TENNESSEE.THESAVVYOLDLADY.COM

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY WITH CELEBRITIES

2009-11-13T21:07:00Z

Now that Halloween is over it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming holiday season. What better way to start the Christmas season than a delightful family evening at Gaylord Opryland Resort for their tree lighting ceremony?

On November 19th at 5:40 PM (Magnolia Lobby portico) Montgomery Gentry, Paula Deen (Food Network star), Louise Mandrell, Jeannie and Craig Schulz (wife and son of the legendary Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz) with Charlie Brown and Snoopy, the Radio City Rockettes and the TSU Marching Band and other celebrities and bands will all be there to celebrate the tree lighting.

There are two million Christmas lights and miles of ribbons and bows on the property and just taking a pleasant stroll inside the lobby will kick off your holiday spirit. Don’t miss going to the Hall of Trees to see the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees. Even if you don’t want to take part in the auction it’s a wonderful place to get ideas on how to decorate your own tree. Celebrities and organizations decorate these trees for public auction. Since my husband, The Crabby Old Guy is a professor at Belmont University we will be joining the Belmont Pharmacy students when they decorate their tree with proceeds being donated to their favorite charity.

Here’s a tip for you, if you don’t mind a little walk you can park for free at the Outlet Mall and save yourself a few dollars since Gaylord’s charge for parking.

Hugs,

The Savvy Old Lady

CHARLIE BROWN IS COMING TO TOWN!

2009-10-16T19:24:00Z

For the past two years my husband and I have taken our grandchildren to see the Ice! spectacular How The Grinch Stole Christmas in Nashville, Tennessee. This year the grandkids are so excited to be going to see A Charlie Brown Christmas. I found a link on you tube http://www.youtube.com/acountrychristmas which I thought I would share with all of you.

In the clip the late and legendary Charles Schulz is discussed by his wife, Jeannie and son Craig, as they look forward to experiencing ICE! A Charlie Brown Christmas at Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas which will be open from November 20, 2009- January 2, 2010. The interview takes place at the Schulz Museum and Research Center as well as Charles Schulz’s Ice Rink in Santa Rosa, California

Bet you all will be as tempted as I was to try the ice slides. LOL The kids think it’s hysterical seeing grandma flying down an ice slide and as my grandsons say “screaming like a little girl.” The Crabby Old Guy, my sweet husband and I have found this attraction a great way to start the holidays with our family.

Enjoy!

Hugs,
The Savvy Old Lady

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

2009-08-05T18:30:00Z

Every wedding anniversary is special but this year The Crabby Old Guy surpassed previous anniversaries with a surprise celebration for our 32nd Anniversary. It didn’t involve the children or friends it was just the two of us, just the way it was so many years ago. The event was a surprise. All “Crabby” would tell me before had was to “Pack a bag with enough clothes for three days”. Well, three days didn’t sound like lunch at the Pyramids or a cruise on the Rhine or even a shopping spree in gay Paree’ but it certainly did pique my interest.

Within an hour after the big announcement the car was packed and we were on our way. I knew better than to question where we were going since my darling Sicilian husband can be very tight lipped at times. It wasn’t long before we pulled up in front of Gaylord’s Opryland Resort and Hotel (my favorite hotel in Nashville) and amazingly he stopped in front of valet parking, wow, the Royal

Treatment, I wouldn’t even have to drag my own luggage from the self-park this trip. Gently he took my arm and escorted me to Celebrity Services and all I could think was this was definitely going to be an interesting stay. The Celebrity Services staff couldn’t have been nicer as they registered us and gave us our itinerary for the next three days. Hubby must have been busy planning this intriguing event well in advance.

Our room was lovely, with a balcony overlooking the Delta atrium. Within minutes our luggage was delivered to the room. We decided to have an early dinner at Cascades Seafood Restaurant. I tried the crab cakes (so good that I asked for the recipe and will share it with you all), fresh salad, seared scallops and a great variation on the loaded-baked-potato, a “loaded cream corn” dish. I mentioned to the server that the vegetables and salad were so fresh. No accident, she said, they always try to purchase locally and these vegetables came from Delvin Farms in College Grove, TN and gave me their card. I was thrilled to find out that Delvin Farms sells at local farmers’ markets. You can go to http://www.delvinfarms.com and find the closest one near you.

