Picture this: after months of decision making (Should we sell? Should we wait? Yes, sell!), Realtor interviewing, home improvements, signing documents, cleaning for open houses and showings, you’ve finally exhaled. You sold your home – and quickly, I bet, in this red-hot housing market – and you’re ready to move on… either to a new home in your old town or a new home in a new town. Either way, you deserve a celebration, Middle Tennessee style! So, book a baby sitter and get ready to relax and recharge with some of these great, grown-up summer-fun outings:
If you haven’t been (and even if you’ve been many times before!), I don’t think there is a more beautiful or more perfect place for relaxing than at Arrington Vineyards. Located just 25 minutes south of Nashville, in the rolling hills of Arrington, TN, this incredible property has become the heart and soul of Tennessee’s wine country. My very favorite thing to do at Arrington is to simply pack a picnic and head for the hills. No need to pack your favorite wine… you can buy bottles or glasses at the vineyard. The “La Crescent” is one of their newest creations – a decadently sweet white wine made from La Crescent grapes grown in the mountains of Kingsport, TN. Paired with berries and chocolate, it is simply sublime! If you want a more structured visit to Arrington, consider attending one of their Music in the Vines nights, each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer. While you sip wine, you’ll be serenaded with live music featuring different styles of jazz.
How about a day trip to the stunning botanical gardens at Cheekwood? Set on 55 incredible acres (and once home to the Maxwell House Coffee magnates, the Cheek family), this property boasts gardens to rival any European city. If you have only a few hours to spend, take a meandering walk through the gardens and enjoy some of the installation art that is sprinkled throughout. Currently exhibiting art by Andy Warhol, David Rodgers and Patrick Dougherty, you can’t help but be inspired by these artistic visions. Cheekwood is kid-friendly, but since this is post about grown-up play-dates, I suggest leaving the little ones at home and lunching at the Pineapple Room Restaurant. They have a divine menu and most of Nashville knows it, so do call ahead for reservations.
Looking for an outing that’s a little less sedate? Want to get your heart pumping and view Nashville from a totally new perspective – like 85 feet above the ground? Check out Adventure Works zip lining packages and tours. I fully admit to being afraid of heights, but even I LOVED this activity. The super-fun “Couples Adventure” takes place on the second Saturday of each month from 10 am to 4 pm. Lunch is included. You’ll spend the day “team-building” with your sweetheart, relying on each other and, frankly… cracking each other up. And trust me… if you can sell a home together, you can zip through tree-tops together without a problem!