CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM: RED, WHITE & BLOOMS (3/7-4/12)

Image: Cheekwood

It’s a patriotic party at Cheekwood this year, as their annual festival of flowers honors America’s 250th anniversary with a spectacular sea of 250,000 red and white tulips, purple-blue violas, and hyacinths. Stroll through breathtaking scenery, visit food trucks, and enjoy an American art on display in the Historic Mansion. Plan your trip for the right weekend(s) to enjoy live jazz perform in the gardens by talented student musicians from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Learn more and get ticket for Cheekwood in Bloom!

NASHVILLE ELVIS FESTIVAL (3/19-3/22)

Image: Nashville Elvis Festival

The Nashville Elvis Festival—which actually takes place in Franklin—is billed as “the Ultimate Elvis event.” Marking its 10^th anniversary in 2026, this year’s festival celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley with an expanded lineup of shows and headliners, including the top Elvis tribute artists from around the world. It’s four days of live music, tribute performances, and related activities that honor the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. March 19-22, 2026, at The Factory in Franklin. Details, tickets and more.

BELL BUCKLE DAFFODIL DAY (3/21)

Image: Facebook

Every March, Bell Buckle, TN bursts into full bloom with a colorful explosion of daffodils. Then they invite everyone to come enjoy a day full of fun, family-friendly activities. Got daffodils of your own? You’re welcome to pick your favorite bloom and enter it in the flower show. It’s free to enter; check out the rules and regs.

While you’re waiting to find out if your daffodil is a winner, you can enjoy live music, explore the shops and pick up a FREE tree seedling. (This year’s options are Oak, Common Persimmon, and Native Sweet Pecan.) Pro tip: Word on the street is that some stores will offer 20% off to anyone wearing “daffodil yellow” so plan your wardrobe accordingly. Saturday, March 21, 2026 10:00am – 4:00pm. Details and directions.

BLOOMING ARTS FESTIVAL (3/27-3/28)

Image: Facebook

Plan a trip to the quaint, small town of Linden, TN to celebrate the 18^th annual Blooming Arts Festival. ​In addition to 150-plus arts & crafts exhibitors and a full schedule of live music, the festival provides a popular Kids Zone, complete with rides, face painting, creative arts and fun activities.

Exhibitors include fine art, such as paintings, clay sculptures, photography, stained glass, leatherwork, jewelry, glass, furniture, fiber, quilting and many more displays of creativity. Blooming Arts Festival is held in Linden’s downtown; it’s free and open to the public. Plan your visit.

2ND ANNUAL OREO FESTIVAL (3/28)

Image: Pixabay

Mark your calendar, grab your crew, and bring your sweet tooth to the 2^nd Annual Oreo Festival! Organizers promise “a full day packed with Oreo-inspired treats, desserts, drinks, and family fun that’ll have your taste buds cheering. From the classics you love to wild new Oreo creations, this is the ultimate celebration for cookie lovers of all ages!” (Is your mouth watering yet?)

This delicious, family-friendly event will be held indoors at the MTSU Livestock Center in Murfreesboro, so your cookies will be crunchy, rain or shine. Saturday, March 28th, 2026, 10am-4pm. Parking and admission are free. Pour a glass of milk and read the details.

We can’t think of a sweeter way to end the month, but festival season is just getting started. To find more events, check out this guide to Nashville & Middle TN from TNvacations.com.

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GO DANCING—EVEN IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW (YET)

Image: GetYourGuide

Does your honey make you feel like dancing, but one (or both) of you aren’t really Dancing with the Stars material? Not to worry! You can learn the basics of country swing dancing from Nashville’s top coaches with a Beginner-Friendly Country Swing Lesson. They say, “Country swing can be done to any type of music and doesn’t require rhythm like dances such as two-step,” so why not give it (and your partner) a whirl?

You can also head over to Category 10 in Nashville for FREE line dance lessons Thursdays-Sundays. It was fan-voted “Best Place to Dance in Nashville” in the Nashville Scene’s reader’s poll. You can even learn a dance in advance from a video on their site.  Start dancing.

