2011 | imagesnashville.com ®
What’s Online See a video of the Opryland Hotel’s grand reopening after Nashville’s flood
Nashville, tennessee
here, there, everywhere Downtown has much to offer
Amazing things going on Business sector unveils exciting innovations
Rising From the Flood
sponsored by the nashville area Chamber of Commerce
Now that’s Goodlettsville! A community that’s rich in Southern hospitality with plenty of land, labor and capital available. Family Values
Abundant Retail
Quality of Life
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City of Goodlettsville • Call Tom Tucker • (615) 851-2204
www.cityofgoodlettsville.org
Nashville in action
Don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself how great Nashville is in our quick videos at imagesnashville.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Nashville has to offer.
imagesnashville.com
2011 edition | volume 9 ®
nashville, tennessee co nte nt s F e atu r e s 10 rising from the flood
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Months after the flood, Music City shows serious signs of recovery.
16 here, there, everywhere Downtown has much to offer.
20 Unique Nashville Culture is found in Nashville’s neighborhoods.
24 amazing things going on Business sector unveils exciting innovations.
d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 28 Biz Briefs 30 Chamber Report 31 Economic Profile 32 Image Gallery 38 Local Flavor 40 Health & Wellness 42 Arts & Culture 44 Sports & Recreation 46 Education 48 Community Profile on the cover The Pinnacle building in downtown Nashville Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
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All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine
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What’s Online imagesnashville.com
Photos See more photos in our online photo gallery Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog
2011 | imagesnashville.COm ®
What’s Online see a video of the Opryland hotel’s grand reopening after nashville’s flood
nashville, Tennessee
here, There, everywhere Downtown has much to offer
amazing Things gOing On Business sector unveils exciting innovations
Facts & Stats Dig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more
Get a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions
Real estate
Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail
Learn about the local housing market and get started finding your place Nashville
spOnsOreD by The nashville area Chamber OF COmmerCe
Digital edition
Video
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rising From the Flood
®
Nashville , tennessee Project Manager Courtney Seiter Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Kevin Litwin, Megan Pacella Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, lance Conzett, Michele Niccore, Marcus Snyder Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Web developer i Yamel Hall Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond Regional Sales Manager Chris Sweeney Sales Support/Community, Business, Custom Rachael Goldsberry Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller executive Integrated Media Manager Mary Ann Stafford Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall color imaging technician Alison Hunter Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop
Images Nashville is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 211 Commerce St. #100, Nashville, TN 37201 Phone: (615) 743-3000 • Fax: (615) 256-3074 www.nashvillechamber.com Visit Images Nashville online at imagesnashville.com ©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member
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Member Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
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Almanac
Welcome to Nashville An introduction to the area’s people, places and events
Helping Kids Heal
Going to the Dogs Canines have a special place in Nashville. Four of them, actually. More than 80 public parks are in Davidson County, and four of them now house dog park facilities. Two dog parks at Centennial Park in the West End area are open every day from dawn to 8 p.m., while Shelby Park in East Nashville has the same hours. Warner Park in the Belle Meade section of Nashville has hours of dawn to dusk. Kennels and doggie daycares are plentiful, too. Just west of Nashville, Greymont Kennels has become a destination for dog boarding and training, as well as breeding. The kennel has plenty of room for animals to relax and exercise both indoors and out.
The acclaimed Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt treats the sickest patients, and cared for children from 44 states in 2010. The facility has been recognized as one of the premier children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Parents magazine and the Leapfrog Group. The hospital offers treatment of diabetes and congenital heart disorders as well as cancer treatments, organ and bone marrow transplants and developmental disorders. Children’s Hospital also provides the highest level of neonatal intensive care in the state while providing family-centered guidance every step of the way.
Outlaws of Summer Most local sports fans have heard of Nashville’s big-league teams, including the Tennessee Titans of the NFL, the Nashville Predators of the NHL and the Nashville Sounds of minor-league baseball. But the Nashville Outlaws? The Outlaws are a member of the Prospect League, a summer collegiate wood bat league with roots dating back to 1963. The team plays at Vanderbilt University’s Hawkins Field and it allows college baseball players to showcase their talents during the summer, while making the transition from the aluminum bats of the college game to the wood bats of the professional game. The 56-game regular season runs from June through mid-August.
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Taco Time
Fast Facts
Nashville’s diverse dining scene offers plenty of options. For taco tastiness, The Local Taco and Taco Mamacita offer two different spins on the handheld Mexican favorite. The Local Taco, with locations in West Nashville and Brentwood, focuses on unique combinations like the Lobster BLT Taco and the Seared Salmon Taco. Taco Mamacita offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a fusion twist, including items such as fresh chicken tortilla soup and the Asian-influenced General Homeboy taco with chili sauce. Both restaurants serve up plenty of what goes best with tacos: margaritas!
n Nashville is home to more than 20 colleges.
Nashville At A Glance POPULATION Nashville: 605, 473 Nashville
LOCATION Nashville is on the Cumberland River in Middle Tennessee. It is the state’s capital city and a major hub for the music, tourism, publishing, finance, advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics, health care and insurance industries. BEGINNINGS In 1806, Nashville was incorporated as a city and became the county seat of Davidson County, Tennessee. In 1843, the city was named the permanent capital of the state of Tennessee. FOR MORE INFORMATION Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 211 Commerce St. Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37201 Phone: (615) 743-3000 Fax: (615) 743-3002 www.nashvillechamber.com
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n Traveler’s Choice named Nashville one of its 2010 “Top Ten Nightlife Destinations in the United States.” n Nashville is represented by two major league sports teams: the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team and the Tennessee Titans NFL football team. n Nashville is home to 17 publicly traded health-care companies, the largest healthcare cluster in the nation. n Centennial Park – home to many festivals, monuments and memorials – is anchored by a replica of the Parthenon that houses a city art museum. n Many products are made in the Nashville area, including GooGoo Clusters, Martha White Flour, Gibson Guitars, Nissan automobiles and Bridgestone tires.
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What’s Online
n Nashville’s horse lovers and high society come together every year for the Iroquois Steeplechase, which benefits the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Take a virtual tour of Nashville, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesnashville.com.