While waiting to be seated at Cascades we noticed people being seated at Wasabi's Sushi Bar. Yum, it looked so good we decided to put it on our list of to-dos during our stay. Ouch, this could turn out to be an eating marathon. Oh, well that's why we use the YMCA gym.

After dinner we took a Gaylord’s shuttle over to the Grand Ole Opry to see the Opry Country Classics show. Larry Gatlin was the host and a more energetic person you will never see. The evening was filled with memories and songs such as “Crazy”, “I Will Always Love You”, “Hello Darlin’ ” and many more. Charlie McCoy played his harmonica to the enjoyment of all. At this performance it was announced that he was being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in a few days. Christy Sutherland set the stage on fire with her performance and if you have a chance to hear her sing don’t miss it.

The next day was “Crabby’s” since he plans to come back as a rock guitarist in his next life. He was so excited when he told me we were going to take advantage of the Gaylord-Gibson joint promotion called “Check-In, Rock Out!” Okay, so off we went and to the front desk and checked out a very flashy and very expensive professional-grade Gibson guitar for the day. Gaylord has a program whereby you can rent a guitar with a pocket pod and a hand held portable amplifier with headphones which allows you to Rock Out in your room without disturbing anyone. Dang, I wish he had those headphones at home. As we were walking back to our room with “Crabby’s” prize guitar we spotted Bill Cody the morning show host for WSM. We stopped and talked to him for a few minutes and “Crabby” was thrilled at the chance of getting a photo with Bill.

In the afternoon we once again took the shuttle downtown and saw “Always…Patsy Cline” at the Ryman Auditorium. Mandy Barnett was absolutely amazing as she brought Patsy Cline alive on the stage. While Tere Myers who played Louise Seger, Patsy’s greatest fan and friend had the audience hysterical with laughter. Patsy’s wonderful songs, “Crazy”, “I Fall to Pieces”, "“Seven Lonely Days” brought back memories of a time when music and song captured the hearts of all Patsy’s loyal fans.

After the show we wanted to get something to eat and since we had never been to the Wild Horse Saloon we decided to go there. We had sampled some of Chef Laurie Potts cooking in the past and we were really looking forward to enjoying a wonderful barbecue dinner and even try to learn to line dance. We were not disappointed with the meal however; the line dancing was a bit tricky at our age, LOL.

After a thoroughly enjoyable day we returned to our room to find a bottle of champagne on ice and an envelope addressed to me. The anniversary card was lovely but inside was two tickets for an 18 day cruise to The Top of the World on the Tahitian Princess. This anniversary couldn’t be better.

The next morning we went to brunch at the Water’s Edge Marketplace Buffet. The selection of food was wonderful and we sat and reminisced about all of our other anniversaries and decided this had to be one of our best. We also decided to come back for a few days in August with our grandchildren since kids eat and stay free until Labor Day. Later that day we stopped by the Jack Daniel's Saloon and guess what...I saw Toby Keith or was it a Toby Keith look-alike LOL. He wouldn't tell. As we walked around the hotel we decided to take a ride on the Delta Flatboat and learn a little about the history of the hotel on their indoor river.

What a great experience. What a memorable and romantic time. Gaylord’s Opryland Hotel is a very special place to spend a very special anniversary or memorable moment. There are always special shows, venues and events in Nashville and coupled with Gaylord’s shuttle to downtown you can enjoy the best of worlds, a first class resort and a first class city. Whether you live in or around Nashville or are planning a quick trip in the Southeast, you husbands out there might want to take a tip from The Crabby Old Guy.

As we were driving home I told the "Crabby Old Guy" that with all our visits to Gaylord's we still haven't had dinner at the Ristorante Volare. We both laughed and said "we will have to take the grandkids."

LOW COUNTRY CRAB CAKES

Recipe by: Chef Forrest Parker
Serving Size: 4

1 pound Jumbo Lump Crab (domestic preferred)
½ Cup Mayonnaise
2 Whole Eggs
1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (Crushed)
1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seafood Seasoning
1 Tablespoon Dry Mustard
Combine mayonnaise, eggs, Old Bay and dry mustard by whisking. Add 1/2 of crab and mix well. Gently fold in remainder.

