Although you wouldn’t know it from the weather, we’re in the middle of Spring Break fever here in Middle Tennessee. Most of our school systems have just ended or are in the midst of their Spring Breaks. Many of my friends and their families planned “staycations” this year… you know, the idea that you plan mini-excursions close to home? As a Realtor, I’ve been advising clients on how to take a staycation for years… we just called it something along the lines of “I’m showing your house in fifteen minutes so you have to clear out for the next two hours.” As if the thought of keeping the house tidy at all times wasn’t enough stress, now we’re telling you to exit, stage left, and stay away until the buyer-coast is clear. And if you have pets? Oi.
I thought I’d spend some time during the next few weeks sharing ideas for how to spend some quality time in and around our hometown. Whether you’re planning a true staycation or need some exit strategies when the “I’ve got a showing” call comes, these destinations might be just the ticket for spending a few hours with friends and family close to home.
Since the weather has been iffy, I thought I’d start with an “interior” destination… we’ve been promised improved temperatures, so I’ll save some information about outdoor outings for a future post.
The Hermitage is the home of our 7th President, Andrew Jackson. Before being elected to the country’s highest office, he and his wife (there’s a great love story, there!) made their home in Nashville. Today, the mansion and grounds are open to tourists. You can purchase tickets online or at the gates, which are open from 8:30 – 5:00, daily. Once inside the brick, Federal style mansion, you’ll be transported back in time and get a glimpse of what life was like in the early 1800’s for a plantation dwelling gentleman and his family. Jackson’s life was full of ups and downs and his legacy is a complicated one. Touring his home and learning a bit about one of Nashville’s founding fathers is a great way to spend a day.
There’s a lot to see on the 1,120 acres that surround the Hermitage, but do plan to spend some time in the formal gardens. They are simply stunning. The interactive map of the buildings and grounds is also top notch and appealing to little adventurers who like the idea of treasure hunting.
Be sure to take a camera with you when you visit. The Hermitage loves for visitors to e-mail photos back to them for publication on their website. You can even enter their monthly photo contest. Unfortunately, the Hermitage is not a pet-friendly destination, so you’ll need to make plans for a visit to your favorite doggie-daycare in order to enjoy the Hermitage to the fullest.
Happy staycation, my Middle Tennessee friends!