CREATE A CUSTOM PERFUME/COLOGNE

Image: Fulvio Ciccolo

Perfume is often a go-to gift for Valentine’s Day, but why give a scent made for the masses when you can offer the chance to create a signature fragrance that’s as unique as they are? (Bonus: when you go to the class together, you may have the chance to weigh in on your partner’s choices.)  

In Tijon Nashville’s Mix & Match class, an instructor will help you create three sample fragrances from their vast collection of oils. After testing each on your skin, you decide which one you’d like to bottle and take home. Learn more.

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1925

Image: Viator

Find your inner flapper and step back into the Jazz Age with your choice of Prohibition era-themed cocktail crawls. Speakeasy Scandals offers a blend of “jazz-era joints, hidden gem bars, and shocking-but-true tales from our sin-soaked past.”

If your love loves true crime, what could be more romantic than a Speakeasy Secrets Murder True Crime Cocktail Crawl offering curated cocktails along with “Nashville’s Prohibition underbelly, deadly affairs, corrupt power players, and the secrets soaked into every poured drink.”

BOOK A COUPLES’ PHOTOSHOOT (WITH CHAMPAGNE!)

Image: GetYourGuide

Book a romantic photoshoot for two at some of the most romantic spots in Nashville. Not only will you two feel like celebs, you’ll also get tips on how to create fun poses and receive a gallery of photos that celebrate your relationship. Your experience ends with a champagne pop and spray on a rooftop overlooking the city—caught on camera by your personal paparazzo, of course. Book your shoot.

DINE AT A RESTAURANT FROM THE MICHELIN GUIDE

Image: Mark Chan

There are more listed eateries than you might think in and around Nashville—and they don’t all blow the budget. Sure, there are several fine dining establishments on the list, but Michelin also recognizes things like sustainability (January in Franklin), sommelier (Bad Idea in Nashville) and “Great Food at Great Value” (seven Nashville spots to choose from). See the list.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL (FRANKLIN, TN)

Image: FranklinIs.com

Mark your calendar: The monthly art crawl in Historic Downtown Franklin, TN, takes place 6-9 pm on the first Friday of every month. Download the app (which includes the Art Crawl Map) or start at any location and take the free trolley from place to place. You’ll see a variety of art pieces from local artists —paintings, blown glass, turned wood and more—all while enjoying complimentary refreshments and live music. See a piece you like? Take it home! All the art is available for sale.

For more information, visit Arts Council of Williamson County TN.

SECOND SATURDAY ART CRAWL (DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, TN)

Image: Facebook

From 6-9 pm on the second Saturday of each month, downtown Nashville galleries open their doors for special receptions and exhibition openings. Admission is free and you can enjoy free wine and snacks while strolling through the spaces. Each location presents diverse collections ranging from Nashville-area talent to internationally recognized artists. See which galleries and artists are on the schedule each month at DADA Nashville.

THIRD SATURDAY 100 TAYLOR ARTS MARKET (GERMANTOWN/NASHVILLE)

Image: 100 Taylor

The perfect outing for a wintery weekend, 100 Taylor Arts Market brings together more 60+ local artists and makers each month in a historic converted mill in the historic Germantown neighborhood of Nashville. Shop local while enjoying live music, food trucks and local craft drinks. The third Saturday of every month from 4-9 pm at 100 Taylor Arts Market.

TUESDAYS-SATURDAYS: LEQUIRE GALLERY (WEST NASHVILLE)

Image: VisitMusicCity.com

Browse over 5,000 sq. feet of floor space with 500+ works of art and exhibits at the LeQuire Gallery & Studio. Owner Alan LeQuire is best known as creator of the iconic sculpture, Athena Parthenos, located in Nashville’s Parthenon. Both a gallery and a studio, they promise “an insight for the public into the daily life of a sculptor.” Learn more.

ANY DAY BUT TUESDAY: FRIST ART MUSEUM (DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE)

Image: Facebook

This family-friendly museum doesn’t have a permanent collection, which means there’s always something new to see. Their rotating exhibitions range from classical art to contemporary works. Plus, they offer family programs, talks, and community events. Don’t miss their Martin ArtQuest Gallery, where visitors of all ages can make their own art. The Frist is located in downtown Nashville, in an Art Deco post office building that’s a work of art in its own right. Plan your visit.

