CMA Fest 2016 - Relive it Wednesday, August 3!

Sam Hunt @ CMA Fest (photo by Chandler Turner)

One of my fave summertime weeks in Nashville: CMA Fest, a four day celebration in June featuring some of the greatest music to come out of our town. It was SUCH a blast to partake in the festivities this year, and I certainly can't wait to relive it all this Wednesday August 3, during “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock,” at 7:00 on ABC. 

Hosted by Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett, the biggest names in Country Music (Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley <swoon>, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindle, Cam, and Keith Urban - whew) join talents with Elle King, Pharrell Williams, Steven Tyler, and more for collabs that you cannot miss. 

The special will feature Bentley performing with Elle King; Bryan with Urban; Eldredge and Thomas Rhett; Lady Antebellum with Cam; Little Big Town with Pharrell Williams; Rascal Flatts with Maren Morris; Tyler with Martina McBride; Hank Williams, Jr. with Chris Janson and Justin Moore; and Chris Young duetting with Cassadee Pope. You can't make this level of epic up.

SO, you should check out a little preview of the show with one Carrie's hottest new singles, and a few shots from the night courtesy of experiencenash.com collaborator Chandler Turner. 

Luke Bryan @ CMA Fest

Chris Stapleton @ CMA Fest

Carrie Underwood @ CMA Fest

The Peach Truck Old Fashioned

As peach season bestows its last glorious weeks upon us, we clearly must take full advantage. Peach cobbler, jam, tartine, ice cream, dishes, and inspired cocktails are currently everywhere in Nashville, and I plan on soaking up every last moment of the goodness before it's gone.

Last night we had a few friends over which inspired me to create a fun cocktail,  and thus, the Peach Old Fashioned was born. Simple to throw together, and destined to be a surefire hit amongst the crowd.

Peach Old Fashioned

1/2 Fresh Peach (If you're in Nashville, you must use a Peach Truck Peach - and if you need any convincing as to why, read my interview with owner Stephen Rose.)

2 Luxardo Cherries

A Dash of Angostura Bitters

1/2 Tsp of Sugar

2 (ish) oz. Bourbon (I recommend Four Roses or Builleit)

Peel, and muddle together the peach with the cherries, bitters, and sugar. Stir in two ounces of bourbon and add ice. 

Now, prepare thyself as life will certainly be immeasurably better.

It's CMA Fest Bingo Time

Y'all. CMA Fest week brings upon us a TON of crazy to Nashville (but tons of tax dollars, but tons of tax dollars, but tons of tax dollars. keep. reminding. self.) But, thankfully for those who have to leave your house this week to brave the depths of downtown, I am bestowing upon to you CMA Fest Bingo 2015.

Mad props to my friends at Stunt Double Creative for creating the board for 2015 - and - good luck out there!

What I Learned from Sitting Down with The Peach Truck's Stephen Rose

If you're like me - you are quite excited about summertime in Nashville—and the oh so many perks that come along with this glorious season. The month of May brings upon us many of my faves— ice cream at Bobbie's Dairy Dip, fresh Tennessee Strawberries at the Farmers Market, and perhaps most excitingly, the freshest, most delicious peaches I've ever had— from one of my most obsessed-over local brands: The Peach Truck.

I recently sat down with one of The Peach Truck owners, Stephen Rose, at one of my local go-to watering holes, no. 308. We caught up about life, chatted about some of his own favorite go-to Nashville locales, and of course I got a plenty of info on those fabulous Georgia peaches. Among the more interesting facts I discovered was one that truly sets The Peach Truck peaches apart from any standard 'run-of-the-mill' peach you might find at the grocery store: the Peach Truck Peach you are eating is only about two days old. You'll see why this so important, momentarily.

This leads me to how specifically The Peach Truck began:

Sweet Summertime in Nashville

Now that Summertime is officially upon us here in Nashville, where are the must-stops in and around town for staying cool? Here's a little list of great ideas that will help you cool down as the temps continue to go up!

Bobbie's Dairy Dip
A Nashville staple for over 60 years, this needs to be a priority on your summer to-do list. Don't miss the soft-serve ice cream, available in vanilla, chocolate, or twist— available dipped in delicious chocolate. Other favs include the sweet potato fries, cheese fries, burgers, and the root beer floats! Divey and delish.

The Peach Truck
The best peach you will have in your life - ever. Freshly imported straight from the farm in Georgia, you must take advantage of their sweet goodness -- you won't find a more fresh, juicy, sweet peach anywhere in Nashville (especially from the grocery store). Posted in various locales all around town, you're sure to find a close and convenient outpost to take advantage of the most delectable fruit of summer!

Jeni's 
Ya'll know my obsession with Jeni's, and it is stopping no time soon. Look for new summer flaves to hit the shelves soon, as the folks behind Jeni's continue to ramp back up production. PS - Dark and Milky Chocolates are back, and you HAVE to try the Charleston Sundae: Sweet Cream Ice Cream, Salty Caramel Sauce, Buckstrap Molasses, Peanuts, Whipped Cream, and a Cherry.

Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles
Nothing is more nostalgic than a fresh, homemade Popsicle on a hot summer day! My favorites from Las Paletas include: Oh wait. Everything.  From creamy to savory to fruity, all of their creations are incredible. My advice is simple, be adventurous!

Mas Tacos por Favor
Luckily Mas Tacos has wonderful options when it comes to cooling your palette and rescuing you from the heat of the day! Swing in for a refreshing agua fresca: a drink made from ice, pureed watermelon, and lime juice. They also have a pineapple and cilantro version, both of which mix wonderfully with a little vodka (yes, I went there, and yes, it's BYOB so you can do this.. cheaply!).

Mike's Ice Cream
Long before Jenis hit our town there was Mike's handmade ice cream. Hand made in right in their shop, and a bit more on the traditional side when it comes to flavors (you won't find goat cheese and cherries here), this is a wonderful and cool option if you find yourself braving the tourists on Broadway, or wanting dessert at their east side locale after devouring a sandwich at Mitchell's Deli. My favorite flavors are strawberry and mint chocolate chip... Simple yet divine.

Pied Piper Creamery
Another local ice creamery that cannot be missed. The flavors are adventurous and fun and include one of my fav ice creams of ALL time, Nanna Nanna Nu Nu. This would be banana ice cream with Nutella, marshmallow fluff, and graham cracker. Yes, this is for real. Other favs are C is for Cookie, their version of cookies & cream, and Trailer Trash, which is vanilla with oreo, Twix, Butterfinger, Nestle Crunch, Snickers, M&M's, and Reece's Pieces.

Rosepepper Cantina
One of my absolute favorite ways to cool down in the summer happens to include a wonderful margarita on the patio. Luckily for me (and you), Rosepepper offers both. You must stop in to enjoy the best marg in town (hands down). Offered in multiple flavors, my favs are fresh lime, mango, and the plain ol' house. Make sure not to miss out on the cheese dip and quesadillas while you are there.

3 Crow/ML Rose/Edley's/ACME/Broadway Brewhouse
I am highlighting all of the above as they all serve the all-time best summertime adult treat EVER, the Bushwacker, best described as an alcohol-loaded chocolate milkshake. It truly doesn't get much better than this. Be careful though, as these bad boys tend to sneak up on you.

Cummins Falls/Fall Creek Falls/Burgess Falls
Looking for a reason to get out of town for a bit and beat the heat? These three locales offer some of the most beautiful and scenic waterfalls in Tennessee, and are all only roughly an hour from Nashville. A cool fact: Travel & Leisure recently named Cummins Falls one of America's 10 best swimming holes.

What are YOUR favorite ways to cool down in Nashville?