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visit our
advertisers Ascend Federal Credit Union www.ascendfcu.org BBE Solutions Inc. www.bbesolutions.com Castle Homes www.castlehomes.com City of Goodlettsville www.cityofgoodlettsville.org Diocese of Nashville www.dioceseofnashville.com Drees Homes www.dreeshomes.com/nash Ensworth School www.ensworthschool.com French Christianson Patterson & Associates www.homesinnashville.com Loews Vanderbilt Hotel www.loewshotels.com Metropolitan Nashville International Airport www.flynashville.com Overbrook School www.overbrook.edu Richland Place www.richlandplace.com The Tennessee Credit Union www.ttcu.org Tennessee Foreign Language Institute www.tfli.org Tennessee Technology Center Nashville www.ttcnashville.edu Worth Properties www.worthproperties.com Zeitlin & Company Realtors www.zeitlinrealtors.com
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Dressed to Impress Nashville’s acclaimed art museum The Frist Center for the Visual Arts continues to impress, drawing major U.S. and international exhibitions in addition to its permanent fine art collection. In 2010, the museum was host to an exhibit shown nowhere else in the United States. The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957 highlighted the most glamorous fashion houses of Paris and London in the years after World War II. The exhibition was organized by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, which possesses one of the finest costume collections in the world.
Child’s Play
Derby Girls Ready for some hard-hitting fun? Check out the Nashville Rollergirls in action. The popular women's roller derby team is part of the national Women's Flat Track Derby Association and features skaters with names like "Crash Corset" and "Maulin Monroe." The Rollergirls compete in the South Central Division during a season that runs in the fall and winter months. Flat track roller derby is a fast-paced contact team sport that requires speed, strategy and athleticism. The Rollergirls have most of their home matches at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds Sports Arena. Other teams in the association include the Kansas City Roller Warriors, Oklahoma Victory Dolls and Tampa Bay Derby Darlins.
Nashville is a kid-friendly city with a number of activities designed specifically for children – and their parents. Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory hosts Kid Exploration Nights, while the Nashville Main Library features a weekly Storytime. There are several recreational soccer leagues throughout Nashville, as well as the Adventure Science Center and the Nashville Zoo. For even more kid-sized fun, visit the Global Education Center, attend a cooking class at Young Chef’s Academy or enjoy a day at Nashville Shores waterpark.
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Rising Community Spirit Helps Music City Rebound Following Flood
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Photo Courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/whsieh78
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Photo Courtesy of Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
Jeffrey S. OTTO
Photo Courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/ahoy_matey Photo Courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/blackmoz
Brian M c Cord
Story By Megan Pacella
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hen devastating floodwaters flowed through the streets of Nashville in May 2010, people all over America wondered if Music City could recover from such a tragedy. But Nashville residents knew better. As the news stories unfolded and the waters receded, Music City residents and businesses stood armed and ready to piece their city back together. Hands On Nashville One nonprofit that rose to the challenge of rebuilding the city was Hands On Nashville, an organization that was founded in 1991 to connect volunteers to areas where they are needed. In 2007, HON became a first responder in Metro’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and when the Nashville flood hit, HON proved its worth. In the first three weeks after the flood, more than 15,000 people participated in volunteer programming. Thanks to HON’s quick actions, in the days following the flood, volunteers turned out in droves to tear out drywall, counsel flood victims, hand out food and water, and attend to a variety of other needs in Nashville’s hardest-hit communities. Thanks to the enormous response of Nashvillians wanting to lend a hand, Hands On Nashville received accolades from other branches of the national nonprofit. Open for Business One major consequence of the flood was the extensive damages to a number of large Nashville businesses. One
Nashville experienced a devastating flood in May 2010, affecting much of the city and surrounding areas.
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organization that suffered tremendously from floodwaters was Goodwill Industries. “The primary damage was to our corporate complex downtown,” says Susan Kay-Pittman, who handles crisis communications for Goodwill. “Our corporate office had about 18 inches of water. In the warehouse, we had water up to some of the driver’s seats in our big rigs. Our drywall and carpet had to be replaced, as well as a lot of electronics. The damage was absolutely devastating.” Luckily, Goodwill Industries received the same support as most other Nashville businesses. “We have had tremendous support from the community,” Kay-Pittman 14
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says. “Even though they had suffered damages, our donors still thought about helping others even in the wake of losing everything. [The flood] was not a great time for us, but it certainly proved that this is a strong company. Everyone from the president to the guys working on the dock were working shoulder to shoulder, pitching water out of our buildings.” SoundCheck Nashville – a massive rehearsal studio where many of Nashville’s musicians stored equipment and instruments – suffered extensive damage as well. After being buried under floodwaters in May, SoundCheck Nashville moved into a temporary home, where customers were able to clean and
Jeffrey S. OTTO
With the flood waters long gone, residents and tourists fill the streets of downtown Nashville.
sanitize their music equipment until the company moved back into its permanent location in mid-July. Like other businesses hit by floodwaters in May, SoundCheck Nashville was able to rebound over the summer. Susan Kay-Pittman puts it best when describing Nashville’s response to the natural disaster: “Watching the city respond to the flood was incredible. Seeing all the volunteers come out to rebuild Nashville made me so proud to call this place home.” Visit www.hon.org for more information about the Nashville flood and how you can help those who were affected.
