TravelGal

Hadley Park, which borders Tennessee State University, was described in 1912 as the first public park for black citizens in the world. Whether or not that is true, it probably most definitely was the first public park for black citizens in the South.

Today, the Hadley Park Community Center has a little something for everyone. There is a fitness center, after school and summer programs, competitive youth and adult sports, and cultural arts including drama, dance, drawing, and music.

In addition to the park, almost 2,000 people call the neighborhood home. It is a lower income area, with average income being $25,477. Median rent is $490, but the average home prices are around $160,003.

There are plenty of good places around there to eat, including Historic Cafe, Pop's Pit-Bar-Be-Q, Eat To Live, and Mayo's Mahalia Jackson Chicken.

McKissack Park is bounded by Charlotte Ave., I-440, and Clifton Avenue. It is only 0.160 square miles, with a population of 493 people. So a metropolis, it is not.

It is a lower income neighborhood with a median income of $18,918--more than half of the people are below the poverty level. The average rent is $400,and housing prices average $94,231.

Restaurants nearby are Swett's, Stitch Perfect, Bro's Cajun Cuisine, and my favorite, Cafe Unique. Cool jazz there.

Of course, you are also not too far from Vanderbilt and West End, with all the fun restaurants and events. You can easily go to Centennial Park, where you can learn to swing dance, go to Shakespeare in the Park, or attend a massive pillow fight.

Growing up in Nashville, students from Glencliff would always tell those at my high school that we were rivals. That's OK, but we always thought we had a ton of rivals--not just them!

But aside from that, I am familiar with Glencliff because I work near there, and seem to be driving around there all the time.

It is a working class neighborhood, with mostly lower priced homes. Bounded by Nolensville Pike,
Thompson Lane, and I-24, there are tons of restaurants and strip malls. The two kinds of restaurants in the area tend to be either fast food or ethnic. This area has become very multicultural in recent years. For variety, try Abay Ethiopian, La Hacienda Mansqueria, The Dog of Nashville, Eddie's Eat Shop, Siam Cafe, Get It Together, and Aurora Bakery.

Located nearby is the Nashville Zoo, which has fundraisers such as Animal Affair: A Taste of the Wild.

The area known as Elizabeth Park is bounded by Buchanan Dr., D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd, and Herman. Less than half a square mile, it has more than 1,500 residents.

The lower income area has a median household income of $23,000, and the home values hover around $100,000.Median rent is $511.About 37 percent of the population is below the poverty level.

It is very near Germantown, East Germantown, Salemtown, as well as the Fisk and TSU neighborhoods, all with a great sense of history and tradition. It is a farily unsafe area though with quite a number of robberies and burglaries.

Nearby is the Farmer's Market, the Nashville Jazz Workshop, Metro Center and downtown. While in the area, grab a bite to eat at the Chat & Chew Diner, Momma's Place, Our Wing and Fish, Spoken Word Cafe, Mr. Sinatra's Restaurant Jazz, or a coffe at Kijiji Coffeehouse.

Most people in Nashville think of Ellington Pike as being a connector street from downtown to North Nashville.

The area is bounded by Spring Street, Main St. and the River. The area has lower priced homes.

Main Street, headed North, turns into Gallatin Pike, and there are a lot of fast food restaurants located there. Continuing out Gallatin Pike for some miles, you head into Madison, and then into Rivergate area, where Rivergate Mall is located and nicer restaurants.

I have driven down Main Street many times, but have to admit I have not driven into Douglas Park myself. I have read, however, it has the worst park in town. Bad facilities and bad maintenance does not a great park make. From what I hear at least.

Besides that, does this area bounded by Main, Gallatin, and Ellington Pkwy have anything going for it?

Looking at real estate websites, there are some fairly nice looking homes nearby for under $150,000. Living in the area, you would be fairly close to the East End and all the fun things to do at Five Points there, and also close to downtown.

Cleveland Park is bounded by Dickerson Pike, Douglas Ave., Cleveland Drive, and is near Ellington Parkway.

It is a rough area, known as a place for violence and to buy drugs. But it may be getting help soon from Oprah Winfrey's father, Vernon Winfrey. The former Metro councilman operated a barbershop in the area for 45 years and now wants to give back.

