The Travel Brats

Natalie decided to move to the country music capital of the world to make it her homebase in early 2019. During her first two years there, she was busy traveling all over the country and didn’t initially get into the acting scene. During 2019/2020, she spent most of her time between North Carolina (listen to her Asheville episode) and FL (to see her favorite travel brats). 

What is Nashville like? Can you describe the environment for us?

Natalie said: It’s extremely livable and fun and coined a new slogan for it: Flashy, Trashy, and everything in between. She was concerned that she’d miss the outdoors and hiking because she was moving to a city, but there are so many beautiful areas around Nashville to explore and be outdoors. The lakes, parks, and hiking areas are very noteworthy. She also made mention of the tornadoes and power outages at the beginning of 2020, and how COVID has impacted the tourism industry. 

Who should you go there with?

Well, Nashville is the Bachelorette capital of the US! So definitely come when you plan that. Ha! In all honesty, Nashville is a great city for all kinds of tourists. If you love music, not just country music, although obviously it is the heart of country music and downtown (Broadway specifically) is full of all of the country singing bars, etc. Lots of buskers and lights. I would say it leans toward a girls trip or a fun trip with a spouse or partner. 

What part do you like the most?

There are a few parks/hiking areas/lakes that I love to spend a saturday morning going to. Radnor Lake being one. Percy Warner Park is gorgeous. And I just discovered a new hiking area that is great - Long Hunter State Park. But I also love a place called Pinewood Social. It’s just a really cool restaurant/lounge. With an old school bowling alley. It’s a place I always take friends/family when they come to visit. 

What to do there? Must see’s?

Parks/hikes/outdoors 

Go hunt for the famous Nashville murals (I Believe in Nashville/What Lifts You wings)

Country Music Hall of Fame

Johnny Cash Museum

Broadway at night 

PEDAL TAVERN (speaking of bachelorette parties)

House of Cards

There’s actually a lot of Civil War History sites in the Nashville and greater Nashville area. 

Go to a Predators game if you love hockey. 

12 South/Germantown/The Gulch/Brentwood/Franklin  

Parthenon and Centennial Park

Cool Bridges right on the edge of downtown

TN State Capitol

Cheekwood Estates and Gardens 

Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge 

Where to stay? 

Opryland Hotel 

AIRBNB in Nashville 

Where to see shows?

Grand Ole Opry 

Opry Hotel

Ryman

Basement  

Where do you recommend eating? 

Fancy: Pinewood Social

Fancy: House of cards 

BarTaco

ACME

Burger Republic 

RH Cafe - place for creatives and people watching, but anyone can go there. Expensive and trendy. 

Hattie B’s 

Santa’s Pub

Martin’s for BBQ

Thank you for tuning into our Nashville episode. Enjoy & share with your friends. 

Connect with Natalie and follow along her creative journey! 

Stay connected with Natalie, Maximillian, and Shane on IG. 

Noteworthy Theaters:

• Gershwin Theatre in NYC
• Fox Theatre in Atlanta
• Tennessee Preforming Arts Center in Nashville
• Cadillac Theatre in Chicago, IL 
• Barter Theatre in Virginia 

Noteworthy Plays/ Musicals:

• The Play That Goes Wrong
• Anything by Shakespeare 
• Our Town - Thorton Wilder 
• Fences - August Wilson
• Death of a Salesman 

Currently, Natalie, Maximilian, and Shane are in SWFL preforming in North Fort Myers at the Players Circle Theatre.  A beautiful cabaret called Guys and Doll: Love on the Rocks. Buy your tickets now! 

1. Hawaii - Maui,  Big Island  If you're American, there's no passport required for this romantic hub, but you might feel as if you went to another country when you catch a glimpse of the truly remarkable beauty of Hawaii. While there are dozens of islands to navigate—from Oahu to Kauai—if you want to wear those head-over-heels rose-colored glasses, set your sights on Maui. In addition to some dreamy luxury resorts, the varied landscape of this Hawaiian island sets it apart from its neighbors.

Couples can drive along the picturesque Hana Highway and explore the Haleakala National Park, including the volcano it's named after. And since most amorous vacations require a beach day, there are 30 miles of sand to set up shop on. Make sure you save time to fall asleep under the dazzling stars and constellations that bring light to the midnight sky, too.