Musicians Help Nashville Return to Harmony In the wake of the Nashville Flood, musicians raise donation dollars
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Photo Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry
mong the tens of thousands of volunteers who turned out to rebuild Nashville after the flood were quite a few famous faces. Renowned Nashville musicians — including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and more — gathered at the Nashville Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Recovery show in June 2010 to raise money for flood victims. Proceeds from the benefit concert were donated to the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund of The Community Foundation, which provides philanthropic assistance to Middle Tennessee. "The damage that we've seen to people's homes and the effect that the flooding has had on their lives is unimaginable. But we've seen the spirit of our community firsthand, as volunteers, church groups and our local business leaders rally to help," said Tim and Faith in a statement. "We all need to continue to support those in need in any way that we can, and for
that reason we could not be more appreciative to all of the artists, the companies and the people behind the scenes who collectively made June 22nd a truly special night." In November 2010, talented Nashville pianist Ben Folds held a Keys to Music City concert to raise funds to restore Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center. In the wake of the flood, the Schermerhorn sustained an estimated $40 million in losses. "The flood happened in a matter of hours, but digging out of it will take years," says Folds in a release. "This concert is an effort to help keep the recovery in the front of our minds and to help restore our great symphony hall. Of course, a donation to our first responders like our volunteer firemen is in order too, because without them the Middle Tennessee community would have lost so much more." – Megan Pacella
Taylor Swift
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Here, There, Everywhere Downtown Nashville has plenty to offer
Story By kevin litwin Photography By Jeffrey S. otto
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sk any downtown Nashville resident to list the advantages of urban living, and you will get many answers. Downtown living offers easy access to the many entertainment and sports venues, and more than 150 restaurants are within a short walk or cab ride. In addition, if you live and also work downtown, your daily driving commute can easily be replaced by a 10- or even
five-minute walk. Plus, there are excellent skyline views from several venues throughout the city. “People enjoy being where the action is,” says Thomas Turner, president and CEO of Nashville Downtown Partnership, a nonprofit management organization whose mission is to ultimately make the Nashville district the most compelling urban center in the entire Southeast.
Many Honky Tonks Downtown Nashville is categorized as a 16-block dining and entertainment area that is home to, for example, the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Symphony, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators and the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. And true to its nickname, live music dominates the nightlife scene in downtown Music City, with thriving and famous venues like the Wildhorse Saloon, Hard Rock Café,
Live music at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Left: A Nashville resident walks her dog along Riverfront Park and First Avenue.
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The Quarters offers great views and a short walk to all the downtown attractions. Right: Bridgestone Arena is home to the Nashville Predators, and features concerts and other events.
Robert’s Western World, Fuel, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, BB King’s and Coyote Ugly Saloon. Live It Up Meanwhile, residential options are also plentiful downtown, with currently more than 50 rentable buildings to choose from. They include 320 Broadway, Capitol Towers, The Cumberland, District Lofts, Hotel 315 Residences, Loft Above Riverfront Studios, Market Street Apartments, The Quarters, Riverfront Condominiums and Terrazzo. “Young professionals, empty nesters and discriminating buyers appreciate the wide range of housing choices in this dynamic urban neighborhood,” Turner says. Nashville Downtown Partnership officials say most apartments consistently have occupancy rates of 90-95 percent, and many locations have waiting lists. At the end of the second quarter in 2010, there were 3,700 downtown residential units and almost 400 planned or under construction. There are currently more than 5,000 residents enjoying all of the perks of downtown living, and that number is expected to surpass 6,000 by the end of 2011. City officials are hoping to eventually increase that number to as high as 10,000-12,000 someday. 18
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Step Up to the Plate As for dining, Nashville is much more than barbecue and Southern fried chicken, with restaurants that specialize in American, Cajun and creole, Chinese, Mongolian, Greek, Italian, sushi, Mexican, southwestern and seafood dishes. Some of the popular dining destinations include Demos’ Steak & Spaghetti House, The Palm and Whiskey Kitchen. Back to the Future Meanwhile, near-future plans for the downtown district include greenspace riverfront development on both sides of the Cumberland River, and construction is underway on a future convention center complete with an Omni hotel. The Nashville Downtown Partnership is also focused on projects such as implementing a remote shuttle program, increasing on-street parking, filling any vacant commercial space and increasing the residential base. But bottom line: Turner says it is the country music industry – and will always be the country music industry – that continues to bring most residents and tourists to downtown Nashville. “We have a brand and we reinforce it every day, because there’s music every day in Nashville,” he says.
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Unique Nashville A distinctive culture can be found in Nashville’s 12 South, Germantown and East Nashville neighborhoods
Story By Megan Pacella
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photos by Jeffrey S. OTTO
o many people who visit Music City, Nashville culture can be summed up on Broadway, with its cowboy boot stores and honky-tonk bars. But locals know that a different type of culture exists in the neighborhoods that surround Nashville. The small pockets of local culture in Nashville’s 12 South, Germantown and East Nashville neighborhoods have been cultivated thanks to local business owners, award-winning restaurants and the friendly residents who live there.
Salmon with asparagus, rice and greens at the Germantown Cafe, located at 1200 Fifth Avenue North in Nashville Right: A home in Germantown
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Germantown Kat Roos, the owner of Germantown-based DrinkHaus, chose the location for her popular espresso and tea shop precisely because of the neighborhood’s character and charm. “DrinkHaus is intended to serve the neighborhood, and to elaborate on what the neighborhood already has, which is unique, independently owned, and family- owned businesses,” Roos says. “The whole point of our business is that it’s a great little place that has kept its soul.”
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top photos by Jeffrey S. OTTO
Germantown, an 18-square-block area with great views of downtown, is the site of Nashville’s first residential subdivision, with structures built as early as the 1830s. The area was once neglected, but an influx of creative new residents has once again made it a diverse and vibrant urban neighborhood that business owners are excited to serve. Among them are pasta-makers, hot dog hot spots and some great local restaurants. One standout is The Cocoa Tree, an artisan chocolate and truffle cafe featuring creations like the popular Jack Daniels and crystallized ginger truffle. After running a storefront in Franklin, Tenn., for five years, chocolatier Bethany Thouin moved her delicious creations to Germantown for Nashvillians to enjoy.
