Category Archives: Local Points of Interest

Nashville Homes Blog: Nashville, a true “world-class” city.

For those that don’t think that Nashville has yet become a “World-Class” city, here’s some more food for thought:

Just released, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena is the 6th most popular venue in the entire United States.  That’s NUMBER SIX, behind LosAngeles, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington DC.   Bridgestone Arena also places 8th in all of North America, and 20th in the entire world!

 

Click here for the full story in The City Paper.

And right across the street, the massive “World-Class” Music City Center continues to rise skyward for its 2013 opening.  And the world is taking notice too!  Over 600,000 room nights have already been confirmed!  See the full story here.

If you haven’t visited Downtown Nashville lately, GO!

You will be proud that you live here.  And if you don’t live here yet, you’ll want to make moving plans….soon!

It’s only going to get better!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

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Nashville New Homes: Thank you Gaylord for “A Country Christmas”

Nashville is a spectacular city.  People come from all over the world to visit and enjoy everything our city has to offer.  Us locals need to do more of that also!

Christmas time in Nashville is an extra special time and there are events happening all over the city.  The crown jewel of the holiday season in Nashville is Gaylord Opryland Hotel, which is celebrating “A Country Christmas.”

Remember the historic flood in May of 2010 where the Cumberland River forced its way into this hotel?

 Until recently, we had not visited the hotel since it reopened to the public last year.  We have really missed out, and you have too if you haven’t been lately!

Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of dining at the Old Hickory Steak House, inside the Delta of the hotel.  I can now add this to the list of “must experience places” to dine in Nashville.

Words cannot describe the excellent meal and fabulous service.  The evening was so enjoyable that we loaded up family and friends and visited again last Wednesday night.  This time, we dined at “Fuse,” which had a great selection of items from a casual and less formal menu. 

And we’ll be there yet another time during “A Country Christmas”  on Christmas Day evening.  The hotel will still be in full swing, and as we found in years past, less crowded.  You should go too!  

In these uncertain and delicate times, Gaylord is to be commended and applauded for not surrendering to “politically correct” protocol and staying with the “Country Christmas” theme without apology.  Can you imagine “A Country Holiday” or worst yet, “A Southern United States Holiday?” 

Thank you Gaylord for your presence here, and especially for “A Country Christmas.”

Now, on to scenes from the hotel.  Remember, I am not a professional photographer by any means, so you are encouraged to visit and see for yourself!

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Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville Homes Blog: Santa’s early visit to the Cumberland River

To many residents of the Waterford Subdivision in Nashville, Santa has already arrived in town, and he has set up shop on the Cumberland River.

View of Waterford from Upstream Cumberland River

Except this year, he didn’t arrive in a sleigh full of toys.  He arrived with barges full of gravel.

Choctaw Transportation Company Tow Boats

Many remember that the Waterford subdivision was devastated from the now-infamous May 2010 Flood.  Those homes you see overlooking the barges were actually underwater.  Many say this subdivision should have never been built, but that is hindsight.  It was built, and it suffered.  Take a look at the erosion that has taken place over the years:

In September of this year, work started on the Waterford Stabilization Project, in which plastic sheeting is attached to the riverbank and covered with rock, commonly called rip-rap.  Over 100,000 tons of rock will be used to stabilize this 1/2 mile stretch.

The May 2010 flood dealt a harsh blow to Nashville, and many areas are yet to recover.  This project is just one sign that good things can come out of bad situations.   Just ask one of those residents!