Planned is a mixed use development called Winberry, named after Winfrey. It will include homes and retail. They want to work with Big Brothers and Big Sisters to also provide more services there.

It is a gentrifying area, with many beautiful homes that need to be restored. Could this be Nashville's next hot market?

Cumberland Gardens is bounded by Buchanan Street, D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd, Clarksville, Pike, and 28th Ave. North.

It is a lower income area with average home price of $106, 395 and median rent of $463.

It is very close to Metro Center, where there are a lot of office and government buildings, and not far from the more tony Werthan Lofts and downtown proper.

Places to eat in the area include 400 Degrees, Pause and Go, Nick's Famous Barbecue, Ed's Fish and Pizza House, and the Chat & Chew.

Not only do I live adjacent to Edgehill, but I used to work on Edgehill, so I can give a very personal view of the area.

It is a vibrant area, since it is situated close to Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, and also next to Music Row. There is a lot of hubbub and creativity in the air.

It is also close to Greer Stadium, home of the Sounds Baseball team, Fort Negley, and the Adventure Science Museum.

It may be well known for the Snowball Throwing Polar Bears on 12th Ave., but it is also becoming known for Edgehill Villa, previous site of Whiteway Cleaners. Tenants include Whats-in-Store, Tweed Baby Outfitters, Steadfast and True Yoga, N2Skin, Just Kidding Productions, Edgehill Cafe, and Bella Napoli Pizzeria,

There are also lots of apartments, and new trendy condos in the area.

Drop by and have some fun.

Bounded by South Fifth, South Tenth, Woodland, and Shelby Streets, Edgefield was Nashville's first urban neighborhood to undergo revitalization. It has a very strong and vital neighborhood association that has helped drive the area's success.

The area features an array of antebellum homes as well as new construction of single family homes and condominiums.

Edgefield was Nashville's first residential National Trust Historic District, and it has been recognized by both Southern Living magazine and HGTV. They host an annual home tour, among other activities.

For a night on the town, you can easily get from Edgefield to downtown or zoom over to Five Point in East Nashville.

East End is one of the best and oldest historic neighborhoods in Nashville. It was also one of the earliest areas of town to start restoring homes. The homes are a visual feast for the eyes. You can spot homes in a variety of styles, including Queen Anne, bungalow, Italianate, Eastlake, Stick Style, Romanesque Revival, and American Four Square.

A number of years ago, you would live in East Nashville, but had to drive across the river to go to any decent restaurants or nightclubs. Not so any more. Now Five Points in East Nashville has everything you need. Try Batter'd and Fried, Mad Donna's, Beyond the Edge, The Rosepepper Cantina and Mexican Grill, or Ru San's Japanese Sushi and Seafood.

With a number of grocery stores in the area, you don't have any need to head west!

Nestled within the lovely homes and streets, however, are still a few rough areas. Tabitha Tuders, a 14-year-old girl disappeared in 2003 while walking to the bus stop on Lillian St. in this area, and has never been found. The case has received much press coverage.

For all practical purposes, Boscobel Heights is the same area as Cayce. In fact, Boscobel Heights was later named Cayce. The centerpiece is the James A Cayce Homes. It is an impoverished neighborhood, but it is near some neat areas.

Nearby is LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans football team. Residents can easily go downtown via the pedestrian bridge to enjoy restaurants and nightlife. In the other direction is East End, and all the fun things at 5 points and elsewhere in East Nashville.

The crime rate is apparently pretty high in this area.

Salemtown is bounded by Rosa Parks Blvd, Hume St., 3rd Ave. No., and I-65. It is adjacent to Germantown, East Germantown, Elizabeth Park, and continues the theme of charming new and restored homes evident in those neighborhoods.

Residents are in close proximity to all the trendy restaurants in Germantown. Like those other areas mentioned above, it is near the Farmer's Market, and Jamaicaway Restaurant, Nash Trash Tours, Nashville Jazz Workshop, and also close to downtown and Metro Center. It would be a good area to live in if you worked in one of those areas.