Jeff Adkins
East Nashville Just across the Cumberland from Germantown and downtown, East Nashville is a diverse and growing community of artists, independent musicians and those seeking a creative vibe in their neighborhood. “East Nashville is a good place to get to know not only your neighbors, but your fellow business owners, too,” says Eric Jans, president of the East Nashville Merchants’ Association. “It’s easy to get involved in this part of town, and get to know the business owners at the places you like to shop. It’s the perfect place if you love local business.” Home to several historic neighborhoods and unified by the retail district Five Points, East Nashville scatters its shops among old Victorians, Craftsmen and bungalows along leafy
streets. From its many antique and vintage stores to a slew of art galleries, East Nashville retail is among the most unique in the city. As for dining, Nashville residents regularly “cross the river” to check out eateries that run the gamut from sushi to barbecue to Thai. Allium, a French restaurant on the corner of Main Street, offers a high-end menu of traditional bistro classics, Holland House Bar and Refuge mixes up hip cocktails, and Eastland Café offers an extensive wine list and a regular “Lappy Hour” for neighborhood pooches. 12 South Just south of downtown Nashville, the 12 South neighborhood is always bustling with activity. The area is home to a mix of families, hip singles and college students at nearby Belmont University and features more than 50 thriving businesses, from vintage and local clothes to pizza to Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles. One of the newest – and most popular – dining attractions in 12 South is Burger Up, a restaurant that offers a new twist on an American favorite. In addition to the typical beef variety, Burger Up’s menu boasts gourmet salmon, lamb, black bean and turkey burgers – all made with local ingredients. If you’d rather have a cup of joe and a farm-fresh salad, Frothy Monkey is right up your alley. Located just three blocks from Burger Up, Frothy Monkey is a community gathering spot that offers a variety of coffees, teas and espresso drinks, as well as a menu made up exclusively of local foods.
Clockwise from top left: A home in the Germantown neighborhood; The popular restaurant Burger Up recently opened in the 12 South area of Nashville and is known for using local ingredients; One of the many decadent desserts at the Eastland Cafe; The downtown Nashville skyline is the backdrop for the swimming pool at ICON condominiums.
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Amazing Things
Going On Exciting innovations announced in business sector
Story By Kevin Litwin
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early 90 percent of the 500 taxi drivers in Nashville are from foreign countries, and many of them are refugees from Somalia, Sudan and Iraq. To make sure they can communicate professionally with customers, read a map and navigate around Nashville, the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute has created a Taxi Pro Hospitality Training Program that potential drivers must now pass before being granted a cab license. It’s just one of many innovative and entrepreneurial ventures occurring
throughout Nashville these days. “In the past, customers have complained that they get nervous when drivers speak in their native language, which is often Arabic, so we insist that drivers only speak English – even if it’s broken English,” says Angela Harris, Taxi Pro program director at Tennessee Foreign Language Institute, whose program is the only one of its kind in the country. “Also in the past, many Muslim drivers would have issues taking passengers to a bar, or even helping a blind woman into a cab because some countries forbid men
Many innovative plans are being developed in Nashville.
and women strangers to have any physical contact. We tell the drivers if they can’t get past those issues, they won’t be hired. We tell them that this is a profession where they will get better tips if they are kind and cordial to customers.” Healthy Outlook Innovative in a wholly different way are the potentially life-saving advances happening at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, where a clinical trial is underway to combat triple negative breast cancer, a rare but truly serious form of breast cancer.
photo by Brian M c Cord
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Emdeon Business Services in Nashville is developing advanced revenue and payment cycle solutions.
“About 20 percent of patients with breast cancer have triple negative, which is immediately viewed as a death sentence or having very limited options,” says Dee Anna Smith, CEO of Sarah Cannon Research Institute. “But our clinical trial is helping this patient base because we have access to the latest information on new therapies and treatments. It is an amazing trial that will hopefully result in great breakthroughs.” Novel Approach Another innovative venture taking place in Nashville is Read 180, which is overseen by the Vanderbilt University Office of Technology Transfer and 26
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Enterprise Development. Read 180 was developed by the university’s Peabody College of Education & Human Development as an advanced tool for teaching older kids how to read. “We licensed the program to Scholastic.com, the folks who published Harry Potter, and it provides ageappropriate lesson plans, materials, games and activities to help teachers engage older students,” says Chris McKinney, director for the Office of Technology Transfer and Enterprise Development. “Students often make a 180-degree turn in their reading and comprehension in a relatively short amount of time.”
photo by Jeff Adkins
More Brain Stormers Other exciting initiatives include Meharry Medical College earning several federal grants to research health disparities, and Emdeon, a health care information technology company, devising new and advanced revenue and payment cycle solutions. Meanwhile, BioMimetic Therapeutics is making big gains in utilizing purified human platelet-derived growth factor. “All of us in the innovation sector are lucky people,” McKinney says. “We get to see some of the hottest new technologies, and work with high-impact products and services that can change the world for the good. What can be better than that?”
Living the Green Life Nashville accelerates sustainability efforts
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Jeffrey S. OTTO
ashville is making a real push to improve its recycling and energy-savings efforts, with a goal of eventually becoming the most sustainable city in the entire Southeast. Mike Blosser, who served on the Mayor's Green Ribbon Committee and is vice president of environment, health and safety with Nashville-based LP Building Products, says the city has even hired a permanent director of sustainability who specifically represents the Mayor's Office. "Reducing overall energy usage for a city as large as Nashville is a daunting task – it could take 20 or 25 years to reach the ultimate goal," Blosser says. "But there are 70 recommendations on the table to guide Nashville's future along a sustainability path, and some programs are already in place." Those programs include an electric car-charging station in downtown Nashville, along with bike-share
and car-share initiatives. Car sharing involves five energy-efficient vehicles parked throughout Nashville that can be rented and used by the public for an hour or two at a time, on any day. Blosser also points out that the LP Building Products company he works for is trying to become a showpiece of sustainability. One example is that 76 percent of current energy used throughout the LP corporation is renewable energy. "As for Nashville, a riverfront development project is moving forward so that the city will soon see some very green development occurring on both sides of the Cumberland River," Blosser says. "It will result in parks as well as walking and biking trails. Mayor Karl Dean is determined to be proactive on air, water, trees, farming and land use issues. Exciting environmental and sustainability results are starting to be achieved, and things will only get better." – Kevin Litwin
The complimentary Music City Circuit hybrid buses travel throughout Nashville.