Meanwhile, further downstream in the Pennington Bend area, activity seems to be breaking loose.  Although many homes are still like they were after the flood, many have been totally remodeled, or are in the process.  I know of a totally renovated 3-bedroom, 2 bath ranch with a sunroom that will be available for rent in January.  And this is the view you will see every day from your backyard:

Ingram Barge's David K. Wilson

There are several new homes being built along the river, just upstream from Opryland:

New Home on the Cumberland River

And not just homes are being renovated on the river!  Lets check the progress being made at the old Nashville Bridge Company Offices in downtown.  Here is the story:  http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2010/10/04/daily20.html

And further downstream, an older renovation project is still moving forward, the former Neuhoff Packing Plant.  Remember Frosty Morn?    http://wikimapia.org/1560269/Historic-Neuhoff-Buildings

Here are pictures of the Neuhoff Building that I borrowed from another site:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/greystgirl/sets/72157608368624763/

Rivers and Lakes have always attracted people.  The risk of possibile flooding is outweighed by the certainty of a great lifestyle.  If you have ever wanted to live on a lake or river, now is a pretty good time to start exploring.  And guess what?  I want to help you when you do!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: And what a Fourth of July it was!

Well, the Fourth of July is now behind us, but there is still a LOT of summer left for all to enjoy.  And there’s no better place to enjoy summer than in the Greater Nashville area of Middle Tennessee!

At just six months old now, this 4th of July was Ruby’s first.  You can tell she is excited about going to the lake:

She wasn’t quite as thrilled about getting in the lake though:

Our weekend officially started with the fireworks show at Cedar Creek Yacht Club.  I found this upload on you-tube that is much better than any pictures I could have taken, which you will soon agree:

Sunday was a busy day on Old Hickory Lake.  I think this is the most boats I have ever seen in “Two-Foot Cove,” which is Old Hickory Lake’s “Party Cove.”

Sunday night, a huge crowd of boats gathered at anchor in Drakes Creek of Old Hickory Lake to view Hendersonville’s fireworks display at Drakes Creek Park:

Fortunately, I found a video on you-tube capturing the finale of this event.  My pictures just didn’t turn out well.  After all, I am a Realtor, not a photographer!

Monday was a day to hang out at the marina and enjoy a great meal at The Black Pearl restaurant.  The steel drums playing maje it the closest thing in Nashville to the Caribbean.  If you haven’t experienced their Sunday Brunch, you owe it to yourself.  www.blackjackcove.com

And then, Monday night topped off the entire weekend at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville.  I simply did not have the energy to make the trip downtown, but here are some videos I found on You-tube once again!

Here is the finale of “Let Freedom Sing” with this year’s special guest, Darius Rucker:

And when you have time, here is another video showing more of the extravanganza at Riverfront Park in Nashville.

Nashville was not the only city on the Cumberland River celebrating Independence Day.  Clarksville was also a great place to be, especially since many troops are returning from their service for OUR freedom:

And half way in-between Nashville and Clarksville, Ashland City lit up the sky over their Riverfront as well:

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Special thanks to all that took the time to film these great displays of fireworks and for allowing me to borrow them from You-Tube!   It was a great weekend, but is now time to return to helping future homeowners find the perfect new home for their needs.  At Ole South, this IS still the “Yes Days of Summer.”  Come see why!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Fireworks on the Cumberland River – Smoke on the Water & Fire in the Air!

We are lucky to live in Nashville, where we have an abundance of rivers, lakes, and streams to play in!   And this is the weekend that we’ve been waiting for and where anything that can be cooked will be cooked on a grill.

And after the meals, there are few scenes more beautiful than fireworks over the water.  There are some great opportunities coming up on the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake over the next few days that you will not want to miss.  

Saturday night, July 2nd, Cedar Creek Yacht Club, located on Benders Ferry Road in Mt. Juliet, will present a huge fireworks display at 9:00 pm.  Although Cedar Creek Yacht Club is not open to the public, there are many parks and other places nearby where you can enjoy the breathtaking views.  There are a lot of nearby coves to anchor in, which is where you will find many of us.

Sunday evening, July 3rd, the festivities move to the other side of the lake at Drakes Creek Park, where Hendersonville will host a terrific fireworks display at 9:00 pm.

And on July 4th, Nashville will host one of the largest fireworks extravaganzas in the country at approximately 9:15 pm at Riverfront Park, titled as “Let Freedom Ring” with special guest star Darius Rucker.

If you plan to watch the fireworks by boat, you will not be allowed to dock at Riverfront Park.  You used to be able to, but former Mayor Bill Purcell put an end to that years ago.   Don’t let that stop you from going by boat though!