New Omohundro, a area bounded by Hermitage Ave., the Cumberland River, and I-24 is near the Donelson area. It is also home to the little known but appreciated Omohundro Water Treatment Plant. It is considered an architectural gem. It was called into action after the flood of 2010 when Nashville's other water treatment plant was out of commission. The gray lady performed splendidly.

Right now, I am not familiar with any eateries or places of interest in the area. But I will keep on the lookout and will post more here. Watch this space.

Rolling Hill Mill is an up and coming area near Rutledge Hill and the Lafayette areas. What once were the Trolley barns and General Hospital (commercial use) is now the mixed use (residential/retail) Rolling Hill Mill.

There are not only affordable apartments there, but also condo developments. There are a number of buildings that have been renovated for this purpose. They are all high tech and modern, with the latest appointments. Very exciting indeed.

It is very close to downtown and all the eateries there. Also close is 3rd and Lindsley, and The Cannery, both of which have superb live music.

Rutledge Hill was one of the first downtown areas to build trendy condo/apartment buildings and also rehab historical buildings for residential/business use.

Take a drive down 2nd Ave. So., towards downtown, and you will gasp at the beautfiul upclose view of the skyline. And the condo prices there aren't too bad, some starting as low as $139,000.

It is very close to the wonderful club 3rd and Lindsley and the infinite number of clubs/restaurants downtown. Seems to me like a lot of bang for the buck.

This area, north of the Fisk area, is bounded by Buchanan and D.B. Todd Blvd. and Interstate 40.

The area has some lower priced homes, but is also close to some higher priced condos, such as the Werthan Mills and other developments. It is close to Germantown, Farmer's Market, and downtown, with all the great restaurants and fun things to do there.

I have read that some good places to eat in the area are My Dad's Pizza and Ed's Fish and Pizza House. I have not been to either but want to check them out.

Meharry Medical College is one of two medical schools in Nashville (Vanderbilt Medical School being the other one) and the only dental school in town.

Fisk is a wonderful historical black college, which unfortunately is undergoing some financial difficulties lately. There is much in the news these days about whether Fisk will be able to sell part of its Georgia O'Keefe's/Alfred Steiglitz collection to help them stay afloat. Fisk is very famous for its Jubilee Singers.

The two institutions, together with nearby Tennessee State University main campus, make up a wonderful university corridor. It also close to some of the trendy new condo developments, such as Werthan Mills.

The universities are located in a residential area, with lower priced homes and apartments renting generally for $600 and up.

The area is close to downtown, Farmer's Market, Germantown, and Metro Center. It is handy to a lot of restaurants and events, including the Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival, which I have been to and can tell you it is favulous.

The Tennessee State University main campus is a very pretty park-like setting that is also close to Meharry Medical College and Fisk University, making for a nice university corridor.
(There is also the Tennessee State University downtown Avon Williams campus, which is located in downtown proper.)

TSU's main campus is close to downtown, Germantown, and Metro Center. The area surrounding TSU is a nice residential area, with mainly lower priced homes. Many of the students live in dorms on campus, but some rent off campus. Apartments near by can run from $600/month and higher.

The Cumberland River divides two distinct areas--west bank and east bank. West has long been mixed use, whereas east has prinarily been industrial, until in recent years when the football stadium was built there. Now the main landmarks are the stadium and attendant parking lots, Juvenile Court, the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, and the Ghost Ballet public art sculpture, Some say the sculpture looks like a roller coaster, but it really is a collection of materials that references Nashville's ties to the railroad and other industry.

Construction is starting on the new Riverfront Adventure Park, which will open in 2011. The East Bank Greenway is also located there.

Places to live include the relatively new Fifth and Main.

There is plenty good to say about downtown Nashville. Driving down Broadway, you can't help but get excited about all of the lights and action, much of it surrounding live country music. Or catch a game or concert at Bridgestone Arena. Or eat at one of the wonderful restaurants including Hard Rock, Joe's Crab Shack, Big River Grill, or the Palm. Get a drink or snack at the Hilton Hotel before going to a show at the Ryman. Or go to Symphony Hall, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Wildhorse Saloon, a Titans game at LP Field, the Tennessee State Museum, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, or the beautiful downtown library. The list goes on and on.

