Nashville’s Big Back Yard is a natural watershed region anchored by 100 miles of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway and made up of 12 connected communities with populations under 5000 people, and The Shoals of North Alabama. This isn’t your average middle-of-nowhere. NBBY is anchored by two world-famous music cities: Nashville to the north and Muscle Shoals, Alabama to the south. The Shoals offers a musical history unlike any other place in the world. In between, communities are infused with music history and nationally significant stories to tell. The arts are alive, with local makers and talent everywhere you look. And with Nashville nearby, high- energy urban life is just a stone’s throw away. Nashville’s Big Back Yard has the best seats in the house when it comes to natural splendor. There's easy access to the Duck, Tennessee, and Buffalo Rivers; nearby state parks and national monuments; incredible hiking, camping, and equestrian options; a four-season climate; and breath-taking views of the rolling Tennessee countryside.Join us at the table as we discuss Nashville’s Big Back Yard.Best two websites to help you plan your adventure in these areas are NashvillesBigBackYard and ExperienceTN.comMentioned in this episode: Leiper’s Fork We did a previous episode on Visit Leiper’s ForkCenterville We did an episode with Minnie Pearl’s niece, Mary Beth Pruett, in Centerville that you can listen to hereGrinder’s Switch Winery - We did an episode on Muscadines Horseshoe Bend WinesMcCampbell Art Studio is on the square and she is a personal favorite of Lainie'sBanana Pudding Festival (October)Santa Fe (pronounced “fee” not ‘fe' like New Mexico)Forrest Gully Farms- Sustainability tourism and “hobbit house” rentals on AirbnbFishers Off Road Rentals - https://www.fishersoffroadrentals.com Williamsport Hand Woven- Loom-weaving workshops and handmade goodsSanta Fe DinerFly Antique Store HilltownTN - sustainability workshops, Axe Camp, Tree CampThe Farm and Fiddle - CSA farmAthena's Harvest Farm -CSA farm and agriculture training centerPapa Beaudreaux’s Cajun (Cash only)Mt PleasantHistoric Walking Tours: https://historicmtpleasanttenn.com Hampshire Keg Springs Winery Amber Falls WineryAdorable guest cottage on property. https://www.amberfallswinery.com/guest-cottageHohenwald Elephant Sanctuary; Discovery Center Meriweather Lewis Monument, we did an episode on the Natchez Trace Parkway Junkyard Dog SteakhouseLindon Commodore Hotel - https://www.commodorehotellinden.com/Kayaking through the Commodore Hotel (Night Kayaking) - “Glow with the Flow” Blooming Arts Festival (March)Summertown Yoder’s Homestead Market Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural AreaWheelin in the CountryCliftonCommodore Inn at Clifton- Victorian home with modern amenities Waynesboro Nature lovers!Lodging: https://www.natchezvalley.com/stay-the-night or https://www.crazyhorsecanoe.com/lodge.htmlCollinwood The Dragonfly - community and coffeeLibrary is a little train depotLoretto Community events and Christmas ParadeThe Shoals (Muscle Shoals, AL)Muscle Shoals episode featuring Muscle Shoals Sound and FAME StudiosCOME PLAY IN OUR BIG BACK YARD!!Steel Magnolias Podcast is an independent show funded solely on support from listeners like you and a few advertisers from time to time.Are you enjoying the show? We hope you’ll text a friend or loved one to tell them about this podcast. Share link:  https://tr.ee/Bi-_8D-glbAnd we invite you to join our mailing list to be the first to know about episodes, giveaways and events….sign up at SteelMagnoliasPodcast.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/steel-magnolias-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands