Our Stay at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville
Review of Midtown Nashville boutique hotel.
Annie Lindberg's "Redberry"
Nashville has changed so much recently, y'all. When we lived in the Music City a decade ago, it still had a small-town feel. These days, there's so much new construction and a big city energy, but it's still as charming and Southern as ever. A couple of weeks ago, when Bob and I had some appointments in Nashville, we chose a new hotel in Midtown, one of the areas that's changed the most over the past couple of years. The Kimpton Aertson did not disappoint! It was elegant, comfortable, and provided the perfect night's sleep!
The Aertson, a boutique hotel named for an ancestor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, is adjacent to the north end of Vanderbilt University's campus and an easy walking distance from Hattie B's Hot Chicken and The Patterson House. The location is great for experiencing Nashville in so many ways -- from traditional Music Row-and-Hot Chicken tourism to visiting college campuses at Belmont, Vandy, and Lipscomb to taking in the sites of 12 South, including Draper James. It made a perfect home base as we ran errands, took appointments, ate, and shopped in the area!
The hotel itself is simply lovely! Artistic nods included artist Annie Lindberg's mixed media installation "Redberry", a web of pink and orange threads, wallpapered bedroom ceilings that resemble frescos, and a huge, elegant bathroom with glass doors and white subway tile. A wallpapered wall in the bathroom mimicked the blueprints for the nearby Tennessee Capitol building, providing a nice nod to the hotel's Nashville locale without overindulging in the prevalent Music City Kitch prevalent in so many nearby hotels.
The exercise room was roomy and well-equipped, allowing Bob and me to both log in a good workout. The treadmills and ellipticals were excellent, as were the thick exercise mats and the plentiful free weights. The real star of the hotel, though, was our actual bedroom. The bed was a perfect firmness, and the down comforter and pillows were so luxurious. Every detail was so thoughtful and convenient, from the USB charging ports on both nightstands to the Jawbone Mini Jambox speaker for smartphone pairing. Our 6th floor room overlooked Broadway, providing a fun view of traffic and campus.
Delightful special touches included a dog-friendly policy (Max and Sophie want to tag along next time!), hyper-local Frothy Monkey coffee in the lobby at morning, and a cocktail hour there in the evening, and a text-for-valet service. I hope to take in the Woodhouse Spa, the Henley Restaurant, and the rooftop bar and pool on future visits!
As I enjoyed the hour "gained" by visiting the Central Time Zone, I read a line from Nashville native author Ann Patchett in her collection of essays, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage: "My memory can only separate hotels int three categories: those that are disgusting, those that are very nice, and those that may have been Hyatts." Thanks so much to the Kimpton Aertson for staying in the price range of a hotel that may have been a Hyatt while providing a stay that placed it firmly in the very nice hotel category!
Quick Chicken Noodle Soup
Sometimes you need a quick chicken soup recipe because nobody in the house feels well. Here's my cut-corner go-to!
- 5-6 chicken tenderloins
- 1 32 oz. box chicken stock
- 1/2 12 oz bag egg noodles
- 4 peeled and diced carrots
- 4 ribs chopped celery
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 bunch, roughly chopped parsley
- freshly ground black pepper
- salt
- 3 cloves, garlic
Vineyard Vines Christmas Mugs
Christmas mug collaboration between Vineyard Vines and Louisville KY's Stoneware and Co!
(This post contains affiliate links.)
Y'all, we're entering the dangerous holiday territory where I want to order something cute for myself with every present I purchase. Now, I promised myself I'd be good for the rest of the season and try to remember the spirit of holiday giving. But then I saw that Vineyard Vines and Stoneware & Company (formerly Louisville Stoneware) have paired up to make Christmas Whale Mugs! This is so awesome, y'all. I've been collecting Stoneware for nearly 20 years, and I absolutely love their mugs. My Pappy & Co and Derby Whale mugs are my absolute favorite coffee mugs... and I *may* have a few more Stoneware mugs. These are such a perfect size and weight. And, I probably do need one... And so do you!
The HerKentucky Guide to Black Friday
Five great Black Friday sales
I know, I know. Y'all have seen a million, zillion Black Friday promos. And a trillion blogs about where you should shop. I won't waste a ton of your time; just wanted to alert you to five of my favorite sales!
