Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I embarked on this trip to Nashville, TN for a fact finding mission. I've been feeling the call to relocate to Music City USA. There is such a drawing power to that town in the middle of nowhere. It is almost like an oasis. Tennessee is largely rural. There are three major cities (Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville) and all are approximately three hours away from each
other. Nashville is a city with urban sophistication without the pretentiousness.
My real calling in life is to open up a bakery/cafe. The purpose of this trip was to explore the city in depth, visit friends and contacts that I met from my previous trip in Nov 2007, scope out the competition and explore the surrounding area. While this was a working vacation. I did get time to unwind and let loose, after all one cannot come to Nashville without experiencing the nightlife.






Oct 21, 2008.
My trip began at 1:30am Toronto time. I drove to the Ft.Erie/Buffalo border crossing. No problems with customs. Then proceeded to the airport. The flight took me to Detroit then to Nashville. I arrived at 9:30am Central Time.

My first stroke of good luck was getting the rental car from Dollar Rent a Car. I originally booked a subcompact , but they were totally out. They gave me a 6 seat sedan for the same price. What a blessing.

Arrived at Music City Hostel. I found it by searching the web. Let me say it is the best place to stay. Ron the owner is a fellow Korean. He was not just a host, but also a friend and mentor throughout my 1 week stay. Here we are with Ron on the right, me in the middle and his wife on the left.

Hope Lin Rowe, (aka Auntie Hope) an employee of the hostel, was like the matriarch. She was so friendly and helpful, always giving great tips about shopping, places to eat and site seeing. Hope is a transplant from Florida and one of the most down to earth people I have ever met.

We went on a driving tour of the Gulch, an emerging urban neighbourhood of Nashville. This area was industrial, but now has become home to condos and trendy bars and restaurants. It is also home to a factory bakery.


The city centre is becoming more built up with condos, and attracting some new residents. Many of the condos remain unsold.

Hope and I also toured the north end of town called Bordeaux and saw some interesting roads. Nashville takes up most of Davidson County, and many areas within the city limits feels like the country.

Eventually I got back to the hostel and got some much needed sleep. In the evening, I went to a bible study at St. Bart's Episcopal Church in the south end of town. I have visited before and know the Pastor (who is a transplant from Canada). The people at the church were very friendly and never felt more welcome. Heath Atting, lead the group. There were about a dozen of us. It was a open forum style and very sociable atmosphere. I can easily see myself joining this community.

Oct 22, 2008
Day two of my trip. I began the day with breakfast at the famous Pancake Pantry, a Nashville tradition. This is the place where stars eat. Breakfast was great. Best buttermilk pancakes I ever had and there was no lineup. I totally lucked out because several minutes after I was seated, a large lineup built up.


Pancake Pantry is located in the Vandy area. (aka Vanderbilt University), This is a neat area of town. It lies along 21st Ave, home to neat shops, restaurants and cafes.


Vandy is also home to Nashville's finest bakery Provence. It is a French Style bakery/cafe with the Provencal style interior. They carry some of the finest breads and pastries at big city prices. I was shocked at what they were charging for croissants and breads. This reminded me of Toronto. This gave me the prelude to a potential competitor. They have several locations in the city and all of their products are made at a baking factory in the Gulch as I was able to find out from a bakery employee. This was a red flag for me that their quality is probably not so good, as they have become large scale.



While walking down 21st, a very kind gentlemen (Ken) who noticed I was a tourist gave me good tips on the the nicest areas of the university grounds. He works for a catering company that does business at the school. We had a coffee at Provence and I let him in on my reasons for coming to Nashville. The conversation was very pleasant and he said that he would like to work for me at my bakery. Ken is a trained chef and told me he has baking experience. I gave him my email and phone #, as I said that I would be back in town in spring 2009. At that time, I would like to get together with him and see how well he bakes.

Day two and I already built up my network . He is a potential employee and has his own apt. This is awesome because it will give me a working station for my next trip.

Vanderbilt University is one of the largest schools in the USA and can be described like the ivy league of the south. The grounds are very stately. This place was built thanks to the Vanderbilt family.

The place is so huge, and one could literally spend the whole day. But noon hour was approaching and I had to go and meet my friend Jinny for lunch. We met the last time I came to town and have kept in contact.


She works for Vanderbilt at the Children's Hospital. It was so nice to see her again and catch up over lunch. I also brought her a sample of my baking.

