Blog - Parks Compass

Holiday Events

The holidays are here again, and it’s time to get out there and enjoy the festivities at the top holiday events in Middle Tennessee! Though we’ve selected only ten, our amazing region is simply packed with celebrations. Whether you wish to attend a concert, work at a charitable event, be whisked away to yesteryear, or simply roast a s’more and sip hot cocoa under glorious holiday lights, there’s truly something to experience every day and night from now until the end of January.

Now, let’s spotlight ten holiday events of 2024 that are sure to make your days merry and bright!

Holiday Cruise on the Pontoon Saloon
2 Victory Ave. | Nashville

Pontoon Saloon, Nashville’s #1 rated boat cruise on Trip Advisor, is offering their first Holiday Cruise on…

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Wood vs Gas Fireplaces

Crisp autumn winds have begun to blow throughout Middle Tennessee, and many homeowners will light their fireplaces as soon as the first frost arrives. If you are planning to purchase a home with a fireplace or are considering installing a fireplace in your current home, you may be waffling between choosing a wood-burning or gas-powered fireplace. We’re here to help with our exploration of the pros and cons of wood vs. gas fireplaces for homeowners!

Let’s break this down.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Pros

1.) Soothing Aesthetics

Nothing compares to the familiar aesthetics of a wood fire. From the crackling sounds to the waves of color moving across the embers, curling up in front of a wood-burning fireplace is the epitome of cold-weather…

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Unique Dining Experiences

Nashville and the surrounding areas are a culinary mecca equaled only by our legendary music scene. Middle Tennessee invented hot chicken, and our region is beloved for blending international influences with the comforting essentials that typify southern cooking.

However, there are times when we want to venture off the beaten path and explore new territories. With that goal in mind, let’s tour ten restaurants that offer unique dining experiences, innovative recipes, and outstanding service. All aboard!

The Catbird Seat
1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203

The Catbird Seat invites diners to draw close to the chefs as their meals are being prepared. The tasting menu changes continually, yet consistently transports diners to unrivaled heights of…

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Elements of an Inspiring Home Gym

For many of us, the idea of owning a home gym is thrilling. No longer having to wipe down equipment after someone else “forgot” to do so, no more waiting for our turn on our favorite machine, and of course, not having to leave the house to get a workout in on rushed mornings all sound ideal.

If you feel the same, today’s article outlining key elements of an inspiring home gym will give you the boost you need to begin creating your own private workout space. Whether you have a large room or just a cozy corner to work with, we are sharing tips targeted to your situation!

Safe Flooring

Safety is first in all workout situations, and your home gym is no exception. Make sure your flooring is non-slip, especially if you decide to add cushion to make…

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Top Fall Festivals 2024

Fall has returned to Middle Tennessee! It’s time for cozy scarves, pumpkin spice everything, fragrant apples, perfectly ripened squash, and vibrant photos of our boots as we tread through swirling autumn leaves. Throughout our communities, we have been hard at work preparing for our famous fall festivals. Now it’s time to snag tickets before they sell out, clear our weekend schedules, and invite our best friends and extended family members to come out with us and celebrate all things fall.

This September, October, and November, we hope you will visit as many of our region’s Top Fall Festivals as you can. The following are our top 11 destinations (plus 5 bonus selections) and we know you’ll have a blast at any or all of them.

Please do purchase…

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Should You Hire a Housekeeper?

If you're like most modern homeowners, you work at least one full-time job outside of the home. Factor in your commute, social calendar, meal preparation, tidying, laundry, potential childcare and pet care, and you’re no doubt running yourself ragged. To take a major responsibility off your plate, you may wish to consider hiring a housekeeper or even a team of cleaners.

If you’re ready to consider hiring a house cleaner, we have created a complete guide that will take you from the vetting process to the etiquette around your ongoing working relationship with them.

If you’re feeling a bit anxious about someone entering your home and seeing your home in a raw state, don’t be. Remember that professional cleaners have seen it all before, and…

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Top New Restaurants

2024 has been a banner year for Middle Tennessee’s restaurant scene, with as many as three new eateries holding grand openings each month. We’ve been visiting each one in turn, and we’re excited to share our picks for the Top New Restaurants in our region. Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast bagel, a delectable savory sandwich, or an international gastronomic adventure, we’ve got you covered.

Noko
701 Porter Rd | Nashville

Chef Dung Vo has brought what many visitors are calling “the best food in the city” to Nashville at his new restaurant, Noko. Chef Vo blends traditional and innovative techniques to produce wood-fired brilliance with both proteins and a wide variety of indigenous vegetables. We highly recommend indulging in Noko's wagyu…

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To Pool or Not to Pool?

If you are in the process of looking for your next home or considering upgrading the home you have currently, you may be deciding whether or not a pool is right for you. Homeownership can be complex, and adding a pool to the mix is certainly an additional complication. There are pros and cons of having a pool, and we recommend weighing them carefully before you decide to dive in or bail out!

The Pros

1.) Pools make a splash when you host backyard parties!

Who can resist an invitation to a pool party? Anytime it’s hot enough to swim, your entertainment practically takes care of itself. Add a grilling session, chests full of ice-cold drinks, and some chill music, and you have a memorable party on the ready.

2.) Pools are excellent for…

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Top Farmers Markets

Middle Tennessee boasts an abundance of beautiful produce, a delectable selection of which are available at our region's farmers markets; open now! The markets also feature skilled artisans selling their handmade goods, all crafted locally, many created from ingredients sourced from the same farms and dairies selling farm-to-table goods throughout the market.

Given the popularity of most of these markets, we recommend arriving early to secure parking and get the best selection of produce and products.

While most vendors now accept cards and electronic payments, it is still advisable to bring cash as a backup. It can be quite disappointing to find something you want, only to learn that the vendor only takes cash.

Due to the crowds at the…

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How to Start a Home Renovation

Home renovations are a common undertaking for homeowners who wish to expand, update, customize, or change the floor plan of their home. Have you been considering launching a home renovation in 2025? If so, it’s time to start planning in earnest. You have a lot to decide on: your general plans, the contractors from whom you want to secure bids, how you will fund the project, where you plan to stay (if you cannot remain at home), and what you’ll do when the work takes longer than you and your contractor planned.

Take a deep breath. You’ve got this! Remember that more than half of all homeowners in the US will complete home renovation plans this year, and you are just as capable of doing the same. Middle Tennessee is home to incredible contractors,…

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