The movie schedule is as follows:

May 28 - Jurassic Park
June 4 - The Birds
June 11 - The Goonies
June 18 - Dirty Dancing
June 25 - Shrek III

Centennial Park is located at 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN.

Presented by Merrell, in partnership with Lincoln Mercury.
Sponsors include Comcast Spotlight, 107.5 The River, and Nashville Shores.

The Southern Festival of  Books was first held in Nashville in 1989, and it was held here for fifteen years before moving to Memphis in 2004. At that point, it was decided the festival would alternate between Memphis and Nashville, every other year. It is always held during the second weekend in October.
During the festival, over 200 authors and 50 exhibitors are available to meet with book lovers for readings, discussions and book signings. Fans of any genre of literature will find something to experience during the multi-day event. And the best part of it all? It's Free!!

The Southern Book Festival is held in Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville.
The Festival Hours
Friday, October 12 from Noon–6 pm
Saturday, October 13 from 9 am–6 pm
Sunday, October 14 from Noon–5 pm

Visit the Festival Site for directions, accommodations and a schedule of events.

http://www.tn-humanities.org/festival/index.php

Located adjacent to Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry House, Opry Mills is a one-stop chance at entertainment, shopping and dining. It features many chain stores, such as Old Navy, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Victoria's Secret,  and Bass Pro Shops. It's a great place to go for all your Nashville and Tennessee souvenirs. Don't miss the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase for a look at these famous guitars. Stay for a show later in the evening. Perhaps take in a game of blacklight miniature golf. Not only does the mall feature a full food court, you can also enjoy a meal at the Rainforest Cafe, Dave and Busters, or Johnny Rockets.

Opry Mills Mall is an attraction in and of itself in Nashville. You can easily spend hours in the many stores, shops and entertainment offerings without ever having to move your car.

http://www.oprymills.us/

Enter Biggshaw, hailed as "your personal chauffeur, delivery service, valet, and tour guide all rolled into one." This unique transportation service is one part motorcycle, one part carriage and one part just fun to do.

They offer transportation to and from residences and hotels in downtown Nashville, Mid Town, West End, The Gulch, Vanderbilt, Hillsborough Village, and stadium areas. The provide tours of Nashville which include historical, musical, cultural, and natural sights. It's a great way to avoid the dangers of drinking and driving when on a downtown pub crawl. They also are just plain helpful when your feet hurt and you just don't want to walk all the way to your car (as has happened to me a few times!). As they say, "No ride's too small!"

Biggshaw runs day and night, and they are only a phone call away. Most pickups are done within a short 10 minutes wait-period, and their rates are affordable. I said it before, and I'll say it again. Besides being a useful service, it's all just FUN to do! A definite, "Must do" on a visit to Nashville.

Call Biggshaw for a ride! (615) 244- GOGO

http://www.biggshaw.com/

While the combination of steak and spaghetti may sound a little strange to some, don't let it scare you from going in and trying the food that has won the restaurant multiple awards. You will not be sorry once you treat your taste buds to the menu that has kept Nashvillians coming back for almost 20 years.

The atmosphere is that of a classic steakhouse, however don't feel you have to get all dressed up to go eat. Demos' is a restaurant that anyone can enter. You will see teenagers still wearing their uniforms from a recent sporting event all the way to couples on a romantic date dressed to the nines.

With the atmosphere and quality of food provided at Demos', you'd probably be surprised by the prices. Demos' is without a doubt one of the most reasonable restaurants at which to eat in the Nashville area. My husband and I are always amazed by how small our check is at the end of the night --- always lower than what we pay to eat at other well known restaurants.

When I go on vacation, I always want to find someplace to eat that I can't go to when I get back home. Visitors to Nashville wanting the same experience should definitely add Demos' to their list of "must dos" upon visiting Music City.

Locations
Murfreesboro
1115 Northwest Broad Street
(One block north of Medical Center Parkway on Broad St. US 41)
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 895-3701

Hours:
Sunday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Nashville
300 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 256-4655

Hours:
Sunday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Lebanon
130 Legends Drive
(Turn at Holiday Inn)
Lebanon, TN 37087
(615) 443-4600

Hours:
Sunday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Hendersonville
161 Indian Lake Blvd, Hendersonville, TN 37075
(Across from Regal Cinemas at entrance to Drake's Creek Park)
(615) 824-9097

Hours:
Sunday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

http://www.demosrestaurants.com/

Saturday and Sunday, September 1 & 2, is the 2007 Music City J.A.M. ( standing for Jazz And More) at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville and headlining the event is Grammy nominated Brian McKnight. Tickets can be obtained through Ticketmaster for $25 for a two day pass or $15 for one day. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Museum of African American Music, Art & Culture, and Music City, Inc.

If you are interested in good music, but you don't feel like being stuck indoors this Labor Day weekend. Plan to head out to Riverfront Park for some jazz (and more!) music on the river.

For more information, and to get the answer to any questions, visit the even web-site at http://www.musiccityjam.net

Saturday, September 1
Gates Open @ 11:30 a.m.

Live Music Noon - 6:30 p.m.
The Leonard Small Situation
Laura Vida
Fisk Jubilee Singers
George Huff
The Gabe Dixon Band
Guitars & Saxes featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub & Tim Bowman

Sunday, September 2
Gates Open @ 12:30 p.m.

Live Music 1 – 9 p.m.
Denny Jiosa
Ron Gutierrez
Higher Ground
April Barrows
Kirk Whalum
Jaci Velasquez
Brian McKnight

Fireworks following final performance.

*Artists and times subject to change

When traveling, there is always that want for "the perfect photo" from your trip. The one that you can frame and it just say everything in a glance.

When visiting Nashville, look no further than the Shelby Street Bridge. It's a pedestrian-only bridge that spans the Cumberland River right at downtown. Half-way across the bridge, there is an area in which you can get "that perfect photo" of the Nashville skyline. Ask someone to take a picture for you, or bring a tripod, and make sure to get in the picture yourself!

More than anything, though, it's a beautiful piece of architecture in itself. The guardrails are intricately designed panels showing river travel on the Cumberland. Boat-shaped seating lines the walkway. An orange and beige pattern gives a unique look to the walkway, and the arched trusses, which are beautifully lit at night, give a feeling of days that have long passed when the bridge was used for everyone to cross the river.

On one end of the bridge is the Shermerhorn Symphony Center. On the other end is LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans. This bridge is a definite must-see for anyone visiting Nashville. Best part of it all, though? It's free!

For more information on the bridge and its history, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Street_Bridge

In Centennial Park, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival presents a Shakespearean play for any who would like a family-friendly and FREE night of entertainment under the stars. They do accept donations and in exchange you receive a playbill and/or Mardi Gras beads.

This year, the troop is presenting two plays: "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." The shows are true to Shakespeare's play, but they are brought forward into more recent times. This makes them easier to follow and adds a whole special element of entertainment to the whole production.

Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30 pm and the play starts at 7:30 pm. The plays end around 10:00 pm. There is food and drinks available on-site for purchase, or you can bring your own.

In a time in which movies tend to be expensive, and it can be difficult finding a family-friendly environment, Shakespeare in the Park is a refreshing change of pace for an evening. There are benches available, the whole front section of the play area is reserved for people who bring their own blankets to sit out on the grass.

The Merry Wives of Windsor
August 16, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 30, 31,
September 3, 8 & 9

The Two Gentlemen of Verona
August 23, 24, September 1, 2, 6 & 7

For more information, including directions to the park: http://www.nashvilleshakes.org

Lying between 3rd and 4th streets and joining Church and Union streets, Printer's Alley is one of the top places to go for Nashville nightlife as well as for a lot of history. During the day, you can walk through the alley and revel in the deep history it holds. Then at night, it comes alive with music spilling out into the walkway and the locals sharing a rare camaraderie found in a city.

The alley earned its name for its ties to Nashville's printing and publishing companies. In the 1800s, known as the Men's Quarters, cafes and saloons opened in the alley and were frequented by the men working in the printing industry as well as by many politicians. It is rumored that even Presidents have walked the cobblestone road that is today known as Printer's Alley.

It survived prohibition and the eventual exit of the printers and publishers that are its namesake. Today, you'll find two live band bars, two karaoke bars, and one adult entertainment bar. Boubon Street Blues and Boogie Bar, the Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar, Lonnie's Western Room, Ms. Kellis and The Brass Stables all call Printer's Alley home today. You would expect to find a fierce competition between them all, when instead you find them all willing to help you find which bar is right for your tastes.

Printer's Alley... where you can go for a beer and leave with a lesson in Nashville history.

For more information on the alley's history, visit http://www.theprintersalley.com/.

 The Rutledge is a bar, restaurant and music venue. It is smoke free (hallelujah!), although it does offer a spacious smoker's deck. You can hang out with your friends, smoke and still hear the live music. The venue itself is absolutely gorgeous. Previously known as Blue Sky Court, this venue has been revamped. For those who were found of Blue Sky Court, The Rutledge's interior still looks the same, but many wonderful additions have been made.

As you walk into the Rutledge, you will immediatly see the bar (good prices and nice bartenders). To your right, is a large opening into a large room where the band plays. The stage is larger than most stages I've seen in  Nashville, and the sound and light engineers do a really great job while the bands are playing.

There are two levels in the music venue. On the lower level, there are a few tables, but the lower level is really intended for those who want to stand up during the set, while the slightly higher level, offers more tables for those who are eating or prefer to sit.  I have been to The Rutledge during a packed concert, and this layout is has proven to be a great way to cater to all the different guests.

 The Rutledge has done what all music venues in Nashville need to do--which is create an atmosphere where people can listen and watch music comfortably. Far too often I find myself leaving venus because it's too smokey or it's just plain dirty. I think many music lovers will gravitate towards The Rutledge.

The Rutledge is located at 410 4th Ave. S.

782-6858

www.therutledgelmv.com