Did you win the lottery? Have you made your millions and feel ready to settle down in something huge and spacious and professionally designed? Thankfully, you don't have to sell your soul and move to New York City to enjoy the lap of luxury. Nashville is home to quite a few well-off folks, but also because we're a homing beacon for the intelligent and business savvy. Come along as we take a close look at 7 of the most expensive neighborhoods in Nashville.
All of Nashville's upscale neighborhoods are brimming with beauty. They are mostly also chock full of amazing restaurants, eclectic shops, and places to enjoy, well, "the high life." If you fancy living here in The Gulch, you've gotta have some money but it's totally worth it. Take a virtual tour of The Gulch:
You may feel like you're surrounded by students (you are), but it's a neat thing to own one of the houses tucked up in Belmont-Hillsboro, one of the richest neighborhoods in Nashville, as well as one of the city's most historic neighborhoods. Close to almost everything, prices are high but it matches the joy of living in such a neat spot. Take a walk around the lovely Hillsboro neighborhood:
With cute shops and huge, rambling houses, 12th Avenue South is the perfect Nashville neighborhood if you're looking to never have a reason to leave. This street is recognized far and wide as one of the best restaurant rows in the city, so come on over and create your own epicurean adventure bucket list!
With the average home clocking in at $1.09 million, this tony neighborhood that calls Radnor Lake its backyard most definitely wins a top spot as one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Nashville.
Located just south of the city just about 20 minutes from the city's famed museums Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as several other amazing museums, Forest Hills is an unassuming sweet spot for those who have a bit of extra cash and are looking for something a little more secluded. Home prices vary, but plan to spend an average price upwards of $1.5 million. So yeah, Forest Hills is definitely one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Nashville. Take a closer look at Forest Hills:
With a booming suburban community, an upscale mall, a sundry of shopping areas, and a plethora of multi-million dollar houses for sale, it's not just anyone who can afford a mansion in Green Hills.
Historic, darling, and tucked away from the rest of Nashville, Belle Meade is an unassuming bit of glitz and glamour that tends to edge on the humble side. Despite this, it takes our top spot for the richest neighborhood in Nashville. The neighborhood is also just a stone's throw away from the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery.
Have you been to any of the most expensive neighborhoods in Nashville? Let us know what they were like in the comments. Are you still looking for a little Nashville area eye candy? Check out these stunning historic plantations!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
One of the most magical parts of Christmas in Connecticut is enjoying all the beautiful light displays. There's a lot to love about winter here, and one of my favorite parts is seeing all the twinkling colorful lights brightening up the snowy nights. If you're wondering "Are there any Christmas lights near me?', the answer is a resounding yes! There are so many Christmas light displays in Connecticut that really go all out! We've gathered up a few of our favorite Christmas lights in Connecticut that are worthy of your 2023 bucket list. Check them out:
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1. Cava Restaurant: Southington
Cava is an upscale Italian spot with delicious food, but this place is also widely-known for its stunning decor. It's home to one of the best displays of <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/food/connecticut/cava-holiday-restaurant-ct/
" target="_blank">Christmas lights in Southington, CT. Over 100,000 lights really bring this place to life, and each room has a unique theme.
2. Magic of Lights: East Hartford
This year's Magic of Lights is sure to be one of the best sets of <a href="https://tickets.magicoflights.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=24
" target="_blank">Christmas lights in East Hartford, CT. The drive-thru experience begins November 23, 2023 and runs until the end of the year. The price is charged per vehicle, so you don't have to worry about paying more just because you have a large family.
3. The Holiday Wish: Stamford
The Holiday Wish features some of the best Christmas lights in Stamford, CT. This epic indoor event features more than 20,000 square feet of walk-through Christmas lights, with music, seasonal treats, and more to enjoy. This event really highlights all that's merry and bright about the season and is a great event for the entire family. This year's Holiday Wish starts on November 18, 2023 and runs through Christmas Eve. You can get more information from the Holiday Wish
Facebook page.
4. Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce: Bristol
The Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce draw visitors from all over New England, and it's easy to see why. This is the best display of Christmas lights in Bristol, CT, and where else can you enjoy epic amusement park rides under the beauty of holiday lights? Select rides are open dependent on the weather, but you can always enjoy caroling, visits with Santa, light shows, and more. Buy tickets online in advance from the Lake Compounce website for the lowest prices.
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5. Fantasy of Lights: New Haven
Details for this year's Fantasy of Lights have yet to be announced, but this is one of the most popular Christmas lights in New Haven, CT, and we know it's sure to be a blast this year, too! The event is sponsored by Goodwill and features thousands of lights on display at beautiful Lighthouse Point Park. Keep an eye on the Fantasy of Lights Facebook page for the most current information.
6. Northern Lights Limited: Thomaston
This one's not strictly a Christmas lights display, but nevertheless, the Northern Lights Limited in Thomaston, CT features some of the best Christmas lights in the Litchfield Hills. This utterly magical experience has a magical train ride, Santa's workshop, and hot chocolate for those with a first class ticket. Tickets are on sale now at the Railroad Museum of New England website.
7. Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights: East Windsor
Winterfest at the Connecticut Trolley Museum is a magical experience with the best Christmas lights in East Windsor, CT. This family-friendly event features 15,000 lights and an open-air or closed trolley ride from which to admire them. This year's festivities start November 24, 2023. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Connecticut Trolley Museum website.
8. Niantic Light Parade: Niantic
The Niantic Light Parade features the best Christmas lights in Niantic, CT, a charming beach town that's popular in the summer and a winter wonderland in the colder months. This festive event has been going on for 35 years now and is a fun way to bring in the holiday cheer. The parade is scheduled for December 9, 2023.
9. Wonderland at Roseville: Fairfield
The Wonderland at Roseville is a fun holiday event with some of the best Christmas lights in Fairfield, CT. This residential display is magnificent, and it's so much fun!
10. Amarante's Winter Wonderland: Dayville
Amarante's Winter Wonderland is another residential display, and this one has some of the best Christmas lights in the Quiet Corner. There are more than 155,000 lights here, plus a gift shop and music. It's so charming to see how all-out people go for the holidays!
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Which of these Christmas light displays in Connecticut do you plan on checking out this year? Let us know in the comments section! We hope the answer to searching "Christmas lights near me" is a buffet of holiday spectacles! If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind Christmas getaway, check out The Griswold Inn - often called Connecticut's best Christmas hotel.
It's time to start thinking about holiday shopping: make sure you see our Travelers' Gift Guide to help you find the perfect present for the travelers in your life.
