope you have proper patio lighting.  If not, be prepared for next year with Nashville patio lighting!

5.     White Castle-stuffed turkey.  Need we say more?

This inventive way of turkey prep has us chucking the traditional stuffing, and replacing it with White Castle sliders.  Yes, you read that correctly.  If you have ever found yourselves craving a juicy, steamed slider on Thanksgiving Day, this will surely be the remedy!  You’ll need one slider for each pound of turkey.  See the recipe here.

We know this is off the beaten path from our regular blog posts, and we hope that if you haven’t found a new take on traditional turkey prep herein, that you at least got a chuckle at these ever-inventive ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.  We hope that you are gathered with loved-ones this year, celebrating the greatest Thanksgiving tradition – the true gift of being with family and friends.  Happy Thanksgiving, Nashville!

Nashville Romantic Outdoor Lighting

As always, if you have any an outdoor lighting requirement, give Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville a call so we can assess your needs. Contact us today at 615-373-0638, or email us at olpnashville@outdoorlights.com.

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David G. Todd, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville.

At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville, we love our Preds!

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Here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville, we support our local teams. Whether it is the Titans or our numerous local college teams, our heart is in Tennessee. Our love for the Nashville Predators runs deep as they reach the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in the franchise’s history. The Preds and their fans are the talk of the sports world and beyond, evidenced by recent articles in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and USA Today, just to name a few.

Now that the Preds have defeated the mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the music city is now being referred to as “Smashville” as they head to the finals.One more challenge stands between the Predators and their first championship. They must either unseat the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins or derail the upstart Ottawa Senators. The winner of that Eastern Conference series, which could be determined as soon as Tuesday if the Penguins win Game 6, will host the Predators in Game 1 on Monday.

If you look closely, your will see our own Bob Lyons Jr., helping to hold the sign at a recent Preds. game.

The excitement in Nashville is palpable as we prepare for Monday nights game — Memorial Day, a fitting way to add to the holiday weekend ahead. The Tennessean posted the most recent schedule of the finals, it is as follows:

May 29: Game 1 at Pittsburgh/Ottawa (NBC)

May 31: Game 2 at Pittsburgh/Ottawa (NBC SN)

June 3: Game 3 at Nashville (NBC SN)

June 5: Game 4 at Nashville (NBC)

x — June 8: Game 5 at Pittsburgh/Ottawa (NBC)

x — June 11: Game 6 at Nashville (NBC)

x — June 14: Game 7 at Pittsburgh/Ottawa (NBC)

x — if necessary

The entire team at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville is rooting for the Preds. Rest assured, when it comes to local team dedication and support, we have our pucks (and our hearts) on the ice with you!

 

 

The Excitement Mounts as Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville Lights the Capitol Tree for 5th Consecutive Year!

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2016-christmas-tree-at-the-capitol-downtown-nashvilleEach and every day here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville we are proud and honored to serve the outdoor lighting needs for homeowners and business owners all over Nashville and the surrounding area. Our success has never been something we take for granted and we take pride in every installation, from the smallest maintenance call to the over-the-top holiday lighting displays that require months of planning. With this in mind, we cannot convey the feeling we get when we are asked to design and install a lighting display that will bring so much joy to so many — like the Christmas tree at the Capitol in downtown Nashville.

This is our fifth consecutive year of being asked to illuminate the tree. The tree chosen to grace the capitol for holiday 2016 was cut down in Hermitage and it stands 35 feet tall and 24 feet wide. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville is finishing the tree with a mix of glittering red and gold decorations and warm white LED lights — that’s all the details I can convey as to not to give away too many spoilers before this beauty is lit! I can however, share a few of the “in progress” images we shot while our crews were working hard to get this majestic tree ready for its unveiling…

decorating-the-nashville-capitol-tree-2016

If you would like to experience the tree lighting at the capitol this year in person, the annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place Monday, November 28th, 2016, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm CST at the Nashville State Capitol located at 600 Charlotte Ave., Nashville. Governor Haslam will continue the tradition of flipping the switch for all to enjoy!

