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City Cast Nashville

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks by Nashville locals, for locals.

Margaret Kingsbury

 because of the U.S. and Israel’s joint attacks on Iran. According to AAA, 

 are $3.698 a gallon on average, up from $2.625 just one month ago. Here are some tips for saving on gas in Nashville.

WeGo is adding new bus routes and improvements regularly thanks to the Choose How You Move transit program. Now just might be the time to investigate 

 to and from your most frequent destinations, if you aren’t a bus rider yet.

 is free and tracks gas prices in your area. Enter your address or route, and it will show you the current gas prices at stations along the way. It’s crowdsourced, and you can enter your receipts to earn points toward rewards, including discounts on gas. You can also play games to earn points.

 gives you points for every dollar you spend on groceries to be spent at Kroger gas stations. Kroger frequently offers 4x bonus fuel points days. If you’re a frequent Kroger shopper, buy some gift cards on those days to rack up more fuel points. 

 also have fuel savings programs for members. If you tend to go to the same gas station, check whether it has 

 keeping tires properly inflated, and making sure to drive the speed limit. As speeds exceed 50 mph on the highway, aerodynamic drag reduces fuel economy. While limiting air conditioner use helps save on gas, that’s often impossible in Nashville. Use a windshield shade to lessen heat buildup inside the car, and remove bulky items — it takes more fuel to accelerate in a heavier car.

Saving Money on Gas

🚗 What are your cost-saving tips?

Gas prices are rising. Here are some tips for saving money on gas in Nashville.

Tips for Saving Money on Gas in Nashville

How To Save Money on Gas in Nashville

Tips and tricks for living your best Nashville life, by locals, for locals.

Nashville Life Hacks

Whitney Pastorek

As Nashville continues to feel the impact of Winter Storm Fern, we’re rounding up food and warming shelter information, as well as ways to get and give help. We will continue to update this page with the newest information and resources as we hear about them. 

Winter Storm Fern Resources

Metro Nashville has set up a FAQ with resources at 

If you or someone you know is facing eviction or mortgage foreclosure due to the storm, or missed an eviction court date, please visit 

 or call 833-837-HOME (4663). If you have an upcoming court date, do not skip it. Your chance at getting help from the Eviction Right To Counsel program dramatically increases if you show up — look for the blue table. If you need to check your court date or the status of your case, call the General Sessions Court Clerk at 615-862-5195.

TEMA is encouraging residents to self-report damage to their homes by 

. This will help officials identify potential needs.

Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) has opened their needs tracker at 

. Fill out the form if you need any form of support, and you will be contacted directly when resources become available.

 hotline at 211 for food, shelter, warming center information, and other local assistance.

The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp has set up a central database of local hotels offering discounts to Nashville residents, as well as their availability. 

 is providing support to country music industry professionals.

Those concerned about eviction can call 833-837-HOME (4663) or visit 

For assistance with damage or debris, call the Crisis Clean Up Hotline at 844-965-1386. They are also seeking 

Trash pickup is resuming where possible on Jan. 30. Here is 

 has posted guidelines to keep pipes safe. If you see a leak or water main break, call them at 615-862-4600.

 has a new resource line for seniors seeking assistance. Call 844-502-6387.

 have posted guidelines on winter storm tree damage, safety, and recovery.

A multi-lingual winter storm resource guide is available at 

Donate to the United Way and Community Foundation 

 listing multiple funds and organizations that need donations in the wake of the storm.

 has opened its volunteer sign-up for February.

 to volunteer for wellness checks on our elderly neighbors in East Nashville

 is in urgent need of food to meet demand.

Sign up to volunteer or bring a meal to the 

 has been seeking volunteers to help with wellness phone banking and food distribution in North Nashville.

Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

 is seeking volunteers for wellness phone banking.

 is seeking volunteers for wellness check phone banking.

Donate unused supplies (gloves, hand warmers, diapers, etc.) to the Community Resource Center. 

Second Harvest is requesting volunteers to help sort and pack food via 

multiple opportunities to volunteer across our city

The Southeast Community Center, Bellevue Community Center, and Madison Community Center are serving as warming shelters, and provide food and bedding. Call 615-401-1712 if you need transportation.

All Metro Nashville fire stations and most police precincts are also serving as warming shelters during the day.

Pets are welcome at these Metro Nashville shelters.

Metro Parks and Greenways are still facing significant closures due to storm damage. 

If you receive SNAP benefits and lost power, 

. The deadline has been extended to Feb. 23.

 is also hosting regular food distributions, keep an eye on their Instagram. They are also 

Second Harvest has resumed mobile food distributions. Here is 

is giving away free bagged meals for kids at both locations, no questions asked. They are also accepting donations.

 is giving away free BBQ sandwiches to those who need them until power is restored.

 is open daily at 11 a.m. with warm meals and activities. Their 

 opens every evening when temps are below 40 degrees at 5:30 p.m. for shelter and warm meals.

 offers warm meals and resources. Hours vary.

Dream Streets operates food banks in several locations seven days a week, and 

 may be able to help those who lost food during a power outage, regardless of faith.

 — we are reposting every resource we see!

📧 Email Us With More Tips

As Nashville continues to feel the impact of Winter Storm Fern, we’re rounding up food and warming shelter information.

Resources for Folks Impacted by Winter Storm Fern in Nashville

Winter Storm Fern Resources: Where To Get Help and Give Help in Nashville

We’ve got snow in this weekend’s forecast, folks, which means it could either miss us completely, or shut down the city for a week. Here are some tips for surviving snow in Nashville.

 and social media for forecasts and updates. If you’re new, you might not know how erratic the weather is here. Forecasts change rapidly. But if we get any snow, Nashville shuts down.

Cover porch steps or walkways with tarp or cardboard, so you can clear snow more easily.

Shop responsibly at the grocery store. Yes, it’s smart to stock up on supplies, but leave enough for your neighbors, too.

Get any medications from the pharmacy before Saturday.

Check in on your elderly family members and neighbors to see if they need anything.

Stock up on books, music, and movies from the library.

Schools will likely call out if there’s snow, though MNPS tends to wait until the last minute. Be prepared for kids being home at least a few days.

The best sledding hill is the one you can walk to. Please, don’t try to drive on slippery roads to find a cool hill!

Don’t have a sled? Trash can and organizer bin lids can work in a pinch.

No snow boots? Wrap plastic bags around your socks before putting your shoes on, to prevent your feet from getting wet.

 of your snow creations and snow-day fun, and I’ll feature ‘em in the Hey Nashville newsletter!

Snow Day Pics

Maybe you’ve driven in snow plenty of times. Great. Unfortunately, there will be someone else on the road sliding around like butter in a hot pan. They’re just as likely to hit you as a mailbox. It’s not worth going out until the roads are clear, if you can help it. Many people don’t have snow tires, and our roads just aren’t equipped to handle snow and ice.

Instead, make something yummy, drink hot chocolate, and cozy up on the couch with some books and movies. If you have outdoor pets, bring them inside.

Nashville now has a fleet of 45 snow plows, including 

. That’s much more than in previous years, so there’s hope it won’t take too long for roads to get cleared. Check 

, and stick to primary roads as much as possible.

Clear the snow from the top of your car before heading out.

If you get stuck, check Facebook for local 4x4 emergency groups.

Once the ice and snow begin to melt, beware of potholes.

Stay safe out there, folks! And have fun!

❄️ How To Deice Responsibly

Here are some tips for navigating snow in Nashville, from preparing early to driving safely.

Snow Day Tips in Nashville

Your Guide To Snowy Days in Nashville

Want to join a book club this year? There are many book clubs in Nashville for readers of all kinds. It’s a great way to get out in the community and make new friends while doing something you love. Here’s your guide to finding a book club in Nashville.

: Parnassus offers five monthly book clubs that meet in the store: The Parnassus Book Club, The Parnassus Classics Club, Between the Covers Romance Book Club, Fantasy Readers Guild, and Unrequired Reading: A Teen Book Club. Find details on the Parnassus 

, and by subscribing to the club’s newsletter.

: Between now and the end of February, The Bookshop is hosting 12 book clubs with a variety of themes! I’m eyeing the Unlikeable Females Book Club 👀 The Bookshop announces book clubs and reading material on their website, social media, and newsletter.

: Ordering Novelette’s book club pick from the store is your ticket to attending. In February, they’re reading “

” by Yume Kitasei, which is on my TBR pile!

: This micro bookstore has book clubs at different locations across Nashville. Watch their social media for meet-up announcements.

The Silent Book Club is just what it sounds like: People gather at various locations across town and read whatever they want silently. No discussion, just reading. These are hugely popular and fill up fast, so watch their social media for new book club announcements and RSVP! They also frequently team up with bookstores. On the first Sunday of each month, they partner with The Bookshop for a 

NPL has heaps of monthly book clubs at various branches, from the Black Female Authors Book Club at Richland Park to a Caffeinated Book Club at Edgehill. Book clubs previously hosted at the downtown and Green Hills branches are either on hold until those buildings reopen, or are hosted online or at a different branch.

This exclusive monthly book club only allows administrator-approved readers in. Fill out the interest form for review. The group also hosts special bookish events for their readers, like movie excursions and bedazzling book covers.

📚 The Best Indie Bookstores in Nashville

There are many book clubs in Nashville for readers of all kinds. Here's your guide!

Where To Find Book Clubs in Nashville

Your Guide to Book Clubs in Nashville

Lots of folks set exercise goals for the new year, but following through can be tough, and expensive. Here are some tips for saving money on exercising in Nashville.

 has numerous locations, with great equipment and fitness classes. You can apply for 

 to receive a membership discount. You can also receive discounts if you’re a 

 (including veterans and retirees). Both current and prospective members receive a 20% discount through 

. If you don’t have a friend to use for the referral discount, ask local Facebook groups or the Nashville subreddit!

 have full-service fitness centers, walking tracks, and exercise classes, and some have indoor swimming pools. The fitness center fees are $30 a month, or $3 per visit, and classes usually cost a small fee. Walking the track is free, and a great way to get your steps in on rainy days.

