It's finally summer and what better way to celebrate the season than with fun activities that the whole family can enjoy?
NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating more than fifty music genres and styles that were created, influenced and/or inspired by African Americans, including spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip hop. Using artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing and state-of-the-art technology, each of the museum galleries is designed to share a different narrative and a unique perspective on African American music and history. The museum will tell the story of how a distinct group of people used their artistry to impact and change the world.
The museum’s expertly-curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. The interactive experience at NMAAM goes home with you as well through our RFID bracelets. As you sing with the Nashville Super Choir, make your blues song, dance your heart away, produce a hip hop beat, and curate your own playlists you can save your experience with our bracelets and get an email of all the history you created. Museum visitors begin their NMAAM journey in the Roots Theater with an introductory film presentation that gives an overview of west and central African cultures and the institution of slavery. The Rivers of Rhythm corridor is the central spine of the museum experience, and features touch panel interactives and an animated timeline that links American history with American music history. nmaam.org
What do contemporary sculptures from Southern California and medieval knight’s armor from Europe have in common? Serious surface appeal this summer at the Frist Art Museum.
Light, Space, Surface: Works from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, on view from July 1 through October 10, features sculptures, paintings, and immersive installations by Southern California artists of the Light and Space and “finish fetish” movements from the 1960s to the present. The renowned artists, including Robert Irwin, Helen Pashgian, James Turrell, are united by an interest in manipulating the medium of light to alter the perception of form, architectural space, and surface qualities. The work’s glossy surfaces and intense light immediately evoke the bright oceanside environment of Southern California, with its iconic car and surfboard culture.
For a lesson in heavy metal, check out Knights in Armor, a stunning showcase of arms and armor from the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy. On view from July 1 through October 9, the exhibition features full suits of armor, mounted equestrian figures, swords, and other weaponry from the Middle Ages and Renaissance that tell the tale of the European knights. While explaining the historical and functional contexts of arms and armor of this period, the exhibition simultaneously highlights the undeniable beauty and artistic appeal of these works. In the beloved interactive Martin ArtQuest Gallery, guests of all ages can also look forward to new art-making activities including creating shields, model horses, and armor; a knight drawing station; mythical creature animations; building block castles and much more. fristartmuseum.org
All aboard the Enchanted Express! TRAINS! is bigger and better than ever. A new immersive expansion of the existing TRAINS! exhibit opens on June 14. With three additional tracks and an enchanted train station in the natural form of an old tree, children are transported to a secret garden and charming forest scene. Each entrance includes a child-sized tunnel, leading to observation domes for an up-close and immersive ‘worm’s-eye-view’ of the garden and forest. Celebrate dad’s day in style! Cruise into Cheekwood and stroll among over 40 impeccably maintained classic cars from the early to mid-twentieth century during this dazzling two-day event. Enjoy the sounds of the barbershop quartet, High Gravity, savor tasty fare from local food trucks and grab a drink from our bar stations. Elegant car from a bygone era shine against the backdrop of Cheekwood’s gardens. The weekend culminates with an 11-mile Tour d’Elegance through the streets of the City of Belle Meade. There is something for everyone, including hands-on activities for the kids, so bring out the whole family for the perfect Father’s Day Weekend at Cheekwood. cheekwood.org
SOAR Adventure Tower is the ideal destination for your next adventure. The unique tower offers a safe and interactive atmosphere that features four levels and over 110 climbing elements that will challenge kids and adults both mentally and physically. Choose to explore the tower; try the obstacles that you feel comfortable with like a simple bridge ten-feet above the ground or challenge yourself with the monkey bars forty-five-feet in the air. Our adventure guides are the best and will be keeping you safe throughout the experience. Try the twilight adventure with a nighttime climb under the lights. Around the grounds, we offer an eighteen-hole miniature golf course with custom designed musically themed holes that can only be found in Music City! After your climb or during your round of golf, you can enjoy a frosty cold beer or cider from our new bar! Group rates available for 10 or more. Adventure awaits at SOAR. soaradventure.com
#18: Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Camry Pedigree, #10: Aric Almirola, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford Mustang Smithfield
If you happen to hear a rumbling off in the distance, it might be the sound of NASCAR fast-approaching Nashville again. Brace yourself Music City, because the ‘Symphony of Speed’ that is the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race weekend returns to Nashville Superspeedway June 24 through 26.
This electric three-day celebration features the Rackley Roofing 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday (6/24) and the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday (6/25), and culminates with the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday (6/26). Whether you’re a long-time race fan or this is your first-ever visit to a track, the NASCAR experience does not disappoint. Few sporting events can offer the sheer energy and excitement generated by some of the world’s best drivers pushing their cars up to nearly 200 miles per hour in tight formation. And to bring a little bit of Broadway to Victory Lane, all race winners receive a custom Nashville Superspeedway Gibson guitar in addition to the race trophy.
In fact, the whole weekend serves up a decidedly Nashville flavor. A day at the track involves so much more than incredible racing. Great for families or groups of friends, there’s a little something for everyone, with live music, camping, fireworks and fun Fan Zone experiences. Whether you attend all three days or just a single race, you won’t want to miss the experience that is #NASHCAR! nashvillesuperspeedway.com
Be dazzled this summer at Night Visions at Nashville Zoo. On Thursday through Sunday nights until July 17, guests can see lights dancing on the trees, hear sounds pulsing through the air, and experience an all-immersive, five-senses engaging, do-not-want-to- miss spectacle.
Night Visions will feature different areas of the Zoo including Entry Village, Jungle Gym playground, Festival Field, Kangaroo Bridge, Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear, Flamingo Lagoon, and the pond by Unseen New World. The event will begin at dusk so start times depend on sunset times. Night Visions can be enjoyed in just under two hours, but it is a self-paced journey for those who wish to stay longer. Guests strolling through Night Visions can quench their thirst with an on-the-go beer, wine, margarita, or coffee and feed their hunger with pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs and more at concession stands set up around the Zoo.
Tickets for Night Visions are available online and at the night of the event. Single night admission is $23 for adults and teens and $19 for children (ages 2-12). Nashville Zoo members can save $2 per single admission ticket. Guests can purchase the Platinum Pass and enjoy unlimited visits throughout the duration of the event which is $35 for adults and teens and $29 for children (ages 2-12). Night Visions is free for ages two and under and is a rain or shine event. nashvillezoo.org
Jump into the thrill at Bally’s Evansville, located just two hours away from Nashville on the scenic banks of the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. The twenty-four-hour casino and hotel are the perfect escape any time of the year.
PLAY: Over 45,000 square feet of gaming space featuring over 1,000 slot games, over 30 live and electronic table games, and a High Limit Room.
DINE: Cavanaugh’s On the River serves the finest cuisine paired with sweeping river views, and a piano bar. Tap House provides guests with a convenient dining option, just steps away from the casino. The Tap House Bar features thirty-six beer taps and a selection of wine and liquor. The Deli is located just outside of the casino and is open to guests of all ages. Enjoy sandwiches, nachos, pizza, salad and more, plus a full coffee menu.
STAY: Bally’s Evansville features two hotels just steps away from the casino. Bally’s Hotel includes 243 hotel rooms and suites, each with a comfortable, contemporary design. Legend’s Tower has 95 rooms and suites and offers the ultimate in modern luxury.
HOST: Whether you’re planning a small business meeting or a large wedding, Bally’s Convention Services Team is ready to work with you to create a customized event. Event spaces include Hotel Meeting Rooms, Conference Center, Riverfront Event Center, outdoor Events Plaza, and Riverfront Overlook. ballys.com/evansville/
An unforgettable Bourbon experience is closer than you think. Located only two hours from Nashville in Owensboro, Kentucky, you’ll find the historic Green River Distilling Co. The tenth oldest registered distillery in Kentucky, Green River was founded by J.W. McCulloch in 1885, and its whiskey was world-renowned before fire and Prohibition relegated it to history. The Green River distillery has been revived to its former glory and Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first Green River Bourbon available after more than a century, is now distilled, aged, and bottled on the same ground as it was in 1885.
We invite you to visit the westernmost point on the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and enjoy a remarkable place to sip Bourbon and explore its heritage. You will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look into traditional Bourbon whiskey making, including the distilling and barrel aging processes. The campus itself is known as Bourbon’s “hallowed ground” and has more than 28 acres of Bourbon history to explore. The Green River visitors center offers a cocktail lounge and a variety of tour experiences, including a special barrel thieving tour. While in town, find out why Owensboro is known for its Bourbon, Bluegrass music, and BBQ too! Grab a bite to eat in one of the city’s many wonderful restaurants and visit the Bluegrass Hall of Fame to round out your experience. greenriverdistilling.com
High angle view from wooden pavilion gazebo by beach at Gulf of Mexico at Seaside, Florida by new urbanism rental house home architecture with people walking on ocean sea coast
Happy father and adorable little kids on tropical beach having fun. Family vacation
Florida’s Emerald Coast is one of the fastest growing and most sought after family destinations. Owning a second home in Destin or on 30A is truly the American Dream, but managing your vacation rental can take the fun out of your happy place. Let Glass Casa Vacation Rentals handle the stress of managing and renting your property, so you have more time to enjoy your vacation home.
We specialize in working directly with owners to manage your vacation rental asset. Let us manage the day-to-day operations while maximizing your investment income with diligence and professionalism. With more than thirty years of experience in the vacation rental management industry, we realize the importance of hands-on personalized service. Our staff of trained professionals knows the value of great service and true hospitality. No software, app or electronic device can take the place of the hands-on personal touch. At Glass Casa, we tailor our rental management agreements to each property and owner, realizing that no two are the same. Unlike the big box companies, we meet the individual needs of our owners. We invite you to experience the difference of no monthly fees, no marketing fees or working balances, and much more. Glass Casa offers a full suite of services to every owner — no matter the size or location of the property. glasscasa.com
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