South Wind | Frankin, TN

Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Nearby Triune, TN

Jamie — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:18:44 +0000

Travel back in time to the Renaissance period with a visit to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival

If you are looking for some outdoor events near Franklin then make the short trip to 16^th Century England. The nearby Village of Covington Glen hosts its annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival in May. Dozens of artisans display their handmade items. Get a sword for fighting over a damsel in distress, or look like a Renaissance maiden with a woven flower headpiece.

Your taste buds will be happy too. You can gnaw on a turkey leg or swig down some ale in a tankard as you listen to the roving musicians. Once you’ve filled up your tank, try your luck at skill games or take a thrilling man-powered ride. You can even get a glimpse of your future with a psychic reading.

One weekend is devoted to royal jousting tournaments. Decorated knights take a run at each other in full-armor on valiant steeds as you cheer them on from the stands. Or maybe you’ll want to be there for Pirate weekend, when the rascals of the high seas descend on the village to cause mayhem. Dress the part and cheer on the Pirates as they challenge others to sword fights. How does that sound, South Wind?

Photo credit: Alaskan Dude

Ryman Auditorium Schedule Heats Up. Does it Ever Really Cool Off?

jodimott — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:20:07 +0000

: Inside Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium

The Mother Church of Country Music, the Grand Ole Opry’s most famous house and the best sound that will ever hit your ears are just a few of the ways Nashville natives (and many more from around the world) describe the Ryman Auditorium. You’re lucky. You can get there in about 25 minutes from South Wind apartments.

In the month of May alone, the auditorium will host superstars such as Feist, Jack White, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Trace Adkins and more in between.

It’s a legendary venue and the top performers can’t wait to perform there because of the incredible acoustics and the opportunity to perform on the same stage where greatest of all time once performed. Ryman Auditorium is a historic jewel that cannot be missed.

It’s not always easy to get tickets to the best shows, so watch the Ryman Web site for on-sale dates and go watch a top-notch performance in the one of America’s most revered venues.

Can’t get tickets? Take the tour.

The Ryman Auditorium Backstage Tour takes you through the backstage areas, on the stage and really everywhere throughout the building. You can stand in the same spot on the stage where Hank Williams and every other country star, who mattered, once stood. This is the cultural epicenter of Nashville. Check out the Ryman’s tour page for availability and prices.

All of Nashville’s incredible musical heritage is within easy driving distance of your South Wind apartment. Follow our blog and you won’t miss any of it.

Photo by Reading Tom on Flickr.

Summer Season Opens May 5 at the Franklin Farmers Market

jodimott — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:26:39 +0000

Fresh vegetables that help you stick with a healthy diet.

The Franklin Farmers Market switches to the Summer Season on May 5. All the fresh produce, meat, eggs, artisan creations and more are back for the 12^th year. Get your recipes ready and zip over to the market; it’s only three miles from your South Wind apartment.

If you know anyone who went to the market, go ahead ask them for their opinion and you will hear a rave review. The local farmers bring unique items and the absolute freshest vegetables and fruits. The local chefs from Nashville’s finest restaurants often start their day here looking for the best ingredients.

The market is open every Saturday at 8 a.m. and every Tuesday at noon at the Factory at Franklin.

Get kids involved this summer

The Growing Kids Educational Garden at Harlinsdale Farm gives your kids a hands-on “edible education” about healthy fresh food and the positive role gardens can play in the environment. The classes are free and registration for June begins on May 14. These classes fill up, so be ready to sign up.

Share your favorite Franklin Farmers Market experience on Facebook.

Photo by Lori L. Stalteri on Flickr.

National Volunteer Month Calls Franklin to Action

jodimott — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:28:37 +0000

There are many opportunities for adults to mentor young children around Franklin.

It would seem that the good people of “The Volunteer State” would have no problem living up to that name during National Volunteer Month. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to bust out of your South Wind Apartment Home and get involved, it’s not too late. There are many organizations looking for your talents and kind heart.

Share your lifelong love for learning with kids in Nashville and become a mentor. You will enhance your own coaching and communications skills while you help young people in Nashville explore career opportunities and face the everyday challenges of life. Become a mentor today.
If you have some vacation time, why not spend it building a school in earthquake-ravaged Haiti? BuildOn Southeast is a local organization dedicated to building a school in a rural Haitian village this year through the buildOn Ambassador Trek Program. Please visit buildonsoutheast.org for more information.
Can you make a new friend and meet with them twice per month? You can make a difference in the life of an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities simply by being a friend. Best Buddies International is looking for male volunteers in their 20s or 30s.