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Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define nashville’s economic climate
Scorecard Business At A Glance
$24 billion Annual retail sales in MSA
$15,178 Retail sales per capita
38,784 Total number of establishments Sources: Tennessee Department of Revenue and U.S. Department of Commerce
NOVACOPY Biz: Copier solutions Buzz: NovaCopy is a copier and document solutions company that provides office equipment, on-site services and workflow solutions to more than 5,000 businesses throughout the United States. The Nashvillebased company also consults with businesses to improve their office cost-efficiency and their environmental approach to office processes. www.novacopy.com 28
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ZUMI SUSHI Biz: Japanese restaurant Buzz: Zumi began as an idea to serve the healthiest food possible in a better way, and the restaurant now serves high-quality sushi and the finest in Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is located in Nashville’s historic Hillsboro Village and is already known for its excellent appetizers and entrees. The menu is constantly evolving and there is a commitment to being fast, fresh and budget-friendly. www.zumisushi.com TENNESSEE ORTHOPAEDIC ALLIANCE Biz: Orthopaedic surgery group Buzz: TOA is the largest orthopaedic surgery group in Nashville, and one of the largest in the nation, practicing throughout Tennessee, southern Kentucky and northern Alabama. The physicians concentrate on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, and their treatments for care include rehabilitation and education to prevent future injury. www.toa.com
Great Great Great Great
Inventory Prices Rates Representation
www.HomesInNashville.com
Buying or selling, contact: (615) 297-8744
ADVANCED NETWORK SOLUTIONS Biz: Computer network support Buzz: Advanced Network Solutions offers complete computer network support to businesses wanting to enjoy greater productivity and less down time. ANS monitors systems 24/7 and makes sure data and networks are secure. The company is headquartered in Nashville and has offices in Memphis, Knoxville, Manchester, Chattanooga, Clarksville and McMinnville. www.ansolutions.com AMSURG Biz: Outpatient surgery centers Buzz: AmSurg partners with 1,200 physicians and 200 outpatient surgery centers across the United States in the development, management and operation of outpatient surgery centers. The centers offer quality, low-cost surgical services and have achieved a high patient-satisfaction rating. www.amsurg.com
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Chamber Report Program asks the public to help Metro schools
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ore than 85 percent of local residents believe that education in Metro schools should be the city’s top priority, according to a recent survey conducted by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. To achieve that goal, the chamber launched a program in September 2010 called ONE Nashville, which asks everyone in the city to volunteer, donate or be an advocate of Metro Nashville Public Schools. The chamber has partnered in this effort with Alignment Nashville, the Mayor’s Office, Nashville Alliance for Public Education, Pencil Foundation and Stand for Children. “To attract new businesses to our city or make Nashville a great city for families, the success of our schools will ensure the long-term prosperity of our community,” says Rita McDonald, director of community engagement in education for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Many people don’t know who to call or what to do if they want to help education, so ONE Nashville provides a single portal for people to be involved and plugged in to Metro schools. This is a call to action for our entire community.” McDonald says the website www.onenashville.org has been set up with links for people to find out about volunteering, donating or advocating. There is also an informative Community Spotlight link, as well as a Parent Resources link with tips for being a more effective parent in the education process. A spanish version of the homepage is available as well. “Volunteering can involve activities 30
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such as being a cafeteria monitor, working in a school’s main office, helping in a classroom or even greeting students at the front door,” McDonald says. “You can volunteer at whatever school you want, and an accompanying website – www.schoolvolunteers.org – allows schools to post their specific needs.” McDonald says people can go the website or e-mail her at onenashville @nashvillechamber.com for more information. For those without computer access, Rita is also available by phone at (615) 743-3152.
“Go to the www.onenashville.org website and provide me with your name and e-mail address, and I’ll send you periodic updates on the campaign and what’s going on with Metro schools,” she says. “We can’t just rely on the Metro Nashville Public Schools and parents to produce a top-flight education system in our city. It will take the entire community. It will take ONE Nashville.” For more information about the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, go to www.nashvillechamber.com. – Kevin Litwin
economic profile Economic Overview Nashville’s economy is uniquely diverse, which accounts for the area’s resilience in a fluctuating global environment. Continual job creation is the result of a variety of growing industries such as technology, retail, professional and business services, education, health care, leisure and hospitality, transportation and construction.
workforce
796,380 Total Workforce
79% White Collar
Taxes
21%
2.25%
education
Local Sales Tax
7%
Blue Collar
6.1% Associate Degree
State Sales Tax
9.25% Total Sales Tax
income
$39,768 Per Capita Income
$47,325 Average Annual Household Expenditure
Transportation Nashville International Airport 1 Terminal Dr. Nashville, TN 37214 (615) 275-1675 www.nashintl.com Nashville Metro Transit Authority 130 Nestor St. Nashville, TN 37210 (615) 862-5969 www.nashvillemta.org
19.7% Bachelor’s Degree
9.6% Graduate Degree
Economic Resources Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 211 Commerce St. Ste. 100 Nashville, TN 37201 (615) 743-3000 www.nashvillechamber.com
Government Offices Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee (615) 862-5000 www.nashville.gov Resource for complete listing of government offices and services for Nashville and Davidson County.
major employers Vanderbilt University & Vanderbilt University Medical Center State of Tennessee U.S. Government Metro Nashville – Davidson County Public Schools St. Thomas Health Services Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Nissan North America Inc. HCA Gaylord Entertainment Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development 312 Rosa Parks Ave. 11th Floor Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-1888 www.tennessee.gov/ecd
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Image Gallery
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The Parthenon stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park in Nashville. Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
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Image Gallery
Tennessee State Capitol Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
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Image Gallery
French’s Shoes and Boots in downtown Nashville Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
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Betty Boots in downtown Nashville Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto
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Nashville Treats City has great independent restaurants
Gigi’s Cupcakes
Antony Boshier
Local Flavor
Blind Pig No. 55, Caffe Nonna, ChaChah, Jimmy Kelly’s, Suzy Wong’s House of Yum – these are all one-of-a-kind restaurants that add to Nashville’s unique flavor. There are even distinct restaurants at the Nashville Airport, including Gibson Café, Neely’s Bar-B-Que and Swett’s. Here is a brief overview of the Music City dining scene:
Nashville Sweet Spots There’s no shortage of places in Nashville to find scrumptious treats. Besides the overwhelming popularity of both Gigi’s Cupcakes and Las Paletas’ popsicles, here are some more sweet spots around town. Diana’s Sweet Shoppe on Lower Broadway offers house-made fudge; all sorts of candies and chocolates; and sundaes, floats and ice cream at the soda fountain. Lunch and dinner are also available in the dining area. Elliston Place Soda Shop is a popular meat-and-three that also offers breakfast, burgers and fries, sundaes and banana splits – and specializes in shakes. Mike’s Ice Cream is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor in downtown serving hand-dipped floats and shakes, housemade cones and 24 flavors of ice cream.
