It’s difficult to explain. It’s one of those experiences you just have to take a day and spend in downtown Dickson, Tennessee to understand all it has to offer. There are so many unique businesses, you won’t believe it. It has the most eclectic group of shops and restaurants.

Let’s start with the eateries(my personal favorite):

Miss Mable’s Tea Room is another one you won’t want to miss. “High Tea, anyone?” It’s just off main street and has scones, tea, tiny little tea sandwiches and homemade chicken salad. Oh dear! I’m getting hungry thinking about that chicken salad. On the weekends, they have a buffet. This is a family run business. Fay Davidson is the owner. Her daughter works there and Faye’s son-in-law is the chef. She must be one good mother in law. That’s all I’ve got to say!

House Blend is a coffee shop located on main street offering biscotti, bagels and more. This little coffee shop also has gifts.

Silver Spoon has great hot deli sandwiches and is divine for lunch. They have these darling boxed lunches tied with a bow. That’s cute enough, but their caramel brownies and carrot cake are so good. Well, let’s just say that if they ran out, and you saw your neighbor getting ready to take a bite of the last caramel brownie, you’d be tempted to rip that brownie right out of their hand! I’m not kidding.

Sisters is a meat and three right off of main street. How’s that for a good ‘ole southern restaurant name? Doesn’t get much better than that. I’m not sure if “Flo” works there, but there’s a good chance. If you don’t get there by noon, it ain’t happenin’.

ENOUGH OF FEEDING OUR PIE HOLES, ALREADY!!!

Let’s talk about shopping! Get a load of these precious store names:

The Spunky Monkey is a gift shop offering candles, lamps, purses, artwork and furniture. This is a great place to buy wedding gifts!

Studio 123 has contemporary art and Jewelry.

Hamilton Place is an antique mall right off of College street. It’s located right next to the Pink Hydrangea. How cute is that name?

The Pink Hydrangea offers soooo many gifts such as jewelry, handbags, a clothing line for babies and toys. They also have glassware containers and soaps for your bathroom. Have you ever heard of a small town having such fabulous shopping? I couldn’t get over it and you won’t either when you spend a day in Dickson, Tennessee!

Wrap up your visit to Dickson by picking up some fertilizer at The Plant Ranch and call it a day!

Some friends and clients of mine were visiting from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. One of their “required” stops on each visit is Margot Cafe’ and Bar. We were lucky enough to be seated on the porch. It’s an outdoor area when it’s warm but they had the area covered and supplied with heaters. It was quite cozy. Did I mention charming?

The evening started out with a very personable server, Emily. She had the entire porch area so she could focus only on those dining out there. She also was able to place our orders without leaving this area so she was very attentive. This young lady was precious and very knowledgeable about Margot’s menu. I enjoyed a first course of market lettuces with apples, walnuts, gorgonzola and cider vinaigrette. The first courses are just the right size and ohh so tasty!

NEXT! My second course was the Grilled Painted Hills Ribeye with Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans and Mushroom Demi. Cooked to a perfect medium rare. Emeril would give this second course a BIG FAT “BAM!”

Okay, I was bragging about our server, Emily. That is until she had the nerve to return and persuade us in trying not one, but TWO desserts. It’s always the skinny ones that twist our arms to feed our faces, right?

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Which one was better? The Meyer Lemon Pound Cake w/homemade icing or the Chocolate Fudge Cake? I’d normally say the Chocolate Fudge Cake but it had been so long since I’d had my Grandma’s homemade Lemon Pound Cake that it took #1! My 96 year old grandmother recently moved to an assisted living facility and she doesn’t have a stove in her apartment. I ordered her a piece of Margot’s Lemon Pound Cake to go. Needless to say, this made her year!

Emily redeemed herself until she returned and asked if we’d like an after dinner drink. I think the looks on our chubby stuffed little faces inspired Emily to quickly bring the check. Well worth every dime. I clearly see why Margot is one of Nashville’s favorites!

What makes Sylvan Park so charming is that no house looks the same. Some built in the 1920’s, 40’s, new construction, great additions and more. It seems that just about everyone loves their pets in the neighborhood. Every night at dusk, you’ll meet many on walks with their four legged friends. Lots of new people moving into this neighborhood. Houses don’t last long…..that’s for sure. It’s because everyone knows the convenience they love and once they experience that, it’s hard settle for anything less.

Sylvan Park has the following and they’re all within walking distance: McCabe Golf Course, the neighborhood Landscape Center, McCabe Pub, the neighborhood Vet, Café Nonna, Park Café, Goldie’s Deli, Star Bagel and more.

Sylvan Park Elementary is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. This elementary is highly supported by the neighborhood and is one of the best in Nashville! Congratulations to Principal Ms. Evalina Cheadle, the staff and students! Have a great birthday!

My latest experience in bringing folks to the East Side is with a couple who is moving here from Michigan. After spending several days with them, we drove to the East Side and that was it! It was love at first sight. We found a house that’s less than half a mile from Five Points. This house has been completely renovated with a great addition. The development company has done an amazing job keeping the style of our historic East Nashville homes while selecting classic colors, tile and fixtures. My couple can’t wait to move and start enjoying all that Nashville has to offer.

I noticed the Art and Invention Gallery is having their 4th annual Tomato Art Festival on August 11th. It’s a great little event that has paintings, shirts, jewelry and more. Where is this event? Near Five Points, of course! You won’t want to miss it. I wouldn’t dress up if you’re planning on participating in the Tomato Toss. Don’t have any tomatoes? Don’t worry. Our friendly Farmer’s Market will be donating their unsellable tomatoes for the event. See you there!

My client just bought a home in Ranchettes and she’s thrilled beyond words! It’s a large cottage with an amazing fenced backyard. Her backyard is so heavily wooded, you have to strain to see the neighbors behind her lot. She already has plans for a turnaround drive, hot tub on her wraparound porch and personalizing her large unfinished basement. I don’t think she’s hardly going to be able to wait until we close so be in her new hilltop retreat. Rachettes is a special place and if you’ve never driven to Kingston Springs or in that community, it’s definitely worth a Sunday drive.