Modern condos have sprung up like wildfire around town. They are techy and wonderful and all offer a beautiful view of the skyline. Downtown is also close to East Nashville and Vanderbilt and all the fun things to do in those areas.

Cayce is east of downtown Nashville and an impoverished area. The centerpiece is the James A. Cayce Homes. The families live in poverty, and it a high crime area.

It is very close to LP football field and other East Nashville neighborhoods, where there are lots of fun things to do. It is also close to downtown, where there are a ton of great restaurants and events. Other fun things to do nearby are Shelby Park and the many restaurants and clubs in 5 Points in East Nashville.

There are some interesting homes that have been rehabbed and restored on Shelby Ave.

Sudekum is an area bounded by Lafayette St. and the Interstate. Probably the biggest draw in the area is the Sudekum Planetarium at the Adventure Science Center.

There are not a lot of housing opportunities in the area, except maybe University Court, which seems to have a bit of crime, and some other low priced homes.

It is near the Cannery and Flyte restaurants and all the good things in downtown proper. One restaurant I see listed as being at University Court is the Giggle Box restaurant. I don't know about the food, but the name is intriguing.

Someone like me, who doesn't keep up with baseball much--past or present--thought Greer Stadium has been Nashville's only baseball park. Silly me.

Little did I know that Nashville had a previous baseball stadium in Sulphur Dell, in the North Capitol area. And boy does it have some history.

The city's first professional baseball team, the Americans, began playing at this stadium in 1885, It was named Sulphur Dell by famed sportswriter and Vanderbilt grad Grantland Rice. Apparently there is a sulphur spring nearby.

A later team, the Nashville Vols, played the last baseball game there in 1963. The stadium was torn down in 1969 and was replaced by a parking lot. Many people have suggested that a new ball park should be built on this former site. That would be pretty neat.

There are some neat areas nearby to live, including Hope Gardens, Germantown, Riverfront, and some other new condo developments nearby. It is also very close to the Farmer's Market and Bicentennial Mall.

Watkins Park is bordered by Charlotte Avenue, Interstates 40 and 65, and Herman Street. The population is mostly under age 40, and about 69 percent of the residents are under the poverty level. The homes are mostly lowered priced, with average price being around $69,000.

It is near Vanderbilt University, and the medical community that centers around Baptist Hospital and Vanderbilt Hospital.

It is close to all the restaurants and events of downtown, Elliston Place, and the Vanderbilt area.

Some good place nearby to eat are Davinci's Pizza, Ken's Sushi, Sitar Indian restaurant, and Virago, a neat sushi restaurant.

I worked in this neighborhood for years, so I can give you the real lowdown: It is great! It is right next door to Vanderbilt University and its lovely campus, and close to downtown. The neighborhood also includes the Catholic Cathedral, which is beautiful. Lowe's Vanderbilt Plaza, as well as some other hotels, including the Indigo and Hutton boutique hotels, are in the corridor. Not many single family homes in the area, but some new condo developments have sprung up in the area.

The eating is great! There is Ruth's Chris Steak House, Amerigo's, Broadway Brewhouse,and Valentino's. Also to choose from are TGIF, Five Guys, The Corner Bar, Noshville, and Ken's Sushi.
After dinner, get a cupcake from GiGi's. They are wonderful.

If you are a fan of comic books and used records and DVDs, drop by the Great Escape.

If I sound like I am gushing, I am. It is my old hood, and I miss it.

This is really a business district, with a mixture of plants, companies, medical offices, several gay bars and dance clubs, a Hustler store, and the wonderful upscale Chappy's restaurant. Chappy moved to Nashville after Katrina, and our city is the better for it. Also not to miss: Davinci's Pizza, for some really wonderful, unique pizza, and Mambu, a neat funky bar and restaurant.

This area is not far from downtown proper, and also close to the Vanderbilt area and all the activities there.

Not many homes in the area, but some new condios, including 1700 Midtown have sprung up in the area.

What you can learn about your own city. I have lived here a long time and have never taken the time to really explore Fort Negley, a Civil War fort. I only see the ruined entranceway when I go to the Sounds baseball stadium next door or the Adventure Science Center, also next to it. Only when I started writing this review did I know that there is a whole visitors center and more that is out of sight. I must do a staycation in my own city and go explore!