At 2pm, I had a meeting with Pastor Frank Lewis of First Baptist. We met last year as well and maintained contact. Seeing him again felt like a home coming of sorts. It was like we continued where we left off. Initially I was attracted to the church because of their Gothic bell tower. This style is very unusual in the south, where most churches are built in Neo-classical/Greek revival style. The meeting well, he shared with me about First Baptist ministry and outreach to the downtown. What struck me most about him was that he said that they want to be an incarnational presence in the heart of the city. He was sounding very Episcopal/Anglican. I shared with him my dreams and progress towards opening up shop. I gave him a sample of my baking(Scottish shortbread and Lemon almond Biscotti). After the meeting, he invited me to their Wednesday night fellowship meal.

I attended the dinner and felt very welcome again. I met his wife and several parishioners. He told me that he and his staff enjoyed the cookies. It was also Pastor Frank's birthday and we had a cake and a very creative rendition of happy birthday sung to him. Again this was a very encouraging because the people I met all said that this town needs a good bakery.

Oct 23, 2008.
Day three. I drove my roommate Ronaldo to the airport. He is from Mexico and was in town for a computer programming conference. I happend to be going towards the area, so I was more than happy to help him out. I was amazed at this young mans intelligence and his understanding of the economic issues that face Mexico and the world.



I drove to Opry Land to buy a ticket for the Friday night show and to buy some famous Tennessee rock candy for my sister.
From there I attempted to explore the east side of town, but got lost. I was really in the middle of nowhere. I eventually got my bearings straight by getting back onto the interstate.

I wanted to check out another bakery (The Sweet 16th) on the east side, but could not find it. Later on I went to the Farmers Market.



The drive there was interesting, as I drove via "The Hood". The market was impressive with all the beautiful locally grown produce. My bakery would source ingredients locally. The visit was productive as I got to chat with some vendors. One in particular whom I purchased a jar of honey from, told me that word on the street about Provence is that restaurants in town are not happy with the quality of their bread. You can say I was very intrigued by this little tidbit of info.

The Tennessee State Capital is a very impressive building that lies on the highest hill. I took the chance to take a visit before my 4pm meeting with a realtor.


I got to meet the clerks of the house and they explained the way government works under the congressional model. Being from Canada, it was all new to me. On my way out of the Senate Chamber, I met a former state Congressman. He amazed me because he knew about Canada's recent General Elections.

Before going to the market, I made arrangements with a Realtor to visit a vacant store in downtown at the corner of Broadway and 4th Ave. This place was vacant when I first visited Nashville in April 2006 and again in Nov 2007.
Brad, the rep from Centrum, gave me a tour. He gave me some history and a walk through. It was an Irish Pub and it is 16,000 square feet. I was amazed by the size.


The previous owners made the place look like an old Dublin street front and spared no expense by adding an elevator. My initial thoughts were that the place is way to big for a bakery. However, the building is three floors. The top two can be divided into loft apartments and the bottom floor as the bakery. The elevator is perfect for this.



This is the old kitchen. Perfect space for baking and cooking. I felt so blessed to have seen the inside and the fact that Brad took the time to show me. I love the location and see so much potential.
The story behind this place is that there was a murder that occurred when a couple came out after having lunch. Based on my previous track record, it seems I have a knack of picking odd places. My last trip, I stayed in a motel off Dickerson Pike, which Nashvillians freak out when they hear the words.
But I can picture the image of a bakery being at that corner. It lies in the heart of Nashville, close to the business section, the tourist strip, the Symphony, The Country Music Hall of Fame and the condos. It is the best of all worlds, with the potential to attract the local and tourist trade. Bread a symbol of life and the image of being baked there and helping to bring new life.

Oct 24, 2008
Day four. I embarked on a journey to Fentress County in east Tennessee to visit a housing development. The builder placed a large full page colour add in the National Post, hoping to lure Canadian buyers. I suspected it was a sub prime mess and it was. The developer told me that it was a 1.5hour drive east of Nashville. It ended up being over two hours. I did see some of the prettiest countryside in the world. The development is located in a very secluded wooded area I met with Ron a realtor from Florida. He gave me a tour of the lots and went inside one partially finished home. The picture on the left is a view from someones bedroom. Now that would be a great view to wake up to each morning. However, as I suspected this new development is really in the middle of nowhere. It is a little over a 1 hour drive to Knoxville.



I learned that most lots remain unsold and the prices are a steal. 1.38 acre lots from $23,000. If I bought on the spot, they were willing to take $3,000 off the price. It is way too far from Nashville, but I just had to see it for myself.

I drove back to Nashville in order to be on time to go to the Opry. As I drove home, I took a slightly different back route to I40West. On the way, I did see some apple orchards. Was this meant to be? Seeing where apples in Tennessee are grown.

