fyi: a guide to middle tennessee 2012

6 • THE TENNESSEAN

GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY

ELECTRICITY

Cheatham County: Dickson Electric System,615-446-9051; Nashville Electric Service, 615-736-6900; Cumberland Electric MembershipCorp., 1-800-987-2362Davidson County: Nashville Electric Service,615-736-6900Dickson County: Dickson Electric System,615-446-9051Maury County: Columbia Power, Water andCable, 931-388-4833; Duck River Electric Mem-bership Corp., 931-388-3131Montgomery County: Clarksville Depart-ment of Electricity, 931-648-8151; CumberlandElectric Membership Corp., 1-800-987-2362Robertson County: Springfield Utility Co.,615-382-2200; Cumberland Electric Member-ship Corp., 1-800-987-2362; Nashville ElectricService, 615-736-6900Rutherford County:Murfreesboro ElectricDepartment, 615-893-5514; Middle TennesseeElectric Membership Corp., 1-877-777-9020;Nashville Electric Service, 615-736-6900Sumner County: Cumberland Electric Mem-bership Corp., (Gallatin) 1-800-987-2362,(Portland) 615-325-4172; Nashville ElectricService, 615-736-6900Williamson County:Middle TennesseeElectric Membership Corp., 1-877-777-9020;Nashville Electric Service, 615-736-6900Wilson County:Middle Tennessee ElectricMembership Corp., 1-877-777-9020

NATURAL GASCheatham County: Clarksville Gas andWater, 931-645-7400Davidson County: Piedmont Natural Gas,1-800-752-7504Dickson County: Greater Dickson Gas Au-thority, 615-441-2830Maury County: Atmos Energy, 1-888-286-6700Montgomery County: Clarksville Gas andWater, 931-645-7400Robertson County: Springfield Utility Co.,615-382-2200Rutherford County: Atmos Energy, 1-888-286-6700; Smyrna Utilities, 615-355-5740Sumner County: Gallatin Public Utilities,615-451-5922Williamson County: Atmos Energy, 1-888-286-6700Wilson County: Lebanon Utility Co., 615-444-6300; Middle Tenn. Natural Gas, 615-683-1021;Piedmont Natural Gas, 1-800-752-7504

TELEPHONE

AT&T serves all Midstate counties, 1-888-757-6500

Charter serves Cheatham, Montgomery,Maury, Robertson, Williamson andWilsoncounties, 615-444-2288, 1-888-438-2427

Comcast serves most counties, 615-244-5900,1-800-266-2278

Grapevine Interactive serves all counties,615-446-2010

TDS Telecom serves Davidson, RutherfordandWilson counties, 1-888-225-5837

WATERCheatham County: Ashland City Water andSewer, 615-792-4211; Second South Cheath-am Utility District, 615-952-3094; River RoadUtility District, 615-792-4603Davidson County:Metro Water Services,615-862-4600; Harpeth Valley Utility District,615-352-7076; Madison Suburban UtilityDistrict, 615-868-3201; Old Hickory UtilityDistrict, 615-847-2043Dickson County:Water Authority of Dick-son County, 615-441-4188; Sylvia-TennesseeCity-Pond Utility District, 615-446-8888Maury County: Columbia Power, Waterand Cable, 931-388-4833; Maury Co. WaterSystem, 931-381-8900; Spring Hill WaterDept., 931-486-2252; Mt. Pleasant WaterSystem, 931-379-7717Montgomery County: Clarksville Gas andWater, 1-800-987-2362; Cumberland HeightsUtility District, 931-648-2365; WoodlawnUtility District, 931-552-2921Robertson County: Greenbrier Water andSewer Department, 615-643-4531; Spring-field Water System, 615-382-2200; WhiteHouse Utility District, 615-672-4110Rutherford County: Consolidated UtilityDistrict, 615-893-7225; La VergneWaterDepartment, 615-793-5932; MurfreesboroWater and Sewer Department, 615-890-0862;Smyrna Utilities, 615-355-5740Sumner County: Castalian Springs-Be-thpage Utility District, 615-841-3724; GallatinPublic Utilities, 615-451-5922; Hendersonville

Utility District, 615-824-3717; PortlandWater System, 615-325-6776; Westmore-landWater System, 615-644-3382; WhiteHouse Utility District, 615-672-4110Williamson County: BrentwoodWaterDepartment, 615-371-0080; Franklin WaterDepartment, 615-794-4572; HB & TS UtilityDistrict, 615-794-7796; Mallory Valley UtilityDistrict, 615-628-0237; Milcrofton UtilityDistrict, 615-794-5947; Nolensville-CollegeGrove Utility District, 615-776-2511; WaterAuthority of Dickson County, 615-441-4188;Spring Hill Water Department: 931-486-2252Wilson County: Gladeville Utility District,615-449-0301; West Wilson Utility District,615-758-5682; City of LebanonWater,615-444-6300; WatertownWater & Sewer,615-237-3326;Wilson County Water, 615-449-2951

CABLE

AT&T (U-verse) serves all Midstate counties,1-888-757-6500

Charter Communications serves Cheatham,Montgomery, Maury, Robertson, William-son andWilson counties, 615-444-2288,1-888-438-2427

Columbia Power, Water and Cable servesMaury County, 1-800-987-2362

Comcast serves most counties, 615-244-5900, 1-800-266-2278

TDS serves parts of Wilson County, 1-888-225-5837. Utility providers don’t necessarilyserve all parts of the counties.

Turning on utilities

Thomas Edison, famed inventor who developed the first electric light bulb, isphotographed in his laboratory in West Orange, N.J., in 1933. AP



GOVERNOR

BILL HASLAMBill Haslam was elected in 2010 as the 49th gover-nor of Tennessee. Before that he served as mayorof Knoxville, first elected in 2003 then re-electedin 2007. The 54-year-old Republican was formerlythe president and director of Pilot Travel CentersLLC.Mail: 1st Floor, State Capitol, Nashville, TN37243 Phone: 615-741-2001 E-mail: bill.has-

[email protected]

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORRON RAMSEYIn 2009 the Blountville Republican became thelongest-serving Republican Senate speaker inTennessee history and was elected to a third termas speaker in 2011. The former auctioneer, 56, waselected to the state Senate in 1996 and beforethat served in the House.Mail: 301 Sixth Ave. N.Suite 1, Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243

Phone 615-741-4524 E-mail: [email protected]

STATE HOUSE SPEAKERBETH HARWELLA12-term state representative, Republican BethHarwell, 55, made history in 2011when she wasunanimously elected by her House colleagues tobe the first female speaker of the TennesseeHouse of Representatives. She represents StateHouse District 56. This district includes part ofDavidson County.Mail: 301 Sixth Ave. N., Suite 19,

Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243 Phone: 615-741-0709 E-mail: [email protected]. Harwell faces noopposition in the November election, however; she will need tobe re-elected as House speaker in January 2013.

U.S. SENATORSLAMAR ALEXANDERThe Republican fromMaryville, 72, was elected tothe U.S. Senate in 2002. He previously served twoterms as governor, was U.S. education secretaryand also was president of the University of Ten-nessee in Knoxville.Mail: 3322 West End Ave.,#120, Nashville, TN 37203; or 455 Dirksen SenateOffice Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone:

615-736-5129, 202-224-4944 E-mail:www.alexander.senate.gov,click on “E-mail me,” fill out the form, and click “Submit.”

BOB CORKERThe former Republican mayor of Chattanoogaand state finance commissioner, 59, was elected in2006 to the U.S. Senate. Before taking publicoffice, he owned construction and real estatecompanies.Mail: 3322 West End Ave., Suite 610,Nashville, TN 37203; or 185 Dirksen Senate OfficeBuilding Washington, D.C., 20510 Phone: 615-279-

8125, 202-224-3344 E-mail:www.corker.senate.gov click on“Contact Information,” fill out the form and click “Submit.”Corker faces Democratic candidate Mark Clayton, who is notsupported by Democratic party officials, in the November elec-tion.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

JIM COOPERThe 58-year-old Democrat has represented the 5thDistrict since 2003. The district includes most of David-son County and parts of Cheatham andWilson counties.He is an attorney, founded Brentwood Capital Advisorand is a part-time business professor at the Owen Schoolof Management at Vanderbilt University.Mail: 605Church St., Nashville, TN 37219; or 1536 Longworth

House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 615-736-5295,202-225-4311 E-mail:www.cooper.house.gov, click on “Contact Jim,” fillout the form, and click “Submit.” Cooper faces Republican candidateBrad Staats in the November election.

MARSHA BLACKBURNThe Republican from Brentwood, 60, was elected to herfirst term in Congress in 2002. Her 7th District includesparts of Cheatham, Montgomery andWilliamson coun-ties and runs west. She previously served as a statesenator.Mail: Cadence Bank Building, 198 East Main St.,Suite 1, Franklin, TN 37064; or 217 Cannon Building,Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 615-591-5161, 202-225-

2811 E-mail:www.blackburn.house.gov, click on “Email Marsha,” fillout the form, and click “Submit.” Blackburn faces Democratic candidateCredo Amouzouvik in the November election.

SCOTT DESJARLAISA Republican, the 48-year-old was a physician beforebeing elected in 2010 to represent the 4th District,which includes Maury County, parts of Hickman andWilliamson counties, and ranges from the Alabamaborder to East Tennessee.Mail: 807 South Garden St.,Columbia, TN 38401; or 413 Cannon House Office Build-ing, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 931-381-9920,

202-225-6831 E-mail:www.desjarlais.house.gov, click “Contact Me,”then follow the instructions. DesJarlais will face State Sen. Eric Stewart(D) in the November election.

DIANE BLACKFormerly elected to the state House of Representativesand later to the state Senate, the 61-year-old Republicanwas elected in 2010 to represent the 6th District, whichincludes Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson and 11other counties. Black defeated rival Lou Ann Zelenik towin the Republican nomination for the 6th Congression-al District in the August 2012 primary.Mail: 355 North

Belvedere Drive, Suite 308, Gallatin, TN. 37066; or 1531 LongworthHouse Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 615-206-8204,202-225-4231 E-mail:www.black.house.gov, click “Contact Me,” then“Email Me,” then follow the instructions. Black will face Independentcandidate Scott Beasley in the November election.

STEPHEN FINCHERThe 39-year-old Republican was elected to represent the8th District in 2010. Before his election, he was a manag-ing partner in Fincher Farms. The mostly western districtincludes Dickson County and part of Montgomery Coun-ty.Mail: 117 North Liberty St., Jackson, TN 38301; or 1118Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.20515 Phone: 731-423-4848, 202-225-4714 E-mail:

www.fincher.house.gov, click “Contact Me,” then follow the instruc-tions. Fincher will face Democratic candidate Timothy Dixon in theNovember election.

Elected officials



HUNTING & FISHING

Hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Feb. 18 every year and arevalid through the last day of February the following year. Seasondates are subject to change, so check with Tennessee Wildlife Re-sources Agency, 615-781-6500, 1-800-624-7406 or www.tn.gov/twra.You can buy most licenses — except for the Lifetime SportsmanLicense and specialty licenses — frommost county clerks, sporting-goods stores, hardware stores, other interested merchants, and fromall TWRA offices and online from the TWRA website. You also mayorder most license types by telephone, 1-888-814-8972, from any-where within the U.S. or Canada, and pay for your purchase with acredit card. An authorization number will let you— in season—begin fishing or hunting right away. A processing fee will be addedto online purchases or to ones made through the toll-free telephonenumber. Visit the Tennessee State web site to review prices of allhunting and fishing licenses at www.tn.gov/twra/licensefees.html.When buying a license by telephone from the toll-free numberabove, you will be given the option of having a paper license mailedto you, if you wish, for a fee of $7.50; if you do not want a licensemailed to you, the fee is reduced to $6.25. You can purchase a licenseonline at www.wildlifelicense.com/index.php and print it yourself fora fee of $3. If you have the license mailed, the fee will be $4.25. Ifyou buy a license in person from one of the offices or merchantslisted above, the fee is $1 for an annual license. There is a $7 chargefor duplicates or to replace a lost license. You must have a SocialSecurity number in order to purchase a hunting or fishing license inTennessee.

WEAPONSHandgun-carry permits are available in Tennessee and are valid forfour years. Eligibility requirements are as follows: an applicant mustbe at least 21 years of age, a resident of Tennessee and must firstsuccessfully complete a handgun safety course that is offered by astate-certified handgun safety school. An applicant cannot be feder-ally prohibited from purchasing or possessing a handgun in this orany other state. Applicants for a new permit must provide proof ofU.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency; apply at any full-service Driver Service Center. The application fee for a four-yearpermit is $115. The cost to renew is $50, and a duplicate permit costs$5. Certain factors, such as a felony arrest or conviction, all currentClass A misdemeanor convictions while under the jurisdiction of thecourt, or arrest for stalking, domestic violence or DUI second orsubsequent offense, could prevent the state from approving anapplication. The process includes a criminal history check. It is illegalto provide a handgun to anyone under 21. Handgun permit holdersare permitted to carry their weapons into bars and restaurants thatserve alcohol, unless the establishment has a posted notice prohib-iting firearms; they may not consume alcohol while carrying theirweapon. Handgun possession laws in public parks vary from countyto county, so call the park and ask about local ordinances beforecarrying or operating a firearm on park property. There are exemp-tions to many of these rules for some security guards, police officersand members of the military. For more information, call the Ten-nessee Department of Safety’s handgun permit office at 615-251-8590 or go to www.tn.gov/safety/handgunmain.shtml

MARRIAGESTo obtain a marriage license in Tennessee, both parties must appeartogether at 700 Second Ave. S., Suite 101, Nashville. Both parties musthave proof that they are at least 18 years old and both must haveproof of a Social Security number (if they have been issued one).Acceptable proof of date-of-birth includes a government-issuedphoto identification (this includes a driver's license or passport) or acertified birth certificate. If one of the parties is younger than 18, he

or she must be accompanied by his or her parent(s) or guardian. Noone younger than 16 may be married in Tennessee without a courtorder. No blood tests are required and there is no waiting periodonce you have the license, except in certain specific situations inwhich one or both parties are under the age of 18. The marriagelicense is valid for 30 days and can be used for ceremonies anywherein the state of Tennessee. The fee for a marriage license in DavidsonCounty is $99.50. License applicants who have completed a premar-ital preparation course within a year of the application will receive$60 off. More information is available at your county clerk’s office or— for Davidson County — online at www,nashvilleclerk.com

VOTINGTo vote in Tennessee, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 yearsold before the date of the next election and not have any felonyconvictions (or, if you have had a felony conviction, your full rights ofcitizenship must have been restored to you or you must have beengiven a pardon). As of January 2012, a government-issued photo ID isrequired to vote in the State of Tennessee. You must register at least30 days before a given election to vote and must provide a streetaddress, Social Security number, birth date and birthplace. You mayregister at your county’s election commission office, county clerk’soffice, any public library, a register of deeds office, various statedepartment offices or by mail. If you register by mail, the envelopemust be postmarked at least 30 days before the election. If the regis-tration deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline isextended until the next business day. Anyone who registers by mailcannot vote by absentee the first time they vote. For a registrationform, visit www.tn.gov/sos/election/registration.htm. In Tennessee,early voting begins 20 days before elections and closes five daysbefore.

SMOKINGThe tax on cigarettes is 62 cents per pack of 20s and 77.5 cents perpack of 25s. With a few exceptions, smoking is banned in all enclosedpublic places in Tennessee, including health-care facilities, restau-rants, childcare and adult day-care facilities, retail stores and shop-ping malls, sports arenas and stadiums. Smoking laws are monitoredand enforced by the Tennessee Department of Health and the Ten-nessee Department of Labor andWorkforce Development. Someonecaught knowingly smoking in an area where smoking is prohibitedcan be fined $50. Businesses that don’t comply will get one writtenwarning. A second violation within 12 months carries a $100 fine.Each subsequent violation in a 12-month period comes with a $500fine. Violators can be reported to the state Department of Health orthe state Department of Labor andWorkforce Development. Smok-ing is allowed in some areas, such as businesses, including restaurantsand bars, with patrons ages 21 and older only; designated hotel andmotel rooms; patios and other open-air areas; private businesseswith three or fewer employees that have a designated, enclosedsmoking area; and private clubs.