Go on one or all of these outings and you might turn into an art aficionado, if you’re not one already. If nothing else, it’ll be something fun and different to do on a chilly winter weekend. Enjoy!

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GET ORGANIZED (FOR REAL THIS TIME)

Image: Container Store

Try it, you’ll like it! At least, you’ll like the result. If the thought of tackling this kind of project makes you want to go hide under the covers until the urge passes, these hacks for storing your holiday items are a good place to start. Then check out our general tips on organizing for other parts of your home. For extra credit you can tackle the garage.

GO ALL IN WITH COLOR

Image: Marie Flanigan Interiors, photography Julie Soefer

Color drenching—painting walls, trim and ceiling all one color—is a trend that looks like it’s going to stick around and we’re loving it. Before you grab a roller and go to town, you’ll need to make some decisions…like which type of paint to choose. (The sheen can make a big difference to the final look!)

REDECORATE WITH THINGS YOU ALREADY OWN

Image: interiordesign.lovetoknow.com

According to people who track these things, one in five Americans included financial goals in their NY resolutions last year. Here’s one way to save money: before spending shelling out on new décor, shop your house before clicking the “place your order” button. Here’s how.

ADD PIZAZZ TO A CLOSET

Image: Next Luxury

So, your home looks fabulous, but you still have the itch to redecorate something? Or you don’t have the time or money for a big project but would like to do something to add a little flair. Look no further than your closet.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP

Image: Kaboompics.com

Design help, that is. Sometimes the best design decision you can make for your home is to call in a professional. Before you do, check out these 7 tips for working with an interior designer. FYI, you don’t necessarily have to do your own painting, either. Like mama used to say: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Why don’t you put down that paintbrush and contact us for a quote?

DECORATE WITH JOY

Image:  Novus Decor

“Love and joy come to you…” the Christmas carol says, and 2026 could be the year for joy to come to your home décor. Ingrid Fetell Lee, designer and author of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, says, “A joyful home is the foundation of a joyful life.” See her thoughts on how to make your home joyful.

Happy new year!

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1. FRANKTOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Image: Facebook

At the 2025 FrankTown Festival of Lights you’ll drive through more than 200 dazzling light displays—or walk through on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30! (Dogs on leashes welcome.) After your one-and-a-half-mile drive or walk, snap a pic under the giant lighted Christmas trees or a FREE photo with Santa (or both). Warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire pit and grab a bite from the onsite food truck. Open nightly through Dec. 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, rain or shine. All profits support the work of FrankTown Open Hearts. Get your tickets.

2. DANCING LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

Image: Dancing Lights of Christmas

Head to the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon for this family-and-budget-friendly outing. Just $35 per car covers the light show, entrance to Santa’s Village, visiting with Santa and petting the animals in the petting zoo! The lights run every night (rain or shine) through Jan. 4, 2026. Santa’s Village will be open the whole time, but Santa has to head back to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas, so his last day is Dec. 23. Plan your outing.

3. HOLLY JOLLY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Image: Facebook

A magical Christmas festival featuring millions of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday scenes, and festive music awaits at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, TN. You’ll find plenty of festive photo ops and the kids can burn off their energy on the mega slide, corn box, swings and tricycle track. No need to eat dinner before you go; the Barnyard Grill is open until 8:30 pm. You’ll also find scratch-made treats and drinks at the Big Red Barn’s Bakery and Coffee Bars. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM through Dec. 21, plus Monday-Tuesday Dec. 22-23, 2025. Get details.

4. CHRISTMAS ON THE CUMBERLAND

Image: VisitClarksvilleTN.com

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville, TN. Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, where twinkling lights, festive cheer, and beloved holiday traditions come alive. This event is FREE, ADA-friendly, and open daily (weather permitting) from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM through Jan. 2, 2026. Directions and info.

5. HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT CHEEKWOOD

Image: Howard Ezell, courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Start your journey at the 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree that welcomes you through Cheekwood’s winter wonderland. Celebrating its 10^th year, Holiday LIGHTS features a one-mile twinkling trail featuring more than a million lights. But there’s more: you can also warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal libations and roast s’mores by a fire, then explore the Holiday Marketplace or tour the Historic Mansion, festively decorated by former Chief White House Florist Laura Dowling. Nightly through Jan. 4, 2026, from 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Learn more and reserve tickets.