Find free yoga, tai chi, and other fitness classes at Nashville Public Library locations across the city. Filter the 

 for “Health and Wellness” to find classes.

🥾 Hike or Bike Our Greenways and Parks

 system. Carve out an hour in your schedule to hike or bike our trails, for free! We have guides to 

Nashville has numerous running clubs for local neighborhoods and groups, every day of the week. 

Find the club that works with your schedule

 with the owner of Nashville Running Company about how to get started running in Nashville.

☀️ Unique Ways To Get Outside for the New Year

Staying fit can be expensive. Here are ways to save money on exercising in Nashville.

Ways To Save on Exercising in Nashville

5 Tips for Saving Money on Exercising in Nashville

Adrian González

Now that our holiday excitement is beginning to turn into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn-up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles all over your rug? Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste.

The short answer: Probably not. Most of the gift wrapping paper on the market is non-recyclable. Putting it in the recycling bin can contaminate the rest of the load, meaning that all the contents will go to the landfill. The same goes for items like ribbons, holiday cards, and 

. I like to hold onto some holiday waste for crafts and to turn into gift tags next year. And you know those gift bags are gonna be reused.

Metro’s Christmas Tree Recycling drop-off program

There are 14 drop-off points all around the city, like Edwin Warner Park, Una Recreation Center, and Two Rivers Park. You can also set natural trees out 

according to your neighborhood’s schedule

 for the brush collection crew. Be sure to prep your tree for recycling by removing any decor, lights, and non-organic items. Or get creative and 

repurpose your tree for other home projects

 If the tree is in decent condition, and you’re just ready for a new one, consider donating it to a local organization or charity. Or hit up your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. 

 also accepts tree and decoration donations to distribute to families in need around the world.

If you have unusable decorations or holiday lights, recycle them at one of 

 locations will take your faulty holiday lights and recycle them for you.

Are your decorations in good working order? Give them a new life by donating them to a local organization, a thrift store, or hardware store.

I’ll leave you with one last tip for the overachievers out there: Take notes on 

how to reduce your holiday waste next year

Holiday Decor Reuse Ideas

🎄 More Recycling Tips

Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste in Nashville, from Christmas trees to holiday lights.

How To Dispose of Christmas Trees and Holiday Waste in Nashville

How To Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste in Nashville

While Nashville is home to one of the biggest 

 in the country, ringing in the new year with crowds of tourists isn’t exactly everybody’s cup of tea. Here are some alternative ways to spend New Year’s Eve if you’re looking for something different.

Sure, you can watch country stars sing on TV, but wouldn’t it be more fun to cheer on strangers? Karaoke bars like 

 would be great spots to ride out the madness. Pick a song that represents your intention for the new year, and you just might 

If your idea of dressing up starts and ends with a clean flannel and some Docs, head to The Basement East for a night of 

. It’s a 10 p.m. showtime with complimentary champagne at midnight, but if we’re reliving our youth, we might as well stay up like we used to.

 by watching the ball drop with their friends in jolly ole England at 6 p.m. It’s the perfect way to pregame for 

 next door, where they’ll be spinning club bangers from the early aughts through midnight. Tix start at $10 and they've got the best view of fireworks in the city.

Celebrating with kids but don’t want to mess with their bedtime routine? Ring in the year early with music, dancing, a photobooth, and a live countdown at the 

 from 11 a.m.-noon. Or attend the Green Hills Library Branch’s 

, with glow-in-the-dark fun and kid-appropriate music. 

 is joining in on the family-friendly fun with a ball drop at 4 p.m. and festive activities and crafts starting at noon. If you don’t mind staying up a little later, head over to 

Get Outside in the New Year

Don't want to go downtown for New Year's Eve? Check out these alternative ways to ring in the new year in Nashville.

How To Ring in the New Year in Nashville Without Going Downtown

Ways To Celebrate New Year's Eve in Nashville Without Going Downtown

It’s giving season! Nashville has many fantastic 

 to shop from, but if you’re looking for a unique present, check out these experience gifts.

I likely don’t need to shout out my love of the 

 this year to include the unlimited ride pass, and it was well worth it!

 start at $70. It’s a great gift for garden and art lovers as well as families.

In addition to the zoo and Cheekwood, the 

 have memberships that would make wonderful gifts for families.

A membership to our favorite place to watch movies, 

If someone on your list loves music and history, consider a membership to the 

. The museum has frequent events with songwriters and musicians. The National Museum of African American Music also has 

If you’re looking for a unique present this holiday season, check out these experience gifts in Nashville.

Nashville Life Hacks

How To Save Money on Gas in Nashville

Winter Storm Fern Resources: Where To Get Help and Give Help in Nashville

Your Guide To Snowy Days in Nashville

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