Portion using a 2 ounce scoop and roll in the crushed Ritz crackers. Deep fry crispy and brown and finish to temp in oven.

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH IN NASHVILLE

2009-05-04T23:44:00Z

If you are looking for a wonderful place to take Mom for Mother’s Day you have to consider Mother’s Day Brunch at Gaylord Opryland hotel’s Market Place buffet at the Water’s Edge Restaurant. My husband and I decided to try the Easter brunch and it was wonderful.

The setting is beautifully reminiscent of a southern garden on a bright spring day, complete with a river running through it. Just the kind of setting any mother would love. Executive Chef, Jason Kroll who has been managing the kitchen for some time now is a real pro at creating homemade southern style foods that elevate brunch to new heights. This is one hotel chef who is so down to earth he even cures his own Canadian style bacon!

True to the Nashvillian style that runs through the hotel complex, the broad range of dishes here feature regional specialties and cooking. Items on the brunch vary from week to week but always feature a wide range of cold salads that include traditional items such as salad greens, slaws and potato salad but also can have some great specialty offerings such as a cold couscous and zucchini or hearts of palm. There are also two soups offered, such as their classic and well done ham and bean soup (hubby’s favorite) and a shrimp cocktail (not the small peel your own shrimp but the large juicy variety) bar that is big enough to satisfy anyone. Breads range from an Italian focaccia to down home style country corn bread or muffins – all freshly baked on premises. The main courses also vary a bit from week to week and the holiday brunch is a special buffet. There are traditional chicken and fish hot plates along with a range of standard and creative vegetables all for the choosing. The buffet boasts a selection of fresh carved items to choose from each weekend. On most Sundays there is a classic baked ham. Not just any old ham though, Chef Kroll offers his guest a Kentucky cured white marble farm ham that is oh so good. Other seasonal items could be a Steamship Round of Beef, traditionally roast whole turkey or young baby lamb. Each comes with appropriate dressings and fixings that can range from stuffing to au jus gravy to sweet and tart chutney. All are well done.

And of course, dessert. One of the fantastic things about a buffet is that, if the spirit moves you, one can always have desert to start, in the middle and at the end of the meal. At this buffet the spirit might be tempted to do just that, as there are a range of traditional items, such as bread pudding, ice-cream and fruit pies, to creative stylized items, such as a wonderful chocolate-lavender gelato all for the sampling. And, just for fun, as well as for your gustatory enjoyment, there is always a make-your-own cupcake station, complete with assorted icings and toppings.

One of the most impressive things about this brunch is how often the food items are refreshed and replenished. There is nothing less appealing then seeing one scoopful of mashed potatoes or slaw in a big old dish that seems to have been sitting around for days. Not here, the items are replaced frequently, displayed attractively and they are all kept at just the right serving temperatures. No rushing here either. Taking your time in the spacious seating area is just fine. Here’s a hint, if you want to sit in an area that is a bit quieter try the lovely tables just in front of the hostess stand. You may have to walk a few more steps to the serving areas but if you want to feel as if you are in a private garden retreat, this is the place to sit. Don’t worry the table servers cover this area very well so your drink order and table bussing will not suffer in the least.

Chef Kroll has not yet announced his Mother’s Day menu but I just know, as any nice young man would want; he will do his Mother proud on this special day for all moms. Who knows, maybe he will have a special treat for all the moms who come to celebrate with their family that special day. Also Gaylord Opryland Hotel is celebrating Mother’s Day in an exceptional way with a “Family Affair” event on May 9th starting off with personal time for mothers and sons at the "Mom Prom," and fathers and daughters at the "My Heart Belongs To Daddy Dance." Then, at the end of the night, everyone will join together for a fun-filled Family Dance Party! Definitely sounds like a great way to spoil Mom.

Hugs

The Savvy Old Lady

HIGHBALLS AND HYDRANGEAS

2009-04-22T21:49:00Z

The Rites of Spring exploded in laughter, music and beauty at Cheekwood’s Highballs and Hydrangeas event. A festive gathering of almost a thousand Nashvillians strolled through the splendid gardens amidst grand displays of colorful tulips and blue hydrangeas. Inside six Nashville restaurants prepared and served finger food that had everyone going back for seconds. The diverse selection of appetizers included shrimp cakes, Thai specialties, deli delights, Swedish meatballs, Turkish barbeque, and handmade chocolate. A lively band played for the enjoyment of all. As the evening progressed many took to the dance floor and celebrated the season. For those who preferred a quieter atmosphere tables were set up on the patio and they were able to enjoy the music, food and delightful conversations while sitting under a star lit sky. Lady Spring even delivered a beautiful balmy evening for all to enjoy.