To help get you in the festive spirit and in honor of all the Christmases past, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville has put together a little video featuring the last four years of having the honor to be involved with this amazing project…enjoy!

nashville-c2a-1We want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season from all of us at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville.You can reach us at (615) 373 – 0638, or by emailing us at:olpnashville@outdoorlights.com.

 

 

 

Christmas at the Capitol 2015 Glows Brightly With This Norway Spruce!

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Beautiful photo taken by Greg Pirtle. Christmas at the Capitol 2015.

Beautiful photo taken by Greg Pirtle. Christmas at the Capitol 2015.

We must be doing something quite right at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville because we were asked for the 4th year to in a row to illuminate the Christmas tree at the capitol in downtown Nashville! We were immensely flattered and humbled that Music City had entrusted us with such an immense honor, and we couldn’t wait to make this year another bright one for our hometown of Nashville.

Details about this year’s tree:

This year’s Christmas conifer came to us via Theresa and Jimmy Carter of Old Hickory. They were the proud owners of the Norway Spruce evergreen they planted in 2001 that is now over 30 feet tall. The tree simply got too big for their property so they submitted their desire to the governor’s office to cut the tree down to use for the Nashville Christmas tree lighting celebration. A year later they discovered that their tree was in fact selected to their elation. It was then our job at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville to make sure the Carter tree was lit up in a magical way to show it off in the best possible way and make Nashville proud.

outdoor-lighting-perspectives-of-nashville-lighting-the-2014-nashville-capital-tree-2014

We wrapped red, silver and gold string lights on this year’s tree that added up to miles of illumination. The Norway Spruce was then capped off with a mega sized star. Tanya Tucker rocked the Capitol with her hits and festive Christmas songs; and when the First Lady and Governor Haslam pushed the button the crowd went wild with excitement. The shouts of “WOW!” and “COOL!” are really what make this project so worthwhile for us in the end. Delighting kids and adults alike are what this season is all about for us, and we simply can’t wait to do it all over again next year if the opportunity arises. You can go to Legislative Plaza and check out the Carter Tree and our lighting handiwork for the entire holiday season!

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Though the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Capitol is a mega sized project for Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville, we do small projects every day at regular residences and businesses just like yours and ours. Not everything is always on such a grand scale, and we are happy to do fabulous job on a budget that fits your needs and lifestyle. We treat every single project we do with the same enthusiasm, energy and level of professionalism. We work on projects all year long and not just in warm weather, so if you need a brand new outdoor lighting system or an addition to your current landscape lighting scheme—we are eager to talk to you about your ideas.

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Matt Oakes of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville

Contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville to make your landscape lighting dreams come alive. You can call us at (615) 373 – 0638, or by emailing us at: olpnashville@outdoorlights.com  .

 

 

Centerville, TN, to be the center of attention for the holidays, thanks to a little help from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville

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We love the holiday spirit that is in the air!

Here's a sneek peek at the magic set to unfold in Centerville:

Centerville, TN, town square holiday lighting 2014.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville is proud to share the excitement in and around the Nashville region that marks the arrival of the holiday season. From homes to historic venues we are entering the “countdown” period when locales all over Middle Tennessee will be “flipping the switch” as holiday lighting brings the magic of the season to life. We have been busy designing and installing holiday lighting for many of the holiday ceremonies scheduled to take place over the coming weeks including the festivities taking place in Historic Centerville, TN.

2015 marks our 2nd consecutive year in providing the holiday outdoor lighting at the Centerville, TN, town square. Our design this year is very similar to the display we installed at last year’s event, including a mixture of classic C6 and C9 LED bulbs for nostalgia. We do have a few surprises in store for this year, but we can’t give away any spoilers just yet! The display will also be fully operable through a convenient wireless remote control.

Don’t miss the Christmas Open House at the Centerville Town Square!

Saturday, November 28th from 5-9 pm is when all the magic will happen including a live nativity scene, story telling, horse-drawn carriage rides, a children’s coat drive, music and of course Santa will be there too! Many local businesses on the square will be open late for you Christmas shopping with the courthouse lighting on schedule for 6:00 sharp!

2015 Christmas Poster

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Matt Oakes of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville

Contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville to learn how we can make the holiday lighting at your home or business memorable. Call us at (615) 373 – 0638 and make this Christmas a time to remember and cherish.
Email: olpnashville@outdoorlights.com

Get Out and Enjoy Downtown and Home Town Fun in Nashville with Family this 4th of July Weekend!

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Happy Independence Day from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville!

Happy Independence Day from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville!

Here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, we are getting ready to celebrate Independence Day with our families, and it’s a time when we think about how lucky we are to live in a country where freedom, opportunity and a deep sense of patriotism are abundant. It’s a great day to gather up the kids for some family fun, relaxation, good food and, of course, music. We know there’s truly no place like Nashville for a true American 4th of July family experience, and if you are stumped for ideas on what to do on the 4th, here’s four ideas for you to try on for size:

Downtown Nashville’s Music City: Let Freedom Sing! celebration is going to be of epic proportions. Being a city that knows how to entertain in huge fashion, the fireworks display this year is said to be the largest and longest in America (even bigger than the Macy’s one in New York City!!) and will be synchronized to live music performed by the Nashville Symphony. The big boom goes off at 9:30 PM downtown along Riverfront Park, Public Square and Cumberland Park and is completely free to the public.

Events downtown start as early as 12 noon with local and national bands playing throughout the afternoon, and a free and kid-friendly Family Fun Zone on 5th Avenue and Broadway features inflatables, games and music for kiddos. At 6:30 PM, country music sweetheart Martina McBride will kick off a special performance along with opening act Mikki Ekko at the Jack Daniels Main Stage located at 1st Avenue and Broadway.

Nashville fun family for July 4thIf mega sized events aren’t your thing and you prefer something a little more old-fashioned, then get yourself a true taste of how America celebrates in a small community by visiting Whitland Avenue for their annual Fourth of July parade that kicks off at 11 AM. The gorgeous antique homes are dressed up in red, white and blue grandeur, and the energy rivals that of the Christmas season. This event is all about the children in our community, and they will happily ride their bicycles down the parade route waving a big ol’ flag and wearing a megawatt smile. We are sure it’s something they will remember when they grow up and they pull their own children down the same street in a red wagon festooned with festive bunting. Family pets get in on the act too, wearing all sorts of charming and celebratory outfits. Then the good people of Whitland have a fantastic picnic, so be sure to bring a blanket and some food. This is down home fun at its best, and our favorite part is the pie and dessert contest. Yum!

Nashville SkylineSince July 4th happens to fall on the first Saturday of the month, you can also visit the local art galleries around Nashville completely free to check out their exhibits on the First Saturday Art Crawl that happens every month. Over 20 galleries are part of this event covering art across all styles and genres.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum is featuring their Human Landscape exhibit at the moment, so go stroll through the 55-acre estate where 9 massively scaled outdoor sculptures, such a human heads, are done with a truly unique sense of inventiveness.

John Groce Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Nashville

John Groce Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Nashville

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville is beyond proud to be part of the Nashville market, and we’ve been thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with our residential and commercial customers to help them realize their lighting and landscape dreams over the last two decades. We are truly thankful to the community for embracing us and having trusted in our expertise. We’ve truly loved lighting up your world! Happy July 4th, y’all!

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville and Pork Leg Porkers, a winning combination

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travel-and-leisure-best-bbqAs you will recall in our August 18, 2014 article, There’s more to do in Music City than just music — much more!, Nashville was voted #1, the best American city for barbecues in 2014 by Travel & Leisure magazine for being home to a “greatest-hits” collection of barbecue styles. To continue with the best barbecue stewardship, on May 14-16 of this year, as it does every year, the Memphis in May International Festival hosted the 47th Annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and our own Bob Lyons Jr. had the privilege of joining the Peg Leg Porkers competitive BBQ cooking team.

World Championship BBq Cooking contest at Memphis in May 2015The Memphis in May International Festival promotes extensive education, international, and economic programs for Memphis, but it is most widely known as the promotional umbrella and organizer for the numerous annual events Memphis hosts each May. As the city’s largest “community entertainment happenings”, each is professionally and spectacularly executed, making events like the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Sunset Symphony some of Memphis’s can’t miss pleasures to attend with friends and family, all throughout the month of May.

Peg Leg Porker

Peg Leg Porker’s signature is a 16-ingredient medley of warm red spices — low salt, no sugar — that gets applied after the pork ribs emerge from the smoker. Based on chili and paprika, the finishing rub is intended to mirror the flavors of barbecue sauce. It is a strategy that showcases the smoky meat, without losing it under a sticky lacquer of caramelized mopping sauce. When the rib meat is as tender and juicy as Peg Leg Porker’s, clinging to the bone with just the right tenacity, there’s no need to overshadow it.”

As attendees of so many of these phenomenal events each year, it just didn’t seem like they could be any better. WRONG…multiply that feeling times 2 when you are an active part of the happenings!! Bob Lyons Jr. described his participation in the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest with Carey Bringle and the entire Peg Leg Porkers team as one of the most unforgettable times he’s ever had. That’s not too surprising, considering it’s the 26th time Carey, pitmaster and leader of the Peg Leg Porkers team, has personally competed (12th for Peg Leg team) and especially since he and his team are more commonly known as pitmaster pranksters with a reputation for thoroughly enjoying themselves at each event.

Every year, this World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest entertains visitors from all 50 states, as well as several foreign countries from around the world. This year Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville lent its expertise in the field of outdoor lighting by supplying a bit of “special event”/festival outdoor lighting for the occasion.

Once again “the largest barbecue-cooking contest in the world”, so titled by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1990, the Memphis in May Festival’s 47th Annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest was a huge success! We want to congratulate Carey Bringle, Bob Lyons Jr. and the entire Peg Leg Porkers team for participating. If you’d like to check out some of the prize-winning pork cooked with Carey’s own dry seasoning spice blend and Wet Sauce recipes, be sure to stop by his Peg Leg Porker restaurant conveniently located between the downtown community and the residential areas, in the Gulch section of Nashville, at 903 Gleaves St. Nashville, TN.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Nashville vanIf you have an upcoming special event for which you need temporary outdoor lighting to create the perfect ambience and mood, give Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville a call to discuss your options. We offer a host of temporary and special event lighting options. Contact us at (615) 373 – 0638 or via email: olpnashville@outdoorlights.com.

 

Our Outdoor Festival Lighting Designs Bring the Essence of Mardi Gras to Your Own Backyard!

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mardis grasWith Fat Tuesday behind us for another year, the 2015 Mardi Gras came and went in keeping with the annual tradition enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. The origins of Mardi Gras evolved from medieval Europeans passing through Venice and Rome during the 17th and 18th centuries into the French house of the Bourbons. The traditional of celebration and revelry called Boeuf Gras which means “fatted calf” continued with the French as they established colonies in America.

Historical research dictates America’s first Mardi Gras took place at “Fort Louis de la Mobile” in 1703. French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville had established a plot of lane that lies 60 miles south of New Orleans in 1699 and named it “Pointe Du Mardis Gras” when it was realized they had arrived on the eve of the festive holiday celebrated in their homeland. This same explorer also established “Fort Louis de la Louisiane” which is now known as Mobile, Alabama, in 1702.

mardi-grasIn addition, according to the Mardis Gras New Orleans website, www.mardigrasneworleans.com, in 1704, Mobile established a secret society called the Masque de la Mobile, similar to those that form our current Mardi Gras krewes. A krewe is an organization that puts on a parade or ball for the carnival season. These lasted until 1709 and in 1710, the “Boeuf Gras Society” was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. New Orleans as we know it was established in 1718 by Bienville. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana’s governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls, which became the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today. The earliest reference to Mardi Gras “Carnival” appear in a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body. That year, the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association was the first of hundreds of clubs and carnival organizations formed in New Orleans.

By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback riders to celebrate Mardi Gras. Dazzling gaslight torches, or “flambeaux,” lit the way for the krewe’s members and gave each event an exciting air of romance and festivity. In 1856, six young Mobile natives formed the Mistick Krewe of Comus, invoking John Milton’s hero Comus to represent their organization. Comus brought magic and mystery to New Orleans with dazzling floats and masked balls. Krewe members remained anonymous but began the basis of the Mardis Gras celebration we know and love today.

