Heron Walk - Madison, TN

Old Hickory Boulevard, the main east-west thoroughfare through Madison that runs just north of Heron Walk, was part of the Trail of Tears. Madison thrived on a small scale during the 19th century due to its station along the Nashville-Louisville railway.

The area took off in the 1920s, following the construction of a plant in nearby Old Hickory by engineering firm Dupont. Since World War II, Madison and Heron Walk have thrived as a home for Dupont employees, a makeshift suburb of downtown Nashville, and a convenient middle ground between Nashville and outlying suburbs such as Hendersonville and Goodlettsville.

There are no museums or arts scene in Heron Walk or Madison, but the Opry Mills area, less than 10 minutes away, contains the Willie Nelson and Friends General Store and Museum. Residents head to the Opry Mills Mall during the holidays for its elaborate display of Christmas lights.

Many restaurants and bars sit along Gallatin Road, which serves as the main drag through Madison and the western border of Heron Walk. Characterized by diversity, this mix of establishments includes selections that range from Italian and Chinese to steak houses and burger joints. When craving something from south of the border, residents head to El Marisco Grill.'

Because a quality Chinese restaurant is a hit in any neighborhood, the China Bell near the intersection of Gallatin Road and Old Hickory Boulevard does a brisk business from open to close. A steady stream of regulars and first-timers come through the door where they proceed to enjoy popular menu items, such as beef lo mein, roast pork chop suey, and sweet and sour chicken. For locals who prefer to enjoy their meal in the comfort of home, China Bell offers friendly and speedy delivery at no extra charge.

Rounding out the locals' favorite restaurant picks near Heron Walk, Mama Josie's Home Cooking serves as the go-to meat and three for the neighborhood. If you're craving soul food, try one of the traditional selections from the menu, such as the meat loaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. If you want to be adventurous, go for the orange pork chops with sweet potatoes and turnip greens. Black-eyed peas and macaroni rank as two more popular side items of which regulars can't get enough.

Nightlife in the immediate area consists of local dives and sports bars. Locals visit The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Grill to watch the big game or play pool, darts or video games while enjoying an ice cold brew from the beer on tap. This place also serves up old-fashioned American food to squash your hunger pangs. Fare includes burgers, onion rings and cheese steak sandwiches. If you're seeking a new experience, take Old Hickory on across the river and visit Skully's Saloon, the area's premier biker bar and grill. When an occasion calls for a true party, you can get to downtown Nashville and its world-famous honky-tonks and bars in less than 15 minutes.

Although the streets in Heron Walk don't have bike lanes or sidewalks, residents still enjoy walking with pets or to visit neighbors. For travel outside the neighborhood, however, most use their cars. Heron Walk residents have a low-stress commute, facilitated by access to several major highways. The neighborhood also contains abundant free parking.

If you don't want to drive, you can call one of the numerous area taxi companies for a pickup, though you can't hail a cab in Heron Walk. Uber, the popular ride-sharing service, also maintains a presence in the area.

Public transportation is another option. The MTA public bus system out of Nashville provides a stop on Gallatin Road near the entrance to Heron Walk.

Located just north of Heron Walk, Madison Park, with free parking and admission, provides a fun and inexpensive place for area residents to spend a Saturday afternoon picnicking, throwing a ball or Frisbee with kids and pets, or playing a pick-up football or kickball game. It doesn't have exercise facilities or annual events, but plenty of green space allows for the burning of calories and the release of energy.

A short drive west on Old Hickory Boulevard takes you to the larger Cedar Hill Park, which has ball fields, picnic shelters and large playgrounds. Cedar Hill also hosts several disc golf tournaments each year on its 18-hole course.

Heron Walk residents enjoy a much lower cost of living than the Nashville average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs $538, a beer in a typical local pub costs $2.75, and $1.70 purchases a bus ticket to downtown Nashville. Area gas prices usually hover 8 percent lower than the national average.

Heron Walk residents make the short drive north to the Rivergate Mall, which offers big-box retail stores such as Dillard's and Macy's; high-end shops that include Upscale Men's Wear, which carries business casual and formal wear for guys; and trendy stores loved by teens and young adults, such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister and Express.

Other local shopping destinations popular among Heron Walk residents include Music City Thrift, which resides directly across Gallatin Road and perpetually has a wide selection of inventory from dresses and sport coats to kitchenware and recliners. Shoppers who know how to hunt at thrift stores can find some amazing buys.

Comic book fans and movie buffs head to The Great Escape on Gallatin Road to buy, sell and trade DVDs, videocassettes and comic books, including ones that are hard to find anymore in a traditional retail setting, even online. You can also rediscover old musical tastes and acquire new ones by browsing the abundant record and CD selection at this one-of-a-kind store.

A Walmart at the corner of Gallatin Road and Old Hickory Boulevard and an Aldi near the corner of Gallatin Road and Neely's Bend Road serve local residents for large grocery shopping trips. If you crave local produce and the freshest meats, head downtown to the large Nashville Farmers Market.