FIDDLIN' AROUND

2009-04-22T18:40:00Z

Tim “The Fiddleman” Watson captures the country-heart of all who hear him. His quick wit and down-home humor only add to his amazing fiddling and singing on this two hour cruise down the Cumberland River.

My husband and I had heard friends rave about the show and decided to see it. It wasn’t long before we realized why Tim and his band are a favorite with their audience. Tim’s energy packed performance along with his trademark leap while fiddling left smiles on all of our faces. Watson proudly tells the audience how his grandfather taught him to play the fiddle and fondly shows a picture of his grandparents on the back of his fiddle.

Chef Chris Browne served a wonderful Southern Comfort family style lunch. Cornbread stuffed chicken, country ham (my personal favorite), potato salad with smoked bacon, a nicely done green bean casserole, corn bread muffins and biscuits and a luscious cheesecake that had everyone going for seconds. Be prepared to loosen your belt after eating this well prepared meal!

This show is filled with family entertainment and I recommend it to all.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS IN NASHVILLE FOR JULY 21 TO JULY 28

2009-02-17T21:19:00Z

Visit www.nowplayingnashville.com for times, costs and event details.

Event Highlights for July 21 – 28

MUSIC

Carswell, Harrison Hudson, and The Cold Stares at The Rutledge on July 21

In the Round with Wayland Patton, Billy Montana, Lydia Salnikova and Don Henry at The Bluebird Café on July 21

Music City Roots: Pine Hill Haints, Izzy Cox, The Boxcars at The Loveless Barn on July 21

Music Circle South with Jack & Diane featuring Jessica Campbell, Kelly Bannen at The Center for the Arts on July 21

Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman featuring Earl Scruggs with Sarah Jarosz at Ryman Auditorium on July 22

Brian Van Meter, The Avery Set, I Became the Sky, Canago and The Japanese School Girls at The Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom on July 22

Brown Bag Lunch Special Concert Series: NaCole Rice at Centennial Park on July 22

Dirt Nasty & Andre Legacy with Slow Motion Centerfold & Chancellor Warhol at 12th and Porter on July 23

Full Moon Pickin’ Party at Warner Parks Equestrian Center on July 23

How I Became the Bomb with The Honeymoon Thrillers and Downtown Handshake at Exit/In on July 23

In the Round with Erin Enderlin, Leslie Satcher, Shane McAnnally, and Monty Holmes at The Bluebird Café on July 23

Main Street LIVE! featuring Diana Pelham Band in McMinnville, Tenn. on July 23

Old Union & The Last Straw at The Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom on July 23

Red Caboose Concerts: Bill McCallie and In Cahoots Band at Bellevue Red Caboose Park on July 23

Snap on 2 & 4 with Ritmos Picantes at Nashville Jazz Workshop on July 23

The SteelDrivers at Station Inn on July 23

Beachaven Winery: Jazz on the Lawn featuring CJO at Beachaven Vineyards on July 24

Bluebird on the Mountain – Tony Arata, Thom Schuyler, J. Fred Knobloch, and Jelly Roll Johnson at Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory on July 24

Grand Ole Opry featuring Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Heidi Newfield, John Conlee, Marty Stuart, and more at Ryman Auditorium on July 24

Moon Taxi with Space Capone at Exit/In on July 24

Musicians Corner: Justin Branum, Slow Motion Centerfold, Amy Stroup, Keegan Dewitt, and Roman Candle at Centennial Park on July 24

Songwriter Session: Marla Cannon-Goodman with Keith Litteral at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 24

Jazz on the Lawn: Moe Denham All-Stars with Rahsaan Barber, Jim Williamson, Bob Sabelico, Robert Band at Belle Meade Plantation on July 25

Lightning 100’s Nashville Sunday Night featuring Cary Brothers and Greg Laswell with Harper Blynn at 3rd and Lindsley on July 25