This is only a small sampling of the many ways you can change someone’s life with a small gift of your time. Get out there and take action today.

This blog frequently posts ideas for improving the community around South Wind Apartment Homes. Share your favorite charitable organization with us on Facebook.

(photo courtesy of spiraltri3e by Flickr)

As the Weather Warms, Outdoor Activities Increase —Protect Your Skin

jodimott — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:24:37 +0000

: Protect yourself from harmful rays with sunscreen.

South Wind Apartments are close to great outdoor activities in Franklin, and the April weather could not be more spectacular. That’s a recipe for getting up off the couch and enjoying some of Tennessee’s outstanding outdoor activities. Before you hike, bike, fish or jog, you’ll need to protect your skin.

Put enough on. The recommended application for adequate protection is 35 to 40ml per person or a handful. For example, if you apply too little SPF15, it may only be equivalent to SPF8.
Budget brands are as effective as expensive brands.
Apply correctly. Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 30 minutes before exposure.
Take time out in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
Reapply. Perspiration, exercise, swimming and towel-drying removes sunscreen from the skin. Remember to reapply after these activities.
Everyday use of sunscreen on your face and back of the hands will limit the chances of developing dry leathery skin, wrinkles, mottling and other signs of premature aging.
Cover up in the sun with loose cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
Don’t be fooled by overcast weather because 80 percent of ultra-violet radiation is still present on cloudy days.
Children and babies need greater protection. Use specially formulated kids’ ranges with gentler ingredients and higher SPFs.

Protecting your skin prevents burns, premature aging and more serious conditions over time. Subscribe to our blog for updates on the area activities and advice on staying healthy.

Photo by Comedy Nose on Flickr.

Friday Box Office: What’s Playing in Franklin?

jodimott — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:17:24 +0000

Belcourt Theatre

2102 Belcourt Ave Nashville, TN 37212

Search other theaters

Trailer: Robert Pattinson Sleeps His Way to the Top in ‘Bel Ami’

Unless you’re a Robert Pattinson fan, chances are you may not know what Bel Ami is. Many of Pattinson’s fans have eagerly waited to see their favorite sparkly vampire venture into new territory, with this steamy R-rated adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s book.

Now a new UK trailer has landed, co-starring Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman and Kristin Scott Thomas as the three women Pattinson’s Georges Duroy seduces on his rise from poverty to wealth.

The official synopsis reads:

“Bel Ami is the story of Georges Duroy, who travels through 1890s Paris, from cockroach ridden garrets to opulent salons, using his wits and powers of seduction to rise from poverty to wealth, from a prostitute’s embrace to passionate trysts with wealthy beauties, in a world where…

Trailers: Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks ‘Sparkle,’ Katy Perry Teases

Following the sudden death of pop icon Whitney Houston, the release date for Sparkle was moved up to August 17. The film stars Houston as the mother of three sisters who form a successful singing group who ultimately have to end up dealing with the fallout of fame and drugs. Former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks plays the title role with Derek Luke, Mike Epps and Cee-Lo in supporting roles.

Check out the first trailer for Sparkle and give us your first impressions.

DVD of the Week: ‘War Horse’ – Plus Giveaway!

War Horse Steven Spielberg’s multi-Academy Award nominated adaptation of the young adult novel tells the horror story of World War I through a horse’s eyes, and even though it’s not the grisly affair Saving Private Ryan was (the movie is PG-13), it doesn’t shy away from the unspeakable atrocities war brings. In a nutshell, the story follows Joey the horse from life on a farm with his beloved country-boy owner Albert, to the hardships endured in service of the British cavalry. Will boy and horse ever reunite? This is a Spielberg movie, after all, so make sure you’ve got the Kleenex handy. Extras: “War Horse: The Look” featurette (DVD); “War Horse: The Journey Home,” “An Extra’s Point of View” (DVD/BD combo pack); a 4-disc pack includes…

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Family Friendly Games for the Basketball Court

jodimott — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:00:19 +0000

The South Wind Apartments feature an indoor basketball court.

South Wind is a family friendly apartment community that offers a variety of state-of-the-art amenities including both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a racquetball court, a playground, and an indoor basketball court. If you are the parent of young children, you can feel good knowing that they will always be entertained when living in our community.

One amenity that we would like to highlight is our indoor basketball court. There are a number of fun and exciting family friendly games that can be played on the basketball aside from the traditional sport. Not only are these games a great way for your children to get some exercise, but they provide an excellent opportunity for you to spend time together as a family. Listed below are some fun games that you can play together as a family on the basketball court courtesy of Life 123:

H-O-R-S-E: This classic shooting game has been around for years and is always a family favorite. You will need 2 or more players for the game, and player 1 will shoot a basket from any place on the court. If player 1 makes the basket, all of the other players must make the same shot. Each player that doesn’t make the shot is given a letter. The last person to not receive all of the letters that spell HORSE wins.
Around the World: Use cones to mark various points along a semi circle surrounding the basketball hoop. The first person to make baskets at each of the various cones wins.
King of the Court: Player 1 is given the title King (or Queen) of the Court and must challenge player 2 to the best of 3 points in a game of 1 on 1 basketball. The winner of this 1 on 1 game either keeps or is given this precious title and stays in to challenge the other players to a game of 1 on 1.

(Image via Flickr)

New Greyhound Express Nashville Terminal Takes Residents Places!

jodimott — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:37:49 +0000

Spring for us has just begun! Whether you’re a Vandy student going on break or you’re just itching to get out of town, there’s never a reason needed to go on vacation; especially when you’ve found a cheap way to do so!

New Nashville Terminal!

Greyhound Express is taking over how we take on the open road! Skip the caravan and hop on one of the new Greyhound Express routes to your destination!

The Express bus service is expanding out of Nashville where you can take 16 or more express routes, for as low as $1 fares each way. Popular routes from here include: Miami, Orlando, Savannah, Cleveland and Chicago! The non-stop bus service begins, close to Franklin TN, on MARCH 28th and will operate out of Downtown Nashville!

Read more about where your buck can take you…

Paint Franklin Green: Annual Street Beer Fest in Downtown!

jodimott — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:16:09 +0000

Only one more week separates South Wind residents from the first big celebration of the Spring. Whether or not you have the Luck of the Irish, everyone looks forward to St. Patrick’s Day. The secular holiday, as we know, focuses on common Irish culture, a big fest and, of course, a bit o’ green fun.

St. Patrick’s Day brings a lot of traditional things, and Franklin TN has its own annual tradition. There’s no need to ask neighbors, “What’s the plan for St. Patty’s Day” when Franklin natives know not to miss the Franklin Main Street Beer Fest. This year (of course), the event is scheduled for Saturday March 17th, from 6pm-9pm.

Beer enthusiasts and holiday celebrators alike will flock to Downtown Franklin’s Main Street, where they will be able to pub crawl to shops that will be offering tastings of over 40 different beers and Irish Whiskey. On 4th Avenue, patrons will be able to sample the Irish festival food from vendors and carts.

Tickets to the event are only $35 per person but includes beer and food tickets.

Since this will be a spirited event, South Wind residents are encouraged to find alternative transportation from our community to the Downtown Area.

Be Ready For Any Disaster: Middle Tennessee Tornado Tips!

jodimott — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:48:59 +0000

As with many communities in the Midwest, it is essential that communities near Nashville TN are prepared for natural disasters. The months between April and June is considered tornado season across the US, so residents should be prepared for a tornado. Involve your family in the preparations so everyone knows what to do in times of emergency.

Find the lowest spot in your house. Whether it be your basement or some other area of your home, such as an interior hallway, find the lowest area of your house to take cover in during a tornado.

Select head cover: Use a sturdy piece of furniture or a mattress to protect your head from flying debris.

Place a wrench near your gas meter: This will allow you to easily turn the gas meter off in times of emergency.

Create a supply box: Make a supply kit in case of a tornado. Fill it with items such as candles, bottled water, batteries, a battery-operated radio, blankets, and flashlights.

Insurance coverage: Find out if your insurance coverage includes tornado damage, and find out how to get such coverage if it doesn’t. Residents of South Wind Apartments should be sure to check with us about rental insurance requirements during your lease term.

Remember to stay inside during a tornado! Use these tips to keep you and your family safe.