ALCOHOLThe legal drinking age in Tennessee is 21. Bars are allowed to stayopen until 3 a.m. seven days a week under state law. Liquor andwine are sold through licensed stores. Beer can be purchased at mostgrocery and convenience stores. Liquor is available by the drink asdetermined by municipal vote. Licensed direct shippers may ship upto three cases of wine to a Tennessee consumer in a given calendaryear. An individual purchaser also may buy up to five cases (or 60liters) of wine in one day at a licensed out-of-state winery and bringthat wine back home. For more information, call the Alcohol Bever-age Control Commission at 615-741-1602, or visit their website athttp://www.tn.gov/abc/

State laws



LICENSES, RENEWALS

U.S. citizens who move to Tennessee from another state have30 days from the time they establish permanent residency to changeto a Tennessee driver’s license. They must pass a vision test and presenttheir valid license from another state. If six months have passed sinceestablishing residency, a written test and a road test are also required.

Those applying for a driver’s license must provide proof of U.S. citi-zenship or permanent residency, two proofs of identity, two proofs ofTennessee residency (documentation should include name and resi-dential address) and proof of Social Security number. If never issued aSocial Security number, a sworn affidavit stating that is required.

Those obtaining a license for the first time must pass a written test, avision test and a road test. Applications can be made at any of the 47full-service driver’s testing stations in the state. For locations, go towww.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/dllocationmain.htm.

Anyone issued a Tennessee driver’s license since Jan. 1, 2001, is requiredto provide documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanentresidency at the first renewal. For more information, call 615-253-5221or 1-866-849-3548 or go to www.tn.gov/safety/driverservices.shtml.

VEHICLE TAGS, REGISTRATIONYou can renew a Tennessee license plate or registration in person or bymail, and some counties allow online renewal. Bring or mail a renewalform and the fee to the county clerk’s office. Some counties also re-quire an emissions test. To renew a registration online, seewww.tncountyclerk.com. In Davidson County, visit davidson-tn.mygo-vonline.com/mod.php?mod=motors. For more information, contactyour county clerk’s office.

For personalized or specialty license plates, seewww.tn.gov/revenue/vehicle.

Before a gas or diesel-fueled vehicle can be registered in Davidson,Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson or Wilson counties, it mustpass an emissions test. Drivers must bring the vehicle, registration ortitle and a $9 fee to an emissions testing station. For locations, visitwww.nashvilleclerk.com/emissions-testing or call 615-862-6050.

Effective June 2012, vehicle temporary operation permits shall nolonger be issued by the county clerk’s office for vehicles that havefailed vehicle inspection requirements. Under Tennessee law, neitherthe Department of Revenue nor the county clerks are authorized toissue temporary operation permits to allow operation of motor vehi-cles that have failed a vehicle inspection. For questions, please call:Davidson County, 615-340-5656; all other counties, 615-532-8378.

Exempt are 1974 or older models; electric vehicles; motorcycles; andvehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,500 pounds.

ROAD RULESPedestrians: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersec-tions without traffic signals or when signals are not operating at acrosswalk. Pedestrians led by a guide dog or carrying a cane alwayshave right of way.

Move over law: Tennessee’s “Move Over Law” requires motorists tomove into an adjacent lane of traffic for emergency vehicles when safeto do so, or to slow down.

Cell phones and texting: Drivers with learner’s permits or intermedi-ate licenses may not use cell phones (including hands-free devices)while driving. Failure to comply may result in a $50 fine. Drivers canuse a hand-held cell phone only in emergencies or to communicatewith a parent. Drivers may not send, read or receive text messages

while driving, or read emailsor look at websites onphones. The offense carriesa $50 fine.

Motorcycles: All motorcy-clists must use an approvedhelmet, and all motorcyclesmust have a windshield.Rearview mirrors must bemounted upright on the lefthandlebar, and footrests arerequired for drivers andpassengers.

Seat belts: Seat belts mustbe worn by drivers and allfront-seat passengers, aswell as back-seat passengersyounger than 18. Violatorsmay receive a ticket, withadditional penalties foroccupants ages 17 andyounger.

Child restraints: Childrenyounger than 1 year old orweighing 20 pounds or lessmust be in a rear-facingposition in a federally ap-proved restraint system inthe rear seat. Children 1 to3 years old and weighingmore than 20 pounds mustbe in a safety seat in a

forward-facing position in the rear seat. Children 4-8 or less than4-foot-9 tall must be in a federally approved booster seat in the rearseat. Children 12 and youngermay not ride in open truck beds on the highway, and children6 and younger may not ride in open truck beds on anystreet.

Turns: Drivers may turn right on red, unless posted otherwise. A leftturn may be made from a one-way street onto another one-waystreet after checking for traffic.

Littering: There is up to a maximum $500 fine and sentence of 40hours of public service removing litter for throwing trash from avehicle.

Accidents: Automobile insurance is mandatory in Tennessee, andyou must show proof of insurance during traffic stops and accidents.After a non-injury accident, vehicles involved may be moved out oftraffic.

TEEN DRIVERSTeenagers younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent orguardian when obtaining a learner’s permit or driver’s license. Ten-nessee has a graduated license program that restricts teens youngerthan 18. For information, seewww.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/gdlfaq.htm.

DUITennessee’s legal blood-alcohol limit is .08 percent. Tennessee lawstates that when you drive in Tennessee, you have given “impliedconsent” to take a blood-alcohol or drug test if pulled over by a lawenforcement officer. Refusal results in an automatic suspension of adriver’s license for one year.

Driving laws

New Tennessee residents have 30days to obtain a Tennessee driver’slicense. LARRY MCCORMACK / TENNESSEAN



REGISTRATION

All owners of mechanically powered boats or sailboats principallyused in Tennessee must register their vessels. Fees vary by boatlength. For information, contact Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agen-cy, 800-648-8798 or www.tn.gov/twra/boatregistrations.html, yourcounty clerk’s office or many marine dealers. Owners may registertheir boats for one, two or three years.

BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCEIt is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of intoxicants ordrugs. The measure is .08 percent blood-alcohol level. In an accidentresulting in serious injury or death, blood-alcohol content may betaken from all operators involved. The penalty for the first offense isa fine of up to $2,500, the second offense is $2,500, a third offense,$5,000 and possible jail time and license suspension.

LIFE JACKETSWhen operating a boat, you must have one wearable personalflotation device on board — of the appropriate size — for everyperson on the boat or for each person being towed. Each devicemust be easily accessible (not stored away), be in good condition andhave a Coast Guard approval stamp. Boats that are 16 feet or longermust have at least one throwable personal flotation device on board.Children 12 years old or younger must wear life jackets if they are inopen boats or on the open deck of a recreational boat, unless it isanchored, moored or aground. Life jackets must be worn by anyoneoperating a personal watercraft.

YOUNG DRIVERS

People younger than 12 may not operate a powered boat of morethan 8.5 horsepower unless they are accompanied by an adult whocan take immediate control of the vessel.

Any resident of Tennessee born after Jan. 1, 1989, who is operating aboat alone or accompanying an operator under the age of 12 mustcarry a TWRA-issued card showing proof of completion of the TWRAboating safety exam. Nobody younger than 16 may rent a personalwatercraft.

PERSONALWATERCRAFTPersonal watercraft, such as Jet Skis, are considered powered vesselsand must follow the same rules as any other boat, as well as addi-tional regulations. For more information, contact TWRA or visitwww.tn.gov/twra/boatingregs.html. A personal watercraft cannot berented by anyone younger than 16 in Tennessee.

OWNER RESPONSIBILITYThe owner of a vessel may be responsible for any injury or damagedone by his or her vessel whether the owner is present or not. Thisshall not hold true if the vessel is used without the owner’s consent.

For additional information on boating regulations, visit www.tn.gov/twra/boatingregs.html.

Boating laws

TWRA Officer Brad Bagwell performs a safety check for a group of boaters on Percy Priest Lake. GEORGEWALKER IV / THE TENNESSEAN



While Nashville’s national reputation centers on its role as Music City— and as a growing center of technology-related employment — theeconomy is more diversified than most might guess. That fact hashelped this region weather tough times and bounce back faster interms of employment than many competing cities. In late summer2012, the Metro area’s jobless rate was about 7.3 percent, down 1.5percentage points from summer 2011. Forecasts call for further im-provements. Here’s a look at how various sectors have fared with theeconomy on the mend.

HEALTH CARENashville is home base to hundreds of health-care companies, in-cluding publicly traded HCA and Community Health Systems, two ofthe nation’s biggest hospital chains. The area also gets an employ-ment and research boost from well-known academic and researchinstitutions such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Mehar-ry Medical College. Health care is generally seen as the Nashvillearea’s most attractive economic sector, with an annual economicimpact estimated at $30 billion. The forecast calls for more jobgrowth driven by changes under health care reform and a push bydoctors and hospitals to go digital with patients’ medical records.More urgent-care centers are popping up to expand medical optionsfor Nashville-area residents. Meanwhile, hospitals, doctors and otherhealth-care providers are pursuing new partnerships to better posi-tion themselves for changes ahead that require more collaborationto trim health-care costs while keeping patients well.

MUSIC AND HOSPITALITY

A Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce study suggested that themusic industry provides an economic impact of about $6.4 billion ayear, with average earnings ranging from $10.69 an hour for entry-level musicians and singers to $38.87 an hour for more experiencedperformers and record-label staffers.

Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and TimMcGrawmake a lot more thanthat, but the strength of Nashville as Music City is mostly built on thelyrics and licks of workaday players and songwriters.

Separately, the hospitality and convention business continues to playa key role in Nashville’s economy. A new convention center south ofBroadway — dubbed the Music City Center — is under constructionand is scheduled to open in 2013. The Omni Hotel, opening later in2013, will be connected to the convention center and the CountryMusic Hall of Fame and Museum. Gaylord Entertainment’s Oprylandhotel, the Grand Ole Opry and the Opry Mills Mall have all recoveredfrom the historic May 2010 floods. While the hotel and Grand OleOpry Auditorium were opened in 2010 and 2011, respectively, themall celebrated its grand re-opening in spring 2012. More stores haveopened as the year progressed, gearing up for what retailers hopewill be a strong Christmas shopping season at year end.

Nashville economy

A view from the Pinnacle at Symphony Place of the Music City Center, scheduled to open in 2013. SAMUEL M. SIMPKINS / THE TENNESSEAN

See ECONOMY, Page 20

THE TENNESSEAN • 27

COMMUNITIES

Recently featured in The New York Times, GQ and other nationalpublications, Nashville is gaining notoriety for things other thanmusic. A thriving dining scene and an economy more diversified thanother cities keep Nashville on the rise. Although there are distinctcommunities throughout Davidson County, there is also a communi-ty as a whole that makes the 50-year-old metropolitan area a greatplace to live.

ANTIOCHIn Antioch, your neighbor or favorite shopkeeper may be from So-malia, Mexico or Laos, and multiple languages are spoken alongNolensville Pike, in churches and in schools. Homes are affordable,and the community is popular with first-time buyers and youngfamilies with children.

BELLEVUEIn Bellevue, it’s possible to get more house for the money than inother places in the county. With good schools and lots of outdooractivities for children, the area remains ever-popular with families.One of Nashville’s landmark restaurants, The Loveless Café, is inBellevue, as are the Warner Parks.

DONELSON / HERMITAGELife near Percy Priest Lake keeps this area popular. The Hermitage,home of President Andrew Jackson, is one of Tennessee’s best-known landmarks and one of the most-visited presidential homes inthe country. The “Grand Ole Opry” also makes this area popular withtourists. Commuter rail service to downtown Nashville and Lebanonand the accessibility of Nashville International Airport also help makethis area appealing.

DOWNTOWN / THE GULCH / GERMANTOWN

Downtown Nashville and the Gulch have seen a steady increase incondo and apartment growth over the past few years. Germantown,just north of James Robertson Parkway, also continues to attract thosemoving back into the city looking for an urban lifestyle. With trendyshops and dining options, downtown, the Gulch and Germantown arealso destination stops for many throughout the region.

EAST NASHVILLEThis older neighborhood has been a mecca for artists, musicians andyoung professionals who have led the charge in renovating Victorianand other architecturally interesting homes. Many will tell you there’sa sense of community in East Nashville unlike any other spot in town.The Five Points area, with its blend of eclectic restaurants and shops,makes it a popular destination for East Nashvillians and people fromacross the city.

GREEN HILLSTrendy boutiques, The Mall at Green Hills with its designer shops andNordstrom, upscale homes and some of the area’s fine dining estab-lishments make this one of the premier neighborhoods to live in inDavidson County. Public schools Hillsboro High and Julia Green Ele-mentary are top-notch, and one of the area’s finest private schools,Harpeth Hall (for girls only), is in the community. The area also boasts aTrader Joe’s andWhole Foods Market.

MADISON / GOODLETTSVILLEThese two communities in the northern portion of the county featuregood deals on homes and a strong tax base because of RiverGate Malland many auto dealerships. Goodlettsville has its own city governmentafter choosing to remain autonomous when Nashville merged withthe county in 1963. It is also the home of Dollar General Corp.’scorporate headquarters.

Davidson County

Aerial of downtown Nashville and surrounding areas. LARRY MCCORMACK / FILE / THE TENNESSEAN


COMMUNITIES

DAVIDSON COUNTYDEMOGRAPHICS

Population (2011): 635,745

Change from 2010: + 1.4 percent

Male: 48.4 percent

Female: 51.6 percent

High school graduates (age 25+, 2006-10): 85.1 percent

Bachelor’s degree or more (age 25+,2006-10): 34 percent

Median household income (2006-10):$45,668

RACIAL BREAKDOWN

White: 66.2 percent

Black: 27.9 percent

American Indians/Alaskan Natives: 0.5percent

Asian: 3.2 percent

Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Island-ers: 0.1 percent

Hispanic/Latino: 9.9 percent

Two or more races: 2.1 percent

PROPERTY TAX RATES

Per $100 of assessed value

County: $0.54

General services district: $4.04

Urban services district: $4.66

Belle Meade: $0.30

Goodlettsville: $0.63

SCHOOLS

www.mnps.org, 149 public schools, enroll-ment about 81,000 students.

TOP EMPLOYERSVanderbilt UniversityHCANissan North AmericaSt. Thomas HospitalGaylord Entertainment

ATTRACTIONS

Belle Meade Plantation, 615-356-0501,www.bellemeadeplantation.comCheekwood Botanical Garden andMuseum of Art, 615-356-8000,www.cheekwood.org

Country Music Hall of Fame, 615-416-2001, www.countrymusichalloffame.orgFrist Center for the Visual Arts, 615-244-3340. www.fristcenter.orgGrand Ole Opry, 615-871-OPRY (6779),www.opry.comThe Hermitage, Home of Andrew Jack-son, 615-889-2941. www.thehermitage.comNashville Shores Water Park, 615-889-7050, www.nashvilleshores.comNashville Zoo at Grassmere, 615-833-1534, www.nashvillezoo.orgRyman Auditorium, 615-889-3060,www.ryman.comThe Parthenon, 615-862-8431,www.nashville.gov/parthenonThe Tennessee State Museum, 615-741-2692, www.tnmuseum.org

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS» Country Music Marathon (April)» Nashville Film Festival (April)» Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil (April)» Iroquois Steeplechase (May)» TACA Spring Craft Fair (May)» CMAMusical Festival (June)» Fourth of July festivities, Riverfront Park»Music City Brewer’s Festival (July)»Music City Festival and BBQ Champi-onship (August)» Tomato Art Fest (August)» African Street Festival (September)» Greek Festival (September)» Tennessee State Fair (September)» TACA Fall Craft Fair (September)» Germantown Street Festival (October)» Southern Festival of Books (October)» Veterans Day Parade (November)»Music City Bowl (December)» Nashville Christmas Parade (December)

INTERESTING FACTAdelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Man-sion, was one of the richest women in thenation. In 1863, during the Civil War, theConfederate army threatened to burn hercotton to keep it from falling into Unionpossession. She negotiated with both theConfederate and Union armies to save her

cotton and traveled to Louisiana, whereshe singlehandedly negotiated the sale ofher cotton to Rothschilds of London for areported $960,000 in gold, thus saving herfrom financial ruin.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Metro Government General Operator:615-862-5000

Mayor’s Office: 615-862-6000

Police (Non-emergency): 615-862-7400

Police (Urgency, but no emergency):615-862-8600

Fire (Non-emergency): 615-862-5421

Sheriff: 615-862-8123

Animal Control: 615-862-7928

County Clerk: 615-862-6050

Codes Administration: 615-862-6500

Health Department: 615-340-5616

Metro Transit Authority: 615-862-5969

Recycling: 615-880-1000

Register of Deeds: 615-862-6790

Belle Meade City Hall: 615-297-6041

Belle Meade Police: 615-297-0241

Berry Hill City Hall: 615-292-5531

Berry Hill Police: 615-297-3242

Forest Hills City Hall: 615-372-8677

Goodlettsville City Hall: 615-851-2200

Goodlettsville Police: 615-859-3405

Goodlettsville Fire: 615-851-2246

Oak Hill City Hall: 615-371-8291

Ridgetop City Hall: 615-859-0596

Ridgetop Police: 615-851-0203

Ridgetop Fire: 615-851-4570

COUNTYWEBSITE

www.nashville.gov

Davidson County factsMelba Toastwas on handin Tomatogarb at theTomatoFestival in EastNashville. JOHNPARTIPILO / THE

TENNESSEAN


COMMUNITIES

ASHLAND CITY

Ashland City was created in 1856 as the county seat for the newlyformed Cheatham County. Ashland City has gained distinction as abedroom community for Nashville and Davidson County because ofits accessibility to the larger Metro area and the more secluded andsimple atmosphere found there. The Cheatham County area is com-paratively rural and undeveloped, making it a popular place to raisea family.

KINGSTON SPRINGSKingston Springs, originally developed as a resort town along therailroad that ran between Nashville and Dickson, was known for itshot springs. Today, the town is home to a massive parks system withtrails weaving around the Harpeth River.

Country singer Craig Morgan was born in Kingston Springs, butthere’s more to the town’s musical side: The Fillin’ Station on MainStreet hosts songwriter nights, blues jams and rock bands, and notfar away, Red Tree Coffee hosts live music on Friday nights.

PLEASANT VIEWSituated halfway between Nashville and Clarksville, Pleasant View isa small but growing bedroom community. Development has takenhold as the town has become the commercial center for northernCheatham County and nearby Coopertown in Robertson County.

Community life centers on youth softball in the summer andWarEagle football at Sycamore High School in the fall. Each summer, thePleasant View Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual paradeand picnic.

Cheatham County

The Cheatham County Courthouse in Ashland City. FILE / TENNESSEAN


COMMUNITIES

BURNS

Burns was first known as Grade 42. In 1866 the name was changed fromGrade 42 to Burns Station. The name Burns was in honor of Capt. Mi-chael Burns, who had commanded a detachment encamped at Grade 42during the Civil War. The area also is the site of the rolling MontgomeryBell State Park.

CHARLOTTECharlotte, the county seat of Dickson County, was named for CharlotteReeves Robertson, wife of Gen. James Robertson. The Charlotte Court-house Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and isthe oldest in Tennessee still used as a courthouse.

DICKSON

Dickson, 40 miles west of Nashville, is the largest city in Dickson County.It is the hometown of former Tennessee Gov. Frank G. Clement, whoserved from1953 to 1959 and 1963-67. His birthplace, the HalbrookHotel, has been converted into a railroad and local history museum.

WHITE BLUFFWhite Bluff was incorporated in 1869. Its name was derived from thewhite bluffs overlooking Turnbull Creek, and it’s the home of barbecuefavorite Carl’s Perfect Pig. With a railroad going through the city andalso Highway 70, White Bluff was once called the Broadway of America.

Dickson County

The Dickson County Courthouse in Charlotte. FRED R. TERRY

DICKSON COUNTYDEMOGRAPHICS

Population (2011): 50,081

Change from 2010: + .8 percent

Male: 49 percent

Female: 51 percent

High school graduates (age 25+, 2006-10): 80.6 percent

Bachelor’s degree or more (age 25+,2006-10): 14.9 percent

Median household income (2006-10):$44,554

RACIAL BREAKDOWN

White: 92.9 percent

Black: 4.4 percent

American Indians/Alaskan Natives: 0.4percent

Asian: 0.6 percent

Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders: 0percent



PROPERTY TAX RATES


County: $2.85

Burns: $0.66

Charlotte: $0.17

Dickson: $0.90

White Bluff: $0.44

Dickson County facts

See DICKSON COUNTY, Page 34


COMMUNITIES

Maury County is about 40 miles south of Nashville and remainslargely rural. Many picturesque communities are tucked among therolling hills of Maury (pronunced MUR-ee) County, including SantaFe (pronounced Fee), Fly and Theta to the northwest; Cross Bridges,Sawdust, Hampshire andWilliamsport to the west; Southport, Culle-oka and Campbell’s Station to the south; and Pottsville, Rock Springsand Rally Hill to the west. Larger cities include Columbia, Spring Hilland Mount Pleasant.

COLUMBIAColumbia is the county seat of Maury County and lies astride theDuck River. The 2010 census put the population at 34,681. As thebirthplace of President James K. Polk, it has numerous historic sitesthat make it a key tourist destination.

Columbia is also notable for being the self-proclaimed “Mule Capitalof the World.” Each April, the Mule Day festival celebrates that factas people come from all over to enjoy the festivities, which include aparade and mule-pullings.

MT. PLEASANT

Incorporated in 1824, Mt. Pleasant became a key stagecoach stop onone of the nation’s first federal highways, the military road. Phos-phate was discovered in the late 19th century, and the city quicklybecame a mining boomtown.

SPRING HILLSpring Hill straddles the Williamson and Maury county line, withincorporated areas in both counties. The town is home to a GeneralMotors manufacturing plant, formerly a Saturn plant that hadbrought thousands of newcomers to the area.

The county school district opened its first middle school in Spring Hillfor 2010-11. Spring Hill Middle School has state-of-the-art technol-ogy, like interactive whiteboards.

The town is famous for its Civil War history. During the Battle ofSpring Hill on Nov. 29, 1864, more than 500 Confederate and 350Union soldiers died. That night, Southern forces slept while Unionsoldiers passed through. The next day, the Confederate army suf-fered 6,200 casualties at the Battle of Franklin to the north. Rippavil-la, a well-preserved, 10,000-square-foot antebellummansion, had akey role in the war, and tours offer a glimpse of original furnishingsand memorabilia from the 19th century.

Maury County

TENNESSEAN FILE


COMMUNITIES

MAURY COUNTYDEMOGRAPHICSPopulation (2011): 81,509

Change from 2010: +.7 percent

Male: 48.3 percent


High school graduates (age 25+,2006-10): 82.4 percent

Bachelor’s degree or more (age25+, 2006-10): 16.1 percent

Median household income (2006-10): $46,278

RACIAL BREAKDOWNWhite: 84.6 percent

Black: 12.6 percent

American Indian/Alaska natives: 0.4percent

Asian: 0.7 percent

Native Hawaiian and other PacificIslanders: 0 percent



PROPERTY TAX RATESPer $100 of assessed value

County: $2.60Columbia: $1.31

Mt. Pleasant: $1.37Spring Hill: $0.59

SCHOOLSwww.mauryk12.org/, 21 public schools,enrollment about 11,990 students

TOP EMPLOYERS»Maury Regional Medical Center»Maury County schools» General Motors» Tennessee Farm Bureau»Maury County government

KEY ATTRACTIONSJames K. Polk Home, 931-388-2354,www.jameskpolk.comRippavilla Plantation, 931-486-9037,www.rippavilla.orgRattle and Snap Plantation, 931-379-1700,www.rattleandsnapplantation.comMt. Pleasant/MauryMuseum of LocalHistory, 931-379-9511

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS»Mule Day, Columbia (April)» Cruisin’ the Square, Columbia (June)» Southern Fried Festival, Columbia (Sep-tember)» The Great Duck River Duck Race, Columbia(September)

INTERESTING FACT

Columbia plays host to the annual Mule Dayfestival, which began as a livestock show in1840 and now draws thousands of visitorsfrom across the country and the world.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERSCountyMayor: 931-375-1001

Sheriff: 931-380-5733



County Schools: 931-388-8403

Election Commission: 931-381-4691



Maury Alliance (chamber of commerce):931-388-2155

Columbia City Hall: 931-560-1500

Columbia Fire: 931-560-1700

Columbia Police: 931-388-2727

Mt. Pleasant City Hall: 931-379-7717

Spring Hill City Hall: 931-486-2252 or1-888-774-8988

Spring Hill Fire: 615-302-4668

Spring Hill Police: 931-486-3270

COUNTYWEBSITEwww.maurycounty-tn.gov

Maury County facts

Maury County Courthouse on the Courthouse Square in downtown Columbia. FILE / THE TENNESSEAN


COMMUNITIES

CLARKSVILLE

Clarksville is a fast-growing city with a low costof living. The city’s youth and diversity havebeen shaped by Fort Campbell to the northand Austin Peay State University to the south.The Clarksville Marina opened in July; otherdevelopments in the works that will alter itslandscape are the incoming $1.2 billion Hem-lock Semiconductor plant, promising 500-800high-paying jobs, and Agero, a roadside assis-tance call center, is scheduled to open this fall.A variety of entertainment events keep thistransient community grounded, particularlythe Rivers & Spires Festival.

FORT CAMPBELLFort Campbell, an Army post on the Kentuckyborder established in 1942, is home to the 101stAirborne Division, the only air assault divisionof the Army, as well as the 5th Special ForcesGroup and the 160th Special Operations Avia-tion Regiment. Fort Campbell soldiers wereamong the first ground forces deployed in the2003 invasion of Iraq, and many have servedmultiple deployments. Visitors to Fort Camp-bell must obtain a pass at the Vehicle Regis-tration and Visitor Control center. They mustpresent a valid driver’s license, vehicle regis-tration and proof of insurance.

Montgomery County

Lisa and Stephen Gore look over the new boat slips during the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours at the newClarksville Marina. ROBERT SMITH / GANNETT / TENNESSEE

Clarksville Police Officers Harry Hampton, left, and Bob Peterson patrol on bicyclesaround the Clarksville Marina and Liberty Park. GREGWILLIAMS / GANNETT / TENNESSEE


COMMUNITIES

MONTGOMERY COUNTYDEMOGRAPHICS

Population (2011): 176,619

Change from 2010: +2.5 percent

Male: 49.1 percent


High school graduates (age 25+,2006-10): 90 percent



RACIAL BREAKDOWN

White: 73.2 percent

Black: 19.6 percent

American Indians/Alaskan Natives:0.7 percent

Asian: 2.2 percent

Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders:0.4 percent



PROPERTY TAX RATES


County: $3.14

Clarksville: $1.24

SCHOOLSwww.cmcss.net, 39 public schools,enrollment of 30,077 students as ofMay.

TOP EMPLOYERS» Austin Peay State University» Convergys Corp.» City of Clarksville» Clarksville-Montgomery CountySchools» Gateway Medical Center

KEY ATTRACTIONS

Customs HouseMuseum and Cul-tural Center, 931-648-5780,www.customshousemuseum.orgBeachaven Vineyards andWinery,931-645-8867, www.beachavenwinery.comDunbar Cave State Natural Area,931-648-5526, www.tn.gov.us/environment/parks/DunbarCaveRoxy Regional Theatre, 931-645-7699, www.roxyregionaltheatre.orgHistoric Collinsville, 931-648-9141,www.historiccollinsville.com

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

» Old Time Fiddlers Championship,Clarksville (March)» Rivers & Spires Festival, Clarksville(April)»Mid-South Jazz Festival, Clarksville(April)» North Tennessee State Fair, Clarksville(June)» Run for the Fallen, Fort Campbell(August)» Riverfest, Clarksville (September)» Oktoberfest, Clarksville (October)» Christmas on the Cumberland, Clarks-ville (December)

INTERESTING FACTCharles Schulz, the beloved creator ofPeanuts, began drawing characters —the subjects were his fellow soldiers —when he was a homesick 20-year-oldsoldier at what was then known asCamp Campbell.

USEFUL PHONENUMBERSCountyMayor: 931-648-5787

Sheriff: 931-648-0611



County Schools: 931-648-5600

Election Commission: 931-648-5707


Recycling: 931-648-5751


Clarksville Area Chamber of Com-merce: 931-647-2331

Clarksville City Hall: 931-645-7444

Clarksville Police: 931-648-0656

Clarksville Fire: 931-645-7456

COUNTYWEBSITEwww.montgomerycountytn.org

The rebuilt Montgomery County Courthouse as it stands today. ROBERT SMITH/GANNETT

TENNESSEE


COMMUNITIES

ADAMS

Adams, a small agricultural community of 633 people, is knownaround the world as the home of the legendary Bell Witch. Legendhas it that a spirit tormented the John Bell family during the early1800s, and President Andrew Jackson is said to have encountered thespirit during a trip to Adams.

COOPERTOWNCoopertown, along Interstate 24 about halfway between Nashvilleand Clarksville, derived its name from a large cooper shop that madebarrels for the nearby Red River Mills Distillery. By 1874, RobertsonCounty distillers were producing 45,000 barrels of whiskey annually.The barrel business in the Coopertown community then produced$125,000 in business a year.

CROSS PLAINSThe town in northern Robertson County began as Kilgore Station, animportant 18th-century rest stop on the road into the Tennesseefrontier. By 1812, the town of Cross Plains emerged. One of its best-known structures is Thomas Drugs, which dates to 1915 and was builton a site occupied by merchants since the town began. ThomasDrugs still features its 1930s soda fountain and is known for its old-fashioned milkshakes.

GREENBRIER

This all-American town is best known for its Fourth of July cele-bration, which starts July 3 with the Turning of the Pig. A team ofcooks starts early that day and roasts barbecue pork all night. July 3is also when residents gather at City Hall for music, children’s gamesand fellowship. People line up in the early morning hours of July 4 tobuy the barbecue by the pound. A parade that morning caps off thecelebration.

MILLERSVILLEMillersville is in both Robertson and Sumner counties, just off In-terstate 65, and 6,440 people live there, according to the 2010 cen-sus. A former school serves as the community center and emergencyservices training center. The building is also home to the MillersvilleBluegrass Jam, offering evenings of bluegrass and folk music on thefirst and third Fridays of each month.

ORLINDAAccording to the 2010 census, 859 people call Orlinda home. Thirteenmiles northeast of Springfield, Orlinda is the town’s third name.Originally called Washington Tract, the town was later renamedCrocker’s Crossroads or Crockersville for a landowner. In 1887 thetown became Orlinda when the U.S. Post Office rejected Crocker’sCrossroads.

Robertson County

Springfield High School cheerleaders get the crowd excited at the Robertson County Pep Rally. All five county football teams, their bandsand cheerleaders met on the square in Springfield for a pep rally to kick off the 2012 football season. LARRY MCCORMACK / THE TENNESSEAN

See ROBERTSON, Page 40


COMMUNITIES

RIDGETOPAt the edge of the Highland Rim, Ridgetopis more than 800 feet above sea level.Originally known as Nunley and then asChancy, it took its name from the trainstop known as Ridgetop Station. Construc-tion of the 4,700-foot-long L&N Railroadtunnel — hailed at the time as one of theworld’s longest self-supporting tunnels —began in 1902 and took four years tocomplete. The tunnel attracted wealthyNashvillians to Ridgetop to escape thesummer heat. According to the 2010 cen-sus, 1,874 people reside here.

SPRINGFIELDSpringfield was established as the seat ofcounty government in 1796, but accordingto historians the city was not officiallyfounded until two years later. Springfield isabout 30 miles north of downtown Nash-ville and is best known for the renovationsto the downtown square, which is on theNational Register of Historic Places, andthe residential Historic District. The city hasa population of 16,440, according to the2010 census.

WHITE HOUSEWhite House is a suburban communityabout 22 miles north of Nashville, lying inRobertson and Sumner counties. U.S. 31Wis the dividing line between the two coun-ties. While it has easy access to all of theamenities of the big city, White Housemaintains a small-town feel that appeals tonew residents. The community has grownsubstantially since the 1990s from a smallvillage to a population of 10,255 in 2010.

Continued from Page 39

Thomas Drugs, located in Cross Plains, dates to 1915. FILE / THE TENNESSEAN

ROBERTSON COUNTYDEMOGRAPHICS

Population (2011): 67,106

Change from 2010: +1.2 percent

Male: 49.2 percent


High school graduates (age 25+,2006-10): 81.1 percent



RACIAL BREAKDOWN

White: 89.9 percent

Black: 7.7 percent

American Indians/Alaskan Natives:0.5 percent

Asian: 0.6 percentNative Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders:.1 percent



PROPERTY TAX RATES


County: $2.89

Adams: $0.27

Cedar Hill: $0.26

Greenbrier: $1.03

Millersville: $0.82

Portland: $1.10

Ridgetop: $0.76

Springfield: $0.83

White House: $1.01

TOP EMPLOYERS

» Electrolux Home Products» Robertson County Schools and Gov-ernment»Macy’s Logistics» Northcrest Medical Center»Martinrea Fabco

SCHOOLSwww.rcstn.net, 19 public schools,enrollment about 11,000 students

KEY ATTRACTIONSHoneysuckle Hill Farm, Coopertown,615-382-7593School House Cafeteria, Adams,615-696-1224J. Travis Price Park, Springfield, 615-382-1655, www.springfield-tn.org/Parks

Robertson County facts


COMMUNITIES

EAGLEVILLEEagleville is Rutherford County’s smallest incorporated municipality,with just over 600 residents in the 2010 census. Each June, it hosts thelongest-running, one-night horse show in Tennessee at the EaglevilleTractor Show Grounds. It’s also home to the Antique Tractor Pull andShow, which runs at the grounds each September.