Melissa Etheridge at Ryman Auditorium on July 25

Sunset Concert Series featuring Live Bait: Tribute to Jimmy Buffett and Summertime Fun at Historic Carnton Plantation on July 25

Creed at Hard Rock Café on July 26

Paul McCartney at Bridgestone Arena on July 26

Grand Ole Opry featuring Steel Magnolia, Jimmy Wayne and more at Ryman Auditorium on July 27

Raul Malo at Station Inn on July 27

Music City Roots: Boulder Acoustic Society, Ernie Hendrickson, Newfound Road, Dixie Bee Liners, and Have Gun Will Travel at The Loveless Barn on July 28

COMEDY, DANCE, and THEATRE

Seussical the Musical at The Keeton Theatre on July 23 – August 8

High School Musical 2 at Arts Center of Cannon County through July 24

Murder at Café Noir at Murfreesboro Center for the Arts through July 24

WAMB and Regions Free Days of Big Band featuring Paul Ross Big Band at Centennial Park on July 24

Cheatham County Community Theater presents Seussical the Musical at Harpeth High School on through July 25

The Other Me Theatre Company presents Doubles at Encore Theatre Company through July 25

Alice in Wonderland at Dalewood United Methodist Church through July 31

Tall Tale Circus at Nashville’ Main Public Library through July 31

Cinderella at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre through August 7

Hello, Dolly! At Cumberland County Playhouse through August 22

FILM & VIDEO

Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky at Belcourt Theatre through July 23

Midnight Movies: Purple Rain at Belcourt Theatre on July 23 – 24

Film Screening: Hank Williams, Jr. Full Access (1986) at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 25

Laser Michael Jackson at Adventure Science Center through July 31

The Other Side of Pink Floyd at Adventure Science Center through July 31

FESTIVALS & SEASONAL

Bluegrass Along the Harpeth Fiddler’s Jamboree in Historic Downtown Franklin on July 23 – 24

3rd Annual Civil War Encampment: Hardtack & Howitzers at Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum on July 24

Murder Mystery Train Trip to DelMonaco Winery at Tennessee Central Railway Museum on July 24

Summer Saturdays: Old MacDonald’s Farm at Tennessee Agricultural Museum on July 24

The Mayor’s 3rd Annual Home Ownership Fair at Bridgestone Arena on July 25

Way Late Play Date (Adult Night) at Adventure Science Center on July 27

2010 Clarksville Writers’ Conference at Austin Peay State University on July 28 – 31

KIDS & FAMILIES

Dive-In Movie: Monsters vs. Aliens at Nashville Shores on July 23

Ice Day at Nashville Zoo at Grassmere on July 24

Summer CRUSH at Lane Motor Museum on July 24

Nashville Shores Water Park – Summer Season at Nashville Shores through August 15

Wave Country Season at Wave Country through September 5

SPORTS & RECREATION

Nashville Sounds vs. Albuquerque Isotopes at Greer Stadium through July 22

Nashville Outlaws vs. West Virginia Miners at Vanderbilt University – Hawkins Field on July 22 – 24

Full Moon Hike at Edwin and Percy Warner Park s on July 25

Nature Hike – Stone Door Trail at South Cumberland State Park on July 25

Nashville Sounds vs. Omaha Royals at Greer Stadium on July 27 – 30

MUSEUMS & VISUAL ARTS

Gallery Talk: The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957 at Frist Center for the Visual Arts on July 22

The Art of Brother Mel: A Lifetime of Making Art at The Arts Company through July 23

Southeastern Regional Bonsai Show at Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art on July 24 – 25

Centennial Art Center Gallery: Tom Rice, Sam Simms, and Barbara Rembert at Centennial Art Center through July 30

Summer Fresh Art: Chris Beck, Tony Breuer, Judy Nebhut, and Deborah Wait at The Arts Company through July 30

Romance of the Horse at Tennessee State Museum through August 22

The American Impressionists in the Garden at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art through September 5

The Golden Age of Couture: A Paris and London 1947-1957 at Frist Center for the Visual Arts through September 12

Chihuly at Cheekwood at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art through October 31

Chihuly Nights at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art through October 31

Chihuly At The Frist at Frist Center for the Visual Arts through January 2