Now that I’ve whined about some of the ways Nashville (to my mind) falls short, it’s only fair that I send up some thanks.

Food and friendship, unmatched loveliness in April and October, an extraordinary creative culture, and an innate tendency towards neighborliness (that surfaced in its finest form during the floods of a year-and-a-half ago)—there’s a lot to love about this place, if you choose to love it. Here are some of the things I appreciate most about this small-town city of ours—some written into Nashville’s DNA, others the result of supreme effort, trending towards the better:

Mornings at Marché—breakfast perfection

August: Why do we live here? October: *Now* I remember.

The Catbird Seat—World-class creative cuisine. *Here!?!*

Nature. The real deal, a short drive out of town.

A few of my favorite peeps

WPLN–Best News in Town (OK, I’m biased.)

12South evolution—Good, bad, and sometimes ugly—but better than the crack ‘n’ kill era

Find me a better community of artists and sidemen. I dare you.

I’m not a hockey fan. But downtown on Preds nights? Love it.

Human decency: Like this—a guy who teaches inner-city kids to build bikes

Unsurpassable display in April and May

Occasionally, Nashville preserves something old and cool

More goodness—a writing camp for teen girls

Otis the Cat hails from here. We should erect a monument.

Will the indie bookstore rise again?

The rise of small artisan food businesses makes my mouth happy.

Surging demand for food grown in our own dirt

Explosion of food on wheels

Photo excursions at Cheekwood

Food artists galore–Sarah making her famous marshmallows

Rumours—Our 2nd Home

The good folks what made me. I’m glad they live here.

Aaaand the best thing about Nashville? Hal is here.

Halcyon Bike Shop—Mission+Commerce+Character

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