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American Cuisine Sunset Grill is ideal for a latenight supper, with offerings such as pan-seared Alaskan halibut and voodoo pasta, while The Yellow Porch near Berry Hill has favorite dishes like fresh fish paella and Mediterranean vegetable lasagna. Capitol Grille in the Hermitage Hotel has won several awards for its Southern-based menu. For some of the best New York deli fare south of the Mason-Dixon Line, check out Noshville. With three locations, it’s easy to stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Coffee and Dessert Fido, located in Hillsboro Village, is known for some of the best brewed coffee in Nashville and equally tasty food. Other top independent spots for coffee are Ugly Mugs and Sip Cafe, both in East Nashville; The Frothy Monkey in the 12 South area; and Dunn Bros. Coffee on Church Street.
Originated in Nashville, Gigi’s Cupcakes offers a stellar menu of confectionary treats that keep customers coming back for more. For a unique, frozen treat, don’t miss Las Paletas in the 12 South neighborhood where you’ll find an array of gourmet popsicles in refreshing flavors like rose petal, coffee and chocolate-chile.
Caribbean and International Back to Cuba Café offers Cuban entrees and sandwiches like lechon asado, while Rumba has menu items from countries such as Africa, India, South America and Spain. Other excellent international food destinations are Eastland Café and Flyte World Dining & Wine. Despite the name, San Antonio Taco Company is a Nashville original. With a friendly atmosphere and low-cost, high-taste menu, it’s no surprise that SATCO is always full of happy customers.
Jeffrey S. OTTO
Prince’s Hot Chicken
Barbecue and Chicken Jack’s Bar-B-Que is home to St. Louis-style ribs and Texas sausage, while Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is the granddaddy of the city’s hot-chicken emporiums, dating back to the 1940s. Other top spots include Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, McDougal’s Chicken Fingers & Wings, 400 Degrees and Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish.
Italian City House is an award-winning establishment in Germantown, and Mama Mia’s offers a classic red sauce/white sauce menu. Sole Mio has an impressive wine list and entrees such as ragu salad and scaloppine di vitello. Known for its stone-oven pizza, MAFIAoZA’s offers Italian delicacies in an inviting New York-style environment.
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Asian Nashvillians looking for sushi and other Asian-inspired dishes can find them at Suzy Wong’s House of Yum, August Moon, Seoul Garden, Far East Nashville and Goten. Another top destination, PM offers fusion-dishes such as strip steak teriyaki and a Thaispiced burger prepared by Arnold Myint, an award-winning chef who was featured on the television show Top Chef: DC.
Other Top Spots Residents and visitors to Nashville will always get a good meal at places like Allium, Crow’s Nest, F. Scott’s, Mambu, Midtown Café, Nero’s Grill, Tayst and Tin Angel. – Kevin Litwin
100 White bridge rd. | nashville, tn 37209 (615) 425-5500 | WWW.ttcnashville.edu
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Health & Wellness
Antony Boshier
Community Health Systems
Your Health, Their Industry Thriving Industry Means Top Quality Services across the globe Nashville is widely known as Music City USA, but its health care industry is actually the region’s largest non-governmental employer. Immediate care on the cutting edge of technology is available at more than 30 hospitals‚ medical centers and clinics in the region. Nashville also is home to many hospital management and health care administration businesses, specialty companies, medical research and teaching facilities.
Diversified Health Care Industry The city’s strong tradition of supporting private sector health care ventures began more than 40 years ago with the creation of HCA Inc. in 1968. That company is now the world’s largest private hospital and clinic operator, and it’s widely given credit for fueling the growth of health care-related companies in Nashville. The Nashville area also is home to Community Health Systems, headquartered in Franklin. Community Health Systems is another national leader in hospital management, as its affiliates own, operate or lease more than 126 hospitals in 29 states. In addition to hospital ownership and management‚ strong growth segments include ambulatory care‚ assisted living and senior care services‚ life sciences‚
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clinical research‚ disease management and health information technology. In the four decades since HCA’s beginnings, Nashville has become home to more than 250 health care companies that account for $62 billion in annual revenue and more than 400,000 jobs globally, according to data from the Nashville Health Care Council, an affiliate of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce that works to further establish Nashville’s position as the nation’s health care industry capital. Companies within these segments – such as Healthways‚ AmSurg‚ HealthStream‚ Brookdale Senior Living, Fresenius, Emdeon, PASSPORT Health‚ Cumberland Pharmaceuticals and many others – are examples of the broad-based entrepreneurial spirit and management expertise that characterize Nashville’s health care industry.
World-Class Hospitals
Education, Research and Development
HCA Inc. headquarters are in Nashville, and its local hospitals, the TriStar Health System, are known for their surgical and cardiovascular care. Area HCA facilities include Centennial Medical Center‚ Summit Medical Center‚ Skyline Medical Center‚ Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, Hendersonville Medical Center‚ Southern Hills Medical Center, StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna and Horizon Medical Center in Dickson. Saint Thomas Health Services owns two major Nashville hospitals – Saint Thomas Hospital and Baptist Hospital – along with other area facilities. Saint Thomas Hospital is nationally recognized for its outstanding cardiac and cancer units. It has been recognized many times as a Top 100 Hospital by Thomson Reuters Healthcare, and has received HealthGrades awards for patient experience, patient safety and clinical excellence. Baptist Hospital is Nashville’s largest not-for-profit medical center. Founded in 1919‚ the hospital’s main campus covers nearly 2 million square feet and spans more than six city blocks. Baptist Hospital has achieved multiple HealthGrades five-star ratings in orthopedics, pulmonary care, gastrointestinal surgery and cardiac care. The hospital also is well known for its Women’s Pavilion‚ which delivers more babies than any other hospital in Middle Tennessee. Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)‚ one of the nation’s premier research and teaching facilities‚ employs more than 14,000 people full-time and is renowned for its excellence across a broad spectrum of specialties, including orthopedics‚ cardiology and heart surgery‚ urology, cancer treatment, endocrinology‚ as well as for general pediatrics, neonatal care and pediatric neurology, and neurosurgery. VUMC marked a new era in pediatric care when it opened Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in 2003.
