Bellevue - Nashville, TN

In the 1950s, Bellevue began as a small town set up to fulfill farmer's needs, only consisting of a post office, a hardware store and a Masonic lodge hall. At the time, this city was called "Bellview." During the '70s, the town became a suburb when its post office was assimilated into Nashville's. Though this city had a slow rise to acclaim, thriving local businesses turned this once dead town into sought-after real estate. Home to two well-known parks, nature lovers have flocked here for years. With the addition of famed restaurants and musicians, Bellevue continues to grow in appeal and population.

Opened in 1960, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art serves as a historical architectural landmark and has year-round exhibits and gardens. They annually host events such as Highballs and Hydrangeas, the Swan Ball and the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville.

Food lovers enjoy the spectrum of restaurants here. From locally owned and operated gourmet Southern flavor to low-cost dive bars, Bellevue has plenty to offer. With a short drive to downtown Nashville, people can find a hopping nightlife full of bars and venues.

The Loveless Cafe has been the crowning gem of Bellevue since 1951. Acclaimed for its genuine, made-from-scratch Southern cuisine, its secret recipes have been passed on in spite of changing owners. Stop by for the biscuits — the recipe that earned this restaurant its fame — and try the fried chicken and waffles. After earning publicity from People magazine, USA Today and The Today Show, this cafe generates large crowds. Be prepared to wait and plan your visit accordingly. Come here for a taste of local history, Southern hospitality and a well-satisfied stomach.

The owners of the Food-Network-featured bakery Crumb de la Crumb also share their talents in a cafe bearing the same name. Originally reaching fame for its flavor-infused cakes, the Crumb de la Crumb Cafe serves coffee, espresso, breakfast and lunch, with a focus on fresh, homemade and local ingredients. They have vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options — a rare find in a town proud of its Southern roots. Some popular options include the Berried Bird, a turkey sandwich topped with local goat cheese and served hot, and the Lemon Artichoke Soup, made in-house and gluten free. Prices range from $5 to $20.

For less flair, locals patron Alley Pub. This bar contains a large menu of wings, burgers, salads, pizza and fried favorites. It also serves as a venue for live country bands and has a $2 domestic beer special on Tuesdays. The owners host karaoke, encourage dancing and allow smoking indoors. Alley Pub has an easy-going atmosphere that urges customers to unwind. Expect a crowd on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

With Nashville only 13 miles away, who can't resist a drive to its famous downtown area? Lined with bars, clubs and venues, this spot allows the bar-hopper to experience the full Nashville experience. Different bands play in nearly every bar, mostly showcasing country and Southern-style music. A few local and tourist favorites include The Station Inn, The 5 Spot and Mercy Lounge. Each bar offers good food, live music and a full bar at competitively low costs.

Whether you prefer to ride a bicycle, to catch a ride on the bus or have a car pick you up, Bellevue has you covered.

Walk/Bike Nashville works to extend bicycle and pedestrian paths throughout the city to accommodate the active traveler and link neighborhoods to schools, jobs and basic needs. Bellevue residents can bike to and from Nashville on one of the major routes already mapped and in use.

To travel by bus, the Nashville MTA offers a mobile app and a thorough website to help you plan your trip and transfers. An all-day bus pass runs at $5.25 and can be purchased on the bus. Try to keep exact change because drivers will not provide it; instead, the automated service will administer a change card.

Cab companies do not hold any offices in Bellevue, but most in Nashville will service the surrounding neighborhoods. However, very few of these companies are considered reliable. My Transportation taxi service holds the title as the best, but Uber and Lyft also provide services to Bellevue. Lyft will be the more affordable and laidback option of the two, as Uber features only luxury rides.

Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park collectively make up the Warner Parks system. Separated by Old Hickory Boulevard, they cover approximately 2,684 acres of land, granting Warner Parks its status as the second largest park in the state. These parks contain a number of leisurely and athletic activities. Warner Parks has everything you could want: trails for running, hiking, equestrian sports and biking; two golf courses; running courses; playgrounds; and athletic fields. For a park tailored for your pet, Warner Dog Park will meet your needs.

Bellevue's cost of living matches Nashville's. On the Nashville MTA, you can take the bus straight from Bellevue to downtown Nashville in one trip, and a single fare costs $1.70. The average one-bedroom apartment rents for $963 a month. Beer ranges from $2 at a dive bar to $5 in more upscale bars or bars that generate a large tourist flow. Gas prices sit at 4 percent lower than the nation.

While Nashville contains prime shopping areas, Bellevue holds some options along Hwy 70.

Shops line Bellevue's Hwy 70. With its proximity to one of the nation's largest music hubs, World Music Nashville serves to provide its customers with manageable prices for reliable instruments and also offers lessons. Occasionally also a venue, this shop employs knowledgeable workers to answer any questions you may have on servicing your instrument and even handles repairs. Though people sometimes criticize Nashville's music centers for their less-than-encouraging staff, World Music Nashville's employees humbly support the music scene by providing services with a good-natured attitude.

Highway 70 also hosts a variety of other chain businesses such as Kroger, Sears, Home Depot and Bed Bath and Beyond for your immediate grocery and home needs.

Head 3 miles south of Nashville's downtown area for specialty shops, coffee and art in Hillsboro Village.

A Thousand Faces strives to only sell one-of-a-kind and quirky cards, housewares, accessories, art and jewelry. The jewelry collection features hand-stamped and personalized pendants, rustic leather cuff bracelets and beautifully simple pearl earrings and necklaces. All of the art has been created by local, regional or North American artists.

Considered a Nashville staple, Bookman Bookwoman holds the title as the best bookstore in the city. Also located in Hillsboro Village, this shop houses over 100,000 books and will seek out and order a title not found in its extensive stock. Hailed as the friendliest bookstore in Nashville, the staff promotes reading by hosting book events and special sales. Bookman Bookwoman also collects and retails rare and valuable books for the book-lover searching for something unique.

Open year-round, the Nashville Farmers Market serves patrons with three different and locally stocked areas. South Farm Sheds is the largest of these, including produce, prepared foods and baked goods. Market House consists of restaurants and prepared foods, several of which have been featured on the Food Network. For your handmade needs, the Flea Market contains jewelry, home goods, clothing and artwork Friday through Sunday.