6. ZOOLUMINATION FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Image: Nashville Zoo

Visit the Nashville Zoo for the country’s largest lantern festival, featuring magical scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns—some of them 100 feet long and 50 feet high! Plus, you can say “Hi” to any animals who like to stay up late, then go on to enjoy live entertainment, visit North Pole Village and see Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol in the Chick-fil-A Adventure 4D Theater. You can even go ice skating at the Smashville Ice Rink. (Note: some activities require separate tickets.) Nightly from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM through Jan. 4, then Thursday-Sunday Jan. 8-Feb. 8, 2026. Secure your spot.

7. A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND

When the weather outside is frightful or delightful, Gaylord Opryland offers So Much Christmas that we can’t begin to list it all here. You can see 2 million pounds of ice handcrafted into scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or take in POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a new musical, magic and cirque holiday show for the entire family. Plus, there’s holiday shopping, seasonal food and beverages, and much more. Now through Jan. 3, 2026. Come for the day or book an overnight stay. Explore your options.

Whether you get out and about this holiday season or enjoy the comforts of staying home, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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1. FIDDLE AROUND

Image: Vassilis Terzo, Unsplash

Calling all fiddlers and fans! The 54th Annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship is coming to Franklin, TN this weekend (11/8-9/2025) and it’s FREE. Contestants from all over the world will compete for Champion titles. Don’t miss the JAM Session area both days where you can play, listen, eat, drink and more! Details here.

2. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Image: City Farmhouse

After a 5-year hiatus, the legendary City Farmhouse Fall Pop-up Fair is BACK at the beautiful new open-air venue at Bicentennial Park in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee! This two-day fall extravaganza was named one of the top five events to attend by Southern Living, a top event to attend in Tennessee by Garden & Gun, Country Living says “It’s Worth the Trip!”.  Friday-Saturday, November 7-8.

If you don’t find everything you want there—or you’re having too much fun to stop—you can also celebrate all things fall at the Nashville Fall Craft & Vendor Market, featuring local vendors, cozy seasonal treats, and perfect finds for every autumn occasion. Saturday-Sunday, November 8-9.

3. GO ON A SCAVENGER HUNT

Image: Let’s Roam

Discover Franklin’s secrets in the Franklin Scavenger Hunt, an App-guided walking tour (plus trivia and quizzes!) suitable for all ages that you can do anytime.  Learn about Civil War battles and even get to know a little bit about one of Hank Williamsʼ granddaughters! Are you game for some theatrical fun or perhaps craving a taste of history on Main Street? Choose the Hincheyville Scavenger Hunt to wander past iconic sites that whisper tales of yesteryears while keeping an eye out for a famous house with a storied past. Who knows? Maybe your group will end up on their leaderboard!

4. HONOR A VETERAN

Image: FranklinIs.com

The City of Franklin will remember and honor all veterans at its Veterans’ Day Parade in Downtown Franklin on November 11. The Parade begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. at West The parade route travels down Main Street, from Five Points to Second Avenue

5. TRY YOUR HAND AT SINGO

Image: McCreary’s Irish Pub

What is Singo, you ask? It’s part bingo, part music trivia, and all fun! This family-friendly event is free to play every Monday from 7-9 PM at McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery in Franklin, TN and on Thursday nights at their Columbia location. McCreary’s promises “Great beer, great food, good vibes, and your shot at SINGO glory!” Why not give it a whirl?

6. PULL ON YOUR BOOTS AND HEAD TO THE RODEO

Image: Facebook

The Franklin Stampede Pro Rodeo is an action-packed adrenaline-pumping event featuring top cowboys and cowgirls riding for points and prize money as they compete to qualify for the International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma. The two-day event includes broncs and bulls, cowgirl barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, trick riders, bull fighters, rodeo clowns, mutton bustin’ for the kids, food, vendors, a top-notch award-winning announcer, and much more! Friday-Saturday, November 21st – 22nd, 2025. Tickets and info.

Y’all have fun out there!