Vanderbilt University and Meharry Medical College‚ the city’s outstanding medical schools‚ produce some of the nation’s most accomplished physicians and other health-care professionals. Since awarding its first medical degrees in 1875‚ Vanderbilt has built an international reputation for its biomedical research and its contributions to the advancement of medicine. Vanderbilt’s Office of
Technology Transfer actively works to impart promising new biotechnologies to the private sector. The school proudly claims two Nobel laureates. In early 1999‚ Vanderbilt and Meharry announced a cooperative agreement. While both institutions remain independent‚ the two collaborate on research‚ education‚ and the use of library resources and facilities. Meharry‚ which was founded in 1876‚ is one of the nation’s most prestigious historically black colleges. – Sharon Fitzgeral & Linda Bryant
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Arts & Culture
Music And More Nashville Renowned For Cultural Arts Scene While Nashville has long been a mecca for musicians and music-lovers, it also offers plenty of other ways to experience the arts, including world-class museums, galleries, theaters, festivals and events.
Performing Arts in Nashville In the performing arts realm, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center downtown regularly hosts Broadway musicals, opera, ballet performances and concerts. Completed in 2006 and also located downtown, the magnificent Schermerhorn Symphony Center is home to the prestigious Nashville Symphony. Inspired by some of the world’s great concert halls built in Europe in the late 19th century, the Schermerhorn hosts more than 100 classical, pops and special concert events every year. Bridgestone Arena on Broadway is another hot spot in the local arts scene. The huge 20,000-seat, all-purpose venue hosts concerts, family shows and sporting events, including the Nashville Predators professional ice hockey team.
Visual Arts Local highlights in the visual arts include the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, the Parthenon and a throng of independent art galleries around the city that showcase nearly every medium of art. The first Saturday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m., between 15 and 20 independent downtown galleries open their doors to the public for the First Saturday Art Crawl, and spectators can be transported from gallery to gallery by two free shuttles provided by
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the Nashville Downtown Partnership. The Tennessee State Museum is another venue that celebrates the arts, often offering free admission to changing exhibits.
Cultural Festivals As diversity in the Nashville area has grown‚ so have the number of festivals celebrating cultural heritage. Oktoberfest, the city’s oldest cultural event, has been held annually since it began in 1980 in historic Germantown. Held on the second Saturday in October‚ Oktoberfest features a variety of artisans‚ children’s games and activities‚ music and dancing‚ and‚ of course‚ plenty of traditional German food and beer. There also are the Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the African American Street Festival at Hadley Park. And then there is the festival that covers all cultures – the Celebration of Cultures festival co-hosted by the Scarritt-Bennett Center and Nashville Metro Parks. The Celebration of Cultures is held at Centennial Park on the first weekend of October and features a variety of musical and dance performances‚ a global market‚ visual artists‚ a children’s area and plenty of ethnic food. More than 30 cultures are represented at the free event.
True to its name - Music City - live music of all genres can be found most anywhere in Nashville, from the streets of Broadway to the stages of outdoor festivals. Music festivals of all types energize Nashville throughout the year, particularly during the warmweather months from April through Labor Day. One of the first is the annual month-long Awesome April, which features multiple performances by songwriters of country, gospel, bluegrass and more. Nashville is widely regarded as the mecca of songwriting, and Tin Pan South is a week-long songwriters’ festival produced by the Nashville Songwriters Association International. It honors the craft with approximately 80 live shows in the downtown district, including more than 250 songwriters performing their original works. Other notable celebrations include the CMA Music Festival and the Rites of Spring (held at Vanderbilt University). In the mid-summer, fireworks light up the sky and thousands of spectators turn out for Music City July 4th Weekend. The event, held along the Cumberland River, celebrates the music of America with a free, live downtown outdoor concert featuring the Nashville Symphony Orchestra performing with some of music’s greatest stars.
Music City On the Big Screen Country Strong is an original motion picture based in Nashville about a young country-music songwriter who rises to fame alongside a come-back country star, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. The first single from the soundtrack, with the same name as the movie, was written by a Nashville resident and is sung by Paltrow. The movie stars Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund.
Antony Boshier
Live Music and Music Festivals
Legends Corner on Broadway during the CMA Music Festival.
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Sports & Recreation
Nashville Offers Year-Round Sports and Recreation
Jeff Adkins
All Play With professional football, hockey and baseball teams, beautiful scenery, fishing and hunting opportunities, a variety of parks and growing greenways, Nashville has plenty to offer in the realm of sports and recreation for both active types and those who simply prefer to cheer along.
Lakes and Natural Areas Regardless of what might float your boat‚ Davidson County is home to three lakes that will surely satisfy one’s thirst for being on or near the water. J. Percy Priest and Old Hickory lakes‚ both of which are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers‚ offer a variety of activities such as boating‚ fishing‚ swimming and camping. J. Percy Priest Lake has 31 recreation areas‚ nearly 500 camping sites‚ eight swimming areas and 31 boat docks. Old Hickory has 65 recreation areas‚ 590 camping sites‚ 11 swimming areas and 56 boat ramps. Those looking for a
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more serene lake experience should motor to Radnor Lake‚ which is run by Tennessee State Parks. The main mission of Radnor Lake is wildlife preservation, but visitors can also enjoy 6 miles of hiking trails and take ranger-led canoe floats on the lake from late April to early October in addition to other scheduled events.
Professional Sports Music City hosts scores of sports events that translate into millions in economic impact. Nashville is home to the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans and the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators, as
well as the Nashville Sounds Class AAA minor-league baseball team, which plays its summertime games just south of downtown in Greer Stadium. Nashville is also home to the Nashville Storm, the 2010 NAFL Champion minor league men’s football team. The Nashville Sports Council was founded in 1992 to bring tourism dollars into the city and heighten the awareness of Nashville as a sports destination, and was instrumental in bringing the Titans and Predators organizations to town. Another major sports event in Nashville is the annual 26.2-mile Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon in April.