Permanent festival lighting, such as orb lighting, also comes in a host of colors.

Permanent festival lighting, such as orb lighting, comes in a host of lively colors.

With so much to see and do during Mardis Gras week, visitors are often saddened that the celebration has to end. Don’t fret — the party doesn’t have to be over yet! With creative outdoor lighting ideas you can relive the fun and ambiance in your own backyard! In the same manner the original flambeaux added excitement and romance to Mardi Gras celebrations of old, permanent festival lighting in your backyard can enable a plethora of outdoor enjoyment!

Festoon style permanent festival lighting in the Gulch.

Festoon style permanent festival lighting in the Gulch.

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Matt Oakes of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville offers a host of outdoor festival lighting options for your landscape, and outdoor living spaces. From cafe-style and festoon lighting to colorful orb lighting our custom design promise to enliven the evening, night after night. Contact us today to learn more at (615) 373 – 0638  or via email: olpnashville@outdoorlights.com

 

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville is proud to be part of Christmas at the Capital for the 3rd year in a row!

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This years Nashville Christmas tree prior to lighting

The giant Norway spruce was harvested from the Cumberland Forest in East Tennessee.

It is with great pride that Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville was asked to light and decorate the capital tree in downtown Nashville this year! This is our third year of being in charge of making the season merry and bright for so many Nashville residents, and visitors alike.

This year’s giant Norway spruce was harvested from the Cumberland Forest in East Tennessee and promises to be decked out in its holiday best! The official tree lighting ceremony is due to take place this evening at 5:30 outside the Tennessee State Capitol where Governor Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, will be in charge of lighting the State’s official Christmas tree!

Everyone is invited to the tree lighting this evening to watch the magic happen! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store this evening…

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville lighting the 2014 Nashville capital tree

Our talented crew busy adding the finishing touches to the state’s official Christmas tree.

We were honored to be part of this year’s festivities and hope that everyone enjoys the tree this year!

Contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville to learn how we can make the holiday lighting at your home or business just as memorable. Call us at (615) 373 – 0638 and make this Christmas a time to remember and cherish.
Email: olpnashville@outdoorlights.com

John Groce Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Nashville

John Groce Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Nashville

See more holiday magic with holiday lighting by visiting our holiday lighting gallery located on our website.

 

Experience the fun and splendor of Nashville in autumn, there is plenty to see and do!

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Autumn in Middle TennesseeAutumn has arrived in Nashville and there are plenty of things to do, and sights to see! The  beauty of Mother Nature is evident from every direction as leaves begin their annual show of colors serving as the perfect backdrop to our many local seasonal festivals and events. Beginning in September and running into early November, Nashville offers loads of festive opportunities during the Autumn and Halloween Season. There is an unlimited supply of historic ghost tours, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and haunted houses to enjoy here in the Middle TN region. Here is a peek at just a few of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville’s fall favorites:

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches: 

  • Gentry Farm is 22 miles from Nashville in Franklin, TN, and features a pumpkin patch, farm animals, play areas, nature trail, barns a corn maze and hay rides. Address for Gentry Farm is :1970 Highway 96 West, Franklin, TN 37064, Phone: 615-794-4368
    Email: info@gentryfarm.com
  • Pumpkin patch at RiverView MoundsShuckles Corn Maze offers a variety of autumn-inspired activities on over 30 acres. Activities include a hayride, face painting, pony rides, jump & slide, zip lining, pedal cars, (moonbounce), pumpkin sling shot, hay-hum theater, and of course the corn maze (flashlight nights and kiddie corn maze included.) Shuckles Corn Maze is located just 25 miles from Nashville  in Gallatin. Address: Lower Station Camp Creek Road, just west of Station Camp High School in Gallatin, TN 37066, Phone: 615-206-0112
  • Norman Farm is located just 19 miles from Nashville in nearby Hendersonville. Filled with fun for all ages including hayrides, farm animals, pumpkin patch and corn mazes. Address: 512 Jones Lane, Hendersonville, TN 37075, Phone: 615-824-8254
  • A little farther out but worth the drive, is RiverView Mounds Century Farm located 46 miles from Nashville in Clarksville. This 177 year old century farm is still family owned and offers Hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, historical indian mound hayride tours and farm animals. Address:1715 Boyd Rinehart Rd Clarksville, TN 37043
    Phone: 931-624-1095
    Email: ScarlettCM@RiverViewMoundsFarm.com