This is not really a neighborhood, just a business type district. In addition to the places named above, it is also close to the W.O. Smith/Nashville Community School, which offers quality musical instruction to children from low income families for 50 cents a lesson. Very cool!

It is also not far from the Cannery and 3rd and Lindsley restaurants and bars and Flyte restaurant.

This area borders Buena Vista, and has the added name Jones, I believe, because of the Jones Paideia Magnet School located there. Jones was a longtime principal in the Metropolitan School system.

It is located near the Nashville Jazz Workshop, the Farmer's Market, Maxwell House Hotel, Germantown, and the Buena Vista Park.

I have read that when in the area, you must eat at the Chat and Chew Diner and Home Plate. With a name like that you have to check it out.!

This is an area bounded by Rosa Parks Blvd., Clarksville Pike, Cass Street, and 10th Ave. North, and located near Hope Gardens, the Farmer's Market, Metro Center and Germantown.

There are many nice older, historic homes in this area, but also some room for improvement. It has recently been designated a Neighborhood Strategy Area and is eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding. Improvements that might be made include more lighting, greenspace, street signs, and a walking track.

The Nashville Jazz Workshop is located nearby, as is Bicentennial Park. Not to miss: the hilarious Nash Trash bus tour that leaves from the Farmer's Market.

This area sometimes is referred to as Radnor because there is a huge railroad yard by that name there. Between the railroad yard and Nolensville Road, there are some businesses and middle class homes that are part of the Crieve Hall area. There are other businesses, including Kmart on Nolensville Road. Nashville School of Law is on Armory Drive nearby.

Also nearby is 100 Hundred Oaks, Tennessee's oldest mall, which has been saved from disrepair by Vanderbilt University. They fixed it up remarkably and use it for satellite medical clinics and kept the first floor retail space. Because of this, new restaurants such as Logan's have appeared on the scene, and the whole area is getting a resurgence.

Good restaurants in the area include Rafferty's, Mama Mia's, and Back to Cuba.

Woodbine is a very strong, diverse working class neighborhood. It is sometimes referred to as Nashville's little United Nations, because it has a lot of Hispanic, Ethiopian, Somalian, and other nationality residents and restaurants and retail establishments. The boundaries are Nolensville Rd., Thompson Lane, and Glenrose Avenue.

One of the best restaurants in the area is Taqueria La Hacienda, which has been there for years.
Not too far away down Nolensville Road is the Nashville Zoo. Woodbine Community Organization offers English as a second language training, homebuyer assistance, and homelessness prevention by helping renters avoid eviction and helping people find affordable housing.

McFerrin Park is a neighborhood in the best sense of the word. It is a historic neighborhood, established in 1884, and continues to thrive today. Originally called North Edgefield, it is a subarea of the larger North Edgefield area. It is bounded by Dickerson Pike, Spring St., Ellington Pkwy., and Cleveland St

They hold meetings to talk about political candidates for their area. They hold events including McFest, a single mothers network fundraiser, and a Community Garden Event, tied in with the Vanderbilt Educational Garden Initiative. They also have meetings to talk about what to do with abandoned homes in the area. Additionally, they have a killer website: www.mcferrinpark.com

East Nashville is gaining a growing number of restaurants and events. Fairly close to McFerrin Park is Marche, 3 Crow Bar, I Dream of Weenie, and the upscale Margot Cafe.

People generally just call this area East Nashville. Once you cross the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville, you are in East Nashville. This area is bounded by the river on one side and Dickerson Rd on the other.

Cumberland Northeast is just kind of a gateway area; there really isn't much housing there. LP field iand Juvenile Court is nearby, as are businesses and restaurants, including the great Gerst Haus and the club Limelight. But you are both close to downtown (cross the bridge) and the great fun area of East Nashville proper. .The new and trendy Fifth and Main condos are in the area.

Cameron Trimble is bordered by Lafayette St., 4th Ave. South, and Creek St, and is between the Trevecca Nazarene University area and downtown. Basically, there are lower priced homes in the neighborhood.

There is not a lot to do in this area itself, but it is in close proximity to a lot of fun things. Nearby is the Adventure Science Center, and the Nashville Zoo, and downtown and all that is offered there.