2. PARIS FRANCE - Appreciated for its elegance and joie de vivre, Paris is a grand European capital filled with architectural masterpieces like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Reflecting the city's rich heritage, the Louvre (one of the top museums in Paris) contains an exceptional fine arts collection, while the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie display treasures of French Impressionist art. Other charms of Paris are its atmospheric medieval quarters and graceful boulevards. Quintessential tourist experiences include shopping at bookshops in the Latin Quarter, strolling the Champs-Elysées, and people-watching from a sidewalk café terrace on the Boulevard Saint-Germain-de-Prés.

To see one of the country's most impressive palaces, tourists can take a 30-minute train ride from Paris to Versailles. The UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles is among the best day trips from Paris. Built for Louis XIV (the "Sun King"), this opulent 17th-century palace is a testament to the glory and absolute power that was once the realm of France's kings. The château's splendid Baroque facade, dazzling Hall of Mirrors, and fountain-adorned formal gardens allow visitors to imagine a scene of France's bygone royal court.

3. SOUTH SEAS CAPTIVA ISLAND (so relaxing, hotel style and also like suite styles) - it’s my favorite resort on an island 

4. Riveria Maya MEXICO (EVERYONE IS GOING THERE) - it’s on the caribbean coastline, i’ve been talking about everyone going 

5. SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - it’s in your home state, Savannah, a coastal Georgia city, is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. 

6. Isabella PUERTO RICO - it’s where mom and mark got married, beautiful beaches 

7. TUSCANY / Venice  ITALY - There's a saying that you either love or hate Venice when you visit this northern Italy city. But our guess is if you go when you're feeling butterflies, The City of Water will have them swarming. Even for the well-versed traveler, Venice presents an entirely new experience, since it is the capital of the Veneto region, comprised of 100 tiny islands. Here, there are very few roads, but many canals, making a gondola ride with your main squeeze a must.

As you stroll hand-in-hand, soaking up the undeniably hospitable Italian culture, you'll witness nods to the Renaissance era, as well as Gothic landmarks. Nibble your way through St. Mark's Square, where local vendors display their handmade goods. For an Instagram-worthy photo op, scale to the top of the Campanile Bell Tower, offering quite the view. If you're traveling for a milestone, take a boat to the glass-blowing region of Murano Venice and take home a keepsake.

8. Santarini, Greece - As one of the most popular honeymoon destinations on the planet, and one of the most beautiful Greek Islands, Santorini might require a long plane ride and a puddle jumper flight, but trust us, it is worth the journey. The reason many newlyweds choose Santorini is due to its position on the Aegean Sea, offering nightly captivating pink, orange, and golden sunsets in the Oia town. Many of the boutiques, restaurants, and resorts are built into the jagged cliff sides, giving couples the chance to book a unique private escape for their trip.

In addition to walking through narrow—and often steep—streets to catch a glimpse of the iconic white skyline, it's also recommended to rent a car for your trip. Though you can hire a taxi service, many duos prefer the independence of scaling the island on their own, giving them the ability to stop for a photo—or a romp—when the mood strikes.

9. ASPEN COLORADO - Most renowned for skiing, this Rocky Mountain destination is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado and brings together all of the makings of a romantic vacation. From snow-covered mountaintops to the crackle of a fireplace, booking a long weekend of skiing and snuggling is an ideal way to recharge your relationship. Most couples will choose to stay in a luxury resort and take an afternoon away from the slopes to tour through the area's downtown, complete with boutiques, restaurants, and an 1889 Opera House. No matter if you're an experienced skier or you're just in it for the outdoor hot tub experience, Aspen offers a winter-inspired getaway for couples who don't mind the cold.

10. Costa Rica - monkeys will jump on you,  is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. 

11. Cape Cod - Cape Cod, a hook-shaped peninsula of the U.S. state of Massachusetts, is a popular summertime destination. It's the site of quaint villages, seafood shacks, lighthouses, ponds and bay and ocean beaches. In the large town of Hyannis, the John F. Kennedy Museum is the first stop on the Kennedy Legacy Trail through downtown, where ferries depart to the resort islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

12. Napa Valley - Napa County is north of San Francisco, in California. It's known for hundreds of hillside vineyards in the Napa Valley wine region. In the city of Napa, Oxbow Public Market features regional gourmet food. The Napa Valley Wine Train is a vintage locomotive and traveling restaurant running through the valley. Northwest of Napa is Yountville, a town known for high-end restaurants and sparkling wine     

13. The Maldives - While images of this one-of-a-kind tropical nation might not come up if you Google "romance," it is definitely what comes to mind when you dream of the picture-perfect honeymoon spot. This destination in the Indian Ocean has a unique landscape, with 26 circular micro islands woven together.

Most couples will splurge on the infamous overwater bungalows with an expansive balcony and transparent floors that allow the sea to illuminate your room. In addition to some of the most impressive—and beautiful—beaches in the world, snorkeling duos will enjoy exploring reefs and sea life of every shape and size. For couples who enjoy experiencing local culture as part of their adventure, consider spending a day in the capital of Male, where you can watch a local fish market at work and shop for artisan goods on the main street of Majeedhee Magu.

14. Krabi Thialand - Thanks to an unbelievable shade of blue water, the low cost of aromatic and flavorful food, and dreamy beaches, many jet-setters make a point to visit the beach resorts of Thailand. There are dozens to choose from, with Phuket being one of the most popular, Koh Samui attracting a 20-something crowd, and Krabi being among the most romantic. Here, you will be able to disconnect in a quiet, yet gorgeous, landscape.

Located in the southern area of the west coast of the country, you'll find mangroves, limestone formations, boulders, and many other works of wonder from Mother Nature herself. You can book a long-tail boat to take you to Railay Beach or go on a snorkeling tour to see colorful creatures of the sea. For a bit of a splurge, you can stay at five-star resorts, most of which come complete with beach access and a private pool for lounging.

15. New  Zealand 

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Follow and support his brand, Togetherness Club, where he showcases inspiration and has NEW merchandise out now.  USE CODE TravelBrats to Save 10% on your purchase from Togetherness Club! 

Connect with us on IG - @thetravelbrats 

The Travel Brats tips include, but aren't limited to - listen to the entire episode for all our tips and tricks. 

1. Drink lots of water
2. Chapstick  and sunscreen
3. Make sure your pass works before you get in the lift line
4. Have ski petrol number on speed dial
5. Look up when trails merge
6. Lower skier has the righte away
7. Watch our for uneven turns from beginners
8. Polls in one hand when you get on teh lift
9. Always put the bar down to rest feet and be safe
10. If you get hot or cold easier, bring a back pack so you can layer!

Top 3 Ski Passes

1. Ikon: 42 unique destinations: Copper, Steam Boat , Abasin, Winter Park, Aldora
2. Epic: 5 rockies resorts through the north east midwest. Vail, Break, Keystone, Beaver Creek, Telluride, Crested Bute
3. Collective: Aspen, other rocky locations

Top 5 Ski Brands

1. Obermeyer: snow suits, everything
2. North Face: ski jackets
3. Patagonia: fleeces, undergear
4. Oakley: goggles
5. Mammut: Suzi’s Copper uniform

Our guest Suzi grew up skiing with her family and they made great trips out of it. She has skied all over Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, and all across the midwest, where she was raised. Suzi has not skied all the resorts and mountains in Colorado, but she's been to the top 10 on her list. She is currently a ski instructor at Copper Mountain and LOVES it. 

Here's her Top 10 Ski Resorts -

1. Copper Mountain.  It has a base of 9,800 ft and Top Elevation of 12,313 ft.
2. Vail. It has a base of 8,150 ft and Top Elevation of 11,570 ft. 
3. Telluride.  Top Elevation of 12,260 ft
4. Abasin. Top Elevation: 13,050 ft
5. Aspen - Snow mass. Top Elevation: 12, 510 ft
6. Steamboat. Top Elevation: 10,568 ft (low)
7. Breckenridge. Top Elevation: 12,998 ft (higher then copper)
8. Winter park. Top Elevation: 12,060 ft
9. Beaver Creek. Top Elevation: 11,440 ft
10. Keystone. Top Elevation: 12,408 ft
11. BONUS: Loveland: The Local’s Mountain. Top Elevation: 13,010 ft

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