Now, you must anchor (good luck) upstream of the Korean Veterans Bridge, or downstream from Woodland Street.  No boat traffic, other than law enforcement or the General Jackson is allowed between those two bridges.

Nashville on the Fourth of July is simply spectacular!  Check out the schedule of “Let Freedom Sing,” which lasts the entire weekend!

http://nashville.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=nashville&cdn=citiestowns&tm=118&gps=295_436_1276_786&f=11&su=p284.9.336.ip_p554.18.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.musiccityjuly4th.com/

If you don’t plan to venture out on the Cumberland River for fireworks,  there are numerous celebrations taking place all over Middle Tennessee.  Here is a list:  http://www.fox17.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/mywx_vid_8106.shtml

And from now, through the end of the holiday weekend, if you are looking for more to do, here is a list of many area happenings:   http://www.nashvilleparent.com/dont-miss-events/june-27-july-4-2011

One thing in particular we all need to do over the next few days…. we all need to take a moment to reflect on the freedom that we enjoy in this great country and remember all the brave men and women that are serving, and have served, our country defending that freedom.

Happy Independence Day! 

P.S.  After the Independence Day Weekend Celebrations are over, Ole South’s YES DAYS OF SUMMER celebrations will continue!  Visit www.OleSouth.com or join our Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/olesouthproperties  for the location nearest you!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Spend the night on a real steamboat? You still can in Tennessee!

Although I didn’t take this picture, I remember visiting the Delta Queen one evening when it was moored at Nashville’s Riverfront Park in 2007.   The lights were dim, and all was quiet.  Puzzled by this at 9:00 pm, I approached a crew member and enjoyed a great conversation about life on the Delta Queen.  It was dark and quiet because everyone had gone to bed!

Here is a log of a 2007 voyage of the Delta Queen, including its stop in Nashville.     http://maritimematters.com/2010/09/log-of-the-steamboat-delta-queen-along-southern-rivers-part-one/

We have also passed this historic liner many times during recent years on the Cumberland, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers.   That is a sight we won’t see any more, thanks to the US Congress, who refused to renew the Queen’s exemption from the 1966 SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) Act, an exemption that every President has signed since Richard Nixon in 1970.  Read the history of this vessel here:  http://www.deltaqueenhotel.net/#!abouth-the-dq

In February of 2009, the Delta Queen arrived in Chattanooga to become a floating hotel at this city’s vibrant riverfront.   From $89 per night, you can step back in time and experience the closest thing to the “glory days” of river travel.  If you don’t have time for overnight, why not visit for a meal?  Here is a link to the hotel website.  http://www.deltaqueenhotel.net/

It is interesting that the Queen’s “Brother Ship” the “Delta King” serves in a near identical capacity in San Francisco, where the two began service together in 1927.   http://www.deltaking.com/  Of the steamboats, the Delta Queen and King are among the luckiest.

The Delta Queen Steamboat Company owned three “Queens,” all of which ceased operating in 2008.   The “Mississippi Queen” was launched in July 1976 during our nation’s bicentennial and traveled the inland rivers until being sold for scrap in 2010.  Here’s the story:

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/06/mississippi_queen_paddlewheel.html

I can remember passing the Mississippi Queen on the Cumberland River several times as well.  What a sight.

The third “Queen” is the “American Queen,” launched in 1995 as the largest steamboat ever built.  For Sale with fate unknown, she sits mothballed in Beaumont, Texas with the US Maritime Reserve Fleet hoping for better days.

 When it comes to embracing a city’s riverfront, Chattanooga is light years ahead of Nashville and should be commended for saving the Delta Queen. 

With our emerging status as a “world-class” city, would Nashville possibly consider a project using the American Queen at Riverfront Park, or even Opry Mills?  It’s an idea certainly worth consideration…especially since Bill Purcell is no longer in office to deem it a Homeland Security risk to Riverfront Park.  :0)

Even more reasons why Tennessee is the greatest place in the world to live.  Come join us!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Let’s keep welcoming home the 101st!

No one could be any prouder of this country’s accomplishments in the “War Against Terror” than the members of the 101st Airborne, stationed at Fort Campbell.   Their commitment and vigilance thousands of miles away are the very actions that have preserved our freedoms to this day. 

Since January, members of the 101st have been welcomed home from tours of duty each week.  In airports, grocery stores, and shopping malls they are graciously thanked for their service.  If you haven’t had a chance to thank a soldier for their service lately, please do so.  Our troops, active-duty and retired, deserve our thanks.

The events of the past few days gave the troops returning to Fort Campbell this week added satisfaction and pride in their mission.  Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al-Quieda had been killed.  It was also the 101st’s own 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (The Night Stalkers) that executed the plan to deliver the Navy SEALS Assault Team to Bin Laden’s compound.   Mission Accomplished!

Yesterday, May 6th, President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden arrived at Fort Campbell.  The President met privately with the assault team and then publicly addressed the members of the 101st.  Click here to see the transcript of his address:

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110507/NEWS08/105070317/President-Barack-Obama-s-speech-Fort-Campbell?odyssey=mod%7Cdefcon%7Cimg%7CFRONTPAGE

A Presidential visit to a military installation, such as Fort Campbell, is a very special event, regardless of anyone’s political preference.  I was surprised to learn that President Barack Obama is the sixth US President to visit Fort Campbell.  This is the second time President Obama has met with members of the 101st, the first time in Afghanistan.

Here is the history of Presidential Visits to the post, from the website www.welcometoclarksville.com:

The post received particular attention from George W. Bush, who visted three times while president and made a Fort Campbell appearance one of the final events of his years as commander-in-chief.

 2008: Bush spoke to an audience of about 7,500 soldiers at Hangar 9 on Nov. 25, 2008, before having lunch with 11 soldiers from 101st Airborne Division at Son’s Cafe.

During his speech, in reflecting on his years in office, Bush said, “Above all, I’m going to miss spending time with men and women who have volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and women who wear the uniform.”

2004: Bush made his second visit to Fort Campbell March 18, 2004, following a difficult but victorious 101st Airborne deployment in Iraq.

 Bush addressed more than 12,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division, along with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and 5th Special Forces Group troops.

 He was introduced by then-commanding general of Fort Campbell Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus. Bush had lunch with a group of soldiers and went to the post’s Pratt Museum to meet with the families of 46 soldiers who were killed during the global war on terrorism.

 2001: Bush first visited Fort Campbell for a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22, 2001, two months after the 9/11 terror attacks. More than 10,000 soldiers at the Division Parade Field greeted the president with chants of “USA” and cries of “Hooah” and “Air Assault.”

 Bush told the soldiers that terrorism will be snuffed out and the Screaming Eagles should be ready if they’re deployed to fight the “evil ones.”

 Several 5th Special Forces Group soldiers were already in Afghanistan, helping to root out the Taliban regime. Two months later, in January 2002, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne deployed to Afghanistan.

2000: President Bill Clinton arrived briefly at Fort Campbell aboard Air Force One, shook hands with well-wishers, and was flown via Marine One helicopter to an Owensboro, Ky., appearance.

 1992: President George H.W. Bush landed at Fort Campbell in 1992 for a speech at Austin Peay State University. The former president also stopped at the post later that year on his way to a campaign rally in Paducah, Ky.

1985: President Ronald Reagan came to Fort Campbell for the Gander memorial after more than 200 soldiers died in a plane crash over Newfoundland.

 1984: Reagan made a stop at Fort Campbell on his way to Bowling Green, Ky., to inspect Mammoth Cave National Park.

 1966: President Lyndon Johnson came to Fort Campbell to inspect weapons captured from North Vietnamese soldiers.

 Compiled from Leaf-Chronicle archives.

Yesterday, Friday May 6th was “Military Spouse Appreciation Day.”  Even though the official day has passed, it is never too late to show appreciation to the spouses and family of our brave service men and women.