Farther down 4th Ave North, where it turns into Nolensville Rd is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town: Taqueria La Hacienda, located in one of Nashville's largest Hispanic communities.

Unless you work in the area, or are headed to one of its clubs, you probably won't spend a lot of time in the Lafayette, St. part of Nashville. I use it as a pass through when going downtown a lot.The Rescue Mission is located in the area, and the United Methodist Publishing House is not too far.away.The Greyhound bus station used to be located nearby, but has moved. Not much in the way of restaurants, except for Arnold's, a meat and three, and Flyte, an upscale restaurant, on 8th Avenue, and those in nearby Cummins Station. A few great clubs in the area include the Cannery and 3rd and Lindsley. I have been to the Cannery to see several live shows, and it is a first rate place. I am going to a CD release party at 3rd and Lindsley next week and can't wait. It is a small intimate club, whereas the Cannery holds large crowds.

I was driving around Metro Center the other day, and from Rosa Parks Blvd, saw the sign to Buena Vista Heights. I drove up the slight hill to enter the area. I don't know much about the environment other than it seems to be an area of lower priced homes, some of which are in various stages of disrepair.

Situated near Metro Center and Clarksville Highway, there are not many restaurants other than fast food. There is not much retail in Metro Center, but there are some strip malls and various shops on Clarksville Hwy. If you want to buy a car though, you are in the right place. Several auto dealerships are located along Rosa Parks Blvd.

Metro Center is a large area composed mainly of office and governmental buildings. It is not downtown Nashville proper, but an area slightly north. There are a few, but not many apartment complexes, and many fast food restaurants. Hotels include the Maxwell House,

Located in the area is the Watkins of Art, Design, and Film, which offers both bachelor's degrees and community education.

Nearby is the Ted Rhodes public golf course, and the Charles Davis Foundation for inner city youth
Also, visible on a hill in the area is the Motherhouse for Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia, which is very beautfiul.

Germantown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was not only Nashville's first subdivision, but also one of the first areas to be recycled into a neat, urban area. For many years, the homes and restaurants seemed to be limited to just a couple of streets, but over the years, it has expanded and gotten better and better.

Fun things to do include the annual Oktoberfest, the holiday home tour, and a walking tour. Restaurants include the City House, The Cocoa Tree, Germantown Cafe, The Cupcake Collection, and my favorites, The Mad Platter and Monell's.

One of the coolest condos near there is the hgh end Werthan Lofts, which has been developed from the old Werthan paper bag factory. I attended a fundraising loft tour there this past year and was amazed at the quality of the lofts and the creative and beautiful ways they were decorated.

East Germantown is, not surprisingly, an area east of Germantown in Nashville. It is bordered by Jefferson/Spring St,, 3rd Ave. North, Garfield Street, and Cheatham Lake.

Driving around the area, you find a mix of industrial buildings, single family homes, and new condo developments.

It is very close to the wonderful restaurants in Germantown and downtown proper. One of East Germantown's best assets is the Nashville Jazz Workshop, located at 1319 Adams St., which offers quality jazz instruction and performances.

Hope Gardens is a fairly new neighborhood on the scene. Located across 8th Ave. South (now Rosa Parks) from the Farmer's Market, it is bordered on the other sides by Jefferson St., Herman, St. and the interstate. It is a mixed housing area, consisting of delightful single family homes, and the more high end 8.9 condos.

There is a great view of the Capitol from the area, and Metro Center, Germantown, and downtown are very close. Bicentennial Mall, located behind the Farmer's Market, offers a peaceful getaway in the middle of downtown. People walk their dogs and ride bicycles there.

There are a lot of great places to eat nearby including Jamaicaway, inside the Farmer's Market, Monell's, Germantown Cafe, Mary's Old Fashioned Barbecue, and my favorite, the Mad Platter.

Bruton Snuff is not really a neighborhood, but the big sign with that name on it down by the State Capitol catches your attention. I went down there today and drove around again to make sure I hadn't missed anything. No neighborhood, but it is an industrial area and has a big Goodwill Store. Also there is the the U.S. Tobacco Company, which used to house a pretty neat museum, but that has closed.