Hunting
Growing Greenways
Both small- and big-game hunting are available in several state-operated Wildlife Management Areas. There are several hunting reserves in the Cheatham‚ Hermitage‚ Old Hickory and Percy Priest areas‚ as well as in the Land Between the Lakes near Dover‚ about two hours northwest of Nashville. Hunting seasons are strictly regulated; call the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at (615) 781-6500 for more information.
Nashville greenways include more than 40 miles of paths‚ and the Parks and Greenways Master Plan aims to grow that to 210 miles eventually. Existing paths include the Richland Creek Greenway, a 2.5-mile scenic trail that winds around McCabe Golf Course‚ which was the site of Nashville’s first airport. The trail opened in 2007 and connects the neighborhoods of Sylvan Park and Cherokee Park with the shopping centers and
entertainment areas of White Bridge Road‚ and is designed sort of like an airplane propeller. Richland Creek is just one of the greenways Nashville has developed since the commission was created in 1992. The Harpeth River Greenway at Morton Mill Road was the first‚ and the city’s crown jewel is the Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park. It offers 5 miles of paved multiuse trails and another 5 miles of primitive hiking trails. The 810acre park is a haven for migrating birds and other wildlife.
Golf Galore The region’s mild climate and many public and private golf courses make it possible to get a tee time almost anytime. Nashville features three resort courses – Gaylord Springs Golf Links‚ Vanderbilt Legends Club and Hermitage Golf Course. Surrounding areas offer topnotch courses like nearby Franklin’s Temple Hills Country Club, and the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation operates several public golf courses.
Metro Parks Programs and Facilities In addition to its scores of parks and playgrounds, the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation arranges annual softball and basketball league play. The board also oversees the Sportsplex at Centennial Park. The city-owned Sportsplex features indoor and outdoor tennis courts‚ two ice skating rinks‚ an indoor pool and workout areas with instructors.
Youth Sports Active youth associations provide athletic outlets for the region’s children. As in many American cities‚ soccer has moved to the forefront as a popular team sport for kids. In addition to the huge soccer leagues‚ almost every county in the area offers Little League baseball‚ gymnastics‚ pee wee football and more.
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Education
Making the Grade variety of schools meets diverse educational needs With a variety of educational opportunities and institutions available for students to enjoy, Nashville is a smart place to live.
Higher Education Home to more than 20 fouryear colleges and universities, as well as six community colleges and 11 vocational and technical schools, Nashville is a hub for higher education. Ranking among America’s top higher-learning institutions, Vanderbilt University was founded in Nashville in 1873. Its 10 schools and total enrollment of more than 11,000 make the university a driving economic force in the city. Located nearby, Belmont University is well known for its music and music business programs and is the largest Christian university and secondlargest private university in the state, behind Vanderbilt. Also in the area is Lipscomb University, which is affiliated with the Church of Christ denomination. The school offers more than 100 programs of study, including undergraduate degrees with a sustainability focus and Tennessee’s first “green” MBA. Other higher-education options exist in the Nashville area, from traditional academic degrees to credentials in fields such as cosmetology, massage therapy, auto mechanics, and art and design. Classes are available in a variety of settings, including satellite campuses and online.
Kirkland Hall at Vanderbilt University
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Jeff Adkins
Magnet Schools Nashville has a variety of magnet schools; three focus on academics, three others focus on math and science and one specializes in technology-driven programs. Two magnet schools, HumeFogg Academic High School and
the Nashville School of the Arts, enjoy national recognition. Students are selected for these schools through a random lottery process‚ although in some cases qualifying requirements may exist.
Public Education Nashville is home to more than 100 public elementary, middle and high schools, all of which are part of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. The district implements a core curriculum reform plan for grades kindergarten through eighth and has raised student performance standards and school accountability. In addition, students in grades three through eight are required to take a standardized test known as the TCAP, or the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, in order to evaluate skills in the areas of reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
Private Institutions Middle Tennessee also has a long tradition of private education and provides choices to accommodate individual religious beliefs‚ as well as preferences for educational methods and approaches. Private schools in the area include secular schools, institutions affiliated with specific religious denominations and schools that offer single-sex learning environments. Nashville also offers schools that focus on learning differences to help their students with special needs surpass expectations, including Currey Ingram Academy and Willow Hall Academy. Also available is the Montessori Academy in Brentwood, which features one of the few American Montessori Society high schools in the United States. – Jessica Walker
For More Information Belmont University www.belmont.edu Hume-Fogg Academic High School www.humefogghs.mnps.org Lipscomb University www.lipscomb.edu Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools www.mnps.org Nashville School of the Arts www.nsahs.mnps.org Vanderbilt University www.vanderbilt.edu
community profile Community Overview With a rich love for song and deep musical roots, Nashville is truly Music City. The capital of Tennessee, Nashville sits in the north-central portion of the state along the Cumberland River.
cost of living
$51,352 Median Household Income
$177,720 Median Home Price
$747 Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment
household information Climate Overview Nashville’s climate is moderate, with seasonal variation rarely lapsing into extreme temperatures. Its humidity is also considered moderate for the Southeast. Precipitation is heaviest in winter and early spring, and thunderstorms in Nashville are moderately frequent from March through September.
36.8˚ F
1,520,649 Median Resident Age
51.1% Married
48.9% Single
27.2% Age 19 and Under
Age 20-54
Central
20.8% Age 55 and Over
Nashville
5.1% Other
transportation
25.8 minutes Median Travel Time to Work
Nashville International Airport www.flynashville.com
52.0%
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Hispanic
35.4
time zone
5,686
5.5%
Closest Major Airport
Average July Temperature
size in square miles
Black
Total Population
Average January Temperature
79.1˚ F
15.8%
80.4% White
Ad Index
1 Ascend Federal Credit Union
29 Metropolitan Nashville International Airport
39 BBE Solutions Inc.
45 Overbrook School
47 Castle Homes
43 Richland Place
C2 City of Goodlettsville
5 The Tennessee Credit Union
5 Tennessee Foreign Language Institute
8 Diocese of Nashville C4 Drees Homes 8 Ensworth School 29 French Christianson Patterson & Associates C3 Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
39 Tennessee Technology Center Nashville
4 Worth Properties
41 Zeitlin & Company Realtors