Here is a view from Lebanon, TN. Talk about some beautiful scenery. This was one hour away from Nashville.



I stopped off to buy some chocolate at the famous Russell Stover Chocolate Shop. It was off the interstate. The ladies at the store recommended the Chattahoochee BBQ house. I ate some of the best BBQ Ribs with 2 veggies all for $6.50. By the way mac and cheese is considered a vegetable in the south. I got to chat with the owner and waitress who is an aspiring singer. She offered to sing for me, but it got busy. Let me say that the Chattahoochee, left an impression on me and I will be going back there again.

A night at the Opry. For $39, I got to see 13 bands. Talk about great value for your money. The Grand Ole Opry is the worlds longest running radio show. The bands that were playing live that night could also b e heard simultaneous on the radio and also the internet. The show was amazing, I went with two of the greatest girls on earth. Heather from Raleigh, NC and Olivia from Kansas City, KS. They were on a mini vacation and arrived on Thursday. I drove us to the Opry which is located on the far side of town.



Heather is on the left and Olivia is on the right. We had a blast. The variety of acts ranged from Marty Stuart, Jimmy Dickens, Daley and Vincent, Jason Michael Carrol and Emerson Drive. We heard everything from very traditional country, bluegrass and contemporary country rock. It was 10pm and the night was still young. The three of us headed to Tootsies Bar on Broadway to meet other people from the hostel. The band that played were awesome. They played country, bluegrass and 80's rock. They really rocked the house and you can see the energy that they put into it.

Oct 25, 2008
Day 4. I drove Hope to LP Sadium. She was participating the the Breast Cancer Walk. After dropping her off, I took a trip to The Sweet 16th Bakery. I bought myself a coffee and apple danish. Their prices were fair and the quality of their baking was good. However they are only a Pastry shop and operate very short hours. (7am to 2pm)

At 10am, Jinny and I went to Franklin, a town about 25 miles south of Nashville. I wanted to check out their farmers market and visit this historic town. There was also a Fall Fair that was happening that day.
Franklin is a very pretty town and their historic main street has been renovated. However it has too much of the Walt Disney look to it. Even Jinny agreed.


This is the money shot, (no pun intended). The $100 bill mascot represented First Tennessee Bank. I got to meet with the branch manager who was so elated about my plans to move here to set up a business. She gave me the whole schpeal about their bank and everything that they offer for small businesses. Most notable was how happy she was that a potential customer walked in. They seem hungry for business.


The monument is dedicated to the soilders of the Confederacy. Franklin is a very conservative town.

On the way back to Nashville, Jinny and I stopped by Brentwood to meet her friend. They own a dry cleaning shop and have many celebrity customers like Brooks and Dunn and Trace Atkins. Jinny's friend who is also Korean told me about the community of Middle Tennessee.
Later on we went to a bakery called the Puffy Muffin. Their sign outside says that they are voted the #1 Bakery in Nashville. My initial impression was that the place was large and spacious. They had a wide selection of baked goods, but everything was refrigerated. Their pies were all covered with saran wrap and to top that off, their prices were high. We stayed for coffee and cake and I got to scope out the shop.

It was fun hanging out with Jinny. I got to share my vision of what I want to do.

Back at the hostel, I took a nap. In the evening a Shelly and Stacey, two singer/songwriters from London, ON Canada started a jam session. Everyone enjoyed their singing.


Many musicians who come to Nashville find their way to Music City Hostel.




Shelly is on the left and Stacey is on the right. Both of them drove from London, ON. I've done the road trip and it is tons of fun. The two came for songwriting sessions. When they told me that they were from London, I immediately thought about my friend Scott Kipfer, who is a country singer/songwriter from Cambridge. I was so pumped and immediately got their info and sametimed Scott on facebook about them. All that was going through my mind was what a small world.

While staying at the hostel, I wore many hats. I was cab driver for people that needed lifts to the airport or bus depot, tour guide and now talent agent. Heather Bell, a traveler from England said that I should start charging management fees. But I would not hear of that. The Lord has blessed me on the trip and I will share that blessing with others.


Me and Shelly. Shelly and Stacey were on their way to meet with a songwriter. As the night progressed a bunch of us headed out of a night on Broadway. I was the designated driver, another one of my roles. Hostel mates and I at Laylas Bar.