Bruton Snuff itself is not a destination, but it is close to the Capitol, Hope Gardens, the Farmer's Market, TSU downtown campus, downtown, Metro Center, and Germantown.

I used to frequent Elliston Place quite a bit a number of years ago. I spent many a night going to the original TGIF (no longer there), the Gold Rush restaurant, famous for its bean rolls, and the Exit/In, a longstanding live music venue. Part of the reason it was so neat was it was the only hip place in town. Now with the resurgence of Hillsboro Village, downtown, and the Gulch, Elliston is not quite the draw it once was, but still has a lot going for it.

First--want to hear some great live music? Check out the Exit/In. The End, across the street, is also good for local bands. The Gold Rush has yummy food and a fun game room upstairs. Looking for an old book or special edition?Then you must go to Elder's bookstore. Buy some edgy duds at Smack Clothing--the name says it all. And if you are hungry, also consider La Paz Mexican, Obie's pizza, or Elliston Place Soda Shop, where you can get a meat and three and the world's best milkshake. For finer dining, check out Jimmy Kelly's. For a late night coffee, Cafe Coco is just the thing. A little farther down the street, towards Vanderbilt and Centennial Park, is the venerable Rotier's, famous for its great cheeseburgers on French bread. In the small strip mall across from Rotier's was my favorite gift store--Ginette's boutique--but unfortunately it is now closed.

There are not a lot of places to live near Elliston, except for a few condo buildings and apartments. But it is very close to the Vanderbilt area, and the nearby hospital and medical complexes.

Wedgewood Ave. runs from Nolensville Road through the Fair Grounds to 21st Ave. South. Wedgewood Park area, the subject of this review is bordered by 8th Ave. South, and Nolensville Road, also called 4th Ave. South. (Many streets in Nashville have multiple names.)

A few years back, this was primarily a working class neighborhood, but trendy condo developments recently have been added to the landscape, and single family homes have been rehabbed and enhanced. Historic Waverly Belmont neighborhood is about one or two streets away.

A few blocks away on 8th Avenue is a string of interesting antique shops. The reservoir, also on 8th Ave., gives the area a little bit of a park feel. Not many restaurants in this area, but don't miss Zanie's Comedy Club, Douglas Corner music venue, or Monell's take out.

If you have a need to get away from concrete, you may want to check out Centennial Park. The 132-acre park is situated between West End (across the street from Vanderbilt University) and Charlotte Pike, and next to Elliston Place. Visitors can picnic, play at the playground, exercise, walk or play with their dogs, rent a paddle boat, or explore the sunken gardens. The Arts Center is a gallery and visual arts teaching center, but sometimes you can catch a musical performance there. The bandshell offers live music and dancing. The dog park at the top of First Amendment Hill is one of the biggest in town. A variety of events, including fine craft fairs, are held throughout the year.

Ther centerpiece to Centennial Park though is the Parthenon, a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Inside is the breathtaking Athena statue. The building houses other art exhibits as well.

Good restaurants nearby are J. Alexanders, Flemings, Latitude, Bricktops, and Kobe Steak House. A traditional favorite is Rotiers, which has a great cheeseburger. A more seedy but fun place is Springwater, a former speakeasy and a good place to hear a variety of music. Check out their Working Stiff Jamboree.

Luxury condo buildings have sprung up in areas adjacent to the park, and there are also some nice older homes nearby too.

Someone who hasn't lived in Nashville for a few years may not know the term "The Gulch." They probably didn't even drive much in that area since it used to be mostly old warehouses and empty lots.

But now it defines Nashville's urban chic. Located along 12th Ave South in the Central Business District, it sports a number of modern high tech highrise condominiums and wonderful restaurants and nightspots. The condos, such as Icon, Velocity, and Terrazzo, offer spectacular views of the Nashville skyline and proximity to downtown. Cantina Laredo is a favorite spot to eat in the Gulch, as is Watermark. Sambuca, with its classy night club feel and live music, is a lot of fun. Additionally, it is the first neighborhood in the South to be LEED certified, and only one of 13 in the world to garner the LEED ND (neighborhood development) certification. Cool, huh?

And for the traditionalists, don't worry--the Station Inn is still there. The very old, non-high tech lowrise building still offers the best bluegrass music around and the weekly Doyle and Debbie comedy show.

How you pronounce the name of this street alerts people to whether you are new to town.
If you pronounce it like it looks--demon brewin', we know you are not from here. The correct pronunciation is deemunbreeun. With the accent on the mun. Now, we're talking

Demonbreun for the most part is a connecting street between Vanderbilt and Music Row and downtown. For many years, country music gift shops lined the street.

Now, it is becoming more of a destination in itself. A large office complex, a new condo tower, and several condo developments within walking distance, as well as a panoply of restaurants and bars have brought new life to the area. Establishments include Dan McGuinness and the Tin Roof. One of my favorite shoe stores, Off Broadway Shoes, is located there too.

No discussion about Demonbreun would be complete without a mention of the Musica statue at the nearby roundabout where Division Street meets 17th Ave. South. The statute was unveiled in 2003 and sparked some controversy because its nine figures are naked. Despite the controrversy, the statue has remained. This past St. Patrick's day, a group put kilts on the figures for fun.

Scarritt Peabody is an area nestled between Vanderbilt University, Music Row, and Demonbreun. Scarritt Bennett Center, previously Scarritt College, is a beautiful campus, and many weddings are held on the grounds. Peabody College is a part of Vanderbilt University.

Offices, apartments, and homes are sprinkled together in the neighborhood. Some new modern, trendy condo buildings have sprouted up in recent years, reflecting the increasing desirability of the area. Many restaurants are within walking distance, including South Street, Ken's Sushi, The Corner Pub, Noshville, and Miro District.

It is a great location, as downtown and West End are only a hop, skip and jump away. Definitely a fun place to work or live.

I have lived on 18th Ave. South in Nashville for a long time. I alternately say I live in the Vanderbilt, or Hillsboro Village, or Music Row area. They all run into each other. There are plenty of big old homes, as well as new trendy condo buildings. There are also a couple of really nice retirement buildings in the area too.

I initially bought my condo here because it was close to where I worked at Vanderbilt University--I only had to walk a few blocks to my office. But over the years, I have grown to love the area for more than convenience. I love the energy, the sidewalks and real neighborhoods, the intellectual energy, and the fun restaurants and stores. I have heard it said that if you live in the Vanderbilt area, you are within walking distance of 40+ restaurants, and I believe it. I think I have walked to 39 of them.

You can catch a performance of something or other at Vanderbilt, Belmont, or the historic Belcourt Theater. Or walk your dog at the dog park in Centennial Park, or visit our own Parthenon.

Eakin Elementary is considered one of the best public schools in town, and right across the street from Vanderbilt is University School of Nashville, one of the premier private schools in town.

I agree with one of the other reviewers in that the area is pricey. I bought a condo here, but I would not be able to buy a house in my own neighborhood.

I have lived one street off Music Row for more than 15 years, and I can't recommend it enough. Music Row is actually two streets--16th Ave. South and 17th Ave. South. There are some individual homes and apartments sprinkled among the buildings housing the recording giants--Arista, RCA, BNA, Curb, etc.--but Music Row is primarily an area iin which to work.Hillsboo Village, a trendy area with shops and restaurants, is just a few blocks away, and Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, on either side of the Row, add an intellectual element to this area.

There are a ton of restaurants within walking distance, including Sunset Grill, which has one of the most desirable wine lists around. Other favorite spots are Cabana, Bosco's, Pancake Pantry, Fido's coffee shop, International Market, PM and Cha Chah. (For those who watch the show Top Chef, one of this season's contestants was Arnold Myint from Cha Chah.)

The historic Belcourt Theater, which at one time housed the Grand Ole Opry is also within walking distance and offers foreign, independent, and classic films, as well as live musical performances , theatrical performances, and film festivals.

The Music Row area is close to downtown, Centennial Park, and one of Nashville's dog parks. There are more housing opportunities in the Vanderbilt/Hillsboro Village area, which is literally just steps away.

One of the most fun events is the Country Music Marathan, held in April, which runs both ways down Music Row. Live music is provided at many corners, including two in the area.