Festivals and Celebrations:

  • Cheekwood Harvest is a cultural event that runs September 27th until November 1st at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum. The event boasts 55 acres allowings guest to walk around and enjoy the season’s changing colors. Children will love to pick a pumpkin from the patch or explore the Turner Seasons garden to find the hidden scarecrows. During Cheekwood Harvest  you can enjoy viewing works of art or take the time to make some art yourself during their Family Studio Drop-In ‘Art’ivities. In addition, you may stop by for one of their Drawing Room Concert Series happening all October.
  • Also at Cheekwood, on November 1st you can celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead! Each year, Cheekwood celebrates one of the most important celebrations for the Latin American community with demonstrations, energetic music, and cultural significance. It is a time for families to come together to remember their ancestors and celebrate the continuance of life. The event welcomes all ages as children continue to discover more to love about this unique event. No need to worry about food as there will be plenty of traditional Latin American foods to try!
  • Musicians Corner begins September 6th and goes on until October 25th. The fall performances of Musicians Corner take place each Saturday in September and October at Centennial Park. This is a free and family friendly event that provides musical performances from 1:30-5pm. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early for some pre-show activities begin at noon with food trucks, beer, wine, and activities for children.

Halloween Haunts!

  • The Bell Witch Cave is among the most well-known “haunted” locations in the US. Located in nearby White Creeks Pike, TN, it is also one of Middle Tennesseans’ favoite Halloween haunts! The Legend of the Bell Witch of Adams Tennessee is one of the most notable spirits ever documented by paranormal science making this an experience unlike your normal haunted house.  The Bell Witch Cave offers plenty of events, every year, during the Halloween season including candlelight tours of the haunted cave, hayrides, storytelling, psychic readings and tours of the replica John Bell Cabin as well. Location: 430 Keysburg Road, Adams, TN 37010.
  • Hauntanel! There is fun for all ages at Hauntanel including a haunted hayride, and haunted “sideshow” trails new for 2014 (not for the faint of heart). Enjoy the 2nd annual “Hauntanel” Halloween weekend at the famous Fontanel Mansion in Whites Creek, TN. Hosted over the October 24-26 weekend from 6pm-11pm. Hauntanel will welcome kids young and old to enjoy a 2 mile old-fashioned hayride through the dusky  woods of the property while a costumed guide treats guests to tales of long ago along the journey. The event is tailored for families and younger children from the hours of 6pm till 8pm. This fun and friendly evening ride welcomes children and you festive adults to arrive ” in costume” as well and participate in the fun. Upon arrival at the mansion, guests will trick-or-treat before heading back down for the second part of the hayride.  There will be a variety of music and fall foods and beverages. These Hayrides are recomended for children and adults of all ages. Portions of the proceeds to benefit the Monroe Harding Childrens Home. Don’t forget the pumpkin patch and 4th annual Whites Creek Fall Craft Festival held this year at Fontanel as well!
  • Hauntings at the Hermitage This annual event takes you through a tour of the haunted side of the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson. This “spooktacular” event leave many attendees saying that “Old Hickory” never left the Hermitage and you can, on occasion, still hear him making noise! This event will be divided into two sessions–one for families with young children, and one for visitors 13 and up. Activities will include haunted hayrides, trick or treating, a murder mystery puzzle and much more! The Family Session is from 4-7pm and the After Dark Session is from 7pm-10pm. The After Dark session is not recommended for children under the age of 13.
Matt Oaks signature

Matt Oakes of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville

This list is just a taste of the fun fall events going on in and around Nashville in honor of the season! From our staff and families here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Nashville to yours,we wish you all the joys of autumn!