Now is also an unprecedented time for military families to purchase a new home.  Normally I would not throw a “home sales message” into a post of this context, but I also feel we have an obligation to inform, espeically when the information can change a financial future.

We all know that Veterans can purchase a new home without a down-payment using a VA Loan.  The State of Tennessee has made that loan eligibility even more attractive with its “Homeownership for the Brave” program for active duty and retired military, and those that have served in the armed forces. 

The interest rate savings are tremendous and I will be sharing more information and savings examples in a future posting.  In the meantime, if you would like more information on this exciting program, please call me at 615.593.6340.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: As floodwaters rise, “Memphis in May” rises too!

Normally, the content of this blog focuses on New Homes and other topics relevant to Nashville and the surrounding area.  But after all, Tennessee is one big happy state and some amazing things are happening just 200 miles west.

In May of 2010, Nashville was suffering from the catastrophic flooding of the Cumberland River.   This year, Nashville was lucky.   Now, in May of 2011, the rain clouds turned to Memphis and the Mighty Mississippi.

 

And it couldn’t have picked a worse time.  Every year, Memphis opens its doors to the world for its month-long “Memphis in May” celebration.  During this celebration, events such as the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest take place.

Here is information about this year’s “Memphis In May” event.  The information was published before the flooding.

http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=58240

And now, the floodwaters decided to attend as well. 

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The show will still go on thanks to advance preparation, quick thinking, and just plain old determination.    I really love the “reactive” ad graphics for the event.  Check it out!

Here is an update on all of the event’s festivities:

http://www.memphisinmay.org/Default.aspx?p=74023&naid=6848

Meanwhile, flood waters continue to threaten the area.  Read here for more area information:

http://madmikesamerica.com/2011/05/mississippi-flooding-threatens-millions/

“Memphis in May” festivities will go on.  Meanwhile, the festivities in Tunica won’t for a while… unless water-taxi services are put in place.  Take a look:

With the casino cages quiet, those visiting Memphis will now probably have more money to spend on BBQ!

Meanwhile in Nashville, the weekend promises beautiful weather to shop for your new home.  Take a minute to visit any of our model homes in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Smyrna, and Clarksville.  You’ll be amazed by the values you will see.  You’ll also enjoy the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies we’ve baked just for you!

If you can’t find the time to visit in person, start with our website!  www.OleSouth.com

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: A Splash in Spring Hill

Word of a major economic announcement for Spring Hill has been circulating for some time now, and today was the day!  Those “out-of-the-know” assumed it was more positive news about the GM Plant ramping back up production.  Others thought it was another manufacturing facility of some kind.  Those “in the know” have kept their mouths shut.

Today, major plans of a multi-faceted $750 million amusement park to open in late 2012 were announced.  Read all of the details of “Festival Tennessee” here:   (bet they change the name!)

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110302/WILLIAMSON01/110302014/Las-Vegas-company-open-Festival-Tennessee-new-Spring-Hill-theme-park?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

This is exciting news for Spring Hill, and all of Middle Tennessee.  Some are skeptical of a development of this magnitude.  Being optimistic takes less energy than being skeptical…especially if no one is asking you to invest anything.  Season tickets aren’t even on sale yet anyway!  :0) 

The land is already there.  It is located in a county where unemployment is among the highest levels in the state.   The availability of seasonal workers is tremendous.  Just look at all the new schools being built.  Best of all, what construction there is will not be performed by ghosts.  Real workers will be employed – and we have a lot of them here!

Why the concern?  The entire project is privately funded and does not require any taxpayer funds – at least as it is presented.  Spring Hill and its citizens have all to gain and nothing to lose on this one.    Here is the proposed location near Jim Warren Road in Spring Hill:

I must admit some of the items discussed raise doubts:  80 restaurants?  Five would be a good start.  Two resort hotels with 8000 rooms?  Hmmm…Opryland Hotel has just over 2800.  Why not a golf course?

We must remember that Las Vegas was once a pot hole in the middle of the desert!  Tunica wasn’t even that much.  Regardless, if it weren’t for those pursuing a dream or vision, nothing would ever happen… anywhere.  