Draper James
The Scoop: 25% off site wide with code Merry. (And 25% of all sales today goes to Girls, Inc.)
What to buy: Stock up on holiday party dresses for yourself and fun holiday gifts for your friends!
L.L. Bean
The Scoop: 25% off Bean Boots today with code Friday25. 20% off clothing and outerwear through Tuesday with code Thanks20.
What to buy: Classic Bean Boots. Holiday pajamas.
Pomegranate, Inc.
The Scoop: 50% off site wide today only with code Special50
What to buy: Table linens for holiday gatherings; cashmere blend ponchos.
Quest Outdoors
The Scoop: 20% off in-store and site wide with code FryDay2017
What to buy: Barbour coats and scarves!
Stoneware and Company
The Scoop: 10% off site wide with code BlackFriday10.
What to Buy: Classic Bachelor Button place settings. Christmas pottery.
What deals are you shopping today?
Pomegranate, Inc Warehouse Sale
Tuesday, I had the opportunity to take a sneak peek at the Pomegranate, Inc. Warehouse Sale. Y'all, it was absolutely amazing. If you aren't familiar with the brand, Pomegranate is a line of bags, table linens, and clothing based in Lexington. Their designs are so fresh and fun and timeless!
I ran across these Kentucky Wildcats cloth napkins; I *may* have had to buy the apron as well!
This cashmere/ wool blend poncho is so classic; I know I'll wear it time and again!
These potholders in the Round the Christmas Tree print have me pretty pumped for holiday baking!
Oh my goodness; I was so excited about this embroidered pillow! It has a sale price of $45!
And this pineapple print apron is the most perfect hostess gift I've ever seen!
Visit the Pomegranate Warehouse Sale today through Saturday at 527 Lagonda Ave in Lexington. If you stop by today or tomorrow, mention HerKentucky for an additional 10% off your purchase!
Thanks so much to Pomegranate for partnering on this event! I hope you love their textiles as much as I do!
The HerKentucky Guide to L.L. Bean Boat & Tote Bags
(This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC receives a nominal commission on any affiliate link clicked by a reader. As always, all opinions are my own and I thank all partners that help HerKentucky.com stay in operation!)
When the holidays roll around, my biggest worry is always packing. I don't pack lightly, and I always need another bag. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags are the bags I grab again and again for everyday travel. They're durable, have classic styling, and they can be ordered with a monogram! Here's a handy guide for which L.L. Bean bag to use in any situation!
I am obsessed with the Leather-Handled Boat & Tote for use as a casual purse/ work bag. It easily holds a laptop and an agenda or notebook. It's so perfect for on-the-go work or everyday errands.
The Medium Zip-Top Boat and Tote is great for carrying a hostess gift, the dogs' leashes and gear, or a change of clothes.
The Large Zip-Top Bags are ESSENTIAL, y'all. These actually slide in under the carry-on restrictions for most airlines. And they hold everything. They're perfect for a day or two of clothing change/ basic toiletries. Be sure to go with the long handles so you can carry these on your shoulder!
LL Bean Zip-Top Boat and Tote Bags | Draper James Lexington Leather Pin
The Large Open-Top Bag is FANTASTIC for oversized gear. I also love it for carrying bagged groceries in from the car!
Happy Traveling, y'all! Don't forget that all L.L. Bean is 25% off through tomorrow!
Local Halloween Sales!
Hadley Pottery Coaster
Happy Halloween, y'all!
If you're like me, the majority of your day has been spent trying to avoid eating all the Reese's pumpkins. Obviously, a better use of your time would be to shop these great Halloween sales from Kentucky-based businesses! Here are a few of my favorites!
Hadley Pottery
30% off select Halloween Pottery (3 Day Flash Sale!)
Anchal Project
30% off orange scarves, quilts, and pouches, today only! (And don't forget that all Anchal Project purchases are helping change the lives of the artisans who create these products!)
Pomegranate, Inc.
A. St. Clair
Use code "Halloween" at astclair.com to take 31% off one piece today only.
Hope y'all find some scary good deals. I'll be handing out candy (even those Reese's pumpkins I'm trying to avoid!) in a Vineyard Vines tee!