Being the DD meant that I had to ensure that people got home safe. A few people came back with me. We got hungry and the only place open in town was the Cafe Coco or any Waffle House. I could not find Cafe Coco and we proceeded to Waffle House. The only one I recalled was north off I65. It was kitty corner to the infamous Dickerson Pike. When Dave, Richard (second left) , Heather and I arrived, we saw a cop outside. The area was a bit rough. On route back to the hostel, I got lost and could not orient myself back. I eventually got back on I65 and exited Charlotte Street. It was the long way, but the only route that I could remember. We all ended got back at around 4am.

Oct 26, 2008.
Even though I got home late, I still managed to make it to church. I attended 10:30 am service at St. Bart's. The choir was amazing as well as the message that Fr. Jerry preached. After church ended, I said hello to a few Heath from the bible study and to Sibley Edwards, whom I met last year. I told everyone the story about getting lost and being near Dickerson Pike. Let's just say it caused shock waves. LOL

Fr. Jerry invited me to lunch at his home and I presented him and his wife a can on Tim Hortons coffee. Being Canadian Expats, they miss the stuff. Two other people came over for lunch and I was able to talk to Jerry about the trip and progress.

Later on in the afternoon, I took a walk downtown to take advantage of such a beautiful day. It was 19 Celsius. The American economy is very slow. There were no shortage of Sales. I walked into Trail West on 2nd Ave. Their prices on boots were a steal. I tired on a few pairs, but not interested in buying anything. This was strange, because normally I like to shop for myself. I bought gifts for my parents, my brother and his fiance and my sister. I guess I was just not in the mind set to shop for myself.





A great mix of historic and modern buildings. Many of the old buildings are pre Civil War Era. The CMT Tower. I would not have gotten into Country Music if it were not for CMT. As I was walking in around, I saw an open house for a condo. I went in and man what a view. It is a beautiful place, but they wanted $475K for the place. They got to be out of their minds.

Over to the Gulch, I took a peak at the Provence factory.



My last night in Nashville was sort of sad. I really got to love the place and it is feeling like home. Every time I drove in and out of the city and saw the famous Batman Building (aka ATT Tower) it evoked great feelings. It was like coming home.


A view of the Batman Building from the west side of the Interstate bridge.

My last night out on the town. Shelly, Stacey, Mandie and Nick (a Canadian traveler from Ottawa) came with us. Nick is traveling all around the States. He is a freelance reported and a totally awesome dude. We went to Legends Bar.






Melissa Paige sang Settlin. It was a great countrified version of Sugarlands great hit. I told Melissa that I rememberd her from my last trip. I did notice that her energy was not really there as she said that she has been singing in the same location for 5 years. This is a sign of burnout. It is people like her that God is calling me to reach out to.
Her band was awesome. I talked to her guitar player Tim and gave him my business card. I do have a strong feeling that I will be crossing paths with him and Melissa again.

Afterwards we moved onto Tootsies. Anthony Orio was playing and that man is totally cool. He has energy and drive to perform. The dude got onto the stage and sang. Talk about charisma!!!





Nick, Mandie, Stacey and I stayed on the main floor to Tootsies. Shelly went upstairs to listen to a rockin singer.


Here is me and Nick. He only spent 1 day in Nashville and was enroute to Alabama. Stacey left early to take a cab back to her car. I would pop my head upstairs to check on Shelly and noticed her talking notes on her Blackberry. Shelly was totally enthralled by the singer and was taking notes to get ideas to improve her own act.

Shelly left a great impression on me. Her friendship with Stacey can be described as older sister younger sister. She mentors Stacey and introduces her to contacts. What also amazed me about Shelly is her openness to learn from other musicians.

We all got hungry and headed to Waffle House.



It was great time over breakfast. This was the same Waffle House that I went to on Saturday night, this time I did not get lost.

Oct 27, 2008.
I flew back to Buffalo, NY on an 10am flight, via Detroit MI. I got back at 3pm Toronto time. Clearing Customs was a breeze. They did not ask for any ID. They must be linked to US Border Patrol.
As I was driving on the QEW, I saw a beautiful rainbow. Unfortunately I could not take a picture. But it was a sign from God.

By 6pm, I was in the door and greeted my folks. It was good to see them again. I do miss Nashville. I feel that I am called their by God to serve the struggling musician community. If I open a bakery there, it would be a place where the people of Nashville (Davidson County) can come and have great home baked goods. It would also be a venue for live music and musicians would get paid. No bars in Music City pay musicians and they are 100% dependent on tips to survive. This visit and encounter with some Canadian musicians has also given me an added role of being a Canadian Embassy of sorts to assist them. I will be back again in spring 2009. The next trip to Nashville will be a baking week. I look forward to a road trip with Stacey and Shelly.