One thing we all can agree on…. that was the most publicity ever seen over $35 worth of poster board.

There definitely is demand for a large scale theme park in Middle Tennessee.  We now know that Opryland really was profitable.  People that live in Alabama will come because they have nothing else to do.  The Nashville MSA has also grown considerably over the years.  With gas prices climbing once again, people will opt to vacation closer to home – and Nashville is within a day’s drive of the majority of people in this country.

If people will support a park in Santa Claus, Indiana they will support a park in Middle Tennessee even more.  And when they fall in love with the area after their visit, we will have a new home in Spring Hill waiting on them!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: An active riverfront adds to quality of life.

Nashville is very fortunate to have a navigable waterway running right through the middle of downtown.  For many years, the civic importance of this feature was overlooked to concentrate only on its commercial benefits.  In the early 1980’s former Mayor Richard Fulton realized this waterway was a jewel to compliment our quality-of-life.  In January of 1983 he dedicated Riverfront Park, much as we see it today.

Since that time, the cityscape surrounding Nashville’s Riverfront Park has changed considerably.  Downtown Nashville is vibrant, the east bank of the river now houses LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, and areas that once were industrial now lie dormant for the most part, waiting for their next purpose.

In the mid-2000’s, a commission was formed to explore re-development of Nashville’s riverfront.  Many feasible ideas came from this “open-to-the-public” forum, and also a few ideas that will probably never see the light of day.  But so what…. aim for the moon and hit a few stars!

Under the leadership of Mayor Karl Dean, progress is underway for the first phase of Nashville’s riverfront redevelopment.  Read the full story on the groundbreaking this past October:

http://www.nashville.gov/mayor/news/2010/1005.asp

This is exciting news for Nashville, especially during lackluster economic times.  Take a look at what we can expect this summer on the east bank of the Cumberland River:

And there is even proposed docking for boats along the east bank as well, making Titans games all the better!  (Hopefully they will have electrical service for overnight docking)

The re-development of our Riverfront Park even has its own website.  View first hand the great improvements that are coming in the future!    

http://www.nashvilleriverfront.org/    While checking out that website, don’t miss taking a look at what other future improvements will look like:

http://www.nashvilleriverfront.org/downloads.html

Even without the future improvements, Nashville’s Riverfront Park still has a lot to offer.  There is docking for boats on each side of the river.  Boaters can dock on the east side and enjoy a Titans home game, or dock on the west side and enjoy the sights and sounds that downtown has to offer.  Electricity (30 & 50 amp) and water services are only available on the west (downtown) side.  Docking reservations can be made by calling 615.862.8472.

I do have one major beef with Metro Parks & Recreation, who oversees Riverfront Park.  For years, boaters were allowed to make reservations for dockage during holiday festivities.  These reservations were extremely hard to get.  The first year we secured a reservation to enjoy July 4th fireworks,  we were elated! 

Then Mayor Bill Purcell, through Metro Parks, cancelled all docking priviledges at Riverfront Park during holidays due to “homeland security concerns.”  The docks remain closed to boaters on most holidays and special events to this day.  “Homeland security concerns” my ass. 

But all is not lost.  We do live in America and can still throw out our anchors above the Korean Veterans Bridge, or the Woodland Street Bridge…which is exactly what we do.   Hopefully, new re-development plans will be more boater-friendly, like they are now in Knoxville and Chattanooga!  Take a look at what those cities have done:

Knoxville’s Riverfront Park is pictured above.  Chattanooga’s Riverfront Park aerial view below:

Speaking of July 4th, Nashville’s fireworks displays are among the highest rated in the nation.  Here is what we have in store for July 4, 2011:

http://nashville.about.com/b/2010/06/15/2010-music-city-july-4th-fireworks-spectacular-let-freedom-sing.htm

Our riverfront is there for your enjoyment!    This redevelopment project deserves participation from all Nashvillians, so please communicate support to Metro Council members every chance you get!   

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee