I used to spend a fair amount of time in Old Hickory. I liked to paddle on Old Hickory Lake there, getting into the water at the northern end near the Tailwater Access Area. (Hot tip: There’s a small beach, too, if you are looking to swim on these hot days.) One super-hot summer day, I heard the weirdest noise, rounded the bend, and saw a herd of cattle in the lake. They had somehow moved into the water to escape the heat.
For some reason (not the cows!), I haven’t been paddling there as often, so a few weeks ago my friend Susi and I headed out on an adventure.
I am working on being more intentional with my spending and it was tough not to load up a bag of impulse purchases at this candy store/vintage oddity/stationery shop. I wanted a notepad with a line drawing of a human and red lips on their butt. I wanted a paper-mâché steak. I nabbed candy from Bon Bon, a Swedish candy shop in New York that I love, and a tiny French poodle charm.
In case you missed the earlier newsletter on the subject, I'll say it again: Nashville is having an indie bookstore renaissance. Duckbill is one of my favorites. It sells both new and used books, many of which are recently published and 50% off the cover price). There are places to sit and browse and chat, which is not the case with a lot of smaller indie shops. They also want your opinion. Fill out a card about a book you love, and they’ll display it on a shelf so others can read your recommendation.
I have been meaning to get to Hamby’s for a while, and I have no idea why it took me so long. It’s stocked with terrific produce (more peaches-and-cream corn, please), locally-made ice cream, nostalgic candy, groceries, and incredible-smelling soap. Because I stocked up at Powder City, I showed some candy restraint. Mark your calendars: Ice cream is 50% off the first Tuesday of the month.
I have yet to make my own perfume at Story Fragrance Library, but I’m hot to do it. You book a private session and with the help of a perfumer, create a custom scent … or recreate one you once loved that is no longer made. You also can book a one-hour session with friends.