LA VERGNEThe northernmost city in Rutherford County, La Vergne is home to32,588 people, according to the 2010 census. Though La Vergneincorporated in 1972, its history dates to the 1700s. The city wasnamed after Frenchman Francois Leonard Gregoire de Roulhac de LaVergne on the same day that he died in 1852. Growth in the LaVergne area has been on the rise in the past several years, offeringhomeowners more options. The proximity to Nashville and Murfrees-boro makes it commuter friendly.

MURFREESBOROIn 1811 a plot of 60 acres of land was chosen for a new county seatfor Rutherford County. The land was chosen from land that be-longed to Captain William Lytle. Originally called Cannonsburgh inhonor of Williamson County politician Newton Cannon, the namewas changed to Murfreesborough one month later, at the request ofLytle.Murfreesboro was recognized as an official city in 1817 and became

the capital of the state because of its central location, which is thegeographical center of Tennessee. Murfreesboro is the sixth-largestcity in the state, with a population of 108,755 in a 2010 census, and ishome to the largest undergraduate university in Tennessee —Mid-dle Tennessee State University.Several Civil War battles were fought in and around the city, in-cluding the Battle of Stones River. In the 1920s, the federal govern-ment established Stones River National Battlefield Park. Murfrees-boro is celebrating its 200th birthday this year.

SMYRNADating to the early 1800s, Smyrna was once home to large farms andplantations. The city, however, has reinvented itself as a destinationfor families looking for affordable homes near Nashville.The city of 39,974, according to a 2010 census, traces its roots to therail line that runs through town. Though the train is no longer cen-tral to Smyrna’s success, the city has built on that tradition by rede-veloping the small downtown that built up around the depot.Though distinct, the lines between Smyrna and neighboring LaVergne continue to blur as growth and development continue in thenorthern section of the county.Smyrna is home to Nissan’s first U.S. automotive plant, which openedin 1982. It continues to make Altimas and Maximas, two of the com-pany's most popular models, and launched the luxury Infiniti JX thisyear. The all-electric Nissan Leaf is set to start rolling off the lineslater this year, the lithium-ion battery plant is scheduled to open thisfall and the Rogue will be built in Smyrna next year.

Rutherford County

Walkers, runners and cyclists enjoy the Murfreesboro Greenway system. JIM DAVIS / GANNETT TENNESSEE


COMMUNITIES

RUTHERFORD CO.DEMOGRAPHICSPopulation (2011): 268,921Change from 2010: +2.4 percentMale: 49.4 percentFemale: 50.6 percentHigh school graduates (age 25+; 2006-10): 87.9 percentBachelor’s degree ormore (age 25+;2006-10): 26.3 percentMedian household income (2006-10):$53,770

RACIAL BREAKDOWNWhite: 81.2 percentBlack: 12.9 percentAmerican Indians/Alaskan Natives: 0.5percentAsian: 3.1 percentNative Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders: 0.1percentHispanic/Latino: 6.9 percentTwo ormore races: 2.1 percent

PROPERTY TAX RATESPer $100 of assessed valueCounty: $2.47Eagleville: $0.75La Vergne: $1.00Murfreesboro: $1.27Smyrna: $0.80

SCHOOLSwww.rcs.k12.tn.us , 45 county publicschools , enrollment about 39,000 students

TOP EMPLOYERS» Rutherford County government»Middle Tennessee State University» State Farm Insurance» VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System’sAlvin C. York Campus»Middle Tennessee Medical Center

ATTRACTIONSStones River National Battlefield andCemetery. 615-893-9501, www.nps.gov/striDiscovery Center at Murfree Spring,hands-on children’s museum, 615-890-2300,www.discoverycenteronline.orgOaklands Historic Home, 615-893-0022,www.oaklandsmuseum.orgSamDavis Home, house of Confederatehero from Civil War, 615-459-2341,www.samdavishome.org

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS» Great Tennessee Airshow, Smyrna (May)»Main Street JazzFest, Murfreesboro(June)» International FolkFest, Murfreesboro(June)» Uncle Dave Macon Days, Murfreesboro(July)»Old Timers’ Day, La Vergne (September)» Heritage Days at the Sam Davis Home,Smyrna (September)

INTERESTING FACTNicknamed the “Heart of Tennessee,” thegeographic center of the state is on OldLascassas Pike, a mile from the MiddleTennessee State University campus.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERSCountymayor: 615-898-7745Sheriff: 615-898-7721Animal services: 615-898-7740County clerk: 615-898-7800County schools: 615-893-5815Election commission: 615-898-7743Health department: 615-898-7880Recycling: 615-898-7739Register of deeds: 615-898-7870Rutherford County Chamber of Com-merce: 615-893-6565Eagleville city hall: 615-274-2922Eagleville fire: 615-274-2922 (day), 615-898-7770 (night)Eagleville police: 615-898-7770La Vergne city hall: 615-793-6295La Vergne fire: 615-793-6223La Vergne police: 615-793-7744Murfreesboro city hall: 615-849-2629Murfreesboro police: 615-849-2670Murfreesboro fire: 615-893-1422Smyrna city hall: 615-459-2553Smyrna fire: 615-459-9735Smyrna police: 615-456-6644

COUNTYWEBSITEwww.rutherfordcountytn.gov

Rutherford County facts

Smyrna Airport is located at what once was Sewart Air Force Base. SANFORDMYERS / THE

TENNESSEAN


COMMUNITIES

GALLATINGallatin, the county seat of Sumner

County, is a thriving community 25 milesnortheast of Nashville and within aone-day drive of two-thirds of the U.S.population. With a population of justover 30,000, it offers big-city opportuni-ties and small-town charm.

The town square is its cornerstone; itfeatures a courthouse and 19th-centurybuildings. Attractions include Old Hicko-ry Lake and Bledsoe State Park. Gallatinis home to a diverse business community,including manufacturing, retail, agricul-ture, a regional hospital and communitycollege.

GOODLETTSVILLEStraddling Davidson and Sumner

counties, Goodlettsville was incorporat-ed as a city in 1958. A 2010 censusshowed the city had 15,761 residents. Thecity chose to remain autonomous in 1963when the city of Nashville merged withthe government of Davidson County.

Therefore, Goodlettsville operates aseparate governmental entity than thatof the Metropolitan Nashville govern-ment. It has a mayor, vice mayor and acity commission.

Goodlettsville is also the home ofDollar General Corp.’s corporate head-quarters and RiverGate Mall.

HENDERSONVILLESituated on scenic Old Hickory Lake,

Hendersonville was incorporated in 1969.A 2010 census showed that 51,372 resi-

dents call the City by the Lake home.Hendersonville was settled about

1784 by surveyor and state Sen. DanielSmith when he began work on RockCastle, his historic home, which is a statelandmark. William Henderson, for whomthe area was named, settled there in1790 and became the city’s first postmas-ter. With the completion of Old HickoryDam in 1954, the city of Hendersonvillestarted to grow into the most populouscity of Sumner County, and also one ofthe most populous suburbs of Nashville.

Although best known as the home oflate country stars Johnny Cash and Con-way Twitty, Hendersonville has been putback on the map by teen country starTaylor Swift, along with other musicluminaries such as Marty Stuart andRicky Skaggs.

SUMNER COUNTY

The Sumner County Courthouse is located in Gallatin. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRED R. TERRY


COMMUNITIES

SUMNER COUNTYDEMOGRAPHICSPopulation (2011): 163,686Change from 2010: + 1.9 percentMale: 48.9 percentFemale: 51.2 percentHigh school graduates (age 25+, 2006-10): 85.4 percentBachelor’s degree or more (age 25+,2006-10): 23 percentMedian household income (2006-10):$65,313

RACIAL BREAKDOWNWhite: 90.3 percentBlack: 6.7 percentAmerican Indians/Alaskan Natives: 0.3percentAsian: 1 percentNative Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders: 0.1percentHispanic/Latino: 4.0 percentTwo or more races: 1.5 percent

PROPERTY TAX RATESPer $100 of assessed valueCounty: $2.02Gallatin: $0.99Goodlettsville: $0.87Hendersonville: $0.65Millersville: $0.78Portland: $1.10Westmoreland: $1.40White House: $0.98

SCHOOLSwww.sumnerschools.org, 48 public schools

TOP EMPLOYERS» Gap

» ServePro» ABC Tech» R.R. Donneley» Hoeganaes Corp.

KEY ATTRACTIONSBledsoe’s Fort Historical Park,www.bledsoeslick.com/fort.hmtMansker’s Fort, 615-451-3738, www.ci-tyofgoodlettsville.orgCragfont Mansion,www.historiccragfont.org, 615-452-7070.RoseMont Plantation,www.historicrosemont.org, 615-451-2331.Old Hickory Lake, 615-822-4846,www.lrn.usace.army.mil/op/old/recSumner Crest Winery, Portland, 615-325-4086, www.sumnercrestwinery.comLong HollowWinery, Goodlettsville,615-859-5559, www.longhollowwinery.com

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS»Main Street Festival, Gallatin (October)» Candlelight Cemetery Tour, Gallatin(October)» Trinity Christmas City USA, Hendersons-ville (November-January)

INTERESTING FACTThe county was named after Jethro Sum-ner, a brigadier general in the ContinentalArmy who served in the American Revolu-tionaryWar.

USEFUL NUMBERSCounty Executive: 615-452-3604Sheriff: 615-452-2616Animal Control: 615-452-2400County Clerk: 615-452-4063County Schools: 615-451-5200

Election Commission: 615-452-1456Health Department: 615-206-1100Recycling: 615-574-0314Register of Deeds: 615-452-3892Gallatin Chamber of Commerce: 615-452-4000Gallatin Police: 615-452-1313Gallatin Fire: 615-452-2771Goodlettsville City Hall: 615-851-2200Goodlettsville Police: 615-859-3405Goodlettsville Fire: 615-851-2246Hendersonville City Hall: 615-822-1000Hendersonville Police: 615-822-1111Hendersonville Fire: 615-822-1119Mitchellville City Hall: 615-325-6020Millersville City Hall: 615-859-0880Millersville Police: 615-859-2758Millersville Fire: 615-859-0880Portland City Hall: 615-325-6776Portland Police: 615-325-2061Portland Fire: 615-325-5649Westmoreland City Hall: 615-644-3382Westmoreland Police and Fire: 615-644-2222White House City Hall: 615-672-4350White House Police: 615-672-4903White House Fire: 615-672-5338

COUNTYWEBSITEwww.sumnertn.org

Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville offers great recreational activities, as shown in this2007 photo. Kevin Bradshaw demonstrates how to waterboard. GEORGEWALKER IV / THE

TENNESSEAN

Sumner County facts


COMMUNITIES

BRENTWOODBrentwood hugs the southern Davidson County line extendingroughly between Nolensville Road in the east to Hillsboro Road inthe west. It dissolves into Franklin in the Cool Springs area, which isshared by both cities.The town was incorporated in 1969. City limits do not cross the coun-ty line, though some South Nashville neighborhoods are inside theBrentwood ZIP code. The population is 37,163, according to a 2010census.Native Americans are thought to have lived in the area about 2,000years ago. European settlement dates to the late 1780s, with the firstsettlers thought to have lived near Old Smyrna Road andWilsonPike.

FAIRVIEWFairview, in far west Williamson County bordering Cheatham, Hick-man and Davidson counties, was incorporated in 1959. The pop-ulation is 7,720, according to a 2010 census. Commuters like the area

for its access to Interstate 40 and State Route 840.Fairview retains a rural character and in recent years was under agrowth moratorium because of limited sewer capacity. It is home to thecounty’s largest park, Bowie Nature Park.

FRANKLINFranklin is the Williamson County seat and is best known for its historicdowntown that was fist platted when the town was founded in 1799. A2010 census placed Franklin’s population at 62,487.Nationally, the city is known to Civil War buffs as the site of a bloodybattle in 1864 that shredded the Confederate Army of Tennessee anddashed one of its last hopes for military victory.Franklin is home to Nissan North America corporate headquarters,Belmont University at Cool Springs, a campus of Columbia State Com-munity College, O’More College of Design andWilliamson ChristianCollege.

Williamson County

Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by Chip Arnold, surprises two women, portrayed by Kim Bretton and Nan Gurley, with his kindness during amatinee performance of Studio Tenn Theatre Company’s production of “A Christmas Carol” in historic Franklin Theatre during Dickens ofa Christmas in downtown Franklin in December 2011. JEANNE REASONOVER / THE TENNESSEAN

SeeWILLIAMSON, Page 54


USEFUL PHONE NUMBERSCountyMayor: 615-790-5700Sheriff: 615-790-5560Animal Control: 615-790-5590County Clerk: 615-790-5712County Schools: 615-472-4000Election Commission: 615-790-5711Williamson County Fire: 615-790-3270Health Department: 615-794-1542Register of Deeds: 615-790-5706Williamson County/Franklin Chamber ofCommerce: 615-794-1225Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce:615-771-1071Parks and Recreation: 615-790-5719Library Main Branch: 615-794-3105Brentwood City Hall: 615-371-0060Brentwood Police: 615-371-0160Brentwood Fire: 615-371-0170Brentwood Public Works: 615-371-0080Fairview City Hall: 615-799-2489Fairview Police: 615-799-2431Fairview Fire: 615-799-3473Franklin City Hall: 615-791-3217Franklin Police: 615-794-2513Franklin Fire: 615-794-3411Nolensville Town Hall: 615-776-3633Nolensville Police: 615-776-3640Spring Hill City Hall: 931-486-2252Spring Hill Police: 931-486-3270Spring Hill Fire: 931-302-3462Thompson’s Station City Hall: 615-794-4333Thompson’s Station Rescue: 615-794-0137

COUNTYWEBSITEwww.williamsoncounty-tn.gov

INTERESTING FACTThe City of Franklin, founded Oct. 26, 1799,was named after Benjamin Franklin, a closefriend of Dr. HughWilliamson, who served as amember of the Continental Congress and forwhomWilliamson County was named.

Violinists bring music to Main Street in Franklin during Dickens of a Christmas. JEANNEREASONOVER / FILE / THE TENNESSEAN



COMMUNITIES

LEBANONLebanon, founded in 1801, is the county seat. Its name is rooted in theabundance of cedar trees found in the area; they inspired early set-tlers to name the town after the biblical city of cedars, and it is pro-nounced “Lebanun.”Today, the rapidly growing city is home to 26,190 residents and hasbecome a distribution hub for companies such as Famous Footwearand Performance Food Group and is the headquarters for CrackerBarrel Old Country Stores.The area’s history is still evident in its Public Square as well as Cumber-land University, founded in 1842.

MT. JULIETThough it has been a community for more than 150 years, Mt. Juliet

didn’t officially become a city until 1973. In 1990, the population wasjust 5,400. In the 2010 census it boomed to 23,671, making it one ofTennessee’s fastest-growing cities. Just south of Interstate 40, themega-development Providence and its affluent neighbors are bring-ing in a slew of new businesses.

WATERTOWNFounded around the same time as Lebanon, Watertown was origi-nally known as Three Forks. It was renamed in recognition of theWaters family that called it home. A massive fire in the early 1900sburned much of the village; today’s downtown is not too dissimilarfrom the one rebuilt afterward. The tiny town is packed with culturaland tourism draws. It is known for an annual jazz festival and large-scale community yard sales held regularly. The city also has one of thefewMidstate drive-in movie theaters, the Stardust Drive-In.

Wilson County

The Wilson County Fair is the largest county fair in Tennessee. SANFORDMYERS / THE TENNESSEAN


COMMUNITIES

WILSON COUNTYDEMOGRAPHICSPopulation (2011): 116,617Change from 2010: +2.3 percentMale: 49 percentFemale: 51 percentHigh school graduates (age 25+, 2006-10): 87.7 percentBachelor’s degree or more (age 25+,2006-10): 24 percentMedian household income (2006-10):$60,678

RACIAL BREAKDOWNWhite: 90.2 percentBlack: 6.7 percentAmerican Indians/Alaskan Natives: 0.4percentAsian: 1.2 percentNative Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders: 0.1percentHispanic/Latino: 3.4 percentTwo or more races: 1.5 percent

PROPERTY TAX RATESPer $100 assessed value

County: $2.50Lebanon: $0.34Lebanon Special: $2.89Watertown: $0.95

SCHOOLSwww.wcschools.com, 21 county publicschools, enrollment about 15,435 students.

TOP EMPLOYERS»Wilson County schools» Cracker Barrel corporate headquarters» University Medical Center»Wilson County government» Genco

KEY ATTRACTIONSCity of LebanonMuseum and HistoryCenter, 615-443-2839, www.lebanontn.org/departments/museum/default.aspxCedars of Lebanon State Park, 615-443-2769, www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Cedars

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS»WatertownMile-Long Yard Sale (Springand Fall)»WatertownMusic and Arts Festival (July)»Midsummer Art Crawl & Concert (July)»Wilson County Fair, Lebanon (August)» Gladefest, Gladeville (September)» Native American PowWows, Mt. Juliet

(September)» Cedar City Christmas & Festival of Lights,Lebanon (December)

INTERESTING FACTWilson County was named for Major DavidWilson, a Revolutionary War hero. A commis-sion of five decided to build the county seat byan unnamed creek near virgin cedar trees, andnamed the city Lebanon, after the biblical landof cedars. It is pronounced Lebanun.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERSCountyMayor: 615-444-1383Sheriff: 615-444-1412County Clerk: 615-444-0314County Schools: 615-444-3282Lebanon City Schools: 615-449-6060Election Commission: 615-444-0216Health Department: 615-444-5325Humane Association: 615-444-1144Register of Deeds: 615-443-2611Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Com-merce: 615-444-5503Lebanon City Hall: 615-443-2839Lebanon Police: 615-444-2323Lebanon Fire: 615-443-2903Mt. Juliet City Hall: 615-754-2552Mt. Juliet Police: 615-754-2550Watertown City Hall/Police: 615-237-3326

COUNTYWEBSITEwww.wilsoncountytn.com

Wilson County facts

The statue of Civil War General Robert H. Hatton was erected in the Lebanon town squarein 1912. LARRY MCCORMACK / THE TENNESSEAN


COMMUNITIES

CHEATHAM COUNTY

Centennial Medical Center of AshlandCity313 N. Main St., Ashland City 37015615-792-3030http://tristarashlandcity.com

DAVIDSON COUNTYBaptist Hospital2000 Church St., Nashville 37236615-284-5555www.baptisthospital.com

Centennial Medical Center2300 Patterson St., Nashville 37203615-342-1000www.tristarcentennial.com

Kindred Hospital1412 County Hospital Road, Nashville 37218615-687-2600www.khnashville.com

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital atVanderbilt2200 Children’s Way, Nashville 37232615-936-1000www.vanderbiltchildrens.com

Nashville General Hospitalat Meharry1818 Albion St., Nashville 37208615-341-4000www.nashvillegeneral.org

Saint Thomas Hospital4220 Harding Pike, Nashville 37205615-222-2111www.stthomas.org

SkylineMadison Campus500 Hospital Drive, Madison 37115615-769-5000http://tristarskylinemadison.com

SkylineMedical Center3441Dickerson Pike, Nashville 37207615-769-2000www.tristarskyline.com

Southern Hills Medical Center391Wallace Road, Nashville 37211615-781-4000www.tristarsouthernhills.com

Summit Medical Center5655 Frist Blvd., Hermitage 37076615-316-3000www.tristarsummit.com

TheWoman’s Hospital at Centennial2221Murphy Ave., Nashville 37201615-342-1000www.tristarwomensandchildrens.com

Vanderbilt University Medical Center1211Medical Center Drive, Nashville 37232615-322-5000www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

DICKSON COUNTY

HorizonMedical Center111Highway 70 E., Dickson 37055615-446-0446www.tristarhorizon.com

MAURY COUNTYMaury Regional Hospital1224 Trotwood Ave., Columbia 38401931-381-1111www.mauryregional.com

MONTGOMERY COUNTYBlanchfield Army CommunityHospital650 Joel Drive, Fort Campbell, Ky. 42223270-798-8400www.campbell.amedd.army.mil

GatewayMedical Center651Dunlop Lane, Clarksville 37040931-502-1000www.todaysgateway.com

ROBERTSON COUNTYNorthcrest Medical Center100 NorthCrest Drive, Springfield 37172615-384-2411www.northcrest.com

RUTHERFORD COUNTYMiddle TennesseeMedical Center1700 Medical Center Parkway,Murfreesboro 37129615-396-4100www.mtmc.org

Stonecrest Medical Center200 Stonecrest Blvd., Smyrna 37167615-768-2000www.tristarstonecrest.com

SUMNER COUNTYHendersonville Medical Center355 New Shackle Island Road,Hendersonville 37075615-338-1000www.tristarhendersonville.com

Sumner Regional Medical Center555 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin 37066615-328-8888www.mysumnermedical.com

WILLIAMSON COUNTYWilliamsonMedical Center4321 Carothers Parkway, Franklin 37067615-435-5000www.williamsonmedicalcenter.org

WILSON COUNTY

University Medical Center1411W. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon 37087615-444-8262www.universitymedicalcenter.com

PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALSMcFarland Specialty Hospital500 Park Ave., Lebanon 37087615-449-0500www.universitymedicalcenter.com

Middle TennesseeMental HealthInstitute221 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville 37214615-902-7400www.tennessee.gov/mental/mhs/mhs2.html

Rolling Hills Hospital2014 Quail Hollow Circle, Franklin 37067615-628-5700www.rollinghillshospital.org

Parthenon Pavilion at Centennial2401 Parman Place, Nashville 37203615-342-1000www.tristarparthenonpavilion.com

The Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt1601 23rd Ave. S., Nashville 37212615-327-7770www.vanderbilthealth.com/psychiatrichospital/

VETERANS HOSPITALSVA Tennessee Valley Health CareSystem1310 24th Ave. S., Nashville 37212615-327-4751 or 1-800-228-4973www.tennesseevalley.va.gov

VA Tennessee Valley Health CareSystem, Alvin C. York Campus3400 Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro 37129615-867-6000 or 1-800-876-7093www.tennesseevalley.va.gov

REHABILITATION HOSPITALSMadison Healthcareand Rehabilitation431 Larkin Springs Road, Madison 37115615-865-8520www.madisonrehab.com

McFarland Specialty Hospital500 Park Ave., Lebanon 37087615-449-0500www.universitymedicalcenter.com

Metro Bordeaux Long-Term Care1414 County Hospital Road, Nashville 37218615-862-7000www.nashville.gov/bordeaux

Vanderbilt Stallworth RehabilitationHospital2201 Children’s Way, Nashville 37212615-320-7600www.vanderbiltstallworthrehab.com

Area hospitals


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DAVIDSON COUNTY

Berry Hill: A community of stores andeateries housed in cottages, this spot is aunique, unexpected shopping surprise. Getthe giggles at Curious Heart Emporium(2832 Bransford Ave.), packed with lots ofaffordable and unique gift items and art.Head over to Gilchrist & Gilchrist (2823Bransford Ave.) for a look at romantic,slightly vintage décor, from bedding tocandles. Visit the Cat Shoppe / Dog Storefor pet supplies and unique gift items forpets and pet lovers. See Spot Eat, A DoggieBakery (2815 Bransford Ave.) offers freshbaked treats made from healthy, naturalingredients, plus pet training aids.

East Nashville: Head to The East Garden(1108 D. St.) for floral designs for weddingsand home as well as chic, sophisticatedhome décor and gift items. Check outAlegria (1108 Woodland St.) for a worldlyselection of new and one-of-a-kind itemsas well as handbags, boutique dresses,vintage jewelry, baby and children’s items,and more. Try Art & Invention Gallery (1106Woodland St.) for whimsical, beautiful andaffordable pieces from many local artists.

The Gulch: In this pedestrian-friendly,mixed-use area you’ll find shopping anddining options not offered in other areasof the city, from upscale restaurants suchas Watermark and Kayne Prime to WhiskeyKitchen. While shopping options continueto develop, you’ll find Apricot Lane, UrbanOutfitters and Two Hippies, with more inthe works.

Hill Center:With a “stroll down MainStreet” feel, you’ll find unique localboutiques as well as national stores suchas Anthropologie, West Elm, Billy Reidand Mitchell Gold + BobWilliams in theGreen Hills shopping mecca. With severaloptions for dining, including CaliforniaPizza Kitchen and Five Guys Burgers andFries, you may just end up spending theentire day here.

Hillsboro Village: If you love shops thatpique your curiosity, try this district on21st Avenue South, just south of Vander-bilt. Davis Cookware is a neighborhoodinstitution with a jumble of gadgets. Alsohit Posh Boutique for young, fresh looks;Fire Finch for amazing (and affordable)jewelry; and Panagea for eclectic homedécor items. Looking for furniture? Don’tmiss the eclectic selection at Retropol-itan, offering a mix of modern, retro andurban styles.

TheMall at Green Hills: The roster ofmerchants at this upscale mall reads likea who’s who of shopping. David Yurman,Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Burberry,Tiffany & Co., Juicy Couture, Cole Haan,Wolford, Kiehl’s and Kate Spade sharespace with stores such as Jos. A. Banks,Gap, Banana Republic and Express. De-partment stores include the recentlycompleted Nordstrom, Dillard’s andMacy’s. Even if you can’t afford to buy abag from Coach or a necklace from Tiffa-ny, the mall is a destination for checkingout luxury stores.

Nashville West: This outdoor shoppingcenter on the west side of Davidson Coun-ty includes a Super Target, Dick’s SportingGoods, Best Buy, Ross and Marshalls. Thereare plans for expansion to include morerestaurants and shops. Costco and HillCenter Nashville West are nearby, as arePetSmart and Big Lots.

Opry Mills: The massive outlet mall inDonelson, (433 Opry Mills Drive), withnearly 1.2 million square feet of shops, washeavily damaged in the flood of 2010. Themall, which reopened in spring 2012,features many of the original tenants suchas Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, BrooksBrothers Factory Store, Ann Taylor FactoryStore and Off Broadway; new stores in-clude Cole Haan Outlet, Tommy BahamaOutlet, Calvin Klein , Coach Factory Store,Talbots and Chico’s.

RUTHERFORD COUNTYMurfreesboro: The Avenue (2615 MedicalCenter Parkway) is modeled on open-airEuropean shopping centers. It offers sever-al eateries, including Romano’s MacaroniGrill and Longhorn Steakhouse, as well asdozens of stores ranging from Belk, BestBuy and Dick’s Sporting Goods to smallerclothing stores such as Hollister, Hat Worldand Talbots.

Guests make their way into the Nordstrom Gala in September 2011. DIPTI VAIDYA / THE TENNESSEAN

Shopping hot spots

See SHOPPING, Page 72



If you’re new to town and enjoy getting abargain, you’re in luck, because here inMid-dle Tennessee, bargains abound.

Nomatter whether you are looking forfun free and cheap things to do and places togo, or whether you are in search of gooddeals for yourself or your home, our area hasit all. Here is a sampling to get you started:

» As far as inexpensive and free things todo, your best bet is ourMetro Parks system,which not only has a full schedule of freeconcerts and events— in the outdoorsymonths— but also has art shows, art, danceandmusic classes, swimming pools, golfcourses, tennis courts, and nature and fitnessprograms and hikes for all ages, year-roundat various locations around Davidson County.

The parks’ lineup includes everythingfrom free big band dances and Shakepeare inthe Park performances to Nashville Sympho-ny concerts in parks around town. Plus thereare dog parks, nature centers, waterplayareas andmore. www.nashville.gov/parks

» Our libraries also have awide reachwith books, movies, concerts, classes, won-derful children’s programs and great usedbook sales.You can get a lot ofmileageout of a free library card, including onlineaccess to thousands of resources, as well asthe offerings at the brick-and-mortar facil-ities. www.library.nashville.gov

In addition to the Nashville library system,check out others such as the BrentwoodLibrary, Franklin Library, Sumner CountyLibrary and the Linebaugh Library inMur-freesboro, for more free programs.

» For exercise and exploring the greatMiddle Tennessee outdoors, check out ourgreenways.Greenways have been one ofthe biggest additions to theMetroNash-ville parks systemwith190miles of varioustrails, including 51miles of multi-use green-way trails that primarily followNashville’swaterways. Other communities such asMur-freesboro also have developed lovely green-ways. These are great if you like to walk, bikeor explore. www.nashville.gov/parks orwww.murfreesborotn.gov/parks

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to exploreour state parks. There is a state park withina 30-minute drive of every Tennessean, andthey offer amazing resources for day visitorsas well as campers and lodge and cabinguests. Some are rustic, and others are fullydevelopedwith golf courses, swimming poolsand restaurants. All are beautiful! Details:www.tn.gov/environment/parks/

Another great outdoor resource is theNashville HikingMeetup, an informalgroup you can join free, that organizes doz-

ens of hikes andwalks everymonth.www.nashvillehikingmeetup.com

» If you like art, the Tennessee StateMuseum is free all the time, and the FristCenter for the Visual Arts is free for anyone18 and younger all the time. The Frist also hasnumerous free days throughout the year.

Plus the Parthenon, a true Nashville trea-sure, is only $6 to get in, and our colleges anduniversities havewonderful art offerings, too,including the Fisk University Van VechtenGallery’s Stieglitz Collection, which is load-edwith big-name artists works including Geor-gia O’Keeffe, Picasso, Cezanne and Renoir. Thegallery has a $10 entry fee, but a visit is worth it.www.fisk.edu/campuslife/FiskUniversityGalleries/CarlVanVechtenGallery.aspx

You should also know about the regularmonthly artwalks that give you a healthydose of the new artwork around town. Thebiggest andmost established is the First Sat-urdayArt Crawl downtown that includesmore than a dozen galleries showing off newartwork from 6 to 9 p.m. the first Saturdaynight of everymonth. There is even a freeshuttle that takes you from gallery to gallery,and free wine and light appetizers are offeredat most of the galleries. Details: 615-743-3090or www.nashvilledowntown.com

Alsomonthly is the First ThursdayHillsboroVillageArtWalk from 5 to 8 p.m. the firstThursday of everymonthwith receptions,shows, book signings and events inmost Hills-boro Village (21st Avenue South) shops andrestaurants. There’s free parking after 6 p.m.behind Cornerstone Financial. Details:www.hillsborovillage.com.

The downtown Frankin Tour of theArtsis 6-9 p.m. the first Friday of everymonth, inand around downtown Franklin. The tour isfree and there is a trolley operating on a loopwith unlimited pickup and drop-off service witha $5wristband. www.franklinart scene.com

» For shopping,Middle Tennessee is full ofconsignment clothing shops for ladiesclothing and accessories, as well as shops thatspecialize in consigned furniture and house-hold items. PlusOpry Mills,which re-openedthis year, which has amixture of full price andoff-price stores, and the PrimeOutlets OutletMall in Lebanon that offers an array of outlets.

Other popular bargain stores are EssexBargain Hunt, www.bargainhunt.com, whichsells a large variety of merchandise from cloth-ing to electronics to baby things to home goodsat variable discounts, andMarti & Liz Shoesand French’s Shoes,www.frenchsbootsandshoes.com/, bothwithmultiple locations of-

Area swellswith bargainsMS. CHEAP

See MS. CHEAP, Page 73

gentle vibe, Gallatin is an easygoingplace to indulge in local luxuries. Shopfor designer consignments at the Up-scale Boutique on NorthWater Avenue,where Williams Design & Fashion alsooffers business attire, women’s suits andaccessories.

Hendersonville: Streets of Indian LakeVillage is a lifestyle center that featuresmore than 30 stores including AnnTaylor Loft, Coldwater Creek, The Chil-dren’s Place and Barnes & Noble Book-sellers.

WILLIAMSON COUNTYBrentwood: This upscale city has adistinct ladies-who-lunch vibe. Head toHot Pink (231 Franklin Road) for homedécor or Pear Tree Avenue (237 FranklinRoad), a hybrid mall with booths featur-ing a mix of Vera Bradley, antiques andjewelry. The star of Pear Tree is StaceyRhodes Boutique, favored by celebstylists.

Cool Springs: CoolSprings Galleriaoffers shopping for fashionistas, foodiesand families. The anchors are Dillard’s,J.C. Penney, Sears and a premier Belkthat offers upscale goods (think TrinaTurk or Kate Spade). For tots, upscaleJanie and Jack sidles up to The Chil-dren’s Place and Gymboree. For techies?Hit the MacAuthority.