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FALL FESTIVAL: PUMPKIN PATCH & CORN MAZE, OCT. 2-31

Image: Patrick Fore, Unsplash

Voted middle Tennessee’s “BEST – Fall Festival” in 2024—and named the “#1 Pumpkin Patch” in the state,” by the Travel Channel—Lucky Ladd’s Pumpkin Festival is the ‘don’t miss’ event of the season. Pick your perfect pumpkin from the thousands available, get lost in the 4-acre corn maze, and explore acres full of fun family entertainment. Oct. 2-31 at Lucky Ladd Farms.

Tip: Buy tickets online to save as rates at the gate can be up to 60% higher and this popular event may sell out.

FALL FAMILY FIELD TRIP

Image: Morning Glory Orchard

Go on an adventure through Morning Glory Orchard’s apple orchard! Learn about tree life cycles, pollinators and the different animals you might see in an orchard and more. These guided tours include a guided tour through the apple orchard, samples of honey, apple cider and apples (yum!), a cider press demonstration, goody bags and parking. Dates and tickets.

Tip: Adult members of the family might also enjoy some of Morning Glory’s other events, including guided cider tastings, mixology classes and personalized “Sunsets & Cider” experiences for small groups.

TWO FALL-TASTIC PLAYS

Image:  Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels

A night of pure suspense: Dracula, Oct. 9-26

What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than an action-packed, blood-soaked classic tale of horror featuring the Transylvanian Terror: Dracula! Based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel, this gripping stage adaptation tells the story of Count Dracula’s arrival in England—and the trail of terror he leaves in his wake. Learn more and get tickets.

Or something a little lighter: Lucky Stiff, Oct. 3-18

Mistaken identities, $6 million in diamonds, and a dearly departed uncle in a wheelchair—who goes on vacation to Monte Carlo! What? Why? Find out in this offbeat, hilarious murder-mystery farce based on the novel The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth. Tickets and info.

BONE FROG HEROES BENEFIT, OCT. 25

Image: Uncommon Grit Foundation

A night of entertainment, connection, and community with live music by the Davisson Brothers Band and comedy with Chris Porter. Meet Navy SEALS, special operations veterans, and VIPs. Enjoy Southern cuisine, beer, and wine. Experience a K-9 dog demonstration and more

This event is designed to create meaningful experiences that fund real-world solutions: mental health treatment, food insecurity, K-9 support, and more. Part of the proceeds from the benefit will benefit Baden K-9 Kares, an organization that understands the transformative power of the human-animal bond for military and first responders, and Operation Song, a nonprofit using the power of music to heal.

Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center. Sponsorships and tickets.

FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET, EVERY SATURDAY

Image: FranklinIs.com

Bring the farm-to-table experience home with Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers at the Franklin Farmers Market. From produce, fruit and dairy to baked goods and meats, it’s all local, fresh and delicious. Don’t miss the local crafters and their unique and beautiful goods. It’s all waiting for you, every Saturday morning at the Franklin Farmers Market.

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BROKEN WHEEL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Image: Round UP for Nolensville

This Saturday (Sep 6, 2025), head to Nolensville, TN from 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM for a fun night out filled with live music, artisan vendors, food & drinks, and more. Take the kids to the Family Fun Zone then drop them off at Summit Gymnastics (just across the street!) to enjoy a peaceful evening with friends while your offspring enjoys themselves in a safe environment.

Your ticket to this festival isn’t just an entry pass — it’s a direct way to impact your neighbors in need. Proceeds benefit Round Up for Nolensville, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to Nolensville area residents and public servants in times of need. The festival is held at the Mill Creek Brewing Co., 2008 B, Johnson Industrial Blvd, Nolensville, TN. Learn more.

WESTHAVEN PORCHFEST

Image: Westhaven Porchfest

From noon to 5 pm on September 20, the hills of Franklin, TN will be alive with the sound of music played from 26 porches in the Westhaven neighborhood. Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike or ride a golf cart (available to rent) from porch to porch and enjoy free concerts! You’ll need a ticket for the 7pm concert with Monsters of Yacht—America’s premier tribute to Yacht Rock—and The Deltaz with special guest Ben Calhoun. Buy tickets.

PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Image: Facebook

A Tennessee version of New Orleans’ Jazz Festival, Pilgrimage offers a diverse yet renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel and more—all within walking distance of the heart of downtown Franklin. Labeled “one of the finest boutique festivals in the country,” this year’s Pilgrimage include music by John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours and many more. September 27-28 at The Park at Harlinsdale. Get tickets.

LIBERTY SQUARE – A LESTER FLATT CELEBRATION

Image: Facebook

Celebrate the rich bluegrass heritage of the area at the City of Sparta’s annual community event. Held the second Saturday in October, this free event brings in national and international touring bluegrass artists for a full day of music on the main stage in front of the historic Oldham Theater.

Along with the music, 100+ artisan and food booths will serve up the best in arts, crafts and tasty treats on and around the town square. Bring the family, your lawn chairs, and your love for bluegrass! Learn more.

GOATS, MUSIC & MORE FESTIVAL

Image: Facebook

We know you were wondering, “Music is great, but wouldn’t it be better with goats?” This is your chance to find out. The annual Goats, Music and More Festival honors goats, but don’t worry—they’re not the ones making music. You’ll find a full slate of human performers playing acoustic, bluegrass, country and rock and roll music fun plus an arts & crafts show, food vendors, children’s activities and more. On Saturday night, 90’s Country legend Aaron Tippin will take the stage to close out the fair. Saturday, October 10th and 11th, 2025 at Rock Creek Park in Lewisburg, TN. See the full schedule.

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WHISKY DECANTER MUSEUM—GRANVILLE, TN

Image: GranvilleTN.com

If you’re wondering what’s so interesting about a bunch of bottles, then you haven’t seen these bottles. The “World’s Largest Limited Edition” Decanter Museum contains some 5,000 decanters, many considered works of art. Don’t miss the Elvis Presley collection, which depicts “The King” in various phases of his career. Open Wed–Sat, year-round.

Bonus: The Granville Whiskey Museum is accessed with a Granville Town Tour ticket, which also gets you a guided tour of the Sutton Homestead and Pioneer Village and a self-guided tour of all the other buildings and museums, including the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Museum, the Whistle Stop Saloon and Ice Cream Museum, and much more.

Plan your trip.

BELL WITCH CAVE—ADAMS, TN

Image: BellWitchCave.com

Visit—if you dare—one of America’s most haunted locations. In 1817, John Bell and his family started experiencing strange sights, eerie sounds, and even beatings that left the youngest daughter unconscious. When John died three years later, his death was attributed to the Bell Witch, making Tennessee the only state to assign a person’s death to the supernatural.

The reconstructed Bell Cabin includes artifacts from the original one, plus news articles, photos and other artifacts from the time when the Bell family lived there. To amp up the spooky factor, take one of lantern-guided tours of the haunted grounds after dark.

Plan your visit.

WORLD’S LARGEST CEDAR BUCKET—MURFREESBORO, TN

Image: Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation

It’s big. Really big. So big that at the 1904 St. Louis World’s fair, a beer company leased it, filled it with 1,566 gallons of beer, and built a catwalk around the top for visitors to sample. But why would anyone build such a thing? Advertising, of course.

For years, the Tennessee Red Cedar Woodworks Company was Murfreesboro’s only industry and the only company in the U.S. making cedar buckets. The giant bucket was built in 1887 to promote the company.

These days it lives in Historic Cannonsburgh Village, which represents approximately 100 years of early Tennessee life from the 1830s to the 1930s. Self-guided tours are free, but please call ahead as the village may be closed for a private event.

Plan your visit.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECT—OAK RIDGE, TN

Image: YouTube

Back in the day, it was a covert mission of the American government—a vital part in bringing the world its first nuclear bomb. Known as the “Secret City”, Oak Ridge was not on any maps. Nevertheless, 100,000 workers were brought to the city to work on a top-secret war project, known as the Manhattan Project.

Nowadays, it’s one of three sites of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. (The other two are Los Alamos, New Mexico and Hanford, Washington.) It tells the stories of people, events, science, and engineering that changed the world. See rare files in the American Museum of Science and Energy and learn more about Oak Ridge’s past at the K-25 History Center, home to over 250 artifacts about the uranium enrichment programs.

Plan your trip.