Downtown Franklin: DowntownFranklin is packed with upscale, uniqueretail and affordable, funky venues.Emmaline (400 Main St.) offers fashionfor celebs and soccer moms, whileWhat’s In Store (407 Main St.) is filledwith low-priced trendy accessories. Stopby Philanthropy’s T-shirt bar (432 MainSt.), then indulge in Bathos’ amazinghandmade bath offerings (416 Main St.).

WILSON COUNTYLebanon: Lebanon calls itself the “An-tique City of the South,” with a down-town filled with things you might see inyour great-grandmother’s attic. But ifyou’re on the hunt for something new,chances are you’ll find that, too. PrimeOutlets just off of Interstate 40 offersoutlet shopping including Polo RalphLauren, Nike Clearance Store, BrooksBrothers Factory Store, Coach FactoryStore and Tommy Hilfiger.

Mt. Juliet: Providence MarketPlaceofferings include J.C. Penney, Belk, OldNavy and Best Buy, as well as local spe-cialty shops such as Ramona & Co. Thisopen-air shopping stop includes a cine-ma and eateries including Red Robin,Wasabi and Red Lobster.




ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER,800 Fort Negley Blvd., 615-862-5160,www.adventuresci.comThe area’s most comprehensive and inter-active place for kids to learn in a funatmosphere, Adventure Science Centerdraws kids and their parents with the fourfun exhibits that also teach along the way.One of the most popular draws is Body-Quest, where little ones can explore whatgoes on inside the body with The BigHeart, a 10-foot-tall beating organ wherethey can even insert a stent after an attack.It’s actually more fun than it sounds. This isa great spot for a birthday party or fieldtrip.

BELLEMEADE PLANTATION,5025 Harding Road, 615-356-0501,www.bellemeadeplantation.comThis 30-acre historic property features thefamous Greek Revival-style mansion, hometo the Harding-Jackson family for genera-tions. Now families can enjoy the land forevents like fishing with authentic canepoles or a tea party on the porch, com-plete with gloves and a tour of the man-sion. A magnet for field trips, it also makesa stunning backdrop for a wedding orbirthday party. Tons of camps are avail-able, such as museum theater, perfect foryour budding diva.

BELMONTMANSION,1700 Acklen Ave., 615-460-5459,www.belmontmansion.comIn the heart of Belmont University lies thecrown jewel of the campus (and its name-

sake). The elaborate Italianate-style villathat housed Adelicia Hayes Franklin AcklenCheatham (who has no shortage of Nash-ville street etymology dedicated to her)boasts an unimaginable 19,000 square feetof ornately decorated interior. Today, themansion is one of Middle Tennessee's mostprestigious architectural specimens fromthe antebellum era in the South. The man-sion is also the perfect setting for privateparties such as weddings, receptions anddinners.

BICENTENNIAL CAPITOLMALL STATEPARK, 600 James Robertson Parkway,615-741-5280, http://tn.gov/environment/parks/Bicentennial/This 19-acre park that sits beneath theState Capitol in downtown Nashville wasdesigned to complement the TennesseeState Capitol building. The park, whichfeatures 31 erupting geyser fountains,carillons that ring on the hour and a largegrass area (the mall) that is bordered bythe Nashville Farmers’ Market, JeffersonAvenue, Sixth Avenue and the front plazaon James Robertson Parkway. Its surround-ing walls are etched with a timeline ofTennessee history. Park rangers are avail-able to educate visitors about the state'shistorical, natural and recreational areas.

CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN ANDMUSEUMOF ART,1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville,615-356-8000, www.cheekwood.orgThe 55-acre estate, built by Leslie Cheekand his wife, Mabel Wood Cheek, is aprime example of an American Country

Place Era estate. The Botanical Garden is aspectacular showcase of color and horticul-tural diversity with 11 specialty displaygardens and a stunning natural landscape.The Museum of Art has collections ofpainting, sculpture and decorative arts.Visitors can enjoy year-round family-friendly activities with four distinct festi-vals held during the year. From Cheek-wood in Bloom with more than 50,000tulips in the Spring, to a children’s wonder-land of Christmas trees, trains, Santa, livereindeer, and more during Holiday atCheekwood, Cheekwood celebrates theseasons in style with something for every-one.

COUNTRYMUSIC HALL OF FAME ANDMUSEUM, 222 Fifth Ave. S., 615-416-2001, www.countrymusichalloffame.comThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Mu-seum houses an incredible collection ofartifacts that tell the history of countrymusic from the hillbilly singers of yester-year to the modern country swingers oftoday with displays, interactive exhibits,historic video clips and much more. See thestars’ glittering costumes, colorful HatchShow Print posters and priceless instru-ments that were used to make the music.

FORT NASHBOROUGH,170 First Ave. N., 615-862-8400,www.nashville.gov/parks/historic/fortnashborough.asp CURRENTLYCLOSED FOR REPAIRS, OPENING DATE NOT

Cheekwood Mansion. TENNESSEAN FILE

Nashville attractions

See ATTRACTIONS, Page 75



KNOWN AT PRESS TIMEIn the middle of downtown Nashville sitsan uncanny structure that seems out ofplace amid the modern high-rises. FortNashborough is a replica of the originalfort, which was four times as large and twoacres further north. Before Nashville wasNashville, this fort served as a haven ofprotection along the Cumberland Riverbluffs during the late 18th century. Themeticulous re-creation continues to be oneof Nashville’s more important historicalmonuments. Costumed docents educatevisitors on the times and trials Nashville’sfounding families endured.

GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE,2804 Opryland Drive, 615-871-6779,www.opry.comThe “Grand Ole Opry,” the world’s longest-running radio program, is steeped in tradi-tion, having grown from a roaring ’20sradio broadcast into a national music mar-vel. Its stage showcases country musiclegends and present-day performers alike.The much-loved institution is broadcastmainly from the Grand Ole Opry House inDonelson and sometimes from its originalhome, Ryman Auditorium downtown.

THE HERMITAGE, 4580 Rachel’s Lane,Hermitage, 615-889-2941, www.theher-mitage.comPresidential history comes to life at TheHermitage, the home of America’s seventhpresident, Andrew Jackson. This plantationhouse was originally a working farm. To-day, it is an 1,100-acre historical site. Visitorscan tour the impressive Greek Revival

mansion, which is preserved to its 1840sappearance; Rachel’s formal garden; thetombs of the Jacksons; slave quarters; andthe original log cabin. At the visitors center,learn about Jackson and his family throughfilm and historic displays. The propertyincludes Tulip Grove Mansion, Hermitagechurch and other farm and outbuildingsthat depict life in Jackson’s time.

THE PARTHENON, Centennial Park, 2600West End Ave., Nashville, 615-862-8431,www.nashville.gov/parthenonThe building in Nashville’s Centennial Parkis a full-scale replica of the original Parthe-non, the ancient temple in Athens, Greece,built to honor Athena. The first replica wasconstructed of temporary materials for theCentennial Exposition in 1897 (celebratingTennessee’s first 100 years of statehood), tosymbolize Nashville’s claim as “Athens ofthe South.” Because of the popularity ofthe structure the city, in the 1920s, recon-structed the building to be a permanentfacility. Local sculptor Alan LeQuire wascommissioned in 1982 to re-create thenearly 42-foot-tall Athena statue inside,and the 12-ton sculpture was unveiled in1990. Athena was completely gilded in24-karat gold leaf in 2002, to more closelyresemble the original. On the lower level,check out art galleries with permanent andchanging collections.

NASHVILLE ZOO AT GRASSMERE, 3777Nolensville Road, 615-833-1534,www.nashvillezoo.orgNashville Zoo is a remarkable opportunitytucked just off of Nolensville Road. Withcountless activities and programs for thecommunity and the curious, as well as a

diverse and extraordinary assortment ofanimals on display in expansive and non-confining habitats, the zoo works for thepurposes of education, entertainment orthe perfect backdrop for a romantic outingwith that special someone.

TENNESSEE STATEMUSEUM, 505 Dea-derick St., 615-741-2692,www.tnmuseum.orgThis three-story museum underneath TPACis open Tuesday through Sunday, so youhave plenty of opportunities to check outthis downtown center for history and art.Permanent exhibits include historical fea-tures on Native Americans, the Old South,the Civil War and Reconstruction. Themuseum also has an art gallery for trav-eling exhibitions, which have spanned adiverse range including European masters,music-related photography and home-made furniture. Best of all, admission topermanent exhibits is always free, makingthe Tennessee State Museum both anaffordable and fascinating outing.

TRAVELLERS REST PLANTATION&MUSEUM, 636 Farrell Parkway, 615-832-8197 www.travellersrestplantation.orgThe main objective at Travellers Rest is toinspire the public to explore, experienceand reflect on Nashville's historic past. Thehouse and grounds are held in public trustby the National Society of the ColonialDames of America in Tennessee. TravellersRest represents life in Middle Tennesseefrom the Native American period throughthe Civil War, with an emphasis on 1789-1833, when Judge John Overton livedthere. A great way to learn about South-erners’ changing lives.

The Hermitage is the home of President Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, and is preserved to its 1840sappearance. KAREN KRAFT / THE TENNESSEAN




WATERMARK507 12th Ave. S., Nashville TN 37203 615-254-2000, www.watermark-restaurant.comRenowned for its urbane ambience and gra-cious service, Watermark is now elevated to apremier fine dining destination under theexpertise of Cuisinier BobWaggoner. His sea-sonally driven menu offers a lush meld ofLow-Country and French cuisines, artfullypresented in the serene quarters of this con-temporary Gulch establishment. An extensivewine cellar is another distinction.

MARGOT CAFÉ AND BAR1017 Woodland St., Nashville TN 37206 615-227-4668 www.margotcafe.comChef Margot McCormack embraces the peas-ant fare of Provence and Tuscany. In 2001, sheand business partner Jay Frein reimagined anabandoned East Nashville service station intothe sort of cozy eatery that you might find in aProvencal village. With its focus on seasonaleating, farm-to-table, it continues to beckonwith its customary of-the-moment prepara-tions, hospitable service and casual, rusticelegance.

THE CATBIRD SEAT1711Division St., Nashville TN 37203 615-248-8458 www.thecatbirdseatrestaurant.comAn exciting, extraordinary dining experienceawaits you, perched above craft speakeasy ThePatterson House. Take a seat at the U-shapecounter that surrounds the open, high-techkitchen, and watch as chefs Josh Habiger andErik Anderson and team prepare your multi-course meal: a mystery to you until presenta-tion. Beverage Director Jane Lopes createsdazzling cocktails, wine and beer concoctionsthat pair with each innovative dish.

CITY HOUSE1222 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville TN 37208 615-736-5838 www.cityhousenashville.comYou’ll find City House in historic Germantown,in the former home and studio of a fine sculp-tor. Great works of art are still created here,now by chef Tandy Wilson. He makes superbItalian-inspired, Southern-based dishes. Whenit comes to Going Local, he walks the walk. Hebutchers and uses the whole beast — tail tosnout. He works with an area farmer to growhis produce year ’round, and that forms thefoundation of his intriguing menu. Ever-chang-ing, shareable: Sunday suppers at City Houseare special.

KAYNE PRIME1103 McGavock St., Nashville TN 37203 615-259-0050 www.mstreetnashville.comThe traditions of the great American steak-house are both honored and enlivened at thisboutique independent, where clubby extrava-gance meshes with contemporary aesthetic.Culinary director Robbie Wilson has designed amodern menu highlighting prized Wagyubeef, prepared sous-vide and flash-seared at

1,200 degrees. Housed across from theKayne rail switchyards, the restaurantaffords an uncommon and engaging viewof Union Station.

THE SILLY GOOSE1888 Eastland Ave., Nashville TN 37206615-915-0757 www.sillygoosenashville.comManned with a rice steamer, Panini pressand George Foreman grill, Roderick Baileyopened this charming— and tiny — eateryin Walden Center. Customers flocked forhis piquant couscous blends, stacked saladsand savory sandwich constructions. Now,the Goose has spread its wings —withexpanded space, Bailey sautés, sears androasts beautiful fish, seafood and meats,dressed in delectable combinations. Simplyput: It’s serious good food, served with alight-hearted spirit.

GABBY’S BURGERS AND FRIES493 Humphreys St., Nashville, TN, 37203615-733-3119www.gabbysburgersandfries.comDoug Haveron brought new life to the leg-endary but defunct diner, Hap Townes, andfor that act alone he should be commended.But the real commendation goes to his localgrass-fed beef burgers: handpatted andgrilled to juicy succulence. Hand-cut russetsare predictably tasty, but his cinnamon-dusted sweet potato fries are downrightaddictive.

ARNOLD’S COUNTRY KITCHEN605 Eighth Ave. S., Nashville TN 37203 615-256-4455The “meat-n-three” is the ultimate expres-sion of Nashville down-home-cookin’ and

See DINE, Page 82

Where to dineTop picks from restaurantreviewer Nancy Vienneau

The menu advertises the daily specials as Deborah Fuller and Eric Simon prepare for thelunch rush at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. THE TENNESSEAN

Grab a spot at The Catbird Seat. PHOTO BY JOSH HABIGER

Try the Farm Burger withtater tots at The PharmacyBurger Parlour and BeerGarden. LARRY MCCORMACK /

THE TENNESSEAN



this James Beard award winner serves youup right every time. Fried chicken, carvedroast beef, meatloaf, mashed potatoes andgravy, collards, pintos, creamy mac-cheeseand corn cakes. Mercy. Make room fordessert, if you can. Casual, welcoming littleplace: a lunch can power you for the nexttwo days or put you into a food coma.

PRINCE’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK123 Ewing Drive #3, Nashville TN 37207615-226-9442Yes, there are several terrific Hot Spots, buthere is the original king of Nashville HotChicken: crispy, blistering greatness from acast-iron skillet, served on a cottony slice ofwhite bread, cooled with pickle coins. Itshistory fabled, the fiery spice blend hasinspired celebrity chefs, fraternal hotchicken eatin’ orders and the city’s annualfestival in July. For novices, remember:Patience is a virtue (Hot Chicken takesTime.) and Medium is Supa-Hot.

ANATOLIA TURKISH RESTAURANT48 White Bridge Road in Lion’s Head Vil-lage, Nashville TN 37205 615-356-1556www.anatolia-restaurant.comThe Ustunkaya brothers have been consis-tently giving diners an authentic experi-ence of Turkish culture, food and hospital-ity. And they’ve done it in a manner thatpairs seeming opposites: It is both familyfriendly and intimate for couples. It isupscale, yet unpretentious. They’ve trans-formed a modest strip mall space into acomfortable eatery, furnished with theartifacts of a Turkish home. There aredelicious meat, fish and vegetarian dishes— exotic, yet approachable, even to thoseunfamiliar with the cuisine.

THE CAPITOL GRILLE/OAK BAR in theHermitage Hotel231 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville TN 37219 615-345-7116, www.capitolgrillenashville.comwww.capitolgrillenashville.com/oak-bar.com/aspxExperience Beaux Arts elegance inside thehistoric downtown Hermitage Hotel. Exec-utive Chef Tyler Brown makes stunningfood that speaks of the South. His alterna-tive title is Farmer Brown. All that he har-vests from his urban farm goes into hisupscale seasonal preparations. If you can’tdine in the Capitol Grille, then duck intothe adjacent Oak Bar for a sip of whiskeyand a platter of the chef’s house-curedmeats and pickled vegetables.

MARTIN’S BAR-B-Q JOINT7238 Nolensville Road, Nolensville TN37135 615-776-1856www.martinsbbqjoint.comThere are places dotted throughout Nash-ville neighborhoods smokin’ some greatbarbecue — but it’s worth the pilgrimageto pitmaster Pat Martin’s joint in Nolens-ville, where the Pig is the Hero. This iswhole-hog barbecue, roasted low-and-slow and hickory-sweet. His Redneck Taco— generous pulls of that whole hog,crunchy slaw and sauce atop a hoecake —is moanin’ good.

Also worthmentioning:

THE FOOD COURT AT THE NASHVILLEFARMERSMARKET900 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville TN 37208Open 364 days a year, our downtownfarmers market also boasts an enticingfood court. Its diverse offerings of regionaland global cuisines include barbecue,NOLA style po-boys, Jamaican, Indian,Asian and Mexican fare. Best bets includethe weekend crostini bar with a glass ofwine at AM@FM or a local wood-firedpizza at Bella Nashville. And, there arevarious tasting-cooking-dining events atthe Grow Local Kitchen.

Certified Green Restaurants:

TAYST RESTAURANT ANDWINE BAR2100 Hillsboro Road, Nashville TN 37212615-383-1953, www.taystrestaurant.comAchieving the Green Restaurant’s certifica-tion is a rigorous and lofty achievement.Chef Jeremy Barlow has garnered a 3-Starrating — the only such in Tennessee —along with rave reviews for his playfulfarm-to-fork fare. Cooking seasonally is atthe forefront, with the goal of creating adining experience that is imaginative,adventuresome and satisfying.

THEMAD PLATTER1239 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville TN 37208 inHistoric Germantown615-242-2563 www.themadplatterrestaurant.comWithin this quirky Germantown Victorian,Craig and Marcia Jervis pioneered the localfood movement in Nashville. Since 1989,they have been serving seasonal dishes, inmany cases harvested from their owngarden. In 2011, The Mad Platter was dis-tinguished with a 2-Star Green rating,formalizing sustainable practices alreadylong-followed.

A Tasty Bermuda Triangle:Between these three, clustered at an EastNashville corner, you could vanish forhours in gastronomic delight.

HOLLAND HOUSE BAR & REFUGE935 W. Eastland Ave., Nashville TN 37206615-262-4190, www.hollandhousebarandrefuge.comTake refuge. These maestros of mixologywill concoct lively libations to both sootheand enliven at this whimsical spot.

THE PHARMACY BURGER PARLOR ANDBEER GARDEN731McFerrin Ave., Nashville TN 37206615-712-9517www.thepharmacynashville.comOld-fashioned soda fountain phosphates,burgers, tater tots, handcrafted Germansausages, craft beers: there’s a lot to loveat the “Wurst-Burger joint in East Nash-ville.”

MAS TACOS POR FAVOR732 McFerrin Ave., Nashville TN 37206615-724-1601Teresa Mason, The Taco Lady, transformedthe little cinderblock at the corner ofMcFerrin andWest Eastland into the idealdining outpost you’d find if you weredriving across the Baja to the Sea of Cortes— with fresh, deftly spiced food to match.

FOOD TRUCKSWe’ve got a fleet of ’em, offering thegamut of Asian noodle salads, barbecuedbrisket sandwiches, gourmet Mexicanquesadillas, shaved rainbow ices, swirledcupcakes, stuffed burgers, fluffy filledbiscuits, Jerk chicken plates and upscalegrilled cheeses. Check out this website forprofiles, updates and locations:www.nashvillefoodtruckassociation.com


Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack serves crispy, blistering greatness from a cast-iron skillet,served on a cottony slice of white bread, cooled with pickle coins. FILE / THE TENNESSEAN



BARFIELD CRESCENT PARK:Mur-freesboro. This 430-acre community parkhas many facilities to occupy the freetime of Murfreesboro residents. Collegestudents as well as hard-core players takefull advantage of the 18-hole champi-onship disc golf course, and there arepicnic shelters to rent for your next sum-mer party. More than seven miles ofpaved and unpaved trails are perfect forjogging or an easy walk. The park alsohas a well-maintained baseball andsoftball complex, and a Wilderness Sta-tion with two outdoor classrooms.

BICENTENNIAL CAPITOLMALLSTATE PARK: Nashville. This 19-acre parkthat sits beneath the State Capitol indowntown Nashville was designed tocomplement the Tennessee State Capitolbuilding. The park features 31 eruptinggeyser fountains, carillons that ring onthe hour and a large grass area (the mall)bordered by the Nashville Farmers Mar-ket, Jefferson Avenue, Sixth Avenue andthe front plaza on James RobertsonParkway. Its surrounding walls areetched with a timeline of Tennesseehistory. Park rangers are available toeducate visitors about the state’s histori-cal, natural and recreational areas.

BLEDSOE CREEK STATE PARK: Galla-tin. A relaxing getaway for when life

gets too fast-paced, Bledsoe Creek StatePark is where visitors can be greeted attheir tent flap by deer and see wildlife atevery turn of the six miles of walkingtrails. With campsites equipped for tentsor campers, this park is where timestands still. The catch of the day fromOld Hickory Lake can include bass, bluegill and crappie. Playgrounds and picnicsites are the perfect place to get awayfrom it all.

BROOKMEADE PARK: Nashville. Agreenway at Kelly’s Point Battlefield, thesite of a Civil War battle, BrookmeadePark is in West Nashville off Charlottebetween the Lowe’s superstore complexand the Cumberland River. There’s park-ing near the trailhead, which leads to abike-friendly greenway and a small,simple overlook of the river. The trailhere will eventually be connected withother sections of the Metro NashvilleParks Greenways Project to create theCumberland River Greenway.

BURGESS FALLS STATE NATURALAREA: Sparta. The 154-acre Burgess FallsState Natural Area is eight miles south ofInterstate 40 near Cookeville. A stream-side nature trail winds through lushwoodlands, descending below sceniclimestone cliffs to the still water of Cen-ter Hill Lake. Falling Water River offers

beautiful cascades and scenic overlooks.The park shelters an abundance of wild-life and more than 300 species of treesand plants. Visitors should check out thelarge Native Butterfly Garden adjacent tothe upper parking lot. Picnic facilities areavailable.

CEDARS OF LEBANON STATE PARK:Lebanon. Named for the dense cedarforest that existed in the biblical lands ofLebanon, Cedars of Lebanon State Parkconsists of 900 acres of recreational areaand 8,100 acres of natural area. There are117 campsites, with all the camping ame-nities, a modern group lodge, trails,swimming, picnic facilities, a meetingfacility and nature programs. The uniquenatural ecosystems found in and aroundCedars of Lebanon include natural rockgardens called cedar glades. This parkshould certainly be on your list of must-sees.

CENTENNIAL PARK: Nashville. Nash-ville’s flagship park is home to largegrassy areas, several picnic pavilions, asmall lake and, to top it all off, a decom-missioned locomotive and fighter jet. Italso houses The Parthenon, a replica ofthe Greek Parthenon in Athens, built forTennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition.

Cumberland Park features spray fountains, rain curtains, a rock-climbing wall, concert stage, walking trails and a massive lawn forlounging around. SHELLEY MAYS / THE TENNESSEAN

Parks

See PARKS, Page 85



CHARLIE DANIELS PARK:Mt. Juliet. Enter-tainer Charlie Daniels is larger than life in themusic world and in his hometown of Mt. Juliet,with a park that bears his name. Folks enteringthe city-owned park step into an enclosedPlanet Playground that resembles a castle.Picnics and fun are the name of the game atthe gazebo. And what would a place namedfor Charlie Daniels be without a spot for mu-sic? An amphitheater is just right for the strainsof all types of tunes.

CHEATHAM LOCK AND DAM: Ashland City.The Nashville District U.S. Army Corps of Engi-neers welcomes visitors to Cheatham Lake.Lock A Campground is very close to the lockand dam on Cheatham Lake on the Cumber-land River System, and is surrounded by envi-ronmentally important wetlands and wildlifemanagement areas. Boating, swimming andfishing are among the activities offered at LockA. The campground has45 sites with hook-up; seven sites are tent only.Additional amenities include hot showers, aboat launch, interpretive trail, playground, ashelter and swimming area.

CUMBERLANDMOUNTAIN STATE PARK:Crossville. South of I-40 on U.S. Highway 127,this 1,720-acre wooded park is centered on theCumberland Plateau, elevation 2,000 feet,America’s largest forested plateau. The state’sgrandest Civilian Conservation Corps structure,a seven-arch sandstone bridge, spans ByrdLake in the park. A lakeside trail winds be-tween tall pines and hemlocks. Nestled amongthe hardwoods are cabins, a recreation lodgeand a restaurant overlooking the lake. Therealso are campgrounds, swimming and playareas. Nearby are the historic CumberlandHomestead tower, Piney and Ozone FallsNatural Areas, the scenic Sequatchie Valley,and Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, plusJack Nicklaus’ signature Bear Trace Golf Course.

CUMBERLAND PARK: Nashville. An innova-tive play space for children and families thatincludes unique play structures, an interactivesplash pad and other water features for allages. The new attraction is between the ShelbyStreet Pedestrian Bridge and the KoreanWarVeterans Memorial Bridge and offers directaccess to the Shelby Street Bridge by way of anew elevator and staircase. Covering about 6.5acres, the park encompasses 900 feet of river-front and also includes an outdoor amphithe-ater. The park is part of Nashville’s larger River-front Revitalization Plan.

DUNBAR CAVE STATE NATURAL AREA:Clarksville. The gaping mouth of Dunbar Caveis ominous, but at the same time curiouslyenticing. This massive cavern has attractedmankind for countless years, evident by therecent discovery of cave paintings — a rarefind in North America. Tours are offered on avaried schedule throughout most of the year,and advance reservations are necessary. Theguided tour is $5 and lasts about an hour andhalf. Three nearby hiking trails complementthe cave, as well as scenic Swan Lake, whichoffers recreation for those who would ratherfish than spelunk.

See PARKS, Page 86




front Revitalization Plan.DUNBAR CAVE STATE NATURAL

AREA: Clarksville. The gaping mouth ofDunbar Cave is ominous, but at the sametime curiously enticing. This massivecavern has attracted mankind for count-less years, evident by the recent discov-ery of cave paintings — a rare find inNorth America. Tours are offered on avaried schedule throughout most of theyear, and advance reservations are neces-sary. The guided tour is $5 and lastsabout an hour and half. Three nearbyhiking trails complement the cave, aswell as scenic Swan Lake, which offersrecreation for those who would ratherfish than spelunk.

FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK:Pikeville. An oasis of more than 20,000acres sprawled across the eastern top ofthe rugged Cumberland Plateau, FallCreek Falls State Park is one of the mostscenic and spectacular outdoor recrea-tion areas in America. There are cas-cades, deep chasms (or gulfs, in localparlance), virgin timber and the FallCreek Falls themselves, which plunge 256feet into a shaded pool. Over half of thepark is designated a natural area wilder-ness. The Nature Center provides exhib-its on the geology, plants and animals ofFall Creek Falls. A 345-acre lake hasyielded record-size fish. The 18-holechampionship golf course has been listedamong the top public courses in theUnited States. This area was once ahome site for Gilbert Gaul, renownedCivil War genre painter.

GREAT SMOKYMOUNTAINS NA-TIONAL PARK: Gatlinburg. The SmokyMountains are world-renowned for thediversity of their plant and animal lifeand the remnants of Appalachian cul-ture. The Appalachian trail runs throughpart of the park, and untold milesof hiking trails await the intrepid ad-venturer.

HAMILTON CREEK PARK: Nashville.Hamilton Creek offers 8.5 miles ofmountain biking trails. The beginner-to-intermediate trail, aka the Lakeside Trail,is 2.5 miles. The advanced trail, the Pin-nacle, is six miles and popular in themountain-biking community. Pinnacle israted hard-intermediate for the expertrider. Trail elevation ranges from 510 to660 feet above sea level (150 feet ofchange). Pinnacle is rated by local moun-tain bikers as the fifth-most “technical”trail in Tennessee, meaning it’s rocky,rooty and requires coordination of mindand legs.

HARPETH RIVER STATE PARK:Kingston Springs. This unique linear parkalong the Harpeth River in Middle Ten-nessee offers natural, cultural and recre-ational day-use areas rich in historicsignificance and natural beauty. Thereare canoe access areas at all sites (exclud-ing archeological areas), providing be-ginner and advanced paddlers opportu-nities to float this beautiful Class II river.Downstream, the Narrows of the Har-peth provides an upstream and down-stream access, the Bell’s Bend five-milefloat, a unique quarter-mile portage andbreathtaking views from the bluff trail.A 100-yard tunnel, hand-cut throughsolid rock, was one of the great engi-neering feats of the time and today is an

industrial landmark on the NationalRegister of Historic Places. A mile up-stream, Mound Bottom preserves aMississippian Village. Group tours, hikingand other activities are available.

HENRY HORTON STATE PARK: Cha-pel Hill. The park is on the old estate ofHenry H. Horton, the 36th governor ofTennessee. It’s on the Duck River, thelongest remaining stretch of free-flow-ing river in the state of Tennessee, whichsupports the most diverse mussel faunain the world. The 1,146-acre park pro-vides a 72-room inn, seven cabins and arestaurant that seats 250 along withmeeting room space to accommodateconvention and family groups. Thepark’s 18-hole championship golf course,with bent-grass greens and a pro shop, isone of the finest in the state. Thestate park system’s only skeet and traprange is located here. Family canoeingalso is popular on the scenic DuckRiver. Camping and swimming are avail-able.

HIWASSEE/OCOEE SCENIC RIVERSTATE PARK: Delano. Hiwassee ScenicRiver State Park is on Maggie Mill Roadat U.S. Hwy 411. The Hiwassee was thefirst river managed in the State ScenicRiver program. A 23-river mile section,from the North Carolina state line to U.S.Highway 411 north of Benton, has beendeclared a Class III partially developedriver. This stretch of river offers canoe-ing, rafting, fishing, hiking and naturephotography. A scenic portion of theJohn Muir trail winds through the rivergorge. Numerous public access sitesprovide boat launch ramps. At the GeeCreek campground, picnic areas, bath

This is an aerial view of Cumberland Park on the East Bank in Nashville. LARRY MCCORMACK / THE TENNESSEAN

See PARKS, Page 88


Parks



houses and primitive camping are avail-able. Adjacent is the Gee Creek Wilder-ness of the Cherokee National Forest.The Ocoee River is a premier white-waterriver in the Southeastern United States,possessing the Class III and IV rapids.Access sites are maintained.

J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE: Boaters,fishermen, campers and hikers visit year-round at this lake that straddles David-son and Rutherford counties. The lake,named for the late Congressional repre-sentative James Percy Priest (also a highschool teacher, coach, reporter and edi-tor), features three campgrounds, LongHunter State Park, recreational areas andtrails, including a horse trail. It is man-aged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-neers. www.lrn.usace.army.mil/op/jpp/rec.

LONG HUNTER STATE PARK: Hermit-age. Named after the early explorers ofthe 1700s, Long Hunter is along theshore of Percy Priest lake. The 2,657-acrepark offers a variety of day-use recre-ational opportunities and protects aunique cedar glade environment. Thepark has a 110-acre lake with a fishingpier. A visitor’s center provides exhibitsand key information on the flora andfauna you’ll find on 28 miles of hikingtrails suitable for day hiking and over-night backpacking. A satellite park calledThe Sellars Farm Archaeological Site isnear Watertown, Tenn., and includes aMississippian period Native Americanceremonial mound and village site. Al-though there are no artifacts remaining,the site’s interpretive kiosk, vegetationand landscape tell a rich story aboutthriving Native American culture A.D.1000-1300.

MONTGOMERY BELL STATE PARK:Burns. They say there used to be iron inthem there hills; now the rolling land-scape of Dickson County serves moreawe than ore as 3,782 acres of lusciousMontgomery Bell State Park landscapedraw visitors just as the metallic treasureused to in days of old. Wild animals andwildflowers make homes in the softforest bed that once was heavily cut toproduce farmland and charcoal for ironindustry furnaces, making the park aplace of serene beauty. Sightseerscan visit the location of the first Cumber-land Presbyterian Church, fish in oneof the park’s three lakes, hike 19 milesof trails or hit the links at the golf course.Accommodations include vacationcottages, campsites or the parkinn.

MOUNT VIEW GLADE STATE NATU-RAL AREA: Antioch. Encircled by sub-divisions, Mount View Glade State Natu-ral Area is a nine-acre pocket of wood-

lands and fields that somehow survivedthe rampant sprawl that began racingacross Antioch decades ago. Here you’llfind several rare plant species, includingthe endangered Tennessee coneflower,and delightful scenes of undisturbednatural beauty. Trek into the peacefulcedar-hardwood forest, and you’ll forgetcompletely that Hickory HollowMall isless than three miles away. Just be care-ful what plants you step on.

MURFREESBORO BARK PARK:Mur-freesboro. People who love their dogslove the fact that they can take them totheir very own off-leash park. There isplenty of green space for dogs to romparound in, and maybe meet a newpanting pal or two. Dog parks are noto-rious singles spots, so be sure you lookyour best when you get out withRover. And don’t miss the annual Barka-roo festival, where you can even win adog-owner look-a-like contest orimpress everyone with your dog’s besttrick.

OLD FORT PARK:Murfreesboro. This50-acre park offers plenty of outdoor funfor all ages. Lighted tennis courts attractplayers, and on summer evenings youcan catch a game on one of the baseballfields. Hikers take advantage of thegreenway trails, while teens can go offwith their friends and hit the volleyballarea. Toddlers find endless entertain-ment at the Kids’ Castle playground,giving moms a small break for conversa-tion while they watch the tots. Picnicshelters are available to rent forlarge gatherings during the summermonths.

OLD HICKORY LAKE: Hendersonville.Millions of boaters, fishermen, skiers,campers and hikers each year visit thismanmade lake on the Cumberland River,which spans into five counties — David-son, Sumner, Wilson, Trousdale andSmith. Fishing is popular year-round,while swimmers and skiers jump in dur-ing the spring and stick around well intothe fall. An abundance of wildlife can beseen in and around the lake, which ismanaged by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers.

PATTERSON PARK:Murfreesboro. Anindoor/outdoor multipurpose sports andrecreational facility composed of twogymnasiums, 1/8-mile track, aerobicsarea, fitness equipment, game room,conference center with three meetingrooms and dining room, indoor poolwith 25-yard lap area, zero-depth area,interactive play system and triple-loopslide, theater, arts-and-crafts room andMGL Library. Multi-purpose field forsoccer, flag football, two tennis courts,outdoor basketball courts, and small andlarge picnic shelters located by the park-ing lot and playground.

R H BOYD-PRESTON TAYLOR PARK:Nashville. This park, which sits catty-corner to the Tennessee State University

campus, is a pretty straightforward affairwhere nature lovers will find gentle hillsand scattered trees. It’s a great place towalk dogs or to simply kick back andrelax in a grassy, natural spot in themidst of a busy area. Bring a blanket andsnacks to enjoy a picnic with friends orhead to the park’s small dirt field for agame of softball.

RADNOR LAKE STATE PARK: The85-acre man-made lake in Nashville issurrounded by a variety of scenic over-looks and diverse natural habitats. Hik-ers, families and photographers willenjoy the wildlife and scenery along thepark’s trails, which range from an easywalk to a challenging hike. 615-373-3467. www.tn.gov/environment/parks/RadnorLake.

REELFOOT LAKE STATE PARK: Tip-tonville. Tennessee’s largest natural lake,18,000 acre Reelfoot Lake, was createdby severe earthquakes in 1811 and 1812.This picturesque area is a favorite win-tering ground of the American baldeagle. Guided tours to view the majesticbirds are offered by park naturalistsduring the winter months. On the Mis-sissippi Flyway, the lake hosts thousandsof migrating waterfowl and has a di-versity of other wildlife. Reelfoot’s par-tially submerged forest, with its acres ofwater lilies, creates an abundant fishhatchery, which makes it an ideal spotfor fishing. On the north side of thelake, a unique inn is built over the lakeamong bald cypress trees. Adjacent tothe inn is an all-weather, 3,500-footlighted airstrip. On the south end of thelake, an excellent visitor’s center pro-vides insight into the origin of Reelfootand its complex ecosystem. Pontoonboat cruises are available during thesummer months.

RICHLAND CREEK GREENWAY,MCCABE TRAILHEAD: Nashville. Thistwo-mile paved path connects McCabePark, Nashville State Community Col-lege, White Bridge Road and the SylvanPark area. You can walk your dogs or gofor a run while eying golfers on thegreen, as much of the path follows theedge of the McCabe Park golf course.Like any good greenway, it’s lined withwildflowers and takes occasional turnsinto shady, wooded areas. Like the Shel-by Park greenway, it’s largely flat, and soprovides a great setting for a leisurelybike ride or walk.

RICHLAND PARK: Nashville. En routeto your day of Southern Thrifting andBobbie’s Dairy Dip, stop by Richland Parkfor a picnic and game of Frisbee. Essen-tially a large, green lawn, this park offersa view of Charlotte that’s perfect forpeople-watching, and it’s also the site ofthe quaint Richland Park library. This is agreat urban park for weekend sports,whether a game of touch football out

See PARKS, Page 89


Parks


SPORTS

The Titans will enter the 2012 seasonhoping to make their first playoff appear-ance since 2008, after a 9-7 record in 2011left them just short of postseason play.

In his first season as head coach, MikeMunchak was left with little time to imple-ment his system prior to the start of the2011-12 season due to a league-wide workstoppage that lasted well into the summer.Once camp opened in August, Munchakleaned on veteran quarterback Matt Hassel-beck, a free-agent signing, to guide theoffense. Hasselbeck was up to the task,starting all 16 games and throwing for 3571yards, the third highest total of his 10-yearcareer.

This season, the Titans hope to revitalizea running game that finished next to last in

the NFL in yardage. Chris Johnson will againbe the featured back and will attempt tonotch a fifth 1,000-yard season, a milestonehe has reached each of his previous fourseasons. Javon Ringer will back up Johnsonfor a fourth season, and second-year backJamie Harper could see some short yardagework.

Hasselbeck lost the starting position atquarterback in training camp to second-yearquarterback Jake Locker, a first-round draftpick. Hasselbeck will provide great insuranceif Locker falters in the opening weeks. Whilethe quarterback portion of the passing gameshould be solid, there is some uncertainty atthe wide receiver position.

Kenny Britt, once seen as a buddingsuperstar at receiver, is battling legal trou-bles and is trying to rehabilitate from a tornACL that caused him to miss the majority ofthe 2011 season. Look for the Titans to rely

on eight-year veteran Nate Washington tobe the primary pass catcher, and first-rounddraft pick Kendall Wright should add depthto the position. Talented tight end JaredCook also could see an increase in produc-tion as he grows into a more prominent rolein the offense.

Defensively, the Titans will look to re-place the production of Pro Bowl cornerbackCortland Finnegan and defensive linemanJason Jones, who both left the team via freeagency in the off-season.

The signing of defensive end KamerionWimbley should help improve a pass rushthat was lacking last season, seeing onlyeight sacks from the defensive end position.Michael Griffin remains a steady performerat the free safety position, and Colin McCar-thy is developing into a top-notch middlelinebacker.

Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) drops back in the pocket to throw a pass in the first quarter of a preseason game against theBuccaneers. GEORGEWALKER IV / THE TENNESSEAN

Tennessee Titans

By Nick ColeThe Tennessean


SPORTS

In 2011-12, the Predators made the sec-ond round of the NHL playoffs for the sec-ond consecutive season, after failing toreach that mark for the first 11 years of thefranchise’s history. Nashville lost to Phoenixin five games during the second round, adisappointing end to a season that manybelieved could have been a deep run intothe playoffs. It was the seventh time in thelast eight seasons that Barry Trotz has ledthe Predators to postseason play.

The story of the offseason was the fateof the Predators’ All-Star defensive duo ofShea Weber and Ryan Suter. Both playerswere eligible for free agency, Suter unre-stricted and Weber restricted. Suter landeda 13-year contract from the Minnesota Wild

that was worth $96 million. Weber signed a14-year offer sheet from the PhiladelphiaFlyers worth $110 million, but the Predatorswere given the option to match that offerdue to Weber’s restricted free-agent status.In a decision that surprised many because ofthe financials involved, the Predators decid-ed to retain their captain and match theFlyers’ offer sheet. Weber will remain withthe team under contract until 2026.

With goaltender Pekka Rinne also signedto a contract extension, he and Weber arethe nucleus of the Predators’ team goinginto the 2012-13 season.

Nashville will rely on the steady play ofveteran forwards Mike Fisher, David Leg-wand and Martin Erat to set the tone offen-sively. Patric Hornqvist, the Predators’ lead-ing goal scorer in 2011-12 with 27, will re-turn and should continue to be among the

team’s leaders in goals.Youngsters Sergei Kostitsyn, Craig

Smith and Colin Wilson will be asked tocontinue to progress offensively, as thePredators may need one of them to takea significant step forward if the expecta-tion is to move beyond the second roundof the playoffs this season.

Defensively, Weber lost his longtimepartner in Suter, and Nashville will searchfor an adequate replacement. The Preda-tors will ask Kevin Klein to increase hisice time in Suter’s absence, and will hopethat they see continued progress fromprospects Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis andJonathon Blum. Veteran Hal Gill wasre-signed to serve as a veteran presenceon the defense during the post-Sutertransition.

Nashville Predators

Predators defenseman Francis Bouillon (51) tries to slide a shot past Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) during game three of the Stanley CupWestern Conference semifinals at Bridgestone Arena in May. GEORGEWALKER IV / THE TENNESSEAN

By Nick ColeThe Tennessean


SPORTS

TOP PLAYERS

DEFENSEMAN SHEAWEBERDefenseman Shea Weber finished second in Norris Trophy voting last season. (The award isgiven to the NHL’s top defenseman). His 49 points were fourth on the Predators, and he wasamong league leaders with 26:10 minutes of ice time per game. Weber was awarded a 14-year,$110 million contract during the offseason, making him the highest paid player in Predatorshistory and the second highest paid player in the NHL.

GOALTENDER PEKKA RINNEGoaltender Pekka Rinne finished third in Vezina Trophy voting (The award is given to the topgoaltender in the NHL), following his breakout season with an equally impressive one. ThePredators rewarded Rinne with a 7-year contract extension, and the expectation is that he willcontinue to be one of the league’s elite net minders over the course of pact.

WINGERMARTIN ERATWinger Martin Erat led the Predators in scoring with 58 points last season. He led the teamwith a 17.8 percent shooting percentage and remained efficient on the ice with a +12 plus/minus rating.

TV/RADIO/TICKETSThe Predators will have 82 regular-season games broadcast on Fox SportsTennessee and SportSouth. The flag-ship radio station is 102.5 FM TheGame. For tickets, go to nashvillepre-dators.com or call 615-770-7800.

2012-13 SCHEDULEhttp://predators.nhl.com/club/sched-ule.htm

Nashville Predators’ Francis Bouillon (51) clears the puck from Phoenix Coyotes’ Antoine Vermette (50) in game two of the Stanley CupWestern Conference semifinals at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on April 29. GETTY IMAGES


SPORTS

TICKETSTickets may be purchased at the ticketoffice at Floyd Stadium (Gate 1-A) offFaulkinberry Drive on campus in Murfrees-boro. Also purchase by calling 615-898-2103, or 1-888-YES-MTSU (937-6878) or atwww.goblueraiders.com. Ticket officehours are 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.On football and basketball game days, theoffice is open through halftime, duringbaseball until the fifth inning.

BASKETBALLMiddle Tennessee State University BlueRaiders and Lady Raiders play home gamesat Murphy Athletic Center on campus.Capacity is 11,500.Men’s outlook: The Blue Raiders arecoming off a Sun Belt regular season cham-pionship, finishing with a record of 14-2 inconference play and 27-7 overall last sea-son. Coach Kermit Davis agreed to a con-

tract extension following the breakout seasonthat ended in the quarterfinals of the NIT.Under Davis (180-133), MTSU has had only onelosing season in 10 years, and will be looking tobuild on the momentum of its first postseasontournament appearance since 1989. The BlueRaiders will lose Sun Belt player of the yearLaRon Dendy, but return guard Marcos Knightand forward J.T. Solton. Both players averagedmore than 10 points per game last season.Senior guard Raymond Cintron, who hit 67three pointers last season, also will return as anoutside threat.Women’s outlook: The Lady Raiders posted a26-7 record last season, extending their streakto nine straight years in the postseason, in-cluding eight NCAA tournaments and oneWNIT berth. They have won at least 20 gamesin nine straight seasons, including seven underCoach Rick Insell. MTSU’s women finished aperfect 16-0 in conference play on their way tothe Sun Belt regular-season title, before losingin the first round of the NCAA tournament toVanderbilt. Expectations will be high for theLady Raiders this season, as they return theirthree leading scorers in Kortni Jones (16.8PPG), Ebony Rowe (16.3 PPG), and Icelyn Elie(13.7 PPG).

FOOTBALLMiddle Tennessee State University plays itshome games at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium.Capacity is 30,788.Outlook: After consecutive bowl appearancesin 2009 and 2010, the Blue Raiders took a stepbackward in Rick Stockstill’s 6th season ashead coach in 2011. Posting a 2-10 record, theteam’s worst in nearly 30 years, the BlueRaiders finished 2011 on an eight-game losingstreak. In 2012, MTSU will attempt to return tothe upper echelon of the Sun Belt on the armof starting quarterback Logan Kilgore, aredshirt junior who threw for more than 2,200yards and 18 touchdowns in 2011. Nashvillenative Benny Cunningham and LSU transferDrayton Calhoun will be the featured runningbacks. Defensively, the Blue Raiders hopeexperience improves a unit that allowed 36.8points per game in 2011. The 2012 scheduleincludes just five home games, bringingMcNeese State, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana-Monroe, North Texas and Troy to Murfrees-boro. The Blue Raiders will make road trips toMississippi State and Georgia Tech this season.

Middle Tennessee State UniversityBy Nick ColeThe Tennessean

TICKETSTo order tickets, call 800-332-VOLS (6857) orgo to www.utsports.com.

BASKETBALLThompson-Boling Arena opened in 1987-88as one of the nation’s largest basketballfacilities, with a capacity of more than24,000. Capacity was later scaled back to21,678, and the arena underwent a com-plete interior facelift in 2007-08.Men’s outlook: Cuonzo Martin’s firstseason at the helm of UT basketball was aroller coaster ride, showcasing impressivewins over UConn, Florida and Vanderbilt,paired with frustrating losses to AustinPeay, Oakland and College of Charleston.Finishing with a 19-15 record (10-6 SEC) andan appearance in the NIT in the midst of atransitional season for the program, Martingave UT basketball fans reason to believethat better days are ahead for the program.After replacing wildly popular and success-ful coach Bruce Pearl, Martin will attemptto put his stamp on the program’s identityin his second season. The Vols return topscorers Trae Golden (13.6 PPG) and JeronneMaymon (12.7 PPG), and expect big thingsfrom prized recruit Jarnell Stokes, whojoined the teammidway through the sea-son last year. Three-point specialist SkylarMcBee and post player Kenny Hall returnfor their senior seasons, giving the Vols an

experienced squad that should be among thebest in the SEC this season.Women’s outlook: Pat Summitt, the all-timewinningest coach in NCAA basketball history(men and women), retired after her 37thseason as coach of the Lady Vols due to healthissues. In Summitt’s final season, the Lady Volswon the SEC tournament and advanced to theElite Eight of the NCAA tournament, only tofall to eventual national champions Baylor.Tennessee will turn to Holly Warlick as its newleader, a star player for the Lady Vols 1976-80and an assistant for 27 years under Summitt.Warlick will look to replace the team’s top twoscorers, as both Shekinna Stricklen (15.4 PPG)and Glory Johnson (14.2 PPG) were lost tograduation. Junior guard Meighan Simmons(11.1 PPG) will be the leading returning scorer,and sophomore point guard Ariel Massengalewill be asked to take on a bigger role thisseason. The Lady Vols should again be the classof the SEC this season and could make anotherdeep run into the NCAA tournament.

FOOTBALLNeyland Stadium, opened as Shields-WatkinsField in 1921, was named for Gen. Robert R.Neyland, who coached 1926-52. Capacity,including standing room, is 102,459, which hasenabled Tennessee to be among the nationalleaders in attendance for decades. The Volsranked sixth nationally in attendance in 2011with 94,642 fans per home game.Outlook: After finishing 5-7 in Derek Dooley’ssecond season as coach, the Vols finished witha losing record in consecutive seasons for the

first time since the 1910-11 season. Fillingseven coaching vacancies on his staff in theoff-season, Dooley will attempt to return theVols to relevancy in the SEC East in 2012.Offensively, the Vols return junior quarter-back Tyler Bray, who has thrown for 294 yardsper game in 12 career starts. Bray will throwto a talented group of receivers, includingJustin Hunter and junior college transferCordarrelle Patterson. Sophomore MarlinLane is expected to take over at running back,replacing two-year starter Tauren Poole.Defensively, the Vols will transition to a 3-4alignment under new coordinator Sal Sunseri.Sophomore linebacker A.J. Johnson will belooked to for leadership after logging 80tackles and earning Freshman All-Americanhonors last season. Senior cornerback PrentissWaggner will lead a secondary that had justfive interceptions last season.

2012 FOOTBALL SCHEDULEAug. 31: vs. N. Carolina St. (Atlanta, Ga.)Sept. 8: vs. Georgia StateSept. 15: vs. Florida*Sept. 22: vs. AkronSept.29 : at Georgia*Oct. 13: at Mississippi State*Oct. 20: vs. Alabama*Oct. 27: at South Carolina*Nov. 3: vs. TroyNov. 10: vs. Missouri*Nov. 17: at Vanderbilt*Nov. 24: vs. Kentucky**Southeastern Conference game

University of TennesseeBy Nick ColeThe Tennessean

fyi: a guide to middle tennessee 2012

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