A FOLK HERO’S HOME—JACKSON, TN

Image: Pinterest

Relive the life and legend of Casey Jones, an American railroad engineer who died in a crash in 1900 and became an American folk hero. Several artists have recorded songs about his final ride, including Johnny Cash and the Grateful Dead.

You can visit Casey’s former home, watch a film that tells his story, and explore three authentic rail cars before ringing the bell in the engine, just like Casey did on his final heroic ride. Then explore the village, including an authentically recreated 1800s Ice Cream Parlor & Fudge Shop, as well as the Old Country Store, and a rare soda fountain made in the 1800s (and was one of the first 75 ever made!)

Plan your visit.

One of the great things about Middle Tennessee is that there are so many things to do! Whether you visit one of these spots, go on a different adventure or just enjoy time at home, we hope you have a wonderful month.

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BUT FIRST, PREP

“Do I have to?” Technically, no. But will it keep you from a) cringing every time you look at your work or b) repainting to fix what you could have done right the first time? More than likely, yes.

You’ll find detailed instructions on how to prep almost any type of surface online, but here’s a quick list that applies to most things:

1. Clean previously painted surfaces.
2. Fill holes and patch cracks.
3. Tape off or cover areas you don’t want painted (like baseboards/molding) or that might get splattered (like the floor).

Once you’ve done that, gathered your tools and turned on some tunes, it’s time to tackle those tricky spots, like…

TIGHT CORNERS

Image: Zibra

Painting a nice, flat wall is one thing…applying paint to narrow spaces and tight corners is another. When you’re faced with one of these DIY challenges, put down the big roller and grab…

1. A brush—preferably a small (1- to 2-inch) angled or triangle-shaped brush. Or try one of the specialty tools available, like…
2. corner rollers or
3. angled paint pads. Whatever tool(s) you use, stay zen and don’t get in a hurry. Exercising patience now will pay off with a beautifully painted surface later.

BEHIND A TOILET

Image: Max Vakhtbovycn

There are two basic methods: one involves removing the tank (not the whole toilet); the other doesn’t. Both methods involve covering your toilet (trash bags are your friend here) and doing the usual prep in the surrounding area. If you’re not removing the tank, at least take off the lid; you’ll get more clearance that way. Then:

1. Whip out a mini roller. Most of the time, one of those will fit behind a toilet. If it doesn’t, you can…
2. Wrap a clean rag around a paint stick, dip it in paint and slide between the tank and wall to apply paint.

If there’s not enough room for that, ask yourself: will anyone actually be able to see whether you painted back there? If the answer is no, do you really need to paint it? It’s your choice, but if your answer is yes, you’ll need to remove the toilet tank to access that area.

CEILINGS

Image: MTCopeland.com

We could give you a lengthy list of tools and how to use them, but Lilith over at Livingetc already did that, so if ceilings are on your to-do list, check out what she had to say. If your ceiling is the popcorn variety, here are a few tips just for you:

1. Vacuum it first with a soft bristle attachment (so you don’t paint dust and cobwebs).
2. Use a primer, or paint that includes a primer.
3. If you’re using a roller, make sure the nap of the roller is the same thickness as your ceiling’s texture.

FYI, there are paints designed specifically for ceilings that go on tinted and dry white, so you can see any spots you missed. Reviews of the results are mixed, though, so as always, do your homework before choosing your paint.

STAIRWELL

Image: William Richardson

Proper equipment and preparation are vital when working on and around stairs. The basics of preparation, cutting in, etc. are the same as any wall, but reaching these particular walls can be a challenge. Here are some tools that can help:

1. Extension ladder – the kind that allows you to make one side shorter than the other. Or you can opt to stay on the ground (or the stairs, anyway) and do it all with:
2. An extension pole for your roller and edger.
3. A painting buddy – this one is non-negotiable. Someone needs to hold the ladder and/or watch to make sure you don’t absent-mindedly step off the landing because you’re focused on painting. Safety first!

It’s not the easiest place to paint, but if you think you’re up for the challenge, check out these tips and good luck!

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE

Image: Antoni Shkraba Studio

What’s the easiest way to get a professional-looking paint job in those hard-to-reach places? Hire a professional. Leave the ladder in the garage and contact us for a quote.

Note: product links are provided for informational purposes only and are not a recommendation of brands or items.

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